Your name is Collins. Director Collins, sitting in the board of the Cascadia Railroads, a recently started railway company within the Republic of Cascadia. You're in the board on the behalf of Cascadia Farm Co-Operative, a co-op of farmers and agriculture industries, making sure that all the rural communities can benefit on mass transportation and all the farmers are making pretty penny in the process.
Cascadia Railroads is a joint-venture between the Republic of Cascadia and various parties. So far, the company has but a single line, connecting cities of New Salem and Eugene, while stations are being established in Halsey and Lebanon. Besides having CFC in the board, there are also representatives of other prominent companies and organisations within the Republic: Military-Industrial Complex (MIC), The Confederation of Native People of Oregon and also workers of the Cascadia Railroads itself. There is also an envoy of sorts from far-away city of Roseburg, keeping an eye on the railway as Roseburg is trying to join the Republic of Cascadia. But most board members are private investors, looking for their own, often petty, profit

=====

Cascadia Railroads only has three working steam locomotives and suffers from a permanent shortage of rails. The Republic can only support a very small amount of tracks each year, but also promises with a special bill an additional grant of tracks, if large quotas of various goods are being transported.
After series of board meetings and planning with CFC, Collins presented a special plan for freighting goods between existing and planned stations. While prohibitively expensive, once fully implemented, the plan will allow the company to both recover financially and secure a substantial grant of rails from the government. The plan also provides a connection to the city of Albany.
Beyond management, Collins also made handful of new acquaintances and learned details about the extremely strained situation of the Railroads' workshop due to material shortages. During a lunch with Weaver, Roseburg's representative in the board, Collins also knows about the on-going accession deal between the city and Republic, which will push border far south
Currently, there is a break between next board meeting in few days. Collins used the free time so far to:
- meet with Jack Carter, a shady merchant and investor; valuable gossips were exchanged
- learned the identy of "the Kid" - he's Thomas Lindholm Junior, son of a prominent caravan runner
- found out the need for caboose and how to earn side-income with charging batteries
- learn there is apparent conspiracy against the Railroad and its access to vital parts for the workshop
- meet with Jim Baker and talk about rail stipend and how to play the locals for the cause; Collins agreed to go on-site personally soon (>>3788855 >>3789185)
- learn the basic financial situation of the planned expansion
- hire a Blue Hound bodyguard, Keith Hanson, due to being followed; officially as assistant

>>4051679
=====

Cascadia Railroads situation
https://pastebin.com/tnZBHLMi

Characteristics of stations
https://pastebin.com/Rm90q3R1

Board members & their shares
https://pastebin.com/WkcZKmMF

=====

>Personal inventory:
Up-to-date list of issues from New Salem's railroad workshop
Priority list for the workshop ( https://pastebin.com/fKhh9JB4 )
Financial report of the Cascadia Railroads

=====

>Acquaintances
Jim Baker, a CFC contact (+++++++++)
Railway engineers (+)
Wright of Roseburg (+)
Tom Wilson (+)

=====

>Pending
Baker's report on fellow board members (2 days)

=====

>Lore bits
Factions explained
https://pastebin.com/0cmw0umZ
Rail Provision Bill
https://pastebin.com/pdZx9FS5
Agriculture Support Clause
https://pastebin.com/TUPA1x5x
Issues with the wool shipments
https://pastebin.com/6nuMWY2N
Blue Hounds mercenary company
https://pastebin.com/AcN2Azx5
CFC backstory
https://pastebin.com/3m9n7Kgp
Roseburg's attempts to join the Republic of Cascadia
https://pastebin.com/K74FnpRU
MIC and Confederation's strained relationship
https://pastebin.com/1VNizJ94

=====

>Rail Provision Act & Agriculture Support Clause
https://pastebin.com/1tWUAGEt

This is a continuation of quest that I was running in August and early September of 2019. The decisions made by players back then still hold. I am not planning to restart the whole quest. The reason why I'm even returning to it is because a semi-regular nagging on /tg/ about it from the quest's regulars. The reason why I've dropped it originally was very small amount of regular posters, creating "echo chamber" situation and a feeling I'm just writting a novel, two pages per day, rather than a game. More on that here: >>/tg/70667141.
But considering the lingering demand to make the quest continue and the fact I did enjoy running the quest itself, I decided to give it a shot and try to revive it. I don't really expect much, which might be helpful, but we will see how this turns out.
If you plan to join, you should read the quest so far. It's only two threads, but it should help:
http://suptg.thisisnotatrueending.com/archive.html?tags=cascadia
There is summary of the plot so far, but it's always better to know all of it. Additional materials will be provided within this week via pastebin notes.

>>3801889
>>3802619
>Find if the survey report already arrived

Having all the legal detail secured with Hanson, you both simply change the office room. Well, try. The building in which all the Railroad offices are located is about half the required size. Ultimately only you get inside the Survey and Planning Room, with your bodyguard-entourage standing outside.
You recognise one of the guys you've bough a dinner yesterday, so instanlty grin to him.
- How is it? Is the report ready?
- A fine day. It's already copied for each board member... a moment, please
He says, checking through the small pile of typed papers. Ultimately he fishes one with your surname on top of it. Then slips another card, containing a very rough ink drawing of the planned route over equally rudimentry grid map of places south from Albany.
- Oh, and one more thing... - He fishes for the crayon on his desk, then marks few bits on the plan with it and scribes on the side of the plan "Rough spots" - Other than those, the entire line can just be laid down without even serious embankment, but those will require to even the terrain a bit and fill few shallows.
- Thank you very much
You get all the papers together and roll them around a small cardboard tube you took with yourself, fastening it with a piece of string.

===
>Gained:
Surveying report and plans
===

>Go back home to carefully study the report
>Go with Hanson to the workshop to check how things are going there
>Try visiting Gleaners Guild to snoop around about the counter-bids
>See how quickly you can depart to Halsey and attend matters with locals
>Other [Write-in]

>>4051688
>>Go back home to carefully study the report

>>4051688
>>Go back home to carefully study the report

>>4051688
>Go back home to carefully study the report
Time to look at the plans

>>4051701
>>4051705
>>4051743
>Go back home to carefully study the report

As you close the doors behind you and head to the exit, your guardian angel gives you a puzzled look.
- Where to?
- Home. I suspect this - You wave your hand, holding to the roll of papers - will take rest of the day until dinner. If not longer, since I will have to compare it with another set of data.
Your walk back is uneventful, which is a good thing. You unroll the surveying data and spread it all on your desk. Then fish out the report from Accounting from yesterday and give it to your "assistant".
- Make yourself useful and first familiarise yourself with this. Gonna need help to sort it and speed things out.
As the merc sits down and is clearly confused by how quickly he got reduced to a role of actual clerk, you start reading everything the survey brought in detail.
Just like the small talk yesterday signified, there shouldn't be any real obstacles with laying down the new line. In fact, vast majority of the track should even be able to go in absolutely straight line, with no bends or turns. Halfway through, you notice Keith is no longer reading and just gives you a knowing nod, signifying he finished it already. You continue for a while, comparing notes from the survey with "bad" spots on the map. From their descriptions, there should be less than three hundred yards of poor terrain to work with, making it easier and probably cheaper to just create a proper embankment, than try a detour, given the aggrevated data. There is no real point reading detailed information of soil samples and type of bushes growing, since neither is notified as any sort of obstacle, problem or even possible slow-down.
- Ok, so let's see how's your reading comprehension - You eventually talk to the bodyguard - The accounting for straight line - He already flips pages - With no natural obstacles and legal claims on the land.
- Got it - You barely even finished the description - Between 85 to 95 thousands, depending on the weather. It's evisioned for the length of... - He flips a page, searching for the right line - Exactly six miles.
- And the loss caused by construction of the crossing and connecting with the existing rail is... - You write the numbers in your personal notebook
- Anywhere between zero to three days of revenue, depending on weather and if the required adjustments are made within single day, without disrupting the timetable of trains.
- So we are still within one hundred grands if they won't mess up anything with the crossing. Good, very good...
This all should make definitely a convincing argument for the rest of the board and how to focus the work to not cause any delays or additional loss. With really good weather, this could even save up to ten grands, which given all the red columns would be a real blessing
- Ok, I think I'm done here. Now, we should...

>>4051791
>Try getting to Gleaners Guild before they close today
>Start planning ahead your visit to area between Halsey and Eugene
>Call the rest of the day off
>Other [Write-in]

>>4051792
>>Start planning ahead your visit to area between Halsey and Eugene

>>4051792
>>Start planning ahead your visit to area between Halsey and Eugene
We've got one expansion down, time to line up the next. Also, I'm glad our lackey is literate. Intimate that when things are a little less rough around the edges in a few years he'd be welcome to switch to a clerical desk job if he starts to feel the weight of the years.

>>4051808
>>4051814
>Start planning ahead your visit to area between Halsey and Eugene

- ... plan ahead, just like you demanded from me this morning. I need to visit few places south of Halsey along the lenght of the existing rail trunk. We need to convince people living there, both from villages and hamlets, but also solitary farms and steads to help finance construction of a station there for their own benefit. And I need to deliver few speeches in Halsey itself.
- When do you plan to depart, director?
- In two days. Before I leave, I need to collect certain documents from a friend in the Co-Operative. And I guess it will take rest of my time until the next board meeting. That's assuming we will be successful.
- Transportation? - The merc continues
- Train. I have the power to make it stop where I need to, without a station. Then, I guess continuing on horse from there on. I don't know how much hospitality we will be able to use and receive at all, so this will be mostly camping - Hanson frowns - Is there any problem?
- Camping, director? I mean...
- I used to run CFC field work, you know. Makes me feel like in my younger years.
- I meant security detail. If we indeed end up camping, you will be an easy prey.
- Assuming someone really wants to harm me and not simply snoop around - You dismiss his overly cautious notion - Anyway, let's take a look on the map.
You search for map of the Valley in your desk and spread it out. It's old, but also full of your personal markers from times when you were still mostly going home to home and convincing farmers to join. You make a circle with your finger around the area that interests you.
- We will be here, starting southmost and then moving toward Halsey. The station we need to build should be placed here - You tap the map - And just about any help to make that happen is important, along with convincing everyone to pay for large, refridgerated tanker. Including people of Halsey.
- I've got one simple question, director. That revolver of yours - you know how to use it?

>It is mostly to scare people off
>It is for snakes and such, mostly
>It saved your life more than once
>Other [Write-in]

>>4051916
>>It is for snakes and such, mostly
Everyone this far West has cowboy fantasies but I've gone no further than hitting bottles and the odd varmint. Not to often either, the loud noise sours the cows' milk.

>>4051916
>>It is for snakes and such, mostly

>>4051916
>It is mostly to scare people off
>It is for snakes and such, mostly
Why not both?

Also, do we know how to use it?

File: Gonna bite your ear off.jpg (26 KB, 900x675)

26 KB JPG

>>4051945
Psss - it's the time where you try to decide Collins' proficiency with it.

>>4051916
>It is for snakes and such, mostly

There's a snake in my boot!

>>4051921
>>4051939
>>4051945
>>4051967
>It is for snakes and such, mostly

- You mean if I can shoot it or if I ever did?
- You tell me, Mr. Collins
- It's for snakes and such. Coyotes, sometimes. Never had to kill a man before, if that's what you are really at. Just visibly carrying a gun was enough to stay safe and I travelled a lot in my life. I'm just no sharpshooter. And aren't I'm paying for you to do that?
- I didn't mean to offend you, director. I simply need to know what I can expect. Including being accidently hit by friendly fire.
- Fair. Any more questions? I assure you I can handle myself outside of the city pretty well.
- No, this really was the only question - Hanson shakes his head - That should do. Departure in two days, return in...
He waits to be filled in. After all, he don't know when next board meeting will be held.
- Five.
- Will we make the whole tour in three days? There might be few dozens of farms there to visit.
- Two - You correct the merc - Since third is strictly for Halsey. I don't know. I hope we will at least visit few most prominent places.
He looks once more on the map, but ultimately nods in agreement.
- I can manage with all that. I should also prepare my gear for that trip.
- Good. So now that this is clear

>Ask the merc about personal details, other than what was in his files
>Ask the merc if he can cook, since it's about time to eat something finally
>Dismiss him for private time, working on speeches for the farmers
>Other [Write-in]

>>4052011
>>Ask the merc if he can cook, since it's about time to eat something finally

>>4052011
>>[Write-in] Cook for the merc and ask for personal details. (maybe roll d100?)
I doubt he can match ma's special stew. I'll get to know him over a nice steaming bowl.

>>4052106
Incidentally I'd like to know how he learned to shoot, providing there's no faraway look hinting at something I shouldn't drag up.

>>4052106
Like the sound of that

Someone roll that 1d100 please. If you got specific stew in mind, shoot.

>>4052214
It's mostly as I'm an irl aspie who can only win people over by cooking them a good meal.

Rolled 74 (1d100)

>>4052226
This area has cattle, milk and flour, right? A beef stroganoff isn't exactly a stew and is meant to be slow cooked but it uses local produce, is filling and might be considered a little exotic. Hopefully we can season it with a couple of dried herbs from back home.

File: yum_yum_in_my_tum.jpg (423 KB, 1200x1800)

423 KB JPG

>>4052241
Bonus points for food porn? I hope those mushrooms they sold me were right...

>>4052241
It's a really damn thick soup, if you ask me.

>>4052106
>>4052214
>[Write-in] Cook for the merc and ask for personal details. (Roll 1d100)

- ... you handy with a knife?
The merc chuckles. Somehow, it stops being funny when you realise what he is thinking about.
- I meant in the kitchen. I want to cook today, will be faster if you help.
- Yeah, I can handle myself in a kitchen.
- Good. Since you've snooped around my house, you probably already know where the cutting board is and which knife will be best for cleaning and slicing mushrooms. I'll get the rest from the cellar...
You spend well over an hour preparing the meal together, while you slowly nudge your bodyguard for more personal information. Thankfully, the stew is just right once served, so at least you didn't make an ass from yourself trying to get informations through stomach. And it's always nicer to hear someone talking about themselves rather than reading a very dry and to-the-point military file, even if you already knew most of it. Sans maybe a small farm close to Long Tom river, a whole bunch of siblings and a father that was far better trapper than farmer.
- He's the one who taught you to shoot?
- No. If you plan to sell the pelts, you can't perforate them. He teach us all how to properly skin animals. Didn't have much use for that ever since I left home. Joined Veneta's militia, then it's just went from there. Someone told someone I'm this top-notch hunter, thinking it's the same as trapping. Got few guarding jobs with the caravans thanks to this, then got almost exclusively taken for figuring out new charters.
- Nobody ever figured out?
- I stopped trying to explain the difference long time ago, plus I eventually learned from experience how to find my way in the mountains. Liked that job: open air, everyone only asking about results, not the means to get them... But Hounds were paying much better money than anyone else and with regular salary to that. And they just needed a tracker after two of their scout teams got wiped out without trace. Then I was just given the standard detail... So here I am today, eating beef stew and guarding you, Mr. Collins.
- And the kills? Job like any other?
He smirks
- Most of them happend when I was still with the militia. You probably know how it goes: someone reports a raid, posse is formed, we arrive to the farm, it's burning or in the middle of being looted bare, so we shout "stick them up" and they shout back "go fuck yourself" or just open fire without a word... - He shrugs, as if talking about some steady job of a shopkeeper - Then you just count the bodies in the end, if you aren't one. Like with your snakes and such.

>It's already late, but maybe you could still give it a look at the workshop
>It's already too late to go anywhere, so call it a day and clean
>Continue the chat with the bodyguard while cleaning
>Other [Write-in]

=====
That would be it for tonight.

>>4052353
>>Continue the chat with the bodyguard while cleaning
What a bro, I express interest in his way about the mountains. Being a farmer I'd imagine we're more familiar with plains.

Good night Engineer, it's my first quest and I'm digging the non-combat conflict. Wish I could run something like this at the table, a shame I can't fake business savvy yet.

>>4052353
>>Continue the chat with the bodyguard while cleaning

>>4052353
>Continue the chat with the bodyguard while cleaning
Keep rolling

>>4052353
>It's already too late to go anywhere, so call it a day and clean
I think we've had enough talking with him. We may be overdoing it

Also, I skimmed through some of the tg thread you noted. I think I might have been that guy you were talking about when you mentioned that guy who would comment but not vote. There were times where I would have an opinion but not want to create a stalemate and slow things down by voting. Guess that was a bad idea, but I'm not 100% sure if that was the case. I can't find the thread #2 on suptg and don't care (i.e. have drank too much to) enough to search elsewhere

>>4053435
I fucked up with the archiving previously so the first thread is #0 and the second is #1. You didn't miss anything.

>>4052378
>>4052384
>>4052577
>Continue the chat with the bodyguard while cleaning

- Snakes usually don't shoot back
You note, while pointing at the pot with rest of the stew.
- Nah, thank you. I'm full.
You put the lid back on the pot and reach for his empty bowl. You head toward sink.
- So you are a non-practitioning trapper, not to be confused with hunter, who sleep well at night. - You continue the conversation
- And eat decently, yes.
- Guess that will be the last decent dinner for next few days. Only reheats tomorrow and then, who knows. - You change a subject - You got your own horse?
- Nope. But I will arrange for one.
You think for the while, then eventually ask.
- So tell me something. You are insured. I had to partially cover that when hiring you. Who gets the money, if... you know.
- The Hounds, of course.
- Not the family? - You give him look, and when he doesn't react, you continue - You mentioned six brothers. And I assume your old folks are still alive.
- And it's in their very best interest to never learn I got shot by some bandit or other raider scum. Or stepped on an ancient mine. It's not really that much of money anyway. Blue Hounds will be able to hire someone qualified on my spot with a "sign-up bonus" that comes from the insurance.
- That's... rough.
- I will quit in few years anyway, the clock isn't stopping or even slowing down. Most of the guys quit before they hit fourty. If they live that long in the first place.
You realise something, when hearing about retirement.
- Tell me... do you know by chance a guy named Rodriguez? Diego Rodriguez. As you probably guessed, he's a Latino.
Keith gives you puzzled look, then shakes his head.
- Got something more? Don't want to insult anyone, but I knew three different guys named like that.
- He was in logistics, retired about two years ago.
The mercenary still shakes his head.
- From the ones I know, one is on guard duty in Grand Ronde, the other is most definitely all the way to Montana with caravans and the last one... well, the last one got blown to pieces at Coguar Dam
You stop, mid-movement. Then turn to Hanson.
- Something happend? - He asks, intrigued by your shift
- You sure about one of them dying at Coguar Dam?
- Positive. Mortar shell turned him into a splatter, along with his loader.

>Tell him about someone claiming to be a former Blue Hound, using that name, in all the detail
>Tell him about someone claiming to be a former Blue Hound, using that name, but spare details for yourself
>Dismiss the notion entirely and change subject
>Other [Write-in]

>>4053789
>>Tell him about someone claiming to be a former Blue Hound, using that name, in all the detail

>>4053789
>>Tell him about someone claiming to be a former Blue Hound, using that name, but spare details for yourself

>>4053789
>Tell him about someone claiming to be a former Blue Hound, using that name, but spare details for yourself

>>4053789
>>Tell him about someone claiming to be a former Blue Hound, using that name, but spare details for yourself
I like Hanson, but we might be able to leverage Diego better if he hasn't reported this back to the Hounds yet.

>>4053799
>>4053814
>>4053834
>Tell him about someone claiming to be a former Blue Hound, using that name, but spare details for yourself

- Splatter... Funny story - You force a smirk - I've met some time ago someone who claimed to be a retired Blue Hound. But I guess it's like you've said - there are way too many Diegos. What's with Latino and that name, anyway?
- No idea. But nothing beats that one merchant I was once escorting. Juan Diego y Gutierrez, on his way back to Nuevo Hermosillo. For whatever reason, he demanded to be called "El Azul" and kept making terrible jokes about me and him being both blue. Thankfully, my detail on him ended in Grants Pass. Easy money, but not easy companion.
You almost sigh in relief. The mercenary isn't pushing the subject of "your" Diego any further. Besides, a lot of people tend to claim being former Blue Hounds or any other successful company, to sound tougher and more important. Or maybe there really was a fourth Rodriguez.
- So how is detail on me? Just as bad?
- Uneventful. And I would like for it to stay that way. If basic precautions will be taken, I can guarantee full security.
You can't tell if that's already a boast or still a reasurance a bodyguard should be giving. You don't feel like checking, either.
- Then let's keep it as uneventful as possible. For now... for now I guess I will just mind my own business and then go to sleep. Tomorrow... Tomorrow we will see in the morning.
You cut further discussion, not in the mood to plan ahead how to spend your day before it even starts.
Then you realise something.
- Do you have at least a sleeping bag?

=====

In the morning, you wake up earlier than you should. You barely get out from under the duvet and you hear steps.
- I'm up!
You shout toward doors of your room.
- Good morning, director.
You bury your face in hands and rub it. It's the last day before departure toward farmland

>Start the day with arranging all the transport details to get into tomorrows morning train
>You haven't been in the workshop yesterday, maybe time to check before you leave
>Get to Baker to see if he might already found something on Diego, or maybe "Diego"
>Confront Diego personally, getting his adress from the Railroad's office
>Meet with any other board member [Write-in who]
>Other [Write-in]

>>4053925
>>Get to Baker to see if he might already found something on Diego, or maybe "Diego"

>>4053925
>Start the day with arranging all the transport details to get into tomorrows morning train
>You haven't been in the workshop yesterday, maybe time to check before you leave
We wouldn't want something so trivial as train times to trip us up. Also we need to make sure everything is good before we go.

>>4053925
>Start the day with arranging all the transport details to get into tomorrows morning train
Let's check up on the workshop some time later also

>>4053925
>>Start the day with arranging all the transport details to get into tomorrows morning train
I agree with >>4053935 provided we still have time get Baker to look into Diego. He may not be Blue but he carries himself like someone dangerous, I want to know if we have a former bandit on our board.

>>4053935
>>4053975
>>4053980
>Start the day with arranging all the transport details to get into tomorrows morning train

After a quick breakfast, both of you depart toward the station.
- First, official permit. They will probably have to attatch a boxcar just for us. I can see Tom's reaction to that. On the plus-side, that's entire car just for us and the horses.
Once in the station, you first go to the ticket queque, rather than straight to the office. While this is an official railroad matter and you do this as part of your job, it still feels like abusing your privilidges. Thus you patiently wait before people book their tickets few days in advance and when it's your turn, you put a big smile on your face.
The cashier in return is instantly in state of panic.
- D-director - He stutters - Good morning. I assure I can explain, that was...
You are ready to cut him, but decide to go on. You don't even know what he wants to "explain", but it won't hurt to hear.
- Go on - You prompt him with a gesture.
- The gentelman was very pushy and he demanded to see a manager when there was no ticket left for him. I explained to him we only book with a week advance and he started to scream and I just had to call security.
- What gentelman? Be more specific
You rise your voice a bit, to sound stern. So far, you don't mind. Apparently the teller was just doing his job
- Mr. Thomas Lindholm. Senior - He quickly adds - He made a real scene how bad our work is.
- I can imagine that - And you also somewhat expected this to happen, sooner or later. Damn old man. This might turn into a deliberate scandal, but then again, you learn about it from the lowest rung in the Raliroad - Now, no need to fuss and I'm sure you did everything just right, considering you are informing me about it and not your manager bringing it up higher. I'm in completely different matter here.
You then inform about all your requirements: a boxcar for horses, the exact mile on which the train has to stop and the detail on your return trip three days later. In the process you notice it goes on a simple note, rather than any pre-made form. Looks unprofessional, even if probably just as effective. While you are busy with the arrangement, Keith is few steps away, from time to time taking a look around the station building. At least he undestands the importance of personal space.
Once you are done, you extend your hand to the cashier behind the counter
- Thank you for your attendance...
The young man takes a second to realise what you want.
- Jimmy Reed, sir.
- Well, Jimmy, no need to panic. Everything is going to be all right. Just remember to send the note up.
You get to your bodyguard and smile, waving a small slip of paper - your recipient.
- Done

>>4054051
>Get to the offices, to see if they know about the commotion with Lindholm Sr. and if it was serious
>Get to the workshop, to check out on its operation and inform Tom personally about the need for that boxcar
>Get to CFC office and pry Baker for information about Diego
>Continue on your travel detail first - both of you need to get horse by the station tomorrow morning.
>Other [Write-in]

=====

I think it wasn't explained in the disclaimed, so:
If options appear to be identical or as something that could be done simultaniously or easily combined, it just means what's put as the prime objective, rather than "totally ignoring any other option". So it's more about setting the objective than denouncing other choices. Also, some of them lead different results, depending on when (and if at all) they were used.

>>4054054
>>Get to the offices, to see if they know about the commotion with Lindholm Sr. and if it was serious
I still want to see to Diego but if Lindholm is going to kick up a fuss we can preempt his accusations before he starts hollering them. I think we can rely on Tom to anticipate our needs and we already know what the workshop is lacking.

>>4054086
Supporting

Ok, let's go with this, to not stall. Also, night everyone

>>4054086
>>4054317
>Get to the offices, to see if they know about the commotion with Lindholm Sr. and if it was serious

- Just one more thing around the station. Brought your identificator?
Keith just lifts the plaque from his belt
- Good. Come on.
You head straight to the office building. Nod the guard at the premise and he just squirms, clearly displeased.
- Let me guess. Lindholm?
- So the news spread already - The guard just shrugs, resigned - We couldn't exactly restrain him and his own guards...
- Don't mention it. It's all good now.
No, it's not. You weren't expecting scene this big. Nor having the old man in the offices, throwing a tantrum. Or rather deliberately playing up throwing a tantrum, which makes it even worse.
You stop in front of the main doors and give Hanson a stern look
- Whatever his roughneck will do, do not engage them. Is that clear? - He just nods - I need to hear it.
- I won't engage, as much as your safety allows, sir.
- Ok then, let's do this...
You take a deep breath. Then another. Then finally pull the handle and open the door.
The tiny lobby is full of people. There are Railroad clerks, guards, a station manager, even one of those less-than-characteristic board members. There are also four men, all build like a concrete block, shoving their arms wide.
And among them, a wiry man in his late 50s, with most of his hair and large portion of well-trimmed, but still bushy beard already white. Despite of equally well-trimmed suit and overcoat, there is something of a savage beast in him, as if it was just impossible to tame the mountains in this man, only hide them a bit. And his face, twisted in angry scream, is only further building that image.
- Welcome, Mr. Lindholm!
You start right from the threshold to get his attention on yourself and away from the poor station manager. That man took already enough beating.

>Try to defuse the situation, playing it cool [Roll 1d100]
>Try to defuse the situation, playing it rough [Roll 1d100]
>Try to defuse the situation, stepping on eggshells [Roll 1d100]
>Try to defuse the situation, pretending you don't know what's going on [Roll 1d100]
>Try to force him out of the building, which is restricted after all [Roll 1d100]
>Other [Write-in]

>>4054387
Hmm. Difficult one. Not sure what to say.
>Try to defuse the situation, playing it cool [Roll 1d100]
We should probably have asked Jr how to handle his father first.
Once he's finished his initial rant at us, invite him for a constructive talk on how to solve this issue. Maybe we could give him a lift if he's going the same way.

I don't remember, do we roll immediately or wait until the vote is concluded?

>>4054387
>Try to defuse the situation, playing it cool [Roll 1d100]

>>4054387
>Try to defuse the situation, playing it rough [Roll 1d100]
He's in the wrong here. If he tries to do anything, we got our blue

>>4054669
Immediately

Rolled 15 (1d100)

>>4055192

File: Good job or somethin'.gif (1.93 MB, 500x210)

1.93 MB GIF

>>4055214
And the vote to that stellar number?

Rolled 45 (1d100)

>>4054387
>>Try to defuse the situation, playing it cool [Roll 1d100]
>>4055214
Oh god please don't say playing it cool.

>>4055232
I just thought you needed a number. I don't have any strong feelings for the vote. My bad?

>>4054669
>>4054959
>>4055238
>Try to defuse the situation, playing it cool [Roll 1d100]

Rolled 45 (1d100)

>>4055369
uhh bones?

>>4055370
Nah, I fucked up, accidently posting while I just started to write an update

This consistency of 45 is really nice. Sorry for extra delay, got a hot line.

>>4054669
>>4054959
>>4055238
>Try to defuse the situation, playing it cool [Roll 1d100]
>Outcome: 45/100

Few heads turn toward the entrance, but the arguing doesn't stop or even drops down a little as you get inside the lobby. Now it's really stuffed. You start pushing your way toward Lindholm, but his goons predictably stop you and shove back.
- Mr. Lindholm, hello, can I please have your attention as a co-director of this company!
You rise your voice so it can be heard above the ongoing bustle, making sure you aren't shouting yet. Finally, the old man graces you with a look.
- A co-director - He pouts, mockingly - Just as incompetent as this fool! Is this how you treat all your passengers?
- Mr. Lindholm, please... - The station manager starts
- I'm no fool... - The other board member joins
- Please, sir, leave the premise - Repeats, in vein, a security guard. One of his hands is resting on a holster. Bad. Very bad. You circle by the wall right to the Railroad guard.
- Get out - You half-whisper to his ear - Take the station manager from here, too. Now!
You add in regular voice. Last thing you need is people drawing weapons. You also point out at two other clerks and show them with your thumb the way to their tiny office rooms. People move slowly, while the quarrel continues. Ultimately, you are still left with half of the original crowd and can finally hear your own thoughts.
- Mr. Lindholm, while it's clearly late for apologies... - As you start, the mountain man scoffs - I still would like to sincerely apologise for whatever hardships you faced so far from the Cascadia Railroads. Can we please now move to the proper space to handle such matters?
The secretary gives you a puzzled look from behind the desk, confused what you mean. In fact, everyone working for the Railroad and still present is confused by your motion.
- Agnes, please, the keys to the board room.
You move to the desk, passing between two of Lindholm guards. This time around, they let you. You grab the keys and put the most convincing cordial smile you can muster.
It's not very convincing.
- Shall we?
You point toward the doors to the lobby, but nobody moves an inch. Eventually the old grump sights.
- Fine
It's the first word he speaks directly to you. At least he's no longer shouting. He passes next to you, while Keith wisely opens the doors wide for him.

>>4055493
- Please, let's continue... - You point toward the staircase up - Excuse me - You pass the overzelous goon and quickly get to the top, opening both locks. As you flip the switch, the ancient bulbs flicker and then slowly start to heat up. Without any prompt, Lindholm takes the seat at the top of the long table. Let him have it.
- May they... - You point on the four guards, standing in half-circle
- Joe, Ben - Two of them leave the room without as much as a word. But if their stare could kill, both you and Keith are dead. The other two still tower over the old man.
- Tea? Water? - You start sheepishly, but get no answer. Then realise your own blunder. In all this excitement, you've send the station manager away, but are here now stuck with Lindholm and a board member who's name you didn't even get. And from what you've heard so far, not exactly being the brightest bulb.

>Get rid of that idiot at any pretext, before he blurbs something stupid
>Get rid of that idiot and make him bring station manager ASAP [Roll 1d100]
>Ignore his presence and focus fully on Lindholm ASAP
>Send Keith to get the station manager, then go for Lindholm
>Dupe the other board member into talking with Lindholm, while excusing yourself from this
>Other [Write-in]

>>4055495
>Get rid of that idiot and make him bring station manager ASAP [Roll 1d100]
Lets hope it's no worse that the last rolls (same number twice? that's 1/10000!). I think we need to know what's going on from two sources, with any luck the time Lindholm wastes bickering over the events with the manager is time we can use to plan a response. If we can make the idiot think fetching the station manager is his idea he might feel clever and be more open to doing it.

Rolled 69 (1d100)

>>4055595
Oh, here's the roll. Fingers crossed.

Rolled 58 (1d100)

>>4055595
Supporting this. We need more info

>>4055595
>>4055728
>Get rid of that idiot and make him bring station manager ASAP [Roll 1d100]

Before he even sits down, you are right next to the board member. You grab him by arm and slightly tug toward the doors.
- One moment please! - You inform Lindholm, heading toward exit - Need to consult something with my business partner.
You add wordless "Go", only moving your lips, to the guy. Thankfully, he at least grasps that. You both get outside to the stairs, while you quickly shut the doors behind you.
- What the he...
So much for intelligent conversation. You cover his mouth with a hand
- Shut up. Shut up. Shut up and stay shut. - You try not to shout yourself, keeping your voice - Are you out of your fucking mind? Can't you see this is a ruse? He just started slander campaign against the Railroad and you, like a big idiot you are, decided to engage him in a lobby? Do you have even the slightest idea what kind of sway that guy has? Do you?
You finally back your hand. He's too confused to reply.
- Now make yourself finally fucking useful, before we end up with stock price falling and public goodwill plummetting and get us here the station manager. Now!
You almost push him down the stairs
- I swear, Collins, you got some fucking bold imagination about who you are. Go fuck yourself. I'm done baby-sitting the old fart myself, do it yourself!
You exhale. At least he won't interfere, which is something. You get back to the board room.
- Go for the station manager - You quip in whisper to your own bodyguard - I need him now
Then you get back to the table.
- Some misunderstanding with your "business partner"? - The old man teases
- No, everything is fine
You go back to your own chair. It's far enough from Lindholm to make it awkward to make a conversation, but that's exactly what you need now. Keeping him at literal and figurative distance.
- From what I've heard, you wanted to buy ticket for tomorrow, sir. I'm afraid with our current capacity, it is simply not possible to offer a place in the train without at least a week-advanced booking. We are fully stocked.
The old man leans forward. Good. At least he can't just sit like a king in the chairman seat
- Yes. And I find it outrageous! Your damn own advertisement brags about instant deliveries and fast travel! - He keeps shouting, in domineering manner. Each sentence ends with his index finger pushing the top of the table - Either you lie in your advertisement or you lie about your company! All while hiring clueless idiots as your representatives to clients!

>Smooth-talk him to calm down and talk the matters of honest business, such as his
>Cut the crap and directly tell him you know this is just a scene, then ask what he really wants
>Accuse Lindholm of deliberate sabotage of the Railroad, both with slander and material shortages
>Play on time, until the station manager arrives, then simply handle the matter of your "special client" in most formal way possible
>Other [Write-in]

>>4055839
>>Cut the crap and directly tell him you know this is just a scene, then ask what he really wants
Men don't have time to mince words on the trail. I'll pay him the courtesy of honesty and see if he reciprocates.

>>4055996
Play up having cast iron balls if we can too. We're in a room with two of his goons and none of ours but still calling bullshit. Farming's not as wild as being a mountain man but I make it clear I'm no snake-talking city-slicker.

>>4056007
I get the reasoning. I'll back, I spose.

>>4055996
>>4056049
>Cut the crap and directly tell him you know this is just a scene, then ask what he really wants

You exhale. Long. Loud. Bored.
- Can we stop pretending? At least until the station manager gets here. I get it, it's dramatic, it draws attention, everyone is getting emotional and all that stuff... But we both know this is just an act. Somewhat overplayed, if I may share opinion.
- How dare you accusing me of lying! - The old man winds up again, but you just rise your hands and spread them, pointing at him, as if showing to non-existing audience to look at him.
- See? I didn't say you are lying, Mr. Lindholm, I've said you are over...
- Deaf! - He finishes for you, in angered tone. Then he takes a pause. And sits back in the chair - Out.
It's a short, direct quip, out of any emotions. The remaining guards don't even wait for any further instructions, they are already leaving the room. Once the doors are closed, Lindholm points at you his right index finger.
- You should give yourself a rise - His voice is a bit rough, probably from all that shouting and screaming, but he's speaking normally now
- What you want, Mr. Lindholm? - You skip the next chase over. Apparently being direct works just fine - Clearly not to congratulate me my perception or yourself on your own acting skills. What is it?
- Sonny, you don't have that sort of power to grant me what I want and clearly, your company isn't going to pack and leave... is it?
- No, it's not - You say with conviction, despite all the obstacles so far - It's definitely going to stick around.
- Then I've got a proposition. You can discuss it with rest of your "board" - He drags that word with clear distaste, as if the sheer concept of making group decision offended him personally - Stay in the Valley. Never leave the Valley. You can put out of business every small fry ferrier and coach runner you can wish... in the Valley. But you stay in.

>Listen up if he has anything else to add, then remind him his own son is in the board
>Point out a proper proposition requires a counter-offer, which he didn't present yet
>Ask if this is a threat of some sort, since it lacked the "or else" part
>Ask if he really plans to fight the Railroad simply because he had a fall-out with Junior
>Congratulate him on revealing himself as the one sabotaging the deals with Gleaners
>Other [Write-in]

>>4056080
Also, night

>>4056080
>>Point out a proper proposition requires a counter-offer, which he didn't present yet
We might want to point out the good the railroad does if he seems like a community minded type. Then again, as a mountain man he might resent civilisation encroaching on his beloved wilderness. I'd definitely advise leaving Junior way, way out of this.
>>4056083
Hope you sleep well.

>>4056080
>Point out a proper proposition requires a counter-offer, which he didn't present yet

>>4056295
I have a feeling he won't be reasoned with based on how he's acted. Still, I think we can get him to say some more info that might be useful to us so that is why I want to hear his counteroffer. I think it might be the way to get his motivation better than that one option

File: Map for ants - Valley vs.(...).png (123 KB, 250x199)

123 KB PNG

To remind, as this is common knowledge from previous thread (which was half a year ago, hence the reminder):
https://pastebin.com/7x5aLzUx

>>4056295
>>4057186
>Point out a proper proposition requires a counter-offer, which he didn't present yet

You wait for a moment, expecting something more. But since nothing follows, you ask
- ... and?
- And what?
- And where is the rest of the proposition? So far, that's been a demand. Not an offer, not a threat, but a demand. I fail to see how what you are saying, Mr. Lindholm, can qualify as a proposal for the company I'm working for. To put it blunt - what's in it for the Railroad to follow your demand?
- No troubles that you will be unable to chew.
- So it's a threat, than?
The old man shakes his head.
- It's not a threat, it's a fact. Anything outside of Valley is operated by Lindholm and Son.
You are about to ask about that "Son" part, but bite your tongue before you even open your mouth. Better to not bring that subject at all. Probably ever.
- And yes, I did outbid you at Gleaners. I can however grant you that bid, free of any charge. I imagine your engines demand precission and precise tools to provide safety. And contrary to what people say about me, I don't wish any needless deaths - The "needless" part sticks in your head the most, even if he wasn't putting any sort of emphasis on it - But the Railroad stays in the Valley. Is this clear?
- That's the matter of the board, Mr. Lindholm. I'm but one of its members. And unless the entire board votes against it, Mr. Miller, on the behalf of the Republic, still has the decisive voice as the chairman. I don't doubt you have enough resources to go against the Cascadia Railroads, Mr. Lindholm. Quite frankly, I'm terrified of how many enemies like you we have just for existing. But unless you plan to perform some serious and scandalous corruption, for which I DO doubt you have enough money, the Republic will sooner or later decide to go outside the Valley. Probably sooner than you think and sooner than I consider reasonable, considering our resources.
He is listening to you so far, not trying to interrupt. Apparently he is considering his options now. So you follow up the counter.
- It's a matter of time. A year, maybe five, but the rail will be laid in directions outside the Valley.

>Suggest diversification of his business while he still can afford that
>Suggest buying into stock - he clearly could be a major shareholder
>Suggest a peaceful co-operation, as the Railroad is in no rush to leave the Valley anyway
>Suggest simply giving up and stop chasing personal grievances
>Leave the board room, ending the conversation as it is
>Other [Write-in]

>>4057392
>>Suggest diversification of his business while he still can afford that
There are many places it simply isn't profitable to go or our lack of rails will delay us for years. Even in the old times there was plenty of space for non-rail transport business, if we tell him where our lines will be running and when he can set up caravan routes that take advantage of the new traffic before his competitors. He can even offer routes between stations unconnected by track or take up thee burden in case of breakdowns for a considerable fee.

>>4057420
Maybe that's more of a write-in option. I'm not saying he should pull out of caravaneering, rather that he should adapt his business to suit the environment. Presumably when things got less deadly than the bad old days he expanded his range and slightly lowered security with outfits that stayed paranoid being out-competed. The railroad's coming back, if not here and now then somewhere else in a few years. You can hitch a ride for further riches or be crushed.

>>4057392
>Suggest buying into stock - he clearly could be a major shareholder

>>4057530
He built his company with his own two hands, seemingly despises the idea of collective ownership and I'll wager wants some continuity through the generations. I think he might oppose the railroad on moral as much as economic grounds.

>>4057420
>>4057428
I like this one. He's like the canal barons of Britain during Railway Mania, who tried in vain
to stop the railways to protect their own vested interests. The trap of refusing to get with the times has destroyed businesses and businessmen over and over and when the future is a train, standing in its way will get you run over.

>>4057420
>>4057428
>>4057573
>Other [Suggest exchange of favours and informations, allowing Lindholm to benefit from rail without having to compete with it yet]
If I got it right, that is

You make a short pause, then continue.
- But as for now, we are definitely going to stick to the Willamette. Cottage Grove, that's the most of our plans and capacity - You quickly add. Otherwise, if the expansion toward the town happens this year, at least you won't be called a liar - And it will stay like that for a while, maybe even for years. I don't consider it a company secret, but that doesn't mean this information is public. You can make use out of it. Why trying to butt heads with the Railroad, if you can easily benefit on its existence?
- Because its existence is death of my company, regardless if today or next decade.
- Maybe. Maybe not. Even if, that's future. You could easily make your fortune right now, then peacefully retire in the right moment.
- Retire... - He scoffs, clearly insulted by the notion
- Or not - You quickly change subject - The important part is: you can benefit on the Railroad. After all, we are increasing the traffic of goods, since every fool can now get shipment from Salem to Eugene and back. But they can't get it outside and this is where your profit is, Mr. Lindholm
- Do you also consider me a fool, thinking I haven't realise that before your railroad was even finished?
- No. I'm just saying the existence of my company isn't a complete disaster, even if it might eventually become your competitor exactly as you fear. But until that happens, you will profit. And the smoother the operation within the Valley, the bigger that profit will be. After all, you are the only man outside this room... well, the only man with no clearance to be in this room that knows we aren't going to expand beyond Willamette in quite a while. Your actual, direct competitors - don't. You can use that easily. We really don't have to be enemies. Or at least our companies don't have to be, if you are a man that likes to make things personal.
You're done with your piece. He just sits there, silently, not moving. When the silence starts to get really uncomfortable, he finally speaks.
- I want to be informed in advance about any extension outside the Valley.

>Sure thing - you don't need enemy this strong
>That's company secret - you can't risk stock swindles
>Nothing is free in this world - you can benefit from this personally
>Nothing is free in this world - the Railroad can benefit from this
>This is a one time favour - you simply need to placate him now, not forever
>Other [Write-in]

>>4057693
>Nothing is free in this world - the Railroad can benefit from this
I would say it's a company secret, but I fully expect another board member to sell the info out anyway at some point. Let's try and get something out of it

>>4057693
>>Nothing is free in this world - the Railroad can benefit from this
We're businesses with a common interest, not paying protection money. Also >>4057807.

>>4057693
>>Nothing is free in this world - the Railroad can benefit from this

Night

>>4057807
>>4058106
>>4058110
>Nothing is free in this world - the Railroad can benefit from this

You puff your cheeks and loudly exhale
- Now that's a tough one... - You pause for a moment, then nod agreeingly - But can be one. Just not for free.
Lindholm smiles, but he now looks more like a wolf waiting for its prey than anything else. Something in that smile makes you just uncomfortable.
- I'm a reasonable man and I understand such favours have their price. So how much.
- What.
- What? - He's confused
- What I want, not how much - You explain
- I'm listening.
- The counter-bid at the Gleaners Guild. You will pay it and donate the gear to the Railroad - Time to get audacious - Publicly.
The predatory grin sags a little. A little - you've stinged the old man, but he still listens to the offer. Eventually, he nods, but the smile doesn't return to its former size.
- All right. Once they find all what's needed, it will be delivered. I assume to that shack behind the station?
- Yes, to the workshop depo.
- Shake?
You smile, faintly, but get up from your seat and walk toward him. His hand is rough and his grip a bit too strong - just as expected from a fabled mountain man.
- And give yourself that rise... - He whispers, then clears his throat and suddenly starts shouting - I won't allow to be insulted like this!
As he suddenly pushes you back, the doors open, with Keith, the station manager and all four of Lindholm's goons behind them. The quartet rush towards their boss, while you gather yourself from the top of the boardroom's table. You didn't even heard the steps and he managed to time this for a proper scene. The man really must been good in mountains in his prime. Now his bodyguards are busy "restraining" the old man from further "hitting" you.
- Take that piece of shit from me! Who the hell you all are to treat me like this?!
You decide to leave. You've got what you needed. Even more than you expected. Hanson checks on you up close.
- Everything all right?
- In perfect order. We're leaving... Where have you been for so long?
You ask on your way to the exit. You nod to the manager. Poor man. You really start to pity him for having to endure second round of this theatre.
- Nobody knew where the manager is, I almost had to interrogate for that information
- Please tell me you didn't - You give your guard a confused look. He just chuckles.
- Found him in the diner. So what now, director?

>Get to workshop with good news
>Find Lindholm Junior and talk some sense to him too
>Find Diego and explain who he really is
>Check on Baker's report on board members, maybe it's already finished
>Continue on your merry round to get horses for tomorrow first
>Other [Write-in]

>>4058168
Night

>>Check on Baker's report on board members, maybe it's already finished
I think we need to call of the gleaner purchases and start sending out probes about Diego. We'll have to speak with but maybe that's best left for later. With any luck we'll see him at lunch in the diner and can decide then.

By the way, I think you mean a raise instead of a rise. Not that I mean to nitpick, you're far more eloquent as an etl than I am as a native speaker.

>>4058168
>>Check on Baker's report on board members, maybe it's already finished

>>4058168
>Continue on your merry round to get horses for tomorrow first
Don't forget what we actually set out to do. We still need to get the things for the expedition in place, the report can wait.

And I agree with >>4058193, I wouldn't be able to tell you were ESL were it not for the occasional small nitpick, and most native speakers make more mistakes than you do.

>>4058286
Backing this

>>4058286
You're right, I completely forgot and am changing my vote to back you. We can go see Baker afterwards if there's still time.

File: UJeRJhn.jpg (10 KB, 239x191)

10 KB JPG

>>4058286
>>4058443
>>4058467
>Continue on your merry round to get horses for tomorrow first

- We get our horses. As much as this was an interesting conversation, we still need our rides for next few days. Covering the ground ahead of us on foot ain't gonna work. And then... then we will see.
You take few more steps, then stop.
- Are Wellington Brothers still in business? Not personally, but their stables - You recall your discussion with Jack Carter.
- I think it's now the property of City Council, at least the one in Salem.
- Fine, we will lease a city-owned horse - You sigh - They still should be the ones from Wellington at this point anyway
You hope. Last thing you need is a selection between a lame gelding and an old mule. You need at least some sort of presentation among the farmers.
So you take a walk toward the southern outskirts of Salem. The large stable, surrounded by few small corrals, definitely still stands. The big company name have been already hastly painted over, leaving mis-matched shade of greyish white on the side of the buildng. It also appears to still have horses inside, given there are few animals in the paddocks.
You head toward a small barrack, sitting next to the main stable. Just far enough for light breeze to remove the stench of manure. The doors are wide open. Next to them, still on the outside, is a blackboard with prices. You take a quick glance, before crossing the threshold.
- Howdy - You nod to a lone man in overalls sitting inside. Well, not exactly lone, as he has a sawed-off at hand's reach - Still leasing horses, I see?
- Yup.
- Well me and my partner - You point at Keith - would like to get two fine steads for tomorrow, for the totality of four days. And the horses to be delivered by 7 in the morning to the railway station.
- Do you own your saddles?
- Nope. And speaking of saddles, we will also need sufficient saddle bags. Planning to do some surveying.
- Mountains?
- Nope. Most definitely the flats of the Valley.
- Well then come and see for yourself and make your picks.
He stands, picking the gun with him. Your bodyguard side-steps a bit, but doesn't react any further. Good. At least he isn't twitchy.
The stable is impressive, with four separate rows of boxes, with third of them having horses inside. It's also clearly under-manned, as you hardly can see anyone working around. The strong smell makes it only more clear how much the city council is cutting corners in Wellington's establishment.
- Ok, so for a simple trek inside the valley, all the horses on the right should do
You are both led along the boxes at a slow pace. The animals are calm and barely interested in your presence. You trot the line back and forth, ultimately returning to the entrance gate.
- So which ones it would be?

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37 KB JPG

>>4059290
>Definitely that impressive one with lustrous coat, to make a big reaction
>A pair of the fasters ones, as you have a lot of ground to cover
>A pair of the most resilient ones, as you have a lot of ground to cover
>A pair that's not afraid of gunshot sounds, just in case
>Any pair of non-lame horses will do, the fare is high enough without getting fancy
>Other [Write-in]

>>4059290
>>A pair of the most resilient ones, as you have a lot of ground to cover
Slow and steady wins the race, I'm hoping we don't get into gunfights but these might tank a shot as they bolt.

>>4059293
*fastest

Right when I'm getting praised

>>4059293
>Any pair of non-lame horses will do, the fare is high enough without getting fancy

Rip quest?

>>4061661
Dunno, looks like it's stalled without a tie-breaker vote. I'll flip a coin but if you vote that'll do too.

>>4059290
>A pair of the most resilient ones, as you have a lot of ground to cover
I'll break the tie. I'm sure we know how to handle a good, tough horse.

It's not caused by a stall nor it's dead, the update was supposed to be yesterday, 5 PM CET...
... only for me to get invited for a beer by 4 PM and I realised only in the bus I didn't write an update before leaving. I just came back (10 AM next day).
Sorry for lack of any information. Update ETA 60 min

Originally decided by a flip of coin, two votes by now, so...

>>4059308
>>4061748
>A pair of the most resilient ones, as you have a lot of ground to cover

You look around once more. There is a one that's easily eye-catching, but nothing to pair it with. And most of them just look sub-par anyway, so going for good impression not gonna work. For a moment you consider your options, then speak up.
- We need to do a lot of riding. And carying around some equipment. No replacements, open air camps, that kind of stuff. So whichever two of them can endure that for four days will do just nice.
- Flats and heavy gear, huh? What are you? Prospectors?
- Scouts - Keith takes voice without a prompt - For the Hounds.
- Ooooh... - The stable man changes his stance - Now I understand.
You exchange looks with your bodyguard, but he just gives you a minor nod to go with his story. The groom goes directly to one of the boxes and points out on a rather insignificantly looking bay. One of the ears is clearly clipped.
- You definitely want to take Fritz. And maybe... where are you? - He looks through the boxes, then points at another, equally unappealing bay - Huck. Will carry all your gear and all the ammunition to it. If they were a bit bigger, those two could work with coaches, but are still slim enough to easily ride them. They don't look like much, but I guarantee they can carry more than enough and last whole day. Just don't rush them too much.
You check the horses by yourself. They really don't look like much and that clipped top of the ear really stands out. Still, you need to move around on a sturdy mount. All three of you get back to the office and the request is scribbled down: time, duration, saddles, saddle bags, fodder and delivery place, along with strict notion to be by 7 AM waiting by the station. You pay the retainer and write down your security deposit on the Cascadia Railroads. The groom gives you another look.
- Rail is already hiring guards? Someone already tried a train robbery, like in them old westerns?
- Something like that... we would rather not let that happen.
- Damn things really are moving fast with those trains. Mr. Wellington was damn right to sell the horse business.
You ignore the chat and leave the building, along with the groom, before he starts get too curious about details.
You've got your special wagon and horses ready for tomorrow. You should probably pack in the evening and catch some extra sleep in your bed, but other than that, it's slightly pass the noon and you should still manage to arrange one more business before leaving New Salem.

>Nah, just go back home already and make sure absolutely everything is properly prepared, packed and secured
>Time to pay Junior a visit
>Time to pay Diego a visit
>Time to pay Baker a visit
>Time to pay Wilson a visit
>Other [Write-in]

>>4063660
>Time to pay Baker a visit

>>4063728
Seconded.

>>4063660
>Time to pay Wilson a visit
We got the collection of tools, and they aren't any use until combined with engineers.

>>4064182
Oh shit, has Baker already spent the money? If so we should just get the tools where they're needed and see whether we can get a refund from Lindholm or just prostrate ourselves before the cooperative to apologise for the unnecessary purchase.

If the coop already bought the tools I'm seconding this instead.

>>4064209
>If the coop already bought the tools I'm seconding this instead.
You don't know. Which I assume means voting for Baker

>>4063728
>>4063786
>Time to pay Baker a visit

- So, everything for the journey is ready?
- Almost. There is one more thing I need to see to... so we're walking to CFC office now.
It takes you a while to reach the city center and then the proper building. As every day, the lobby has applicants waiting in it.
- Good day everyone
A bunch of "Good days" and "Howdys" return to you. You get close to the front desk, but there is a man already standing in front of it. You point toward Baker's office - Jim's in?
Clarice simply replies with a nod and continues helping the man in front of her with filling up some documents. You are almost about to sit, but then something occures to you. Instead of waiting for Baker, you go to doors with "Staff Only" doors and get inside. Few curious heads lean behind you and especially your bodyguard walking behind you.
- Tea? Sandwich? - You ask Keith - This might take an extra while and we might end up skipping dinner.
Ultimately you end up distributing tea, water and sandwiches to the people in the lobby. This time with CFC pin on your chest, so they are slightly less confuse. A few short chit-chats follow, but nobody from the part of the Republic that interests you the most. Shame.
By the time it's your turn to get to Baker directly, it's already well into the afternoon. As you enter the office, Jim gives a thorough look to Hanson. Only then he closes the door.
- I assume you must be the guardian angel from Blue Hounds? Jim Baker, a good friend of Collins'
- Keith Hanson.
They shake their hands, while you take a seat in front of the desk.
- So, what's going on?

>Inform about the whole stint with Lindholm, in detail
>Inform about Diego or "Diego"
>Ask if the bid for lathe knives was already send to Gleaners, then talk about Lindholm
>Ask if the report on board members is finished
>Just remind of your tomorrow's departure
>Other [Write-in]

>>4064233
Yes, that what I meant. Thanks for clarifying and intuiting my intent.
>>4064265
>>Ask if the bid for lathe knives was already send to Gleaners, then talk about Lindholm
Time to find out and recall the order if there's still time.

>>4064362
Supporting this.

>>4064362
>>4064539
>Ask if the bid for lathe knives was already send to Gleaners, then talk about Lindholm

- A lot of things, but I need to know first. Did you already put out the strawman to bid for the knives?
- You mean the one for... lathe? - He clicks his fingers as he recalls it
- Yes, those.
- Yeah, I've arranged for it yesteday. But it will probably take a while before the Gleaners will find any of those. Like, a mon... - Jim looks at your face and then just stops - What happend?
- Well, a lot. Let's start from the beginning, since it's a bit long and I don't want to miss anything.
- Is... Keith... - Jim starts, but is cut off
- I've signed a confidentially agreement, Mr. Baker - Your bodyguards says casually.
- Good. So, the beginning?
- I had to arrange for transportation for my little trek along the railway...
You proceed to fill your friend on all the details: the played-up drama at the station, the scene in the office lobby, the idiotic behaviour on whats-his-name... Eventually you relay in as many details as you can your conversation with Lindholm Senior. By the time your story wraps on details of your secret deal, all three of you are half-way through a round of drink. Jim is sitting behind the desk, holding his chin in one hand and squeezing it a bit. The first person to speak is Hanson
- Now I see why that confidentially was so insisted...
- Oh, trust me, son. There will be a lot more down the way than this... - Baker grants him attention, then switches to you - Are you insane? Extorting Lindholm, out of all people?
- It's not an extortion. And if it is, then he's extorting me, not the other way around. Besides, he has more out of it than I really do. If this ever comes out, a handful of calipers won't save my ass, no matter how useful they will be in the long run. And I wouldn't be surprised if he decided to reveal "a conspiracy within the board" and how I tried to make a criminal deal with it, a true railroad baron!
You try to make it sound dramatic, just like the headlines in the Cascadia Monthly will, but when you hear your voice aloud, you just chuckle and Jim follows. Nah, that's too ridiculous and too underhand for Lindholm. He would rather personally put a handful of buckshot in your head.
- But I admit, you played him with going public with his donation. At least for a while he will be unable to slander the Railroad.
- That was the idea. He took it for a far-away promise that will take few years to materialise. Let's hope he won't get cranky until we leave the Valley for real. So, about that bid at Gleaners.
- What about it?

>Cancel it - Lindholm's donation is enough
>Keep it - spares are always welcomed
>Other [Write-in]

>>4064627
>Keep it - spares are always welcomed
It would probably look rather suspicious if we cancelled the bid out of the blue, though perhaps reduce the contents if possible?

>>4064640
Supporting.
I hadn't thought about it before but we might want to keep the fact we're using the coop for extra actions under our hats.

>>4064640
>>4064668
>Keep it - spares are always welcomed

- Could you please maintain it? At least of the time being.
- You think the old man won't deliver?
- He shaked on it. He would sooner cut that arm off than not keep his word. But we will need any hard to come by tools and parts anyway. And there is Wilson's plan to open a maintenance shed in Eugene. Plus, it would just look weird, strawman or no, when Gleaners Guild would get specific request and then had it cancelled, when the same item got delivered by someone else, with the same spec. What if there is more than Lindholm trying to trip the Railroad over?
- Ok, so the bid stays for time being. What when they find the parts? - Baker asks the question you would rather avoid
- It will have to be bought. I'll cover for it, if that's an issue. - You quickly reassure - Just... not this month.
- Ha! And here I was, thinking the directorial pay is worth it. But if you need money, just say so.
- Jim, be serious - You give him a stern look - I don't need money. But I will need that part. So let's just keep it under the wraps and we'll see how things go. We will see each other for next few days, that's for sure. Which brings another issue.

>Wasn't there supposed to be a CFC briefing on the whole area south of Halsey?
>Is the whole report on board memebers ready?
>Is the part about Diego Rodriguez ready?
>Don't you have any tips or fresh gossip for me, Jim?
>Other [Write-in]

Night

>>4064698
>Wasn't there supposed to be a CFC briefing on the whole area south of Halsey?
This looks like the first priority, we should still have time to mention Diego after.

>>4064698
>>Wasn't there supposed to be a CFC briefing on the whole area south of Halsey?

>>4064698
>Wasn't there supposed to be a CFC briefing on the whole area south of Halsey?
We built all this shit there, we may as well know what's going on

Interesting quest OP, just caught up.

Would be easier to read if you added paragraph breaks.

Few questions:
- are we aware of any iron ore or coal deposits (either actively being mined or dormant)? They would both greatly improve our efficiency and railroad construction speed.

- what is the primary cargo we are transporting on the tracks? The low population density of the Republic means that it is unlikely to be passengers (unless there is a military campaign), and local towns would probably be self-sufficient in terms of food.

- is our company allowed to own other businesses, like local hotels, bars, brothels or mines?

- does our company have influence on any local city councils? If not, are financial donations to political candidates allowed? Or do city councils not have elections?

Apologies for the barrage of questions.

>>4064698
>Is the part about Diego Rodriguez ready?

>>4065808
I am obviously not OP, but I'll answer based on what I remember. I hope I'm not too wrong on any of this.

Our railway company is in large part state owned, but also owned by major factions via stocks, so the political influence question is complicated and goes both ways I would think. The Farmer's Collective we represent has a lot of local connections, so we probably have some decent friends and influence all over. Currently, our plan is to transport agricultural products I believe while raking in the government subsidies. Basically, we're going to play the milkman, both with real milk and milking subsidies. That's once we get the rail construction project we are working on done. Until then, we're mostly just a passenger line between two population centers. I see no reason we can't invest in other things in theory, but we are very cash strapped for now and in no position for such side projects in my opinion. No clue on mineral deposits. I think that's not something we can do much with in our current situation anyway.

>>4065808
There is a suptg link in the opening posts to the previous two threads.
Paragraphs are out of question, at least in the way of what you consider (and demonstrated) as paragraphs. It makes reading harder, not easier and that's without even mentioning "Reddit spacing" meme.

As a rule of thumb - this game uses more or less real Oregon data and topography, unless given part is explicitly underwater now (so anything north of Woodburn). Other than that, the existing stock of rail is very limited and explicitly subsidy-based, with starting amount of 25 miles of rail and a promise of 7-8 miles a year, just for keeping the company afloat. Rest is covered in detail in Agriculture Support Clause (pastebin link) and potential events and developments in the future.
As for questions directly:
1) Tualatin Valley is currently known as Portland Bay. Not to mention local ore deposits have been depleted by 1890s. One of the strategic ore pits is located very close to Cottage Grove, which is within theoretical reach of the railroad. The only existing steel mill is both outside range of the rail AND belongs to one of the factions within the Republic already.
2) Passengers are currently the only cargo the Railroad is serving, at least in accountable scale. Everything else regarding cargo plans is summarised by >>4065869
3) Yes, but there is not enough money as of now to even fund properly the most important current project and currently the quest is at the point where the goal is to get local support, including financial one, to get things funded
4) No. In fact, 50% of the stock is owned by the Republic AND another, relatively big portion (but less than 10%) is owned by city-state of Roseburg. And again, no such financial reserves to even consider.

>>4065965
*coal pits, not ore

I'm currently visiting family, update will be a bit slower and later (since it's about the time I should already make one hour ago). No, the game is in no problem with my life, just slow on the updates and want to warn rather than do a fuck-up like during the weekend.

>>4066142
No worries, have a good time (I hope you're traveling by train).

>>4065869
>>4065965
Thanks for the detailed answers.

It seems like we really have some large financial problems. A few follow up questions:
- what is our primary income stream? Do individual passengers pay for tickets, or does the government offer us a weekly / monthly amount in order to transport people?

- do banks exist who would be willing to extend us a loan?

- are we able to create railroad bonds in order to sell to wealthy citizens? This is what railroad companies traditionally did during their expansion phase

- how is the government of the Republic structured? Is this universal sufferage, or does every town just send some delegates to a central congress?

Update ETA 60 min

>>4066359
1) Tickets & cargo fare. Governmental subsidy is about providing rail and that's about it.
2) Loaning is out of question, since, again, 50% of stock belongs to the Republic already. This is a strategic investment of the government, but treated as if it was Amtrak - "stay alive, stay afloat, try to make it work and do it by yourself, because you can, if you try hard enough". On top of that, the "financial sector" is so underdeveloped, it won't work anyway. We post-apoc, man.
3) That's why the shares exists in the first place. Which is its own can of worms, as always with stock, but was the main source of funding when the current rail route (Salem-Eugene through Lebanon and Halsey, rather than how the I-5 goes through Oregon), while maintaining Republic's control over it in the same time. Bonds are unlikely to happen, at least not for quite a while.
4) Universal sufferage, both for Republic's govt and all the settlements inside of it. To paraphase the classic, since it nicely captures the spirit of it: https://pastebin.com/PrsSnvv3

>>4066463
Oh, one more thing
Ad. 1)
Any income made on operation of the rail infrastructure is also accounted for profits (so basically stations operation and non-transportation services offered by the Railroad)

>>4064869
>>4064881
>>4065134
>Wasn't there supposed to be a CFC briefing on the whole area south of Halsey?

- I'm.. - You look at the bodyguard and correct yourself - We're leaving tomorrow. Aside general map of the area, I have no clue what to even expect there, at least in terms of locals. Their businesses. And more importantly, their sentiments. Jim, please tell me you've managed to dig something out in the archives or maybe via interviews.
Jim makes a sour face
- I won't lie. We've got shit. The biggest place there is a "village" of seven steads. Everyone just minds their own plot of land and don't really try to do more than that. I've got... - He opens the drawer of his desk - Wait a minute...
Then the locker. He rummages thorugh it, eventually picking out a file, with his chicken scratches on the top of it. The file is so flat, it looks almost as if it was empty. Baker notices your unimpressed look and just shrugs.
- Look, this is really the best I could find or source on that area. I have no idea why they don't organise it better on their own, but I guess it must work for them, since local interest in joining the Co-Op is as low as our intel
He opens the file, as if having to prove to you there is actually something inside. And it really isn't much: a single, mimeographed map with colourful pointers and grand total of two pages of Baker's handwriting. You squint, as if that was supposed to make reading easier.
- There really wasn't enough to justify typing it.
- Yeah, I see that... - The second page is barely half-full - And that's really all?
- All the bigger farms and larger holdings, but beyond that, a guesswork about which place should be more important than other. I wouldn't mind if you would also help to update our own data on that region.
- Sure. Got a free ledger? The official one, with logo? People pay attention to things like that. I don't want to be accidently taken for a raider's scout.
Baker opens the drawer again and picks up a thick notebook, in hard cover and with large, stylised CFC lettering in the middle of it.
- What's brown?
Asks Keith and startles both your and Jim. Without even noticing him doing this, he get up from his chair and closed to read the map from behind your shoulder.
- It's not in the legend - The bodyguard points at the map
- Brown? Show it to me - You pass the map to Baker. He takes a closer look - Must be just some strain. Ignore it.
He puts the sheet inside the file and handles it to you
- And this is ready today. As for the other report you've asked for - when is the train leaving?
- 7:45
- I will do my best to get it delivered by the station before you leave, but I can't promise it will happen. It's currently being compiled together, so I think it will be ready by dawn.

>>4066583
>No point bringing Diego yet then, since you haven't read the report - just thank Jim for it all and leave
>Bring Diego and your suspicions, as you have a gut feeling about it - and Jim probably already read bits and pieces from the report anyway
>There really isn't any rush and maybe Baker's informants could work on it few days longer for some extra information until you return to New Salem
>Other [Write-in]

=====

Next update in about 7-7.5 hours. For now - night

Ha!
Now that was unexpected

>>4066463
The pastebin reads like some shit from Postman ("Restored")

>>4066590
>Bring Diego and your suspicions, as you have a gut feeling about it - and Jim probably already read bits and pieces from the report anyway

>>4067462
May be from being at europoor times since the board is mostly ameriburger

>>4066590
>There really isn't any rush and maybe Baker's informants could work on it few days longer for some extra information until you return to New Salem
There's no looming issues.....right?

>>4067743
Backing this

>>4067743
>>4067772
>There really isn't any rush and maybe Baker's informants could work on it few days longer for some extra information until you return to New Salem

You shake your head, while smiling
- No need. Let those people sleep instead. I will be in a horseback for few days, not much time to do extensive reading and I don't really want to carry something like that on me to God knows where and who. Besides - You lean forward - That's few more days to dig something more on everyone.
- You sure about it? - Baker rises an eyebrow
- Yes. I really don't want to drag something so sensitive, both literally and figuratively speaking, into a door-to-door tour. And we will meet anyway upon my return, so no harm done. Keith?
This time you surprise your bodyguard instead. It takes him a second to realise he's asked for opinion, clearly not expecting such thing.
- Me? I don't know... - He stammers - But if those informations are as confidential as it sounds, it will be better to not take it into the field.
- That settles it. We'll show here first thing after returning to New Salem.
You extend your hand to Jim and shake on farewell.
- Godspeed - He handles you the file assists you to the doors.
You're done here, with all the bits for tomoorow's journey prepared and it's late afternoon.

>Not all of them - time to get back home, thoroughly preparing and packing for the trip
>On your way back visit workshop and simply inform Wilson how things are going before departing
>Other [Write-in]

>>4067969
>Not all of them - time to get back home, thoroughly preparing and packing for the trip

>>4067969
>Not all of them - time to get back home, thoroughly preparing and packing for the trip
Wilson will get his tools in due time, we'll be kicking ourselves if we fail to pack a single needed trinket over the next few days.

Took waaay longer than I've expected, but I regret nothing

>>4068075
>>4068239
>Not all of them - time to get back home, thoroughly preparing and packing for the trip

As you leave the CFC building, your own bodyguard points out toward the sun
- It's getting late
- I know
- Any other places to visit today, director?
- No, I think we should be heading home. I need to pack. And we both need to rest while we still can.
- I'd appriciate that. But... - He takes a pause - Can I ask for a favour? It would make my job much, much easier
You give him a confused look, expecting being chided for something you did today or lack of proper care.
- What is it?
- Could we take a detour to the Blue Hound compound? I would pick few things. That, aside for the walk, will take less than a minute.
- Ok, if that makes your "security detail" easier, I see no reason why not to.
So rather than heading right back to your own house, you take a long walk toward the fortified apartment complex. This time the guard at the entrance isn't checking you, instead focuses on Hanson. You only overhear "kit" and "package" as they exchange short quips under their breath. You both get inside the compound, with an additional escort of two armed guards in pale blue fatigues.
Following one of the colour-coded lines on the pavement, you quickly reach a grate-covered entrance to one of the old apartment blocks. Keith barely waves a hand to another Blue Hound getting outside of it. He's handled a single duffel bag and a quick clasps of hands and then your own bodyguard is walking back.
It's all a bit confusing.
- That's it?
- Yep. It's a pre-packed set of most important things - He lugs the bag on his back. You don't hear rattle, but it's clearly heavy and loaded full of.. .whatever is inside - Now all hell can get lose and I can still provide your security, director Collins.
- I''d rather never have to face such possibility.
- Me too... Me too - Replies the merc

=====

As you get back home, he is barely winded, despite carrying that bag for the whole duration. You are the only one that has to pack - all Keith does is just rolling and packing his sleeping bag.
It takes a good while to gather all the important things. Then to remove the less important half of them. You only have saddle bags for this, plus you aren't going into actual wilderness. It's just you weren't doing this for quite a while.
The pile then is further decreased, once you remove pointless luxuries. Halsey will definitely offer proper lodging to get in shape before visiting local elites.
Once your things are selected and packed, you get them into tight bundles and pack together into a sack. It will all go into saddlebags anyway.
Ultimately, you decide to pack your revolver, too. For snakes and such.
- Let's get some good last sleep, shall we?

File: Pony-size.jpg (42 KB, 543x369)

42 KB JPG

=====

You wake up early in the morning, still before dawn, but you are well-rested. Well-rested, ready and packed. Your bodyguard just wordlessly gets up when you exit your bedroom. You see him hiding a hunting knife into a sheathe - neither of which you've noticed any time prior - and then the weapon disappears somewhere around his belt. Maybe you are just still a bit asleep.
As you finish cleaning after a well-matured and reheated strogonoff you had for breakfast, your bodyguard looks at your bag and a sleeping roll.
- Are you sure everything you need is packed, director? - The question is almost rhetorical
- Yes. I had more than enough time to think this through and pack up. Let's go, before our train gets away.

=====

You reach the station by 6:52, according to the big clock hanging at the platform. It's already full of people awaiting for their train. Despite it's not 7 yet, you see a familiar face and three horses next to him, just outside the station proper. You wave and he waves back.
You get close and extend your hand
- Howdy
- Mornin'
Keith is already busy checking saddles and bridles, while the groom hands you a piece of paper and a pencil. You eye through it, but it seems to follow your specifications from yesterday. You put a signature at the bottom.
- All good for me.
- Good riding, then. They've been already fed before delivery.
The groom nods, tilting his hat, then gets on a third horse and starts riding away. The animals seems to be fine and they just calmly stand, even once the noisy steam engine announces it slow closing to the platform, then followed with even more metal clang and screetching as the train slows down and then halts. You pat Fritz on the neck, then start to slowly lead the mounts toward the platform. As arranged, a small, almost tiny boxcar for animals is attatched in the end of the train. Two men you saw earlier in the workshop are busy setting up the ramp properly. When they notice you, they both grin widely and nod their heads
- Morning, director. Going for a ride?
- Sort of...
They help you load the horses inside, then instruct how to operate the ramp once the train will stop in the middle of nowhere. Once everything: the animals, luggage and you - get inside, the boxcart is half-full. If it was supposed to only carry horses inside, five of them is what could fit in at best and four is more likely. Following the instruction, you slide the gate shut, then leave the service door open and block them with a hook.
By 7:44, the final announcement about preparation to departure is made and a minute later, with three signals of the steam whistle, the train jumps slightly forward, then slowly starts to roll, giving you a disorienting feeling for few seconds.
Your first railroad trip and it's in a boxcar for horses.

File: Of railroads and cowboys.jpg (43 KB, 274x395)

43 KB JPG

>>4068599

=====

You spend most of your time next to the opened door, looking around. You watch as you move outside the center of Salem, then toward the outskirts, then you lean to watch the city staying behind. Eventually it's nothing but tiny fields and sparse, small houses from time to time. In less than 40 minutes, you can already see, hear and even smell the cattle herds next to Lebanon's meat plant. The train rolls through the seedy town, but you can still easily spot the site for the future station and some preliminary works for it already being performed. You wave to the workers and some wave back.
You reach Halsey a half-hour later. It's just amazing how quckly and effortlessly you got here. Normally it would be a half-day in a coach and you're just clocking your first hour in the train. And there are countless locals watching as the train passes through their town. Just like in Lebanon, there are people working on construction of a station's platform.
Once Halsey stays behind the train, there is virtually nothing but flat plain dotted with plown fields and pastures, with random orchards here and there. The spring is coming in big leaps, some of the trees already are semi-green, other are full of bloom. It's a shame you can't watch for more.
With Hanson, you pack things into the saddle bags. Well, your things. His "pre-packed kit" is barely opened and he takes out what's essentially camping gear and a rain poncho. And a hunting rifle with a long holster, which he ties to the saddle, too. Whatever else in the bag, stays there, but you don't feel like asking.
You return to your observations soon after being done with packing and preparing horses, but the train is already visibly slowing down. Ultimately it grinds into a complete stop.
- That's us!
With help of your bodyguard, you try to unload the horses as quickly as possible. A conductor is walking around the train, reassuring everyone this is a planned stop and nothing to be afraid off.
- Sorry for your inconvenience!
You shout toward other passengers, while hastly closing the boxcar. With the conductor, you check twice if everything is okay with the wagon, then you shout your "sorry" once more and after three whistles, the train continues going ahead, toward Eugene.
In slightly under two hours, you covered ground that usually takes a whole day of riding, all while your horses are perfectly rested.
- So where now? - Asks your bodyguard, already in the saddle
You take a look on Baker's map.

>Go to the place marked as "Milk, Large", which should contain few dairy farms very close to each other
>Go to the place marked as "Corn & Barley", as it's the closest thing to a village in this area
>Continue to the south-most location on horseback, then just methodically head north toward Halsey
>Start with closest farms, this area is too sparsely populated to be picky
>Other [Write-in]

>>4068604
>Go to the place marked as "Milk, Large", which should contain few dairy farms very close to each other
Dairy is the most important part of the Plan, and it would be worth our while to check them out

>>4068604
>Go to the place marked as "Corn & Barley", as it's the closest thing to a village in this area
We would do well to head over to a village to get the lay of the land, so to speak. I say this because we don't have too much info to start with

>>4068604
>Go to the place marked as "Corn & Barley", as it's the closest thing to a village in this area
I agree the milk is more important but we have pretty sparse information. Better to test the waters for rabid independence somewhere less vital.

>>4068604
>Go to the place marked as "Milk, Large", which should contain few dairy farms very close to each other

Coin toss decided it will be corn & barley

Rolled 62, 80, 91 = 233 (3d100)

>>4068756
>>4068833
>Go to the place marked as "Corn & Barley", as it's the closest thing to a village in this area

- Out there - You point toward south-west - should be a small village - You take one closer look at the map of yours. Then put it even closer to your nose - I think it should be five houses. Could be four, the printer was probably run hastly.
As you are about to hide the map back into its folder and then into the saddlebag, you realise the back of it is an another, clean and unmarked plan of the same area. Guess this is where you are supposed to make an on-site update.
You saddle in and hurry your mount into a working trot. So far, no point going any faster. On your way to the right direction, you take good look at your surroundings. While there are no fields right next to the path of the railroad itself, you can spot them in a distance. They aren't uniform in their sizes, either, some resembling garden patches - with a proper fence, at that - than anything else. And as far as you can see, there aren't any pastures. Or rather - nothing is grazing over various meadows. Strange.
Eventually you do see a first building from relatively up-close. It's a single, ramshackle cabin. Part of the roof is made out of rusted, corrugated sheets, part out of poorly fitted wooden shingles. The whole structure looks at first glance abandoned, but as you close in, you notice in one of the windows - covered in few wide boards - a human figure, carefully watching you.
- Great welcoming party... Let's just continue
You inform your bodyguards, as he keeps a starring contest with whoever is observing you.
Rest of your ride toward "Corn & Barley" goes without passing close to any buildings. However, you eventually spot both the "village" and its fields.
- Five - Keith counts the houses, as you close in - And there is a man aiming at us from the top floor of the left-most building. Or using binoculars.
You exhale, sighing. It's been a long while since you were doing this and it's been even longer since you were considered as a potential hostile.
- Welcome to the middle of nowhere - You mutter under your nose, then slow the horse down to a paced walk.
As you get close, the settlement looks slightly better than that single cabin. There are three actual houses, one ancient and rusted trailer and something that looks like a combination of repurposued planks, raw timber and piled earth. It's also been a while since you saw something so makeshift. But at least the timber looks new, so maybe it's just a temporar building. All five "houses" are lined in a half-circle, facing toward your direction.
People are looking from their porches and fronts. Or rather - a handful of men is looking. You see no children nor women.
- Hello!
You shout, still from afar. First you wave toward them and when that doesn't get a return, you rise your both hands and show them, empty, toward the villagers. You grunt and your bodyguard follows suit.

>>4069963
This gives you a reply, just not the kind you were expecting
- State your business!

>I'm representing Cascadia Farming Co-Operative
>I'm representing Cascadia Railroads
>I'm representing Cascadia Republic [Lie, Roll 1d100]
>I'm lost and need directions [Lie, Roll 1d100]
>I'm just passing through
>Other [Write-in]

>>4069966
>I'm representing Cascadia Farming Co-Operative

>>4069966
>>I'm representing Cascadia Farming Co-Operative

>>4069966
>I'm representing Cascadia Farming Co-Operative

>>4070001
>>4070007
>>4070098
>I'm representing Cascadia Farming Co-Operative

Your bodyguard scratches himself under the nose and as he does so, he quickly mutters
- Three guns on us already
- Do not shoot first - You reply under your breath, then shout toward the farmers, rising your hands high in the air - Easy everyone! We're here on official Cascadia Farming Co-Operative! I will now stop my horse and dismount! My partner will follow once I'm on the ground!
- All three on you...
You can barely see a single double-barrel pointed from one of the porches. Let's just hope they are mostly for show and dramatic gestures. You slowly and carefully get off the saddle and stand two steps away from your horse.
- Your turn...
You whisper to Keith and he reluctantly follows the order. You make a slow circle in the place, so they can see you from all angles.
- I am unarmed! Now we will slowly approach toward center of your settlement!
You move ahead in a strolling pace, constantly having your hands above your shoulder level. The horse adjust after a while to the slow movement and no longer tries to retake you. The guard moves behind you. As you close in, you can spot the remaining two guns mentioned by him - one where the glint was spotted and another in hands of the trailer owner.
Eventually you reach the beaten ground in front of the half-circle. You slowly spin around.
- Can I drop my hands now?
The biggest cluster of men whispers among each other. Eventually the owner of the antiquated coach gun lowers it down.
- We don't need no CFC here, mister.
You look around the buildings. One of them looks like from Before. If not for the fact they have glass in most of the windows, you would assume they are abandoned. You can hardly see any animals around - either everything been hidden, or there are none to hide. The horse trough in front of a well crane is made out of a cut in half plastic barrel. Nothing seems to be outright bad or run-down, but this place apparently never had "better times" either.

>Have anyone raided this place recently?
>Sure you do - just look around and at yourselves
>Maybe you don't, but I'm here to talk business and earning pretty penny
>I'm just conducting a simple survey, will take only a minute of your time
>I've been told you've got the finest corn in this part of Willamette - sweet, but not saccharine
>Other [Write-in]

>>4070182
* official Cascadia Farming Co-Operative business!

>>4070182
>I'm just conducting a simple survey, will take only a minute of your time
These guys give me a bad feeling, especially with the whole no women or children thing

>>4070182
>I'm just conducting a simple survey, will take only a minute of your time
Sounds like trying to push things is a bad idea

>>4070343
>>4070359
>I'm just conducting a simple survey, will take only a minute of your time

- Me and my partner are on a special survey, to provide most accurate data, both for CFC and the Republic itself... And I would really appriciate your help with collecting data for it.
Another whispered consultation follows. They are tense and apparently can decide among themselves, since the exchange lasts longer than few seconds. Keith isn't doing much, but you can see as he tugs and pulls reins in his hand, to make his horse turn a bit. You make big eyes and squeeze your lips, trying to signal him to stop, but as you do, he just makes a minimal nod in a direction of one of the roofs. Another gun is being pointed at you. The muffled argument at the porch doesn't slow or conclude.
As you are about to hone yourself for hastly retreat if things go bad, doors of one of the houses open with a squeek of the hinges and a woman's head emerges slowly from inside.
- Marsha, get right back inside! - One of the men shouts toward her. All four guns are now pointed at you and your bodyguard, but the potential shooters are also eyeing toward the woman, as if making sure if she's back inside - Ain't safe yet!

>Greet the woman herself and assure her directly that you are harmless bureaucrat on a routine job
>Ask the woman if she's in danger or kept inside against her will
>Remind everyone about your presence and your official business to this plac as harmless bureaucrat
>Use the distraction and signal Keith to run from this place before they shoot you either on purpose or by accident [Roll 1d100]
>Other [Write-in]

>>4070418
>Remind everyone about your presence and your official business to this place as harmless bureaucrat

>>4070418
>Remind everyone about your presence and your official business to this place as harmless bureaucrat
He addressed the woman by name, seems unlikely she's kidnapped unless it's the kind of local politics we'd want to avoid. Might want to imply that people know where we went and not coming back from a "peaceful" area would be mighty suspicious.

>>4070418
>Remind everyone about your presence and your official business to this place as harmless bureaucrat
If they really think we're here to cause trouble in a town where everyone is armed and dangerous, they're dumber than we thought

>>4070486
>>4070719
>>4070746
>Remind everyone about your presence and your official business to this place as harmless bureaucrat

At first you plan to speak, but ultimately decide against it. Instead, you grunt loudly. They are jumpy as it is without additional stimuli.
- There really is no danger here. I'm doing a simple survey of this area for the benefit of the Republic and its citizens. I am unarmed, non-aggressive and simply want to ask few questions regarding past harvests, along with current conditions.
- So you DO plan to rob us! - One of the men shouts toward you, much to your confusion. Apparently to confusion of some of the locals, too - Let's just kill those spies and be done with it!
- Wait! Just wait a moment! I can prove this is all true - You drop reins of your horse and step away from it - In the top-most saddlebag in the left, there is a CFC ledger, along with report and map of the area. My instruction was to simply survey this area for more accurate data. You can check it on your own.
They exchange whispers among themselves again.
- On the knees! Hands up and so we can see them! And don't you move!
You instantly do as told, then nod to your bodyguard, as he's still just standing. The gunners in the windows still take aim on your duo. Meanwhile, the villagers start to rummage through your saddlebags. Not only the one with the papers, but all of them. But they do focus on the file and the notebook. Another whispered exchange follows. What is more important is they didn't dig deep enough to find your revolver in one of the bundles. That could make them even more paranoid than now.
- And how do we know you didn't rob this from some poor feller, hm?
- I'm afraid you will just have to trust me on this... I just came here today with the train and this is the first spot we're visiting
Probably everyone in this gathering already red Baker's report. They aren't pleased with its content, but it does seem to give your story some credit in their eyes.
- Who's the branch manager of CFC?
You are puzzled by this question
- There are no branches nor their managers. There are however local offices with their heads. And the central office in New Salem manages the whole organisation.
The guns are finally dropped down.
- Safe!
One of the men shouts loud and clear. Bunch of silhouettes show up in doors and windows, but they don't get outside. They are all either women or children.

>Ask when was the last raid that they are so frightened
>Ask when was the last CFC visit that they know such things
>Ask when was the last time any of them have been to Eugene or Halsey
>Ask when you will be allowed to stand up and properly introduce yourself
>Other [Write-in]

>>4072037
>ask to stand up so we can introduce ourselves. Also ask wht happened that such paranoia is warrented.

>>4072206
This

>>4072206
Yup, they've been beaten bad if this is a regular welcome.

>>4072206
>>4072329
>>4072377
>Other [Ask if you can stand up, so we can introduce ourselves. Also ask what happened that such paranoia is warrented]

- Can I stand up? Or at least drop my hands down?
You ask, while your arms tremble already. Not out of fear, but simple exhaustion. It's really been a while since you went through something like this.
- Sure. We took you for the other feller...
You drop your arms and start to move your shoulders to ease the pain. Your bodyguard looks more pissed than confused. The gathering in front of the houses is bigger now, with additional people joining it.
- My name is Collins. I'm here on the behalf of the Cascadia Farming Co-Operative. And Cascadia Railroads - You quickly add - It's nice to meet you, people.
- Yeah, sorry for the inconvinience - Keith joins sarcastically, clearly angry. Hard to tell on whom more - you or the farmers - We're really glad we can be here.
- Could you?
You give him a stern look and ask in even sterner voice. After going through the whole situation, you don't feel like provoking those people is going to get good results.
- As I was saying, I'm here on CFC business.
- Yeah, you told us that - The man with the double-barrel extends hand with rised fingers - Three times.
- Can we then conduct the survey then? And can I get my ledger back?
- Sure. Why not. Will that mean military will be send here later?
- Military?
You stop half-way toward the man, reaching for your notebook. You take a long glance over the settlement. Nothing seems to be burned or destroyed. There are no signs of a fight. So it's clearly not a recent raid that get locals so rilled up.
- What happend here, exactly? - You finally close the distance and take the ledger. You open it and take a pen from the binding - Can I sit?
You awkwardly move to the porch and sit on the fringe of it. Most of the people shuffle around, trying not to stand behind you. Most.
- Those grazing bastards came again and tried to get us out of here. That's what happend. But we showed them, didn't we?

>Grazing bastards? You mean the milk farmers?
>Grazing bastards? You mean some cowboys and their cattle?
>Don't you have claim on this land to send them away?
>Why don't you simply wire your fields, so they won't be trampling them?
>Other [Write-in]

>>4072428
>Grazing bastards? You mean some cowboys and their cattle?

>>4072428
>Grazing bastards? You mean some cowboys and their cattle?
Dairy farmers don't usually ranch like that

>>4072819
>>4072840
>Grazing bastards? You mean some cowboys and their cattle?

- Grazing bastards?
You look around this open, almost entirely flat plain. Then look on the map prepared by Baker. Of course it's just a local focus. You chasite yourself for not checking things on the bigger scale. Time to jog your memory.
- Bellfountain or Alpine? - You shoot the closest known to you ranches
- Both - The armed man spits with disgust - Fuckers roam this whole part of the valley and cite lack of settlements as their excuse. Well then what the hell is this - He makes a circle with a hand toward the few buildings around - If not a settlement? They've been told by folks in Junction to clear the fuck out from their land few years ago and it worked. Guess they've decided that if not facing a fortified town, they can do as pleased. Pestered us during the whole barley planting.
- And took our cow - Joins another man - An old milk cow! While grazing cattle for meat!
You scribe it all down in your notebook. It's not exactly what you've expected and you don't expect you are in position to guarantee or even promise anything. But you still mark a separate page for loses and dire needs. So far, it marks a single dairy cow, but you can see for yourself this place needs far, far more to as productive as you assumed with Jim. For starters, not taking aim at everyone who gets close.
- Ok, I've wrote the most prominent issue. Now time for the actual survey. I need to get few informations about this place and its inhabitants...
So you learn that this place is home for six different families, totalling at 31 people. That they indeed rotate here corn and barley, for double harvest. And how most of it is either sold to a middle-man from Eugene or - rarely - delivered there directly by the locals. On your separate page you note to the stolen cow lack of any visible wagon in the settlement.

>Tell them about Railroad plans to create a loading station around, asking for support
>Ask about their neighbours, using the map you were given by Baker
>Ask them some more about those cowboys, promising CFC action if they help with identification
>Promise them better safety and livehood opportunities if they consider joining CFC
>Other [Write-in]

>>4073398
>Tell them about Railroad plans to create a loading station around
Not to ask for support really, but to gauge interest and attitudes and go from there
>Ask them some more about those cowboys, promising CFC action if they help with identification
And again, not to promise action per se but rather raise the prospect of it and see what we can do. We're probably the first official they've seen in a long time.

>>4073405
Seconding, don't promise shit but make sure they understand we're interested.

>>4073405
>>4073772
>Other [Tell them about Railroad plans to create a loading station around and ask about those cowboys, mentioning possible CFC action]

You finally stand up from the porch. By now, every adult and most of the kids are standing in an arch in front of you. This allows you to use their own porch as your platform.
- I've got some pretty good news for all of you. First, the Cascadia Railroads is planning to construct a loading station in this area, somewhere along the rail
You point your arm toward the direction there the main trunk of the metal road lies
- Bullshit
One of the men mutters, but rather than dismissing your notion, he's clearly impressed by it. There is already a commotion in the crowd, with everyone talking with each other about this new. You calm them down with a hand gesture.
- Once it's set up, it will allow you to ignore the Eugene middle-man, selling your grain to whoever you want within the Valley, reaching as far as Albany and New Salem.
The talks erupt again. You don't interrupt them, knowing this is a really big news. With or without free grazers abusing this area, this is a big game-changer. After a while, you speak up again.
- I've made a report about your tresspassing issue - You rise your ledger up and shake it slightly - It will reach the head office of CFC this week. However, to make it truly effective, an identification of the cowboys involved in it will be needed. I can't just follow your words, even if they are true, without any proof that those men really come from the places you've listed. Someone will have to identify them. Names aren't important, but the ranch they are working for or how their horses or cattle are branded will do. Once that's done, the Co-Operative will be able to take action. But right now, it's just your word against theirs. I want to make this clear, before everyone gets overly optimistic.
- So what we're suppose to do? Catch them and haul their asses all the way to Salem?
- Did anyone notify sheriff office in Junction? Halsey? Any sort of authorities?
- So far, we've been too busy keeping this place safe. There are only this many of us.

>Convince them to send someone anyway, as being "besieged" won't solve their problem
>Remind that membership in CFC allows to rely on the organisation and other members, so help would be much easier to accquire
>Volunteer to pass the message to Halsey sheriff's office once you will finish your survey
>Other [Write-in]

>>4073853
>Remind that membership in CFC allows to rely on the organisation and other members, so help would be much easier to accquire
>Volunteer to pass the message to Halsey sheriff's office once you will finish your survey
Kind of a combo, point out the services the CFC offers (we always want more farmers, right?) but offer to do this service pro bono to prove we live up to our reputation as helping the little guys band together. We were going to Halsey eventually I think, so it's not much of a burden. Inform them we might be passing by the dairy farms on the way, meaning any information they give us will allow us to make a less biased statement.

>>4074162
This. Worst case scenario, we get someone else to run the message to Halsey. Hopefully the taste of how the CFC can help with him their problems will make them more friendly (or spur them to join)

>>4074162
Yup. The CFC looks out for its members and while It seems more economically minded I'd imagine they would arbitrate disputes as well and intervention if needed wouldn't be outside their remit.

Nvmd, I've misread the original post

>>4074162
>>4074205
>>4074522
>Other [Offer your help and mention CFC benefits, but don't be pushy with salesman pitch]

- Well, sitting here won't solve your problem, unless you plan to kill each other with the cow heads - You state the obvious - Normally in places where I go, CFC is handling such matters for its members. However, considering your dire situation and my job to survey this land, I will personally pass the message to Halsey. I'm heading in that direction anyway, so it's no problem for me
You give them just enough nudge about the Co-Operative, but don't follow with any grand speeches, lists of benefits or other such hooks. First, you've got other job to do here and a lot of places to visit yet. Second, they are too distracted with their current issues with pests larger than any of the CFC-provided solutions can remove from their fields
Meanwhile, the villagers seems to agree on your suggestion, at least as far as your role of their messenger goes
- Ok, so two things that I will need. First is your specific testimony to be provided, with signatures of everyone. Then, as much informations about local dairy farms, which I will be still visiting in incoming days, so I can be assured it's not them false-flagging the whole thing
Of course you need those informations for different reasons, but it's not that it won't help locals anyway
Together with the crowd, you create a simple, clear testimony for Halsey's sheriff, mentioning last few intrustions this and previous year, describing in as much detail as feasible the cowboys involved and listing all the damage caused, along with threats and other violations. Then, everyone takes a turn to sign the piece of paper on the back - some of them with XXX
On yet another page in your ledger, you write down as much informations about surrounding dairy farmers and people that simply keep more than two milk cows, making adjustments to Baker's map. It's not that much of new informations, but it's still something to go with.
Once you are done with the whole business, you pack your things and get to one of your saddlebags, You take out of it a tube with your own documents, It's a whole stache of pre-typed forms to join CFC. You count seven of them and handle them over to the villagers, explaining how to fill them, but without pushing for it either. Just something to consider
By the time you are riding away from the settlement, no gun is pointed in your direction. Once you catch some distance, your bodyguard finally exhales deeply, probably first time in the past half hour
- This is how this always goes?
- Yup... But usually on the frontiers, rather than within the Valley. So just relax and let me do all the talking
You check the map and new notes you've made
- We've just visited the most populated place in this area. I don't expect situation going as dramatic as this from now on. Hopefully
You add, just to not tempt fate. Then you check the map and your fresh notes

>>4075430
>Simply go to the nearest grain farm
>Simply go to the nearest dairy farm
>Focus on grain farms today
>Focus on dairy farms today
>See if there aren't any "weird" locations first
>Head to the most far-away place and continue from there
>Continue with visiting biggest concentrations of population first
>Other [Write-in]

>>4075433
>>Continue with visiting biggest concentrations of population first

>>4075505
Seconded, the more people are testifying the less likely their story is biased.

>>4075433
>Head to the most far-away place and continue from there

>>4075505
>>4075569
>Continue with visiting biggest concentrations of population first

- And I think we should continue our trek through the bigger settlements or things that can pass as such. This will allow us to gather far more informations faster, since there will be more people to ask about their neighbours.
- Shouldn't we ask about those cowboys, too?
Your bodyguard asks, making you smile.
- That's part of it. But we aren't asking about any cowboys directly. Just complains, dangers and so on. Right now, we've got one version of the story. I want to hear at least five before I file any sort of testimony to anyone. Especially to a sheriff. If there are any actual freegrazers here, then this might affect the plans for this area. You see...
On your ride to the next village, you explain more or less the importance of the Agriculture Support Clause to Hanson and why any interference with it or problems with securing rail connection prior to this year harvest might have a really, really long lasting effects on the whole Railroad. Partially, you do it to simply kill time while being in the saddle. Partially to have him understand why he's even risking his neck and how important this can be not just for handful of farmers or the Railroad, but for the whole of former Oregon, if not Cascadia. He's mildly interested, but shows enough understanding to the entire plan and its implications.
As you talk, you pass through the open plan, dotted here and there with fields. At one point, you wave your hand to a kid guarding handful of cows grazing in a meadow. No signs of any big herds here, including lack of trampled land.
In about half hour, you reach another "settlement". This one consists of grand total of five, relatively close to each other houses with what probably is a communal barn. You can smell animals from afar, while riding among a trail between two plown fields.
- Anyone? Anything? - You ask Keith
- Nope. But they did noticed us already
You slowly ride between buildings. People are interested, but they don't panic.
- Hello, traveller

>Introduce yourself and state your business with survey for both the Railroad and CFC, keeping it official
>Take a good look around, then try talking about CFC, trying to sway them right off the bat
>Ask directly to whom they are selling their milk here, to find how important connection to Halsey will be for them
>Ask about possibility of freegrazing in those parts, to test the ground
>Other [Write-in]

>>4075831
>>Introduce yourself and state your business with survey for both the Railroad and CFC, keeping it official

>>4075914
Seconded.

>>4075831
>Ask directly to whom they are selling their milk here, to find how important connection to Halsey will be for them

>>4075914
>>4075925
>Introduce yourself and state your business with survey for both the Railroad and CFC, keeping it official

- Mornin' - You reply - I'm Collins. This is my partner, Hanson - You point at Keith - We are here on a land and farming survey for the Cascadia Farming Co-Operative and the Cascadia Railroads. Can we take a minute or two? Just a couple of routine questions
- Ha! CFC reaching this place? I thought you people stick to officially registered villages and such.
- We reach all farms we can - You ignore the potential smack talk - And for next few days, we plan to survey surrounding farms.
- And the railroad brought you? - He heckles you again.
- Literally.
- So CFC does reach all farms it can travel to with ease, right? - He grins, proud of himself and slowly pushing you into corner.
- We have only this many people and so many places to visit, some far, far beyond the Republic - You cite the old, tried and true reply for such accusations.
- And thus leave us all here forgotten, because who cares, not spectacular enough when boasting to politicans, hm?
It's hard to tell if this is just a playful banter of a genuine greviance. True, this area was left alone by CFC, because there really wasn't any actual place to go and sway into joining. Not a single village, just bunch of farmers scattered in close adjacency to towns and even city of Eugene itself, so they could easily handle everything themselves. No need for Co-Op here, beyond bragging rights. Of course that was before the Railroad needed as many farmers using it as only feasible, especially in uncorporated areas.

>Flattery - You're impressed by his observations and straightforward nature
>Indifference - You're just doing your job and it's not your fault nor problem
>Passion - You're here to finally put end of the blatant neglect and right wrongs
>Pragmatism - You're here to help around making money, not talk politics
>Relation - You're just a cog and are neglected yourself [Lie, Roll 1d100]
>Other [Write-in]

>>4076033
>>Pragmatism - You're here to help around making money, not talk politics

>>4076033
>Flattery - You're impressed by his observations and straightforward nature

>>4076033
>Pragmatism

>>4076033
>Pragmatism - You're here to help around making money, not talk politics
Keep it business for now

>>4076044
>>4076113
>>4076239
>Pragmatism - You're here to help around making money, not talk politics

You take a breath through your teeth, then exhale the same way
- Probably. Almost certain, even - Then you ostentiably shrug - But does it really matter? Now we're here and doing a survey. And if the data checks out, everyone around here is going to earn a big pile of money out of the sudden, so how about we skip the unpleasantries and go directly to business.
The man looks at you for a moment, then finally asks.
- How big?
- Huge - You stretch your arm, as if showing heigh from ground up to your saddled position - Interested in making money?
- Not really... but keep going.
So you explain the reason why you are here - railroad expansion and plans to build a depo in the area, as long as it turns out to be profitable enough. Smelling the barn, you also point out how profitable it will be to be in the milk business. Eventually the man invites you inside of his house. You leave your horses tied to a guard-rail of his porch and both get inside a small kitchen. Most of appliances and furniture remember times from Before by the look of them. You continue to chat, but the man is still not giving you any actual data. Eventually, you exhaust entirely the subject of the depo construction and milk shipments.
- So let me get this straight: I report my earnings and productivity of my cows, along with buyers for my milk and cheese, and you will arrange for a train to stop around and take it to ship it whenever the line ends?
- More or less.
He smirks, then shakes his head in clear disbelief.
- Ok, jokers. Which one of you is from the tax office and which is the muscle to secure him? I assume you are the collector - He points at you - It's been a nice and fun talk, but so far, I'm just guilty of general tax evasion. I can live with that warning you will write. But if you expect me to evaluate how much should I be fined and pay in back-taxes, you must be crazy.
- No, no, we are really here on the behalf of the Railroad. Land survey and expenses
- And Railroad needs my farm to expand? And to collect a rail bounty for being good and useful for the citizens?
- More or less...
- Riiight... Listen, the folks outside pretty much just wait for my decision if we should simply cast you out or beat the shit out of you and bury you under the apple tree...
You don't know even when it happend, but Keith is already standing with a gun pointed at the man and his own back to the wall of the kitchen
- Whoah! Whoah! Calm down!
You rise your hands to stop him, while in the same time eyeing the farmer. He just sits in his chair, despite being held at a gunpoint.

>>4077161
>Order Keith to stand down, before he shoots someone on pure reflex
>Take the survey out of him by force now, citing greater good
>Take the survey out of him by force now, not looking for excuses
>Belittle the man for being needlessly leary, then just walk out of this place [Roll 1d100]
>Assure them that you have nothing to do with taxes nor really care [Roll 1d100]
>Ask for permission to just leave in peace, no question asked [Roll 1d100]
>Take the man hostage and force your way out of this place [Roll 1d100]

>>4077162
And of course
>Other [Write-in]

>>4077162
>assure the man you have nothing to do with taxes. If you are so deep in with the taxman wouldnt this rail help you out? The CFC could even help you solve whatever issues you are having with it.

>>4077197
Backing this plan to present ourselves as a good guy trying to help him (because we are). Maybe throw in a line about not threatening a railway official for good measure.

>>4077197
+1

Engineer net cable is gone. Eta repair 22h

>>4077327
This. If they start making threats like thugs they can expect treatment due to thugs.

Rolled 42, 67, 57 = 166 (3d100)

Finally got net back! Since nobody rolled, I will roll for you

>>4077197
>>4077327
>>4077328
>>4079429
>Other [Assure him that you have nothing to do with taxes and offer help on behalf of CFC] [Roll1d100]

- Can I please spend this day in relative calm and without constantly having to avoid people pointing guns at each other? I get it! Everyone is a big guy and even greater warrior. But can we stop threatening each other? What is this? Times right after the Pulse?
You fell heavily on the seat behind the kitchen table and cover your face in both hands, giving your cheeks a course massage.
- You can't imagine how tiresome it it... - You talk to the man - I expect to endure at least five similar scenes today. And then few more down the road of my tour. So, let's get this straight. No, I'm no taxman. Yes, he's my bodyguard. No, we are most definitely not here for income evaluation. And if you plan to hide said income or avoid back taxes, then we can strike a very simple deal out of it. In my saddlebags is an entire roll of forms to join CFC. You sign it in and I make sure the office in Eugene takes care of all and any of your problems. In turn, you will simply ship your milk and whatever other produce this farm generates along with the rail. And stop bad-mouthing CFC, because lo and behold, it can save your ass in need.
The man doesn't say a word. You aren't even sure if he pay atention to what you've said, considering his gaze is mostly focused on Hanson. In turn, your guard took a firm position with his handgun and apparently doesn't plan to back down on his own, constantly aiming toward the head of your questionable host.
- I'm going to let you go. I'm going to pretend we never met. I'm going to expect the same.
- Deal. I expect we won't be shot in the back - You extend your hand - Let's shake on it.
His hand is rough and full of hard calluses.
- Keith! We're leaving!
You command and get outside to your horses. True to the man's words, apparently everyone in this place gathered outside. With three guns, but predominately farming tools. And axes. They stand in a tight circle, but let you get on horseback.

>Catch distance from this place ASAP [Roll 1d100]
>Try to still leave the joining form [Roll 1d100]
>Push it and ask for directions [Roll 1d100]
>Other [Write in] [Roll 1d100]

>>4081581
>still leave the joining form then book it.
Sheesh people are real assholes out here

Rolled 62 (1d100)

>>4081581
>Catch distance from this place ASAP [Roll 1d100]
I'd rather take our chances. This whole damn trip might have been a mistake, and we'll be lucky if we don't eat a bullet at some point.

Rolled 77 (1d100)

>>4081581
>>Catch distance from this place ASAP [Roll 1d100]

Rolled 40 (1d100)

>>4081581
>Try to still leave the joining form [Roll 1d100]
Are high rolls good or bad?

>>4081594
>>4081595
>Catch distance from this place ASAP [Roll 1d100]

Not wasting any time, you push your way through the gathered crowd. No time for dramatics, speeches or any sort of bravado. You simply haste your horse as soon as you can and then further increase the pace to fast trot. Only when you are away from the cluster of buildings, you slow down and then stop your mount. Nobody is chasing you nor following.
You slump in the saddle.
- What a horrible, horrible place. Not just the farm, but the whole part of the Valley. Did someone riled those people or something?
- Beats me. But next time we aren't walking into any buildings, unless things are confirmed first to be safe and sound. And we stay on horseback. Especially you, director. Where to now?
You take out your map. First, you mark the place you've just visited with a crude skull. Then, after a second, you note to it "Milk". Time to make decision

>Simply go to the nearest grain farm
>Simply go to the nearest dairy farm
>Focus on grain farms today
>Focus on dairy farms today
>Check again for any atypical or "weird" locations
>Head to the most far-away place and continue from there
>Continue with visiting biggest concentrations of population first
>Screw this trip, you are getting too old for risking your neck - head directly to Halsey
>Other [Write-in]

>>4081634
Four legs good and by this logic, high rolls good, too

>>4081639
>Continue with visiting biggest concentrations of population first

>>4081639
>Continue with visiting biggest concentrations of population first
One more incident like this and we're bailing.

>>4081639
>Continue with visiting biggest concentrations of population first
Third time's the charm. Maybe we'll actually find somebody sane this time.

Rolled 29, 29, 34, 8, 17, 78, 71, 95, 33 = 394 (9d100)

>>4081647
>>4081658
>>4081671
>Continue with visiting biggest concentrations of population first

You check the map once more. Another "big" settlement is on the opposite end of the aea you plan to survey, so heading there would cost you rest of the day, just traversing the land. After that, there is barely anything bigger than hamlets consisting of three houses, so no way to be picky. Ultimately, after careful study of the map you realise your next best shot will be to go toward a line of grain farms, going more or less in parallel to the railway itself, slowly heading north, toward Halsey. Maybe with less people at single encounter, things will go smoother.
You force your horse to get closer to Keith and lean toward him with the map, pointing your route.
- We go north and stop on every farm on the way - You point the final place in the line - Shouldn't be anything than fields, so pay attention to any livestock you will see.
Despite the unpleasantries in the last place, you still remember the claim about free grazers roaming in this area. However, at this point you doubt you really want to meet with them, considering how hostile everyone have been so far.
It doesn't take long to spot another field. It's long and thin, separated by a line of trees and then another field, equally thin and long. On their end, there are houses. As you get close to the trees, you realise they are cherries and apples, first already after bloom, the other getting close to it. As curious the windbreaker, it's too small to qualify to be an orchard.
The farm buildings consist of two small cabins and a barn, probably shared. There is a small flock of chicken behind wicker fence. There is also a woman operating the well and a man that's exiting the barn right now.
- Good day!
He greets you first

>Ask about free grazers right off the bat
>Ask about hostile neighbours, down south
>Explain who you are and what you want
>Disregard your bodyguard and dismount, then have a normal conversation
>Other [Write-in]

>>4083120
>>Explain who you are and what you want

>>4083120
>Ask about hostile neighbours, down south
She seems friendly, at least

Will wait another 40m, then just toss a coin

>>4083517
That's me

The coin has spoken

>>4083319
>Ask about hostile neighbours, down south

- Good day - You tilt your hat a bit - May we ask for some water, please?
- Sure.
As previously agreed, you stay in the saddle, forcing Fritz into slow walk toward the well. The woman next to it takes a metal cup hanging on the pump and makes it full, handling it over. It's so cold, it makes your teeth rattle, but you still drink it down. You rise the cup to your bodyguard, but he shakes his head in decline, so you give back the cup. Meanwhile, the man next to the barn walks toward the well, but seems simply interested in arrival of strangers
- Thank you... So there is some hospitality left in these parts. Been south, almost chased us out when we simply showed up.
- South? - She gives you a puzzled look - You mean the Campbell place?
- I have no idea. Took us for debt collectors
- Ooooh - The man joins, apparently recognising who you meant - The Greeny farm. Bunch of squatters moved in once the old man died. Weird folks, but they stick to themselves, so my advice - just stay away. Preferably gunshot distance away
He gives you a meaningful wink, then sits on the small rise of the well.
- So what brings you here, stranger?
- Collins - You present yourself
- Scott. John Scott. My sister, Grace
- Well, nice to meet you. That's Hanson. - You point at your bodyguard
- Why so official?
- We're on a job here
The man rises his head a bit, then smiles
- Oooh... I sure hope you really aren't debt collectors.
- Why? You owe someone, John Scott? - You ask, leaning down in the saddle, but then chuckle as well - No, we're here to do a land survey for CFC and the Railroad.
- Railroad? - The woman seems concerned - But you aren't planning to put the railway through our land?
- No, most definitely no. But the Cascadia Railroads is planning to build a depot for use of local farms and we first need to evaluate how big the farms are exactly and how much grain and other produce they deliver, to find the best spot for the depot.
- You mentioned the Co-Op, mister - John rises another point of concern - We aren't members

>Give a nod to Keith to get dismounted and have a hearthly talk with those people, maybe they will say something on their own
>Try to probe them about attitude toward CFC first
>Offer them joining, right here and now, pulling the form
>Change the subject and focus on the survey itself - membership isn't mandatory, after all
>Other [Write-in]

>>4083697
>Try to probe them about attitude toward CFC first

>>4083697
>>Try to probe them about attitude toward CFC first

>>4083732
>>4083810
>Try to probe them about attitude toward CFC first

- Membership isn't mandatory... -Then you quickly add -Nor required. So when was the last time anyone from the Co-Op was here?
You know the answer, but why not try the man. He thinks for a while, then extends his arms in a slight shrug
- I don't think anyone ever was here. At least I don't remember that happening. And honestly, I don't think it's required in the first place. CFC is always about helping the needy and those in bad situation. Our farm is going steady
- No problems?
- More with neighbours than anything else. We've got all the tools, the land is good and so far away from any disputed or dangerous areas that nobody even thinks about raiding us. So I guess we are fine on our own, without paying that yearly fee just for the fact we are "in"
You make a long, obvious pause, so they can see you are thinking about something Finally, you shoot your cannon
- What about the free grazers?
- I see you're survey is going well.
- So it's true?
John shrugs dismissively again.
- They aren't big problem, at least not for our farm. We told them to stick to the pasture and keep the cattle away from fields. They did as told. Even got rid of a fox that was hunting our hens.
- Has any of you talked with them about their job
- Sure.
- Of course - Grace joins - We even asked them for a dinner.
You start to wonder how much the cowboys really are an issue and how much the people of the first settlement you've visited are just hard-asses toward outsiders. And how true was the story of the stolen cow. On the other hand, this farm has relatively small and well-defined boundary of fields, much easier to look after when herding cattle.
- So Alpine or Bellfountain ranch? - You finally ask, before the silence gets uncomfortable
- Alpine. They've talked about it and the brand was matching.
You take one more look around the stead. Buildings aren't falling apart and things look maintained. You can't tell how are their machines and tools, but given the well-pump alone, they don't look short-supplied.
- And if I offer you joining CFC? I've got forms with me.
- The fee is still 50 bucks a year? - John asks
- I'm afraid so.
He just smiles broadly as an answer to the original question. You smile back.
- All right. Can we then do the survey?
- Sure, why not.
You quickly learn about their rotation of wheat, barley, potatoes and turnips, note down the last harvest and how much money they've earned in previous years, which should give you a good estimate once having access to CFC's archive. They also give you handy tips around surrounding farms, making your future trip more organised

>Bid them farewell, but still leave the join form to CFC, just in case
>Bid them farewell and ride to the next farm in the line, now that you know what to expect there, to see for yourself
>Note what you've learned about their neighbours, bid them farewell and organise new route - no point going house to house
>Other [Write-in]

>>4085287
>>Bid them farewell and ride to the next farm in the line, now that you know what to expect there, to see for yourself

>>4085287
>Bid them farewell and ride to the next farm in the line, now that you know what to expect there, to see for yourself

>>4085287
>Bid them farewell and ride to the next farm in the line, now that you know what to expect there, to see for yourself
One by one

>One by one
And my brain reacts with:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IWhmS8FOY0g

>>4085310
>>4085791
>>4086353
>Bid them farewell and ride to the next farm in the line, now that you know what to expect there, to see for yourself

Once you are finished writing everything in your ledger, you put it back into the saddlebag. You don't reach for the roll full of application forms, knowing it's no use.
- Guess that will be it. We'll continue down north. Thanks for your time and cooperation. The depot will be build most definitely before harvest season, as it is top priority for the Railroad to guarantee shipment of it.
- Some sort of publicity gig?
- Something like that - You smile, nodding. You never explained them why you really need all those informations - But the exact location will only be known once I'm done. Again - thank you for your help. Much appreciated. Bye!
You bump your hat with index finger, then click your tongue for the horse and start riding toward the direction of the next farm. Once past the Scotts property, you slow down slightly to ride side by side with your bodyguard.
- See? This is how this usually works. This is more or less what I was expecting from the start. And it would be much easier to do while dismounted. Especially the writing part.
- We'll see about it. One swallow doesn't make a summer
The next target is slightly off the path you've planned before. And the building on your way isn't exactly a farmhouse. There is a field next to it, with evenly set rows of moulds, reminding more of a large garden, but the "house" itself is barely bigger than a shack and looks the part. It's not even marked on your map, but John mentioned about it. You ride in wide half-circle, to get to the "front" of the hovel
- Mrs Clark? - You rise your voice a bit - Mrs Clark!
Nobody emerges from the tilted construction from old planks and thin trunks of young trees. After closer inspection, you realise it's a dug-out.
- Mrs Clark!
You call again. She should obviously hear you by now if she was inside, even if the Scott siblings described her as quite old.

>Start to look for the woman around
>Ask Keith to try to track her
>Just try to measure her field yourself
>Assume she must be away and continue your ride
>Other [Write-in]

>>4087093
Oh, right, everything that isn't just riding away - [Roll 1d100]

Rolled 15 (1d100)

>>4087093
>Start to look for the woman around

Rolled 73 (1d100)

>>4087093
>>Start to look for the woman around

>>4087194
>>4087200
>>Start to look for the woman around

- Mrs Clark!
You try one more time, then look at your bodyguard. Eventually you dismount and get close to the entrance to the dug-out. Fritz is oddly nervous, curling lips and snorling, despite nobody being around. There are pretty sturdy looking doors leading inside. The moment you knoc knock at them, a mad barking of a really nasty sounding dog starts. It startles you so much, your heart beats faster. Your horse is now clearly distressed, but at least you know why.
- It's all right... - You pull the mount away from the hovel and start to comfort him. The barking stops, but you can still hear a low growling - Better security than those doors could offer, if you ask me.
- Should we ride? - Keith ask, looking around using binoculars
- Can you see her anywhere?
- Not a trace. And it's not a terrain where one could easily hide, unless trying real hard.
You handle him the reins of your horse, then get back to the entry to the dug-out. You circle the above-ground part of it. looking around. Then you check sky to see sun position. Eventually you return to your horse and get back in the saddle.
- No point waiting. Let's just continue as planned.
After a while of riding toward the next farm, Hanson suddenly stops and rises his binoculars, then points something in the distance.
- There. A single figure.
He handles you the binoculars and corrects your direction. A lone person, too far away to be sure who that is, going through high, wild grasses.

>Investigate, that's most likely Mrs Clark - and if not, just lone human anyway
>Ask Keith to keep an eye on that person, but continue riding toward your destination
>Return to the hovel and wait there
>Other [Write-in]

>>4087346
>>Investigate, that's most likely Mrs Clark - and if not, just lone human anyway

>>4087346
>Investigate, that's most likely Mrs Clark - and if not, just lone human anyway

>>4087375
>>4087383
>Investigate, that's most likely Mrs Clark - and if not, just lone human anyway

You give the twins back
- I'm going to bet that's Mrs Clark and that nothing bad will happen if we get close to have a chat with her - You say while broadly smiling and riding already in that direction.
Hanson is not amused in the slightest
- I don't like this kind of bets. And I particularly don't like winning those
But he still follows your lead. You don't go beyond trot anyway, being in no rush and most definitely not wanting to look like a danger yourself. Enough of twitchy people with weapons for today already. As you are closing, you see the figure stop at certain point. Something glisters - probably some sort of telescope - but then the figure continues walking in the same direction. Eventually, you are close enough to see a woman in the distance. And she's not alone. Close to her, a whole pack of large dogs is pacing toward your direction. In fact, they are so close already, you can recognise the molossers that aren't stoping.
A long, pitching whistle pierces the air and the dogs, so far running straight toward you, all just stop and lay down in the grass. Doesn't make your mount any calmer, still sniffing the air and sensing the whole pack.
- Who are you?
The woman remains at safe distance, protected what you count to be seven large, well-trained attack dogs. They just calmly lay down, ignoring your presence, but you don't want to think what would happen if they were ordered to do anything else. Your bodyguard is constantly eyeing them, probably expecting the worse.
- I'm Collins. That's Hanson. - You point at her - You must be Mrs Clark? John Scott send us to you.
You try to give some extra credit to your works.
- Johnny? To me? - She's puzzled - What for?
She closes further. From this distance, you can tell that "quite old" doesn't cut it. The woman is wrinkled like a prune, with visible liver spots. By the way she moves, she could be easily in her 80s, if not even older. You wonder if she could be old enough to be born Before, and if not, then maybe before the New Deluge.

>You are on land survey, the short story
>You are on a land survey, the full story
>You would like to ask her about tresspassers and freegrazers, just don't ask about them directly
>Change the subject toward her dogs, feeling uneasy about them
>You would like to buy a dog [Lie, Roll 1d100]
>Other [Write-in]

>>4087514
*protected by

>>4087514
>>You are on land survey, the short story

>>4087514
>You are on land survey, the short story
Odds of another gun in face are uncertain

>>4087520
>>4087527
>You are on land survey, the short story

- Let me explain. We are working for the Cascadia Farming Co-Operative. And for the Railroad. Our job is to survey this whole part of the Valley and estimate local farm output. There will be a railway station build around those parts, for the farmers living around.
You talk loud and clear, both due to the distance between you and the fact you aren't sure how much the woman hears. Or understands. She stands still for a while, not moving. As you are about to call her, she whistles again. This time differently, very short. The dogs quickly rise and come running to her, staying very close. By the corner of your eye you see Keith twitching nervously toward his gun, but freezing mid-way. First time today, you aren't surprised by his nervous reaction. The molossers are making you more nervous than a lynching crowd.
- I'm not a member of C-F-C - She drags pauses between each letter - And I don't travel by rail. What's the survey about? Can it be done in a move?
- Sure - You blurt, at first expecting just decline - Keith?
There are only this many things you can do at once, so you handle him reins again, dismounting. You take your ledger and start asking the standard questions, getting as much as possible about Mrs Clark's farm. It's not much - the farm, not the amount of information she gives, but given her advanced age, you are more impressed by the sole fact she's still alive and well. For your whole walk, she's closely surrounded by her dogs and you keep safe distance, even if they appear to ignore your presence now. You are almost done with the survey, when you reach her "stead". She asks for a pause, then opens the door to her dug-out. The eighth dog gets out of it and starts growling in your direction. Without breaking her stride, the old lady smacks it right in the snout. The dog winces and curls into a tight ball.
- She's moody lately. Pregnant, you know.
- Mrs Clark, may I ask you something else? How do you... you know, feed them. I doubt they eat carrots and corn.
- Nosy surveyors. And greedy tax collectors. And paperboys. - She starts laughing on her own joke - They hunt on prey animals, of course.
- On cattle? - You drill further
She frowns her brows, then looks at you carefully
- Is there some kind of problem I should know?
- No, it's not like that. But I've been collecting also reports about free-grazing cowboys in these parts.
- Those jokers from Alpine? - She starts giggling, suddenly - Wanted to buy all of my dogs. As if they knew how to handle them. Or they would listen to them.
- And those cowboys - any problems from them?
- I don't think so. I was still in the middle of hoeing the field, so told them which part they should stay away from, to not ram the ground back.
- Did they?
- Kept their herd away? Did their best.

>>4087591
>Ask her about surroundings
>Ask her about her neighbours
>Ask her about her dogs
>Ask her about personal stuff
>Conclude the survey, thank her for time and just continue north
>Other [Write-in]

>>4087594
>>Ask her about surroundings
>>Ask her about her neighbours

>>4087594
>Ask her about surroundings
>Ask her about her neighbours

>>4087594
>Ask her about surroundings
>Ask her about her neighbours
An idea of what else is around and if any of them are going to greet us with gunfire

Coin'd the choice, update ETA +90min

>>4087732
>>4087856
>>4088296
>Ask her about her neighbours

>>4088656
>Ask her about her neighbours

- And how did your neighbours reacted to a large herd of cattle roaming around?
- My neighbours? You would have to aks them yourself. You've been to Scotts already, so let me point you to others.
She gives you a list of names, farms and steads spread in the area. Most of it overlaps with what you've already learned from John Scott and your own map. Few other tiny holdings are added to the list, some of them not even on your route. For an elderly person, Mrs Clark walks quite a lot, knowing all those places, some of them more than a day of walk from her own hovel.
Ultimately, there is nothing you could ask her, either about her own parcel or other farmers. You pack the ledger and pull the application form to the CFC. The woman rummaged around her neck, then pulls out a small magnifying glass, tied on a string, and extends her arms for a while to properly align the distance between the paper, the glass and her own eyes.
- You provide seeds and seedlings?
- Of course, that's one of the basic operations.
- And tools? - She is visibly interested
- Depends what kind.
- Hand tiller.
- Good. Pen?
You quickly provide her with a pen and get a nice, caligraphed signature on the form. And a list of various seeds she would like to get, preferably still in April, so she could plant them this season. When reminded about the membership fee and costs, she just smiles.
- That won't be a problem.
You bid your farewell and mount back. The dogs, so far not interested, all surround your horse. Mrs Clark simply taps her thigh and they come to her.

>Continue on your own route for now
>Try to incorporate new locations to it - those small farms aren't even on your map
>Make a stop - it's time for a break and to eat something finally
>Other [Write-in]

>>4088690
>Try to incorporate new locations to it - those small farms aren't even on your map

>>4088690
>>Try to incorporate new locations to it - those small farms aren't even on your map