-
Once upon a time, you were a Drone.
Specifically bred and modified since conception until birth, then carefully brought up to serve a singular purpose. Well...
...that's until the Great Galactic War. EXO-LUMINA Corp's rule ended, the democracy returned (except in places where brutal military dictatorships took over), and the New Galactic Federation is trying stardate-by-stardate to restore human civilization from its knees.
But the instability and brutality of the past 27 years is gone. With the New Galactic Federation's Basic Rights Charter, you're no longer a Drone - you're now legally free person, and an adult, at that.
Homeless, without family, you were doing oddjobs and drifting about the galaxy without much purpose. Finally, at brink of starvation and despair, you've applied for the first job you could find on the constantly shifting Job Network.
Bartending for Synthol Refueling Conglomerate, at the Galactic Refueling Outpost 254831, Zanzibar Sector.
Name:
Designated Sex: Male, Female, Binary, Neuter
Conversational Programming: Hot-headed, Flirty, Chilly, Chatty, Amenable (pick 2)
List of Days: 1 (http://www.bay12forums.com/smf/index.php?topic=180136.msg8392683#msg8392683) 2 (http://www.bay12forums.com/smf/index.php?topic=180136.msg8411061#msg8411061) 3 (http://www.bay12forums.com/smf/index.php?topic=180136.msg8418828#msg8418828) 4 (http://www.bay12forums.com/smf/index.php?topic=180136.msg8434202#msg8434202) 5 (http://www.bay12forums.com/smf/index.php?topic=180136.msg8444223#msg8444223) 6 (http://www.bay12forums.com/smf/index.php?topic=180136.msg8471066#msg8471066) 7 (http://www.bay12forums.com/smf/index.php?topic=180136.msg8478206#msg8478206) 8 (http://www.bay12forums.com/smf/index.php?topic=180136.msg8493169#msg8493169) 9 (http://www.bay12forums.com/smf/index.php?topic=180136.msg8501915#msg8501915)
Name: Σ-9QP1-KR23-LMJX-01P3 Arnold.
Designated Sex: Male
Conversational Programming: Chatty, Flirty
Pre-Bartending Programming: Space InfantrySkills Gained: SRC Maintenance Manual Mastery
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PTW
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Nechtan Venkessla
Male
Flirty, Chilly
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Ah shit, it's BACK!
I love this game!
Designated sex: Trinary :P
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yessss
Name: Σ-9QP1-KR23-LMJX-01P3 Arnold. Our friends call us Arnie (or they would, if we had any).
Designated Sex: Male
Conversational Programming: Chatty, Amenable, Flirty
What's the difference between Chatty and Amenable anyway?
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Name: Random (birth certificate reads [random unintelligible drone noises])
Designated Sex: 1 part female, 3 parts binary, shake, pour over ice
Conversational Programming: Hot-headed, Flirty
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Good entries but that also means votes are split ;v
What's the difference between Chatty and Amenable anyway?
Chatty is conversational and prone to discussions.
Amenable is submissive and prone to apologies.
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Good entries but that also means votes are split ;v
better than the alternative.
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yessss
Name: Σ-9QP1-KR23-LMJX-01P3 Arnold. Our friends call us Arnie (or they would, if we had any).
Designated Sex: Male
Conversational Programming: Chatty, Amenable
What's the difference between Chatty and Amenable anyway?
Amenable sounds awful. Replace it with flirty and I'll switch (although I still like my name better).
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I'll vote for one that doesn't have amenable.
Like this one.
Nechtan Venkessla
Male
Flirty, Chilly
+1
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Amenable sounds awful. Replace it with flirty and I'll switch (although I still like my name better).
Yeah, alright - amenable doesn't sound amazing, I'll edit it out. I liked Chatty last game.
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I will count that as 2 for Nechtan and 1 for Arnold, unless Maxi says otherwise ;v
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I will count that as 2 for Nechtan and 1 for Arnold, unless Maxi says otherwise ;v
Yes, that's good.
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Make it 2 for Arnie.
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Name: Σ-9QP1-KR23-LMJX-01P3 Arnold.
Designated Sex: Male
Conversational Programming: Chatty, Flirty
Outpost 254831...
Your new workplace! Your new home! An island in the ocean of space! A fortified castle in the middle of the lawless wilderness!
The emergency travel pod (SRC couldn't afford you a liner ticket) docks within the station's cargo bay and you disembark.
The station is in the state of slight disrepair. You quickly connect your fingers to the computer interface and it gives you summary of the status... and everything's seems in order? Then again, it is corporate software we're talking about.
You log into the sensor software and there's not a single ping of impulse drive within range. No wonder; the system at which edge's you're located, Beta Carotenii, while a main sequence orange star with Sol-like parameters, has only a singular, hot gas giant orbiting it.
Besides a science satellite in high orbit of said giant and sending out periodic survey data, there's no signs of civilization - except your outpost, of course. A quartet of Jump Gates, relatively close to each other, is present in the system, but the traffic is low.
It might be hours, days, or even weeks (hopefully not) until you get your first customer - if they're interested in drinking and not just automated refuelling, that's it.
What do you do?
A) Do maintenance on the station software.
B) Do a cleanup of station sections and the bar.
C) Explore your mind and body.
D) Read the database entries on synthols and bartending topics.
E) Read about your work contract and the economics of synthol sales.
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Hooray!
Better start with D, in case we need to do our job in a hurry.
-
Might have to spend a long time alone... but let's be optimistic and hope that we get someone to talk to soon enough. D
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You read the entries on bartending, synthols, drinks mixed, and try to find some bartender jargon dictionaries while you're at it.
1236USY.1d/1m.0240h
CHEAP SYNTHOLS
NAME DESCRIPTORS PRICING
Fungus Malus Bitter, earthy 10c/shot
Wóda Fiery 5c/shot
Skinjuice Fruity 10c/shot
Grenadiere Fruity, sweet 10c/shot
Ribesnero Sour 5c/shot
Cherrybomb Sour, sweet 10c/shot
Sucrosol V.sweet 5c/shot
MEDIUM SYNTHOLS
NAME DESCRIPTORS PRICING
X-Magnum Bitter 35c/shot
Hellesponte Bitter, fruity 30c/shot
Martian Earthy 30c/shot
Ambrosia Earthy, fruity 35c/shot
Dry Jet Fiery, sour 20c/shot
Wet Jet Fiery, sweet 20c/shot
Grapevine Fruity, sweet 25c/shot
Buenberry Fruity, v.sweet 30c/shot
Equator Soft 20c/shot
Creme Blanco Soft, sweet 25c/shot
Saproot Spicy 30c/shot
PREMIUM SYNTHOLS
NAME DESCRIPTORS PRICING
Bricklayer Bitter, fiery 50c/shot
Bogwisp Bitter, spicy 65c/shot
Grande Pascale Earthy, soft 75c/shot
Lamp Fiery 55c/shot
Pneumo Fiery, fruity 55c/shot
InPulsar Fiery, sour 60c/shot
Pontifex Fiery, sweet 75c/shot
Tropico Fruity 60c/shot
Meganekko Fruity, soft 70c/shot
Silkdrink Soft 70c/shot
Sunset Capri Soft, sweet 55c/shot
Lemonstrade Soft, v.sweet 60c/shot
Vurzelberg Spicy 65c/shot
Dee Tee V.Sweet 55c/shot
Dash: A sprinkle of drink. Used for flavoring costs 1c per Synthol class.
Shot: Standard small glass of synthol. Standard recipe unit.
Tank: A big glass of synthol. Holds 7 Shots; in mixing recipes, equals to 5 Shots.
Cocktail: A fancy glass of synthol in shape of inverted cone. Holds 4 Shots.
Extras:
Ice takes 2 Shots of space.
Cherry/Olive takes 1 Shot of space.
Lemon/Lime Slice and Salt Crust are for decorating glass edges.
All extras cost 1c.
====
ERROR: No drink mix database loaded.
Connecting to SRC Drink Mix mainframe database...
Connecting...
Connecting...
>112305064 Drink Mixes available in SRC mainframe database. Load into station mainframe? Y/N
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Y
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You decide to download the entire database onto station computer.
Establishing transfer...
Processing...
Database transfer failed. Reason for failure: Not enough space.
Space available: 153 TQs
Space needed: 9349 TQs
Retry\Abort?
You see no other way than to abort.
What now?
A) Enough terminal tinkering for now.
B) Time for more drink and synthol education.
C) Do some file management on the local database.
D) Read about your work contract and the economics of synthol sales.
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C
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You do some maintenance on the file database of the station.
1236USY.1d/1m.0315h
You do file integrity diagnostics, some much-required updates for sensor and communications software, as well as remove obsolete and junk files, left no doubt by previous bartenders or SRC maintenance crew-
Huh.
There's a folder called 'The Space Adventures of Captain Zirconius and the Ragtag Crew of the Galactic Corvette Hyperion-3!'. It has several hundreds of files, neatly numbered in over a dozen subfolders.
You don't remember ever reading or even hearing about this series during entirety of your Drone childhood and beyond. Could it be vintage series from the old Galactic Federation years?
A) Let's junk it, the database might need the extra space.
B) It might be worth reading a chapter or two, right?
C) Drink and synthol education is more important.
D) Gotta read on my work contract and the economics of synthol sales first.
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Heh, that was actually a typo in the first place, I had meant D. Although we should check this out some time.
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1236USY.1d/1m.0915h
That was quite a lecture. Fortunately, no sensor pings meant that you could concentrate on the text.
The more important bits to remember:
1. Refueling stations are automated and controlled by SRC Refueling AI. Transfers and purchases are automated and therefore do not count into your earnings.
2. You can earn Credits by selling synthols and mixing drinks.
3. As per NGF Synthol Taxation Reform, there's no credit quota per month; instead the SRC Management is privy to bi-monthly 'performance review'. It will impact your assignment and potential removal from the station, if your earnings are not satisfactory.
4. Your earnings will still be tallied per-month (0.1 of a space year) basis.
5. Anything that breaks down must be tended to you or forwarded to the SRC listening posts so that they send a repair crew.
6. On-board torpedo launchers and photon cannons can be put on auto or manually crewed by you.
7. As implied by the above, you're responsible for defense of the station and its valuable fuel storages.
A) Explore your mind and body.
B) Do a cleanup of station sections and the bar.
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B) Do a cleanup of station sections and the bar.
I propose we go back to this one, now, to be properly prepared.
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You cleanup the station - and most importantly, the bar - a little bit.
1236USY.1d/1m.0949h
You manage to run diagnostics on the Fuel Pumps; #10 is offline for almost six years now, while #9 has been struck my a micrometeorite two days ago and its docking mechanism is damaged. You take that one offline as well.
The bar, on other hand, has its furniture toppled or missing, theres dust and junk everywhere, and the bright neon lights above the bar and elsewhere are nonfunctional. The disco area is offline, too!
A) Time to send a maintenance request for the fuel pumps!
B) Lets clean up the bar first!
C) Lets try fixing the lightning first!
D) Lets try fixing the disco area first!
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B is the most directly important to our job.
-
Bar goes first!
1236USY.1d/1m.0955h
5
It takes a little over five minutes for you to clean the dust, clear up the junk and stash it in the recycler, and then wipe the counter and the shelves.
Suddenly, from the control room, you hear the loud, warning pings of the sensor system!
A) I gotta fix the lights first!
B) I gotta fix the disco first!
C) Let's see what's the pinging about.
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C
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C
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C
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You walk to the command center and check the sensors.
Sensors Station Alert! IFF beacon translation in progress...
Done!
"Vanessa", Melchior-class Armed Merchantship, approaching from direction of Poseidonis Jump Gate.
Standard docking and refueling request received.
Fuel Pump assigned: #1 (authority: Automated Refueling AI)
Estimated arrival time: 16 minutes.
Your first patron!
Or maybe patrons? Melchiors usually have a crew of eight, if you recall correctly.
A) Send them an offer to have a drink or three!
B) I am too unprepared to serve them; let them just refuel.
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A
This is why we focused on mission-critical maintenance.
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Yep. Maybe we'll even have time to fix the lights before they turn up!
A
-
A
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You send them an offer to come over for drinks.
Ping...
...ping...
You hear something akin to a young person howling in excitement. "Boys, the station is crewed! IT HAS CREW!! Hell ya we will be visiting you over for drinks! Get those synthol replicators hot and ready for us!!"
The comm channel closes. You still have some time left.
A) Lets try to get the lightning on!
B) Lets try to get some disco on!
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A
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A
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Oh man, that is an excited person. The kind of person who maybe prefers a dance floor to consistent lighting?
Taking a risk on B
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A
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You attempt to fix the neon lights above.
1236USY.1d/1m.1005h
1
...and finally, you turn the power on!
There's a flash, an explosion, and everything turns dark as you listen to shards of plastic and silicon falling around you.
Auxiliary power kicks in a few seconds later, bathing entirety of the station in dim red light, except those areas where its dark still.
A) Oh dear. I better message the crew of Vanessa that there will be no drinks.
B) Ehhhh, its atmospheric. Let's try to fix the disco next!
C) Oh dear, I gotta fix this. I can still fix this, right??
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C
-
B
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B
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Ahaha, oh no
The kind of person who maybe prefers a dance floor to consistent lighting?
B
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You try to fix at least the sound system to play some tunes.
1236USY.1d/1m.1011h
2
You fail to fix the sound system.
But you're out of time as the station alert system starts beeping - Vanessa has begun the docking procedures!
Half a minute later, the main airlock corridor opens and you see silhouettes of nine people.
"Awww sheeeeeeez, what is this junkyard?" A tall man in front of the group speaks up, and then laughs. "Did some pirates trash the place right before we docked? Hello??"
"Here." You speak up, emerging from behind the bar. The person in front taps what you realize are diamond-shaped orange shades. Two small but brilliant lights illuminate most of the room, and you see the rest of the man's crew. They are wearing simple jumpsuits, while the guy - who must be at least 7ft tall - has spiky neon blue hair and tight black leather pants and a flashy purple jacket.
"I am Lucifer DiMaggio, and lemme tell ya this is the weirdest setup you've got here." He grimaces and places his hands on his waist, eyeing the place.
Choose your conversational option!
A) "The place is in bad shape but synthol replicators work."
B) CHATTY: "Hey, don't call this place a junkyard until you've tried the synthol! It's of the highest quality, I assure you."
C) FLIRTY: "Ohhh man, the place might not be the best, but it has me! Trust me, drinks and myself is all you need to have a fun stay~♥"
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A
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CHOSEN: Neutral
"The place is in bad shape but synthol replicators work."
"Mm, I guess that's what's important, no? You boys will be having Cherrybombs?" A group 'aye!' came from Lucifer's crew.
"Seven Cherrybombs. And fix me a Smooth Criminal, will you?"
You boot up the bartending computer linkage to the SRC database...
Initializing...
Connecting...
Connecting...
Connected! Input mix query:
>Smooth Criminal
1 entry found:
SMOOTH CRIMINAL: 111c
Shot of Wóda
Shot of Hellesponte
Shot of Pontifex
Serve in a cocktail glass with a cherry.
You get the fancy glass, mixing the clear, the golden and the brownish synthols in it. At the very end, you gently add the cherry inside, letting it sink to the bottom. You pass it to Lucifer, and then fix seven shots of Cherrybomb. Surprisingly, Lucifer is the one to show his credchip - and you scan it for 181 Credits.
Today Earnings: 181c
Monthly Earnings: 181c
Patron ID: Lucifer DiMaggio
Previous Registered Names: Luisa
Occupation: Captain of Merchantship "Vanessa"
Conv.style: HOT-HEADED
Liked Drinks: N/A
Disliked Drinks: N/A
Once the Cherrybombs are passed to the crew, Lucifer raises the glass towards the crew and takes a sip.
"Mm! So, barkeep! What got you interested in this... ruin? Just don't tell me you're another bored Drone! I've heard too much of that spiel already!"
A) Tell him the truth.
B) Spin it around to ask about other bored Drones.
C) "Sorry, I'm not telling."
-
Hm.
B, I guess? We were pretty desperate at the time, not just bored… I imagine he doesn't care to hear about it anyhow.
-
"Bored drones, huh? So I am not the only one?" Lucifer laughs.
"Hell naw, man! You're, like, sixth? Drone I met that took on bartending after the whole emancipation thingy by the new Federation. You guys are taking the most desperate jobs that no human or cyborg takes, usually, including bartending. I mean, how can you agree to be stuck on a station in middle of nowhere for years to come? I will go insane already if I were you, man!" Lucifer takes a sip of his drink and 'ahhhh's happily.
"But I won't tell ya what to do, man. Enjoy the bartending." He downs the remainder of the cocktail, including the cherry and puts the glass down, chewing on the soggy fruit.
A) "Another Smooth Criminal?"
B) "Want something else?"
C) Question him about... (insert topic here)
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B
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"Want something else?" Lucifer chews on the cherry some more before swallowing.
"Sure, get me a shot of Cherrybomb too."
You pour him a shot of Cherrybomb as asked, and pass the glass as he hands his credchip for you to scan. (+10c)
Today Earnings: 191c
Monthly Earnings: 191c
He grimaces, his shades blinking with blue lights - and so does his credchip.
"Dang inflation..." He downs the Cherrybomb in one go.
A) Ask about... (insert topic here)
B) "More drinks?"
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A: Learned any tips from other bartenders for fixing up the place?
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A: Learned any tips from other bartenders for fixing up the place?
+1
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A: Learned any tips from other bartenders for fixing up the place?
+1
+1
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"Learned any tips from other bartenders for fixing up the place?"
"Huh? Nah! Why would I bother about other people's businesses?" Lucifer shrugs and then muses.
"Speaking of fixing, fix me some asteroids, will you?"
You briefly consider what he might've meant by that, before checking for asteroids in the database.
>Asteroids
1 entry found:
ASTEROIDS: 71c
2 Shots of Sucrosol
2 Shots of Martian
Serve in a tank glass with ice.
Easy enough. You pour some Sucrosol and then Martian into the tank glass, add crushed ice, and stir gently.
After passing the drink to Lucifer, he lets you scan his credchip. (+71c)
Today Earnings: 262c
Monthly Earnings: 262c
"Gotta talk something over with the boys." He picks the tank glass and walks over to the tables where his crew is seated. They converse quietly.
1236USY.1d/1m.1026h
Just few minutes later, he comes back.
"Boys rate your little den three outta five! We done for now, thanks for the drinks." His crewmen then pack up and leave the table, and Lucifer shrugs, putting down the glass, only the half-melted ice remaining within.
"Yo, and don't put a frown against me! Ya gotta work this place up if you wanna better score. Peace!" With a smug grin, Lucifer also leaves. With that, the place is coated in dim red emergency light once more.
1236USY.1d/1m.1029h
Automated systems alert you that Lucifer's ship, Vanessa, has begun undocking procedures - just as you finish gathering the glasses and putting them into wash-o-matic.
1236USY.1d/1m.1031h
Vanessa has cleared the station and is moving towards the Madagascar Jump Gate.
You're truly alone, again.
A) Alright, time to fix that lightning again!
B) Let's fix the discos for now.
C) Got some time to explore myself!
D) Got some time to read on bartending lore!
E) About time I send a maintenance request to SRC headquarters.
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E
Lord knows how long they'll take to handle it, so it's good to get it out of the way now.
-
Expecting help at all from corporate overlords is folly.
A
-
E
Yeah, not expecting them to come any time soon, but worst we can send them away when they do
-
E
-
You decide to send a maintenance request to the SRC Headquarters, making sure to note the fuel pump failures and the power loss.
1236USY.1d/1m.1036h
You receive an automated reply soon enough via subspace.
Outpost 254831 Maintenance Request #1 Status:
Priority Team Eureka assigned successfully.
Estimated arrival: 1236USY.3d/1m.0100h
A) If I can't fix the lightning, maybe there's some spare floodlights or other bits I could use to temporarily lit the main hall?
B) Let's fix the discos for now.
C) Got some time to read on bartending lore!
D) Got some time to explore myself!
E) But maybe I can still fix the lightning? It can't get any worse, now can it?
-
B
-
B - Might as well try. Then we can have the maintenance team look at the light, pumps and disco with a clean conscience
-
B
-
B
-
You try to fix the discos.
♪ 1236USY.1d/1m.1041h ♫ (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H8w_Q57RQJc)
6
Your attempt to fix the discos worked splendidly! Electronic and synth music starts playing, and inspecting the command console power flow made you realize that there's a way to bypass the neon lights, allowing you to disconnect them from the main power conduit of the bar hall.
You jury-rig the bypass, and the main hall is flooded with white and light blue lights. The neons are still busted, their shattered curves looming over the bar like a specter, and the station corridors are still on auxiliary reds, but at least the main venue is again in working condition.
You make a mental note not to tinker further with the power system, lest the bypass itself also fails.
What now?
A) Got some time to read on bartending lore!
B) Got to kill the time by exploring the station!
C) Got some time to explore myself!
-
B
-
A
-
B - Let's find out a little more about our home
-
You decide to roam about the station.
1236USY.1d/1m.1118h
You don't find anything interesting or unusual this time.
You have to end your roam as you hear the distinct pinging of the security console. You return to the command room and check the report.
A very small, one-person craft is zipping in a line from Eta Coridani to Poseidonis Jump Gate.
It is SRC policy to not scan passing craft, only those on intercept course for the station...
...your communications console could, however, ping them with an invitation for drinks.
A) Nothing wrong with a ping, they might've decide they're thirsty after all!
B) Eh, not gonna bother with just one potential patron.
-
A
-
A
-
You ping the tiny spaceship.
The sensors show you that it slows down for a while, then resumes course at full-speed.
Oh well.
What now?
A) Got some time to explore myself!
B) Maybe there's still something to find on the station!
C) Got some time to read on bartending lore!
-
C
-
C
-
You pass the time by reading some bartending lore.
1236USY.1d/1m.1148h
You learn the history of Synthols; the very first 'true' Synthol produced was Sucrosol, but it was too sweet and too artificially-tasting. It took several years to perfect the liquid replication technology, and by that time, Sucrosol's chemical formula changed several times. Its current form is about four times less sweet than original, apparently.
1236USY.1d/1m.1218h
It doesn't surprise you that the stories you've heard about Jet synthols being derived of aeronautic vehicle fuel are true. It was a bootlegger's recipe that gained fame (and notoriety for toxicity) that prompted the old Galactic Federation to first control, and then ban the production. SRC managed to synthetize the old drink while removing almost all of its toxicity, now called Dry Jet, and even came up with the sweeter variant, Wet Jet.
1236USY.1d/1m.1223h
You can't find anything especially interesting.
You shudder - is this how majority of your time will be spent? Milling about in boredom while waiting for potential client?
Hopefully not.
A) Got some time to explore myself!
B) Maybe there's still something to find on the station!
C) Got some time to read those old stories stored in station databanks!
-
B
-
A - Sure why not.
-
A
-
A
-
You return to your quarters, undress and lay down on the bed, plugging the datapad into your neck socket.
1236USY.1d/1m.1350h
Your flesh has been designed from scratch to be impervious to imperfections and ugly marks.
Your mind has been designed to operate alongside a biochip and wetware computer to ensure that whatever your flesh is unable to solve or remember, the artificial memory banks and microprocessors will.
You theoretically need no food, but nutrient sludge and liquid vitamins do keep your body healthy and operating at maximum capacity. Speaking of food; you leave the bedroom for a moment to plug your feed-tube into the food delivery system. The hissing of the sludge being pumped into your stomach sounds so alien every time you feed.
Returning to your bedroom, you view your memories in the back of your head; your childhood on the agrarian planet Delta Taurii IIa as a farming drone, your flight from it and placement on the Las Palmas Manufacturing Station during your teen years, and then forced conscription into Delta Taurii System Defense Forces, where you spent most of your time moving ammunition and rations from one ship to another onboard the orbital dockyard.
Everything is in perfect order. No memory blockades or losses, no internal or external problems, no illnesses or troubling changes in your organic components.
And yet...
A) Delve deeper into the complex network of flesh and electronics.
B) Time to learn more about the station's secrets, if there's any.
C) I can pass time by checking out the Captain Zirconius series.
-
C
-
A
-
Hmm.
A
-
Captain Zirconius your say?
-
A
-
You delve deeper into your memorybanks and cybernetic interface, interacting with your brain via datapad.
1236USY.1d/1m.1402h
You can recall the overall memories of your chilldhood, teenage and young adult years. Yet there are specific blocks that are simply... missing.
You're neither a cyberneticist nor a psychiatrist, but you can assume its mental trauma or damage to your circuitry, either of which should be impossible in such an advanced mind-machine interface like yours.
A) Run the diagnostics once again just to be sure.
B) Keep that in mind for later.
C) Try to remember what you've apparently forgotten.
-
C
-
C
-
A
-
C
-
You attempt to remember what you've forgotten.
1236USY.1d/1m.1433h
A muddy image of a horizon on fire, people screaming, people talking, metal package in your hands.
Pinging from the sensor console interrupts your rememberance of nonsense, however.
A) Keep on remembering.
B) Check the pinging.
-
A
-
B
-
B - Pinging is work, gotta go do it
-
B Enough of those memories for now.
-
B
-
You dress up and rush to the command center, checking the sensor console.
Sensors Station Alert! IFF beacon translation in progress...
Done!
"The Black Dragon of Angierach", a Violator-class Personal Assault Corvette, is approaching from the direction of Eta Coridani Jump Gate.
Standard docking and refueling request received.
Fuel Pump assigned: #4 (authority: Automated Refueling AI)
Estimated arrival time: 13 minutes.
You re-read the name of the ship just to be sure.
There's incoming hail, too.
"Yo, person on board, our bio-sensors tell us someone's on board, but there's no ship docked, so you gotta be the new barkeep or soon-to-be-dead pirate! So start them replicators, we want synthol and we want it hot!"
"Or spicy! You better know how to mix drinks!"
"This place has a bartender? For real?? Holy shit!"
"I know right? It was empty last week-"
The call is ended by the ship's crew there.
A) I better get those replicators started... or something.
B) Thirteen minutes is enough time to remember something about myself, right?
C) Thirteen minutes is enough time to... (do something else?)
-
A
-
A
-
You get behind the bar and make sure its ready to serve the incoming customers.
1236USY.1d/1m.1449h
The computer notifies you that the Black Dragon of Angierach has docked.
Soon enough, the airlock gate opens with a loud hiss and trio of the women enters. All of them clad in slick-black jumpsuits, with plasteel armor plates on their shoulders and legs. The three ladies are all different - two have dark skin and the third has a near-milk white. The first of the dark ladies has bright red hair with a 'thunder' shaped streak of blue, the second has pure white hair, and the milky-skinned girl has short, spiky, neon-green hair.
"HELLLOOOOO extremely, barkeep!" The white-haired girl bellows as she approaches, leading other two behind.
"Wow, what a dump. SRC maintenance didnt get here yet, huh?" Says the redhead as the trio approaches and sits down at the bar, staring at you. Finally, the green-haired one purses her lips and sizes you up.
"He kinda cute, not gonna lie." She speaks with a smug grin on her face.
"Yo, enough talk. Get me a Magnetar."
"Blood on ice!"
"Hmm... get me a shot of wóda. No, wait, two wódas!" You nod, taking their orders and connecting to the drink database-
"Nuh-uh!" The white-haired girl covers the console with her gloved hand, stopping you. "Don't be that cheap with this, you can mix drinks without thinking!"
A) Start mixing on a hunch.
B) CHATTY: "I appreciate your trust in my abilities, but I can't mix without a recipe. Please move your hand."
C) FLIRTY: "Beautiful nails, miss, but that hand would look better reaching for something else than my console, so please take it away."
D) Push her hand away and resume working.
-
A. The customer is always right! Mix up a couple storms!
-
C - They sound like they'd respond well to it
-
DA then.
-
A
-
I'm sorry, I'm a C girl at heart.
-
Honestly... C, and hopefully they find it funny enough that they'll let us work.
-
Fine then, C.
-
C Bunch of party poopers wanting the safe options.
-
((I wouldn't exactly call A safe. :p ))
-
C
-
((I wouldn't exactly call A safe. :p ))
That's the thing... the situation is outrageous already, I figure the safest thing is to just be equally outrageous :|
-
FLIRTY: "Beautiful nails, miss, but that hand would look better reaching for something else than my console, so please take it away."
The white-haired girl takes her hand away while the other two 'oooooooh' aloud.
"I love you bartender guy!" The green-haired one exclaims, clapping her hands.
You connect to the drink mix database.
Queries: magnetar, blood on ice
2 entries found:
MAGNETAR: 142c
2 Shots of InPulsar
Shot of Equator
Dash of Sucrosol
Serve in a tank glass with ice.
BLOOD ON ICE: 36c
Shot of Grenadiere
Shot of Grapevine
Serve in a cocktail glass with ice.
You quickly mix up the Magnetar in a tank with ice, and then the extremely chunky-looking Blood on Ice, the cubes filling most of the cocktail glass.
You serve them to the two ladies and fix two shots of Wóda for the last. They let you scan their credchips one-by one, sending their federal credits to your account. (+188c)
Today Earnings: 450c
Monthly Earnings: 450c
Patron ID: Draqueesha Borgia
Occupation: Licensed Bounty Hunter, Captain of Personal Assault Corvette "The Black Dragon of Angierach"
Conv.style: HOT-HEADED
Liked drinks: Magnetar
Disliked drinks: N/A
Patron ID: Sylvanas Dracul
Occupation: Licensed Bounty Hunter
Conv.style: HOT-HEADED
Liked drinks: N/A
Disliked drinks: N/A
Patron ID: Harley Bloodfalls
Occupation: Licensed Bounty Hunter
Conv.style: FLIRTY
Liked drinks: Blood on Ice
Disliked drinks: N/A
The girls clink their glasses against each other and start drinking.
1236USY.1d/1m.1455h
Draqueesha slams down her tank glass and looks you into the eye.
"You ain't got any real, bottled booze stashed somewhere, do you?"
A) Tell the truth.
B) Spin the question around to ask about bottled booze.
-
A
-
Perhaps we could ask if they know anybody who passes through here who carries bottles so that we could buy some. :D
-
situation defused!
A. Maybe we can look into stocking the stuff later on?
-
A: New Objective - Build a Still
-
A We need to become a space moonshiner in the future.
-
"Nope."
"Boo, you can't get really drunk with synthol. Or fast, for that matter."
The redhead slams the emtpy shots onto the table.
"Bartender, I have decided, get me Spice Melange." With a nod you connect to the drink mix database.
Queries: spice melange
1 entry found:
SPICE MELANGE: 81c
2 Shots of Sucrosol
2 Shots of Saproot
Shot of Fungus Malus
Serve in a tank glass with ice.
You quickly mix the cheap synthols with the spicy, and the mix receives an orange hue - surpising, given that the ingredients were mostly clear or greenish. You add the crushed ice and pass the tank with Spice Melange to Sylvanas, and she lets you scan her credchip. (+81c)
Today Earnings: 531c
Monthly Earnings: 531c
"So barkeeeeep, what are you doing tonight?" Harley props her chin on her bridged fingers, smirking like a kitten.
A) "Work."
B) FLIRTY: "I haven't decided yet, buuuuuut you might be it!"
C) CHATTY: "Were you going to ask 'whom'? I am open to suggestions."
-
C
-
B - She liked it when we were Flirty last time, so let's keep it going
-
A but remind her of the Old Terran custom of Tipping.
-
Don't claim we don't got the time for it, mate.
-
B 'cuz why the hell not?
-
B
-
B
-
FLIRTY: "I haven't decided yet, buuuuuut you might be it!"
Harley bursts into giggles and sips her Blood on Ice a bit harder while Draqueesha slams down her tank.
"Yo, barkeep, keep your hands off my Harley or you will need a ressurection tank to grow them back." She leans against Harvey and the two kiss, while Sylvanas puts down her glass and whispers to you.
"Don't mind the two, they're like that since forever. I would like a Sweet Gem Berry now." The red-haired woman puts down her Spice Melange, almost empty, while you fix her drink.
Connecting...
Connecting...
Connecting...
Failed to connect to the Drink Mix Database.
Retry? Y/N
You retry, hoping the connection loss is just a fluke...
A) "Wouldn't it be wise to finish your drink first?"
B) CHATTY: "Sweet Gem Berry? You have a preference for sweet stuff?"
C) FLIRTY: "If those two taken, does that mean you're free?"
-
B
-
Couldn't we just ask what that is, explaining that we're new here? :P
B otherwise.
Superdorf: OKAY, YES, I REGRET PICKING FLIRTY NOW.
-
C - I don't regret it at all!
-
C
-
Very well, C.
-
FLIRTY: "If those two taken, does that mean you're free?" Sylvanas laughs out loud and then snaps her fingers.
"Eyy, nice try, but I don't do dudes. You're fun, I gotta give you that."
Connecting...
Connecting...
Connected to SRC Drink Mix Database!
Queries: sweet gem berry
1 entry found:
SWEET GEM BERRY: 76c
3 Shots of Ribesnero
2 Shots of Buenberry
Serve in a tank glass with ice.
That's an easy one. You add Ribesnero and Buenberry to a tank filled with ice, and pass it along to Sylvanas. She raises her credchip, and you scan it for profit! (+76c)
Today Earnings: 607c
Monthly Earnings: 607c
1236USY.1d/1m.1504h
Harley pushes her cocktail glass, now filled only with sorry remnants of crushed ice, towards you.
"Barkeeeep, refill pleease~."
You grab the glass and prepare to make another Blood on Ice, when you hear the distinct ping of security console.
A) The drink shouldn't take much, so let's get it out of the way first.
B) Excuse yourself to check the console first.
-
A
-
A - If it required immediate attention, it'd be an alarm instead of just a ping
-
A
-
A
-
You quickly prepare another Blood on Ice, and serve it to Harley.
Excusing yourself, you make your way to the security console.
Unauthorized transmission received from Science Satellite 33385-BetCar2 occupying main comms frequency.
Data Type: Encrypted data blocks.
Signal Strength: 100% comms frequency saturation.
Transmission Rate: 1 TQs/s
Input required!
You're presented with three options to deal with this 'communications threat'.
A) Switch to different comms frequency; it will force others to adjust if they will want to dock and refuel at your Outpost.
B) Ignore it this time; security console will ping you when the Satellite is flooding the Outpost's main channel again.
C) Launch a photon torpedo; with proper calibrations it should be able to reach and destroy the Satellite within two hours.
-
This thing annoys me, destroy it!
C
-
...we're being DOS'd O_O
and I really don't wanna risk there being people on that thing, even if they are giving us grief
B for now
-
B - Maybe it won't do it again. Let's not doing anything permanent when we don't know if it's a permanent issue
-
You turn off the notification and return to tend to the bounty hunters.
1236USY.1d/1m.1510h
"Hey barkeep, why didja even agree to work at such a dump?" Draqueesha asks, putting down her empty glass. "You know you can't even leave this place on your own, right?"
A) Tell her your story.
B) "Not your business."
-
A
-
A
-
You decide to tell you the story of your drone life, from childhood to current year.
1236USY.1d/1m.1517h
It sure takes a while.
"Geez, like, you Drones have all the backstories almost the same." Draqueesha keeps while Harley sobs.
"You poor, poor man! You're too good to go through all this." Sylvanas and Draqueesha roll their eyes in response to Harley's talk.
"Alright, barkeep. Get us each a shot of Dry Jet to clear our throats." Sylvanas says after a moment.
A) "Are you in a hurry?"
B) Get them their shots.
-
Can we ask that whislt getting the shots?
Anyway, A.
-
A) "Are you in a hurry?"
-
A
-
"Are you in a hurry."
"No, but if Harley is getting melodramatic, its the end."
"So, drinks."
You quickly pour three shots of Dry Jet. Draqueesha lets you scan her credchip. (+60c)
Today Earnings: 667c
Monthly Earnings: 667c
The girls drink their jets.
"Yo, you been good, barkeep. Keep this." She hands you a small plastic chip. A holo-ad chip, you assume, if the shape, size, and colorful bands and the tiny image of Black Dragon of Angierach in the middle is any indication.
A) "What's this?"
B) "Thanks, I will keep it." (take the ad-chip)
C) "I have no need for this." (return the ad-chip)
-
A
-
B
-
B
-
B
Sounds like we're familiar with this sort of contraption already.
-
"Thanks, I will keep it."
"So pure of heart! So trusting! Precious boy!..." Harley sobs while the other two push-guide her towards the airlock.
"Yeah, like, totally." With a loud hiss, the exit opens and the trio wanders down the airlock area to get back to their ship.
1236USY.1d/1m.1520h
You finish cleaning up the glasses left by the trio of bounty hunters and check the command console.
The Black Dragon of Angierach has finished refueling but it is still docked and has not begun its departing procedures yet.
You hum.
A) Let's check that ad-chip!
B) Let's read on some bartender lore and trivia!
C) Let's try repairing some of the stuff that is broken!
D) Let's read the comic series!
E) Let's just chill and pass the time.
-
A
-
C
Let's wait until they are safely undocked before studying the chip. It seems politer somehow.
-
A
-
C
-
C
-
C
-
C
Changed my vote.
-
You decide to fix the power network and the things connected it - the neon lightning.
1236USY.1d/1m.1620h
4*
There isn't much to be done there, but you fix the little things and come to a conclusion that without proper engineering expertise and tools, you can't fix it.
You wipe your hands on the towel and consider your choices.
A) Let's check that ad-chip!
B) Let's just chill and pass the time.
C) Let's read on some bartender lore and trivia!
D) Let's read the comic series!
-
C - Maybe it'll teach us how to guess at some drink mixes so we don't have to burn time whilst the database loads
-
You decide to spend some time reading on bartending trivia and data.
1236USY.1d/1m.1650h
You learn that the very first drink mix added to Drink Mix Database was Seaside Paradise; and that whole of SRC started as Seaside Refueling Conglomerate, its first bar and headquarters based on the resort planet Mariam IV, selling aerofuel for Lev-Bikes and drinks for their pilots and passengers.
You also learn that the Seaside Paradise's recipe was wholly different at first, eschewing Grenadiere infusion and adding something called 'Equalizer' to diminish the fruit particles in the previously organic drink. You carefully read into the old ingredients and how the article compares them to 'standard' ingredients, and...
SEASIDE PARADISE: 83c
Shot of Sunset Capri
Shot of Equator
Shot of Wóda
Dash of Grenadiere
Serve in a tank glass with ice.
...you get yourself a recipe that you easily memorize.
A) Let's check that ad-chip!
B) Let's just chill and pass the time.
C) Let's read the comic series!
D) Let's continue reading the deep bartending lore!
-
A
-
A
-
A
-
A
-
You decide to check the ad-chip next.
1236USY.1d/1m.1655h
Returning to your bedroom, you plug the ad-chip to a holo-viewer.
Immediately an explosion appears before you, and the menacing hull of the Black Dragon of Angierach shows gliding through the cloud of debris. The trio of bounty huntresses replaces the sight, pointing the holographic beam-cannon at you.
"Yo, we're the Three Sisters of Angierach. You point, we shoot. Criminals, cannibals, cheaters, cuckolds - all the pesky dudes who can't follow the law? Paint a target on them and we will get rid of them. Our prices vary depending on the target, really - the bigger fish, the bigger cred you better prepare."
"Aaaand if you're located in Zanzibar Sector, you can even send us a distress call - we might be able to reinforce your distressed butt just in time! For cheap, too!"
"So when you're in need, give us a call! We will come in hot and ready for action~" Harvey blows you a kiss, before another explosion marks the end of the holovid.
You take the ad-chip from the computer and pocket it. Bad advertisement or not, their services might be of use for you one day.
A) Let's just chill and pass the time.
B) Let's read the comic series!
C) Let's continue reading the deep bartending lore!
-
A
-
B (...? The comic series, anyway.)
-
Credits!
-
B
-
You decide to check the comic series moloch stashed inside the outpost's computer storage system.
1236USY.1d/1m.1702h
You quickly realize that it is not just comic series, but a multimedia system embedded with holographic cutscenes, moving image frames and even spoken dialogue lines inbetween walls of texts.
1236USY.1d/1m.1748h
The date is 666 United Space Year. Hiro Zirconius, a young lieutenant of the Federal Space Police Fortress, Poseidonis System, is hurtled into Captain's seat after the corvette he is serving on, Hyperion-3, is attacked by members of the legendarily vicious and brutal Barbary Pirates, causing the death of both Captain Netflex and First Officer Famicon. After dealing with the trio of Barbary fightercraft in the orbit of gas giant Socrates IV, and taking his Corvette through the Space Badlands (filled with gravitic vortices and ionized nebula clouds), dishing out hard justice to three more fighters pursuing his ship, he manages to return Hyperion-3 mostly intact to his superiors at FSPF Poseidonis, only to learn that his bravery and ingenuity earned him a promotion and the captainship of Hyperion-3. But with the most of the old crew having perished or being hospitalized after the fighting with Barbary Pirates, Captain Zirconius must first assemble a new crew...
So ends Chapter 1.
A) Continue reading.
B) Enough fun, lets get some bartending education!
C) Those multimedia series seem really bad. Let's trash them to get some teraquads of space for more important tasks!
D) Meh, let's just pass the time.
-
D
-
B
-
C
This holotrash pails to comparison to Star Fuck, The Brave Adventures of the Starship Eversuck and its Captain Jerald Dickhard's quest to sleep with all possible sentient lifeforms.
Actually Deep Space Nice is my favorite Star Trek, but I've been waiting so long to make that joke...
-
B
-
B
-
You decide to read some more bartending trivia available on the computer.
1236USY.1d/1m.1755h
You don't get far on reading about origins of the Buenberries when the security console alerts you that a ship is approaching.
You decide to check it out.
Sensors Station Alert! IFF beacon translation in progress...
Done!
"Marco Polo", an Aviso-class Personal Delivery Craft, is approaching from the direction of Poseidonis Jump Gate.
Docking request received and approved by station AI.
Estimated arrival time: 10 minutes.
You wonder if this is the same spaceship you pinged earlier; sensors refused to scan it back then, but the direction, size and speed of it seem similar.
Maybe the pilot decided to accept your offer of drinks after all?
A) Let's continue reading about Buenberries.
B) Let's ensure the bar looks presentable.
-
B
-
B
Yeah, I don't think we got around to completely fixing up the bar...
-
B
-
You quickly put some effort to make the bar presentable.
1236USY.1d/1m.1806h
With a loud hiss of the main gate, the newest patron of yours come in.
Dressed in a green, civilian jumpsuit, with a black leather jacket on his back, he looks around with curiosity, and a tinge of surprise.
As he approaches the bar, you notice his black hair, green eyes and tanned skin. The stares he gives your hall makes you wonder if he will comment on the appearance of the place.
"Hm, this station has seen better days, no?"
You wondered correctly. The man takes his seat and brushes his hair.
"Hi, I'm James. I would like a shot of Skinjuice, for starters."
You quickly pour him a shot of the thin, pleasantly smelling fruity beverage. You scan his credchip when he lifts it toward you. (+10c)
Today Earnings: 677c
Monthly Earnings: 677c
Patron ID: James Virgilian
Occupation: Space Courier, self-employed
Conv.style: CHATTY
Liked Drinks: N/A
Disliked Drinks: N/A
"So what's with the big, armed-to-teeth ship at the other docking clamp?" He takes a sip. "Friends of yours?"
CHOSE YOUR REPLY:
A) Neutral: "Not really."
B) CHATTY: "I wouldn't call them that, but let's say we've had some amicable business dealings so far?"
C) FLIRTY: "A trio of lovely, strong women. They stole a piece of my heart. Are you here to do the same?"
-
B
-
B
-
B
CHATTY compatibility, excellent!
-
CHATTY: "I wouldn't call them that, but let's say we've had some amicable business dealings so far?"
"Oh, huh. Why would a synthol outpost... anyway, you know what, don't answer that."
"So, what brings you here? I sent a ping earlier today to a small craft similar to yours."
"Yeah, that was me! I had a timed delivery and wasn't going to risk it. But now, now I got the time."
"Timed deliveries? Are you a high-risk courier?"
"Nah, nothing of the kind. I do handle some stuff that needs to be delivered quick and can't be replicated. That's all."
"Medical stuff, then?" James nods and downs the remainder of the shot in one go.
"Yeah. Cloned organs and replicated tissue just sometimes doesn't work for certain people, ya know."
"Ah, transplant rejects and the like."
"Yeah! That's exactly why the MSF Outpost in orbit of Eta Coridani Prime asked me to deliver my latest package. Fastest route was through this system."
"You come here often? Beta Carotenii, I mean."
"Hm, well, not really. It's like on the fringe of the area I usually operate. I live on Delta Nautae II, that system's four jumps away from here."
"That's quite far, I have to admit. Usually couriers don't go long range, people value speed and reliability at shorter distances."
"Yeah, this job was an outlier. And to be honest, I wouldn't even bother coming to your place if not for the earlier ping. Last time I was here, this outpost was out of commission. But hey, now that it is running again and has a cute bartender, I might come over a bit more often, you know? Get me some Blue Fire next, please." You quickly check your bartending computer and...
Connecting to SRC Drink Mix Database.
Initializing...
Connecting...
Connecting...
Connection failed!
Retry y/n?
1236USY.1d/1m.1809h
You decide to...
A) NEUTRAL: Apologize for inconvenience, saying that the SRC database connection is down?
B) CHATTY: Pass the time by striking a chat about some random topic while you retry?
C) FLIRTY: Flirt right back at James while you retry?
-
C
-
Sure, C
-
C
-
C
-
"So, what exactly you find 'cute' about me because that's something that really tickles me and I'm interested." James chuckles.
"I just like guys that aren't all macho and aren't all edgy. You don't have to look special to *be* special to someone like me, you know? And hey, I don't stay in one place for too long so I might as well find someone to spend some nice time with."
"Oh trust me, you wouldn't be dissappointed, all you gotta do is call me 'cute' few more times~"
"Well, I will consider it if you get me my drink."
Retrying: Connecting to SRC Drink Mix Database.
Connecting...
Connecting...
Connection failed!
Retry y/n?
This is getting slightly annoying.
A) Explain the delay to James.
B) Distract him with some idle chatting.
C) Ask for a free sample of 'cute calling', just this once.
-
A
-
A yeah seems too interested before the drinks
-
Huh, that was a little more subtle on our part this time around.
A
-
"Sorry for delays, but I cannot connect to the database and therefore have no pricing or the recipe for your drink." James scrunches his nose and scratches at his neck.
"I've been to so many SRC outposts that it doesn't surprise me in slightest, man. Just, hm... how about, how about an Orchard then?" You briefly go through all the recipes you've learned so far and memorized.
"No, apologies."
"Ugh, Seaside Paradise maybe?" You nod.
"Yeah! Fix me one, then, cutie, I would be most grateful."
With gusto, you mix the thick yellow Sunset Capri with some clear Wóda and Equator, reddening the mix with a spritz of Grenadiere inside a tank of crushed ice. James pulls out his gold-bordered credchip, which you scan happily. (+83c)
Today Earnings: 760c
Monthly Earnings: 760c
James takes a sip and smiles, putting the tank down.
"I was wondering... are you a drone? I mean, its obvious you are, the way you change your tone and demeanor so rapidly when talking, obviously you must be a drone, so... bartender-drone, what's your name?"
"I go by 'Arnold'." James grimaces in surprise.
"Huh, no adopted family name? No second name, no surname? Just 'Arnold'? I've met many drones and they try so hard to 'blend' in with normal humans. You're special in that regard." With a smirk, he takes another sip of his drink.
1236USY.1d/1m.1813h
"So, Arnold... you think you will ever get bored of this job? I mean, you're stuck in middle of nowhere, alone, surrounded by megatons of tritanium, military-grade explosives and spaceship fuel. Humans get sick of such environment very quickly."
CHOOSE YOUR RESPONSE:
A) NEUTRAL: "No idea, I've started today."
B) CHATTY: "I might be, but then again, you gotta try some new thing to learn how it is, no?"
C) FLIRTY: "If I get to meet exciting new people like you, James, I can deal with this job no problem~!"
-
Oh wow, has it not been a full day yet? I forgot how small-scale this game is, it's very cozy :)
B. I'd rather keep this guy at an amiable arm's length for now, and we know he appreciates a good CHATTER.
-
C
-
C
-
C
Arnold shall be flirting king.
-
FLIRTY: "If I get to meet exciting new people like you, James, I can deal with this job no problem~!" James grins, and takes a sip of his drink.
"Yeah, I can get behind that."
Suddenly, the sensor console sounds an alarm; some ship must be approaching the station.
A) Eh, the AI can deal with docking and refueling, I have a patron to chat with.
B) Let's see what's the ruckus about.
C) Eh, the AI can deal with docking and refueling, I have a patron to flirt with.
-
C
-
B - More time for the database connection to fix itself, in case we need to look up something else
-
B
-
"Sorry, sensors are pinging me."
"Not going anywhere." James raises his glass and takes a sip.
You check the sensor console.
Sensors Station Alert! IFF beacon translation in progress...
Done!
"Minuet", a Freedom-class Cargo Barge, is approaching from the direction of Gamma Urquanii Jump Gate.
Standard docking and refueling request received.
Fuel Pump assigned: #7 (authority: Automated Refueling AI)
Estimated arrival time: 11 minutes.
New potential patrons!
A) Let's send them an offer to quench their thirst.
B) Oh, stricly business. Back to James!
-
A - More customers! Gotta make the moneys
-
A
-
You send the ship's crew an offer to get drinks onboard your outpost.
>Minuet acknowledges your offer. We will disembark for acquisition of synthol.
The text message has a weird syntax, but you shrug and return to James.
1236USY.1d/1m.1815h
"New ship coming?"
"How did you know?" James shrugs.
"Told you, been on many SRC outposts. I would think your corporation would incorporate bar designs that don't require the bartender to leave their post to check sensors." He takes a long sip and puts down his glass.
"Well, I don't drink too much, so how about you try to get me some Orchard once again? After that, I think I will call my stay here done."
In the same time you try to connect to SRC drink mix database, your bio-chip reminds you that your usual resting period (1915-0115) is approaching fast.
Connecting...
Done!
Queries: orchard
>1 result found:
ORCHARD: 90c
2 Shots of Cherrybomb
2 Shots of Skinjuice
2 Shots of Grapevine
Serve in a tank glass.
You quickly mix the cheaper synthols with the more expensive one in the thick, tall glass. The mixture gains a soft, reddish-pink color.
You serve it to James, who smiles at you. He lets you scan his credchip once again. (+90c)
Today Earnings: 850c
Monthly Earnings: 850c
He takes a sip and let outs a happy sigh.
"Nothing better than this."
You decide to...
A) Let him drink in peace while you wait for new patrons to arrive.
B) Chat with James, maybe he can tell something more about himself.
C) Flirt with James, maybe to convince him to visit you more often.
-
C!
-
A
-
C seems like the right path to more money.
-
Along with other nice things that we want!
-
C
-
"You don't have to get drinks when you come visit, James. You can come to the bar for different reasons, too." James grins.
"I am contemplating those reasons, yes." He takes a sip of his drink, eyeing you a little, and then he puts down the glass.
"But, I don't want to distract you from your next buncha patrons. After all, its gonna look bad if you get a bad review on your first day of work because you were busy flirting, no? If you don't mind, I have something to do now." He pulls out a large pad and taps on it, intermittently sipping on his drink.
You wipe the counter clean.
1236USY.1d/1m.1826h
Shortly after the console informs you that "Minuet" has docked with the station and begun refuelling procedures, the main gate to the airlocks opens and comes out a pair - a young blonde lady in a jumpsuit, and her android companion, who clearly didn't want - or couldn't - invest in synthetic skin layers. His joints and servos are in plain view, and his face is rather sharply triangular and artificial looking, and his weird looks are further accented by a mop of synthetic black hair on top.
At least he is also wearing a jumpsuit.
The pair moves to the counter, giving James a curious glance. He smiles and lifts his near-empty drink at them in a salutation, but says nothing. The blonde-haired girl nods, then turns to you.
"Hey, barkeep." The girl says with a grin. "Nice to know that the bar has a tender. One Rat Oil, please." She seats herself, while her android buddy does not. The girl turns to look at him.
"You want anything, Chester?"
"I am. Fine for now. Thank you!" You nod and connect your console to the SRC Drink Mix Database... again.
Connecting to SRC Drink Mix Database...
Connecting...
Connecting...
Done!
Queries: rat oil
>1 query found:
RAT OIL: 46c
Shot of Fungus Malus
Shot of X-Magnum
Serve in a tank glass with ice.
What you prepare is a rather thick mixture with a neon green coloration to it. Poured over crushed ice gives it another layer of slickness, and you have no doubts that's how its name came about. You serve the oily-looking green drink to the blonde girl, and she lets you scan her strawberry-red credchip. (+46c)
Today Earnings: 896c
Monthly Earnings: 896c
Patron ID: Agustina Akrylla, Heiress of Beta Copernicus IVb
Occupation: Captain of "Minuet", Freedom-class Cargo Barge
Conv.style: HOT-HEADED
Liked Drinks: Rat Oil
Disliked Drinks: N/A
"I have detected. Numerous power network. Irregularities on this station! Is it safe? To consume drinks in here." The android says, and the blonde girl looks at you, puzzled.
"I had some trouble with the neon lightning, so I had to improvise and install a bypass." The android's eyes blink with myriad of tiny blue lights.
"I estimate twenty-six point four. Chance of a catastrophic malfunction in the next. Seven universal days. This is not a safe place. To consume drinks!" The girl snorts and takes a sip of her Rat Oil.
"Chester, you worry too much." The android crosses his arms and gives the Agustina a stern look.
"But miss Akrylla. Worrying! Is part of my job!!"
"Hey, I've been here for a while, and nothing happened so far." James chimes in, making Agustina giggle.
"See, Chester? Cool guy says its cool, so its cool!" She coughs after taking another sip of her drink.
A) Nod in agreement.
B) "Maybe a drink will help Chester here calm down?"
C) "Leave it to me to soothe his synthetic nerves~"
-
A
-
You nod in agreement.
"Still. I will be on guard. In case anything happens. Miss Akrylla." Agustina rolls her eyes and then leans toward James.
"Hey, cool guy! Want a drink? It's on me!"
"Name's James, and..." James looks into his glass, which is almost empty. "Well, I don't want to be much of a monetary burden... but, sure. I will have a shot of Grenadiere."
"You heard him, barkeep! A shot of Grenadiere!"
You nod and then glance at 'Chester'.
The android is busy staring at the neon lights above your bar, his eyes blinking with numerous blue lights. Perhaps he is calculating some other dreadful stuff?
What do you do?
A) Ask him if he wants a drink, too.
B) Just get James his shot.
C) Ask him if he wants to fix the lights for you.
-
ask him if we wants to fix the lights for us :p
-
Hmmmmm.
-
C
-
C
-
"Do you want to fix the lights for me?" 'Chester' turns to you.
"I am not equipped. Or authorized. To perform such menial tasks. On a space station." Agustina smiles.
"Not that it stopped him from trying few times."
"I would rather not. Create more malfunctions. While trying to fix the previous." He finally sits down at the bar, between James and Agustina.
"Barkeep. A cocktail glass. Fully filled with Wóda. Is my current desire."
You fix a shot of Grenadiere for James...
"Wait, you have a functional stomach?"
"It is an internal biomass furnace. Capable of breaking down sugars. And alcohols. Into energy. This extends my operational time. Postponing the need to find a charging station."
...and a cocktail glass filled with Wóda for 'Chester'...
"It's an add-on my family requested for Chester, along with some other mods."
"Nifty."
...and after you pass the two drinks onto the counter, Chester extends his right hand towards you, and his index finger cracks open, exposing a scannable chip-surface. You scan it. (+20c)
Agustina then lifts her credchip again to pay for James' shot, and you conclude the purchase with a scan of it. (+10c)
Today Earnings: 926c
Monthly Earnings: 926c
Patron ID: Android Model CQC-014 (Call Name: Chester)
Ownership: Michondrius II Akrylla
Assigned Role: Bodyguard for Agustina Akrylla
Conv.style: AMENABLE
Liked Drinks: N/A
Disliked Drinks: N/A
The trio of your customers raise their glasses and clink them against each other in a toast.
"Cheers!" Agustina verbalizes the toast and both she and James gulp down their drinks in one swift motion. 'Chester', on other hand, sips his cocktail Wóda slowly.
"Such swift drinking. May cause accidental suffocation. Or misplacement of liquid. Into your lungs. Miss Akrylla."
"Geez, Chester. This is, like, my thousandth, not first, drink ever!"
1236USY.1d/1m.1831h
James lets out a sigh and leaves his seat.
"I guess I will be going now. Synthol's slowly getting to me, I guess its time for a sleep pod nap."
"Aww, but we're just getting started. One more drink? On me??" Agustina makes a pleading face towards James as he starts walking away, towards the exit.
"Maybe some other time. We might meet again at this outpost or some other. Have a nice stay guys. Cya Arnie." He waves towards you and leaves through the main gate.
"Pleasant young man. He knows his drinking limits." Chester thinks briefly and looks at his escortee. "Should I check his marital-" Agustina gives him a death glare.
Chester takes another sip of his Wóda.
CONVERSATION TIME! Pick a topic:
A) Chester: Ask him how it is to be a combat android.
B) Chester: Ask him about his biomass furnace and 'other mods'.
C) Chester&Agustina: Ask them about their relationship.
D) Agustina: Ask her about her family and status.
E) Agustina: Ask her about her job and cargo ship.
-
B
-
B
-
B
-
E
-
C!
-
E
-
"Hey, Chester, I'm curious about your biomass furnace and other modifications."
"Can you specify. Which modification interests you. The most?"
"I guess all of them?"
"I understand your curiosity. My modifications were made shortly. After I was commissioned. These include. Biomass furnace and digestive tract tubes. Fully customizable visual sensor pieces. Anti-corrosive liquid coat skin dispensers. Ultra-flexible leg servos. And intra-and-ultrasound pyramidal headpiece sensors."
"Pyramidal headpiece sensors?"
"Cat ears." Agustina points at Chester's head.
Chester's head goes 'fwump' and two cat-ears spring up from his hair.
"This helps. Detect acoustic anomalies. And potential non-human threats to Miss Akrylla's safety. As well as listening and radio devices. That might be hidden in vicinity." With a quiet 'shwip' the cat ears recede into Chester's head.
"The rest are also very useful outside of combat duties."
"How so?" Agustina smiles, while Chester leans forward. His eyes rapidly change from pitch-black to human irises, emerald, dark blue, golden, purple - and back to full black.
"My eyes can be modified. For certain color combinations. Or even minor lightning effects. To mimic fashion trends in locales. That we might be visiting during our travels. The biomass furnace and digestive tract tubes. Allow me to mimicry food and drink consumption. During formal and informal celebrations. That I have to be present at when Miss Akrylla is personally attending. The anti-corrosion liquid. Lets me deal with onboard ship repairs. That might be otherwise too dangerous. For Miss Akrylla to handle personally."
"And the leg servos? He can dance better than any guy I met so far."
"Out of personal interest. I have downloaded. Movement patterns. For over six thousand different. Common dances still in use. Starting from Old Earth era. To the current Universal Space Year. Just in case Miss Akrylla. Is left without a dancing partner. When a situation calls for one."
1236USY.1d/1m.1837h
Smiling still, Agustina sets down her tank, almost devoid of Rat Oil.
"Alright, now I would like one Amiobic Tea, if you don't mind." You nod - and discover that fortunately, your connection to SRC has been maintained.
Queries: amiobic tea
>1 query found
AMIOBIC TEA: 81c
2 Shots of Fungus Malus
2 Shots of Hellesponte
Serve in a cocktail glass with lemon slice.
You quickly prepare the drink, ending with a cocktail glass full of purple-ish liquid with a green slice of lime hanging on the edge. You hand the fancy cocktail to Agustina, who lets you scan her credchip again. (+81c)
Today Earnings: 1007c
Monthly Earnings: 1007c
Agustina eagerly takes a sip, letting out a happy 'mmm' as she takes in the taste. From the other room, you hear a ping of the sensor console.
You decide to...
A) Continue the conversation, changing the topic to... (PICK ANOTHER TOPIC FROM PREVIOUS POST)
B) Excuse yourself and see what's the sensor ping about.
C) Test Chester's alleged dancing mastery with a dance-off challenge!
-
C
-
A-C
-
B
-
B
-
C
-
B
-
B
As fun as a dance-off sounds, duty calls.
-
You excuse yourself to check the sensor ping.
All the console had to give you was a notification that the Black Dragon of Angierach has undocked from the station and is headed towards Madagascar Jump Gate.
You return to your current clientele. Both Chester and Agustina are slowly enjoying their drinks.
You could strike up a conversation with...
A) Chester, about his life as android!
B) Chester and Agustina, about their work relationship!
C) Agustina, about her family and status!
D) Agustina, about her job and her cargo ship!
E) ...on other hand, let them just relax.
-
C
-
C
-
"So the ID chip shown me that you're a... heiress?" Agustina sighs.
"Heiress to the lordship of Beta Copernicus IVb, a small terraformed moon full of tritanite deposits." You briefly consider the charter of New Galactic Federation.
"As far as I know, there's no place for aristocracy in the democratic model of the Federation." Agustina grimaces, grits her teeth, and downs the remainder of her drink.
"My family was ruling that moon since the Collapse! They've treated their servants and population well, and even managed to keep them out of the enslaving reach of the EXO-Lumina, and for what? Only for the Federal Council to butt in, tell my parents that monarchy is bad, and that they were to get out. Could you imagine that? So my old man gets into negotiating our priviledges and there was a damn plebiscite and everything." Agustina grumbles.
"Bweugh, barkeep, get me something strong first! I'm not gonna discuss this sober." Chester eyes you warily after his escortee makes her request.
Strong? What could she mean by that?
Fiery and bitter? Fiery and spicy??
A) Give her a shot of...
*A) Wóda
*B) X-Magnum
*C) Bricklayer
*D) Bogwisp
*E) Lamp
B) Ask her what she would like, exactly.
-
AE
-
AC
-
*cough*morevotespls*cough*
-
AE
-
You decide to serve her a shot of Lamp.
When you place the shot down, Chester's eyes light up with plethora of blue and red lights in checkers-like patterns, while Augstina sniffs the synthol.
"What's this?"
"Lamp. Packs a punch."
"Fine with me." She raises her credchip and you scan it. (+55c)
Today Earnings: 1062c
Monthly Earnings: 1062c
She downs the shot in one go, and coughs.
"The plebiscite clearly showed that people of Beta Copernicus IVb wanted my family to remain in power. The bureaucrats from the New Federation tried to pass the results, the 78% of citizenry voting 'yes', as a counting error! The plebiscite was not enough for the damn Council to budge. They were totally for equity and egality or whatever the words are, and that under my family's rule the basic rights were opressed. Fucking lies."
"Your family does have. Some substantial priviledges in terms of administration. Tax exemption. And preferential treatment compared to the rest of Copernicans. The badmouthing law. As example. Prohibits anyone from speaking against the ruling head of the Akrylla family."
"Hell of a priviledge! Last time someone was put in prison for that was nearly forty years ago, in the times of my grandpa."
"I was stating. An example. New Federation Council listed that law. And eight other laws. As autocratic and belitting the Copernicans."
"No euthanasia camps! No food processors! No high-risk mining or refining operations! Hell, we have a home waiting list and food stamp system! We care for the people!"
"The New Federation Council--"
"Barkeep! Give me another!"
"This synthol is priced. Fifty five credits per shot. It is unwise to get angry-drunk. On such an expensive synthol."
"Fuck you Chester, I want another Lamp and I will have it." She grumbles and crosses her arms in a pouty way. Chester hands you her shot glass and when you grab it, he squeezes the glass.
"Lady Agustina will have something. Cheaper than Lamp. Please cooperate with me in this matter." The red-eyed android took his hand away from the glass as Agustina gave him an angry stare.
You decide to...
A) Pour Agustina another shot of Lamp.
B) Listen to the suddenly spooky android and pour her some...
*A) Wóda
*B) X-Magnum
C) Try to talk Agustina off the drinks for now.
-
Give her a water.
-
...sorry angry aristocrat lady, our survival instinct is calling this one
-BB-
-
Give her a water.
+1
-
A
-
BA
Lets just give her the cheapest stuff.
-
Ah sure, didn't realize Woda was cheaper.
BA
I'd give her water, but we don't wanna completely alienate the grumpy aristocrat.
-
A
-
a a
ab ab
We got a tie, guys
-
Give 'em a Tie!
-
I guess I'll switch to BA if people are really that afraid of the robot.
You gotta stand your ground with these things, though! They can smell fear.
-
"Your android is right. Wóda and Lamp taste almost the same, but Wóda is cheaper."
"Well, fine." You pour the shot of Wóda as Chester watches you expectantly, while Agustina lets you scan her credchip once more. (+5c)
Today Earnings: 1067c
Monthly Earnings: 1067c
1236USY.1d/1m.1851h
"Here Chester, I am drinking cheap synthol, I hope you are happy now."
"I do not possess. An actual emotion processing unit. Therefore I cannot be happy. In the usual meaning of the word."
"Oh, fuck off. Anyway!" Agustina downs her Wóda in one go. "Federation Council demanded we get moving from our planetoid OR we renounce our priviledges if we wanna function in the New Galactic Federation! Imagine that! My proud, hardworking family, paragons of equality and virtue, evicted! Where's justice in that, huh? Fucking ask you, where's justice in that?? So my dad strikes the deal with the envoys, and basically lets them be part of the ruling council on Beta Copernicus VIb for five years to 'establish that we are true to our word about governance.' And what's worse, he himself was worried about my family's heritage so now I gotta marry a non-Copernican, too! For equality, they say!" With a blush on her cheeks, she slams down the glass on the counter.
"Keep my Wóda flowing!" Agustina yells angrily.
You glance at Chester.
Chester glances at you, but says nothing, and his eyes are still the normal shade of blue.
You pour the noble lady some Wóda, and she allows you to scan her crechip again. (+5c)
Today Earnings: 1072c
Monthly Earnings: 1072c
Agustina gives the shot a long, angry stare.
"Fucking Feds ruining everything." She says, and then downs her drink in one go, once again. "I don't care whatever happens on other moons. I fucking love my moon. I will inherit it one day and I will be best princess in the universe." Agustina mumbles and put the glass down.
"Another?"
"No... I'm good. Fuckin' feds." Agustina props her chin with her hand and stares at the wall.
Chester sits patiently at her side.
A) Offer him a drink.
B) Ask Chester about his life as android.
C) Try to get Agustina to talk about something else, if she can.
D) Ask Chester about the red eyes and his voice change.
-
A
-
A
-
C
-
"You want a drink, Chester?" The android stares at you with his eyes, filled with blinking blue lights. This lasts for several seconds.
"I would be interested in receiving. Three shots of synthol called Sucrosol. In singular glass." You nod and swipe a tank glass, pouring three shots of Sucrosol into it.
You put down the glass in front of the android and he lifts his finger, which cracks open allowing you to scan the credchip hidden within. (+15c)
Today Earnings: 1087c
Monthly Earnings: 1087c
Chester takes his glass and takes a sip - then puts the glass down.
1236USY.1d/1m.1856h
Agustina mumbles something incoherently while looking at the wall still, while Chester smiles softly, staring at the glass.
This feels a little weird.
A) Try to get Agustina back into conversation.
B) Ask Chester about his life as android.
C) Ask Chester why is he smiling.
D) Ask Chester about his relationship with Agustina.
E) Ask Chester about his preference for clear synthols.
-
D
-
C
-
A
-
Tiebreaker A for Maximum Happiness!
-
A
-
You try to persuade Agustina to resume the conversation.
3*
"Kindly keep to yourself, bartender. And get me another Wóda." You pour Agustina another shot, and swish goes her credchip. (+5c)
Today Earnings: 1092c
Monthly Earnings: 1092c
You do not think Agustina will converse with you again tonight. Chester slowly sips his Sucrosol, and Agustina, her Wóda, instead of slamming it down in one.
A) Ask Chester about his relationship with Agustina.
B) Ask Chester why is he smiling.
C) Ask Chester about his life as android.
D) Ask Chester about his preference for clear synthols.
E) Do some idle bartending.
-
E - Idly clean the bar. You know, polish glasses, wipe the counter, etc. They'll talk to us if they want to, no need to push a conversation
-
E
A wise bartender knows when to shut up.
-
E
-
E
A wise bartender knows when to shut up.
Good point E
-
E
-
You idly tend to the bar - your patrons can always speak up.
1236USY.1d/1m.1900h
"An'der Wóda." Agustina mumbles, pushing the shot glass towards you. You glance at Chester, who glances at you and then Agustina, and returns to sipping of his sucrosol.
You pour the noble girl another shot of Wóda, and in the end you get to scan her credchip again. (+5c)
Today Earnings: 1097c
Monthly Earnings: 1097c
She looks into the glass and takes a sip afterwards.
1236USY.1d/1m.1908h
Chester suddenly drinks all of his remaining sucrosol in one go, putting his glass the very moment a soft 'thwup' comes from Agustina.
You see her face placed against the counter, and then you hear the quiet breathing.
"I must excuse myself. For a brief period of time. During which I will carry Miss Akrylla. To a sleep pod onboard Minuet." The android easily lifts the uncounscious noblewoman off the counter and over his shoulder. Slowly he carries her through the main gate and into the airlock.
1236USY.1d/1m.1915h
Chester returns the moment your biochip triggers a warning inside your brain:
[SLEEP PERIOD HAS BEGUN. SEEK A PREFERABLY COMFORTABLE PLACE TO SLUMBER UNTIL 0115 TOMORROW. NEGLIGENCE TO THIS MIGHT CAUSE YOUR ORGANIC COMPONENTS TO BECOME INEFFICIENT.]
"Miss Akrylla has begun slumber for next six hours. This should be sufficient for her body. To recover from drunkness. Hopefully her hangover. Will not be too difficult on her."
A) Explain to Chester that you must get some sleep.
B) "More synthol?"
C) Ask Chester some questions.
-
A
take it from a college kid: sleep deprivation is no joke :-X
-
C - I doubt Chester will stay long, but I think we can afford to delay by perhaps half an hour. We can just set our wake alarm a little later
-
C
-
A
-
A
-
"I must get some sleep as well, my usual sleeping period has begun."
"You're closing the bar. For the night. That is what you're saying."
"Correct."
"Understandable. Have a pleasant slumber." Chester leaves for the airlock and you do a little sweeping of the counter.
1236USY.1d/1m.1925h
Having cleaned the bar, locked the main room and set up the alarm, you go to your sleep pod as well.
You set it for six hours, enter, and give in to the stimulated sleep.
Congratulations! Bartender Arnold earned 1097 Credits today! His monthly total so far is 1097 Credits!
A new day at Galactic Refueling Otupost 254831 begins...
1236USY.2d/1m.0125h
You wake up, your sleep not interrupted by any alarms.
You take a moment to plug yourself to the food replicator, letting the nutrient sludge be absorbed by your digestive tract.
1236USY.2d/1m.0130h
Walking behind the bar, you can see that both the command console and the security console are slowly blinking with their ping lights.
That's curious - either they weren't things important enough to interrupt your sleep, or something else happened.
A) Lets check security console first, it actually might be something important.
B) Command console blinking is most probably something breaking down and needing a fix - then again, that would trigger an alarm, no?
C) The alerts can wait. I need to prep the room for another day of work first.
-
A
-
A
-
You check the security console to see what's it pinging about...
Ship traffic logs, that's what.
1236USY.1d/1m.2033h:
Unknown vessel enters Beta Carotenii system through Poseidonis Jump Gate. Heading: Gamma Urquanni Jump Gate.
Security Tag 74A83 attached to Unknown Vessel.
1236USY.1d/1m.2200h:
Unknown vessel (sectag 74A83) leaves Beta Carotenii system through Gamma Urquanii Jump Gate.
1236USY.2d/1m.0003h:
"Marco Polo", an Aviso-class Personal Delivery Craft, has left the vicinity of the station, heading in direction of Eta Coridani Jump Gate.
1236USY.2d/1m.0117h:
"Minuet", a Freedom-class Cargo Barge, has left vicinity of the station, heading in direction of Madagascar Jump Gate.
This means, you're all alone on the station, once again.
Such is a deep space bartender's life.
A) Let's start up the day - prep the bar, turn on the lights, get music going...
B) One more console left to check!
-
B
-
B
-
You check the command console next.
1236USY.1d/1m.2124h: Station Maintenance Alert
Door Control Power Loss in East Docking Wing. Fuel Stations #1, #2, #3 taken off active duty by onboard AI.
Bartender Arnold notified through Sleep Pod A.
1236USY.1d/1m.2355h: Incoming Message
One (1) message (tags: PERSONAL, AUDIO) received from "Marco Polo", an Aviso-class Personal Delivery Craft.
Sender: James Virgilian
Recipient: Bartender Arnold
Bartender Arnold notified through Sleep Pod A.
Not only there was something breaking down, James sent you a message and BOTH didn't ping your Sleep Pod.
This is extremely unusual.
A) James sent me a message? Begin playback at once!
B) Let's investigate that power loss, is IS hella important!
C) Was my Sleep Pod tampered with? I should check it immediately!
-
A
-
You playback the message.
"Hey Arnie, you cutie. Didn't want to wake you up to say goodbye - I hope the station doesn't ping you in your sleep - but yeah, I gotta go and just wanted to say goodbye. Keep the bar open for me and I will try to get jobs going through Beta Carotenii more often. Okay? Okay, bye then. Until next time."
You feel fluffy inside your organic body parts. But it is time to get back to professionalism. You decide to investigate...
A) ...the power loss in door control in East Docking Wing.
B) ...if your Sleep Pod had its alert system disabled or was otherwise tampered with.
-
B - There should be other working Fuel Stations, so let's figure this out first
-
You go to your bedroom and check the sleep pod.
1236USY.2d/1m.0136h
Going through quick maintenance check, everything seems powered and the sleep pod's connection to the main computer is working just fine.
A) *shrug* Let's check the power loss next.
B) Time to grab a screwdriver and dig deeper into the sleep pod's circuits.
-
B - what could go wrong?
-
You grab a screwdriver and maintenance pad.
You open the side panel and begin looking for trouble inside.
1236USY.2d/1m.0140h
You check the power conduits (everything's ok), the messaging system (all is well), the alarm system itself (BEEP-BEEP is loud and clear).
Then you notice something - the manual control for alert system has been activated and the switch was set to 'off'.
You flip the swit-
BEEP-BEEP
BEEP-BEEP
BEEP-BEEP
BEEP-BEEP
You acknowledge the alarm, disable manual control and put everything back in its place.
You wonder who could've have had the time, tools and the whole idea of putting the notification system for the sleep pod on manual.
Then you remember that you're not the first bartender for this outpost, obviously, so it must've been the previous bartender. Quite irresponsible on their part (you can understand the decision, though. That alarm is loud).
A) Anyway! Time to do some more maintenance and check the East Docking Wing!
B) Anyway! I have done enough maintenance, time to prep up the bar for whomever might be visiting today!
-
A - Maybe this will be just as easy?
-
A
-
You head for the East Docking Ring.
It is time to put your genius engineering skills to good use once again!
1236USY.2d/1m.0155h
You seal the pressurized spacesuit and have it clamped on your body tightly. You put on the interface helmet and pull up the holo-console with your eyesight before, well, your eyes.
The interface informs you that the pressure is stable but the door controls have been locked.
With a sigh, you pull up schematics of the airlock and find the manual override panel. With a loud clunk, it pops open and you pull the heavy lever down. The airlock door opens with a hiss and rolls out slowly to the side.
You enter the main airlock area, glancing at the darkness behind the outer airlock door. Several tonnes of plasteel is all that separates you from cold, deadly void of space.
You take off the maintenance panel and run diagnostics. The outer airlock door #2 is on manual, the inner airlock door is on manual, docking clamps for all three outer airlocks are jammed into 'closed' position, requiring a manual reset to open and then fixing the power problem between them and the computer...
You have quite a lot of work before you.
1236USY.2d/1m.0202h
1
You inadverently cause a power surge and the outer airlock door #2 rolls open!
Your magnetic boots keep you in place but you grab a nearby handle just to be on the safe side. You wait until the air is vented into space over the next dozen seconds to avoid being pushed about by the pressure difference. You glance at the far end of the corridor, where the gate to the main hall is keeping the bar from being vented out of air.
Well, at least something in here is working properly.
Once oxygen is gone and void conquers the entire East Docking Wing, you try to finagle a way to restore control over the outer airlock door #2.
1236USY.2d/1m.0207h
1
Bad luck however haunts you and you inadverently cause a power surge in the control panel itself. The interface on the panel goes offline, but your maintenance pad shows it still has power. You could potentially try to reroute it to the panel or fix the burned-out cable or something...
Still: woops.
A) Alright, lets just manually close the outer airlock door.
B) I can fix that later. Time to peek outside and try to reset the docking clamps.
C) Third time's the charm! Let's try fixing the control panel again!
D) You know what, this is it. The maintenance team can fix this. Let's just go back, seal the outer airlock and keep East Wing out-of-order until tomorrow night.
-
D - Is what they're for
-
D
-
D Man this place seems to hate us.
-
You decide it is enough for you, and just seal the outer airlock #2 manually with the override handle.
You do the same with the inner airlock, and shuffle off to take off the spacesuit and the helmet.
East Wing will wait for actual repair team; you still have five other docking points and pumps working, after all.
1236USY.2d/1m.0225h
You return to the bar. What was fixed got fixed, what was broken... well, its still broken.
You begin preparations to have it ready to serve and entertain customers.
♪ 1236USY.2d/1m.0235h ♫ (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IF_0W1cYPYo)
It takes you about ten minutes to get everything ready, including the music... if only you had customers.
Just to be sure, you check the sensors console.
Not a single ping of impulse drive.
It's all waiting until some ship arrives in the system and their crew decides to visit your tiny outpost in middle of nowhere.
A) Let's just chill and pass the time.
B) Chapter 2 of those media series seems almost inviting.
C) Maybe there's some bartending lore to be found in manuals and stuff?
D) Great moment to hook myself to the computer and peer deeper into my organic and electronic pathways!
-
B - We've done some work, let's have a quick break and then we'll get more bartending done
-
Eh, sure. We could use more bartending lore tho, we were struggling something fierce when the database crashed yesterday.
B
-
You navigate the computer core's memory to reach the folders containing the sprawling media series about Captain Zirconius.
1236USY.2d/1m.0333h
The date is 666 United Space Year. Hiro Zirconius, the Captain of Space Police Corvette Hyperion-3, goes through the dossiers of file clerks, new recruits, grumpy veterans, to assemble his bridge crew; Chief Engineer Hota Jaxo (a snarky janitor from Federal Space Police Fortress Poseidonis), Communications Chief Marga Trelis (ex-radio jockey fresh out of Space Police Academy), Computer Specialist Mikhaila Syarkova (former laboratory chief of FSPF Poseidonis) and Weapons Officer Chester-Beta42 (second iteration of Chester, a bodyguard droid serie). Their first mission as a crew takes them once again into fight with the brutal Barbary Pirates, destroying one of their bandit flotillas, killing one of their Crime Barons, Barbus Shrapnel-Maw, and rescuing Milan Milan, a young computer jack who was about to be sold into slavery for his debts to the criminal underworld. Shortly after returning to Fortress Poseidonis, Zirconius is contacted by Crime Prince Borelion, who offers the young Captain a deal...
So ends Chapter 2.
A) Maybe there's some bartending lore to be found in manuals and stuff?
B) Let's just chill and pass the time.
C) Great moment to hook myself to the computer and peer deeper into my organic and electronic pathways!
D) Alright, I guess I could go through Chapter 3 as well.
-
a chapter a day keeps the madness away
we're good for now tho.
A
-
A - Time to do work!
-
You decide to read on some bartending lore.
1236USY.2d/1m.0433h
You learn from a bartender trivia file that each Outpost has a potential to submit a Special; a synthol mix not exceeding 100 Creds price. This priviledge is available only to the most popular, most profitable and most lucky of Outposts, for the submitted mix will be reviewed by both the CEO, the Conglomerate Council, and a group of randomly chosen 133 currently active SRC Bartenders. Not only is unanimous approval needed for the Outpost Special to pass, an Outpost cannot send more than one recipe in the span of a universal space year.
From what you read, all Outpost Specials were made by planetside Outposts that have thousands of guests a month, and you think you are far, far from having any chance to become the first deep-space Outpost to get this rare honor...
Oh, the article actually has the recipes for the Top 3 of the most popular Specials!
OUTPOST 493 SPECIAL: 43c
2 Shots of Wet Jet
Dash of Ribesnero
Serve in a tank glass with ice and lemon slice.
====
OUTPOST 64 SPECIAL: 23c
Shot of Dry Jet
Dash of Ambrosia
Dash of Sucrosol
Serve in a shot glass.
====
OUTPOST 90500 SPECIAL: 49c
2 Shots of Wet Jet
Shot of Sucrosol
Dash of Martian
Serve in a tank glass with ice and lemon slice.
A) Let's just chill and pass the time.
B) Great moment to hook myself to the computer and peer deeper into my organic and electronic pathways!
C) This was a good find. Maybe there's more such good finds hidden in the manuals?
-
C - Let's go with some more "training"!
-
You decide to read some more trivia, for a slim chance there will be more recipes to be found there.
1236USY.2d/1m.0444h
You barely get started on an article about differences between fruity and sweet drinks when the sensors' console sends you an alert.
You go check that stuff.
Sensors Station Alert! IFF beacon translation in progress...
Done!
"Prinz Eugen", Venera-class Luxury Casino Liner, approaching from direction of Poseidonis Jump Gate.
Docking request received.
Docking Airlock assigned: #4 (authority: Automated Refueling AI)
Estimated arrival time: 22 minutes.
You're about to consider whether to hail them or not, when the security console pings again.
Prinz Eugen's crew is hailing your outpost.
A) Ignore the hail and return to reading.
B) Let's not be rude - answer the hail!
-
B, natch :D
-
You open the hailing frequency.
The subspace radio cracks before you hear a pleasant, masculine voice on the other end.
"Greetings, this is Captain Theodore Porphyros of Venera-class liner Prinz Eugen of the Seifar Slots And Slips Services. Am I speaking with the manager, or the bartender, of this SRC Outpost?"
"Correct. Bartender Arnold here, I'm the only person on board."
"Cool. Well, our standard cruise does not involve any stops between Albertus III and Tau Ceti Prime, but we will be docking at your outpost, and I see your AI notified you already of that?"
"Yeah. Is there some kind of emergency on board?"
"Oh, nah, nothing of the kind. However one of our passengers wishes to disembark at your outpost because she says she will be picked up by another ship affiliated with her, er, fellowship. Because your outpost belongs to, and you work for, another corporation, that is not affiliated with Seifar, I must ask you for permission to off-load said passenger on your outpost."
"I see..."
"Right, bartender Arnold, so can we leave one of our passengers with you? If you agree I will accompany the lady to get your thumbprint signature on my paperwork."
A) "Sorry, but I can't accept your passenger!"
B) "This is not what I was hoping for, but, sure, she can stay here for a while."
C) "I know passenger manifest is a highly confidential thing but I would like more information about this lady before I decide, please and thank you?"
-
C - Depends on how long she wants to stay imo. If its only a few hours I'm sure it'll be fine, but any longer and we'll have to think about food, or somewhere for her to sleep...
-
C
-
Also C. We'll need to know how long she's staying for to handle everything properly after all.
Well... "properly." Given our apparent bad luck at handling absolutely anything, given what happened to East Wing.
-
"I know passenger manifest is a highly confidential thing but I would like more information about this lady before I decide, please and thank you?"
There's a pause on the other side of the comms before Captain Porphyros replies.
"Her name is Evangeline Rudker.
"And?"
"Like you said, our data on our passengers in highly confidential- hold on, Arnold."
You receive a ping that the hail is being muted on the other side right now. It lasts several long seconds.
"Right, miss Rudker says her fellows promised to arrive before 0800 hours this day. Can I have your reply to her request now, Arnold?"
A) "Alright, drop her off, I can accomodate her for few hours!"
B) "Sorry, but no, I'm afraid I can't let her stay this long."
-
Hmm... I'm gonna vote A here. Shouldn't be too hard to have her around for a bit, right?
-
A - Yeah we can manage that
-
A
-
"Alright, drop her off, I can accomodate her for few hours!"
"Splendid, thank you Arnold. According to our nav-comp we will be there in about twenty minutes. Prinz Eugen off."
1236USY.2d/1m.0450h
You scratch your nose. You still have twenty minutes left.
A) Might be just enough to continue reading about sweet and fruity drinks!
B) Mighe be a good idea to tidy the bar, you know, a bit extra, its gonna have a high-class patron in less than half an hour!
-
With our track record of distinctly untidy and/or halfway working bars, it probably needs the tidying, ha.
B
-
B
-
B
-
You decide to put some extra effort into cleaning.
1236USY.2d/1m.0509h
4
You clean the tables and the floor, and then you hear noises of the ship arrival.
Soon enough, a pair of people enter the bar.
One is a lady hair going down her shoulders, the color starting from dark purple and slowly fading into golden yellow. Her skin is olive and her lips black. She wears something you can assume is a hooded robe made of high quality fur adorned with sparkly gemstones. She wears black gloves and walks with a slight sway of hips.
Captain Porphyros is slightly smaller than her. He wears a white uniform and a captain's hat, also white. He briskly walks to the bar, saluting you over his shoulder.
"Bartender Arnold, I presume?"
"Yes." Captain Porphyros smiles and hands you a datapad. You read it.
It says that Bartender Arnold, employee of Synthol Refueling Conglomerate and bartender of Galactic Refueling Outpost 254831 have accepted the transfer of passenger Evangeline Rudker from Prinz Eugen, a luxury liner belonging to Seifar Slots and Slips Services, and much technical and lawyer jargon is listed in small-font post scriptums.
"Your thumb here." Captain Porphyros points to a thumbpring scanner in bottomright corner.
A) Thumbprint the declaration.
B) "Actually, I changed my mind, please leave!"
-
A
-
A
-
You thumbprint the declaration.
Captain Porphyros smiles and hands you a datapad. You read it.
It says that with Evangeline Rudker's transfer, Captain Theodore Porphyros of Seifar Slots and Slips services is therefore void of any responsibility for any damage or injury Ms.Rudker might receive during her stay at Galactic Refueling Outpost 254831 and in case of legal disputes it will be Bartender Arnold of Synthol Refueling Conglomerate that will be put to any blame and not SSASS that relinquished Ms.Rudker to your custody, et cetera et cetera and much jargon included again.
"And your thumb here." Captain Porphyros points to a thumbprint scanner in bottomright corner.
A) Thumbprint the declaration?
B) Voice some sort of objections?
-
A
"How many of these do they want?"
-
Perhaps we could use computer brain parts to analyze this arcane bullshit before agreeing to it?
-
A
-
You thumbprint the declaration.
"Thanks, Arnold. Miss Rudker--" The woman takes off her gloves and rubs her palms a little bit.
"Just give me the forms, my good captain. Can't have others delayed by formalities~" She speaks softly and Captain Porphyros hands her two forms. She presses her thumb to each one of them. After that, the Captain looks over all four forms for a final check and then salutes you and Evangeline. Adjusting his hat, he makes his way towards the main gate and left to the airlocks.
Evangeline Rudker looks at the area, interested especially about the neons above your bar, and then slides her backside onto the nearest stool.
"I will be your guest for the next few hours, my good bartender. Tell me, do you have any actual bottled alcohol, or just the synthols? I am a little dry at the moment~" She speaks with the same soft, hushed tone as she spoke to Captain Porphyros.
A) "No."
B) "...actually, no idea. I can check if you wish."
-
I'd say B. Though I wouldn't expect us to, seems like synthols are the standard.
-
B
-
B
-
"...actually, no idea. I can check if you wish."
"Rag and Rock may bless your search." She smiles, showing off her triangular-chiseled teeth, making you a little bit uneasy.
You decide to check the various storage areas for some actual bottled alcohol.
1236USY.2d/1m.0519h
1
Not only you fail to find any bottled alcohol, you fail to realize when to give up and return to your client after ten minutes.
"You've made me wait quite a lot, so I assume your search successful, bartender?"
"No." Evangeline Rudker sighs wearily.
"Rag tries my patience but I shall endure. Are all your synthetizers operable, at least?"
"Yes." You think a bit, wondering if your cockiness is going to trigger a synthol machine malfunction next.
"I will take comfort in that, at the very least. Please prepare me a Gut Punch, and then a High Elf, bartender."
You nod and check the computer station.
Connecting to SRC Drink Mix Database...
Connecting...
Connecting...
Done!
Queries: gut punch, high elf
>2 recipes found
GUT PUNCH: 51c
Shot of Bricklayer
Dash of Fungus Malus
Serve in a shot glass.
===
HIGH ELF: 131c
Shot of Wóda
Shot of Ribesnero
Shot of Sucrosol
Shot of Bricklayer
Shot of Bogwisp
Serve in a tank glass with ice.
===
You quickly set up a glass of Bricklayer spritzed with some bittery Fungus Malus; the resultant shot looks something to a dark brown water.
Then you prepare a tank glass, adding the five synthols over the crushed ice, ending in a tall mixture with a blue-green tint to it. You serve both glasses to Evangeline, and she downs the Gut Punch before even fishing out her credchip.
When she lets you scan it, you note that it looks very fancy; a small chip with golden and silvery casing and flowery decals. De-beep goes the scanner. (+182c)
Today Earnings: 182c
Monthly Earnings: 1279c
Patron ID: Evangeline Rudker
Occupation: Unknown
Conv.style: ENIGMATIC
Liked Drinks: N/A
Disliked Drinks: N/A
Evangeline takes the tank glass of High Elf, gives it a sniff and then takes a sip.
"Adequate. Thank you." She crosses her hands on her lap and eyes the main hall a bit more, a smug, soft smile twisting her lips.
You feel like it is a good time to strike up a conversation!
A) "Is something wrong?"
B) CHATTY: "I have not expected such a refined lady to have a liking for bitter drinks. Are Gut Punches your favorite perhaps?"
C) FLIRTY: "May I inquire what you're smiling so lovely about? Is there something I can do to make that smile even more charming?"
-
B
Unless she starts it, flirting with an aristocrat is just asking for trouble
-
B
Yeah, I agree with Superdorf on this one. Flirting with aristocrats isn't gonna get us anywhere.
-
CHATTY: "I have not expected such a refined lady to have a liking for bitter drinks. Are Gut Punches your favorite perhaps?"
3*
"Perhaps."
You scrunch your nose, feeling a bit weirded out.
A) "Is something wrong?"
B) FLIRTY: "May I inquire what you're smiling so lovely about? Is there something I can do to make that smile even more charming?"
-
A, if only because enigmatic patrons seem the least predictable and therefore the least likely for a positive flirting outcome.
-
A
-
Aristocrat!
-
A
-
"Is something wrong?"
"No, just your bar... reminds me of end-times in the Black Bible." She pauses. "The state of this place. Like a shrine to Rag." The woman takes a tiny sip of her drink.
A) "End-times?"
B) "Black Bible?"
C) "Shrine to Rag?"
D) Be like Neo and avoid the obvious bullets.
-
C
-
C
-
Ooh, Dune vibes
B
-
this is fine
D
-
Agreed. D
-
Changing vote to C
-
"Shrine to Rag?"
"Yes... messy, ruined, damaged, incomplete. Like Rag itself. Full of ruin and gratituous, delicious destruction, forewarning the coming of Rock and final end-times." She sips her drink and stares at you with a smug smile. Her eyes feel like they're too deep and too bright for a normal human.
"Wish you hear more, perhaps... to kill the time?"
A) "What about those end-times?"
B) "Rag and Rock?"
C) "What about that Black Bible?"
D) Remind yourself that you need to go... check the consoles or something.
-
C
This is starting to seem like we've just stumbled onto a chaos cult.
-
I don't suppose we can mention that we are trying to clean the place up? Maybe she can suggest a few things to target first to best improve the fengshui or whatever.
-
I don't suppose we can mention that we are trying to clean the place up? Maybe she can suggest a few things to target first to best improve the fengshui or whatever.
Cleaning tips would be nice, yeah
In the meantime, C
-
I don't think she would WANT it to be cleaned. C
-
"What about the Black Bible?"
"Ah, the book that foretells the end of everything!" She smiles and giggles and then takes the sip of her drink. "The original was written back before the Old Federation. Four hundred and four pages of enlightenment and hope that all will end in the void." Evangeline smiles again and intertwines her fingers, placing her chin on top of them.
"Why, you seem most curious about this! Mayhaps you wish to learn more? Or should I requisition a datapad copy of the Bible for yours truly?"
A) Agree to receive a copy of the Black Bible.
B) Agree to learn more about Rag-and-Rock.
C) Agree to learn more about end-times.
-
A
If nothing else, now we can doomscroll whenever we get bored.
-
You know what, A. Let's join a cult.
-
You agree to receive a copy of the Black Bible.
"Splendid." Evangeline whispers in approval and leans away from you, taking a sip of her drink.
A) Ask about Rag-and-Rock.
B) Ask about the end-times.
C) Be a good bartender and do some bartending now.
-
C
Well now that we've started our incultination (I know that isn't a word; play on indoctrination), let's get back to bartending. We can read the Black Bible and its portents of doom when we get bored.
-
C
-
Cash is needed until the end times.
-
C
-
You decide to do some idle bartending.
Evangeline remain silent, and devoted to slow consumption of her drink.
1236USY.2d/1m.0539h
The female cultist stirs and shifts on her seat, turning to look at you. Her glass is not yet empty.
"Dear child, prepare me a Blackheart." You nod and tap on the console.
It needs to connect again.
Connecting to SRC Drink Mix Database...
Done!
query: blackheart
>1 recipe found
BLACKHEART: 85c
2 Shots of Ribesnero
Shot of Wet Jet
Shot of Pneumo
Serve in a cocktail glass.
You pour two shots of Ribesnero and one of Wet Jet into the glass, and the drink already changes color to deep midnight blue. Adding Pneumo makes it even darker, but you can note that the hue is now something of a very dark purple-brown, an even deeper shade of the color that a human liver possesses.
You serve the deep dark drink to Evangeline, and she shows her credchip for you, allowing you to scan it. (+85c)
Today Earnings: 267c
Monthly Earnings: 1364c
"Look upon this dark hue. The color of void." Evangeline speaks excitedly, raising the glass up for you to see. "Rag blesses me with the taste of oblivion." She speaks once more before taking a sip.
After a moment, she puts down the cocktail glass and smacks her lips in approval.
"You ought to taste it yourself." The cultist says, looking you into the eyes.
You briefly remind yourself of the rules of your behavior from that big manual you read yesterday - and drinking on the job is not allowed.
A) Apologize for being unable to enjoy the taste of the void with her.
B) "I cannot drink on the job."
-
B
The void-cult spiel has been interesting, but I'd rather not lean too much into it.
-
A
-
Split vote, oh nyo ;v
-
They seem like the same thing, our bartender can do both?
-
B
-
"I cannot drink on the job." Evangeline huffs in annoyance, and then leans against the counter, sipping on her drink.
You wonder if you said something wrong, but the cultist does not say anything.
1236USY.2d/1m.0549h
Evangeline has by now finished her drinks and has hidden her hands in the sleeves of her robe.
It looks as if she was dozing off - with her eyes open.
A) "Everyting okay, Miss Rudker?"
B) "Another drink, Miss Rudker?"
C) Keep tending the bar and pass the time.
-
C
-
B, gotta make that MONY
this broad is loaded, and likes expensie drinks
-
B
Basically what Egan said, but with better spelling :P
-
"Another drink, Miss Rudker?" Evangeline stays in her place for a long while, before turning to look at you.
"Perhaps." She muses, and you notice her voice is very harsh and coarse. "What do you propose, bartender?"
>Propose a drink mix that you've learned or a straight Synthol from the list you got at start of the game.
-
Lets go with a Seaside Paradise (http://www.bay12forums.com/smf/index.php?topic=180136.msg8400835;topicseen#msg8400835). I think the flavour notes are similar to what she's already ordered, and I'm curious on her opinion of the name.
-
Lets go with a Seaside Paradise (http://www.bay12forums.com/smf/index.php?topic=180136.msg8400835;topicseen#msg8400835). I think the flavour notes are similar to what she's already ordered, and I'm curious on her opinion of the name.
+1
-
Lets go with a Seaside Paradise (http://www.bay12forums.com/smf/index.php?topic=180136.msg8400835;topicseen#msg8400835). I think the flavour notes are similar to what she's already ordered, and I'm curious on her opinion of the name.
+1
+1
-
Lets go with a Seaside Paradise (http://www.bay12forums.com/smf/index.php?topic=180136.msg8400835;topicseen#msg8400835). I think the flavour notes are similar to what she's already ordered, and I'm curious on her opinion of the name.
+1
+1
+1
-
"Seaside Paradise." Evangeline cocks her eyebrow, staring at you.
"I have no heard of this drink."
"Its a little fiery, and a little sweet." The cultist looks at you thoughtfully.
"Might be decent. Deliver it." Knowing the recipe from memory, you easily mix the synthols in a tank glass full of crushed ice, and serve it to Evangeline.
She eyes the deep orange mixture in the tank cautiously, then raises her credchip for you to scan it. (+83c)
Today Earnings: 350c
Monthly Earnings: 1447c
Evangeline then takes a sip, then another, and puts the glass down on the counter, resuming her previous pose. She doesn't comment on the drink.
A) "Everyting okay, Miss Rudker?"
B) Keep tending the bar and pass the time.
-
A
Overconcern? Nonsense.
-
Money earned, and we already asked that once I think. B
-
B
-
You decide to pass the time.
1236USY.2d/1m.0720h
"It is time." Evangeline says suddenly, her orange drink barely touched, and shifts on her seat, looking around for... something.
You follow her eyes, trying to understand her sudden bout of activity.
A) Ask what she is looking for.
B) "For another drink?"
C) Go check sensor console.
-
C, probably her buddies are due to arrive soon
-
C
-
You go check the sensors.
There's no ships on approach to the station, so you ping the system in search for ships passing through the system on non-direct course, but can't find any.
On a hunch, you then scan the vicinity of the station for non-moving ships... and also find nothing.
Confused, you return to the bar.
Evangeline is gone! You could swear you didn't hear her leave, though.
A) Search the main hall.
B) Check the outside of main hall and the corridors leading to docking wings.
C) Check the personnel-only areas and your quarters.
D) Go back to sensor console, there should be some monitoring system on station.
-
D
Maybe she has a cloaking device or something, but honestly, this place really should have a monitoring system. Which should be able to overview most everywhere.
-
D
-
You go back to sensors console and switch to internal mode. You find out that there are three cameras; one in main hall, above your bar, one outside the main entrance, sweeping across all four wing access corridors, and a third in the personnel area, overlooking the kitchen and the entrances to the bar area and to the command center, where you're in now.
Evangeline doesn't show on any of these, so you check motion sensors - aha! She just entered through inner airlock of Southern Docking Wing. You observe the blip on the motion sensor and realize she is approaching the outer access panel, controlling the airlock doors.
A) Is the intercom working? Maybe I should try calling out to her?
B) I need to get to the Southern Wing as soon as possible!
C) Let's observe the motion sensor a little longer.
-
?!?!
uhhh
B
-
...
Definitely B. We may have a suicidal cultist on our hands. I don't think the captain was bargaining for that.
-
...
Definitely B. We may have a suicidal cultist on our hands. I don't think the captain was bargaining for that.
I mean, he did make us sign that paperwork for like, a 2 hour stay on her part. Pretty sure he knew. :p
-
B
-
You leave the console and run for Southern Docking Ring.
1236USY.2d/1m.0725h
You arrive at the South Wing's inner airlock just in time to see Evangeline take off the casing of the panel used to control outer airlock #6.
The computer panel next to you informs you that inner airlock door has been locked because one of the outer airlocks (the sixth) is about to open to vacuum of space.
You see Evangeline raise and extend her arms sideways in some sort of gesture.
A) Bang on the door and ask her to return to the bar area.
B) Attempt to quickly override the control panel safeties and forcibly prevent the outer airlock from opening.
-
Well, we definitely have a rather insane cultist. She probably wants to get herself killed out there.
A
If we can distract her, maybe she'll reconsider.
-
B
-
Our mechanical prowess has been kinda garbage in past, but I really don't see this lady changing her mind on crazy suicide ritual :|
B
-
B
she's probably a robot or something
-
Because we really should have read that paperwork...
-
B
-
You decide to override control panel safeties and stop the outer airlock.
6
Be it adrenaline moment or blind luck, you quickly override the inner airlock safeties and manage to disengage manual control of the airlocks from the level of this computer panel. With a hiss, the inner airlock opens and warning lights turn off - the outer airlock #6 remains closed.
Evangeline turns to you with a scowl on her face.
"I wished to see Rag again, but now the chance is lost." She scoffs and returns with you to the bar.
1236USY.2d/1m.0730h
Evangeline sits at the counter and grabs the Seaside Paradise, taking a sip. She looks very nonplussed.
A) Demand an explanation behind her actions.
B) Give her an earful over her lunatic behavior.
C) Ask if she wants something sour to drink.
-
C
-
C
She's a lunatic, lunatics won't bother to explain their actions. Well, unless buzzed...
-
Cash in on crazy chicks.
-
C
-
You ask Evangeline if she wants something sour to drink.
0!*
The cultist lady glares at you.
"No."
A) Just pass the time until her friends arrive, it should be soon.
B) Give her an earful over her lunatic behavior.
C) Demand an explanation behind her actions.
D) Apologize for interruption, explain you signed documents to protect her from harm.
-
If she's gonna be like that then just ignore her. A
-
B
-
Just apologize and explain that we were TRICKED into accepting liability for any harm that comes to her.
-
Hm ;vc
-
D!
-
A
-
You pass the time.
1236USY.2d/1m.0822h
Suddenly, security console starts pinging you. Giving Evangeline a stare - she occupies her seat, staring at nearly empty Seaside Paradise - you leave your post.
Arriving at the command room, you check the console...
Sensors Station Alert! IFF beacon translation in progress...
...
Retrying...
...
Retrying...
...
Unable to translate IFF beacon.
Beginning deepscan of approaching vessel for active weapon signatures...
In the meanwhile, several foreboding buttons lit up in your face on the console, giving you several options.
A) Turn the weapons control online!
B) Hail the approaching ship!
C) Do nothing.
D) Send a distress call!
E) Retry IFF beacon translation!
-
B
-
B
-
B
Yeah, let's hail them. We can figure out why our outpost is falling apart later.
-
You decide to hail the incoming ship.
There's no response, so you try again.
Again, they do not respond, however...
IFF beacon data received from "Sails of Darkness", a Melchior-class Armed Merchantship.
Weapon signature deepscan completed: 0 active weapons found.
Docking request received.
Docking Airlock assigned: #4 (authority: Automated Refueling AI)
Estimated arrival time: 4 minutes.
1236USY.2d/1m.0827h
When the console informs you that Sails of Darkness have docked, you return to the bar.
Evangeline puts down the empty tank glass and turns to look at the main gate, her hands hidden in her sleeves.
The main gate opens, and a young man slick black hair and a sharp goatee enters, a flowing fur robe similar to Evangeline's hiding his body. He approaches your guest and bows his head.
"Hello, Evangeline."
"Hello, Hamak. Are we ready to go?" The young man smiles and extends his hand towards the gate. The two exchange whispers on the way there, and after some time, 'Hamak' turns to look at you with an angry glare.
He doesn't say anything, though, and soon the main gate closes behind them.
A) I want my copy of Black Bible, dangit! After them!
B) Oh, hey, I'm free of the weirdo. Time to get back to reading on fruity smells and stuff!
C) Oh, hey, I'm free of the weirdo. Time to read some Captain Zirconius!
D) Finally, I can clean the bar and pass the time in peace.
-
B
-
C
-
B, although might be worth seeing if there's any diagnostics/broken stuff we haven't looked at yet.
-
B
-
You resume reading the bartending manuals and encyclopedias inside the memory core.
Where were you... ah yes!
1236USY.2d/1m.0907h
You learn that many humans, especially those born and raised in space, have trouble distinguishing some flavors and scents of synthols. They have biggest problem with distinguishing between a 'fruity' and a 'sweet' flavor, often mistaking them for each other. This is not the case when obnoxiously sweet synthols like Sucrosol and Dee Tee are involved, but many confuse Skinjuice for Grenadiere, and vice versa, or finding 'fruity and sweet' combination to be extra sweet. Humans are strange.
What's next on the agenda?
A) More bartending lore!
B) More Captain Zirconius!
C) Maybe some maintenance?
D) Just pass the time!
-
C
Let's see if we can do something properly on the mechanical side for once.
-
C - Channel that zen we felt when stopping the cultist from spacing herself
-
You decide to check maintenance stuff.
Security console in meanwhile informs you that Sails of Darkness have evacuated the docking slot and begun its trek towards Poseidonis Jump Gate. You also note that the luxury liner has departed long ago, but apparently you didn't hear the notification ping.
1236USY.2d/1m.0920h
You go through the maintenance on the station - all stuff that was broken and you decided not to repair, well, remains broken and un-repaired.
A brief check on sensors station reveals that nothing wrong was with IFF translation module. Rather, it was Sails of Darkness that was actively preventing its IFF beacon from being translated by custom encryption settings, something that is illegal under New Galactic Federation Space Laws.
What now?
A) More bartending lore!
B) More Captain Zirconius!
C) Just pass the time!
-
Make a note of that for the next time the space police come by and then A
-
A
It's our job to bartend. We gotta know how to do it right, and we might find some juicy recipes in the perusing.
-
A
-
You open the manuals on different directory and get to reading.
1236USY.2d/1m.1005h
In middle of reading through some planetary outpost listings, you suddenly get pinged by the security console.
Its not a standard alarm, so you surmise something has entered and is in transit through Beta Carotenii.
A) Ehhhh, probably not worth my time.
B) Potential customers? Potential customers!
-
B
Hey, our job is to make money.
-
You move to check the sensor console.
You cannot do active sensor check of the vessel but passive readings indicate it is at least twice larger in volume and size than your entire outpost. It's slowly moving on the route from Poseidonis to Gamma Urquanii Jump Gates.
Could be a Federal Police Corvette, or it could be an ore-laden Superfreighter.
Or a Pirate Galleon - you never know these days.
A) Ping'em!
B) Don't ping'em!
-
A - Customers?
-
You send out an invitation ping.
You get no response, and the passive readings indicate the ship didn't even seem to slow down.
You wait a minute longer just in case, and when you don't get a reply, you return to reading.
1236USY.2d/1m.1120h
You are a little annoyed; all this reading about planetary outpost listings and not a single mention of an Outpost special or any planet-related drink mixes, at all!
You tap your fingers on the counter, staring at the empty hall.
A) Let's read some entertainment media!
B) Pass the time, Scotty!
-
B
-
B
-
B
-
You pass the time.
1236USY.2d/1m.1504h
Suddenly, the security console sends our a ping.
You think you heard that particular alarm sound yesterday, too.
A) *snooze noises*
B) ...customers?
-
B
-
B
-
You walk over to the security console to check what's the ping about.
Unauthorized transmission received from Science Satellite 33385-BetCar2 occupying main comms frequency.
Data Type: Encrypted data blocks.
Signal Strength: 100% comms frequency saturation.
Transmission Rate: 1 TQs/s
Input required!
Regularly scheduled annoyance, it seems.
You decide to...
A) Switch to different comms frequency, incoming ships can switch over if needed after all!
B) Send something homing and explosive towards the satellite - a photon torpedo!
C) Ignore it once again!
-
...I have the feeling making a science satellite explode is going to annoy some folks, even if it's spamming random places like us.
A - can we switch back when this thing is done?
-
A
-
You decide to switch to a different comms frequency.
Disabling current frequency ping-beacon... Done!
Generating automated N/A hail response... Done!
Calibrating main transceiver for Outpost 254831...
...
...
Done!
Calibrating auxiliary transceiver for Outpost 254831...
...
...
Done!
Preparing new frequency ping-beacon for Outpost 254831. Please select the new comms frequency:
1. MAIN (44500d_su)
2. S_MAIN (89000d_su)
3. Zanzibar_II (52600d_su)
4. Zanzibar_I (57900d_su)
5. Fed_DISTRESS (64641d_su) -- RESTRICTED
3
You don't know that much about subspace radios to understand what these stand for (MAIN is probably what you've been using so far). You do know that d_su is shorthand for 'directed subspace', the everday method for transmitting data over subspace.
A) Switch to S_MAIN.
B) Switch to Zanzibar_II.
C) Switch to Zanzibar_I.
D) Switch to Fed_DISTRESS.
E) My anxiety tells me to stay on MAIN instead!
-
Hmm... I'll vote A here. It's just a different kind of MAIN, surely folks will catch on...
-
A is the obvious choice, yes.
-
You switch to S_MAIN.
Ping-beacon for Outpost 254831 now set to S_MAIN:89000d_su.
Disabling automated N/A hail... Done!
Sending Test_PING to Poseidonis Jump Gate Automated Radio Station...
...
...
...
...
Test_PING returned by Poseidonis Jump Gate Automated Radio Station!
Frequency setup complete.
Well, the science satellite shouldn't give you any trouble from now on!
What now?
A) Hit that snooze button to pass the time!
B) Read some more of those Zirconius media series.
-
Eh, let's see if Zirconius is actually any good. B (though I'm doubting it)
-
B
Deep space is crazy-making. Distractions help.
-
Having nothing else to do, you read on Captain Zirconius, Chapter 3.
1236USY.2d/1m.1615h
The date is 666 United Space Year. Crime Prince Borelion contacts Captain Zirconius and meets with him at the Black Roselia Spacebar, to discuss some business. The deal seems pretty simple - Captain Zirconius gets info on Crime Lord Xusxus, enemy of Borelion, in exchange for getting Xusxus killed. Captain Zirconius agrees reluctantly after noticing armed bodyguards of Borelion sitting about the bar. Next day, Hyperion-3 leaves the Space Fortress Poseidonis on a routine patrol to Zeta Manicurii System, only to bump into a crime flotilla led by no one else than Crime Lord Xusxus when Hyperion-3 arrives in the system. Zirconius decides that he wants Xusxus alive and in Poseidonis' holding cells rather than dead. A spaceship fight ensues, but the pirate fighters and armed cargo barges dont do much against Zirconius' corvette. Crime Lord Xusxus is wounded after an attack against his flagship, Pink Galleon, but the lightly damaged vessel mysteriously explodes before Xusxus and his goons can be extracted. Feeling that something's afoot, Captain Zirconius orders a deepscan of the debris field. Miraculously, a comms computer core is recovered intact and handed to Computer Specialist Mikhaila Syarkova, who begins her work on recovering transmissions logs of the Pink Galleon. But shortly afterwards, sensors on-board Hyperion-3 inform the crew that several unidentified vessels are emerging from a warp jump close to the police corvette's position...
So ends Chapter 3.
A) Hmmmm, Chapter 4?
B) Enough! Pass the time!
-
B
-
Yeah, B. Zirconius is a distinctly boring fellow... or maybe just plain cheesy.
-
You decide to pass the time.
1236USY.2d/1m.1715h
A thought occurs to you - the SRC maintenance team is ought to arrive at 0100 tomorrow which is a bit earlier than your sleep cycle (1915-0115) ends.
A) Let's go to sleep an hour earlier than usual, then!
B) Whatevs, they will be late anyway, I bet.
-
A feels like a decent choice. They'll probably want us to explain what we were doing, anyway.
-
You decide to pass the time until 1815 and then go to sleep!
1236USY.2d/1m.1815h
After checking the sensors console (not a ping in entirety of system) you head for the tank bed.
You set the timer for one hour earlier than usual, enter the tightly enclosed area, and begin your programmable slumber.
1236USY.2d/1m.2138h
BEEP-BEEP
BEEP-BEEP
BEEP-BEEP
BEEP-BEEP
Awoken by the security alarm, you stumble out of the tank bed, rubbing your face and readjusting your eyes to the lights of the personnel quarters.
You walk up to the security console to see what is causing the alarm.
Sensors Station Alert! IFF beacon translation in progress...
Done!
"Speed Junkie", an Aviso-class Personal Delivery Craft, is approaching from the direction of Eta Coridani Jump Gate.
Standard docking and refueling request received.
Fuel Pump assigned: #6 (authority: Automated Refueling AI)
Estimated arrival time: 6 minutes.
A potential customer.
A) Nope, I need my beauty sleep for tomorrow's maintenance crew visit!
B) A potential customer! Let's send them an offer of drinks!
-
B
Customers are our thing. The maintenance team can excuse us being a little drowsy, can't they?
(judging by the time, we appear to have gotten 3 hours 23 minutes of sleep in, which is just over half a sleep cycle, no?)
-
B - I'm sure we can find time for more sleep later
-
Maintenance on the horizon! I don't think the first bartender game ever got that far :)
B
-
B
-
You contact the approaching ship with an offer of drinks!
"Oh, deligver! Spadek-zu Centuur?"
You squint at the console.
A) Ask them to repeat that.
B) "Yes."
C) "No."
-
That's... quite the accent.
A, because that doesn't make much sense.
-
"Could you repeat that please?"
"Aw, you only speak Federal. I was saying I was delighted and asked if you speak Centaurian."
"No, I do not."
"Ah, schitze. But sure, I will come down for a drink or two! See you."
What even is Centaurian? You don't remember hearing any language like that before.
A) Go prep the bar for the inevitable arrival of the new customer.
B) Go check the computer core for files on Centaurian language.
-
A
Let's check the bar for stuff we need to do. If the customer doesn't bother to explain what Centaurian is, then we can go look it up.
-
B, we can probably just download the language real quick.
-
A
-
You go prep the bar.
1236USY.2d/1m.2145h
When the main gate opens, a small bald lady in her 40s steps inside, dressed in a gaudy jumpsuit - purple with yellow and green stripes diagonally from her left shoulder to her right hip. When she approaches the bar, you notice how small she is - a head shorter than you, and you're average.
"A, heljo baartad!" She says, eyeing the broken lights up. "You didn't have a run-in with some pieratteskum, did you?" She seats herself at a stool and eyes you curiously.
"Well, anyway, let's get to drinks, I would like a shot of something light, I am not good with liquors, even synthols."
Light?
Soft? Fruity maybe? Soft and fruity??
A) Pour her a shot of...
*A) Skinjuice
*B) Equator
*C) Creme Blanco
*D) Grande Pascale
*E) Tropico
*F) Meganekko
*F) Silkdrink
*G) Sunset Capri
B) "Sure thing, if you can specify your choice a bit more?"
-
AB - Equator is Soft, so let's go with that
-
AE - For El Presidente!
-
Leaning AC.
-
I guess I'll also lean AC - but fair warning that I'm not really sure what any of these are, just going on the name.
-
You serve her a shot of the white-ish Creme Blanco. The bald lady takes her shot, sniffs it, nods in approval, and with happy smile lets you scan her credchip. (+25c)
Today Earnings: 375c
Monthly Earnings: 1472c
Patron ID: Sieverta Wodnekrojjk
Occupation: PCRM State Commissar for Lambda Centauri V
Conv.style: CHATTY
Liked Drinks: SOFT
Disliked Drinks: N/A
She downs the shot in one go, and lets out a happy 'ah!'.
"Wondewriet! I needed just something like that, dear bartender. How's it going on this outpost in middle of nowhere, hm?"
CHOOSE YOUR REPLY!
A) "It's going okay."
B) CHATTY: "It was going okay and now it took a turn towards even better, because I feel I am about to have a nice chat with you, lady commissar."
C) FLIRTY: "Ah, quite well, but not as well as your colorful suit matches your sparkling eyes, lady commissar~!"
D) Complain about stuff that happened so far in just last two days.
-
B
I should think chatty and chatty would get along. But we'll just have to see.
-
D: since she asked, take this chance to complain about that weird cultist trying to off herself, and the annoying science station, and everything being broken, and the lack of proper bottled drinks.
-
People say its Glass who has good ideas but here I see its you instead ;v
-
I have ideas. I will not claim as to their quality.
-
D could be funny, but let's keep it light and make a joke of it, not just unload on a customer.
-
"Oh, the neon lights above you exploded shortly after I got here. And then I have found out that there's a science satellite in my neighbourhood that spams my frequency channels regularly and then there was this cultist who tried to off herself by exposing herself to void of space and the worst thing of all this, I don't have any actual, bottled alcohol on hand!"
2*
"Ollard, you aren't very happy with this line of work, are you?" Sieverta looks at you with bemused, even sour, face.
You hum in consternation.
A) "Apologies for the outburst. Do you want another shot?"
B) "I'm just a little drone, and this is harder than I thought."
-
A
-
B
-
No, A.
-
"Apologies for the outburst. Do you want another shot?"
3*
"Well... another shot of the white."
You pour her a new shot of Creme Blanco and scan her credchip when she reaches with it towards you. (+25c)
Today Earnings: 400c
Monthly Earnings: 1497c
With a smile, Sieverta picks up the glass and downs the alcohol in one go, putting the glass down.
"Thank you for the shots, but I think I will be going. You look tired, exhausted even, and I think I interrupted your sleep, no?"
A) "Thank you for dropping by, please come again."
B) Try to coerce her to purchase another drink.
-
B Gotta make that money.
-
A maybe she will come again. Repeat business worth more then trying to squeeze what we can out of her now.
-
A
-
"Thank you for dropping by, please come again." Sieverta nods and leaves the bar, making her way to the main gate and through it.
1236USY.2d/1m.2155h
After cleaning up the bar and making sure on the sensors console that no ship is approaching (and Speed Junkie makes it way towards Poseidonis Jump Gate), you turn off the lights and head for your quarters.
Yawning and rubbing your eyes some, you enter the tank bed, adjust the timer setting and resume your sleep.
Congratulations! Bartender Arnold earned 400 Credits today! His monthly total so far is 1497 Credits!
A new day at Galactic Refueling Otupost 254831 begins...
1236USY.3d/1m.0035h
The circuits of the tank bed wake you up from your slumber as the bed itself opens to the dim light of your bedroom.
After stretching a little, you feel a bit of a hunger. You connect your feeding slot with the tube to the nutrition dispenser, idly watching the white-ish sludge being directly pumped into your digestive system. Once this little 'meal' is over, you pace to the bar and set it up for the day.
1236USY.3d/1m.0045h
Once all is set and prepared, you decide to go to the command center and check the sensors just in case: no ships inbound for the station, and not a ping of impulse drives within Beta Carotenii system itself.
You hum, wondering how much time you have before Priority Team Eureka of the SRC Maintenance shows up.
Few minutes? An hour, or maybe several??
A) Just enough time to read some bartending trivia and lore!
B) Just enough time to go about the station and see what's broken!
C) Just enough time to read some Captain Zirconius series!
-
I say, we never did read over our employee contract this game.
A
-
You did, on page 2, few posts under synthol listing :P
-
B - the maintenance team might be annoyed if we don't even know what broke and how.
-
B, and make a list of it while we’re at it just in case they can’t pull it from the computers themselves.
-
You did, on page 2, few posts under synthol listing :P
oh
B
-
You decide to make a round around the station, checking for damage, maintenance errors and broken-down items.
1236USY.3d/1m.0110h
You finish your rounds.
You note down that Fuel Pump #10 is offline for six years now for no apparent reason. That Fuel Pump #9 was damaged by micrometeorite impact two days before your arrival and its docking mechanism is shot. That the neon lights in the main hall exploded when connected to the power grid, and that you installed a shoddy bypass to keep the main lightning on whilst other parts of station are on auxiliary lights. That the door control system in entirety of East Wing, serving Fuel Pumps #1, #2 and #3 has malfunctioned (and that several of their docking clamps are stuck in 'closed' position) and has been put on manual. That the door control's control panel has been fried accidentally.
And just in time, because the sensor console starts pinging!
Having nothing else to do, you enter the comand room to check it.
Sensors Station Alert! IFF beacon translation in progress...
Done!
"SRC-M Eureka", a Galena-class Engineering Barge, is approaching from the direction of Poseidonis Jump Gate.
SRC Credentials Broadcast received.
SRC Credentials confirmed: Priority Team Eureka en route to station.
Automated Arrival Report sent to SRC Regional Headquarters at Zanzibar IIIa.
Docking Port assigned: #8 (authority: Automated Refueling AI)
Estimated arrival time: 10 minutes.
You wonder if there's any reason to hail them.
A) Hail them anyway.
B) Just get yourself ready.
-
B
They're not here to chat, so let's get ready.
-
A, hail and transmit findings. It’ll at least let them know where and what to start with if they answer.
-
A
-
You contact Eureka.
"Engineering Chief Eccite Muli here. Whom am I speaking with?"
"Arnold, bartender."
"Ah, the new guy. You've sent the maintenance request, hm. Yeah. I can see it would warrant priority tag from Zanzibar..."
"I have prepared a full log of damage that requires repair."
"Wait, you mean there's more broken shit on your outpost than just what the request is telling me?"
"Unfortunately, yes." There's a slight pause before the lady on the other side slowly inhales.
"...did you attempt any repairs by yourself?"
"Yes."
You hear a loud 'thud' on the other side of the hail.
"Okay, fine, alright, let's, let's do it. Send the logs so I can look at them. Eureka over."
You tap away on the console to send the logs.
1236USY.3d/1m.0113h
Eureka confirms receiving the logs.
You receive a hail few seconds later.
"Oh for fuck's sake, man! I have six people and four hours before I gotta make way for the outpost at Gamma Urquanii. This ain't, well, fuck, okay, maybe we can do it in four hours, but, man, why... buh! Eureka over."
What a pleasant woman.
You make your way to the bar.
1236USY.3d/1m.0121h
The security console notifies you that Eureka has docked with the outpost.
Soon enough, its crew enters the main hall through the gate; three men and one woman in jumpsuits, two men in spacesuits with their helmets off, and a tired looking lady in engineer's garb with a coat on her arms. She has short, white hair, green eyes and lips seemingly twisted in permament scowl.
She and her crew look over the main hall, which makes the white-haired woman put her hands on her waist in consternation.
"Right, Robert and Chim, you just start on the airlocks and docking clamps, then go for micrometeorite damage if you've got time. Tim and Lesbie, I want you two on the neons and I will join you after a talk with our bartender friend here. Kira and Arek, you two check the internals on the tenth pump, try to find out what's wrong, call me if its power couplings." The group responds with 'yes, chief!' and scatters; all, except the two engineers who begin accessing the neons control panels on the side, leave through the main gate.
The white-haired woman makes her way to the bar and takes a seat, staring at you with a curious mix of defeat and contempt in her eyes.
"Nice to meet you, Arnold. Eccite Muli." She extends her hand towards you, and you shake it in archaic greeting.
"Alright, so, first of all - first try to fix stuff on your own, then send a maintenance request, okay? Because, the SRC AI controls the schedules, not us, based on the maintenance requests sent over. Like, fuck, they should've told you when you got yourself employed. Whatever. So the clamps and door control, two hours at least for my boys, if the fuel pump was shot through then no way we can get it fixed today, but maybe its just hull damage, we will see, and the neons shouldn't take long unless the main power unit was fried... and if the side corridors are on auxiliary power, then that's quite possibly what it is, fuck... no idea about the tenth pump, it has given S'tivan issues too, uh, I hate deep space outposts, I really do, but what can you do, right? I can only hope four-four-six will actually not have any surprises for us today..."
A) Offer her a drink!
B) "I can assist your team if you're strapped for time."
C) Just nod along and let her talk.
D) Inquire about technical knowledge and acquisition of tools so that you can do proper repairs yourself.
-
How about option D) ask if/how we can get tools and training for future repairs. Save them a trip, maybe?
-
How about option D) ask if/how we can get tools and traininng for future repairs. Save them a trip, maybe?
+1
-
Smart. Its an option now.
-
oh yeah, one thing we probably shouldn't mention is that we did try to fix things ourselves and that's why the lights blew out, the door control panel fried, and the airlock's a mess...
or maybe we should if we want to watch the fireworks, but that doesn't seem the best idea
-
D
-
Definitely would like to actually know how to fix things, and have at least some proper tools to do so. They probably have at least a couple old hand tools on excess to give us...
-
D
-
"Is it hard to replace things on the station? I mean, if I had more technical expertise and some proper tools rather than just a tricorder and pair of screwdrivers, I'm plenty sure I could manage some repairs myself."
"For the technical manuals you would need to visit and bother the SRC Engineering Master at Zanzibar Regional Headquarters but in mutual interest of us having a little less load on our shoulders, I think I could arrange you some datapads. Perhaps it will even help you pass the time on the outpost without going crazy because compared to bartending manuals and encyclopedias these are quite boring and long. Given your troubles I think you would be interested in some basic power network and maybe control panel schematics and maintenance manuals, correct?"
A) "Sure thing!"
B) "How about something else? I won't need computer and power network stuff if you guys are fixing these right now."
C) "Eh, reading is not my thing, thanks."
-
A
We'll take all the technical knowledge we can get, given our notoriously cursed hands when it comes to fixing things.
-
A
We'll take all the technical knowledge we can get, given our notoriously cursed hands when it comes to fixing things.
Aye
-
(A) solid assessment, since any other type of damages would likely require spare materials, like that micrometeorite impact. As long as we are careful with the wires, we only need tools to fix those.
-
"Sure thing!"
"Cool beans. As for the tools, I think I could find a spare toolkit. I'm surprised you've been working with a screwdriver and a tricorder only, there should be a full set of tools in the bartender's quarters."
"I don't think I've seen anything in there." Eccite purses her lips.
"Perhaps S'tivan helped himself to the stuff before he deserted the post. Well, like I said, I will get you some, you should at least have an acoustic sensor, portable fatigue scanner, a laser welder and maybe I could get you--"
A serie of 'bee-boo-beeps' comes from Eccite's pocket, and she pulls out a small communicator. She brings it closer to her face and pushes a button.
"Eccite here."
"Yo, err, boss, like, we have found the problem with the tenth pump, and, um, you're not gonna believe this shit, but--"
"Get to the point! It's the power couplings, isn't it?"
"Em, well, geez, technically yes, boss, but, well, its not the power couplings per se, it's just that, err, there's, like, an old, yellowed skeleton lodged between the--"
"Wait wait WAIT, what the FUCK, the fuck are you saying, what, did you say skeleton, like, a fucking human skeleton??" Eccite looks at you, dumbstruck. The engineers working at the neons stopped their work, staring at their boss.
"I told you she won't believe it! Like, boss, it's wedged between the power coupling A3 and the control panel, and, uh, few of power cables are off their sockets and are tangled around it and like its left arm is, uh, it has been rammed through the control panel and I'm pretty sure it damaged the processor unit so, well, we gotta replace it, if we can extract the, well, the skeleton, so, yeah. Arek has a medical tricorder so he is trying to extract the dna sample to at least determine who the hell this is!"
The engineering chief stares at you wide-eyed.
A) "That's not mine!"
B) Shrug. "I'm here for two days, go figure."
C) "I'm innocent, I didn't have a bone to pick with anyone yet!"
D) What-the-fuck along.
-
D
I bet it's this... Steven fellow.
Ask them to check if it has the missing tools. Maybe somebody was doing repairs and did a real bad job.
-
D
I bet it's this... Steven fellow.
Ask them to check if it has the missing tools. Maybe somebody was doing repairs and did a real bad job.
+1
-
//I have corrected previous posts because I mixed up the fuel pumps, gotta have that stuff correct :P
"What the fuck?" You say, convicingly surprised. "Does it have the tools?"
"Oh, yeah, is it, like... dressed in SRC uniform, guys? It has tools or any shit like that?"
"Well... it wears a jumpsuit. Like, civilian stuff. No tools, boss."
"Uh-huh. Do not touch anything in there and just log this in. Like, fuck, that will be some paperwork to do... and I bet I will have some talk overs to do with at least--"
"Boss, Arek says the medcorder has finished its dna scan and apparently nothing on SRC personnel files, so, em, well, this guy ain't one of our dudes. No cybernetic implants or even wetware in the skull to check, either."
"Right. Right, well, fuck, do not touch anything in there, put a seal on the maintenance door, and, well, come back here, you will help with the neons. I will have to send a report of this to Zanzibar HQ and the Fedpols in Poseidonis."
"Got it chief."
Eccite closes the connection and pockets the communicator, placing her hands on her waist.
"Fuck, I ain't got time for all this." Eccite mulls the situation over, staring at the floor. "Right, Arnold, well, we can't remove the body because if it ain't SRC person then it means it is a civilian and if it is a civilian in a restricted maintenance area, well, then it is murder, one way or another."
"You're calling in the New Galactic Federation's Police?"
"I have to report this, of course, but what with the Feds in Poseidonis still repairing their old space fortress and Zanzibar being not very safe yet, yeah, I hope you can deal with a skeleton in your closet, well, fuel pump, for some... time. And you two, back to work!" Eccite turns to yell at the two engineers, who quickly resume working on the neons.
Eccite pulls out a datapad from her coat and starts typing - rather slowly, and still rather wide-eyed.
1236USY.3d/1m.0126h
You think this is perfect opportunity to...
A) Offer Eccite a drink!
B) Ask about your mysterious predecessor, bartender S'tivan.
C) Ask about info on current affairs within Zanzibar Sector.
D) Offer to help her engineers out! They have the knows, you have the hands - this can only end well!
E) Ask if she knows about the transmission spam from the local satellite.
-
C
I doubt she'd know all that much about the previous bartender. Could be wrong, though.
-
Options D and E. getting back up and running is more important than other issues at this time.
-
You gotta pick only one option, Dustan :P
-
A
This lady needs some serious chill time, stat
-
A. Offer a free drink, if we're allowed.
-
You gotta pick only one option, Dustan :P
in that case, option E takes priority.
-
B. She certainly seems to have known the previous bartender.
-
Aalways serve alcohol!
-
A
-
"You want a drink?" Eccite looks at you briefly, then back at her datapad.
"Sure. Skinjuice." You nod and pour her a shot of Skinjuice. She lets you scan her credchip, of course.
There's a beep.
SRC Employee First Class ID confirmed.
Synthol purchase reimbursed.
No good deed goes unpunished, it seems. Eccite downs the shot in one go, puts the glass down, and returns to typing out her reports on her datapads.
A) Offer to help her engineers out! They have the knows, you have the hands - this can only end well!
B) Ask about Employee Classes and synthol reimbursement.
C) Ask if she knows about the transmission spam from the local satellite.
D) Ask about info on current affairs within Zanzibar Sector.
E) Ask about your mysterious predecessor, bartender S'tivan.
-
Eh, C.
-
C
-
"Do you know anything about the transmission spam from the local satellite?" Eccite perks up.
"Oh, what now, what transmission spam?"
"There's a science satellite orbiting Beta Carotenii I, the gas giant. At about 1504 hours, it is sending transmission spam that clogs my communications for a while. Nothing dangerous - I think - but highly annoying." Eccite props her chin on her fist, and spends few moments thinking.
"I don't remember whose satellite it is, but I think its some research and development corp? I will send a note about that to someone in Zanzibar to get that stuff checked. In the meanwhile, I would suggest changing your subspace radio frequency to something else, did you try that already?"
"Yes, to S-MAIN."
"And?" You shrug.
"No idea, did that yesterday, will see today if that prevents the comms block." Eccite nods, and returns to her reports.
"Good luck."
A) Ask about your mysterious predecessor, bartender S'tivan.
B) Offer to help her engineers out! They have the knows, you have the hands - this can only end well!
C) Ask about info on current affairs within Zanzibar Sector.
D) Ask about Employee Classes and synthol reimbursement.
-
B. All other issues can wait for a different time.
-
Hell naw, we're not getting in these guys' way.
-
Hell naw, we're not getting in these guys' way.
Worst case we are already doing so, and they can thusly use our incompetence as a excuse for the delays. At best they can guide us through some of the fixes we will need to learn, and thusly improve ourselves while we wait for a tools and diagrams delivery.
-
A
dude, do you want to end up another skeleton wedged in the skeleton box
-
A
They're gonna give us more tools, a manual, that sort of thing. Better to stay clear for now… we'll read up on station maintenance afterward, and maybe we can help out the next time these folks visit.
-
yeah no we're not getting skeletonized. A
-
A
-
"So I was wondering... did you know my predecessor? The mysterious S'tivan."
"Oh, a Caninoid. You know, fluffy tail, canine ears, a gene-mod by birth. He was your predecessor right when EXO-Lumina's mercenary fleet were waging war in Zanzibar. He had it rough in here, but I think the local Exofficer had a soft spot for him, and he for her. One way or another he avoided getting kidnapped or forced into slavery."
"Obviously, he isn't a bartender anymore." Eccite rolls her eyes.
"Ah, yeah, you didn't hear that story. Well, one day he decided he likes his corporate lady more than our corporate ladies, so he decided to abandon the outpost."
"We can leave at any time."
"Yeah. But before he left, he invited his EXO-Lumina girlfriend and her buddies over and they siphoned the fuel tanks dry. Like, there's enough fuel in these tanks to support a battle squadron for a month's worth of operations. SRC accounting estimated five million credits of loss from that alone, not to mention they had to buy and transport new fuel to refill the tanks when they found the new bartender for this outpost." Eccite shrugs.
"As far I know, Fedpol is still searching for S'tivan. Well, if anyone's asking me, he's either already several sectors away from here, or got dumped, or worse, by his EXO-Lumina girl and her friends, when war turned bad for them. Probably the latter, someone would hear something already if he was still alive. So moral of the story for you is, don't get hooked with crazy chicks in power, and don't steal corporate shit." The Chief types something on her datapad.
"Well, these are almost done..." She muses to herself.
Eccite will soon move on to help rest of the crew with their work.
A) Ask about info on current affairs within Zanzibar Sector.
B) Offer to help her engineers out! They have the knows, you have the hands - this can only end well!
C) Ask about Employee Classes and synthol reimbursement.
D) Ask about... (insert topic you might find important here)
-
A
-
"What is happening in Zanzibar Sector right now?" Eccite cocks her eyebrow. In that moment, the engineers who found the skeleton-in-the-box enter the room, and she looks at them, and gives them a nod toward the neons.
Then she turns back to you.
"So, Zanzibar, well, Zanzibar, is quite unstable. Federal Police has trouble with all kinds of bandits and pirates, the Centaurians from Pan-Centaurian Republic are rattling sabers against NGF because a, they want to keep their autonomy and b, they want stinky democracy out, and of course there's some EXO-Lumina marauders coasting about, doing all kind of nasty things to those they deem weak and outside the reach of nearest Fedpol patrol."
"...am I in danger, then?" Eccite shakes her head.
"You're behind Poseidonis, you're in an empty system, and you're outside the main interstellar network lanes. If someone wanted to assault your outpost, they would have to be really sneaky and really desperate to get their hands at your fuel. So yeah. Keep your head low and don't invite trouble, and you won't get any." Eccite's datapad makes a 'bee-bee-boop-boop' noise, and she leans away from it.
"And a report for Fedpol compiled as well. Aight, I gotta stop being a bureaucrat and start being an engineer again. Mwah!" Eccite stretches and jumps away from the counter without saying anything.
1236USY.3d/1m.0140h
You watch as Eccite begins her work on the neons and sends out of the engineers away.
You sit at the bar, tending to it, with not a client in sight, and the engineers seem to be going about their work.
You check the sensors console; no traffic in system. Splendid opportunity to...
A) Retreat to your personal quarters and explore the depths of self!
B) Read some Captain Zirconius again!
C) Look around the outpost for the missing toolbox and other stuff, maybe it was just misplaced!
D) Read on and about some bartending trivia!
-
D - I'm sure there'll be something about Employee Classes in there somewhere
-
Determine if Bartenders are entitled to Free Drinks as well.
-
D
Yeah, lore's fun.
-
C! We need our crescent wrench!
-
C
-
You decide to read some bartender trivia, trying to find information on Employee Classes.
1236USY.3d/1m.0220h
Such information isn't very deeply hidden.
There are two Employee Classes in Synthol Refueling Conglomerate Provisions Distribution Program: First Class Employees are all sorts of managerial, administrative and executive officers; Second Class Employees are bartenders, cargo handlers, janitors, secretaries, engineers, couriers and so on.
The program itself aims to support the poorest members of SRC worker strata by giving them free apartments, provided they do not own a living space already. Usually, this means they get to life rent-free at SRC venues; in houses adjacent to planet-side Outposts or on-board deep-space Outposts.
Another benefit of the SRC-PDP is that employess are free to 'sample' synthols (but not drink mixes) to a certain degree; Second Class Employees have 50% discount on one synthol shot per Universal Space Day, while First Class Employees are allowed one Synthol shot for free, also once a day.
Other parts of SRC-PDP include New Year gift packages for children of employees, free bio-med care system, and free cremation/recycling/soylent services for deceased SRC employees.
Well, now you know how Eccite got her drink for free!
If you're not mistaken, this means you're allowed a Synthol shot half-price a day! ...of course, when not on the job.
A) Start pondering the technical designation of 'not on the job' considering you're on-board SRC outpost full-time.
B) Read some bartending trivia of some different kind!
C) Check the station for the missing toolbox, it gotta be there somewhere, right?
D) Move to your quarters and explore yourself a bit more deeper than last time.
E) Go go Captain Zirconius Chapter 4!
-
C
Why would we even want to drink that stuff? Let's be honest, it's probably awful for you. We are basically pushing cigarettes here.
-
Alright, now we can go Ceeking the missing toolbox.
Yes I know that's a spelling mistake.
-
C
-
Alright, now we can go Ceeking the missing toolbox.
Yes I know that's a spelling mistake.
I seriously question your priorities for the actions taken. Why now do you do the sensible options after having pursued frivolous trivia?
-
Feeling that the toolbox must be somewhere on the station, you decide to look for it.
1236USY.3d/1m.0250h
2
You search through every nook and storage pit, every cabinet and every cargo box, every room and every maintenance shaft, but can't find any tools or toolboxes.
You wonder if its even still on the station.
You return to the bar, only to see Eccite and her engineers putting back neons' controls and panel back together. She looks at you briefly.
"Hey Arnold, we're almost done with the neon lights. Wanna preside over the activation?"
A) "Nah, I got some bartending lore learning to do."
B) "Nah, I got some fiction drama reading to do."
C) "Nah, I got to do some private, internal exploration to do."
D) "Sure, do I get to push the button then?"
-
Let's see if our hands turn out to be curseD again.
-
D. no fanfare, just a quick test and then see if theres anything we can help with.
-
Destroy the station
-
press button. carefully.
-
D
-
You nod and approach the bartending console.
Eccite and her team finish closing up the panels. Eccite points her engineering pad at the neons, clicks on it several times, and then nods.
"Okay. Arnold, turn them on." You push the button.
4*
The neons light up, all of them - the horizontal bars on wall edges, the vertical columns, the big sign above your bar, and the small ovals around the disco area. Eccite and her engineers look at the last ones.
"Alright, if all goes well these should be pulsating along with rhythm of the music. Arnold, music please?" You start the music subroutine and wait for the computer to fire up the noise.
♪ 1236USY.3d/1m.0253h ♫ (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QliQ0livbeQ)
The music begins on heavy note, as Eccite and her team look at the ovals.
The ovals do not pulsate with rhythm of the music at all.
"Well, there's a problem. Alright. Arnold, neons off please." You turn the neon lightning off while Eccite points her engineers to various parts of the bar area, herself moving to the control panel.
Soon enough she begins opening it again. Their work is not yet done, it seems.
Doesn't look like they need your help, either.
A) Time for more bartending lore!
B) Time for more Captain Zirconius!
C) Time for more self-exploration!
-
A
-
You decide to read some bartending lore.
1236USY.3d/1m.0309h
You don't get too far into reading about the prevalence of sweet mixes over sour, bitter or spicy ones, when you suddenly hear the sensors console alarm.
Some ship must be approaching the station.
A) Eh, we're in middle of repairs, a potential customer won't like the noise and stuff.
B) Time to hail the ship! I should let Eccite and her engineers work in peace, though.
C) Time to hail the ship! I will have Eccite and her team clear the bar, too.
-
B - is this the "Hi I have engineers doing their thing, but feel free to come in for a drink anyway" option?
-
B.
-
You go for the security console to check the incoming ship.
Sensors Station Alert! IFF beacon translation in progress...
Done!
"99", Melchior-class Armed Merchantship, approaching from direction of Poseidonis Jump Gate.
Standard docking and refueling request received.
Fuel Pump assigned: #6 (authority: Automated Refueling AI)
Estimated arrival time: 20 minutes.
You send them a hail.
It is picked up almost immediately.
"Captain Mon Azares here."
"Hi, Bartender Arnold speaking, the outpost is crewed and our synthol machines are working, if you want refreshments."
"Hm, sure. We will disembark for a shot or two. Ninety-nine out."
That sounded like a very unenthusiastic middle-aged man who dislike being distracted from his work.
Still, there's about twenty minutes before they arrive!
A) Ask Eccite about whether they can finish working on the neons before the arrival of 99 and offer to help if that will speed it up.
B) Resume reading bartender trivia on sweet and sour drink mixes.
-
Asist in dismantling the bar!
-
It does seem like we're about to get our hAnds full again...
-
A plan is needed, but I don’t see any better.
-
You seek out Eccite and her team.
"Hey, I'm having customers soon, can I help you with the neons so they're ready when the customers arrive?" Eccite scrunches her nose briefly.
"Eh, well, sure, I mean, we could, yeah, we could use some extra hands here. Hold this for now." She hands you a power wrench.
1236USY.3d/1m.0325h
6*
Guided by Eccite and her engineers, you correctly replace the plasma breaker and help install a new auxiliary conduit and even have time to twist the control panel clamps a bit tighter.
You return to the bartending console and turn the neons back on while Eccite's team spectates. Everything turns on, and the corner-ovals pulsate with blues and reds in rhythm of the music.
"Neat, we're done here then. We will go assist the guys on the hull damage. I will call you through comms if we need anything." Eccite waves briefly as her team packs their tools and leaves through main gate.
You check the time - 0326 - so there's little reason to not just tend the bar!
1236USY.3d/1m.0330h
Shortly after security console notifies you that 99 has docked, the main gate opens and a crew of six enters, making their way to the bar. Five men in jumpsuits and a guy in captain's jacket and hat. He has short, thick grey beard and hair, tanned skin and a scar going across his forehead.
He sits down at the bar and his crewmen do the same.
"Alright kid. Five shots of Grenadiere and five shots of Wóda, and fast." He taps the counter with his large, rugged hand.
You quickly begin fixing the shots, putting Wóda after Grenadiere after Wóda in a white-and-pinkish line. The crewmen of 99 take their shots, two each, and venture away from the counter to lounge at the tables, some of them nodding along with the music. The Captain shows his credchip and lets you scan it. (+75c)
Today Earnings: 75c
Monthly Earnings: 1572c
Patron ID: Mon Azares
Occupation: Captain of "99" Melchior-class Armed Merchantship
Conv.style: CHILLY
Liked Drinks: SWEET
Disliked Drinks: SOUR
"You new here." Captain Azares muses. "Ain't have seen you here before."
CHOOSE YOUR REPLY:
A) "Since new year."
B) CHATTY: "I am new here, yeah, once I became a liberated Drone I've decided to get a job somewhere with people innit!"
C) FLIRTY: "I hope your eyes are enjoying the view, because I sure am, my dear Captain~"
-
A
I suspect this fellow is not one to talk.
-
Conv.style: CHILLY
Yeah, our social repertoire isn't going to help us much here.
A
-
"Since new year."
"Oh, hrm. Well ya know your way around the bar." He rubs his chin thoughtfully. "Alrighty, get me Asteroids."
Fortunately, you already know the recipe, so you quickly pour some Martian and Sucrosol synthols over crushed ice in a tank glass, and serve it to Captain Azares. He nods in approval and lets you scan his credchip again. (+71c)
Today Earnings: 146c
Monthly Earnings: 1643c
The Captain downs half the drink in one go, then puts the glass down.
He doesn't seem to be a conversation starter much.
A) Idly tend the bar, the customer will talk when the customer feels like talking.
B) "You're a merchant captain?"
C) "How's it out there, captain?"
D) "Your ship is named '99', is that a reference?"
-
C
Even if he's not talkative (and he ain't), info on the outside world is always good to have.
-
C
-
"How's it out there, Captain?" The bearded man grumbles.
"Ain't nothing but the void, what did you expect?" He sips some more of his sugary drink. "Except the Feds clamoring to end salvaging of wrecks. Cuz its disturbing resting places and such. A corpse is a corpse; a wreck is a wreck. Neither last much in the void, might as well strip them outta what's valuable, you know?" He takes a swig of his drink.
"All them planetsiders being 'ooooh, great Federation, great laws', what piece of shit, you know? They're already living in their fancy towers on their fancy terraformed worlds, so they care not for those living out there, without planetside lover, without planetside house, trudging through space to make a living. They demand 'honorable burials' and 'preservation of tragic battles' and how many of them will actually make the trip to attend those burials and honor those battlefields filled with junk metal and frozen corpses, huh?" He speaks rather fast and you wonder if you poked the 'chat' button on Captain's brain by accident.
"Them Feds serving nothing but to clamp down on the lives of spacegoers. I don't need a law in here. I have my crew and we have our arsenal of plasma disruptors to deal with them boarders, you know? But, eh, whatever. If everything goes wrong in them space laws, there's always cargo to haul. Nobody ever went wrong with hauling containers. It ain't the most profitable of jobs, but it is a job." He tilts the glass and puts it down, nothing but bits of ice remain inside.
A) "Want another drink?"
B) "So you don't like the New Galactic Federation?"
C) "So you and your crew salvage spaceship wrecks?"
-
C
-
Another Round?
-
Another drink will keep him talking I'm sure
-
"Want another drink?"
"Hrm, sure. Make me a Startini, kid."
You haven't heard that one before, so you type the drink's name into bartending console to search for it in the SRC Net.
Connecting...
Connecting...
Connecting...
Failed to connect to the Drink Mix Database.
Retry? Y/N
This hasn't happened in a while.
A) "So you don't like the New Galactic Federation?"
B) "Your ship is named '99', is that a reference?"
C) "So you and your crew salvage spaceship wrecks?"
-
A and retry connection.
If it fails again, we'll just have to explain the SRC Net isn't great here.
-
... how about D, "Sure, what's in a Startini? My database connection's slow, I'll get it to you faster if you can tell me."
-
A and retry connection.
If it fails again, we'll just have to explain the SRC Net isn't great here.
+1
-
"So you don't like the New Galactic Federation?" The Captain scoffs.
"Is not that I do not like them. It is that they wish to feel important and pick their noses into everybody's business. Stamping laws and directives all over the place. And you know where their Galactic Council is? On Tau Ceti IV. That's like six regions over. Almost eighty jumps away from here. Their representative for Zanzibar and other regions is on Caduceus Prime, exactly ten jumps from your outpost! They interfere, they complain, and they want all to follow their rules and regulations. Typical bureaucrat behavior. I get sour taste on the mere mention of those datapadders. I want my Startini, where is it?"
Connecting...
Done!
Queries: startini
>1 recipe found:
STARTINI: 106c
3 Shots of Grapevine
Shot of Saproot
Serve in a cocktail glass with lemon slice.
"Right here, Captain." You say as you quickly pour some Saproot and then add all the Grapevine, the resultant mix slowly settling on a dark pink color, and you adorn the glass with a cut lemon slice. The Captain eagerly takes the cocktail glass, letting you scan his credchip in the meanwhile. (+106c)
Today Earnings: 181c
Monthly Earnings: 1678c
Captain Azares takes a sip of his drink and then lets out a rather happy 'aarrgh!'
"That's more like it, kid. Thanks."
A) "Do you think it would be better if the Federation was more decentralized, then? More locally governed?"
B) "So you and your crew salvage spaceship wrecks?"
C) "Your ship is named '99', is that a reference?"
-
A
-
Cause I must know.
-
A
-
A. Knowing federation politics is important as it may affect us later.
-
"Do you think it would be better if the Federation was more decentralized, then? More locally governed?" The Captain grumbles again.
"I don't think that's necessarily better. Just that they get off them arcologies and go visit the domes and outposts and anchor-ships out there before stamping their ridiculous laws and regulations up." The Captain sips his Startini.
1236USY.3d/1m.0336h
Suddenly, you hear the beeping of the security console.
You also see Eccite entering through the main gate and approaching your bar with a datapad in hands.
A) Go check the sensors real quick.
B) Wait for Chief Engineer to come over to see what's her deal.
-
B. We can hear what she has to say, but then we'd better look at those sensors because it probably means something.
-
A
-
A - Security could be something imminently bad. Eccite would look much more concerned if she had immediate bad news
-
You leave the bar, and Startini-sipping Captain Azares, to check the security alarm from the sensors.
When you get to it, the console notifies you that the detected vessel is approaching at speeds above the standard in-system cruise, at least under the current New Galactic Federation Civilian Velocity Limitations Law.
Sensors Station Alert!
Docking and refueling request received from unknown vessel, Zagreus-class Personal Battlecraft.
Unable to receive civilian identification code.
Fuel Pump assigned: #7 (authority: Automated Refueling AI)
Estimated arrival time: Approx.70 seconds.
A) ...Red alert??
B) Hail them and ask them to identify them.
C) Speeding customer is still a customer, now lets get back to Chief Muli and Captain Azares!
-
B
Little scary, but not over-much. If the vessel doesn't respond in good time, then we worry.
-
B
-
yeah, B's my vote
-
B
-
You hail them.
The console notifies you of a problem.
Hailing frequencies cannot be opened.
Target vessel lacks subspace radio capability.
The sensors soon notify you that the vessel is decelerating down towards standard docking procedure values and has engaged its docking lights.
A) Silent running to steal my fuel! Prepare for space melee!
B) A weirdo has arrived! Hopefully they are spendy.
-
Meh, now we know they're not gonna crash into us. S'probably fine.
B
-
B
They're not going to slam us looks like... so we'll have to see what kind of wacky potential customer we have.
-
Weird customer or not, they're still a customer.
1236USY.3d/1m.0340h
You return to the bar, where Captain Azares is chatting with Eccite.
"-or at least a shot?"
"Once again, thanks, but I'm on the job." The Captain sighs wearily.
"Blasted luck." He sips some more of his Startini.
"Hey Arnold." The chief types something on her datapad. "Two topics I gotta cover with you - one, the micrometeorite damage was fortunately minor and my engineers have already fixed the clamps, so you should have pump nine back into service today. Second, did you adjust any of the maintenance core's schedules and routines?"
"Not to my knowledge, no." Chief Muli grumbles.
"Right. Must be S'tivan again... look, some of the sensors in various parts of the outpost were deregulated and long story short, I need to reset them. This requires me to put life support on maintenance mode. Which means synthol replication machines will be turned offline. I have talked with Captain here--" At that moment, the main gate opens.
Through comes a rather feminine, petite young man, who can't be possibly older than in his late teens. His silver white hair is perfectly arranged in a bowl cut, with only two long strands hanging over each ear. Dressed in white flight suit, and with some strange implant over his right ear, you also notice a scar running over his left cheek all the way to his left ear, and that his left hand is a cybernetic prothesis - surprisingly, the man have forego synthetic skin layer. The hand looks cold, grisly artificial, and quite menacing. After giving the main hall a look, he starts walking towards the bar.
"Another client, huh?" Eccite pulls the datapad towards her chest. "Well, I need to reset the internal sensors. Do you think we can do that now or in few minutes? It will take six, seven minutes, tops."
A) "I think I can hold the new client at bay for few minutes, at best."
B) "I can deal with them quick. Come back in fifteen?"
C) "Sorry, but I can't just deny my clients drinks. Come when the bar is empty."
-
Which one lets us serve a round for the newcomer amd the crew of the 99 first? Cos I pick that one.
-
A. Customers are filthy animals who deserve to wait.
-
A
-
Which one lets us serve a round for the newcomer amd the crew of the 99 first? Cos I pick that one.
B.
-
B for sure, Eccie's willing to wait a few and speedy cyborg dude probably isn't.
-
Because let's make money!
-
Which one lets us serve a round for the newcomer amd the crew of the 99 first? Cos I pick that one.
That would be B.
-
B
-
"I can deal with them quick. Come back in fifteen?"
"Sure thing Arnold, I can do that. See you Captain." Captain Azares raises his almost empty glass towards Eccite.
"Aye." He then downs the rest of his drink, just in time for a young man with implants to come over to the bar and sit down at it. Now that you can see his face, he looks very young and is few inches shorter than you, although his body damage and modifications scream that he is older than he looks.
"For an SRC outpost in space, this place seems quite lively." The white-haired man says with a cheerful voice and a smile on his face. He then looks at Captain Azares, and the Captain looks at the boy.
"Yes?"
"Nothing. Thought you similar, but I was mistaken." The Captain says, and turns to look at you.
"Hey bartender, get me another glass of Asteroids."
"As for me..." The young man thinks briefly. "Can I have a shot of Wóda, for starters?"
You quickly fix Asteroids for the Captain, and a shot of Wóda for the young man. You put the cocktail glass for the Captain, and he lets you scan his credchip. (+71c)
You then place the shot of Wóda for the young man. He smiles at you, fishes out his credchip, and you scan it. (+5c)
Today Earnings: 257c
Monthly Earnings: 1754c
Patron ID: Ceasar Smith
Occupation: Unregistered
Conv.style: AMENABLE
Liked Drinks: N/A
Disliked Drinks: N/A
The man sips his Wóda, while the Captain takes a swig of his sweet drink.
CHOOSE YOUR CONVERSATIONAL APPROACH:
A) "I had problems contacting your ship."
B) CHATTY: "Young and unregistered? What, are you unemployed or are you one of those rich young men traversing through space incognito?"
C) FLIRTY: "You look so young yet everything about you screams 'tough and strong' type. And I like tough and strong types very much~"
-
A
-
B
-
B
-
C. >.>
-
B
-
CHOSEN RESPONSE: CHATTY: "Young and unregistered? What, are you unemployed or are you one of those rich young men traversing through space incognito?"
Caesar laughs softly.
"No, nothing of the kind. My line of work isn't in federal register, so it shows as unregistered, and I prefer privacy anyway."
"Is it something dangerous?"
"Something like that." He drinks the remainder of his Wóda, and gently places the glass on the counter. The Captain nods knowingly, but says nothing himself.
1236USY.3d/1m.0345h
"I would like Delta Serpentis Fruitshake, if you don't mind." Caesar speaks after a moment.
You haven't heard that one before - to the SRC Net!
Connecting...
Connecting...
Connecting...
Done!
Queries: delta serpentis fruitshake
>1 recipe found:
DELTA SERPENTIS FRUITSHAKE: 120c
Tank of Skinjuice
Shot of Creme Blanco
Shot of Silkdrink
Serve in a tank glass.
Not a very complicated mix, this one.
You pour a tank-load of Skinjuice into a tank, then add shots of the more expensive synthols, and serve it to Caesar. With a polite smile, he lets you scan his credchip. (+120c)
Today Earnings: 377c
Monthly Earnings: 1874c
"Thank you!" He immediately takes a big sip of his fruity, bright drink.
A) To Caesar: "Don't wanna pry too deep, but what's with the scars and implants? A job gone wrong, perhaps?"
B) To Caesar: "How dangerous is 'dangerous'?"
C) To Captain Azares: "Do your boys require extra shots, maybe? It's been a while."
-
C
-
Credits!!!
-
C Gotta make that paper.
-
C. Something tells me they want to be inebriated for a while before they have to undock.
-
"Do your boys require extra shots, maybe? It's been a while." You ask the Captain, who scratches his beard.
"Hm, another round could serve them well. But we already overstayin' our welcome here. HEY! Come for another round!" He waves at the crew, who quickly abandon their tables and one-by-one lined up for their drinks.
This time they get to make their choices; you prepare 3 shots of Cherrybomb, 3 shots of Grenadiere, 2 shots of Wóda, a shot of Skinjuice and a shot of Sucrosol. It's all for Captain's account, and he lets you scan his credchip. (+85c)
Today Earnings: 462c
Monthly Earnings: 1959c
The crew of "99" returns to their tables.
"Orderly bunch, really." Caesar comments, and Captain Azares nods.
"Thanks, kid." He takes a sip of his Asteroids. "With a rowdy bunch of spacegoers like 'em, you gotta sternly teach them when its workin' time and when it is waterin' time. Once they learn, they don't need much supervising." Caesar nods in return and sips his Fruitshake.
"So they're part of your crew for a while, I wager?" Captain Azares turns and squints at his crew, thinking for a moment.
"Been this way for six years now." The Captain turns back towards you. "They're good boys, loyal to me and my ship, lemme tell you."
A) To Captain Azares: "So you and your crew salvage wrecks?"
B) To Captain Azares: "Your ship is named '99', is that a reference?"
C) To Caesar: "Don't wanna pry too deep, but what's with the scars and implants? A job gone wrong, perhaps?"
-
A, because why not
-
A sounds good.
-
A
-
"So you and your crew salvage wrecks?"
"Aye kid, that's true." The Captain takes a big sip of his drink and smacks his lips happily. "We visit the places of older battles, picking scrap from fresh fights brings bad luck, so yes, we visit old scrap because surprisingly enough, you can still find valid electronics, weaponry and even wealth on some of the wrecks. Some of colonial and fringe settlements pay nice cred for no-questions-asked cargo of space-used metals and electronics. If not, I know few merchants who can process the scrap and items we collect."
"I wonder if you're getting more for a piece of useable weaponry or cargo hold full of scrap." The Captain smirks.
"Both are good money, kid."
"Of course."
1236USY.3d/1m.0350h
The Captain puts his almost empty tank on the counter.
"Aight, waterin' time's over, I think." He taps the counter for a bit, and then nods. "Aye, it is. HEY BOYS!" He shouts, startling you and even Caesar a little bit.
"You done with your drinks?" A mix of murmur and 'yes'es come from the seated crew, so Captain Azares leaves his seat.
"Thanks for the drinks, kid. You take care of yourself, kid." The Captain nods to Caesar.
"Happy scavenging." Caesar takes a sip of his Fruitshake and smiles to you, while Captain Azares slowly picks his crew and herds it towards the main gate.
"So, what do we talk about now?" The white-haired man looks you in the eye.
A) "No need to talk if you don't like it. Enjoy your fruitshake."
B) "Don't wanna pry too deep, but what's with the scars and implants? A job gone wrong, perhaps?"
C) "About your plans for later part of the day, and whether they involve me, perhaps~"
D) "Are you a secret agent or something??"
-
Flirt!
-
Sure, C
-
Check him out!
-
eh, why not Check him out indeed. should be fun...
-
C
-
"About your plans for later part of the day, and whether they involve me, perhaps~" Caesar perks up.
"Oh, my plans?" He brushes his hair a little, then smiles. "I do have plans for tonight, but you're not part of them. I'm flattered, though. Thank you." With another smile, he takes a sip of his drink.
A) "No need to talk if you don't like it. Enjoy your fruitshake."
B) "Are you a secret agent or something??"
C) "Don't wanna pry too deep, but what's with the scars and implants? A job gone wrong, perhaps?"
-
C
Hopefully he won't get mad.
-
C
-
"Don't wanna pry too deep, but what's with the scars and implants? A job gone wrong, perhaps?" Caesar smiles softly.
"More or less." He says quietly. But after he takes another sip of his fruitshake, he continues.
"I thought I was good with booby traps and computers, and it was this arrogance that led to these injuries." He raises his mechanical hand and points at his scar. "It ended being quite painful, trust me. Made me more humble, though."
1236USY.3d/1m.0353h
He takes another sip as Chief Eccite appears at your bar again.
"Hey, Arnold. About the reset, can we proceed already? It's really the only thing remaining we have to do before we continue with our repairs away from your bar."
"You guys are closing the bar?"
"No, but the synthol replicators will be offline for few minutes. Apologies for inconvenience."
"Oh." The white-haired youth looks into his half-full glass, examining it for something.
And then security console pings your station.
A) Ask Caesar if he needs another drink first.
B) "Sure."
C) Excuse yourself to check the sensors first.
-
B
-
B
-
Bleh, so B it. Eccie's waited long enough.
-
"Sure."
"Great. It shouldn't take long." Eccite moves behind the counter and moves into command center.
"I hoped to order something before that, but do not worry, I can wait. Sorry for not saying earlier." Caesar sips his drink again.
A) "Are you a secret agent or something??"
B) "You said you've been humbled by the explosive experience, but you seem very young. Are you employed in your line of work for long?"
C) "I just remembered something: I had trouble contacting your ship."
D) "The replicators are still online. I could fix you a quick shot or two!"
E) Excuse yourself to check the security console!
-
C
also why isn't there an option for the console, is it that irrelevant? ???
-
No, I'm forgetful :P
-
E
-
EEEEEE
-
"My security is pinging, one moment." Caesar nods in silent acknowledgement.
You move into the command center, where Eccite is busily typing away on the master computer.
You check the sensors station located nearby...
...its just the report of '99' undocking and heading for Gamma Urquaniii Jump Gate.
Grumbling, you return to the bar, ready to-
"Station wide notification. Life Support system have been put on maintenance mode. Non-essential equipment connected to Life Support system has been turned offline. Enjoy your stay."
Caesar looks at the speakers located in the corner and sips his drink.
"I hope that doesn't include oxygen pumps." He says with a smirk, as you check your synthol replicators - all of them flashing red diodes at you, and their control panels are all blank and dark.
A) "You said you've been humbled by the explosive experience, but you seem very young. Are you employed in your line of work for long?"
B) "Are you a secret agent or something??"
C) "I just remembered something: I had trouble contacting your ship."
-
C
Would be nice to have even a small clue why this guy is messing with IFF.
-
C
-
C
-
"I just remembered something: I had trouble contacting your ship." Caesar smiles, and takes his time to reply.
"I do not have a subspace radio onboard." He shrugs. "Never felt the need to have one."
"And the IFF transponder, my sensors couldn't identify you."
"I would rather not be identified by civilian authorities." He waves dismissively. "Or the corporate ones."
Truly...
A) "You must be a secret agent of the government."
B) "You must be a super-soldier of the military."
C) "You must be a ninja-assassin-robot-spy."
D) "Weird."
E) "You should be careful, I could have shot a missile at you if I thought you were trying to steal my fuel."
-
D
No sense riling him up with what are probably out-there ideas.
-
E "You should be careful, I could have shot a missile at you if I thought you were trying to steal my fuel."
-
Done.
-
e
-
E
-
Essentially correct
-
"You should be careful, I could have shot a missile at you if I thought you were trying to steal my fuel."
"Oh, don't worry! You wouldn't hit my ship if it were broadside. I would be safe." You look at Caesar.
"Let me guess, you have some electronic countermeasures installed on board too?"
"I actually do! I was surprised that the ship came with them when I bought it."
"A Federal-licensed ship with military ECM on board?"
"Yeah! Strange, huh? Must've been a manufacturing error." He takes another ship of his Fruitshake, and then shakes the almost empty glass about.
A) "You must be a secret agent of the government."
B) "You must be a super-soldier of the military."
C) "You must be a ninja-assassin-robot-spy."
D) "Strange indeed."
-
D
How long has it been since Eccite did the thing? We should be getting Synthahol's back soon
-
About a minute or so.
-
We should install gauss cannons so that we can kill people with ECM.
-
We should install sonic cannons so that we can kill people with EDM.
-
also D
-
D
-
D
-
"Strange indeed." Caesar smiles and raises the glass towards you.
"Right?" He tilts the glass and drinks the remainder of his fruitshake. "I'm glad you understand."
He puts the glass down and looks around.
"Your engineer friends are still busy with the repairs, huh?"
A) "Seems like it."
B) Contact Eccite via station comms to ask if they're done yet.
-
A
-
"Seems like it."
"..."
"..."
"..."
"..."
"..."
"..."
Caesar leans against the counter with a smile.
"Sorry, but, I actually appreciate you being a man of few words. Makes it easier, you know?"
A) "Easier to not get attached?"
B) "Easier to work with people?"
C) "Seems like it."
-
B
-
A
-
B
-
"Easier to work with people?"
"Exactly!" Caesar grins. "In my line of, well, work, it is better to keep one's mouth shut. I've started to enjoy that silence when it comes to dealings with my customers. Hello, tell me what you need, no smalltalk, goodbye."
"Very impersonal." Caesar shrugs.
"I like it, make of it as you will." He pokes the sad glass of mostly melted ice. "As much as I enjoy telling you all these little things, I would really like a drink now." You check the clock...
1236USY.3d/1m.0359h
...and the synthol replicators.
All status diodes on all replicators are still red.
You feel Caesar is getting impatient and might leave if not served a drink.
A) Customer first! Attempt to override the lockout on at least one replicator.
B) Safety first! Call Eccite to ask if you can serve drinks again.
C) "Sorry, can't do, really."
-
B
-
B
-
B. If they’re not ready, we’ll just have to apologize and let them go.
-
You nod.
"I will ask the engineering chief if I can turn the replicators back on." Caesar nods and you head to the commstation.
"Hey Eccite?" There's a crackle of static.
"Eccite here, what's up?"
"My client would like a drink, can I have the synthol replicators online now?"
6
"Oh yeah, forgot about that, yeah, sure, we're done, you can switch the life support back to normal mode. Thanks for patience Arnold."
You close the comms and turn the life support back to normal mode, and head back to the counter.
You check the synthol replicators and they all get online as well.
"So," you smile at Caesar. "What will it be?"
"If that's not a problem, I would like a Vineyard." You haven't heard that one before so you type on the bartending console...
Connecting...
Connecting...
Connecting...
Done!
Queries: vineyard
>1 result found:
VINEYARD: 151c
Tank of Grapevine
Shot of Creme Blanco
Serve in a tank glass with a cherry.
You pour in a tank-load of Grapevine and add some Creme Blanco. The resultant mix has a pleasant, creamy-red coloration to it. You plop a defrosted cherry inside and it quickly falls to the bottom.
You serve it to Caesar, who lets you scan his credchip again. (+151c)
Today Earnings: 613c
Monthly Earnings: 2110c
1236USY.3d/1m.0402h
"I am actually wondering, are you safe in here? Sorry for prying if you would rather not divulge such information." Caesar asks as Chief Eccite enters through the main gate, and makes her way towards the counter.
Maybe she has a progress report for you?
A) "I would rather not do that, thanks."
B) "I have weapons and weapon platforms, yes."
C) Excuse yourself from question to strike a chat with Eccite first.
-
d: explain that safety is relative to conditions, and so far they have been good. Refuse to elaborate beyond that.
-
C
-
B
He actually already knows this. We just said we almost shot him when he came careening in.
-
B
-
B
-
"I have weapons and weapon platforms, yes."
"No, I mean, do you, you know, can you handle weapons? Have martial arts and close quarters training? Your outpost is stationary..." He trails off and takes a sip, just as Eccite comes over.
"Hello again Arnold. Do you have a minute or two? I need you to go over these reports. Check-list everything we've done today, because except the skeleton in the pump we've fixed everything you reported over the radio." Caesar raises his eyebrows as Eccite puts down her datapad.
"Shouldn't take you more than few minutes. Unless you want to personally inspect our work, that's it." You look at Caesar; he smiles politely and takes a small sip of his drink, the glass still almost full.
A) "I'm busy with a client. Ten minutes, fifteen perhaps?"
B) "A tour of the station feels necessary just in case, let's go."
C) "Sure, give me the datapad and I will look it over."
-
C. Explain about the skeleton if asked.
-
C - Eccite and her team seem pretty solid, I don't think we need to check their work
-
C
-
C.
-
C
-
"Sure, give me the datapad and I will look it over."
"Great, great, here it is." Eccite excitedly hands you the datapad and you read it.
Resolved:
-Fuel Pump #9 micrometeorite damage
--Maintenance report: No internal system damage, no power circuit damage, hull damage repaired with hyperfoam injections over plasteel lattices
-Main Hall Lightning Damage and Power Network Instability:
--Maintenance report: Power conduits repaired, central power unit damage repaired, neon lightning system repaired and reconnected to the grid, synchronization of control systems completed
-East Wing airlock #1/#2/#3 magnetic clamp failure:
*This was not recorded in Maintenance Request #1/1236 sent by 254831 on 1236/1/1
--Maintenance report: Magnetic clamps reset, servos confirmed working, docking system reset and synchronized with main computer
-East Wing airlock control panel damage:
*This was not recorded in Maintenance Request #1/1236 sent by 254831 on 1236/1/1
--Maintenance report: Damaged power couplings replaced, damaged control panel replaced, replacement panel synchronized
-Internal Sensors anomalies and unauthorized power setting problem:
*This was not recorded in Maintenance Request #1/1236 sent by 254831 on 1236/1/1
--Maintenance report: Affected sensors disconnected from power grid, reset, and reinstalled to the grid, synchronized with maintenance CPU clock and command console
Unresolved:
-Fuel Pump #10 inactive for unknown reason
--Declared explanation for failed maintenance: Control panel damaged with skeletal human remains found, possible crime scene, SRC Headquarters and Federal Police notified.
There's a small thumbprint area at the bottom of the list.
"If everything checks out I would like your thumprint in there, Arnold."
A) Thumprint the maintenance log.
B) "This ain't correct I'm afraid."
-
Looks About right.
-
A
-
A
-
A, this all looks to be in order unfortunately.
-
You press your thumb against the datapad, and it accepts your print with a beep.
"Great. That one unresolved issue means we can depart early, hopefully we can get an hour of sleep extra. That would be grand." Eccite muses, and then smiles to you.
"I will get Robert and Arek to fetch you some engineering datapads and a toolkit before we leave, of course."
A) "This is a goodbye, then? Here's hoping we meet again."
B) "Don't wanna stay a while, relax to synthol and synth music?"
-
A
-
A
No sense keeping her around when she doesn't need to be here, her schedule is bad enough as it is.
-
"This is a goodbye, then? Here's hoping we meet again." Eccite smirks.
"Bwuh, hopefully not. If we do that means something's broken on your outpost again. Take care, Arnold." Chief Eccite walks towards the main gate, turning on her communicator and talking through it as she leaves the main bar area.
Caesar looks in her direction for a while, then sips his Vineyard some.
A) Time to tend the bar, and await arrival of the datapads and tools.
B) "You were saying something about my outpost?"
-
B
-
B
-
B
-
"You were saying something about my outpost?" Caesar takes a sip of his drink.
"Oh, sorry, yes, I was. I know your station has weapon platforms. I was asking whether you have any combat knowledge. Can you operate your launchers on manual? More importantly, can you fend off boarders? With a phaser or stun baton or even power gloves, if need be?"
You briefly consider his words...
...and you're taken back in thoughts to the time when you were conscripted into service on-- when you served-- you served on Shipyard Alexandra--
"Σ-9! Both hands on phaser."
"Yes sir." You shoot at the receptors again. The board above your head lights up: 57/65.
"Acceptable. You drones gotta get better programming, honestly! If only the Colonel agreed for the wetware realignment, I could be doing something more useful right now! Σ-A3, begin shooting practice!" The drone on your left, almost identical to you, with only his hair being 4 color degrees lighter than you, begins shooting. The short, bald man with moustache looks at the score: 54/65.
"Acceptable, I guess." He twirls his moustache, thinking for a few seconds.
"Alright, drones 2B, 4, 5, 9, A3, another round of shooting for you. The rest of you synthetics go for the close-quarters combat simulations with Sergeant Percs. You all need to be ready in case the Republic shows up one day. You gotta practice and get good else the civilians down on the planet will be left defenseless!"
"Yes sir." The swarm of drones, all look-alike with minor discrepances only, leave the shooting range in neat, pre-arranged, line. Only you and 4 others remain.
"Alright, Σ-2B, show them how's it is done, then go for the CQC simulation." 2B, is almost like you. His eyes are green, yours are brown. That's all in terms of differences between the two of you - well, and he has actual combat programming.
"Yes sir." 2B replies, then scores 65/65 on the board within 13.54 seconds, you note, and the short officer nods in approval.
"See you drones? This is how you shoot. 4 and 5, begin shooting." Your 'cousins' begin shooting while 2B silently leaves the shooting range.
4 and 5 both get 61/65 score.
"9 and A3, begin shooting."
A) Aim for the middle of the target.
B) Aim for the top of the target.
C) Aim to cripple the target.
D) Aim at the heart of the target.
-
D
-
D
SHOTTHROUGHTHEHEART!
-
D.
Trust in the heart of the car...uh, -get. Carget.
-
You shoot at the heart of the target. A3 does his own thing.
After the shooting practice, your score boards both read: 61/65.
"Better. Acceptable." The moustachioed officer twirls his moustache, clearly pleased.
"Always aim for the heart or the head of the enemy. Remember, crippling shots are for criminals, or civilians during riots. C for C and C. Everyone else doesn't get the priviledge."
"What about enemy civilians, they're both the enemy and the civilians." A3 asks to clarify the thought.
"They are enemy. That's what matters. So they don't get the priviledge either." The bald man claps his hands. "Finally, I'm done with you drones. 4, 5, 9, A3, you're free for the CQC simulation. Dismissed."
"Yes sir." The next hours come and pass, because CQC simulations are easy. Tackle, punch, kick, grab the weapon, wrestle the weapon away, capture the weapon.
Shoot the enemy point-blank.
Restart, repeat.
One, two, three hours.
You, in charge of armory deposit afterwards.
Colonel's son, Paul, in your way, his face full of anger.
His fist against your face sends you flying to the ground, between the two phaser storage units.
"Scoring sixties with phasers?" The overweight, 2m tall boy with freckles says, fuming at you. "Who the heck allowed you drones to score so high, huh? Wanna be better than humans? Better than me?" He kicks you in the crotch, but fortunately your genitals are less fragile and possess less nerves. Otherwise, you presume, you would be coddling from pain.
You stand up, only for Paul's fist to strike you again.
"Fucking drones who do you think you guys are? We're your betters, hear me? You're subservient, understood? Fucking factory drones. You're not allowed to be better on my station! If I can't score above 53, then you don't either!"
He swings at you but misses.
You're standing on both your feet. Both hands on phaser.
The boy's expression changes from furious to terrified.
"Put that down you fucking synth!!" So does his voice, from grumbly and huffy, to almost high-pitched.
A) Aim for the middle of the target.
B) Aim for the top of the target.
C) Aim to cripple the target.
D) Aim at the heart of the target.
E) Do not.
-
E: Do not.
-
C - Attacking another Civilian is a crime. And if we're not a Civilian, we are property, and damaging property is a crime. Criminals get cripple shots.
-
We are not on mission. He is a criminal, but we were not given an objective to shoot criminals currently. We are not authorized to set the mission ourself.
-
The repetition of language in our options is low-key terrifying right now O_O
E. Shooting the son of an officer is an easy way to get court-martialed.
-
Cripple the prick.
-
Switch conversational programming to 'flirty'. Continue to point the gun.
-
E
-
E. They aren’t civilian, they aren’t enemy, and they aren’t hostile combatants. Fire a warning shot instead, and intentionally miss.
-
E. They aren’t civilian, they aren’t enemy, and they aren’t hostile combatants. Fire a warning shot instead, and intentionally miss.
+1
-
Spoilsports. This vignette is set in the past, so we know we can kill this prick and we will still end up relatively free, safe, and alive as a Bartender. Take the shot!
-
I'm not afraid of the future. I just don't want to harm the guy.
-
Same. We shouldn’t kill just because we can.
-
Spoilsports. This vignette is set in the past, so we know we can kill this prick and we will still end up relatively free, safe, and alive as a Bartender. Take the shot!
In the same vein, we know this dude didn't whip around and kill us the instant we lowered the pistol. We can afford a bit of pacifism!
this other dude is a jerk tho, yes
-
I have a feeling shooting this dick will end poorly for us in the short term even if we're fine in the long term.
-
You do not shoot the offending human.
"Good!" He lunges at you. "Give me that!"
An accidental shot during the struggle. His screams of pain and awkward crying as the glancing shot sears some skin on his right palm.
His two buddies screaming and running in and yelling obscenities and subduing you.
The long wait in the cell. One hour. Three hours. Seven hours.
The commission of the ranking officers on the station.
Security footage from the lockers room displaying on the holovid.
You, sitting in the middle of the room, a lamp shining above you.
"We've reviewed the footage - how dumber that kid can get?" Says Sergeant Wololi, your shooting practice instructor, twirling his moustache. "He can't even disarm a drone."
"Still, officials planetside and the Colonel, when he returns, will see that as yet another attack of drones against their human masters." Says Chief Medical Officer Quan-Zu, scratching her bald head. "Ought we jail the drone, like always?"
"Are you stupid?" Wololi interjects rudely. "He grabbed a phaser that was pointing in his direction before subduing the drone or knocking the weapon out of his hand. The kid should be grateful the drone wasn't aiming at him specifically, because otherwise-"
"The drone should've surrendered the moment Paul got angry." Says Sergeant Percs, your CQC instructor. "Drones were programmed to be submissive, anything straying from that mental path is a sign of a defect. Simple as that."
"Of course." Snarks Captain Guthenberg, your unit's caretaker. "What do you propose, then, if you're so afraid of drones being 'defective'? That we put them on standby until Colonel aquiesces to wetware re-programming?"
"That would help!" Major Clarkier, the station's first officer, lets out a chuckle. "For Dragon's sake! That's sixth incident in past two months, yes, but that's barely above average! I ain't gonna allow you guys to take away fifteen percent of our fighting force because you don't wanna get yelled at by the Colonel when he returns!"
"Hear hear." Wololi eagerly agrees. "Especially that Centaurians are sending awful lot of their ships in this direction lately. Colonel's son or not, we need the drones to be ready to fight, not to sit in the cargo units."
"For the record..." Captain O'ot, the Chief Judgement Officer of the station, interrupts. "...we should at least hear the drone's story. It's a formality I need to see through." He activates his datapad and turns to you.
"What do you have to say, Σ-9?"
A) Protect yourself.
B) Accuse the human.
C) Say nothing.
D) Protect the human.
E) Accuse the officers.
-
A
The guy literally just ran at us because his ego was too big. He's obviously in the wrong here, but accusing him won't go well, so we should deny our own potential wrongdoing instead.
-
A
-
A
The guy literally just ran at us because his ego was too big. He's obviously in the wrong here, but accusing him won't go well, so we should deny our own potential wrongdoing instead.
Hrm, makes sense.
A
-
A
-
A. No orders were given for how to handle friendly combatants attacking other friendly combatants
-
You protect yourself, saying that you were defending yourself from hostile action. The commission listens attentively, for a brief while before the CJO cuts you off with a hand wave.
"Right." He says, typing something on his datapad. "We need to reach a verdict of whether this drone has suffered a defect that resulted in aggressive behavior against Paul Someland and his injury. As Chief Judgement Officer I will now collect judgement from the commission of five high-ranking officers of this station."
"Not guilty." Says Major Clarkier.
"Guilty!" Shouts Sergeant Percs, and he and Major exchange angry glares.
"I saw the footage. Not guilty." Chief Medical Officer Quan-Zu says rather dispassionately.
"Not guilty, what else?" Captain Guthenberg grumbles.
All eyes turn to Sergeant Wololi, who twirls his moustache thoughtfully.
"Wololi, the majority has been-" Captain O'ot says, and Wololi lets out a sigh.
"Yeah, yeah, I know. Not guilty." The moustachioed officer shrugs. O'ot takes his datapad.
"Right. Drone Σ-9, you have been declared without defect and therefore not guilty. Return to your post immediately."
"Yes sir." You stand up and leave the commission behind.
Your work.
Your maintenance.
Your slumber and feeding.
One day.
Two days.
Three days.
The red alert sirens interrupting your slumber period.
Your visit to the armory. Wololi and Percs yelling and handing out equipment.
Hand phaser, plasteel armor and helmet, two sonic pulsers, energy fork.
The horrendous rumble and lighting failure, bright white lights replaced with dim red ones.
The screaming. Communications lady announcing that the shipyard has been boarded by enemy forces.
Running around.
Putting up defensive positions.
Then silence.
Footsteps.
Figures in dark-teal armor and space helmets, and barrage of phasers.
The corpses of enemy soldiers and some drones.
You see A3's corpse. You see B20's corpse. You see two Delta Taurian soldiers, also dead.
You realize the contours of the over overturned table, made of light blue plasteel. You're in one of the dining rooms in the western half of the shipyard. You're kneeling behind cover along with Sergeant Wololi, who perks up when you two hear more footsteps.
"Find someone else for your labor camps you Centaurian fucks!" He yells, and peeks from above the table and exchanges shots, and you stand up and do the same.
And then the teal-armored person jumping over the table and slamming into you. You two fall to the floor, the phaser slipping from your grip somewhere, and you two begin struggling.
They are holding some strange black stick in one of their hands. Must be Centaurian Painstick, which you once saw on the presentation with Percs.
A) Seize the painstick and use it against the enemy.
B) Look for your phaser and use it against the enemy.
C) Unholster your energy fork and use it against the enemy.
-
B
-
C - The easiest weapon to get hold of, by far
-
C
-
C
-
You unholster your energy fork and stab your assailant.
He screams in pain as his nervous system is wracked and rolls off you, writhing in pain.
A phaser blast to the neck by Wololi relieves him of pain, permamently.
"Acceptable, Σ-9." Sergeant Wololi says and then ducks from another barrage of phasers.
"Sonic pulser, go!" You unholster one of the spindly-looking pulsers, activate it for 3 seconds and lob it across the corridor.
The three Centaurians unfortunate enough to get caught in the radius don't even have time to scream as the sound pulse liquifies and splatters most of their organic matter across the walls.
"That's more like it. Let's go! We need to find others!" He shoots down other two Centaurians and leads you out of the galley.
The shooting continues.
The screams, the explosions, the body count continues.
"Hey."
But you know how to handle all this.
Phasers, pulsers, you've used them many times...
"Hey!"
Energy forks, close quarters combat, you've seen it all....
"Hey." Caesar leans over the counter, his face inches away from yours.
"Yes? Sorry."
"You were looking at me funny." He sits back with a smirk.
"Apologies. I hope it didn't last long.
"Oh, no, you just stared at me intensely for few seconds."
CONGRATULATIONS! 1 MEMORY BLOCK CLEARED!
Arnold remembers his infantry programming from his teenage years!
Employee file updated!
"Regarding our conversation, yes. I know how to handle phasers, energy forks, sonic pulsers, and I know basics of CQC and ranged combat. I was conscripted into military forces once. My programming is still intact." Caesar quirks a brow.
"Really? You're a drone? Apologies, but, color me impressed, I thought most military purged drones' wetware before their release into civilian living."
You try to remember something about that, only to get a sudden headache. You don't think you can remember anything else for some time.
You look at the main gate as it opens, and two SRC engineers enter, carrying datapads and a toolbox.
Caesar takes a sip of his drink and looks at the engineers as they approach the bar.
"Yo, you're Arnold, right?" The tall, burly engineer puts down the toolbox, and his fellow, a bit shorter than him, hands you two datapads.
"So, this here is standard SRC toolkit. Plasma torch, laser cutter, energy dampener, some screwdrivers, mecha-servo, a set of self-sealing stem-bolts if you need to patch some hull or whatever... yeah, this stuff should let you do minor repairs on your own. And here." He points at the datapads.
"Basic maintenance guide, and the other is space-side Outpost schematic compilation, including computer networks, power conduits, auxiliaries, and so on. Ought to keep you occupied for few days at very least."
"Thanks. I appreciate your help. Give thanks to the Chief on my behalf."
"Sure thing." The two wave at you before going for the gate.
1236USY.3d/1m.0409h
"About time I get going, too." Caesar stretches a little, and takes another sip of his drink. There's not much left.
A) "You sure you don't want another drink?"
B) "Please come again."
-
B
Caesar's been hanging around a while already. No need to delay him longer.
-
B
-
B
-
B
-
"Please come again." Caesar smiles.
"Oh, worry not, I will think about it." He takes the last sip of his drink, puts the glass down, and leaves his seat, moving for the main gate.
You start take the glass and put it in the washing machine.
1236USY.3d/1m.0414h
You bring the datapads and the toolkit to the command center, and return to the bar to clean the replicators and the glass shelves a bit.
You listen to music for a while, the only noise in the hall.
1236USY.3d/1m.0417h
Security console starts pinging and you go check it.
Both "Eureka" and Caesar's unregistered vessel are departing, for Gamma Urquanii and Madagascar Jump Gates, respectively.
Once again, you are all alone, on this island in the vastness of universe.
What now?
A) Time to read some bartending trivia!
B) Time to read some basic maintenance stuff!
C) Time to read some outpost schematics!
D) Time to indulge in some Zirconius media!
E) Reading later, for now, just pass the time!
-
B
Let's see how we can manage repairs on our own. With our cursed tech-hands we're going to need it.
-
B is good.
-
You decide to read through the datapad containing basic maintenance information.
1236USY.3d/1m.0517h
You read on the matters of station operations, power flows, common tools and utilities used by maintenance crews. How to safely wield a plasma torch and laser cutter. How to handle computer archives and solve common onboard software problems. How to use hyperfoam injector, correctly align self-sealing stem-bolts, how to deal with plasma fires...
All this knowledge is really basic, but with it memorized within your wetware chip and your brain, you feel that your failures to repair equipment on station won't be as dangerous as they were before. You might still short-circuit something one day or another, but at least it won't blow up the power network across the station.
Having finished the read, you stretch and glance at the sensors - nothing within the system.
What now?
A) Time to read some bartending trivia!
B) Reading later, for now, just pass the time!
C) Time to indulge in some Zirconius media!
D) Time to read some outpost schematics!
-
D
Let's see what's in these things.
-
you feel that your failures to repair equipment on station won't be as dangerous as they were before.
YASSS
D!
-
Huzza our curse has been lifted!
D
-
D, knowledge is power!
-
You decide to delve into the outpost schematics and manuals.
1236USY.3d/1m.0527h
You finish reviewing the entirety of the table of contents and schematic database listing. It is huge, and goes into details of every network on the station, along with backups, secondary and tertiary computers, and more.
The manuals are huge, and the basic maintenance guide you've just read isn't even half the length of one of the manuals. You decide to start with the life support and bartending network manual.
1236USY.3d/1m.0743h
DOODOO-DOOT
DOODOO-DOOT
DOODOO-DOOT
You look at the sensors stations, only to realize that the alarm is different.
It's the commstation!
You check who's hailing you.
INCOMING SUBSPACE TWO-WAY COMMUNICATION VIA: Poseidonis Jump Gate Automated Radio Station.
CONNECTION STATUS:
Type: Holovid real-time transmission
Quality: Visual/Audio: High/High
Frequency: S-MAIN (auto)
CALLER:
Galactic Federal Police HQ
Poseidonis Star System
Bureau of Investigations
Captain Afonso M.Romerries
The commstation asks you what to do with the incoming call.
A) Put it through.
B) Reject the polis!!
C) Audio-only.
D) Put it on hold.
-
A
Well, now we know for sure: Caesar and the law don't get along.
-
Uff, no kidding.
A
-
It's not that, it's probably about the, you know, corpse that was just found here and was in the engineering report?
-
...oh.
Secret skeleton. Right.
-
respect authority: action A.
-
A
-
since the vote is for A anyways there is no consequences for me voting ACAB haha
-
You put the call through.
A seated officer materializes through the holographic projector screen. Late 30s, a goatee, neatly combed hair, stiff collar on his dark blue uniform.
"Greetings. This is Captain Afonso Romerries, Federal Police. Do I have the pleasure of talking with Bartender Arnold of the SRC Outpost 254831?"
"Correct."
"Great. We have received a report from SRC Engineering Chief, Mrs.Eccite Muli, about discovery of skeletal remains of uindentified person on board your outpost. Is that true?"
"Yup."
"Alright. By 8am we will dispatch Frigate Heracles-14 with the forensic team on board led by Lieutenant Francis Pollio. They should arrive at your station an hour later. Until that time, do not disturb the crime scene, do not leave the station, and do not share information about it with civilian media. Is that understood?"
"Yeah."
"Splendid. Do you have any questions?"
A) "Yes, it's..." (state question here)
B) "No."
C) CHATTY: "I hope you don't mind, but I would like to offer some drinks to your officers after they're done, that's allowed, right?"
D) FLIRTY: "I hope you don't mind if I ask whether you're sending your cutest officers to my station, right?"
-
B
Probably shouldn't try to get the law enforcement drunk...
-
B
Agreed
-
"No."
"Thanks for such smooth cooperation, citizen. Have a good day." The hail ends abruptly.
You look at the time - you still have about 1.5 hours before the police gets in here.
A) Continue reading the life support schematics!
B) Get on with bartending trivia hunt!
C) Maybe a chapter of Zirconius series won't hurt?
D) Just pass the time until the cops arrive!
-
A - Whelp, back to work
-
A
We're gonna need these someday, I assure you.
-
Ayep
-
bartendinv trivia might serve us better. Maybe learn a few new drinks.
-
A
-
You continue reading on the bartending network and life support schematics.
1236USY.3d/1m.0903h
When the sensors console starts pinging, you bookmark the chapter you're at. You're 20% done reading SRC Life Support Schematics.
You get to the command center to check who's approaching the Outpost, just in case.
Sensors Station Alert! IFF beacon translation in progress...
Done!
"Heracles-14", Green-class Frigate, approaching from direction of Poseidonis Jump Gate.
Docking request received.
Docking Airlock assigned: #9 (authority: Automated Refueling AI)
Estimated arrival time: 5 minutes.
You can't think of anything to do for five minutes, really, so you just wait it over.
1236USY.3d/1m.0908h
Shortly after the console informs you that Heracles-14 has docked with the Outpost, you feel the hull gently vibrate underneath your feet.
It passes after a split-second.
Soon enough, the main gate opens and a quartet of Fedpol officers marches in. They're led by a blonde-haired man with sparkling blue eyes and a grin.
"Hello, little drone. I'm Lieutenant Francis Pollio. These are Lieutenants Malbrick, Veniu and Chang-An." His fellow officers nod to you one by one. "You must be Bartender Arnold, right?"
"Right."
"Splendid." He says with annoyance in his voice, and turns to the three others. "Use the passcodes we've received and access the fuel pump. Standard scans. If its either S'tivan or Miss Gloria, ping me immediately. Either way, prepare for extraction of remains and transfer to the Heracles. I will in-question the drone and do paperwork in here."
The trio of officers nod and leave from whence they came, as the blonde officer smirks and sits down at the counter.
"Okay. First of all, kill the music please. Loud noises annoy me."
A) Turn off the music.
B) "Sorry, the music has to stay on. Company's policy."
-
A
-
A - Yessir
-
You tap away at the console, turning off the music. (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9iM2uvawDuo)
"Good. Gotta be professional in here." He takes out datapad and reads it briefly.
"Okay, let's do the thing. You are a Drone-by-birth, and upon receiving citizen rights you've self-designated yourself with name 'Arnold', you were employed by SRC on Year 1235, Day 32, Month 10, and arrived on SRC Outpost 254831 exactly at 0 hours two days later, that is Year 1236, Day 1, Month 1?"
"All correct."
"Have you had any prior knowledge about this outpost and events that happened on it before your arrival?"
"No."
"Have you personally accessed the fuel pump where the skeletal remains were found?"
"No."
"Have you informed any civilian media, non-SRC personnel, or outpost patrons, about the skeletal remains inside the fuel pump?"
"No, no and no, haven't had the chance yet."
"Good. Were there any individuals on board when you arrived or any ship within Beta Carotenii system during that time?"
"No."
"Have there been any signs of tampering with the station's internal sensors?"
"Yes. Chief Eccite Muli found an issue with them, they were manually adjusted before my arrival, and she had them reset." Lieutenant Pollio raises his left eyebrow in mild surprise.
"Really? She didn't mention that in the report we've received. Do you know the extent of the tampering or maybe Mrs.Muli informed you about it?"
"No and no. And returning to previous question, I wish to clarify that Chief Muli discovered the sensor issue after she sent a report to the Federal Police."
"Are you sure about it?"
"Yes. I was here, and she was seated at the bar counter and filed the reports in front of me and sent them. It was around one-forty tonight." Pollio thinks briefly, then types something on the datapad.
"Okay, time checks out. Next question is..." He types again and reads the datapad some more. "Have you personally inspected the fuel pump where the skeletal remains were found?"
"You've already asked this question." The blonde lieutenant looks at you, then at the datapad, and blushes - his face quickly takes on a deep red coloration, from his chin almost to the tips of his ears.
"Sorry, I meant, uh, I meant to ask... have, have you seen any signs of fighting or struggle on board the station outside of the fuel pump where the body is, was, found?"
"No." Pollio clears his throat.
"Right, and there has been nothing on security sensors about illegal weapons on board, weapon discharges or structural damage caused by weapons?"
"No, there was no alerts of such kind." Pollio types something on the datapad, thinks briefly and puts it down.
"Thank you for, for your cooperation, Arnold."
1236USY.3d/1m.0918h
The silence is deafening, and for the most of the past minute Lieutenant Pollio has been scratching at his ear. His blush is slowly fading away.
A) "Want a drink?"
B) "Can I turn the music back on, now that we're done?"
C) "Something on your mind?"
D) "You've mentioned S'tivan before, you guys are still looking for him, right?"
E) "You've mentioned someone called Gloria, who's that?"
-
C, but do it in a flirty way!
-
"Something on your mind?"
"Yeah. No, I mean... no."
A) "Alright. Want a drink?"
B) "You've mentioned S'tivan before, you guys are still looking for him, right?"
C) "You've mentioned someone called Gloria, who's that?"
D) "Can I turn the music back on, now that we're done?"
E) CHATTY: "Hey, you've made a little mistake, but you shouldn't think too much on that. No officer's perfect, you know?"
F) FLIRTY: "Hey handsome, it is okay to make mistakes, and if you're feeling anxious - how about I take care of that?"
-
E.
-
E is good.
-
CHATTY: "Hey, you've made a little mistake, but you shouldn't think too much on that. No officer's perfect, you know?"
"Ah, thanks, but dispense with the fake personality." He grumbles a little bit.
"I mean... if you can."
A) "Can I turn the music back on, now that we're done?"
B) "You've mentioned S'tivan before, you guys are still looking for him, right?"
C) "Alright. Want a drink?"
D) "You've mentioned someone called Gloria, who's that?"
-
B
-
C
-
C. Just to help em relax.
-
"Alright. Want a drink?" Lieutenant Pollio looks at you briefly, then grimaces.
"Sorry, but I'm on the job right now... maybe when my space-side shift is over."
A) "You do not reside permamently on Poseidonis Fedpol's station?"
B) "You've mentioned S'tivan before, you guys are still looking for him, right?"
C) "You've mentioned someone called Gloria, who's that?"
-
B
Interesting that the lieutenant might not live on the police station permanently, but we keep hearing stuff about this S'tivan who was supposedly our predecessor and tbh really wondering who was this guy
-
B - Let's learn more about him.
Also, make a note to read up on non-syntholic drinks. The type people are allowed to drink on the job. We're bound to come across more potential customers who don't partake regular synthol.
-
"You've mentioned S'tivan before, you guys are still looking for him, right?"
"Oh, yeah. Over 11 million credits of damage to SRC, plus some piracy and murder charges once he defected to EXO-Lumina corps... he is a fugitive but he disappeared without a trace. People say he is probably dead, but the BOIs aren't giving up."
Bee-beep, his communicator goes off. Pollio looks at you and slides off the seat, stepping away from the counter.
"Pollio here. Yeah? Yeah. I see. Hmm, sure, go for it. We will check later if she's on the missing persons list. Begin extraction of the remains, I will be with you guys shortly." The young lieutenant adjusts his collar and moves towards the gate, without saying goodbye.
1236USY.3d/1m.0920h
As the gate closes behind him, you scrunch your nose, wondering if he is coming back later or not.
A) Zirconius series time!
B) Bartending trivia time!
C) Outpost manuals time!
-
C
-
C
can't believe you guys turned down the chance to take the flirty choice
-
he's a cop
d: Nap time!
-
C
-
C. We are a drone, sleep is for the weak and for cycling the days.
-
can't believe you guys turned down the chance to take the flirty choice
he's a cop
I think that was the point. Cops gotta "de-stress" too. Some people think law enforcement are cute.
-
You continue your read on the life support manuals.
1236USY.3d/1m.0930h
You don't get very far when Lt.Pollio walks through the main gate again.
You put down the datapad and turn to him as he approaches the counter.
"Hey, well, we have finished extracting the body."
"Do I have to sign anything?"
"No, there's no need. SRC will handle the extraction forms, I've been told, plus you've already answered all the questions I had."
"Is there anything I can help with or you need me to do?" Lieutenant Pollio thinks briefly.
"No. For any inquiries about the investigations you will probably have to ask the BOI Poseidonis. And you will probably have to ask your manager or whatever to inquire in your name."
You decide to...
A) Ask about the mysterious Gloria.
B) Ask about where does Pollio live outside the police station.
C) Bid him farewell.
-
Eyyy
Let's go with A, then bid this nervous fellow a pleasant goodbye
-
B
-
C
begone cop
-
A
-
"You've mentioned Gloria before, who's that?" Lieutenant Pollio scratches the back of his head.
"Your outpost has quite a past when it comes to crimes, especially involving EXO-Lumina and missing people. Miss Gloria Heldenskaven disappeared here ten years ago, I don't know the details as I wasn't in the force back then, but, yeah. Her family is still looking for her so her case is still open. I don't know much more about that, though." He coughs and then checks the time.
"Look, I'm talking too much. I think it's time I will be going. So, yeah." He raises his hand in awkward goodbye, and then marches for the main gate.
You decide to idly wait, just in case.
1236USY.3d/1m.0938h
Your wait isn't exactly for naught, because a ping from security console confirms the departure of Heracles-14 towards Poseidonis Jump Gate.
The station is yours, once again!
A) Zirconius series time!
B) Bartending trivia time!
C) Outpost manuals time!
-
C
-
You decide to continue reading the life support manuals.
1236USY.3d/1m.1148h
BEEP-BEEP
BEEP-BEEP
BEEP-BEEP
You recognize the sensors alert right away. Putting down your datapad, having read about 35% of its contents about SRC Life Support Schematics, you make your way to the command center and to the security console.
Sensors Station Alert! IFF beacon translation in progress...
Done!
"Coconut", Santa Maria-class Cargo Runner, approaching from direction of Eta Coridani Jump Gate.
Standard docking and refueling request received.
Fuel Pump assigned: #2 (authority: Automated Refueling AI)
Estimated arrival time: 10 minutes.
A) Aw yeah, time to hail ship and (prepare to) serve drinks!
B) No. I have this datapad to read and I shall continue to read it!
-
We'll finish reading the schematics eventually; it's ok to keep them second priority for now.
A
-
You hail the approaching ship.
You get a text reply:
>Thanks, will do.
You venture back to the bar to prep yourself and the counter.
1236USY.3d/1m.1159h
Shortly after the security console informs you that 'Coconut' has docked with the outpost, the main gate opens.
A brown-haired woman steps in, dressed in a jumpsuit that seems a bit too tight for her skin - or perhaps she wears it tighter on purpose.
With a bright smile (you note her teeth are perfectly sized and white-clean), she sits down at the counter and looks around with her strikingly bright lime-green eyes.
"Hello barkeep~ How about we start off nice and you get me a shot of something nice and smooth to drink?" As you ponder what 'nice and smooth' might be (soft? soft and fruity or sweet? medium or premium grade?), your wetware processor kicks in suddenly.
[CONVERSATIONAL SYNTAX MATCH OBTAINED: DRONE PROGRAMMING: FLIRTY #71587]
A) "You're a drone?"
B) FLIRTY: "How about we start off with you telling me your name, beautiful~?"
C) CHATTY: "That would be nice if only you would tell me what do you mean by 'nice and smooth', miss."
D) Pour her a shot of...
*A) Equator
*B) Creme Blanco
*C) Meganekko
*D) Silkdrink
*E) Sunset Capri
-
...welp
DB is probably a good start
-
DB is probably a good start
+1
-
Nonsense! Flirt back! B
-
Don't get me wrong, I expect this interaction to go thoroughly off the rails - I just wanna sell one drink before that happens
-
You nod and pour the obviously drone lady a shot of Creme Blanco.
She looks at it with a smile, and then takes out a small credchip out of her jumpsuit's left upper pocket, letting you scan it for creds. (+25c)
Today Earnings: 638c
Monthly Earnings: 2135c
Patron ID: Maria Santos
Drone ID (defunct): T-49PS-12F4
Citizenship granted: 1235.7/1
Conv.style: FLIRTY/AMENABLE
Liked Drinks: N/A
Disliked Drinks: sour
Maria takes a sip and smiles at you right away, while the music machine switches to the improbably well-suited song for the incoming interaction. (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IhCDK_pSjnk)
"So, barkeep, how such a handsome young guy manages to spend all this time alone on such an outpost, hmm? Don't you get a little lonely sometimes~?"
A) Shrug.
B) "Why, if you're so concerned about my loneliness, how about we spend some time together~?"
C) "Why, it is a bit lonely sometimes, but I consider myself capable of getting through that!"
D) "You're a drone too, huh?"
-
C
I have the feeling this is quickly going to spiral out of control anyway...
-
B!
-
B
-
B obviously.
https://xkcd.com/600/ (https://xkcd.com/600/)
-
"Why, if you're so concerned about my loneliness, how about we spend some time together~?" Maria pauses for a moment, then looks at you increduously, blushes and laughs for a while.
"Oh, I am so sorry!" She laughs again. "I didn't expect to find a bartender drone in here. I'm not used to this, wow. How about, hmm, let's keep it neutral, then?" You shrug.
"Suits me."
"And if you don't mind," Maria lets out a hum. "I would like a glass of Red Desert."
You type the name of this drink into the bartending console...
Connecting...
Connecting...
Connecting...
Failed to connect to the Drink Mix Database.
Retry? Y/N
A) "Do you always start off conversations with bartenders using FLIRTY setting?"
B) "So what did you do, before the liberation? I was in manufacturing, and military forces."
C) "You own a Cargo Runner? You're a delivery person?"
-
B
-
B
-
C
-
"So what did you do, before the liberation? I was in manufacturing, and military forces." Maria smiles.
"I was a breeding drone."
You never heard of a breeding drone, but your brain is giving you ideas and each seems worse than previous.
"Breeding?"
"Yes. Various families would pay my owners to let their sons and heirs, well, do the thing, because their potential brides weren't worthy, or there was some genetic thing preventing stuff, and so on. I was a perfect receptable for the inferior seed, you know?" Maria drinks the remainder of her Creme Blanco. "Since I reached maturity and began my drone duties, I have given birth to 17 children."
"Are you okay with all that?"
"Well... when I was liberated, the New Galactic Federation government helped me locate families of four of my 'children' so far. I was compensated with a lot of credits for my ordeals. I would be a hypocrite if I said I didn't profit from my liberation in more than one way. And I still have thirteen families to go, if I'm low on funds." You pry your eyes from Maria when the bartending console sounds a ping.
Connected!
Queries: red desert
>1 recipe found:
RED DESERT: 146c
2 Shots of Creme Blanco
Shot of Dee Tee
Shot of Buenberry
Shot of Grenadiere
Serve in a tank glass with a cherry.
You quickly prep a tank glass, and pour Creme Blanco shots and then some bubbly Dee Tee, then the blue Buenberry and finish with the red Grenadiere, and plop a cherry inside. You stir gently to give the mix a red, muddy appearance, and serve it to Maria.
With a smile, she shows you her credchip, and you scan it. (+146c)
Today Earnings: 784c
Monthly Earnings: 2281c
A) "So, how are the kids? Do you know where they are? Can you visit them?"
B) "You own a Cargo Runner, are you delivery person?"
C) "Do you always start off conversations using FLIRTY programming?"
D) "Sorry for touching a topic this bad."
-
B
-
D
-
D
-
"Sorry for touching a topic this bad." Maria smiles.
"It's alright."
1236USY.3d/1m.1206h
The minute-long silence is interrupted when Maria puts down her half-empty glass down on the counter with a loud 'thump'.
"Let's have one-for-one, though. You said you were in manufacturing, then military forces. I guess that involved conscription?"
"Is it that obvious?" You ask, and Maria smiles once again, looking down at her glass.
"I haven't heard of a place that used drones that didn't have drone-conscription laws for the times of crises or warfare."
"I served with Delta Tauri Republic." You say, wiping the counter idly. You try to remember something specific, but instead your organic brain gives you some minor headache pangs. "Manufacturing munitions, then when the People's Republic of Centauria attacked, well, most of my batch ended up conscripted."
"Better us to get shot at than our human masters, huh?"
"Yeah."
"And now all expendability, that servitude and pain is gone. We're free to go and do whatever we want. Trillions of us, without purpose or path in life..." Maria muses somewhat solemnly. She smiles to herself, and then lifts the glass to drink some more of her Red Desert.
1236USY.3d/1m.1209h
"Have you established any long-term social relationships yet?" Maria inquires, putting down the empty glass.
A) "I believe I have a boyfriend. Of sorts."
B) "I got a friend."
C) "I'm sorry, but that is not your business to know."
D) "None."
-
B... of sorts, given his less-than-law-abiding tendencies
-
This game is slowly picking up some depth, and I'm all for it.
(good grief tho)
B... of sorts, given his less-than-law-abiding tendencies
+1 (B)
-
"I got a friend."
"Oooh." Maria smiles, and looks interested. "Who are they?"
A) (Enter name of a patron that you believe is Arnold's friend)
B) "...I would rather not say."
-
A - "Well, Caesar's a bit odd, but he did seem kinda friendly..."
-
A "His work might not let him come by very often, but we enjoy James' company"
-
hmm
A "His work might not let him come by very often, but we enjoy James' company"
+1 (A)
-
hmm
A "His work might not let him come by very often, but we enjoy James' company"
+1 (A)
+1 A
-
"His work might not let him come by very often, but I enjoy James' company." Maria smiles.
"Aww, how sweet. Humans say we're bad at socializing outside our programming. Let's prove them wrong."
A) "How about you, then?"
B) "I was meaning to ask before: you own a Cargo Runner, are you delivery person?"
C) "I was meaning to ask before: do you always start off conversations using FLIRTY programming?"
-
C
-
C
-
C
-
"I was meaning to ask before: do you always start off conversations using FLIRTY programming?" Maria grins mischieviously.
"Not always, but in social gathering places, being flirty might earn you a word here or a discount there. Sorry, it became something of a habit."
"It's alright." Maria lets out a hum.
"I heard that some SRC Outposts have special drinks, how about yours?"
"No, sorry."
"Why?"
"Every outpost can submit a recipe, once a year, but only the biggest and most popular ones get through approval process that requires unanimous vote from over a hundred bartenders and executive officers."
"Oh... well, 'special' sounds like some sorta drink that promotes well and tastes bad, but I wanna try one. Can you make me one?"
Fortunately, your bartending trivia hours have paid off!
A) "How about 493? It's mostly Wet Jet with ice and dash of Ribesnero to break the sweetness."
B) "How about 64? It's a shot of Dry Jet spritzed with some other flavors."
C) "How about 90500? It's Wet Jet, Sucrosol, with dash of Martian for heavier flavor, poured over ice."
D) "If you heard about any specific Special drink mix, I can prepare it for you."
E) "Sorry, but no."
-
C
-
C Bigger number better flavor!
-
C - The other two have Sour flavours, which Maria doesn't like.
-
"How about 90500? It's Wet Jet, Sucrosol, with dash of Martian for heavier flavor, poured over ice." Maria hums.
"That sounds nice enough. Sure."
You move to put some ice into a tank glass, then add Wet jet, Sucrosol and spritz some Martian in, giving the mix a murky, barely-orange coloration. Maria takes the glass, inspecting it for a brief moment before she lets you scan her credchip. (+49c)
Today Earnings: 833c
Monthly Earnings: 2330c
She takes a cautious sip.
"It's good. I like it." Maria then takes another sip.
1236USY.3d/1m.1217h
"That will be my last call, though." Maria says, putting down the half-full glass.
"You're on a schedule?"
"Not really. But after lifetime of being confined to planetside facilities, I wanna be out there." She points vaguely at the walls. "Space, you know?" She props her chin on her hand, thinking.
Maybe you can squeeze one more question from her?
A) Ask about her Cargo Runner.
B) Ask about her social relationships.
C) Just let her go.
D) "Space is always out there. You are in no need to rush."
-
B
-
C
This was a sweet moment, I'm surprised.
-
C
-
"I understand. Please come again." Maria smiles at you, then takes the glass and downs the remainder of the Special.
"Hopefully I pass through, if I do, I will make sure to visit a fellow drone. What's your name?"
"Arnold."
"Just Arnold?"
"Yep."
"Alright." She smiles and slides off her seat. "Until next time, Arnold." She waves to you and leaves for the main gate.
1236USY.3d/1m.1221h
You finish cleaning after Maria just when the sensors notify you that Coconut has departed the station and is heading for Madagascar Jump Gate.
And so, yet again, you're alone, on this station of yours, in middle of empty system.
Is it time for...
A) Manuals?
B) Fiction?
C) Trivia?
-
A
Boring as they are it really would be nice to know how not to die.
-
Once again, you continue reading the Life Support datapad.
1236USY.3d/1m.1505h
You pry yourself from the reading when you notice what time it is.
You listen in, but there's only silence coming from security console.
You return to the datapad.
1236USY.3d/1m.1636h
You hear the ping of the security console. You bookmark the entry you're reading at, and surmise you're 70% done with SRC Life Support Schematics as you put the datapad down.
You get to the command console to see what's the ruckus about: a ship has entered Beta Carotenii through Madagascar Jump Gate and is headed for Gamma Urquanii's.
You can't scan the ship - but you could ping it.
A) Eh, I had more than enough visitors today. Back to studying!
B) *wiggle fingers toward the comms ping button*
-
A
I don't feel like we need more visitors today, honestly. Earnings do not seem to be an issue right now.
-
B - We have bi-annual performance reviews, with our earnings considered. Let's seevhoe well we can start
-
A
No need to pester everyone who passes through the system like some kind of sentient spam email. If they don't need fuel they can be on their way.
-
You decide against pinging the vessel, and return to your studies.
1236USY.3d/1m.1815h
Your wetware chip notifies you that your resting period (1915-0115) is due to begin in an hour.
1236USY.3d/1m.1915h
You yawn partially artificially as the wetware chip notifies you:
[SLEEP PERIOD HAS BEGUN. SEEK A PREFERABLY COMFORTABLE PLACE TO SLUMBER UNTIL 0115 TOMORROW. NEGLIGENCE TO THIS MIGHT CAUSE YOUR ORGANIC COMPONENTS TO BECOME INEFFICIENT.]
Stretching at little in your seat, you look how far you are into reading. It seems you're about 90% done with SRC Life Support Manuals.
Could one hour more of reading or so be pushing it?
A) Nah, we can crunch this in one day!
B) The datapad isn't going anywhere, time for sleep!
-
Sleep! We gotta keep this flesh running smoothly!
-
B - Our pathetic sample size indicates that we'll get interrupted at some point,so beat take the sleep whilst we can
Once we've been here a while perhaps we'll discover a pattern of quiet and busy periods we can align our sleep schedule with.
-
You decide to call it a night.
You put the datapad into storage, turn off the music and the neons, swipe the counter clean, and head for your quarters.
You set up the timer on the tank bed and hop in.
As the tank bed tilts and releases slumberosols, you fall asleep.
Congratulations! Bartender Arnold earned 833 Credits today! His monthly total so far is 2330 Credits!
A new day at Galactic Refueling Otupost 254831 begins...
1236USY.4d/1m.0009h
BEEP-BEEP
BEEP-BEEP
BEEP-BEEP
The tank bed wakes you up as the sensors alarm is routed into it.
Groggily, you leave the machine, and shuffle towards the command center to check the sensors. You wish your sleep pod had internal connection to the center...
Sensors Station Alert! IFF beacon translation in progress...
Done!
"Most Fortunate Occurence", Freedom-class Cargo Barge, approaching from direction of Eta Coridani Jump Gate.
Standard docking and refueling request received.
Fuel Pump assigned: #8 (authority: Automated Refueling AI)
Estimated arrival time: 23 minutes.
Standing in front of the console, you ponder your options...
A) Hail them with an offer for drinks and fun!
B) Nope, I'm going back to bed, the AI can handle the fuel.
-
A - Let's do the thing
-
A
-
Is it time we start establishing some semblance of a work-life [B]alance? Today was a full day, after all.
-
B! We can't be working at all times! This it literal body maintenance time!
-
Work-life Balance, yep.
-
A
-
aaa
bbb
Huh, been a while ;v
-
A. Its a barge, and that means lots of workers for loading and offloading.
-
That just means we can't get through this quickly enough to get back to sleep! You monster!
-
You hail them with an offer of drinks and fun.
You receive a text reply.
>Thanks for invitation, we will disembark for drinks.
You still have about 20 minutes before they arrive.
A) It's already a wasted night. Let's dress up, get fed, fire up the music box and neons...
B) Imma just change clothes. If they're fast enough with their drinks, I can get back to sleep in less than an hour!
-
A
-
Baaaaaah go back to sleep.
-
A - Let's do our job properly. See if our body clock can be adjusted for an early night whilst we're at it
-
Avoid sleep ;)
-
Now that we're up, we might As well do the thing properly. Even though our body clock is going to be screeching at us.
-
A
sleep is for the weak
-
A We can sleep when we're dead.
-
You decide to start the bar early.
♪ 1236USY.4d/1m.0026h ♫ (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j94s8VeXBig)
The music box is the last to get online, and you sit behind the bar, involuntarily letting out a yawn.
Everything is up and ready to welcome the newest guest. Or guests!
1236USY.4d/1m.0032h
The main gate opens and in walks a pair of spacefarers. A young woman with long, blonde hair, and even younger man with short black hair. They're both wearing red-and-white jumpsuits. The two look around as they make their way to the bar, the young man seems to be especially curious about your venue.
"Decent." The woman says.
"I like the lightning." Her companion comments, and they sit at the bar.
"What you will be having?" The boy lets out a thoughtful hum at the question.
"I think... I think I will take Kinky Maid." The woman nods and turns to you.
"One Kinky Maid for Simon, and a shot of something strong for me."
Once again you're presented with flavor not on the official list.
A) Get her a shot of...
*A) Wóda
*B) Dry Jet
*C) Wet Jet
*D) Bricklayer
*E) Lamp
*F) Pneumo
*G) InPulsar
*H) Pontifex
B) "Sorry, that's not an official flavor, miss."
C) "First of all, is he old enough to drink?"
-
A shot of dry jet for the lady.
Furthermore, Arnold must sleep.
-
I don't remember anything about age-restrictions on Synthol, but Arnold's the one who read the handbook!
C
-
C
Just in case.
-
C
-
C
-
c. legal age concerns.
-
"First of all, is he old enough to drink?" The girl cocks an eyebrow while the boy flushes.
"I am 16 already!"
"Just show him the ID, Simon." The boy grimaces at the words of the lady, but fishes his ID out and hands it to you.
You put it against the console to scan and...
Patron ID: Simon Bluemont
Occupation: Crewman of Cargo Barge "Most Fortunate Occurence"
Conv.style: CHATTY
Liked Drinks: N/A
Disliked Drinks: N/A
Well, he is an adult. You hand him the ID card.
"See, I told you." He says, a little butthurt.
"It's your baby face. You should get used to that, for now. Can we have our drinks, bartender?
A) Get the girl a shot of...
*A) Wóda
*B) Dry Jet
*C) Wet Jet
*D) Bricklayer
*E) Lamp
*F) Pneumo
*G) InPulsar
*H) Pontifex
B) "Sorry, but 'strong' is not an official flavor, miss."
-
AD With a name like Bricklayer it must be strong.
-
You nod and check with the database to see what exactly 'Kinky Maid' is...
Connecting...
Connecting...
Done!
Queries: kinky maid
>1 recipe found:
KINKY MAID: 111c
Shot of Ribesnero
Shot of Saproot
Shot of Pontifex
Serve in a cocktail glass with a cherry.
Not exactly a hard one to make; you pour a shot of three synthols and top it off with a cherry that quickly falls to the bottom of a dark-purple-blue mix. You pour a shot of Bricklayer before handing both drinks to your patrons. The girl pulls a credchip from her neck-pocket so that you can scan it. (+161c)
Today Earnings: 161c
Monthly Earnings: 2491c
Patron ID: Louise Patricia Pereres-Barlei
Occupation: Captain of Cargo Barge "Most Fortunate Occurence"
Conv.style: CHILLY
Liked Drinks: wet jet
Disliked Drinks: N/A
1236USY.4d/1m.0037h
"Do we toast?" Louise sighs and gives him a glare.
"You need an occassion for that." Simon doesn't take long to come up with one.
"For our continuing and prosperous travels from one safe harbor to another." Louise rolls her eyes, then sighs.
"Allright." Their glasses clink, and while Louise downs her shot in one go, Simon takes a sip of his, and coughs a little.
CHOOSE YOUR CONVERSATION PATH:
With Louise (1):
A) "You're a captain, and he is a crewman. Where's the rest, though?"
B) CHATTY: "I have noticed that you have a split surname and yet you're alone, I haven't met a spacefarer who would, well, fare through space without their significant other with them."
C) FLIRTY: "You might not realize it, but your coldness of bearing has conquered my frozen heart, queen~"
With Simon (2):
A) "You okay there? Is the mix too strong?"
B) CHATTY: "Kinky Maid has an interesting mix of flavors. Given your age and blanks in SRC patron database, I would wager you're sampling the stuff before you settle on a favorite, right?"
C) FLIRTY: "Look at you, a strong, handsome, young yet mature man. Is the synthol the only entertainment you're looking for tonight, hm~?"
-
AB
Neither of our drone modes are gonna match well with Louise.
2B
-
2Because it seems nice.
-
I suppose 2B would work... he does seem like he might get annoyed if we try asking after his health
-
2B
-
2B, lets get an idea how to handle newbies to drinking.
-
CHATTY: "Kinky Maid has an interesting mix of flavors. Given your age and blanks in SRC patron database, I would wager you're sampling the stuff before you settle on a favorite, right?" Simon looks up from his drink.
"Oh, um, kinda. I don't do synthols often... I haven't found a favorite, yeah. I'm listening in to conversations of others about drinks or ask the bartenders when their other patrons drink at the time I make an order, so... yeah. Or if I don't have time, I try them out on the next SRC outpost we get to. Like this time. It's my fifth mix overall."
"How's Kinky Maid for you, then? Up to your palate, hopefully?" Simon thinks a little while Louise eyes him studiously.
"Flavorful, strong..." He takes another sip. "I'm not sure its the one I would call favorite."
"Don't fall for the drone's care for your preferences, Simon. They only want your - my credits by serving you mixes. I've told you, get a shot of a synthol and try singular flavors first."
"Sorry, aunt." Simon pauses for a second. "Wait, the bartender's a drone?"
"Yeah, changed his conversational programming on the fly. The voice, the syntax, all that jazz. You didn't notice?"
"Um, n-no?" Louise rolls her eyes.
"I need to get you some wetware implants, I swear..."
"Miss Pereres, you do not have to this rude to your nephew. Plus, I am a little surprised you did notice." Louise shrugs.
"I'm a cyborg. My internal processing units do take notice of pre-programmed talky lines and such. Don't expect to fool me."
A) To Louise: "Your shot glass is empty. Want anything else?"
B) To Louise&Simon: "You're family, then?"
C) To Simon: "You want something other than Kinky Maid, then?"
-
B
Well that got interesting quick
-
B. also, refills for both.
-
Y'know, it's moments like this that make me wonder. To what extent do our conversational presets represent us? Are the colored lines being dripfed to us like cue cards, or are they our own reactions?
-
Y'know, it's moments like this that make me wonder. To what extent do our conversational presets represent us? Are the colored lines being dripfed to us like cue cards, or are they our own reactions?
Could it be that something that's not!Arnold writes those lines for him - and you - to choose from?
:P
-
I mean yes, but on a meta level the same is true of the "neutral" responses. This is more of a "how does the machine interact with the organics" kind of question
-
Did think they were family... which is why I didn't suggest to flirt. Might have made the older one annoyed.
-
B
-
"You're family then?"
"You're observant, yes."
"My uncle married Aunt Louise last year. I don't have parents, so I tagged along with her... them." Simon looks down into his drink and takes a sip while his cyborg aunt glances aside with a huff.
Somehow neither of them seem particularily thrilled.
"Bartender, a Space Dragon for me."
"How about me?"
"Finish the maid first." Louise smirks at her nephew. "It's bad taste to leave a lady unfinished, you know?" The boy grumbles as you tap away at the console.
Connecting...
Done!
Queries: space dragon
>1 recipe found:
SPACE DRAGON: 87c
2 Shots of Wóda
Shot of Wet Jet
Shot of Lamp
Dash of Sucrosol
Serve in a tank glass with a cherry.
You prep a tank glass, filling it with synthols that give the mix a dark yellowish hue, and drop a cherry inside. You hand the tank to Louise who lets you scan her credchip again. (+87c)
Today Earnings: 248c
Monthly Earnings: 2578c
She takes a sip, and sighs. Simon likewise takes a sip of his drink, which he is almost done with.
A) "What happened?"
B) No point poking in an uncomfortable topic...
C) "Hey Simon, want something else? You're almost finished."
D) "You said you have no parents, are you two actually related by blood or is it something else?"
-
B
-
B
-
C - Let's deflect to something else
-
You decide to keep your mouth closed for now.
1236USY.4d/1m.0048h
Simon puts down the empty cocktail glass.
"I would like another drink." Louise put down her glass, over half full itself.
"You've had one already."
"And yet I feel like having a second tonight, auntie."
"A shot?"
"A mix!" Simon says, excitedly. "Sir drone, can you... suggest something? Nothing strong, maybe... um, I don't know, sorry."
A) "First of all: Arnold. I'm not a 'sir'."
B) (Propose a drink mix you've learned that you believe Simon might enjoy; remember that Louise will be paying for it)
C) "I can get you anything, if you only tell me what exactly."
-
B - Sweet Gem Berry, Sweet and Fruity, with only a hint of Sour. Also only 76cr
-
B - Sweet Gem Berry, Sweet and Fruity, with only a hint of Sour. Also only 76cr
Best ideaso far
-
B
-
B
Ignore this.
-
B - Sweet Gem Berry, Sweet and Fruity, with only a hint of Sour. Also only 76cr
B. B B B B B.
-
B - Sweet Gem Berry, Sweet and Fruity, with only a hint of Sour. Also only 76cr
+1 Meant to do this.
-
"Have you tried Sweet Gem Berry?"
"No. What's it?"
"Fruity and quite sweet, with some sourness to break the sweetness. 76 credits."
"Hmmm." Simon looks at Louise, who shrugs. "Well, alright. I will have that one."
Louise takes a big swig of her drink as you prepare the Sweet Gem Berry for Simon. First the blue Buenberry, the the purpleish Ribesnero, the dark synthols mixing between the bits of crushed ice in the tank glass.
You serve it to Simon while his aunt lets you scan her credchip again. (+76c)
Today Earnings: 324c
Monthly Earnings: 2654c
Louise puts down her mostly empty glass while Simon takes a careful sip of his own drink.
"Enjoy the drink, Simon, I'm going back to ship. Remember we have to depart before 6, so try to get at least three hours more of pod sleep before that. Goodnight, bartender."
"Of course, auntie." He says, taking another sip. Simon then looks after his aunt as she slowly walks through the hall and through the main gate.
With a sullen face, the youth takes another sip and siiighs. He props his chin against his free hand, looking like a sad pup.
"She's so pretty, that's not fair."
A) "You would rather have an ugly aunt?"
B) "Are you interested in her?"
C) "I was meaning to ask about your family..."
D) "...so, how's the drink?"
-
A - Sure, let's see where this is going
-
This makes me uncomfortable.
D
-
A
-
A
-
"You would rather have an ugly aunt?" Simon chokes on his drink.
"What- no!" He lets out a grumbly huff.
"It's the aunt part that's the problem... she is pretty, with luscious hair, part-cyborg, strong and unflinching, but she is my aunt, so, yeah." He sighs and takes another sip, his interest in Louise pretty much obvious when she isn't around.
A) "Kid, there's plenty of other pretty, luscious-haired, part-cyborg, strong and unflinching girls out there. You have a whole galaxy to pick from, you know that, right?"
C) "I was meaning to ask about your family..."
D) "...so, how's the drink?"
-
A
-
A
-
A
-
"Kid, there's plenty of other pretty, luscious-haired, part-cyborg, strong and unflinching girls out there. You have a whole galaxy to pick from, you know that, right?" Simon glances at you, then at the door, then at his glass.
"Yeah, I know that... but still." He takes another sip, still rather sad-looking.
A) "I was meaning to ask about your family..."
B) "...so, how's the drink?"
C) Young man's hopeless(ly infatuated), let him drink his mix.
-
C
I don't want Arnold to be corrupted by this brats incestous fantasies.
-
C
-
B - We recommended it, so I'm curious
-
B
-
B
-
flirt
-
flirt
+1 that's fine too
-
I mean he understands that it's our programming so it's harmless fun really ;p
-
"...so, how's the drink?" Simon looks up at you, then back at the drink, and lets out a thoughtful hum.
"Well, hm, well, yeah, it is good. It's a bit too sweet, and I'm not sure if I like the aftertaste that much, but... but its good. Thank you. It's good!" As if to put an emphasis on his declaration, he takes another sip.
Few more sips and he will be done with it.
A) "I was meaning to ask about your family..."
B) "I'm glad I could help."
C) FLIRTY: "You know, perhaps you just didn't have enough to sample in terms of love? Mayhaps you just need some experience~"
-
still flirt
-
B
-
Lol, okay, C
-
C
-
B
-
FLIRTY: "You know, perhaps you just didn't have enough to sample in terms of love? Mayhaps you just need some experience~"
Simon looks up at you in surprise, but it takes only a second for the context to reach his brain. He blushes, looks downwards, coughs and rubs at his cheek, blushing even more fiercely.
"Oh, um, th-thank you sir drone, I am, um, flattered, but, um, um, I am not interested. I mean, really, no offense." He mumbles out, still blushing, and quickly drinks the remainder of his mix. "So, um, I think I will be going, well, now. G-goodnight sir drone." Simon puts down the glass and hurriedly leaves the bar and through the main gate he goes.
With a shrug, you begin cleaning after the two.
1236USY.4d/1m.0101h
The bar is clean again and all the glasses are prep'd and ready.
You're alone again, so what now?
A) Bartending trivia!
B) Life Support manual finish line!
C) Zirconius series!
D) Actually, lemme catch up on that lost sleep time!
-
Oh yeah, sleep. This was totally not worth getting up for.
-
D yeah, have to agree
-
D - Well that was weird. Anyway. Back to bed
-
D
-
D
-
You pace back to the personnel area and then to your quarters.
Sleep pod goes psssh, you enter, get comfortable, sleep pod goes psssh again.
1236USY.4d/1m.0215h
You wake up, and after stepping out of the sleep pod, you yawn and stretch. You don't feel tired, yet you don't feel well rested either.
Your wetware chip embedded in your brain notifies you thusly:
[MELATONINE PRODUCTION ADJUSTED. SLEEP PERIOD RESCHEDULING COMPLETE: 1945 TO 0145 HOURS STANDARD SPACE TIME]
Scratching at your cheek, you check the sensors; nothing came up during the last hour, and "Most Fortunate Occurence" is still docked at Fuel Pump #8.
Yawn.
A) Time to read on some bartending trivia!
B) Zirconius Series Chapter 4, was it?
C) Let's finish the Life Support manual first, I'm so close.
-
C
-
B
Let's relax a little, we've been studying and working like crazy.
-
C-ram session!
-
Time to finish the Life Support manuals!
1236USY.4d/1m.0449h
And its done! You've finished reading SRC Outpost Life Support Manuals, learning quite a lot about the maintenance and inner workings of these crucial systems. Repairing them should be a little easier now.
The remaining two parts of the gigantic SRC manual are Weapons and Subspace Communications, as well as Outpost Hull and Power Systems. You don't think you will truly master your Outpost until you read all of them!
Nothing stops you from doing just that!
...then again, the datapads aren't going anywhere, and neither are you, really.
A) Sooner I start, sooner I finish! Weapons and Comms next!
B) Sooner I start, sooner I finish! Hull and Power next!
C) I had enough studying; time to read edutainment bartender trivia!
D) I had enough studying; lets continue the Zirconius Series!
-
Ch-Ch-Change of pace
-
A
-
D
-
C
-
You decide you had enough of manuals.
You fire up the bartending network and see if there's something interesting or useful in the articles.
1236USY.4d/1m.0522h
Apparently, Wóda is the only synthol that is based on actual alcohol, and one that dates from before the times of Galactic Federation and the Universal Calendar.
It has been brewed on planet Earth, homeworld of Humanity, for thousands of years before even humans left the surface to explore the stars. Seems very implausible, really.
1236USY.4d/1m.0550h
Partways into an article about a promo drinks named after Pacifica resort planet, you hear an alert.
It is not sensors - it is the commstation. Someone's hailing your station.
A) Nobody important I would assume.
B) Open hailing frequencies! Or whatever the saying goes.
-
B
-
B
-
You walk to the commstation.
"Louise of the Most Fortunate Occurence here."
"Good morning. How can I help you?"
"I just wanted to say goodbyes, bartending drone. We're departing in a minute. Enjoy your time here."
"Of course, sure."
"Also, I don't know what you did to Simon, but he wants to visit on our way back through Beta Carotenii. He rarely, well, he is rather wary of strangers, I mean... well, anyway, our navpath will be taking us through here probably on 9th. We will drop in by then. So, until next time."
"Until next time."
"Yeah. Most Fortunate Occurence out."
You wait a little bit just to make sure the sensors console pings you about the ship's departure.
1236USY.4d/1m.0552h
And it sure does.
Most Fortunate Occurence has undocked from your Outpost and is headed for Madagascar Jump Gate.
The outpost is yours and yours only.
A) Back to bartending trivia!
B) Actually, lets progress through Zirconius Series!
C) About time I start on those Power and Hull instructions!
D) About time I start on those Weapons and Comms instructions!
-
D
pew pew
-
A. finish reading what we started.
-
C
-
D
-
'Time to read on weapons and communications', you tell yourself.
1236USY.4d/1m.0946h
4*
You read quite a few pages and adjacent paragraphs, but you can't help but yawn from time to time. Your eyes also feel a bit heavy.
Still, you get through about 10% of material on SRC Outpost Weapons and Comms Systems. Which is not a lot, for four hours, you reckon.
A) They call it 'power-nap' and I'm gonna have one.
B) Let's switch topics to bartending trivia then, they're more interesting!
C) Time to relax with Captain Zirconius!
D) Nah, back to reading. I can do it! I know I can!
-
D We have the will power needed to finish, boredom will not get the best of us!
-
A - Our biomonitor said we didn't get enough sleep, so let's have some more
-
A
-
You head for the bedroom and lay down on the bed. You communicate to your wetware chip the desire to sleep for 30 minutes or so.
1236USY.4d/1m.1017h
You wake up from the nap, take a deep breath and stretch for several moments.
You feel better than before.
You check with the sensors station, but the entirety of Beta Carotenii is empty of starships.
A) Well, time to resume that bartending article!
B) Well, time to resume reading the SRC manual!
C) How about some Captain Zirconius?
-
C
-
C
I mean, why not?
-
Zirconius!
Flying the invicible Hyperion!
Stamping out corruption!
Fixing the wrongs of the galaxy!
For the glory of the Federation!
ZIRCONIUUUS!
The theme of the series is extremely cliche, you have to note after hearing its blaring horns and trumpets once again.
1236USY.4d/1m.1035h
The date is 666 United Space Year. A flotilla of unidentified starships emerges near the position of Hyperion-3, which was busy analysing the debris from the fight between itself and the Pink Galleon, the flagship of now-deceased Crime Lord Xusxus. Soon, Hyperion-3 is hailed and Crown Prince Borellion shows up. In a short speech, he mocks Zirconius and tells him that whilst he is grateful for removing the ever-quarreling Xusxus out of the picture, he can't let Zirconius go--
BWAH. BWAH.
BWAH. BWAH.
BWAH. BWAH.
You perk up, hearing an alarm that you haven't heard before.
The volume is obviously of cautionary level, rather than a full alert, but the tone itself is rather menacing.
A) To the command center!
B) Whatever it is, it can wait, like, 30 minutes, no?
-
A - Should probably go find out what that is
-
You quickly make your way to the command center, trying to discern which console is sound the alert.
It is security console.
A yellow alert has been issued by the sensors.
POSSIBLE IMPACT EVENT == CAUTIONARY ALERT:
Uncatalogued Asteroid (approx.radius: 0.12ks, approx.range to target: 999.6ks, approx.composition: 98.9% ice) has been detected on a probable collission course with Outpost 254831, heading from within the inner Beta Carotenii system.
Probability of impact: 13.5% as of 1236USY.4d/1m.1035h
Estimated impact time window: 1236USY.4d/1m.2000h | 1236USY.4d/1m.2010h
Impact probability alert logged for transmission to the regional SRC Headquarters with the daily automated subspace radio ping at 1800 hours.
Security console lists several options for you:
A) Ignore the alert completely.
B) Maintain active scan of approaching asteroid (it will continue to issue alerts every 15 minutes with updated data)
C) Activate photon torpedo launchers and direct fire against the asteroid now (although the console warns the accuracy is very low at current range)
D) Put the alert on hold until it get closer (the console offers to repeat the alert at 1800h today)
-
B
Although decidedly annoying, we'll want data updates so we can decide what to do when it gets close enough to do anything about.
We should probably take our datapad or whatever we're reading on into the console room so we don't have to get up every 15 minutes.
-
I was gonna say leave it 'til later, but... yeah, fair enough.
B
-
You decide to move the datapads to the command room, where you decide to stay in for now.
You set the console to maintain a scan of the asteroid and give you updates every 15 minutes.
You resume reading Captain Zirconius, Chapter 4.
1236USY.4d/1m.1050h
The date is 666 United Space Year. A flotilla of unidentified starships emerges near the position of Hyperion-3, which was busy analysing the debris from the fight between itself and the Pink Galleon, the flagship of now-deceased Crime Lord Xusxus. Soon, Hyperion-3 is hailed and Crown Prince Borellion shows up. In a short speech, he mocks Zirconius and tells him that whilst he is grateful for removing the ever-quarreling Xusxus out of the picture, he can't let Zirconius go away. The battle occurs and while Hyperion-3 is able to shoot down several fighterships of the Crime Prince Borellion, his flagship, the Esmeralda, scores several hits on Hyperion, deactivating its targeting systems--
BWAH. BWAH.
BWAH. BWAH.
BWAH. BWAH.
You look at the security console.
POSSIBLE IMPACT EVENT == CAUTIONARY ALERT UPDATE:
Sensor system has adjusted probability of impact based on range, speed and computated trajectory of Uncatalogued Asteroid 1:
Probability of impact: 13.3% as of 1236USY.4d/1m.1050h
Estimated impact time window remains the same (1236USY.4d/1m.2000h | 1236USY.4d/1m.2010h)
You continue reading.
1236USY.4d/1m.1105h
The date is 666 United Space Year. A flotilla of unidentified starships emerges near the position of Hyperion-3, which was busy analysing the debris from the fight between itself and the Pink Galleon, the flagship of now-deceased Crime Lord Xusxus. Soon, Hyperion-3 is hailed and Crown Prince Borellion shows up. In a short speech, he mocks Zirconius and tells him that whilst he is grateful for removing the ever-quarreling Xusxus out of the picture, he can't let Zirconius go away. The battle occurs and while Hyperion-3 is able to shoot down several fighterships of the Crime Prince Borellion, his flagship, the Esmeralda, scores several hits on Hyperion, deactivating its targeting systems. Switching to manual targeting caused numerous misses while the Esmeralda and several remaining pirate fighters continue to pound against Hyperion-3. As the shielding network begins to fluctuate and break down, Captain Zirconius has an inner monologue whether to surrender or launch escape pods--
BWAH. BWAH.
BWAH. BW--
You tap the console to silence the noise and look over at the update.
POSSIBLE IMPACT EVENT == CAUTIONARY ALERT UPDATE:
Sensor system has adjusted probability of impact based on range, speed and computated trajectory of Uncatalogued Asteroid 1:
Probability of impact: 13.1% as of 1236USY.4d/1m.1105h
Estimated impact time window remains the same (1236USY.4d/1m.2000h | 1236USY.4d/1m.2010h)
You turn back to the media series vids.
1236USY.4d/1m.1117h
The date is 666 United Space Year. A flotilla of unidentified starships emerges near the position of Hyperion-3, which was busy analysing the debris from the fight between itself and the Pink Galleon, the flagship of now-deceased Crime Lord Xusxus. Soon, Hyperion-3 is hailed and Crown Prince Borellion shows up. In a short speech, he mocks Zirconius and tells him that whilst he is grateful for removing the ever-quarreling Xusxus out of the picture, he can't let Zirconius go away. The battle occurs and while Hyperion-3 is able to shoot down several fighterships of the Crime Prince Borellion, his flagship, the Esmeralda, scores several hits on Hyperion, deactivating its targeting systems. Switching to manual targeting caused numerous misses while the Esmeralda and several remaining pirate fighters continue to pound against Hyperion-3. As the shielding network begins to fluctuate and break down, Captain Zirconius has an inner monologue whether to surrender or launch escape pods. Just as he is about to give an order to evacuate Hyperion-3 and prepare to light the surrender beacon, another Federal Corvette jumps out of emergency warp. It is identified by Chester-Beta42 as Alexander-5, captained by Meilo Timbe, Zirconius' fellow graduate from Federal Police Academy. Alexander-5 opens fire on the pirates--
BE--
You take a look at the conso- oh!
Sensors Station Alert! IFF beacon translation in progress...
Done!
"Kassandra", Freedom-class Cargo Barge, approaching from direction of Eta Coridani Jump Gate.
Standard docking and refueling request received.
Fuel Pump assigned: #6 (authority: Automated Refueling AI)
Estimated arrival time: 23 minutes.
Potential drinking customers!
A) Hail them at once!
B) I have more important things to do right now, thanks!
-
A, and check how far away the asteroid is & missile accuracy at that range - has accuracy improved? Could we shoot the thing down?
Well it looks like the impact probability is decreasing, that's nice. Might be... interesting explaining to our potential customers that "oh, if you hear an alarm, there's an asteroid projected to maybe hit this place in a few hours"
-
A
-
A
-
A
-
A
-
You hail the approaching ship, and it picks up the hail after some seconds.
"Captain Heton of spaceship Kassandra speaking. Who is this?"
"Hello, Bartender Arnold here, our synthol replicators are functional, if you're interested in something to drink."
There's a brief silence, with some whispering in background, but you can't make out the voices.
"No, thank you. Is that all?"
"Yes."
"Alright. Kassandra out."
It seems you won't be having any customers after all.
1236USY.4d/1m.1120h
You wait a little for the other alert and sure enough:
BWAH. BWAH-
POSSIBLE IMPACT EVENT == CAUTIONARY ALERT UPDATE:
Sensor system has adjusted probability of impact based on range, speed and computated trajectory of Uncatalogued Asteroid 1:
Probability of impact: 12.7% as of 1236USY.4d/1m.1120h
Estimated impact time window remains the same (1236USY.4d/1m.2000h | 1236USY.4d/1m.2010h)
You also check if there's any change to projected success rate of torpedoing the asteroid, but the computer notes no change on that.
It seems the impact probability is gradually going to zero, however.
A) Lets put the whole thing on hold till 1800 hours, then.
B) Lets ignore the alert, the asteroid wont hit the outpost anyway.
C) Gotta keep monitoring, you never know!
-
A - Seems safe enough
-
A
-
You set the reminder for the asteroid impact alert and resume reading Zirconius series to at least get that done.
1236USY.4d/1m.1127h
The date is 666 United Space Year. A flotilla of unidentified starships emerges near the position of Hyperion-3, which was busy analysing the debris from the fight between itself and the Pink Galleon, the flagship of now-deceased Crime Lord Xusxus. Soon, Hyperion-3 is hailed and Crown Prince Borellion shows up. In a short speech, he mocks Zirconius and tells him that whilst he is grateful for removing the ever-quarreling Xusxus out of the picture, he can't let Zirconius go away. The battle occurs and while Hyperion-3 is able to shoot down several fighterships of the Crime Prince Borellion, his flagship, the Esmeralda, scores several hits on Hyperion, deactivating its targeting systems. Switching to manual targeting caused numerous misses while the Esmeralda and several remaining pirate fighters continue to pound against Hyperion-3. As the shielding network begins to fluctuate and break down, Captain Zirconius has an inner monologue whether to surrender or launch escape pods. Just as he is about to give an order to evacuate Hyperion-3 and prepare to light the surrender beacon, another Federal Corvette jumps out of emergency warp. It is identified by Chester-Beta42 as Alexander-5, captained by Meilo Timbe, Zirconius' fellow graduate from Federal Police Academy. Alexander-5 opens fire on the pirates, destroying the remaining fighters and crippling the Esmeralda. Zirconius threatens Borellion over the comms with destruction, and the defeated Crime Lord surrenders. The crew of Alexander-5 helps with repairs onboard Hyperion-3 whilst Zirconius and Timbe discuss the situation in former's ready room. Meanwhile, Computer Specialist Mikhaila Syarkova is able to analyze the communication core of 'Pink Galleon' that was destroyed earlier, and makes a startling discovery...
Thus ends Chapter 4.
1236USY.4d/1m.1129h
You don't get enough time to ponder what to do when suddenly the main gate opens.
A short, tanned man in his late 20s or early 30s comes inside. His dirty blonde hair is a mess. His green-and-silver jumpsuit is tightly clinging to his body, showing that he is quite athletic and muscular. He looks around with deep blue eyes before turning to you.
"Heya, I'm Max. Fix me a Capricorn, will you?" He gets himself seated at the bar while you type the name of the drink into the console.
Connecting...
Done!
Queries: capricorn
>1 recipe found:
CAPRICORN: 151c
3 Shots of Skinjuice
Shot of Tropico
Shot of Lemonstrade
Serve in a tank glass with a cherry.
You prepare a tank glass, pouring in the cheap Skinjuice and adding the two more expensive synthols, giving the mix a yellow-green coloration, the cherry dropped inside contrasting rather heavily with it.
You pass the drink to Max, who eagerly lets you scan his credchip. (+151c)
Today Earnings: 475c
Monthly Earnings: 2805c
Patron ID: Maximillian Comanche
Occupation: Pilot of Cargo Barge "Kassandra"
Conv.style: CHATTY
Liked Drinks: Capricorn
Disliked Drinks: N/A
He takes a big gulp and sighs.
"Thanks, much appreciated."
A) "Parched?"
B) CHATTY: "You're from Kassandra, aren't you? I thought you guys weren't coming for drinks, but I am glad to have some company."
C) FLIRTY: "My, you seem thirsty, hopefully I will be able to quench your thirst well, whatever it is~"
-
B
-
B
-
Aw, but C's funny.
-
CHATTY: "You're from Kassandra, aren't you? I thought you guys weren't coming for drinks, but I am glad to have some company." Max smiles.
"Hey, nice to hear that. Yeah, captain ain't big on synthol, and neither is our chief engineer. Our navigator, Tote, is helping them out with some computer core repairs and I had nothing else to do so I decided I might as well come over for a glass of synthol."
"Captain is a non-drinker?"
"Naw, he just believes synthol is inferior to real, bottled, aged stuff. You know, fermented juices and spirits from planetsides."
"I don't have any on board."
"Yeah, not surprised, usually that stuff isn't shipped out of the system and you have like no colonies in Beta Carotenii. You oughta ask some passing merchants, they sometimes have organic alcohol in their cargo manifest, you could get some from them."
"And you guys?" Max grins, and takes a sip before replying.
"I wouldn't pry into Captain's stash, but no, we're just fetching bulk cargo like other Barges. If you wanna find some people interested in small-volume trading, ask the Captains of Armed Merchantships. They're the ones that peddle stuffs around colonies and outposts and what-nots. They might have the stuff you might be looking for." You feel like you've learned something very important.
"Thanks for info, that's very helpful."
"Don't mention it."
A) "How's the rest of the crew doing, I mean, is there a chance they might show up?"
B) "No, I mean it, really, I rarely get patrons willing enough to chat about the workings of the space community."
C) Let him have his Capricorn.
-
B
-
C
-
B
-
C
-
B
-
"No, I mean it, really, I rarely get patrons willing enough to chat about the workings of the space community." Max hums for a moment, and takes a sip.
"What, you don't know that stuff? You must have only recently left planetsides, then, am I right?"
"Incorrect, I am a drone, and I have barely any 'common knowledge' beyond what my programming gave me and what I learned before taking up the job with SRC." Max lets out an 'aaah' and nods.
"Right, you guys were basically puppets before you got liberated. I mean, sorry, puppet is wrong term, uh, well. No offense..."
"Drone is the one and only term, really."
"Yeah..." He slowly drinks the remainder of his Capricorn, perhaps out of the desire to keep his mouth shut for few seconds.
"Alright, get me a shot of Skinjuice and I think I will be going back to the ship."
You nod and quickly pour some of the fruity-smelling synthol into a shot glass. Max lets you scan his credchip again (+10c)
Today Earnings: 485c
Monthly Earnings: 2815c
"Thanks." He takes a sip, but that sip empties half the shot anyway. He might be willing to chat a bit longer, though.
A) "How's the rest of the crew doing, I mean, is there a chance they might show up?"
B) "So Cargo Bares deliver bulk cargo, while Armed Merchantships deal with smaller and varied items. Are there other merchant vessels to keep note of?"
C) "You guys come through here often? Beta Carotenii, I mean?"
D) Nah, let's not keep him here.
-
+1 any green option.
-
C
-
C
-
C
-
Best to re-establish dialogue with a non-sales option.
-
C
-
"You guys come through here often? Beta Carotenii, I mean?" Max thinks for a brief moment.
"Not really. Our cargo took us through here because it was fastest in terms of jumps between Lyan Gamma and Brittania. Usually we fetch cargo between Zanzibar and Aries sectors rather than around Zanzibar itself." He downs the remainder of his shot, and smiles. "Alright, I gotta go. Cya!"
"Please come again." You say to Maxmillian who's already on his way to the gate.
1236USY.4d/1m.1138h
You hum, tapping at the bar counter.
A) More Zirconius?
B) More weapons&comms manuals?
C) More bartending trivia?
-
A
-
A
Let's see if Zirconius can get any cheesier than he already is. At this rate he'll need napkins to mop up all that cheese
-
A
-
You continue with Zirconius series, hopefully this time you won't get interrupted.
1236USY.4d/1m.1208h
The date is 666 United Space Year. Computer Specialist Mikhaila Syarkova enters the casual meeting between Captains Zirconius and Timble, and explains her findings. The communications core of the Pink Galleon contains logs of holo-communications as well as messages between Crime Lord Borellion and several influential Federal politicians in the region, including the previous Chief of Space Fortress Poseidonis, Alarcus Marble. Syarkova futher explains that most of the logs were transferred several weeks earlier from another communications core, and she managed to find out the original log depository was the comms core on the Esmeralda. Going through the logs, Zirconius and Timble discover quite several recent communiques between Borellion, two anonymous Crime Lords, and Federal Council Secretary Nwabudike Delligan, who is running to be elected as next Federation President and is favorite of many sectors, on top of being well-connected to the Federal Police and Starfleet upper echelons. Zirconius and Timble brood over the emergence of such volatile and dangerous information, with the former realizing that's probably why Borellion wanted Xusxus and his ship destroyed in the first place. Once the field repairs aboard Hyperion-3 are completed, Timble returns to his own corvette, while Zirconius ponders what to do next with the salvaged comms core...
Thus ends Chapter 5.
A) Le gasp? Federal politicians being corrupt? Surely they won't drop this arc in Chapter 6, right? Right??
B) Okay, enough entertainment, time for maintenance manual education!
C) Okay, enough entertainment, time for some bartending trivia!
-
B
I think Chapter 6 can wait a bit
-
B
-
B
-
You resume reasing the maintenance manuals.
1236USY.4d/1m.1346h
You are interrupted by the ping of the security console.
Kassandra has departed the station and is headed for Madagascar Jump Gate.
Back to the datapad.
1236USY.4d/1m.1800h
BWAH. BWAH.
You recognize this particular alert and check the sensors station.
POSSIBLE IMPACT EVENT == CAUTIONARY ALERT UPDATE:
Sensor system has adjusted probability of impact based on range, speed and computated trajectory of Uncatalogued Asteroid 1:
Probability of impact: 0%
Approx.range of closest approach of Uncatalogued Asteroid 1: 36.3km +/- 100m
Approx.time of closest approach of Uncatalogued Asteroid 1: 1236USY.4d/1m.2014h +/- 10 starseconds
It seems your cosmic visitor won't be paying you a visit after all.
A) Torpedo it anyway!
B) Back to reading, then.
-
Hmm... 36.3Km away, and only 0.12km wide. Probably not possible to see with the naked eye. Shame.
Back to reading!
-
You resume reading.
1236USY.4d/1m.1845h
Your wetware chip notifies you that your resting period (1945-0145) is due to begin in an hour.
1236USY.4d/1m.1945h
You put down the datapad, having read through about 40% of the SRC Weapons and Communications Manual.
Moments later your wetware chip chimes in.
[SLEEP PERIOD HAS BEGUN. SEEK A PREFERABLY COMFORTABLE PLACE TO SLUMBER UNTIL 0145 TOMORROW. NEGLIGENCE TO THIS MIGHT CAUSE YOUR ORGANIC COMPONENTS TO BECOME INEFFICIENT.]
Just to be sure, you check the sensors console.
There's a medium-sized ship passing through Beta Carotenii, en route to Eta Coridani Jump Gate.
You can't perform an active scan of the vessel, but there's nothing stopping you from pinging them.
A) Too late for that, I am afraid. To the sleep pod!
B) It's been a slow day and I haven't earned that much. Time to offer them drinks!
-
A - We had a disturbed night last night. To bed!
-
A
-
You quickly turn off the lights and music at the main hall, and pace to the quarters.
You set the sleep pod and enter it, allowing the dispersable enzymes to lull your mind into sleep.
Congratulations! Bartender Arnold earned 485 Credits today! His monthly total so far is 2815 Credits!
A new day at Galactic Refueling Otupost 254831 begins...
1236USY.5d/1m.0145h
The sleep pod opens and you step outside, doing a little stretch.
You begin your morning routine, and plug yourself to the feeding tube.
After that, it is time to prepare the bar for another day.
♪ 1236USY.5d/1m.0159h ♫ (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H8w_Q57RQJc)
Music is on, neons are on, replicators are prep'd and ready to serve!
If only there was anyone to serve.
Checking sensors nets you nothing, although security console did tag two starships passing through Beta Carotenii when you were asleep, at 2039 and 2313 hours last night.
A brief worry goes through your mind that perhaps previous days were lucky days, and your outpost, in fact, isn't that very often visited.
Perhaps it is just a worry, indeed.
You gotta fill your time by doing something, though!
A) Bartending trivia!
B) More manual reading!
C) Another chapter of Zirconius!
D) Explore my mind and body!
E) You know what, let's just idle the time away!
-
B - Manual reading time! We can reward ourselves with some Ziconius later
-
B
-
You sit behind the bar and resume reading the datapad.
1236USY.5d/1m.0855h
When the sensors let out an alert, you've read about 60% of the SRC Weapons and Communications manual.
You check what it's all about.
Sensors Station Alert! IFF beacon translation in progress...
Done!
"Black Mule", Santa Maria-class Cargo Runner, approaching from direction of Eta Coridani Jump Gate.
Standard docking and refueling request received.
Fuel Pump assigned: #8 (authority: Automated Refueling AI)
Estimated arrival time: 13 minutes.
The ship's pilot could be a potential client!
A) You know the rules, and so do I, let's hail the ship!
B) Just one patron ain't worth it.
-
A
-
A
The more patrons we rack up the better.
-
You hail the ship.
Its picked up almost immediately.
"Hello, who's hailing my little ship?"
"Bartender Arnold of SRC here. Our outpost is open, our replicators running. If you fancy a drink, feel free to come over." The soft but definitely masculine voice on the other side smooches before responding.
"Not a big fan of synthol, but, it's not like I have anything else to do while my ship is quenching its thirst for fuel. Alright, darling, I will step in for a drink or two. Black Mule out~"
The hail is ended by the person on the other side.
It's about ten minutes before they get, not enough to get yourself involved with anything else. To the bar!
1236USY.5d/1m.0911h
Just as you wonder if the ship's pilot will show up, he does - stepping through the gate with a sway of hips and making long steps. The Black Mule's pilot seems to be towering over you, but his physique is decidedly on feminine side, so to speak - thin chest and arms and legs, but with rather wide hips. Wearing skin-tight silver-and-black jumpsuit only helps accent his physique, and you briefly wonder if that's done on purpose.
Ending his walk at the bar, the pilot sits down. His bleached yellow hair is cut short except behind his neck, and you can see that those bright strands actually darken near his scalp, a sign of dyeing. His ears are adorned with several piercings each. His eyes are purple, either by gene-mod or perhaps mechanical modifications or simply, lenses. As for his height, you can measure him to be at least two meters tall, if not a bit taller, even.
"My, since when SRC has such handsome bartenders~?" He says with the same, soft, sultry, flirty, yet surprisingly masculine and low voice you've heard over the commstation, and then brushes his hair a little bit.
"Like I said, I'm not big on synthols. How about you give me a shot of something a little sweet? And please, nothing expensive."
A) Pour him a shot of...
*A) Skinjuice
*B) Grenadiere
*C) Cherrybomb
*D) Sucrosol
*E) Wet Jet
*F) Grapevine
*G) Buenberry
*H) Creme Blanco
B) "Sure, just tell me what exactly you have on mind."
C) CHATTY: "I'm all up for fulfilling your request, but wouldn't it be better if you explained what you want? Don't wanna risk getting you something you might not like by accident."
D) FLIRTY: "You want something sweet, huh? I wonder, am I sweet enough for you~?"
-
Hmm... I don't know the prices well enough to really make a suggestion here, but Sucrosol seems like it ought to be sweet. Question is if it's expensive or not.
-
They were posted on page 2! (http://www.bay12forums.com/smf/index.php?topic=180136.msg8392689#msg8392689)
Shame on you for not checking :P
-
Oooooo, space twink.
AA
Sucrusol would do, then? It is very sweet though.
-
Sucrosol is very cheap, but maybe a little too sweet - Grenadiere is a little pricier, for a gentler sweetness with a fruit kick. Ask which he prefers, and give him that.
-
D
-
D
I'm afraid that bartender arnold will not suffice for this request, for though he is "a little sweet", he is an expensive piece of equipment I mean person.
Shot of Grenadiere!
-
AB liking Grenadiere
Sounds like a weapon, great in drinks.
-
AB
-
aa
ab ab ab
b?
d
You decide to pour him a shot of Grenadiere. The dark-red-pink synthol fills the shot glass nicely. You serve it to the space twi- I mean - the pilot who looks down at it with soft smile, and then lets you scan his gold-and-red credchip. (+10c)
Today Earnings: 10c
Monthly Earnings: 2825c
Patron ID: Nikel Memres
Occupation: Space Courier, self-employed
Conv.Style: EXTRA FLIRTY
Liked drinks: fruity
Disliked drinks: soft
He takes a sip and keeps the liquid in his mouth before swallowing, giving his lips a little flick of his tongue.
"Mm, this is goood." He purrs quietly and then sets the half-finished shot down.
"So, bartender, I'm sure you get this question a lot, but-" He bridges his fingers to put his chin on it, smirking softly at you. "Whatever do you do in this remote, Dragon-forsaken place of yours? Any companions? Any... entertainment?"
A) "I'm doing alright."
B) "I have hundreds of files about space adventures of Captain Zirconius. I have barely started."
C) CHATTY: "My entertainment comes from the conversations and chats I have with my patrons, so I can't complain."
D) FLIRTY: "Oh dear, I'm glad that you've mentioned entertainment, because I am absolutely starved for some fun~"
-
D
It's ( ͡° ͜ʖ ͡°) time~
-
Nice, Grenadiere was the right pick.
C
-
C sounds about right.
Though I'm interested what the fellow means by "Dragon-forsaken place". That's not something I recall anyone else mentioning...
-
CHATTY: "My entertainment comes from the conversations and chats I have with my patrons, so I can't complain." Nikel giggles and clasps his hands.
"Aww, you're so cute-and-pure, dear bartender. I hope I will be good enough conversational partner for you, then. I strive to pleeease~" He says with a soft smile.
CHOOSE YOUR TOPIC!
A) "I must say I am intrigued by seeing 'extra flirty' down there, are you indeed such a flirt?"
B) "You sure are pleasing to the eyes, is this spacesuit of your custom-made?"
C) "I'm glad that I was able to score near your preferences. Anything else you like in particular?"
D) "How's being space courier goes for you?"
-
C
-
frankly, I want to address the elephant in the room
A
-
B! Flirt chattily!
-
These are all listed as green but deep down I just feel like they're all actually pink.
-
These are all listed as green but deep down I just feel like they're all actually pink.
I suspect it's impossible to be chatty with someone like this without going a little pink
-
B
-
A
-
B
-
A
-
aaa
bbb
c
It's been a while since we had a draw!
-
Fine then, A.
-
B
-
frikker, B!
-
aaa
bbbb
c
"You sure are pleasing to the eyes, is this spacesuit of your custom-made?" Nikel smacks his lips.
"Oh, you've noticed~? It was made by this Rexon fellow on Alpha Morganii III." He drinks the remainder of the shot and puts the glass down. "Would you believe, he does not manufacture clothes, or even holo-weaves them, or anything. He uses nothing but hyper-spindle and laser stapler to create these perfect-fit clothes. No seal breaks, no loose bits of cloth, it is just perfect. The cloth used is standard space polymer but he used some sort of organic thread for the outer layer and it just shines. The man knows his trade well~"
A) "I thought manual work was rendered obsolete by now, what with holo-machinery being abundant."
B) "I must say I am intrigued by seeing 'extra flirty' down there, are you indeed such a flirt?"
C) "I'm glad that I was able to score near your preferences. Anything else you like in particular?"
D) "How's being space courier goes for you?"
E) "Want something else to drink?"
-
C
-
C
-
C
-
C obviously
-
C
-
C
-
"I'm glad that I was able to score near your preferences. Anything else you like in particular?" Nikel smiles widely and wiggles in his seat some.
"Oh, there's lots of things - and people - I happen to like." He sizes you up and down, and then leans back. "And in case of alcohols, I am particularily fond of brandy and cereal spirits. Here's hoping you have some~?" You shake your head.
"Alas, liquor merchants haven't visited my station yet and my stores are devoid of any." Nikel grimaces and smacks his lips softly.
"Awaw, what a pity, darling~" With a sigh, he leans away and gently taps his chin.
1236USY.5d/1m.0920h
"Well, in that case, I think I will indulge myself in a shot of Skinjuice, if you could please get me one~" He smiles softly and gives you a shy stare while you lean towards the replicators.
After pouring Nikel a shot of the requested synthol, you hand it over, and he lets you scan his credchip once again. (+10c)
Today Earnings: 20c
Monthly Earnings: 2835c
Nikel quietly moans after you scan the chip, then quickly takes a big sip of his synthol.
"Ah, as refreshing as it is sweet, thank you dear bartender~"
A) "May I inquire what was that indecent noise about, when I scanned your credchip? Everything's alright?"
B) "I thought manual work was rendered obsolete by now, what with holo-machinery being abundant."
C) "I must say I am intrigued by seeing 'extra flirty' down there, are you indeed such a flirt?"
D) "How's being space courier goes for you?"
-
C
We must know if he is a drone too or just really queer.
-
Nope, that'd be detected when he hear him talk.
-
Nope, that'd be detected when he hear him talk.
Oh, right, right! I forgot about that.
But I am still gonna C.
-
A
-
B
-
One, I believe this is closer to sultry than flirty. 2, B.
-
A
-
aa
bb
c
Oh nyo ;v
-
Be discrete.
-
"I thought manual work was rendered obsolete by now, what with holo-machinery being abundant." Nikel giggles.
"Oh, daaarling~ It is not about the access to the clothes. Holo-woven clothes are made according to specifications and mass-produced. This baby here?" He stretches at his collar, his finger running across the inside of it for emphasis, showing his skin a bit.
"There isn't a second one like this in entire galaxy. Of course, unless someone strips me and puts the jumpsuit into molecular scanner to determine the pattern~" With a wide smile, he lifts his shot glass and drinks the remainder of his Skinjuice. Then, he lets out a happy sigh, and pulls a pad from one of the pockets of his suit.
"Awaw~ I would like to stay and chat, but my fuel tanks are full. Time for me to scamper and away. It was nice meeting you bartender. Buh-bye~" With a little smoochy gesture towards you, he slides off the seat and walks towards the main gate, leaving in a little hurry - but not enough of a hurry to forget to sway his tighly-clad hips.
1236USY.5d/1m.0924h
After you finish cleaning the two shot glasses, you go to glance at the security console for a moment - Nikel's ship has just undocked and is headed for Gamma Urquanii Jump Gate.
You return to your station.
You tap your fingers on the bar counter.
Hum.
A) Zirconiuuuuuus!
B) Maintenance manuaaaals!
C) Bartending triviaaaaa!
D) Aaaaaaaaaaa (there isn't anyone to hear you anyway)
-
D - We need to emote on occasion, and we have many reasons to do so
-
D.
In space, no one can hear you scream!
-
You scream.
You're not sure why. As a drone build, you don't have that much of emotional issues that need an energetic outlet of any sort - the wetware chip keeps hormones and neurons in check.
But screaming is what you decide to do, so you scream. You scream loudly, proudly, heavily and softly, melodically.
1236USY.5d/1m.0926h
Strangely, it felt good.
A) Now back to the manuals!
B) Time for bartending trivia!
C) More Zirconius Series!
-
well that was worrying
B
-
B - Let's learn some more things
-
You decide to read on bartending trivia - and quickly find the bookmark on an article you left last morning.
1236USY.5d/1m.0946h
Apparently, SRC prepared a special promotional drink for the opening of the Pacifica Resort Planet to general populace in 1184USY. It was meant to invoke the feeling of tropical atmosphere, the taste of fruits doused in sweet synthols with a little punch and sprinkle of fruity sourness.
While Pacifica went on being a reasonably popular visitation goal for space tourists, the drink itself didn't fare just as good: after all, it is synthol mix, and the multitude of flavors didn't really help - as far as for some of the drinkers complaining it ended up being 'too strong and not fruity enough' compared to the advertisements of it.
Oh hey, they've listed the drink itself!
PACIFICA '84: 133c
3 Shots of Wóda
Shot of Tropico
Shot of Sunset Capri
Dash of Cherrybomb
Serve in a tank glass with ice and lemon slice.
A) Nice, maybe we can find another recipe in another trivia article?
B) Enough trivia, time for actual studying of maintenance!
C) A chapter of Zirconius to break the monotony?
-
B
-
B
-
You dig into maintenance manual once more.
1236USY.5d/1m.1212h
You are about 70% through SRC Weapons and Comms manual when you hear the very familiar beep of sensors station.
You move to the command center to see what's it about.
Sensors Station Alert! IFF beacon translation in progress...
Done!
"Victory or Flight", Melchior-class Armed Merchantship, approaching from direction of Poseidonis Jump Gate.
Standard docking and refueling request received.
Fuel Pump assigned: #1 (authority: Automated Refueling AI)
Estimated arrival time: 17 minutes.
Oh-ho, more clients.
A) Hail them, gotta keep the money flowing!
B) But I'm so close to finishing the manual!
-
A.
Gotta keep inviting those small merchants, they might have booze to sell us! :v
-
A - Do we even have a quota? Let's do our job at least
-
You open the hailing frequencies.
"Captain Morales here."
"Bartender Arnold, SRC." You reply to the tough-sounding woman on the other side. "Outpost's repaired and replicators are running."
"Oh. Well, I was going to get my sons a round of drinks on the next stop, but hey, synthol's the same everywhere, so why not? Morales out."
As the approaching ship closes the frequency, you pace back to the bar to make it a little bit more presentable than it is already.
1236USY.5d/1m.1218h
You hear another alert coming from the command center.
For a brief moment you think it might be the comms, but you realize, its the sensors station again. Another ship is approaching your outpost.
A) Two ships coming to the same station for refueling in about the same time? Impossible. Must be an error in the transceiver or something.
B) Hey, coincidences happen! To the comms console (again)!
-
B
-
B - Once we're a bit more confident, we should see if we can reroute these alerts to a data pad we can carry around or something
-
You go back to the commstation, and sure enough-
Sensors Station Alert! IFF beacon translation in progress...
Done!
"Veran-Bok", Melchior-class Armed Merchantship, approaching from direction of Eta Coridani Jump Gate.
Standard docking and refueling request received.
Fuel Pump assigned: #5 (authority: Automated Refueling AI)
Estimated arrival time: 14 minutes.
-it is another ship!
A) I already have inbound, drinking patrons though!
B) The more the merrier, hail them at once!
-
B - Sure why not
-
Be getting that money!
-
B
-
B Gotta make that paper!
-
B
-
You hail the second ship.
"Veran-Bok listens."
That's the weirdest yet most melodic accent you've ever heard in your drone-life.
"Well, hello. Bartender Arnold of SRC Outpost 254831. We have synthols if you have credits."
"Veran-Bok of Vahin'Ti requires no carbohydrate liquids. However, we would be delighted to sample them. We shall present ourselves to the Bartender Arnold."
And then the hail ends.
Scratching your head, you head to the bar.
1236USY.5d/1m.1226h
Few seconds after you hear the ping of security console, the main gate opens. Eight people in jumpsuits wander through it, and two of them seem to lead the other. A big, black-skinned man with serious expression and short-cut black hair. The other is a white-skinned, woman with short white hair, but soon enough you notice obvious synthetic-skin seams going just around her ears and down her neck, a clear sign that she is an android of some moderately-dated model.
The two 'leaders' of the group seat themselves in front of you.
"'Hoy there." The black-skinned man raises his right hand in greeting, all five of his gloved fingers held together. "'M Captain Morales of Victory 'r Flight. This's my chief engineer, Vicky." The android lady smiles.
"Hey man."
"And ther's my rest of crew. A round of Woodah for's all, if you please, bartender."
"I think I will pass, sir." The android lady continues to smile.
"C'mon, Vicky, you should w'ter your bio-furn'ce from times to times." His android chief engineer does not respond. After a moment, Morales just shrugs. "Alright, then, sev'n Woodahs, bartender."
You quickly pour seven shots of the clear Wóda and set them on the counter. Morales' crew takes them one by one and seats themselves at the nearby tables, while the Captain takes the very last shot. He lets you scan his credchip, a simple, unadorned piece of blue-grey plastic. (+35c)
Today Earnings: 55c
Monthly Earnings: 2870c
Patron ID: Hyugh Loois Morales
Occupation: Captain of Merchantship "Victory or Flight"
Conv.Style: AMENABLE
Liked drinks: fiery, Bag of Bricks
Disliked drinks: n/a
Morales downs the shot in one go, smacks his lips, and places the glass down. He then looks at 'Vicky', but she remains silent, and smiling.
CHOOSE CONVERSATION TOPIC
A) "How's life treating you, Captain?"
B) CHATTY: "You have a very interesting accent, Captain Morales. May I inquire where do you come from?"
C) FLIRTY: "You are such a big, strong man, Captain Morales, I must say your bearing is quite intoxicating for me~"
D) "You guys have a Melchior ship, are you merchants?"
E) "Actually, I have a question, you guys ever heard about 'Veran-Bok of Vahin'Ti'?"
-
D
This could be a useful lead for us.
-
Yeah, D.
-
"You guys have a Melchior ship, are you merchants?" Captain Morales grins.
"Ah yah, we go 'round sellin' electronics, engineering tools, farming equipment, personal protection items and asteroid mining equipment. We also have assorted pers'nal arms and small weapons and entertainment thingies. You inter'sted?"
A) "Sure." (this will open trading with Victory or Flight)
B) "Nah, but I'm curious about... (pick a conversational topic from previous post)
-
Alcohol needs to be bought!
-
A
Even if they don't have alcohol, they might have other stuff we can use.
-
For that matter, even if they don't have alcohol, maybe we can talk them into bringing a few bottles if they ever come back this way.
A
-
A
-
"Sure."
"Ay nice, let me get yer our available cargo manifest..."
He pulls a datapad out, types something and then hands it to you.
"Take your time, friend." He smiles as you look through the items listed. Most of it is heavy-duty engineering equipment, starbase electronics, starship weaponry and computer auxiliaries. There's some other stuff listed, and you filter out what could be of use for you or your Outpost.
Victory or Flight Trading Credit Pool: 14200c
List of Trade Cargo:
Slumber Pod (3, 700c): A standarized, spacefaring hibernation cabin allowing for quick and controlled rest periods.
Magneto-Clamp Gloves (1 pair, 800c): Heavy gloves that can magnetically clamp to most metallic and semi-metallic surfaces.
Plasma Saw (1, 1000c): Heavy-duty plasma torch that is capable of cutting through most spacefaring alloys with ease.
Toolkit (2, 250c): Assortment of basic engineering tools in a secure plasteel-and-tritanium box.
Sensorium Set (1, 1250c): A head-and-torso-equipped set that allows the wielder to experience many holographic and virtual reality scenarios contained within the set, directly stimulating the brain.
Power Glove (1 pair, 600c): Spacemesh gloves outfitted with discrete power cells, allowing the user to discharge electric shocks via touch.
FSR Model 139 (3, 800c): A laser rifle manufactured by (New) Galactic Federation Citizen Armory, a staple of personal protection since the 700s, it can be switched between 'stun' and 'kill' settings.
Mini-Hydroponics Garden (4, 1600c): A small enclosed chamber for controlled wet environment allowing space-side growth of various organic foods.
Arnold's Items of Barter:
none
Arnold's Personal Credits:
0c
Arnold's Outpost Earnings:
2870c
A) (List items you want to buy/haggle for here)
B) "Nothing here interests me, sorry."
-
Hmm... I'd say A, grab the magnetic gloves. Those seem like they could be pretty useful for handling stuff.
-
A`: Rifle, toolbox, Sensorium.
Covers our bases nicely enough. Sensorium is most of the cost, but I want it ok. :p
-
We... probably shouldn't buy anything that can't be justified as a store expense.
B, but explain that what we're really after is bottled liquor. Does Hyugh intend to come back this way sometime, and would he be willing to bring booze with him if so? If not, does he have any merchant friends who could drop by?
-
B we absolutely should not buy random shit. This is how people get credit card debt.
-
B - Although I'm unsure how we're supposed to get the personal credits necessary to be able to buy stuff without a bit of fraud
-
"Nothing here interests me, sorry."
"No worries."
"Do you deal in bottled alcohols?"
"You mean organic stuff?" Morales quirks an eyebrow. "No, not really, we rarely even carry grain or foodstuffs. But tell you know, one of my friends, Captain Subaru Tagawa, deals in some high-grade stuff. She sometimes passes through Zanzibar so I will let her know if you want?"
"That would work, yes."
"Not a problem."
A) "How's life treating you, Captain?"
B) CHATTY: "You have a very interesting accent, Captain Morales. May I inquire where do you come from?"
C) FLIRTY: "You are such a big, strong man, Captain Morales, I must say your bearing is quite intoxicating for me~"
D) "Actually, I have a question, you guys ever heard about 'Veran-Bok of Vahin'Ti'?"
-
B
-
A.
-
A
-
"How's life treating you, Captain?"
"It be good, thanks. With'em Federals restoring order and stuff bein' rebuilt there's no sh'rtage of need for electronics and engineering tools. Me and my boys are making fortune in this region lately. Once everything settles into the normalcy am gonna be back to the usual, but now, it is a nice livin'."
A) "So the return of the Federation is a good thing for you?"
B) CHATTY: "You have a very interesting accent, Captain Morales. May I inquire where do you come from?"
C) FLIRTY: "You are such a big, strong man, Captain Morales, I must say your bearing is quite intoxicating for me~"
D) "Actually, I have a question, you guys ever heard about 'Veran-Bok of Vahin'Ti'?"
-
A
-
A
-
A
-
"So the return of the Federation is a good thing for you?"
"Aye, and of course, yea! What kinda self-respectin' merchant wouldn't? They bring order and laws, and with them, the policin'around the sectors. I can think less about my how strong my ship would be in a fight and more about how much cargo it can carry."
"Damage to cargo or ship incurs more costs to us." Vicky chimes in suddenly.
"Yea." Captain Morales nods, rather obviously, in agreement.
A) CHATTY: "You have a very interesting accent, Captain Morales. May I inquire where do you come from?"
B) FLIRTY: "You are such a big, strong man, Captain Morales, I must say your bearing is quite intoxicating for me~"
C) "Your glass, captain, is empty. Need anything?"
D) "Actually, I have a question, you guys ever heard about 'Veran-Bok of Vahin'Ti'?"
-
D
-
C
That's our job.
-
Credits must be earned
-
C
-
"Your glass, captain, is empty. Need anything?"
"Usually I get Bag of Bricks, but no, thank you for now." Morales smiles while Vicky suddenly leans towards you slightly.
"I would like some Cotton Candy." Another drink you haven't heard about. Time to wrestle with the bartending network and see if you can find it in the database...
Connecting...
Connecting...
Connecting...
Done!
Queries: cotton candy
>1 recipe found:
COTTON CANDY: 82c
3 Shots of Sucrosol
Shot of Sunset Capri
Serve in a tank glass with ice and a cherry.
You fill a tank glass with crushed ice and then add pour the sucrosol, sunset capri, and top it off with a cherry on top. The whole mix takes in a vaguely pinkish color to it.
You put the glass in front of Vicky, and she quickly raises her right hand. A small piece of her synthetic skin slides off on her wrist, exposing the credchip you scan. (+82c)
Today Earnings: 137c
Monthly Earnings: 2952c
Patron ID: Android Model EEN-35704 (Call Name: Vicky)
Ownership: Self-ownership
Conv.style: AMENABLE
Liked Drinks: sweet
Disliked Drinks: N/A
Vicky raises the glass and drinks half of the mix in one go.
1236USY.5d/1m.1233h
Suddenly, the main gate opens and in comes a most strange set of visitors: the Vahin'Ti.
Each one of them is a slender, tall being, with matte mustard-grey skin and two big eyes, looking like old wall lamps. They seem to be hairless, although that's what you can only say about their heads and thin necks - everything else is under the protective coat of synthetic fibers of their spacesuits. They wear gloves, but those gloves betray just how long and thin ther digits are.
Slowly, the group makes their way to the bar and you notice that their leader is the tallest, and that his head has patches of dried-looking, dirty-yellow blemishes, especially under his cheeks. But all of them have small, cross-shaped mouths and a pair of tiny nostrils above, but no visible nose, and their earlobes are flat and fused with the sides of their heads.
"Oh man, Vahintis? Been a while since I've seen one." Captain Morales muses as his crew cannot help but twist and turn their heads at the new arrivals with unashamed curiosity. The Vahin'Ti seem to pay no mind, except some cursory glances.
"I am Veran, a Bok." The tallest Vahin'Ti with blemishes speaks softly, his cross-shaped mouth opening and undulating with each word. "This is my sixth male budding, Momet-Mo." He softly sways his hand at the smallest of the group, who bows his head in respect. "And these are my Ko's, and they serve me most excellently: Rokam, Moreb and Nebek." He extends his hand toward the three Vahin'Ti behind him, who bow their bulbous heads one by one.
"We have arrived on invitation of the Bartender who is called Arnold. May your offspring outlive you by generations." Veran-Bok blinks with large, powerful, grey eyelids coming from left and right sides of his eye sockets. He then looks down, and cautiously takes a seat on one of the stools under the bar, rather awkwardly mounting it by straddling it with his calves. He is way too tall for such a small seat.
The large yellow eyes stare at you rather blankly.
"I see other patrons, and our people loathe to share company at a table with strangers, as it is omen of disaster. May I ask you to introduce yourself?" He turns his bulbous head towards Morales, who shrugs.
"Sure, pal. 'M Morales. Captain Morales."
"Vicky."
"May our meeting be a joyful one." Veran-Bok then turns back to you.
"I have not had synthol in many Pulses. I am unaccustomed to names and flavors. May I ask you to offer a sample of something that leaves burning sensation of smallest degree? Strong flavors confound us." You understand that he probably asks for some sort of soft, or at least, not particularily flavorful, synthol? Perhaps something of singular flavor??
A) Serve him a shot of...
*A) Martian
*B) Ambrosia
*C) Equator
*D) Grande Pascale
*E) Tropico
*F) Silkdrink
B) "I would rather receive a more explicit order for a synthol, mister Veran-Bok."
-
C - Both Equator and Silkdrink are Soft, but silkdrink costs 3.5x as much as Equator
-
C
-
With a nod, your pour the Vahin'Ti a shot of Equator, a rather murky white-ish synthol. Veran-Bok looks down at the glass, and then pulls a small credchip from the insides of his spacesuit, letting you scan it. (+20c)
Today Earnings: 157c
Monthly Earnings: 2972c
Name: Veran
Rank: Bok
Further information about this Vahin'Ti citizen is unavailable to any civilian entity within New Galactic Federation in accordance with the Second Treaty of Balimat (1231USY). For more detailed inquiries related to personal information of this Vahin'Ti refer to the New Galactic Federal Xeno-Relations Bureau or the nearest Vahin'Ti Diplomatic Office.
Suddenly, the bartending console lists an alert.
SRC Xeno-Relations Bureau Warning: Several Synthols served by Synthetic Refueling Conglomerate, namely: Ribesnero, Cherrybomb, Wet Jet, Dry Jet, Bricklayer, InPulsar and Pontifex, are highly toxic to the organic structure of Vahin'Ti species owing to the chemical composition of these Synthols. All Bartenders in all Outposts are therefore warned to NOT serve the Vahin'Ti any of the listed Synthols or any Drink Mixes containing any of the listed Synthols to prevent accidental toxic shock or damage to Vahin'Ti internal organs. Any Vahin'Ti attempting to purchase any of listed Synthols or Drink mixes containing any of the listed Synthols MUST be warned by the Bartender or any other Staff at hand about toxic properties of these Synthols versus their fungal bodies. Negligence to do so will incur severe disciplinary actions against the Bartender and any other Staff present, up to and including termination of the employment contract.
The Vahin'Ti lifts the glass and then opens his mouth - a strange, tentacle like proboscis about two feet long slides out of the cross opening and tucks its ending into the shot glass, and what follows is the strangest drinking sound ever. (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=99wlCy00uto) Despite its elongated shape and thin width, the Vahin'Ti proboscis managed to empty the inside the glass from liquid in just two seconds!
"Nah, man, this b'weird." Morales says as Veran-Bok slurps his tongue back into his mouth.
"Vahin'Ti tongue is hollow inside and quite flexible and prehensile. According to human medical studies, Vahin'Ti tongues are one of the most powerful muscles in their bodies, second only to several components of their digestive tracts and their hearts." Vicky chimes in with maybe-helpful information.
"Ah, a synthetic learned in our biology. Rarity amongst outsiders." Veran-Bok replies with a polite nod of his large head.
A) "So, how was the synthol?"
B) "I have never seen or heard about Vahin'Ti, where do you come from?"
C) CHATTY: "The ID system says your name is Veran, and rank is Bok, while you mentioned the smaller one being a Mo and those three behind Ko's, how does that work? Is your society a stratified one?"
D) FLIRTY: "Oh, my, I have been graced with an actual, alien visitor. Mayhaps you would be interested in pursuing some closer inter-species relations with your humble Bartender~?"
E) "Yours is a merchantship. Are you selling anything, Veran-Bok?"
-
B
-
E - We do want to buy some authenthol, or whatever the real stuff is called
-
D. Proboscis~
-
E
E - We do want to buy some authenthol, or whatever the real stuff is called
Uh... "alcohol"?
-
E
-
"Yours is a merchantship. Are you selling anything, Veran-Bok?"
"Indeed I possess the ship of the traders. And indeed I trade the items of our craftsmen, for their handiwork in regards of crystals and glass is held in high regard. Else I can offer other crafts of my people as well as equipment for other spacefaring vessels. May you be interested in my wares?"
A) "Heck yeah, show me your cargo manifest!" (this will open trading with Veran-Bok)
B) "I will pass on that offer, and I'm actually interested about... (pick a conversational topic from previous post)
-
BB/BA, in order of preference - I doubt he's selling alcohol, and we shouldn't buy anything that isn't alcohol until our actual paycheck comes in. I assume we get one of those? Eventually?
Remember, it's only been a few days since we started work
-
Agreed, BB. I just wanted to know what KIND of things he has, as we clearly can't buy anything right now.
-
BB
-
BB
-
BB/BC
-
BB
-
"I will pass on that offer, and I'm actually interested about is that I have never seen or heard about Vahin'Ti, where do you come from?" Veran-Bok stares at you with his lamp-sized eyes for a brief moment.
"Vahin'Ti, like Veran, come from Vahin'Ti. We call ourselves after our mother ground." He pauses, then continues after few seconds. "It is were we first sprouted, it is where we strive to go after our final budding." He pauses again, this time for longer period.
"It is far from you and far from these sectors." Another lengthy pause. "The ones your people have claimed as their own." He stares at you and blinks few times.
"You 'lright there, bud?" Captain Morales says out of slight concern while Vicky peeps over at the fungoid alien.
"It has been noted that Vahin'Ti, when they imbibe various synthols, start to behave as if they were losing ability to perceive passing of time, and therefore might pause in their activities or break down their speeches like so without realizing." Veran-Bok blinks few more times.
"Most interesting feeling, this, after such synthol." A pause. "Remembered the last time it wasn't like so. Then again, a Bok isn't a Mo, and isn't as good at consumption as they."
"Yo, Bartender, a shot of Dry Jet for me." You nod at Captain Morales, and quickly prepare him a shot of the synthol he requested. He gets the glass, you get to scan his credchip again. (+20c)
Today Earnings: 157c
Monthly Earnings: 2972c
He takes a sip of Dry Jet whilst Vicky looks at Veran-Bok who continues to look a little out of it.
PICK CONVERSATION PARTNER(S):
Veran-Bok:
A) CHATTY: "You have mentioned that you guys undergo budding, and now you're talking about 'last budding', is your lifespan dictated by reproduction cycles?"
B) CHATTY: "The ID system says your name is Veran, and rank is Bok, while you mentioned the smaller one being a Mo and those three behind Ko's, how does that work? Is your society a stratified one?"
C) FLIRTY: "Oh, my, I have been graced with an actual, alien visitor. Mayhaps you would be interested in pursuing some closer inter-species relations with your humble Bartender~?"
Captain Morales&Vicky:
D) CHATTY: "You have a very interesting accent, Captain Morales. May I inquire where do you come from?"
E) FLIRTY: "You are such a big, strong man, Captain Morales, I must say your bearing is quite intoxicating for me~"
F) "I'm wondering about Vicky, she is self-owned apparently?"
-
B (Veran-Bok)
-
B (Veran-Bok)
+1
-
"The ID system says your name is Veran, and rank is Bok, while you mentioned the smaller one being a Mo and those three behind Ko's, how does that work? Is your society a stratified one?" Veran-Bok lets out a melodic hum.
"By age and gender and profession, yes we are stratified. A Bok is a Vahin'Ti that mastered a trade, and my trade is trade-doing. A Mo is a male Vahin'Ti that is before his first budding, and is not growing in the learning-place. A Ko is subservient to a Bok, or any of lesser ranks, that lead a group or domain or a trade. A Bok without a Ko is like a worker without a tool, and what worth is a worker that does not work? As the Kos progress in their training, their Bok will grant them the title of a No; once they obtain document-plate to perform jobs freely and outside house-of-Bok, they shall become Dans; and once a Dan is learned and respected enough, they become a Bok. And this is only for those who do civil-trades, for soldiers and politicians have their own ranks of age and mastery. The eldest Vahin'Ti who survive their Last Budding and continue to serve and guide our peoples until their eventual flesh-collapse, receive the prestigious title of Gol." Veran-Bok takes in a deep breath after this lenghty explanation and suckles on his cross-shaped lips, perhaps to wet them?
"Two more buddings before me, but the sun-mold might cut my existence short." Veran-Bok does what you surmise is a Vahin'Ti 'shrug'. "Not every Vahin'Ti becomes a Gol, but such is life." He runs his large, thin hand over Momet-Mo's head, then turns to you, while Morales and Vicky have some of their drinks too - Morales puts down his shot glass afterwards.
1236USY.5d/1m.1243h
"I would like more of the synthol you have obtained for me. It is a good synthol." With a nod, you quickly pour Veran-Bok a shot of Equator and serve it before him. He looks down at the glass with his large lamp-like eyes, then lets you scan his credchip again. (+20c)
Today Earnings: 177c
Monthly Earnings: 2992c
Veran-Bok quickly exposes his proboscis and, again, with that quirky little sound (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=99wlCy00uto), empties the glass within seconds.
A) To Veran-Bok: CHATTY: "You have mentioned that you guys undergo budding, and now you keep talking about 'last budding'. I assume your lifespan is dictated by reproduction cycles?"
B) To Captain Morales: CHATTY: "You have a very interesting accent, Captain Morales. May I inquire where do you come from?"
E) To Captain Morales: FLIRTY: "You are such a big, strong man, Captain Morales, I must say your bearing is quite intoxicating for me~"
F) To Vicky: "I'm wondering about you Vicky, you are self-owned apparently?"
-
B
-
B
-
F! Organics are boring, let's talk to the bot.
-
F
-
F to all the other options, its time to talk to the android.
-
"I'm wondering about you Vicky, you are self-owned apparently?"
"Correct. I was owned by Captain Morales until my mandatory liberation two years ago."
"But you stayed on board and continued to be employed under him?"
"Also correct. Captain Morales treated me fairly even back then and the pay offered is good also. You could also say I got 'emotionally attached' to the crew of 'Victory or Flight'."
"I chalk it up to loyalty y'know." Vicky raises her fist and Captain Morales fistbumps the android girl.
A) To Veran-Bok: CHATTY: "You have mentioned that you guys undergo budding, and now you keep talking about 'last budding'. I assume your lifespan is dictated by reproduction cycles?"
B) To Captain Morales: CHATTY: "You have a very interesting accent, Captain Morales. May I inquire where do you come from?"
C) To Captain Morales: FLIRTY: "You are such a big, strong man, Captain Morales, I must say your bearing is quite intoxicating for me~"
D) ...or you can just let the customers drink their drinks.
-
aaay lmao
-
A
-
CHATTY: "You have mentioned that you guys undergo budding, and now you keep talking about 'last budding'. I assume your lifespan is dictated by reproduction cycles?"
"We come from the budding and we die by the budding, yes." Veran-Bok briefly sways in his seat back and forth, and you wonder if that is expression of thinking for his species. "Our first budding comes after 27 years of your-system existence for us. And then every 9 years of yours. It is not always fruitful, but it is always a celebrated moment. The budding-lines within our bodies are deeply entrenched in our support-flesh and wither after each budding, and thus our core-stalk weakens." He pauses suddenly.
"The last and final budding is the Ninth, during which your spawn is bare and your stalk collapses from strain, but there are some lucky ones to survive this ordeal and become celebrated amongst our people." Veran-Bok blinks, looks down, then up, and sways some more.
"In recent-pulses, some young Vahin'Ti of wealth and status begun undertaking drug-hardships to postpone the First and thus delay the Last, but that only makes them harder to get through." Another pause. "Better not fight fate and nature of ones existence. The Mos and the Fes are foolish to attempt so." He puts his elongated hands on the middle section of his spacesuit, and sways rather sluggishly.
"Synthol rummages my veins. Veran-Bok will listen, but shan't respond." He murmurs in somewhat slurred way, compared to his previous talkings. Captain Morales and Vicky, who were very invested in listening to Veran-Bok's talk, have taken this moment to drink their glasses dry.
1236USY.5d/1m.1250h
"Vicky, check on boys if they done drinkin'."
"Sure thing, boss." The android hops off her seat and walks past the silent compatriots of Veran-Bok.
A) dummy pick i forgot
B) CHATTY: "You have a very interesting accent, Captain Morales. May I inquire where do you come from?"
C) FLIRTY: "You are such a big, strong man, Captain Morales, I must say your bearing is quite intoxicating for me~"
D) "You preparing to leave, Captain Morales? Can I offer you a parting-ways drink, maybe a shot of something?"
-
C wait something happened to the options
-
B
-
B
Changed my mind.
-
There's no A, but the third one.
-
D.
-
D
-
D
-
b
ddd
"You preparing to leave, Captain Morales? Can I offer you a parting-ways drink, maybe a shot of something?"
5
"Hrm, well, 'lright. One shot of the same, please." You pour Captain Morales another shot of Dry Jet. He takes the glass and lets you scan his credchip one last time today. (+20c)
Today Earnings: 197c
Monthly Earnings: 3012c
He takes the glass and downs its content just as Vicky makes her way back.
"Hey boss. Boys are done with their shots." The dark-skinned captain nods and pushes the shot glass towards you.
"'lright. Thanks for the drinks, barkeep." He slides off his seat and wanders towards the gate.
"Bye." Vicky the android waves to you briefly and walks after Morales in a straight line. The rest of the crew slowly abandons their table and walks after their Captain and Chief Engineer.
You turn to check on Veran-Bok; he keeps swaying and nodding on his seat. The three workers continue to silently stand behind him and stare at you wordlessly.
The Mo, however, has wandered off a little bit to stare at the bright neons above him with the little big eyes of his.
You decide to...
A) Persuade Veran-Bok to sample more synthols.
B) Offer some synthols to the Kos.
C) Summon the little Mo back to the bar counter.
D) Shrug and just go about your bartending ways.
-
If I understand correctly, Kos are like apprentices/junior employees, whilst Mos are basically children.
Let's see if the Kos would like anything. B
-
B
-
B. they’re definitely apprentices, so we should be cautious about it though.
-
B
-
"Would the Kos of Veran-Bok have interest in synthols?" You ask.
Veran-Bok does not respond.
His Kos stare at you with their eyes, saying nothing.
Momet-Mo wanders to the music box and pokes it.
Sensors console in the command center sound a ping.
A) Repeat the offer to the Kos.
B) Ask Momet-Mo to not wander off.
C) Check the sensor ping.
D) Shrug and clean up after Morales and his crew.
-
C - Worth a shot. Letsvgo check that ping. It was probably just Morales' ship, leaving, but worth double checking.
When we're back we should see about turning the music box on for Momet-Mo
-
C. their silence is enough of an answer.
-
C
-
You go check the sensor ping.
It is, indeed, the 'Victory or Flight' leaving the station and is headed for Gamma Urquanii Jump Gate.
You return to the main hall. Veran-Bok is still in his drunken detached delirium phase, his Kos protectively stand watch behind him.
Meanwhile the young Momet-Mo has managed to climb to the top of the music box and sat down there, eyeing the neons above his head with a very determined stare.
A) Call Momet-Mo to come back.
B) Repeat the offer to the Kos.
C) Start cleaning up after the humans.
D) Wake Veran-Bok and ask him to keep his kid near.
-
A
-
"Momet-Mo, please come back." You call for the young Vahin'Ti in the spacesuit.
Momet-Mo, all three Kos, and then Veran-Bok, snapping out of his drunken stupor, look at you incredulously as if you've just commited some sort of a crime.
"Momet-Mo, you shall return immediately." Veran-Bok turns to look at Momet-Mo who is already busy climbing down from the music box. He runs back to the counter and looks his parent in the eyes.
"Have your demeanor been unpleasant?"
"No!"
"You shall remain at the seating."
"As you wish." Veran-Bok watches as Momet-Mo walks to the nearby stool and sits down on it. Crossing his arms stifly on his legs, the young Vahin'Ti stares at you, with a little line of skin forming between his eyes.
1236USY.5d/1m.1300h
Momet-Mo fidgets a little on his seat. The Kos stand behind Veran-Bok idly.
As for Veran-Bok himself, he has resumed the stiff silence of before.
A) Try offering the Kos drinks again.
B) "Do you wish for another drink, Veran-Bok?"
C) Shrug and do some bartending and glasscleaning or something.
-
C
-
C
-
You shrug and do some bartending.
1236USY.5d/1m.1316h
"I am awaken." Veran-Bok stirs in his seat, and then leans towards his Kos with a semi-awaken stare.
"Our time is coming to an end in this location." Veran-Bok muses.
A) "Please come again."
B) "How about one more glass of synthol?"
-
Honestly, A
I don't wanna take chances with alien biology
-
Avoid killing the customers
-
A
-
"Please come again."
"The journey decides, not us. We are but leaves on the cosmic stream." Veran-Bok says, then stands up. He touches his forehead, then extends his palm upwards, you assume, in some sort of good-bye gesture.
Then he turns around and leaves, his Kos and Momet-Mo walking after him in a neat line.
You begin cleaning after the latest parties.
1236USY.5d/1m.1324h
Just as you put down the cleaning tools and sit down behind the bar to catch the breath, you hear a sensor alarm.
You realize that Veran-Bok has left few minutes ago, so there's only one explanation - another ship is coming to refuel!
A) Time to invite them over for drinks!
B) I had enough clients for now, let's resume reading maintenance manuals!
C) I had enough clients for now, time to read some interesting bartending trivia!
D) I had enough clients for now, time to continue the Zirconius series!
-
A - Gotta make money
-
A
-
A
Hopefully this client will be a bit easier to work with. Veran-Bok is rather odd, but I suppose that's not surprising.
-
You wander to the sensors console to check who's coming.
Sensors Station Alert! IFF beacon translation in progress...
Done!
"Matilda", Pocket-class Personal Travelcraft, approaching from direction of Eta Coridani Jump Gate.
Standard docking and refueling request received.
Fuel Pump assigned: #6 (authority: Automated Refueling AI)
Estimated arrival time: 6 minutes.
You wager there's exactly one potential client on board, given the ship's description.
A) Invite them anyway!
B) Eh, not worth the bother.
-
A - I bet they'll be desperate for a change of scenery
-
You open hailing frequencies.
"Greetings."
"Hello. My name's Arnold, and we have synthol onboard."
"Ah, good to hear it. I wouldn't mind a mix or two. I will disembark after docking. Dragon bless."
The hail is quickly ended, so you wander off to the main hall to take your seat behind the bar.
1236USY.5d/1m.1332h
The main gate opens and a middle-sized man in a black jumpsuit comes through. His slick, black hair is combed backwards and he wears half-shades on his face for some reason. His triangular face seems as sharp as it is pale.
As he makes his way to the counter, you notice further details about his outfit - there's some sort of golden lining on his suit, that shimmers as he passes under the neon lamps of your establishment. He wears black gloves, and they have the same slick shine to their blackness just like his shoes.
He sits down at the bar and gives you a smile, and you notice an earring on his left ear - five beads of a chain ending in a tiny rectangle, dangling gently.
"Hello bartender, I'm Jack. May the Crystal Dragon bless you in your life and your works. Now, how about some Remnant Binary for starters?" You briefly consider the name before turning to type away at the console...
"Don't know that one?"
"No, I don't." 'Jack' nods and steeples his fingers.
"Right, get a cocktail glass, then two shots Wóda, one Wet Jet and one Vurzelberg. Decorate with a lemon slice on the rim." You wonder...
A) ...if he is a scammer! Better connect to Bartending net and see the recipe for yourself.
B) ...if he was an SRC bartender in the past. Prepare the drink according to his instructions.
-
Is there any reason we wouldn't bill him for exactly what he receives regardless of what he calls it? I don't see how this being a scam would accomplish anything.
-
No, but this is the decision of interpersonal trust of Drone vs Stranger rather than actual bartending :P
-
B - He'll be the one drinking it, he can have what he likes!
-
B
-
You nod and prepare the mix as instructed - two shots of Wóda, one of Wet Jet and then Vurzelberg, all served in a cocktail glass with a lemon slice hanging off the edge.
"Thanks." 'Jack' takes the glass and fishes out a small, black credchip with silvery frame. You scan it. (+96c)
Today Earnings: 293c
Monthly Earnings: 3108c
The console does show that you've billed him for Remnant Binary after all!
Patron ID: Jack Layscander
Occupation: Unknown
Conv.Style: AMENABLE
Liked drinks: earthy
Disliked drinks: N/A
Jack takes a sip.
"Mm." He smiles, showing off his white teeth.
PICK YOUR CONVERSATIONAL OPTION!
A) "How's it going?"
B) CHATTY: "You've mentioned Crystal Dragon and offered his blessings to me, are you some sort of a religious person?"
C) CHATTY: "Can't help but notice you've had the recipe memorized. Were you perhaps an SRC bartender in the past?"
D) FLIRTY: "You appear so slick and fashionable in that black outfit of yours, you look like a model, for reals~"
E) "Why 'unknown' occupation? You're not a secret agent, are you?"
F) "Why did you call your spaceship 'Matilda'?"
-
B
Are we about to embark on another cult journey? Let's find out!
-
B
-
CHATTY: "You've mentioned Crystal Dragon and offered his blessings to me, are you some sort of a religious person?"
"Indeed I am. I belong to the Church of Gesús, the Crystal Dragon. He soars through the cosmos from nebula to nebula, devouring ships and men of evil intent. He blesses his followers with good luck in their travels and He offers them shelter and food at his abodes if misfortune and poverty befalls them. And after their eventual deaths, he guides their restless souls to His Kingdom in Hyperspace. You really haven't heard of us?"
"No, not really." Jack scratches his chin thoughtfully.
"Peculiar, we're very proactive in this region of space. Oh well. As for my humble self, I travel from station to station, from colony to colony, offering spiritual guidance to our remote worshippers and invite others to join our Church and venerate the Dragon for His immense greatness and benevolence." He pauses to take a sip of his mix.
A) CHATTY: "You guys doing all that cult stuff, then? Incense burning and rituals and ceremonies?"
B) CHATTY: "Can't help but notice you've had the recipe memorized. Were you perhaps an SRC bartender in the past?"
C) CHATTY: "Hey, if you're a religious person, could you possibly know anything abour cultists of Rag and Rock?"
D) FLIRTY: "You appear so slick and fashionable in that black outfit of yours, you look like a model, for reals~"
E) "Why did you call your spaceship 'Matilda'?"
-
C
It'd be kinda nice to get a second opinion.
-
C
-
C. an outside view is important in religion.
-
CHATTY: "Hey, if you're a religious person, could you possibly know anything abour cultists of Rag and Rock?"
Jack puts down the glass down and looks at you, quite bewildered.
"And why you, of all people, would want to hear about them?"
"I had one of their cultists almost commit suicide, I believe, by exposing herself to the airless void one morning. Then her fellows picked her up." Jack grumbles and then shakes his head.
"Do not, I beseech thee, do not put yourself into the clutches of Rag'n'Rock Cult. They are vile, psychotic cultists, who take in the young and impressionable into their ranks to promise them greatness. They derive their visions and mysticism from brain damage due to exposure to the airless void, narcotics and violent trances. They maim and mutilate themselves, hiding horrendous scarring underneath opulent robes. They believe a ritualistic suicide is equivalent of ascension to join the Rag and the Rock and await the coming of the Great Night, when the universe collapses upon itself and everything and everyone will be destroyed. Stay clear out of them!" With a frown, Jack takes a big gulp of his drink, ending with almost empty glass.
"Can we talk about something else? Or better yet, make me Queen of Tau Ceti." Jack doesn't seem to be eager to provide you with the recipe, so you type away at the bartending console...
Connecting...
Connecting...
Done!
Queries: queen of tau ceti
>1 recipe found:
QUEEN OF TAU CETI: 83c
2 Shots of Fungus Malus
2 Shots of Saproot
Dash of Grapevine
Serve in a tank glass with ice.
You quickly pour in the Fungus Malus and Saproot into a tank glass filled with ice, then spritz in some of the darker Grapevine, giving the resulting mix some funky lime-green coloration. You serve it to Jack who lets you scan his credchip again. (+83c)
Today Earnings: 376c
Monthly Earnings: 3191c
"Thanks." Jack says curtly and takes a sip.
A) CHATTY: "And are you guys doing all that cult stuff, then? Incense burning and rituals and ceremonies?"
B) CHATTY: "Can't help but notice you've had the recipe memorized. Were you perhaps an SRC bartender in the past?"
C) CHATTY: "You seem to know a lot about the Rag'n'Rock cult. You hear about them a lot in your travels?"
D) FLIRTY: "You appear so slick and fashionable in that black outfit of yours, you look like a model, for reals~"
E) "Why did you call your spaceship 'Matilda'?"
-
He's a bit put out, but we learned something.
B
-
"Or better yet, make me Queen of Tau Ceti."
"I don't have the authority to do that, but I'll put in a good word for you with the Electorate."
-
B
-
B
-
Bis a good change of topic.
-
CHATTY: "Can't help but notice you've had the recipe memorized. Were you perhaps an SRC bartender in the past?"
"Oh, yes, for four years. I was freshly an adult and decided to break with my delinquent past and SRC was the most stable and least dangerous of possibilities. I was spaceside at Outpost 23858 on the Whambrosia Station in orbit of Maclunkee Prime. Hundreds of patrons a day. Had morning and evening shifts and there were four of us bartenders in total, and quite a few cute waitresses too." Jack takes a sip, reminiscing fondly about his stay with SRC it seems.
"Yours, in comparison, seems like a sanctuary of quiet. Maybe a bit too quiet, even with the music." Another sip.
"Going back to the story, Remnant Binary was a drink I botched up because it was first time I had an order for it and I was tired by end of my evening shift and read the instructions wrong. Got it seared in my memory after that."
A) CHATTY: "And are you Gesús guys doing all that cult stuff, then? Incense burning and rituals and ceremonies?"
B) CHATTY: "You wouldn't happen to remember any other drinks, do you? The Net is unreliable and sometimes it takes a lot of time to get the recipes."
C) CHATTY: "You seem to know a lot about the Rag'n'Rock cult. You hear about them a lot in your travels?"
D) FLIRTY: "You appear so slick and fashionable in that black outfit of yours, you look like a model, for reals~"
E) "Why did you call your spaceship 'Matilda'?"
-
B
-
B
-
CHATTY: "You wouldn't happen to remember any other drinks, do you? The Net is unreliable and sometimes it takes a lot of time to get the recipes."
3*
Jack chuckles.
"When it was ever reliable? Outposts rely on subspace radio connections over the Jump Gates, so there's always problems. Well, if you asked me fresh out of SRC, sure, but nowadays... well, besides Remnant Binary, I remember Maple Syrup."
"Maple Syrup? Sounds like some sort of condiment."
"Yeah, I heard it got its name from some old-time sweet dessert sauce which recipe has been lost in the times of Old Federation. Anyway, the mix is quite simple - grab a shot glass, pour in Sucrosol and then dash in some Grande Pascale and stir gently. Thing has a sweet and heavy flavor thanks to that." You nod and memorize the recipe easily.
1236USY.5d/1m.1347h
Jack takes another sip and puts the glass down.
"So, how's life on a spaceside outpost? Lotsa work?"
"Actually, not really. I have like 3 to 5 patrons a day. I've got some engineering manuals to pass the time, plus some huge media series about Captain Zirconius." Jack scratches his chin.
"Never heard of that, but it doesn't surprise me. Long-time bartenders who get off the station usually leave some things laying around. Your predecessor must've been a media hoarder or something." You think briefly.
"Have you heard of a Caninoid fellow named S'tivan?" The preacher lets out a thoughtful hum.
"S'tivan, S'tivan... yeah it does sound familiar, I just don't remember from where."
"He was my predecessor. He collaborated with EXO-Lumina guys to steal all the company's fuel from this outpost right before he ran away. Millions of credits of damage." Jack stares at you in surprise.
"Aah, I did hear something about that, yeah! Funny, and it was this outpost, huh? This place sure got a past!" Jack concludes with a smile, then takes another sip of his Queen.
A) CHATTY: "And are you Gesús guys doing all that cult stuff, then? Incense burning and rituals and ceremonies?"
B) CHATTY: "You seem to know a lot about the Rag'n'Rock cult. You hear about them a lot in your travels?"
C) FLIRTY: "You appear so slick and fashionable in that black outfit of yours, you look like a model, for reals~"
D) "Why did you call your spaceship 'Matilda'?"
-
I like this guy.
A
-
A
Certainly an amiable fellow, yeah.
-
A
-
CHATTY: "And are you Gesús guys doing all that cult stuff, then? Incense burning and rituals and ceremonies?" Jack grimaces.
"What, inhalations, smoke and mirrors? No, my friend. That is not religion, that is mysticism. Putting on a show before your believers that the voice behind the curtain while you're high on synthetic vapors is your lord and sacviour? That's domain of subversive, destructive cults and scam-based megachurches. We don't do that. That kind of scheming would endanger the lives of our folk, and that is against the Dragon's wishes." He takes a sip of his drink, then sets the empty glass down.
"From our church the faithful can get morality guidelines, the datapad of prayers, and entry into our registers so that when they get in trouble, they can always seek sanctuary amongst their fellow worshippers or in a registered congregation. What our worshippers drink and snort is not our problem, but if they break our rules under influence, then they do become our problem, and we kick them out." With a huff, Jack pushes the empty glass towards you.
"A glass of Asteroids, please." You nod and prepare the tank glass, filling it with crushed ice, and pour Sucrosol and Martian into the glass, serving it to Jack, who lets you scan his credchip again. (+71c)
Today Earnings: 447c
Monthly Earnings: 3262c
Jack takes a sip and smacks his lips in contentedness.
A) CHATTY: "You seem to know a lot about the Rag'n'Rock cult. You hear about them a lot in your travels?"
B) FLIRTY: "You appear so slick and fashionable in that black outfit of yours, you look like a model, for reals~"
C) "Why did you call your spaceship 'Matilda'?"
D) "How does one join the Church of Gesús?"
-
Eh, Rag and Rock seem like more fun. Even if their followers are jerks who toss themselves out of airlocks.
-
A
-
C
-
C
-
hmm... I bet his ancestors were Protestant
But what the hey, D. A bit of spirituality couldn't hurt out here.
also Haspen gets to write a sci-fi prayerbook
-
"Why did you call your spaceship 'Matilda'?"
3
Jack takes a sip of his drink.
"Personal reasons. Nothing special, really." He takes another sip of his Asteroids.
A) CHATTY: "You seem to know a lot about the Rag'n'Rock cult. You hear about them a lot in your travels?"
B) FLIRTY: "You appear so slick and fashionable in that black outfit of yours, you look like a model, for reals~"
C) "How does one join the Church of Gesús?"
D) Do some idle bartending, man's talked a lot already.
-
D
-
D
-
D
-
D
-
You tend to the bar for now.
1236USY.5d/1m.1355h
Doesn't take long for Jack to clear off the Asteroids - he even chews some of the ice. He puts the almost-empty glass to you and you put it into the washing slot.
"Alright, one Maple Syrup cause I wanna see if you memorized the recipe, and then I think I'm going." With ease, you pour a shot of Sucrosol into the small glass, dash in some Grande Pascale, and stir to give the mix an ambery-yellow color. Jack lets you scan his credchip again. (+8c)
Today Earnings: 455c
Monthly Earnings: 3270c
"Thanks." He takes a sip of the mix, and nods to himself.
You feel that you've got time for one more question.
A) CHATTY: "You seem to know a lot about the Rag'n'Rock cult. You hear about them a lot in your travels?"
B) FLIRTY: "You appear so slick and fashionable in that black outfit of yours, you look like a model, for reals~"
C) "How does one join the Church of Gesús?"
D) "Please come again soon."
-
D
Don't think we need to ask him anything more. It'd be a bad idea to ask about the cultists because we don't want him leaving riled up.
-
D
-
D. no need to flirt or bug him bout religion.
-
"Please come again soon." Jack smiles, then quickly downs the rest of his mix.
"I rarely visit the same place twice, such is the nature of my work, but I will remember your Outpost next time I'm passing by. See you next time, and Dragon bless." He dusts off his jumpsuit and walks to the exit.
1236USY.5d/1m.1400h
The sensor console pings you that "Matilda" has departed for Gamma Urquanii Jump Gate.
Considering the latest crunch of customer service, you wait a few minutes just in case...
1236USY.5d/1m.1405h
...and nothing on sensors.
Freedom!
A) Time for bartending trivia!
B) Time for maintenance studies!
C) Time for Zirconius series!
-
B
-
B. before we have more damage happen.
-
You delve into maintenance manuals once more.
1236USY.5d/1m.1606h
You get exactly two hours which let you get to 80% of SRC Weapons and Communications Manual before you hear the security console pinging.
You check that right away...
...and according to sensors, some vessel has entered the system through Poseidonis Jump Gate - with a directional vector right towards Beta Carotenii I, the gas giant orbiting the star.
Hmmmm.
A) Perhaps they're going to fix that satellite spam. Good riddance...
B) ...and maybe they will be a bit thirsty for synthols when they're done?
-
B
we may just become the drink spammers
-
B
-
You walk over to the communications console and hail the ship en route to Beta Carotenii I.
1236USY.5d/1m.1608h
The console notes the hail as 'received' but there's no response of any kind.
A) *shrug* Back to maintenance datapads.
B) Persistence yields rewards! Ping them again!
-
No spam >:( A
-
A. One is enough. if they come in, they come in. if they don’t, they dont.
-
A
-
A
-
You shrug and return to the maintenance datapads.
1236USY.5d/1m.1756h
It's at about the time you're 90% done with of SRC Weapons and Communications Manual when you hear one of the consoles ringing an alarm.
You check the command center and sure enough - the ship you've pinged before is responding to your hail.
A) Two can play this game! I ain't picking the call up.
B) Eh, it's not like I have much else to do right now.
-
B what possible reason would we have to be pointlessly petty :P
-
B
-
You push the button to accept the call.
"Hello. Vincent Geg'l of Tanzanian Astrophysics Union here."
"Bartender Arnold of Synthol Refueling Conglomerate."
"Yes, nice to meet you, you've pinged us before, right?"
"I wish to offer you some synthols if you need a drink."
"Well, hmm, we're mostly done here. Hold a sec--"
The call is muted, rather precisely, for exactly a second.
"--so alright. I'm not much of a synthol drinker but my friend here is quite a drunk so- ow -we will arrive shortly. See you in a few. What was that f-"
The call ends then.
The security console informs you that the ship from earlier has departed Beta Carotenii I and is on direct course for your Outpost.
Sensors Station Alert! IFF beacon translation in progress...
Done!
"Megas III" Nebula-class Science Vessel, approaching from the direction of Beta Carotenii I.
Standard docking request received.
Docking Airlock assigned: #7 (authority: Automated Refueling AI)
Estimated arrival time: 7 minutes
You scratch your chin and then walk back to the bar.
1236USY.5d/1m.1806h
Shortly after Megas III docks with your outpost, a rather constrasting pair of patrons steps inside. They both wear black-and-blue jumpsuits, although the woman has a light blue lab coat drapped over her shoulders for some reason.
The man has a pair of dog-ears instead of human ones, and a rather fluffy, if short, tail, swishing behind him. His hair is yellow-orange, except for the tips of his ears and tail where the hairs have a brighter, beige-like hue. You can notice the tops of at least two datapads poking out of the pocket on his chest's left side.
The woman is taller than him, and her long, black hair is luscious and straight. Her light blue eyes look around for someone, and the stomping you hear is only a prelude to what happens next.
She slams her palms onto the counter and looks you in the eyes.
"Listen here, barkeep!! I am NOT a drunk! Just because I like synthols so much does NOT make me a drunk! I resent my colleague's accusation, and I'm telling you I will sue him for emotional damages, and I will drag you and your corporation into the lawsuit if you side with that good-for-nothing doggy scientist." She points her right index finger at you in accusatory manner. "Is that understood??" You blink at the loud woman and glance at her Caninoid colleague.
He manages to keep a neutral facial expression but the tail furiously swishing behind his back betrays the fact he is enjoying the scene quite a lot.
"How about some Skinjuice, Angela?" He says with a happy tone of voice, his lips twisting into a stupid grin when the black-haired 'Angela' turns to look at him in fury.
A) Acknowledge the woman's warning, and serve them some Skinjuice.
B) Don't acknowledge the warning, but serve them Skinjuice anyway.
C) Acknowledge the woman's warning, but don't serve them anything just yet.
D) "I would rather have my clients behave whilst onboard, please and thank you."
-
D - If she isn't a drunk it should be easy
-
B what possible reason would we have to be pointlessly petty :P
We could have finished the book?
-
ok D first but then FLIRT CANINOID
-
A
-
"I would rather have my clients behave whilst onboard, please and thank you."
4*
The duo looks at you with mixed expressions - the Caninoid grins, and the Woman pouts a little.
"Alright."
"Hmph." She is the first to sit down on a seat, placing her hands on the counter.
"Get me a Startini!" The Caninoid lets out a hum, his tails swishing less so enthusiastically, and he takes a seat as well.
"Alright, well, would be bad to work on dry mouth, so, how about, hmm, I would like one Cryolamp."
You don't know the drink requested by the Caninoid, so you type that up into the console whilst prepping the Startini for the woman.
Connecting...
Connecting...
Connecting...
You let the console do its thing while you add 3 shots of Grapevine into a cocktail glass and then mix in a shot of Saproot as well. After the mix takes an uniformly dark-pink color to it, you adorn the glass with slice of lemon and serve it to the woman. She takes a sip before she manages to fish out a small, silvery credchip, extending her hands so that you can scan it easily. (+106c)
Today Earnings: 561c
Monthly Earnings: 3376c
Patron ID: Angela Graman
Occupation: 2nd Class Astrophysician/Field Specialist, Tanzanian Astrophysics Union
Conv.style: HOT-HEADED
Liked Drinks: SWEET
Disliked Drinks: FIERY
"Nice, fast service." She quips rather happily, taking another sip. You look at the console and notice that it established a connection with the Bartending Network.
Connecting...
Done!
Queries: cryolamp
>1 recipe found:
CRYOLAMP: 168c
3 Shots of Lamp
Dash of Saproot
Serve in a tank glass with ice.
Rather easy - so you smack some ice into a tank glass, then pour in enough Lamp and spritz some Saproot at the end, giving it a pale-yellow coloration. You serve it up to 'Vincent', who pulls out the two datapads out onto the counter and then also a credchip, which you scan. (+168c)
Today Earnings: 729c
Monthly Earnings: 3544c
Patron ID: Vincent Geg'l (Caninoid)
Occupation: 3rd Class Computer Specialist/Spaceship Pilot, Tanzanian Astrophysics Union
Conv.style: AMENABLE
Liked Drinks: FIERY, EARTHY
Disliked Drinks: n/a
Vincent pulls the tank glass closer, but doesn't drink his stuff just yet.
"Don't tell me you're gonna work on the subroutines right now?" Angela murmurs, and Vincent just shrugs.
"It's not like we have forever to stay in-system, so I would like to go through the satellite's communications code whilst I still have a fast and stable connection with it. I can drink and work, thank you very much. You two have fun."
"You make for a great drinking partner, Vincent." Angela huffs, Vincent smirks.
You do note that next second they take sips of their drinks almost in synch.
CHOOSE YOUR CONVERSATION TOPIC! (Vincent is currently busy and most unresponsive)
A) To both: "So, you guys working on that spammy satellite now?"
B) To both: "I don't think I've heard of 'Tanzania' before, is that a colony or a space station?"
C) To Angela: CHATTY: "My console notified me you're a class higher than Vincent, are you in charge on the ship?"
D) To Angela: CHATTY: "I didn't expect someone of your magnitude to like sweet drinks, you seem fiery to me."
E) To Angela: FLIRTY: "I am glad you've mellowed out, but I gotta say, I enjoyed that harsh, bossy streak you've showed~"
-
Let's try D.
-
D
-
E - Cos that will be exciting either way
-
D. better to open with something chatty, THEN move on to flirting once we are sure we broke the ice.
-
D
-
D. better to open with something chatty, THEN move on to flirting once we are sure we broke the ice.
Also I want to flirt the dog boy and am unsure how well it would work to flirt them both. :p
-
D. better to open with something chatty, THEN move on to flirting once we are sure we broke the ice.
Also I want to flirt the dog boy and am unsure how well it would work to flirt them both. :p
I don't see what it'd hurt to flirt with both of them, I mean two people means we have two chances.
-
Quite true but I think they may resent one another.
-
I don't know why you'd want to flirt with Angela, she seems obnoxious.
-
Because hot?
-
Just not my thing.
-
I'm still not 100% sure why there's a flirt option there anyway, is it there for laughs or is there more to it?
-
Because at the start of the game there was a choice of preprogrammed conversational styles that we could pick our character to start with, with the idea that different ones would work well on different customers. Chatty and flirty won so that's why we always have those two options (Indeed, you voted for flirty so I'm sure you know all that :P). As for there being something more to it, well depends on what you think of the fact that it's not Arnold making up the chatty or flirty lines, they are produced by a chip in his brain that prompts him with them at appropriate times. Only the white lines are what Arnold himself actually comes up with and are related to his actual personality and thoughts. I think it's an interesting reference into the quiet horror of Arnolds backstory as a mass produced slave android. It's also interesting to me because this is a very in universe thing that's happening, and some of the characters we interact with know that's how the freed drones work and have recognized the lines as preprogrammed ones.
-
The fact that you're keeping tabs on lore of this lazy and silly suggestion game makes me warm and fuzzy inside <3
-
I'll have to remember to look out for romantical white options then.
-
Y'know what, A. Let's start exploring the "blank" options a little bit more.
-
Because at the start of the game there was a choice of preprogrammed conversational styles that we could pick our character to start with, with the idea that different ones would work well on different customers. Chatty and flirty won so that's why we always have those two options (Indeed, you voted for flirty so I'm sure you know all that :P). As for there being something more to it, well depends on what you think of the fact that it's not Arnold making up the chatty or flirty lines, they are produced by a chip in his brain that prompts him with them at appropriate times. Only the white lines are what Arnold himself actually comes up with and are related to his actual personality and thoughts. I think it's an interesting reference into the quiet horror of Arnolds backstory as a mass produced slave android. It's also interesting to me because this is a very in universe thing that's happening, and some of the characters we interact with know that's how the freed drones work and have recognized the lines as preprogrammed ones.
I don't actually think of that as a difference! To me, the chip is also part of his personality, just like the obscure references I make are part of my personality even if they originate externally.
-
Only the white lines are what Arnold himself actually comes up with
fwiw just going to note here that what neutral lines appear as actually depends on the theme you use for this board, since Haspen isn't coloring them manually. if not colored manually, the text changes depending on the theme - most boards use a custom Bay12 one by default that makes automatic text appear white, but this board uses what I'm guessing is the default SMF theme that colors automatic text black (for instance, neutral lines currently appear black for me)
EDIT: just fact-checked myself and it looks like both themes aren't actually from SMF at all. "Forum or Board Default", the one with black automatic text, doesn't seem to have a name attached but also doesn't appear to be an SMF one. The "Darkling" theme, also not by SMF, is used by the majority of the boards on this forum. it doesn't look like Darkling is actually a Bay12 theme either, my bad
-
fwiw just going to note here that what neutral lines appear as actually depends on the theme you use for this board, since Haspen isn't coloring them manually. if not colored manually, the text changes depending on the theme - most boards use a custom Bay12 one by default that makes automatic text appear white, but this board uses what I'm guessing is the default SMF theme that colors automatic text black (for instance, neutral lines currently appear black for me)
EDIT: just fact-checked myself and it looks like both themes aren't actually from SMF at all. "Forum or Board Default", the one with black automatic text, doesn't seem to have a name attached but also doesn't appear to be an SMF one. The "Darkling" theme, also not by SMF, is used by the majority of the boards on this forum. it doesn't look like Darkling is actually a Bay12 theme either, my bad
"Forum or Board Default" isn't a theme, it's the setting that lets each board choose its own theme. The light theme with black text is a default SMF theme, called "Core Theme"; I know this to be true because I have other SMF forums that use it. It's sort of the "classic" or "legacy" SMF theme (the new one is horrible). Darkling is also sort of a default SMF theme, it's just credited to some guy who made it.
-
The fact that you're keeping tabs on lore of this lazy and silly suggestion game makes me warm and fuzzy inside <3
If there is lore to something it will attract lore keepers no matter what the lore comes from.
-
Yeah, I wonder if we will get some more spicy horrifying backstory on Arnold?
Also, D
-
a
ddddd
e
CHATTY: "I didn't expect someone of your magnitude to like sweet drinks, you seem fiery to me."
Angela flips her hair dramatically to the side as you mention it.
"I just have little patience. In fact, I'm a sweet girl."
"Yeah, you're sweet, when you want something." Angela shot her caninoid companion a glare, who let out a wheezing laugh.
"Plus the sugar helps me not murder this furry asshole over there. That and the fact I do need a pilot." She takes a sip of her Startini, while Vincent continues to type on his datapads.
A) To both: "So, you guys working on that spammy satellite now?"
B) To both: "I don't think I've heard of 'Tanzania' before, is that a colony or a space station?"
C) To Angela: CHATTY: "My console notified me you're a class higher than Vincent, are you in charge on the ship?"
E) To Angela: FLIRTY: "I am glad you've mellowed out, but I gotta say, I enjoyed that harsh, bossy streak you've showed~"
-
A
-
Eeeeee~~
-
A
-
Alright, guess I'll go for it. E.
-
A
-
aaa
ee
"So, you guys working on that spammy satellite now?"
"Only a little bit faulty."
"A trasceiver had a short-circuit which locked it on full broadcast strength. Angela had to install a bypass and a secondary control unit because we can't drag the satellite back to Tanzania, and now I'm busy rehauling the satellite code to include said hardware modifications." Vincent takes a small sip of his drink while Angela looks at you.
"You were the one who switched this outpost's frequency to avoid the saturation, right?"
"Yes."
"Smart guy." She takes a sip of her Startini, then tilts the glass to drink the remainder of the mix.
"Alright smart guy, I would like, hmm, I would like, what was it called?" Angela looks at Vincent.
"What was called what?"
"That drink your brother made us once." Vincent lifts his face from the datapads, scratches his right ear and then lets out a hum.
"Moon Elf?" Angela smacks her lips while Vincent returns to his datapads.
"Yeah! Moon Elf, I want a Moon Elf next!" You have no heard of that Drink Mix before.
You quickly begin connecting your outpost's console with the Bartending Net...
Connecting...
Connecting...
Connecting...
Failed to connect to the Drink Mix Database.
Retry? Y/N
A) To both: "I don't think I've heard of 'Tanzania' before, is that a colony or a space station?"
B) To Angela: CHATTY: "My console notified me you're a class higher than Vincent, are you in charge on the ship?"
C) To Angela: FLIRTY: "I am glad you've mellowed out, but I gotta say, I enjoyed that harsh, bossy streak you've showed~"
-
A
-
C.
-
A
-
A
-
A
-
A. something to stall for time while we wait for the net to connect again.
-
A
-
C
-
A
-
aaaaaaa
cc
"I don't think I've heard of 'Tanzania' before, is that a colony or a space station?" It is time for Vincent to look a tiny bit agitated.
"It is a space station, but it is more of a space-side science academy, campus and adjacent utility and commercial venues, and its fairly well known around the sector. And you've never heard of it?"
"No."
"Huh, okay. but yeah, we're space academy on a space station." Vincent takes a sip of his drink.
"We offer polytechnical and academical education on the station, including field trips to local colonies and space stations for hands-on training. Gotta raise new generation of scientists and engineers, and so on." Angela explains.
Connecting...
Connecting...
Done!
Queries: moon elf
>1 recipe found:
MOON ELF: 171c
3 Shots of Grapevine
Shot of Ambrosia
Shot of InPulsar
Serve in a tank glass with ice.
You pour Grapevine, Ambrosia and InPulsar over the ice and stir, giving it a light blue coloration of it. You put the glass before Angela, and she lets you scan her credchip. (+171c)
Today Earnings: 900c
Monthly Earnings: 3715c
Angela takes a sip and pushes her tongue around in her mouth, trying the taste.
"It's sweeter than Moon Elf I drank. You sure it is correct drink?" You hastily check the console in case of probable complaint incoming, but no - you made the drink exactly as the recipe has it.
"Says right there on my console, Moon Elf. Did it exactly as recipe states."
"You sure it was called Moon Elf?" Angela looks at Vincent, Vincent at Angela - and the caninoid just shrugs.
"Well, it's still good." Angela takes another sip.
A) To both: "Are you two teachers on Tanzania, or just work there?"
B) To both: "So wait, is Tanzania Station the same or different thing from Tanzanian Astrophysics Union?"
C) To Angela: CHATTY: "My console notified me you're a class higher than Vincent, are you in charge on the ship?"
D) To Angela: FLIRTY: "I am glad you've mellowed out, but I gotta say, I enjoyed that harsh, bossy streak you've showed~"
-
A
-
A
-
A
-
"Are you two teachers on Tanzania, or just work there?" Vincent shrugs.
"Fortunately not me."
"Ugh, don't remind me. I had taken some teaching as secondary but never again. You would think that public, readily-available education will make kids play nice, but no, teenage assholery is in the genes." Vincent looks up from his datapads and stares at the wall behind the counter quietly.
"Federal kids still have it better than Centaurians."
"Imagine that! Billions of kids, assigned classes depending on their parents' lineage or battle merit."
"One of their mottos IS 'no pain no gain', no?"
"Yeeeah. Right." They both sip their drinks.
A) To both: "So wait, is Tanzania Station the same or a different thing from Tanzanian Astrophysics Union?"
B) To both: "You guys had prior experiences with Centaurians?"
C) To Angela: "I take it you didn't like being a teacher?"
D) To Angela: CHATTY: "My console notified me you're a class higher than Vincent, are you in charge on the ship?"
E) To Angela: FLIRTY: "I am glad you've mellowed out, but I gotta say, I enjoyed that harsh, bossy streak you've showed~"
-
A
-
B
-
B
-
i’d say the ice is broken. lets start flirting. E.
-
E.
-
B
-
a
bbb
ee
To both: "You guys had prior experiences with Centaurians?"
3*
"Yes, sadly." Angela says with a sour tone of voice. Vincent seems distant for a while, then takes a sip of his drink and looks back to his datapads.
A) To both: "So wait, is Tanzania Station the same or a different thing from Tanzanian Astrophysics Union?"
B) To Angela: "I take it you didn't like being a teacher?"
C) To Angela: CHATTY: "My console notified me you're a class higher than Vincent, are you in charge on the ship?"
D) To Angela: FLIRTY: "I am glad you've mellowed out, but I gotta say, I enjoyed that harsh, bossy streak you've showed~"
-
C
-
D
-
C
-
D
We'll get it eventually, surely.
-
C
-
C
-
C
-
D
-
ccccc
ddd
CHATTY: "My console notified me you're a class higher than Vincent, are you in charge on the ship?"
"Yes, I am, sort-of. On Tanzania, being higher Class means that in case of field trips or academical disputes, I have authority over Vincent. That's about all..."
"For actual person in power, that would be the Magister, Veyland Yuta. Holds triple degree in Xenobiology, Biochemistry and Moleculatronics."
"Sadly, he is lacking an Interpersonal Communications degree." Angela's quip makes Vincent wheeze-chuckle.
1236USY.5d/1m.1829h
Vincent takes a sip of his drink and, after pushing some more buttons on the datapads, puts them all down.
"You done?"
"Almost. The code's compiled and sent to the satellite. If it returns a reply-query, I'm done. But that's out of my hands now, might as well kick back and relax."
"Great, the sooner we're off on the trip back home, the better." Angela sips some more of her drink, and Vincent does the same.
Vincent is now free for chatting!
A) To both: "So wait, is Tanzania Station the same or a different thing from Tanzanian Astrophysics Union?"
B) To Angela: "I take it you didn't like being a teacher?"
C) To Angela: FLIRTY: "I am glad you've mellowed out, but I gotta say, I enjoyed that harsh, bossy streak you've showed~"
D) To Vincent: "So are you Caninoid by birth-mod or by choice-mod?"
E) To Vincent: CHATTY: "You've mentioned earlier that you didn't deal with the kids, so are you an assistant of sorts, or just employed by Tanzanian faculty?"
F) To VIncent: FLIRTY: "Finally, I can ask where do such handsome Caninoids come from, because I haven't seen a tail this luscious and ears this cute ever before~"
-
E
-
D
If he gets annoyed, we have a viable excuse for wanting to know: after all, our predecessor was one
-
D
-
E
((I think I'd like to talk with/take classes with Veyland Yuta))
-
D
-
"So are you Caninoid by birth-mod or by choice-mod?"
"My mother really, really liked Caninoids, so my father agreed to have me modified during my mom's pregnancy. And so I came to be." Vincent looks into his glass for a while, then takes a big sip.
"I was the only Caninoid on the station my parents' lived on. Other kids gave me, well..."
"Hell! That's what kids do."
"No, not really. They just liked to pick on me, and after I grew up they just kinda got bored with it, so."
"Vincent, they gave you hell." Vincent scrunches his nose some, and then takes another sip. Meanwhile, Angela perks up and stares at him funny.
"Wait, you've never told me about this. I know you for years and a bartender gets it out of you rather than me?"
"Hey, you've never asked." Vincent grins, his tail swishing, while Angela goes back to her drink, and empties the remainder of it in one go.
"Alright, something to clean the palate, bartender. Get me a shot of Cherrybomb." With a nod, you quickly pour some of the reddish synthol into a clean shot glass and serve it to Angela. She lets you scan her credchip once more. (+10c)
Today Earnings: 910c
Monthly Earnings: 3725c
Angela barely has time to take a sip of her Cherrybomb when one of Vincent's datapads lights up and beeps at him. He leans over and pushes some buttons, then nods.
"Right, the satellite sent back the reply-query and the new code is running. We can leave for Tanzania."
"Wait, at least let's finish our drinks first." Angela says, and does just that - drinks her shot in one go. Vincent takes a more conservative sip of his Cryolamp, but there's not much left of it either.
You might have just enough time for a single query before they leave.
A) To both: "So wait, is Tanzania Station the same or a different thing from Tanzanian Astrophysics Union?"
B) To Angela: "I take it you didn't like being a teacher?"
C) To Angela: FLIRTY: "I am glad you've mellowed out, but I gotta say, I enjoyed that harsh, bossy streak you've showed~"
D) To Vincent: CHATTY: "You've mentioned earlier that you didn't deal with the kids, so are you an assistant of sorts, or just employed by Tanzanian faculty?"
E) To Vincent: FLIRTY: "Finally, I can ask where do such handsome Caninoids come from, because I haven't seen a tail this luscious and ears this cute ever before~"
F) To both: "You banter back and forth like an old couple. Are you two married?"
G) "Thanks for stopping by. Please come again, both of you."
-
G
-
F!
I will, of course, change vote if C or E get more support. We should at least send them of in style. :3
-
F
-
G
-
f to our chances of flirting, but oh well.
-
G
We've pestered them enough already.
-
fff
ggg
Oh no a tie.
-
E lol
-
F
-
"You banter back and forth like an old couple. Are you two married?" Angela's face flares deep red while Vincent wheezes.
"Excuse me? No we're not."
"Would be great, but yeah, no." Vincent chuckles some more and empties his glass.
"I think we're done here." Angela says with a rather nasty voice, and Vincent nods in agreement.
"Yeah. Cya barkeep." Vincent leaves after Angela, who doesn't say anything.
You start cleaning after the duo.
1236USY.5d/1m.1836h
Shortly after you push the button on the glass washing machine, the security console pings you.
"Megas III" has undocked and is en route to Poseidonis Jump Gate.
The station is yours.
A) Time for some Zirconius!
B) Time for bartending trivia!
C) Time for maintenance manuals!
D) Time to, err, pass the time!
-
C
Don't we still have stuff to read?
-
You return to your manuals.
Precious, wonderful, knowledge-filled manuals.
1236USY.5d/1m.1845h
You barely get anywhere when your wetware processor reminds you that your sleep period (1945-0145) begins in an hour.
Hm.
It also tells you that you could crunch the remaining 10% of Weapons manual in about two hours.
A) I can do it! At worst I will go sleep extra late today.
B) My sleep schedule is sacred. One hour of reading and no more.
-
B
-
B. I'm sure we can squeeze in an hour of reading when we wake up, too.
-
One hour it is!
1236USY.5d/1m.1945h
Truly to its internal workings, the wetware unit starts reminding you about your beauty sleep very intrusively just as you finish about 96% of SRC Weapons and Communications Manual.
[SLEEP PERIOD HAS BEGUN. SEEK A PREFERABLY COMFORTABLE PLACE TO SLUMBER UNTIL 0145 TOMORROW. NEGLIGENCE TO THIS MIGHT CAUSE YOUR ORGANIC COMPONENTS TO BECOME INEFFICIENT.]
It is the same as always.
So you turn off the music, prep the chairs, dim the lighting, take one last look at the bartending console, and head for your quarters.
You hop into the sleep pod and begin your dark, dreamless rest...
Congratulations! Bartender Arnold earned 910 Credits today! His monthly total so far is 3725 Credits!
A new day at Galactic Refueling Otupost 254831 begins...
1236USY.6d/1m.0145h
No interruptions and no alerts as you wake up.
With a little yawn, you plug yourself to the feeding machine, allowing your stomach to take in the nutrients and liquids you require.
After the breakfast, it is time to set up the bar. You never know when patrons might be coming.
♪ 1236USY.6d/1m.0202h ♫ (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TgwHtVOk9Lk)
When the music starts playing, you stretch some, then stretch some more, and then take a peek at sensors.
There weren't any ships passing through the system while you were asleep for those six hours.
Quiet night in Beta Carotenii, huh.
A) 4% leftover manual reading, let's gooooooooo!!
B) Actually this is about the time for daily Zirconius episode, no?
C) Nah, let us begin the day truly with some bartending trivia!
-
manual completion first, recreation later. A.
-
A!
-
A
-
A
-
You indulge in the manual reading! Knowledge for the win!
1236USY.6d/1m.0237h
Hurrah! You're done reading SRC Weapons and Communications Manual, learning quite a lot about handling and fixing the photon cannons, torpedo launchers and the subspace transceiver on top of the station. Repairing them should be a much easier task from now on.
One more manual before you can truly master your Outpost's inner workings!
A) Alright! Onto Hull and Power manual!
B) Nah, let's take a break for some bartending trivia!
C) Nah, let's take a break for a Zirconius episode!
-
C
-
Hull and power, nether of those things sound important lets read something else instead C.
-
You head back to your quarters and hook up the holovid series beloved by everyone on this station: Captain Zirconius!
1236USY.6d/1m.0310h
The date is 666 United Space Year. It is the second afternoon on Gaia Prime, capital planet of Centaurii Sector. A blonde woman in black space-latex suit enters the office of Vice Secretary of Federal Council, Gotha Orionis. The two have a pleasant smalltalk before the blonde woman starts asking questions about 'the plan', the apparent impending fall of Federal Secretary Nwabudike Delligan and that her side of 'the plan' needs extra funding. Vice Secretary and the blond woman discuss each other's plans for the coming days before the blonde woman bids Vice Secretary farewell - and Vice Secretary calls the blonde woman by her identity: that of Crime Princess Marianna.
The story then goes back to Hyperion-3: Zirconius instructs his Chief Engineer, Hota Jaxo, to help Chief Scientist Mikhaila Syarkova build a separate memory bank that will hold a copy of the logs from Esmeralda's salvaged comms core. Hyperion-3 and Alexander-5 make their way for Poseidonis Fortress, where the salvaged core is rushed into secure storage. The next day, Zirconius, seated in his private office on board Fortress Poseidonis, ponders how deep the corruption and lawlessness goes in the Federation. In midst of his ponderings, Chester-Beta42, Hyperion-3's Weapons Officer, enters Zirconius' office and explains that he has proof that Communications Chief, Marga Trelis, is guilty of conspiring with space pirates. Zirconius is visibly startled, and asks Chester-Beta42 to sit down and explain himself...
So ends Chapter 6.
A) Plot slowly thiccens! One more won't hurt, right?
B) Break's over, back to manuals.
C) Time to clean the palate with bartending trivia!
-
C
-
B
How intriguing! It really makes one want to dig in and read some very dry technical documents. :^)
-
B
I think you mean "how stuffed with cheese". Seriously, I bet Zirconius can't even grin without cheese seeping from his teeth.
-
Enough fiction, time for manuals.
1236USY.6d/1m.1510h
Twelve hours of studying later, you leave the manuals alone for a moment, and stretch, and rub your eyes. You are about 60% done with SRC Hull and Power Manuals!
You even go check the sensors but absolutely no one and nothing have entered the system.
Hm. Could it be? A day without a single patron? Without anyone even passing through Beta Carotenii??
A) Whatever, back to studying.
B) Let's break the monotony with more Zirconius!
C) Let's break the monotony with bartending trivia!
-
C
Y'know, if we ever meet any more former bartenders, maybe we can play trivia with them. That'd be fun.
-
C
-
You fire up the trusted bartending console and start searching for some interesting article.
1236USY.6d/1m.1605h
You spend better part of the hour reading up on the origins of Queen of Tau Ceti; apparently the drink mix was named after the monarchs of Tau Ceti IIa, where various Trade-Queens held power for sixty years, drinking and partying with their supporters and shareholders until EXO-Lumina came crashing through the Jump Gates when the old Federation started to crumble. SRC tried to revive the recipe for the luxurious drink of the Queen's Trade Spire but according to Tau Ceti refugees, it fell a bit short of the original.
The article lists the recipe but you already know it.
You scrunch your nose and peek towards the sensors.
Silence.
A) At least it was better than schematics - to which I will now return!
B) Maybe more trivia?
C) Maybe more Zirconius?
D) Maybe someone messed with the sensors and I should check?
-
A
Wow, silent day today.
On second thought: Changing vote to D.
-
A
-
We should probably check that nobody's messed with our sensors.
-
Hm, why not.
-
D
-
A
-
D. technical issues may have occurred when the satellites were adjusted by those science folk.
a quick check wouldn’t hurt as long as we dont mess with the settings on it.
-
You decide to check the sensors.
1236USY.6d/1m.1608h
Tricorder and toolbox in hands, you sit down and open the sensors console to scan for software changes and check for potential short circuits and whatnots.
Something or someone must've tampered with your stuff, perhaps those scientists? Perhaps something evil or degenerate is lurking just beyond sensor range, sending obfuscating signals to your computer core??
1236USY.6d/1m.1638h
With a sigh, you close up the sensors panel.
Everything's working correctly - it's just extremely quiet day you're having at the Outpost.
You decide to...
A) ...continue reading the manuals!
B) ...check for more bartending trivia!
D) ...enjoy one more episode of Zirconius!
-
A
-
A
-
Manuals it is!
1236USY.6d/1m.1845h
When you're somewhere about 70% done with SRC Hull and Power Network manual, you get that notification inside your head: your sleep period (1945-0145) begins within 1 hour!
And you had 0 patrons today.
And 0 patrons equals 0 profits.
And 0 profits equals... hm...
A) Start panicking!!
B) Resume reading the manuals.
C) Try to listen in on subspace comms if possible.
D) Just enough time for a Zirconius episode!
E) Do the rounds of the station, maybe they're hiding?
F) Contemplate loneliness.
G) Explore your mind and body.
H) Read some bartending trivia before sleep?
-
G
-
G
-
G.
-
G
-
A AAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!
I mean G
-
Don't Panic!
-
You decide to do some introspective exploration.
1236USY.6d/1m.1900h
You take your clothes off and lay down, plugging the medical equipment and neural sensor in.
All scans come up green yet there is something in the back of your mind. You think about it and...
You relive the your life as conscripted drone (http://www.bay12forums.com/smf/index.php?topic=180136.msg8428330#msg8428330) which isn't entirely pleasant, but there's also something else that eludes you.
A horizon on fire? Screams of people?
A metal package in your hands...
What was the package? And what was the metal alloy itself? Your organic brain rudely shakes you from reminiscing with help of a nice, sharp headache.
Some other day, you will again rediscover a piece of your past. But not today.
What now?
A) Resume reading the manuals.
B) Just enough time for a Zirconius episode!
C) Contemplate loneliness.
D) Read some bartending trivia before sleep?
E) Do the rounds of the station, maybe they're hiding?
F) Try to listen in on subspace comms if possible.
-
D
-
D
-
F
-
You decide to take in some more bartending trivias, they need a good brainy home like yours!
1236USY.6d/1m.1941h
You learn that Saproot is made from composition of eleven herbal essences of plants native to Moebius Sector, one of central sectors and the home-sector of SRC itself. Seven of the original plants were long rendered extinct by overharvesting and industrial pollution, but the chemical compositions of their esters live on in Saproot's synthetization formula.
It goes without a mention that Saproot's formula is the most complex synthol stored in SRC replicator memory banks. It is the prime 'spicy' flavor, and most herbal of them all, too!
You disconnect self from the trivia articles and look at the time. Yep, just few minutes more.
You begin turning off the bar and the main hall.
1236USY.6d/1m.1945h
[SLEEP PERIOD HAS BEG-]
You put the wetware processor in its place, as you're ready for sleep anyway - just gotta close the sleep pod and...
There. With a hiss, the pod begins releasing aerosol chemicals to help you fall asleep. Soon, your slumbering begins.
1236USY.6d/1m.2131
BEEP-BEEP.
BEEP-BEEP.
BEEP-BEEP.
Groggy and disoriented, you nonetheless leave the sleep pod when the automated system wakes you up. Something's approaching the station!
Dragging your feet and squinting your eyes to get the iris accustomed to the lights again, you make your way to the command room, and check the sensors.
Sensors Station Alert! IFF beacon translation in progress...
Done!
"Minuet", a Freedom-class Cargo Barge, is approaching from the direction of Madagascar Jump Gate.
Standard docking and refueling request received.
Fuel Pump assigned: #3 (authority: Automated Refueling AI)
Estimated arrival time: 14 minutes.
This ship has been here before.
You rake your sleepy brain and sure enough you remember who this might be: Agustina and her android, Chester. (http://www.bay12forums.com/smf/index.php?topic=180136.msg8403944#msg8403944)
A) Imma ping'em, gotta make at least some money a day! They're decent company too, right?
B) Nah, they ain't, I'm back to sleep.
-
A
-
This is a great time of day to be making money!
-
A
nothing wrong with being sleep deprived am I right
-
A
-
why ping em? just hang out in the bar for a bit, see if they come in. they know we’re here after all.
-
You decide to ping them.
The reply comes fast in text form:
>That's why we're coming here!
With a yawn, you put on your usual everyday garb and pace to the bar, to set up the lights, music, and get the machines going.
1236USY.6d/1m.2147
The security console pings you that "Minuet" has docked, so you stare expectantly at the main gate to the bar.
There it opens - the pair of stellar travelers you know, Agustina and Chester, approach the bar. The angsty, young blonde lady, and the android with pausing speech pattern and no synthetic skin.
Agustina flashes you a smile as she sits down at the bar across from you.
"Heya barkeep, nice to see you again. One Rat Oil please." You nod and look at Chester.
"One shot glass. Filled with Grenadiere synthol. Please and thank you."
3*
You make Agustina her preferred Rat Oil, passing to her a tank glass full of ice with some slicky-looking green mixture sloshing in the lower half. You then pour Chester his shot.
The young heiress flashes her credchip for you to scan, which you do. (+46c)
Today Earnings: 46c
Monthly Earnings: 3771c
However, Chester, looks down at his shot glass, his eyes blinking with numerous tiny blue lights inside his irises.
"Chemical composition of esters. Released into the air. Does not match. That of the synthol. I have requested. You have made a mistake." Agustina looks at you, and you at Chester.
You quickly turn to the bartending console and check the replication log to check the android's accusation:
1236USY.6d/1m.2150:
Ice, Standard
Fungus Malus, Shot
Magnum-X, Shot
Grapevine, Shot
Indeed, you have poured Chester a similarily named, similarily-smelling synthol from the higher priced tier.
A) Apologize and get him the right shot.
B) Apologize and offer a 50% discount on his Grenadiere shot if he accepts Grapevine too (Second Class Employee priviledge will see some use, for once!)
C) Apologize and offer a 50% discount on Grapevine shot if he accepts the wrong synthol before getting his Grenadiere (same as above!)
-
C
-
C
Did Chester ask for a shot, and then we gave him a mix with a different but similar shot in it? Or am I also sleep deprived?
-
"Apologies, I'm a bit tired. Tell you what, I will give you 50% discount on this mistake if you take it along with the shot you wanted. Deal?"[/color] Chester stares at you in silence for few seconds.
"That is not the synthol. I wish to imbibe. At the current time and place."
"Come on, Chester. It's the discount that counts, not the synthol itself!" Agustina takes a sip of her mix, eyeing her android companion. Chester thinks a little longer.
"Alright. I accept this exchange. As an apology. Please refrain. From making anymore mistakes. If that is possible." You nod and quickly pour Chester a shot of Grenadiere, then tally up a 50% discount on the former shot using your Second Class Employee priviledge.
When the console confirms that the requested discount has been applied, you raise the credchip scanner (what else) towards Chester - the android extends his right hand towards you, and its index finger pops open like before, exposing a credchip that you freely scan. (+22.5c)
Today Earnings: 68.5c
Monthly Earnings: 3793.5c
Chester takes both shot glasses and brings them closer to himself, while Agustina takes a quick sip of her green mix and looks at you.
"So how's it going, barkeep? Why tired?"
"It's the middle of my sleeping period." Agustina purses her lips in surprise, while Chester nods.
"This has been the case. Last time I was here. At the time of your drunken uncounciousness."
"Oh. Why you didn't tell me before we got here?"
"I did tell you. A few minutes ago. But you were absorbed. By the idea of synthols too much. To counciously register my words. Miss Akrylla." Agustina blushes some, then takes another ship of her mix.
"Synthol's getting sour." She muses, and you're unsure if its directed at you or Chester or both.
A) "Feel free to stay as long as you want, I can manage sleep delays."
B) "I hope you understand then that I would like to go back to my sleep pod soon."
-
A
At SRC, work is life.
-
A - Let us consider moving our sleeping period later
-
A
-
"Feel free to stay as long as you want, I can manage sleep delays." Agustina claps her hands.
"Thank you, I promise we won't drag our stay out."
"Somehow I am rather unconvinced. Of your statement. Miss Akrylla."
"Oh, shut, Chester." Akrylla sips her Rat Oil, while Chester drinks approximately a third of his Grenadiere shot.
1236USY.6d/1m.2152
"Right, bartender." Akrylla puts down her glass. "I want to ask, do you know any strong, non-sweet mixes I could try out?"
"You have not yet finished. Your Rat Oil--" Akrylla responds by quickly drinking the remainder of her green mix in one go, putting the ice-filled glass down, with a smile.
"Now that I am without a drink, bartender, what can you suggest?"
You ponder the question.
A) "Sorry, but not yet."
B) (Insert a drink mix from previous days that you think might be strong enough for Akrylla here)
-
uhhh is there a list of recipes we know anywhere
I know we've been asked this question before but we've learned new recipes since then
-
I don't think there's a list anywhere.
I think we should give her a
B: Gut Punch
Since it's relatively cheap for a mix (although, thinking about it, it's a expensive drink per alcohol volume, so maybe not great) and we know Chester can be price conscious. It is flavored with Fungus Malus, which we know Akrylla likes. I think bricklayer is strong? Although I think we're still in the dark on what "strong" means, it's at least passed without comment when we gave it to another patron who asked for something strong.
Edit: One problem we have here for sure is that she's asking for "non sweet" and a lot of mixes have at least a little bit of sweetness to them, I'm not sure if a dash would be disqualifying, it feels like she might like a queen of tau ceti, but it has a dash of sweet, but it's mostly a bitter spicy drink. It's significantly cheaper per shot (being about twice the price for four times the shots) as the Gut Punch, and it's probably more impressive being a multi flavored mix, But I dunno if the Grapevine would ruin it for her. It'd also be funny because it's a Queen of Tau Ceti for the Princess of Copernicus.
-
B: Gut Punch
Since it's relatively cheap for a mix (although, thinking about it, it's a expensive drink per alcohol volume, so maybe not great) and we know Chester can be price conscious. It is flavored with Fungus Malus, which we know Akrylla likes. I think bricklayer is strong? Although I think we're still in the dark on what "strong" means, it's at least passed without comment when we gave it to another patron who asked for something strong.
Edit: One problem we have here for sure is that she's asking for "non sweet" and a lot of mixes have at least a little bit of sweetness to them, I'm not sure if a dash would be disqualifying, it feels like she might like a queen of tau ceti, but it has a dash of sweet, but it's mostly a bitter spicy drink. It's significantly cheaper per shot (being about twice the price for four times the shots) as the Gut Punch, and it's probably more impressive being a multi flavored mix, But I dunno if the Grapevine would ruin it for her. It'd also be funny because it's a Queen of Tau Ceti for the Princess of Copernicus.
Tell her about both, and ask her to choose!
-
B: Gut Punch
Since it's relatively cheap for a mix (although, thinking about it, it's a expensive drink per alcohol volume, so maybe not great) and we know Chester can be price conscious. It is flavored with Fungus Malus, which we know Akrylla likes. I think bricklayer is strong? Although I think we're still in the dark on what "strong" means, it's at least passed without comment when we gave it to another patron who asked for something strong.
Edit: One problem we have here for sure is that she's asking for "non sweet" and a lot of mixes have at least a little bit of sweetness to them, I'm not sure if a dash would be disqualifying, it feels like she might like a queen of tau ceti, but it has a dash of sweet, but it's mostly a bitter spicy drink. It's significantly cheaper per shot (being about twice the price for four times the shots) as the Gut Punch, and it's probably more impressive being a multi flavored mix, But I dunno if the Grapevine would ruin it for her. It'd also be funny because it's a Queen of Tau Ceti for the Princess of Copernicus.
Tell her about both, and ask her to choose!
+1
-
offer both, as the above suggestion had.
-
"How about a Gut Punch?"
"I know that one! It is decent, but I would rather have something new."
"Queen of Tau Ceti?"
"Oh, that's a new one! Is it good?"
"I cannot tell, but it is mostly spicy and bitter, with dash of fruity sweetness to break the monotony."
"Hmmm... how much is it?"
"83 Credits."
"Deal!" Agustina says before Chester has opportunity to speak up. "Please prepare that one for me, then." You nod and prepare a Queen of Tau Ceti. Saproot, Fungus Malus, ice and the dash of sweet Grapevine.
You serve the tall glass to Agustina, and she lets you scan her credchip again. (+83c)
Today Earnings: 151.5c
Monthly Earnings: 3876.5c
Agustina takes a sip, smacks her lips, then takes another sip.
"Mm, this is neat." Chester drinks another third of his Grenadiere shot before putting his glass down.
"Please be mindful. Of your expenses. When procuring new beverages. Miss Akrylla."
"Hey, I am mindful! It's only eighty credits, Chester, chill." Chester rolls his eyes, and drinks remainder of his shot while Agustina takes another sip of the Queen.
A) "Want another shot, Chester?"
B) "So what brings you two here again, besides procuring new beverages?"
C) *idle bartender noises*
-
B
-
B
-
C
We're sleepy, needn't prolong this
-
PTW. Lovely writing in this thread, Haspen.
-
No PTW, only vote! :P Also thanks!
"So what brings you two here again, besides procuring new beverages?"
"Chance. We're headed to Alpha Medusae to deliver some medical supplies and foodstuffs because of a power shortage and crop failures in the local colony. I heard the planet the colony's on had minimal terraforming done."
"Alpha Medusae I has a stable atmosphere. But it suffers from storm winds. Minimal precipitation. Sulphur lakes and methane-expelling fumaroles. And is also tidally-locked to its parent star. Humanity thrives there despite all odds. Logic behind such persistence. Eludes me."
"Sometimes when you plant roots into a planet's soil you will try your hardest to make it a 'home, Chester. Colonists found their new home and will not leave, simple as that." Agustina takes a sip of her drink and harrumphs.
"I ought to visit my own home soon. I've been sending communiques but my parents haven't replied."
"They usually don't reply. To your communiques. They often cite being 'busy'." Agustina huffs, and takes a sip.
"Tell me something I don't know."
A) "Want another shot, Chester?"
B) "Is Beta Copernicus IVb a nice place to live, then?"
C) "How's your own adventure going, Agustina?"
D) *idle bartender noises*
-
C - Let's steer clear of touchy subjects for now
-
C
-
C
-
"How's your own adventure going, Agustina?"
"Uh, it's going. I'm trying not to think about my marital status. It will happen when it happen, you know?"
"Miss Akrylla had certain difficulties. Due to nature of her behavior. And unwillingness to-" Agustina glares at the android.
"Thanks, Chester." She takes a sip, and lets out a sigh.
Then another sip, and another sigh. She scratches her nose and then...
"Hey barkeep, you don't know any guy who would be willing to marry a girl with deep pockets, right?" The young heiress looks at you, her stare betraying that she is only half-joking.
You consider the people you've met before, and the question itself...
A) "Nope, sorry."
B) "I know a police guy who's single."
C) "I know a cute courier guy who's single."
D) "I know a fashionable courier guy who's single."
E) "Why not Chester?"
F) "Are you looking for a specific match?"
-
D
-
Could you remind me who you mean by these options?
-
My guess for Cute courier is James? I'm not sure if he'd be a good fit for her personality, also he's gay (maybe? Could be Bi actually, but the way he worded it made me think gay) so probably not?
Fashionable courier probably is Nikel Memres? Might be willing to go for it from what little we know of him, although flirting doesn't necessarily mean he's actually looking for a partner. I have no idea what Agustina is looking for in a partner though. He does have the same voice color as her though, so presumably that's either a sign they fit together really well, or really poorly since it'd be hard to tell who's talking when they are in the same room.
Not sure about the police officer. Maybe Lt Pollio? Although I'm not sure if we know he's single, and seems like he'd be a bad fit.
Anyway I'm going to vote for
ask what she's looking for in a guy, other then him being non-Copernican. Edit: Looks like that's probably F now
-
Criptfeind smart as always.
-
G - I know a quirky bartender...
-
F. lets not be too hasty now.
-
F
Setting her up with someone we've flirted with would be pretty weird, you know, even if I do assume most of these characters are at least flexible about sex.
-
"Are you looking for a specific match?" Agustina sighs most dreamily.
"That sounds like an easy question, huh? Well, to be honest, I need a guy who's cute, intelligent, and reliable. I mean we will run our world's administration, but I don't want just fellow administrator, you know?"
"It would be also a plus. If the potential mate for Miss Akrylla. Had nerves of steel. And penchant for banter."
"Those are not necessary."
"They would help. In the long run." Agustina glares at Chester, who looks at her, and then they sip their drinks.
A) "Ah, then, I can't help here."
B) "I know a police guy who's single."
C) "I know a cute courier guy who's single."
D) "I know a fashionable courier guy who's single."
E) "Why not Chester?"
-
A
Nobody we've met we know well enough to be sure they fit "nerves of steel"...
-
We met a cute caninoid who is wholly unreliable but can probably keep up with some banter. :p
-
...I don't think he's on the list though?
-
Things can be added to the list! :D
-
E
-
E!
it may not be the least troublesome choice to pick. i am, however, picking it.
-
Geeze, I mean. I feel like we just don't really know our customers that well yet. I don't want to let Agustina down here, but does James have nerves of steel, is he reliable? How smart is Nikel? Give us some more sessions with various people before she popped this question and maybe I'd feel comfortable suggesting someone. As is my best guess would be Nikel... But that's mostly coming from how they have the same speech color. Maybe a more realistic answer would just be A, and hope we can find her a match later on, but I don't know what sort of pressure she's under.
I dunno, I think I'll abstain from voting for now, see how it rolls out...
Edit: Honestly Egans idea of Vincent probably is a relatively good idea, we know he's intelligent and can banter. And he seemed to enjoy the banter. He seems reliable. He's probably single and attracted to women and open to the idea of a partnership given his reaction to us asking if he's in a relationship with Angela. I'd vote for him above the others if he was an option. However we still don't really know much about him. Cute is also seriously in the eye of the beholder.
-
Yeah, we don't really know who would be willing to quit their current job for this either.
-
This feels like one of those more info required things.
-
"Why not Chester?" Agustina glares at you, but only briefly.
"Can't have kids with an android, uh, and more seriously, I'm not interested in Chester."
"I am also against. The idea of marrying. Miss Akrylla. For professional reasons. As her guardian and servant."
"See? Even Chester knows." Agustina lets out a mournful sigh and grimaces. A moment later she lifts her glass and chugs the remainder of her mix.
"Sorry, it was a stupid idea to just ask a random barkeep about this. Desperation and all that. Carry on." Chester stares at his escortee, then puts down his shot glass, empty.
You wonder if you can steer the duo out of your bar...
A) "You two want more drinks?"
B) "Well, wanna tell me about your home moon?"
C) *carry on with idle noises*
D) "I wish you well in your travels."
-
D
-
A
-
A
-
"You two want more drinks?"
"I am satisfied. With the synthols. I have imbibed so far."
"Sure, get me-" Agustina glances at her android, then shrugs. "A shot of Fungus Malus." You nod, accepting the order, and pour Agustina a bitter one. Beep-beep goes the credchip scanner. (+10c)
Today Earnings: 151.5c
Monthly Earnings: 3876.5c
1236USY.6d/1m.2201
After a brief bout of silence, Agustina downs her shot and puts the glass down, looking mournfully into it.
"Maybe I am going about this the wrong way. Hmph."
"A change in strategy. Might be optimal course of action. If nothing else seems to bring desired outcome."
"Yeah, that's a given." With a sigh, Agustina purses her lips and tilts the empty glass to look inside it.
"Alright Chester, we're off." Chester's servos audibly, but very very quietly whirrl, something that you didn't notice last time it seems, as he spins himself away from the counter and helps Agustina stand up.
"Please be mindful of your inebriety. Miss Akrylla."
"Yeah, yeah. Until next time, bartender."
"Please come again, and good luck in your search, Agustina." Agustina forces a smile.
"Thanks." Slowly, the duo of sad heiress and snarky android make for the main gate, and then through it, and then you're alone again.
1236USY.6d/1m.2205
Sensors notify you that "Minuet" has undocked and is headed for Poseidonis Jump Gate. You finish up cleaning after Agustina and her android, and involuntarily let out a yawn.
A) Okay, time to hit the hay!
B) No, no, I can still go and maybe do something productive?
-
A
-
A
-
You return to your sleep pod.
You set the timer and resume your interrupted sleep period...
Congratulations! Bartender Arnold earned 151.5 Credits today! His monthly total so far is 3876.5 Credits!
A new day at Galactic Refueling Otupost 254831 begins...
1236USY.7d/1m.0145h
Rubbing your eyes, you step out of the slumber pod.
You do not feel yourself well rested, especially, as your brain notes, the deep-sleep period was interrupted.
You plug yourself to the feeding system and stare blankly at the wall in front of you.
Hm.
A) Time to start a new day!
B) One more hour in the pod won't hurt.
C) Won't hurt to check the sensors even if they're not pinging, right?
-
A
-
I'm leaning B
-
B
-
B
-
B
-
You finish feeding and decide to return to the sleep pod.
You set the timer for one extra hour and the pod closes with a hiss.
Soon, the aerosols put you to sleep.
1236USY.7d/1m.0249h
You exit the sleep pod, feeling quite refreshed.
You do let out a yawn whilst the wetware chip kindly informs you that:
[MELATONINE PRODUCTION ADJUSTED. SLEEP PERIOD RESCHEDULING COMPLETE: 2015 TO 0215 HOURS STANDARD SPACE TIME]
You change your clothes to your everyday fare and then march off to the bar.
♪ 1236USY.7d/1m.0306h ♫ (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WI4-HUn8dFc)
Music: on.
Lights: on.
You: present.
Bar: ready.
Now if there was only patrons to serve!
A) Let's finish maintenance manuals!
B) Let's watch some more Zirconius!
C) Let's browse some bartending trivia!
D) Check the sensors maybe?
E) Whatever, let's just pass the time!
-
A
-
A
-
It is time to finish this study slog once and for all!
1236USY.7d/1m.0919h
You put down the datapad. You've finished SRC Hull and Power Network manual!
Congratulations! Arnold has finished the entirety of SRC Maintenance Manuals! Minor repairs will no longer require a roll, while all other repair/maintenance rolls on the station will get +1.
Employee file updated!
Well, you don't get a reward for this, except this overwhelming sense of accomplishment.
So!
...what now?
A) Bartending trivia!
B) Zirconius series!
C) Check sensors!
D) Pass the time!
-
I think we deserve B Zirconius for a job dutifully done
-
Level-up!
B
-
Huzza!
B
-
You march back to your quarters to start another episode of Zirconius.
1236USY.7d/1m.1008h
The date is 666 United Space Year. Chester-Beta42 closes the door to Zirconius' office and the Captain locks it remotely as the android sits down at the desk. Chester explains that during the patrol, the gravitic sensors responsible for detecting such were set to maintenance mode shortly before the pirate ambush. Zirconius loudly ponders if that was maybe done by accident, but then Chester reveals that a coded, low-level communication was sent to Esmeralda shortly before hostilities commenced, containing codes for Hyperion's ECM module, greatly reducing its efficiency against Esmeralda's fire controllers. Both of these actions are well within capabilities and access of Marga Trelis, the corvette's newest communications officer. Zirconius decides to more deeply research Marga's past while instructing Chester-Beta42 to lend a hand. Soon enough, Zirconius finds out Marga's connection to a fringe political group, 'Centaurian Republicans', whose goals and methods are strictly authoritarian and downright oppresive.
Few days later, having received a call from ChesterBeta-42, Zirconius meets with him in the Civilian Ring of Poseidonis Fortress, and the duo tails Marga Trelis as she makes her way to Black Harbor, a bar of ill-repute that is rumored to be in hands of Crime Baron Costello...
Thus ends Chapter 7.
You really wish you had something else to do on the station, and your mind wanders...
A) One! More! One! More!
B) Ok, bartending trivia next.
C) Ok, pass the time.
D) Ok, check sensors.
E) Hmm, am I forgetting something important?
-
E
-
E
-
You start to think whether you're forgetting something.
Did you have something to do?
1236USY.7d/1m.1013h
You reminisce about the past six days on the station, and concentrate on the day 3 when Chief Eccite Muli and her team (http://www.bay12forums.com/smf/index.php?topic=180136.msg8418919#msg8418919) arrived to fix broken stuff aboard your station. That's where you got your toolbox and manuals from.
Ah!
Fuel Pump #10!
You check the maintenance to confirm that this one is still offline. No wonder; there was a secret skeleton (http://www.bay12forums.com/smf/index.php?topic=180136.msg8419266#msg8419266) inside, one that was extracted by Lieutenant Polio's team. (http://www.bay12forums.com/smf/index.php?topic=180136.msg8431881#msg8431881)
Could it be the time it gets fixed at last??
A) Let's not get skeletonized and (pick one of options from previous post)
B) How about a nice ping to the SRC HQ, asking to send an engineering team to deal with the de-skeletonized pump?
C) Nay, you cowards! With the power of mine toolbox and maintenance manuals in my memory, I shall fix the Fuel Pump #10 and make this station fully operational again!
-
Guess we better fix it.
-
C Can we fix it? Yes we can!
-
A-D. we’re trained enough to do minor repairs, and i doubt that the downed fuel pump is minor. if we do want to learn how to fix the pumps, we should ask for more engineering manuals or training. besides, we might have to replace parts. parts we dont have spare.
-
C2 - We've surely learned enough that we can at least diagnose the problem, even if it's beyond our ability to fix, right?
-
A-D
If the engineering team couldn't fix it, we'd better keep our distance.
-
C
-
You decide it is finally time to get the de-skeletonized fuel pump working again!
1236USY.7d/1m.1028h
Clunk!
You've finally opened the final door separating the maintenance corridor from the Fuel Pump #10's control chamber. The thick smell of dust and thruster fuel is omnipresent, but a quick check on tricorder reveals that there's no spillage - just the smell.
You make your way to the control panel.
You stare down at the hole punched right through the middle of the large connector box that is connecting one of the power lines to the control box. It's like something large and pointy stabbed right through the synthetic material at great speeds. Obviously that hole was made by the skeleton, but you can't fathom how could an adult person be smashed into the box like that.
There's not even enough space to maneuver between the box and the opposite wall. Hmm.
Another mystery of this outpost to think about.
You set down your toolbox and open it, ready to do your work.
1236USY.7d/1m.1119h
You've managed to detach the power coupling, remove the broken parts of the power box, remove the damaged cables and then remove three circuit boards and two shattered, isolinear control rods. You then dust and clean the power box from shards, pieces of broken plastic and molten durasteel as well as compoquartz shards.
You scratch your nose, as the power conduit and its control box are ready to be reassembled and connected to each other - its just that you do not have replacement parts to do it. Even few lenghts of hi-energy plasma cable would be of great use.
Alas.
You put all the broken items in a nearby container to keep the place tidy, and pack up your tool box. It seems Fuel Pump #10 will remain offline for a while longer.
A) Maybe I can cannibalize some spare parts from other fuel pumps?
B) Maybe I can find something in the empty storage rooms?
C) Maybe it is time to file a engineering request form!
D) Maybe it is time to read some Zirconius!
E) Maybe it is time to read bartending trivia!
-
C
-
B
-
D
-
B
Time to explore!
-
C - If we can just request some new parts, then it should be sorted
-
B. i dont like the fact that we are tampering with a crime scene even after the body has been evicted, but if we must do something productive…
-
B
-
You decide to thoroughly check the outpost's storage rooms.
There must be spare parts, right?
1236USY.7d/1m.1145h
6
You find spare parts, and some lengths of power cables, stored in a set of boxes that you thought were empty, but most of them had some stuff on the bottom.
All in all there's a container worth of the stuff.
If you're frugal and careful, there should be just enough to get the fuel pump running again!
1236USY.7d/1m.1150h
You barely manage to bring everything to Fuel Pump #10's room when you start to hear a distant, but distinct, beeping:
BEEP-BEEP.
BEEP-BEEP.
BEEP-BEEP.
Some sort of a vessel is approaching the station!
A) Eh, later. I've got a Fuel Pump to fix!
B) Enough tinkering, time for bartending!
-
B there will be time
-
B
-
You head back to the command center to see who's coming.
1236USY.7d/1m.1154h
A quick look at the blinking console betrays it all:
Sensors Station Alert! IFF beacon translation in progress...
Done!
"Dominion", a Hornburg-class Asteroid Mining Vessel, is approaching from the direction of Eta Coridani Jump Gate.
Standard docking and refueling request received.
Fuel Pump assigned: #2 (authority: Automated Refueling AI)
Estimated arrival time: 15 minutes.
Customers!
A) Hail them!
B) Ehh, actually let's not.
-
A
-
A
-
You open the hailing frequencies.
"Dominion 'ere."
"Bartender Arnold-"
"Drinks, issit?"
"Well, yes."
"We'll consider. Dominion out."
The frequency is closed before you can even exhale a breath.
1236USY.7d/1m.1213h
It takes a while, but the hiss of the bar's main gate opening heralds that crew of Dominion did consider the drinks.
There's a three of them: one, scrawny, short, a little shriveled up and elderly looking man in a businessman's outfit with his slick black hair brushed backwards. He is flanked by two other men; a burly blonde somewhere in his early 20s, with bright skin, messy hair and lots of freckles dusting the bridge of his nose. The third man is a bit shorter, and lankier, than the blonde, and has dark skin and black hair, and some sort of listening or communication device attached to his left ear.
You notice some movement behind them, and realize there's a fourth person - a short woman definitely in late teens, with long red hair and sparkly, blue eyes. Both she and the two taller men wear ashen grey jumpsuits with brown streaks - so you get the idea that they're the crew subservient to the grumpy looking businessman.
"Aight." He says with a raspy, croaking voice, seating himself at the counter. His three crewmembers stand by him.
"Asteroids--" He turns to his crew. "And what ye be havin'?"
"Asteroids too, boss." Says the woman.
"A shot of skinjuice. No, cherrybomb." Says the dark-skinned man.
There's brief pause, and the business guy turns to the blonde.
"Corwyll?"
"I'm fine boss, thanks."
"Suit yeself." The small man nods and turns to you. "Alright, son, two 'steroids and a cherrybomb. And be fast, we are a bit on a schedule 'ere." With a nod, you quickly prepare two glasses of Asteroids, pour a shot of Cherrybomb, and serve all three glasses towards the businessman.
"Y'all better not spill anythin' this time, I ain't paying for seconds." He says, fishing out a small credchip from his suit's breast pocket. It is pitch black, framed with some gold-like material. It goes beep just like the others, though. (+152c)
Today Earnings: 152c
Monthly Earnings: 4028.5c
Patron ID: Samel Ohagan
Occupation: Captain of "Dominion', Hornburg-class Asteroid Mining Vessel, Federal Navigator 2nd Class (retired), Zero-G Miner (retired)
Conv.Style: CHILLY
Liked drinks: fiery, sweet
Disliked drinks: soft
Mr.Ohagan takes a deep gulp of Asteroids, gasps at the taste, and smiles - barely.
"Good stuff. This is Corwyll." He points a shriveled, long finger at the blonde man. "This is Gering, and Natasha." He whips his finger around, to point at the dark-skinned man, and then the woman. The trio slowly takes their seats at the counter too, Gering and Natasha reaching for and taking sips of their drinks.
"You ain't got any better music than this, son? Somethin' orchestral maybe?" Samel asks, nodding towards the speakers above, playing some typically clubbing-and-synthetic music.
A) "Sorry, but no. Company sets the venues."
B) Fiddle with the playlist, maybe there is something orchestral for Samel there?
-
B
-
B
-
B
Can't hurt to try I guess.
-
B
-
B. we can probably change it back once they leave.
-
B.
-
You check the automated playlists for something Samel might like.
2
Unfortunately, it seems there's nothing orchestral available.
"Unfortunately, it seems there's nothing orchestral available. Apologies." Samel waves his free hand at you dismissively.
"Pah, same as the other stations." He then takes a sip while Gering drinks the remainder of his Cherrybomb and leans a bit forward.
"Pardon for asking but can I trouble ya for refill?" He pushes the shot glass towards you and you refill it. Captain Ohagan harrumphs, he and Gering exchanging stares.
"Much obliged." He says and fishes out a small black credchip. You quickly scan it. (+10c)
Today Earnings: 162c
Monthly Earnings: 4038.5c
Patron ID: Gering Teyer
Occupation: Zero-G Miner
Conv.Style: AMENABLE
Liked drinks: sour, sweet
Disliked drinks: fiery
"Are you an android?" Natasha asks, bridging her fingers underneath her chin. "I've noticed your motions seem a bit... stiff."
A) "Yes. Beep, boop."
B) "No."
C) "I was a Drone."
-
B
-
A.
-
A
-
C
-
B. transition to C if they inquire more.
-
B
-
C
-
aa
bbb
c
"No."
"Well, huh, okay." Natasha grimaces for some reason, before returning to her drink.
Captain Ohagan puts down his glass, empty, sans the barely melted ice bits. He then takes out a datapad from his suit and looks at it.
"Alright. We've got like thirty minutes before we oughta leave. Ye all behave, I'm going back to the ship. And don't be late!" Samel Ohagan leaves his crew behind. The trio at the bar watch his back all the way until the gate closes after him.
"Don't be late, boo-hooh. What you gonna do old man, leave us behind?" Natasha grumbles into her drink while Gering chuckles.
"It's not like he cannot pilot the ship on his own." The woman looks at Gering with a grin.
"Yeah, but he can't mine asteroids on his own in the same time." The two clink their glasses, looking smug, while Corwyll looks, well, rather dejected and deep in thought.
CHOOSE YOUR CONVERSATION MODE!
A) "I take it he isn't a very good boss?"
B) To Corwyll: CHATTY: "Hey, if you need a drink or someone to hear you out, a random bartender like me can help you out with both of these."
C) To Corwyll: FLIRTY: "Aw, that depressed scowl does not suit your cute face. Come on, muster a little smile, just for me~?"
D) To Natasha: CHATTY: "And by the way, I'm not an android, but I was a drone before the new Federation came along."
-
D
-
CHATTY: "And by the way, I'm not an android, but I was a drone before the new Federation came along."
"Oooh, so that's why." Natasha sips her drink, then puts the glass down. "So how's that working out for you? I mean, freedom."
"Can't complain in any major way."
"Really?"
"Really. Although before I took this job I went on hungry and aimless, I had freedom and it is something I will cherish forever and no input or circumstance can change it."
"Man, that sounded hella optimistic. Almost I was convinced..." With a chuckle, she drains the remainder of her drink with one big sip and puts the glass down.
"Hey barkeep, pour a shot of something fruity for Corwyll." The woman points at Corwyll. "I will pay." The sulking crewman turns to look at Natasha.
"I don't want it. And I have my own credchip."
"But you need a drink, if only to unwind." Corwyll rolls his eyes in annoyance, but doesn't respond verbally.
Something fruity, hm?
A) Pour Corwyll a shot of...
*A) Skinjuice
*B) Grenadiere
*C) Hellesponte
*D) Ambrosia
*E) Grapevine
*F) Buenberry
*G) Pneumo
*H) Tropico
*I) Meganekko
B) "If he doesn't want a drink, he won't get any."
-
Lets give him
B
Because skinjuice sounds gross.
-
Tropico sounds fruity so let's go with that AH
-
AHHHHHHHHHHHHH
-
You pour Corwyll a shot of Tropico, and pass the glass to him. He looks at the drink unsuredly while Natasha fishes out her credchip, letting you scan it. (+60c)
Today Earnings: 222c
Monthly Earnings: 4098.5c
Patron ID: Natasha Yis
Occupation: Chief Engineer of "Dominion", Hornburg-class Asteroid Mining Vessel
Conv.Style: CHATTY
Liked drinks: Asteroids, fiery
Disliked drinks: n/a
"Oh man, lookit, such pricey synthol cannot go to waste." Natasha says with a grin. Corwyll looks at her, then grabs the shot and downs the synthol in one go.
"There, done it." He pushes the empty glass towards the woman. "Happy now?"
"Oh, come on, I would be happier if you weren't salty all the time. There's plenty of fish in the ocean, Corwyll." Corwyll grumbles and shrugs, while Gering drinks his shot and pushes the empty glass towards you.
A) "Is Samel a bad boss or something?"
B) "So what's the story here?"
C) To Corwyll: CHATTY: "Hey, if you need a drink or someone to hear you out, a random bartender like me can help you out with both of these."
D) To Corwyll: FLIRTY: "Aw, that depressed scowl does not suit your cute face. Come on, muster a little smile, just for me~?"
E) To Natasha: CHATTY: "Maybe you're trying too hard and Corwyll here just needs some time to mull it all over, you know?"
F) To Gering: "Another Cherrybomb?"
-
B
-
E - Let's talk Chatty to Chatty
-
E
-
CHATTY: "Maybe you're trying too hard and Corwyll here just needs some time to mull it all over, you know?"
4*
"I'm not a tryhard. I'm just worried about Corwyll's mindspace." Corwyll is the one to answer to that, starting with a snort.
"Yeah, and you've been in my mindspace all this time even when I don't want you there."
"No I'm not!"
"Yes, you are, ever since I had to dump Maria!"
"Fine, toss away my worry of you, don't you!" Natasha huffs and storms off.
Gering and Corwyll look at each other, and the latter groans.
"Only because I don't want a plasma cutter up my, you know." Gering chuckles as Corwyll storms off.
Gering then looks at you and pushes his glass towards you.
"Another of the same, please." You nod and pour him another shot of Cherrybomb. Beep-boop goes the scanner against his credchip. (+10c)
Today Earnings: 232c
Monthly Earnings: 4108.5c
He calmly sips the pinkish-reddish synthol while sounds of yelling - briefly - come from behind the main gate.
"Don't sweat it, barkeep. The two are long overdue for an emotional heart-to-heart chat. Maybe this will be it." He explains and turns towards the gate - and you notice how silent it got there.
Gering turns back to you.
"It will do good for both of them, you know."
A) "Is Samel a bad boss or something?"
B) "So what's the story here?"
C) Nod along in silence.
-
B
-
B
-
B
-
C
-
"So what's the story here?"
"Well, Corwyll has a girlfriend. I mean, had."
"I've gathered."
"So this girl, Maria, is really into body mods. You know, skin pigmentation, nano-wigs, extra 'equipment' down there, eye implants, prehensile appendages, that sort of thing."
"Uh-huh."
"And one day she is all like 'Hey Corwyll I think you would look great with boobs.' And of course Corwyll isn't very plussed on that, because, you know, bodymodding outta the blue."
"I see. So he dumped her because of that?"
"No, no, you see... Corwyll, I mean, he ain't kinky, but he was willing to experiment. She prodded him and asked him and reasoned with him and after some time the boy decides 'why not, I don't like it, I get the boobs off.' It's just a body mod, after all."
"Right."
"But imagine his surprise when he gets to gene-clinic and Maria is all like 'let's make you a girl, just for few weeks' and of course Corwyll is totally against it, there was supposed to be boobs-mod only."
"Oh..."
"So Corwyll doesn't usually yell, he is quite timid, but I've heard he made such a big scene out of it that Fedpols had to arrive and restore order. But the girl had the balls, methaporically speaking, to accuse him of being 'modphobic' and 'belonging to a purity group', that he is the abusive part in the relationship, and all that terrible stuff. She swore she will drag him before the court and win this one way or another."
"Wait, did he actually abuse Maria?"
"Doesn't seem to be in Corwyll's nature, but I don't know how their every-days went."
"So why would she explode like that?"
"She really seemed to want, I dunno, a guy with boobs or girl with dick to sleep with, maybe body transformation is her secret kink or something?"
"Why wouldn't she date someone who comes with the right equipment, mod or otherwise?"
"Well, 'someones' aren't Corwyll."
"Ah."
"Yeah. He packed up, left Coral II and joined our ship two weeks ago just to get away from Maria. He has been sulking ever since, because, you know, besides all this mod-mess, he really loved the girl. Said he was head over heels for her."
"I see..." You rub your temples in consternation.
You briefly wonder if human relationships get this bad all the time.
A) "How do you know all this?"
B) "What about Natasha?"
C) "Is Corwyll's home at Coral II?"
D) "I don't think Maria could win such a case?"
-
B. ~its only reasonable to ask about the *other* side now.
-
"What about Natasha?"
"Oh, she's also from Coral II. Corwyll's childhood friend. Has hots for him, but Corwyll's hella oblivious and Natasha is too shy to try and ask him out because that 'might ruin everything'."
"That sounds..."
"Stupid, you wanna say? I would agree. I coulda play matchmaker but I dunno Corwyll that well and Natasha doesn't want me to, so." He raises his hands in defeat.
A) "Is Corwyll's home at Coral II?"
B) "How do you know all this?"
C) "I don't think Maria could win such a case?"
-
B.
-
"How do you know all this?" Gering grins and places his hands on the counter.
"Natasha's part, she just told me. We've been working together onboard Dominion for almost half a year now. We talked one day about love and significant others and she talked about Corwyll."
"And Corwyll?"
"Well, three days after he joined we made a stop on one of your outposts for drinks, boss paid for them as usual, but Corwyll was in such a dump so I thought 'man, this guy looks like he needs another drink', so I bought him a cherrybomb. And then another. And he started talking, and I kept ordering him cherrybombs because I realized he needs not only a drink, but to talk his heart out. So I sat there, listening to his story, keeping him watered so to speak till he was done. Boss almost kicked us out cuz we stayed an hour over there."
A) "Corwyll left his home at Coral II?"
B) "So could Maria win against Corwyll in a court?"
C) "Thanks for the story, I guess."
-
A
-
I'm not interested in this story any more, let's flirt with Gering.
-
B
-
I'm not interested in this story any more, let's flirt with Gering.
C?
-
"Thanks for the story, I guess."
"Hey, it's a story alright." Gering says, drinking the remainder of his shot.
1236USY.7d/1m.1230h
Just a moment later the main gate opens and Natasha shows in there.
"Hey Gering!"
"Yeah?"
"Boss wants us back because of engine trouble and is asking why you have your communicator offline!" Gering fishes into the breast pocket of his jumpsuit, pulling out a small oval communicator.
"Oh, huh, it totally is. Must've sat on it or something by accident." Gering turns sideways and smiles to Natasha from across the hall.
"Yeah, right! Now come over and help because Samel's getting on my nerves!"
"Well, duty calls." Gering rolls his eyes and quickly vacates his seat. "Thanks for drinks, barkeep, be seeing you some other time."
"Please come again." Gering waves and walks up to Natasha.
"See ya barkeep!" The woman shouts and thumbs-up at you.
You return the gesture from behind the counter, then begin cleaning up the glasses.
And by cleaning of course we mean putting them into washing machine.
1236USY.7d/1m.1232h
The bar is empty - for now.
A) Time for bartending trivia!
B) Time for Zirconius episode!
C) Pass the time!
D) Maybe Samel would be interested in a helping hand?
-
A
-
A
-
You whip up a connection to the Net and check for some interesting bartending trivia.
1236USY.7d/1m.1259h
You learn from an article that there's a drink that gained its name after a toxic chemical element, that being Arsenic. The first time it was created it stirred up quite a controversy because of its name and soon a holomedia storm caused SRC to almost pull the recipe from the databanks, but as with all holomedia storms it died down when the public had something else to put their minds on - that being the start of EXO-Lumina War against the Old Federation. The article then mentions that since then this mix was almost forgotten by patrons, and is one of least-frequently ordered drinks across the galaxy.
The article does include the recipe, though!
SUGAR ARSENIC: 75c
2 Shots of Dry Jet
Shot of Sucrosol
Shot of Buenberry
Serve in a cocktail glass.
As if on cue, the security console beeps at you - to let you know that "Dominion" has finished undocking and is headed for Gamma Urquanii Jump Gate.
What now?
A) Even more trivia!
B) Zirconius, for a change of pace!
C) Meh, let's just pass the time!
D) Actually, now that they're gone, let's continue reparing Fuel Pump #10!
-
A!
-
D
-
D
-
You move back to the Fuel Pump #10's control and maintenance room.
1236USY.7d/1m.1308h
And when you get there - you get back to work!
1236USY.7d/1m.1510h
6*
You finish replacing what's broken or missing, and secure the new parts in their places. A quick tricorder sweep reveals no power drops or abnormalities, so you close the power box.
The hole in the box will have to stay - you have no replacement panel door for it.
You move to the console and tap away to run a diagnostics check.
1236USY.7d/1m.1515h
You look up at the display as the console beeps out that it is done.
FUEL PUMP 254831/10 DIAGNOSTIC:
Power flow.... ok
Control unit.... ok
Tank structural integrity.... ok
Fuel capacity sensor.... ok (2135200000m3/68%)
Transmission pipes structural integrity.... ok
Docking system servos.... ok
Extendable connector system.... ok
Spaceship software translation system.... ok
Outpost computer network connection.... ok
Fuel Pump #10: online!
Sending notification to Automatic Interface of Outpost 254831: done!
Fuel Pump #10 is now in operation and has been included into automatic interface refueling system of Outpost 254831.
You pack up the remaining spare parts into the box, then lock up the place.
1236USY.7d/1m.1533h
You close the storage room.
You have fixed the fuel pump and your outpost is probably in best shape it could possibly be right now.
You feel warm and fuzzy inside for accomplishing this - all on your own.
A) Time to celebrate with some Zirconius!
B) Time to celebrate with bartending trivia!
C) Time to celebrate with exploring myself a bit!
D) Time to be lazy!
-
Huzza we managed to fix something!
B
-
A - Zirconius!
-
B
-
You reward yourself with a nice chunk of bartending trivia articles!
1236USY.7d/1m.1600h
You find out an answer to something that has been bothering the very back of your mind for quite some time - the origins of Skinjuice.
Apparently back when SRC was still 'Seaside', Skinjuice was an organic alcohol created by dumping several sorts of already-pressed fruits or their skins into a vat, and then fermenting that to create a sweetish, fruity alcohol, the formula of which was quickly transcibed and then easily synthetized. Nowadays SRC no longer provides organic drinks except bottled, imported sorts for larger Outposts (interesting!) but the name and chemical composition of the cheap, fruity, alcoholic mixture lives on in the artificially-produced synthol you now know as 'Skinjuice'.
What now?
A) More trivia!
B) Zirconius?
C) Self-exploration?
D) A nap!
-
A
-
We've had at least one guest ask about actually Bottled stuff rather than Synthol. Maybe we should look into how to requisition some.
Anyway, B
-
C
Come on, we hardly ever get the chance to choose this.
-
C
-
C
-
You commit yourself to self-exploration.
1236USY.7d/1m.1625h
You get comfortable and undressed and hooked up to the medical station.
And so it begins again; the flurry of images without recognizable shapes and voices without bodies.
Heavy, cold, metal box in your hands. Labels upon labels all around this the bright red circle and its three triangles.
You did not see this part before and it soon gives you a nasty headache.
What else did you forget before and during the liberation? Was it worth it?
1236USY.7d/1m.1628h
You sit up, unplug yourself from the machine and dress back up into your clothes.
A) Trivia time.
B) Zirconius time.
C) A nap!
-
A
-
C - Our sleeping pattern has been woppy recently
-
C
Yeah let's go for getting an actual sleep schedule.
-
C
-
You take it easy for a while.
1236USY.7d/1m.1818h
A well-known alarm -
BEEP-BEEP
BEEP-BEEP
BEEP-BEEP
- takes you out of your idle thinking. You quickly gather yourself off the bed and march off to check the sensors.
Sensors Station Alert! IFF beacon translation in progress...
Done!
"Croissant", Santa Maria-class Cargo Runner, approaching from direction of Poseidonis Jump Gate.
Standard docking and refueling request received.
Fuel Pump assigned: #8 (authority: Automated Refueling AI)
Estimated arrival time: 16 minutes.
Maybe it's pilot is thirsty?
A) Nah, they are not.
B) Hail the thirsty one!
-
B
-
B. Worst case they tell us to shove it, or turn out to really be space pirates- either way is more interesting than ignoring them, aye?
-
You hail the incoming ship.
"Yes?"
"Hello, my name's Arnold, I'm the Bartender."
"Nice."
"...I have synthol onboard."
"Ah, hm, okay."
And the hail ends.
Not much of a talker, that one.
You have about 15 minutes before the ship arrives.
A) Eh, let's just man drone the bar.
B) Zirconius time!
C) Trivia time!
-
A
-
Let's drone the bar!
-
A, Drone in the bar.
-
You decide to just sit behind the bar for fifteen minutes.
1236USY.7d/1m.1833h
You hear the beep from the console that a ship has docked.
1236USY.7d/1m.1836h
But it's pilot takes his time to finally appear.
The gate opens with a hiss as a man of mediocre height steps through. His blue pilot's suit is accented with black and white streaks. He has fairly bright skin and black hair that reaches to his shoulders. His face is triangular and given its youthfulness you assume he cannot be older than 30, at the most.
"Hello." He says, drylly, sitting at the counter and placing his hands on top of it. He looks you in the eye, then glances around for a moment.
"One Nightrun." Yet another drink you haven't heard about, so you punch that into the console...
Connecting...
Connecting...
Connecting...
Done!
Queries: nightrun
>1 recipe found:
NIGHTRUN: 126c
2 Shots of Wóda
2 Shots of Pneumo
Shot of Ribesnero
Serve in a tank glass with ice.
You put a load of smashed ice into the tank, then pour in the clear Wóda, the reddish Pneumo, and deep-blue Ribesnero. The latter in fact doesn't seem to mix that well with the others, leaving a visual of a curtain of blue-black fog that transitions into dark red aura on the bottom.
You push the glass towards the man, who in the meantime slumped slightly over the counter, propping his left cheek on his left hand. Maybe he is bored, or tired, or both?
He eyes the glass for a while, then from the collar of his suit, pulls out a simple grey credchip, letting you scan it. (+126c)
Today Earnings: 358c
Monthly Earnings: 4234.5c
Patron ID: Tyomas Raymill
Occupation: Space Courier, self-employed; Federal Trooper 1st Class (discharged)
Conv.Style: CHILLY
Liked drinks: Nightrun, fiery, sweet
Disliked drinks: bitter
Tyomas takes a small sip of the drink, looks at the glass, sighs, and puts it down.
CHOOSE YOUR CONVERSATIONAL DIRECTION:
A) "Bad day?"
B) CHATTY: "Come on, if there's anything troubling you, feel free to say so, I can even go away for a moment if you want to?"
C) FLIRTY: "Awr~ Seeing such a handsome, strong man like you sulking like this is tearing my heart apart~"
D) Let's just keep on bartending.
-
He is chilly, so probably best to just be authentic here.
A
-
A
-
"Bad day?"
"More like bad life." Tyomas replies most optimistically to the query, and takes another sip.
"Sorry, not trying to be killjoy... well, mostly."
A) "Tell me what ills you."
B) CHATTY: "Come on, if there's anything troubling you, feel free to say so, I can even go away for a moment if you want to?"
C) FLIRTY: "Awr~ Seeing such a handsome, strong man like you sulking like this is tearing my heart apart~"
D) Just let the man drink.
-
D
-
D, when he's good and drunk he'll be more willing to talk.
-
D
-
1236USY.7d/1m.1844h
Tyomas puts down the now empty tank glass, eyeing it for a moment and turning it in circles with his fingers.
"Jovian Sunspot next." He says after a while, pushing the empty glass - sans sad pieces of melted ice - towards you. Another of those you haven't heard before, so you type on the console again.
Queries: jovian sunspot
>1 recipe found:
JOVIAN SUNSPOT: 105c
Shot of Wóda
Shot of Cherrybomb
Shot of Martian
Shot of Tropico
Serve in a cocktail glass.
You shoot them synthols one by one into the fancy glass, and pass the orange mix to Tyomas. He once again presents his credchip for you to scan. (+105c)
Today Earnings: 463c
Monthly Earnings: 4339.5c
"Thanks." He takes the glass, looks into it, then takes a sip, eyes affixed on the synthetic drink all the time.
A) Let him drink in peace some more.
B) "Better now?"
C) CHATTY: "Come on, if there's anything troubling you, feel free to say so, I can even go away for a moment if you want to?"
D) FLIRTY: "Awr~ Seeing such a handsome, strong man like you sulking like this is tearing my heart apart~"
-
B
-
B
-
"Better now?"
"Yeah." Tyomas replies with a tone of voice indicating sarcasm. If you were an android you probably wouldn't catch that.
He looks as solemn and depressed as before, though.
A) Let him drink in peace some more.
B) CHATTY: "Come on, if there's anything troubling you, feel free to say so, I can even go away for a moment if you want to?"
C) FLIRTY: "Awr~ Seeing such a handsome, strong man like you sulking like this is tearing my heart apart~"
-
He's not drunk enough yet! A!
-
A.
-
1236USY.7d/1m.1850h
Tyomas tilts the cocktail glass and drinks the remainder of the mix, putting the glass down closer to you.
"Asteroids." You know that one well - you fill up a tank with crushed ice, Sucrosol and Martian, and pass it to Tyomas. He lets you scan his credchip again. (+71c)
Today Earnings: 534c
Monthly Earnings: 4410.5c
"Keep them coming, bartender. So that I can feel." He grumbles quietly and takes a swig.
A) Let him drink in peace some more.
B) "Any feelings you wanna share?"
C) CHATTY: "Come on, if there's anything troubling you, feel free to say so, I can even go away for a moment if you want to?"
D) FLIRTY: "Awr~ Seeing such a handsome, strong man like you sulking like this is tearing my heart apart~"
-
A.
if he ain't feeling it, he ain't drunk enough.
-
Are we supposed to cut 'em off at some point? Eh, I guess it's not like he can disturb the other customers. His hangover is his own problem.
-
A
Don't cut him off we gotta make that paper!
-
You decide to let Tyomas drink in peace.
1236USY.7d/1m.1900h
He puts down the glass and smiles just slightly.
"Gimme... Blood on Ice. And then I'm done." Tyomas murmurs looking the same as he was - tired and depressed and surprisingly sober.
You remember the recipe from the first day, so you quickly slide over a cocktail glass full of ice and red synthols to Tyomas, and beep-beep goes the credchip scanner. (+36c)
Today Earnings: 570c
Monthly Earnings: 4446.5c
The man takes a sip, and sighs.
A) Let him have his last drink.
B) "Okay, what's the problem?"
C) CHATTY: "Come on, if there's anything troubling you, feel free to say so, I can even go away for a moment if you want to?"
D) FLIRTY: "Awr~ Seeing such a handsome, strong man like you sulking like this is tearing my heart apart~"
-
A. yah, he sounds too sober to chat up, what so ever- he must have a liver of lead or something.
-
D
Screw it, may as well try. :p
-
A
-
A
-
A
-
You let him drink that one in peace, too.
1236USY.7d/1m.1907h
The empty glass ends on the counter and Tyomas slides off his seat.
"Thanks for the drinks."
"Please come again." The sad man smiles.
"I will, in few hours. For a shot or two before I resume my work."
A) Explain that in few hours the bar will be unavailable.
B) "Of course, I will be here."
-
B - We can have a nap between now and then
-
"Of course, I will be here."
"Great." And he walks away from the counter and to the gate, crossing it and leaving the place the moment you hear beeping from the sensors station. You quickly check what's the ruckus about, but isn't it obvious?
A new ship is approaching!
Sensors Station Alert! IFF beacon translation in progress...
Done!
"50/50", a Equality-class Armed Merchantship, approaching from direction of Poseidonis Jump Gate.
Standard docking and refueling request received.
Fuel Pump assigned: #5 (authority: Automated Refueling AI)
Estimated arrival time: 19 minutes.
A) I've got time! Hail them!
B) I've had enough patrons for today.
-
A, what’s the worst response to advertising we’ve got a bar? That they shoot us? They’re already headed over here to refuel! That would be counterproductive!
-
You open hailing frequencies.
"Fifty-fifty here, what's the problem?"
"There's none. I'm Arnold, the bartender, and I wish to to offer you and your crew drinks."
"Ah, synthol man. Sure."
50/50 closes the channel.
You decide to clean after Tyomas a little before the new group of patrons arrives.
1236USY.7d/1m.1915h
In midst of preparations your wetware chip reminds you that your sleep period (2015-0215) is approaching.
Hopefully the incoming crew won't take too long.
1236USY.7d/1m.1930h
Shortly after "50/50" docks, its crew arrives. Three men and two women in white-and-grey jumpsuits, led by a tall man with slick white hair and shades covering his eyes. His skin is tanned, and a large round earring dangles on his right ear. He also wears white-and-grey jumpsuit, but on top of that, a fashionably-looking black trenchcoat. He also wears black gloves.
He sits at the counter while his crew seats itself at nearby table.
"Well hello there, SRC bartender!" He says with a bright smile.
"A round of Wóda shots for my crew, for starters." Your pour the shots while the man fishes out his credchip - silver with black countours. You pass the shots to the five behind him, and the man lets you scan his credcship. (+25c)
Today Earnings: 595c
Monthly Earnings: 4471.5c
Patron ID: Vincent Kodia
Occupation: Captain of Merchantship "50/50"
Conv.Style: CHATTY
Liked drinks: fruity, fiery
Disliked drinks: sour
"And what can I get you?"
"Exactly, what can you get me?"
"What do you mean?"
"SRC console shows you my preferences, right? Get me a mix of any sort, just keep it under 150 credits, alright?" Vincent leans over the counter, smiling smugly.
A) "I would rather get a drink's name from you."
A) (insert name of a Drink Mix that you've learned so far that comforms to Vincent's preferences and price range here)
-
B: Smooth Criminal
Another slightly difficult combo of flavor profiles, since there are lots of softer fruity/sweet drinks that leave out the sour but when you combine fruity with fiery, most of them are also sour. So applause to this guy for having a complicated taste profile I guess. Smooth Criminal, a Fiery, bitter, fruity, sweet drink, is my best guess. I think that bitter and sour are close, enough so that I'm hesitant offering it, but I think it beats out the competition. The pacifica 84 is a fiery and fruity drink with a sour dash, and then you have drinks like Seaside Paradise and Sugar Arsenic which do have fruity and fiery in them, but are primarily (imo) in the more sweet drink categories. Moon elf might work, if he's okay with it being primarily fruity, but it costs too much and is sour. I think the 64 Special and nightrun are just right out as being too sour.
I do think that sugar Arsenic is a close second admittedly, as I write this. But, I mean, bitter is not regarded the same as sour by the system, and sugar arsenic sounds so sweet I'd be hesitant to give it to anyone without sweet as a specific like, so Smooth Criminal wins for me.
-
^ + what that guy said.
-
B: Smooth Criminal
I appreciate when you guys do the legwork with the drink combos (lookin' at you Criptfiend,) 'cos it means I don't have to
-
You start preparing a Smooth Criminal for Vincent. He eyes as you put the cocktail glass and scratches his chin.
"What are you mixing?"
"Smooth Criminal."
"Ah. I know that one." He patiently waits until you finish pouring the three synthols into the cocktail glass, and when you serve the mix to him, he quickly points his credchip at you to scan. (+111c)
Today Earnings: 706c
Monthly Earnings: 4582.5c
"Thanks." He quickly takes a sip, and then looks at his crew, before turning back to you.
CHOOSE YOUR APPROACH TO THE FORTHCOMING CONVERSATION:
A) "How's it going?"
B) CHATTY: "You're not the first person to come here with a merchantship named with numbers. What's up with that?"
C) FLIRTY: "Why, handsome, you seem to have a refined taste, is there anything else you might like that I can provide~?"
D) "You own a Merchantship. What wares do you deal in?"
-
A.
-
B
He's chatty, we're chatty.
-
B
-
B
-
B, curious.
-
//100 pages of bartending, woo!
CHATTY: "You're not the first person to come here with a merchantship named with numbers. What's up with that?"
"Ah, yes. Fifty-fifty. The percentage ratio of ships I've owned versus those that I have wrecked."
"I assume one wrecked, one active?" Vincent takes a sip of his mix.
"You're a clever guy. Yeah, I had one ship before, for half a year."
"What have happened?"
"I worked small scale back then. You know, as a courier. I was like many others, a young pilot, confident in his skills, fetching parcels and cargo crates here and there. I had an Aviso, one of newer models back then. One day I had to go through a recently liberated star system, and instead of going around a fresh debris field, I was thinking 'hey my ship is small and agile, I can cut through no problem to save time'. Well. I was very wrong back then." He takes a sip again.
"There was an unexploded missile or torpedo or some such floating about the field, which I didn't notice and I accidentaly bumped my ship's starboard thruster against it. And, boom."
"But you've managed to survive."
"Yeah, but the ship and the cargo I was carrying was a total loss. Barely managed to haul my ass into escape pod and launch clear of the debris field before the Aviso exploded. Had some dumb luck back then, too - another ship was passing by the debris field at the same time so not even one hour later I was on way back to Gamma Draconis. Still, learned my lesson."
"You decided to name your next ship 50-50 because of that?"
"Sorta, you know, good luck charm? I mean, I had it for four years now and nothing major like that happened." He raises the glass. "Here's hoping it stays that way." He drinks the remainder of his mix and puts the glass down.
A) CHATTY: "And how it is going nowadays, besides turning to heavier cargo loads?"
B) CHATTY:"You own a merchantship so I know you sell wares to outposts and colonies. What sort of goods you deal in?"
C) CHATTY:"Your glass is empty. Should I try and magic up another mix somewhere near your preferences?"
D) FLIRTY: "Man, so daring and handsome, you are really quite something, you know~?"
-
B maybe he sells real booze
-
B
-
B. if nothing else, its good to have who sells what noted down for when some third person asks us who they can buy/sell what to on short notice.
-
B
-
CHATTY:"You own a merchantship so I know you sell wares to outposts and colonies. What sort of goods you deal in?"
"Ah, it's not much of variety there. Electronics, mostly of frivolous kind. Entertainment devices and toys, subspace radios, virtual reality and holo-deck equipment, dreamscape inductors... Interested?"
A) "Sure, show me your wares."
B) "Nah, but..." (pick one of previous topics)
-
B: A: CHATTY: "And how it is going nowadays, besides turning to heavier cargo loads?"
Sadly don't got any money.
-
B A
-
B: A: CHATTY: "And how it is going nowadays, besides turning to heavier cargo loads?"
Sadly don't got any money.
+1
-
B: A: CHATTY: "And how it is going nowadays, besides turning to heavier cargo loads?"
Sadly don't got any money.
+1
+1
When will we get paid anyway?
-
It seems like forever because it turns out that this is actually a not quite as empty space lane as we thought it might be and there's been repeat customers, failed love stories, repairs and a murder investigation and all that, but we've only been on the job for like a week.
So I'm going to guess never.
-
CHATTY: "And how it is going nowadays, besides turning to heavier cargo loads?"
"It's going well. Since I started delivering electronics to more remote outposts and colonies rather than trying to squeeze myself into busy-lane crowds, that's it."
"Busy-lane? I am not familiar with the concept."
"Ah, it's merchant slang of sorts. Busy-lanes are straight connections between one regional capital and another. Basically running between two largest colonies. Heavy traffic, heavy policing by Fedpols, and even heavier competition. We've ran Delta Serpentis II-Morbius Prime lane for few months."
"And how was it?"
"Ah, quite difficult. Had to basically elbow and yell may way to planetside merchants so that they would buy my wares. And then I had to elbow and yell my way to local providers and suppliers so that I had something to take into the stars." He looks into the empty glass.
"I would like a Simpleton now." Another drink you haven't heard about, so you punch it into the console and...
Connecting...
Connecting...
Connecting...
Failed to connect to the Drink Mix Database.
Retry? Y/N
You hit the obvious button.
A) CHATTY: "I'm wondering what exactly made you change your lanes and start visiting less populated places."
B) CHATTY: "If you don't mind me asking, what's the most memorable place you've went to?"
D) FLIRTY: "You are really quite something, you know? Suave, handsome, confident, it ruffles my feathers, so to speak~"
-
B
-
B
-
CHATTY: "If you don't mind me asking, what's the most memorable place you've went to?" Vincent thinks for a while.
"Ah, well, hm, Earth I think, from the places I visited lately."
"Earth? Isn't it where humans come from?"
"So do the planetary museums say so, but I can't believe it. I mean, its three-quarters nuclear desert and one-quarter mountaintops with spaceports and habitation domes around them, and that place is supposedly birthplace of humanity? Gotta be some joke."
"I've read in an article that Wóda originates from Earth."
"Ah, yes, they have a whole museum about the thing. They even brew organic version of it, not for export because your corporation patented Wóda long ago, I've been told. Either way though, the view from said mountaintops was very peculiar. Light blue above you and sickly yellow below you with shimmering mirages of white and gold sands trying to pierce the toxic fog." Vincent muses for a bit.
"I should've taken images."
1236USY.7d/1m.1939h
The console beeps at you.
Done!
Queries: simpleton
>1 recipe found:
SIMPLETON: 52c
Tank of Skinjuice
Serve in a tank glass with ice and lime slice.
Well whaddaya know.
You throw some ice into a tank and fill it up with Skinjuice. After you pass the glass to Vincent, he lets you scan his credchip again. (+52c)
Today Earnings: 758c
Monthly Earnings: 4634.5c
He immediately drinks a third of it before placing the glass down.
"Where was I? Yeah, Earth is supposedly where we came from, but given the amount of nuclear fallout and orbital bombardment craters seems really implausible, not to mention the carbon-based atmosphere. I've heard that it was the seat of pre-Federation government though, so who knows."
"This all feels like ancient history to me."
"Yeah, right? The idea we were once confined to a single planet... really strange. Alien, even." Vincent takes another sip of his juice.
A) CHATTY: "I'm wondering what exactly made you change your lanes and start visiting less populated places."
B) CHATTY: "Any other interesting places you know about?"
C) FLIRTY: "You are really quite something, you know? Suave, handsome, confident, it ruffles my feathers, so to speak~"
-
B
-
B
-
B
-
CHATTY: "Any other interesting places you know about?"
"Ah, no, I wouldn't think so. Except perhaps the leisure satellite of Cropfield III? It's like huge cylinder and in the center of it you have this miniature jungle with half-a-mile tall waterfall."
"That sounds quite pretty and quite expensive to maintain."
"I would bet, then again, its a leisure satellite with luxurious hotels and casinos and such. I'm sure they're raking in cash from all the visiting politicians and CEOs."
1236USY.7d/1m.1943h
"If you guys need drinks, come over." The two women do come over, asking for Sucrosol. You pour the shots for the ladies but it's Vincent who pays. (+10c)
Today Earnings: 768c
Monthly Earnings: 4644.5c
1236USY.7d/1m.1945h
Vincent downs the remainder of his Simpleton and then puts the glass down.
"Ah, but what about you, barkeep? What pulled you away from your family and colony or station to man a bar in middle of an empty star system?"
A) CHATTY: "Well, first of all, I have neither family nor home, as I was liberated only recently."
B) "Personal whim."
C) *shrug*
D) CHATTY: "Before that, would you be interested in another drink, perhaps?"
-
A
-
A.
-
A
-
CHATTY: "Well, first of all, I have neither family nor home, as I was liberated only recently."
"Ah, you're an android, or a drone?"
"I was born a drone, yes."
"Ah, I see. I think it's good you guys got liberated, actually, because the whole concept is just - mandatory subservience? Just because you were grown in a vat? Seems just alien."
"As alien as humanity living once on a singular planet?" Vincent chuckles loudly.
"Well, it was the corporations that mandated this. Long before the War and in the times of old Federation." He hums and then turns to look at his crew.
"You guys done?" Vincent's crew raises their shot glasses, most of them empty.
"Ah, five more minutes then." He says and turns back to you.
A) CHATTY "Just enough time to have a one little drink extra, don't you agree?"
B) CHATTY: "I'm wondering what exactly made you change your lanes and start visiting less populated places."
C) FLIRTY: "You are really quite something, you know? Suave, handsome, confident, it ruffles my feathers, so to speak~"
-
B
-
A
gotta make that dough
-
A.
-
A
-
CHATTY "Just enough time to have a one little drink extra, don't you agree?"
5*
"Ah, you know, why not. A shot of Grenadiere please." Vincent pulls out his credchip ready before you even pour the shot. Beep-boop goes the scanner. (+10c)
Today Earnings: 778c
Monthly Earnings: 4654.5c
He downs the contents of the glass in one go.
"Thanks."
It feels like you can carry the conversation a bit longer.
A) CHATTY: "I'm wondering what exactly made you change your lanes and start visiting less populated places."
B) CHATTY: "It might be just me but you got a bit uncomfortable when I mentioned my origins, of all things."
C) FLIRTY: "You are really quite something, you know? Suave, handsome, confident, it ruffles my feathers, so to speak~"
D) "Please come again."
-
A
(also, in option B, shouldn't it be "It might be just me", not "It might be just be" like it is right now?)
-
D. he may be chatty, but we don't need to badger him about our backstory or what made him change lanes, he's about to go anyway and with any luck will be back eventually.
-
D - We've had a good Chat but let's not push it too hard. We want him to come back
-
"Please come again." Vincent chuckles, and leaves his seat.
"Ah, if you're selling me drinks and then saying goodbyes right afterwards, I might actually do the opposite." With a grin, he turns to his crew and rubs his gloved hands.
"Alright boys and girls, let's move it!" He walks behind his crew, herding it towards the main gate.
It opens, they leave, it closes.
1236USY.7d/1m.1951h
You're busily cleaning the surfaces and putting the glasses when security console notifies you.
Yep - 50/50 is en route to Gamma Urquanii.
Tyomas' ship, the Croissant, is still docked.
You have about 25 minutes before your wetware chip becomes loud again.
A) Enough time for Zirconius!
B) Enough time for some trivia!
C) Let's just go to sleep early!
-
C
B we've still got the other guy coming back, might as well stay up a bit longer.
Fair enough
B
Hopefully we are not too wiped out by staying up so late.
-
B we've still got the other guy coming back, might as well stay up a bit longer.
-
He said "a few hours" about 45 minutes ago. Can we get a headstart on sleep and set an alarm to wake us if he opens the airlock to come back to the bar?
C
-
B
-
You decide to browse the Net in hopes of finding a good article before sleep.
1236USY.7d/1m.2015h
[SLEEP PERIOD HAS BEGUN. SEEK A PREFERABLY COMFORTABLE PLACE TO SLUMBER UNTIL 0215 TOMORROW. NEGLIGENCE TO THIS MIGHT CAUSE YOUR ORGANIC COMPONENTS TO BECOME INEFFICIENT.]
Your wetware chip notifies you just as you finish reading an article about SRC bartending monopoly that it got from New Federation. It is a 'reward' for providing newly revived Federal Marines and Federal Starfleet with both fuel and cheap synthol during the twenty-five years of war against EXO-Lumina and its corporate allies, as well as other 'enemy' polities like People's Republic of Centauria and Serpentis Regime. Apparently, Federal government officials and high-ranking military officials have substantial discounts on SRC synthol and Drink Mixes, too.
You've hoped to find any recipe but there's none.
Oh well!
You turn off the music, dim the lights, and pace off to the slumber pod to get six hours of rest.
As its door closes behind it, you close your eyes even before the aerosols put your brain into sleepy loops.
1236USY.7d/1m.2241h
BEEEEP!
BEEEEEEEP!
You wake up and interrupt the sleep cycle in the pod when the bar alarm rings on the console above your eyes. Someone is requesting your presence at the counter.
You quickly put on your jumpsuit and shuffle off to the bar.
You step behind it and give Tyomas a glance - he is looking as mopey and as sad as he ever was. With obvious addition of a mid-hangover grimace.
"Nighrun." He smacks his lips and pulls out his credchip before you even start pouring the mix.
You add the clear and red and purple synthols, not paying attention to the colorful effect at the bottom of the glass. Neither does Tyomas - he just wants his drinks and he has credits to pay for them. (+126c)
Today Earnings: 904c
Monthly Earnings: 4780.5c
He takes a long swig of the mix, emptying almost half of the glass.
"Sorry for being a grump before." He mumbles quietly, placing the glass on the counter and rolling it between his fingers.
"It wasn't that bad."
"Oh, trust me, I know what kinda eyesore I can be." With a sigh, he takes the glass, looks into it, and puts it down.
"So, you wanna hear it?"
"Hear what?"
"About my bad life?" He looks away from the glass and at you with an unsure smile. "My wetware chip tells me with all the warning messages that I'm sufficiently sloshed to pour my heart over to random barkeep who wants to listen."
A) "Sure."
B) "I've changed my mind - plus it's middle of my sleeping period."
-
A
-
"Sure." Tyomas smiles a little bit, then taps away at the glass, then takes a quick sip of his Nightrun.
"Which part?"
"There are several?"
"Yeah." He puts the glass down. "The first part, about a bright boy with big ideas. The middle part, about a soldier who realized something about himself. And the last part, about a bitter veteran who's got nothing left to do but fetch cargo from place to place to make a living."
A) "The first part."
B) "The middle one."
C) "Go right for the end."
D) "Actually, this is going places I am not comfortable with yet. Apologies."
-
A
-
A, might as well start at the beginning.
-
A
-
"The first part." Tyomas lets out a sigh.
"Sure. So this kid was born, what, twenty eight? Twenty nine? Years ago. You know, on a terraformed colony. Gamma Tauri, the one and only habitable rock in the system, orbiting this blue and yellow gas giant. You ever stay up late and climb the roof of your apartment block and you look up and there is this huge, colorful orb, staring down at you. That's the sight I grew up with. And the first time I was old enough to grab a shuttle 'up there', I did. I was amongst the stars." He takes a sip.
"But then I learned that not all is well amongst the stars. I've had access to merchants and their stories, to interstellar news reports, to rumors from spacefarers. About the Corp. The Centaurians. The Drones and the Droids. All this warfare and conflict and injustice. Down the planetside news are filtered and you don't really even see aliens or modders or even synths. Happy little paradise that wants to keep being happy little paradise away from everyone else, you know. But I went up and that feeling was gone. I felt I gotta do a thing, like, contribute to the space society at large. Obvious choice - join the militia. So I did." He puts the glass down.
"I was barely fifteen so I wasn't legally allowed to be a recruit, but they gave me a Plaster and a uniform. Gamma Tauri and few others were back then 'The Aries Alliance', before that folded into the New Federation. But anyway, I traveled the stars - the local stars of course - as militia boy, you know, fetching boxes, keeping Plasters clean, helping out local police garrisons or pacing behind important dignitaries. My parents were proud and I was happy that I could lend a hand. All fun. All fun." Tyomas takes a deep breath.
"So one day, alarms come blaring. It was the day when me and few others and our Sergeant were at Zabayone-3, an arcology station, and we were visiting local school, you know, to point out to kids how important and rewarding being a militia man is. After the alarms news came that Centaurians were attacking. The station had several compartments dedicated as shelters, so my group helped herd the pupils into one of those secure compartments. But Centaurians had Drillers. You know what a Driller is?"
"No idea." Tyomas lets out a huff and starts gesticulating.
"It's a missile, with a drill at the warhead. It doesn't explode on impact, no, on impact, the drill kicks in, for several seconds, and aided by the missile's thruster, it burrows through the station plating, deep into the hull, and explodes after a certain distance. The arcology had point defenses of course, nobody's stupid nowadays to go without weapons, but this Driller, this one damned missile was one of the few that got through the laser screen. It hit the station and burrowed straight into the compartment where... where we led the... where the kids..." Tyomas looks at the glass and takes another sip.
"And the bright boy who thought himself important and a hero, just, died, you know? All these boys and girls younger than me that I thought I can protect, all thirty of them, gone in an instant."
"It wasn't your fault."
"Of course it wasn't. It was Centaurians' fault. I was enraged, as you probably can imagine. After the doctors sprayed my bruises and cuts I went to my Sergeant and told him, I think I actually yelled at him, that I want to join the Aries Defense Forces. 'Why?' He asked, surprised because I seemed content with where I was before, and I looked him in the eye and I said 'I want to kill all the Centaurians.' I'm not sure if he approved or not, I don't remember exactly that entire moment, but I remember what I said to him. So he took me to the recruitment office and I joined the Force. Sixteen years old, I put on plasteel boots and kinetic armor first time ever and got a real laser rifle."
1236USY.7d/1m.2250h
Tyomas tilts the glass and downs the remainder of the drink.
"And I started on my little quest. Killing all the Centaurians. Boarding actions, station defense, I even flew a Myrmidon few times to shoot down Centaurian fighters."
"That's the part two of your bad life?" Tyomas grimaces.
"No. Part two is few years into the whole of this crusading I was doing." He puts down the glass when your sensors console beeps.
Could it be - another incoming ship?
A) Excuse yourself to check the sensors.
B) "I wanna hear part two then."
C) "I think I've heard enough, sorry."
-
B
Lets hear the rest of his story before looking at the sensors. Tbh, we probably gota go to sleep right after this guy drinks himself to death, I don't think we can accept more patrons, and anything else can probably wait for his story.
-
B
-
B
-
"I wanna hear part two then." Tyomas shrugs.
"And I want some Asteroids." You nod and quickly pour him the mix - Martian, Sucrosol, crushed ice. Beep-boop goes the credchip scanner. (+71c)
Today Earnings: 975c
Monthly Earnings: 4851.5c
He takes a sip and sighs quietly.
"So yeah, I spent next two years shooting down Centaurians. It was simple, you know? They always wear those power suits and shaded helmets so you don't see anything. Plus sonic pulsers don't leave much to look at, either. I was quickly desensitized, you know?" He takes another sip.
"With time, I stopped thinking about Centaurians that got blown out through hull breachers, creamed by pulsers, or beaten up by my fellow soldiers. All that mattered was to kill Centaurians before they kill us. The combat drugs that the Alliance offered to more squeamish soldiers did help you concentrate on the killing more than the fact that your enemy is also a human." Tyomas puts down the glass.
"So one day, like any other day, there was a fight coming because a Centaurian assault force was spotted en route to the shipyard our troop wa guarding. It was a bog-standard operation like any other - they had to capture the shipyard so they would have facilities to repair their gunboats and build new ones and store supplies. Alarms blared and their troopships got through the PD screens, not that these were very useful, so these troopships land and we give in some ground to disperse the Centaurians and have them separated in the tight corridors and galleries." He pokes the glass, thinking.
"I think it was an hour after the landings that I had this encounter... like, I was in side corridor and here comes this tall Centaurian from a maintenance duct. I didn't see his face then but I'm pretty sure he was as surprised to see me in the corridor as I was seeing him pop out of the wall. Dunno what he was doing there, but, of course, we were basically one step away from each other. Thinking little about it I took a charge baton and began whipping at him, and he began pummeling. He was weak. Quite soft, so to speak. With a particularily strong whack I must've, like, damaged his helmet's circuits because when he fell, the helmet popped open, and I saw the face of the enemy." Tyomas quickly picks up the glass and gulps down the synthol mix.
"Do you expect fighting kids? I didn't. And there was this soft-faced, terrified, tear-eyed kid. I'm not talking, like, fifteen or sixteen. I'm pretty sure he was younger than that. Much younger, perhaps eleven? Twelve? I mean, who the fuck sends kids to war? I was fifteen when I joined any military and even then... yeah... He was about twelve. So he was staring at me, I was staring at him, because something flipped in my head and I just couldn't continue, you know." Another big sip.
"Then my troopers came running, yelling about something, I don't remember. So this kid got of course scared for his life and reached for his gun. I was quicker, though, and before he could lift his gun at me, I pointed my blaster at his face... and... and boom." Tyomas puts down the glass, staring somewhere for a long while.
"Everything was blood red for a while. Maybe it was trauma or something. My troopers pulled me and so I went back to fighting but, you know. A few days after we repelled the attack I had to take a break so I was given a leave and some drugs to relax and keep in shape. Unfortunately, I then had this bright idea to do some reading on Centaurians, and, yeah... I couldn't do it anymore." Tyomas quickly drinks the remainder of his Asteroids.
1236USY.7d/1m.2257h
Tyomas puts down the glass, leaving the bits of ices sloshing inside.
A) Now excuse yourself to check the sensors.
B) "Part three?"
C) "Thank you, I've had enough."
-
B
-
B
-
B
-
BBBB
-
"Part three?"
"How are you not tired of this yet?" Tyomas asks, staring at you dispassionately.
You shrug.
"Well, there's not that much compared to other parts. I lose my fighting spirit, so to speak, so I seeked honorable discharge. The war was coming to a close, with the Centaurians at the very least. Then the New Fed was announced and EXO-Lumina was in full retreat, so I was far from frontlines. You know, you grab a rifle, you can't put away a rifle. So I took bodyguarding and merchant protection... but the kid's face kept coming back." Tyomas sighs.
"After 'the' War ended too, well, I came back to my parents. Turns out mom died in shuttle accident and dad, whilst proud, seemed a bit too distant too me. Espousing all this planetary propaganda and stuff I no longer understood. So I took to the stars again, seeking... help? Help is a good word. For the stress. For the flashbacks. For the nightmares, you know. Unfortunately, the New Fed's psychological and psychiatric veteran bonus does not apply to those that didn't fight against EXO-Lumina for at least a year. So I was brushed aside."
"But you require help." Tyomas laughs mockingly.
"Oh, yeah. Don't worry, I did manage to get some help. So they scheduled me a non-priority assignment, its on..." He pulls out a small datapad from the inside of his jumpsuit and thumbs it for a while. "Ah, there. Sixth of Tenth, 1236. Aries Sector, Delta Pavonis II, Cornelius Trade Hub, appointment with Doctor Winston Winsley, Psychiatrist, 1400 Standard Hours." He puts the datapad back in the pocket.
"Until then I was prescribed, well, drugs. But cornycin leaves me weak and tired, and saurococtin knocks me out in half an hour, and I can't get a new prescription until the appointment. So. I travel, alone, delivering cargo just to pass by, somehow."
"You might hurt yourself, though." Tyomas looks at you, silent for a moment.
"Don't worry. I don't like easy ways out. Even if synthol... kinda is one. Still better than alternative. Ten months left. I can manage. I gotta manage. Yeah." He grabs the tank glass and slurps down the mostly melted ice and resultant water.
"I will manage, somehow." He says, and rubs his eyes.
"Thanks for the synthol, it's helping. I think I will hit the sleep pod on my ship now."
"Please come again." Tyomas smiles at you sadly.
"For synthol?"
A) "For synthol."
B) "For stories."
C) "For whatever you feel like."
-
C
-
C
-
C.
-
C
-
"For whatever you feel like." Tyomas nods and then slides off his seat. His body is only slightly swaying on his way to the gate.
1236USY.7d/1m.2304h
When the console beeps whilst you're busy cleaning after Tyomas' second round, you realize - you forgot about the sensors ping!
But that's not important anymore, because the gates open and-
"Yooohooo, barkeep~!" Harley splays her arms, swaying her hips as she enters the room, her 'sisters' right behind her. (http://www.bay12forums.com/smf/index.php?topic=180136.msg8396005#msg8396005)
"Well huh, this place looks a bit tidier than I remember." Draqueesha quips, while Sylvanas taps her chin thoughtfully.
"The lights kinda still suck, though." The trio seats themselves at the counter.
"Magnetar!"
"Blood on Ice!"
"Hmmm..." Sylvanas tilts her head, thinking.
A) Start mixing.
B) CHATTY: "I'm sorry but I'm sure that 'Hmmm' is not a valid synthol or a valid mix."
C) FLIRTY: "Why, is my charm and beauty so captivating that you're at loss of words~?"
-
B?
-
A
Not sure if either of our programmings are likely to avoid pissing off a hot-head.
-
A
-
You start mixing!
A moment later, you pass Blood on Ice to Harley and Magnetar to Draqueesha, and they let you scan their credchips, one after another. (+178c)
Today Earnings: 1153c
Monthly Earnings: 5029.5c
"So barkeep, how's it going? Any harassments by space pirates? Or Centaurians?"
"And did you review our ad chip~?" Sylvanas meanwhile taps the counter, still thinking.
A) "No, and no."
B) "No, and yes."
C) "No, and what ad chip?"
-
B
-
B.
-
B
-
B
-
"No, and yes."
"Good. Give us a call if you need help."
"Bartenders are cute and weak and gotta be protected, after all, you're all alone and hapless in middle of nowhere~"
"Alright, get me a Sugar Rush."
You haven't heard that one so you type it into the console...
"And since when do you drink disgustingly sweet stuff, Sylvee?"
"When I have a mood for disgustingly sweet stuff, Draqee." Draqueesha grumbles and sips her Magnetar.
Connecting...
Connecting...
Connecting...
Done!
Queries: sugar rush
>1 recipe found:
SUGAR RUSH: 105c
Tank of Grenadiere
Shot of Dee Tee
Serve in a tank glass.
You pour a tank-load of Grenadiere into a tank and then add some pinkish, bubbly, sickeningly sugary-smelling Dee-Tee into it and stir gently. You pass the drink to Sylvanas, and she lets you scan her credchip. (+105c)
Today Earnings: 1258c
Monthly Earnings: 5134.5c
"Thanks barkeep." Sylvanas takes a sip of her mix while Harley props her chin on her hands and leans towards you.
"So barkeep, I was thinking - what are you doing tonight?"
A) "Sleeping."
B) "Working."
C) "Nothing, fortunately."
D) CHATTY: "I do not have plans for the evening, though I'm open to suggestions."
E) FLIRTY: "Oh, rawr~ is this one of those trick questions to which the answer is 'you'~?"
-
D
-
E.
-
D
-
Reminder that our sleep period started earlier and we got two hours of rest.
Though I guess there's more than one way to get some rest, so... D!
-
D
-
CHATTY: "I do not have plans for the evening, though I'm open to suggestions." Harley sighs and wiggles her fingers at you.
"Wroooooong answer!" She says and returns to her drink while Draqueesha slides right up against the flirty one.
"A good choice, though." She tongue-kisses Harley right in front of you, and they continue drinking.
1236USY.7d/1m.2309h
"You do not emote much tonight, barkeep." Sylvanas puts down her empty glass and slides it towards you.
"Get me another one, by the way." You take the glass and begin pouring in the Grenadiere, mixing in some Dee Tee as well.
"I for one prefer guys to be quiet and submissive."
"And breedable~?" Draqueesha rolls her eyes.
"Oh, shut up Harley." Harley giggles as you pass the Sugar Rush tank back to Sylvanas. She lets you scan her credchip again. (+105c)
Today Earnings: 1363c
Monthly Earnings: 5239.5c
Harley soon finishes her drink and burps loudly.
"Oh pardomon barkeep, as they say on Orleanais."
"Hey, barkeep, three shots of Cherrybomb." Sylvanas nods to Draqueesha's order, and your quickly pour three shots of Cherrybomb. Beep-beep goes the scanner. (+30c)
Today Earnings: 1393c
Monthly Earnings: 5269.5c
They give Harley all three, and she begins drinking them one by one.
"So what's the deal with you tonight, barkeep?" Draqueesha adds, propping her chin on her hands.
A) "I'm sleepy."
B) "I'm tired."
C) CHATTY: "You've interrupted my sleep period and it's doing things to my brain."
D) FLIRTY: "My bed is cold and empty, but just big enough for four people~"
-
Hey, maybe they're drunk enough. D.
-
...we have a bed?
-
Surely our conversational programming wouldn't lead us wrong.
...Maybe the place comes with a bed but we just don't have a use for it because we're a drone? The last guy was a space woof and I doubt they remodeled that much for us.
-
C.
-
C
-
C
-
CHATTY: "You've interrupted my sleep period and it's doing things to my brain." Harley whines loudly at this.
"Awwww, the cute-tender doesn't want us here~"
"See, I told you its kinda late by standard timekeeping."
"Naw shit. I want booze." Draqueesha downs the remainder of her drink and slams the glass down.
"Bartender! Impulse Thruster for me!" You haven't heard that one before. It's time to get onto the Net!
Connecting...
Done!
Queries: impulse thruster
>1 recipe found:
IMPULSE THRUSTER: 81c
2 Shots of Dry Jet
2 Shots of Wet Jet
Serve in a cocktail glass with lime slice.
You grab a cocktail glass, pour in both Jets, resulting in brown-red clear mixture, and adorn the glass with slice of defrosted lime. You put the drink in front of Draqueesha, who shows you her credchip again, to scan. (+81c)
Today Earnings: 1474c
Monthly Earnings: 5350.5c
Draqueesha takes a sip.
"This is good. I approve." Then she takes another sip.
1236USY.7d/1m.2317h
Harley burps against the counter while Draqueesha and Sylvanas finish their drinks and pat her back.
"So barkeep, you ever consider getting off this outpost?" Draqueesha grins at you, placing her chin on her hands and staring you in the eyes.
A) "I work here, so no."
B) "Maybe."
C) CHATTY: "I dream of a cute partner, a small planetside home and steady source of income, say, fifteen or twenty years from now."
D) FLIRTY: "Oh, to be honest, the only thing I wanna be getting off is you~"
-
A
-
D
-
B
-
B.
-
C
-
B
-
a
bbb
c
d
"Maybe."
"Bah, you can do better than that." Draqueesha slides off her seat. "You sure are boring when you're tired. Next time you better be in best shape!" Sylvanas does the same and pats Harley's head.
"Alright sweetie, you've had enough. To bed with you." Draqueesha and Sylvanas then grab Harley under her arms and drag her off the counter and then across the room, towards the main gate.
"Cute barkeeep noooooo...."
The gate closes behind them with a hiss.
1236USY.7d/1m.2322h
You finish cleaning up after the trio and then check the security console.
Neither "The Croissant" nor "The Black Dragon of Angierach" have left their docking slots yet.
A) The night is already lost, lets read some bartending trivia!
B) The night is already lost, lets read some Zirconius!
C) Time to salvage what I can out of my sleep - to the pod!
-
C
-
C
-
You haul yourself to the personnel quarters and...
You look at the bed.
Siber covers, siber pillows, siber bedsheets, siber everything. Synthetic fibers of lowest grade, and metallo-plastic brick of a sleeping surface underneath. A sleep pod is superior in terms of time efficiency - an uninterrupted six hours of pod sleep is as good as eight-to-nine hours in most comfortable of beds, which this one isn't in any conceivable way.
And yet.
A) Horizontal sleeping is the way!
B) I would rather take the pod, thank you muchly.
-
A
Let's try something new for once.
(Also, what's the word "siber" derived from? Synthetic and fiber?)
-
B - I'm not sure how much pleasure we would derive from sleeping like a non-drone, but surely we'd need something higher quality than that
-
B
We're already behind schedule, no need to make it even worse. We can consider getting a better bed at some point though.
all the better to entertain guests on
-
You decide against trying out proper sleep in a horizontal bed.
The pod is superior.
In pod you trust.
Congratulations! Bartender Arnold earned 1474 Credits today! His monthly total so far is 5350.5 Credits!
A new day at Galactic Refueling Otupost 254831 begins...
1236USY.8d/1m.0215h
Grumbling, you open your weary eyes and leave the sleep pod. Your wetware chip kindly informs you that your sleep period was interrupted.
You pace to the command room to check on the consoles.
Both ships are still there. There's no other impulse signatures within Beta Carotenii.
You yawn loudly, stretch your arms, and then scratch your chin, idly pondering your options.
A) Ten more minutes, chip.
B) Time to get to work!
C) Let's get one hour of sleep more.
-
C
-
C
Let's get to work adjusting out sleep period, then.
-
C.
-
C
-
After a moment of consideration, you go back to the sleep pod, and set it so that it clocks an hour more and you also communicate this to your wetware chip.
1236USY.8d/1m.0317h
You wake up and leave the pod.
Now we're talking! You have a big stretch and then pace to the feeding machine, hooking your tube into it.
After the breakfast, you change clothes and prepare to man the bar!
♪ 1236USY.8d/1m.0333h ♫ (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6QPEyXikimQ)
The lights, the music, the synthol replicators - all set and ready.
You check the security station while you're at it. Croissant and Black Dragon are still there.
You scratch your chin, contemplating mysteries of the universe, before you decide to better spend your time, which means:
A) Bartending trivia!
B) Zirconius chapter!
C) ...actually, let's ponder the universe, I've got the time!
-
C!
-
C.
-
You decide to ponder the mysteries of the universe.
1236USY.8d/1m.0434h
You end up in the combat and tracking cupola on top of the command center. Flanked by photon cannons and torpedo launchers, you have, nonetheless, a near-perfect, half-spherical view of the cosmos itself. The hulking, black shape of hardpoints and thrusters docked nearby is, you wager, The Black Dragon of Angierach, and the other smaller, sleeker one must be Tyomas' ship.
The big, orange-yellow orb to your left is the Beta Carotenii star. The other, smaller and more distant, but still plainly visible orb is Beta Carotenii I. Somewhere around that nail-sized ball that science satellite runs in circles, at least no longer an annoyance to you.
The cosmos is filled with various galaxies and stars and twinklings and lights, unmoving, in great scheme of things.
To it, you are small.
You feel insignificant, to a degree.
And you feel like...
A) This is a good place to spend time at.
B) It's about time to do something more entertaining and less idle (pick an option from previous post)
C) You don't belong here, and you should move on to a better job.
-
A.
Seems like a productive place to laze around at, at the least Arnold would see whomever is coming while he waits around.
-
A
-
A
-
A
-
You wage this is a good place to idle at, and make mental note to visit whenever you have nothing better to do.
You climb down from the cupola and then down the stairs to the command room again.
A quick glance on sensors reveals emptiness.
A) Bartending trivia time!
B) Zirconius series time!
-
B
-
B
-
A.
-
You walk to the holographic display and try to get new chapter of Zirconius going.
1236USY.8d/1m.0517h
The date is 666 United Space Year. Android ChesterBeta-42 and Captain Zirconius enter the shady Black Harbor bar, and quickly realize that, while the ground level is full of 'decent' patrons, the balconies are full of punk-looking ones that are observing Zirconius' every move silently. One of the punks comes down and pushes at Zirconius, asking what a cop like him is doing in here. ChesterBeta-42 intervenes and soon the situation escaltes into full brawl. Busy getting bruised and knocking thugs about, Zirconius is pulled out by ChesterBeta-42 as the android has spotted Marga Trelis, their comms officer, escaping with a briefcase.
They give chase after her and into the Mud Sector, where most of the heavy machinery, maintenance bays and water reclamation systems are located. Zirconius, not much of a sprinter, soon is losing steam, so he orders the android to stop Officer Trelis by any means necessary. ChesterBeta-42 doesn't hesistate for even a moment before pulling his blaster and shooting at Trelis' right foot, cutting it away from the leg and causing the woman to tumble down, screaming. This allows the two pursuers to catch up with her, Zirconius clearly disturbed by Chester's cold blooded shooting. They try to interrogate Marga Trelis who just claims that she knows nothing. However, after some more prodding by Zirconius, Trelis finally decides to cooperate. Before she can say anything important, however, the briefcase she was carrying starts beeping and explodes, incinerating her, with Zirconius being pinned away from the explosion by Chester, who receives some blisters on his synthethic back.
Two days later, in his office, Zirconius mulls over the murder of his communications officer via exploding briefcase and potential perpetrators behind it. Out of any solid ideas, he returns to task at hand: finding a new comms officer. Heconsiders viable options, going through several dossiers full of ambitious 'just-out-of-Academy' recruits, before someone beeps his door, and he allows the stranger to enter. His face frowns when he recognizes the entering woman - Yarna Colins, his ex-fiancee. With a smug smile, she salutes him and tells him why she is here - she was appointed as Hyperion-3's new communications officer.
Thus ends Chapter 8.
A) One more chapter maybe?
B) Some bartending trivia maybe?
C) A little nap or stargazing maybe?
-
B.
-
You go for some bartending trivia.
1236USY.8d/1m.0550h
You find a very interesting article about a drink called Five Finger Discount. It began when some bartender in year 1093 started handing out very precise mixes of cheap synthols to patrons who wanted something 'cheap' but couldn't be bothered (or were too drunk) to be more specific. The simplicity of the recipe and general usefulness of it meant that it quickly gained popularity amongst bartenders first at the Outposts on the same planet (Beta Aries IIa), then elsewhere, until it finally made its way into Mix Database of the SRC.
FIVE FINGER DISCOUNT: 41c
Shot of Wóda
Shot of Skinjuice
Shot of Grenadiere
Shot of Ribesnero
Shot of Cherrybomb
Serve in a tank glass with ice.
Your wetware chip memorizes it without problem. The security console pings and you check what's happened.
The Black Dragon of Angierach has cleared the docking slot and is headed for Madagascar Jump Gate.
Oh, well!
A) Who cares, more trivia!
B) Let's have some Zirconius now.
C) Let's watch the stars!
-
C. More like watch the Dragon head on away from here, but still.
-
You decide to do some stargazing - up the stairs and then up the ladder to weapon command cupola you go!
You sit down in the gunner's chair just as the Black Dragon fires its aft thrusters. Their exhausts quickly turn from dark blue through purple to bright blue, almost white, as the impulse thrusters start propeling the large Corvette away. Soon, the spiky, bulky shape turns into a brightly lit dot of exhaust, and soon enough, you have trouble tracing it in the background of other brightly lit points in the sky.
1236USY.8d/1m.0703h
You leisured stargazing is interrupted, after almost an hour, by beeping of the sensors console.
You leave the seat and go to the main level and then to the command room.
A ship is coming!
Sensors Station Alert! IFF beacon translation in progress...
Done!
"Ocean Eleven", Pontiis-class Cargo Runner, approaching from direction of Poseidonis Jump Gate.
Standard docking and refueling request received.
Fuel Pump assigned: #1 (authority: Automated Refueling AI)
Estimated arrival time: 10 minutes.
You don't even get to ponder whether to hail them or not, when the commstation notifies you of incoming hail.
A) Open hailing frequencies.
B) Naaaaaah.
-
A - With that name, are they another Mercenary outfit?
-
You open the hailing frequencies and-
"My name's Vanessa. Are you part of the crew?"
"Yes, I'm the bartender and sole crew of-"
"Are there any other patrons on board?"
"Uh, no."
"There's a ship docked at your station though, I can see it clearly on my sensors."
"I believe its sole crewmember is asleep right now."
There's a long pause.
"Alright. Has there been any pirate or Centaurian activity around in Beta Carotenii in past 24 hours?"
"None that I know of."
"Hmph. Fine then. Seems safe to disembark. We will be coming for drinks."
She abruptly closes the call before you can say anything.
A) Rude! So I shall return the rudeness and hail them back!!
B) Time to man the drone bar! Drone the bar? Bar the man??
-
B - Let's do drinks
-
A
-
//Sorry Egan I almost had the post done :P
You decide to go to the bar and prepare to mix drinks and hear life stories!
1236USY.8d/1m.0715h
A minute after "Ocean Eleven" docks, a pair of women passes the main gate-
BWAH! BWAH!
Alert! Unauthorized kinetic weapons detected on board of the station!
The speakers loudly inform you that one or both of them are armed. The blonde-haired woman in some sort of black apparel retreats back to the main corridor, and her companion, a head-taller in black dress and white top of sorts follows suit.
1236USY.8d/1m.0717h
The main gate opens and the duo enters, the blonde woman cautiously eyeing the gate for a brief moment.
As they make their way to the bar, you realize their features better.
The blonde woman is the younger of the two, a head-smaller than the other, and has short blonde hair barely reaching her neck. Her body is clad in skin-tight combat suit, replete with small pockets and holsters. While whatever kinetic weapons she had are gone, obviously, but you notice a reinforced baton at her left hip, an energy fork holstered at her other hip, and the handle of a combat knife attached to her left buttock. A combat scanner set loosely hangs around her neck, deactivated. She is ready for close quarters combat, as if a brawl was going to erupt at any moment.
The other has auburn hair, going past her shoulders, and is wearing a black dress with a white jacket over her arms. The dress has choice cuts of fabric that allow the woman to present her thick hips and deep cleavage to anyone looking, and you can't help but notice that her breasts are, well, huge. Compared to the other woman, she is obviously a passenger of sorts, but your thoughts briefly cross to the fact their ship is a cargo runner and not a passenger craft.
Is the mercenary girl over there keeping her companion in a cargo hold?
They sit at the counter.
"I still consider this SRC policy a dumb thing. Especially in this sector and in the current times." The blonde soldier girl speaks with an annoyed voice, slumping over the counter.
"You worry too much, Vanessa~" The well-dressed woman replies in a pleasant, soft voice, placing her hands on her lap.
CHOOSE YOUR CONVERSATION STARTER!
A) "Drinks?"
B) "Hi, I'm Arnold."
C) CHATTY: "You two are traveling in a Cargo Runner, isn't that a bit uncomfortable?"
D) CHATTY: "Can't help but be curious about all these weapons, are bodyguarding this lady over there?"
E) FLIRTY: "Oh dear, lovely ladies rarely come my way, especially in pairs~"
-
E - Will we ever actually manage one of these options?
-
D
-
E usually they come in trios
-
FLIRTY: "Oh dear, lovely ladies rarely come my way, especially in pairs~" The two look at you. Then, while 'Vanessa' has the look of someone wanting to murder you, her long-haired companion lets out a laugh.
"I like the way you speak, dear~" She leans in closer, laying her elbows on the counter and pressing her hands against her bust so it becomes more prominent.
"In fact, I am very happy to hear this from a handsome young man like you."
"I thought you wanted some synthol, not someone to sleep with?"
"I will gladly have both, you know." She looks you over and then smiles. "Well, how about some Blue Fire for me?" The mercenary girl crosses her arms and stares at you dispassionately.
You recall not being able to get Blue Fire recipe the last time someone requested it (http://www.bay12forums.com/smf/index.php?topic=180136.msg8402618;topicseen#msg8402618), but maybe this time...
Connecting...
Done!
Queries: blue fire
>1 result found:
BLUE FIRE: 51c
4 Shots of Wóda
Shot of Buenberry
Serve in a tank glass with ice.
That's a simple one, all things considered. You pour some Wóda in a tank and add crushed ice, then some Buenberry. The drink quickly gains neon-blue coloration to it, and you pass it to the fashionable woman. She pulls a gold-and-red credchip from the pocket of her jacket, letting you scan it. (+51c)
Today Earnings: 51c
Monthly Earnings: 5401.5c
Patron ID: Arma Mint
Occupation: Philantropist, Grand Duchess of Rix Prime (title revoked)
Conv.Style: FLIRTY
Liked drinks: sweet, fiery
Disliked drinks: bitter
She takes a sip and then purrs in delight.
"Just as I like it~"
To Arma:
A) "Thank you, I try."
B) FLIRTY: "Oh, and am I fitting into what you like about men as well~?"
C) CHATTY: "Well well, I did not expect to serve former royalty today, I am honored."
To 'Vanessa':
A) "Not gonna drink anything?"
B) FLIRTY: "Don't put on that face, I can manage two adult ladies at once~"
C) CHATTY: "So what about you, I hope you're not going to stay disgruntled at me for no reason?"
-
C (Arma)
-
These people, they are addicted to the green options!
B to arma
-
B to arma
-
FLIRTY: "Oh, and am I fitting into what you like about men as well~?"
"Well, you could be a bit taller~ but as they say-" She takes a sip of her mix. "It's not the size that matters, but the skills, no?" 'Vanessa' quietly keeps glaring at you, but, surprisingly, has stopped commenting about her charge's behavior.
A) "Yes!"
B) FLIRTY: "Oh yes, and I will let you know that I am very, very skilled~"
C) "I don't know, to be honest."
-
-
-
B
-
Does arnold actually have programming for that or is flirty programming writing checks it can't cash?
-
Does arnold actually have programming for that or is flirty programming writing checks it can't cash?
I don't think I want to see the flashback that would answer this question
C
-
B.
-
C
God, what have you people been getting poor Arnold into.
-
B then.
-
C
God, what have you people been getting poor Arnold into.
Bed with a Grand Duchess?
-
bbb
cc
FLIRTY: "Oh yes, and I will let you know that I am very, very skilled~" The former Grand Duches giggles and then runs a finger on the counter, licking her lips slowly.
"Say, you wouldn't be very busy right now, are you?" 'Vanessa' gets a little red-faced.
"Duchess! I object! You've just met this guy!"
"Oh, shush, Vanessa. So how's it, my cute bartender~?"
A) "Sadly, I'm working."
B) FLIRTY: "No, but I can get very busy with a stunning Duchess if she only wants it~!"
C) "No, I've got time."
-
B
-
A
-
B!
-
B.
-
B
-
Just to PTW and add to the large landslide of a vote
B
-
FLIRTY: "No, but I can get very busy with a stunning Duchess if she only wants it~!" The Duchess grins and then takes your hand.
"Come with me, then, dear, it's not like you have anyone else to serve." Your brain sufficiently excited about prospect of copulation, you leave your post and follow the Duchess - and the blonde mercenary follows you two.
"Duchess! This man is at work!" The woman in question just grins.
"Plase reconsider, my Duchess!" The mercenary repeats her annoyed plea, which elicits a giggle from the Duchess.
"If you're jealous Vanessa we can make it a threesome!" Arma yells, not even looking at the mercenary, as 'Vanessa' starts cursing and grumbling under her breath.
When you enter the interior spaces of Ocean Eleven and its cargo hold, you realize what it is - the cargo hold was refurbished into large, luxurious living area, complete with a small kitchen and a large bed and all sorts of entertainment and media devices.
The Duchess drags you in and locks the door right in front of her bodyguard's face.
1236USY.8d/1m.1030h
You lie down alongside the taller and bigger lady. The delicate sheets underneath your body feel luxurious and comfortable.
Your technical pre-programmed knowledge allowed your movements to be precise, your touch gentle, and your approach tactful. Your wetware chip kept your emotions in control and your manufactured organs, without a fault, kept you from reaching the peak too soon.
The Duchess, on other hand, after three hours of bed-side gymnastics, looks a bit dissappointed. She brushes her hair, then yours, with her hand, and looks at you.
"You were lovely, dear." She hums, without much emotion. "Though your movements were rather... I don't know, a bit... hm, maybe you were just trying too hard for your Duchess, trying to impress me, rather than have fun, yes~?"
A) FLIRTY: "If you want, you can test my skills once more just to be sure~"
B) "I did my best."
C) "Maybe you are right."
-
It's a bit disquieting that a combat slave clone was made with pre-programmed sexual knowledge/skills.
C seems accurate
-
I have such horrors to tell you about Arnold's past, before his military years and after. Keep looking for potential triggers, you might find them all!
-
C
-
"Maybe you are right." The Duchess smiles and pets your head.
"Well, now I feel like drinks... can I have a drink?"
"Of course."
1236USY.8d/1m.1032h
Two minutes later, you and the Duchess, clothed once more, leave the ship, and Arma walks right past 'Vanessa', who was apparently eavesdropping on you two doing the thing... but now she is leaning against the wall by the door to the cargo hold-turned-luxury suite.
Arms crossed on her chest and head slightly slumped, the mercenary girl is quietly snoring. Somehow she managed to master vertical sleeping without the need for slumber pod.
A) Wake the angy guard.
B) Let her sleep.
-
B
-
B
-
You let 'Vanessa' sleep and march back to the bar.
1236USY.8d/1m.1034h
Once there, you watch as the Duchess sits down and immediately places her chin on her hands. Her eyes are following your every move, except the times she glances somewhere else about you.
"Hm, let's see... what can I ask of my cute bartender... oh, Happiest Lemon, please." Another drink you've not encountered prior, so you start typing into the console...
Connecting...
Connecting...
Connecting...
Done!
Queries: happiest lemon
>1 result found:
HAPPIEST LEMON: 197c
2 Shots of Lemonstrade
2 Shots of Grapevine
Shot of Creme Blanco
Serve in a tank glass with ice and lemon slice.
Ice, crushed; three synthols - whiteish, yellowish and pinkish, mixed; drink, served. The Duchess looks at the drink for a moment and then lets you scan her ornate credchip again. (+197c)
Today Earnings: 248c
Monthly Earnings: 5598.5c
She lifts the glass, then takes a sip.
"Mm, haven't had this one for a while. Thank you."
A) "Any time."
B) CHATTY: "So, what's Vanessa's deal, exactly? She seems to hate me since the moment she heard my voice."
C) CHATTY: "I have to say, I did not expect to serve former royalty today, I am honored."
D) FLIRTY: "Now that we've gotten a little bit intimate, how about I get some intimate knowledge of your precious self~?"
E) FLIRTY: "Always honored and pleased to serve, my beloved Duchess~"
-
B
-
E
-
B
-
B.
-
CHATTY: "So, what's Vanessa's deal, exactly? She seems to hate me since the moment she heard my voice." The Duchess grins, takes a sip, then considers the question while running her right index finger over the rim of the glass.
"Ah, Vanessa... Vanessa. She can be a sweetheart, if a clingy one, but a sweet girl nonetheless. She is the daughter of the man that was my chief of security. She was raised to replace him but it all came crashing down and the position and the wealth associated with it was no longer for Vanessa. She decided that she will carry on her duties anyway, and I felt no reason to let her go. It's been two years and I have to say she is growing into fine, strong, independent young woman."
A) "I see."
B) CHATTY: "Does it have to do with you being former royalty, then?"
C) CHATTY: "So you two come from the same world and know each other for a long time, I assume?"
D) FLIRTY: "So did she refuse that threesome because of pride, or because of shyness, what do you think~?"
E) FLIRTY: "Maybe she has just pent-up frustration and stress that needs some controlled release~?"
-
A.
-
D
-
I just do not see the appeal.
A.
-
A
-
A
-
"I see."
"In time, she will get a little bit less abrasive." Arma explains and takes a sip of her beverage.
"And you? What brings a handsome guy like you all the way out here, in middle of nowhere?"
A) "I had nowhere else to go."
B) CHATTY: "After my liberation, I needed a place to stay and some work to get me fed and clothed."
C) FLIRTY: "Felt I need somewhere I can serve and chat with all the nice clientele~"
-
B
-
B
-
B
-
B
-
CHATTY: "After my liberation, I needed a place to stay and some work to get me fed and clothed."
"Oh..." Arma thinks briefly. "Oh, that explains a lot about you, then." She quickly downs the remainder of her mix.
"Still, I thought that former drone would prefer, I don't know, better integration with other organics? After all these years, wouldn't you want to seize the universe by storm?" The Duchess says dispassionately.
"But first, I would like another Blue Fire." As she speaks, you realize that the sensor console has started beeping. Some ship is en route to the station!
A) Excuse yourself and check the sensors.
B) Start mixing a Blue Fire.
C) CHATTY: "I'm sure that there's more than enough time and former drones to 'seize the universe', so to speak."
D) FLIRTY: "I'm just practicing before I conquer the unvierse with the power of universal love~!"
-
B
-
B.
-
Blue Fire first, then excuse ourselves to check the sensors
-
You quickly mix the Blue Fire again for the Duchess. She takes the glass happily and again you scan her credchip. (+51c)
Today Earnings: 299c
Monthly Earnings: 5649.5c
"Excuse me now, a ship is approaching the station." The Duchess waves her hand.
"Oh, worry not. I was actually curious what that beeping is." She takes a sip of Blue Fire as you leave for the command center to check the sensors.
Sensors Station Alert! IFF beacon translation in progress...
Done!
"Kuda", Viper-class Personal Battlecraft, approaching from direction of Eta Coridani Jump Gate.
Standard docking and refueling request received.
Fuel Pump assigned: #3 (authority: Automated Refueling AI)
Estimated arrival time: 6 minutes.
Another Battlecraft - who is it this time, a secret agent, a bounty hunter, a ruthless mercenary??
A) Hail the battlecraft.
B) Meeeh.
-
A - Vanessa might get upset if we have other Patrons on board whilst she's asleep, but hey ho
-
A
Get that mony.
-
A
-
You hail the battlecraft.
It takes few long moments before the pilot puts it through.
"Yes?"
"I'm Bartender Arnold, Outpost 254831 has drinks if you have credits."
"Noted."
There's a short pause as you ponder what to say before-
"Anything else?"
"Not really. Just advertising our services."
"Thank you. I will see you there."
And the call is ended by the Kuda. You return to the bar while the Duchess is finishing off her drink.
"More patrons?"
"Yes. Probably just one extra."
"The more the merrier as they say."
"That's true." Arma smiles, takes the last sip of her Blue Fire, and sets the glass down, sad pieces of half-melted ice huddling against each other.
A) "More drinks?"
B) CHATTY: "And to answer your question, I'm sure that there's more than enough time and former drones to 'seize the universe', so to speak."
C) CHATTY: "We've been talking about me but you're pretty secretive, so, let's turn the tables - what's up about you and your bodyguard?"
D) FLIRTY: "And to get back to the hot topic, I'm just practicing before I conquer the universe with the power of universal love~!"
-
C
-
C.
-
CHATTY: "We've been talking about me but you're pretty secretive, so, let's turn the tables - what's up about you and your bodyguard?" Arma lets out a hum.
"Oh, well, it is a long story."
"Trust me, I can handle long stories if last few days are any indicator." The Duchess chuckles.
"First of all, a Librarian, please." A new one. You quickly type it into the console...
Connecting...
Connecting...
Done!
Queries: librarian
>1 result found:
LIBRARIAN: 200c
2 Shots of Wóda
2 Shots of Meganekko
2 Shots of Creme Blanco
Serve in a tank glass.
You grab a clean tank, pour in some Wóda, then Meganekko, then Creme Blanco. The resultant mix is muddy, creamy and a little bit pink-tinted. You pass the glass to the Duchess, and shave off some credits off her credchip. (+200c)
Today Earnings: 499c
Monthly Earnings: 5849.5c
She takes a sip, then puts the glass down.
"Alright~ Well, my family ruled over Cordelia System since after the breakdown of old Federation few centuries ago. We had rich mineral colonies and quite a navy. When the war against EXO-Lumina began, my father threw his lot into it, hoping to score big on territories and profits. When the end of the war came, my two brothers and my dad were war casualties, so I became a Duchess for, oh, a month maybe? When the new Federation arrived with plebiscites and voting and mandatory liberation of indentured servants, I've suddenly found my household deprived of our riches, titles and territories."
"More or less, you lost everything and had to go into exile." Arma smiles sadly.
"Oh, I could see it coming for months, you know. Did my best to secure myself a private ship and some loyal servants, but in the end, only Vanessa agreed to follow through with me. Sweet girl. Her father taught her well. But yes, I'm living in exile, hopping from planet to outpost, from outpost to planet. At least they've left my account at Zanzibar Central intact, so I have few dozen million credits to spend on living."
"Not leaving anything for your family?"
"I would need to have one. My parents are dead, my brothers are too, and the only uncle I have doesn't want to have anything with me. A given, considering he wormed his way into Federal administration in Aries Sector. And I've long ago decided to not have any kids, so leaving a kid without money or loving parents is not a danger for me."
"So, then, what is the plan? Roam the galaxy until your body cannot go any longer?" Arma laughs softly and takes another sip of the Librarian.
"Oh, no, no... maybe few more years. Then I find myself a terraformed planet, or maybe some big space hub, to rent a luxurious house or apartment. I could cash in Ocean Eleven for several hundred thousand at the very least, if I need that. Vanessa wants to stay with me, but I think one day it will be better if we part ways. She is still young, has bright future before her and with her skills she will surely not have to fear unemployment."
"She is definitely ready for a fight, from what I've seen."
"Oh, that, and she is also a talented navigator, engineer, she knows mathematics and astrophysics, and can operate heavy machinery and computer, plus she can cook up a storm."
"She cooks?" Your wetware chip didn't see that coming.
"Oh, yes, very much. She has a good nose for spices and synthetic seasonings, and can prepare quite few dishes native to our star system. She can bake, too, but her cookies and pastries could see some improvement."
1236USY.8d/1m.1044h
With a hiss, the door open. You had a brief idea that talking about Vanessa's cooking have summoned her, but no, it's a new person - Kuda's pilot for sure.
The pilot in question is definitely a female android. Her pitch black hair contrasts spectacularly with her cyan-white synthetic skin and pair of purple eyes. While her face is whole, there are seams and lines on her exposed shoulders and calves, indicative of incomplete skin layering. She is wearing a bright red tank top and shorts of the same color, with heavy, black plasteel boots. Her hands are similarily incomplete, the joints of her fingers in particular being visible when she makes her way to the counter.
Only then you realize that she is wielding a sword - with ornate handle, sheathed diagonally across her back, the end of the scabbard poking slightly under her right armpit.
"Greetings. Ribesnero, shot." You consider the request for a brief moment before reaching for a shot glass and pouring some of the dark purple-blue synthol for the android. She pulls out her credchip, a black, unadorned square of plastic, lifting it for you to scan. (+5c)
Today Earnings: 504c
Monthly Earnings: 5854.5c
Patron ID: Android Model KILL-S424 (Call Name: Mayako Kuda)
Ownership: none
Occupation: Licensed Bounty Hunter
Conv.Style: CHILLY
Liked drinks: N/A
Disliked drinks: N/A
She takes a sip of the sour synthol, while the Duchess observes.
"What is the reason behind the staring?" Mayako asks, not looking at anyone in particular.
"Simple curiosity, dear."
"Noted." The Duchess purses her lips, and turns back to you, and her drink, taking a sip.
CHOOSE YOUR CONVERSATIONAL PARTNER:
A) Mayako: "Greetings as well."
B) Mayako: CHATTY: "What brings a licensed bounty hunter android girl all the way out there?"
C) Mayako: FLIRTY: "I would like to note that you're very pretty to the eye, indeed, you draw the stares of the entire room, you know~?"
D) Arma: CHATTY: "You were talking about Vanessa and your plans for the future?"
E) ...Or just add to sour awkwardness of the situation and do some idle bartending!
-
A
-
C
Somehow I feel she would appreciate it. She may be chilly, but perhaps a self-owned android would appreciate complements to her body-mods.
-
A
-
B
-
A
-
"Greetings as well." Mayako shoots you a stare, nods, and then resumes sipping her Ribesnero.
The Duchess rolls her eyes, and sips her drink too.
It doesn't seem that the android is in mood for, or interested in, a chat.
A) CHATTY: "Duchess, you were talking about Vanessa and your plans for the future?"
B) Idle bartender time, then?
-
A
-
B
-
B
-
B.
-
B
-
You decide to idly contemplate the arrangement of the glasses on the shelves.
1236USY.8d/1m.1048h
The Duchess puts down her glass, now empty, and sighs.
"What atmosphere... I need another drink, my good bartender. Some Asteroids, if you wish to please me~" You start mixing the drink, when suddenly-
"And I-" The android lady looks up at you. "Need information. If you wish to be of help." You slide the glass full of ice-cooled mixture to the Duchess, and she lets you beep her credchip once more. (+71c)
Today Earnings: 575c
Monthly Earnings: 5925.5c
"I'm looking for someone." The android says, still staring at you, and whilst Arma gives Mayako a side glance, your brain fills in some ideas why an android bounty hunter might be looking for someone.
A) "Sorry, customer confidentality and all that."
B) "I promise nothing, but I will try to help."
-
B
-
B
-
B
-
"I promise nothing, but I will try to help." Mayako's irises light up with numerous tiny white lights, blinking and fading for several seconds.
"I'm searching for whereabouts of a Centaurian. Rank, Commissar. Name, Sieverta Wodnekrojjk. Bald. Shorter than you, of average build. Travels alone in a small personal courier craft. She has been traveling into this part of the Zanzibar Sector according to my last source." Mayako drinks the remainder of her Ribesnero and looks at you, while the Duchess props herself on her left arm, idly listening to the description.
"Do you know anything about her?"
A) "Yes. (insert what you know here)"
B) "No."
C) "Maybe, what do I get out of it?"
-
For context, we have indeed met this person (http://www.bay12forums.com/smf/index.php?topic=180136.msg8418403#msg8418403).
We could share information on when it was, her ship, or where she came from/left for. We didn't learn much from her otherwise. She seemed nice enough though.
Option C implies we do know of her, but we don't owe wither of these people anything. I suppose the question is if we want to start a reputation for confidentiality, and how much that is worth us...
-
might as well be honest within an extent, say nothing about what happened in the bar, give no actual information besides that they were here.
A, They came through here at [insert date here], paid for drinks, and left. (I) have not seen, nor heard of them since.
-
Date was 2d/1m, just about 6 days ago. She came from Eta Coridani and left for Poseidonis.
-
Honesty is the best policy, tell her everything!
-
"Yes. She visited this outpost to refuel her ship and have some drinks on the 2nd of this month, in the evening. Her ship came through Eta Coridanii Jump Gate and then headed for Poseidonis. I haven't seen her since." The android's irises blink with red and white lights and then she smiles.
"Thank you for the information. I'm on the right track then." She pushes the shot glass towards you.
"Please prepare a Fake Brandy for me." You're going to learn so many recipes today, it seems!
Tappitytaptap...
Connecting...
Done!
Queries: fake brandy
>1 result found:
FAKE BRANDY: 35c
2 Shots of Skinjuice
Shot of Grenadiere
Shot of Wóda
Serve in a cocktail glass.
You mix two parts Skinjuice with one part Grenadiere and Wóda, and the resultant mix has this clear shade of caramel brown. You pass the mix to Mayako, who gently sniffs at it, causing her irises to blink twice. Her credchip is made available for scanning once again. (+35c)
Today Earnings: 610c
Monthly Earnings: 5960.5c
Mayako takes a sip, with Duchess sprawls her arms on the counter, looking the android over.
"You don't happen to be in a rush right now, yes?"
"Why do you ask?"
"I mean, such a hardworking but cute bounty hunter has to unwind, no? I could help~"
"I require no sexual intimacy nor am I interested in any."
"Hmph. Rejected." Arma hides her face between her hands while Mayako sips her Fake Brandy some more.
A) To Mayako: "What's the bounty on the Commissar?"
B) To Mayako: CHATTY: "You obviously don't require human-like stuff to survive, but why synthol, then?"
C) To Arma: CHATTY: "Duchess, have you ever considered creating a harem so that you do not have to find a new partner at every place you stop by?"
-
C
-
A.
-
A
-
A
-
A
(Just finished reading this from the beginning and thought to join in. Wonderful stuff, Haspen!)
-
(Just finished reading this from the beginning and thought to join in. Wonderful stuff, Haspen!)
Thanks!
Now go read all the Spamkingdoms too :P
"What's the bounty on the Commissar?"
"Two million."
"I assume standard credits."
"Correct assumption."
"What did she do?"
"Governess of a slave camp. Her line of defenses was 'only following orders'. Federation overlooks offenses of such Centaurians to ensure orbital prisons are not overcrowded with them. Doesn't stop families of camp victims to put a bounty. Now I pursue it. That is all." Mayako sips her fake brandy.
Arma in the meanwhile, has begun quietly snoring.
A) Gently wake up the Duchess.
B) "Are you a bounty hunter for long?"
C) CHATTY: "You obviously don't require human-like stuff to survive, but why synthol, then?"
-
C
-
B
-
B
-
"Are you a bounty hunter for long?"
2
"Yes. Cease your questioning." The android bounty hunter turns to her and drinks the remainder of it.
A) Gently wake the Duchess.
B) Idly tend the bar.
-
B
-
B
-
B
-
B
-
You idle the bartending functions.
1236USY.8d/1m.1059h
You don't, however, idle for long, when the main gate opens and 'Vanessa' stomps inside, her right hand on the handle of her energy fork.
"Hands off the Duchess!" She loudly proclaims, stepping between Mayako and the sleeping Arma. She turns to the Duchess and grimaces, seeing the woman passed out.
"As usual. Who you are and why are you armed in presence of the Duchess?" 'Vanessa' asks, crossing her arms and menacingly intruding into Android's personal space. Mayako sips her mix before answering.
"I'm an android bounty hunter."
"And?"
"I hunt people upon whom bounties are placed." 'Vanessa' grits her teeth and then worms her way between Duchess' arm and body, lifting her off her seat.
"R-right... its undignified for the Duchess to sleep in here, I will be back." Slowly, but steadily, the blonde mercenary carries her charge towards the main gate.
When the gate closes behind them, Mayako looks at you.
"Curious set of customers, you have."
A) "Oh, very, yes."
B) CHATTY: "It seems that meeting strange people is a unspoken part of the job description for SRC bartenders."
C) FLIRTY: "Don't even get me started, the Duchess there is a sex maniac and I was her newest victim of love~"
-
A - I think our neutral Stance is probably most appropriate for Chilly
-
A.
-
A
-
A
-
"Oh, very, yes." Mayako hums, and drinks the remainder of the mix.
"Do they come often?"
"Who?"
"Curious sets of customers." You briefly consider the weird customers and situations over the last... eight days. The bounty hunting sisters, the sad heiress, the crazy suicide cultist woman, the secret agent who isn't a secret agent, the Vahin'Ti...
"Had quite a share of them." Mayako smiles.
"Must be entertaining. An adventure."
"That's one way to put it." The android pushes the cocktail glass towards you.
"Shot of Fungus Malus, please."
You quickly pour a shot of the greenish synthol into a shot glass and pass it to the android. Mayako lets you scan her credchip for the third time. (+10c)
Today Earnings: 620c
Monthly Earnings: 5970.5c
She then takes a sip, before putting the glass down with neutral expression on her face.
A) "Why Fungus Malus?"
B) Make some bartending noises.
C) "Are you bored of bounty hunting?"
-
A
-
"Why Fungus Malus?" Mayako looks at you.
"It is cheap. It has simple chemical composition. And just because." She takes a sip.
"After many visits at SRC outposts I have analyzed synthols available. There's not much change except in pricing. Therefore, I imbibe cheaper synthols and enjoy them the same as others do exquisite, expensive mixes." Mayako sets the shot glass down.
And that's when the main gate hisses and opens. 'Vanessa' marches towards the counter and takes a seat, the same that was occupied by her employer just minutes ago.
"Apologies. You've seen the Duchess in a state you shouldn't. I hope at least you've enjoyed her attentions." The blonde says with a scowl, and crosses her legs, the black suit making a little squeak.
"You want a drink?"
"Technically, I am at work, but, uh..." She rubs her chin and then shrugs. "Fine. One glass won't hurt."
"What will it be?"
"Oh, huh, hmm... oh I dunno. Something cheap. And not too strong."
A) "And more specifically?"
B) (prepare her a synthol or a mix that might be both 'cheap' and 'not too strong'.)
-
Mayako seems to be an expert in cheap synthols, how about we ask?
-
Wait, we have one for this!
B make her a Five Finger Discount (http://www.bay12forums.com/smf/index.php?topic=180136.msg8493936#msg8493936).
It's a mix of flavours (fiery, fruity, sweet, and sour), so hopefully not strong, and definitely cheap.
-
More expensive than a shot, but I guess that's the point of the mix, to scam customers out of their money by giving them a big drink of cheap stuff.
-
B. Five Finger discount.
-
B Five Finger discount
-
B Five Finger Discount
-
You quickly prepare her a Five Finger Discount, the resultant mix being pinkish and cherry amongst the heap of crushed ice. 'Vanessa' takes the glass and looks into it, then sniffs at it. After a brief moment, she fishes a small black credchip from a pocket of her combat suit, and lets you scan it. (+41c)
Today Earnings: 661c
Monthly Earnings: 6011.5c
Patron ID: Vanessa M'Kezi
Occupation: Bodyguard
Conv.Style: FIERY
Liked drinks: fiery, sweet
Disliked drinks: sour, bitter
Vanessa takes a big gulp of the drink and immediately regrets her decision, grimacing at the taste. She clears her throat and puts the glass down.
"What is this swill?"
"Five Finger Discount."
"And this costed me forty one credits?"
"Yep."
"A scam!"
"I recall that you've asked for something cheap. The end result is your own fault." Mayako quips before you can, not paying attention to Vanessa's death glare, and sips some more of her bitter synthol.
"Uh, whatever..." Vanessa looks morbidly into her glass, but does lift it up for another, smaller, sip.
A) Mayako: "Are you bored of bounty hunting?"
B) Vanessa: "How's the drink, besides a 'scam' and a 'swill'?"
C) Vanessa: CHATTY: "Now that we've broken the ice in the drink, what's with your bodyguarding of the Duchess?"
D) Vanessa: CHATTY: "I've spoken with the Duchess about you before, was your family close to hers perhaps?"
E) Vanessa: FLIRTY: "Trust me, if this drink doesn't help you relax, I can do it for you instead, somewhere private of course~"
-
B
-
A
-
B
-
"How's the drink, besides a 'scam' and a 'swill'?"
"Uh, terrible, what else? Barely drinkable." Vanessa says, taking another sip. "Well, maybe I am too harsh, it's just a very nasty combination of sweet and sour. Next time I ask for something cheap, give me a straight shot instead of this! Got it?"
"Got it." Vanessa harrumps and then stretches her arms upwards. Then goes back to her drink.
"And how's the life here, barkeep? I mean, compared to me running along the Duchess, your life seems... stable. Easy. And you get to meet all the interesting people too, no?" She lifts the glass, sipping more of the mix you've gotten her.
A) "It's great, actually."
B) "Could be better, but I can't complain."
C) "Eehhhh..."
D) "Last days do not make me optimistic for my future here."
E) "It's terrible. It's either silence, or cheesy drama serie. Singular!"
-
B
-
B.
honestly I'm surprised there's no "its better than being a drone." option.
-
"Could be better, but I can't complain." Vanessa hums, and then drinks the remainder of her mix.
"I hoped for a more definite response." The blonde says, while the black-haired android on her side finishes her own drink.
"I am done here. Thank you for information." Mayako says and leaves her seat.
"And now I'm left with the bartender, alone." Vanessa quips, watching Mayako leave, just as you hear a beep from security console.
A) Well, let's go check that console!
B) "Another drink?"
C) CHATTY: "Now that we're alone, what's with your bodyguarding of the Duchess?"
D) CHATTY: "I've spoken with the Duchess about you before, was your family close to hers perhaps?"
E) FLIRTY: "Well, if we're alone, we can have some fun together then, right~?"
-
A
-
A.
-
You slink away from the bar, to the inpassionate, if maybe annoyed, stare from Vanessa.
The security console informs you that Tyomas' ship, the Croissant, has undocked, and is on its way to Eta Coridanii.
You wait for the immediate follow-up beep.
1236USY.8d/1m.1109h
And a minute later, it comes - Kuda, Mayako's battlecraft, launches and speeds off towards Poseidonis Jump Gate. You wonder if you will meet her, or the Commissar, for that matter, ever again.
When you come back to the bar, Vanessa is pretty busy doing stretches - she is bending her back backwards, arms outstretched upwards and fingers interlaced, her hair reaching almost down to the floor, her head tilted. Her black suit can't be that tight of a fit if she can do such stretches.
"Aaahfinaaallyyy~" She gasps in a decidedly lighter and happier voice, then notices you at the edge of her vision and quickly lifts herself up, blushing and glaring.
"Can't I have some privacy here?" Vanessa barks, then straightens her siting, hands on her lap, grumbling something that your ears cannot register.
A) "I heard that."
B) "Another drink?"
C) CHATTY: "Now that we're alone, what's with your bodyguarding of the Duchess?"
D) CHATTY: "I've spoken with the Duchess about you before, was your family close to hers perhaps?"
E) FLIRTY: "Well, if we're alone, we can have some fun together then, right~?"
-
A.
-
E
let chaos reign
-
E
Why not?
-
A
-
A
-
"I heard that." Vanessa perks up in surprise, and then blushes again.
"Uh, whatever, you're not that bad." She says and then looks aside for a while, sighing.
A) "Another drink?"
B) CHATTY: "Now that we're alone, what's with your bodyguarding of the Duchess?"
C) CHATTY: "I've spoken with the Duchess about you before, was your family close to hers perhaps?"
D) FLIRTY: "Well, if we're alone, we can have some fun together then, right~?"
-
A.
-
D!
-
D!
-
A
-
A
-
"Another drink?" Vanessa glances at you.
"I wish, but I already had one. Think about it - I gotta be ready, you know! Ready to serve, I mean. It would be rude of me if I weren't able to serve the Duchess if she needed my assistance suddenly because I'm drunk, or too busy partying! I gotta think about her safety and comfort, after all, all the time. Because if not me, who else will think of that?"
A) CHATTY: "Now that we're alone, what's with your bodyguarding of the Duchess?"
B) CHATTY: "I've spoken with the Duchess about you before, was your family close to hers perhaps?"
C) CHATTY: "And when you will think about yourself for a change?"
D) FLIRTY: "Well, if we're alone, we can have some fun together then, right~?"
E) Shrug and idling is the answer.
-
C
-
C
-
C.
-
CHATTY: "And when you will think about yourself for a change?"
5*
The question makes Vanessa gag on the air she is breathing, it seems. After few seconds of confusion, she lets out a gasp, and then looks aside.
"I... uh." She exhales through her nose.
"Whatever!" She turns on her seat and seems ready to catapult herself away and towards the gate, but just sits there for a long moment.
Slowly, she adjusts herself so that she is facing you again, a soft blush on her face.
"I don't like thinking about myself because... because! Alright? Like... whatever, geez." She glances at you, seemingly mulling over in her thoughts, before she sighs.
"Alright, fine, get me something chea- a shot of Cherrybomb." With a nod, you grab a shot glass and pour some of the bubbly cherry-colored synthol into it. After passing it over to Vanessa, she lets you ping her credchip. (+10c)
Today Earnings: 671c
Monthly Earnings: 6021.5c
Vanessa takes the shot glass, looks at it mournfully, then downs the synthol in one go.
She lets out a sigh afterwards.
"I don't know how I'm supposed to think about myself, alright? Uh, I've spent my childhood growing up for this role. The Duchess and her family and palace was supposed to be my everything. I was supposed to be rewarded with titles and money and prestige and... and then it came crashing down. I'm basically homeless, and in fact, if not for Arma, I mean, the Duchess, I would be creditless too! I'm stressing over the idea I might lose her one day. By accident or by my fault. Especially my fault. What's a bodyguard that fails to ensure safety of their employer? I can't fail her!" Vanessa only briefly gets upset this time, and pushes the glass away from herself.
With a sigh, she leans away, thinking, then snaps back to straight position.
"Sorry. I'm feel I'm being a a bitch towards you, and its my fault." A slight blush and aside glance tell you that the blonde mercenary isn't one to apologize and certainly isn't comfortable with apologizing.
"But no more drinks, for now." She smiles softly, and props her chin on her gloved hands, eyeing you with curiosity.
A) "Anything else?"
B) CHATTY: "Hey, so you're her bodyguard, what's the whole story behind the exile though?"
C) CHATTY: "If you need to relax, there are other ways, and I'm not talking about Arma's usual pleasure."
D) CHATTY: "Pretty sure, from what I've heard, you're multi-talented. Why not find another, less stressful line of work?"
E) FLIRTY: "If you need to relax, there are other ways, and I'm sure you know what sort of relaxation I am talking about~"
-
C
-
C
-
D
-
C
-
C
-
CHATTY: "If you need to relax, there are other ways, and I'm not talking about Arma's usual pleasure." Vanessa tilts her head and purses her lips, humming.
"Like what? What do you do to relax, bartender?"
Good question.
A) "Have you considered sitting by a window and gazing out at the stars and darkness outside?"
B) "Reading interesting articles on bartending trivia is definitely a good time-waster!"
C) "I have this serie of cheesy holo-vid media, but it's one way to kill time."
D) "I have a nap or two. Sleep is always a good answer, no?"
-
B
She did ask what we do to relax... even though bartending trivia is probably not interesting to her.
-
C
We must spread the good news about Captain... whatever his name was.
-
C
-
C
-
C.
-
A
spaaaaaaaace
also it's a little bit romantic
-
C
-
"I have this serie of cheesy holo-vid media, but it's one way to kill time." Vanessa grimaces, humming.
"Holo-vids? Honestly, fantasies and fiction are not for me. I... don't think I could get into the mindset to really forget myself and enjoy the wild stuff in them. Maybe... maybe one day. Some other time. Uh, whatever." She taps the counter a little bit before looking at you again.
"What else?"
A) Le shrug.
B) "Have you considered sitting by a window and gazing out at the stars and darkness outside?"
C) "Reading interesting articles on bartending trivia is definitely a good time-waster!"
D) "I have a nap or two. Sleep is always a good answer, no?"
-
B
Void cultist? Void cultist. This line really sounds like we did join Rag and Rock
-
A
-
B
-
B
-
B
-
B.
-
B
-
"Have you considered sitting by a window and gazing out at the stars and darkness outside?" Vanessa chuckles.
"Yes, of course, I watch them every time I have to pilot Duchess' ship. They are right outside, you know?"
"I do not mean watching them as you perform your duties. I mean watching them... by sitting still, and just enjoying the view."
"Just that?"
"Yes, kick back, relax, stare out into the sea of shiny dots and local phenomena." Vanessa scratches her cheek.
"Just that, huh..."
A) "Try it out in the ship's cockpit, when it's docked and you do not have to watch over anything."
B) "Try it out, I could let you into my weapons station. It has a cupola so you have half the cosmos in plain view."
C) "Well, if that's also not for you, how about just taking a nap or two to pass the time?"
D) "Well, if that's also not for you, you could be like me and read trivia articles. Some of the stuff is actually intereting!"
-
B
-
B.
-
A - Even if you're angling for a private rendezvous, letting Patrons into the *Weapons Station* sounds like a bad habit to get into
-
A
-
B
-
A
-
A - Even if you're angling for a private rendezvous, letting Patrons into the *Weapons Station* sounds like a bad habit to get into
It's fine. Change your vote.
-
"Try it out, I could let you into my weapons station. It has a cupola so you have half the cosmos in plain view." Vanessa looks at you with curiosity.
"Like, right now?"
"Absolutely right now, it's not like I have anyone else here to tend to." The blonde mercenary leans away from the counter, staring at her gloved hands and definitely having a moment to think about it.
"It sounds like you're trying to take me on a date somewhere private."
"It is not a date, rest assured, I'm just trying to help you relax." She looks at you, and then shrugs, a smirk curving her lips slightly.
"Alright then... it can't hurt to try."
1236USY.8d/1m.1118h
You take Vanessa into the command center and then, by the stairs, and later, by the ladder, into the weapons cupola. There's just enough place for both of you to stand, but you quickly move aside to let - and indicate - the girl to sit down in the large control chair.
She immediately looks over the controls and weapon statistics with visible spark of curiosity in her eyes.
"The stars and the cosmos are up there, miss." Vanessa glares at you and then leans into the chair.
"Uh, sorry! Sorry, force of habit. And call me Vanessa, I'm pretty sure I'm not a stranger at this point." She takes a breath and places her hands behind her head, genuinely trying to relax, it seems. "And, what now? Just stare into the abyss?"
"That is correct, just enjoy the view." Vanessa does exactly that.
For about five seconds.
"So that orange star is the primary, and that smaller thing? The gas giant?"
"You are correct on that, yes."
"I see, I see." Vanessa looks past the closest items and into the background mosaic of galaxies, dotting the sides of the bright, milky-like arm of the galaxy humanity is contained to.
She takes a deep breath, and places her hands on her lap. She is one fidgety girl, you have to note.
A) Stare along for a while.
B) "What are you thinking about right now?"
-
Oops, saw Egan's post but didn't notice bob's vote, so this is what you guys are getting :P
-
A
-
didn't notice bob's vote
No problem there. :)
A Anyway, let's stare along
-
A
-
You decide to stare along.
1236USY.8d/1m.1123h
It doesn't take you long to realize that Vanessa has stopped fidgeting in her seat, and has been duly taken in by observation of the universe.
When you turn to look at her, you realize that she fell asleep. Head tilted right-ways, her breathing is slow and calm.
A) Gently wake her up.
B) Let her sleep, and return to your work station.
C) Contemplate the stars alone, for now.
-
We'd be able to hear any alerts from here, right?
C - Keep enjoying the opportunity for quiet contemplation
I'm sure something will demand out attention eventually, but for now, let's chill out. She apparently needs the sleep, and we can't leave her alone in here.
-
C.
If nothing else it’ll be amusing to confuse the Dutchess into thinking we seduced her all in one guard and servant in the time she’s been out for her nap.
-
C
-
You decide to stargaze for a while all by yourself.
And to keep an eye on Vanessa, just in case.
1236USY.8d/1m.1531h
In last four hours, she fidgeted only twice; both times she moved rightways, which ended with her right cheek pressed against soft siber-coat of the chair.
But now the sleeping mercenary is waking up, quickly sitting up straight when her half-asleep self realizes she is in unfamiliar place.
"Ah, right, you." She mumbles, noticing you, and rubs her face some, letting out a pained hum.
"Sorry. The stargazing didn't work out. I mean. How long was I asleep?"
"You've been napping for slightly over four hours, Vanessa."
"Uh, geez..." She pulls a small communicator from her pocket and checks the display for something.
"Well, the Duchess is still sleeping..." The blonde says, before stretching her arms upwards with a happy sigh.
A) "Feel free to take another four-hour nap, if you want, of course."
B) "Up for another drink and/or a little chat, perhaps?"
-
A.
Honestly, it’ll amuse me if the dutchess is actually awake and simply not bothering her because she vanished at the same time as us.
-
B
-
B
-
"Up for another drink and/or a little chat, perhaps?" Vanessa quickly evacuates the seat.
"No, no... maybe, I mean, thanks for letting me sleep. Let's go back for now."
1236USY.8d/1m.1532h
Vanessa takes a seat in front of the counter as you make your way behind the bar.
"To be honest, I should be going back to Ocean Eleven... check the navnews, and the piracy reports... maybe check on the Duchess..." She muses, but it seems the nap did her good in terms of not hyperfixating herself on her duties - at least for now.
A) "Want a drink?"
B) CHATTY: "Hey, so you're her bodyguard, what's the whole story behind the exile though?"
C) FLIRTY: "If you want, you can check out me instead, just like your friend did~"
-
B.
-
A
-
A
-
"Want a drink?"
"No. Uh, I mean..." She looks at you.
You look at her.
After a while, Vanessa blushes slightly and waves dismissively at you.
"Uh, alright. A shot of Cherrybomb. No, wait." She thinks for a second or two. "Skinjuice this time." You nod and pour her a shot of clearer, yellower Skinjuice this time. You hand her a drink, she lets you scan her credchip. (+10c)
Today Earnings: 681c
Monthly Earnings: 6031.5c
She quickly takes a sip.
"So, uh... how to ask this..." She ponders the question on her mind, looking away from your face.
"Why did you sleep with Arma. I mean, you just met her!" Vanessa asks out of the blue, but your organic brainparts make you wonder how long this particular question was gnawing on the mercenary's mind.
And that this feels a little bit like a minefield of sorts.
A) "I like them big and confident."
B) "To impress another girl."
C) "It's lonely and cold out here, in space."
D) "She offered, I took it."
E) "To mess with the expectations."
F) "I will answer only if you tell me if you're jealous."
G) "Because I thought it might get me somewhere."
H) "It was spontaneous decision, really."
I) "It's part of the service here."
-
H
It was. On our part, not Arnold's, but what does he know?
-
D
-
H
-
H.
-
H
-
Mates, that option is the least likely to get a flashback.
-
I - It's part of the service
D
-
D
-
D
-
I - It's part of the service
Added :P
-
I
-
ddd
hhhh
ii
"It was spontaneous decision, really." Vanessa looks at you funny.
"You really ought to think your decisions before you take them, geez. What if she was a succubus? Or if she wasn't on mensblock? You could be dead now. Or a dad-in-making!" She scoffs, eyeing you with curiosity.
A) "I could handle all that."
B) CHATTY: "I'm definitely equipped to handle the duties of parental figure, you know?"
C) CHATTY: "I can keep up with this weird conversation if you drop the strange words."
D) FLIRTY: "And since when you know about lusty demons? Are you one yourself in hiding, perhaps?"
-
A
-
D
-
A
-
A.
-
D
-
A
-
D
-
aaaa
ddd
Close one :P
"I could handle all that." Vanessa sighs a little bit, propping her chin with her left hand.
"Uh-huh, whatever, I've heard that a few times before." She says with a grin, and then shrugs.
"You're not in relationship, then?"
A) "I think I have someone..."
B) "No."
C) CHATTY: "If you're interested in starting one, I'm not against it."
D) FLIRTY: "If you want someone at your bed-side to keep you company, count me in~"
-
B
-
B
-
C.
-
C
Sure, why not.
-
C
-
C
-
B
-
C
-
bbb
ccccc
CHATTY: "If you're interested in starting one, I'm not against it." Vanessa blushes, then looks aside, grumbling and huffing.
"That's not what I meant, or wanted, I mean, uh, what kinda relationship would that be? Who knows when I would visit you again, anyway? Knock it off." She says with an annoyed huff.
A) "Okay."
B) CHATTY: "You will never know if it works or not unless you try, and I'm open to the idea."
C) FLIRTY: "Trust me, that will make our subsequent meetings that much more exciting and passionate~"
-
A
-
A
-
A
Wasn't everyone trying to get in bed with the dude from way back in the beginning anyway?
-
A.
And? we also got in bed with a former Dutchess.
-
A.
And? we also got in bed with a former Dutchess.
Right, so clearly trying to get into a committed relationship with this random isn't in our interests right now. Although that seemed more like a one-time thing which wouldn't prevent getting into one AFTERWARD, the fact that people will likely keep finding someone to bone does.
-
A - A relationship doesn't have to be exclusive, but that's also not something we need to push on people
-
"Okay." Vanessa looks at you, and there's some sort of doubt or perhaps discontent, but its fleeting. She instead takes her shot glass and drinks the remainder of her Skinjuice.
"Uh... geez, whatever." She turns to the right and slides off the seat.
"I will be going back to the ship for now. If Duchess feels like more drinks, I will be back with her, of course." Vanessa starts walking towards the gate, turning only briefly to give you an awkward hand-wave.
You hand-wave back, and the gate closes behind her.
1236USY.8d/1m.1539h
You finish cleaning Vanessa's glasses and tap at the counter.
Now what?
A) Bartending trivia!
B) Zirconius series!
C) Maybe some stargazing?
D) Actually, lets visit the Duchess and her mercenary?
-
B
-
A
-
A
-
Bartending trivia, you reckon, is the good idea of the moment.
1236USY.8d/1m.1635h
Fungus Malus, as it is, has been once an organic alcohol. Apparently, if the story is correct (as its been over four hundred years), it was first brewed from potent hallucinogenic mushrooms found on the surface of Beta Dromedarii VI, and has been known to induce powerful 'trips' that sometimes lasted for over twenty-four hours. The chemical formula of the mushroom's oil was first synthetized in 1093 by nowadays unknown chemist, which helped preserve the brew even when ecological damage to the small homeworld of the shroom caused its rapid extinction. Synthol Refueling Conglomerate bought exclusive rights to synthesis of the oily substance after modifying its formula to remove the hallucinogetic properties, leaving inebriation potency intact. The formula editation unfortunately caused the shift of flavor from a spicy, sour one to a more bitter one, something that synthol 'purists' consider a real tragedy.
A) Another article could be just as interesting as this one!
B) Time for a change of topic - load up Zirconius series!
C) Some slow time doing some stargazing won't hurt.
D) Could Vaness and Arma enjoy a little visit? Won't know until I do!
-
A.
-
B
-
B
-
B
-
B
-
A
-
You go back to the quarters and load up next episode of Zirconius, a second today. Are the series growing on you, you don't know.
You skip the theme song because it's getting on your nerves, that's for sure.
1236USY.8d/1m.1700h
The date is 666 United Space Year. Yarna Colins, Hiro Zirconius' ex-fiancee, begins reminiscing about her failed engagement to the Captain, back when he was a Cadet. A night of passion, which started in a nightclub full of smoke and cheap alcohol and ended in an offline sleep pod; a week of dating, including a quick trip of Pacifica Resort Planet, a month of deliberation, up to and including talking about having kids and buying a planetside apartment - all coming crashing down because of a big fight they had over finances and their respective careers. While Zirconius is amenable to try again, Colins shoots him down, and he shrugs, mentioning that he expected it of her.
Past quickly revealed and tossed aside, Zirconius then demands to know if Yarna's appointment has to do something with Marga Trellis' death few days earlier, and Colins confirms that; she is investigations officer doing work on the Crim Baron Costello and his probable ties to some politicians that are being covertly investigated for corrutpion and crime dealings. She informs him that crucial piece of possible evidence was lately destroyed and becasue his ship delivered it, she decided to tag along. Zirconius asks if it was Esmeralda's Comms Core that got destroyed and Colins confirms it - a plasma discharge from the cargo hold power conduit fried its memory banks. Zirconius mulls over the fact that he hasn't heard any of this, and mentions that his ship has copies of the memory banks. He decides to team up with Colins, and welcomes her aboard Hyperion-3.
The next morning, Zirconius receives his orders - he is put off the patrol schedule and is to accompany Yarna on her investigation ob, lending the firepower of Hyperion-3 to her. Next stop: Gamma Utena Spaceport, Centauri Sector, home to the rising political instability and democratic backsliding.
Thus ends Chapter 9.
A) Bartending trivia will be better than this.
B) Another episode. They can't have any more office-talking episodes like this lined up, right? Right??
C) This actually got me in the mood for a nap!
-
C
-
C
-
C.
-
B
CHEEESE
-
C
-
You decide to take it easy for a while.
1236USY.8d/1m.1726h
Doesn't last long until you hear the hiss of the main gate opening. You head back to the bar, just in time to see the Duchess, all smiles and refreshed, take a seat at the bar, wearing a lavish, blood-red dress with obviously deep cleavage. Large, thin rings of some glossy metal adorn her ears.
Vanessa is there also, stopping behind and to the left of the Duchess. She is seemingly well-rested, still wearing that black combat uniform of hers, her hands behind her back. She is looking at you in silence.
"Hello dear bartender~" Arma leans forward and reaches to your head, ruffling your hair.
Nobody ruffled your hair before.
This is new input!
A) Freak out.
B) "Please refrain from messing my hair."
C) CHATTY: "I wouldn't be opposed to this kind of affection next time you visit as well, but please ask first."
D) FLIRTY: "Aw, I'm so magnetic that you can't keep your hands off me~?"
-
A
-
C
settin' boundaries
-
D.
-
C
-
C
-
C
-
CHATTY: "I wouldn't be opposed to this kind of affection next time you visit as well, but please ask first." Arma smiles widely.
"Oh, keep on being so handsome and cute, and we definitely will visit again. That said, we're leaving in about half an hour?" The Duchess looks at Vanessa, who nods curtly.
"And I want to start a new day on a good mood. That's what a Startini is for, no~?" Arma chuckles and wiggles her fingers at you. "One Startini, dear."
You nod and prepare the mix you already know. Three parts Grapevine and one part Saproot make for a sweet, and not very strong, amber mix in a fancy glass. You pass it to Arma, and she lets you scan her fancy credchip in return. (+106c)
Today Earnings: 787c
Monthly Earnings: 6137.5c
"Thank you muchly." Arma puts her credchip back into her dress and then eagerly seizes the glass, taking a sip.
CHOOSE YOUR CONVERSATIONAL PARTNER:
A) Vanessa: "Want a drink?"
B) Vanessa: CHATTY: "I hope you had a pleasant nap after all this partying at my bar?"
C) Arma: "Where are you off to?"
D) Arma: CHATTY: "Curious, are you counting your days between one sleeping period and another rather than standard clock?"
E) Arma: FLIRTY: "If you're up for it, why not start a new day with a big bang, if you know what I mean~?"
-
D
-
B
-
B
-
B.
-
B
-
C
-
C
-
CHATTY: "I hope you had a pleasant nap after all this partying at my bar?" At this, Vanessa visibly fidgets, while Arma perks up.
"Vanessa partying? And I wasn't invited?"
"You were asleep, Duchess, so I privied myself a... a drink." Arma's eyes go between you and Vanessa few times before she takes a sip of her Startini.
"One drink?"
"...Three drinks."
"No hot bartender action, though?" Vanessa's face lights up like a red neon light at the mention of that and she stutters.
"I was just joking, Vanessa, please calm down." With a little giggle, the Duchess sips her mix again. The mercenary does calm down, but not before shooting you a glare that would kill you, if it could.
"Though I'm glad you've at least got yourself some synthol, Vanessa. You don't have to keep watch over me all-"
"It is my duty, Duchess. I don't mind." Vanessa quips with a quieter voice, running a finger into collar of her combat uniform, as if short on breath. Arma sigh quietly, and gets comfortable on her seat.
A) "Want a drink, Vanessa?"
B) "Where are you off to, Duchess?"
-
B
-
B
-
B
-
B.
-
"Where are you off to, Duchess?"
"Eta Coridani Prime, to visit a friend, and then to Volter Optics HQ on the surface of Alpha Questor 3. I need to invest at least part of my wealth somewhere, so that even in my old age I have something to live on." Arma then drinks the remainder of her Startini in one big gulp, and lets out an almost ecstatic sigh afterwards.
"Mm, thank you bartender."
A) "How about another drink, just for the trip?"
B) "Will you be passing by some other time?"
C) "Please come again."
-
A
-
B
-
C
-
C
-
C.
-
A
It's still our job!
-
"Please come again." Arma grins, and then purses her lips for a smooch. She then smacks her lips, airsmooching you from a distance, presumably remembering not to touch you without consent.
"Oh, I will make sure to drop by." That said, the Duchess moves off her seat.
"Until next time, barkeep." She says and walks towards the gate. Vanessa looks at you, smiles, and offers you a little hand wave.
"Cya." The mercenary girl quickly goes after her charge.
After few seconds, the main gate closes behind the duo, and you're alone at the bar again.
1236USY.8d/1m.1738h
You put the cocktail glass in the washer.
Hmmmmm.
A) Trivia time.
B) Zirconius time.
C) It's been a long day, lets do some bodily and mental exploratory check-up!
D) It's been a long day, lets nap!
-
C
-
C
-
C
-
C.
-
C
-
You leave your post and go to your quarters.
You disrobe and plug yourself to the medical equipment and run a scan.
1236USY.8d/1m.1826h
It keeps occuring to you that one thing is constant in your visions and rememberances of past you don't remember.
The box. The heavy, metal box, but then it seems it is akin to an rectangular casket? An oval? And why you're holding it while people are yelling at you?
There is noise in your head and the thoughts get you all confused. Where are you?
You sit up on the bed and rub your temples, the vision fading and the sharp pains in middle of your head coming strong. You don't think you can remember anything else right now.
A) Bartending series, then!
B) Zirconius nap, then!
C) Nap trivia, then!
D) Ovals ovals ovals...
-
A?
-
C
Naps are good.
-
B - Naps are indeed good
-
E - We really need to rest...
-
D
ovals
-
B
-
More ovaltine, please.
-
D Gotta oval those ovals!
-
D
-
a
bb
c
ddd
e
Ovals ovals ovals...
Where are there ovals on this station?
1236USY.8d/1m.1857h
5
The Oval is in your hands. Large, shiny, somewhat heavy, and with the weapons console beeping at you that the torpedo storage is open.
This is the oval you've seen in your memory-visions and exploration-thoughts. The box isn't a box, and the oval is a photon torpedo. You trace your fingers over the oval case and it bears exact shape and feel under your skin as back then. The feel makes you realize that whatever you were doing in your slavery, there was moments of carrying torpedoes in your hands.
But with this small part of the puzzle complete, more thoughts flood your mind, including the most uncomfortable one - what was happening that you were ordered to handle live ordnance manually, and without protection of any sort?
You get a headache thinking about all this.
A) Therefore a nap is in order!
B) Therefore I should put my thoughts towards bartending trivia!
C) Therefore I should calm my brain with some Zirconius cheese!
D) Therefore I shall adopt the torpedo as friend!
-
B - And please put the photon torpedo back in its nice, safe, locked box
-
B
-
D Photon torpedo is friend adopt it its our pet now we will name it bob.
-
B.
-
D Drop kick the photon torpedo!
B
-
B
-
You decide to clear your hear with some bartending trivia.
1236USY.8d/1m.1905h
After you put the torpedo away, lock the launcher, and secure the weapons station, and put your clothes on.
All which takes a few minutes.
1236USY.8d/1m.1910h
You barely get onto the bartending Net when the security console pings you. Some ship has entered the system and this might mean potential clientele.
If you invite them over to change course, of course.
A) Ehhhhhh.
B) It's not much but someone gotta do it.
-
B
-
B
-
B
-
B
-
You hustle over to the communications console to send a ping.
1236USY.8d/1m.1912h
A text message is the only reply:
>Unfortunately we're on schedule.
You shrug and return to the bar to browse the net for trivia.
1236USY.8d/1m.1915h
Your wetware chip kindly reminds you that your sleep period (2015-0215) is approaching. More than enough time to finish trivia reading!
1236USY.8d/1m.1954h
You read an article about a mix called 'Garden of Eden'. It has a long history and its recipe was changing every few years, as the bartenders and synthetic taste specialists were trying to come up with the 'most fruity yet refreshing but also spicy' mix possible. At one point, it had Buenberry, Grapevine, Grenadiere, Martian, only to discard half of synthols and splash in some Ribesnero, for some illogical reason. You spend a while going back and forth, fishing out comparisons - while the article doesn't present the recipe outright...
GARDEN OF EDEN: 192c
2 Shots of Ambrosia
Shot of Grapevine
Shot of Buenberry
Shot of Vurzelberg
Serve in a tank glass with ice and lemon slice.
...you manage to research it yourself!
A) More trivia?
B) Some Zirconius?
C) Actually, this close to sleeping period, let's just go to sleep!
-
B
The best way to go to sleep is to cheese out your brain so much you fall asleep from boredom.
(I don't think this is actually the best way to go to sleep IRL. But we're a drone.)
-
C.
-
Sleep time!
-
B
-
B
CHEEEEEEEEEEEEEEESE
-
B
-
//3 Chapters in one day, I knew you guys would come to love the series <3
1236USY.8d/1m.2015h
The date is 666 United Space Year. Hyperion-3 exits through Jump Gate into the Gamma Utena, Centauri Sector. The small brown dwarf is orbited by two barren planets and ring of asteroids and minor planetoids between the two, something that Hyperion has to keep an eye on during its trip through the belt. At the inner edge of the belt is Gamma Utena Spaceport, one of the largest in Federation, as it was constructed enveloping third-largest planetoid in the belt. It is also the seat of Federal Regional Government and headquarters of Centauri Republican Party, which is pressing for stricter control of citizens' employment and migration (to curb crime and insurgency risks) and less industrial, bio-engineering and terraforming regulations (to promote economic growth and planetary development).
Once Hyperion-3 docks with the Spaceport, Yarna Collins asks Zirconius to lend her Chester-Beta42 as bodyguard, and Mikhaila Syarkova, as she did research on the communications core and read some logs personally. Zirconius acquiesces to the request, but orders Chester-Beta42 to keep an eye on Collins' activity. Collins then takes her two newfound companions on a trip to the Ground Sector, which is where most of Spaceport's crew has their quarters and suites. On the way there-
[SLEEP PERIOD HAS BEGUN. SEEK A PREFERABLY COMFORTABLE PLACE TO SLUMBER UNTIL 0215 TOMORROW. NEGLIGENCE TO THIS MIGHT CAUSE YOUR ORGANIC COMPONENTS TO BECOME INEFFICIENT.]
You shoo the alert away and check the holo-vid's length, and decide to go with it - there's less than twenty minutes of holo-media left for this episode.
1236USY.8d/1m.2031h
The date is 666 United Space Year. Hyperion-3 exits through Jump Gate into the Gamma Utena, Centauri Sector. The small brown dwarf is orbited by two barren planets and ring of asteroids and minor planetoids between the two, something that Hyperion has to keep an eye on during its trip through the belt. At the inner edge of the belt is Gamma Utena Spaceport, one of the largest in Federation, as it was constructed enveloping third-largest planetoid in the belt. It is also the seat of Federal Regional Government and headquarters of Centauri Republican Party, which is pressing for stricter control of citizens' employment and migration (to curb crime and insurgency risks) and less industrial, bio-engineering and terraforming regulations (to promote economic growth and planetary development).
Once Hyperion-3 docks with the Spaceport, Yarna Collins asks Zirconius to lend her Chester-Beta42 as bodyguard, and Mikhaila Syarkova, as she did research on the communications core and read some logs personally. Zirconius acquiesces to the request, but orders Chester-Beta42 to keep an eye on Collins' activity. Collins then takes her two newfound companions on a trip to the Ground Sector, which is where most of Spaceport's crew has their quarters and suites. On the way there, Collins is looking out for White Towers, a community for poorer and jobless station citizens, but only finds a large hydroponics park in its place. Chester-Beta42 inquires on the station network and finds out that Centauri Republicans have bought the White Towers, had them vacated and demolished and funded the park to 'provide green space for crew and administration' of the station. He has no information on the two thousand people who lived in White Towers, but Yarna has some dark thoughts. Meanwhile, unnoticed by the trio, a pair of security guards are keeping an eye on them from safe distance.
They finally arrive at their destination, Shaded Quarters 34-F3. She meets with her uncle, Humbert Collins, who was once Vice Chief of Internal Affairs on Poseidonis, and has taken upon investigative work as part-time private detective, part-time journalist on the net. They have a quick discussion about Centauri Republicans, criminal activity and corruption in the Federation, and that there are all indications that the incoming elections might be in danger. Before Humbert can explain more, the main door is opened and a black orb is thrown inside the quarters. Chester-Beta42 only has time to pull the others down as the pulse grenade explodes.
Thus ends Chapter 10.
You let out a loud yawn, stretch, and pace to the bar to take the music, lights, and the replicator consoles offline for the night.
Then you enter the Sleep Pod, get 'comfortable' and tap away at the console to set it for six hours cycle.
Congratulations! Bartender Arnold earned 787 Credits today! His monthly total so far is 6137.5c Credits!
A new day at Galactic Refueling Otupost 254831 begins...
1236USY.9d/1m.0215h
The sleep pod wakes you up and you leave. Finally, some good, uninterrupted sleep. You stretch and yawn, and go plug yourself to the food dispenser, paying little attention to the slurpy noises the tube attached to your body makes.
♪ 1236USY.9d/1m.0235h ♫ (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y-L5daPElr0)
You finish up turning on the lights, preparing the synthol replicators and setting up the music.
You do not get time to ponder what to do next when you hear the familiar beep of the security console.
Some ship is en route to your Outpost!
A) Let us go and hail them!
B) It's too early for customers!
-
//3 Chapters in one day, I knew you guys would come to love the series <3
If it were up to me Arnold would be reading Zirconius all the time.
...But anyway, let's hail the ship. We got work to do.
A
-
A
-
You head to the command center and check the sensors.
Sensors Station Alert! IFF beacon translation in progress...
Done!
"Most Fortunate Occurence", Freedom-class Cargo Barge, approaching from direction of Madagascar Jump Gate.
Standard docking and refueling request received.
Fuel Pump assigned: #2 (authority: Automated Refueling AI)
Estimated arrival time: 25 minutes.
You go back in memory and this ship has been here before (http://www.bay12forums.com/smf/index.php?topic=180136.msg8435490#msg8435490) - it's Louise the cyborg and her nephew, and indeed, Louise did say they will drop by on 9th. She is punctual.
You open hailing frequencies.
"Yes?"
"Bartender Arnold here, hello again."
"Ah, hello. What is the issue?"
"None, just wanted to invite you for drinks."
"We will be disembarking for drinks, yes."
Louise ends the hail right away.
You scratch your chin in thought.
A) Twenty-plus minutes is enough for some Zirconius!
B) Twenty-plus minutes is enough for some bartending trivia!
C) Twenty-plus minutes is just enough to get comfy at the bar.
D) Twenty-plus minutes is just enough for some idle stargazing!
-
B
-
C
-
C
-
You decide to get comfy behind the bar.
1236USY.9d/1m.0302h
Shortly after 'Most Fortunate Occurence' docks, the main gate opens.
Strangely, it is only Louise who enters the main room. Wearing the same red-and-white jumpsuit as she did last time, she makes her way to the bar and gets herself comfortably seated.
"Greetings, bartender." She says, placing her hands on the counter.
"A shot of Wet Jet, for starters." You nod and quickly pour her a shot of strong and sweet smelling, clear synthol. You pass the small glass to the cyborg, and she pulls out her credchip, letting you cash in the purchase. (+20c)
Today Earnings: 20c
Monthly Earnings: 6157.5c
She eyes you for a moment, then takes the glass and drinks away half of the synthol.
A) "How's it going?"
B) "Simon isn't with you?"
C) *idle bartending noises*
-
B
-
B.
-
B
-
"Simon isn't with you?"
"No. His sleep cycle ends in about seven minutes." Louise sets the glass down and looks at you again.
"Tell me, bartender, what did Simon talk with you about last time?"
"What about it?"
"Did he say anything about... his future. Or about me?"
A) "Yes, we talked about... (insert information you want to pass to Louise)"
B) "Nothing, really."
C) "I might be willing to share private conversation with you if I know what I'm getting out of it."
-
B
-
Simon, Encountered between HERE (http://www.bay12forums.com/smf/index.php?topic=180136.msg8435490#msg8435490) and HERE (http://www.bay12forums.com/smf/index.php?topic=180136.msg8438966;topicseen#msg8438966), has a thing for his Aunt he hasn’t told her about, we advised him to try “other people” before he continues to pursue her.
Anything we want to tell his Aunt?
-
A - just reminding him that there is a whole galaxy of interesting drinks, and other things, to discover. Also it turns out that Sweet Gem Berry was a little too sweet
-
+1
-
A - just reminding him that there is a whole galaxy of interesting drinks, and other things, to discover. Also it turns out that Sweet Gem Berry was a little too sweet
+1
-
"Yes, we talked about the galaxy." Louise looks at you, bemused.
"Explain."
"That it is full of things to discover. That he shouldn't commit to one choice this early and that Sweet Gem Berry was a little too sweet." The blonde-haired cyborg considers your words and then nods.
"I see... flavor choices. Thank you." She then takes a sip of her own drink, pausing to perhaps check the flavor with her tongue.
A) "Why do you want to know what he talks about with others?"
B) *insert bartending noises here*
-
B
-
B
-
B
-
B
-
You idle your presence away.
1236USY.9d/1m.0307h
Louise puts down the empty glass and pushes it towards you.
"Now for some... Asteroids." You nod, and quickly prepare a tall glass with Martian, Sucrosol and crushed ice. You pass the glass to Louise, she shows her credchip for you, beep-beep. (+71c)
Today Earnings: 91c
Monthly Earnings: 6228.5c
She takes a sip, but doesn't say anything.
1236USY.9d/1m.0316h
The main gate opens, and you and Louise both check who it is.
Not much of a surprise when it's Simon who shows up. He quickly walks to the bar and looks at his aunt.
"Hey."
"Good morning."
"Hello barkeep." He sits at his aunt's left side, and lets out a hum.
"I would like a mix of something that's sweet... but not much. And on softer side? The last one I drank here, the Berry one, was good, but, uh, a bit too sweet." Louise doesn't react to the request, and simply sips her drink.
Your wetware chip goes through the recipes you know about...
A) (insert name of a drink that's slightly sweet and soft-flavored)
B) "You gotta be much more specific there."
-
A - How about an Orchard? 90cr. 2 parts Sweet, 2 parts Fruity, 1 part Sour. Hoping the sour will limit the sweetness, buy still be considered soft thanks to the Fruity.
I really need to go index all our known drinks...
-
A - How about an Orchard? 90cr. 2 parts Sweet, 2 parts Fruity, 1 part Sour. Hoping the sour will limit the sweetness, buy still be considered soft thanks to the Fruity.
+1, sure, why not.
-
A - How about an Orchard? 90cr. 2 parts Sweet, 2 parts Fruity, 1 part Sour. Hoping the sour will limit the sweetness, buy still be considered soft thanks to the Fruity.
+1, sure, why not.
+1
-
That's basically a toned down version of the Sweet Gem Berry (3×sour, 2×fruity+very sweet), so sure.
-
"How about an Orchard? It's sweet, fruit, with some sourness."
"Sounds... like the berry one. But alright. I haven't tried this one yet, so, sure."
"How much for it?"
"90 credits." Louise nods and you start preparing the drink for Simon. He ends up with a tank glass of reddish-orange mix, while Louise lets you scan her credchip again. (+90c)
Today Earnings: 181c
Monthly Earnings: 6318.5c
Simon takes a sip, thinks on it, and then takes another.
He doesn't say anything, but seems happy with his drink.
CHOOSE YOUR CONVERSATIONAL PATH:
A) To Louise: "How's spacefaring?"
B) To Louise&Simon: "You two don't talk together much, do you?"
C) To Simon: "How's the mix?"
D) To Simon: "You haven't told your aunt what you've told me, did you?"
-
C.
-
C
-
C
-
C
-
"How's the mix?" Simon looks at you, and then raises the glass some.
"It's... good. Fruitier than Sweet Gem Berry." He takes a sip.
"Still a bit too sweet for me."
A) To Louise: "How's spacefaring?"
B) To Louise&Simon: "You two don't talk together much, do you?"
C) To Simon: "You haven't told your aunt what you've told me, did you?"
-
A
-
A
-
A
-
A
-
B
-
B or just skip to the flirt options
-
A
-
"How's spacefaring?" Louise looks at you, then smiles.
"We're making profits with each trips. It is not much, but it is a decent pay." She then pauses and looks at Simon curiously.
"Not toasting this time, Simon?" This takes the kid by slight surprise.
"No, no there's no need." He explains, then quickly occupies his mouth with another sip of the drink. His cyborg aunt stares at him for a moment, and drinks the remainder of her drink, setting the glass down and staring into it. Simon likewise seems to have something on his mind, but tries to drink it away.
A) "You two really gotta talk more often."
B) "Need another drink, miss?"
C) Let them cook.
-
B
-
C
-
B.
-
B
-
"Need another drink, miss?" Louise looks at you, and then smiles.
"No, I think I am fine." She does glance at Simon, who, apparently having stopped sipping his drink, was glancing her way. The two lock gazes, before Simon turns to his glass, something that makes Louise visibly uncomfortable.
"Sorry." There's a brief pause before Louise looks at you.
"Alright... I've changed my mind. Pacifica 84, please." You know that one from your triviabinging, fortunately, so you whip up the necessary ingredients in a tank glass full of ice. Those being cheap Wóda with some fruity Tropico and Sunset Capri and you finish off with dash of Cherrybomb over the ice. You adorn the edge with lemon and pass it to Louise, who once again lets you scan her credchip. (+133c)
Today Earnings: 314c
Monthly Earnings: 6451.5c
Louise takes a sip, not saying anything else.
A) "Is something the matter between you two?"
B) Welp, time to make idle bartender noises and avoid the situation!
-
Bleh, A
-
Fine A
-
A.
This when she tries to sell the kid to us.
-
NOPE
THEIR PROBLEM
B
-
B
None of our business, quite frankly.
-
B
Yeah, this isn't our place to ask.
-
A
-
A
-
A - We can't let our only source of social interaction pass by. Activate therapy mode
-
Why though
we can just ignore them
-
aaaaaa
bbb
"Is something the matter between you two?"
"Yes." "No!" Louise and Simon look at each other, and the boy quickly turns away with a blush.
"There is. You have been behaving considerably strange for the past few months."
"It's nothing."
"Lies. Do not lie to me, Simon."
"I'm telling you, it is nothing."
"There is something."
"Really-"
"And if you keep saying there isn't a problem between us I'm going to maroon you on this outpost and you will have to help our bartender friend clean the bar for the rest of your life." The boy gasps at the threat and even you are not sure if Louise is joking or not - her calm and stoic voice makes it sound like genuine threat. Simon takes a sip of his drink - for courage, you guess - and then clears his throat.
"I love you?" Louise smirks.
"We are a family, that's a-"
"I love you!" Simon repeats his statement, with emphasis on the middle part, and then Louise looks like something unpleasant clicked in her head, and she puts on a scowl.
"I think I see now." She glares at her nephew for a brief moment, then turns to you.
"Would you kindly give us a moment?"
A) "Sure, I think I have maintenance to do over back there anyway."
B) "Sorry, gotta man the bar, as they say."
-
B
-
DRAMA
B
-
B
-
B
(Can we tell them to take their drama away from the bar?)
-
"Sorry, gotta man the bar, as they say." Louise smirks, and turns to her nephew.
"Well, Simon?"
"You're pretty and strong and-"
"Simon, I'm your aunt."
"-but you're super cool and a cyborg-"
"And there are other super cool, pretty, strong cyborg girls out there, you know that, right?" You get a slight feeling of deja vu as the boy fidgets and grumbles to himself.
"But, uhh..." Simon glances in your direction, and his cyborg aunt hums.
"Right. Let's go..." Louise looks around and then points at the main gate.
"Out. We have to talk, really." She leaves her seat, and her nephew, after drinking the remainder of his mix, follows suit.
1236USY.9d/1m.0334h
It's only scant few minutes before the main gate opens and Louise walks back inside, alone. Looking nonplussed, and only slightly angry, she sits back at the bar and drinks her drink in one big gulp. She looks the glass over, puts it down, and steeples her fingers against her eyes.
You decide to let her cook.
1236USY.9d/1m.0336h
"Bartender." Louise straightens in her seat and fishes out her credchip. "Something strong please." She did this the last time, so-
A) Pour her a shot of...
*A) Wóda
*B) Dry Jet
*C) Wet Jet
*D) Bricklayer
*E) Lamp
*F) Pneumo
*G) InPulsar
*H) Pontifex
B) "Something more specific?"
C) "You sure you want to drink after this?"
-
B - Grande Pascale
Its refined taste is sure to bring her down to earth and let her have a clearer mind!
-
AD Bricklayer seems like it should be strong with a name like that.
-
AH Let's try to get the most cash out of this
-
AD
-
AB
Never a fan of giving them too expensive of a drink when they ask for a recommendation. Feels like an abuse somewhat.
-
AD
-
AD
-
You pour her a shot of Bricklayer and she lifts the credchip for you to scan. (+50c)
Today Earnings: 364c
Monthly Earnings: 6501.5c
She downs the shot in one go and lets out a sigh, staring into the glass.
"You did talk with Simon about me."
"Yes. I tried to dissuade him from setting his mind on you."
"Thank you, but next time, do not tip-toe around the issue."
"Of course."
"Should I leave him somewhere, maybe planetside..." Louise looks at you. "What do you think?"
A) "He is legally adult, so there's nothing stopping you."
B) "That would be a bit cruel. He is your nephew after all, no?"
C) Shrug.
D) "How did it come to this in the first place?"
-
D this seems like my business
-
c shrudge
-
D
-
C
-
D
-
D
-
D
-
D
-
"How did it come to this in the first place?"
Louise hums, and crosses her arms on her chest.
"Unfortunate timing part on his biological clock and me not being a good... parent? I was careless with my clothing, and perhaps was too accomodating for him. With his uncle and my husband, uh, dead, the boy lacked guidance for the past one-and-half year, and I think he took the idea of being 'man of the house' in entirely wrong way... something I never actually considered, now that I think of it. In fact, I rarely considered anything related to him, only the ship's finances and our amenities to enjoy comfortable spacefaring life." With a sigh, she leans away, staring at the ceiling.
A) "Continue, please."
B) "You two need to be separated, I can see that now."
C) "You shouldn't abandon him then, instead, how about some honest communication?"
-
C
-
C
-
C
-
C
-
B
-
A
-
"You shouldn't abandon him then, instead, how about some honest communication?" Louise grimaces.
"We've just made an attempt, and he ran to the ship."
"Try again?"
"What would that accomplish?"
"Try again. This problem won't fix itself and Simon is not equipped to fix it alone either." Louise lets out a hum, eyes closed for a while.
"Your solution might be correct." She leaves her seat and walks towards the main gate. "Thank you for your input."
A moment later, with a hiss, the main gate opens, and she walks past - then the gate closes behind Louise.
You look over at the gate, then clean the shot glass.
Tap tap tap, your fingers go against the counter. You might be free, for the time being!
A) Time to put on the favorite holo-vid series of all - Zirconius!
B) I have a hunch they might be coming back, let's just read some trivia via console's network.
C) It's been a while since I did a maintenance check of the station, to be honest.
D) I shall idle the time away!
-
B
-
B
-
C. Best to check if maintenance is needed before we have to call the maintenance folk around again. Especially if Haspen is suggesting it as an option.
-
I'd normally agree, but it sounds like something involved, time consuming, and liable to take us away from the bar. We can do it when we know we won't have any Patrons on board for a while.
-
C. We're in the slow part of space. if a customer passes by, they pass by. If they don't, I'm sure we will see some sign of them before they leave.
-
C
-
You decide to check on the status of the station, and ready yourself for maintenance work if needed!
1236USY.9d/1m.0348h
5
But check-up is all you need to do. Everything is working order - except the little warning sign that power box at Fuel Pump #10 is damaged. But that's how you left it (http://www.bay12forums.com/smf/index.php?topic=180136.msg8484369#msg8484369) and so easily dismiss the warning.
You leave the command center and return to the bar - which is empty.
Louise and Simon have yet to return.
A) Trivia!
B) Zirconius!
D) Idling!
-
Let's stare at some stars.
-
A.
-
A
-
A
-
You connect to the bartending Net and search for some interesting trivia to kill time with.
1236USY.9d/1m.0422h
It takes a while and you don't find anything interesting - however, the main gate opens and Louise returns.
Again, without Simon at her side.
"We've had another, less volatile discussion about his behavior." She explains as she sits down at the counter.
"And?" The cyborg girl lets out a thoughtful hum.
"I am not sure... The results seem inconclusive. I wish to believe he will change his mind, and, hm, find someone else to get attracted to. To facilitate that, I will consider finding him a different ship to serve on, or perhaps an outpost where he can work and live when I am jumping stars in the area." She pauses briefly.
Then she looks at you.
And you look at her.
A) "Sorry, this is one-drone outpost, I'm afraid."
B) "I can't hire him, but I can forward his personal information to SRC Headquarters on Zanzibar, if you want."
-
B
-
B
-
B
-
A
-
"I can't hire him, but I can forward his personal information to SRC Headquarters on Zanzibar, if you want." Louise looks surprised, but pleased.
"I'm not sure if he would make a good bartender. Simon isn't very sociable, or confident, but I guess he could do manual labor. Thank you, yes, please forward his information to your bosses. Perhaps they will holo him and offer him a job somewhere."
A) "Sure thing."
B) "Want a drink?"
-
B
-
A.
-
B
Money
-
A
-
bluh, why did you guys do that? now there's a slight chance that we'll have to deal with that guy every day!
-
(Hey! I didn't vote to forward his info!)
Anyway,
B sell booze
-
bluh, why did you guys do that? now there's a slight chance that we'll have to deal with that guy every day!
Hey, it'd be an improvement on the endless void
-
would not
-
bluh, why did you guys do that? now there's a slight chance that we'll have to deal with that guy every day!
I would've thought you'd like to have an on-board courtesan.
-
"Want a drink?"
4*
Louise smirks.
"Solve people's problems and then serve them drinks? Fair enough." She lets out a hum.
"A shot of Cherrybomb." You quickly pour Louise a shot of the pinkish fluid, push it over to her, and scan her credchip. (+10c)
Today Earnings: 374c
Monthly Earnings: 6511.5c
She downs it in one go.
"Thanks, bartender."
"Please come again."
"You never know these days." Louise says, and walks towards the main gate, waving at you with the back of her right hand.
1236USY.9d/1m.0427h
And you're alone again, allowing you to put the glass in the washer.
Then the sensors console starts making noise.
You realize what it is - an alert about approaching ship, and potentially, more customers!
A) To the batm- I mean, sensors station!
B) I really need a break though, this was too heavy and too early in the morning!
-
A
-
A
customers inbound!
-
A
FLESH BAGS OF MONEY
-
A GOTTA MAKE THAT PAPER!
-
A
-
You go for the sensors and check who's approaching.
Sensors Station Alert! IFF beacon translation in progress...
Done!
"Conquest", Conquest-class military vessel, approaching from direction of Madagascar Jump Gate.
Standard docking and refueling request received.
Navigation request received and forwarded to Galactic Federation Police Headquarters in Poseidonis System.
Fuel Pump assigned: #2 (authority: Automated Refueling AI)
Estimated arrival time: 16 minutes.
You wonder what's up with the navigation request, that's new.
A) Hail them!
B) Suspicious people get no drinks!
-
A
Well, given that they already got a fuel pump assigned by the AI, we can only assume they're probably allowed to be here. Maybe the request happened because they're a military vessel.
-
A
-
A, but i get the feeling these are wanted individuals. we should expect some interesting customers.. and maybe trouble.
-
A
-
"Conquest-class" sounds big and if it's military it might have a full crew. Can we even fit that many sailors in here? :p
-
Funny how it has the same name as its class, I admit. What's up with that?
-
Built to purpose, I suppose.
-
A Who cares about potential consequences when we can make money!
-
You hail the ship.
"This is Comms Liaison Auk Thannachom, on board the Conquest."
"And this is Arnold, Bartender of this Outpost. I wish to invite you and your crew for drinks."
"We carry a delegation of Ticardian negotiatiors for the Federation and are thus on schedule. We have leave by zero-six-hundred hours, but I will pass your offer to any of the delegates, though. Is that all?"
"Pretty much, yes."
"Alright. Conquest out."
And the Comms Liaison closes the call.
Hm.
Is it even worth waiting by the bar for any delegates?
A) Nope! Let's have some trivia reading instead!
B) Nope! Let's watch an episode of Zirconius instead!
C) Of course! I shall drone the bar, maybe someone shows up!
-
C
-
C.
It's funny how many of the options are just "do job"/"don't do job".
-
C - Diplomats? I bet they have a per-diem burning a hole in their pockets. Let's have some of those government credits.
-
C. Chances are they won't be here long, but we should get a notification when they undock. They'll be here for roughly a hour and a half..
-
C
Diplomats are rich!
-
You drone the bar.
1236USY.9d/1m.0513h
Finally, the gate opens and in comes a young lady. She is definitely one of the diplomats, wearing a business jacket made from some grey-beige fabric with a cleavage showing white shirt underneath. She has a long skirt of the fabric matching the jacket. She is quite tall, and has robust hair that was cropped into a bowl-shaped cut. Her skin is quite dark, and as she approaches, you can see she has painted her nails black and has dark brown eyes.
"Hello!" She says with a chipper, high-pitched voice, and smiles, showing her white teeth, before taking a seat at the counter.
"I'm Axina Masa. I would like a Delta Serpentis Fruitshake." You know this mix from before, and take only a while to prepare it - a tank of Skinjuice with some Creme Blanco and Silkdrink, making a glass of limegreen fruitiness. You put the mix in front of Axina, who smiles again.
"Thank you, young man. Here's the chip." She pulls the credchip from somewhere about her hip - it's a piece of black plastic with elaborate sigil of several golden circles laid over a flower, also gold. You still scan it like any other. (+120c)
Today Earnings: 494c
Monthly Earnings: 6631.5c
Patron ID: Axina Masa
Occupation: Foreign Diplomat: 2nd Grade Negotiator, Ticardian Colony
Diplomatic Immunity Grant: 24FFD/1236
Conv.Style: AMENABLE
Liked drinks: fruity
Disliked drinks: spicy
Suddenly, the bartending console lists an alert.
SRC Legal Bureau Warning: This Patron has been declared a 'Foreign Diplomat' by the New Galactic Federation Foreign Relations Bureau, and is therefore equipped with full Diplomatic Immunity within the territory of New Galactic Federation. Synthetic Refueling Conglomerate Guard Personnel is therefore responsible for ensuring the private security of this Patron while they are on board of Synthetic Refueling Conglomerate Outposts and to accompany it to areas of high risk. In case of the Outpost not having any dedicated Guard Personnel, the aforementioned responsbility is moved onto any Civilian Personnel, including Managers, Bartenders, Waitresses, Janitors, Advertisers, Musicians et cetera. Failure to comply with this regulation will void any legal protections Synthetic Refueling Conglomerate bestows upon the Personnel in case they are accused of negligence by the New Galactic Federation's administration or the governing body of the spacefaring polity the Foreign Diplomat belongs to, as well as termination of employment contract between the negligent Personnel and Synthetic Refueling Conglomerate.
Nothing better to brighten your day than scary legal warnings, huh?
A) "Tiring trip?"
B) CHATTY: "I see you're a diplomat and I ought to care for you. You need anything?"
C) CHATTY: "Apologies but I haven't heard of Ticardian Colony, where is it?"
D) CHATTY: "May I ask about the ship you're traveling on? It's name and class are both the same."
E) FLIRTY: "You're a diplomat? Then, I'm ready to serve you, anything you want~"
-
C - Lore please, yes
-
B first
-
C
also, I would like this irritating thing to leave now
-
C
-
C
-
C
-
C
-
CHATTY: "Apologies but I haven't heard of Ticardian Colony, where is it?" Axina smiles.
"Ah, our colony is located in Kappa Domini system. At the edge of the current Niger Sector. Well, our central administrative colony, that is, for we have several other colonies, in neighbouring Eritheus Sector, and few others beyond current Federal space. Once upon a time we were foremost of colonies, but then EXO-Lumina took over and the war happened. We've had plenty of time to expand during those two hundred years, and now Federal government wants us in."
"They're trying to recover lost territories, is that what you're saying?" She lets out a hum.
"Well, you know, it is more about our resources and planetary bodies that can be exploited for resources. The Federation is of course only very slowly restoring itself after this terrible dark age and subsequent war. It will take time, resources and space to expand, all which we have in abundance."
"You do not seem very satisfied with the prospect." Axina takes a sip, and considers her words.
"You see, it's been almost two hundred years. Our grandparents and their grandparents were on their own, fending against the corpos and pirates. They did good to secure our space and preserve the peace there, and feel entitled to independence and resources our current government is willing to pass over to the Federation. So of course there's discontent amongst some of the populace. Upon re-establishing contact three years ago, our leaders decided to host a plebiscite, and the results were clear: we will be joining the Federation. You can't argue with over eighty percent of population, after all." She pauses, and takes a sip.
A) CHATTY: "I see you're a diplomat and I ought to care for you. You need anything?"
B) CHATTY: "And where do you come in this equation as a negotiator?"
C) CHATTY: "May I ask about the ship you're traveling on? It's name and class are both the same."
D) FLIRTY: "You're a diplomat? Then, I'm ready to serve you, anything you want~"
-
B
-
B
-
B
-
B
-
CHATTY: "And where do you come in this equation as a negotiator?" The diplomat sips her drink for a while.
"Mm, easy." She smiles, putting down the glass. "To remind my superior, Mr.Kyne, to not give away our homeworld in exchange for luxuries." She laughs briefly.
"But more seriously, to ensure that while we're giving something away, we get something in return. Federal officials and diplomats are quite keen to see us subsumed into the greater whole simply as another sector, something that our elders do not want to happen. Inclusion, yes, adoption of Federal laws, yes, but giving away our independence and autonomy, that's a no. Mr.Kyne can drive a hard bargain, and has studied Federal laws for years in preparation for this, but, when incensed with anger, or coddled with pleasantries, his mighty spirit can slip and he can make some bad decisions. I'm here to nudge him when that happens. Teresa, my second, is also on board of the Conquest in case I can't be present during negotiations alongside Mr.Kyne."
A) CHATTY: "I see you're a diplomat and I ought to care for you. You need anything?"
B) CHATTY: "May I ask about the ship you're traveling on? It's name and class are both the same."
C) FLIRTY: "You're a diplomat? Then, I'm ready to serve you, anything you want~"
-
B
-
A.
-
A
-
A
-
A
-
CHATTY: "I see you're a diplomat and I ought to care for you. You need anything?" Axina shakes her head.
"No, thank you, I've got my drink."
A) CHATTY: "May I ask about the ship you're traveling on? It's name and class are both the same."
B) FLIRTY: "You're a diplomat? Then, I'm ready to serve you, anything you want~"
C) Let her have her drink.
-
C.
Best not to ask about military matters, as that could be VERY easily misconstrued as spying, and I doubt she's got time for a roll in the sleeping pod either way.
-
C
-
C
-
C
-
You let her have her drink in peace.
1236USY.9d/1m.0525h
Axina finishes her drink and pushes the empty glass towards you.
"I would like, hm, Deep Red Flower, if that's not a problem." You take the glass and put it into the washer. You haven't heard of this particular drink so away your fingers go against the console...
Connecting...
Connecting...
Connecting...
Failed to connect to the Drink Mix Database.
Retry? Y/N
You push the obvious button and the main gate opens.
Through it comes a young man with slick black hair, combed backwards. He is wearing a beige-grey jacket with high collar and matching pants. Noticing Axina at the counter, he approaches and sits down.
"Hey, Weng."
"Hello, Ms.Masa. Hello Mr.Bartender. I would like some Asteroids." You grab the glass and begin preparing the Asteroids, eyeing the console as you do. When the glass full of ice and synthols ends up in front of 'Wang', he pulls out his credchip - plain and black - and lets you scan it. (+71c)
Today Earnings: 565c
Monthly Earnings: 6702.5c
Patron ID: Weng Czi
Occupation: Foreign Diplomat: Vice-Register for Diplomatic Missions, Ticardian Colony
Diplomatic Immunity Grant: 24FC9/1236
Conv.Style: CHATTY
Liked drinks: N/A
Disliked drinks: N/A
The console pings you the helpful 'warning' about your responsibilities towards diplomats, but you've read it before. Then, it pings you about something else as Weng takes a sip:
Connecting...
Connecting...
Done!
Queries: deep red flower
>1 recipe found:
DEEP RED FLOWER: 157c
2 Shots of Grenadiere
2 Shots of Hellesponte
Shot of Grande Pascale
Serve in a tank glass with a cherry and lime slice.
Your grab a clean tank glass and pour the synthols, which vary in colors from red to yellow. The mixture ends up being brick-red, with the juicier cherry showing against the bottom side of the glass. You pass it to Axina, and she lets you scan her credchip again. (+157c)
Today Earnings: 565c
Monthly Earnings: 6702.5c
"What brings you out of the ship?"
"Me? I've decided to keep away from Mr.O'ot for a while, lest we quarrel over his interpretation of Ticardian registry laws again." Weng says, rolling his eyes, while Axina grins, taking a sip.
You suddenly have a headache, one that rings between your ears with high-pitched tone.
A) Excuse yourself to rest the headache away.
B) Ask about Mr.O'ot, what are the chances it's the same man?
-
Apparently a Captain O'ot presided over our military trial in our previous life.
B - Should probably investigate this further
-
b
-
B
-
B
-
B
-
B.
-
"Mr.O'ot?"
"Yes, Mr.O'ot. Our Federal Law interpreter. Pretty nice guy, impartial and all, or at least tries very hard to be. Has been sent by the Federal government to Ticardia to help speed up transition of our legal framework into Federation's, you know, to ensure there's no loophole abuses and other legal crime going on."
"Why do you ask, bartender?" Your headache worsens. The room suddenly seems too bright and too loud to your liking.
A) Ask more details about O'ot.
B) Excuse yourself to rest the headache away.
C) Explain that you've met O'ot before.
-
B - If even thinking about this guy is making our headache worse, we should just drop it
-
C
-
C
-
C.
-
C
-
"I've met O'ot before."
"Is he perhaps..." Weng looks at you curiously. "Your colleague?" Axina chuckles.
"Don't be silly, Weng, they must be acquitances from some other time." Weng takes a sip of his drink.
"You could say that, yes." You concentrate your organic brain against your wetware chip. "My superior, once upon a time."
[MEMORY ERROR]
"Ah, I understand now."
"Oh, would you like to meet him? I could try calling him and ask him to come down here, if you want, bartender."
[PROCESSING ERROR]
Your headache becomes almost unbearable. Must this room be so bright and so cramped?
A) "Yes, please arrange for that."
B) "No, thank you, I'm not interested."
C) Excuse yourself hastily and go rest.
-
A yolo
-
B
-
A. Worst case- its game over, the guy finding out we remember some bits we really shouldn't (assuming its the right O'ot) will be amusing either way.
-
A
-
A
-
A
-
"Yes, please arrange for that."
1236USY.9d/1m.0535h
When you come back to your senses, you're laying across some cold floor... yes, the neons and the lights and the soft music help you find yourself - you're in the main hall.
There's some towel behind your neck and three people are kneeling by you. You recognize Axina and Weng, and the third person you do not. His/her/their sealing lines and overly smooth skin do betray that they're most probably an android, or a cyborg. He is clad in light-yellow coat with a medical tricorder in one hand.
You notice two more people, human males, standing aside with their arms crossed over their chests - this pair wears simple grey jumpsuits with shoulder patches and chest insignia you do not recognize.
"I am registering bio-functions returning to normal." Says the unknown synth.
"Welcome back amongst the living, bartender."
"You alright there?" Weng helps you sit up, and you blink.
"I think I am fine. Did I pass out?"
"Uh-huh, seems like it?"
"After you asked us to arrange the meeting between you and our colleague, you stared at Weng here for few seconds, then collapsed." You slowly stand up, your balance very uenasy and find your wetware chip in maintenance mode. It quickly corrects itself and resumes normal functioning, restoring your bodily equilibrium.
"I can perform a full medical scan if you're interested." The android says, pointing his tricorder at you.
A) To the android: "Thank you, I would like that."
B) To the android: "Thank you, that's not necessary."
C) To Axina and Weng: "What have happened since I lost counsciousness?"
D) To Axina and Weng: "Who's those two men back there?"
-
A.
-
A Better safe than Sorry!
-
"Thank you, I would like that."
"Of course. Please wait." The android says, and lifts his tricorder to your head. He slowly moves it downwards in parallel to your body, until he kneels to swipe the scanner over your calves and feet. The device makes numerous beeps and boops thorough the whole of the scan.
"Scan complete. No abnormalities detected. Blood pressure higher than default, but slowly dropping to average level. Brain functionality at 99%. You might be experiencing slight disorientation and brief memory losses. Your wetware chip refused to be scanned?" The android tilts his head, staring at the readout.
"Peculiar. Usually wetware chips are not locked out or protected from radio access like this."
"I was different, once. A drone. My previous owners have modified my memory banks, I believe."
"Ah, you were a drone? My condolences."
A) To the android: "Thank you for the scan, mister...?"
B) To Axina and Weng: "What have happened since I lost counsciousness?"
C) To Axina and Weng: "Who's those two men back there?"
-
A
-
A.
-
A
-
"Thank you for the scan, mister...?"
"My formal designation is B-08Yv, medical android type. Informally, I'm Bob." 'Bob' pockets his tricorder and turns, walking up to the two men. They exchange some words and the trio walks towards the gate.
A) To Axina and Weng: "What have happened since I lost counsciousness?"
B) To Axina and Weng: "Who were the two men who left with Bob?"
C) To Axina and Weng: "You two need anything? I can still perform my duties."
-
A
-
A.
-
A
-
A
-
"What have happened since I lost counsciousness?" You ask as the gate closes behind Bob and the two men.
"Besides us panicking a little bit? We've contacted our ship's medical staff."
"They've sent B-0 and two of the ship's crew in case he would need help." You nod, realizing that the two men must've been those helped.
"Before they arrived, we've moved you out from behind the counter. We've checked if you needed resuscitation, but it looked as if you just fell asleep, well, while standing."
"Thanks."
"We have about twenty minutes left, so... would you like us to ping O'ot for a meeting?" Weng asks while Axina scoffs.
"You think he will come over at such a short notice?"
A) "Yes, please get him here if it's possible."
B) "No, thank you. Either of you need another drink, perhaps?"
-
A
-
B
-
A
Well, for now our organic brain appears to be the one thoroughly in control... might as well.
-
A
-
"Yes, please get him here if it's possible."
"Alright." Weng pulls out a little communication device of the type you don't think you've seen before, and types away at it.
"In the meanwhile... I think I will have a shot of the Skinjuice." You nod, grab the towel off the ground, and pace behind the counter. You deposit the towel on nearby shelf and pour some of the fruity synthol into a clean, shot glass, passing it over the counter to Axina. She lets you scan her credchip. (+10c)
Today Earnings: 575c
Monthly Earnings: 6712.5c
She takes a cautious sip when Weng paces to the counter.
"He replied he worked with lots of drones... if you want to meet with him, he wants to know who you are and why you want to see him."
A) Give your old name to Weng to pass along, without a reason.
B) Drop the issue.
C) "I just want to see someone from my past." Give your old name to Weng to pass along.
D) "I just want to see someone from my past, but my old name is gone, and I won't be using it anymore."
-
C
-
C.
-
C
-
C
-
C
-
"I just want to see someone from my past. My old name was Σ-9QP1-KR23-LMJX-01P3."
"Sigma, nine..." Weng types away at his device. Axina downs the remainder of her Skinjuice and sets the empty shot glass down, and you collect it.
1236USY.9d/1m.0542h
A minute passes and there's nothing happening.
"He didn't respond yet?" She asks Weng, who shrugs.
"Nope, but you know how he is sometimes." That is exactly when Weng's communication device starts beeping! He looks at it and scrunches his nose.
"Right, I don't think you will get your meeting, bartender, we're being called back on board the Conquest within next five minutes."
"Hm, bugger."
It seems you could ask one more question before they leave.
A) "Need any drinks before you go?"
C) CHATTY: "May I ask about the ship you're traveling on? It's name and class are both the same."
D) CHATTY: "May I ask when did Mr.O'ot join Ticardia, and how long he is working for your government?"
D) "Please come again."
-
A.
-
A
-
A
-
"Need any drinks before you go?"
"Thank you, I'm done drinking." Axina smile while Weng considers it a bit more before choosing:
"A shot of something mildly sweet, for me?"
A) Serve him a shot of...
*A) Skinjuice
*B) Grenadiere
*C) Cherrybomb
*D) Ambrosia
*E) Wet Jet
*F) Grapevine
*G) Creme Blanco
*H) Pneumo
*I) Pontifex
*J) Torpico
*K) Meganekko
*L) Sunset Capri
B) "Got something more specific on mind?"
-
C?
-
G - Creme Blanco is Soft and Sweet
-
G
-
With a nod of your head, you serve him a shot of Creme Blanco. He lets you scan his credchip (+25c) and he scowls at the cost.
Today Earnings: 600c
Monthly Earnings: 6737.5c
He does, however, drink it up in one go, having a little smile on his lips afterwards.
"That was fast."
"Don't want to keep Captain Alaric waiting."
"Well then." Mr.Masa turns to you and bows her head slightly. "Good day to you, bartender."
"Thanks for the drinks."
"Please come again." You reply as the duo gathers themselves and walks towards the day.
Whirrrrr-pssssh.
And they're gone.
1236USY.9d/1m.0545h
After you clean everything, you sit down at one of the stools, feeling somewhat... brooding and inconvenienced by the experienced blackout.
What now?
A) Now? Now I go and take a nap!
B) It is about time I let the med-bay on the outpost scan and diagnose my ailments.
C) If O'ot didn't come to the barkeep - how about barkeep calls O'ot over the comms system.
D) Now is the time to unwind by the means of some bartending trivia!
E) Now is the time to unwind by the means of a Zirconius episode!
-
It is about time I let the med-bay on the outpost scan and diagnose my ailments
Best to make sure we aren’t suffering from too much brain damage- we are of course the most valuable (if also the most replaceable) piece of equipment on the station.
-
B
Yeah, let's take care of ourselves first.
-
You make your way to the med-bay.
Accessing the terminal, you lay down and prepare for the auto-scan of your body functions and brain activity.
1236USY.9d/1m.0601h
As the medical scan is nearing completion, you hear a ping from somewhere in the commander center.
You wager it is Conquest departing.
A) Nothing of concern.
B) And yet, what if it is someone or something else?
-
A
I'd prefer that we stay alive without long-term complications over investigating a ping from the sensor console, especially since we know Conquest is on its way out (or should be).
-
A.
-
A - if it was important, it'd be more obnoxious than a single ping
-
A
-
You decide its nothing of concern.
1236USY.9d/1m.0630h
The beeping scanner performs a physical scan of you and study of your brainwaves. It has spent quite few minutes collating and summarizing data.
The medical computer finishes its work just in time for another sensor ping. This one is unannounced prior, you believe.
A) Check the medical examination log first.
B) Go check what's the ping about.
-
A
-
A
A log shouldn't take too long to read.
-
B - The log will wait
-
You decide to read the medical log.
1236USY.9d/1m.0633h
You finish reading the medical log and furrow your brows.
The physical scan has discovered nothing out of the ordinary, except a bit strain on the muscles and indication of general tiredness as well as stress-related black-out within past hour. The auto-doctor recommends rest and recuperation period of 24 standard hours.
The brainwave scan has discovered that your wetware chip has been tampered with, which is a given considering you were reprogrammed for civilian life, but that there's also microdamage to the mind-machine relay located in the cerebral cortex, which might produce symptoms of memory loss related to periods before the reprogramming. The auto-doctor recommends surgery to replace the faulty mind-machine relay as well as to perform full wetware scan to verify the integrity of digital memory bank, both of which are not possible with Outpost's on-board machinery.
You leave the med-bay to check the sensors, confirming what you suspected - the Conquest left at 6am for Poseidonis Jump Gate, while Most Fortunate Occurence left a few minutes ago, heading for Gamma Urquanii Jump Gate.
You sit at the sensors, pondering.
A) Time to rest.
B) Time for bartending trivia.
C) Time for Zirconius episode.
-
A
Zirconius is probably too cheesy to count as rest. Not sure about bartending trivia, so I'm voting for some ordinary rest.
-
A
-
You go and take it easy for, well, however long the universe shall give you.
1236USY.9d/1m.1137h
Which is slightly over five hours.
That's when the sensors console gives that obnoxious warning that a ship is on approach-and-docking vector. You lift yourself from your bed and march to check the sensor screen.
Sensors Station Alert! IFF beacon translation in progress...
Done!
"Islander", a Centaur-class Light Civilian Transport, is approaching from the direction of Gamma Urquanii Jump Gate.
Standard docking and refueling request received.
Fuel Pump assigned: #4 (authority: Automated Refueling AI)
Estimated arrival time: 27 minutes.
That's a slow one.
A) Eh, I can just wait!
B) Enough to squeeze in an episode of Zirconius, perhaps?
C) Enough to squeeze in some bartending trivia, perhaps?
-
A - Another small amount of rest
-
C.
-
C
-
B
-
You decide to spend time with net articles on bartending.
1236USY.9d/1m.1206h
You don't find anything interesting on the Net this time, and even local spaceweather report was rather dull ('no gravitational anomalies, no ion storms, have a pleasant cruise through Zanzibar!').
But that is okay - the console notified you a minute ago that the 'Islander' has docked. You straighten up at the bar, tap the console a bit, and gaze at the gate.
Soon.
Just in a second...
Suredly...
1236USY.9d/1m.1208h
With a hiss, the gate opens.
A tall, dark-haired woman with a slim figure comes in, followed by a rather average-shaped man with blad head.
The woman wears a dark and grey jumpsuit with several white stripes going down from her left shoulder all the way to her left foot. Her hands are covered with black siber gloves, probably member of the crew? Her silvery eyes scan the surroundings with some apprehension, or perhaps, disdain.
The man wears a clean, dark green suit with a cleavage that shows his sparkly white shirt underneath. Instead of suit pants, however, he wears a wide skirt, of the same pressed material as his suit. His nose and left earlobe are adorned with several golden rings, and he wears much larger ring around his neck. The man's skin seems to have some sort of reddish-orange tan to it, and he is all smiles, his eyes partly shut.
"May the Path-Ways bless you on your trek through life, good bartender." The man speaks first, with a loud, happy tone, but instead of taking a seat, he ventures to inspect the neon lamps.
"Again with your proselytizing, Roand?" The woman brushes her hair, and sits down at one stool.
"Tis but a blessing, not an attempt at conversion." The man explains, rolling his eyes, and then paces to sit at the woman's left-hand side.
"One Cornflower, please."
"A shot of Wet Jet." You set to work. Typing away 'Cornflower' at the console, being pretty sure it must be some sort of a mix, you pour the man a shot of Wet Jet in the meanwhile. You pass it to him, and from the breast pocket of his suit, he pulls our a curious-looking, oval, brown-tinted credchip. You scan it just like any other, though. (+20c)
Today Earnings: 620c
Monthly Earnings: 6757.5c
Patron ID: Roand Tyneck
Occupation: Religious Preacher (Cult of Path-Ways)
Conv.Style: CHATTY
Liked drinks: wet jet, grenadiere
Disliked drinks: soft
Connecting...
Connecting...
Done!
Queries: cornflower
>1 result found:
CORNFLOWER: 67c
2 Shots of Wet Jet
Shot of Ribesnero
Shot of Dry Jet
Serve in a tank glass with cherry and lemon slice.
After checking the instructions, you quickly set a tank glass, then pour in the two Jets and Ribesnero, watching the mixture settle on some deep blue-purple color. You pop in a defrosted cherry and garnish the tank with a lemon slice on the side, and pass it to the woman.
"Thanks." She pulls her credchip - an unadorned, gray rectangle - from her jumpsuit's left pocket, allowing you to scan it. (+67c)
Today Earnings: 687c
Monthly Earnings: 6824.5c
Patron ID: Audrine Steiner
Occupation: Crewmember of Light Transport "Islander"
Conv.Style: CHILLY
Liked drinks: fiery, sweet, Cornflower
Disliked drinks: N/A
Audrine takes a sip of her drink, while Roand downs his shot and then passes the glass back to you. "Thank you, young man."
CHOOSE YOUR CONVERSATION STARTER!
A) To Roand: "Another?"
B) To Roand, CHATTY: "Thank you for the blessing, even if I know little of the Path-Ways you speak of, what are they?"
C) To Audrine: "Where's the captain?"
D) To Audrine, CHATTY: "My sensors notified you that you're a crewmember of a 'light transport', I assume, seeing Roand here, that you carry passengers?"
E) FLIRTY: "Not to push or anything, but if either of you are interested, I'm sure I'm capable of providing more than just drinks~"
-
B
He seems a lot less likely to attempt suicide than the last cult we met.
-
B
-
B
-
B
-
B
-
CHATTY: "Thank you for the blessing, even if I know little of the Path-Ways you speak of, what are they?"
"Ah, not learned in religion? No worries. Let it be known that I shall educate you to the best of my ability!" Roand smiles widely and claps his hands together.
"Oh boy, here we go."
"Everyone walks the path of life, from birth to death, right?"
"Philosophically speaking, yes."
"Literally speaking, too. Everything and everyone is - in motion. We all are walking the Path-Ways, our paths intermingling for brief or long periods of time. And because of this, I say, be mindful of your fellow walkers. Bless them if you wish, aid them if they need it - for you never know when your paths will cross again. Perhaps tomorrow. Perhaps it is the last you see of them." Roand leans forward while Audrine sips her drink, staring off-side.
"Do you understand what I'm talking about, young man?"
"You're preaching... common ense and good societal manners?"
"The galaxy and humanity as a whole needs them more than ever, I am afraid. I look at vast history of governments and polities and I am afraid we haven't learned a thing in last few thousand years. People are more inclined to walk their path alone and cut short the journeys of others than anything else!" He smacks his hands.
"Now though, a shot of Grenadiere would be nice." You pour a shot of the pinkish liquid into a new shot glass and pass it to the preacher. He lets you scan his credchip before taking a sip. (+10c)
Today Earnings: 697c
Monthly Earnings: 6834.5c
A) To Roand, Chatty: "That was the main tenet, what else can you tell me about Path-Ways?"
B) To Audrine: "Not a fan of spiritual talk?"
-
B.
-
B
-
B
-
"Not a fan of spiritual talk?" Audrine grins and takes a sip of her drink.
"No, I'm not." She says, nursing the glass in her hand, then taking another sip.
"Another shot of the same, please." You quickly refill Roand's glass with Grenadiere, and grab the scanner. It scans, unsurprisingly, Roand's credchip. (+10c)
Today Earnings: 707c
Monthly Earnings: 6844.5c
There comes a sensor ping from the command room just as you put away the scanner.
A) Excuse yourself and go check the noise.
B) To Audrine: "So what are your thoughts on religion, then?"
C) To Roand, CHATTY: "So what else can you tell me about these Path-Ways?"
-
A
More customers?
-
A
-
You excuse yourself to check the sensors.
"Oh, no worries." Roand lifts his glass while Audrine sips quietly, not paying attention to you.
You reach the command center and check sensors - there's a fast-moving craft going from direction of Gamma Urquanii to Poseidonis system. Perhaps a courier of sorts, or a simple traveler?
A) Ping them an offer of drinks!
B) This is what distracts me from my duties? Bweh!
-
A.
-
A
-
A
-
You ping them an offer of drinks.
1236USY.9d/1m.1219h
About a minute of wait later, you decide to leave-
Tomorrow, I promise!
-the short, text-only reply validating you. However, the message was sent by a ship you know - Marco Polo! (http://www.bay12forums.com/smf/index.php?topic=180136.msg8402232#msg8402232)
You return to the bar - only to notice two more patrons at it!
The one seated by Roand is a young, average-sized man in a jumpsuit, perhaps one another of Islander's crew. He has shoulder-long, black hair, green eyes, and a mole under his left eye on his otherwise pale face.
The other is a tall man in business suit, with a lock-case on the seat by him. He has tanned skin, black hair and while his left eye is natural blue, the other has been replaced with cybernetic implant, the laser-sight being of red color.
"There's the barkeep."
"Hey there pal." The young man in jumpsuit raises his hand in a greeting.
"Yes, hello, we would like some synthol." The business-man says with a soft, but loud, voice.
"What will it be?" You ask, taking your place behind the counter.
"Seaside Paradise for me."
"Don't overdo it, Aldon." Audrine quips to her crewmate.
"I want a Smooth Criminal, please and thank you." Fortunately, you know both of these drinks already, and begin mixing.
"And, another shot of Grenadiere for me." Adds Roand, pushing his shot glass towards you. You fill that first and scan his credchip. (+10c)
Today Earnings: 717c
Monthly Earnings: 6854.5c
You then mix a Smooth Criminal for the business-man, as it is faster to make. He fishes out a gold-trimmed credchip, which you quickly scan. (+111c)
Today Earnings: 828c
Monthly Earnings: 6965.5c
Patron ID: Truang Cie-Min
Occupation: Personal Inventory Trader
Conv.Style: CHATTY
Liked drinks: Smooth Criminal
Disliked drinks: n/a
And then you prepare a Seaside Paradise for 'Aldon', passing the tank glass to him. His credchip is black and plain, and pings like any other. (+83c)
Today Earnings: 911c
Monthly Earnings: 7048.5c
Patron ID: Aldon Ker
Occupation: Crewmember of Light Transport "Islander"
Conv.Style: FLIRTY
Liked drinks: fruity
Disliked drinks: sour
Truang, Aldon and Roand all take a sip of their drinks, while Audrine puts down her empty glass on the counter.
Choose your conversation partner!
A) To Audrine: "Want something else?"
B) To Roand: "I wanna learn more about Path-Ways."
C) To Aldon: "Another crewmember, huh?"
D) To Truang: "My console says you're a trader."
-
D.
-
D
-
D
-
"My console says you're a trader."
"Yes, that is correct. I deal in personal items, like tools, protective equipment, entertainment devices. If you're interested, I could show you my wares?"
A) "Sure, what you've got?" (this will open trading with Truang Cie-Min)
B) "Maybe some other time, and-"
*A) To Audrine: "Do you want something else?"
*B) To Roand: "Now I wanna learn more about Path-Ways."
*C) To Aldon: "So you're another crewmember, huh?"
-
B-A
-
A
-
A
-
"Sure, what you've got?" Truang smiles and procures a small pad from one of the pockets of his suit.
"Here you go, take your time."
Truang Cie-Ming's Trading Account Balance: 859c
List of Personal Trade Items:
Commercial Subspace Radio (1, 120c): A portable, receiver-only subspace radio capable of picking local commercial and public news broadcasts.
PleasureCrafts VibrEgg (6, 25c): A small egg with vibration and massage functions about 1-inch in diameter.
PleasureCrafts "Mystery of Danara" Holovid Data Rod (1, 45c): Holovid mini-series of 5 episodes. Summary: "A young Caninoid female prostitute suddenly attracts attention of several important personages of her home planet."
PleasureCrafts "When the Pulsar Screams" Holovid Data Rod (1, 60c): Holovid mini-series of 6 episodes. Summary: "A depraved Rag'n'Rock cultist experiences vivid hallucinations as he traverses a remote spacefaring lane."
Arnold's Items of Barter:
none
Arnold's Personal Credits:
0c
Arnold's Outpost Earnings:
6854.5c
A) (List items you want to buy/haggle for here)
B) "Nothing here interests me, sorry."
-
B.
I get the feeling he isn't quite the trader we're looking for.
in other news, hopefully we get a chance to research what wage Arnold's supposed to be getting- hopefully it's not just "free booze and accommodations".
-
B
-
I think we get paid monthly? (http://www.bay12forums.com/smf/index.php?topic=180136.msg8392701#msg8392701)
-
B
-
B
(Also long time no see on this forum, glad to see this still kinda going)
-
I agree with everyone else, we don't really have the ability to buy anything anyway - the one item that does interest me is that radio, but it's not exactly vital, and hopefully we can find one after (if) we get paid.
-
"Nothing here interests me, sorry."
"Oh, that's alright, no problem." He takes the pad back. Audrine pushes her glass back to you.
"A shot of Grenadiere, please." You quickly switch glasses and pour her a shot of the fruity, reddish synthol. You bring up the scanner and her credchip goes beep. (+10c)
Today Earnings: 921c
Monthly Earnings: 7058.5c
"So, where were we?" Truang turns towards Roand.
"You were talking about Alpha Midris revolt? The bombing of Fedpols?"
"Ah, yes. Since then, they've doubled the amount of ships in the system, and cargo checks have became mandatory for every ship in transit for any of the three Jump Gates. Merchants and liner captains complain the most, of course."
"And you?" Truang shrugs, while Roand drinks the remainder of his shot.
"I'm law-abiding citizen. It is inconvenient because sometimes I get these blushy recruits who have the 'unfortunate' distinction of having to personally check my pleasure merchandise. Their faces, I tell you, show they would rather not."
A) To Truang: "There's been unrest and attacks on Fedpols?"
B) To Roand: "Need anything else?"
C) Idly listen to the conversation.
-
A
That's kinda important to know...
-
A
-
A
-
"There's been unrest and attacks on Fedpols?"
"Oh yes, for quite some time, apparently." Audrine quips and Truang nods along.
"Right, you were away. Lemme just-" He quickly takes a sip. "-I was just saying there were attacks on Fedpols in Alpha Midris system, which is in state of, well, revolt? They had very popular kinda-aristocratic family there, which was apparently quite good at running the administration and caring for their peoples. So the smallfolk, which now had to obey new laws and lost some things they rather liked about their little government, started protesting. So the Fedpols had to arrest the ringleaders. So the smallfolk got agitated. Took two years but finally the situation boiled over, and the locals stormed the local prison satellite and then sabotaged some patrol ships. I was in Alpha Midris last week, and the latest event was a bombing which took out a chunk of the planetside Fedpol HQ, along with some civilians in the area. Stay away from that place, barkeep." Truang raises his glass at you, then takes another sip of his drink.
Aldon clears off his glass, him and Roand both being dry at the moment.
A) "So how was Alpha Midris before the Federation got back?"
B) "They've bombed a Fedpol HQ? How did they manage to do it?"
C) "What do you think the Federation will do about it?"
D) Nod in agreement and let the folks converse.
E) Ask Roand and Aldon if they need anything else.
-
Wait, haven't we met one of those aristocrats... Wasn't that Augustina? Or maybe it was the Duchess we had a... liason with?
Anyway, C
-
C
-
B
-
"What do you think the Federation will do about it?"
"Increase security, I guess. Negotiate with the locals in the meanwhile. Back in the centuries before Corp War, Federation had lots more teeth than nowadays."
"They've been around only two years. They're cautious. Take a generation or two, and they will sharpen their teeth for sure." Roand hums.
"Call me an idealist, but I don't think it will be that fast." Audrine harrumphs in return.
"Riiight. And tomorrow wormholes will become safe to travel through." She quips, takes a sip alongside Truang (who finishes his drink), while Roand shakes his head with a smile.
A) "So how was Alpha Midris before the Federation got back?"
B) "They've bombed a Fedpol HQ? How did they manage to do it?"
C) Nod in agreement and let the folks converse.
D) Ask the men if they need a refill or anything of the sort.
E) "You know anything about the Old Federation?"
F) "Wormholes, eh?"
-
B
-
B
-
"They've bombed a Fedpol HQ? How did they manage to do it?" Truang shrugs with a grin.
"Symphatizers, obviously. Some of the locals were working for Fedpol. I'm surprised this didn't happen earlier, honestly."
"A shot of Skinjuice, please." Roand interrupts the tale, and you quickly pour him some synthol. Beep-beep. (+10c)
Today Earnings: 931c
Monthly Earnings: 7068.5c
"Bless you." He says while taking a sip.
"I've heard that about one in four of Fedpols in Alpha Midris is a local citizen, so I assume this circle of violence and instability will continue for a while longer."
"Nothing to be surprised about?" Audrine interjects. "Imagine fighting your best against Exo-Lumina, finally getting a breather... and bam, new management comes in and first thing of all it lays down what you can do and what you cannot against what you've been told your whole life."
A) "So how was Alpha Midris before the Federation got back?"
B) Nod in agreement and let the folks converse.
C) Ask Truang and Aldon if they need a refill.
D) "You know anything about the Old Federation?"
E) "You've mentioned wormholes earlier."
-
C
-
C
-
C
-
"You two need a refill?"
"No thank you."
"Aldeba-" Aldon and Audrine exchange glances. "A shot of Skinjuice will do." You serve him a shot of the fruity beverage, and scan his credchip. (+10c)
Today Earnings: 941c
Monthly Earnings: 7078.5c
"I heard similar stories on the fringes of Tannhauser, and Gemini." Roand speaks up while Aldon takes a sip.
"Two sectors away, huh? I mean, Audrine is right, this is gonna smoulder for a very long while."
"The instability, you mean?" Truang nods to you.
"Alas, people wanted a quick change for the better but aren't too eager to give up everything they had before for it."
"History in the making, hopefully the future Path-Ways of the Federation are smoother."
"The Tannhauser is right next to the Centaurian holdings, though. All this instability might give the Centaurians just enough reason to try and stage an invasion. Or at least, a slave raid or something of the kind."
"Barbarians." Roand grimaces, and Truang shakes his head.
"They have been sitting rather silent for the past two years since the proclamation of the second Federation and reestablishment of Federal Police. Except of course sending agents in and rescuing their offcers out of Federal space. You know history, most wars begin with a single thing." Audrine grumbles.
"Okay, enough of this sad, gut-wrenching storytime. I'm drinking, can't you talk about something lighter?"
"Like what?"
"I dunno - something." Audrine shrugs, before drinking the remainder of her shot.
A) "How about space weather?"
B) "Wormholes, eh?"
C) "Want another shot, Audrine?"
D) "I want a history lesson on Old Federation!"
E) Nod in agreement.
-
B
-
B.
-
B
-
"Wormholes, eh?" Truang chuckles heartily at your sudden change of topic, while Audrine grins.
"Yeah, wormholes." Aldon shrugs.
"Gravitational anomalies, really. Nobody got through one and emerged alive on... on whatever the other end is. End of topic, no?"
"Doesn't mean some smart heads aren't trying. VaranCorp thinks there's the key to stabilizing them is through black hole generation. The Tanzanians think the answer can be found in gas giants or nebulas. EXO-Lumina thought you needed big enough explosion to open the wormhole for travel. The first two haven't even gotten off theory boards and the third failed spectacularly at Valhalla System."
1236USY.9d/1m.1241h
"Oh, bad for them." Audrine says and then she and Aldon react to a pinging noise on their belts.
"This late already, huh?" Aldon drinks the remainder of his shot.
"Boss' calling. You two remember we're leaving at 1330." Audrine explains and the two older men nod along.
"Wouldn't miss the departure, honest." Truang says as Audrine and Aldon make for the gate, without saying goodbyes to you.
A) "Tanzanians? As in, Tanzanian Astrophysics Union? They have a satellite in the system."
B) "What's VaranCorp about?"
C) "What did EXO-Lumina did, exactly? Besides, I assume, using lots of explosives?"
-
A
-
A.
-
"Tanzanians? As in, Tanzanian Astrophysics Union? They have a satellite in the system." Truang looks at you with curiosity.
"Really? Then again." He shifts in his seat a bit. "You do have a gas giant here."
"Yes, the only planet in Beta Carotenii."
"Never heard of this one being any sort of significant. I wonder why would they be interested in it." Roand hums.
"Helium for sublight thrusters? Exotic gases? Maybe something strange going on with its gas mantle." Truang shrugs.
"Or just mapping its outer layers. Not very exciting, but that's what astrophysicians and the sorts do." Roand nods along wordlessly, taking another sip of his shot, emptying the glass.
Just in time for the sensors console to start beeping out an alarm. Some ship is approaching the station.
It's going to be a busy day today, it seems.
A) "You two need anything to drink?"
B) "What's VaranCorp about?"
C) "What did EXO-Lumina did, exactly? Besides, I assume, using lots of explosives?"
D) Excuse yourself to check the sensors.
-
D
-
D.
They don't seem drunk enough to do something stupid- so best to go check if we're seeing pirates, mercs, or traders on the horizon.
-
D
-
D
-
"Lemme just check that." You say, gesturing towards the door.
"Sure." Roand replies and Truang nods in agreement.
You walk to the command center and check the sensors console...
Sensors Station Alert! IFF beacon translation in progress...
Done!
"Dog's Star", Santa Maria-class Cargo Runner, approaching from direction of Eta Coridani Jump Gate.
Standard docking and refueling request received.
Fuel Pump assigned: #9 (authority: Automated Refueling AI)
Estimated arrival time: 10 minutes.
A) A customer! Open the hailing frequencies!
B) Eh, I've already got enough on my bar.
-
A - Let's make the most of the company. For all we know, we'll have no visitors at all tomorrow
-
A
-
A
-
A - Let's make the most of the company. For all we know, we'll have no visitors at all tomorrow
Wrong, JAmes, the friendly courier will be here probably
oh boy, i missed these forum games :v
-
You open the hailing frequencies.
It takes several seconds before your signal is acknowledged, and few more before a text-only reply is sent.
>Thanks, I will be there.
You have an inbound customer on your hands - so you return to the two remaining at the bar.
1236USY.9d/1m.1245h
"That's quite a route." Roand replies to Truang when you return behind the counter.
"Indeed, but I want to move away from the borderlands and maybe even start coursing about Epsilon Sector, who knows? I would still need to charter a transport from Terpsichora System, but I will worry about it once I'm offboard the Centaur." Roand nods, pushing the empty glass away, but not really towards you either.
A) Let them converse.
B) "What's the topic now?"
C) Ask Roand if he needs a refill.
-
C
-
C.
-
C
-
"You need a refill, Roand?" The traveling preacher hums.
"No... no, I think I'm done for today, thank you."
You take Roand's shot glass and put it under counter.
"And where are you gonna go, after we reach Terpsichora?" Truang asks Roand, who smiles.
"Wherever Path-Ways take me. I will simply walk - well, travel on board spaceships - until I find another to walk the path with. For as long as Path-Ways take me. I do hope to stop by our congregation on Gaga Prime, though. But, we will see." Roand stands up from his seat.
"Going back to Centaur already?"
"Mm. Pleasant day to you, barkeep."
"Please come again." You reply as Roand makes his way to the gate. Truang watches the other passenger leave, and then turns to you.
"Let's finish the stay on something really good..." Truang trails off, thinking about his order.
"Smooth Criminal?" You ask, and the trader grins.
"No, no. How about... how about Silver Thread." You haven't heard that one before, that's for sure!
You type away at the console...
Connecting...
Connecting...
Connecting...
Failed to connect to the Drink Mix Database.
Retry? Y/N
You retry.
A) "Are you affiliated with PleasureCrafts? Your item list would suggest so."
B) "How's business nowadays? Doing well, I hope?"
C) Apologize for the delay.
-
B
-
B
-
B
-
B
-
"How's business nowadays? Doing well, I hope?" Truang shrugs.
"Doing well is possibly the best way to describe it. I had better profits in previous years, and now I will have to seek some more profitable ports of call. Perhaps indeed there's better credit to be found past Madagascar and Theta Durianii. I could always go back home and return to hydroponics, but, eh. Once you stop doing manual labor, you don't really wanna go back, trust me!"
Connecting...
Connecting...
Connecting...
Done!
Queries: silver thread
>1 result found:
SILVER THREAD: 226c
2 Shots of Creme Blanco
2 Shots of Silkdrink
Shot of Ambrosia
Serve in a tank glass with ice.
That's a fancy one, and you start by putting some crushed ice into a tank glass. Then you add the white-ish-clear synthols before topping it with Ambrosia which gives it curiously milky, maybe even bleached yellow, color. Not very silvery, you have to note. You push the glass to Truang, who pulls out his credchip so that you can scan it for one last time. (+226c)
Today Earnings: 1167c
Monthly Earnings: 7304.5c
He takes a swig of his mix, licks his lips and looks at you.
"And you, barkeep? How's business going?"
A) "Quite well, thank you."
B) "Could be better."
C) "Eh. It's okay."
D) "To be honest, I'm not really sure."
-
B
-
D
Hard to tell since we've yet to clock in our first month, so...
-
D
-
D.
-
"To be honest, I'm not really sure."
"Really, how so?" Truang takes another sip.
"I've been here for just a week. Started on New Year's."
"Aaah... I see. Well, I've heard that SRC expects an outpost to make at least twenty to thirty thousand in synthol sales a month. How you doing on that?"
You look at the console and frown just so slightly.
"I think I'm doing alright. It is a high profit ceiling, how can you be so sure?"
"I can't be, I've told you, I've heard that it is twenty or thirty thousand. I didn't see any actual SRC rules or accounting for that matter. Maybe the kid on Nepnep VI was just overstating things?" Truang shrugs and takes another sip.
A) "Anything else you could tell me about SRC, perhaps?"
B) "Any pointers on sales pitching, then?"
C) "I was meaning to ask, are you affiliated with PleasureCrafts? Your item list would suggest so."
-
A
-
A.
-
"Anything else you could tell me about SRC, perhaps?" Truang nods.
"I wish I could, but I know little. Rumor that courses between small merchants and my suppliers." He takes another sip.
"I've heard that they have no corporate planets, surprisingly enough. They've been somehow staying out of politics, but look at that - when the war was coming to an end, they've secured a monopoly on synthetic alcohol supply for dignitaries, police and military forces of the New Federation. What else, hm..." The man whistles and then straightens in his chair.
"That they're one of the only corpos with social package programs for their employees. Free housing and discounts and all that."
"That one I can confirm as being true. I've read on it."
"Hm, well, employee loyalty might be one thing they have over their rivals in Metro-L and PleasureCrafts, then." Truang sips once more from his glass.
A) "Any advice to get my sales better so that I can meet the purported quota?"
B) "Speaking of PleasureCrafts, are you their affiliate?"
C) "I don't think I've heard of Metro-L before."
D) "Anything else you know about SRC?"
-
C
We've been hailing just about every potential customer that comes our way, so I'm not really sure we can do much on the sales side right now.
-
C
-
C
-
C
-
"I don't think I've heard of Metro-L before." Truang raises an eyebrow in surprise.
"Really?"
"Really."
"Good for you. Compared to Metro-L, SRC is saintly and heavenly. Metro-L doesn't really care about toxicity, safety standards and its customers. The synthols are cheap, of course, you can get sloshed on several tanks for, what, six, seven credits? But your stomach might not survive, and neither might you. They also use bottled stuff, the kind that gets fermented in a shoddy warehouse."
"And the Federation allows this?"
"A mixture of 'I was here first', bribes and, surprisingly, some customer loyalty... they are local - kinda - operating only in Beta, Gamma, Hercules, Mercury and Capricorn Sectors. They don't have a Federal-wide concession for selling booze or setting up shop, only in few sectors. But enough marketing, money and persistence and they could get elsewhere. They've already been putting out feelers in Aries sector, last time I talked about them with someone." Truang takes a sip of his drink.
"Who knows, maybe in few years Metro-L will put up neons around Aries. And that Sector is just few jumps away from Zanzibar. But I think both SRC and Federals will do something about Metro-L before that happens."
A) "Speaking of PleasureCrafts, are you their affiliate?"
B) "Anything else you know about SRC?"
C) "Any advice to get my sales better so that I can meet the purported quota?"
-
B
-
B
-
B
-
"Anything else you know about SRC?"
"Alas, I don't think that there's anything else I could say you." Truang takes another sip of his drink and looks into the glass afterwards - about a quarter of the mix left.
That's when the gate opens and both you and the trader look behind.
Through the gate walks a middle-aged man with greying black-beard and bald head, in a jumpsuit covered by a fancy jacket of slick black material. As he approaches the bar, you can see slick gloves on his hands and heavy work boots on his feet, all black as well.
"Hello Captain." Truang nods towards the newcomer, who smiles and nods his head politely.
"Mr.Cie-Min." The 'captain' takes a seat at the bar and only then you notice a small earpiece, lodged in his left earlobe and sometimes giving off tiny red light - you also notice an jagged, L-shaped scar going from between his left eye and left ear to his cheek.
"Anything wrong with the Centaur?"
"The opposite, actually. We're almost ready but instead of sailing off ahead of schedule, I gave the crew a small break and decided to go for a drink myself. One Asteroids." The bald captain nods in your direction, and you start by putting ice into a tank glass.
"I don't recall you drinking synthol, Captain."
"Cuz I don't. I prefer cheaper booze, and bottled sort, too." He scrunches his nose and looks at you briefly as you pour in Martian and Sucrosol into the ice.
"But while we're at SRC, I thought to myself, why the hell not? Thanks." The captain of the Centaur takes the glass from you, then fishes a nondescript credchip from the pocket of his jumpsuit. Your scanner goes beep against it. (+71c)
Today Earnings: 1238c
Monthly Earnings: 7375.5c
Patron ID: Kolf Radian
Occupation: Captain of Light Transport "Centaur"
Conv.Style: AMICABLE
Liked drinks: sweet
Disliked drinks: bitter
Captain Radian takes a gulp of his Asteroids, drinking almost half of the mix in one go.
"Synthol's still good." He says. "Music still terrible, too." He complains, making the trader grin before Truang takes another sip of his drink.
A) To Captain Radian: "I could change the music, Captain."
B) To Captain Radian: "Cheap, bottled booze? Metro-L?"
C) To Captain Radian: CHATTY: "Sorry to point it out like this, but that scar looks quite nasty. Where did you get it from?"
D) To Truang: "I was meaning to ask you about PleasureCrafts, are you affiliated with them?"
E) To Truang: "I was meaning to ask you about whether you have any advice on marketing."
-
A
Despite the captain being an amicable sort, I don't think prying into his scar should be the first thing we say.
-
A.
-
A
-
A
-
"I could change the music, Captain." Captain Radian waves at you dismissively.
"Nah, kid, don't bother, I'm here for five minutes. Don't bother." He drinks again from his glass, while Truang empties his and puts the glass on your side of the counter.
A) To Captain Radian: "So you like cheap bottled booze? Metro-L?"
B) To Captain Radian: CHATTY: "Sorry to point it out like this, but that scar looks quite nasty. Where did you get it from?"
C) To Truang: "I was meaning to ask you about PleasureCrafts, are you affiliated with them?"
D) To Truang: "I was meaning to ask you about whether you have any advice on marketing."
E) To Truang: "One more mix or a shot, maybe?"
-
E
-
E
-
A
-
"One more mix or a shot, maybe?"
3*
"No... thank you. I've had enough. Maybe another time." Truang leaves his seat.
"Have a nice day, barkeep. See you on the ship, Captain." The Captain raises his glass at Truang.
"You too, please come again." As Truang leaves for the main gate, Kolf drinks some more of his Asteroids.
A) "So you like cheap bottled booze? Metro-L?"
B) "How's the ferrywork going nowadays, Captain?"
C) CHATTY: "Sorry to point it out like this, but that scar looks quite nasty. Where did you get it from?"
-
B
-
B
-
B.
-
"How's the ferrywork going nowadays, Captain?" Radian grins, showing off his teeth - top left canine is missing. The main gate hisses open and Truang leaves through it.
"Why, better than ever, my friend. I remember when I got to ferrying people six years ago, when the New Federation was still shaping up. Back then - pirates, murderers, rapists, traffickers, all these offered ferrying services to hapless, innocent people on the routes between various polities, or the long, multiple-system ones, only for those passengers to disappear - sometimes without a trace. I racked up a reputation for being a reliable and honest one, but still, the number of people traveling on transports? It's tenfold today compared to the pre-Federation chaos. People feel safer when regulators and space police do their job, you see. There are still dishonest and criminal ones around, always are, but, it's simply safer nowadays."
You hear a security beep from the command center - a ship has docked, which you assume is the Dog's Star. Captain Radian lifts his glass and drinks the remainder of Asteroids, carefully avoiding any ice trying to get into his mouth. With a happy sigh, he sets down the glass down and pushes it to you.
"The only thing that's bad is that you get greater percentage of, how to put it, quirky ones. Eccentric scientists and ex-nobility, that's one sort, but I'm talking druggies, cultists and preachers, archeologists... Some of 'em really weird, I tell you."
A) "You said you like cheap bottled booze? Metro-L perhaps?"
B) "Any stories from the times before Federation?"
C) "Any quirky ones amongst your current passengers?"
D) "What's the strangest passenger you ever had?"
E) CHATTY: "Sorry to point it out like this, but that scar looks quite nasty. Where did you get it from?"
F) "More synthol, Captain?"
-
F
-
D
-
B
-
D
-
"What's the strangest passenger you ever had?" Kolf hums thoughtfully.
"I think this weirdo Caninoid cultist. Constantly out of it. Dozing off mid-meal. You talk to him and one moment he is talking business and other he is talking about 'fangs of oblivion' and 'the void behind you' and weird stuff like that. Sometimes he just pulled the hood over his head and looked like sleeping, but you could see those red eyes of his staring right at ya. Brr." He pauses, then shrugs.
"He did pay for his transfer and left at his destination. Haven't seen him since, and not sure I would like to."
1236USY.9d/1m.1300h
In that moment the main gate opens again.
Through it walks a young man, with short, spiky, white hair and a healthy tan to his skin. He wears a tight, black bodysuit with rather menacing pauldrons and some bulky, brick-shaped tool attached to his his left hip. He wears plasteel boots, and his undershirt and gloves are ashen grey. The way the cloth clings to him, you can see he is rather toned and athletic, but his face looks rather soft and youthful.
As he walks closer, you notice several metallic studs at his left and right earlobes, and a thin black choker around his neck.
"Hey there." He says, with rather feminine voice.
"Greetings, young man." Captain Radian says before leaving his seat. "And goodbye. Gotta get to my ship and prepare for launch, see that all passengers are on board. Until next time barkeep." He waves at you before turning for the main gate.
"Please come again." You repeat the usual phrase before turning to the young man.
"Well." The newcomer smiles at you. "First, a Jovian Sunspot, second, why such a hot cookie like you is stuck at such an out of place bar? You could conquer the sector with that cute face of yours~"
A) Jovian Sunspot he wants, Jovian Sunspot he gets.
B) "Working, that's about it."
C) CHATTY: "Why, working hard to earn compliments from people like you."
D) FLIRTY: "I'm already happy enough that I was able to conquer your heart, handsome~"
E) "Sorry, I have a boyfriend."
-
C
-
D
I mean, I'm pretty sure Arnold isn't already taken, right? We flirted with the dude who's showing up tomorrow a lot, but he didn't sound like he was asking for a commitment:
"I don't stay in one place for too long so I might as well find someone to spend some nice time with."
and you guys already screwed that duchess or whatever kind of noble it was.
(Plus, you know, the two of them only met once so far and it would be pretty weird to jump to conclusions from that.)
On the other hand, having reread that earlier encounter, this new guy seems too "edgy" for his tastes so I wouldn't recommend trying to get them around at the same time, lol.
-
B
-
C
Let's see a little more.
-
D
-
D.
-
b
cc
ddd
FLIRTY: "I'm already happy enough that I was able to conquer your heart, handsome~" The flirty guy looks at you quite surprised, then blushes deep red, then laughs and leans away, looking elsewhere for a moment.
"Oh, wow, I mean... nice, I... okay, this never worked before..." He laughs again as you prepare his Jovian Sunspot - mixing several various Synthols that together settle on orange hue. You push the cocktail glass towards the man, who fishes out his credchip out of his pants - small, silvery chirp with red corner. You scan it like the rest. (+105c)
Today Earnings: 1343c
Monthly Earnings: 7480.5c
He quickly occupies himself with the drinking.
Patron ID: Reo Corx
Occupation: Space Courier
Conv.Style: FLIRTY
Liked drinks: Jovian Sunspot, sweet, sour
Disliked drinks: N/A
A) "Let's take it slow: how's it going?"
B) FLIRTY: "Well handsome, do you need a moment or should I start calling you the overlord of my heart already~?"
C) FLIRTY: "That's a lie, you're just playing into my type of 'hard to get' people, and I like that, honestly~"
D) FLIRTY: "Big guys always turn out to be easy to blush, but I like big blushy ones, especially you~"
E) Let him drink.
-
B
-
A, don't overwhelm the poor boy.
-
A
-
A
-
E
-
"Let's take it slow: how's it going?" Reo puts down the drinks and looks into it thoughtfully.
"Good. Good, quite good, thanks. You always flirt back with your customers?"
"Not necessarily, no."
"Well, hm, first time someone flirted back at me... so confidently, at least. It caught me off guard, man." He scrunches his nose and chuckles, before taking another sip. He hums into the glass and puts it down.
"Are you a former drone maybe?"
A) "Yes."
B) "No."
C) "Not for you to know."
-
A.
-
A
Our 'species' is identifiable by how we're too good at talking, lol.
-
A
-
A
-
"Yes." Reo lets out a thoughtful 'ah' and then takes a sip.
"I thought so. You guys having all those lines pre-written for you... easy for you. I mean, I think it is easier for you, no?"
"Part of my wetware chip was programmed to provide pick-up lines and such at moment's notice, so, yes?"
"I see, I see..." He takes another sip, not looking very flirty at the moment.
A) *awkward bartending time*
B) "You do look nice, that's for sure."
C) CHATTY: "If it does bother you, we can change topics to something less personal if you're so inclined?"
D) FLIRTY: "Come on, handsome, don't give me that face, it wounds my heart to see you so sullen~"
-
B
-
A
-
B
-
"You do look nice, that's for sure."
"Thanks." He says curtly, then drinks the remainder of his Jovian Sunspot.
"Now an Orchard." Reo hands you the glass which you put away for cleaning. You know the Orchard, and you begin to pour in the sweet, the fruity and the sour, combining them into one pretty red mix. You eventually pass the tank to Reo, who lets you scan his credchip again. (+90c)
Today Earnings: 1433c
Monthly Earnings: 7570.5c
He takes a rather cautious sip, then smiles happily, and takes another sip.
A) "Is me being a drone something awkward to you?"
B) "I have noticed that you have a cargo runner, but you aren't a trader?"
C) Arnold: Become NPC.
-
B
-
B
-
B
-
"I have noticed that you have a cargo runner, but you aren't a trader?"
"Mhm." Reo puts down the glass.
"No, no. I deliver bulk goods from one place to another. Nothing I could sell you I'm afraid, and I don't think you would find any interest in the goods anyway."
A) "What are you delivering right now?"
B) "I was going to ask whether me being a drone is something awkward to you."
C) "Where are you going to?"
D) Arnold: Become NPC.
-
D
-
C
-
C
-
"Where are you going to?"
"Richter Alpha Station." He explains, and takes another sip, not forthcoming with more information than needed.
A) "I was going to ask whether me being a drone is something awkward to you."
B) "I assume you're delivering your cargo there?"
C) Arnold: Become NPC.
-
C
-
C.
-
You decide to let Reo drink and do some cleaning in the meanwhile.
1236USY.9d/1m.1311h
It's just few minutes later that he finishes his drink.
"Thanks for the drinks, I think I will be going to my ship now. You staying here for a while?"
"I think so? I'm not planning on leaving the station for now."
"Alright." Reo leaves his seat. "I will drop in when I will be going back to Zanzibar. Cya mister drone."
"Please come again." You say to the man's back as he makes a rather hasty exit through the gate. With a shrug, you clean after him.
1236USY.9d/1m.1313h
The bar is empty. The glasses are clean.
You check the security console - both Dog's Star and Islander remain docked for now and there's no other lifeforms on station.
Perhaps you have some freedom.
A) Alrighty! Time to lounge at the cupola!
B) 'Bout time! Let's get some Zirconius episodes viewed!
C) Can't go wrong with some bartending trivia!
D) Decidedly a good time for some station maintenance!