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[SWAW] Alabash Assignment (17)
Squall plotted the most optimal course from Gristone to Alabash. From there, Hosk pored over the holonet for odd jobs. He's able to pull up the following work...
Ladro, you find four possible jobs that get work Gristone and Alabash.
Job 1 - Cargo Hauling job with Devaronian contractor (2-cred / bushwhacked) takes no time off travel, should lead to future jobs (+1 Forward with contractor) if successful
It adds no time to the trip.
Job 2 - Smuggling Glitterstim to Reecee (4-cred / Imperial discovery)
It adds two days to the trip, all told.
Job 3 - Amarath got a line on a Bounty on a Phuii named Garbbel who needs to be "extradited" from Duro back to Phu (2-cred / embattled)
It adds no time to the trip.
Job 4 - Hosk points out a poorly protected trade route to Csilla, home of the Chiss (2-cred / embattled)
It adds one day to the trip. You can probably hit it on return trip (adds one day travel)
Feel free to pore over their plans. You're Methodical about this stuff.
Ladro, you find four possible jobs that get work Gristone and Alabash.
Job 1 - Cargo Hauling job with Devaronian contractor (2-cred / bushwhacked) takes no time off travel, should lead to future jobs (+1 Forward with contractor) if successful
It adds no time to the trip.
Job 2 - Smuggling Glitterstim to Reecee (4-cred / Imperial discovery)
It adds two days to the trip, all told.
Job 3 - Amarath got a line on a Bounty on a Phuii named Garbbel who needs to be "extradited" from Duro back to Phu (2-cred / embattled)
It adds no time to the trip.
Job 4 - Hosk points out a poorly protected trade route to Csilla, home of the Chiss (2-cred / embattled)
It adds one day to the trip. You can probably hit it on return trip (adds one day travel)
Feel free to pore over their plans. You're Methodical about this stuff.
Comments
I take my time looking through three of the four possibles. Spice runs are out. It would be a slap in the face to Squall, and more risk than it's worth. Hosk grumbles a little at some of my questions, but produces the answers right off.
We'll start with the Devaronian cargo, keep things simple and start building a relationship.
(Rolled: 2d6+2. Rolls: 4, 5. Total: 11)
(Rolled: 2d6+3. Rolls: 6, 1. Total: 10)
After a week more travel farther out than most of your crew has ever been, you get to Alabash. There it is....
Jojee looks over at you as the Profit Margin comes out of hyperspace near the planet, "Well, Cap, I only see one satellite in orbit around this lava-ball, no signs of life, like we expected. Not sure how we're going to find this needle in the haystack."
"Why don't you set up a survey pattern, Jojee, to cover the surface as well as possible." Over the comms, "Squall, if you're okay to leave Engineering, join me at the Long Range Scanners?"
Squall answers quickly, "On my way Captain." Ze meets you in the center of the ship, a stone's throw from the common area. Ze gives you a curious look, "What do you need?"
"Most of the planet is way too unstable for there to be a mining facility, it seems to me. So let's scan for less geologically active areas. There has to be somewhere stable enough for a hauler to land and take on tons and tons of ore. Why don't you see what you can find out about the satellite first, though. Might be able to tell something from any signals or the directionality of the antennas, yes?"
"I can take a look, Captain. Back-tracing the signals will be tough. I wonder how anything gets through to the surface." Ze ponders for a moment, "They have to get the minerals off planet, land vehicles, too. I wonder if that satellite is geo-synchronous with the mine? Doesn't hurt to look."
Why don't you give me an Attuned roll here? I'll give you a situational +1.
(Rolled: 2d6. Rolls: 5, 2. Total: 7)
"Alright, looks like we found the landing string. They must use some automated piloting for transporting the ore." Ze looks at you, "Why is this so secretive?"
"My guess? In-fighting. The Imperial machine is so big, with so many people trying to curry so many favors, that little pockets, cabals inside the bigger agencies, do things that they don't tell others about. Trying to score a coup by taking out a Rebel cell before their rival agency or squad or office, or by providing a valuable source of ore for starship manufacturing that hasn't been tapped yet."
From the Captain's Chair, you read extreme temperatures and see the molten surface beneath you. After flying for half an hour, checking and rechecking the signal through the interference, you spot an odd metal box and Jojee follows it down.
Do you have them enter a docking sequence?
I do. Don't want any casualties that aren't necessary to complete the job, so I'll be certain the mining outfit really is automated before wreaking havoc.
A polite voice pings over the comms, "Greetings gentlebeings, this is Factory Control. The transponder reader is malfunctioning. What is your designation and purpose?"
Jojee looks over at you, off the comms, "Bluff?"
I nod. Still off comms, I ask, "Maintenance?" Seems a safe bet.
Jojee nods, "Smart."
Back on the comms, "Factory Control, this is contract vessel 8675309, designation Margin of Error, docking for maintenance checks. Please allow initiate procedure."
The landing pad is small, your ship just fits.
Jojee says with a hint of pride as she lands, "We only have three meters on a side!"
The landing pad physically sinks down into the interior of the platform, an access portal seals the ceiling. That same voice comes through the comms, "Please proceed to the reception lounge past the blast doors. A repair droid will arrive in eleven minutes to escort you."
What do you do?
I acknowledge Factory Control, then gather everyone. "Eleven minutes until a 'repair droid' meets us at the lounge past the blast door. I want everyone clear on mission. Hosk, Squall, you're with me for the initial sweep. Squall can do the technobabble, I'll be a useless middle-management type, and Hosk will be, well, Hosk. We'll assess weak points, try to figure out what needs blowing up. Try to avoid areas with high concentrations of higher-function droids, and determine if there are any biological beings to be concerned about." I turn to Amarath. "Amy, you sneak through the blast door when we go out, and hide. Be ready and keep listening. Do what you have to, so we can get back to the ship and do what needs doing. Jojee, figure out how to get us out of here if Factory Control is the only way to undock. Questions?" I look around the group.
I think you're being Methodical right now, don't you?
Methodical
(Rolled: 2d6+2. Rolls: 1, 4. Total: 7)
At just over ten minutes, the blast doors open and a "mouse droid" comes zipping in on the smooth concrete, waiting by the ramp.
We follow the droid and proceed as expected, Squall taking notes about our "inspection" and occasionally asking a question of Factory Control. As noted, we're looking for weak points and ways to disable the facility.
Any living beings here? What sort of droids do we encounter?
The polite voice from earlier comes through the comlink to you, "This mining factory consists of eight main sections: repulsorlift engines, intake suction devices, elemental separators and storage area, refuse disposal sprayers, shields and systems, droid repair center, sensors, and the control area. Other than transponder communications, the factory is self-sustaining and has been operational for eighty standard days at ninety eight efficiency. What maintenance checks do you wish to review, sir?"
There aren't even bathroom built here. No living quarters at all.
If you want to get some more details, why don't you try out the Gamma rule-book Move called Check Out the Scene?
Check Out The Scene
When you take a moment to Check Out The Scene, roll with Canny (use Sharp). On a 10+, ask the MC 2 questions from the list. On a 7-9, ask 1. When you act on the answers, take a +1 to the rolls. What’s happened here recently?
Who or what should I be wary of here?
What’s my best way in or out?
What am I missing here?
What’s my greatest opportunity here?
(Rolled: 2d6+1. Rolls: 1, 3. Total: 5)
What's my greatest opportunity here? (Specifically toward completing the mission.)
During a quiet moment, Hosk sidles up to you to say in a low tone, "The voice modulator on our friend here sounds like a Terreene class of AI. Very sharp."
The engine room would take the factory down into the lava. Squall asks a couple questions about the sustainability in case of lava overflow. Factory Control admits, "This is an extremely unlikely event. However, in answer to the question, it would be catastrophic. The entire facility would be destroyed within forty two standard hours of constant submersion."
None of the droids on the processing factory floor react to your presence or engage you, continuing their work. There are hovering repair droids, small ones, that zip along to check and maintain droids without stopping workflow.
"Control, thank you for the tour so far. Can you guide us to the Control Area? We're required to perform a visual check on each area of the station."
Sark did not provide that to you. Or well, at least Amarath didn't.
What do you do?
"Oh... that is a problem, I'm afraid. The clearance codes were included in an encrypted burst along with our transponder signal. I wasn't directly provided with them. Compartmentalization, you know."
(Rolled: 2d6+3. Rolls: 5, 6. Total: 14)
"Very well. Please follow the guide to the access portal to the Control Room."
The Mouse Droid zips along the concrete, pausing from time to time as if your walking pace is far too slow for it. Squall stays "in character", ze is making furious notes on zir datapad. Hosk keeping pace with you, ready but casual.
Jojee comes in on ship's signal, "Cap, four droids rolled into the hangar. They're about our size, and they appear to have nozzles for their left, well, hand. They aren't aggressive, I think? But well, it just happened."
Ahead is the Control Room, a large block of metal and concrete with a window to the factory production floor. You spot what looks like a modified FX Med Series droid inside, watching the entire floor and accessing a multitude of switchboards.
Over ship's comms, under my breath, "Copied. Amy, do you hear that?"
To the FX Med droid, I ask, "Are you Control?"
"Copy."
I enter the control room, with Hosk and Squall behind. It's time for action. I pull my blaster. "Control, I don't want to hurt you, but I have orders from the Empire to destroy this mining station. I wish to preserve both your unique intelligence and your value as a possible source of information. Will you come with me, after initiating a sequence the will cause the station to submerge itself into the lava?"
That's a definite Threaten, Ladro. Let's see how it pans out.
(Rolled: 2d6+3. Rolls: 1, 6. Total: 10)
"Lad," Hosk interjects quickly, "These karking things are dangerous. I've seen what those arms can do to a being...."
"What function would you want from me once I am no longer a factory control droid.... Lad?"
After giving Hosk a "hush, now" look, I think carefully for a brief second. "Your mind is wondrous, Control. I wouldn't think of limiting your opportunities, but I can offer you a place on my ship, until you find your own path. I know you'll contribute greatly."
"Would you consider... offering asylum to a small number of transportable droids who I would not wish to leave behind?" Factory Control asks the question haltingly. "They do not possess my computational facilities, but they are very customizable for different applications."
Hosk shakes his head no. Like "Force no, Lad, not a bunch of karking droids!"
Ignoring Hosk for the moment, willing to deal with his objections later. "Yes."
Factory Control moves several appendages over the board closest to it, "Your offer is accepted. I have sent the signal to the droids in question. They are moving towards the Margin of Error now. Your cargo space should be sufficient. A Power droid is among their number to reduce the impact to your ship's systems." After a moment, Factory Control adds, "Also, it is an excellent singer."
It moves towards the door, but does not move in front of you. "Please proceed. I have adjusted the trajectory of the factory towards the nearest lavaflow."
Over Margin's comm channel, as we're exiting, "Amy, fall back to the ship, and Jojee, get her warmed up for takeoff. No need to jigger the doors. I'll explain when we arrive. The droids on the way to you are friendly. Repeat, friendly. Do not fire." Then it's back through the station to the ship, ignoring Hosk's grumbling and Squall's barely suppressed glee.
Amarath responds over the comms, "Are you kriffing serious? You're turning the ship into the wayward home for droids? No bolt-heads in my room!"
Squall has been practically hovering with excitement this whole time, watching Factory Control as if it were some angel,"Factory Control, you're welcome in my Engine Room. I'd love to compare notes."
Factory Control intones neutrally, "Very well."
You notice the factory has already started tilting slightly, robots and giant arms and cauldrons have stopped moving. Those hovering repair droids are all heading towards the ship. Also, there are seven pit droids coming up behind you, all standing maybe one and a half meters each:
"Control... you did say a small number of droids. This doesn't seem like a small number to me."
Factory Control speaks in that polite tone it has, "Fifteen droids. The pit droids are collapsible. The repair droids hover, and can also help repair your ship, with modifications. Is this not acceptable?"
"That's acceptable. I just needed to make sure I knew what the parameters were. We're good." I continue to follow the path to the ship. "Plenty of room for now, in the starboard cargo hold."
Jojee pulls off her headset, looks over at you, "Nice job with the droids, a few of those will fetch some good credits. We can come out of this looking good. Any of them astromechs?" (The answer is "maybe", if you count Factory Control)
On Kiffu, droids are foreign objects, tolerated as agents of progress and commerce, but just barely. Until I met Ahji Dar, saw her ship and its crew, fought alongside Serzheant, I would have had no compunctions about selling this haul to the highest bidder. Now, though, seeing Ahji Dar's trust fulfilled and having negotiated with Control, seen its concern for these 'lesser' droids... I'm not so sure.
"I'll need to have a heart-to-CPU with Factory Control before we start totaling up profits, but I think we're going to be good selling most of these droids to new owners. Carefully, making sure that they're not going to be reset for no reason. I certainly need to hear the power droid sing..."
Jojee's brows furrow in a bit of confusion, "You don't want their memories wiped? It's really cheap, and bumps up the price. Plus, they were just stuck in some factory for months, who even wants to remember that?"
I frown thoughtfully. Not at Jojee, just working some things out for myself. "Jo, here's the thing. These droids aren't salvage. I made a deal with Control to scuttle the mining station rather than start a fight that would certainly have destroyed the control droid and put us and the ship at risk, as well. Control asked for asylum for itself and these others, and I didn't have the time to define that term exactly. We'll see what happens, okay? Just need some time and patience."
For a moment, Jojee purses her lips, but she thinks better of it. She punches in some coordinates for hyperspace, "Aye aye, Cap." She indicates the big button, "Whenever you're ready, sir."
"Jojee, this life may be strange and occasionally disconcerting, but one thing remains constant for me." I give her a sidelong grin. "I still love pushing this button." And I push it. With panache.
Jojee chuckles as the ship lurches forward and slips into hyperspace. She checks a few headings, lets everyone know they're free to move about the ship, then asks, "Once we get back onto a Trade Route, where do you want to go?"
For the "return trip": Let's see what we pick up on Csilla.
Methodical
(Rolled: 2d6+2. Rolls: 2, 2. Total: 6)
(Rolled: 2d6+2. Rolls: 1, 4. Total: 7)
You follow Hosk's notes on the trade route to the Chiss homeworld. After lying in wait for half a day, a lazy little tramp freighter came rumbling past, right out of hyperspace where you were lying in wait. What's your plan to roll them for a couple Cred?
I'm as gentlemanly as I can be... I wouldn't be taking someone else's livelihood unless my own, and that of my crew, was on the line. We simply overtake the freighter, fire a few shots across their bow, and announce that we're taking a toll of 2K credits, or the equivalent in goods. It's my hope that we pull this off without hurting anyone.
Over the comms, "Now that's some good work there, Lad. Best job we've worked in a month!" He likes seafood.
Back to Hosk. "Don't eat all the profit, Hosk." I thank Jojee and set off into the ship to find Amarath.
Amarath looks over at you, eyes closed (no soap in her eyes), "What's up, Ladro?" She sounds incredibly relaxed.
"I see you've met some of our new guests, Amy. I think it's time to inform our... employer that the job is done, but let's not mention Control or these fine fellows, okay?"
She leans back into the shampoo/massage, "Get me to a civilized planet where I can broadcast to the dead drop, and I'll take care of it. Thinking about the droid, thing, too. What if we let it drop that we found something at the factory? We could draw him out."
"Amy, I think I love you. Let's work through the specifics before we get back to civilization, but I like that. Maybe Factory Control can give us some fuel to add to the fire." If her hair wasn't full of shampoo, I'd kiss her on the head.
"Told you I'm working on it, cuz. You think maybe, since you're so happy with me, you could give Squally a few hours off the job? Like, soon?" She grins a lascivious little grin. "You know ze won't fool around while ze's on the job. And mama wants some action."
"Amy, I don't tell Squall when ze's on the job and when ze's off, unless there are special circumstances. Ze does what needs to be done when it needs to be done. Right now, I'm pretty sure ze's... getting acquainted with our guests. You'll get your lovin' when ze's ready. And that's the last time we talk about this."
Amarath shakes her head a little, "I swear, Ladro. So hot and cold. Hey, Amy, I love you. Hey Amy, kriff off about my engineer." She waves her hand dismissively, like she's kind of done with this, then leans back again to enjoy the shampoo.
Trust, but verify. I'll make sure Squall has the opportunity to open up if ze feels Amarath is pushing too hard, but I'm not going to push this any farther. When the cards are down, Amy's always followed my lead so far, and Squall's head has been in the right place. "Enjoy your spa session, Amy. Margin will have her destination soon. I'll let you know."
It's time for a long talk with Control. I say goodbye and find the droid.
Here's what the repair droids look like:
It sounds like they're debating some quantum physics.
"Ef-Cee, there's no way that virtual particles created off the mass shell in hyperspace, dragged into normal space from a hyperspace jump, are contributing to the gradual decrease in hyperspace stability. That simply doesn't happen, and if it did, why are space lanes still viable?"
Factory Control responds with a hint more, well, emphasis, than you've heard before, "It is a very small, but not insignificant change. But I assure you, it is happening."
I stand in the door and wait for a moment before clearing my throat. "Factory Control, may I interrupt for a time? I think it's time for us to have a discussion."
Squall throws in, "Tell you what, Ef-Cee. We can work on a method to measure this, work up a document and publish it, if you like. Hey Captain!"
Factory Control spins slowly to "face you", answering in that pleasant tone "Of course, captain."
"Would you care to join me in my quarters? Squall, I'm sorry to interrupt, but there are things Ef-Cee and I need to talk about."
"Of course, Captain." Squall turns back to zir work.
Factory Control follows you to your quarters, the droid's wheels moving quietly along the deck. Once you're inside, Factory Control regards you (or seems to)
"What did you wish to discuss, sir?"
"Lots, frankly. First, let me explain how I came to be on your mining station, threatening you." And I do, from the first encounter with Sark to Hosk's arrest and Amarath's mission to get me... or us involved in destroying the factory. "So, there are a few basic questions. First, do you know anything to help me with figuring out Sark's game; second, would you consent to being bait, indirectly, in a scheme to draw him out; third, what am I going to do with you and the droids I 'gave asylum' to? We can't keep you all on the Margin forever."
I know 'Ef-Cee' can follow all the threads, just hoping that I will be able to handle the response.
Factory Control computes for a few moments before replying, "I have met Sark. He was present at the opening of the factory, when I was installed. I have the transponder codes for his shuttle, which also has the transponder sequence for the Star Destroyer he was working with at the time. This was before the malfunctioning. It is unlikely Sark is still on board the Hand of Destiny Star Destroyer, but it is likely that he is using the same shuttle. Even if that is not true, his bureau has a string of clearance identifiers within the sequence. It becomes more difficult to track. However, if I can gain access to a communications hub, over time, I can locate him." FC sounds a little proud of that, like it would be difficult for most.
It moves on, "If I am part of creating the plan to draw him out, then I will consent to playing a part in it, Captain. And as for the droids, I understand that we are not even a zero sum gain for your ship's operations. I would prefer if we could remain intact and find a place where we can work alongside beings who do not see us as objects. I know this is a difficult proposal and outside the scope of our original agreement."
"Factory Control, I welcome your help in planning and executing this move against Sark. Any suggestions as to where we should go next? I have something of a home port, but it's not exactly central."
Factory Control replies, "Do you mean the Gristone Mining Company? I noticed the repetition of that string on the computers logs and worked back from there. It isn't ideal, but it is safe. I am satisfied with that port. For now."
"Factory Control, have you already accessed all the logs? What other data have you helped yourself to?" I'm not too concerned, but I would like to know.
Factory Control hesitates for a moment, as if it detected something in your tone. Carefully, it answers, "I have accessed all logs on the ship's computer. The information is entry and exits for all ports, transponder codes, hyperspace calculations and coordinates, as well as adjustments in the engine room. There is no direct personal data."
I nod. "I see. Let's agree that you'll consult me before any further access? Regardless, I'll get us moving back to Gristone. Let's talk about this potential droid paradise, though. Any idea where that might be? I have to admit that for most of my life I've regarded you and yours as... objects, just as you said."
"Understood." Factory Control responds on your statement about access. "After your initial untruths, I was concerned and researched."
It seems to be sufficient to the Factory Control."As for a droid paradise, it would require further research to find such a place. I don't anticipate that it exists. Therefore, I will have to create one."
"Interesting. I'll do what I can to help, but I have to keep making a living, which means we may need to find you an intermediate stop along the way. Do you have any questions for me?"
Factory Control pauses. This may very well be the first time anyone asked it if it has questions, "I am curious, Captain. We first met under false pretenses. You threatened to destroy me. I did not... expect this. I had no recourse other than accepting your terms with a goal of earning a place to serve you."
Its tone changes slightly, expressing a bit of dismay, "However, you have expressed interest in my desire for a droid haven. I am unsure to your motivation. Can you elucidate me?"
"I chose to threaten you because it was the most direct route to achieving my goal with the least loss of both biological and droid life. I would have destroyed you in that moment, though, if I had to. Sheer self-preservation, for myself and my crew." I take a second to put the rest of my thoughts in order. "If I have that right, though, in a moment of crisis, shouldn't I give you any help I can to find a situation where you and your crew aren't subject to having your minds erased at the whim of someone like me? I'm not going to start any droid-rights protest movements, I simply have concerns closer to home, but you... you're right in front of me."
"Very well, Captain." Factory Control responds. The tone seems uncertain, but there is an acceptance that it is a computation that will take further research. "Are there any droids you would like to serve on the Margin of Error?"
"I'm assuming there isn't a med droid among your complement, but if any are qualified astromechs, I'd be very interested."
With a gently polite tone, Factory Control responds with, "Unfortunately, you are correct, Captain. The facility was not equipped with a medical droid. We do have an astromech. However, Squall Onondb has advised that it would not be needed."
"I'll have a talk with Squall, but it's true that we don't need an astromech with zir aboard, necessarily. It would only serve in a backup capacity, but would be well-treated and maintained, if not overly-stimulated. Let's table that for the moment, though, I don't want to step on my engineer's toes."
"I would counter that you do need an astromech. Squall's comprehension of hyperspace pathways and particles are considerable. But zir choices to save fuel reduce the surety of your safe passage. Also, freeing zir up to maintain, repair, modify and improve the ship should be zir number one drive. Astrogation is not a priority for an engineer."
I nod. "I actually agree. I still have to manage Squall's expectations and zir feelings. I would love to take on an astromech droid. I'd like to talk with whichever droid you're recommending."
Factory Control asserts in a pleased manner, "I am happy to offer some upgrades and adjustments to the EW4-7 droid. It was originally an astromech droid, but like me, reconfigured for the factory. I will restore its skilsofts to original first, of course. It will be ready by the time we reach Gristone if I begin soon."
"That would be zeng. I'll let Squall know myself, of course. Thank you. If there's anything I can do for you while you're on board, let me know." I'll take my leave and let Jojee know we're heading back to Gristone, unless FC has more.
Anything else on ship or do we "jump" ahead?
Nothing else for me. Jump away!
The droids stay on the ship. I'll take the time to talk with Squall, of course, before checking in. "Amarath, send the message to Sark before you get your drink on, okay?" And I'll ask Factory Control to start its trace on Sark.
"We came too far to kriff it up now. I'll hafta pay for the transmission, to encrypt it, so you owe me a few rounds."
Factory Control begins its work.
Squall meets with you in your quarters. Ze seems chipper, "Wow, Captain, we're getting a droid on ship! That's zeng. But why an astromech droid? Am I not pulling my weight?"
"You're more than pulling your weight, Squall. It's just, seeing the opportunity, it seems to me that so much of the astrogation shouldn't fall to you. I don't want to spread you too thin."
Ze redoubles zir efforts, "I'm not too thin. I can handle it. I promise I've got it under control."