Imperial Fringe Online Game Chat Session Log 01.09.2002

19:25:39 - Kit: OK, Kit still intends to have a little talk with the x-Boat pilot about a job switch.
19:25:48 - Kit: My week was fine, if busy.
19:26:49 - Methuslah: Fine. I still say X-boats are 'bricks with J-drives'.
19:27:29 - AlexColeman just entered this channel
19:27:44 - Methuslah: Hi!
19:28:01 - Kit: I know that, but Kit just doesnt want to be a passive passenger anywhere. You dont have to explicitly play through the trip if you dont have anything special planned for it. Its just so that Kit would really appreciate it.
19:28:01 - AlexColeman: Hello
19:28:10 - Kit: Hi Alex.
19:29:08 - Methuslah: No problem.
19:29:20 - Kit: But then of courde, maybe we wont get to the trip today. What with the Mindreaders and all.

19:30:16 - Methuslah: We'll find out soon enough.
19:30:33 - Kit: I'm afraid so

19:30:56 - Kraiger just entered this channel
19:31:49 - Kraiger: Morning (or evening) all....
19:31:53 - StewartBailey just entered this channel
19:32:24 - Kit: Hello everybody. Seems the team is complete.
19:32:35 - StewartBailey: Hello, hello.
19:32:36 - Kit: (evening here)
19:33:35 - Kraiger: No Alex Coleman - did he drop out?
19:34:00 - AlexColeman: Here
19:34:30 - StewartBailey: Wait a minute, I need to get a pair of sunglasses because of Kraiger's color choice.
19:34:50 - eferee just entered this channel
19:35:00 - Kraiger: Sorry, there is no camo colour choice

19:35:07 - eferee just logged off.
19:35:27 - AlexColeman: I just want to know how to change name color?
19:35:28 - Referee just entered this channel
19:35:40 - StewartBailey: when he comes back, will he be a re-eferee?
19:36:01 - Kraiger: Hi Randy, sorry, didn't see you there
19:36:03 - Referee: You have to set it when you log on. Sorry about that - a bit too hasty with my typing.
19:36:15 - Kit: when you log in you can type the appropriate color code before your name as shown on the intro page
19:37:40 - AlexColeman just entered this channel
19:38:18 - AlexColeman: Better now.
19:38:36 - Referee: Well, I think we're all here. Ruben said he would contact me if he had sorted out his ISP problems, and I haven't heard anything - so shall we begin?
19:38:56 - Kit: ready as anytime!
19:39:01 - Kraiger: OK...
19:39:10 - StewartBailey: OK
19:39:23 - AlexColeman: ok
19:40:06 - StewartBailey: (testing luck: 2D6: 10)
19:40:27 - Kit: Hey don't use up the good Numbers

19:40:50 - StewartBailey: Don't forget that that's in hex.
19:41:02 - Referee: OK - a brief summary. Kit is down in the Trane starport engineering section, fitting the new defence systems. Kraiger is down with the security section, getting them ready for the peaceful or hostile arrival of the Zhodani, and Alex and Stewart are on the Pony Express, now about to dock. About four hours have passed since the last session. The Zhodani are now two hours away, and the Pony Express is coming in now.
19:41:40 - Referee: "Will Countess Messalina and Colonel Kraiger report to the main lock.Will Countess Messalina and Colonel Kraiger report to the main lock. That is all."
19:41:50 - Referee: Plays over the intercom.
19:42:09 - Kraiger: (Heads to the lock..)
19:42:47 - Kit: Not one minute peace here. Ok Im Comin Im Comin (mutter didnt I tell them Im a Baroness, not a countess.. Mutter)
19:43:03 - Kit: (heading to lock)
19:43:30 - Referee: The tug has pushed the Pony Express gently into place along the side of the hull, and the docking tunnel is locking against the hull.
19:44:29 - AlexColeman: (Standing before ships's airlock with personel baggage)
19:44:33 - Referee: The lock door opens, and a wave of passengers marches out, pushing you aside.
19:44:49 - Kraiger: (Kraiger is wearing combat armour (unless they have armoured vacc-suits available), and is carrying his Gauss rilfe.)
19:45:09 - Referee: Alex and Stewart remain standing at the lock, after the stampede has ended.
19:45:21 - Kit: Hey Kraiger, expectin trouble already?
19:45:50 - Kraiger: Well - its kind of the same as you feeling safer on a starship...
19:46:00 - Kit: Hi Guys. You two missed a great shuttle ride!
19:46:08 - Kraiger: This stuff is useless in a space battle anyway!
19:46:55 - AlexColeman: No, you two missed the sounds of two ships mating.
19:47:13 - AlexColeman: Bump, bump, bump.
19:47:44 - Kit: As if I didnt know that sound!
19:48:41 - AlexColeman: Please, no more nobility stories about you and the Duke of Regina....
19:49:06 - Referee: The nearby elevator opens up, to reveal the Station Commander, who marches out into the corridor.
19:49:06 - Kit: You two informed about our expected Zho Guests?
19:49:26 - Referee: "Commander, Major, welcome to Trane Starport."
19:49:37 - StewartBailey: Not yet. What's the story?
19:50:25 - Kit: A Fleet of Zho are heading for the station. We hope they dont want too much trouble. But we dont know yet.
19:51:40 - StewartBailey: I wouldn't be too worried. They must have official clearance, right?
19:51:48 - AlexColeman: Have you started broadcasting universal peace and surrender messages yet?
19:52:29 - StewartBailey: And what exactly do you mean by a "fleet?"
19:52:35 - Kit: I guess the Commander should be able to tell you more about the current situation (turns to commander)
19:52:56 - Referee: "I have some new data on that. It's three Shivva's, all right. Two of them look as if they are prepaing to lay off about fifteen thousand klicks off the station, the other looks to be on a docking manouvre. Commander - we only found out about these vessels when they re-rented normal space. And Major, I have no intention of giving up this station without a fight, if it should come to that. Let's hope it won't."
19:54:01 - Kraiger: Alex, I am preparing for the worst - I have the ships security preparing anti-boarding maneuvers. I would appreciate your help.
19:54:29 - AlexColeman: I thought you said "fleet", sorry...
19:55:08 - Kit: Three armed ships IS a fleet. I didnt say anything about the size.
19:56:13 - Kraiger just entered this channel
19:56:22 - Referee: "I checked the datafiles. It's a fairly new craft, not much on the official databases. Looks like some sort of light fighter carrier, but armed as well."
19:57:12 - Kit: certainly enough to cause trouble, if thats their intention.
19:57:46 - Referee: "Our latest projections show....."
19:57:57 - Kraiger: (test)
19:58:18 - Referee: The communicator on the commander's wrist begins to beep. He raises it to his mouth, and talks quietly into it for a moment.
19:58:23 - Referee: I can see you, Kraiger.
19:58:26 - Kraiger: Captain, have the Zho communicated their intentions?
19:58:30 - StewartBailey: I believe that Shivvas are long range (Jump 4) patrol craft. They certainly outgun us by quite a bit.
19:59:38 - Referee: "I think they are now, Count...Baroness. The control room informs me that the Commander of the Zhodani vessel wishes to speak with me. Will you come?"
20:00:16 - StewartBailey: Let's hear what this guy has to say. (follows)
20:00:21 - Kit: Well if you want me along. Thatll be fine with me.
20:01:27 - Kraiger: (follows)
20:01:54 - Referee: It is a long, terse ride up the elevator to the top level of the station. You step directly onto the control room, what was obviously the old bridge from the station's days as a cruiser. It is a hive of activity, with technicians bustling about making repairs and installing failsafes. One of the men, wearing the uniform of a naval Lieutenant, looks up.
20:02:25 - Referee: "Ah, Commander. I have the Zhodani ship for you. Opening visual communications now."
20:02:51 - Referee: A figure appears on the screen, of long elongated but obviously human face, wearing a high turban on his head.
20:03:23 - Kit: (flinching ever so slightly)
20:05:34 - Referee: "Greetings, Commander. I am Commisioner Chipldlatstlas of the Frigate Doruva."
20:05:52 - Referee: (I will only be typing 'Chi' from now on.)
20:06:05 - StewartBailey: (mutters) How do they manage to pronounce those names?
20:06:26 - Referee: "What is your business at this station? We recieved no warning of your arrival."
20:07:31 - Referee: "My officers and men wish a short spell of leave, at your station. Perhaps a brief tour of your recreational facilties?"
20:08:14 - Kraiger just entered this channel
20:08:14 - Referee: "I'll think it over, Commissioner." He then gives a quick slashing motion with his hand, whereupon the lieutenant tursn off the transmission.
20:08:22 - Referee: "I would like your opinions."
20:09:46 - Kraiger: Hah! I don't buy it for a second. If that were the case, all three craft would have laid off, rather than two running guard and one coming in for docking...
20:10:00 - Kit: I wouldnt trust those mindreaders on the station. Who knows what they are up to. Do you think you can keep them off with regard to the still to be examined sabitage of the pony through what we believe to be Zhodani?
20:11:33 - StewartBailey: What are your obligations under our treaties?
20:13:21 - Referee: "I can't officially refuse them docking, but there are any number of regulations I could hold them under. The best might be a quarantine restriction - we'd be able to throughly search them before they came on board."
20:14:23 - Kit: Is there a way to keep them under surveillance with regard to the sabotage on the Pony?
20:14:30 - StewartBailey: That sounds like a good plan. We certainly don't want to cause any unnecessary trouble. Well, no too much.
20:15:27 - Referee: "But I'm worried about those two ships laying off. An incident could leave us wide open to attack. As for sabotage - well -, maybe we can work on that. How would you four like guide duty?"
20:15:45 - Kraiger: Could we possibly grant them access to the planet, but not the station?
20:16:49 - Kit: I think we can keep an eye on them better if they are on the station. Remember those papers of the Aqua safari we found? They may have contacts on the planet that tey want to meet?
20:17:07 - StewartBailey: I've never been a tour guide before. It might be fun. I'll give it a shot.
20:17:53 - Kit: Playin Tour Guide for Mindreaders, Great. You dont happen to have any psi shields lying around?
20:18:58 - StewartBailey: Remember that the Zhodani may know about our ultimate destination. Maybe we can learn something by spending time with them.
20:18:59 - Referee: "I fear not. They're hardly standard equipment for a civilian space station."
20:19:49 - Kit: Rats
20:20:25 - Kit: Steward, they are Mindreaders. Theyll probably learn more from Us than we from them, and we wont even know!
20:20:27 - Kraiger: So you mean tour guide dirtside, right Captain?
20:21:18 - Referee: "Starside, Colonel. If the information of yours is correct, they will want to meet with someone on the planet."
20:22:51 - Kraiger: Sure - I think Alex and I will make excellent tour guide

20:23:15 - AlexColeman: Since we know about the special power plant I'm against us being guides.
20:24:06 - AlexColeman: Without psi helmets they could quickly read our minds without our knowledge of the fact.
20:24:51 - StewartBailey: And I believe that thete is a Zhodani telepath assigned to all Shivvas. Communications of some sort, I believe.
20:25:39 - Referee: "I agree it's a risk. You may be right Major, but who can I assign? They'll expect senior personnel."
20:26:52 - Kit: (mumling) Personell shortage everywhere. This sucks!
20:27:04 - AlexColeman: Isn't Trane a member of the Imperium?
20:28:34 - Kit: Do ya mean senior in age or senior in rank? Id be out of the lottery in the latter case

20:29:47 - Referee: "Trane is a member of the Imperium, but we're a backwater. No Imperial defences."
20:30:18 - Referee: "I'll leave it to you. I might be able to bluff our way out of this, but I might not."
20:30:39 - AlexColeman: No planetary defenses, SDB's etc.?
20:30:56 - Kraiger: I'm for it - the Zhodani tried to knock us out of action once - if they're going to try again, I would rather have them face to face at the time...
20:31:06 - Kit: I just LOVE it when the commander leaves the shit in our hands (sour smile)
20:32:13 - Referee: "There's a small local militia - I put them on alert."
20:37:32 - Referee: "I agree with the Colonel. It's time to meet our enemy."
20:38:10 - Kit: Sigh. OK Fine, let me get my rifle!
20:38:46 - Referee: The Commander turns around, and talks to 'Chi', saying he agress to allow his ship to dock, under full quarantine regulations.
20:39:42 - Kraiger: How long do we have, Captain?
20:40:20 - Kit: Commander, Is there A place I could get changed into something more ... representative than this greasy overall?
20:40:57 - Referee: "Four of them, apparently the Commander and his staff, will be coming on board in an hour. Feel free to use my quarters to change - they're next to my office."
20:41:51 - StewartBailey: (I'm assuming that's the Zho commander and his staff.)
20:42:11 - Kraiger: What is the security complement of this ship?
20:42:12 - Referee: (Yes)
20:43:10 - Referee: "Twenty dedicated security personnel, with ACR's and Combat armour. Fifty of the station personnel also have services training, but I can't spare them from duties unless I absolutely have to."
20:43:20 - StewartBailey: Hey, Kit, does that strange power source that we have emit any kind of signature that the Zho could have already used to determine its location?
20:43:40 - Kit: OK (Ill lugg my bag into the Commanders Quarters and change into my parade Uniform. Ill also assemble my Rifle and make sure its ready and fully charged should I need it.)
20:44:33 - Kit: Steward, they'd need very good sensors to pick it up and determine its something special. Besides, its high tech but nothing more than a miniaturized reactor.
20:45:22 - StewartBailey: No unusual signature? Bizarre neutrinos or anything? So they probably don't know for sure that we have it.
20:45:22 - Kraiger: Commander, I would like to have security on alert, full armed, and ready for any tricks.
20:46:15 - Kit: As I said Steward, Its not That unusual. Its just a very small reactor.
20:46:19 - Kraiger: '0 (Kraiger goes to change _out_ of combat armour, and arms himself instead with his usual pistol combination)
20:47:03 - Referee: "Certainly. I'll have some posted to critical areas, and have you and our 'friends' shadowed as discretely as possible. I'm not sure about issuing sidearms to other personnel - we don't want any accidents, do we?"
20:47:20 - Kit: The energy signatuire isnt any different from any other reactor.
20:49:16 - Kit: Captain, do you have a small sidearm for me, Im not sure if lugging around a rifle wouldnt be too...martial.
20:50:10 - Referee: "You can draw a laser pistol from the armoury."
20:50:49 - Kit: OK, Ill do that.
20:53:21 - Referee: The hour passes quickly. All too soon you are standing in front of the decontamination airlock. A group of technicians is standing at the panels, running for checks - but they draw a blank. It seems they are clean, and they open the airlock. The tall man from the monitor steps out, with three others standing behind him in obvious deference. He looks at you all sharply in the eyes.
20:53:33 - Kit: Can I store the rest of my luggage in your quarters?
20:53:51 - Referee: "Of course."
20:54:01 - AlexColeman: Well, my fellow travelling companions I have decided to quit .
20:54:41 - Kit: (returning sharp stare, have been psyching myself up for this for the whole time)
20:55:07 - Kraiger: (standing as cooly as possible)
20:55:18 - StewartBailey: Commisioner Chipldlatstlas, it is an honor to meet such esteemed members of the Zhodani Consulate.
20:55:33 - Kit: (uhm, when does alex say zthat?)
20:55:55 - AlexColeman: Farewell (goes to comp terminal and resigns from contract and obtains a middle passage ticket off planet to Glisten)
20:56:00 - StewartBailey: (Is that OOC for Alex?)
20:56:10 - Kraiger: (Shall we back up a bit?)
20:56:32 - AlexColeman: (WAs hoping to do before we met Zho)
20:56:33 - Kit: (I guess so. Hey alex, whats up?)
20:59:04 - AlexColeman: (I'm not really satisfied with the direction of the game and seek a way out without causing too much fuss)
20:59:49 - Kit: (Im sorry to hear that. Whats the problem?)
21:00:06 - AlexColeman: (So I have Alex quit and return to Glisten)
21:00:21 - StewartBailey: (Should we pause the game here so Richard can discuss this off-line?)
21:00:57 - AlexColeman: (Different play styles I guess)
21:01:56 - Kit: (Well sure miss you!)
21:02:15 - AlexColeman: (We talked eariler but I'm not comfortable with the game, sorry)
21:02:24 - Referee: (Alex mentioned this to me last week. I'm sorry to lose you, Randy, but if you're not enjoying the game, then I understand.)
21:02:52 - AlexColeman: (Bye to all and GOOD LUCK! - You'll need it)
21:03:10 - Referee: (Goodbye.)
21:03:14 - AlexColeman just logged off.
21:03:26 - Kraiger: Well, at least I'll definately be the best shot now!

21:03:50 - Kit: (You sure of that?

)
21:04:45 - Referee: (I'd like to carry on, if this is OK with everyone.)
21:05:00 - Kit: OK
21:05:10 - Kit: Back to the Zho
21:05:10 - StewartBailey: Let's go!
21:05:11 - Kraiger: (Not if missing that guy who was down, from point blank, is anything to go on...)
21:05:25 - Referee: "I thank you. It is an honour to meet you, also. These are my staff � Tliablzhdiliepr, Plitsiepr, and Dle�yazheiepr. I alone speak your tongue, so speak only to me.�
21:05:35 - Kraiger: (Still standing ccalmly)
21:06:12 - Kraiger: (Who wants to do the talking - Kit?)
21:06:17 - Kit: (Thinking: Some Names!)
21:06:21 - Referee: "And you are?"
21:06:35 - Kit: (I dont think Im too good at that!)
21:06:56 - StewartBailey: Comissioner, we have been granted the great honor of being your escorts durnig yor visit to our facility. We will do our best to ensure that your visit exceeds your expectations.
21:07:40 - StewartBailey: Allow me to introduce myself. Stewart Bailey from Rhylanor.
21:08:44 - Kraiger: Kraiger, from Glisten.
21:09:06 - Kit: Dr. Kitiara from Regina
21:11:11 - Referee: "I thank you, gentlemen, and lady. We are most anxious to begin our tour, especially after our decontamination. Perhaps you could take us somewhere where we might partake of refreshment?"
21:12:17 - StewartBailey: Certainly, Commissioner. Plesae follow us. (leads the Zho to nearby suitable facility)
21:12:57 - Kraiger: (Brings up the rear)
21:13:28 - Referee: You enter the most reputable bar, which is almost empty other than the bartender. The Commissioner and his retinue sit at a table, and begin to talk to themselves quitely, in a langauge you cannot understand.
21:13:50 - Kit: (presenting my best "social event I have to smile so be polite" smile to the zhos)
21:14:37 - Kraiger: (Stands to one side observing)
21:14:40 - Referee: "We would like drinks. Non-stimulating."
21:14:53 - Kit: (should have packed my translator!)
21:15:03 - StewartBailey: Comissioner, I have never encountered representatives of your Consulate so far from your homes.
21:15:30 - Kit: (Ill take care of getting them their drinks!)
21:15:50 - StewartBailey: (No coffee!)
21:16:03 - Referee: "We are on a diplomatic patrol mission, renewing our ties with some of our friends, including the Imperium."
21:16:22 - Kit: (they dont want anything stimulating. How boring. Ill get them some fruit juice or the equivalent)
21:16:33 - Referee: (The bartender passes you four drinks, that appear to be sparkling water, and asks what you want.)
21:16:50 - Kit: (and get me a coffe while Im at it!)

21:17:33 - Referee: (The bartender smiles and pours a plastic mug full to the brim with coffee from a flask.)
21:17:50 - Kit: (to Bartender) Whtas that? (pints to drinks)
21:18:05 - Kit: Ahhh Coffee!
21:18:29 - StewartBailey: A long patrol? I understand that citizens of the Consulate find travels to other worlds troublesome.
21:18:59 - Referee: "Trane spring water. Naturally fizzy. We keep a supply for boring people."
21:19:32 - Kit: Ah, Good.

(take the drinks to the Zho)
21:20:06 - Kit: (I am NOT forgetting my coffee!)
21:20:20 - Referee: "But rank has its duties as well as its privileges. It is sometimes necessary to maintain contacts with our...friends, and for that we are sent. Ah, our drinks. I thank you."
21:20:42 - Referee: The Commissioner sips at his water, and gives a brief nod.
21:20:43 - Kit: You're welcome.
21:21:55 - StewartBailey: I understand that your crew would like to use our facilities for rest and relaxation. How may we help you in this area?
21:22:54 - Referee: "We have been nearly six weeks without oppotunities for extended leave. We would like to inspect your facilities, and see if they are suitable for my crew."
21:22:55 - Kit: (Ill run a little test. Ill try to think of the Commissioner naked wearing only a red clowns nose and long socks and watch wether any of the zho show a reaction!)
21:24:04 - Referee: (None of t hem show any noticable reaction.) (Interesting idea for a test!

)
21:24:50 - StewartBailey: Certainly. We will do our best to make your crew's stay as enjoyable as possible.
21:25:36 - StewartBailey: (motions to Kraiger - come here so that I can whisper to you)
21:26:27 - Referee: "We appreciate this. However, what we find enjoyable is almost certainly different to what you would find enjoyable, I fear. This bar, for example. Stimulating drinks would certainly not be enjoyable to us."
21:26:28 - Kraiger: (Moves over to Stewart)
21:27:03 - Kit: Commissioner, what type of entertainment would you find enyoyable?
21:27:17 - Kit: Maybe we can arrange something.
21:27:22 - StewartBailey: (to Kraiger) Can you arrange a tour of suitably boring facilities while we engage them in idle conversation?
21:28:40 - Referee: "That is hard to explain to one not of our culture. We prefer the subtle to the gross, and intellectual stimulation to physical stimulation."
21:29:39 - Kit: Art exhibits maybe?
21:29:44 - Kraiger: (whipser) I'll try (Kraiger excuses himself and heads to bridge)
21:30:28 - StewartBailey: Perhaps our facilities will be inadequate for you needs. We are only a small outpost, without the refinement that you may require.
21:30:48 - Kraiger: (After a short while, comes back and says) Trane is a beautiful planet - perhaps you would be interested in seeing some of the water-life?
21:31:25 - Referee: "It might be of some interest - but I would have to see it first, and make usre it conformed."
21:32:05 - Referee: "I understand Trane is famed for its aquaculture. My men must remain in orbit, with their ships close at hand - but I and my staff would be honoured."
21:32:27 - StewartBailey: Perhaps we can arrange a local tour. I believe that Major Kraiger knows a local guide who comes highly recommended.
21:32:30 - Kraiger: I'm certain that can be arranged....
21:32:53 - Kraiger: (Trying really hard not to internally vocalise "bingo"!)
21:33:22 - Kraiger: I will make the necessary arangements. Please excuse me (Kraiger leaves again)
21:34:27 - StewartBailey: (idle talk of Zhodani art, culture, whatever, until Kraiger returns)
21:35:08 - Kit: (Ill keep the Zho supplied with spring water and me with coffee)
21:35:19 - Kit: (and Steward with whatever he wants)
21:35:25 - Kraiger: (Goes to commander) Commander, are you familiar with "Trane Auatic Safaris?
21:35:35 - Referee just entered this channel
21:35:44 - GM just entered this channel
21:36:20 - GM: (Whoops. My connection dropped for some reason, looks like I re-upped twice.)
21:36:45 - GM: "No...I'm sorry. Are they a good company for tours?"
21:36:46 - Kit: (Now you gotta type all your statements twice!

21:37:50 - Kraiger: There is definately some Zhodani connection there - but again, I think it is best to let them go where they want and keep our eyes on them....
21:38:16 - Kraiger: (Kraiger puts in a comm-call to TAS)
21:38:28 - Kraiger: (NOT Travellers Aid Society!)
21:39:14 - GM: ("Trane Aquatic Safaris. How may I assist you?)
21:40:08 - Kraiger: Hi, my name is Kraiger. We have some diplomatic guests at the Orbital, who are interested in a tour of some of Trane's wildlife...
21:40:55 - GM: "Diplomatic Guests?"
21:41:34 - Kraiger: Yes, diplomatic guests.
21:42:16 - GM: "From where? How many? When?"
21:43:57 - Kraiger just entered this channel
21:44:20 - Kraiger: Four guests, plus three escorts, as soon as possible.
21:45:22 - GM: "Fit you onto tomorrow's tour. Herol's just left with a party, won't be back for hours."
21:46:35 - Kraiger: This is a very important diplomatic tour - it would be best if we could tour alone. You will be compensated by the Trane authorities. (I hope!)
21:47:52 - GM: "OK. You'll have to buy the boat for the day - we usually seat 30, so that'll be 300 credits. In advance."
21:48:10 - Kit: (really if the Zho want entertaunment, I think THEY should pay for it

)
21:48:45 - Kraiger: I will wire the money shortly. Thanks for your assistance.
21:49:03 - Kraiger: (Set up a 300Cr transfer with the Captain)
21:50:03 - GM: "Right. Show up at 0650 TMT sharp, you hear?"
21:51:22 - Kraiger: We will be there (Kraiger organises transport, and returns to lounge)
21:52:47 - Kraiger just entered this channel
21:52:52 - StewartBailey: (What's the local time now?)
21:52:55 - GM: "What is Mr. Kraiger doin, Mr. Bailey?"
21:53:37 - GM: (About 1040 TMT. Trane has a 21-hour day/night cycle.)
21:53:43 - Kraiger: Good news, I booked us with a tour company to see the Trane waterlife - we will depart tomorrow at (calculated departure time)
21:54:10 - Kraiger: (test)
21:54:21 - Kraiger: (Sorry - a few network probs)
21:54:52 - StewartBailey: Excellent. Our esteemed guests will be able to see the famed aquaculture of Trane firsthand.
21:55:04 - GM: "That sounds excellent, Mr. Kraiger. We shall look forward to it. Now, as I have finished my drink, perhaps we should continue our tour."
21:56:11 - StewartBailey: (leading the Zhodani on a tour calculated to bore them them unmercifully) Please follow me, gentlemen.
21:57:01 - Kit: (I will occasionally repeat my "Test" while accompanying the Zho and engaging them in idle smalltalk)
21:57:04 - Kraiger: Is that OK for you gentlemen?
21:57:32 - GM: "That will be fine, gentlemen."
21:57:33 - Kraiger: (follows along, still wary)
21:57:35 - GM: The tour proceeds without incident. Some of the crewmen noticably avoid the Zhodani, and the recrational facilities are far quietere than you would otherwise expect. They ask some pointed questions, especailly about the lack of 'cerebral' entertainment.
21:58:26 - Kit: Do they explain what they understand by "cerebral" entertainment?
21:59:21 - GM: "Where are your galleries, your libraries, your debating rooms? All of your facilities seem to involve chemical stimulation in some way."
22:01:05 - StewartBailey: Unfortunately, this is a small facility, so our forms of recreation are somewhat limited. Perhaps you will make it to my home, Rhylanor, some day, where you will be able to experience the forms of diversions that you seek. Here, we are less lucky.
22:02:11 - StewartBailey: (they may try to visit Rhylanor sooner han we think...)
22:02:22 - GM: "At least we are reassured that you appreciate the diversions of the mind. Perhaps you will come to Zhdant one day, yes?"
22:03:22 - StewartBailey: I;m sure that it would be a fascinating trip. Shall we escort you back to your ship and meet you early tomorrow morning for the tour?
22:03:36 - Kit: I am sure that would be a very interesting experience.
22:05:07 - GM: "Thank you. YOu will be welcomed on board at 0620 TMT. We will use our shuttle, naturally."
22:05:57 - StewartBailey: Very well. (escort them back to the airlock...)
22:06:05 - Kit: (right to the den of wolves!)
22:06:53 - StewartBailey: (maybe we can create an excuse why we need to use uor shuttle - quarantine restrictions?)
22:07:09 - GM: They wave goodbey as they pass through the decontamination airlock.
22:07:36 - StewartBailey: Boy, that was tiring.
22:07:39 - Kit: (I wave goodbye as well, glad theyre gone for now)
22:07:41 - Kraiger just entered this channel
22:08:28 - Kit: You really make a good tour Guide Steward. How 'bout us getting something STIMULATING for a change?
22:08:44 - Kraiger just entered this channel
22:08:52 - StewartBailey: You mean coffee, don't you?
22:09:15 - Kit: No I actually mean something stronger for now!
22:09:54 - Kit: Coffee with a good shot of Rum for example!

22:09:57 - Kraiger: Well, I don't really know what to expect. I never mentioned the name of the company to them - of course, maybe they saw through all of our thoughts anyway..
22:10:28 - Kit: They didnt show a reaction to their naked commisioner, but one never knows?
22:11:02 - Kraiger: Naked commisioner? Kit, sometimes I'm _really_ glad I can't read minds with you around
22:11:11 - StewartBailey: We will find out soon enough. Do we want to create an excuse to use our shuttle tomorrow?
22:11:40 - Kraiger: Do you think all this is an elaborate ploy to abduct us?
22:11:46 - Kit: maybe taking a look at the Zho shuttle would be interesting?
22:12:07 - StewartBailey: Could be. That's why our shuttle might be safer.
22:12:17 - Kit: Might be.
22:12:55 - Kit: But if they really want to abduct aus, they could just as well send their shuttle after us while we are on the planet.
22:13:33 - Kraiger: Just what I was thinking...
22:13:43 - Kit: And I for once would like to get a look at their ship from the inside. We dont hafta tell them that Im anything more than a medical doctor. Maybe we can discover something.
22:14:13 - StewartBailey: It's just a shuttle. What can we learn from it?
22:14:43 - Kraiger: (I have to duck off for 10 minutes - back in a bit)
22:15:03 - GM: OK
22:15:04 - Kit: You can leardn something about their pilots, their scanners and such. It may not be much, but it may be the small puzzle detail thatl help us later on. And anyway, Im curious.
22:15:56 - StewartBailey: Fair enough. I can always take over if their pilots are incompetent. I'm sure I can fly a Zhodani shuttle too.
22:16:50 - Kit: So Steward, how 'bout that drink?
22:17:52 - Kit: Steward , you should take a look at the silver sliver. Youd probably appreciate that ship morde than the groundhog Kraiger!
22:18:08 - Kit: (wink at Kraiger)
22:19:31 - StewartBailey: (off to the bar)
22:19:58 - StewartBailey: What's the silver silver? Never heard of it.
22:21:06 - GM: The bar has filled up rather more than when you were last there, though the table the Zhodani sat at is still empty. The bartender is telling a group of people about the 'stinkin' Zho's', and another group is having an animated discussion about the recent bout of negotations with the Zhodani.
22:21:23 - Kit: Converted Shuttle some kids here have built for a race. Supposedly does 7G and rides like a Lightning Bolt. Great ship. 't was the shuttle that took us to Trane in under 100 minutes!
22:23:08 - StewartBailey: 7G. Might be fun. Small craft are much more fun than the big ships. Too many people complani if you turn down the grav compensators so that you can feel the acceleration. (maybe the Zho negotiations discussions are interesting - I will see what I can overhear)
22:24:11 - Kit: Im SURE youd like the Silver Sliver. maybe well get a chance to take a ride on it again.
22:24:42 - StewartBailey: (is this a good place to break - my kids are getting stir-crazy?)
22:24:43 - Kraiger just entered this channel
22:24:55 - GM: (Apparently the latest round of trade negotiations has borken down, with the Zhodani Ambassador returning home 'to consult with his government'.)
22:25:02 - GM: Fine with me.
22:25:20 - Kit: Ok with me (past midnight here anyways)
22:25:38 - StewartBailey: Until next week?
22:25:57 - GM: Until next week. Good game guys!
22:26:02 - Kraiger: Work for me - my wireless network goes flakey when it tops 100 degrees outside... dunno why!
22:26:13 - Kit: Ill probably be late next week. But I should be around about the same time I was last week.
22:26:34 - Kit: Kraiger Werede do you live?
22:26:48 - Kraiger: I think I'll only be there for a short while next week...
22:26:49 - GM: It's 100 degrees over there?
22:26:56 - Kraiger: I'm in San Jose, California.
22:27:26 - Kit: Send some of that sun over to germany will ya?
22:27:38 - Kraiger: I was exagerating - its only 35C...

22:28:10 - Kit: Only a calofirniam would call that "only"
22:28:14 - GM: 35C! The hottest day of the year in Britain was 31!
22:28:20 - Kraiger: I think someones AC must kick in, and cause interference...
22:28:46 - Kraiger: Nah, this is just warm - I'm from Australia...
22:28:53 - Kit: I recall the californians wearing mittens when my brother and me were still running around in shorts!
22:30:15 - Kraiger: See you next week... pity about Alex/Randy - what was his deal?
22:30:51 - Kit: Yeah, pity. Hope well find someone else to fill his position.
22:32:18 - GM: He didn't like the direction the game was taking, had some problems with the continuity. I'll post for a new player on a few places.
22:32:59 - Kraiger: Well, FWIW, I'm having a great time! Thanks Richard....
22:33:41 - GM: I'm glad. I'm enjoying the game too - one of the best.
22:33:44 - Kit: I enjoy the game very much. But I guess people are different
22:33:55 - Kit: word'd be boring otherwise