In Character: : Maiokus scratches his chin, what was once a stubble has started to grow into a beard. He frowns as he thinks about what the 'Card needs. "Well the sensors unit, security software just needs an upgrade, and I believe Njall mentioned a few weeks ago perhaps getting our M-Drive upgraded. Though a J-drive upgrade might be better. Same amount of fuel but greater parsecs traveled." He looks up at Silver and Njall, "What do you guys think?"
Maiokus stands and pours himself a glass of wine, eyeing a stray slice of bread left on the bar, he snatches it up and starts to chew on it.
"Hey I just had a thought - " he says around the bread, then pauses to swallow, "Perhaps we can get Tristan to work for us in exchange for easing his withdrawal symptoms. What do you think Doc?"
Seeing Loriel sitting quietly, Maiokus says to her, "So what's your story? How are you settling in so far?"
"Bigger drives? Out of our grasp. Millions. Lose a lot of space too, with J-drive. 10% in fuel per jump. Cheaper to fit inflatable bladders and take a step through the black if we want to leave the Main. M-drive's not so big, but Power needs boosting in line. Still millions. One day, maybe, but later."
Njall considers his glass and decides he can drink another half glass and stay clear-headed. Pouring it he says
"The Sensor array absolutely needs replacing. Priority one. Don't think we can upgrade yet, that's a million new. Even surplus is going to be out of our grasp. Maybe if we find a wreck we can salvage an array. Same goes for armament. I'd like a turret, but we can't afford even a sandcaster. Again, salvage is probably our best bet. Which needs better sensors. And some ships Vacc Suits. Filling the locker is something we need to think about. Survival kit, expedition gear."
Njall drinks, smiles to himself, and says
"This Tristan. He becomes a problem over these drugs, why not just sell him some? I mean, if it's an addiction, that's a medical condition. Write a 'script. Charge for it. Of course, he's a minor, so his father needs consulting. And he's the money. Put that to him, we'll see if he has a serious problem or a hobby."
In Character: : Maiokus listens to Njall ocassionally nodding in agreement.
"Sounds like a solid assessment to me. Upgrading security software would be the cheapest upgrade to start with. But I agree the sensors needs to be replaced. What do you think Cap?" He asks Silver gesturing with his glass.
"Security upgrade'd be good. Hardware as well. Better locks. More camera's, cover the corridors and access points. Some external cameras too.Can't afford ship-grade weapons, but anti-personnel? Couple of MG turrets perhaps."
"I am not certain how easy it is to track ships after production and distribution, but if we scavenge or salvage the parts we need, that certainly sounds the cheapest way to go."
"Doc, you and Adeline can talk to "His Lordship" about his son, see what he knows, and what he recommends."
"If we have some thing that "Junior" can do let's keep him busy."
"Njall, how long to our next stop?"
"I will not write or charge the boy for a script unless I do talk to his father and find out just what is going on. As far as security do we want a kid to play with it and perhaps put in some nice back doors that he can access things to his hearts content?"
Our next stop? Well, after a week in Jump-space we emerge at Forboldn's Gas Giant. Drop in, skim fuel, plot a jump, manoeuvre back to 100D. Say a day or two. Jump to Knorbes. Another week. No 'port facilities. Skim the giant and go. Another two days, say. Unless you want to visit the mainworld for fresh food and sightseeing. Jump to Whanga, another week. I assume we drop off the passengers and other cargo, then go deliver the compound to the mad scientist. Three weeks in Jump. Perhaps four days to a week in fueling and manoeuvre. Of course, if we visit the mainworld at Forboldn or Knorbes the stop is sooner, but the journey takes longer."
Njall falls silent, uneasy at having spoken at such length tonight. He raises his glass, realises it's empty, puts it down again and looks for a carafe of water to refill it.
Edited: Bindoner on 24th Mar, 2016 - 10:03pm