Visiting Vieques - Printable Version +- Discovery Gaming Community (https://discoverygc.com/forums) +-- Forum: Role-Playing (https://discoverygc.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?fid=9) +--- Forum: Stories and Biographies (https://discoverygc.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?fid=56) +--- Thread: Visiting Vieques (/showthread.php?tid=182803)

Visiting Vieques - Switchback - 08-22-2020 //Hub for Junker Congress/My RP regarding the ship VCS-Nightmare William "Billy" Xae and Evan Baldwin stepped off the worn out Voyager Freighter's ramp. Billy and Evan walked over to the nearest deck hand, Evan walking ahead of Billy. You see that ship? Nobody touches it. I don't care if its on goddang fire, you let it burn ya' hear? The mechanic nodded, slightly afraid by the exosuit wearing Engineer. He turned to Billy, who shrugged. Don't look at me, its his ship. Where's Workshop 2? The Junker pointed towards a lift hidden in the back of the hangar. Billy said thanks, and both Billy and Evan walked to the Lift. Tapping the call button, Billy turned to Evan. A bit possessive over your ship? Evan smiled, but said nothing. The lift arrived, its doors swinging open. Billy and Evan got into the slightly-confined lift, and Billy examined the control panel. Pushing the button for Deck 3: Engineering the doors closed with a satisfactory clunk. With a slight jerk, the lift started carrying them to their destination. Looking up at an old speaker at the top of the box, he noted You know, these used to play music. Arriving at the selected deck, the doors to the lift opened. Billy and Evan left the confines of the lift and started walking down the corridor. Stepping aside to let a pair of Junkers carrying what looked like an old Rheinland Tachyon Cannon, they continued walking. Stopping at a slightly worn out Blast Door indicating they had reached their destination of "Workshop 2" Billy pulled out his communicator and typed in the access code in the doors control panel. AA-7kL A success chime rang out, and the blast door opened. Billy and Evan walked in, the door closing quickly behind them. Quickly giving the lab a once over, they identified their reason for coming. Junker's Congress Engineer Rell Harrow. At first glance, he appeared like any overworked engineer, however as Billy and Evan approached Billy realized that Rell had not been kidding when he explained his injuries. Rell had bandages covering large portions of his right arm, as well as what appeared to be an IV bag with drip leading to Rell's arm. Undeterred, Billy walked forward, and outstretched his hand in an offer for a handshake. Rell Harrow, It's good to finally meet you. I'd like you to meet my Chief Engineer Evan Baldwin, he'll be handling all of the primary engineering for the reconstruction of the Nightmare. RE: Visiting Vieques - Tenseiken - 08-28-2020 CAMERA ACTIVE FEED SAVING TO DRIVE CMXXV Rell Harrow set down the circuit he had been working on, turned off the small but bright desk light and gave the man in front of him a feint smile. "It's a pleasure, Mr. Xae. I hope you don't mind..." With a nod towards his right shoulder, he raised his left hand instead. He knew that people often underestimated him. At first glance, Rell seemed a frail man. But when his fingers closed on the hand of his visitor, they told the story of a worker, someone whose strength came as much from his lean muscles, as from his sinews and efficient movements. "I am very happy that you could find the time to come here personally. It makes things so much easier when you can talk face to face. No message delay from intricate encryptions, no hidden signals, nothing gets lost, except in translation, of course. Just pure interaction. And you can look at the tech directly, instead of being shown computer models." His eyes wandered to the second visitor. "Ah, Mr. Baldwin. I was told you'd be wearing an exo suit of some kind, but I didn't expect such an intricate model. As Junkers, we are used to... less elegant technology, which was why I suggested the cargo lifts. I do hope that you didn't take any of what I sent as an insult, as it wasn't meant that way." Taking the IV bag's thin post with him, he set out towards another section of the room. "Gentlemen, if you would please follow me. The presentation models are back here." He went into a dark corner of the workshop and seemed to step through a section of wall. A few seconds and a whispered insult at some kind of adapter later, a light was switched on. What had seemed like the back wall of the room was pierced by a few rays of light here and there. A passage between the crates and containers became apparent. "Please do mind the metal sheets on the floor. I had to remove them, so some of the more well protected parts can be seen. I didn't want to stack them up, so that we can replace them more easily later, when I show you how to dismantle and rebuild the models." On the other side, the room opened up. Here, the ceiling was roughly 5 meters high and the walls stretched to accompany at least two dozen people quite confortably, three dozen if they knew eachother very well. Heavy shelves filled with seemingly random pieces of tech covered almost every bit of wall. Only a large freight door on the other side of the room was left free. A few bright spotlights were mounted at strange angles on the ceiling, the walls and even some crates. Despite the seemingly chaotic setup, they lit up four models of the new cooling technology almost perfectly. Almost. The two smaller ones on the left only reached about 60, maybe 65cm in height. The others on the right almost touched the ceiling and were surrounded by simple but sturdy makeshift catwalks of different heights. One of each type was completely open on one side, showing its silvery and metallic innards. The others were connected to what seemed like encased fighter class power cores. The one on the right hummed along ever so quietly. Rell sat on a comfortable office chair that seemed weirdly out of place, his bandaged arm resting on a cushion that was strapped to the side. "Gentlemen, you two are the first people in here who aren't part of the Junker Congress. The small models on your left are the standard low-temp ones. These two high-temp beauties on the right have been built specifically for this presentation and are based on my transport designs. The final designs will be adjusted to your ship, of course, but the basic function and design is the same. Please don't touch the active one without significant protection, as it is running at 200°C to keep the material inside in working order. Look and make notes all you like. It won't work without our unique materials anyway." The freight door opened and half a dozen Junkers entered the room, some of them wearing heavy and clunky exo rigs. Rell raised what looked like an outdated PDA. "If any of the lights should be a hindrance at certain angles, just tell me. I can adjust the brightness of each one individually. Now, do you have any questions? Do you wish to take a look first? Or should I begin the presentation?" FEED SAVED DRIVE CMXXV FULL; SWITCHING TO DRIVE CMXXVI RE: Visiting Vieques - Switchback - 08-31-2020 As Billy looked at the models, he thought for a minute. So just keep in mind I'm not an Engineer by trade, so you may need to dumb some of this down for an old Pirate like myself. That said, I'd like to discuss the logistical side of this technology, and I'm sure Evan would like to get close and inspect the models while we talk. Hearing what Billy said, Evan started walking over to one of the High Temperature models, taking care not to touch any of the hot pieces of metal. So I have a few questions logistically, primarily regarding spare parts and maintenance. Once Operational, Nightmare could end up on the opposite side of Sirius, far from Vieques. Should that happen, how will we handle spare parts and such? Now routine service can be scheduled, but if Nightmare ends up on the loosing end of a fight and needs a major overhaul, we may be stuck in an Allied Shipyard for repairs. How would this be handled? As Billy and Rell discussed Logistics concerns and some contract related things, Evan looked over the system, taking a few measurements as he went. As he was close to the model, the radiant heat started to make him perspire, much to his annoyance. Complete with his initial analysis, he walked back over to Billy and Rell. Mighty Interestin' concept I must say, but I got a problem. This heat. Space is cold as a politicians heart and a ship with a high heat profile will be hella' easy to track and target. And if we don't vent the heat to space, we'll end up all cookin' like a goddang Hardboiled egg. RE: Visiting Vieques - Tenseiken - 09-03-2020 CAMERA ACTIVE FEED SAVING TO DRIVE CMXXVI Rell hadn't actually thought about on-site repairs. All of his previous plans had been made for transport vessels and on how to supply them. Just when he had come up with an appropriate answer, the engineer in his exo rig approached and said something. "Sorry, what?" It took a moment until he grasped what had been said. Oh, right. The heat. Well, what did you expect? It is a cooling system, after all. Of course the tech is gonna be hot. The large models will literally be too hot to handle while in operation. Unless you have heat protection gear on. When the temperature approaches 950°C on the inside of the pipes, the outside will heat up to about 150°C. Such temperatures are far below standard heat signatures of most vessels. In the interest of crew safety, they will be mounted in a way that leaves enough room to work on one without touching another. If something fails, the corresponding unit will shut down automatically. There will be several backups to handle the load." Rell tried to make himself comfortable. "The small ones can be handled easily. You can touch them without gloves while they are running. Here, I'll show you." Rell rolled over and put his flat hand on the small model. "Even when the brine is at maximum operating temperature, the outside never exceeds 35°C. Quite a comfortable temperature, really..." Rell explained the functions thoroughly, even going so far as to take some of the bits out of the dismantled versions and showing them in detail. For some of them, other Junkers joined and helped to move clamps. While exclusively manufactured for the models, all pieces could be worked with normed tools from most houses, albeit not always in their regular application. Sometimes, a screwdriver had to be used to temporarily stabilize two pipes while a clamp was applied. Once, Rell showed the engineer how a a cable can be attached to a standard comm device to check the temperature of the smaller models. All of it worked quite well, but it would take a moment to train a crew that wasn't used to the Junker style of solving engineering challenges. When the presentation came to emergency procedures, Rell's eyes went wide for a moment. "Oh dear. Speaking of backup systems. I completely forgot. Mr. Xae." He rolled his office chair over. "I got a bit carried away there. You asked about the avaiability of repairs and maintenance. I'd simply recommend Congress standard procedure for how our captains handle important and immediate repairs. We give you a list of bases that will hold small but noteworthy stocks of repair parts all over Sirius. I won't be able to reserve enough space for a full set on each base, but there will always be enough to make the ship operational again. If you can't get to any of them, dispatch an encrypted comm or, if you can't do even that, give the nearest Congress Junker one of these." Rell pulled out a printed list of what looked like random strings of symbols, with the odd number and letter here and there. At first glance, they formed what looked like rather blocky kittens, weird stickman figures or small houses, as if a student got bored and tried to make intricate pictures with a writing program. At the second glance, some strings seemed to repeat almost perfectly with only minor alterations. "These are essentially TANs. Don't worry, these are outdated. We changed the encoding structure recently. There's no harm in you seeing them. I'll have a list of them made and uniquely encrypted for you. Each one can only be used once, but their very structure will inform the nearest relevant base about what you need. They'll send a Salvager Frigate with the requested repair pieces. They'll bring whatever the codes you transmit contain, so make sure to send everything you need, even if that means adding a whole other line. Whoever is available and known to be discreet will come and help you out, given that doing so wouldn't betray our dealings to others. Just be ready to pay for their next few rounds at the bar. But they will only get you running. For full repairs, you will eventually need to come back to Vieques." He went back to explaining the machinery more thoroughly, including all safety mechanisms. After a moment's hesitation, he even brought in samples of the strange, rocky material that they used to transfer heat. They were brought in under guard. The low-temp version looked like finely cut volcanic rock. The high-temp one looked like it was perfectly smooth once. Now, it had cracks running all over its surface. Even in the chilly air of the workshop, they felt strangely warm, as if they contained more heat than they were willing to pass on to the skin that touched them. "This is what you will need to come back for at least once per year. They transfer heat quite strangely. I never really understood why. I only worked on the "how". They may last longer than what I initially told you, but I can't guarantee that. Here. The cracks in this one happen if it is left cold for too long." He drifted off into more explanations, including a warning to never, ever flash freeze the high-temp material without letting an electromagnet flash like a strobe light nearby. Rell grimmaced, as one does when unpleasant memories return for the briefest of moments. But he caught himself again. The wiry man smiled and tried to find a more comfortable sitting position. "Does that adress your concerns? Is there something else you would like to ask? Anything you think I missed?" FEED SAVED DRIVE CMXXVI FULL; SWITCHING TO DRIVE CMXXVII RE: Visiting Vieques - Switchback - 09-05-2020 As Rell explained the Temperature of the exterior of the cooling system, Evan's expression calmed a bit. He still had concerns however he figured such discussion was to technical and could be discussed at a later time. As the demonstration went on, Evan continued to take mental notes of the system and its intricacies. It was all very interesting, and a very welcome change of pace from the transport maintenance he was accustomed to making his living repairing. As the discussion shifted to more administrative items Evan's mind wandered. Pondering for a moment, he pulled out his small service tablet and began looking at Weapons Schematics for the Nightmare. Meanwhile, Rell continued and eventually asked if Billy or Evan had any further questions. Thinking for a second, Billy spoke. Well, I'm happy with what I've seen so far, what about you Evan? Evan, his eyes latched onto his tablet looked up when he heard his name. I'm sorry, what? I've been looking at some of the specifications for the Light Mortar emplacement on the Nightmare. Puzzled, Billy repeated his question. Without hesitating, Evan responded. Yes. Well maybe. I've still got sum' concerns about radiant heat transfer in the crew engineering spaces, but I might got myself a suitable fix for it. Just need to work on my theory a bit. Billy nodded his head, and turned back towards Rell. If Evan is happy, I am happy. I don't believe I have any further questions or concerns regarding the power systems, and I'm sure Evan and his team will certainly want some more hands on training with both the demo systems and the system destined to be installed on the Nightmare. Which leads me to my next question, what's next? Should we discuss an overview of what else is needed for this project? RE: Visiting Vieques - Tenseiken - 09-05-2020 CAMERA ACTIVE FEED SAVING TO DRIVE CMXXVII Rell gave a tired smile. "I'm sorry, Mr. Xae. I don't think that is possible just yet. We haven't made any concrete plans yet. Though I have prepared a contract based on what we discussed earlier. Here, please have a read. I kept it short." He disappeared into the smaller section of the workshop, only to return with two very thin, identical stacks of paper and a datapad with a pair of data drives. "I didn't know if you wanted it in written or digital form, so I prepared both. If you accept, I would like you to sign both variants. Please read them thoroughly. I set the price for repairs and maintenance to a fixed quota that seems quite fair. It isn't cheap, but it isn't expensive either. Once we both sign, the quote can only be re-negotiated in one year from now, and only if either you wish it or if our costs for manufacture and hours worked rise more than 8% or fall 5% below current levels." He handed the ex-pirate both the data pad and the stacks of paper. His smile returned. "By the way, if you show the contract to anyone who shouldn't see it, I'll put a significant price on your head and have you killed. Nothing personal, of course. It simply pays to be careful." Rell continued in a matter-of-fact fashion, as if the threat was completely irrelevant for now. "To protect the Congress, the contract is between you and me personally, not between you and the Junker Congress as a whole. Should I lose my life before all this is over, you will have to talk to the Arbiter about how it can still be honored. He is likely to honor it in my name, should something happen to me. If you accept this new cooling technology as part of your vessel's revival, we will need detailed scans, made with our own equipment. Without those, we can't proceed. I need to know what I'm working with before I can tell you what our next step could potentially look like. I will contact you later about how that can be arranged. I need to borrow your chief engineer for a little while." His smile faded and the Junker seemed to contemplate something. "Mr. Xae, this may take a while. I don't want to keep you. Feel free to look at the models. The others here..." He guestured towards the armed guards and the workers near the models. "...may look grim at first, but they are pleasant enough people, if you get to know them. Please don't mind their presence after I'm gone. Alternatively, you could get a nice drink at the bar. We have an interesting selection, including, but not limited to: Liberty Ale, Rheinland Bier and even some Coalition Vodka. The barkeep won't tell anyone where he gets the stuff, but it appears to be genuine." Rell turned his full attention to the man in the sleek exo rig. "Mr. Baldwin. There is another thing I would like to show you. While the models here are relatively new tech, there are some electronic failsafes that the Congress has been using for years. I don't have them prepares here, but I would like to show them to you nonetheless. We use them all the time when we need to overclock equipment beyond safe parameters, to defend against purely electronic attacks and to confuse those who try to get clear scans of our Salvager Frigates. If you like the idea, the corresponding tech could be installed on the restored vessel. But I would like you to take a look at it first. While it is quite safe and easy to handle, not everyone likes the idea of purposefully frying electronics. May I invite you to join me on my family's ship, so that I can demonstrate what I have in mind?" "Oh, and Mr. Xae, have you read the contract?" FEED SAVED DRIVE CMXXVII FULL; SWITCHING TO DRIVE CMXXVIII RE: Visiting Vieques - Switchback - 09-08-2020 Smiling slightly at the comment Rell made about being killed should the contract be leaked, he took the digital copy and started reading it. Satisfied, he motioned over to his Engineer. At the same time, he spoke to Rell. Would you please give me and my Chief Engineer a moment? Not sensing any hesitation from Rell, he motioned to Evan to talk with him in a secluded part of the engineering space. With as much privacy as could be afforded in the room that was no doubt being recorded, Billy asked Evan. Alright Evan, I want your no-bullshit assessment. Does this seem solid? If we rebuilt the Nightmare with this technology, would you feel safe onboard? Evan pondered the question for a minute, responding in an equally quiet voice. Boss, the tech is way out of left field, and if this heating concern of mine is fixable, I don' see much risk. I want to get my guys involved soon in learnin' the system, just in case y'know. Billy nodded, agreeing with his Engineer's assessment. Between you and me, I trust the Junkers to do all the main reconstruction, however for some of the more sensitive systems I'd want to have some specialists working on them. Stuff like Combat, Computer systems, the like. I need to take a trip anyway, go visit the Natio Octavarium and hash out some sort of plan to purchase the Nightmare from them. I know you don't like anyone touching your Freighter so I'll get some public transport and shuttle-hop back to Barrier Gate. I'll get your team on the first transport back this way. Keep me informed on your progress. Evan nodded, happy to hear he'd soon be reunited with his team of wrench jockeys. Both Billy and Evan walked back over to Rell, Billy speaking first. Well Mr. Harrow, we have a deal. However, I would like to make one..amendment to the contract as listed. I would like to have the ability to sub-contract portions of this project to outside companies, primarily the combat systems and some of the Sensor and data analysis components to the ships overall networked systems. If you don't have a problem with that, I will sign. Additionally while I would enjoy kicking back with a Liberty Ale, I have business elsewhere, namely with the Natio Octavarium. I also need to find a crew! Billy paused, hoping his amendment would not be a problem. Quickly remembering, Billy continued. Evan will be staying behind, to continue a Deep Dive on this technology. As his team finishes their previously contracted work on Barrier Gate, they will come to meet with Evan to start their own training on the new reactor systems. I will be covering any lodging and meal costs incurred, as well as their tab at the bar. RE: Visiting Vieques - Tenseiken - 09-20-2020 CAMERA ACTIVE FEED SAVING TO DRIVE CMXXVIII The Junker nodded. "Very well, Mr. Xae. I will add that option to the contract. You may employ whoever you deem fit, so long as you retain a right to veto their presence on Vieques at any time. We also reserve the right to keep the security cameras on at all times. Also, any subcontractors will be your responsibility. Be mindful with how many people you tell about this project. If anyone spreads info to where they shouldn't, it'll be your head that rolls. Maybe figuratively, maybe literally. As long as you accept that, I see no further complications." After the necessary changes had been made, Rell signed both the digital version and the newly printed papers. "I wish you a good time, Mr. Xae. Now, Mr. Baldwin. I'd like you to meet me on my family's vessel. The Harrow is moored to point pD. You will find the private mooring terminals two decks above the visitors' hangar. I will be with you shortly. If someone stops you in or near the terminal, show them this." He handed the engineer a piece of metal with what looked like deliberate scratch marks. It was thin, smooth and roughly the size of a calling card. "This gets you into the private mooring area. But please don't try to enter the vessel by yourself. My aunt is not as... present as she once was and my first mate is always tipsy or drunk. They might not recognize you as the visitor you are if you just barge in. Our Salvager frigates are closely guarded family treasures. Earl won't harm you. I can't vouch for aunt Marie." With that, he made his way back into the smaller section of the workshop, sat down and finished his work on the small circuit, nipping at a few cables here and there before he put it into a see-through casing. FEED SAVED DRIVE CMXXVIII FULL; SWITCHING TO DRIVE CMXXIX