A small group of engineers, tinkerers and designers sat around a table in one of the back rooms of the shipyard. The smell of sunbucks permeated the air, as it was the only thing fueling the team at this horrid hour.
Samuel Harper: Well, President Tomson gave us the task of competing in a science fair. The problem is, it’s in four days. The bigger problem is that Tomson won’t accept a loss here. So, let’s start drafting plans. Any Ideas?
Riley Sullivan: In the spirit of protectin' our investments, or at least coverin' our arses from bein' sued if and when a pirate spots a load of refugees, I'd like to see us come up with some kind of life raft to protect the bastards in case the hull gets breached... at least long enough to get scooped up and rescued proper like.
I mean... haulin' folks around ain't exactly our M.O., but... we've got a reputation for haulin' high-value cargo. Seems to me comin' up wi' come kind of protection fits in wi' all that.
Other n' that... (he sighs)
I dunno. I'm 'avin' a tough time comin' up wi' ennethin.
Samuel Harper: I think you just described escape pods, Riley, and I don't think they can get any cheaper than they already are. We need something that if not entirely new, can at least be made cheaper than it already is. Something that these refugees might be able to actually afford.
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