**** Incoming Transmission ****
From: Jason Black, Comms Operator (third shift), Java Station, Tau-23
To: "Hac", reply on received frequency
Subject: Communication
Encryption: None (// Readable to anyone listening on Tau public channels)
Right, mister "Hac",
So you do have our communication protocols, but not the history of Sirius? It's not exactly a secret who's who in this asteroid mire they call the Taus, although, depending on who you ask, you'll get different answers as to who's entitled to what. Guess you're newcomers, so let me give you the rundown.
First, there's us. IMG, Independent Miners Guild. We're basically selfemployed miners who mine various minerals around these parts. Niobium, Beryllium, Copper, Cobalt, Water, Oxygen... you name it, we mine it.
There's the Gallics, mostly their Naval folks. They're mostly just passing through on the way to Bretonia, 'though some of em mine or trade.
There's the Zoners around a couple of Freeports. You got the ones in Tau-29 who deal with Kusari a lot, and you got the ones in Tau-37 who deal with us a lot. And with the Outcasts. Zoners tend to keep to themselves, they don't like to be pushed around, but otherwise don't push others around either. Good folk in my book.
Speaking of which, the Outcasts are a bunch of addicts who think all space they see is theirs. They tend to steal and peddle their chemical, "Cardamine" to whomever will have it. The stuff is highly addictive and potentially fatal, so us miners don't want any part of that. They often attack anyone in sight. You lot had best watch out when dealing with those guys.
You've also got a few Kusari folk in Tau-29. Samura and Kishiro mine Hydrocarbons there for their industries back in Kusari. Those guys generally dislike outsiders.
Anyway, that's the basic laydown of the Taus. What about you lot? Who are you and where do you come from? Omega folks migrating maybe? Omicron dwellers stretching your legs? Last time I had some guys similar to you on the horn it were those... Vira... Viru... Eh, some kind of weird enclave on Gran Canaria. Union... You're not related to the Alster Unioners I hope?
**** Transmission Closed ****
Wide awake in a world that sleeps, enduring thoughts, enduring scenes. The knowledge of what is yet to come.
From a time when all seems lost, from a dead man to a world, without restraint, unafraid and free.
Mostly retired Discovery member. May still visit from time to time.