During one of my conversation with a close ally of mine - a lady who is affiliated with the Golden Chrysanthemums and has taken part in many interdictions and extortions by my side - I identified some pieces of seemingly pointless intelligence by her. A discussion of her relations with her family members lead her to disclosing some information about her brother that I then found to be very useful and made a mental note on in order to investigate the matter further in the future.
Code:
[05.01.2023 16:26:51] Bluefin: I guess my brother, Edwin.
[05.01.2023 16:26:57] Bluefin: Or my sister. No, go with Edwin.
[...]
[05.01.2023 16:29:09] Bluefin: Yeah, well. You probably won't find him that way, but I also uh, don't really know if he wants to be found in the context of-
[05.01.2023 16:29:15] Bluefin: Well, me being his sister.
[...]
[05.01.2023 16:30:45] Bluefin: Oh, well, don't get me wrong, I get along pretty well with him.
[05.01.2023 16:31:22] Bluefin: It's just....he's like, 0.1%, probably one of the richest people in Sirius, goes to rich people galas in sparkly dresses....
[05.01.2023 16:31:26] Bluefin: Not really my scene.
[05.01.2023 16:32:07] Bluefin: He's actually a dumb child but well, he plays the adult role pretty well.
[...]
[05.01.2023 16:33:21] Bluefin: Yeah, probably. He captains a fancy liner, but it's like....a hobby. His money is all investments and shit.
[05.01.2023 16:34:02] Bluefin: I don't understand finance and I'm not really convinced anyone else does, either.
[05.01.2023 16:34:47] Bluefin: With that kind of family, you can probably imagine that uhm....I'm something of a black sheep.
A very rich, dumb child that plays the role of an adult very well and is the captain of a fancy liner. I knew I had found a mark for an interesting target when Bluefin initially mentioned his name and his characteristics. Ever since that day, I've been on the hunt for this "fancy liner" and during one of my most recent adventures into Rheinland's capital, New Berlin, I stumbled across the exact target I was looking for.
Code:
[11.01.2023 00:46:57] LL-Renaissance: RO: I don't know, he's pretty famous. Not hard to believe you've heard of him before.
[11.01.2023 00:47:25] LL-Renaissance: RO: Sure we- Captain, what's-
[11.01.2023 00:47:53] LL-Renaissance: Edwin: Hello! Who are these people? Oh! It's the charming military officer from before, and others!
[...]
[11.01.2023 00:49:12] LL-Renaissance: Edwin: So, you're interested in taking a tour? Anyone can! Our prices are quite reasonable!
[...]
[11.01.2023 00:49:35] LL-Renaissance: Ah, yes. Amy's a darling. She's been my radio operator for about eight years!
[...]
[11.01.2023 00:50:11] LL-Renaissance: Edwin: Not exactly, I mean, the bays are free, there are spaces and spare rooms.
[11.01.2023 00:55:33] LL-Renaissance: RO: Hello again. Captain Pennybrooke has been....moved to the kitchen.
[...]
[11.01.2023 00:56:46] LL-Renaissance: RO: Yeah, well. That's usually why he's in the bar of the ship, and not on the bridge.
[...]
[11.01.2023 00:58:31] LL-Renaissance: RO: I mean, if you request a dock, he'll probably authorize it.
[11.01.2023 00:58:48] LL-Renaissance: RO: He always likes taking people on board along the way.
[11.01.2023 00:59:33] LL-Renaissance: RO: *to her commpad* Captain? Hey, yeah. Can you....can you ------- come back to the bridge...?
[11.01.2023 01:01:40] LL-Renaissance: Edwin: What...? What jutht....you try to eat one thandwich, onth, and thuddenly everything'th jutht....
[11.01.2023 01:06:56] LL-Renaissance: Edwin: *turning back to his sandwich* Well, unlike most of you, I have an actual time-sensitive job.
[11.01.2023 01:07:39] LL-Renaissance: Edwin: I wish you the best, I'm going to the spa area. I could use a blast of hot water to the back, you know? I-
[11.01.2023 01:08:13] LL-Renaissance: RO: Well, thank fuck for that. He's found something that isn't...taking over the comms.
My findings confirmed exactly what I thought the case was. A spoiled rich brat in command of a liner, a specimen with seemingly low intelligence and of high potential usefulness to our cause, if approached correctly.
So that is exactly what I set out to do. For the next 24 hours I tracked the liner's movements down with the help of Spyglass and I managed to get some type of pattern out of the seemingly random trajectories the ship follows. I intercepted the Renaissance for the entire duration of one of it's trips from Bretonia, to Liberty, then north up to Kusari and then down south towards Bretonia again while moving through the Taus and I was able to intercept it at Manchester.
Using my excellent skills in deceit, trickery and manipulation I was able to approach the specimen in a manner that made it seem like I was a friend looking for a way to protect him. Being a foolish corporate slimey rich lapdog, I was very easily able to convince him that he has managed to paint himself a huge target and that a lot of Liberty's underworld is after him, wanting a piece of his wealth for themselves. Through patient and methodical approach, I was able to slowly befriend the specimen and like a seed, plant an idea into his head.
The idea that he should work for the Lane Hackers in order to help reduce the attention that most of the underworld has on him. Of course, through my superior intelligence I was easily able to confuse, puzzle and trick the man into believing such claims while always making sure that my words were twisted enough to be believable and not render my agreement dishonest.
Code:
[12.01.2023 22:26:00] LH~Disruption: Greetings.
[12.01.2023 22:26:09] LL-Renaissance: RO: Hello, Lane Hacker!
[12.01.2023 22:26:09] LH~Disruption: You're a tough nut to crack, aren't you.
[12.01.2023 22:26:22] LL-Renaissance: RO: Yeah, well. That's included in the price.
[12.01.2023 22:26:39] LL-Renaissance: RO: Is this going to be a whole deal? Should I call the captain?
[12.01.2023 22:26:49] LH~Disruption: You should call your navigations officer.
[12.01.2023 22:26:54] LH~Disruption: I am interested in a conversation.
[12.01.2023 22:27:04] LH~Disruption: Do you know for how long I've been on your trail?
[12.01.2023 22:27:11] LL-Renaissance: RO: Captain- yeah, no. Shut up, just get up here, okay?
[12.01.2023 22:27:25] LL-Renaissance: RO: Judging by the background noise, he's at the bar. Give us a moment.
[12.01.2023 22:27:40] LH~Disruption: I'd be acting very surprised if it was the first time I heard you speaking in such manner to the ship's captain.
[12.01.2023 22:27:44] LH~Disruption: But it is not.
[12.01.2023 22:28:12] LL-Renaissance: RO: Our trail, huh? Well, we've been on a pretty boring standard route.
[12.01.2023 22:28:22] LH~Disruption: Your route does not seem standard at all.
[12.01.2023 22:28:37] LL-Renaissance: Edwin: Hello! Captain Pennybrooke here! Who's this? Would you like to book a trip?
[12.01.2023 22:28:47] LH~Disruption: It almost feels like you knew I was constantly one system behind and altered your path on-the-spot accordingly.
[12.01.2023 22:29:07] LL-Renaissance: RO: Huh? Amy, did we alter our route at all? I wasn't looking the entire time.
[12.01.2023 22:29:08] LH~Disruption: Captain Edwin Pennybrooke. I have heard a lot about you.
[12.01.2023 22:29:21] LH~Disruption: I am Elizabeth Krest, Lane Hacker Inner Circle.
[12.01.2023 22:29:23] LL-Renaissance: Edwin: You....have? Only good things, I hope?
[12.01.2023 22:29:47] LH~Disruption: Beauty lies in the eyes of the beholder, captain.
[12.01.2023 22:30:18] LL-Renaissance: Edwin: That it does! I think you can find it in many unexpected places, personally.
[12.01.2023 22:31:10] LH~Disruption: So the Renaissance is your typical luxury liner?
[12.01.2023 22:31:40] LL-Renaissance: Edwin: Oh, well....hrm. I would hate to describe my life's passion as, "typical". What a dreadful word!
[12.01.2023 22:31:53] LH~Disruption: I was expecting a negative answer.
[12.01.2023 22:32:13] LH~Disruption: "Typical" luxury liners do not have such high tech scanners and such high armor ratings.
[12.01.2023 22:32:26] LH~Disruption: What's the story behind that, who robbed you -that- badly that you had to invest into those?
[12.01.2023 22:32:45] LL-Renaissance: Edwin: Yes, well. We do tend to frequent routes that lie far from the comforts of civilized space, so it's a bit of a necessity
[12.01.2023 22:33:04] LL-Renaissance: Edwin: This is actually quite an unusual trip for us, in that regard!
[12.01.2023 22:33:55] LH~Disruption: My own research into your paths does not exactly show anything "far from the comforts of civilized space".
[12.01.2023 22:34:02] LH~Disruption: But I'll take your word for it.
[12.01.2023 22:34:41] LL-Renaissance: Edwin: Goodness, how long have you been researching us? I do have an actual business website, you know.
[12.01.2023 22:34:46] LL-Renaissance: Could have just consulted that!
[12.01.2023 22:34:55] LH~Disruption: I have been on your trail for a long time, captain.
[12.01.2023 22:35:06] LH~Disruption: You seem to have made a very good target out of yourself.
[12.01.2023 22:35:26] LH~Disruption: You knew it would only be a matter of time before you attracted the attention of the Lane Hackers.
[12.01.2023 22:35:33] LL-Renaissance: Edwin: Should I feel flattered or is this some serial killer situation?
[12.01.2023 22:35:56] LH~Disruption: Depends on who you ask.
[12.01.2023 22:36:04] LH~Disruption: If you ask me, I wouldn't call myself a serial killer.
[12.01.2023 22:36:08] LH~Disruption: If you were to ask the LPI?
[12.01.2023 22:36:11] LH~Disruption: Probably.
[12.01.2023 22:36:13] LL-Renaissance: Edwin: Erm, well. You have found me now. So what can I do for you?
[12.01.2023 22:37:21] LH~Disruption: A number of things, captain Pennybrooke. Tell me, what are your relations to... Liberty.
[12.01.2023 22:37:30] LH~Disruption: Corporations, the Navy, police, the underworld.
[12.01.2023 22:38:16] LL-Renaissance: Edwin: Hrm, well....that of a civilian from out of house, I suppose? I do have a great fondness for Manhattan's night life.
[12.01.2023 22:38:40] LL-Renaissance: Even though my favorite club started making their sandwiches differently, and they are now putting the tomatoes under-
[12.01.2023 22:38:44] LH~Disruption: I meant your idealistic relations, captain.
[12.01.2023 22:38:49] LL-Renaissance: the cheese which results in a dreadfully- hrm?
[12.01.2023 22:39:15] LH~Disruption: It canot be that hard.
[12.01.2023 22:39:25] LL-Renaissance: Edwin: I- I am not sure how to answer the question? I do not often think about the Republic of Liberty, as a state?
[12.01.2023 22:39:32] LL-Renaissance: Do you mean....philosophically?
[12.01.2023 22:39:41] LH~Disruption: Let me get more specific then.
[12.01.2023 22:40:00] LH~Disruption: What is your opinion on the various corporates surrounding Liberty, on the Government, Navy, Police, the LSF.
[12.01.2023 22:40:09] LH~Disruption: What is your opinion on the Xenos and the Rogues, Outcasts and Lane Hackers.
[12.01.2023 22:40:50] LL-Renaissance: Edwin: Goodness, that's a lot of questions! Well, Miss Crest. I am a cosmopolitan, and my business is passenger travel.
[12.01.2023 22:41:14] LL-Renaissance: So I do not so often think of people in terms of houses, or states, or organizations, but in terms of where they might want to-
[12.01.2023 22:41:16] LL-Renaissance: pay to go.
[12.01.2023 22:41:38] LH~Disruption: So you strictly transport human cargo only?
[12.01.2023 22:41:55] LL-Renaissance: Edwin: Hrm. *he hums thoughtfully* You're making me think about this in detail now!
[12.01.2023 22:42:02] LL-Renaissance: Oh, well....of course. It's a passenger ship.
[12.01.2023 22:42:24] LH~Disruption: I've seen passenger ships carry non-human cargo before.
[12.01.2023 22:42:47] LL-Renaissance: Edwin: Goodness, can you imagine the loading process? What a nightmare! I don't understand how or why anyone would-
[12.01.2023 22:42:49] LL-Renaissance: do such a thing.
[12.01.2023 22:43:54] LH~Disruption: Just yesterday I caught a cryer liner hauling Helium-3 to Pittsburg.
[12.01.2023 22:44:03] LH~Disruption: The circumstance is not as rare as you might think.
[12.01.2023 22:44:07] LL-Renaissance: Edwin: But to go back to your questions. My relations with law enforcement are that they sometimes scan me, ask where I'm going
[12.01.2023 22:44:24] LL-Renaissance: and such. This might become trouble when I'm in an active war zone, but that's to be expected!
[12.01.2023 22:44:42] LH~Disruption: Why would you venture into an active war zoner if the cargo you have on board is always human one?
[12.01.2023 22:45:07] LH~Disruption: //zone*
[12.01.2023 22:45:21] LL-Renaissance: Edwin: That's the best type of business! See, passenger travel isn't usually under embargo. Even between Bretonia and Gallia-
[12.01.2023 22:45:47] LL-Renaissance: during the height of the war, it was permitted. But very few of the larger companies are willing to risk it, so I can soak up-
[12.01.2023 22:45:51] LL-Renaissance: the demand myself! Hah!
[12.01.2023 22:46:00] LH~Disruption: I have a different type of business to propose. One equally profitable.
[12.01.2023 22:46:15] LL-Renaissance: Edwin: Go on.
[12.01.2023 22:46:25] LH~Disruption: Surely you must value your credits above anything else.
[12.01.2023 22:46:38] LH~Disruption: Correct?
[12.01.2023 22:46:47] LL-Renaissance: RO: Captain, some of the passengers are asking what's going on. Should we uh....
[12.01.2023 22:47:08] LH~Disruption: Tell them the transport's being extorted by a Lane Hacker bomber capable of bringing it down in a few shots.
[12.01.2023 22:47:15] LL-Renaissance: Edwin: *he waves a hand dismissively* Just, erm....tell them it's- I don't know, make something up, Amy! I'm busy!
[12.01.2023 22:47:15] LH~Disruption: And that they best keep their mouths shut and not disturb us.
[12.01.2023 22:47:26] LH~Disruption: That will probably keep them silent.
[12.01.2023 22:47:30] LL-Renaissance: Edwin: Ooh, you should shoot at the windows a bit!
[12.01.2023 22:48:08] LH~Disruption: Should've been close enough to scare them.
[12.01.2023 22:48:16] LL-Renaissance: Edwin: They love a good show! Also, it's really funny to be at the bar when the passengers are panicking, I won't lie.
[12.01.2023 22:48:35] LH~Disruption: You -totally- sound like the type of captain that values his credits above everything else.
[12.01.2023 22:48:39] LH~Disruption: As you should, of course.
[12.01.2023 22:48:42] LH~Disruption: Wealth invites more wealth.
[12.01.2023 22:49:07] LL-Renaissance: Edwin: Ah, well. Truth be told, my passenger business barely breaks even most quarters.
[12.01.2023 22:49:22] LL-Renaissance: It's my primary job, but I also....don't particularly rely on it. Financially.
[12.01.2023 22:49:45] LH~Disruption: I assumed so.
[12.01.2023 22:49:50] LL-Renaissance: Edwin: That's fine though! I do it because I love doing it.
[12.01.2023 22:49:52] LH~Disruption: It isn't exactly the most profitable of businesses.
[12.01.2023 22:50:18] LH~Disruption: A business that -is- profitable, and one that most of the richest people of Sirius commit to, off-records of course, is -
[12.01.2023 22:50:23] LL-Renaissance: Edwin: To meet people from across the sector, to engage in conversation and drinks, and well, possibly more....
[12.01.2023 22:50:26] LL-Renaissance: That's my real passion!
[12.01.2023 22:50:33] LH~Disruption: - shipping cardamine into Liberty.
[12.01.2023 22:51:03] LL-Renaissance: Edwin: Yes, of course! We have a small supply available under the bar, discreetly. You know, for medical purposes for-
[12.01.2023 22:51:05] LL-Renaissance: those that need it.
[12.01.2023 22:51:08] LH~Disruption: Technologies on the matter have advanced so much that you can get a special compartment installed on any vessel-
[12.01.2023 22:51:19] LH~Disruption: -to allow for proper transportation of large amounts without infecting the entire ship.
[12.01.2023 22:52:01] LL-Renaissance: Edwin: So, erm....why are you telling me this?
[12.01.2023 22:52:13] LH~Disruption: If I was a person of as high esteem as you, mister Pennybrooke, I'd look for some way to try and rub off some of that-
[12.01.2023 22:52:16] LH~Disruption: -unwanted attention.
[12.01.2023 22:52:32] LH~Disruption: I have came across many bounties on your head and your vessel.
[12.01.2023 22:52:51] LH~Disruption: It'd be a shame if such an honest working man was to be killed by a blood-thirsty assassin.
[12.01.2023 22:53:11] LL-Renaissance: Edwin: You....have? I can't imagine from whom, I don't tend to make enemies. Certainly not on purpose!
[12.01.2023 22:53:34] LH~Disruption: You don't need to do something particularly offensive against someone to make him your enemy.
[12.01.2023 22:53:52] LL-Renaissance: Edwin: Granted, I've certainly had some, but well. You've already figured that part out from the Renaissance's equipment.
[12.01.2023 22:53:55] LH~Disruption: The Outcasts, the Rogues, the Red Hessians, they all want a piece of your wealth.
[12.01.2023 22:54:30] LL-Renaissance: Edwin: I will tell you a little business secret, miss Crest. Everyone actually *wants* excitement.
[12.01.2023 22:54:32] LH~Disruption: I do not have the influence necessary to -ensure- your safety against all of those groups, but I can acquaint you with a-
[12.01.2023 22:54:38] LH~Disruption: -business portfolio that might.
[12.01.2023 22:54:52] LH~Disruption: Excitement.
[12.01.2023 22:55:02] LH~Disruption: Could not have said it better, mister Pennybrooke.
[12.01.2023 22:55:09] LL-Renaissance: Edwin: This trip? The people on board will remember it. And even if they were terrified in the moment, if they make it to port-
[12.01.2023 22:55:17] LL-Renaissance: It will be a story they remember fondly.
[12.01.2023 22:55:18] LH~Disruption: What is more exciting than a few shipments of cardamine into Liberty's heart.
[12.01.2023 22:55:22] LH~Disruption: What is more thrilling.
[12.01.2023 22:55:46] LL-Renaissance: Edwin: Hmm, perhaps an encounter with a Nomad?
[12.01.2023 22:56:10] LH~Disruption: What is more thrilling and less likely to get your brains fucked.
[12.01.2023 22:56:18] Tip: To interact with other players, open up your Chat Window (default button Y). The default chat type for all players is LOCAL and will be visible to all players currently on your scanner. You can privately message another player by selecting their name in the Chat Window.
[12.01.2023 22:57:01] LL-Renaissance: Edwin: I do love a good thrill, but you'll have to be more specific. Is that....something you're asking me to do?
[12.01.2023 22:57:35] LH~Disruption: You? I am not asking -you- to do it. You'll be at the kitchen eating your favorite sandwiches while your crew handles the -
[12.01.2023 22:57:37] LH~Disruption: - dirt.
[12.01.2023 22:57:52] LH~Disruption: You will just be my contact to ensure smooth delivery.
[12.01.2023 22:58:13] LL-Renaissance: Edwin: *his tone turns somewhat more serious for the first time in the conversation* No, I would not involve my crew in this.
[12.01.2023 22:58:31] LH~Disruption: I can get that arranged.
[12.01.2023 22:58:36] LL-Renaissance: Besides, I do own a ship that's a bit less...well, obvious. If you want that kind of contract.
[12.01.2023 22:58:38] LH~Disruption: I've got my fair share of connections around.
[12.01.2023 22:59:19] LH~Disruption: What good would it do if it was a ship that people cannot immediately connect with the almighty alwealthy Captain Pennybrooke?
[12.01.2023 22:59:42] LH~Disruption: I do not need an answer right now, captain.
[12.01.2023 22:59:48] LH~Disruption: An idea is like a seed.
[12.01.2023 22:59:52] LL-Renaissance: Edwin: Well...I admit, I'm still not entirely clear what your goal in this whole thing is?
[12.01.2023 22:59:55] LH~Disruption: After implanting, it needs time to grow.
[12.01.2023 23:00:04] LH~Disruption: My goal? My goal's your safety, of course.
[12.01.2023 23:00:13] LH~Disruption: Why do you think I've been on your trail for so long?
[12.01.2023 23:00:31] LH~Disruption: Someone must ensure you do not get kidnapped in any of your trips.
[12.01.2023 23:00:36] LL-Renaissance: Edwin: I don't know! That's precisely what I'm trying to figure out!
[12.01.2023 23:00:57] LH~Disruption: Mister Pennybrooke, I think you have a lot to digest at the moment.
[12.01.2023 23:00:59] LL-Renaissance: Edwin: And believe me, I have made acquaintance with threats before. It's part of the business.
[12.01.2023 23:01:22] LH~Disruption: I can reach out to you sometime in the near future.
[12.01.2023 23:01:28] LH~Disruption: See if you have made a decision.
[12.01.2023 23:01:53] LL-Renaissance: Edwin: You...are welcome to. I am, after all, open to business with anyone, I do not discriminate.
[12.01.2023 23:02:04] LH~Disruption: Outstanding.
[12.01.2023 23:02:11] LH~Disruption: Your ship may proceed to it's destination.
[12.01.2023 23:02:23] LH~Disruption: I'll be seeing you around, Captain.
[12.01.2023 23:02:25] Preparing to cloak...
[12.01.2023 23:02:40] LL-Renaissance: Edwin: Amy, you hear that? You can tell everyone to- actually no, I'll do that myself.
[12.01.2023 23:02:46] Cloaking device on
[12.01.2023 23:02:47] LH~Disruption: Safe trips.
[12.01.2023 23:03:05] LL-Renaissance: *over the intercom* Ladies, gentlemen, and others. I am pleased to announce that thanks to my incredible negotiation skills-
[12.01.2023 23:03:17] LL-Renaissance: we have cleared the hold-up, and can now move on!
As you can clearly see on the attached communications logs, everything went exactly as I had planned. Captain Edwin Pennybrooke of the LL-Renaissance was successfully deceived into believing that he is a very well known man and that various criminal groups have placed many bounties on his head. He was tricked into believing that I care about him and want him to remain safe, after which he was given some time to reflect upon what he has heard so far, as it must've all came as a very big weight on his smooth corporate brain.
One day later, after I assumed I gave him enough time to think, I reached out to him via this communications channel to inquire about our earlier discussion.
[∎] - To: Captain Edwin Pennybrooke ⚡ From: Liz Krest
Of course, the seed that was implanted had by now blossomed. Pennybrooke accepted the job I had to offer him, even though it proved to be just a little harder than I had anticipated. In the end, I managed to make him run not one, but two shipments for the profit of the Lane Hackers; a shipment of much valuable counterfeit software from Leiden Base to Planet Malta, and a shipment of cardamine from Planet Malta back to Leiden Base.
I believe this was a very fruitful endeavor of mine and that it suffices for the completion of the above criterion and could mark the beginning of my journey to Provocateur. Of course, as always, the final word belongs to the professorship.