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ITT: We Are All Space Mercenaries

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kablammin45 art lizer from Cleese's Battle Circuit (4 Score & 7 Years Ago)
art lizer
#376: Aug 28th 2018 at 5:05:09 PM

Um, reminder that we're space cops here. We can call for back-up. (Roark says, still a bit shocked from what has happened.)

Uh...reminder that our police cruiser and the cruiser's phone are probably toast from that hyper-jump we made in the Grand Celestial, chief... (I point out.)

(Roark's face falls as he remembers this.) Ugh, this is just not my day... (He groans, rubbing his forehead.)

(Bruno waddles back up to us.) Woohoo! I love doing that! Yep! Got a nice snack, too. (He laughs. I notice that he has the partially digested remains of a sprocket inside of him.)

"Hey, least I didn't lose all my artistic talent when I crash landed in the arena here."
Daydre That's just how it is on this bitch of an earth from in my house Since: Jun, 2014 Relationship Status: You cannot grasp the true form
That's just how it is on this bitch of an earth
#377: Aug 28th 2018 at 5:48:03 PM

"I'm already at the Andore, I can just ask now." He holds the phone to his shoulder.

"Hey, uh... Tilt? Frank wants to know if we missed anything."

He then turns to Bodega. "Aren't we a private company or whatever? Who cares as long as those guys are dealt with and we get paid?"

we will survive.
Tre could be worse from the front to the back, that's where I was at (Unlucky Thirteen) Relationship Status: Singularity
could be worse
#378: Aug 28th 2018 at 5:56:01 PM

Tilt vaulted from the Andore roof to the ground below, landing next to Aur and the group with a paf.

Hey folks,” he said with an awkward wave, surveying the various expressions his old colleagues (and some unfamiliar faces) had. “ For those of you that don’t know me, I’m Tilt Fulton. For those that do... I’m sorry. Again. For everyone: thanks for the help.

He turned to the smoldering Wedge, its husk downed at the end of a hill only a few feet from their location. “I think that might be the last of ‘em, but Bodega’s got a point about checking the ship for stragglers. That blast was probably enough to make that mission a bust... still, those guys are annoyingly stubborn sometimes.

Edited by Tre on Aug 28th 2018 at 2:28:31 PM

oh, that's why I need this binary mind //
PresidentStalkeyes Eats moldy bread and flies into windows from United Kingdom of England-land Since: Feb, 2016 Relationship Status: Do you like me? (Yes ⎕ Definitely ⎕ Absolutely!!! ⎕)
Eats moldy bread and flies into windows
#379: Aug 28th 2018 at 6:04:03 PM

"AH, but y'all are fergettin', Aur, if these guys don't get a clear message, they could grow up into fierce warriors thirsty fer our blood! That's what they always used to teach us to do back on Valtax, on Valtax! I mean... here, lemme show ya!"

With that declaration, Bodega made her way over to the smouldering wreckage of the Varrq ship and started rummaging around for something, or someone.

Those sell-by-dates won't stop me because I can't read!
WilliamRadarStorm my current job from News Station NT Since: Oct, 2013 Relationship Status: Above such petty unnecessities
my current job
#380: Aug 28th 2018 at 6:51:53 PM

The good thing about cell phones is that their reception tech has gotten incredibly good in the time between the event and now. The bad thing is that their microphones are not clear at all, so Frank didn't hear what Tilt just said at all.

Fortunately, the good thing about binoculars is that they can see great distances and have focusing features. So he can see Tilt introduce himself to the gang (Aur included) and Bodega charge towards the cheese wedge. Frank thinks he knows where she's going with that, but just to be on the safe side, he asks Aur...

She doing a "check for survivors" sweep?

Edited by WilliamRadarStorm on Aug 28th 2018 at 10:27:36 AM

The possum is a potential perpetrator; he did place possum poo in the plum pot.
Daydre That's just how it is on this bitch of an earth from in my house Since: Jun, 2014 Relationship Status: You cannot grasp the true form
That's just how it is on this bitch of an earth
#381: Aug 28th 2018 at 7:19:20 PM

"If they're confident enough to start raiding aren't they already grown enough?... Y'know what, never mind." Aur follows after Bodega. Making sure wouldn't waste anything but time, at least.

"Yeah. In her usual Bodega way." He replies to Frank.

we will survive.
WilliamRadarStorm my current job from News Station NT Since: Oct, 2013 Relationship Status: Above such petty unnecessities
my current job
#382: Aug 29th 2018 at 8:55:16 AM

Typical.

Frank puts the phone on speaker, sets it down, picks up his binoculars, and starts scanning the area around him, looking for something the rest of them missed. He knows he already asked Aur to check with Tilt for that exact thing, but it can't hurt to verify whatever yourself. Four eyes are better than two, and all that jazz, and looking for unexpected things won't waste anything but time.

Most of what Frank sees are smoldering wedge wreckage, partially demolished rig, and barren Phobos fields. Nothing too special.

But one thing does catch his eye: The flag of the de Valliere Robotics corporation. Oh yeah, I forgot they've put flags on half the rigs on this fucking moon.

Frank has never been a particularly big fan of large corporations, especially interplanetary and intersolar ones, so the de Vallieres have a special place in Frank's list of "against the wall when the revolution comes" people. The notorious public image of their company heir and their history of android mistreatment are but two of the many reasons Frank hates them.

But griping about corporations is distracting from the task at hand, and Frank has done this long enough to know when to catch himself while doing this. Save it for the long-ass flights between the stars, he repeats to himself. When he's done, he continues scanning. Nothing, nothing, nothing...

Frank is starting to regret turning the music off so he can communicate with the team, but hey, sacrifices must be made sometimes.

Edited by WilliamRadarStorm on Aug 29th 2018 at 7:26:05 AM

The possum is a potential perpetrator; he did place possum poo in the plum pot.
Beverly from the Since: Aug, 2017 Relationship Status: A teenager in love
#383: Aug 29th 2018 at 11:47:56 AM

"..." Becka is suddenly worn out. All that running, screaming, and firing musta goofed her battery.

"Hey, I'm headed back to the ship." She says, as she begins trotting back to the Celestial.


Once she gets onboard, the first thing she sees is Sparks in the entry. "Oh! Good morning, Sparks! Just missed a big explosion."

She's still for a bit.

"So nothing, you missed nothing. Anyway, HEY FRANK!" She calls up to the bridge.

I'm Huney B now. Okay?
DubhKafkaesque from Scotland Since: Aug, 2018 Relationship Status: THIS CONCEPT OF 'WUV' CONFUSES AND INFURIATES US!
#384: Aug 29th 2018 at 12:08:43 PM

"So business as usual, then."

He shrugs.

"Honestly, if it was over that quickly it can't have been all that much cop, right?"

Hail majestic corporate light, heaven born and ever bright!
Tre could be worse from the front to the back, that's where I was at (Unlucky Thirteen) Relationship Status: Singularity
could be worse
#385: Aug 29th 2018 at 12:56:17 PM

As the rest of the party dispersed, Tilt ducked into the Andore and tapped at his wrist computer. While he was at the comms terminal earlier, he'd caught some juicy bits that gave him an idea of how to get into Blomworks's chat network. With an address he'd taken a mental snapshot of, he typed his way into the system and got a direct holographic line to the office of the company's president.

It rang once, twice, and then, a cyan, transparent image of a suited fellow projected itself from Tilt's arm.

"Mr. Fulton," he said.

"Hey there, Everett," Tilt said, his gaze steely.

"That's Mr. Limestone to you, Thaddeus, and last time I checked, wasn't the client supposed to call the bounty hunter?"

"My friends and I just saved the only Phyber flow you got this side of Mars from becoming Varrq property. Knowing how much you're relying on that D.V. joint venture, I deemed it appropriate."

Limestone turned to listen to an inaudible assistant for a moment, then back to Tilt. "Impressive work. Guess it wasn't long before you rejoined that junker's crew."

"Still working on making it official," Tilt said. "I was always better in a team than on my own anyway."

"It'll take a lot to change Becka's mind after what you did," Limestone said, "but I'm willing to help you as long as we can come to a mutually beneficial agreement."

Tilt gave the space around him a glance to make sure no one was within earshot. "Tell me more," he said.

Edited by Tre on Aug 29th 2018 at 3:58:08 PM

oh, that's why I need this binary mind //
WilliamRadarStorm my current job from News Station NT Since: Oct, 2013 Relationship Status: Above such petty unnecessities
my current job
#386: Aug 29th 2018 at 1:02:33 PM

Frank, as you know, isn't on the bridge. However, the hallway to the bridge is close enough enough that you can hear the conversations held there through layered titanium-steel alloy, so he still hears her.

Becka's calling, so I have to stop watching. Keep me filled in on anything important.

Frank grabs the radio, binoculars, and the phone from the roof of the Celestial. He walks back over to the service ladder, climbs down it, and goes back in the same way he came out (cargo bay door).

When Frank sees Becka, he tells her:

Sorry I took so long. Was on top of the ship. Anyway, you called?

Edited by WilliamRadarStorm on Aug 29th 2018 at 4:03:33 AM

The possum is a potential perpetrator; he did place possum poo in the plum pot.
Beverly from the Since: Aug, 2017 Relationship Status: A teenager in love
#387: Aug 29th 2018 at 1:05:53 PM

"I did indeed call! Listen, can you get in contact with whoever runs this dump and negotiate a reward? Namely one that pays bills? We don't run a charity, you know..." Becka sighs, twirling her revolver idly again. "And don't take no for an answer!"

I'm Huney B now. Okay?
Daydre That's just how it is on this bitch of an earth from in my house Since: Jun, 2014 Relationship Status: You cannot grasp the true form
That's just how it is on this bitch of an earth
#388: Aug 29th 2018 at 1:45:28 PM

"Yeah yeah." Aur responds as he walks into the wreckage.

we will survive.
Tre could be worse from the front to the back, that's where I was at (Unlucky Thirteen) Relationship Status: Singularity
could be worse
#389: Aug 29th 2018 at 1:49:21 PM

After Tilt finished his conversation with Limestone, he hoofed it to the Celestial and knocked on the cargo hold door three times. He could hear Becka's request to Frank through the door.

"Hey Becks, it's me," Tilt said, with no reply on the other end for a beat. "You can tell Frank not to worry about it. I figured something out."

oh, that's why I need this binary mind //
Beverly from the Since: Aug, 2017 Relationship Status: A teenager in love
#390: Aug 29th 2018 at 2:28:55 PM

"..." Becka looks to the door with the worst possible grimace an Automation can manage.

"Scratch that, Frank. We got it."

Becka gives a long, drawn out sigh. She hasn't seen him since That One Time, and she hasn't really missed him.

"Thanks. Can you explain what you're doing on my ship?"

Edited by Beverly on Aug 29th 2018 at 5:28:59 AM

I'm Huney B now. Okay?
WilliamRadarStorm my current job from News Station NT Since: Oct, 2013 Relationship Status: Above such petty unnecessities
my current job
#391: Aug 29th 2018 at 2:29:14 PM

Frank breathes a sigh of relief when Tilt says "don't worry about it."

Thanks. I was gonna say I'm the navigator, not the diplomat.

The possum is a potential perpetrator; he did place possum poo in the plum pot.
DubhKafkaesque from Scotland Since: Aug, 2018 Relationship Status: THIS CONCEPT OF 'WUV' CONFUSES AND INFURIATES US!
#392: Aug 29th 2018 at 4:09:59 PM

Sparks gives Tilt a Look, his "eyes" having turned into comical slits of suspicion. This newcomer looks awfully similar to Becka's description of someone from before his time... someone she's not exactly had many kind words for. Still, might as well try for a little politeness.

"Erm. Who're you?"

Hail majestic corporate light, heaven born and ever bright!
Tre could be worse from the front to the back, that's where I was at (Unlucky Thirteen) Relationship Status: Singularity
could be worse
#393: Aug 29th 2018 at 8:08:16 PM

Tilt gave Vliet a salute from the deck as he entered the cargo hold — Becka hadn't changed the entry code in at least two years, so the one he remembered still worked — and gave the 'bot he didn't recognize a dopey grin.

"Name's Tilt," he said. "I don't think we've met, but I'll get to exchanging the pleasantries and so after we handle this, if that's cool."

He turned to Becka, and mellowed out to try to look a bit tougher as she glared at him. His effort to match her vibe didn't work, but it was worth a try anyway.

"So I've got some connections with the Blomworks guys. Done some work for 'em while I was... away," Tilt continued. "In exchange for saving their rig, they're offering to foot the bill for all the Phyber the Celestial needs for the next year. Comes courtesy of Everett Limestone himself."

He knew just saying it wasn't enough for Becka to budge, so he brought the document certifying the deal up through his wrist comp. "We can extend the deal if you opt to take care of some stuff for Limestone, too. It's your call."

Edited by Tre on Aug 29th 2018 at 11:10:59 AM

oh, that's why I need this binary mind //
Beverly from the Since: Aug, 2017 Relationship Status: A teenager in love
#394: Aug 29th 2018 at 8:18:36 PM

"... I'd prefer money. Is he offering any of that?" Becka asks, her frown failing to leave. "We just crashed a spaceship, I don't see how a free gas coupon is a good repayment."

I'm Huney B now. Okay?
TacoBadger Well, it’s a badger, that’s for sure from either behind you or Albuquerque Since: Mar, 2015 Relationship Status: The Skitty to my Wailord
Well, it’s a badger, that’s for sure
#395: Aug 29th 2018 at 8:20:34 PM

Enzo hears over his partly busted radio that the fight’s over.

Oh sure, nobody tell Enzo. I oughtta stop fighting in these things. Too god damn quick.

Enzo perused around the corpse-laden facility, only to find some kind of jetboard. Bingo.

Enzo proceeded to strap a tight-fitting Varrq helmet atop his noggin, and proceeded flying up to the Celestial.

While at first glance, you might assume Enzo is bad at spacesurfing, he’s grown up doing this his whole life, so he rides it steadily, with little fuss, up to the Celestial. He speaks into his busted radio.

Vliet-KRSCH-...Open—Up-

Huzzah
WilliamRadarStorm my current job from News Station NT Since: Oct, 2013 Relationship Status: Above such petty unnecessities
my current job
#396: Aug 29th 2018 at 8:29:39 PM

Frank's radio is still turned off, so he doesn't get Enzo's transmission... directly. Fortunately, however, he can hear a faint noise coming from the bridge. Soundproofing's too expensive for this ship.

Work's calling, so I'll say this much: Good to see you again, Tilt. I've missed ya. Becka, at least think about letting him stay. It's been almost 8 years, and I don't think I need to tell you how much you've changed since then. Sparks, keep the good work up.

With that out of the way, he heads to the bridge, with phone, radio and binoculars still in hand, and speaks through the comm-channel radio. The sweet smell of Erik's cupcakes coming from the kitchen is tempting, but now is not the time!

Frank Van Vliet, Celestial navigator. Can I help you?

The possum is a potential perpetrator; he did place possum poo in the plum pot.
Tre could be worse from the front to the back, that's where I was at (Unlucky Thirteen) Relationship Status: Singularity
could be worse
#397: Aug 29th 2018 at 8:44:59 PM

Tilt waved as Frank went off to go handle his errands.

"Had a feeling you'd say so," Tilt said, and with a snap, a silver stick loaded with 750,020 credits appeared in his other hand. 750,000 of them were from Limestone, and 20 were Tilt's, but he made no mention thereof as he presented it to Becka.

"Consider it an olive branch." He shrugged. "Look, I know things are weird. At least, on my end, it's been weird. But this ship and this crew — your crew — are the toughest, baddest-ass squad in the whole A.G. Being out there with Deggy and feeling like part of the team again? I can't get that with any old crew, you know."

He looked to the walls of the bay around them, his voice quiet and hesitant. "You'd know that better than anyone, Becka."

Edited by Tre on Aug 29th 2018 at 11:53:31 AM

oh, that's why I need this binary mind //
AtlasStratus Knight Cheesebeam from Frouphut, 1337 Impossible Avenue Since: Feb, 2016 Relationship Status: In bed with a green-skinned space babe
Knight Cheesebeam
#398: Aug 29th 2018 at 9:01:33 PM

"Sie ist der hellste Stern von allen..."

Largely unaffected by the events on Phobos, Kristoph returned to his medbay lugging a carton near a freezer. While the others may see their gains in money, he always had something more to gain from battles like that. He opened the carton, gazing upon several pounds of scavenged Varrq organs (in as good quality as he could find) packed between coolant tubes.

As tempting as it was to begin dissection right now, there was catching up with Tilt to do, so he shoved his spoils into the freezer, left his equipment in their usual places and left for the cargo hold.

Timers to measure time, thermometers to measure thermomets, mometers to measure mom, and measuring containers to measure measurements.
TacoBadger Well, it’s a badger, that’s for sure from either behind you or Albuquerque Since: Mar, 2015 Relationship Status: The Skitty to my Wailord
Well, it’s a badger, that’s for sure
#399: Aug 29th 2018 at 9:03:26 PM

Enzo states, It’s Enzo, open a door er somethin’.

It comes out something like, Enzo...pen a door... thin-

Huzzah
DubhKafkaesque from Scotland Since: Aug, 2018 Relationship Status: THIS CONCEPT OF 'WUV' CONFUSES AND INFURIATES US!
#400: Aug 29th 2018 at 9:12:19 PM

"So you are-

Mid sentence, Sparks suddenly realises he's about to tell someone he basically doesn't know, to his face, that Becka has spent Sparks' whole time as a member of Star Spotters telling him the guy in question is a prick and an asshole and not to be trusted. Since things seem to be going well enough, he simultaneously realises he'd be advised not to fuck this up. Those EQ bars thus drop right down and stay down, with the android looking incredibly awkward all of a sudden.

Hail majestic corporate light, heaven born and ever bright!

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