The Grand Solar Rush - Asteroid colony management quest
- Thread starter Karf
- Start date
- Original Sci-Fi
- Location
- Computer Desk
[X][Morning] SDM Company
[X][Afternoon] The US embassy
[X][Evening] The local hospital
[X][Afternoon] The US embassy
[X][Evening] The local hospital
- Location
- Nova Scotia, Canada
Fixed it. Thanks.
Turn 15.3 - 2184 - The Triumph of the pen
Winner said:
Olive Jarnstad looks like a man on a mission as he stomps into your office, his bald head tilted forwards and his expression seemingly locked into a permanent scowl. You and Hailey are present in the room, although only you stand to greet him.
"What can Little Klondike do for Ironbond?" you ask as you shake his hand. If he intends to be direct, you have no reason to beat around the bush either.
"I've been sent firm instructions to make nice, O'Rielly, so this is a thoroughly meaningless and diplomatic visit," he replies. "Problem is, I don't do polite."
You can't help but chuckle, a lack of tact feels liberating, "How about the why you've been sent those instructions?"
"Corporate is interested in your takedown of the pirates and the methods used. There's also talk of you gathering drone tech, and your existing platforms are a rare instance of proven to work in space," he answers, taking a seat before continuing, "On a personal level: good job with the pirates, takes decisiveness to call the shots; I can respect that."
The invisible microphone in your ear remains silent, meaning the compliment is surprisingly genuine.
"Thank you. I must extend my own thanks to you for coming to the aid of Deckard, I've heard they've had a rough year," you carefully probe, leading the conversation to topics that could either confirm or assuage your suspicions.
"See, this is why I hate politicking. We both know you don't care about Deckard's shitty industry; you just want to know if I'm sabotaging them."
You keep your face carefully blank, but if nothing else, you've learnt that while he might act brash, Jarnstad remains a cunning operator. When you don't react to his accusation, he continues.
"It's not like you should trust me either way, but no, I'm not behind their issues."
"And your company?" Hailey interjects.
"Don't know, don't care. I'm doing my job and completing my objectives, all legal-like."
"Never said otherwise," you say, steering the conversation back to hopefully less loaded waters, the continued silence in your ear is answer enough for now. "You said that this meeting was to make nice, but while our approaches may differ, I think we'd both be happier with an actually productive talk, instead of empty words. Let's talk conference matters."
"Agreed."
You were hoping he'd reveal his preferences, but it was a longshot. Then again, why not just ask?
"Which grants are you going for?"
He spreads his arms, "I'm doing well. Between Wulff starting to pay back her debt, the US and EU both looking for deniable local investment and Deckard supplying my iron, I don't much care which grants get signed. That said…" his face stretches into a reptilian grin, "I'm sure your analyst could tell you that I negotiate like a hammer. Let Ironbond be the primary distributor of your weaponry. An office on your asteroid, either as a point of contact or renting rights to your research. Agree to that and I'll vote for whichever one you want. Don't, and I'll vote against you."
"Something in there is a lie, but damn he's hard to read."
"No lessons learned from five years ago, the ultimatums and Deckard?"
"Got what I wanted, even if it took longer than I expected, didn't I? Besides, it's a good offer for you. Standard disclosure on your tech, the usual patent rights. We're not looking to scalp you: fair prices and access to our contracts almost pro bono. Plus, I'm sure I don't need to tell you about the early bird who gets money. How long until space-capable personal equipment contracts get locked down by other, much bigger companies? Tick-tock."
"Tick-tock or not, I'll need a bit to consider that offer."
"Of course. I'll let you know if it no longer stands," he stands up, rolling his shoulders. "Right, this is enough to get the PR gonks off my back. I've a jacuzzi waiting for me; peace, O'Rielly."
"He doesn't, actually. At least that much is fair in the world," Hailey's voice whispers in your ear as the man leaves.
-.-
In sharp contrast to the European offices, the United States embassy is quiet, if not quite empty. A pair of people in suits carrying document briefcases sit in an alcove, but the rest of the lobby has no one. You suppose that the size of the building granted to them is another political game, but ultimately most people here just don't have much business with the Americans' ambassador. As such, it's barely a minute of waiting before you're stepping out of another elevator to meet the man for the first time. The nameplate on the door reads 'Ralph Foley'.
You're greeted by the sight of an older gentleman with a heavy-set frame, a receding hairline and a bushy white beard. Had you not done your homework, you'd consider it a slight to not rise to greet you, but you did, so you're not surprised when the man rolls away from his desk in a wheelchair, accompanied by the soft sound of electric motors.
"Mr. O'Rielly. The man of the hour, if I may say so," his voice is a deep, clear bass, despite his age.
"If you must," you smile back at him, "I prefer to think of it as a right place, right time situation."
"A right man is the third part of that equation. But come, sit. I'm sure you didn't come to see me just for compliments: what can I do for you?"
"In truth, I've nothing concrete in mind," you start as you take the indicated chair, "More that I'm always trying to stay ahead of problems and I've found that open communication can prevent a lot of issues down the line. But I think I can narrow it down to two questions, one for the immediate future and the other for a more long-term approach."
"Ask away," he nods.
"Firstly, what's your role in the coming summit? I know that the Europeans introduce various initiatives for their sector policy and there's the big vote for grant focus, but how do you fit into all of that?"
"We are, of course, invited to the table, but mostly I intend to take an observatory role," he folds his hands in front of him on the table, "I'll save you the trouble of digging through my assignment background: I'm a concession for the more level-headed faction. At least for now, my goal is to avoid rocking the boat any further."
He pauses for a moment to pull up a file on his display. Once a logo appears on the screen, he gestures to it, "We'll be working to increase economic ties. Not the most riveting proposal, but the embargo is hurting everyone. Miss Rousseau and I have agreed on a select few American businesses who will be granted waivers to ply their trade here. The focus is on high end luxury goods and consumer products: a cosmetics firm will be working closely with Azure Star on a top-level fashion line and the COD have caught the interest of a textiles manufacturer. The companies were chosen specifically because they won't be in conflict with local production."
You're not sure what to make of his announcement, or – more importantly – how to leverage said info, but he takes your silence as a cue to continue. "In the interest of impartiality, the exact details will be revealed at the summit, but I hope you'll consider accepting their sales-points on your own colony as well."
"We'll certainly see what can be done," you hedge, "Secondly, how do you, and by proxy the USA, foresee the local political climate develop, especially in regards to Eureka Station?"
"As far as I am concerned, it's a military research outpost outside the sector. Incidentally, that's just about all I know about it. The US considers the deep space location sunwards of us to be a strategic asset which we're jointly pursuing with the Union. The fact that you're the independent manager is simply a matter of historic precedent. Cooperation on the trans-Atlantic level is ever evolving, but there's no harm in trying the third-party approach which worked well enough for unifying the European powers in the twentieth century."
You can recognize a canned stock answer when you hear one, but it's unlikely that you'll get anything else from him on the subject.
"Outpost aside, how do you see your role evolving in local politics?"
"The sectors are generally considered a success, but no system is perfect. We'll be proceeding with a cautious expansion plan. First is trade and the elimination of the embargo, then investment in local sympathetic enterprises and, in time, the distinction of which colony is owned by which entity will blur enough that it's just a matter of influence," he chuckles, "Of course, that's the dream, and I'm not omniscient. The future is as hazy as ever these days."
"And the Europeans are okay with such encroachment?"
He spreads his arms, "As I said, merely the best-case scenario. I might not be some war hawk, but I am still representing my country's best interests."
You exchange a few more pleasantries, but soon enough the meeting wraps up and you're back on the street, unsure of what to make of either the man or his information. At least no one can accuse you of pandering to a specific faction, and you'd like to think that you've made a positive first impression.
-.-
"Come on, Lena, when was the last time you let your hair down?" you're sitting in the lobby of your hotel while she's reading some article on her tablet.
"You know, that could be considered sexual harassment," she replies drily with an arched eyebrow.
Clapping your hands over your heart, you gasp back, "You wound me."
"Of course," she finally closes the display, "Alright, I'll come. But if you drag me to a strip club then I'm telling Amanda."
"Ooh, do you think she'd like that?" you lean forwards and get a smack to your shoulder for the effort, "Meet here in an hour?"
She glances at her watch as she stands to leave, "That's fine, see you then."
Convincing Ken is a trivial matter in comparison, and neither of you require much to get ready for a night out. As such, you're back at the reception browsing the local entertainment establishment list to figure out your evening route when Lena exits the elevator.
Once upon a time when you were both younger and more red-blooded, you might have gone so far as to describe her as 'hot'. Now, after years of working and living together, you're comfortable with the friendship between you, but you'd be lying if you said she was any less attractive. And that's without any effort on her part. As she looks around the lobby you can't help but note the artfully tousled hair, the deep red lipstick and the slightest hint of eyeliner. At least her clothes are a casual hoodie and tan overcoat.
Apparently, Ken is of a mind with you as you wave her over.
"Wow."
"Sorry, is this too much?" she asks, uncharacteristically unsure, as she walks up to you.
"Not at all," you smile, "You look great. You should ditch us two old farts at the first opportunity. Let's walk and talk, I call dibs on choosing the first destination."
"Thank you," she and Ken flank you as you leave the hotel. After a moment, Lena continues, "I… haven't done this sort of thing before, so I'll just follow your lead."
You memorize the admission, but stop yourself from prying further. "Never too late to remedy that. We had a college bar on Helen, but I've heard some wild stories about what goes on in Troy."
Ken picks up your cue, "It's nothing like that. Sure, there is the Busker Street, but really it's just like any other entertainment district."
You continue an easy conversation as you make your way from bar to bar. Ken bemoans about the quality of beer, while Lena tries a single pint which she then proceeds to veto, leaving most of the glass to you. Thankfully she does concede, if reluctantly, that some of the cocktails taste pretty decent. By the time you find a place that the three of you like, you're all pleasantly tipsy, and you think it's time to spring your secret plan.
As Lena returns from the bathroom and you bring another round of drinks to your table, you also order a bottle of stronger stuff.
"Alright, it's time we played a drinking game!" you declare.
"Oh?" the scientist amongst you leans forward with surprising interest.
"A more dignified variant of the classic Spin the Bottle. We called it Two Tales," you explain as you pull out a slightly smooth pen, "We spin this, and whoever the tip points to has to choose: either a story about themselves, or a shot of Vodka, straight. It's called two tales because if you choose to tell a story, then the last person to spin gets to choose between two categories: a tale of adventure," you pause for dramatic effect, "or a tale of love. If you can't think of one, someone else can request a specific story."
Before they can start protesting, you lay down the pen and give it an anemic half-spin, leaving the tip pointed at you, "Look at that, how fortunate. I get to give you an example. I choose a tale of adventure. This one goes way back, to when I was a wee lad, barely in my teens and freshly away from home in a boarding school. T'was the morning of a meet-your-classmates party day, and I was a nervous wreck. So, I start with taking a shower, but to my dismay, the light switch doesn't work. Now, that's no reason for alarm, but it does need to get checked for a short, especially in a bathroom. Alas, I was in a hurry, so I tell my roommate to tell maintenance while I decided to take my shower in the dark."
Ken can probably tell where the story's going, but Lena leans forward as you weave your narrative.
"This, I was later informed, is against safety protocol. Midway through my business, with soapy suds covering my angelic hair, a gorilla of a technician bursts into the room and bodily hauls me from the shower, plopping my naked self down in the communal hallway. Right in front of the girl I was going to ask to the dance."
Your audience gives an appropriate wince, but you theatrically shush them.
"Were that the whole story, I'd have been mortified and quite possibly dead from embarrassment, but I was saved by the soap forcing me to close my eyes. With no idea who was standing next to me, I turned to her in what remains my most suave moment in my whole life, and asked her for a towel. Needless to say, we went to that dance," you finish to a round of laughter. "But that's another story."
Deftly you spin the pen again, this time for real, and the tip stops at a still giggling Lena, who immediately turns mute as you and Ken give her expectant looks. After a second of internal struggle, she takes the shot glass you filled to the brim and downs it in one go, before descending into a series of coughs.
"Oh god, why?" she manages to get out, "People shouldn't drink embalming fluid."
It's your turn to laugh now, "That's the point of the game. Either you open up or get to both consume horrible booze and get really drunk until you do."
The game continues from there, with the three of you trading personal anecdotes and cute stories amongst yourselves. You get a kick out of Ken's admission of bribing a port official on Earth with a packet of peanuts and aww when Lena describes adopting a stray cat, only for her sister to be allergic. Eventually though, you get the sense that your companions are comfortable enough to share some more personal details. When the tip lands on Lena, she eyes the shot glass with apprehension before turning to you.
"Tale, but I don't have one ready."
You offer her a smile, "I know one that you could tell."
"Shoot."
"Tell us about your first kiss."
While the alcohol has given each of you a properly rosy complexion, her flush is still visible in the tips of her ears.
"That's not really a funny or interesting story."
"Doesn't have to be funny," Ken offers his own encouragement.
"Alright," she nods to herself, "But you have to promise not to laugh at me."
"Pinky promise," you solemnly extend your little finger to Ken. When the two of you link your fingers, she takes a big gulp from her own drink before starting.
"It's actually… not that old of a story. I said earlier that I haven't done this sort of thing," she gestures at the bar in general, "before. I didn't really get out much on Mars. When your dad's the richest person around, you need private security, which doesn't exactly leave much chance for teenage relationships. And I didn't do the whole rebellion thing either, just dove into my studies at university, because, you know…"
You offer her a nod of encouragement and she continues, "And then I came to you; I haven't regretted that choice for a second, but especially the early years were a whirlwind of action."
You know what she means all too well, any thoughts of relationships had stayed far from your mind during the start of your colony.
She switches tracks, "Will, do you remember the night when we bought the Excelsior?"
"Vaguely. A dark office, coffee. I was surprised you were there with Amanda."
"Everything was going my way, but at the same time everything was getting so complicated. For the first time I felt like I was making tangible progress on my condition, even if I didn't know how close or far I was, but at the same time I felt like I was lying to you, wasting your resources for a pie in the sky pet project. Meanwhile, she was still riding the high of getting to put her principles down on paper and actually have them matter. I couldn't bring myself to confide in her, but her earnestness helped. Just… sharing a silence with her was nice."
She pauses for a moment, all three of you reflecting on the past, before she talks again. "I knew she was on an off-schedule clock for the auction times, and I felt like seeing her. There really wasn't anything to actually do though, staring at a screen gets boring. Somehow, we ended up right next to each other. I still don't know what came over me, but I turned and pecked her on the cheek. I think she liked that… We were interrupted by the software alert of the Excelsior auction going live."
You and Ken share a gentle smile before turning to her and the engineer speaks.
"Why'd we laugh at that. It does an old heart good to hear such a sweet tale. You know we're all nothing but happy for the two of you."
"Yeah," your smile shifts to a grin, "If you told us sooner, we could have had a repeat of the last time we visited New Ireland. I'm sure the church where Hailey and Ragnar got married is still standing."
She's mid-sip when you say that, and getting sprayed with a sugary drink is a small price to pay for her expression.
"A-anyway!" she stutters and grabs the pen, giving it a spin as Ken breaks into a boisterous laugh. The stars align, and it lands on you. With nary a pause you take the shot-glass and down the contents, a first for you tonight, as you have a wealth of tales to spin, but now comes the final part of your masterplan. With a deft spin, the pen points to a still chuckling Ken.
He leans back, quite at ease, "Oh, wasn't expecting that. Got any stories you'd like to get out of me?"
"There is one," you hedge, "but I get the feeling this one definitely won't be a fun tale."
Lena has cleared herself up and joins the conversation, "Well, you said it doesn't have to be, and now I'm certainly interested."
It's your turn to lean back, giving your shy friend some extra space, "Would you tell us about Natasha?"
He doesn't quite freeze, but a myriad of emotions flashes across his face, from surprise to shock to anger to sadness to resignation.
"Just like you stand by her and Amanda," you tilt your head to the scientist, "We stand by you. Whenever you need it. I really do want to help you, and anything you want to tell us will stay between us tonight, if you want that."
For a moment, everything hangs in the balance, but then he sighs and seems to deflate.
"I owe her. Not as much as I owe you, but I still owe her."
"What makes you feel that way?"
"Our whole relationship, I used her for my own gain. I don't think I've ever been in love in my life, but we got along well enough. I told her about what we could do – the hydroponics firm – if we worked together. I know I can be insensitive at times, but I suggested we tear up her heirloom apartment, and she agreed. It's not like we didn't get along at all, we were both young and had big dreams, but there is this old saying I've learnt since then. About how men marry thinking nothing will change and women marry thinking things will change, and both are disappointed in the end. That's exactly what happened to us. She deserved a real husband, and I couldn't be that. I never did grow to truly love her, and that hurt her. In the end I took the best years of her life from her."
He leans on the table, hands clasped and Lena lays her own on his wrist in support.
"The stress built up. The fights, the whole mess. And in the middle of it all was the stupid company tying us together. Things just kept getting worse until I couldn't take it anymore. I was scared I'd lash back one day, and perhaps she wanted that, just to know that things were truly over. I was deluded enough to think that at least she liked the business, but one morning she had torn up my garden, and I knew that either I went with my shame or in handcuffs or worse. The rest is history."
To your surprise, its your other companion who speaks first. "You shouldn't put people on a pedestal. She's her own person, and being a vindictive bitch to you is a mark against her, not you. I'm not really the right person to say this, but from what little I know, sometimes things just don't work out. It's not anyone's fault at first, and especially not yours."
Her use of profanity, something so out of character for her, causes you to blink and brings Ken out of his slump.
"Sorry. Will, you were right as usual, it wasn't a fun story. But you're also right that I shouldn't deceive you by withholding it. I'd like to think that I've become a better person with age and experience, but it's something I need to think on."
There's little you can say to that. "I can respect that. Just know that we'll be here for you whenever you're ready."
For a moment you're all silent, but then Lena moves to stand. "Sorry, I need to pee… whoa."
The liquor has finally caught up with her, and you bolt up to steady her before she trips over something. "It's been a long night, and a rollercoaster ride. Probably for the best to call it a night here, guys. I did enjoy our little outing though."
Extending a hand to Ken and pulling him up when he grabs it, you continue, "Best we sleep on things, laugh at Lena's coming hangover tomorrow and figure out what's next when we're sober."
The woman gives you a glare, but you answer with an arched eyebrow. "You know it's true, Miss. All part of the whole experience really. I recommend a glass of magnesium solution by your bedside."
With relatively steady steps, you make your way back to the hotel and split off into your respective rooms, dreading the morning alarm.
-.-
Day 3 out of 3; summit on day 4. Choose one from each:
[ ][Morning] SDM Company
The freighter firm you have a contract with has a representative in New Ireland, and they've expressed an interest in expanding their dealings with you.
[ ][Morning] Jonathan Ghorst
The Prismdust representative arrived with you, but he's kept a tight lid on his plans for the summit. Apparently, that's about to change now that he's had some time to talk to the various factions on the station. See what he intends.
[ ][Morning] Hubei
While you'd much rather deal with the more grounded monk from the COD, you've been pinged by the lunatic. You're pretty confident that he has little interest in discussing the summit, and every reason to take whatever he says about Eureka with a grain of salt, but he should know things you want to know too.
[ ][Afternoon] The Chois
Heather Choi wanted to meet you, her reasons pretty obvious: from discussing the future of the sector to your respective colonies' relationship to the summit itself, and you've decided to indulge her.
[ ][Afternoon] Azure Star
You know they're on the station, and you found them reasonable enough partners the last time you met. Go and see them to find out what their goals are and start swaying them to your own thinking. That you've had little interaction so far is only more reason to change that.
[ ][Afternoon] Your own embassy
Hailey has indicated that she has plans to shake up the dealings of the diplomatic mission you've sent to New Ireland. While you've been content to let them serve as an organizational link between you and New Ireland, your diplomat expects more of them. Really, it'll be more her show, you're just along to rubberstamp the orders.
[ ][Evening] The local hospital
Alright, so you're not relaxing in the evening. Lena has her notes and slides ready and she's not afraid to use them on unsuspecting doctors in order to talk up your own hospital as a viable New Belt destination.
[ ][Evening] The cultural sights
Hailey intends to resume her exploration of the New Irish arts and music scene, plus the schools and churches might be interesting to look at.
[ ][Evening] Call Lisette Rousseau
She did, in fact, promise you a coffee if you prevented world war. Lesser men might consider that a poor compensation, but you've often prayed to the nectar of the gods. And of course, there's the company; few people are willing to stand up to you these days, and the other ones that do, do so with the backing of a nation, not on a personal level.
-.-
You'll be able to choose what to do about Oliver Jarnstad's offer at the end of next turn, right before the summit proper.
Hahaha, no fuck you. That's not how diplomacy works, you need to offer more tempting than a vote if you want us to consider your offer. That said, investigating Irondbond just went a few ticks up in my list of priorities.
- Location
- Nova Scotia, Canada
[X][Morning] SDM Company
[X][Evening] The local hospital
No real preference for the afternoon vote so leaving it out. For the morning I say the SDM Company. We've seen it mentioned multiple times that shipping into and out of our sector is getting more complicated and this is the best way to get ahead of that. For the evening I know people will go for calling Lissette but being the best spot in the sector for medical care is a big soft power benefit and any options to boost that should be taken.
[X][Evening] The local hospital
No real preference for the afternoon vote so leaving it out. For the morning I say the SDM Company. We've seen it mentioned multiple times that shipping into and out of our sector is getting more complicated and this is the best way to get ahead of that. For the evening I know people will go for calling Lissette but being the best spot in the sector for medical care is a big soft power benefit and any options to boost that should be taken.
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- Location
- Fort Worth, TX
[X][Morning] Jonathan Ghorst
[X][Afternoon] The Chois
[X][Evening] Call Lisette Rousseau
[X][Afternoon] The Chois
[X][Evening] Call Lisette Rousseau
[X][Morning] SDM Company
[X][Afternoon] Azure Star
[X][Evening] The local hospital
I'm tempted to vote for Jonathan Ghorst instead of SDM, but they're firmly tied to us now.
We're their corporate leadership, whether they like it or not.
Besides, we'll still be seeing them at the summit, unlike the SDM Company.
Speaking of, @Karf can we raise issues during the summit?
I don't think we did last time...or were even given the option, which is odd. *EDIT nevermind, we did, just found it.
[X][Afternoon] Azure Star
[X][Evening] The local hospital
I'm tempted to vote for Jonathan Ghorst instead of SDM, but they're firmly tied to us now.
We're their corporate leadership, whether they like it or not.
Besides, we'll still be seeing them at the summit, unlike the SDM Company.
Speaking of, @Karf can we raise issues during the summit?
I don't think we did last time...
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[X][Morning] Jonathan Ghorst
[X][Afternoon] Your own embassy
[X][Evening] The cultural sights
I still firmly believe we should check out the culture sights as we are going to need to invest in what they represent over the next 5 turns to up quality of life and get better schooling. As NI is the local expert copying there notes just makes sense.
[X][Afternoon] Your own embassy
[X][Evening] The cultural sights
I still firmly believe we should check out the culture sights as we are going to need to invest in what they represent over the next 5 turns to up quality of life and get better schooling. As NI is the local expert copying there notes just makes sense.
- Location
- United States
[X][Morning] Hubei
[X][Afternoon] The Chois
[X][Afternoon] The Chois
- Location
- yorkshire
[X][Morning] SDM Company
[X][Afternoon] Azure Star
[X][Evening] The local hospital
[X][Afternoon] Azure Star
[X][Evening] The local hospital