It all happened very suddenly. One day, the outpost gets news of at least three different coups in the Galactic Federation, then the next day there is only hyperlink silence. Comms were cut off with the Feds and people scrambled in a panic.Helian Beta, your home, was the only populated planet in this star system, under the authority of Sector Xin’an. It’s a liveable planet, though far warmer and arid than most other liveable planets, many of the people living here would barely consider that the moniker “liveable” is at all deserved.Still, humans can breathe here, so they can also work here. Mining outposts were established all around the planet’s largest continent, Continent Alpha, which was itself surrounded by various subcontinents and islands, the whole set of land was then surrounded by the Helian Beta Ocean, which covered the rest of the planet.Life was good enough in your little outpost, Gaspost V, the dreariest part was living in the planet itself. Mining work was mostly done through advanced machines, but the workers had to supervise them, so miners still felt like miners, they got just as dirty as the equipment did after all. The outpost was in charge of digging into a source of gas that could be used as fuel, heating and electric appliances after refinement.You are the Syndical Leader of Redstone V, in charge of ensuring the rights of the miners. Your name is Alexander Redstone.It’s only been a few days since the comms cut. Everyone expected them to return after a bit, but they didn’t. Much as you prod the hyperlink station and checked frequencies, you still got nothing. You puff from your cigarette and let out the smoke with an irritated puff.It’s really that bad, isn’t it? You’d been syndical leader for five years, you just got the hang of the job a few months ago. Everything was going well, you’d get comfy, finally take the time to find a partner, get some kids going, enjoy life as best you can.Now this. You take a big puff and finish off that cig, then smash it into the ash tray by the hyperlink station.“Alex, it’s about time we did something.” You hear the voice of your assistant, miss Ivy Fielder, as she enters the room with her usual pristine uniform. A young lady with a diligent mindset and an ambitious streak. She’s your second-in-command, but she’d probably climb much higher in the ladder than you. Still, it seems her ambitions were dashed now.“It is.” You reply, then let out a long sigh. You look out the window from your Gaspost V Administrative Building office. The outpost is quiet, most of the townsfolk have gone off to work the mines one more day, their kids in school. The buildings rise out of windswept drylands, as does the outpost’s outer wall, built to keep wild critters out and wild children in.You watch as whirlwinds of sand and dust rise from the pavement below. Could it really happen this fast? To lose contact with the entire federation in just a few days? Is there even a federation anymore?
>>6300519“We need to start small.” You say. “First, we should speak with the big wigs in Gaspost V.”“Agreed.” Ivy replies. She brings up her wristpad and types in a request for a meeting in half an hour.‘Big wigs’ was a bit of a stretch. Gaspost V is not exactly some bustling metropolis. The bigger names here are three. The Federation and Planetary Administration Representative Rupert Wildings, an old round man with a balding head and big moustache, even less ambitious than you are, if that’s even possible. Then there’s the Captain Inspector of the Gaspost V Police Precinct, Gunther Haussmann, also an old man, but powerfully built, strict and disciplined, unlike Rupert.Ivy leaves a dossier on your office desk. The production report from yesterday. Paper is old tech for many, but out in the outposts like this one it’s actually one of the cheapest materials to bring in from the other sectors. Trees are plentiful when you’re talking galaxy level. Electronic factories making datapads? Not so much. You eye it up for a bit, most of the numbers are normal. The gas is being sent to Helian Beta Prime as per schedule, though contact with the capital has been scarce the past few days.“Any news from HBP?” You ask.“Helian Beta Prime is quiet as always. Though the workers from the refinery have been accepting our goods. They don’t say much else.” Ivy checks on her wristpad. “Representative Wildings and Inspector Haussmann have both accepted the meeting.”A lack of news from the planetary capital isn’t news per se. They don’t care much about what goes on in Gaspost V as long as the gas keeps moving through the pipelines. Still, considering the situation, you expect someone to say ‘Keep calm and carry on.’. Or something like that.You’re going to ensure the production reports are good, then head on to the meeting. Perhaps you could assign a task to Ivy for the morning.You’re thinking of a few options, one is to try to contact the Helian Beta Prime administration, see what’s cooking over there, you’re not sure if she’ll be able to get someone on the line but she might as well try.Another is to contact the other four Gasposts, see if everything is alright over there and if they know anything about what’s going on. It’ll probably be easier than getting to HBP admin.One more thing she could do is check on the mood of the locals. Contact the headmasters at the mine, some inspectors from the precinct, chat with some admin workers. Of course, doing all 3 is the most desirable, but she’ll have to prioritize. Time is of the essence in situations like these.>Contact HBP Prime. We need to know what’s up in the capital. Difficult roll.>Contact the other Gasposts. We need to know how our fellows are handling this matter. Medium roll.>Contact our local middle management. They’re probably as worried as we are, but we need to know if it’s going to mess with our orderly outpost. Automatic success.
>>6300520>Contact the other Gasposts. We need to know how our fellows are handling this matter. Medium roll.Much like our calling, we must first try to organize the local workers
>>6300520>Contact the other Gasposts. We need to know how our fellows are handling this matter. Medium roll.Maybe we and Ivy should take over these gasposts and become Mech Warlord and wife.
>Date: Day 15 of month XI. SY(Star Year) 3130.Player Character: >>Alexander RedstoneAge: 35 years old.Profession: Syndical Leader of Gaspost V, Helian Beta, Xin’an Sector. SY 3125-3130.>Known skills:Administration 3Engineering (Mining) 2More skills may come to light as Alex is tested by his newfound situation…>Known features:[Calm] Alex is known to react calmly to even the direst of situations. He knows it’s half the reason he was selected and approved as syndical leader of Gaspost V.More features may come to light, or be earned, as Alex is tested by his newfound situation...(Picture is an approximation)
NPC:>>Ivy FielderAge: 26 years old.Profession: Syndical Assistant of Gaspost V, Helian Beta, Xin’an Sector. SY 3128-3130.>Known skills:Administration 4Engineering (Mining) 1More skills may come to light as Ivy is tested, or Alex finds out more about her.>Known features:[Diligent] Ivy has proven herself as a hardworking woman in her 2 years working at Gaspost V.[Ambitious] Ivy has that look and poise that spells out ambition. Her rise to the rank of Syndical Assistant in such a small span of time is no small feat.
System:>d6 rolls on challenges based on skills.>Feats may help with various situations. They can help avoid negative consequences and may reduce roll difficulty. >Not all rolls have a DC, they can just determine how much stuff you get from them. Rolls with failure/success thresholds will be warned of beforehand.>Skills, feats and backgrounds are not fully predetermined. Starting character sheets are baselines. Characters may evolve and you might discover stuff that completely changes their sheet.
>>6300526>>6300528We'll go for this.=== ROLL ===Skill check for Ivy Fielder:>Roll 4d6. No DC.>[Diligent] procs. Increases rewards from roll.One roll only! First roll is used. Might change this eventually so more anons can roll, not sure yet.
Rolled 1, 2, 4, 6 = 13 (4d6)>>6300541Must be some phonecall "Hey, the capital is probably having a Coup, wanna band together to secure the miner's rights?"
Time to write
“Contact the other Gasposts, miss Fielder. I’d like to know how they’re doing, and if they’ve heard anything from HBP or about what happened to the GalFed.” You pick up yesterday’s reports so you can do the usual recital with representative Wildings after today’s meeting, that will probably calm his nerves.Ivy nods. “Mister Redstone.” She says. “What is your plan if the Galactic Federation is no longer something we can rely on?” Her words are so nonchalant, her expression does not show a hint of worry.You shrug as you get through the pages’ production numbers one more time. “I understand your concern, miss Fielder. But if managing this outpost has taught me anything, it’s that you have to start out with the smaller issues first then get to the big questions later.”She nods, turns around, and heads out of the office. That was a complete non-answer from your part. Her not continuing with the conversation was not contentment with your response, she simply knew there was nothing to be gained from this back and forth. Not until the both of you knew more about what was going on.After half an hour of menial tasks reviewing numbers from yesterday, comparing it with averages, and coming up with mindnumbing statements about mining efficiency, you get up from your office chair and head out through the white, sterile halls of the admin complex. There are workers coming and going, many of them are out of their offices, discussing ongoing events. There is a palpable air of uncertainty in all conversations, and many eyes look to you in search of some sort of announcement that may shed light on what’s happening.You avoid the stares, you have nothing. You’re always the old reliable when it comes to extraordinary situations, but today you have nothing. You speed up your pace and reach the conference room, where Captain Inspector Gunther Haussmann awaits, rep Wildings hasn’t arrived yet.“Captain Haussmann.” You offer the man a hand, which he duly, and strongly, shakes with his white-gloved hand. The old officer is balding gracefully, the white hair at the sides of his head is well-coifed, getting along gracefully with his completely bald top. He sports a well groomed beard as well, and wears his uniform just as professionally as miss Fielder.“Herr Redstone.” He looks you over. The man never quite liked your looser attitude to dress etiquette. You didn’t mind wearing your jacket loose, and ampler pants that help stave off the heat and let the refreshing wind in. “I hope all is well with the miners?”“Of course. I have the production numbers to prove it.” You reply. “And how’s the police force?”“The precinct continues its duties.” He replies.You both take seats in the conference room. Rep Wildings is late, not an unusual happenstance, but as the minutes pass, you start to feel tense, tapping the pristine table with your index finger. Haussmann is also growing impatient, checking his wristpad a few times.
>>6300575His irritation is palpable in his tone. “Where is this man?” He says out loud.“Right?” You reply.You hear the door opening. You see Rep Wildings’ young secretary come in. He seems tense. “Sirs.” He says. “Representative Wildings has just sent me a planet-link message, he is leaving for Helian Beta Prime to convene with Planetary Administration.”“What?!” Haussmann blurts out as he raises from his seat.“How come?” You ask, keeping [calm]. “Was he summoned by PlanAdmin?”“I… I didn’t receive anything in my inbox myself, and I usually get all of Mister Wildings’ requests for meetings, even the ones from Planetary.” The secretary fidgets.You can tell Haussmann’s surprise is now clearly turning into anger. You’d never seen the man like this.“Thank you for the information.” You tell the secretary. “Please leave us.”He nods nervously.“Now, Captain Haussmann. Would you tell me what’s going on here?”The captain shakes his head. “Rep Wildings is no expert on galactic politics, that’s for sure.” He says. “He’s only a representative here, his task to stay here and ensure the Federation’s will is known to the inhabitants of Gaspost V. No to participate in planetary politics.”You tap the table slightly faster as you listen to the old officer. “So… He’s running away? Why?”“I do not know.” Haussmann says. “I would assume he was privy to some information that he decided not to share.”…Well, things are happening. And they’re happening now rather than later. You’re no politician, neither is Haussmann, as far as you know. It’s clear as day that your Federation representative is running with his tail between his legs. That means that the future isn’t bright. Perhaps you and Haussmann can get some common ground here.Maybe you should offer Haussmann that you, as Syndical Leader, and he, as Captain Inspector of the Police Precinct, should take over affairs at Gaspost V until things clear up. An alliance between the Precinct and the Syndicate in the interest of the workers and order. Establishing a deal like this would help him trust you. Another option is to not trust Haussmann for now. Call off the meeting and focus on establishing contact with the syndical leaders from the other Gasposts, gather more information before doing anything drastic.>Strike the deal with Haussmann. Gain his trust.>Focus on other syndical leaders. The miners are always first.
Last update for the day!I will try to have at least an update per day, except weekends. If I can't update one day, I'll warn beforehand so you guys know it's not dead.
>>6300577>>Strike the deal with Haussmann. Gain his trust.Cops have the training and equipment to deal with anything such as disorders or enemy threats while we have production, it's a good deal because we both need each other
>>6300577>Strike the deal with Haussmann. Gain his trust.Wilding probably ran because HBP is getting coup'd, or already done, and hes representative of that former govt so lol. Question is what kind of Coup; military, worker revolution, etc...Either way they'll still want gas so whoever it is will show up eventually. If not some kind of remnant of the former govt. forces who also need gas. Might as well get our own house in order.
>>6300577>>Strike the deal with Haussmann. Gain his trust.
>>6300577>Strike the deal with Haussmann. Gain his trust.>Write-inTask Ivy with acquiring a barebones backup of Galactipaedia from the superluminal network.
>>6300577>Strike the deal with Haussmann. Gain his trust.building an alliance of miners is good but in the here and now having the backing of an armed force will offer us stability we dont really have and if shit hits the fan it be best to have some armed guards to back up our lads plus if the workers do start freaking out we can point out the poice are on our side so law and order wont be breaking down for a while yet
>>6300577>Focus on other syndical leaders. The miners are always first.A good union man!
>>6300577>>Focus on other syndical leaders. The miners are always first.
5 votes for HaussmannWe will gain Haussmann's trust.2 votes for minersBut the plight of the miners remains in our mind!For some reason, 4chan thinks my post is spam, so I removed the quotes to your posts.
=== ROLL ===Skill check for Alexander Redstone:>Roll 2d6. Low DC.>[Calm] procs. Reduces DC.One roll only!
Rolled 1, 3 = 4 (2d6)>>6301032fuck it, ill take the fall if we blow it
>>6301037FUCK
You look at the old man for a moment, hedging your bets, and decide to go ahead with your idea. “So, Captain Haussmann. You and I both know that something is going on. It’s my duty to ensure the wellbeing of the miners and all workers in the Gaspost, and it’s yours to ensure their safety. Clearly, our dear representative has gone ahead and ditched us. We have to act in order to ensure stability at Gaspost V.”He glances at you with a raised eyebrow. “Meaning?”“We should take over affairs at Gaspost V until everything clears up. Precinct and Syndicate should work in unison to defend our people.”His mouth twitches around, his moustache following it. “Forgive me, herr Redstone, but I believe you are moving far too fast, and taking decisions far above your station.”Well, that didn’t go as planned. “I don’t believe you-“ But Haussmann interrupts you with a raised hand.“I was an officer in the Galactic Federation Armed Forces in the past, you know? Navy branch. I accepted this post in order to move away from the politicking of the central sectors.” He says, looking out through the window with views to the entire outpost.“I don’t see how this is related to what we’re going through. You yourself have reacted strongly to Wilders’ decision to leave the outpost, now you decide to do nothing?”He sighs. “Herr Redstone. I hate politicians, you know? They only think based on the emotions of their voters. They promise stupid things to them. Then they go ahead and act upon those idiotic promises.” He looks back to you. “Then we, the people who got their posts from merit rather than vote, have to turn those idiotic promises into reality while they prepare scapegoats and excuses in case we fail.”You look at the old man, surprised by this sudden train of thought he’s dumping on you. “Again, I’m not sure where you’re going with this.”“I have good friends who got their posts on merit in Helian Beta Prime.” He says as he continues to look straight at you. You feel as though the man is analysing you, your reactions to his words, which you [calmly] keep neutral. “I am sure our elected officials are taking shuttles out of the planet in Prime’s space elevator, while my friends begin to handle things as they should be handled.”You blink once. “Friends, you say? The military and the police?”He does not nod nor shake his head. “You should be patient and wait for further news, Syndical Leader.”“Of course. It is good to hear that someone is taking this situation seriously.” That last bit was more adulation than anything else. You’re no historian, but you’ve heard about things the military and police have done after taking over a government, it generally wasn’t good for those who didn’t kowtow to their desires. “What shall we tell the people?”
>>6301083“That the situation is under control, and that we’re waiting for news from Prime.” He says. “The news will come soon, all we need to do is assuage them until they do come.”“As you say, Captain Inspector.”He nods. You shook hands again and considered the meeting to be ended. As you walked back to your office, you got a notification from your wristpad, miss Fielders had gotten into contact with multiple Gasposts and, most importantly, their syndical leaders.You stand at a crossroads now. From what Haussmann has shared with you, you know things are moving at HBP. You could get news at anytime of a military takeover by the local garrison of the Galactic Federation Armed Forces. You spend some time doing busywork at your office, thinking on how to handle the situation. Obeying the military’s authority is an option, it’s not like the Federation is here to help anymore, a new government will have to be put in place if the old one is running away. The other option is to resist, somehow.It all depends though. It depends on how the military proceeds with the takeover, how they treat the people of Gaspost V…Ivy Fielders enters the room. You trust the woman enough to share what the captain of the police told you. As usual, her expression is steely, unchanging.“So, a military regime? That does not bode well for us.” She says.“Why do you say that?” You can imagine where she’s going to go, but best to make sure.“Syndicates are not welcome additions for such regimes. Much less so when its leaders do not swear fealty to their causes.”“Swearing fealty to them would be one way forward.” You reply. “A coward’s way forward, if you ask me.” She says. “But true, a way forward nonetheless.”“In any case, I’m interested on what the other Gasposts know. What have you gathered?”“I was suspecting what you told me of earlier. Most of the syndical leaders have reported that their own police precincts are behaving in secretive manners. Of the other four Gasposts, three had their Federation representatives leave without much warning, as Wildings did.”“One stayed?”“Federation Representative Olivio Santiago, of Gaspost II. He seems to have thrown his lot in with the local syndical leader instead of running to HBP. He has said that his contacts suggested a speedy retreat from Helian Beta, further confirming that the entirety of the Federation government is trying to leave the planet.”“Where would they even go?”“As far as we’re aware, hyperspace travel still functions. They will likely seek others loyal to the Federation in other star systems.”Hyperspace travel works. That’s good. Still, the planet is weeks away from the closest inhabited star system. You haven’t heard of any organized effort to get a messenger ship through, there probably isn’t, considering the situation at Prime.“So they consider Helian Beta lost.”She nods.
>>6301084You recline on your chair and look at the roof for a few seconds, gathering your thoughts. Whatever is going to happen soon, you should probably face it in an organized way. The Gasposts are the lifeblood of Helian Beta Prime. They need the gas, and they will get it no matter what. Best to face their demands united in purpose, Right? You will meet with the other Syndical Leaders, explain the situation and create a united front of the Gasposts.The plans of the military and the police are likely what’s best for order, at least for now. You should seek to work within a system, rather than creating an opposing one yourself. You should offer your support to Haussmann and his plans for Gaspost V.>Seek a united front of Gasposts.>Ally with Haussmann and the military.
>Seek a united front of Gasposts.Becoming a subjugated workforce for a junta that sees our miners as nothing more than expendable cogs does not sound like a fun way to ride out the crisis. We need to talk to Santiago and the Syndical Leader of Gaspost II.See if maybe we can begin stockpiling gas and slowing deliveries to create some leverage. We need to create a situation in which the cost of using force on our workers is too high to risk.
>>6301085>>Seek a united front of Gasposts.Friend of the workers always. I understand those with guns usually win these things but I am hoping that many of the grunts will fall in line with the workers, otherwise this will be short and bloody
>Ally with Haussmann and the Military Don’t have a super convincing argument for taking this path beyond personal preference. We might not be the big fish under military rule but we’re very likely to be part of a much less chaotic and more stable regime. At least for a time and we could certainly have a hand in ensuring life for our miners remains as tolerable as possible under these new conditions, better then having to lead a rabble of miners against the military and police at the very least.
>>6301108I'm all for fashing out but we're pretty clearly not the in-group. Let's wait for hitler.
>>6301085>>Seek a united front of Gasposts.I guess it's time for desert nam
>>6301085>Seek a united front of Gasposts.
>>6301085>Seek a united front of GaspostsI was all for allying with our police guy, but thems the rolls. Good thing we had that Calm to not freak out. May as well go balls to the wall.Vital gas mining and gas refining. Miners and machines. Some comms equipment. Police precinct. Some vehicles for making deliveries of gas, which id guess are pretty big. Mining suits.Food and water might be an issue. If water is being recycled that's not bad. Otherwise might need to trade with some kind of farmpost V lol.Some engineering solutions to potential problems. Filtering gas into our police held compartments till they drop without killing them, mining suits to protect from gas so we can pull them out and stick them in the police brig. Then we've got the weapons and body armor.Gas containers into land mines. Weaponized mining robots. Gas flamethrowers, etc.. Armored delivery trucks. A mining mech might be cool.
>>6301085This is an exciting quest. My line of reasoning is that it's best to negotiate with the military, but to do that, we've got to have leverage. Bringing all of our fellow gas workers together is the best angle for our previous position.>Seek a united front of Gasposts.They could try to crackdown, but what'll they do without gas? If the workers go on strike, the garrison will fold to our concessions or be forced into strict rationing and the whole boondoggle that comes with trying to stage a crackdown.
Pretty clear win for >Seek a united front of Gasposts.=== ROLL ===Skill check for Alexander Redstone:>You will find someone that will help you in your task, reducing DC.>Roll 3d6. DC Low.One roll only! First roll is used.=== DISCOVERIES ===When Alexander spoke with Gunther Haussmann, he discovered he was rather average at trying to negotiate with others.>Gain skill:Negotiation 2
Rolled 5, 1, 3 = 9 (3d6)>>6301489
No update today! Didn't have the time to write :(
>>6301667Okay, take care
>>6301667It happens. See you tomorrow, QM?
>>6301667It's a fun quest, keep it up.
“We have to unite with the other Gasposts.” Your words seem to make Ivy widen her eyes and clutch the dossier in her arms just a little harder. “If the police and the military are going to ally, we can’t simply stand around and do nothing. They will take on each Gaspost individually, and we’ll probably have to kiss our rights goodbye.” You let your own words sink into your mind. Why would you do this? It’s a risk, to be sure, for everyone around you but moreso for yourself. You can almost feel the recurring daydreams of a simple, quiet life slowly fading from your mind.“Sir, what you’re saying could be considered treasonous by the military.” Ivy warns.“What’s treasonous about a bunch of confused syndical leaders banding together when their Federation representatives run away?” You put your elbows to your desk and think. “We are simply civilian officials trying to face a crisis, nothing more.”She seems to relax again, not because of your words, it looks more like she simply regained control of herself. “This meeting likely shouldn’t be through a wristpad call.”“No, it would be best to be discreet.”The meeting is set to happen in Gaspost II, the only place with a remaining Federation representative. For all intents and purposes, you’re going there to complain to that last remaining representative about the lack of information received by the syndical branches of the Gasposts, but everyone knew what the meeting was truly about: How to organize the Gasposts in the face of this new reality.You took your personal shuttle, miss Ivy coming along with you on the same trip. The one good thing about living in a Gaspost is that fuel is more than abundant. The shuttle takes off without much of a hassle and you’re on your way to the meeting, eating some meager meal on the way there. The two of you are tense, barely having any conversation during the trip. You feel your stomach twist, you want to hit the dashboard a few times just to show your frustration with all that was going on, but you keep [calm]. Things are changing, but you have to adapt, somehow.Your trip takes you through the arid wastes of Helian Beta, rocky plains and hills, tall mesas. The usual landscapes on this planet. You spotted a few silhouettes down below, likely Helian lizards moving about, big critters, almost man-sized if splayed. The planet’s fauna wasn’t considered extremely dangerous, but care must be exercised, most land vehicles are armored.You see Gaspost II in the distance. It is larger than V, founded at the same time as Gaspost I, on the larger gas wells detected on the surface of Helian Beta. Gasposts III, IV, and V were founded later, on smaller accessible gas wells near the first two. There is, or perhaps now was, a project, to eventually found another 5 entire Gasposts, but those would’ve been far off in the future, Xin’an Sector does not need that much gas yet.
>>6301978Nor would it for a while at least. That was another head scratcher to add to your agenda. What would you even do with this much gas? The miners need their salaries, but there would be no gas money to pay them with. Helian Beta has a highly specialized economy, with no places to export…You throw those thoughts away, they’re useless for now. First things first. Start small.Your shuttle settles in one of the pads of the Gaspost II landing station. You feel quite proud that you learnt how to pilot these when you started out as syndical leader. You give its hull a hearty tap as you step off the pad and head into the station proper with miss Ivy, who’s reviewing the attendance confirmation of all the people involved.The first two people you recognize are those who didn’t have to take a shuttle to get here: Olivio Santiago and the local syndical leader, whose name you don’t quite remember. Olivio is wearing a Federation uniform, you don’t know his dressing habits, but most representatives didn’t wear uniforms, preferring suits. He may be sending a message of some sort.You shake the man’s hand. He’s quite young, likely in his 20s, his skin dark olive, his frame rather thin, his dark hair combed to a side and a well-trimmed rectangular moustache goes across his whole upper lip. “Mister Redstone, I presume?”“I am, and you must be mister Santiago.” You reply.“I am.” He replies back. “It’s good to meet you. I have seen you a few times in some of the summits back at Prime, but we never had a chance to speak.”Or a reason to, but you keep that to yourself. “It saddens me we must meet under such circumstances.” You say.“It truly is. I applaud your initiative, mister Redstone. I was personally thinking of holding off a while longer, waiting for more information to get to us, but considering the news we are receiving as the hours pass by, that was a mistake from my part. Your course of action was the smarter one.”“News? What news?” You ask.“There are revolts in Prime. Various Federation representatives have been caught leaving through the space elevator, escorted by members of the armed forces, a few groups tried to stop them from abandoning Helian Beta and things got heated.”Galaxy save us. “Did anyone get hurt?”“Yes, though I have no idea what the extent of the damage is. I initially waved it off as rumors and hearsay, but I received videos on the Gaspost II datapad confirming what happened. There were bloodied people passing along the camera.” He looks around, then sighs.
>>6301979It takes half an hour more for the rest of the syndical leaders to get here. You then head out into Gaspost II, it’s quite quiet, everyone is still working at the mines. The layout and buildings are so similar to Gaspost V, you feel like you never left home. After a few minutes of walking, you reach an apartment building reserved for administrative officials. Olivio takes your group to the first floor apartment, inviting the group to sit around a table in what looks like a dining room. Ash trays are laid out as people start smoking, a few hard liquors are also brought in by Olivio, to wash away the fear of speaking out.You review the information Olivio told you about, then explain what you spoke of with Captain Haussmann.One of the syndical leaders, clearly flustered by all he heard, speaks out. “So, we are talking about a coup at Prime!” That was Lu Peng, the syndical leader for Gaspost I, and one of the most veterans, old, ashen haired and with a thin mustache and a five o’clock shadow. Olivio shakes his head. “Not yet, but it’s extremely likely.”You take the lead. “In any case, we have to defend our rights against whatever new regime is installed. We have to present a united front against them, and ensure we control the Gasposts. It’s the lifeblood of Prime, they will listen to us as long as we stand together.”The other leaders quiet down, looking over to Olivio. The man is the only person here with any real authority, as Federation representative. “It is not illegal within Federation law for the different syndicates of a planet to gather into a planet-wide organization.”“That organization already exists.” Says Lu Peng. “It’s back at Prime.”Olivio retorts. “That’s the Galactic Federation Syndical Union, it is a state organization, what we’re referring to here is a private initiative by the syndicates themselves.”Another one of the leaders speaks up. “That’s legal?”“Technically, yes.” Olivio says.It seems the leaders are starting to express their approval now. After a few more debates on the details, it is approved that the organization would be formed, and the leadership would be assumed by all five syndical leaders.Miss Fielders, though only an assistant, brings herself to talk as the talks quiet down. “While we are forming an organization that bands together the syndicates of each Gaspost, that does not mean we will have full authority over the Gasposts themselves. I would remind you that each outpost has a police precinct, each one fielding multiple police personnel and weaponry of various calibers, including riot gear.”Olivio nods, then takes a sip of vodka. “I have met with the officer of Gaspost II and he has agreed to join our plight, he is a Federation loyalist and speaking with me convinced him.”So that was the reason for his fancy uniform. “Perhaps the rest of us should try to convince their own Gaspost inspector to join us.” You say.
>>6301980The leaders of III and IV say they will have to try, though they may need any help that can be given.Lu Peng utters a loud ‘tsch’. “I can tell you the one from Gaspost I won’t, he’s a scumbag, always has been. I have been asking for his dismissal for years.” He leans over the table. “Which brings us to another question. What do we do with those that refuse? Oust them?”Ivy, now confident in her participation, butts in. “To refuse is to swear allegiance to the military regime, it is treason to the Federation.”Silence reigns once more, you look at the faces of each leader, the ones from III and IV seem confused, uneasy at the prospect of what is to come. Lu Peng and the leader from II seem to be brimming with confidence.Lu Peng smiles. “Do you back up what your assistant says, syndical leader?” He asks you.“I believe our duty is to the workers of the Gasposts.” You say. “If someone wants to sell them off to an authority that is not the Federation’s, what can we call it but treason?”The other leaders nod in approval of your statement. Lu Peng does so as well, after them. “In the eyes of the military and police, our actions will be tantamount to revolution.”Olivio stands up, leaving his two hands on the table. “The people are already revolting.” He says. “We, as their representatives, must fight along with them.”You stand up more in a more calm manner. “I believe we are all in agreement.” You say. “We will not allow ourselves to be enslaved.” You pour a shot for each person around the table and raise your own. “Friends, for the people of Helian Beta.”Olivio nods and raises his own. “For the Federation.”The rest repeat one sentence or the other and you all drink your shots together.So it is done.Olivio is the last to speak in the meeting. “Remember, friends. First, we should try and convince our inspectors of our way forward. If that fails, we will have to treat them as traitors. I expect some to refuse, but they will have to face the combined strength of the other Gasposts.”The leaders nod, each taking their things and beginning their returns to the landing station. You are one of the last to leave along with Lu Peng and miss Fielders, as you head down the stairs, Lu Peng, wearing a worn thick brown duster, speaks to you. “You know, mister Redstone, we are about to embark ourselves in a revolution.”“I wouldn’t call it so.” You say. “We’re just trying to do what’s best for our people.”
>>6301981He raises an eyebrow as he looks at you, accentuating his wrinkles. “What’s best for our people? You do understand that if the police refuse, we will have to take over the precincts by force, no? It’s what’s going to happen in Gaspost I, that’s for sure.”“By force, yes, but-““No buts.” He interrupts you. “There will be blood, wounded, perhaps some may die.” He says. “You seem smart enough, you ordered us to be brought here, so I’ll give you a word of advice: Prepare your people for this, those who are most loyal, most active in the syndicate. They must be ready to lead the rest into a real, proper skirmish with armed cops.”You nod, accepting the man’s advice, he nods back with a smile. The two of you separate and head out your own way.Miss Ivy Fielders gets closer to speak to you as you head back to the landing station. “What shall we do next?”What to do, what to do… Captain Inspector Haussmann seemed adamant about keeping his loyalty to whatever is going in Prime. But if he’s shown the proof of armed forces evacuating the Federation politicians, he may think twice about his new loyalties… Perhaps you should meet with Haussmann and try to convince him to turn over to your side once more.Then again, time is short. Lu Peng’s words ring in your mind. Maybe you should start gathering those who are loyal to your cause among the workers and prepare the assault on the precinct now that you still have the element of surprise.>Meet with Haussmann again.>Prepare the assault on the precinct.While you ponder on your next step, miss Fielders informs you that she received a new mail in her wristpad. “The leader of Gaspost III has asked for assistance in convincing his inspector of joining our organization. Apparently the inspector is a rather grumpy old woman with no real loyalties.”“And?” You ask.“I would like to go, sir.” She says.“Why is that?”“I believe I could be of help. I have read the file on the leadership of each Gaspost on the way here. Margaret Adams is the captain inspector of Gaspost III, I know she has faced issues before due to her gender. Perhaps a woman would be most helpful.”“I am sure the leader of Gaspost III has women available to convince her.”“None like me.” She says, the barest hint of a smirk showing in her expression.You smile a dumb smile. What a gal.>”You are free to go.”>”I’d rather you support me in my task back at Gaspost V for now.”
That was 13k characters, that's nuts. I thought I had written as much as the other updates but this one is twice as long.=== DISCOVERIES ===When Alexander spoke with his fellow syndical leaders he discovered he was rather capable when trying to lead others towards a certain path.>Gain skill:Leadership 3----------Thanks for the kind words btw.>>6301699Today I am seen! But the weekend will be busy, I doubt I'll have any time for writing a proper update. It'll be monday. I might do some character sheets and provide pictures of new relevant characters like Olivio and Lu Peng.I may shadow drop one though, check in on sunday if you guys want.
>>6301982>Meet with Haussmann again>”You are free to go.”Mmm Ivy the gogetter pencil skirt secretaryImmediately going for a charge on the precinct would be quiet the hot blooded move. How engineering backup moves. Access to the armory door locks, lockdown codes from the administration office if we can convince the other secretary we saw, or using gas to knock some cops out or flood the armory with gas so no one can get in without suits. A few ideas just in case the second round of negotiations fails.I wonder if the mining machines are sturdy enough to get shot at, and mobile enough to move on command.
>>6301982>Meet with Haussmann again.>”You are free to go.”Haussmann fought in the Navy. He might be a bit desillusioned but we all need to work together to make sure to survive the storm that is coming. When the Federation is gone we need to keep our embrrs of civilisation alive and in our hands if we dont want get swept away by some outside force. So everyone needs to work together to hunker down and prepare for the worst. And a Dictatorship will miss crucial things bevause everyone will be too afraid to get shot if they speak up.
