So, I found the appropriate Gateway authority today; nice fellow. He was sympathetic to my predicament, and we settled on 10M a month for lodging and mooring. They offered to provide lab space, but I declined. I don't think that they have right sorts of resources available right now, and I don't want to see them investing in that sort of thing just for me. Maybe Jake infected me with too much of his business mindset, but I don't think they could realize a profit on it unless they went whole hog on making a research base. That, and the fact that there is a huge potential for danger if the later stage experiments go wrong just make me disinclined to get them involved in the research side of my life.
I will have my own network on the base, so the research data will be relatively safe from prying eyes. If I should happen to disappear, we've set up a Neural Net dead drop, and the info might eventually get back to Jake Winslow.
I still haven't heard anything from Ames, and I am not sure right now where I had rather look. I briefly toyed with the idea of making my own base, but after the whole todo with the New Hope Freeport in Bering, I don't think I want to go that route if I can come up with something less invasive.
I also got my first in person look at the Renku liner class. It's a damn shame that it doesn't have a powerful enough plant to push a Hyperspace scanner rig. Otherwise, given the size and general capabilities, it would be ideal.
In any case, I feel reasonably confident that I can try and chase down the Junkers now.
[21.02.2015 10:33:55] Silk_Road: Good morning, sir. Would it be possible to meet with you this morning?
[21.02.2015 10:35:36] Gateway|-GSX-Sapphire: about what?
[21.02.2015 10:36:06] Silk_Road: A business proposal that I would like to make.
[21.02.2015 10:36:23] Gateway|-GSX-Sapphire: I'm listening.
[21.02.2015 10:37:48] Silk_Road: Oh, my apologies, you wouldn't recognize the transponder. This is Chuck Alestone, of the defunct Star Enterprises.
[21.02.2015 10:39:10] Gateway|-GSX-Sapphire: nice bit of cargo you have there, freelancer
[21.02.2015 10:39:30] Silk_Road: Thank you, sir, it came from your other facility.
[21.02.2015 10:39:44] Gateway|-GSX-Sapphire: ahh.. a happy customer. Good to know
[21.02.2015 10:39:52] Gateway|-GSX-Sapphire: and we appreciate your business
[21.02.2015 10:40:02] Silk_Road: Do you wish to continue this in private, or shall I include your fellow?
[21.02.2015 10:41:00] Gateway|-GSX-Sapphire: well....is this the kind of business proposal that requires.....privacy?
[21.02.2015 10:41:08] Silk_Road: >muses< My first look at the Renku craft, a pity the engine is under strength for my needs.
[21.02.2015 10:41:59] Silk_Road: Not really, no. I am looking for a secure data storage, and was hoping that I might employ you folks toward that endevour.
[21.02.2015 10:42:18] Gateway|-GSX-Sapphire: secure data storage......what sort of data, may I ask?
[21.02.2015 10:42:25] Gateway|-GSV-Shade: i can here you lol
[21.02.2015 10:43:17] Silk_Road: My research information, it is nothing of questionable legal value, but falls into the category of trad secrets.
[21.02.2015 10:43:45] Silk_Road: and, yes, captain, this is a public discorse for the moment.
[21.02.2015 10:43:56] Gateway|-GSX-Sapphire: and...who do you fear may be out to get these secrets that it requires such storage? Pirates? Other corporations?
[21.02.2015 10:44:17] Gateway|-GSX-Sapphire: intelligence groups?
[21.02.2015 10:44:33] Silk_Road: Let me ask a counter question, are you familiar with the demise of Star Enterprises?
[21.02.2015 10:44:42] Gateway|-GSX-Sapphire: I am. Sad thing, really
[21.02.2015 10:45:04] Gateway|-GSX-Sapphire: but..you play in the Omegas..you gotta play hard
[21.02.2015 10:45:15] Gateway|-GSX-Sapphire: those folks don't pull punches
[21.02.2015 10:45:23] Silk_Road: Then, I can only add to it by saying that my research ship, Sleipnir, was destroyed by unknown parties with all hands.
[21.02.2015 10:45:47] Silk_Road: Yes, and I am no longer in the Omegas.
[21.02.2015 10:46:13] Gateway|-GSX-Sapphire: so, you wish to secure this intel on Oceana?
[21.02.2015 10:46:50] Silk_Road: That was my hope, yes. To be a bit more precise, it is engineering data, naval architecture stuff.
[21.02.2015 10:47:40] Gateway|-GSX-Sapphire: naval achitecture......you talking ship schematics?
[21.02.2015 10:48:18] Silk_Road: In very general terms, yes, although more in terms of research.
[21.02.2015 10:48:27] Gateway|-GSX-Sapphire: uh huh....
[21.02.2015 10:48:59] Gateway|-GSX-Sapphire: the biggest concern for me is, if I agree to secure this intel for you....whom do I have to worry about coming after it?
[21.02.2015 10:49:37] Gateway|-GSX-Sapphire: I don't want to bring a huge crap-storm of LSF or BIS coming down on me......not unless the price is VERY right
[21.02.2015 10:49:40] Gateway|-GSX-Sapphire: you understand?
[21.02.2015 10:49:55] Silk_Road: That IS the problem. I don't believe that my ship was destroyed for the research, but as a punitive action, I cannot prove tha.
[21.02.2015 10:50:12] Gateway|-GSX-Sapphire: destroyed by whom?
[21.02.2015 10:50:23] Gateway|-GSX-Sapphire: Core?
[21.02.2015 10:50:28] Gateway|-GSX-Sapphire: Order?
[21.02.2015 10:50:44] Silk_Road: Initiating encryption:
[21.02.2015 10:51:51] Silk_Road: Encryption Alpha: I had just concluded a negotiation with the Corsairs and Hessians for a non-fire on our ship.
[21.02.2015 10:52:09] Gateway|-GSX-Sapphire: Hmm...interesting.
[21.02.2015 10:52:36] Gateway|-GSX-Sapphire: So it is possilbe that whoever destroyed the ship didn't like the arrangement you were making...
[21.02.2015 10:52:40] Silk_Road: Encryption Alpha: Apparently, someone did not deal in good faith, and there were activities elsewhere I was unaware of.
[21.02.2015 10:53:32] Silk_Road: A battleship decloaked on top of her, but it was too far away for the Freeport to determine its flag, and they blew her away.
[21.02.2015 10:53:45] Silk_Road: >stifled gulp<
[21.02.2015 10:54:15] Gateway|-GSX-Sapphire: well....one battle ship isn't much of a problem. Oceana has hardened defenses and we can call in both LN and BAF support
[21.02.2015 10:54:23] Silk_Road: This happened about the same time as the Star mutiny.
[21.02.2015 10:55:02] Silk_Road: My guess is that it was a coordinated action.
[21.02.2015 10:55:21] Gateway|-GSX-Sapphire: but GAteway cannot afford to go to war with anyone...unless you're willing to heft a good part of the bill
[21.02.2015 10:56:11] Silk_Road: No one had threatened Star over the research, in fact, very few even knew of it.
[21.02.2015 10:56:21] Gateway|-GSX-Sapphire: that you know of....
[21.02.2015 10:56:35] Gateway|-GSX-Sapphire: could be that someone within the organization leaked the intel
[21.02.2015 10:56:45] Silk_Road: It is not... war related, more engineering.
[21.02.2015 10:57:13] Gateway|-GSX-Sapphire: So, how long would you like to keep this research on my station?
[21.02.2015 10:57:47] Silk_Road: Perhaps 2 or 3 months. I am still looking for a permanent moor.
[21.02.2015 10:57:50] Gateway|-GSX-Sapphire: I'm also assuming you wish some sort of research office set up aboard so that you may continue, based out of Oceana?
[21.02.2015 10:58:56] Silk_Road: No, sir. This needs to be done in facilities that I doubt you have. While very unlikely, I doubt you would want to host
[21.02.2015 10:59:16] Silk_Road: the results of an experiment gone wrong.
[21.02.2015 10:59:28] Gateway|-GSX-Sapphire: well...space we have available...and I'm always willing to take on...."renters"
[21.02.2015 10:59:47] Gateway|-GSX-Sapphire: at least until you find a more permanent location
[21.02.2015 11:00:01] Silk_Road: I would be interested in routine accomodations, if that is viable.
[21.02.2015 11:00:24] Gateway|-GSX-Sapphire: you may find that Oceana provides you with the freedom from authorities that you need...with more protection available
[21.02.2015 11:01:05] Silk_Road: My only recent issues with authorities had been the fact that my research vessel had to be built on a destroyer hull.
[21.02.2015 11:01:28] Silk_Road: Unfortunately, that no longer is troublesome.
[21.02.2015 11:01:53] Gateway|-GSX-Sapphire: well.. then...let's talk rent for both yourself and your...."research"
[21.02.2015 11:02:20] Silk_Road: Indeed
[21.02.2015 11:02:22] Gateway|-GSX-Sapphire: judging by the sounds of your work and the dangers involved....
[21.02.2015 11:02:52] Gateway|-GSX-Sapphire: I think a modest price of say 10M credits each month would be reasonable
[21.02.2015 11:03:03] .:j:.Silver.City: Steve: Ahoy
[21.02.2015 11:03:09] Silk_Road: My own thoughts exactly.
[21.02.2015 11:03:09] Gateway|-GSX-Sapphire: greetings Congressman
[21.02.2015 11:03:14] Silk_Road: Greetings
[21.02.2015 11:04:05] Gateway|-GSX-Sapphire: credits received for 3 months
[21.02.2015 11:04:15] Silk_Road: For the estimated 3 months. If I should require more, I will let you know.
[21.02.2015 11:04:24] Gateway|-GSX-Sapphire: I never did catch your name....Mr./Mrs..... ?
[21.02.2015 11:04:51] Silk_Road: Charles Alestone, former Chief of R&D, Star Enterprises.
[21.02.2015 11:05:07] Silk_Road: Chuck to my associates.
[21.02.2015 11:05:40] Gateway|-GSX-Sapphire: Very well, Mr. Allenstone. I shall have them prep temporary quarters on Oceana for you and any staff you may require.
[21.02.2015 11:05:57] Gateway|-GSX-Sapphire: and I shall have the docks prep a permanent drydock for your ship to come and go as you need
[21.02.2015 11:06:06] Silk_Road: Sadly, that consists entirely of the crew of this ship.
[21.02.2015 11:06:57] Gateway|-GSX-Sapphire: As you wish. If there's anything else I can do for you, Chuck, you just let us know.
[21.02.2015 11:07:11] Gateway|-GSX-Sapphire: in the meanwhile....we do have some business to attend to.
[21.02.2015 11:07:18] Silk_Road: I appreciate your willingness to take us on.
[21.02.2015 11:07:23] Silk_Road: Fair skies
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