MESSAGE ORIGIN:████ ████████ ███████, Kepler System
I guess you still remember that one talk we've had some time ago. I definitely do. We've come to the conclusion that we're not really that different, and that we can definitely help one another in the future. Do your people take incognito contracts? Big game hunting? I'd do them myself were it not for the fact that both of these targets are way out of my league.
I've saved up some scratch to get this done. Alternatively, favor for favor. Interested?
"Test the sharpness of your sword against another. And when that is not enough, unsheathe your cunning as the hidden dagger that ends the fight."
From: Kurt Weinbaum Source: Ithaca Base To: Caliban Subject: RE: Mutual Benefits
'Sup.
Yeah, I do remember our talk. And if a contract is way out of your league, I'm not sure how much help me and my boys will be. We're more about your regular goon type of work. Robberies, piracy, heists. Sometimes bounties - the unofficial kind.
From: Kurt Weinbaum Source: Ithaca Base To: Caliban Subject: The Hunt is On
'Sup. Been a little while.
Just wanted to let you know that I've briefed my crew on one of the contracts, the big one. There've been some misgivings, but the credits will silence those, I think. We're looking into possible sightings of the target. With luck, we'll find it soon and ruffle its feathers.
From: Kurt Weinbaum Source: Ithaca Base To: Caliban Subject: Mission Failed
Hey.
Still no update on the big job, but the small one... well, got nothing good.
I decided to handle it personally, since, well. I was doing it for a favor. Didn't wanna ask anyone else to take the risk for a personal thing. Stupid. Should have had backup - or at least been more cautious.
I'll start at the beginning.
I spent a few weeks searching for the target since our talk in Bering - and Puerto Rico. Funny thing: the technofreaks always appear when you're busy with something else, but the second you go looking for them? Nowhere to be found. But I asked around, and my search led me to Inverness.
Guess wandering into the enemy stronghold and demanding parley wasn't the best idea, huh? Thought I would scout the area, maybe get an idea of the opposition. But the talks were going nowhere, and then their security ships started creeping towards me. That's when I knew I had to cut and run, but it wasn't enough.
I was sure I scouted my escape route, but one of the Auxo ships was somehow waiting for me on the other side of the jump hole in Coronado. I was able to evade them for a while, but eventually, the whole fleet, at least five hostiles, caught up to me and riddled my ship full of holes. Silencer missiles and everything. No holds barred, against one fighter. Guess I'm not surprised.
I'm alive, but I'm gonna be out of action for a while. Thank God for the ejection seat.
I'm attaching the audio recording of the events. Maybe you'll get a laugh out of it.
[21.01.2023 13:57:46] HRZ~Terpentin: Well, hello there.
[21.01.2023 13:57:50] "Heavy.Beep": Hello!
[21.01.2023 13:57:54] "Heavy.Beep": This is Heavy Beep!
[21.01.2023 13:58:04] HRZ~Terpentin: Indeed?
[21.01.2023 14:03:18] "Heavy.Beep": There was nothing Heavy Beep could have done about this!
[21.01.2023 14:03:21] A/)-ACV-Achlys: O: Affirm. Subject is entering range.
[21.01.2023 14:03:39] HRZ~Terpentin: An interesting gathering.
[21.01.2023 14:03:40] "Heavy.Beep": Heavy Beep has located pirate vessel Terpentin again!
[21.01.2023 14:03:43] [R]-Double.Down: Wait.
[21.01.2023 14:03:46] [R]-Double.Down: Hold off.
[21.01.2023 14:03:49] A/)-ACV-Achlys: O: Operator to Terpentin, please specify the purpose of your visit.
[21.01.2023 14:03:52] A/)-Lazurith: Hm?
[21.01.2023 14:03:56] HRZ~Terpentin: Looking for someone.
[21.01.2023 14:04:07] [R]-Double.Down: He's one of the crew who came around, Alc.
[21.01.2023 14:04:23] A/)-ACV-Achlys: O: We can put out a BOL for this missing person. Any information regarding them?
[21.01.2023 14:04:57] HRZ~Terpentin: Someone shady, mysterious, flighty. Goes by "Revenant". Ring a bell?
[21.01.2023 14:05:21] A/)-ACV-Achlys: O: Understood. Why are you searching for this subject?
[21.01.2023 14:05:21] [R]-Double.Down: Ain't that a Rheinland bomber?
[21.01.2023 14:05:30] A/)-Lazurith: What a ridiculous name.
[21.01.2023 14:05:33] A/)-ACV-Achlys: O: Yes, Double Down.
[21.01.2023 14:06:27] HRZ~Terpentin: Got a message for her, that's all.
[21.01.2023 14:06:34] "Heavy.Beep": Heavy Beep has performed a cargo scan on pirate IFF vessel Terpentin. They are not carrying illegal items with them! [21.01.2023 14:07:36] A/)-ACV-Achlys: R: Well, fortunately for you, I happened to be laying down in the lounge and tapped into the comms. What do you want?
[21.01.2023 14:07:47] A/)-ACV-Achlys: R: You have about, er, ten seconds before they try to cut me off.
[21.01.2023 14:07:51] [R]-Double.Down: Well there goes that flimsy lie. [21.01.2023 14:08:05] A/)-ACV-Achlys: R: Was it a lie, though?
[21.01.2023 14:08:17] [R]-Double.Down: Well, act if you want to be exact.
[21.01.2023 14:08:29] [R]-Double.Down: Like you usually do you half dead bitch.
[21.01.2023 14:08:30] HRZ~Terpentin: Huh. You have a knack for suddenly appearing at pivotal points. Convenient. [21.01.2023 14:08:30] A/)-ACV-Achlys: R: Don't think the radio ops know what they want.
[21.01.2023 14:08:37] A/)-Lazurith: Jesus...
[21.01.2023 14:08:48] A/)-Lazurith: Cool it with the slander.
[21.01.2023 14:08:52] [R]-Double.Down: Slander?
[21.01.2023 14:09:00] [R]-Double.Down: Last I checked that was just straight facts.
[21.01.2023 14:09:33] HRZ~Terpentin: I must say, I'm mystified why your organization took an interest in my operation, but after one of your lackeys presumed to-
[21.01.2023 14:09:52] HRZ~Terpentin: -tell the Black Hearts who they can and can't work with, I had to find out more about you.
[21.01.2023 14:10:28] [R]-Double.Down: Black Hearts?
[21.01.2023 14:10:45] HRZ~Terpentin: And find out I did. You've made some enemies of some dangerous people. People with long memories. [21.01.2023 14:10:46] A/)-ACV-Achlys: R: I am unsure what I have to do with this.
[21.01.2023 14:11:37] A/)-ACV-Achlys: R: I wonder who you define as dangerous.
[21.01.2023 14:11:47] A/)-ACV-Achlys: R: You cower in fear of the Core, perhaps the Order?
[21.01.2023 14:11:52] "Heavy.Beep": Heavy Beep warns about black hearts! This color may indicate a heart-related illness! This is dangerous, indeed!
[21.01.2023 14:12:26] [R]-Double.Down: *Sighs* [21.01.2023 14:12:26] A/)-ACV-Achlys: R: Or, perhaps, you took personal insult by an operative investigating who or what you are - that gauging whether you work for
[21.01.2023 14:12:29] [R]-Double.Down: Fucking robots.
[21.01.2023 14:12:52] "Heavy.Beep": Heavy Beep wishes to point out that Heavy Beep is not procreating. [21.01.2023 14:13:03] A/)-ACV-Achlys: a hostile entity is seen as a personal attack.
[21.01.2023 14:13:19] A/)-ACV-Achlys: R: So - do /you/ work for the Outcasts, or the Corsairs, Order, or Core, then, Terpentin? Or were you here
[21.01.2023 14:13:31] A/)-ACV-Achlys: to spout empty rhetorics about "heroism"?
[21.01.2023 14:13:34] HRZ~Terpentin: Nah, I'm just doing a favor for a friend. But I could be persuaded not to collect a debt on their behalf from you.
[21.01.2023 14:13:38] A/)-Amalgam: FunctionAlert()1 [21.01.2023 14:13:44] A/)-ACV-Achlys: R: A favour for a friend, hmm?
[21.01.2023 14:13:50] A/)-ACV-Achlys: R: Enlighten me.
[21.01.2023 14:13:58] [R]-Double.Down: Pfft.
[21.01.2023 14:13:58] HRZ~Terpentin: That would be telling.
[21.01.2023 14:14:07] [R]-Double.Down: You're out gunned genius.
[21.01.2023 14:14:18] [R]-Double.Down: You new to debt collecting?
[21.01.2023 14:14:20] HRZ~Terpentin: This is only a warning.
[21.01.2023 14:14:28] A/)-ACV-Achlys: O: Operator to Engineering, please override external communications.
[21.01.2023 14:14:38] [R]-Double.Down: A scary warning from the Black Hearts?
[21.01.2023 14:14:45] Heavy.Decision: [:: Query || Deliver "message" to Meat ?::] [21.01.2023 14:14:47] A/)-ACV-Achlys: R: Hmm... A warning about what? Some conspiracy articles you've read from the Order?
[21.01.2023 14:14:52] A/)-ACV-Achlys: R: Catch him.
[21.01.2023 14:14:58] A/)-Amalgam: CompileLaunch()1
[21.01.2023 14:15:04] A/)-ACV-Achlys: O: Engineering, report override status.
[21.01.2023 14:15:23] HRZ~Terpentin: See you around.
[21.01.2023 14:15:28] "Heavy.Beep": Heavy Beep is attempting to pursue!
[21.01.2023 14:15:52] Heavy.Decision: [:: Cease Resistance ::]
[21.01.2023 14:15:53] A/)-Amalgam: CompileAttackPattern()A-1
[21.01.2023 14:16:58] A/)-Keres: You don't have the engine to escape this.
[21.01.2023 14:17:22] HRZ~Terpentin: Then I guess I won't.
[21.01.2023 14:18:08] A/)-Amalgam: One-ThreeBarrageCompiled()
[21.01.2023 14:18:14] Heavy.Decision: [:: Target Identified ::]
[21.01.2023 14:18:29] A/)-Amalgam: Saturation()
[21.01.2023 14:18:31] Bird.of.Passage: Got the scope on the hostile.
[21.01.2023 14:18:51] Heavy.Decision: [:: Eradication Protocols -> Online ::]
[21.01.2023 14:18:58] A/)-Keres: Target has been intercepted.
[21.01.2023 14:19:03] A/)-Keres: Firing on target.
[21.01.2023 14:19:10] Bird.of.Passage: Understood. Let's deliver a message to our foes then.
[21.01.2023 14:19:10] A/)-Lazurith: Got it. Engaging.
[21.01.2023 14:19:26] Death: HRZ~Terpentin was put out of action by A/)-Amalgam (Gun).
You were right about the manipulation angle. But I wasn't about to tell her who sent me. Not that it helped.
Sorry. I messed up and let you down. But hey, looks like you don't owe me one yet.
You will find out that I'm right about many things regarding the Technocracy. I've done a lot of f*cked up things, but none of them compare to what these freaks do even to this day. At least now you know I wasn't talking smack about them for no reason.
Let's clear up one thing though. You don't owe me anything. Never even consider the fact that you have to do something for me unless you want to. I'm not some public figure that expects the f*cking moon delivered on a plate.
There are a few things I need to sort out in the Omicrons. Several infected figures roam about and someone has to flush them out. Some of them were seen in Rheinland, too. I'll wire you a few credits to cover up the repairs for your bomber when I get the chance though.
Don't die until then, yeah?
"Test the sharpness of your sword against another. And when that is not enough, unsheathe your cunning as the hidden dagger that ends the fight."
From: Kurt Weinbaum Source: Ithaca Base To: Caliban Subject: The Omicrons
'Sup.
No promises - but I'll be more careful from now on. Suppose I should keep a low profile and keep being a thorn in the Rheinland Military's - and the Corsairs' side. It's what we're good for.
I appreciate your words, though. And the credits for fixing my ship. And you know what, maybe it's an indication of what a sad state we're in, but I see more humanity in a guy who's been borged into a half-machine hell-bent on a one-man crusade than in most of these corporate drones, Imperialist cronies, and all the other clowns that look down on us lowly goons. Funny how that works.
So, you're up to some stuff in the Omicrons? Godspeed. Don't let some infected bastard get the drop on you. The boys and I sometimes pass through the Edge Worlds on our way to a gig. Don't know if you remember, but we met at Freeport 11 briefly, a while ago.
That's when I had my first run-in with the Core, and that encounter was not hostile. It's also when I've seen an actual, live Nomad for the first time, but that's another story.
[18.01.2023 21:28:57] Core|WV-Everest: D: Hey pirate, what about some not official bussines?
[18.01.2023 21:29:06] Azure.Specter: Maybe you people should've hired me to shoot Auxo when I was there.
[18.01.2023 21:29:16] Caliban: I will be leaving you lot for the time being. I need to reach back to Rheinland and rest.
[18.01.2023 21:29:20] HRZ~Terpentin: Kurt: What sort of business?
[18.01.2023 21:29:25] Azure.Specter: Stay sharp, Caliban.
[18.01.2023 21:29:33] Bonito: Jose: Don't get yourself killed.
[18.01.2023 21:29:37] Caliban: I won't.
[18.01.2023 21:29:39] MNS-Amalfi: CO: Arrivederci, Signor Caliban - until we meet again.
[18.01.2023 21:29:40] HRZ~Terpentin: Kurt: Alright, see ya.
[18.01.2023 21:29:49] Core|WV-Everest: D: Scanner shows you got a Rum. We would like to buy some.
[18.01.2023 21:29:52] Little.Trashmaid: How much are they paying for shooting those weirdos, Azure? I'm curious.
[18.01.2023 21:30:07] Azure.Specter: Wouldn't know.
[18.01.2023 21:30:11] Little.Trashmaid: Aww.
[18.01.2023 21:30:25] Azure.Specter: Can ask them yourself.
[18.01.2023 21:30:28] Core|Valkyrie: I shall depart as well.
[18.01.2023 21:30:40] Azure.Specter: Take care.
[18.01.2023 21:30:46] MNS-Amalfi: CO: Arrivederci, Signor Daniels.
[18.01.2023 21:30:52] Little.Trashmaid: Maybe when there is a chance to actually shoot one.
[18.01.2023 21:30:54] Core|Caleb.Hawke: Threat seems to be dealt with so I return to Nauru
[18.01.2023 21:31:05] HRZ~Terpentin: Kurt: You want my personal stash of rum?
[18.01.2023 21:31:12] Core|Valkyrie: Also, do check out our bounty boards. We really don't understand the value of money.
[18.01.2023 21:31:32] Little.Trashmaid: No boards in space, yet.
[18.01.2023 21:31:39] Little.Trashmaid: But yeah, i'll look around.
[18.01.2023 21:31:46] Core|WV-Everest: D: You have your resonal stash? It is some different from regular rum?
[18.01.2023 21:33:09] Azure.Specter: Ugh. Fifteen million.
[18.01.2023 21:33:17] HRZ~Terpentin: Kurt: Well, of course. Now with 50% less engine room swill.
[18.01.2023 21:33:17] Little.Trashmaid: Eh?
[18.01.2023 21:33:25] MNS-Amalfi: CO: Do tell me, Signor Bonito, what have made you to leave your brethen on Crete?
[18.01.2023 21:33:37] HRZ~Terpentin: Kurt: But I ain't opposed to sharing. Ten grand and it's all yours.
[18.01.2023 21:34:04] Azure.Specter: Honestly, I'd rather haul my ass on a five-ton.
[18.01.2023 21:34:07] Little.Trashmaid: That's a lot for some rum.
[18.01.2023 21:34:18] Core|WV-Everest: D: We dont need all, only 3 units.
[18.01.2023 21:35:08] HRZ~Terpentin: Kurt: Alright. Six grand. Bringing it in from Kusari ain't cheap.
[18.01.2023 21:35:56] Core|WV-Everest: D: Deal.
[18.01.2023 21:36:41] Core|WV-Everest: D: Time to take a rest, and enjoy the Rum.
[18.01.2023 21:36:43] HRZ~Terpentin: Kurt: That's more than I asked. A lot more.
[18.01.2023 21:37:00] HRZ~Terpentin: Kurt: You Core guys are pretty chill.
[18.01.2023 21:37:57] Core|WV-Everest: D: Yes, we are an good evil. *wink*
[18.01.2023 21:38:04] MNS-Amalfi: CO: As long as you are not questioning their authority.
[18.01.2023 21:38:33] HRZ~Terpentin: Kurt: Huh. I'll keep that in mind. Maybe we can do more business in the future.
[18.01.2023 21:39:02] Bonito: Jose: Sorry senor, I was in a video feed.
[18.01.2023 21:39:07] Bonito: Jose: How can I help you?
[18.01.2023 21:39:14] Core|WV-Everest: D: The time will show. Just do not step on the wrong side.
They seem chill, for a bunch of Edge Worlders. Of course, it could have been because you were there. You know much about them? Think they'd be open to anything more than gunboat diplomacy?
The Core are a weird bunch. Some say they're the true saviors of humanity. Some say they are just as ruthless as any other Corporation, with the exception that they have the muscle to back up every claim they make. Honestly? Both of them are somewhat true, yet it all boils down to profit.
Personally I'm not a fan of working with them on a day by day basis. But at least the work I do with them isn't by any means troublesome to my portfolio. To me, it kind of works To you? I honestly wouldn't know. If they want to do something with you, it'll be off the record.
From the logs you've provided I'd assume they're open for business. So go ahead. Give it a shot. It never hurts to aim for the big leagues every now and then. Just don't mention me while having a chat with the Guildmaster. Not that I'd mind, but there's ears everywhere. And you don't want people to find out what we've been cooking together as of late.
"Test the sharpness of your sword against another. And when that is not enough, unsheathe your cunning as the hidden dagger that ends the fight."
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