Starlight Research Consortium Chasing starlight since 829 A.S.
From: Forgemaster Goodman
Subject: Annual Reviews
Encryption Strength: Standard
Mr. McKenzie,
I have some news, both good and bad.
The good news is that I've recently accepted the position of Director of Research at Starlight Research Consortium. I'm incredibly excited to take on this new role and continue pushing the boundaries of scientific discovery.
The bad news, unfortunately, is that during a recent end-of-year audit, it appears that Starfliers may not have fully fulfilled its obligations under our collaborative agreement regarding the upgraded ARAPSS array.
I understand that unforeseen circumstances can arise, but I wanted to address this openly and transparently. Fielding a mobile manufacturing facility like the Gryphon is an immense undertaking, and I want to acknowledge the significant investment Starlight has made in this project.
Moving forward, I am eager to revive and strengthen our partnership with Starfliers. I believe that open communication and a renewed commitment to our shared goals will be crucial for the success of future collaborations.
Albert McKenzie, Starfliers To: Forgemaster Goodman, SLRC Subject: Relationship
Hello, Forgemaster Goodman.
I understand assembly of the final array was planned to take place upon the Gryphon. Communication from my end can be sporadic. Some times worse than others.
My records indicate a different outcome here. We were able to complete the project using the prototype developed by your teams. Instead of the Observatory acting as a telescope to research stellar bodies from light-years away, it was tweaked slightly in order to produce a similar piece of equipment, albeit small enough to mount onto the "Corvo"-Class. This change was due to us underestimating the density and thickness of the Barrier and Walker Nebula. We cannot simply "look through" it to see what's on the other side, no matter how advanced this observatory was going to be.
To start a new, what has Starlight been up to recently? From there, we can strengthen our partnership further.
Starlight Research Consortium Chasing starlight since 829 A.S.
From: Forgemaster Goodman
Subject: Annual Reviews
Encryption Strength: Standard
Mr. McKenzie,
Thank you for your candid response. I understand that communication can be challenging, especially given the vast distances and sometimes unpredictable schedules within our sector.
Your innovative approach to the project is truly impressive. I initially anticipated the need for a significantly more robust power source to support the telescope, so I'm quite impressed with your team's ingenuity in adapting the technology for use on Corvo-class vessels. Overcoming the limitations of the Barrier and Walker Nebula is a significant achievement.
On our end, these past few months have been a period of consolidation for Starlight. We've been conducting a thorough review of all our projects across the sector, taking inventory of our resources, realigning our staff to maximize efficiency, and updating our internal records on Zoner installations. This includes gathering data on local power grids, commodity prices, consumer demands, and most importantly, staying attuned to any emerging threats or unknown factors.
Currently, our primary focus is on Pygar, where we're unfortunately facing the imminent threat of a potential Corsair attack. We're investing heavily in fortifying our small research outpost there, which is unfortunately a significant drain on our resources.
I'm curious, have you considered mass-producing this modified ARAPSS array? Given its potential applications for Corvo-class vessels, it seems like it could have significant demand within the sector.
I look forward to hearing more about your findings and exploring potential avenues for future collaboration.
Albert McKenzie, Starfliers To: Forgemaster Goodman, SLRC Subject: Mass Production
Indeed, our teams have started to create a large list of accomplishments. It is with hard work and determination that we continue to extend this list.
I was present when your teams offered us a safe place to continue our work. This was shortly after our exodus from Kepler quite some time ago. As I value life, especially those of the scientifically minded, I will offer you the same in return. Come to our research liner in the Inverness System. We are in orbit of Planet Forres, which you may already know has Freeport 10 in close proximity. A piece of home, as it were, will be nearby if you do relocate. Though travelling from the Omicrons to our location is a trek within its own, I am sorry I'm unable to provide any support in making that any easier.
The threat of the Corsairs make your situation dire, and I do not want to see scientists lost. We have too many corpses on Leeds. Please consider it, I understand it is no easy decision to make.
We are in no favourable logistical position to start mass producing the "Lucubrate"-Class scanners. They are quite expensive to create and since our fleet consists of the standard Large Transport from Universal, it is no easy feat to constantly fulfill orders. At the moment I have two units, we do not know what to do with these scanners yet as we operate three of them on our own. Auction? We do need the funds for our own projects.
Something to think about on my end. What do you say to our offer for a safe place within Inverness?
Starlight Research Consortium Chasing starlight since 829 A.S.
From: Forgemaster Goodman
Subject: Annual Reviews
Encryption Strength: Standard
Mr. McKenzie,
Thank you for your kind offer of refuge at your research liner in the Inverness System. We appreciate your concern for the well-being of our researchers, especially given the escalating threat from the Corsairs.
While the Gryphon did spend several months operating near Freeport 14 in Inverness (not Freeport 10 as you mentioned, though I understand the numbers can be confusing!), we currently lack the resources to fund further operations afield unless Starfliers is willing to contribute to the operational costs.
However, we are very interested in acquiring a "Lucubrate"-Class scanner as per our original agreement. This acquisition would be a significant step towards fulfilling the terms of our collaboration and strengthening our partnership.
We would appreciate it if you could provide further details on the acquisition process and any associated costs.
Albert McKenzie, Starfliers To: Forgemaster Goodman, SLRC Subject: Relocation and Scanner Installation
We can contribute a sum of 500,000 sc to the safe transit of your critical staff and assets to the Inverness System. This way we can shelter you and allow you to regain your footing in a sector of Sirius that is less hostile than the Omicron Edge Worlds. The support I stated I was unable to provide before was for our own pilots to carry any goods and equipment for you, however we are ill equipped if any undesirables decide to prey upon your assets. A credits wiring is all we can do. Let us know which is the appropriate account to send it into and if this eases the process.
The scanner itself requires a custom installation process, not an easy thing to be performed by our maintenance staff on board the Sol. All we require is your chosen "Corvo"-Class to land on our station, and to advise the maintenance crew about the job. Please forward this transmission to them so they can get the final confirmation before starting.
Yes, as much as the Freeports serve the Starfliers very well out in the worlds beyond the Houses, the stations' designated digits are at times hard to keep up with.
Starlight Research Consortium Chasing starlight since 829 A.S.
From: Forgemaster Goodman
Subject: Annual Reviews
Encryption Strength: Standard
Mr. McKenzie,
Please accept our apologies for the delayed response. We were caught in the midst of some rather nasty interstellar storms that disrupted our communication systems.
We are incredibly grateful for your generous offer of 500,000 SC to assist with the safe transit of our personnel and assets. This will be immensely helpful in facilitating the relocation of non-essential staff, particularly in covering the unfortunate but necessary "bribes" to ensure safe passage through Corsair-controlled territories.
Please forward the funds to our holding account: SLRC-HV>Gryphon.
Regarding the "Lucubrate"-Class scanner installation, I've spoken with Dr. Brad Wright, and he has graciously offered his research vessel, the Aurora Borealis, for the procedure. The Aurora Borealis is already en route from...I really should get a handle on what he is up to... but should arrive at your Sol Research laboratories in the coming days. I'll forward this transmission to the Aurora Borealis crew so they can coordinate the final details with your maintenance team.
While we appreciate your offer of a safe haven in Inverness, Starlight Research Consortium must, unfortunately, maintain our presence on Planet Pygar for the time being. The geological composition of this planet presents a unique research opportunity, mirroring that of Planet Goddess Geode in Baffin. However, as you know, the sacred nature of Goddess Geode prohibits any scientific inquiry, making Pygar our only viable option for this critical research.
We understand the challenges involved in mass-producing the "Lucubrate"-Class scanners. Perhaps we could explore alternative ways to collaborate and leverage this innovative technology for mutual benefit.
Thank you again for your understanding and continued support.
Albert McKenzie, Starfliers To: Forgemaster Goodman, SLRC Subject: Godspeed
While I understand your reasoning for staying on Pygar, the offer will remain as a lifeline if needed. I do not wish to hear news of Pygar getting caught in the crossfire and reading a deathcount.
The payment has been sent to your chosen account and we will await the Aurora Borealis to arrive. Our technicians have been briefed on this, but please do instruct Dr. Wright to double confirm it with them upon arrival.
I believe Leon's old phrase applies here, Goodman. While he has retired on the beaches of Curacao, I hope to your future fortune within the Omicrons.
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