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Locksmith · (This post was last modified: 06-06-2025, 02:58 AM by Locksmith.)

Invergordon Salvage Yards, Inverness
June 1st, 835 AS
Somewhere in the hangars

Over the past year, Invergordon, although still home to Freud, was visited less and less. Too many worries and tasks, taking him further and further, sometimes forcing him to stay in other places for many days. The incessant fight with Liberty, skirmishes with all sorts of pirates and cardamine smugglers, helping the allies... All of this left a mark, slowly washing away Roland's past habits and desires.

Still, he was glad to drop in here every now and then. He felt comfortable knowing that he could hide in the narrow, rusty tunnels of the station. Somewhere in those tunnels was his little room, where he and his sister huddled together. It wasn't bad at all; in fact, they felt a lot safer here than they did wandering around Pittsburgh. Especially after Roland reinforced the doors.

As he approached the station, Freud made contact with Invergordon, hoping that someone he knew would be on post. The others would obviously have questions about the Defender that'd take too long to answer for his liking.

"This is Locksmith. Requesting permission to land."

A familiar voice of a middle-aged woman answered him:

"Well, well. Look who got caught in the garbage truck. I thought you were getting too clean for us, boy. Come into the second hangar, there's a nice cozy spot for you there."

Freud couldn't help but grin.

"Thanks, 'mom'. I'll drop by you a bit later."

With that, he came in to land. The hangar was actually relatively empty. Which was a bit surprising. Usually there were more people here.

Having landed his fighter, Locksmith climbed out of the cockpit and looked around, taking a deep breath without removing his helmet. No one paid much attention to him, somewhere in the distance there was a sound of metallic grinding...

Maybe it was just a habit, but... He felt comfortable here in his own way.

Hopefully Sunny will be here soon as well.

Silent Sunnflower · 06-03-2025, 01:50 AM,

Invergordon Salvage Yards, Inverness
June 1st, 835 AS
Somewhere on the way to Invergordon

Sunny was on the Way to Invergordon. She was happy to be able to meet Roland face to face, and she was even happier that she would be able to see under the hood of a Liberty Fighter like the Defender. Her Wrecker Gunship was a real wonder of Junker Engineering, and she could do things with the gunboat that were usually impossible for a ship of this class. The Long Manipulator Arms on the Back of the Gunboat, for Example, could be folded in such a manner that they would be so close to the ship's Body that it would reduce the Length of the Gunboat by half. Like this, she would be able to land the Ship in one of the Larger Hangars of the Station and avoid the Docking Collars. This was a bit more Expensive when it came to parking Fees, but it would be easier for her to move her goods off the ship. Sunny´s Wrecker was a fully Customized ship that was dedicated to be part Mobile Market, and Part Recycling Station. The 4 Manipulator Arms on the back of the ship were equipped with Specialized Tools that allowed Sunny to Gut a Wrecked Spacecraft directly in Space and to cut out the most Vital Parts of the Ship that would be good for Refurbishment, to then be sold on the open market to her customers. Oftentimes, she would also be able to loot the Cargo Bays of these Ships, and sometimes she would even be able to get a real treasure Trove. Like this, she had gotten a couple of nice things over the years, things like her Vintage Laser Pistol that she had looted from a Rheinland Valkyrie that she had salvaged in the Former Warzone of the Sigma 15 System. Even after all these years, the Rheinland Engineering of this Weapon was still in working order, even when it needed some Repairs here and there.

As Sunny would see the Rag Tag Mass of Ship and Station Parts that together formed the Invergordon Salvage Yards, she had to smile. Since the Exodus from Puerto Rico, this station had become somewhat like a headquarters for the Junkers, or at least a Place that would come close to such a Designation. Sunny could see that the Station was still expanding as she could see some people working on the Place In Space Suits and with Support from Building Crafts that would add some more sections to the Station and would make it bigger, so this Junker Shipyard could operate even better. Or maybe these were some Residential Section? It was sometimes hard to tell, as Junker Stations rarely had any Standard Parts. In that regard, they were a lot like the Ships that the Junkers would use. Oftentimes times you could not find 2 Ships that were exactly the same. As she came closer, she could see that the Crews would bring an old Pilgrim Class Liner into place. Or at least the Habitable Part of it, then the Engine Section was completely missing. But for Sunny, it didn't matter as she had to announce herself at the Station and request a Docking. She would hail the Traffic Controller and was greeted by the same woman who had already greeted Roland. She smiled as she would use the new Sign Language Reading and Translation Program that she had received from the Technocracy. The Voice that was transmitted sounded a bit Electronic, but that would only be noticeable if one paid closer attention to the Voice itself. But all in all, it was clear that it wasn't sunny who was speaking.

"Hello, Invergordon, this is Sunny. I would like to have a Spot in a Hangar if possible. I have a meeting and I have a Full Hold of Spare Parts."

The woman would have a friendly tone in her voice as she answered. After all, Sunny was a Regular at Invergordon and she always brought some fun things with her. Were it was Rare Spare Parts or some Trinkets from old Spacecrafts, the Mute Junker girl always had something that the Traders and Merchants of Invergordon would love to take off her hands.

"Welcome back to Invergordon, Sunny. We have the usual Hangar Ready for you, and I can inform the Trader Deck about your arrival if you want."

Sunny smiled happily and shook her head as she heard the question about the Traders. She would be happy to sell the things she had to the traders later. But first, she would have a meeting to attend, and to satisfy her curiosity and the thirst for knowledge that she had. She would look friendly into the camera and would start to speak in Sign Language while the Computer Program would translate it again.

"Not right now, I met a nice Guy on the Station who allows me to look under the hood of a Rare Star Ship. But I make sure to visit the Traders as they would otherwise never forgive me."

Sunny said with a silent chuckle as she would be happy, shortly after she would end the connection and make way towards the hangar. The Large hangar was usually used to dismantle and Recycle Large Starships like old Transport ships. Her Wrecker Gunboat was one of the Ships that could comfortably land in this Hangar. These Hangars were an easier way to do maintenance or dismantle a spaceship. In hangars like these, you didn't need a Space Suit or any Special Gear to Work on Ships, and it was also a good place to exchange Cargo and Goods. But as long as they didn't need the space for such work, it was used as a Normal Internal Hangar. But all of this wasn't something that mattered right now, as she was here to meet Roland, aka "Locksmith", and to have a good time. She would get her Comm Unit out of her Pocket and would open the Chat that she had with him and send her the Location of the Local Ramen Shop, She could need some nice Noodles right now. And after all, she was a Clever Girl and a Public Place full of people that knew her would be a Safe spot to meet someone that she had only met once in Space. And so she would go to "Power Noodles" and was looking forward to a Delicious Bowl of Ramen with Beef and Egg. She had a little pep in her step as she walked to the shop and would take a place on one of the Tables where she would soon be greeted by one of the Service Bots that the Old Fuoda used to bring the Food to his Customers. For now, she would only order a cup of Green Tea while she would be waiting.

Locksmith · (This post was last modified: 06-08-2025, 08:32 AM by Locksmith.)

For the people around, it might have looked like Freud was just standing there, staring aimlessly into space. Of course, that wasn't the case. His helmet served as a multi-functional tool; it allowed Locksmith to both communicate and scan objects around him. And those were just the most basic functions.

Upon receiving the message, he immediately brought it up on his helmet's visor. The system had automatically calculated the shortest route even before... Not that he needed it here, though. Although Invergordon's structure had changed over time, Freud could probably find his way based solely on his experience of living here. Although, admittedly, he wasn't sure he wanted to try the local delicacies again. He could probably name a dozen places right now where the food was better than Invergordon. Curious how much his perception had changed. Just 5 years ago he was happy even with synth paste. But overall, he didn't mind making a little extra stop. Maybe the food had gotten better while he was gone? Besides, he hadn't been to that particular establishment before.

Having brought up a map of the station on the visor, Roland, having glanced at his fighter, headed to the designated place.

It wasn't that long a walk. Although, probably, someone in his place could have gotten lost here for a day or two. The untidy corridors of the station could sometimes seem completely identical to an unaccustomed eye. Stepping inside Power Noodles, Freud quickly glanced around and spotted a familiar face at one of the tables. He approached and raised his hand in a relaxed greeting.

“Have you ever been to Barrier Gate? I heard they have some good noodles there."

He sat down at the table, facing her. His helmet and blue-shining visor gave no indication of his facial expression, but his slightly distorted voice was genuinely friendly.

"We usually ate very simple things when we lived here with my sister... Any recommendations for the uninitiated?"

It was best to just trust her with this; she looked like she'd been here before. And Roland wasn't at all sure he could stomach any and all of the local food.

Silent Sunnflower · 06-09-2025, 03:49 PM,

Invergordon Salvage Yards, Inverness
June 1st, 835 AS
Invergordon Ramen Shop

Sunny was sitting calmly there and smiling as she had a Cup of Green Tea Standing before her. And seemed to enjoy her time. The Market around them was Chaotic, but this Ramen Shop was like an Oasis in the Chaos. Otherwise, you could find anything your heart desires, from Ship Spare parts to military Grade Rifles and Ground Combat Vehicles, the Traders of Invergordon would sell whatever they got their hands on. It was a Haven for everyone who needed something and either couldn't or didn't want to use official channels and Traders to get it. It was a bit too Chaotic for Sunny´s Taste, and the Girl usually preferred to sell her goods directly to Trustworthy Traders who would then make a profit on the Markets with the parts she brought them. She wasn't in the Salvage Game for the Money, more or less, she did this to satisfy her natural Curiosity and her love to tinker with technology. That's why she couldn't say no to the opportunity to look under the hood of a Defender Class Fighter.

"Hello Roland, well yes, I can advise some of the things here, and I can say you witch ones you should stay away from if you don't have an iron stomach. If you want, you can have tea with me first. And yes, I was at Barrier Gate many times, some of my Customers prefer to meet there instead of the Inverness System. It's often a More Neutral Place that these Clients Prefer, even when that sometimes brings its own set of Problems.

She spoke in sign language again as she knew, or hoped that the tech in his helmet would translate that for him. Her hands would move in a Beautifull dance that would be her way of talking. She seemed happy to talk with him in that way. Sadly, there were only a few people in Sirius who spoke sign language, so often she was using the old Computer Tablet or a paper note to communicate.

"If you want to have some really good Ramen, then this is the place. I always take the Karē-Ramen, they have a mild Curry Taste and are really delicious with Pork. It's nothing really fresh, as that would not be possible on board, but I know they use Frozen Ingredients imported from the nearby systems. It's the best you can get on board. That makes it a bit more pricey than other Food Options on board, but the Quality is much better than what the cheaper ones offer.

Sunny said before she would sip from her Tea and enjoyed the Meeting with him. She wasn't sure why he kept the helmet on and hid his face, but even when it sparked her curiosity, she wouldn't ask. She was sure that he had a reason for this and so she didn't mind this.

Locksmith · (This post was last modified: 06-11-2025, 12:08 AM by Locksmith.)

He nodded slightly, knowing exactly what she meant. It seemed the food here was something to be careful about, just like the vast majority of the food on this station. However, considering that he somehow survived here for a couple of years, probably nothing terrible should happen now. Probably.

“Well, I wouldn't call myself a total wimp in that department, but I wouldn't take any unnecessary risks either. Something that wouldn't be a test for my stomach, but also had at least a little bit of flavor would be ideal."

Indeed, everything Sunny said in sign language was immediately displayed on Roland's visor. The only problem was that he could hardly eat with his helmet on... And without it, he didn't understand sign language. Although, of course, he was not blind and could understand something from her facial expression or general gestures. All in all, the sight of the girl in front of him expressing herself in this unusual way was quite fascinating in itself.

"Then I guess I'll order the same as you. Money isn't much of a problem for me these days; I suppose there are advantages to having a full-time job. Actually, I'm somewhat curious to try something I've been missing out on... So, I'll skip the tea if you don't mind."

Having placed his order, Roland put his hands on the table and looked at Sunny again. It was a bit of a shame that he hadn't met her earlier, when he was still a Junker. But better late than never.

"Hm... Something to consider. I'll have to take off my helmet to eat, of course... But I won't be able to understand you without it. At least not fully."

Silent Sunnflower · 06-14-2025, 01:53 AM,

Invergordon Salvage Yards, Inverness
June 1st, 835 AS
Invergordon Ramen Shop

Sunny smiled as she sipped some more from her tea. She seemed totally calm and Relaxed as she would enjoy her tea and would make sure not to rush things. She liked to speak with him as she didn't often have the chance to speak to someone using sign language. But after a while, she would order the food for them. The Restaurant had a built-in Datapad in all of the Tables where the guests could order what they wanted. Sunny would order two Portions of the Karē-Ramen. She was happy that he would take her advice, and this made her smile a bit. But as he mentioned that he can't understand her without the helmet, she had an idea. She would get her own datapad out and would set it on the side of the table so that the Camera of the Pad could film her. Then she opened a special app and made some hand gestures.

Sunny: I have this nice new app that films me and translates my Hand Gestures into Speech.

She spoke with her hand, but the Tablet would translate her gestures for her. The speakers of the Tablet would make him hear the Friendly Voice of a Woman who could be the same age as Sunny. She had chosen this one because she thought it would fit her personality the best. The voice could also display anger or other emotions, but Sunny was rarely angry, so she didn't think she would ever need these specialized functions. This new app would open many new ways of talking and interacting with people.

Sunny: Like this, we can talk with each other and enjoy the Meal without Problems. And to be honest, I am also pretty curious about what you are looking at under that helmet of yours. After all, the helmet gives you a mysterious and enigmatic appearance. A bit like one of those DJs from Old Earth that made this Classical Electronic Music, and no one ever knew what they looked like.

Sunny said with hand gestures and a Silent chuckle as the app would translate. She was quite happy and would enjoy this conversation a lot. To talk with him and get to know him better was a nice thing for her, and she was happy that she came here today. And especially the opportunity to take a look at this Fighter later would be worth it.

Locksmith · (This post was last modified: 06-16-2025, 05:14 AM by Locksmith.)

Well, it was a pretty neat solution to their little problem. At least Roland wouldn't have to guess what Sunny was going to say, or constantly take the helmet on and off while eating.
And the voice that this application reproduced was very suitable for this girl. Could have been her voice if not for...

Speaking of the helmet... It wasn't really that often that Freud had to take it off in front of others. He'd gotten used to it. So much so that the thought of taking it off in public was always a little uncomfortable. However, when Sunny compared him to a DJ, he let out a small chuckle; this small phrase allowed him to relax a little, concentrating on the conversation.

“Not many people know what I look like, come to think of it. Sometimes it feels like the helmet has become a more accurate representation of me than my face."

Freud raises his hands to his neck, touching the bottom of the helmet. A couple of clicks, a soft hissing sound, like an air hatch opening; the dim light of the visor goes out; then, finally, Freud removes his helmet, leaving it on the table next to him.

A young, pale-skinned man with long, dark hair, tired grey eyes and a slight smile looked at Sunny, taking a deep breath. Again there was a short pause — it was clear that this was a little unusual for him.

"I look pretty ordinary, I think."

Silent Sunnflower · 06-21-2025, 02:40 PM,

Invergordon Salvage Yards, Inverness
June 1st, 835 AS
Invergordon Ramen Shop

Sunny Smiled and would be happy that she would get to see his face. She didn't know why he didn't show his face to others, but she was sure he had a reason for this. Her grandma had given her enough manners during her education to not ask for his reason. As she saw his face, she smiled at him. He was quite the handsome guy underneath that helmet, and she didn't see a reason why he should hide his face.

Sunny: I promise to keep how you look a secret. Let's call it "Junkers Confidentiality". After all, you are a fellow junker, and we should look out for each other. And no, I don't think you look ordinary, I think you look good in your own way. I don't like it when people think that they would not look good. It's such a bad Societal Concept, as long as you're happy with yourself, your looks are not important.

She said, smiling as she would enjoy talking with him. It was nice to speak like this and to enjoy each other's company. By now, she would have almost emptied her teacup. But that wasn't a bad thing, as they would soon get the Ramen delivered. Two Steaming Hot Bowls of Goodness and Delicious Soup were in front of them, and they would smell wonderful and fresh. Even when it was made with mostly frozen ingredients, they would have a delicious Dish in front of them. Sunny would smile and take her chopsticks, and start to eat with joy. Even though she couldn't make a sound, the expression on her face would show how happy she was and how much she enjoyed this dish.

Sunny: I hope you enjoy your meal. It's delicious. If you want it spicier, add some of the Red Sauce to the Bowl.

Sunny said and smiled as she would add herself a small spoonful of the Red Sauce to the Bowl to make it a bit more spicy. She liked hot and Spicy food, at least till a certain degree. She was really a happy woman, and it seemed like nothing in the world could break that happiness.

Locksmith · 06-29-2025, 01:49 AM,

He shrugged with a smile, then wrinkled his nose a bit. Among other things, breathing air that was unfiltered by his helmet was a bit unusual, too. At least outside his living quaters.

"Thanks, but it's not much of a secret, really. I'm just used to wearing a helmet."

Although he was clearly curious about trying this ramen... He looked at the chopsticks with awkward confusion. He was not at all used to eating with this. It seemed like he had never even seen anything like this before. He awkwardly tried to scoop something up with the chopsticks, holding them in different hands. Without any success, he looked at Sunny with a puzzled expression.

"How do I even?.."

Silent Sunnflower · (This post was last modified: 07-15-2025, 12:43 PM by Silent Sunnflower.)

Invergordon Salvage Yards, Inverness
June 1st, 835 AS
Invergordon Ramen Shop

Sunny: Well, even if it's not a big Secret, I will still keep it. And to be honest, I can understand why you wear it. The first thing I upgraded on my ship was the Life Support to have a better Air Quality.

Sunny said with her usual happy smile that could líght up a room. She would come over to him and take his hand. She would put the Chopsticks into it and show him the right way to hold and move them, and how to move them so he could eat with the Chopsticks. She had to come pretty close to him for this, and he could sense that she smelled like Oranges and a tiny hint of Engine Oil. She must have used some perfume before she came here to hide the Smell of the Engines and Tech that she had worked on. Once she believed that he could use the Chopsticks without pokeing his own eye out

Sunny: But of course, you could also simply ask for normal Cutlery to eat it if you don't want to use the Sticks. I have to admit that it took me a while to eat with them without making a mess out of my clothes. But it has something satisfying to eat, Kusarian food like the people of Kusri would.

She said with a gentle chuckle as she would take the chopsticks and start to eat with a happy smile.

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