<> <> <> * Todd (Todd@wsip-98-173-74-201.lv.lv.cox.net) has joined #atc * ChanServ gives channel operator status to Todd <> (Aaaaahahahaha, Tia is not spared) (Whoa, hi Todd. ^^) (How's Vegas?) (I never said I logged in to play ¬_¬) (COME VISIT STAN WITH US!) (I WOULD RATHER DIE) * Tomas arrives at the Hitching Post via rickshaw and heads for the crowd of shipmates that have presumably beaten him there because rickshaws are slow. * Zeke is there, birdsect on his shoulder, clonking around like he was lookin' at stuff. He's been lucky not to draw Stan aggro. So far. * Amadeus is also looking at the ships, possibly even with Zeke! And thus, no Stan aggro. He hasn't set off any AoE ship-inspecting yet. <> (That'd explain why!) (He has a much smaller aggro radius than you'd expect.) (Oh! I thought we were there.) (Silly me.) (This is the meeting point. We don't want anybody pulling before we're all here and ready.) * Lexi floats down in front of the place, not wanting to deal with press at the moment. She rubs her head and looks around. She heads over to the others. "Hey there. You guys ready to get a new ride?" * Kyle is there chillaxin' at The Hitching Post, waiting for others to arrive. "Hell yeah. Let's get something that's actually space-worthy time." Definitely. I'm surprised you guys were willing to risk another jump in that bucket. Research had to be done, and we conveniently had off time. * Tomas nods, "Is Tia going to join us?" * Lexi shrugs. "Beats me. I never know what she's up to." (NO SHE IS DEAD) (DEAD FOREVER) (woo! More loots for me) (On a more serious note, I'm compiling my field notes and stuff, sorry. I'm mostly on to check my email and the like) (Aww.) * Zeke states, "It does not seem likely, but if we wish to wait a few more moments, it would be fine." <> (My sanity shields were up.) * Amadeus peers at the place, then comments, "I wonder: if they're trying to get us a better ship, why did they send us out to buy a used one?" ... Fuck if I know. (Because they got our ship at the bottom of a cereal box.) Maybe 'Less Used' is what they're aiming for. (A HEM, it was Cracker Plax) Doesn't look like she's showing. We might as well get moving. * Lexi nods and starts heading towards this giant glowing eyesore. "Alright." (How many space whatzits did our last ship cost, for comparison's sake.) * Kyle starts heading to the shipshop as well. * Zeke starts walking also! "It is likely a balance in what they risk on the random dangerous we face." <> * Tomas falls in line beside the tin man <> * Amadeus walks along. He doesn't gape, and he doesn't squint. Supervision makes not squinting easy. "Where do we even start?" * Kyle chillaxes as he walks. Because chillaxing is totally chill. * Tomas scans the lot, taking it all in, "I have absolutely no idea." Got me, never bought a ship before. Maybe looking for something with flame decals? Could paint it red. I've always heard flame decals are faster than red. I don't think flame decals are the best way to determine ship quality. * Zeke looks between Kyle and Tomas oddly, then says, "I agree with Amadeus." * Tomas shrugs, "The best ships in the races always have decals." We can add decals later. * Amadeus walks along, and as he does so, he looks for something that might actually list ship specs. <> "Heya, hiya, how are you! You must be in the market for a ship! Well that's good, that's really good, I'm pleased to hear it, I'm truly tickled that you're here! I'm Honest Stan, and this here's my place! Welcome to UpSTANding Gently Piloted Spacecraft!" <> "You get it? Because I'm Stan, and I'm upSTANding..." <> * Tomas nods to himself, "Yes. Yes, we'll get some schway aftermarket decals." * Kyle looks up at, uh, Stan. * Tomas gawks. * Kyle just stares. * Zeke also looks up at Stan. This is odd. "Ah. Yes." Pause. "We are in the market for a ship." * Tomas nods in agreement with Zeke, "Yes. A ship." * Amadeus just looks at Stan blankly. Because... yeah. Blankly. "... well, it kills my mom every time, anyhow! How're you folks doing? What're you in the market for? We've got a lot of ships here, and I'd sure like to find the one that's perfect for you! Because then you'll tell your friends, and your friends'll tell their friends, and that's how this business works! I should know, I've been doing this for a bit, and my dad did it for longer! Now what kind of ship do you want? Short trips? Exosports? Cargo? ... somethin' for the tinkerer! Yes! Yes, I saw it when you walked in, you folks are looking for a DEAL on something you can really get your fingers into and your wrenches under! Have I got a honey of a deal for you!" * Amadeus looks at Kyle and Zeke. They're the tinkerers here. Maybe they can speak Stan. * Tomas stealthily moves backwards, leaving the mechanics in the fore. <> "This baby here was a in a little scuffle with an airborne case of DunnoHam! Don't tell me I'm lying, because I saw it happen! Made the owner a deal on the spot, and he took it, so I got the trade in! Now, she'll need some work, and probably some engine tuneups, and you'll probably have to stretch the body, and she may need a new navputer, but I can just tell you're gonna love her!" * Lexi shrugs and looks at Stan. "We're looking for a ship to chainjump to new planets, fight against invasions of armies of sadistic aliens, and still be able to make a mean drink at the end of the day... Oh and EMP protection would be nice too." * Kyle shakes his head and gets back to his senses. "Right, ship. Lemme see." Yeah. EMP shielding, sturdy enough and powerful enough to handle a mole driv- I'm thinking no. Let's see something else. Something that doesn't have a gaping hole in the front of the ship. <> "Sure! Sure! Not your style, too much work, looking for something a little larger, I get the picture." <> "So! Chainjumpers, are you? Exploring brand new worlds, exciting alien places? I should have known earlier, that ship would never suit your style! No, you're looking for something with class! With vogue! With flash! Something that says 'I kick alien butt, drink hard liquor neat, and don't take shit from strange alien women!' I have JUST THE SHIP YOU NEED!" <> * Kyle follows. Like a lamb to the slaughter. * Amadeus watches, perhaps a little terrified. <> "Take a gander, see if you like her! She's got tons of room, a triple engine coil, complete navsystem with Martian waypoints pre-loaded, and a full kitchen inside her! Fully furnished, too! Comes with three feather beds, all canopy! You won't be roughing it on an alien planet, you'll be taking the five-star hotel along for the ride!" * Kyle checks over the stats, picking at the datapad a few times. (err, specs) * Zeke's bird hops onto Kyle's shoulder to look at the stats as Zeke... picks at the fringe. (Okay I need a drink and a break, this hurts me head) (Hahaha.) * Lexi looks over the ship. "Well I like the color!" It is... pink. It's very pink, but pretty damn luxurious. One problem. Three cabin rooms, each with one bed. So if we take it people're gonna have to team up. And it's, well... pink. Unfortunately, that won't work well for a crew of six. Unless we're given time to remodel, but... I don't think the chrysanthemum detailing counts as a decal either. <> * Lexi turns and glares at Tomas. "I like it." Perhaps we should see some other ships before we make a decision, Lexi. Basically, it's got better engines, but less cargo space. I think we should keep looking, but if you want we can keep it in mind when we're done. We have to be practical here. * Amadeus nods. "Let's keep it in mind, then." * Kyle taps a few more times after mumbling to himself. What else ya got, Stan? * Lexi nods. "Alright. What else is there?" "You want to see some more? Sure, sure, that's fine! I've got all day." <> "When I saw you guys, I said, Stan, these guys know quality when they see it. They're real sharp, discerning customers who are going to have a nose for a deal, and they're going to sniff out the best deal you've got on the lot! Well, gentlemen (and lady), you will! Get! It!" <> (Gimme a sec) (Grapple. Fuck yes.) (Holy crap, he's stupid strong. Let's not mess with him.) (I'm betting hex.) (2 tons was 16 CP :x ) (Nope. That's natural. He's a 24. :D) (God dammit, I keep losing my paste buffer.) <> "Hoo! Ol Stan's got to make it to the gym, that about tuckered me out! Haw haw haw haw! Seriously, folks, this is one solid ship, and she's got enough space in her for whatever you need! She used to be a luxury schooner, but there was an ... unfortunate incident and she fell into my possession, but everything's cleaned up now, and you can hardly tell!" <> "See? Solid as a rock. And look at this!" <> "Check out this custom fenderwork! You don't find luxury like this every day, folks! No sir, this is the deal of a LIFETIME!" (THERE. EAT A DICK XCHAT) * Zeke says, slowly, "Much larger." * Amadeus blinks a few times, trying to take in the sheer immense size of the ship, and nods at Zeke's statement. <> "Stem to stern, she's got a ton of life left in her! It's mostly staterooms, but there's some baggage areas and a kitchen on the lower levels, and a stellar lounge on the topmost deck!" * Lexi nods. "How fast can it go?" She gets a gleam in her eye with that question. Hooo, that's pretty damn huge. * Kyle holds his hand out. "Have the specs on-hand?" (He already handed them to you.) * Tomas lets out a whistle. "She'll go pretty darn fast! It's not gonna win the Cross-Saturn Prix, but she'd have a shot at qualifying! Let Stan tell you - I've seen a lot of ships, and I can tell that this is the one for you. It's got eight weapon mount points, ski rails for a soft landing on that treacherous Europan ice, and a exosurfing winch!" <> "Yessir, she's a hell of a ship." * Lexi whistles. "That is one hell of a ship, yes." ... How much is it? * Kyle checks the datapad he was handed and forgot he had! "For fine folks like you, with your eyes on the stars and your minds on a deal, I'm prepared to offer you the new ultra-low price of 350 thousand credits! That includes the UpSTANding No Lemon One Year Guarantee (some restrictions apply), free delivery to the docking location of YOUR CHOICE, two free fill-ups (charge to StanCo LTD), and a LIFETIME SUPPLY of UpSTANding Gently Piloted Spacecraft cockpit air fresheners!" <> * Amadeus scratches at a spot behind his right ear before pushing his glasses up his nose and shifting his weight. Seems he doesn't want to actually bargain with the man - wonder why. * Zeke states, helpfully, "That price is unacceptible." 2d6+13 * Dicesuke throws the bones for Kyle (2d6+13) and gets a natural 11 for a result of 24. "Sure! Sure! Gotta feel like you're getting a deal, have to try to haggle, I know how it is! But Stan's as low as he can go on this one, folks, I can't possibly go below list price on this one or my boss would have me out on the street!" ...Aren't... you the boss? (I'M DA BOSS) "No, no, no, I just run the place! The boss is in the shack!" <> * Amadeus glances at the shack, probably thinking that very thing. (*punches Kyle in the face*) (XD) * Zeke states, "While that is unlikely, it appears we cannot buy it, if that is the price." * Kyle hmmms and motions Amadeus to the side, out of hearing range of Stan. * Amadeus walks along with Kyle, glancing back at Stan. If he has super strength, maybe he has super hearing? (Hm..) * Kyle motions for Lexi to come on over too, leaving Zeke to deal with Stan. * Lexi sighs and shuffles her feet as she looks down disappointedly. "I'm really sorry to hear that Stan... I really had my heart set on that ship as soon as you brought it out. Are you sure you couldn't lower the price... for me?" She looks up and flashes her eyes all cutelike. * Amadeus glances at Lexi and exchanges a look with Kyle. * Amadeus exchanges a few more words with Kyle and then walks back. (I'm just the tank. Lexi's the DPS.) <> (Lexi! Show him your cleavage!) * Kyle walks back to Stan. "Yo, there's a problem with the ship. Expensive problem, but it's got a few things the other ships don't that we want." (This is when we find out that Stan is actually a robot) "Much as I'd love to, miss, the wife'd have my hide if she heard about it! But maybe I could see my way to.... problem? What sort of problem?!" (He probably is.) (My guess is that we're talking Wizard of Oz.) There's an engineering fluke in the model of the ship. Really expensive and intensive to work-around. * Tomas looks to Kyle, concerned, "That's no good. Should we find another ship?" But Lexi seems to really like the ship too, and unlike the other one it's big enough for our needs. <> "Got a mind to haggle me down, huh? Thinkin' you can just make up a problem and ol' Stan will buckle like a heat-stressed load-bearing I-beam? I happen to know the flaw you're talking about, and it's inconsequential! But I'll tell you what. I want to get this thing off my lot today, and you want a ship, and the little lady likes the ship, and I've got sixteen other deals to make today or my kids don't eat. Let's say 290k." I'm pretty sure I can fix it, but like I said, it's gonna be expensive. * Kyle raises an eye-brow at Stan. "Look, I don't know what kind of standards you have for ships flying on normal engines, but mole drives are a whole different story. One small slip-up and you're never heard from again. And the *last* thing we need is the equipment working against us. In normal travel, when the flaw manifests, it strands the ship and forces a full engine shut-down. If you spot it in time, that is." I think, given all the work that'll need to be done, mmmhmmm... *typetypetype*, 190k is a fair price to ask. * Kyle starts walking torwards the ship to give it a closer inspection, both inside and out while he's doing this. Hey Prof, wanna help me take a look at this? You've got a good eye, tell me if you see any major flaws in the plating. * Amadeus nods. "No problem." He tags along for the inspection, removing his glasses as he does so. (How much is Charles willing to give us for this ship, anyway?) (250k) (We've got a 250k line, yeah.) (We'll probably want to save some of that for enhancements.) (Yeah.) <> "Hey, hey, fine, you're a guy who knows his mechanics! I knew there was a reason I liked you! And believe me, it's only because I like you that I'm still here talking. My boss, he'd have kicked you off the lot already for wasting his time! I think..." <> "... that we can come to a deal, and I think you kno w that like I know that! It'll mean my kids don't get their Christmas, but I can see my way to 255k." * Amadeus pauses during his inspection of one of the decks and crouches, taking a closer look at the floor. Stan's probably followed them into the ship at this point. (Did he? Does he fit?) * Kyle pauses when Amadeus does. "What'cha see?" Some sort of bodily fluid. <> * Amadeus blanches a bit. "Honestly, I hope it's blood." * Amadeus looks to Stan. "Explain this." * Tomas has remained outside the ship examining the exterior for prime decal placement. * Lexi follows and nods to Stan. "Tell you what, Stan. I'd hate to see your kids not get Christman presents. So you knock a bit more off the pricetag and I'll send you some shirts from my new clothing line, signed by me." She points to the one she's wearing which is a pink tanktop that says "Lexi" on it with a heart over the "i" * Kyle's eyes change to the color of the Professor's (or were they that already?) and he blinks. "Woah, dude. Let's hope so. That's... weird." <> "Looks like I need to have a word with a certain incident cleaning service! It so happens the previous owner of the ship suffered a little accident with a couple pears and a highly compressed tube of nanopaste, and in deference to the lady here I won't speak any further of it! But I'll tell you what, you folks are sharp custo mers, and I can respect that! How about 210k? I'm cutting my own throat to spite my stomach here, but I've GOT to make this sale, I've got six more ships coming in today and I just don't have the space in the rack!" <> * Amadeus looks slightly sick. "A ha," he says as he puts his glasses back on. * Kyle starts walking through the rest of the ship, espically the engine room. "Assuming there isn't anything else non-withstanding..." (Err, isn't anything else questionable) * Kyle occassionally will poke at a few panels and inspect some of the computer circutry. "Hey Lex, see how the pilot's seat feels. You're the one driving." * Lexi nods and plops down into it. (Hey, can we offer to trade in the weird piece?) (Maybe not, because we don't actually own it.) (We need it for spare parts!) (Also it's our only drive.) (Ah) (Do we want to send OTHER people up in that thing?) (That's true) (Only if they're that other group.) (Hah. XD) (Haha. Yes) (It's better than the first ship he showed us.) <> * Kyle walks back to the bridge. "What'cha think?" Come in here you two! I want your opinions before we make a decision. * Amadeus is here, so Kyle probably isn't talking about him. <> * Kyle stops for a moment and grins. "Kitchen and bar, too." * Zeke is outside! He regards Stan a moment, and his birdsect tilts his head at him. He then states, "You are quite large." (Assuming you two like it, I'm good for taking it at 210k) (Fine with me!) (210K seems reasonable.) <> "My dear mother says the same thing! She had the darndest time keeping clothes on me when I was a kid!" Did they... slide off? (Zeke should talk to Stan ALL THE TIME.) "No, I grew out of 'em so fast they'd go out at the seams!" * Zeke is silent a second, then replies, "Yes. Of course. Quite hungry too, I expect?" "Oh, all the time. Dad could barely sell ships fast enough to keep us all fed - had to start up a side job selling buggies near Twilight City!" * Zeke's holohead tilts. "Are all of your siblings of this size or hunger?" (He's very good at smalltalk.) (GO ZEKE GO!) (Except it is 12!) (Truth. But Tomas hasn't said anything?) (We have decided upon the ship!) (People just need better words!) (Tomas feeling very heavy.) (Tomas say what you want then fall down.) (As long as we can properly accoutre this ship for 40k. That sounds good.) "Nah, not all of us. Good chunk of us, though, and we all ate like horses. So, you guys gonna take the deal? That's as low as I can take her." (You're the ones that know the deal!) (I assume one of you's gonna have to say yes.) (I'm waiting for people to come on board to say yes.) (Because I want to make sure Zeke and Tomas are fine with it too.) (I am unsure how Zeke could have heard you from deep within the ship, but!) * Zeke replies, "I will ask." And then he tromps inside to join the others and ask, "SCA mutations are quite strange. What status is the... bargaining at?" * Tomas joins the others to discuss making the deal, "Where are we?" They are. Stan's offered us the ship at 210. Are we going to be able to repair the whatsit Kyle was talking about and still have money to finish equipping her? And hire a cleaning crew. It'll be rough, but I think so. * Zeke's holo-head nods and replies, "It seems reasonable. The opportunities for improvement on the previous ship are significant." * Kyle thumbs-up. "We'll take it then." * Tomas nods, "Not too eager though." * Zeke walks out of the ship, then, and tells the waiting Stan, "Two-hundred ten thousand is acceptible." That's not eager at all! (In my haze I read that as 200k and grinned thinking you were going for one last bit of haggle.) (I considered it.) <> "Done. It'll break the wife's heart, but done. Let me go get the paperwork." <> "Who's gonna be the primary holder?" (Don't we mark it as Preston's?) * Amadeus walks outside right about now. (I would think?) (Most likely! Since the company we're working for is a SUPER MYSTERY even to us.) (Yeah...) (He gave you the credit.) (I've been in the military. I haven't had a chance to build up my credit.) * Zeke glances to Amadeus, and then mentions, "We must choose a primary holder of the title, as it is our credit line. I am willing." * Lexi shrugs. "If you guys want me to put it on my name I can. I mean if I crash us into a star at least I'd be the one at fault for the damages. Plus you know... all the death and stuff" She nods. * Kyle shrugs. "I think Lexi should handle it, she's the pilot and is generally most responsable for where the ship ends up." * Amadeus looks at Lexi for a moment and hesitates for another moment before he says, "Very well." * Zeke's holohead nods to Stan. Problem solved. Unless you want it, Prof? <> ""Okay, miss, thumb here, here, here, and... here." * Amadeus shakes his head. "No, I have very little to do with ship maintanence and... such." does so. "Okie doke. " <> ""Been a pleasure doing business with you! Remember, you get two fill-ups for free, and I'll deliver the ship free to the docking bay of your choice! Which would that be?" (What is the docking bay location again?) (Hitching Post.) (It's right down the street.) * Lexi points down the street. "The Hitching post. Over there." <> "I'll have it there in half a day! And hey!" <> "Don't forget your lifetime supply of complimentary UpSTANding Gently Piloted cockpit air fresheners!" * Lexi blinks and takes the bag. "Uh... thanks!" She smiles. * Zeke looks to the bag, and then turns to trudge back to the post. Victory! <>