Getting reception interference Billianah powers down her portable and heads back to the ship hoping to get a better feed over the main.

Back at the ship Levi began to organise the integration of the sensor system. Software was not his concern, the physical connections were. What made it harder was the damned Zhodani didn't use the same connectors as the Imperials, both power and network couplings - how inconsiderate of them. That meant creative thinking and developing a set of sturdy, robust jury-rigged adaptors that had longevity. Splicing the cables had been the plan, but again the Zhodani didn't use the same power levels which meant placing signal boosters and additional network routers to cater for the differences and ensure.cross-ship consistency.

Levi had calculated the various electronic and signal loads but he didn't envy Fatboi's job of ensuring the software running the different devices was compatible. Zhodani and Imperial systems working together had seemed such a simple concept, and he'd enjoyed the challenge it had given him.

But now the hours of theory and planning was ready to be actualised and brought into to life, and he took to the.job with his usual passion... And annoyingly wanted to observe what everyone was doing so that it met his exacting standards. But so much needed to be done and he couldn't be everywhere at once, so eventually moved on to complete the more demanding tasks that he had assigned to himself leaving the others free to breathe and do their assigned tasks. But his eye for detail included the abilities and experience of the crew. He asked Phillip and Tanja to rotate in and out as tasks required, especially since they themselves were downloading and integrating updated software and running tests on the bridge. He tried not to include Billianah or Fatboi where he could, but their expertise was needed to ensure the physical connections matched the specifications of the signal load the system required.

Levi was in his element.

Harry saw to the weapons bay, making sure everything was installed properly and worked as it was supposed to. He also saw to the integration with his weapons station would work well. He wanted to set it so he could fire everything from one station with separate consoles. So far, everything was working as prescribed! Each weapon had it's own manual firing station in place at the weapon, but he wanted to be able to use them all from one integrated point in case they were short handed.
This message was last edited by the player at 12:14, Tue 29 Aug 2023.

Adriannah's daily routine ensured her duties were quickly completed, affording her considerable downtime.

Switching off her portable Billianah enjoys some downtime, enjoying a delicious meal, then watching several vidclips.

Tanja was used to hard work, but she was also used to getting things done. She couldn't just sit around and she found that once her and Phillip had organised the acquisition of recent star chart and trade data, and the download from the station was underway, she needed to be busy. At first it had been in conversation with her (relatively) new crewmate Phillip. He finds that she's always laughing and joking around, making light of any and everything - but that even with the constant level of banter and joking around, she is fully focused and professional with her work; testing, checking then double checking everything that she has done to make sure that it is complete. Part of this, Phillip quickly realises, is her own level of professionalism and dedication, that she wants to get it done right the first time, but he also realises that it is aimed at appeasing Levi's high and OCD fueled expectations.

Connecting to the starport's server, she requests the updates to their stellar cartographic database, and as the authorisation is pending she double checks the security programs that Fatboi had installed to protect their system. His firewalls were still in place and so were the other programs that she'd been warned not to play with. She suspected that they weren't just protective programs, but were in fact monitoring systems, for both uploading and downloading to the ship's systems. She'd been tempted a number of times to have a look at the code itself, but she knew her own understanding of computers was nothing compared to Fatboi's - and there were sure to be additional levels of security, even ship-side, to ensure that the code remained secure and untampered with.

Besides, she was curious, she just wasn't that curious, and nor was she stupid. Especially if it put the ship's security at risk. Computers were Fatboi's area of expertise, and she had learned to trust the portly fellow.

She checked the security of the download, that the authorisation had been processed and accepted, then monitored the progress ofg the download. It always impressed her just how large the updates were, just how much data was included. Happy the system was secure, the download in progress, she checked the estimated time to completion then turned her attention to the list Levi had given them.

"I'll do the tight conduits if you'd like," she offered to Phillip. The tight positions and difficult angles of work had never concerned her due to her tall yet athletic frame. That and tight spaces didn't really worry her.
This message was lightly edited by the GM at 15:59, Tue 29 Aug 2023.

"That is something I can happily agree with, I'm not the most athletic person there is. I'm not big, but I'm not real supple either. I need to ask the captain if the ship needs money invested into it. They seem to be tight on funds. Just as long as we make money, I'll get my money back." He confides in her. He didn't think anyone really knew he was independently wealthy, he had a big strike when he was a prospector.

Lexon finds Dawn behind a landing strut, tightening a fixture with a large wrench. She sets the wrench aside, grabs a rag and wipes her hands as Lexon approaches.  "You found it." She says, taking one of his bags. "Let's get you bunked, or berthed, as they like to say in the navy."

Dawn leads Lexon up the cargo ramp to the lift where they take the door to its right into the media center. Doors to all the crew staterooms are located there. Dawn leads Lexon to the end and opens the stateroom door on the right.

"Are you up for some work?" She asks, placing his bag on the bed.  "I have some work in the tights. Levi has some conduit things that have to mated. He showed me what to do. There's just lots of them. Help will make it go faster."

She smiles sweetly, as if that would work on him.

"As I recall, you definitely are not claustrophobic." she says, laughing.
This message was last edited by the player at 18:59, Tue 29 Aug 2023.

Phillip's admission of discomfort went without reply. Tanja had known many a good engineer refuse to enter the tight compartments. "I think for the foreseeable money will be tight for all of us. Karma was right, we don't have the capacity to transport bulk cargo so can't make quick credits that way. We're no luxury yacht for tourists and have only a few low berths, so passenger ferrying will also be no quick road to riches," she said conversationally as she loosened some of the holding bolts keeping the access panel in place. "That leaves more legally grey or even black jobs for us to consider and they come with financial reward, and great risk.

But at the same time I'm not sure how the shares in the ship are going to work either. We all currently have equal stakes at present, but how many shares are there in total?? And what is the price of each one?? Will increasing the number of shares decrease the value of each?? I don't know how it works, to be honest.

Think that's what we were going to discuss at dinner tonight. Suppose if buying further shares in the Katerina isn't on the cards, offering short term loans instead might be an option. Depends on what you want and what works for everyone else.

Me, the Katerina is my home now so I'm fully committed to keeping her flying, but trying to keep.her ownership away from government or corporate influence if we can.

Help me with this,"

The last was said as she pulled the panel off the wall and lifted it aside, offering it to Phillip to secure somewhere.
This message was last edited by the GM at 22:20, Tue 29 Aug 2023.

Phillip took the panel and set it aside. "I'll help if I can, I'm not claustrophobic, if things have enough room to maneuver in, I'm fine, I'm just not bendable like some folks." he says with a smile, letting her know he was not the most limber.

"My money wouldn't last forever running the ship long term, but I do have a few million credits that could help if needed." he says without boast. "I had a nice strike when I was a prospector."
This message was last edited by the GM at 22:20, Tue 29 Aug 2023.

Lex went into the room and dropped his gear near the bed. He will properly stow the gear a little later. Turning to Dawn, he said "Ready to help out.  Lead the way." Lex did not address the claustrophobic comment because he assumed it was referencing to their time on Charlie 4, but he could not recall anytime he was in what could be considered a claustrophobic spot. Thinking to himself, perhaps she is correct. Maybe I am not claustrophobic.
This message was last edited by the GM at 22:20, Tue 29 Aug 2023.

Fatboy disappears into the computer room and for the next eight hours works on the Zhodani/Imperial interface algorithms concerning the sensor array.  Occasionally, there is a shout of frustration comes from that enclosed room, or the sound of something hitting the bulkhead.  Still, when Levi gives the go ahead for systems integration and power up, Fatboy delivers.  The integration is a success with no known issues. Some features of the Zhodani processes were compartmentalized, having to do with neural mapping and other tech that was a little over Fatboy's knowledge base.  He makes a point to get familiar with Zhodani tech, if he can find the material on it.  Anything having to do with psi-tech is banned in the Imperium, so this bit of an upgrade would cause some problems if ever inspected closely. Part of his frustration was in trying to mask Zhodani from the features, making them seem to be Imperium.  It was almost as if it were rejecting the notion, nonsense of course, but it was nagging.

With the sensor array online and running in bursts to test the conduit couplings and mating relays, Fatboi retreats from the computer room to the media center for a healthy snack.

---

18:25, Today: Fatboy Stout rolled 11 using 2d6+3 with rolls of 4,4.  Electronics (computers) on a 10+ difficulty roll
Total time taken: 8 hrs

This message was last edited by the player at 05:50, Wed 27 Sept 2023.

Dawn leads Lexon into the tights, helping Tanja and Phillip with coupling the phase conduits and mating the relays between Zhodani and Imperium tech.  The crawlways are tight-fitting, hence the name, between the decks and bulkheads mostly.  It takes them several hours and both are happy to leave the job behind and relax in the media center for a bit.

"A few million??" Tanja says, her usual calm demeanor slipping for a brief moment.

"With that amount of credits, why did you leave belting?? I mean, the obvious path would have been to buy a decent share in a mining ship to continue your lucky streak... Success breeds success after all, and if you could use your experience without actually having to set foot on the 'roid, surely that would have been a great business opportunity??

Sorry if I'm a little blunt, I'm just curious."

She begins to slide inside the conduit, "OK, the main network cable needs to run through there to here, but we need a secondary hub and router there, and that leads to Fatboi's attachments," she said quietly to herself. She looked back as the door opened; Dawn and Lexon entered shortly after.

Between the four of them they were able to coordinate the feeding and setting of the additional cables they needed. It took them the best part of the day, a long eight hour shift, but throughout it all Tanja was constantly talking, joking and making the task more interest.
This message was last edited by the player at 13:09, Wed 30 Aug 2023.

The challenge had been set and accepted. The task before them - two days to get two different systems linked and fully integrated into an already technologically complex starship.

He'd thoroughly planned and prepared, the tasks assigned to the crew. He'd supervised long enough to know they were working how he needed them to, and didn't require his constant supervision - just infrequent check-ins. He'd really struggled with not being there every minute, to see what they were doing and confirm it was done.to his exacting standards.

But.it had given him the time and focus he needed to complete his own work. Two days, it just wasn't enough time. So he had really focused, ensuring no mistakes were made and nothing was rushed. What niggled him more was none of this was by the book, it was all improvised. The feeling was exhilarating yet terrified him.

And yet the hard work had paid off. Several hours into his refit and integration he was ready for a system wide test, something he'd expected to be doing a day and a half into the task. Yet here he was on day one, ahead of schedule, watching as the individual system test results came in, then running synchronised tests, pushing multiple systems  work together and against each other.

Eight hours into an exhausting day he finally stepped back to admire what he - no what they - had achieved.

He grinned at Fatboi as the test results came through.."The Katerina has her eyes and ears, and we have a day to make any tweaks needed.

Well done."

---

16:00, Tue 29 Aug: Levi Stensgaard rolled 13 using 2d6+5.  Engineering: Electronics

Difficult 10+. Success, 8 hours to complete.
This message was last edited by the GM at 22:50, Fri 01 Sept 2023.

"Success HAS followed success, and I got out of belting mainly because it's dangerous as hell. Belting is dangerous in itself, then there are claim jumpers that will kill you in a second to rob you. Not a good life. I got a good berth here, so that is my latest success!"

After a long day, Lex was ready to relax.  “Well, that was different.” Lex said out loud to the group. In his line of work he would not normally be squirming through tight passages to hook up electrical conduits and communication lines.  Though not typical, Lex still enjoyed it.  It was something new and he liked learning new stuff.

“I know a little about Far Trader boats, not much, but a little.  This one is different.  This is not a typical Far Trader, is it?”

---

OOP: I thought about just stating the group recounted the information found on the “Empress Katarina Class - Far Trader (Advanced)” thread.  But chose not to do so in case someone wants to respond with a little flair.  But nonetheless, Lex will learn the history of the boat.
This message was last edited by the GM at 14:46, Fri 01 Sept 2023.

"Definitely quite the workout!" Phillip agrees.

---

OOC - Ship! ;-) I think we have a boat onboard.
This message was last edited by the GM at 19:49, Thu 31 Aug 2023.

"Don't let Levi hear you call the Katerina a boat," Tanja advises, wiping the sweat from her forehead with a small towel. They had really pushed on today and she needed food and something alcoholic. "He's ex-navy, and they're all a bit odd anyway, but Levi has a real bond with our ship. He's a little overly sensitive and, er, strange about it."

She grins, her tone teasing with no malicious intent, using the usual inter-service rivalry to make her point. "In fact, he's odd enough to make a decent desk-based officer in the scouts. And those guys are just nuts. Almost as nuts as the ground pounders..."

She flashed a look at the newcomer, Lexon. Karma had referred to him as a soldier, and as a friend of Dawn's as well that role was quite apparent. It was obvious he was no techie, either. But he'd worked hard, had done what was asked of him and had put in a real shift. That meant he was ok in her book - and therefore fair game for her usual teasing.

"Still, respect the Katerina and she'll not let you down." The last was said in a mock imitation of Levi's voice and stiff mannerism.

Dawn flashes Levi a smile, accepting the praise of hard work done that day. Lexon's questioning statement draws her attention. "It is a modified version so yes, it is different. Some cargo and fuel space was sacrificed for a greater jump drive and crew berthing. It's a great design. She's got some advanced electronics too. Spooky stuff really. "

Dawn laughs at her cleverish remark surrounding the intelligence personnel who live such secret lives.
This message was last edited by the player at 16:17, Fri 01 Sept 2023.

Harry finished up with the weapons bay after about 6 and a half hours, then went looking for the others.

Fatboy was satisfied with his work, and by Stensgaard's praises, so he indulged with a choc ice on a stick. Satisfaction of a job well done leading to another, the ice stick led to a bucket of thick, fat, sugary, industrial ice cream.

When Stensgaard came buzzing around and started to list all tweaks and tests that he felt needed to be done the next day - including things they had completed thrice - the computer guru gave the engineer a blank stare and went over his next priority, with his mouth full :

"'Tis very important, Stensgaard, what you told the captain. We need fresh supplies, and above all, in enough quantities. Look, we're almost left without WHAROLLA ^TM ice-cream!" - he shook his spoon to weigh in his point.
This message was last edited by the player at 05:51, Wed 27 Sept 2023.

Teddy was walking by, "Hey! You're supposed to be on a diet Fatboi! You've lost at least 80 pounds, why would you ruin it now?" The doctor kept going, shaking his head as he went.
This message was last edited by the GM at 17:37, Fri 29 Sept 2023.

"Advanced electronics? That sounds interesting," Lex said, shifting his gaze to Levi. "In what way are they advanced?" Despite not being the most competent in ship-based technologies, Lex had a general interest in technology. With his engineering and electronic skills, he thought he could possibly help in the future. Now that he was a member of the crew, he wanted to know more about the ship, especially its unique capabilities.
This message was last edited by the GM at 22:49, Fri 01 Sept 2023.

"Easy Recon, it's only your first day." Karma deflects as she approaches the crew lounge from the direction of portside.  She laughs shaking her head while looking around the lounge at the assembled crew and one guest. "You have out done yourself Levi.  You and your team exceeded expectations, and guaranteed our team the upcoming job. That is extremely good work from you all."  The praise is justified and she has never been disingenuous about such things. Praise is given where praise is due and this team certainly brought their game today.  Thunder reverberates against the hull of the ship and the lull of rain, a continuous drone, echoes soundly and has been for the last hour.  The weather would not let up until morning.

"We may as well make our assigned ship berths home for the night, unless you really have pressing business in Startown or Downport. If so, best be back early.  Our guest will be arriving at 0530 LST.  We dust off an hour later.  We have a full tank of fuel, supplies in the way of medical necessities, food, and beverage."  She says, standing amongst the crew.  She eyes Fatboi, and the bucket nestled neatly in the crux of his arm. She ignores the bucket for the moment. "What you did is just shy of a miracle young man.  You have a talent, that is sure."
This message was last edited by the player at 23:47, Fri 01 Sept 2023.