Worse Than the Disease IC

[Shoot Da Moon]

(OOC: Everyone who hasn’t eaten their full 3 meals should do so now.)

DAY 44

The exiles wake up to a squad of friendlies in snow camo strolling up to the Bear Lodge. They are the soldiers they met yesterday, who contacted them for help. They report that the raiders have been driven off and the ski resort is safe again.

They introduce themselves as The Snowbunnies - a troop of vigilantes who use the ski resort as a base.

(OOC: Every Player Character gets Reputation +1 (Heroic, Settlers, 10 or less) [1] without needing to “buy” it with Character Points as a reward for saving the two settlements. Update your character sheets.)

[u-b]

Sean Pires

Sean is glad to see The Snowbunnies and to hear the news that the situation seems to be resolved. He gives them account of the details of the action, including the locations of two mines that are still planted and that the team plans to disarm on their way back. He then introduces the men to the documents captured and gives them some time to examine them. He tells about the mutants attacking both the raiders and the group and tells that there might have been some misunderstanding of their purpose here on part of the group (attacking the big guy, for example). He asks if The Snowbunnies had prior contacts with the mutants. He then introduces two captives and asks if The Snowbunnies have ideas of how to best handle them. He then introduces the topic of handling the loot. Sean's first proposal would be for the party to have all that they already took from the raiders and 3.5 of the cars, if there is still that much: two cars on the Bear Lodge's parking lot, one more car from which Sean has the keys and half of the car in front of the Grand Hotel, if it is still there (the group did not completely capture the car and the locals heavily participated in the fight against the raiders there). The Snowbunnies would then have all their real property and what is still left therein, including all the raiders' loot not already picked and the other half of the car in front of the Grand Hotel. Sean is open to other suggestions and says the group does not actually need that many cars, mostly intending to sell them anyway, so would be willing to trade if The Snowbunnies want to automobilize. In fact, the other loot captured is also available for trade, so The Snowbunnies could dig through it and choose whatever they want.

Spoiler

Show

(OOC: Everyone who hasn’t eaten their full 3 meals should do so now.)

This is accounted for. Sean has even eaten two out of his normal one to account for over-exertion.

We should probably also examine the docs to estimate how many men on how many cars were involved in total and what was the approximate round-trip time to pick up a next group and bring them to Ski Resort. Unfortunately, Sean only has defaults for this sort of task.

[Volthawk]

Letting Sean handle matters of loot and such, Richard's conversations with the Snowbunnies focuses around the leader's documents and the enemy in general, once they've gotten a chance to look the information over. He's curious about any past encounters the two groups may have had before, if they know anything that might fill in the gaps in his current knowledge about the raiders, and when the conversation turns to other subjects it isn't hard to see why he asks them about any dealings the Snowbunnies may have Bread Basket, Red Brick and Gunmetal - the three of them were heading to them anyway, but now he's sure the cities with Shelter origins are of particular interest to the enemy, he wants to know as much as he can going in.

[Shoot Da Moon]

Sean Pires

Sean is glad to see The Snowbunnies and to hear the news that the situation seems to be resolved. He gives them account of the details of the action, including the locations of two mines that are still planted and that the team plans to disarm on their way back. He then introduces the men to the documents captured and gives them some time to examine them. He tells about the mutants attacking both the raiders and the group and tells that there might have been some misunderstanding of their purpose here on part of the group (attacking the big guy, for example). He asks if The Snowbunnies had prior contacts with the mutants. He then introduces two captives and asks if The Snowbunnies have ideas of how to best handle them. He then introduces the topic of handling the loot. Sean's first proposal would be for the party to have all that they already took from the raiders and 3.5 of the cars, if there is still that much: two cars on the Bear Lodge's parking lot, one more car from which Sean has the keys and half of the car in front of the Grand Hotel, if it is still there (the group did not completely capture the car and the locals heavily participated in the fight against the raiders there). The Snowbunnies would then have all their real property and what is still left therein, including all the raiders' loot not already picked and the other half of the car in front of the Grand Hotel. Sean is open to other suggestions and says the group does not actually need that many cars, mostly intending to sell them anyway, so would be willing to trade if The Snowbunnies want to automobilize. In fact, the other loot captured is also available for trade, so The Snowbunnies could dig through it and choose whatever they want.

The Snowbunnies have been attacked by mutants before - as has everyone who isn't a mutant. That has been the sole interaction they've had with them. They are not surprised to hear that the raiders and the mutants fought.

If the exiles want to interrogate the captives, that is fine. If the exiles want The Snowbunnies to interrogate them, they can hand them over, and the Snowbunnies will report into The Radar Base or to the exiles in person what they learn from grilling the bad guys.

The Snowbunnies are okay with the exiles taking the Bear Lodge loot (except for the radio, they'd like that). The raiders who were killed in the grand hotel and at the mountain peak had a bunch of supplies that the soldiers grabbed when the raiders broke off the attack. They more need men to replace their losses anyhow.

He's curious about any past encounters the two groups may have had before, if they know anything that might fill in the gaps in his current knowledge about the raiders, and when the conversation turns to other subjects it isn't hard to see why he asks them about any dealings the Snowbunnies may have Bread Basket, Red Brick and Gunmetal - the three of them were heading to them anyway, but now he's sure the cities with Shelter origins are of particular interest to the enemy, he wants to know as much as he can going in.

The Snowbunnies have been fighting the black neck tattoo raiders for years. The raiders often kidnap people, usually to serve as slave labour. They seem to answer to some kind of army that is waging war on Vermont settlers...for some reason. Best guess is, the ultimate leader of the army is some kind of greedy psychopathic conqueror.

Bread Basket, Gunmetal and Red Brick help the Snowbunnies stay in business. They trade protection, slave rescuing and hunted animals for guns, bullets, food and medicine. The three cities are indeed descendants of Shelters that opened up. That is why they all have such advanced industries. The black neck tattoo guys hate them.

[u-b]

Sean Pires

Sean is inclined to let The Snowbunnies have the captives and interrogate them. Anything not secret could be sent over the radio. Anything secret... well, if the The Snowbunnies have a computer in here, we can agree on the method to encrypt the messages so that no personal visit is necessary. Anyway, the fact that there is something secret to say should be announced over the radio as a request to arrange a meeting.

Speaking about men, Sean remembers meeting some people that have escaped from being enslaved and went, he thinks, here. Any news of them arriving here at all? Sean can describe these men with some limited precision and also date and geolocate their meeting. Also, Sean mentions that there is a camping ground that was hit very hard by a recent attack. There is only few of them left and they probably will not survive a second attack, but they do have a radio, so it might be prudent to have a talk with them and ask if they would wish to relocate. Not very fighting types, though. Sean is not sure if this is a requirement or if there is enough of day-to-day housekeeping jobs.

Sean has no problem leaving the Bear Lodge radio here. He is more concerned about the cars anyway. If there are all four of them left here by the attackers, Sean asks if The Snowbunnies need any or can help drive them to Gunmetal for any reasonable compensation. Also, he asks if there are any plans to visit Point T and, if so, whether assistance with that is desired.

Sean also asks if The Snowbunnies have contacts with the other gangs mentioned in the papers, by radio or otherwise. And if they know about other attacks like this occuring, against any of those (or maybe other, including now defunct) gangs.

[Shoot Da Moon]

The Snowbunnies agree that they can arrange something like that - a signal and such.

The Snowbunnies did indeed receive some escaped slaves to their group. They've been loyal and helpful soldiers. The Snowbunies can contact the camp ground and welcome them to their organisation. They can simply have them help out with domestic tasks.

The Snowbunnies can spare two people to drive cars for the exiles. They would like to keep their cars here, just in case. The Snowbunnies need to stay put and pick over the damage for a day or two before they go back to work. The exiles are welcome to investigate Point T by themselves.

The Snowbunnies do keep in regular contact with other group. They use their radio to communicate. They can share the contact frequencies with the exiles. They have not heard of any attacks against the other gangs, yet.

[u-b]

Sean Pires

Sean will receive the contact frequencies for the other groups, presumably written somewhere as he's not a radio man and might misremember the details. Sean then confirms if the attacks of this scale have not been a regular occurence over the course of the multy-year war. Maybe something has changed somewhere and we begin to see the results?

Spoiler

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So the proposal is as follows:
1. We finish analyzing the papers
2. We leave the prisoners here
3. We have five people drive five cars to Gunmetal (party car driven by Sean, two captured cars driven by Tariq and Richard, two more captured cars driven by The Snowbunnies). One car will need a tire replaced or fixed, but that should be doable. The Snowbunnies can take the lead if they know the road.
4. We chat with the authorities of Gunmetal.
5. We do shopping operations in Gunmetal (The Snowbunnies can do the same).
6. The party sells up to three cars of their choosing. The Snowbunnies get to keep the fourth car or do with it as they see fit.

We'll see what we do after that.

What are the details of all the four cars? We'll need to know:
1. Flaws (not just quantity of those, but also relevant details such as range and steering flaws)
2. Amount of fuel in the tanks

[Shoot Da Moon]

Richard studies the papers and learns that the raider's attack plan was to set up a camp around Point T, get 6 cars to pick up raiders from Point T and drop them off at the ski resort in rotating intervals, and driving the wounded away from the ski resort when possible.

But a deeper reading, including deciphering the code phrases, reveals the reason for the raid in the first place; the raiders wanted to kill the Snowbunnies and take over the ski resort because the secret entrance to Shelter 51 is nearby. Also, the location of Shelter 38 is marked on their regional map.

Sean Pires

Spoiler

Show

So the proposal is as follows:
1. We finish analyzing the papers
2. We leave the prisoners here
3. We have five people drive five cars to Gunmetal (party car driven by Sean, two captured cars driven by Tariq and Richard, two more captured cars driven by The Snowbunnies). One car will need a tire replaced or fixed, but that should be doable. The Snowbunnies can take the lead if they know the road.
4. We chat with the authorities of Gunmetal.
5. We do shopping operations in Gunmetal (The Snowbunnies can do the same).
6. The party sells up to three cars of their choosing. The Snowbunnies get to keep the fourth car or do with it as they see fit.

We'll see what we do after that.

What are the details of all the four cars? We'll need to know:
1. Flaws (not just quantity of those, but also relevant details such as range and steering flaws)
2. Amount of fuel in the tanks

Spoiler

Show

1) Done. 2) Done. 3) Easily done. The Snowbunnies can help out. 4) Probably not hard. 5) Snowbunnies may not need to shop. 6) Great idea.

1) -3 SR, -10% Range, bad engine. 2) Half empty fuel.

[Volthawk]

Hm. So there's an entrance to one of the Shelters the raiders were 'containing' nearby, and...38? That one wasn't mentioned in any of the orders. Could it a base (whether their original Shelter or one they've made part of their territory) or perhaps just one that they don't have to worry about for whatever reason - one with nobody left alive, or a population throroughly cowed into obedience but not a part of their group proper, something like that. Nonetheless, he shares the information about the raiders' strategy with the Snowbunnies - by the sounds of it, there is likely to be more of them at Point T, and they might be sending their next group of men at some point regardless of how losing their men here has disrupted the strategy. The way he sees it, they might as well be prepared.

[GnomesofZurich2]

Tariq isn't overly focused on the new arrivals, as he is busying himself replenishing his supply of grenades. When he finishes that task he goes over to find out what information Richard has uncovered. These shelters seem to be everywhere!

[Shoot Da Moon]

(OOC: Confirm that the party is moving out, as per Sean's plan? The Snowbunnies can replace the bum tire on the car in 15 minutes of work. Gunmetal is 30 miles north from the ski resort.)

[GnomesofZurich2]

Tariq is ready to go, taking the wheel of one of the captured cars. He'll keep the revolver close to hand should he need it.

[Shoot Da Moon]

The exiles drive out from the ski resort, leaving the rows of corpses to freeze in the elements.

2 hours and 40 minutes of uneventful driving later, the five cars arrive at the big settlement of Gunmetal. Towering factory smokestacks and the roar of industry greet them. They spot a furnace, bigger than any they have seen before, being attended to by a 8-strong team of metalworkers in all-covering safety gear as the molten liquids are carefully herded, shaped and cooled.

The cars pull up to the designated space for visiting outsiders, those would buy and sell. Merchants take note immediately, expecting a caravan of major traders, and crowd around the exiles as they switch off their engines and get out.

The men in charge send a delegate to shake their hands, and begins writing their details on a clipboard with a thin piece of charcoal.
"Identify yourselves. Purpose of visit. Anything to declare?" The man is not wearing the work gear of the factory men or shows the usual scars, but he is rough skinned and brawny all the same.

[u-b]

Sean Pires

"Three men from the radar base to the north, all formerly from Shelter 44, and two men from the ski resort to the south. Here to discuss a recent attack by the tattooed raiders that we have repelled and the prospects of war against them in light of new intelligence that we're bringing in. Also to trade the loot. Having some dubious medicine that we took from the raiders, lots of guns..." Sean thinks about the gear trying to guess what else he has to declare "...and that's about it." Sean is inclined to let Richard provide the details and answer the following questions.

[Shoot Da Moon]

The delegate blinks.
"Shelter 44?" The inspector jots down something on his pad furiously. "That's not funny..." He murmurs to himself under his breath.
"The tattoo? You mean, those bar-steads with the black tats on their necks? I think they call themselves The Gamblers or something? Well, if you've found something out, the funny platoon'll like it..."
The mention of loot gets his ears up. "What kind of loot?" He narrows his eyes when Sean mentions dubious medicines, "We don't deal in drugs here. We are not like those snakes in Red Brick. Drugs are bad."

The inspector shoots a curious look at Richard, clearly thinking him a more trustworthy type...

[Volthawk]

Richard nods with a smile as the inspector talks about the drugs. "That's fine. We don't use the drugs, but those raiders do, so we've ended up with a fair amount. We're not entirely sure what to do with them, but if you don't deal in them, I respect that. We had the same policy where we came from, and I was one of the ones keeping law and order there. We have plenty to trade besides that - as Sean said, we've accumulated a fair few guns in our adventures, Tariq might be convinced to sell some of his explosives - he's a genius at making that stuff, seriously - and we've picked up other odds and ends as we've gone along. I believe most of these cars are for sale, as well, if we can agree a good price for them - the raiders don't need them any more, and we don't really need a car each. We're looking to buy, as well - we've have good luck with trading on the way here, but there are still some particular things we'd like to get hold of, if you have them."

"My name's Richard Clark, by the way, and we honestly are from 44. It's why the...Gamblers, you said their name was? Good to know...those guys, why we've been running into them so much. Turns out they're making targets of everyone tied to Shelters who aren't them. Laid seige to the place we were holed up in for a while, before we got out and helped the Snowbunnies." After a moment's thought, his face lights up. "I...kind of have proof, I suppose. Here, look." Reaching into a pocket, he pulls out the order sheet, pointing at the 'recent Shelter 44 exiles' line, and the photos attached. "See, those are our photos next to their mention of 44 exiles, and their targets among the other Shelters. We've got more information on them like this, so if your funny platoon are interested in it, we'd be happy to talk to them."

[Shoot Da Moon]

The inspector looks over the papers. "Can we have this? And just where exactly is Shelter 44? Could you mark it on the map?"
The delegate waves over an assistant to present the exiles with a state map and red paint.

The inspector writes down more of what he is told.
"We prefer to pay in bullets...What are you looking to purchase? We may not be able to approve buying certain things...City policy requires permissions and authorisations to buy restricted items..."

[u-b]

Sean Pires

"I don't think we are ready to give away the location of Shalter 44 at the moment. We would first like to determine what effect this disclosure will have on its inhabitants. You see, the new intelligence is somewhat controversial, we don't want anything bad to happen to them, for quite obvious reasons. We'll need more time to look for the details of the situation. Meanwhile, we can disclose the approximate location of Shelter 51." Sean circles the sky resort on the map. "Thereabouts. I would suggest looking for it and establishing contact, but this also will take some time." Then Sean points at another location. "And number 38 would be here. Unconfirmed, but worth checking out."

As for the shopping, Sean declares it ths way: "We'll want the best armor we can possibly get and a revolver granade launcher. Also, some ammo and a few other things. As for approving the transaction... you see, this town is marked on the same list of high-value targets as we are, so maybe we form an alliance or something. I think here should be enough info to introduce us to people who can make this decision."

Spoiler

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Well, these are probably not the people to make the decision, just to make sure we look legit enough to bother the higher ups, right? We want to discuss offensive military operations (Point T, for one) and it probably would not be with the first guards we meet. Ultimately, Sean is willing to get some Patron and a Duty, preferably on low frequencies, if that is a prerequisite to buying good stuff.

1. Suppose they have a Cheap Combat Hardsuit. A TL9 thingie, either new make according to the original specs, but of somewhat inferior materials, or an old one, restored after being damaged by a nearby explosion. Either way, preferably with a compatible helmet that would not have the original and fancy enectronics. I think both scenarios allow for electronics to be absent or nonfunctional, which should make the helmet cheaper overall (details TBD).
2. Milkor USA M32A1 or some such. Probably Cheap, if we can have the armor.
3. The rest is TBD based on what we can have and what we roll for the haggling.

[Shoot Da Moon]

Sean Pires

"I don't think we are ready to give away the location of Shalter 44 at the moment. We would first like to determine what effect this disclosure will have on its inhabitants. You see, the new intelligence is somewhat controversial, we don't want anything bad to happen to them, for quite obvious reasons. We'll need more time to look for the details of the situation. Meanwhile, we can disclose the approximate location of Shelter 51." Sean circles the sky resort on the map. "Thereabouts. I would suggest looking for it and establishing contact, but this also will take some time." Then Sean points at another location. "And number 38 would be here. Unconfirmed, but worth checking out."

As for the shopping, Sean declares it ths way: "We'll want the best armor we can possibly get and a revolver granade launcher. Also, some ammo and a few other things. As for approving the transaction... you see, this town is marked on the same list of high-value targets as we are, so maybe we form an alliance or something. I think here should be enough info to introduce us to people who can make this decision."

Spoiler

Show

1. Suppose they have a Cheap Combat Hardsuit. A TL9 thingie, either new make according to the original specs, but of somewhat inferior materials, or an old one, restored after being damaged by a nearby explosion. Either way, preferably with a compatible helmet that would not have the original and fancy enectronics. I think both scenarios allow for electronics to be absent or nonfunctional, which should make the helmet cheaper overall (details TBD).
2. Milkor USA M32A1 or some such. Probably Cheap, if we can have the armor.
3. The rest is TBD based on what we can have and what we roll for the haggling.

The delegate looks skeptical. He writes down what Sean is willing to offer.
"I am afraid we can't just provide everything to anyone, even if you have the goods to trade for it. Labour is hard, we can't risk certain items falling into the wrong hands, outstanding trade contracts and regional politics, materials are not always available...You understand."

(OOC: They do not have ANYTHING that is TL 9. Period. Asking for TL 7 or TL 8 gear is restricted, make a Reaction Roll (-2 if you ask for only TL 7 stuff, -4 for even one piece of TL 8 gear). TL 6 gear is fine.)

[GnomesofZurich2]

Tariq gazes around the settlement, looking with interest at big the furnace, content to let Sean deal with the people here. His ears perk up at the mention of a grenade launcher, but is mildly disappointed at the inspector's rebuff of Sean's request.

[Shoot Da Moon]

The Gunmetal merchants check their inventory and then check with their superiors.

When they come back, they inform the exiles that not everything they requested is available, but a lot of it is.

[u-b]

Sean Pires

Sean reviews the authorized deal and nods. "Good enough. Can anything be done to get authorized for the rest? Like, we help you, you help us sort of thing. Say, do you want anything done about The Gamblers' camp ten miles south of your town?" Whatever the answer, Sean then lists what he would like to have now for the funds that are left available after the most important purchases. He also lists and hands over the things he has to sell. He's not sure about selling the third car, so he says it will be a separate deal or no deal, he has to think and consult the friends about it. The two cars he does sell right away, he sells dry - all the gas goes to the party's car, the Snowbunnies' car and what little is left to the third car.

After the shopping session, Sean intends to enjoy the civilization for a few hours - have his hair cut, have a nice freshly-made lunch, that sort of thing. Not too long, though. He is prepared to reach Point T before dark, whether or not Gunmetal wants anything done about it.

Spoiler

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If the locals want to examine the raw documentation over these hours, we let them. How much for a nice lunch and a haircut?

[Shoot Da Moon]

Sean Pires

Sean reviews the authorized deal and nods. "Good enough. Can anything be done to get authorized for the rest? Like, we help you, you help us sort of thing. Say, do you want anything done about The Gamblers' camp ten miles south of your town?" Whatever the answer, Sean then lists what he would like to have now for the funds that are left available after the most important purchases. He also lists and hands over the things he has to sell. He's not sure about selling the third car, so he says it will be a separate deal or no deal, he has to think and consult the friends about it. The two cars he does sell right away, he sells dry - all the gas goes to the party's car, the Snowbunnies' car and what little is left to the third car.

After the shopping session, Sean intends to enjoy the civilization for a few hours - have his hair cut, have a nice freshly-made lunch, that sort of thing. Not too long, though. He is prepared to reach Point T before dark, whether or not Gunmetal wants anything done about it.

Spoiler

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If the locals want to examine the raw documentation over these hours, we let them. How much for a nice lunch and a haircut?

The Gunmetal delegate approves the deal, and orders his work crew to get the stuff and record the transaction.
"If you want to get special access, I suggest you do a big personal favour for The Elders. Be careful, The Elders treat outsiders as disposable. Wiping out that raider camp would get you a meeting, but don't bite off more than you can chew, okay?"

The lunch and the haircut costs Sean, in all, two pistol bullets or one rifle bullet or a shotgun shell. The locals have no interest in the documents the exiles recovered.

[Volthawk]

Once they're done with selling off what they can, Richard's attention is very much on the prospect with meeting people with more authority than the delegates and inspectors they were currently dealing with. "The Elders, huh? Any advice about how to deal with them? I figure you guys have your own ways of doing things, and I'd rather make a good impression if I can. Also, what about that 'funny platoon' you mentioned, who'd be interested in our intel? What's their deal? Can you point us in their direction, and should we get the okay from the Elders before talking to them or will we be fine to go to them first?"

[Shoot Da Moon]

Once they're done with selling off what they can, Richard's attention is very much on the prospect with meeting people with more authority than the delegates and inspectors they were currently dealing with. "The Elders, huh? Any advice about how to deal with them? I figure you guys have your own ways of doing things, and I'd rather make a good impression if I can. Also, what about that 'funny platoon' you mentioned, who'd be interested in our intel? What's their deal? Can you point us in their direction, and should we get the okay from the Elders before talking to them or will we be fine to go to them first?"

The delegate shrugs.
"The Elders have a few layers of people you got to satisfy before you get a face-to-face meeting. Maybe if you made friends with The Elders of Bread Basket, they are our most steadfast allies. The funny platoon is what we call our intelligence division, the guys with the maps, radios and spies. You can call them on the radio without needing the Elders' permission. I'll give ya the frequency to contact them."

He hands over a call number, the kind you use to radio in.
"Do you really have intel on the black necks? Those slavers with the tattoos?"

[Volthawk]

Richard nods. "We sure do. After we beat them back off the Snowbunnies' resort, we were able to get into their leader's room. Had those orders I showed you and a whole lot of other interesting bits and pieces. I was able to sit down with it for a while before we left, got some useful intel out of it and brought what I could with us. Should be plenty for your intel people to dig into, once we get talking and sharing."

"So what's the deal with you guys and Red Brick? The black necks are just grouping you, them and Bread Basket together as 'rogue Shelters', but I gather that while you and Bread Basket are allies, it's not the case with Red Brick? Anything we should know if we ever have to deal with them? We haven't been out here for too long, so we're still out of the loop for a lot of things." Richard expected they would be dealing with Red Brick sooner or later - regardless of reputation, the third city was still one of the enemy's targets and was involved, and the way he saw it any potential ally against the enemy was worth investigating.

[u-b]

Sean Pires

Having his hair cut, Sean suddenly has an idea. He waits for the haircut to be finished, then gets his steel vest, applies it to the concealable vest, and tries to determine if it can be cut to size to fit in the pocket for the trauma plate.

Spoiler

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Steel Vest should be about the right shape already, but might be different size, so:
1. Is it at all possible to cut it to the size of a Trauma Plate?
2. What skill is needed?
3. Can we order it done right now?

[Shoot Da Moon]

Richard nods. "We sure do. After we beat them back off the Snowbunnies' resort, we were able to get into their leader's room. Had those orders I showed you and a whole lot of other interesting bits and pieces. I was able to sit down with it for a while before we left, got some useful intel out of it and brought what I could with us. Should be plenty for your intel people to dig into, once we get talking and sharing."

"So what's the deal with you guys and Red Brick? The black necks are just grouping you, them and Bread Basket together as 'rogue Shelters', but I gather that while you and Bread Basket are allies, it's not the case with Red Brick? Anything we should know if we ever have to deal with them? We haven't been out here for too long, so we're still out of the loop for a lot of things." Richard expected they would be dealing with Red Brick sooner or later - regardless of reputation, the third city was still one of the enemy's targets and was involved, and the way he saw it any potential ally against the enemy was worth investigating.

The delegate strokes his chin, "Alright, I'll pass what you got up the chain. But don't be surprised if we've heard it all before, we have sources everywhere. Or so I am told."

When Richard brings up politics, he sighs. "Red Brick is a sore spot for us. The Elders had a falling out with The Commission not too long ago. Details are classified. We trade with Red Brick, but we do not smile at them or use the good silverware when they stop by for tea. We still like them better than the black necks. In Red Brick, the Commission rules the city gangs and their so-called trades by way of the bigger stick, the gangsters who run the city's services take bribes like they drink water. And that is just half of Red Brick."

The delegate takes a long swig from his hip flask. "Red Brick dabbles in a lot of unrespectable trades that most settlements look down upon. Gambling, drugs, flesh, and blood sports. It is a fun place, but not a safe place."

[Shoot Da Moon]

Sean Pires

Spoiler

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Steel Vest should be about the right shape already, but might be different size, so:
1. Is it at all possible to cut it to the size of a Trauma Plate?
2. What skill is needed?
3. Can we order it done right now?

Spoiler

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1) Yes. 2) Armory (Body Armor) skill specialization. 3) Roll another Reaction Roll, at -4. This would be a Gadgeteer job, so expect delays.

[u-b]

Sean Pires

When Sean is back, asks Richard for his opinion about cutting our existing steel vest so that it fits into the pocket of a concealable vest like a trauma plate would. The opinion needed is two-fold. First, if Richard could do it himself back at base, in a reasonable amount of time. Second, if we are still better off having it done by armorsmiths here in Gunmetal. They probably won't do it right away, but a reasonable amount of time might be acceptable.

Also, Sean asks Richard and Tariq if they have ideas about further plans. Sean is inclined to visit Point T as soon as tonight and see what comes out of it. He is not sure how many troops are currently there, so the whole affair should be risky enough.