Galactic Colonization

[Mantra]

William cautiously brought the pint of the dark stout under his nose and sniffed gently, swirling it a bit before finally taking a slug of the brew. His eyes nearly rolled back in his head as he fought the urge not to gag on the foul stuff. He quickly set the pint glass down, retreving his cloth napkin and placing it over his mouth to disguise his expression.

"Wow..." he said quietly after a moment, then sipped at his water glass. "That's, um..strong."

 

[rengadeirishman]

Cahir and Eoghain looked at William and laughed. "have you never tasted of the guiness?" Cahir said chuckling "Thats okay lad, tis a drink for warriors. Have some pig, it is well seasoned." Cahir looked toward Andrew Grant and said "I would like to thank again Andrew Grant for bringing us together as friends ought to be.-" Eoghain called out "HE can handle his beer!" drawing a laugh from all the Irish present.

 

[Mantra]

William smiled, sharing the joke with the crowd. "Ignorant fuckstick." he thought to himself, rolling his eyes briefly while pushing the pint farther away in hopes of escaping the rancid fumes.
As he did, he leaned towards Mr. David West. "His people can swill horse piss and call it champaigne for all I care." He whispered. "That doesn't make him a jockey though does it?"

"In any case, just what does 'F.E.U.' represent? I have a bit of R and D history behind me myself."

 

[rengadeirishman]

Erin Nova

Cahir down his fourth pint and leaned over to Eoghain "I want your scouts to keep an eye on this William Stargazer. He has an ill favored look about him." "Yes Father." Eoghain said taking a drink "I agree." Cahir looked toward the barkeep "Yes please mate." he said pointing to his cup. yes, they would keep a very close eye on Stargazer

 

[Screech]

David tried hard to supress a chuckle at Stargazer's choice of words! He whispered back "Yeah, I'm not much of a fan of beer that looks like it's from the Thames!" He piped up, so that anyone listening would think it's just a normal conversation. "F.E.U is a small multi-nat. Nostly just cherry-picks specialists for energy research and development. The high-ups heard about the crystals on this planet, and figured that wanted a cut of the action. Then they chose me to lead the expedition"

 

[Mantra]

"Interesting." William commented. "It just so happens I have a good handful of boys who might have some insight into that very thing...and more, but I couldn't give it much consideration as my colony lacks and serious mining equipment or experience. I do however, have the plans for a machine shop and lab. Perhaps a bit of negotiating and trade is in order?"

 

[rengadeirishman]

Erin Nova

Cahir watched Mr. West and Mr. Stargazer. "Eoghain, after this banquet, send emissaries to GEM and FEU. I want to establish some alliances with the other factions in case Stargazer's boys decide to get....out of hand later on" "It will be done father." Eoghain said. Cahir took a large gulp of beer and then a large bite of pork.

 

[macmillian]

" The Banquet moves foward "

I am drinking the stout and watching Will stargazer (Last Chace Corp) talking with William from FEU (R&D). That seemed to make me a little nervious and I not sure why. I think FEU should sit down with us at least. Last Chance was last on our list. Erin Nova (if possible) , FEU/R&D to consult a secondary alliance to use their skills on the crystals. More of a trading partner and information funnel to our own group of techies. Erin Nova, Cahir, was number one, but I will have to meet with the board before starting negotiations with any of the other groups.

The wives rose and proceeded in to the lounge and sat together in a cicrcle of large plush chairs and began their own negotiations. Education and schools. Social functions where the colonists get together to talk, dance, drink and eat.(hopefully from newly grown crops)

"coffee, tea and desserts in a few minutes. . I said," the captain and his navagator will be joining us and probably a representive
of Colony Inc. if he is still aboard.

" I have one last item on the agender and then we will all watch and listen to entertainment. But first," a large screen is lowered and the lights are dimmed only very slightly. projected on the screen was the six landing sites. Take a good look gentleman, this is the most up todate and acurate information we now have available.". I walk over to the screen and point out the six, top, left to right 1A /1B/1C , and the bottom from left to right, 2A/ 2B / 2C ."

This brought the men out of their seats and approach the screen. New info could be seen and showed even some terrain. N

THE MAP: E + W

S
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------LAKE NORTHERN MT. RANGE OCEAN
----------------------------------------------------------------------*---- *
1A 1B 1C *






2A 2B 2C *




----------------------------------------------------------------------
------- ---------------------------
-------- SOUTHERN SWAMP
---------- ----------------------
------------- ----------------------
SOUTHERN TRAC ---- -------------------------

The north has large mountain ranges, east and west by water and south swamps and marshes with a dry track heading ssw.

" Gentleman, shall we make our picks here, now. Or wait........I say now....Erin Nova. Cahir 1st, FEU, William 2nd, LCC, Will Stargazer 3rd, and GEM, Andrew 4th............Is that ok with you gentleman ?

 

[rengadeirishman]

Erin Nova

Cahir sat up "I, Cahir O'Dochartaigh, in the name of the people of Erin Nova select landing site 1a as our new homeland"

 

[Mantra]

William continued his conversation with Mr. West through dinner. The man was knowledgeable in engineering and research, which was good sinck the only one he was able to have such a technical conversation with lately was Professor Teeves from his staff. Austin was a great guy, but a little dry sometimes.

When the information about landing sites came up William looked up and followed the others with a soft sigh. Quickly reviewing, the information seemed accurate, even a bit more up to date in regards to weather patterns and temeratures, but all was good.

"As I mentioned earlier, Mr. Grant, I have already requested a landing site and launch time through Colony Inc as well as the Captain of the Pequot. I believe Mr. West has mentioned something similar, but I do not wish to speak for him or his colony." He shrugged. "Still, Team Three has requested the lakeside site to set down in. "

 

[Screech]

David West nodded at Stargazer's words. "Mr Stargazer is correct. Site 2C is most suitable to my needs, and I have placed a request to be dropped there already"

As he stood, he thaught about G.E.M, and William Stargazer's conversation. It could prove useful to set up a preliminary trade negotiation with them. Perhaps research data for resources? He'd have to have a full inventory of trade goods to find out which would be most useful for his men

 

[macmillian]

THE LANDING SITES:

I suggest that we wait until the captain arrives with the Colony Inc. rep and we can sort all this out. Asigned sites and landing can then done and everyone will know where each stands.

 

[Mantra]

Last Chance Corp.- Making a Plan

Jacob McKinny finally entered the room, ten minutes late, but oh well, such was life. He set the scrambler on the table and flipped it on before finally throwing himself into his chair. The others were seated around him, save for William and Lazlo, who were off goofing off at some party. Jake hoped at least they'd bring back some leftovers or something.

"Alright ladies." he began, "This meeting is for a final status before we lift off. Basically, like Will said, if we ain't got it, we're not gonna have it, so what's the deal? Start with you John."

Dr. Witness flipped on his own personal computer pad and checked his notes. "We have the medicines, vaccines and supplies listed, registered and stored. The chemicals and compounds are likewise stored and as soon as the labs are up and running, we can start manufacturing some limited pharmacutacles. Likewise the equipment for the hospital ward is aboard. As for staff, there's me and two other doctors, one of which is a psychologist with limited medical experience, and three nurses. There are also six robots and six clones assigned to the hospital once it's opened.
"The cloning tanks are scheduled to arrive this week to be loaded although it's not final on how many we actually got. That's still in the works. There's also a colonist we met at the get together that used to be an EMT that I'd like to come over if she's willing."

Jake grunted his acknowledgement of the report. The get-together had been good for all the colonists and many partnerships had been formed as well as information garnered. They even had a semi celebrity with Arthur Simms, the tennis pro on board. Jake thought that was worthless in itself, but Lazlo thought it was some sort of great thing. However, as a little added bonus, some of William's more creative folks had actually boosted the refrigeraing box the caterer's had brought.

In any case, each colonist had been 'registered', accounted for and given any skills or talents they posessed. In return, each colonist was given a web belt, two canteens, a backpack and duffel bag along with some final instructions. As the colonists started to arrive, each brought personal belongings for each member of the family for five days. If any of the colonists owned private, all terrain or heavy hauling vehicles, they were encouraged to bring them as well. In addition, one canteen was filled with water but the second was filled with brandy. This canteen was turned in as well as three packets of cigarettes. In return, baggage was stored and equipment, work assignment and living quarters was assigned. Finally, each colonist was given a plastic identity card that had been designed by Dimitri. They were nothing special, but at least it provided some method of organization and security for the group.

"Yeah, about the get together." Jake said, fishing out some paper lists and sliding them to those assembled. "Here's a list of who's going to be reporting to you. Make sure no one gets lost will ya. Once we land, everyone's got a job to do. First priority will be getting the main generator onloaded, placed on on line. Then all the water purifiers and food replicators. Will's got the engineers under him once we land, Teeves, you and all your eggheads can do all the preliminary tests on the water, air, dirt, bugs, and anything else you need to test once we land. The rest of you will either have work details setting up shelters or pre-positioning supplies and equipment."
"But enough on that for now. Dimitri, what do you have?"

Dimitri skidded a computer print out simply titled 'Stuff'.

Apparently, the satalite was already aboard as wellas the maxi- 5000 generator and several smaller generators were also aboard and pre-positioned in their assigned bays. In addition, several solar power panels and battery packs were included as back up. Two 5000 gallon tanks had just recently been loaded, one being marked as 'fuel' which was loaded with JP-8, high octane jet propelant, the second was listed as 'flamable liquid' which was actually filled to the brim with fine coniac. Another 60 foot connex box had been loaded aboard and tucked away with the cargo which was stuffed full of cigars and cigatettes. along with many, many containers of electronic stuff Jake wasn't even going to pretend he understood.

"Got aboard 53 hoverbikes so far, but I don't think we're gonna get many more. The whole assembly line for those ATV's is aboard along with all the parts I could find, scrounge, bottow or steal. The additional robots will be here soon too." Dimitri smiled, "aaaand, I have some personal memory pods in my own stash. over 47,000 music files and 500, holovids of all shapes and sizes. Then I have the crown prize, ta, tata TAAA! A holosuite projector setup with a wide variety of programs. Just call me Mr. Entertainment!"

"Yeah, whatever." Jake growled, although privatly, Jake admitted that the little cybergeek had done rather well. "That just leaves you Austin. William wants your boys to have a layout drawn up for your lab before landfall. Make a list of crap your guys want and send it forward. You can ask for the world, but don't expect it to get there anytime soon."
"So that's that guys. I'll meet with Laz and Will as soon as they get done fucking around at this dinner thing."

 

[Mantra]

Meanwhile, back at the Dinner Thing

William nodded at the suggestion to wait for the other representatives.

"Well, is there any other business to discuss? If not, Mr. West, would you care to continue our conversation? By chance, do you play pool?"

 

[macmillian]

The Banquet continues:

With Will Statgazer and David West engaged with each other. I cross the room towards Cahir and his son. I call a waitress over and order three tankerds of stout to be brought over to Erin Nova and I.

"Good Evening Gentleman, may I join you?" I ask as I approach Cahir. "I have asked that three Stouts be brought over too."

The waitress returns bearing the tree tankers of stout I wait for Cahir to take his first. I stood quietly and waited for Cahir. I hoped that now would be the right time to suggest a private meeting betwee us, My brother's Edward and Robert and I. the time to make a move is know.

 

[macmillian]

' THE CHOICES '

Just as the waitress arrives with the stout, a messenger from the bridge and the captain also arrives. The messenger is escorted by Agusta Perez an she comes directly over to me.

THE MESSAGE

***** " GENTLEMAN " I am sorry that I may not join you due to the need fo my presence on the bridge. The representive of "Colony Inc." is also detained. Headquarter's for Colony Inc. has said to go ahead and make your decisions on the sites that we plan to land at.

When you have made your decisions, please inform the bridge and Colony Inc.. Departures will be determined by site and the colony number. Thank you for your patience an hope to hear from you soon. signed The cpatain / Pequot

" Gentlemen, gentlemen, your attention please !", I speak out to the members gathered about the room. I read the message from the captain and Colony Inc. " May we all return to our places at the table, please." The remaining members returned to their places and I waited untill evryon was seated.

"I have already proposed a way to make the selections and Colony Inc. has said any way we wanted would be acceptable." I started out. "I repeat my proposal again. The order was #1 Erin Nova, #2 FEU, #4 Last Chance Corp. and #4 GEM."

"The floor is now open for discussion or a call to vote. Gentlemen." I finish and sit down. Now was the time. Who would be next to speak.

 

[rengadeirishman]

Erin Nova

"We would be honored if you joined us." Cahir motioned to Cormach, his guard who was occupying a chair, Cormach got up. A waitress bearing a tray of stout arrived, as Cahir took his, the messenger from the bridge arrived.

THE MESSAGE

***** " GENTLEMAN " I am sorry that I may not join you due to the need of my presence on the bridge. The representive of "Colony Inc." is also detained. Headquarter's for Colony Inc. has said to go ahead and make your decisions on the sites that we plan to land at.

When you have made your decisions, please inform the bridge and Colony Inc.. Departures will be determined by site and the colony number. Thank you for your patience an hope to hear from you soon. signed The cpatain / Pequot


Cahir once again stood up and said. "Erin Nova still selects landing site 1a, to become our new homeland" he sat down and said to andrew "Now let us talk business."

 

[Mantra]

William could not help but smile and shake his head.

"Pardon me gentlemen, but again, Team Three has already submitted a landing site and time as has Mr. West here."

"Still, I do not want to seem unreasonable. My team has need of the lake and the river that flows off from it. I would be willing to yeald my predesignated drop time to the Captain's decision so long as the lakeside site is left to my colony."

"Would this be acceptable?"

 

[macmillian]

Andrew Grant;

I acknowledge Cahir and he choice site of #1A.

I sit and await to see if any one else will speak up. David West of FEU should be next and then followed by William Stagazer of The Last Chance Corp.. I can not wait to long and I rise and speak again.

"Gentlemen, Please," I added, "Decisions have to be made and I feel that now is the time." again I sit back down and wait.

I turn to Cahir and acknowledge his choice of site 1a. but again any choice would be a good one. I raise my tankard and take a long drink of the strong brew. " Now let us talk........" I pause. take another drink, "Please remain after the others leave and we can talk more privately".

I drain the tankard and call for more for us all. My brothers Robert and Edward have joined us and the waitress brings over more drinks for us all. I call over one of the waiters and instructed him to inform the ladies in the lounge that dessert is being prepared to be serve and would they like to rejoin us.

Turning back to Cahir and his son, "if it remains available we would like to use site 1b to start." I say in a lowered tone. "and I would like my brothers to join us also, if it is aggreable."

 

[rengadeirishman]

"we would be delighted to stay later" Cahir said, calling for more pork. "Allow me to be honest with you, mr. grant, I do not trust Stargazer. And no, i do not mind if your brothers join us. 1b would be a good choice, if we decide to ally, you will be near enough for us to effectively defend." Cahir ate some pork and drank some more beer

 

[Screech]

David West crossed his arms as he sat back. "Like Mr. Stargazer here, I have selected a site that will be most beneficial to my colony's needs. Site 2C is the most useful to me, and least useful to most of the rest of you. That is my descision, and I stand by it!"

 

[macmillian]

Decisions having been made and there was no objection, I had waited to see if there was any other comments before I spoke again.

"Thank you sir!",I said to Cahir, " Let me conclude things here and then we shall talk." With that set in motion, I stand and raise my arms in the air.

"Gentlemen, GEM's choice of it's landing site is 1b", I call out to all. "And with this choice, there is no conflict."

The choices;
site # 1 A ..... Erin Nova
site # 1 B ..... GEM
site # 1 C ..... *(open)

site # 2 A ..... Last Chance Corp.
site # 2 B ..... *(open)
site # 2 C ..... FEU

"That concludes the business part of our Banquet", as I continue, "and I would like to welcom our ladies back and we hope that there time together has been as fruitful as ours." We all stand as the women return to the banquet hall. The Waiters and waitresses begin again to move about the room.

The Banquet is over.......

 

[rengadeirishman]

Erin Nova

"Cormach, Seamus!" Cahir said "Take the queen and the princess back, we have further business." Brigid leaned in and kissed him "Dont be starting any wars before we've even landed Cay." she said to him affectionately "I can not make promises my love, Go now, we will return later." Cahir said and they left. Cahir called for more beer "Now Master Grant, let us discuss business." he said producing his clay pipe from its pouch, packing and lighting it. "What can your organization do for my people?"

 

[macmillian]

Andrew Grant;

"First let me have the rest of these people leave and have the room secured." I call over Agusta Perez and instruct her to have all the remaining workers leave except one bartender and the secure this room and the corridor. She knods her head and turns and leaves.

I describe the general makeup off our group and the colony. We are miners and we do that very well. My brother Robrert is our military man and he has brought with us a force of approxamately 100 to be our security. We also have the beginning of a fine agriculture group, labs, scientists and explores. We can survey, make maps, a first rate communications net and many other areas that a colony our size would need.

"To answer your question I need to ask a question."" my question is what are you looking for? A trading partner? An alliance? We are the smallest sized colony in this group and we do not pose a threat other than our people and equipment that someone else needs.

Let me put it this way. Long ago, past history, a king could not keep a large army on stand by all the time. He kept a small but usually good fighting force. When he needed more men and supplies, he would call upon his vassals, other nobels of his land and each would respond with what ever he had pledged to the king. Fiedelty! that is the key.

"Cahir, you are a leader, a man others would follow. WE, the Grants are good at what we do and we do it very well." We need an alliance to servive and how we get that alliance is as important as having it. That is how my brothers and I feel.

 

[rengadeirishman]

Erin Nova

"You speak well boyo." Cahir said "You need protection, we need some supplies, basic foodstuffs and ore to make armor and weapons. Is there perhaps some arrangement we can come too?"