[Casual RP] The Silk Road [SF]

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[Casual RP] The Silk Road [SF]

Post by Expendable » 07 Sep 2019, 01:14

Welcome to Xi'an, the largest independent station along the Silk Road route in space. This spherical station, the size of a small moon, orbits a gas giant in the Rigelar System, lit by its massive blue giant.


Xi'an is protected by the Sisters - battleship-sized spheres possessing incredible firepower. Rumors claim that larger spheres lay hidden in the system. Xi'an itself has massive gun emplacements on the Outer Hull, it's recommended to remain peaceful during your visit. Challengers usually become spare parts or scrap for the furnaces. Survivors wind up in one of the penal mines on Rigelod or Hohrunk. Few ever manage to buy their way out.


Smaller ships for a modest fee can enter one of the space doors on the outer hull and land on the armored inner hull. Larger ships can hire space taxis (more like a bus with atmosphere and thrusters) to run their crew to one of the passenger hanger systems.


Each deck of the station is a relatively smaller sphere, held aloft by massive pillars that contain massive freight and passenger elevators. With the ceiling high overhead, it's easy to forget you're on a station as it seem so planet-like, while maintaining one standard g throughout the public decks.


Inner Hull is the ship repair and docking bay, and as impressively armored as the outer hull. Shields on the space doors keep air contained, so one can walk outside their ships without need of space suits.


Market Square is the next in deck, a place with the reputation where almost anything and everything except slaves and children may be bought and sold.


Next in is Up Town, a sprawling complex of hotels, bars, clubs, casinos, restaurants, hospitals and parks. Most visitors never go further down than that. Among the humans, Nick's Terran Cafe is a favorite hot spot - live music, an excellent chef, a fully stocked bar and a casino. It's said the casino is honest, it's also said the only way to leave Nick's with a small fortune is to come in with a larger one.


Below them is Mechanicsburg, the manufacturing hub of the station. If nobody's got it, you can usually get it made here if you've got the Woolongs.


Midway is the first primary resident deck - homes, schools, shopping, farm plots - station residents are very protective of this deck. Visitors are recommended never to enter uninvited.


Farmville is the first of the Agri Decks, dedicated to growing much of the plants the station and its visitors consume.


Shanty is the inland sea of Xi'an, a massive body of water filled with all sorts of fish, birds, and ocean mammals.


Vat Works is the air and water purification deck, a massive complex of algee farms that is the source of that most basic of food stuff, Algee wafers, Survival Paste, and newt nuggets.

Smallville is the second primary resident deck, with its own schools, shopping, homes and farm plots.


HUB - the administrative area for the entire station. This is the home of the Station Administrator and the Monitors, the station's police force. This is where disputes are settled.


Below the Hub is the Core Decks, which is strictly off-limits to visitors.


Welcome to Xi'an, the jewel of the Silk Road. Stay out of trouble.

================================

Casual space rp, a launching point for your own stories. No character sheets needed.No attacking the station. Bar fights allowed.

While you can trade precious metals and gems, most use Woolongs as their currency. Those who show up with massive cashwads will find themselves separated from it.

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Re: [Casual RP] The Silk Road [SF]

Post by Expendable » 08 Sep 2019, 00:59

(ooc - [mention=20855]Naughty Kitty[/mention] - feel free to post. I'd like to retire Vagabond for now while I rework it.)

Up Town - Nick's Terran Cafe

Nick leaned over the railing, watching the patrons below drinking and generally having a good time. He watched as his General Manager wove through the crowd and up the stairs to his office. He gave her a nod as she appeared at the top.

"So, how are we doing?"
"We're out of salmon," Julie sighed. "One fight, otherwise a good night, boss."
"What about that fight?"
"An unhappy gambler whose luck ran out at the Roulette Wheel. He was claiming we rigged the roulette table and demanded his money back."
"So why wasn't he brought up to my office?"
"He threw a punch at Charlie - she ducked, and he punched a customer. The Monitors took all three in for questioning."
"Did they examine the table?"
"Yes boss. They were satisfied it was operating correctly."
"Good. So that just leaves the little matter of why didn't you call me when it happened?" He growled, shooting her an angry glare.

Julie winced, glancing down at the patrons. "Sam said you were sleeping and were not to be disturbed."
"Whose's name is on the door of this establishment, Julie?"
"Yours," she winced.
"If the Monitors show up, I don't care what condition I'm in, you let me know and get me down there," Nick scowled.
"Yes Nick."
"Let it happen again, I'll fire you and kick you out the door. Understood?"
"Nick, you should go to her...."

He turned to stare at her quizzically. "Go to who, Julie?"
"Nick! You know very well who I'm talking about!"
"Better get down there and mind the house. Have one of the waiters bring up a pot of coffee," Nick said as he stood up from the balcony railing and turned towards his office.
"Nick...!"
"Coffee, Julie," he sighed, shaking his head. "And don't forget what I said. You're a nice kid, but I need to know I can rely on you."

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Re: [Casual RP] The Silk Road [SF]

Post by Expendable » 09 Sep 2019, 05:29

There was a small commotion at the entrance as Julie was coming down the stars. There were two Valkyries at the entrance. One was Loas, the local liason officer from the mission one deck up, wearing a very comfortable dark blue kimono festooned with embroidered white and silver moon flowers. The other looked like she'd just graduated from high school. The redhead looked uncomfortable, still clad in her clamshell body armor with her wings furled with monocrys covers. The blaster on her hip looked as worn as its holster. She looked around doubtfully.

"Kat," Julie said, stopping next to the waitress, "Go prepare the corner table over there - swap out the two chairs for the padded benches. Whatever you do, don't get behind them and don't touch the young one's wings. They tend to be a bit jittery and not used to speaking. They can handle the Human menu, and I'll tell the boss."

She glanced at the table. "I'm sorry to take your waitress away from you, it's best to seat Valkyries quickly. May I get you a round of drinks on the house?"

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Re: [Casual RP] The Silk Road [SF]

Post by Expendable » 13 Sep 2019, 02:13

"Forgive my companion," Loas smiled. "She's not used to speaking. We'll have the roast beef and Yorkshire pudding, mashed potatoes, gravy, biscuits, and two salads with raspberry vinaigrette with two glasses of ice water and two glasses of the house wine."

The younger woman frowns, her brow furrowing in confusion, but nods when you look at her.

"Yes, please," she says suddenly, glancing at Loas for a moment before returning her attention to you.

"Thank you, my dear," the older woman says, touching the back of her hand.

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Re: [Casual RP] The Silk Road [SF]

Post by Expendable » 13 Sep 2019, 03:57

It wasn't until coffee and cheesecake was being served that Nick appeared, weaving his way through the tables.

"Bring me a coffee too, please," he asks Kat as he sits down. "Good evening, Loas. Who's your friend?"
"Good evening Nick. This is your new security person you asked me for, Rion."

He did a double take, frowning. "I don't want some rookie, I thought you get vets through your office!"
"Don't let her age fool you. She was cloned behind the battle lines. Worked support until her training officers deemed her ready. She's got three combat rotations under her."
"So why is she here instead of that rock you call a homeworld? Get in some R&R, whatever you ladies do for fun."
"This is her 'solo flight'," Loas shrugged. "Don't you humans practice 'Rumspringa' or whatever it's called?"
"That's the Amish. You'd like them, big peace lovers."
"Peace doesn't pay the bills," the Valkyrii sighed.

Nick stared at the girl for a long moment, then shrugged. "Doesn't talk much, I'll grant her that."
Loas laughed, glancing over at Rion who frowned, confused. "Let's just say you're not wired right to hear her. But working in this place would give her a chance to spread her wings, so to speak."

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Re: [Casual RP] The Silk Road [SF]

Post by Expendable » 14 Sep 2019, 00:55

"Nick," Loas said, leaning forward, "I don't know when I'd get anyone better. You could at least give her a chance."
"Yeah," Nick sighed, picking up the cup that Kat had just sat down for him. "I'll give it a try for a week. Do you give her a place...?"
Loas laughed, leaning back with a smirk. "Nick, she's a bodyguard. She stays with you!"

"What?!?" Nick yelped, causing a small stir among the crowd. "Hey, I didn't..."
"You're here, so she's going to be right here too."
"But there's just my apartment up there," he hemmed.
"I'm sure there's a vacant room around here she could set up in quite comfortably, certainly better than battle field," Loas said, waving at his den at the top of the stairs. "If not, there's always that landing."
"But what if I've got company..."
"We don't talk about clients and their habits, Nick," Loas smiled. At least not where others can overhear us.
I don't understand his reluctance. Rion frowned.
You will, one day.

"Okay, I can probably come up with something," he sighed, scratching the back of his head. "But has she got anything else she can wear besides that armor? She's going to stand out like a sore thumb in that!"
"It's expected," Loas sighed.
"What do you mean 'it's expected'?"
"They'll shoot at me first," Rion said calmly, startling Nick. "It should buy you a second or two to escape or respond."
"Ah," Nick said, face turning red. "Of course. But I can't have a girl in armor hanging around, people will talk!"
"We can get her fitted with some body armor that nobody will see."
"What about clothes?"
"She has only her uniform and armor. Understand, we're a poor people."
"I guess that's expenses," Nick sighed, then turned to wave at the waitress. "Kat! C'ome here, kid."

"This girl," he said, pointing at Rion, "She's going to be working with us for the next few days, but she needs some working clothes. Can you take her with you tomorrow morning and get her set up? I'll give you a credit card and you'll get some overtime outta this. Sounds reasonable to you?"

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Re: [Casual RP] The Silk Road [SF]

Post by Expendable » 16 Sep 2019, 18:15

"Thanks Kat. I'm covering their bill - you're going to expense it anyway, aren't you?"
"Like I said, we're a poor people."
"Yeah. Julie will arrange a tip for you," Nick said to Kat, then turned to the two mercenaries. "I've got a pot upstairs, still warm. Let's go to my office to discuss the rest of this."

"Oh," he paused, turning back to Kat. "What's a good time for you to meet up with uh, your name again?"
"Rion."
"Rion here? She'll be spending the night - on my office couch," he emphasized.

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Re: [Casual RP] The Silk Road [SF]

Post by Expendable » 21 Sep 2019, 15:49

Outer Hull - Wayward Star

"What is that?" the pilot whispered as the ship edge past a Sister, a large black globe that made the trader look tiny against its mass.
"You ever find out," Blackjack smirked, "There's a whole lotta people who'll pay you handsome for it."
"Or cut your throat," Sakura, the first officer, sighed. "Just to keep it out of anyone else's hands."

"Wayward Star, this is Xi-an Control. Please state your intentions," the radio crackled.
"Best make nice with them before they sic that Sister on us," Blackjack warned, still smirking.
"Ah, yeah," the pilot swallowed, picking up the mic. "Xi-an Control, this is the Wayward Star, requesting an entry vector."
"Someplace cheap," Sakura prompted. "We're running lean this trip."
"Someplace cheap," the pilot echoed.
"Roger that, Wayward Star. Ah, assume orbit and maintain 10,000 meters distance until you reach Beacon 7."
"Roger orbit and beacon 7."

"So," Sakura asked, leaning over to the captain, "Think Nick will pay for this?"
"I don't see why not," Blackjack frowned. "We paid deeply this trip."

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Re: [Casual RP] The Silk Road [SF]

Post by Expendable » 28 Sep 2019, 07:02

The Monitor was waiting for Kat outside Nick's. He/She/It was wearing a big-headed smiling hologram, looking like a giant bobble-head.

"Miss?" It inquired as she stepped outside the door after the end of her shift. "I'd like you to come with me, if you please." Its tiny arm pointed towards a door of a dark limousine waiting down the street. "This should only take a few minutes."

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Re: [Casual RP] The Silk Road [SF]

Post by Expendable » 30 Sep 2019, 06:17

"There are some questions," the monitor said. "However, it is preferred that you enter the vehicle."

It paused, then said, "Compensation for your time will be provided."

Ahead of them, the rear passenger door opened quietly.

"Please come this way?" the Monitor asked.

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Re: [Casual RP] The Silk Road [SF]

Post by Expendable » 03 Oct 2019, 04:03

The figure waiting for her in the car was a solid shadow, no discernible features except for some tuffs of curly hair. When they spoke, even their voice was modulated.

"You are one of the staff members of Nick's Terran Cafe?" it asked in a distorted buzzy voice. "Two Valkyriis entered the establishment, you were viewed serving one of them. One of them stayed behind. We wish to know why? Does this have anything to do with Blackjack?"

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Re: [Casual RP] The Silk Road [SF]

Post by Expendable » 04 Oct 2019, 00:28

The figure laughed, a rough sound like a guitar being smashed over a drum set, then decided to lounge back.

"Nick certainly hires his staff with spunk," it said, then its tone became serious. "I commend your misplaced loyalty, we can certainly arrange for you to leave quickly. For failing in cooperating with my investigation, I can have the Monitor outside put you on the next transport to Hohrunk."

The figure raised its hand dismissively.

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Re: [Casual RP] The Silk Road [SF]

Post by Expendable » 09 Oct 2019, 04:05

"It was reported that after serving Nick some coffee, you were called over to the table and there was gesturing at the Valkyrii who stayed behind with Nick," the shadowy figure rasped in its electronic voice as a video of the scene played itself in front of it.

"Answer me truthfully, or you'll discover yourself on that shuttle within the hour. What was discussed?"

"Serena!" The Monitor called out as their door was abruptly opened by Nick, who swore.
"Serena?!" Nick growled. "I should have known. Is this what you're doing now, waylaying the people that work for me? If you've got a question, why don't you just ask me?"
"Because I'd like a straight answer," Serena retorted, the shadow stripping away to reveal a woman with dark blue skin and tiny sparkles on her skin that some would mistake for glitter. She glanced past Nick at the Valkyrii. "So, is she here to finish the job?"
"Eh?" Nick demanded, glancing behind him at Rion, who had a gun out pointing at the rear window. "Put that away! Something happens to her, and we'd be lucky if this place spits us out into space!"

Rion frowned, but lowered her weapon.

"Look, I just hired her on as a bodyguard. I asked Kat to take her shopping so she doesn't look like she does now."
"And why do you need a bodyguard, Nick?" Serena demanded, stepping out of her limo.
"Got some business coming up and they're not the friendly sort."
"It's the Union, isn't it? You got out Nick! Why poke the bear?"
"I've got my reasons," Nick growled. He glanced over the roof at Kat, and nodded his head sidways at the intersection. "Get goin', Kat. Me and the ladies have some talking to do."

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Re: [Casual RP] The Silk Road [SF]

Post by Expendable » 21 Oct 2019, 16:04

With a yawn, Nick came into the office to find the balcony door open and his bodyguard seated at the table, cleaning her weapon in the artificial sunlight.

"Good morning," he said. "I hope you weren't out there all night."

"No, but that was," Rion replied, pointing at the Monitor on the sidewalk below. "Is it a machine?"
"There are some questions one shouldn't answer outside of this club," Nick sighed. "Just assume that every Monitor you run into is the same one."
"Should I disable it?"
"Leave it alone and whatever you do, obey its orders except telling it what I'm doing."
"Is it not an enemy?"
"Consider it an interested observer who will step in when violence breaks out."

Rion frowned, putting down the cleaning rod to stare at her employer. "Why not employ one of those to protect you?"
"They're not for hire and anything they learn goes straight to Serena."
"I... see," Rion frowned.

Nick sighed. "If you can, you'd be the first. I'm going down for some coffee, can I get you anything?"
"No."

"Okay," Nick replied turning.
"Wait."
"Yes?"
"It is morning. Where is the one you call 'Kat'?"
"Some of us have a later start time," Nick said dryly, turning back to the office. "She'll be along eventually."

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Re: [Casual RP] The Silk Road [SF]

Post by Expendable » 29 Oct 2019, 03:19

"Begin?" Rion asked, eyes wide. "What is 'begin'?"

"Kat?" Nick drawled, leaning out of the doorway. "Here's a purchase card, got about 5 thou on it. Try not to spend it all, she's got to be able to carry it all out when the job's done."

He paused, glancing behind her at the flustered Valkyrii.

"Oh, and assume our winged newbie was born on a battlefield and has no knowledge of anything beyond a gun and a uniform."

Which, he was certain, was true.

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