Far Frontiers Gateway sector

[Murph]

025-2508 Gateway News Service- Dusk

Naval vessels intercepted the free trader Gulliver's Wish as it was refusing to respond to hails and moving on an erratic path in one of the belts. The destroyer Lyons was finally able to overtake the ship, but due to its erratic path, was forced to send a ships boat over and marines conducted an EVA assault on the ship. The Airlock was forced open and as the marines entered, they were attacked by members of the crew. Using stunners, and less lethal weapons, the marines were finally able to subdue the crew of 12 and then naval personnel were able to get the ship under control.

The Gulliver's Wish had jumped in to the system three days ago, and was apparently looking for ancient tech, when it came to the attention of the Quarantine ships. The crew was forced to be sedated, as each one was exceptionally violent, screaming, and completely uncooperative towards the crew of the Lyons. They kept screaming things like: "It is here, it is watching us". "It hurt me, and was in my head". Nothing the crew said made any sense due to the fact that they were the only ones onboard the vessel. The reason the ship was traveling the erratic path, was due to the bridge crew trying to escape from "It".

As the crew was taken to Quarantine station #3 which was the closest to where the vessel was intercepted. A prize crew brought in the ship with no incident, and no "space ghosts" at all. The crew was kept sedated enough to be able to speak with medical personnel, and all had the same story. They came to the system to see if any ancient artifacts could be found, and they had a buyer with the Black Sun group on Shiva. They came across an asteroid that had odd readings, when suddenly "things from out of space and time" came out of the blackness of space, and the terror began.

They claimed that they saw "creatures which were there and not there at the same time", and they felt "things" crawling inside of their brains, and along their spines. They also said that they felt terror the likes of which they have never felt before, and saw indescribable horrors and they knew there was no where to run.

Medical staff has adjudged the crew to be hopelessly insane at this point and will be returning them sedated and secured to Gateway for further treatment and punishment for entering the Dusk system. Medical staff said that they had "eerie feelings" while speaking with the crew as
if someone was watching them. Two of the staff said that they thought they heard someone or something breathing, but nothing was there. Those staff members have also requested an immediate return to Gateway or anywhere else but Dusk. The Gulliver's Wish will be returned to Gateway as well for condemnation and sale. The crew of the Lyons will share in the sale price under prize court rules.

 

[casquilho]

025-2508 Gateway News Service- Dusk

I love the feel of this story arc. Sort of reminds me of 'Event Horizon' to a degree. What is real and what is insane. Nice.

 

[Murph]

Thank you.

 

[Murph]

039-2508 Gateway News Service- Gateway

Marvin Zeitsler here on Gateway, I have discovered shocking events that I need to bring to your attention. There is Sliiiiiiimmmmeeee in the ice machine! Yes Sirree, there is Slime in the Ice machine! I checked out six 11-7 stores here in Landing City, and every single one of them had failed their health department checks, with one of them having mold inside of its allegedly self cleaning ice cream machine! We here at KRBC TV news are on the job! Back to you Neal.

For those who don't know Marvin Zindler was a Houston Legend, a tradition, a larger than life fellow. He was a Character. He also helped shut down the infamous "Chicken Ranch" in LaGrange. When I was in university, I was fortunate enough to get into a class that had Marvin come and speak. He was a character even in his late 70s you just couldn’t help but like the guy.

 

[Murph]

038-2508 Gateway News Service- Gateway

Cosmi-Med, the cosmetic medical consortium has released information in its latest cosmetic advances so that everyone can become one of the "beautiful people", they call this new proceedure "Nano Masking" where the use of specially grown nanites actually rebuild the facial structure, and can also do things such as changing the color of the eyes, in addition of the traditional nose and chin jobs. The new procedure does require a three day stay in clinic due to the nature of the "rebuild", It can also change hair color for an additional fee.

Cosmi-Med has been a leader in cosmetic and bio-sculpting medicine for decades now. They are the sector's leading Medical Cosmetic group, with many satisfied customers. Their motto, is "Why Not? let us make you a better you." With this announcement their stock went up three points on the Gateway Exchange.

 

[Murph]

043-2508 Gateway News Service- Friedland

The JS Bach Chamber Orchestra has started its quadrennial tour of the sector, starting with Freedonia. They will give 12 concerts over their time on each planet before moving on to the next ones. Transport is being provided by Neue Deutsche Starship-Linie gratis with the government of Freidland providing the costs to showcase this Orchestra. The trip of the Chamber orchestra is a highly anticipated event across the sector, with Amaterasu being especial fans of both JS Bach and Beethoven music. This year's tour will also include the Outland subsector to the delight of music fans in that lonely subsector.

Concertmeister Baron Pieter von Scheel says that this tour promises to be the very best, with a new organ being provided, which has exceptional highs and lows. As part of their repertoire they are going to be adding some pieces from other exceptional masters this year. Ticket sales are already skyrocketing across the sector as the orchestra starts its tour.

 

[Murph]

048-2508 Gateway News Service- Ember Station

The long awaited meeting of heads of state has kicked off, a bit late due to some last minute travel glitches. Prime Minister Gonzalez-Cenisac greeted the assembled leaders and gave a short 75 minute long speech in which he gave voice to his hopes that this assembly of heads of state would produce a better understanding between the worlds in the Sector and allow for the clearing of the air over "unfortunate misunderstandings" as he called them.

The Kaiser then got up and he gave a short speech as well, as senior Statesman present per Corps Diplomatique rules. He spoke for a mere 10 minutes, and welcomed everyone there, and said that the Friedland Embassy was hosting a dinner for all heads of state and their companions. The Tsar was seen involved in an apparently intense conversation with King Dorian II of Sutekh, about what, we are unable to tell you our readers.

The Presidents of Freedonia, New Texas, and New Joseon were spotted having quite the conversation as well. The Emperor of Xin Zhongguo was holding forth on the need for increased trade and the need to start exploring further afield in light of the obvious discovery of alien species. There was a scuffle as Gateway Security forces prevented the New Drakkensburg Lord Protector from bringing in the representative of the Black Sun Group to the meeting. When told that the Black Sun representative would not be allowed in, the Lord Protector decided to leave the conference.

Of the several major topics of discussion, colonial settlement and trade issues will be the most contentious or so it appears. The Grand Poobah of Dustball has made the treatment of K'Grech on Marduk a topic of discussion, with his concern that in some of the colonies on that balkanized world his people are kept in slavery. In this he was supported by the Presidents of Coffeeville, New Texas, Freedonia, the Chief Administrator of Xanadu, the Kaiser, Tsar, and the King of Sutekh.

With the departure of the New Drakkensburg and his allies, New Paris, Britomart, Nuevo Sol, several of the enclaves on Sulawesi, and some of the Marduk colonies it appears that there has been formed a power bloc supporting New Drakkensburg. Security is very tight with multiple contingents of security officers, around each embassy block, with Freedonian Security units providing overall security for the station.

In system security is being provided by multiple navies along with the Gateway System Defense command. All incoming vessels are being escorted by naval forces, and no deviation from assigned flight corridor will be tolerated.

 

[Murph]

049-2508 Gateway News Service- Ember Station

Meetings continue, with an agreement so far on the shape of the conference rooms, and all the Prime Minister of Gateway has hosted several meetings between himself and worlds who have recently had issues with the Gateway Federation. A spokesman has said that things are going well, and they hope to have agreements on a wide variety of topics before the end of the conference.

Sir Bingo Thevins was spotted in a meeting with several heads of state, but we were unable to get any information on what they were discussing. We are told that he had a long meeting with the Kaiser and the Tsar, later meeting with the President of Freedonia and some of his aides.

The Prime Minister of Amaterasu said that the conversations between the PM of the Gateway Federation and Amaterasu are showing real promise in resolving issues between the two nations, on a variety of topics, not the least colonial policy, where PM Gonzalez-Censisac has bucked the wishes of his own Colonial Ministry.

For entertainment after the Friedland banquet Bruno Guggenheim and his Polka band played Friedland favorites with a techno ooompa beat to the applause of all present. The Kaiser was invited on stage to add his virtuoso talents on the accordion by Herr Bruno himself. The Kaiserin was spotted applauding loudly as her husband showed off his talent.

 

[Grav_Moped]

Catching up on the email version -- just wanted to note that Wombat Burger makes for a fun element in the narrative, and some of the personalities seem to be player characters, but aren't called out as such.

Again, thanks for writing this up!

 

[Murph]

You are so very welcome, and yes the first article is a group of PCs, one of whom gets sent to "dry out" every now an then as he "self medicates" to deal with his paranoia. I appreciate all the feedback.

 

[Murph]

053-2508 Gateway News Service- Ember Station

A committee has been formed, to study and potentially issue a recommendation, after careful examination of the facts and circumstances of the K'Grech on Marduk, and in the fullness of time, recommend several potential ways to address what is undoubtedly an unfortunate circumstance. The committee may or may not have specific points to address that they consider of importance in regard to the nature of actions which could, after sober reflection, consultation, and the ripeness of time, be taken in order to prevent any further unfortunate episodes, while respecting the opinions of each and every government, as well as the health, safety and welfare of the native K'Grech on Marduk.

Mr. Nigel Hawthorne, the spokesman for the Gateway Foreign Ministry issued the statement after several days of deliberation by the committee studying the problem of the K'Grech on Marduk. He cautioned that this was merely a preliminary statement, and that, while of vital importance, it was in the best interests of all parties to not rush into precipitate action which could in the long term, be viewed as potentially controversial, and in violation of established norms and laws.

The Grand Poobah has issued a statement that he is dis-satisfied with the progress of the committee, and is asking that action be taken against the three colonies on Marduk which allow the K'Grech to be enslaved. In this he is supported by the New Texas, Coffeeville, Freedonian, Friedland, Xanadu, and Sutekh heads of state. A further study group will be formed to discuss this issue.

 

[Murph]

056-2508 Gateway News Service- Esperanza

A deeper look at the frost on the Grape harvest, has shown that it is not as bad as originally thought, but some vineyards are going to have some belt tightening to look forward to as the harvest has been damaged by the frost. Gustaff und sohns vinyard has told us at GNS they expect that the Eiswein will be very good based on the amount of sugar, and the level of freeze the grapes endured.

Potage et Cie has stepped up and offered to take any remaining wine off of the growers hands to distill into brandy. This has eased concerns in the market over the late frost which has caused a level of panic in the wine industry on Esperanza.

The late frost has also caused concern that the Bush Tea plants might loose their leaves which will cause a less than ideal harvest for Bush Tea. Already options had been placed on the Bush tea harvest by several Aslan trading groups since Bush tea which has a mild relaxant effect on humans, and a stronger one on Aslans has become one of the more eagerly traded commodities across the sector by the Aslan Trade mission. Prices on Bush tea have been rising in early trading on the floor of the Esperanzan Stock and Commodity Exchange. We will keep you updated on this story.

 

[Murph]

060-2508 Gateway News Service- Hyboria

Authorities have told us that an infestation of Outback roaches has been discovered on Hyboria. The roaches apparently came in on a shipment of smuggled goods, which did not pass customs and quarantine obviously. The Outback roach, while not presenting an immediate threat to human life, is an obnoxious pest that can grow up to 3cm in length, emits a foul smelling liquid, leaves its fecal matter around which can transmit disease, and reproduces at an annoying rate. The Outback Roach eats most human foods, and can also be found eating the insulation on certain cables.

The grey and brown insect is loathed for its foul habits. Normal pesticides will kill it, but generally it can live pretty much any place that humans can. The Outback roach can be eaten by K"grech, and Aslans if cooked, but humans find it completely unpalatable. With the find of a nest of these annoying little pests, Hyboria which had been roach free, is now under siege as health and pest control authorities are trying to see how far the infestation has spread.

 

[Murph]

063-2508 Gateway News Service- Britomart

Herr Professor Doctor Hans Steiner held a press conference in regards to the Britomart hallucinogen pollen. He said that the effect can be fought off by a strong person, and the data to the contrary is completely false. To show that such can be done, he snorted a rather large dose of the collected pollen, then held his news conference.

Professor Steiner: "As you can see, I am completely fine, a strong will can fight off any minor effects of this alleged hallucingenic pollen, I have taken a far larger dose than most people will, and as you can see, I am fine....Wow its so green! I see green stars and carrots. Zorch, Wibble, wibble, Things are so green! It is so pretty. I am SO Hot! [He starts disrobing] It is so hot in here! [Screams] NO! NO! NO! Space Gnomes are here! The Space Gnomes! They want to PROBE ME! NO, I won't let you! Can't you see them, Green Space Gnomes! They have the probe, I have to get out of here! Stay away from my anus! No probing! Aaaarrrrrgggghhh!"

The professor was taken by ambulance to Britomart General hospital, but upon arrival, still screaming, he ran across the street to an 11-7 store, where before medical staff could get to him, he had consumed six candy bars, and three bags of chips, claiming the "munchies are the cure!" He was taken in for observation. Most normal people return to normal after 30 minutes to an hour after exposure, but since he had snorted essentially five times the normal exposure, he remained in that state for six hours.

After the effects wore off, the Professor asked why he was in the hospital, and when he was told what had occurred, accused the doctors of lying, and dosing him with a powerful drug since his strong will could overcome the pollens effects. He was kept overnight for observation due to his irrational actions.

The Britomart pollen is a known hallucinogen and pollen season requires the use of a filter mask and pollen resistant clothing during the three weeks of pollen season. Some years are heavier than others, with the pollen affecting each person differently. The chemicals are a complex mixture that has so far defied attempts to reproduce in a lab.

 

[King Midas]

063-2508 Gateway News Service- Britomart


The Britomart pollen is a known hallucinogen and pollen season requires the use of a filter mask and pollen resistant clothing during the three weeks of pollen season. Some years are heavier than others, with the pollen affecting each person differently. The chemicals are a complex mixture that has so far defied attempts to reproduce in a lab.

Did anybody on Britomart get knocked up by a Space Elf? (Say what you will about MZB, loved me some Darkover books.)

 

[Murph]

Britomart is similar, but no psionics, and it is a short term high. But they have a "Stoner fest" every pollen season where stoners show up to "take the ride".

 

[Murph]

066-2508 Gateway News Service- New Ireland/New Caledonia system

The Guinness brewery on New Ireland has announced they have signed an exclusive contract with Caledon Ventures to be the sole shipping firm for the lovely amber nectar. Previously the Royal Sutekh Merchant Marine had the contract for shipping Guinness across the sector. The loss of this contract will not be taken lightly by the RSMM, since they never take kindly to losing contracts. But in cooperation with Ashton Services, the PR firm, Caledon Ventures has made the Guinness Brewery a very attractive offer.

Since Caledon Ventures does not have sector wide reach at this point, there is some speculation that they will subcontract shipping to another firm which has a more sector wide reach. Guinness is extremely popular along with other fine Stouts brewed on New Ireland including the Fitzgerald brewery which makes several varieties of Stout. Caledon Ventures which is a local firm, that is half owned by the Hereditary Prince is becoming more of a player in the interstellar trade wars.

Caledon Ventures has purchased several Jump 3 ships from Gateway and are using them on the Aslan run, since Guinness is proving a popular tipple among Aslans. However, to the horror of everyone, Aslans like it poured over ice, with a shot of "Askeliath'norga an Aslan alcoholic beverage. The Guinness family is looking at doubling the size of the brewery to keep up with demand. Other breweries are also looking to expand as the need for more product surges across both the sector and among non-humans.

 

[Murph]

067-2508 Gateway News Service- Asgard

The Oceanus, a Prometheus class carrier suffered a drive malfunction as it was preparing to jump to Loch Lomond carrying a load of free traders and other vessels. We are being told that as the jump drive was engaged, a short occurred in the main jump bus, which caused a cascade failure of the jump drive system.

The ensuing malfunction shut down the jump system and caused feedback and damage across the entire jump drive system. An examination of the accident, has determined that the cause of the failure was excessive wear on one of the jump capacitor rings, which had a burn through causing the system to go into emergency shut down. The new jump system from YoYoDyne/The Jump Drive Institute would have prevented this issue by providing a longer lifespan on the components. The carrier was scheduled to return to New Texas for servicing after this trip.

No casualties were reported, although it is said that the Chief Engineer's hair turned grey as sparks shot across the engine room. The captain was able to prevent any other issues, and the ship has limped back into Asgard orbit, and will be awaiting a repair ship from New Texas which can temporarily get the ship running again. No damage to other ships systems is apparent at this time.

 

[Murph]

Here is how I do a quick and dirty Traveller > Cyberpunk 2.0.2.0 conversion. Its not pretty, nor elegant, but it works well enough by my sloppy standards. PC's are on the upper end of the spectrum in terms of stats, Social Standing can be added back if people desire, but since there is no Imperial Nobility, it just does not matter for us.

 

[Murph]

079-2508 Gateway News Service- Dusk

The merchant ship Golden Goose had jumped into this system with a cargo for the Quarantine Forces when it suddenly went off the air during a routine system check it. The ship was 17 hours out from Quarantine Station #1 when the ship ceased broadcasting in the middle of a sentence. Telemetry stopped at the same time. No sensor readings showed any sign of an explosion and they were in too close for a jump.

Search craft were launched and arrived at the area where the ship vanished, and there was no sign of the ship, nor of any debris. The search vessels reported nothing out of the ordinary on their sensors, with it appearing as if the Golden Goose just...vanished. Neutrino readings show the trail of the ship up to the point where they just stopped. Yet another mystery of the Dusk system.

This is just another mystery for the Dusk system which has been getting more and more strange as the months go past. But this is the first ship to completely disappear in over a decade which has authorities concerned. As a result of this incident, all ships will have to be escorted in from the jump point. This latest episode has just added to the stress of assignment to this system for those Naval and Quarantine service personnel here.

The Navy has announced a required R&R program, where staff will get sent back to Gateway for 60 days, after being on station for two years, and which will NOT count against their time accrual for leave and pay. This has been very popular since it was announced last week, with over 100 staff leaving for their immediate R&R on Gateway. As part of the R&R there is a mandatory one day debrief for all those stationed in the Dusk system but it does not count against the R&R period.