OOC + IC: 7.1B - Entrepreneurs

Mercer and Peter, mentioned the desire to take the StellarNet mission below:

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Once in a lifetime opportunity to own a pre-tech refinery
Details:
- A harried engineer has discovered a partially-complete schematic for an ancient pretech refinery unit that produces vast amounts of edible compounds.
- Several remote chemical-reeking underways on the planet are indicated as having the necessary pretech spare parts required to build the device.
- Underways are vast, inter-continental subterranean tunnels, big enough for a gravcar to enter.

Prerequisites to receive the rewards:
- Have a small corporate headquarters in Zyronis (Cost to estabilish one: 10,000 credits)
- Hire a local NPC manager and put him in charge of all your company operations in the system (another short side quest)

Rewards:
- 49% ownership of the refinery unit. It is expected to produce 1d8 x 10 tons of edible kibble per month (its kibble is a Common, Agricultural product with a base/galactic price of $50/ton)

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Before the mission itself in Zyronis, there are 4 preparations involved:
- Choosing gear and the team. Not only PCs and NPCs but maybe even talking and leading mercenaries to go with you.
- Opening a company based on Zyronis but with license to have assets, transfer credits and operate in the ITC. Some of the first choices are its name, goals and first assets (depending on how much you wanna invest here and who will be your partners)
- Hiring the manager
- Buying drones, robots and/or vehicles

This side-thread should be used for the preparations above.

What are your first thoughts on this, so I can give you more details in line with it?

Mercer is willing to put forward as much to this venture as needed and will draft up a "Good Intentions" shared ownership contract for Peter and himself (not that he's a skilled contract lawyer, but he knows how to edit contracts and read them) detailing percentage of ownership shared, and that the other owner gets first rights to buying out shares if one wishes to sell their ownership.
And that if this ownership share selling is found to be covered then the cohercer forfits their coherced shares and up to half the coherced value from their own. (Fairly common where he's from)
Then he'll give the contract to Hank first to look over, knowing he'd be motivated to protect all the members of his crew, before giving it to Peter. This way Peter can have all confidence in their joint venture.

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Mercer will want to chat up some locals to find out what dangers are expected if they head into that area.

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Mercer will be sure to bring his Armored Undersuit, and Force Pavice, and vibroblade if able, and/or a pistol(Spike Thrower?). And Lowlight Goggles, Atmofilter. Will make sure to make a full load out when we start.

Peter will have a through look at the contract before signing it, he is very excited about his first venture in this new business work, but still he is anxious about not getting anything wrong or being taken advantage of, although he learnt many things while in the Marines, business 101 wasn’t one of them.

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Peter will try and obtain some kind of map for the underways they will need to venture into, maybe talking to some old contacts in the military. He will also try to connect with any contacts he might have within the local defense force, to try to get special permissions to go more well armed.

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He will take the armored undersuit, a pistol from the ship armory, and would make sure to put some extra supplies on a backpack, a sufficient amount for him and Mercer keep warm and fed for two days if it comes to that.

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About the corporations info, and the percentage breakdown I’m all good with it, about mission/goals it would be a general mission for the conglomerate that could buy other types of company? Or just for the edible components factory? Because if so I would think the goals would be basically sell the components and try to expand maybe?

About the credits the company would have I think we could think about leaving some extra money after it is setup as a kind of bootstrap fund.

Trade Era 1235, Day 164. 18:30 UTC

Zyronis atmosphere
The descent through the thick, smog-filled atmosphere of Zyronis was rough. Peter Morgan gripped the armrests of his seat, his mind racing with thoughts of what awaited them in Calypso, the bustling capital of this ecumenopolis. Beside him, Mercer seemed nonchalant, his eyes fixed on the view through the small porthole.

The planet's surface came into view, an endless expanse of metal and concrete, dotted with towers and skybridges that stretched toward the sky. The city was a maze of technology and people, an intricate web that housed millions. As their transport ship touched down at the starport, the two men exchanged a knowing glance.

Disembarking, they were immediately swallowed by the frenetic energy of the starport. People of all origins and professions bustled around them, a symphony of movement and noise. Peter scanned the crowd, his military instincts on alert, while Mercer seemed to soak in the atmosphere with a practiced ease.

"We need information. We can't just dive into the underways without knowing what we're up against," Mercer said.

Peter nodded. "Agreed. I suggest we split up. I’ll check in with my old contacts from the Marines. You, meanwhile, can see what you can find out from the locals. Meet back at the bar near the old market in two hours?"

"Sounds like a plan," Mercer replied

Trade Era 1235, Day 164. 18:49 UTC

Calypso, Zyronis
Peter Morgan, his military bearing still evident despite the casual clothes he wore, stepped out of the starport and into the cacophony of the city. His eyes, hardened by years of combat, scanned the crowded streets for any familiar faces.

He made his way through the bustling crowd, heading towards the Green Beretta, a bar known for its discretion and the military clientele it attracted. The bar was a relic from his past service days, a place where favors were traded and alliances formed away from prying eyes. As he approached the entrance, a bouncer gave him a once-over before nodding him inside.

The interior of the bar was a stark contrast to the chaos outside. Dim lighting cast long shadows across the room, revealing a few scattered figures here and there. Peter moved with purpose, heading towards a corner where a familiar face sat nursing a drink.

"Lieutenant Harris," Peter greeted, using the formal title as a sign of respect. "It's been a while."

Harris looked up, his eyes widening in surprise before a grin spread across his face. "Morgan! I thought you'd disappeared into the void. What brings you back to this hellhole?"

Peter sat, leaning conspiratorially. "I need a favor, Harris. I need to go armed, more than the law allows a civilian. Do you think you can help an old friend?"

Harris scratched his chin thoughtfully.

"That's a tall order, even for you. Things have tightened up around here and you're not in the Interstellar Security Division anymore. But... I might know a way. There are a few strings I can pull, but it'll cost you. What are you looking to carry into our lovely little city? Rifles? Combat armor?"Trade Era 1235, Day 164. 18:49 UTC

Calypso, Zyronis
Meanwhile, Mercer was navigating a different part of Calypso, his sights set on gathering information. The local bar he entered was lively, filled with a mix of rough-looking locals and adventurous souls. Mercer, with his disarming charm, sidled up to a group of patrons, his eyes on a woman with a sharp gaze and a cybernetic arm, clearly someone who knew her way around the city.

"Mind if I join you?" Mercer asked, flashing a smile as he settled at the bar. "I’m new in town, looking to avoid any... unnecessary complications… in the underways."

The woman gave Mercer a scrutinizing look before nodding. "Depends on what you’re after. The underways aren't exactly tourist-friendly."

Mercer leaned in, lowering his voice. "What's the word on the dangers down there? We're planning a trip, and I’d rather not be caught off guard."

The woman took a sip of her drink, her eyes never leaving Mercer's. "The underways are vast, inter-continental tunnels, big enough for a gravcar. They reek of chemicals and are home to all sorts of nasties.You need specially modified atmofilters to stay more than a couple of minutes there. Moreover, gangs, rogue robotic units, alien animals and mutated creatures from chemical spills... you name it. In some sectors, it’s a lawless place."

Mercer nodded, slipping a few credits to the woman as thanks. "Appreciate the tip. Anything specific we should avoid?"

"Stay clear of Sector 15P," she warned. "The Crimson Vipers have their base there. They're heavily armed and don't take kindly to intruders. If you're looking for something valuable, though, Sector 11N's salvaged tech markets might be worth a visit. Just watch your back."

Mercer thanks the woman, pays for a couple of her drinks and floats around the bar to confirm her story. He gets mostly the same info: the dangers of the chemicals, the gangs and robots and strange creatures. One story of a ghost that kills all it comes across from a patron too drunk to be reliable..plus if it killed all it came across, where wohld the story come from?
Mercer will look into what we would need to protect ourselves from the chemicals and such..

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I have three company name suggestions. I am keeping with the solar naming convention for our things.

Mani Goods Co.[/b]
Firstly, (amdy favorite) Mani. The Norse moon god destined to be devoured by the world.

If we don't want to be invoking gods I have two other suggetions.

[b]Therion Provisions. inc
Therion, the Greek name for the Lupus constellation, once considered the wineskin (a consumable) part of the Centaurus constellation.

Nova Comestibles
And thirdly: simple. Nova, Just a cool, high-energy, space object/event.

Mercer discovers that the special filters cost 80 credits, can be used for 1 hour and takes 1 encumbrance.

They are attached to regular atmofilters.

How many do you want to buy and take with you? You can easily buy more if you need them later.

To investigate the underways, looking for the 4 refinery parts, you will get a 10x8 unexplored map. The exploration will be divided into turns of 15 minutes each.

In one turn you can either:
- Move one square (potentially any of the 8 directions, as long as nothing in the terrain blocks you)
- Pilot, using the hovercycles. You can move up to 3 squares this way, as long as all those squares have already been explored or traversed.
- Explore this square. The GM will tell you if there is something relevant here. You may receive further information, find hostile creatures, resources, items or humans inhabitants.
- Salvage/fix/hack/do some relevant activity in your current square.
- Rest, plan, talk, swap atmofilters from your inventory and use any amount of items or tech - including Lift and other farmaceuticals
- In specific locations highlighted in the map (tunnel entrances), you can enter or leave the underways and get back to Calypso.
- You must leave in 24h (before the CV departure) or, preferably, much sooner than that to avoid spending too much credits on the special atmofilter adapters.

htech says:

Mercer discovers that the special filters cost 80 credits, can be used for 1 hour and takes 1 encumbrance.

They are attached to regular atmofilters.

How many do you want to buy and take with you? You can easily buy more if you need them later.

4 for each of us. I'm going to assume we can keep some on the hovorbikes to help with encumbrance (that's almost a full 1k of spending, hope I can return them if they're sealed and unused...)

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Unless either of you want to get more, then I'll pick them up before we go in.
I say we split up, at least at the beginning, and stay near each other. Aka moving and searching along adjacent squares.

If I pick up a couple drones would that aid/speed up our search?
Would they need an observation suite?
If they do I'll pick up 2, Stalkers, with an observation suite if you say that's needed.
That would be 2,500 creds, unless we can roll for a Trade to get a better deal, or Talk to help find one.
Will add Mercer's rolls for each here, assuming I can't get help with this. Maybe he can aid himself.
If I can't get a better price I'll deduct 2,500 for the drones, and 960 creds for the masks (6 for each of the 2 of us).
If anyone else can help that would be great.

Trying some new ways to earn some honest money, i have some business to do here in the city, but you know the old habits of going prepared never die, and you were the one who always told me "if you're not going all out best to not go at all". It wouldn't be much, a pair of rifles and a pair of combat armors, just to be sure i can defend myself of any possible threats.

"Unh... I can get you a temporary license to carry anything but heavy weapons and powered armor for 1,000 credits for each person." - answer Harris.

I really liked the ideia behind the second name: Therion Provisions .inc it connects with the stars we are so connected with and is straight forward, my vote goes to this one.

I am cool with Therion Provisions Inc.

Do note that I recommend spelling it like I have it, with the capital "I" in "Inc" and the period after the "Inc".

I imagine although we are divided, Mercer and I have some sort of communication, I will talk/send a message to him.

"i just talked with my contacts, it would take 1000 credits each to take some extra armor and guns, i don't think it's worth it, we better just take what we can and be careful."

He will begin to head to the bar where they will meet.

"I'll trust your call on that.
I just picked up a two boxes of the masks we need ; each one has six masks. Do we want to hire any extra hands for this, looks like we can hire out for the day for 100 creds each? I'm not sure but I can get some now, before we head in."

"Yeah i would agree on getting a extra help, especially if they are
local, it would also help having some extra hands to carry the refinery parts."

Loading StellarNet...

MercenariesGear, weapons and armor are not included and should be provided by the contractor.

You can borrow equipment from the CV, as long as you pay for any losses or spent consumables (including pharmaceuticals)

"Mercer i don't know about you but i think having a Enginner such as that Luica, could help us make head or tails about the parts we are looking for, and i wouldnt be against some more firepower"

Mercer scanned back over the roster..Yeah, that's who I saw too. I want to check inf anyone has been in searchissions before, I would choose them over Song Liu. But other than that? Those are the two that caught my eye.
After this, we can grab equipment and head in?

"Yes, i say let's head to the ship, grab what we need, contact them and head in"

I guess when we find the item we'll have to send someone to drop it off? I don't see another affordable option?
@arthur12320 ?

"I agree let’s split up in pairs, I think from a security point of view it would make sense if I went with Lucia, and you with Liu? Your combat seems to be more close quarters, it would be good to have someone that can shoot a bit further."

I agree that 10k is out of the budget, but I did not understand the plan for when we find something.

"We can send one of the two back with the parts on the bike, but where would we send it to? Do we have some kind of safe place?"

Trade Era 1235, Day 164. 22:49 UTC

Celestial Voyager, orbit of Zyronis
Back to the Celestial Voyager, Mercer and Peter stood before a holoprojector, waiting for the transmission to connect. The projector flickered to life, and the image of Talia, their harried engineer, appeared. Her usually sharp eyes were tired, and her face was smudged with grease, but there was a spark of excitement in her voice as she addressed them.

"Thank you for accepting this mission," Talia began, adjusting her goggles. "As you know, I’ve discovered something extraordinary. It’s a partially-complete schematic for an ancient refinery unit, capable of producing vast amounts of edible compounds."

Mercer, considering the recent events with VIREN, wanted to be sure. "How ancient are we talking here?"

Talia pointed to a holographic projection on her end, showing a complex blueprint. "Elders' tech. We’re talking millennia old. But here’s the thing: the schematic isn’t complete. We need four crucial parts to finish the device. And I’ve found clues about where we can find them."

Peter, younger and always eager for a challenge, interjected. "Where do we start?"

Talia’s projection shifted to a map of the planet, highlighting the underways. "You need to navigate these underways. They’re inter-continental subterranean tunnels filled with hazards and possibly hostile creatures. But these tunnels are also where we’ll find the parts."

She brought up an image of the first part. "The first part is a Quantum Catalyzer Core. It’s a cylindrical device, about the size of a human forearm, with intricate patterns that shimmer and shift. It emits a faint blue glow and is cold to the touch. Areas where it’s found might have unusually lush vegetation or strange, luminescent fungi due to the residual energy it emits."

Peter nodded, absorbing the details. "So, we look for lush vegetation or glowing fungi.""Exactly," Talia said, then switched to the next image. "The second part is a Neutron Flux Regulator. It’s a large, hexagonal prism with various wires and tubes, made of a mix of polished metal and an unknown crystalline substance. It gives off a low hum and slight vibration. Nearby metallic objects might have a slight magnetic pull towards it, and you might see minor electromagnetic interference affecting electronic devices."

Mercer frowned. "That sounds tricky. We’ll need to be careful with our equipment."Talia nodded. "Indeed. Now, the third part: the Plasma Infusion Module." She displayed a rectangular device with a sleek, black exterior interspersed with glowing red lines. "One side has a transparent panel through which you can see swirling plasma. The area might feel warmer, and you could see occasional sparks or static discharges nearby."Talia continued, "The last part is the Nano-Assembler Array. It’s a sleek, metallic panel about the size of a large book, with multiple ports and connectors on one side and a reflective, mirror-like surface on the other. It feels unexpectedly heavy for its size, and the ports and connectors won’t match any known contemporary technology. Scanning it will show incredibly complex internal structures."

Mercer raised an eyebrow. "How do we identify it?"

Talia tapped her display, causing a detailed schematic to appear on their end. "Its smooth, almost frictionless surface is a giveaway. Its also part of an exceptionally advanced 3D printer device. Trust me, you’ll know it when you see it."

Talia’s image flickered as she handed them a set of schematics and told them where they could get a pair of advanced scanners that she bought for them in Zyronis. "These schematics will give you detailed information about each part, and the scanners will confirm when you’ve found the right components. They’re calibrated to detect the unique energy signatures of the parts or other Elders' tech from Zyronis. Unfortunately nobody has a detailed up to date map for the underways, but I can give you the coordinates for one of its entrances. Any questions?"

"Quantum Catalyzer Core, cylindrical and near plants.
Neutron Flux Regulator, hexagonal prism emitting electromagnetism.
Plasma Infusion Module, sleeve rectangular emitting heat or sparks.
Nano-Assembler Array, metallic panel that's complex inside "Mercer nods."I think we have it. But I do appreciate the schematics to reference. ... On that note, If you were willing, I would love to look over a copy of the ancient refinery schematics."

"Oh, I can do better. Bring those parts to me and we will install them together. Everything is ready. You will be able to see the first batch of kibble!"

---

As the holoprojector powered down and the room returned to its dim, steady glow, Mercer’s mind raced. The prospect of finding the ancient Elders’ tech was exciting, but another idea began to take shape in his thoughts—a potential business opportunity that could bring in much-needed credits.

Mercer turned to Peter, who was still fiddling with the virtual scanner interface. "Hey, Peter, I’ve got an idea."

Peter looked up, curiosity evident in his eyes. "What’s up?"

"We’re about to navigate the underways, right? Those tunnels are mostly uncharted, and they’re filled with all sorts of hazards. What if we created a detailed map as we go and sold it afterward?"

Peter’s eyes widened. "You mean, like, sell the map to other explorers or settlers?"

"Exactly," Mercer replied, a hint of excitement creeping into his voice. "Think about it—navigating those tunnels is dangerous, and information about safe paths and hazardous zones would be invaluable. We could easily charge 300 credits for a comprehensive map. We can even add markers and annotations as we go. We just need to bring a Navcomp as well. "

"Great idea, I will take notes on my side as well and we can add them up when we are finished"

If need be Peter will take a extra navcomp since they will be separated.

Peter seems hopeful that he choose someone with a good entrepreneurial instincts to open this company together.

"Let’s try to keep tabs on everyone on the radios, tune them to be on channel 4"

Trade Era 1235, Day 165. 06:17 UTC

Underways, Zyronis
Peter Morgan adjusted the strap of his helmet, securing the mask and atmofilter that shielded him from the toxic fumes that lingered in the air. The eerie, chemical stench that permeated the entrance of the underways was already noticeable. He glanced over at Lucia Calidius, her eyes sharp and alert beneath her helmet. She was doing a final check on the hovercycles, making sure everything was ready for their descent.

"Everything set, Lucia?" Peter asked, his voice slightly muffled by the mask.

Lucia nodded, giving him a thumbs-up. "All systems green. We’re ready to go."

Mercer Furio and Song Liu, on the other hovercycle, were similarly preparing.

"So, our primary objective is to find those refinery parts," Lucia repeated.

Song Liu grinned from behind his mask. "And here I thought we were just out for a joyride."

Lucia smirked. "Joyride or not, they need those parts to complete the refinery. No refinery, no money."

Peter mounted their hovercycle and powered it up, the machine humming with a low, resonant energy. "Ready when you are," he said.

Mercer and Song took their positions on the second hovercycle. Song gave a brief nod, signaling they were set to move.

The entrance to the underways loomed ahead, a gaping maw of darkness fringed with the corroded remnants of old warning signs and automated facilities, long since rendered inactive by the harsh environment. A thin mist of chemical vapors clung to the ground, swirling around their hovercycles as they advanced.

Peter accelerated their hovercycle, and Mercer and Song followed suit. They moved forward in unison, their vehicles gliding smoothly over the uneven ground as they entered the dark, subterranean world.

The light from the entrance quickly faded behind them, replaced by the dim, artificial glow of their hovercycles' headlights. The beams cut through the thick air, casting long shadows that danced along the tunnel walls. The underways were a disorienting maze of intersecting paths and hidden dangers, each turn potentially leading to hazards or hostile creatures.

with a final nod towards Mercer and Song Peter accelerates the hoverbike and begins making his way south.

"Don't forget to keep comms going"

he says through the radio

"Will do, keep your eyes open and stay away from the Carson Vipers, if you can help it."
Mercer turns North and begins their search.

15 minutes pass as Peter and Mercer move in opposite directions, seeing nothing out of the ordinary.

Heading forward Mercer does have some regret that he can't commit it a more detailed search, but they are under a ticking clock.... Maybe if they have some extra time later they can try to scavenge up some extras, but for now the four parts are the goal.

Another 15 minutes passes and Mercer doesn't find anything special. On the other hand, he is surely mapping the nearby underways as he moves around. He now had a choice: turn north or keep moving west?

Peter is focused on his mission, he follows the bend westward with a keen eye on the pieces and the descriptions he heard from Talia. While he’s aware of the potential for greater loot if he pauses, his primary focus remains on setting up the factory.

If we want to save some time, Mercer will be following these guidelines:
-finish exploring any noticable dead ends within sight
-heading North
-heading West

Mercer is going to alert through comms. "Just came across a lot of plant life near F6. This may be where the Quantum Catalyzer Core is; going to start searching the area."

Trade Era 1235, Day 165. 07:20 UTC
Underworld, Zyronis
After an hour of navigating the underways, the oppressive chemical fumes began to take their toll on the team's atmofilters. Peter checked the filter status on his mask, noting the flashing indicator that signaled it was time for a replacement. "Alright, everyone, let's take a moment to swap out our filters. We don’t want to risk any exposure down here."

The team came to a halt, parking their hovercycles against the tunnel walls. The faint hum of the machines faded, leaving only the eerie silence of the underways. Each member methodically removed their old filters, the smell of chemicals momentarily intensifying before they secured the fresh ones.

Lucia handed Peter a new filter. "Here you go. These should last us a few more hours, at least."

Peter nodded, inserting the new filter into his mask and taking a deep breath. The fresh filter made a noticeable difference, the air suddenly feeling cleaner, though the underlying scent of chemicals still lingered. "Much better. How's everyone doing?" - he said, through comms.

Mercer, finishing with his own filter replacement, gave a thumbs-up. "All good here. Let's just hope we don’t run into anything that requires more than these filters can handle."

Song secured his mask and checked his gear. "Ready to move when you are."

With the filters replaced, the team remounted their hovercycles. The brief pause had been necessary, but they couldn’t afford to linger too long. The underways were unpredictable, and every moment spent in their depths increased the risk of encountering hostile creatures or environmental hazards.
Remaining filters: 18 14

Trade Era 1235, Day 165. 07:35 UTC
Underworld, Zyronis
Time to replace the filters: 08:20 UTC
With their new filters, Mercer and Song moved deeper into the lush intersection, Mercer's eyes caught a faint blue glow emanating from behind a thick cluster of vines. He stop the hovercyle and carefully parted the foliage, revealing a cylindrical device embedded in the moss-covered wall.

"Guys, I think we’ve found something," Song said, through comms, his voice tinged with excitement.

The device was about the size of a human forearm, with intricate patterns that shimmered and shifted across its surface. It emitted a faint blue glow and was cold to the touch, the residual energy making the surrounding vegetation unusually lush and vibrant.

Mercer’s eyes widened as he recognized the device. "That’s a Quantum Catalyzer Core. It's one of the refinery parts we need." He them carefully extracted the core from its resting place, the coldness seeping through his gloves. "First part down," he said, holding it up for Song to see. "Three more to go."

Moreover, Mercer’s keen eyes caught something unusual. Ahead, to the north, there was a faint, flickering light. It was out of place in the otherwise dark and foreboding tunnels. There's a light source up ahead. Could be an undocumented exit, but he would need to move north and search there to be sure.

Getting ahold of Peter through Comms, We were right and we have the Quantum Catalyzer Core secured." With just a small pause, Mercer will continue, "There may be an undocumemted passage near E1. Going to check it out. I don't want any surprises "
It may be long inert, but the kinds of things and places making secret passages are often the kind you don't want to be surprised by.

Mercer finds another entrance (or exit) from the underways in E1, while Peter keeps moving.

Now it's Peter that sees an unusual light source in the south tunnel (B20). Are you going to search there? It's a dead end otherwise.

Peter will search the light he sees, then he will make his way back to the right searching also that little entrance to C20.

Mercer will keep searching along the East since Peter found the Plasma Infusion Module.
We're halfway through finding what we need to.

Peter will get into the comms and tell Mercer.

"Mercer, just found the Plasma Infusion Module here at F17, will continue heading east"

And as promised he will continue heading east

Peter will hand the found piece to Lucia since she has the most available space

"Please hold on to this for us"

Trade Era 1235, Day 165. 09:20 UTC
Underways, Zyronis
Remaining filters: 10 6

Trade Era 1235, Day 165. 09:50 UTC
Underways, Zyronis
Lucia grabs the Plasma Infusion Module but her chemical filters are about to finish. Both Lucia and Song will have to head to the exit soon otherwise they will suffocate.

After almost another hour of navigating the labyrinthine passages, Peter stumbled upon a different section. In G19 the walls were smoother, more polished, suggesting a more advanced and controlled environment. He noticed signs of advanced machinery and technology, half-buried under years of dust and debris. There was also a partially obscured device. It was an advanced 3D printer, its sleek, metallic surface glinting under the faint light.

The device was active, its robotic arms moving with precise, deliberate motions as it constructed something large and mechanical. Inside the printer, a robotic creature was taking shape, its form eerily resembling a crocodile. The machine's arms moved with incredible precision, assembling each part of the robotic beast with meticulous care.

"We just found the Nano-Assembler Array here, i think we each need to send someone to grab more, that would also be a good time to take back some of the parts we already found, you know, keep the packs lighter."

Peter will rush to the machine and see if the croc is already moving or not 100% complete yet.

He will turn to Lucia and ask.
In your resume it said you had experience as engineer, do you think you would be able to turn this thing off?

"Combat Engineer", she answers, shooting the machine and the crocodile, but keeping the Nano-Assembler Array intact. After that, the machine turns off, as requested.

Peter has no reaction, completely surprised. In just a few seconds, everything is over and she grabs the refinery part.

The team had been pushing forward for hours, their senses on high alert as they ventured into the underways. The tunnels seemed to grow narrower, more claustrophobic, and the air was thick with the ever-present chemical stench. Despite their progress, fatigue was setting in, and the team knew they were running out of time.

Their atmofilters were nearing the end of their life span, the indicators on their masks flashing warnings. The oppressive environment and the toxic air had taken their toll, but they couldn’t leave without the final component. The stakes were too high.

Mercer, his instincts finely honed from years of living in dangerous territories, led the way back through a particularly tight passage. His eyes caught a flicker of movement ahead—just a subtle shimmer in the air, like a heat haze. He slowed his pace, signaling for the others to follow quietly.

As they entered the narrow passage, Mercer’s attention was immediately drawn to a strange, pulsing glow in an alcove. The air felt charged, almost alive with energy. He could feel a faint vibration under his feet, and the low hum that filled the chamber was both soothing and unsettling.

"Hold up," Mercer said, raising a hand to halt Song. "I think we have found it."

Song joined him, eyes following his gaze to the object at the center of the corridor. There, partially embedded in the floor and surrounded by a tangle of wires and tubes, was a large, hexagonal prism. The device was unlike anything they had seen before—its surface a mix of polished metal and an unknown crystalline substance that seemed to refract light in all directions.

The Neutron Flux Regulator.

Song was already thinking ahead. "Let’s get it secured and get out of here. Our filters are nearly done, and we can’t risk staying any longer."

Working together, the pair carefully disconnected the wires and tubes that linked the regulator to the surrounding machinery. The device was heavy but manageable, its hexagonal shape making it easier to grip.

With the final part in hand, the team moved and made their way through the tunnel, their pace quickening as the urgency of their situation became clear. The indicators on their masks continued to flash warnings—filters almost depleted, air quality deteriorating. They could feel the effects already: slight dizziness, a creeping sense of exhaustion.

As they navigated the twisting passages, the chemical stench grew stronger, almost as if the underways themselves were trying to hold them back. But the thought of the completed refinery, and the promise it held, drove them forward.

Finally, after what felt like an eternity, they reached the entrance where they had first descended into the underways. The stale, chemical-laden air was replaced by a rush of slightly fresher air from above. The sight of the surface, though still a bleak, polluted landscape, filled them with relief.

Peter was the last to emerge, helping Lucia before climbing out himself. As they stood on the surface, their atmofilters finally gave out, the masks signaling their end with a soft chime. Peter removed his mask, taking in a deep breath of the surface air—still harsh, but infinitely better than what they had endured below.

"We did it," Mercer said, his voice tired but triumphant. He looked at the Neutron Flux Regulator, still securely fastened in its harness. "We’ve got everything we need."

Peter nodded, glancing around at the exhausted faces of his team. "We’re done here. Let’s get back and send these parts to Talia."

With the mission complete and the four essential components in their possession, the team mounted their hovercycles one last time. The ride back was quiet, each member lost in their thoughts.

---

A couple of hours later, Mercer and Peter stood before Talia in her brightly lit workshop, the walls lined with tools and half-assembled machinery. Talia looked even more worn out than usual. Her hair was disheveled, and her grease-stained goggles rested atop her head, a permanent fixture of her tireless work.

"Thank you for completing this mission," Talia began, her voice tinged with both exhaustion and excitement as she adjusted her goggles back over her eyes. "The ancient refinery unit—capable of producing vast amounts of edible compounds—is almost ready. Now that I have the parts, I can finally get it operational."

Talia approached the workbench where the four crucial components—the Quantum Catalyzer Core, the Plasma Infusion Module, the Nano-Assembler Array, and the Neutron Flux Regulator—were carefully laid out. Her fingers moved with practiced ease as she began integrating the parts into the ancient refinery unit, a massive, complex machine that dominated the center of the room.

Mercer watched as Talia worked, her hands deftly connecting the cables and aligning the ports. "You’re really going to be able to get this thing running again?"

Talia grinned, a spark of her old energy returning. "Oh, you better believe it. This refinery was designed to convert raw materials into nutrient-rich food compounds. With the right ingredients, it can produce an endless supply of kibble, enough to feed an entire colony."

Talia tightened the last connection, her movements precise and sure. She stepped back, wiping her hands on a rag, and then moved to the control panel. The machine gave a low rumble as it powered up, the newly installed components glowing faintly as they synchronized with the refinery’s ancient systems.

"Alright," Talia said, her voice brimming with anticipation. "Let’s see if this old beauty still has some life left in her."

The room filled with the sound of whirring gears and hissing steam as the refinery unit began its first production cycle. Talia monitored the output closely, her eyes flicking between the gauges and displays, adjusting the settings as needed.

After a tense few minutes, the machine emitted a final, satisfying chime. The process was complete. A compartment on the side of the unit opened, revealing a tray filled with small, uniform pellets—kibble, ready to be consumed.

Talia reached in and grabbed a handful of the freshly produced kibble, holding it up for Mercer and Peter to see. "The first batch," she said with a smile. "I will soon have 10 tons, more in the following months. Looks like we have a business."

End of side thread