Supply Run

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The Mechavaliers' Hangar <<silently>> <<set $cash = undefined>> <<set $yeti = undefined>> <<set $hobgoblin = undefined>> <<set $archangel = undefined>> <<set $bays = 0>> <<set $rattan = 0>> <<set $mir = 0>> <<set $grosz = 0>> <<set $call = 0>> <<set $mech = 0>> <<set $result = 0>> <<set $dead = 0>> <</silently>> After several years of helping out in the docks on Starkad Space Station, making contacts and keeping your head down, you've finally achieved your dream - you've been accepted into a real company of Mech freelancers, the Mechavaliers, as assistant to their mechanic Bolter. The first few days are quiet; the Company is out on a contract, so Bolter just has you running some routine maintenance tasks. At the end of your first week you're called into the hangar. Bolter: So kid, time for your first job. The team just got in, and they've got a hell of a shopping list for us. Looks like Yeti got most of her targeting array shot out by one of the bastards, but it might still be salvageable... Hobgoblin burnt through their entire ammo supply, and some kind of EMP blasted out all the electronics in Archangel's cockpit. [[How can I help?|Garage 2]] [[Yeah, that does sound like a lot of work...|Garage 2]]

<<if def $yeti && def $hobgoblin && def $archangel && def $cash>>Cash: $cash Yeti: $yeti Hobgoblin: $hobgoblin Archangel: $archangel <<else>><</if>>

She sighs. Bolter: I thought you'd be competent enough for this but I suppose... Look, I'm very busy today, but I'll have time to take one call. Only one, am I clear? [[Absolutely!|start]] [[I suppose...|start]]

Bolter: Brilliant. Now beat it! As you leave, she smiles for the first time since you arrived. [[To the Bays!|bays]]

The Bays <<if $bays is 0>>You hurry through the hangars pushing the broken Targeting array ahead of you on a mag-lev trolley, past small service mechs and sideloaders hauling crates of goods and weapons from the docks. You hitch a ride on a freight elevator to the Bays above the hangars. Despite having their HQ here, you're the only native to Starkad Station in the Mechavaliers and know the place inside out. The Bays are a warren of markets, specialist shops, cafes and pubs that support the hangars and docks of the station. You'd love to spend a bit more time here, browsing some of the stalls and catching up with old friends, but Bolter has placed her trust in you, and you'd hate to let her down. All three of the people Bolter told you you should visit have their places of business here. Where would you like to go first?<<elseif $bays is 1>>You return to the big cargo lift in the middle of the Bays. It would be nice to have a sit down in a nearby cafe and have a chat with the owner, but you've still got plenty to do!<<elseif $bays is 2>>You were brought up in the Bays, or as close as makes no difference. You spent most of your childhood running with the gangs of street kids. You still see some of your old compatriots from time to time, doing odd jobs, relaxing with a pint, being dragged away by the Station’s security...<<elseif $bays is 3>>So many different people come through Starkad, and almost all of them pass through the Bays at least once. Such an incredible mix of fashions, languages, sights and smells! But to you, the most entrancing group were the Mech pilots, swaggering between stalls, buying pieces of exotic gear with the spoils of their latest escapades...<<elseif $bays is 4>>When you were 10 you bought a little plastic model of a Mech from a stall here, an imitation of an old artform called Gunpla. It was the first thing you ever bought for yourself and yourself alone. A kid stole it off you a couple of weeks later - they were much older than you, they didn’t want it, they just didn’t want you to have it.<<elseif $bays is 5>>Lots of people are intimidated by the bustle of the Bays, but you can read its ebbs and flows innately. You skip through the crowd back to the freight elevator, nodding at a couple of people you half recognise.<<else>>The day shifts are beginning to turn into night shifts, and it's time to go back to the hangar and tell Bolter how it went.<</if>> <<if $yeti is "Targeting array didn't fix itself">><<if $rattan is 0>>[[Dr. Guinevere Rattan's Emporium of Fine & Antique Electro-Communications for Yeti's Targeting Array.|Rattan 1]]<</if>> <<if $rattan is 1>> [[Go back to Dr. Guinevere Rattan's Emporium of Fine & Antique Electro-Communications for Yeti's Targeting Array.|Rattan 2]]<</if>><<else>>Yeti's Targeting Array is sorted.<</if>> <<if $hobgoblin is "Ammo's at zero">><<if $mir is 0>>[[Mir Military Surplus for Hobgoblin's Ammo.|Mir 1]]<</if>><<if $mir is 1>>[[Return to Mir Military Surplus for Hobgoblin's Ammo.|Mir 2]]<</if>><<else>>Hobgoblin's got more than enough Ammo.<</if>> <<if $archangel is "Cockpit's still busted">><<if $grosz is 0>>[[E. Grosz & Offspring Salvage for Archangel's Cockpit.|Grosz 1]]<</if>><<if $grosz is 1>>[[Give E. Grosz & Offspring Salvage another go for Archangel's Cockpit.|Grosz 2]]<</if>><<else>>Hopefully Archangel will be happy with this Cockpit...<</if>> <<if $yeti isnot "Targeting array didn't replace itself" && $hobgoblin isnot "Ammo's at zero" && $archangel isnot "Cockpit's still busted">>[[Go back to the Hanagar to tell Bolter you've got everything.|Hangar Return]]<</if>>

Dr. Guinevere Rattan's Emporium of Fine & Antique Electro-Communications <<set $rattan = 1>><<set $bays = $bays + 1>>To get to Dr. Guinevere Rattan's Emporium of Fine & Antique Electro-Communications you have to go down a side-alley which is, itself, down a slightly wider side-ally, just off an already rather nondescript street in the Bays. Inside is <<if $mir is 1>>quite the opposite of the Mir Military Surplus store; instead of being clean and brightly lit, it is<</if>> dim, dusty and crowded with technology, most of the light being cast by digital readouts on 21st century DAB radios or backlit analogue dials. Dr. Rattan herself sits behind a workbench in the middle of the shop, dismantling a Jovian short-wave broadcaster. She's a small, skinny woman, with pale skin from a life indoors on a space station, the only natural light available to her from the far-off stars. Her hair is pale blonde, almost white, and when she looks up to see you enter you see her eyes are bloodshot and pink. You've been here before, but she doesn't seem to recognise you. Rattan: Can I help? [[Hello, I was wondering if you could take a look at a targeting array for me?|investigate]] [[Silently dump the busted machine on the workbench.|fix]]

Mir Military Surplus <<set $mir = 1>><<set $bays = $bays + 1>>Mir Military Surplus is a fixture of the central Bays, taking up an old warehouse directly opposite the freight elevator you arrived on. You can see the wide open shop floor through the large window that dominates the front; thanks to laws about stocking military hardware in the Bays and the... incident a few years ago, the shop itself is minimalist<<if $rattan is 1>>, quite unlike Rattan's<</if>>. Long benches with holographic pads and the odd display item - a decommissioned rail gun here, a panoramic view Mech head there - are arranged tastefully around the main atrium and Customer Service Drones flit about, attending to the needs of their clientele.<<if $grosz is 1>> In a way, they remind you of Grosz's children running around, trying to be helpful, trying to please the whims of their parents.<</if>> You're just thinking how far this place has come from a grotty little hangar-side shop selling Saturday Night Specials, when one of the CSDs comes over to greet you. It's a small, flying robot about the size of a football, with an LED screen facing you. The screen is currently displaying a cartoon smiley face. CSD: Good day, Valued Potential Customer! How can I assist you today? [[Hey, I need to resupply on some ammo!|Mir 3]] [[Hello, valued potential sales-bot. I would like to buy some ammunition.|Mir 3]] [[What's up, I need some bullets to kill some dudes.|Mir 3]]

E. Grosz & Offspring Salvage <<set $grosz = 1>><<set $bays = $bays + 1>>To get to E. Grosz & Offspring Salvage, one must all but leave the Bays, going past the edge of the sprawling markets to the home of the industries that support it. Logistics, waste collection, the odd criminal syndicate and, all three wrapped into one, Mr. Emil Grosz and his many children. You finally reach the junkyards that constitute Grosz's empire, and are greeted by the man himself. He's huge - a towering figure of meat, muscle and chrome, two robotic arms crossed in front of his bare, tattooed & scarred chest. He likes to tell people that he lost one of his biological arms and won the robotic replacement in the same card game. He won't say what happened to the other one. Behind him among the heaps of scrap metal, you can see several young people - presumably the many offspring after which the yard is named - running to and fro, ferrying objects from pile to pile or sorting through the newly delivered items.<<if $mir === 1>> In a weird way, they remind you of the little customer service units in the Mir shop.<</if>> He clamps your hand in one of his large metal ones shakes it with the power of a pneumatic drill. Grosz: Good to see you, good to see you! You're the new kid working for Bolter, eh? No need to look so surprised, eh, word travels fast round here. Scrap's not the only thing that ends up in these yards, let's say? Now, how can Grosz help you and yours? [[We need a cockpit for a BriTech Bulldog.|Grosz Intro]]

Dr. Guinevere Rattan's Emporium of Fine & Antique Electro-Communications Dr. Rattan barely even acknowledges your arrival this time, quickly glancing at you with her large pink eyes and returning to her work. After a couple of moments of silence, she still hasn't spoken to you. <<if $cash > 999>>[[Take the Igwe-Sousa CPZ (-1000).|Rattan Exchange 1][$cash = $cash - 1000]]<<else>>The Igwe-Sousa CPZ is a little too pricey...<</if>> <<if $cash > 749>>[[Take the old Targeting Array, fine and all (-750).|Rattan Exchange 2][$cash = $cash - 750]]<<else>>The original model is too expensive.<</if>> <<if $cash > 499>>[[Take a cheap Targeting Array (-500).|Rattan Exchange 3][$cash = $cash - 500]]<<else>>Even the cheapest model costs too much.<</if>> [[On second thoughts, I still don't know what I'm going to do.|bays]] <<if $call is 0>>[[Call Bolter.|Rattan Call Warning]]<<else>><</if>>

Mir Military Surplus When you enter the shop, a Customer Service Drone hums up to you, its monitor displaying a smiling face. It's hard to tell if it's the same one you've already spoken to, but it seems to recognise you. CSD: Welcome back, Valued Potential Customer! Do you require any assistance, or would you like to proceed to the purchase we discussed earlier? <<if $cash > 499>>[[I would love to purchase two crates of the Bialetti Deluxe, please and thank you (-500).|Mir Purchase 1][$cash = $cash - 500]]<<else>>Sadly, the Bialetti Deluxe is just a little too luxurious for you...<</if>> <<if $cash > 399>>[[I'll take two crates of the standard Bialetti ammo (-400).|Mir Purchase 2][$cash = $cash - 400]]<<else>>You can't afford this one either...<</if>> [[I think we'll be fine with two crates of the Castille, thanks (-250).|Mir Purchase 3][$cash = $cash - 250]] [[Could you excuse me please? I'll be right back.|bays]] <<if $call is 0>>[[One second, I need to make a call|Mir Call Warning]]<<else>><</if>>

E. Grosz & Offspring Salvage When you return to Grosz's little kingdom on the edge of the Bays, he looks delighted to see you. He raises his two huge chromed arms in the air and laughs. Grosz: Ah, the prodigal returns! Go, fetch tea for our guest! His assistant, no doubt one of the many fruits of his loins, jumps to it. Out the window, you can see another one of his offspring lugging the cockpit towards a shed. Grosz: Now, have you made a decision? <<if $cash > 749>>[[Take the BriTech cockpit (-750).|Grosz Exchange 1][$cash = $cash - 750]]<<else>>The full cockpit is a little out of your price range...<</if>> [[We'll just take the wiring (-500).|Grosz Exchange 3][$cash = $cash - 500]] [[I'm still not sure... I'll be right back|bays]] <<if $mech is 1>>[[Actually, I'd like the Mech please...|Grosz Mech Purchase]]<<else>><</if>> <<if $call is 0>>[[Call Bolter.|Grosz Call Warning]]<<else>><</if>>

She spits on the floor<<set $yeti = "Targeting array didn't fix itself">><<set $hobgoblin = "Ammo's at zero">><<set $archangel = "Cockpit's still busted">> Bolter: Yeah, so that's where you come in. I need you to go down into the Bays and pick this stuff up. I'd say your best bet to repair the targeting array is Rattan's. If there's any complications, just get it replaced... Yeti's been getting at me for ages about wanting a new one. You'd want to go to Mir Military Surplus for the ammo and since Archangel's cockpit is a complete write-off, I think you should go and see Grosz at his chopshop. He should have a decent amount of mech parts, just don't ask where he got them from. [[How will I pay for it?|Garage 3]] [[Is this going to be expensive...?|Garage 3]]

She shoves a datapad into your hands.<<set $yeti = "Targeting array didn't fix itself">><<set $hobgoblin = "Ammo's at zero">><<set $archangel = "Cockpit's still busted">><<set $cash = 2000>> Bolter: The Captain has given us 2000 for this. It's all on here, so don't think about going over the limit. Well, you can't. There's also what we need and where you can get it from, in case you forget. To recap, that's two crates of ammo for a Bialetti T-XII, a BriTech cockpit and to get that targeting array fixed up or replaced. Any questions? [[What if I need help?|help]] [[Nope!|start]]

She looks over at the trolley with the broken machine in it and sighs. Rattan: What did you savages do to it? Hmm, don't tell me, it'll probably just make me sad. Give it here, give it here. You gently lay the targeting array on the workbench. Dr. Rattan begins to poke around in the mess of fused wiring and bullet holes, twisted metal and sharding glass. After a few moments, she plugs a couple of loose cables into a port on it's side. A dusty monitor flickers into life. She taps a few keys and a large error pop-up takes over the screen. [[Is that good or...?|verdict]] [[Oh, did we... Is that our fault?|verdict]] [[Stay quiet.|verdict]]

She narrows her eyes and looks at you suspiciously, but seems to take your meaning. Without saying a word, she starts to poke around in the wrecked machine, checking fused wiring and sections that had been punched through by bullets. After a few moments, she plugs a couple of loose cables into a port on it's side. A dusty monitor flickers into life. She taps a few keys and a large error pop-up takes over the screen. [[Is that good or...?|verdict]] [[Oh, did we... Is that our fault?|verdict]] [[Say nothing.|verdict]]

Dr. Rattan studies the monitor for a few moments. Over her shoulder you can see large red exclamation marks and warning signs, as well as the logo of the manufacturer a few times. It doesn't look great... Rattan: This doesn't look great. You've... Hmmm, let me see... According to the receipt, when you bought this, you also bought some Auto-lock software... But this here - She points to the screen. Rattan: - This here says that it's a pirated copy of that software. Do you know why? [[I remember Yeti saying she couldn't get the official one to download?|Rattan Purchace 1]] [[Uhhhhhhhhh...|Rattan Purchace 2]]

She sighs. Rattan: Typical. It's not so much of an issue. Well, it is really. Basically, if you want to replace this, you'll have to pay a fine to the company, before buying the auto-lock software. So, over all, it'll cost you about seven fifty. There are also some cheaper models in the bins over there - She gestures over to some old green plastic bins, full of out-dated pieces of machinery. Rattan: - Which I could probably part ways with for about 500. There is another option. Come. She gets up and starts to move towards the back of the shop, not waiting for you to follow. You scamper after her. She unlocks the door to a smaller workshop. The gloom in here is even more oppressive, but once your eyes adjust you see that it looks much the same to the front of the shop, only the pieces on display are much more valuable. You can even see an ancient RCA Superette in one corner. Rattan hurries over to a cupboard and opens it - inside is a very expensive looking collection of antenna and micro-dishes. Rattan: A refurbished Igwe-Sousa CPZ. Very few of these left - would get you to shoot a mosquito off of a 50 tonne mech's arse at 2 kilometers. Because your captain is... a friend, I could let you have this for 1000? Your choice. <<if $cash > 999>>[[Take the Igwe-Sousa CPZ (-1000).|Rattan Exchange 1][$cash = $cash - 1000]]<<else>>The Igwe-Sousa CPZ is a little too pricey...<</if>> <<if $cash > 749>>[[Take the old Targeting Array, fine and all (-750).|Rattan Exchange 2][$cash = $cash - 750]]<<else>>The original model is too expensive.<</if>> <<if $cash > 499>>[[Take a cheap Targeting Array (-500).|Rattan Exchange 3][$cash = $cash - 500]]<<else>>Even the cheapest model costs too much.<</if>> [[I don't know what I'm going to do yet.|bays]] <<if $call is 0>>[[Call Bolter.|Rattan Call Warning]]<<else>><</if>>

Rattan looks at you strangely. Rattan: I suppose you don't. It's not so much of an issue. Well, it is really. Basically, if you want to replace this, you'll have to pay a fine to the company, before buying the auto-lock software. So, over all, it'll cost you about seven fifty. There are also some cheaper models in the bins over there - She gestures over to some old green plastic bins, full of out-dated pieces of machinery. Rattan: - Which I could probably part ways with for about 500. There is another option. Come. She gets up and starts to move towards the back of the shop, not waiting for you to follow. You scamper after her. She unlocks the door to a smaller workshop. The gloom in here is even more oppressive, but once your eyes adjust you see that it looks much the same to the front of the shop, only the pieces on display are much more valuable. You can even see an ancient RCA Superette in one corner. Rattan hurries over to a cupboard and opens it - inside is a very expensive looking collection of antenna and micro-dishes. Rattan: A refurbished Igwe-Sousa CPZ. Very few of these left - would get you to shoot a mosquito off of a 50 tonne mech's arse at 2 kilometers. Because your captain is... a friend, I could let you have this for 1000? Your choice. <<if $cash > 999>>[[Take the Igwe-Sousa CPZ (-1000).|Rattan Exchange 1][$cash = $cash - 1000]]<<else>>The Igwe-Sousa CPZ is a little too pricey...<</if>> <<if $cash > 749>>[[Take the old Targeting Array, fine and all (-750).|Rattan Exchange 2][$cash = $cash - 750]]<<else>>The original model is too expensive.<</if>> <<if $cash > 499>>[[Take a cheap Targeting Array (-500).|Rattan Exchange 3][$cash = $cash - 500]]<<else>>Even the cheapest model costs too much.<</if>> [[I don't know what I'm going to do yet.|bays]] <<if $call is 0>>[[Call Bolter.|Rattan Call Warning]]<<else>><</if>>

She brightens up. <<set $bays = $bays + 1>>Rattan: Excellent choice! You know, this is a magnificent piece of technology? The prototype models themselves are nearly perfect, but did have a tendency to cook the internal organs of people who got too close. The CRP, though, the model that came before the CPZ... She carries on for nearly half an hour on the entire range of Igwe-Sousa products. You make you excuses and leave, but she doesn't seem to notice. She could still be lecturing the empty spot where you were standing. [[Back to the Bays|bays][$yeti = "Now in possession of a state-of-the-art Igwe-Sousa CPZ"]]

She nods. <<set $bays = $bays + 1>>Rattan: I appreciate going for the safe option. I'll have it sent up later today. Just try and install the proper software on it this time, you don't want to keep throwing money away. [[Back to the Bays|bays][$yeti = "Now in possession of a brand new version of her old Targeting Array"]]

She shrugs. <<set $bays = $bays + 1>>Rattan: Just take one from the bin over there. They're all working, but you might not notice with some of them. She goes back to fiddling with the antique radio on her workbench, leaving you to pick out one of the beat up old targeting arrays. She doesn't look up when you leave. [[Back to the Bays|bays][$yeti = "Now in possession of a beat up old Targeting Array (hey, at least it works)"]]

<<set $call = 1>>It doesn't take too long for Bolter to answer; maybe you even picked a good time to get in touch. The call is just audio. In the background you can hear the hum of the hangar at work, the repair drones floating around to patch up gashes in metal and paint. The rather plesant sound is cut through by Bolter. Bolter: What? I'm busy here. [[Explain the situation clearly and succinctly.|Rattan Call 1]] [[Explain the situation clumsily and rambling.|Rattan Call 1]]

After a moment's pause, she grunts. Bolter: Rattan's really offering us a genuine Igwe-Sousa CPZ for one K? Take that. I don't care what else she's got, if she's going to part with that, you'd better take it. We can explain to the Captain later why we blew half our budget on it. <<if $cash > 1000>>[[The Igwe-Sousa? Got it.|Rattan Call 2]]<<else>>[[Oh, I... Don't think I have enough money...|Rattan Call 3]]<</if>>

Bolter: Good, I'm glad. Now don't bother me again, OK? [[OK!|Rattan 2]]

Bolter lets out a long slow sigh. Bolter: OK, in that case I don't give a shit. Just buy whatever old crap, and DON'T CALL ME AGAIN! [[Yes Ma'am.|Rattan 2]]

<<set $call to 1>>Bolter answers the call surprisingly quickly. The call is just audio, so you can't see where she is, but from the relative quiet behind her voice you'd guess she was in the hangar's break room. Bolter: Hey, how can I help? [[Explain the situation clearly and succinctly.|Mir Call 1]] [[Explain the situation clumsily and rambling.|Mir Call 1]]

It rings for a while... Maybe too long... After 10 rings, just when you're about to give up and think for yourself, she answers. The call is just audio. When Bolter answers the phone, it sounds like her teeth are gritted and there's an odd echo to the quality of the call. Bolter: This better be quick. I'm fixing the hydraulics under the BugBear's knee, and I don't know how long I can bear being in here. [[Explain the situation with the cockpit clearly and succinctly.|Grosz Call 1]] [[Explain the situation with the cockpit clumsily and rambling.|Grosz Call 1]]

There's a moment of silence, and you can hear her drinking something. Bolter: Just get the cheap stuff. You know how many times we've already violated the warranty on that thing? Technically taking it into an active combat zone voids it. [[Sure thing boss!|Mir Call 2]]

Bolter: Great. Now leave me be. I've only got 5 minutes left of my break, and do not wish to be disturbed any more. [[Sure thing!|Mir 2]]

The face on the monitor flickers into a wide grin. CSD: Of course, Valued Potential Customer. May I ask the make and model of the apparatus that requires resupplying? [[It's a Bialetti T-XII.|Mir 4]] [[Oh, it was, um, Bianchi? Biacino? And then a T and some Roman numerals...|Mir 5]]

As Grosz leads you through the yard you notice a Mech, despite obvious efforts to conceal it. The small, bird-legged scout model looks very out of place; it is, for one thing, completely clean and looks in full working order. You would guess it has recently had a new paint job too. It reminds you of something, of a toy you had when you were a kid. It probably belongs to Grosz or one of his many children. [[That's a nice Mech over there!|Grosz Mech 2]] [[Ignore it, maybe next time...|Grosz Deal 1]]

Grosz spins round to look at you. At first he looks angry, then he softens up. Grosz: Yeah, it is, very nice, very nice. Say, how they treating you over there? I know Bolter, she's a hard worker, but she works everyone else just as hard. You want to get out maybe? Get a little leg up into the real business of being a pilot? Maybe I could sell you that Mech? It's a nice little walker, good for a scout, good for a helpful sort like you? What do ya say? [[Maybe, but isn't it expensive?|Grosz Mech 3][$mech to 1]] [[Thank you for the offer, but I'm good.|Grosz Deal 1.2]]

Grosz: Ah yes! Grosz stops in front of a pile of broken Mech parts, hitherto indistinguishable from the thousand other piles of junk. Grosz: Here it is. <<set $groszdeal = 1>>He puts two of his crome fingers into the corners of his mouth and whistles deafeningly. One of his children comes scampering round the corner; this one takes after their father, just a few centimeters shorter than him and just as broad shouldered. Grosz: Fetch the BriTech cockpit down for me, child! The kid jumps to it, scrambling up the mound of scrap. Grosz turns to you. Grosz: I can let this go for, let us say, 750? I like your Bolter, even if she is as tough - HEY! BE CAREFUL WITH THAT! Up above, the kid has found the cockpit, which is just as big as they are, and is beginning the descent with it over their back. Grosz: Like I say, 750 for the cockpit. It's in excellent condition, one careful owner and so on. If you want, you can meet him, I think he was discharged from the hospital yesterday... Ah yes, here. Genuine BriTech cockpit. Nothing like it. Now, if the 750 is too steep - and I can't imagine it would be, but let us say it is, if the cause of the damage was an EMP, I can sell you wires and circuitry for... oh, let us say, 500? I'm sure your Bolter could deal with that, no problem? Grosz: What do you say? <<if $cash > 749>>[[Take the BriTech cockpit (-750).|Grosz Exchange 1][$cash = $cash - 750]]<<else>>The full cockpit is a little out of your price range...<</if>> [[We'll just take the wiring (-500).|Grosz Exchange 2][$cash = $cash - 500]] [[I'm still not sure... I'll be right back|bays]] <<if $mech is 1>>[[Actually, I'd like the Mech please...|Grosz Mech Purchase]]<<else>><</if>> <<if $call is 0>>[[Call Bolter.|Grosz Call Warning]]<<else>><</if>>

Grosz looks thoughtful. Grosz: A Bulldog, eh? Think we might have such a thing, think we might. Come, follow me! No time to spare, time is money and such and such! And with that, he strides off into his kingdom. [[Scamper after him.|Grosz Mech 1]] [[Stride after him in a dignified manner.|Grosz Mech 1]]

Grosz waves his huge chromed arms dismissively. Grosz: Not really, not really, not more than 2000. It comes with a job, see, a job. You have to take it off the station, quickly. Look after it, go on jobs with it, join a company, yes, but you can't come back. Not for a couple of years anyway. I have a friend in the Vinterbørn colony who can meet you, set you up. Maybe we could have a deal? This is a huge opportunity, a chance to get off the station and become a pilot! You've got a responsibility to Bolter and the rest of the Mechavaliers, but you shouldn't have to let them get in the way... <<if $cash is 2000>>[[Maybe we could...|Grosz Mech 4]]<<else>>[[I don't have that much on me...|Grosz Mech 5]]<</if>> [[I'll think about it, but I can't promise anything.|Grosz Deal 1.1]]

Grosz immediately turns back and continues walking across the yard. If he's disappointed, he doesn't show it. Grosz: Fair dos, fair dos, I just wanted to make sure it wasn't going to waste, see? Now, where were we? [[The cockpit?|Grosz Deal 1]]

Grosz spins around and carries on walking across the yard. Maybe he thinks you're a dead cert? Maybe he thinks he's lost you? Whatever it is, he isn't showing it. Grosz: Yes, you have a nice long think, no need to rush it, eh? Now, where were we? [[The cockpit?|Grosz Deal 1]]

The big man's eye's light up. Grosz: You sure? I can't imagine Bolter will be happy, but then again when is she? Hmmm, so you just hand over the 2000 and we'll have you on the first ship to Vinterbørn. [[I think that sounds fair.|Grosz Mech Purchase]] [[I still need to think about it.|Grosz Deal 1.1]]

Grosz looks thoughtful. Grosz: You've been running errands for Bolter, yes? Buying bits and pieces out in the Bays? Who've you been to see?<<if $rattan is 1>> Rattan?<</if>><<if $mir is 1>> Mir?<</if>> I can have a chat with them, yes, and get whatever you bought off them sent over here instead? And then you can give me whatever you have left over? [[I think that sounds fair.|Grosz Mech Purchase]] [[I still need to think about it.|Grosz Deal 1.1]]

<<set $cash = 0>><<set $yeti = "It hardly matters now">><<set $hobgoblin = "You've put all of that behind you">><<set $archangel = "They'll be fine without you, I'm sure">>The huge man's mouth splits into a dazzling grin. All of his teeth have, over the years, been replaced with gold replicas. He slaps on you on the shoulder. Grosz: Good choice, kid, good choice. We'll have the documents run up, yes, and you'll be on your way in no time. Hmm, now, let me see, let me see... Come this way, come this way... [[Go with him|Grosz Outro]]

You leave the pokey shop to call Bolter. Are you sure you want to call her? You'll only be able to do this once. [[Yes, I need help.|Rattan Call]] [[On second thoughts, I'll go back into the shop.|Rattan 2]]

You walk out into the street in front of E. Grosz & Offspring to call Bolter. It's too far away from the central Bays for any casual foot traffic and too close to Grosz for any loiterers. Are you sure you want to call her? You'll only be able to do this once. [[Yes, I need help.|Grosz Call]] [[On second thoughts, I'll go back into the shop.|Grosz 2]]

She grunts, either thinking about what you've told her or from exertion. Bolter: I would prefer if you got the complete cockpit. it would save time, and he may be a crook, but I trust old Grosz to sell us something in good nick. That said, if it's too pricey you can still just get the wiring; we can sort something out, it'll just take a while. Is that all? [[Got it. Nothing else to add|Grosz Call 2]] <<if $mech === 1>>[[There was another thing... Grosz made me a deal, you see...|Grosz Call Mech]]<</if>>

Bolter: Good. Now hurry up with the gear, I can hear the Captain beginning to get impatient. [[Right you are!|Grosz 2]]

Bolter listens carefully, then takes in a deep breath. She talks quietly and softly, and you can tell she's the angriest you've ever seen her. Bolter: You tell that robot fucker that if he ever offers any of my people a deal like that again I'll personally rip both his shitty actuators off and shove one down his throat and one up his arse and sell him to the kebab shop in the Bays, ok? And as for you, if you even think about taking it I'll be able to tell and I'll have you blasted out of an airlock before you can even reconsider. Now say that back to me! [[Repeat what she just said clearly.|Grosz Call 2]] [[Mumble it back to her...|Grosz Call 2]]

<<set $bays = $bays + 1>>He slaps you on the back. The force is enough to make you lose your balance, and almost go face first into the scrap heap. Grosz: Great, great! I'll have me people talk to your people, get one of these layabouts to bring it up to your hangar. Send my love to Bolter, see if that puts a smile on her face! I'll see you round kid! [[Back to the Bays.|bays][$archangel = "Got a fine BriTech cockpit"]]

<<set $bays = $bays + 1>>The big man puts two metal fingers in his mouth and whistles to the teenager carrying the cockpit. Grosz: OI! YOU! When you've done taking your sweet time with that, I want you to strip it down to the wires! Don't need the armour, just the wires! Gottit!? When the young person nods and continues to struggle down the scrap heap, Grosz turns to you. Grosz: OK, OK, we'll get our people to talk to each other, get these wires sent up to your hangar quick sharp, yes! Now, give Bolter a kiss on the cheek from me! I'll see you round kid! [[Back to the Bays|bays][$archangel = "Look, the only thing that's actually broken is the wires, so that's what we've got"]]

Vinterbørn It's been a month since you left Starkad Station and the Mechavaliers behind and settled on the arctic world of Vinterbørn. You're still getting used to the natural gravity and the changing weather, but you're carving a niche for yourself. Grosz's friend in the small colony turned out to be a one eyed trapper, who made a living hunting the huge, hirsute animals native to the world. She gave you a job chasing the beasts out of their caves in the little chicken legged Mech you left everything behind for. After a while, the novelty of the situation began to wear off, and you're beginning to dwell on the things you did to get here. Maybe the Bolter and the other Mechavaliers will forgive you? Maybe you can all laugh about it over a drink, when you finally make it back to Starkad? [[We'll see...|Return to Starkad]]

Starkad Station<<set $yeti = "MIA">><<set $hobgoblin = "DECEASED">><<set $archangel = "DECEASED">> Five years later and work with your new Freelance Company brings you to Starkad Station for the first time since you bought the flipped Mech from Grosz. Not much has changed on the outside. The Bays are still teaming with life. Mech companies and traders still crowd out the station's docks. It still feels like home. You ask around about the Mechavaliers, if they're doing well, if they still have the same set up. It takes a while to tease out the facts from the stories you hear in the different bars, cafes and shisha dens of the Bays. You find out that the company has disbanded, with most of the pilots dead or missing. Five years ago, someone tells you, they hit some financial difficulties and were forced to take on a string of jobs quickly and with minimal preparation. Hobgoblin and Archangel both died in the first few months. Yeti's Mech was last seen sinking into a tar pit on a far-off world and, although not confirmed dead, she hadn't been seen since. A couple of years after that the Captain drank themselves to death. After hearing the last story and standing the last round, you're walking back to the dock down an alleyway when you hear a gun cocking behind you. You turn and see Bolter. Bolter: So you're still alive, eh, you little shit? Pretty brave, or fucking stupid to show your face here again. What did you come back for? [[To apologise.|Grosz Finale]] [[To see what happened to you.|Grosz Finale]] [[Fuck you!|Grosz Finale]]

She smiles, a crooked sneer. Bolter: Thought so. And pulls the trigger. <<link "Restart">><<run UI.restart()>><</link>>

CSD: Ah, the Bialetti T-XII. A fine piece of machinery. The face on the display shrinks up into the top right hand corner. The rest of the screen is now dominated by a list of the relatvent products offered by Mir. CSD: As you can see, we offer a wide variety of ammunition for the Bialetti T-XII! May I recommend the Bialetti 3.7cm Deluxe range? The finest engineering and the most stylish design combined into one perfect round (available in both hollow point and armour piercing, starting at 400 a crate). CSD: We also offer the standard Bialetti 3.7cm, if the Deluxe feels a little too... decadent. Will do the job just as well, and custom made for the Bialetti T-XII. One crate will put you back 200. [[What about that one at the bottom?|Mir 6]]

CSD: Did you mean... The CSD's face monitor changes to display a question mark. CSD: A Bialetti T-XII arm mounted machine gun? You waggle your head and pull a face that shows you've definitely heard the name before. The face on the display shrinks up into the top right hand corner. The rest of the screen is now dominated by a list of the relatvent products offered by Mir. CSD: Thank you for clarifying, Valued Potential Customer! As you can see, we offer a wide variety of ammunition for the Bialetti T-XII! May I recommend the Bialetti 3.7cm Deluxe range? The finest engineering and the most stylish design combined into one perfect round (available in both hollow point and armour piercing, starting at 250 a crate). CSD: We also offer the standard Bialetti 3.7cm, if the Deluxe feels a little too... decadent. Will do the job just as well, and custom made for the Bialetti T-XII. One crate will put you back 200. [[What about that one at the bottom?|Mir 6]]

In the top right hand corner of the screen, you see the little cartoon face frown. CSD: Ah yes, the Castilla 37mm rounds... Very much for the Freelancer on a budget. Yes, they are only 125 a crate, however I must warn you that the warranty on your Bialetti T-XII will be voided, as well as any potential returns or refunds. [[But they work, right?|Mir Purchase]]

The face grows again, refilling the screen, but the frown doesn't go away. CSD: Oh yes, they "work", but they aren't made to Fabbrica d'Armi Bialetti's high standard. The face flickers back to a smile. CSD: Would you like to proceed to purchase, Valued Potential Customer? <<if $cash > 499>>[[I would love to purchase two crates of the Bialetti Deluxe, please and thank you (-500).|Mir Purchase 1][$cash = $cash - 500]]<<else>>Sadly, the Bialetti Deluxe is just a little too luxurious for you...<</if>> <<if $cash > 399>>[[I'll take two crates of the standard Bialetti ammo (-400).|Mir Purchase 2][$cash = $cash - 400]]<<else>>You can't afford this one either...<</if>> [[I think we'll be fine with two crates of the Castille, thanks (-250).|Mir Purchase 3][$cash = $cash - 250]] [[Could you excuse me please? I'll be right back.|bays]] <<if $call is 0>>[[One second, I need to make a call|Mir Call Warning]]<<else>><</if>>

<<set $bays = $bays + 1>>The monitor flickers into the grinning face again. CSD: Excellent choice, Valued Present Customer. Did I mention that purchases of the Bialetti Deluxe come with a complimentary dashboard ornament for your Mech? I do hope your colleague appreciates the gesture. Thank you so much, [[Back to the Bays.|bays][$hobgoblin = "Loaded up with 2 crates of Bialetti Deluxe, and a bobble head for some reason"]]

<<set $bays = $bays + 1>>The placid smile on the display doesn't change at this news CSD: Excellent choice, Valued Present Customer. I shall have the product sent to the Mechavaliers' hangar right away. I trust that is all? [[Back to the Bays.|bays][$hobgoblin = "Loaded up with 2 crates of Bialetti Standard"]]

<<set $bays = $bays + 1>>The face on the screen quickly flashes red, then settles back into the cartoon smiling face. CPZ: Excellent choice, Valued Present Customer! I shall have the... Product sent to the Mechavaliers hangar right away. I trust that is all? [[Back to the Bays.|bays][$hobgoblin = "Loaded up with 2 crates of Castille 37mm... I'm sure it'll be fine"]]

You go out onto the main thoroughfare of the Bays... which is far too busy and loud for you to make the call. So you find a quiet side street nearby instead. Are you sure you want to call her? You'll only be able to do this once. [[Yes, I need help.|Mir Call]] [[On second thoughts, I'll go back into the shop.|Mir 2]]

The Mechavaliers' Hangar<<set $cash = 0>> When you arrive in the Hangar, Bolter is finishing up for the evening. The three huge Mechs are starting to look more like their old selves, apart from the gashes and scars on their paintwork and the Metatron's gutted cockpit. Bolter looks over to you, and smiles thinly. Bolter: Ah, you're back. You managed to avoid all of the actual hard work. Now, Rattan, Grosz and Mir have all been in touch about sending us gear - good work. Your face must have betrayed your surprise and pride at the uncommon compliment. Bolter: Don't get too used to it - and I'll have wait and see what actually arrives before I praise you too much. I'll just take the cash and the datapad bay and you can go and relax with the others now. I'll see you tomorrow. [[Time to rest after a long day...|Epilogue 1]]

Epilogue <<if $hobgoblin === "Loaded up with 2 crates of Bialetti Deluxe, and a bobble head for some reason">>Despite the hard sell from the CSD, the Bialetti Deluxe wasn't any more effective than the standard ammo. In fact, it actually didn't seem to make that much of an impact on the enemy during the Mechavalier's subsequent engagement. The complimentary bobble head, similarly, had a detrimental effect on Hobgoblin's combat effectiveness, distracting them and intruding on their field of vision (quite why Hobgoblin took the thing into the engagement, we'll never know). Despite putting up a valiant struggle, this combination of factors led to Hobgoblin's death during the engagement.<<set $hobgoblin = "DECEASED">><<elseif $hobgoblin === "Loaded up with 2 crates of Bialetti Standard">>The Bialetti Standard was precisely that; standard. Did exactly what was stamped on the side of the crate. Bolter did comment that it was a little pricey for what it was and when you pointed out "at least it didn't void the warranty", she just laughed at you.<<else>>Despite not lining up to the rigorous standards of Fabbrica d'Armi Bialetti, the Castille 37mm did the job, and on a budget. Bolter was proud of you for making that particular call, since it freed up funds for more important purchases.<<set $result = $result + 1>><</if>> <<if $yeti === "Now in possession of a state-of-the-art Igwe-Sousa CPZ">>Bolter almost cried when she saw the Igwe-Sousa CPZ. It was a fine piece of machinery, worth every penny. During their next engagement, Yeti took out one of her foes with a single shot to the cockpit from at least five kilometers away. There were high-fives all round when the team got back.<<set $result = $result + 1>><<elseif $yeti === "Now in possession of a brand new version of her old Targeting Array">>Yeti didn't look very happy to receive a new version of her old targeting array. The problem with its software notwithstanding, she said she'd been having other issues with the general quality of the device. These problems came to a head when, during their subsequent engagement, a huge pop-up advertising a paid upgrade to the software obscured most of her HUD. While frantically trying to dismiss it a stray rocket hit her in the flank, killing her and reducing her Mech to scrap.<<set $yeti = "DECEASED">><<else>>The targeting array that you pulled out of the bargain bin at Rattan's turned out to be a fully serviceable piece of machinery. Bolter did comment that you shouldn't be afraid to splash out on quality - quality, mind you - given the chance.<</if>> <<if $archangel === "Got a fine BriTech cockpit">>With the new cockpit slotted in and a quick coat of paint, the Metatron looks as good as new. When Archangel joined the battle in their next engagement, he was beautiful to behold, scoring lines of fire across the field!<<set $result = $result + 1>><<else>>Bolter had to rush replacing the wiring on the Metatron's cockpit and, with so much to do in such a small amount of time, mistakes were inevitable. During their next engagement, one of the miswired connections began to spark and a failure in the Mech's emergency protocols meant that the fire soon caught. Trapped inside the faulty cockpit, Archangel never stood a chance.<<set $archangel = "DECEASED">><</if>> [[Continue...|Epilogue 2]]

<<set $bays = $bays + 1>>The big man puts two metal fingers in his mouth and whistles to the teenager carrying the cockpit Grosz: OI! YOU! When you've done taking your sweet time with that, I want you to strip it down to the wires! Don't need the armour, just the wires! Gottit!? When the young person nods and continues to struggle across the yard, Grosz turns to you. Grosz: OK, OK, we'll get our people to talk to each other, get these wires sent up to your hangar quick sharp, yes! Now, give Bolter a kiss on the cheek from me! I'll see you round kid! [[Back to the Bays|bays][$archangel = "Look, the only thing that's actually broken is the wires, so that's what we've got"]]

<<silently>> <<if $yeti === "DECEASED" and $hobgoblin !== "DECEASED" and $archangel !== "DECEASED">><<set $dead = 1>> <<elseif $yeti !== "DECEASED" and $hobgoblin === "DECEASED" and $archangel !== "DECEASED">><<set $dead = 2>> <<elseif $yeti !== "DECEASED" and $hobgoblin !== "DECEASED" and $archangel === "DECEASED">><<set $dead = 3>> <<elseif $yeti === "DECEASED" and $hobgoblin === "DECEASED" and $archangel !== "DECEASED">><<set $dead = 4>> <<elseif $yeti === "DECEASED" and $hobgoblin !== "DECEASED" and $archangel === "DECEASED">><<set $dead = 5>> <<elseif $yeti !== "DECEASED" and $hobgoblin === "DECEASED" and $archangel === "DECEASED">><<set $dead = 6>><<else>><</if>><</silently>><<if $yeti === "DECEASED" and $hobgoblin === "DECEASED" and $archangel === "DECEASED">>With the crew wiped out and their coffers empty, you're unceremoniously shown the door. Word quickly spreads that your incompetence killed a whole Freelance Company, which hits your employment prospects pretty hard. You decide to leave Starkad Station, your only home your entire life, and find somewhere to settle down where your name isn't synonymous with catastrophic fuck ups... <<link "Restart">><<run UI.restart()>><</link>> <<elseif $yeti === "DECEASED" or $hobgoblin === "DECEASED" or $archangel === "DECEASED">>The loss of <<if $dead === 1>>Yeti<<elseif $dead === 2>>Hobgoblin<<elseif $dead === 3>>Archangel<<elseif $dead === 4>>Yeti & Hobgoblin<<elseif $dead === 5>>Yeti & Archangel<<elseif $dead === 6>>Hobgoblin & Archangel<<else>><</if>> has hit the team hard. No matter what the others say you can tell that they blame you, either in whole or in part, for their <<if $dead < 4>>comrade's death<<else>>comrades' deaths<</if>>. After a while, the shame and guilt gets too much and you move on to another line of work, hauling freight at the docks. It's fine work, but sometimes you feel like you missed out on what could have been... <<link "Restart">><<run UI.restart()>><</link>> <<else>>It was a close call, but thankfully no-one died in action during the weeks after the supply run. You can't help but feel a little proud of that, even if your contribution was minimal. A few months after that day, Bolter got drunk and confided something in you - had you not been so sharp in resupplying the Company, she feared something terrible might have happened during their next engagement. But thanks to you, the crisis had been averted, and you had a firm ally in Bolter. [[Afterwards...|Epilogue 3]] <</if>>

<<if $result === 1>>You stayed on with the Mechavaliers for a few years after that before coming to the slow conclusion that, maybe, this wasn't the life you wanted. Your time with the Company had been useful though, and one day you upped and left, joining an outbound trader as their mechanic. You haven't been back to Starked in a few years, but you're sure they're managing fine without you... <<link "Restart">><<run UI.restart()>><</link>> <<elseif $result === 2>>You stay on with the Mechavaliers for several years, before leaving the Company after an argument with the Captain. You believed you had done your time and deserved a chance as a pilot - they disagreed, and you were out. You still meet up with Bolter every now and then for a beer and a reminisce, but you feel like you're better off out... <<link "Restart">><<run UI.restart()>><</link>> <<elseif $result === 3>>Bolter's support of you and the general goodwill towards you cemented your place in the Company. Years more hard work resulted in you taking over from her as the chief engineer of the Mechavaliers and supporting them to greater and greater heights. Eventually you even took over as captain, all thanks to your success on your first ever supply run. <<link "Restart">><<run UI.restart()>><</link>> <<else>><</if>>