Description
It's simple: non 'Booters pay a levy to pass through Sirius. But some Captains need it explaining in more detail. Loquacious individual required for said purpose. Visit Catamaran Shingle for info.
Start: Side Jobs, Sirius Jump Gate
Introduction
You have a job: Sirius Transit Levy Assistant, accepted at Sirius Jump Gate in the Sirius system.
Visit Catamaran Shingle in the Brig for the job.
Next NPC: Catamaran Shingle, Brig, Sirius Jump Gate
- Approach Catamaran Shingle about the job.
Catamaran seems pleased to see you. She grabs your arm and drags you over to a vacant slate terminal, to one side of the Brig foyer.
Catamaran says: About time! Me has been holding down the fort 'ere, so to speak, for yonks. No help, at all! Well, until now, that is. Stars alive, I'm chuffed to see ya. Here. Make yerself comfy at this 'ere terminal, mate.
You oblige as Catamaran starts explaining something on the slate display.
She says: Here's yer list. Three of em in all. These vessels have all breezed into Sirius of late, and now they needs to pay their transit toll. Passing through 'Booter patch costs creds, and these berks need reminding of it. Crack on, I've gotta get back to keeping ma peepers on the — guests over here.
Catamaran cackles to herself as she wanders off to check on the Brig's prisoners.
Issue payment demands to three ships passing through Sirius.
Next area: Brig, Sirius Jump Gate
- Issue the first payment demand.
(Intelligence check)
After squinting at rows of data for a few segments it all starts to make sense. There are columns showing each vessel's name, time of entry, affiliation, and the captain's name.
You use the data to issue a payment demand via your CORETECHS to the Captain of the Kyaria, a Tanegashima fleet freighter that arrived only segments ago. The Captain responds by calling you moments later.
- Persuade the Captain to pay the toll promptly.
(Social check)
You explain the conditions of the toll to the Kyaria's Captain, somehow managing to convince her it's in her interests to pay it immediately.
Captain Airi Abe: Very well. I've no time to waste in your Brig, and my cargo is too precious to risk forceful confrontation, despite, the fact we would crush you pirates with ease… Payment has been transferred. Now leave us be. And one last thing. Tell your pirate friends not to expect a warm welcome on Hopkins' Legacy. Good day, Ser.
The call ends and you return your attention to the next ship on the list.
- Issue the second payment demand.
(Intelligence check)
You collate data about the next vessel to be ransomed. It's a small Gaule military support ship called the Rapide. Again, the Captain responds promptly with a call.
- Persuade the Captain to pay the toll promptly.
(Social check)
You charm the Captain, explaining that the toll is a mere token of appreciation for the continued 'Booter maintenance of the Jump Gate on which we all rely. It seems to go down well.
Captain Cedric Lausanne Je comprend, Ser. Say no more. Of course, the Jump Gate needs resources, attention, materials… But can you do me a favor? Make it double for Consortium vessels? Hehe. I am kidding, Ser. Pulling your leg. Hehe. Payment has been issued. Adieu!
The call ends and you return your attention to the next ship on the list.
- Issue the final payment demand.
(Intelligence check)
The final vessel on the list seems to have very little data attached, only a name, 'Hope' and a time of entry. Eventually you figure out a way to contact them and issue the usual payment demand. You wait, but no response is forthcoming.
Eventually, a short message is returned.
HOPE comms channel: This is a refugee ship, with nothing spare that we can give. We seek passage to Wolf 359. Please. Show mercy.
You read over the mysterious message twice, wondering how to proceed.
- Mark the vessel as a 'non-payer' in the database.
- Delete the vessel's info from the database without insisting on payment.
Non-payer:
You send a final payment request and, when the Hope fails to respond, you mark it as a non-payer on the slate to initiate whatever the 'Booters here do by way of debt collection process. Having completed your shift you look around to spot Catamaran teasing and mocking her captives at the other end of the Brig.
Delete:
You erase what little info was included in the database about the ship, checking over your shoulder that Catamaran hasn't spotted anything untoward. Thankfully, she seems preoccupied teasing and mocking her captives at the other end of the Brig.
Either choice continues:
Next NPC: Catamaran Shingle, Brig, Sirius Jump Gate
- Collect payment from Catamaran
You call Catamaran over upon completion of your duties.
If you reported the Hope:
Catamaran says: Gorblimey you're a quick one. Cheers, mate. As promised, here's your cut of today's transit levy takings. Decent sums, by the looks of it. You seem to know what you're doing here, come back any time!
Congratulations!
You have completed the 'Sirius Transit Levy Assistant' job.
You have received 110.00 credits.
If you deleted the Hope:
Catamaran says: Gorblimey you're a quick one. Cheers, mate. As promised, here's your cut of today's transit levy takings. Doesn't look like being as much as it should…
She pauses a moment to glance over the data on the screen with a furrowed brow. After a few units she shrugs.
Catamaran says: Nope. Looks like everything's in order… Must be my memory playing tricks on me!
Congratulations!
You have completed the 'Sirius Transit Levy Assistant' job.
You have received 95.00 credits.
<— Return to Sirius Jump Gate