(set: $playerLiedBriefing to false)(set: $playerAskedWhoBecket to false)(set: $playerIgnoreBeckett to 0)(set: $playerAskedPackage to false)
Computer:
Welcome to the Hydrazine Interstallar XR-71. Please read the following statement aloud:
"Computer, open the hatch."
[["Computer, open the hatch."]]
[[(Something other than "open the hatch")]]
[[Nothing]]Computer:
Voice print accepted. Welcome aboard, Commander. You have a pending transmission from Admiral Beckett awaiting your authorization.
"Acknowledge, Dismiss"
[["Acknowledge"|"On Screen"]]
[["Dismiss"]]
[[Other]]
[[Nothing|Nothing2]]Computer:
Auxiliary commands have been disabled until the XR-71 is in flight. Please read the following statement aloud:
"Computer, open the hatch."
[["Computer, open the hatch."]]Computer:
Commander, please read the following statement aloud:
"Computer, open the hatch."
[["Computer, open the hatch."]]
[[(Something other than "open the hatch")]](set: $playerIgnoreBeckett to $playerIgnoreBeckett + 1)
(if: $playerIgnoreBeckett is 1)[Computer:
Admiral Beckett's transmission has been dismissed, but it appears that he's attempting to hail you again. How would you like to respond?
[["Acknowledge"|"On Screen"]]
[["Dismiss"]]]
(if: $playerIgnoreBeckett is 2)[Computer:
Admiral Beckett is attempting to connect with you yet again, Commander.
[["Acknowledge"|"BeckettPissed"]]
[["Dismiss"]]]
(if: $playerIgnoreBeckett > 2)[Computer:
Admiral Becket seems insistent, Commander, and my directives will not authorize auxiliary commands until he allows it. I recommend acknowledging his transmission.
[["Acknowledge"|"BeckettPissed"]]
[["Dismiss"]]]Computer:
Commander, my mission directives will not allow alternate commands while a transmission from Admiral Beckett is pending. Please acknowledge or dismiss the transmission.
"Acknowledge, Dismiss"
[["Acknowledge"|"On Screen"]]
[["Dismiss"]]
[[Nothing|Nothing2]]Computer:
Commander, Admiral Beckett is currently hailing you. Please accept or dismiss the transmission.
"Acknowledge, Dismiss"
[["Acknowledge"|"On Screen"]]
[["Dismiss"]]
[[Other]](if: $playerAskedWhoBeckett is true)[Beckett:
We've been over this, Commander. Admiral Stephen Beckett, P.E.A.C.E.]
(if: $playerAskedWhoBecket is false)[
Beckett:
Forgive me, Commander. That was supposed to be in your briefing. Admiral Stephen Beckett, P.E.A.C.E. Ultimately, I'm just here to send you off - Sergeant Pearson will be your point of contact during the mission. With any luck, we'll talk again once you've arrived at Delta outpost.]
(set: $playerAskedWhoBeckett to true)
(Contextual)
[[Sergeant Pearson?|Tell me about my escort.]]
[[I have no further questions.]]
[[(something irrelevant)]]
[[(unintelligable)]]
[[(repeat)]]
[[(finished)]]
[[Who are you?]]
[[Tell me about my ship.]]
[[What makes the situation complicated?]]
[[What's the package?]]
[[Tell me about the Delta Outpost.]]
[[Tell me about my escort.]]
[[Will this be dangerous?]]
[[Who am I?]]
[[Why do I need an escort?]]
[[Do you have a problem with me?]]
[[What are Ecknians?]]
[[FTL?]]
[[What's P.E.A.C.E.?]]
[[There was a war?]]
[[We have a treaty with the Ecknians?]]
[[Why is this mission so important?]]
[[What's Hydrazine Interstellar?/Tell me about the Hydrazine Scandal]]
[[Tell me about the Delta System]]
[[Tell me about the Paldium Nebula]]
[[What's my diplomatic status?]]
[[What's a Superintendent?]]
[[I've got a question: go fuck yourself.]]
[[Remind me what the mission is again.]]Beckett:
The XR-71 is the best there is. Some of your colleagues may not be wild about how much of our budget goes to Hydrazine, but trust me when I say it's worth it. Damn thing can outfly all but my best pilots.
(Contextual)
[[My colleagues?]]
[[Why don't my colleagues like Hydrazine?]]
[[I have no further questions.]]
[[(something irrelevant)]]
[[(unintelligable)]]
[[(repeat)]]
[[(finished)]]
[[Who are you?]]
[[Tell me about my ship.]]
[[What makes the situation complicated?]]
[[What's the package?]]
[[Tell me about the Delta Outpost.]]
[[Tell me about my escort.]]
[[Will this be dangerous?]]
[[Who am I?]]
[[Why do I need an escort?]]
[[Do you have a problem with me?]]
[[What are Ecknians?]]
[[FTL?]]
[[What's P.E.A.C.E.?]]
[[There was a war?]]
[[We have a treaty with the Ecknians?]]
[[Why is this mission so important?]]
[[What's Hydrazine Interstellar?/Tell me about the Hydrazine Scandal]]
[[Tell me about the Delta System]]
[[Tell me about the Paldium Nebula]]
[[What's my diplomatic status?]]
[[What's a Superintendent?]]
[[I've got a question: go fuck yourself.]]
[[Remind me what the mission is again.]]Beckett:
The Ecknians have been making attacks on our supply chains in the area. They've essentially hired the local pirates to raid us, which doesn't *technically* break the treaty. And since that's the only thing keeping their nukes in check, most of your colleagues have been hesitant to let us hit back. It makes any delivery to the outpost hazardous.
(Contextual)
[[Tell me about these pirates]]
[[The Ecknians have nukes?]]
[[My colleagues?]]
[[I have no further questions.]]
[[(something irrelevant)]]
[[(unintelligable)]]
[[(repeat)]]
[[(finished)]]
[[Who are you?]]
[[Tell me about my ship.]]
[[What makes the situation complicated?]]
[[What's the package?]]
[[Tell me about the Delta Outpost.]]
[[Tell me about my escort.]]
[[Will this be dangerous?]]
[[Who am I?]]
[[Why do I need an escort?]]
[[Do you have a problem with me?]]
[[What are Ecknians?]]
[[FTL?]]
[[What's P.E.A.C.E.?]]
[[There was a war?]]
[[We have a treaty with the Ecknians?]]
[[Why is this mission so important?]]
[[What's Hydrazine Interstellar?/Tell me about the Hydrazine Scandal]]
[[Tell me about the Delta System]]
[[Tell me about the Paldium Nebula]]
[[What's my diplomatic status?]]
[[What's a Superintendent?]]
[[I've got a question: go fuck yourself.]]
[[Remind me what the mission is again.]](if: $playerAskedPackage is true)[Beckett:
I have nothing more to say on the subject. Move on.]
(if: $playerAskedPackage is false)[Beckett:
That's above your security clearance, Commander. Anything else?
(set: $playerAskedPackage to true)]
(Contextual)
[[Seriously. What's in the package?]]
[[What IS my security clearance?]]
[[Can you at least tell me why we're taking it to Delta Outpost?]]
[[I have no further questions.]]
[[(something irrelevant)]]
[[(unintelligable)]]
[[(repeat)]]
[[(finished)]]
[[Who are you?]]
[[Tell me about my ship.]]
[[What makes the situation complicated?]]
[[What's the package?]]
[[Tell me about the Delta Outpost.]]
[[Tell me about my escort.]]
[[Will this be dangerous?]]
[[Who am I?]]
[[Why do I need an escort?]]
[[Do you have a problem with me?]]
[[What are Ecknians?]]
[[FTL?]]
[[What's P.E.A.C.E.?]]
[[There was a war?]]
[[We have a treaty with the Ecknians?]]
[[Why is this mission so important?]]
[[What's Hydrazine Interstellar?/Tell me about the Hydrazine Scandal]]
[[Tell me about the Delta System]]
[[Tell me about the Paldium Nebula]]
[[What's my diplomatic status?]]
[[What's a Superintendent?]]
[[I've got a question: go fuck yourself.]]
[[Remind me what the mission is again.]]Beckett:
The outpost itself is a standard installation, meant to mantain our presence on the Ecknain border. It's the geography that's problematic. We need to maintain an active fighting force there, but its location on the far side of the Paldium Nebula makes keeping them supplied difficult.
(Contextual)
[[And that's where you are?]]
[[Difficult how?|What makes the situation complicated?]]
[[I have no further questions.]]
[[(something irrelevant)]]
[[(unintelligable)]]
[[(repeat)]]
[[(finished)]]
[[Who are you?]]
[[Tell me about my ship.]]
[[What makes the situation complicated?]]
[[What's the package?]]
[[Tell me about the Delta Outpost.]]
[[Tell me about my escort.]]
[[Will this be dangerous?]]
[[Who am I?]]
[[Why do I need an escort?]]
[[Do you have a problem with me?]]
[[What are Ecknians?]]
[[FTL?]]
[[What's P.E.A.C.E.?]]
[[There was a war?]]
[[We have a treaty with the Ecknians?]]
[[Why is this mission so important?]]
[[What's Hydrazine Interstellar?/Tell me about the Hydrazine Scandal]]
[[Tell me about the Delta System]]
[[Tell me about the Paldium Nebula]]
[[What's my diplomatic status?]]
[[What's a Superintendent?]]
[[I've got a question: go fuck yourself.]]
[[Remind me what the mission is again.]]Beckett:
Sergeant Sarah Pearson will be in a DR-33, watching your six. It's a good ship, and Pearson's the best we have. I have every confindence that she'll get you to Delta Outpost.
(Contextual)
[[What's a DR-33?]]
[[Tell me more about Pearson.]]
[[I have no further questions.]]
[[(something irrelevant)]]
[[(unintelligable)]]
[[(repeat)]]
[[(finished)]]
[[Who are you?]]
[[Tell me about my ship.]]
[[What makes the situation complicated?]]
[[What's the package?]]
[[Tell me about the Delta Outpost.]]
[[Tell me about my escort.]]
[[Will this be dangerous?]]
[[Who am I?]]
[[Why do I need an escort?]]
[[Do you have a problem with me?]]
[[What are Ecknians?]]
[[FTL?]]
[[What's P.E.A.C.E.?]]
[[There was a war?]]
[[We have a treaty with the Ecknians?]]
[[Why is this mission so important?]]
[[What's Hydrazine Interstellar?/Tell me about the Hydrazine Scandal]]
[[Tell me about the Delta System]]
[[Tell me about the Paldium Nebula]]
[[What's my diplomatic status?]]
[[What's a Superintendent?]]
[[I've got a question: go fuck yourself.]]
[[Remind me what the mission is again.]]Beckett:
It's Ecknian space, Commander. Of *course* it's dangerous.
[[I have no further questions.]]
[[(something irrelevant)]]
[[(unintelligable)]]
[[(repeat)]]
[[(finished)]]
[[Who are you?]]
[[Tell me about my ship.]]
[[What makes the situation complicated?]]
[[What's the package?]]
[[Tell me about the Delta Outpost.]]
[[Tell me about my escort.]]
[[Will this be dangerous?]]
[[Who am I?]]
[[Why do I need an escort?]]
[[Do you have a problem with me?]]
[[What are Ecknians?]]
[[FTL?]]
[[What's P.E.A.C.E.?]]
[[There was a war?]]
[[We have a treaty with the Ecknians?]]
[[Why is this mission so important?]]
[[What's Hydrazine Interstellar?/Tell me about the Hydrazine Scandal]]
[[Tell me about the Delta System]]
[[Tell me about the Paldium Nebula]]
[[What's my diplomatic status?]]
[[What's a Superintendent?]]
[[I've got a question: go fuck yourself.]]
[[Remind me what the mission is again.]]Beckett:
...You mean why am I referring to you as "Commander"? Standard P.E.A.C.E. protocol, Superintendent. "Commander" is a catch-all term for any personnel in charge of a military vessel, including civilians and, under the rare circumstance, political officials.
(Contextual)
[[What's a Superintendent?]]
[[But why did you pick me?]]
[[I have no further questions.]]
[[(something irrelevant)]]
[[(unintelligable)]]
[[(repeat)]]
[[(finished)]]
[[Who are you?]]
[[Tell me about my ship.]]
[[What makes the situation complicated?]]
[[What's the package?]]
[[Tell me about the Delta Outpost.]]
[[Tell me about my escort.]]
[[Will this be dangerous?]]
[[Who am I?]]
[[Why do I need an escort?]]
[[Do you have a problem with me?]]
[[What are Ecknians?]]
[[FTL?]]
[[What's P.E.A.C.E.?]]
[[There was a war?]]
[[We have a treaty with the Ecknians?]]
[[Why is this mission so important?]]
[[What's Hydrazine Interstellar?/Tell me about the Hydrazine Scandal]]
[[Tell me about the Delta System]]
[[Tell me about the Paldium Nebula]]
[[What's my diplomatic status?]]
[[What's a Superintendent?]]
[[I've got a question: go fuck yourself.]]
[[Remind me what the mission is again.]]Beckett:
As if the Delta System itself isn't bad enough, you're going to have to pass through the Paldium Nebula to get there. Most of our flagships bypass the entire sector via FTL, but smaller ships with smaller drives don't have the luxury. An escort is a standard - and necessary - precaution for anyone traversing the area.
[[I have no further questions.]]
[[(something irrelevant)]]
[[(unintelligable)]]
[[(repeat)]]
[[(finished)]]
[[Who are you?]]
[[Tell me about my ship.]]
[[What makes the situation complicated?]]
[[What's the package?]]
[[Tell me about the Delta Outpost.]]
[[Tell me about my escort.]]
[[Will this be dangerous?]]
[[Who am I?]]
[[Why do I need an escort?]]
[[Do you have a problem with me?]]
[[What are Ecknians?]]
[[FTL?]]
[[What's P.E.A.C.E.?]]
[[There was a war?]]
[[We have a treaty with the Ecknians?]]
[[Why is this mission so important?]]
[[What's Hydrazine Interstellar?/Tell me about the Hydrazine Scandal]]
[[Tell me about the Delta System]]
[[Tell me about the Paldium Nebula]]
[[What's my diplomatic status?]]
[[What's a Superintendent?]]
[[I've got a question: go fuck yourself.]]
[[Remind me what the mission is again.]]Beckett:
It's not personal, Commander. I don't like it when security assets are handed to the inexperienced. When it comes right down to it, it takes years of training to make wartime decisions, and believe me, whatever the official label, we *are* at war. That said, despite my concerns, there's no one better suited for this particular mission.
[[I have no further questions.]]
[[(something irrelevant)]]
[[(unintelligable)]]
[[(repeat)]]
[[(finished)]]
[[Who are you?]]
[[Tell me about my ship.]]
[[What makes the situation complicated?]]
[[What's the package?]]
[[Tell me about the Delta Outpost.]]
[[Tell me about my escort.]]
[[Will this be dangerous?]]
[[Who am I?]]
[[Why do I need an escort?]]
[[Do you have a problem with me?]]
[[What are Ecknians?]]
[[FTL?]]
[[What's P.E.A.C.E.?]]
[[There was a war?]]
[[We have a treaty with the Ecknians?]]
[[Why is this mission so important?]]
[[What's Hydrazine Interstellar?/Tell me about the Hydrazine Scandal]]
[[Tell me about the Delta System]]
[[Tell me about the Paldium Nebula]]
[[What's my diplomatic status?]]
[[What's a Superintendent?]]
[[I've got a question: go fuck yourself.]]
[[Remind me what the mission is again.]]Beckett:
Very well, Commander. If anything comes up, Sergeant Pearson will know what to do. Trust in your wingman and she'll get you to Delta Outpost. Good hunting.
Beckett hangs up
[[Enter Pearson]]Beckett:
It would seem we've wandered off-topic. Let's try and keep any questions within the scope of the mission.
[[I have no further questions.]]
[[(something irrelevant)]]
[[(unintelligable)]]
[[(repeat)]]
[[(finished)]]
[[Who are you?]]
[[Tell me about my ship.]]
[[What makes the situation complicated?]]
[[What's the package?]]
[[Tell me about the Delta Outpost.]]
[[Tell me about my escort.]]
[[Will this be dangerous?]]
[[Who am I?]]
[[Why do I need an escort?]]
[[Do you have a problem with me?]]
[[What are Ecknians?]]
[[FTL?]]
[[What's P.E.A.C.E.?]]
[[There was a war?]]
[[We have a treaty with the Ecknians?]]
[[Why is this mission so important?]]
[[What's Hydrazine Interstellar?/Tell me about the Hydrazine Scandal]]
[[Tell me about the Delta System]]
[[Tell me about the Paldium Nebula]]
[[What's my diplomatic status?]]
[[What's a Superintendent?]]
[[I've got a question: go fuck yourself.]]
[[Remind me what the mission is again.]]Computer:
Commander, you are being hailed by Sergeant Pearson.
"Acknowledge, Dismiss"
[["Acknowledge"|PearsonAccept]]
[["Dismiss"|PearsonDismiss]]Pearson:
(She salutes)
Commander. My name is Sergeant Pearson, P.E.A.C.E. - I've been assigned as your escort to Delta Outpost. I imagine the Admiral gave you the rundown, but do you have any questions before we get moving?
[[Who are you?|PearsonWho]]
[[What's our mission again?]]
[[Do you know who I am?]]
[[Do you know what's in my cargo bay?]]
[[Do you think we'll run into troble?]]
[[Tell me about yourself]]
[[Where are we right now?]]
[[What's P.E.A.C.E.?|PearsonPEACE]]
[[What do you know about the Delta Outpost?]]
[[Why do I need an escort?|PearsonEscort]]
[[What are Ecknians?|PearsonEcknians]]
[[FTL?|PearsonFTL]]
[[What can you tell me about Hydrazine?]]
[[Why is this mission so important?|PearsonImportant]]
[[Why did you join P.E.A.C.E.?]]
[[What kind of ship do you fly?]]
[[What can you tell me about my ship?]]
[[Tell me about Admiral Beckett]]
[[Admiral Beckett is a dick]]
[[(something irrelevant)|PearsonIrrelevant]]
[[Tell me about the Delta System|PearsonDelta]]
[[Tell me about the Paldium Nebula|PearsonPaldium]]
[[Tell me about the Reclamation Drive]]
[[I'm ready to start!]]Computer:
Sergeant Pearson's transmission has been dismissed. Awaiting further orders, Commander.Beckett:
The Ecknians? Have you never met one in person? Count yourlself lucky. They're a vile species, inside and out. They aren't particularly bright, but they breed like scaly, sadist rabbits. Ecknian tech might be a shitshow, but let me assure you, their numbers more than make up for it.
(Contextual)
[[What's wrong with Ecknian tech?]]
[[How many Ecknians are there?]]
[[I have no further questions.]]
[[(something irrelevant)]]
[[(unintelligable)]]
[[(repeat)]]
[[(finished)]]
[[Who are you?]]
[[Tell me about my ship.]]
[[What makes the situation complicated?]]
[[What's the package?]]
[[Tell me about the Delta Outpost.]]
[[Tell me about my escort.]]
[[Will this be dangerous?]]
[[Who am I?]]
[[Why do I need an escort?]]
[[Do you have a problem with me?]]
[[What are Ecknians?]]
[[FTL?]]
[[What's P.E.A.C.E.?]]
[[There was a war?]]
[[We have a treaty with the Ecknians?]]
[[Why is this mission so important?]]
[[What's Hydrazine Interstellar?/Tell me about the Hydrazine Scandal]]
[[Tell me about the Delta System]]
[[Tell me about the Paldium Nebula]]
[[What's my diplomatic status?]]
[[What's a Superintendent?]]
[[I've got a question: go fuck yourself.]]
[[Remind me what the mission is again.]]Beckett:
...You're joking. Faster Than Light travel? If you've never done it before, my apologies, but you'd best get used to it quick. An FTL jump will be your best defense if you're unlucky enough to run into an Ecknian Dreadnaught. Ecknian fighters don't have FTL capabilities, so if you run, you won't be chased.
(Contextual)
[[What's a Dreadnaught?]]
[[Why don't their fighters have FTL capabilities?]]
[[I'm not important enough to chase?]]
[[I have no further questions.]]
[[(something irrelevant)]]
[[(unintelligable)]]
[[(repeat)]]
[[(finished)]]
[[Who are you?]]
[[Tell me about my ship.]]
[[What makes the situation complicated?]]
[[What's the package?]]
[[Tell me about the Delta Outpost.]]
[[Tell me about my escort.]]
[[Will this be dangerous?]]
[[Who am I?]]
[[Why do I need an escort?]]
[[Do you have a problem with me?]]
[[What are Ecknians?]]
[[FTL?]]
[[What's P.E.A.C.E.?]]
[[There was a war?]]
[[We have a treaty with the Ecknians?]]
[[Why is this mission so important?]]
[[What's Hydrazine Interstellar?/Tell me about the Hydrazine Scandal]]
[[Tell me about the Delta System]]
[[Tell me about the Paldium Nebula]]
[[What's my diplomatic status?]]
[[What's a Superintendent?]]
[[I've got a question: go fuck yourself.]]
[[Remind me what the mission is again.]]Beckett:
I'm surprised you don't know what it stands for, Commander. It's the People's Earth Army of Commerce and Exploration. We recieve funding from the nations of Earth, but ultimately, we're autonomous. The United Nations failed to make tough decisions while scrambling for public consent, so the element of consent needed to be dismissed. We answer to heads of state now, not public opinion.
(Contextual)
[[The United Nations is gone?]]
[[P.E.A.C.E. doesn't require public consent?]]
[[I have no further questions.]]
[[(something irrelevant)]]
[[(unintelligable)]]
[[(repeat)]]
[[(finished)]]
[[Who are you?]]
[[Tell me about my ship.]]
[[What makes the situation complicated?]]
[[What's the package?]]
[[Tell me about the Delta Outpost.]]
[[Tell me about my escort.]]
[[Will this be dangerous?]]
[[Who am I?]]
[[Why do I need an escort?]]
[[Do you have a problem with me?]]
[[What are Ecknians?]]
[[FTL?]]
[[What's P.E.A.C.E.?]]
[[There was a war?]]
[[We have a treaty with the Ecknians?]]
[[Why is this mission so important?]]
[[What's Hydrazine Interstellar?/Tell me about the Hydrazine Scandal]]
[[Tell me about the Delta System]]
[[Tell me about the Paldium Nebula]]
[[What's my diplomatic status?]]
[[What's a Superintendent?]]
[[I've got a question: go fuck yourself.]]
[[Remind me what the mission is again.]]Beckett:
You're talking about the First Intergalactic War? The official stance may be that it ended eight years ago, but anyone out on the frontier knows it's still happening. Our treaty with the Ecknians has kept the casualties confined to the military, but they're still finding loopholes with which to kill us.
(Contextual)
[[How did the war start?]]
[[How did the war end?]]
[[What kind of loopholes?]]
[[I have no further questions.]]
[[(something irrelevant)]]
[[(unintelligable)]]
[[(repeat)]]
[[(finished)]]
[[Who are you?]]
[[Tell me about my ship.]]
[[What makes the situation complicated?]]
[[What's the package?]]
[[Tell me about the Delta Outpost.]]
[[Tell me about my escort.]]
[[Will this be dangerous?]]
[[Who am I?]]
[[Why do I need an escort?]]
[[Do you have a problem with me?]]
[[What are Ecknians?]]
[[FTL?]]
[[What's P.E.A.C.E.?]]
[[There was a war?]]
[[We have a treaty with the Ecknians?]]
[[Why is this mission so important?]]
[[What's Hydrazine Interstellar?/Tell me about the Hydrazine Scandal]]
[[Tell me about the Delta System]]
[[Tell me about the Paldium Nebula]]
[[What's my diplomatic status?]]
[[What's a Superintendent?]]
[[I've got a question: go fuck yourself.]]
[[Remind me what the mission is again.]]Beckett:
*Technically* we've reached a cease-fire with the Ecknians. It's mostly toothless, but it keeps the Ecknians from attacking civilian settlements. It's a temporary fix, at best. It's only a matter of time before the Ecknains' exposure to *our* tech advances their own research. Once they catch up to us, which they will, the war will resume.
(Contextual)
[[You don't like the treaty?]]
[[I have no further questions.]]
[[(something irrelevant)]]
[[(unintelligable)]]
[[(repeat)]]
[[(finished)]]
[[Who are you?]]
[[Tell me about my ship.]]
[[What makes the situation complicated?]]
[[What's the package?]]
[[Tell me about the Delta Outpost.]]
[[Tell me about my escort.]]
[[Will this be dangerous?]]
[[Who am I?]]
[[Why do I need an escort?]]
[[Do you have a problem with me?]]
[[What are Ecknians?]]
[[FTL?]]
[[What's P.E.A.C.E.?]]
[[There was a war?]]
[[We have a treaty with the Ecknians?]]
[[Why is this mission so important?]]
[[What's Hydrazine Interstellar?/Tell me about the Hydrazine Scandal]]
[[Tell me about the Delta System]]
[[Tell me about the Paldium Nebula]]
[[What's my diplomatic status?]]
[[What's a Superintendent?]]
[[I've got a question: go fuck yourself.]]
[[Remind me what the mission is again.]]Beckett:
The contents of the package itself are classified, but I assure you it's critical to our border strategy. You're our best shot at seeing it to the Delta Outpost safely, so you were selected for the mission. That's all I can tell you.
(Contextual)
[[That's really all you're going to say?]]
[[You can't tell me anything else?]]
[[I have no further questions.]]
[[(something irrelevant)]]
[[(unintelligable)]]
[[(repeat)]]
[[(finished)]]
[[Who are you?]]
[[Tell me about my ship.]]
[[What makes the situation complicated?]]
[[What's the package?]]
[[Tell me about the Delta Outpost.]]
[[Tell me about my escort.]]
[[Will this be dangerous?]]
[[Who am I?]]
[[Why do I need an escort?]]
[[Do you have a problem with me?]]
[[What are Ecknians?]]
[[FTL?]]
[[What's P.E.A.C.E.?]]
[[There was a war?]]
[[We have a treaty with the Ecknians?]]
[[Why is this mission so important?]]
[[What's Hydrazine Interstellar?/Tell me about the Hydrazine Scandal]]
[[Tell me about the Delta System]]
[[Tell me about the Paldium Nebula]]
[[What's my diplomatic status?]]
[[What's a Superintendent?]]
[[I've got a question: go fuck yourself.]]
[[Remind me what the mission is again.]]Beckett:
Hydrazine Interstellar is the largest military manufacturer there is. Public opinion never settled after they were caught selling to the Ecknians, but we can't afford to *not* have them as our ally. They make the best ships. We *need* the best ships.
(Contextual)
[[Wait, they were selling to the enemy?]]
[[I have no further questions.]]
[[(something irrelevant)]]
[[(unintelligable)]]
[[(repeat)]]
[[(finished)]]
[[Who are you?]]
[[Tell me about my ship.]]
[[What makes the situation complicated?]]
[[What's the package?]]
[[Tell me about the Delta Outpost.]]
[[Tell me about my escort.]]
[[Will this be dangerous?]]
[[Who am I?]]
[[Why do I need an escort?]]
[[Do you have a problem with me?]]
[[What are Ecknians?]]
[[FTL?]]
[[What's P.E.A.C.E.?]]
[[There was a war?]]
[[We have a treaty with the Ecknians?]]
[[Why is this mission so important?]]
[[What's Hydrazine Interstellar?/Tell me about the Hydrazine Scandal]]
[[Tell me about the Delta System]]
[[Tell me about the Paldium Nebula]]
[[What's my diplomatic status?]]
[[What's a Superintendent?]]
[[I've got a question: go fuck yourself.]]
[[Remind me what the mission is again.]]Pearson:
My name is Sergeant Sarah Pearson, Commander. I've been assigned to smoke any Ecknians that get between you and Delta Outpost.
[[Who are you?|PearsonWho]]
[[What's our mission again?]]
[[Do you know who I am?]]
[[Do you know what's in my cargo bay?]]
[[Do you think we'll run into troble?]]
[[Tell me about yourself]]
[[Where are we right now?]]
[[What's P.E.A.C.E.?|PearsonPEACE]]
[[What do you know about the Delta Outpost?]]
[[Why do I need an escort?|PearsonEscort]]
[[What are Ecknians?|PearsonEcknians]]
[[FTL?|PearsonFTL]]
[[What can you tell me about Hydrazine?]]
[[Why is this mission so important?|PearsonImportant]]
[[Why did you join P.E.A.C.E.?]]
[[What kind of ship do you fly?]]
[[What can you tell me about my ship?]]
[[Tell me about Admiral Beckett]]
[[Admiral Beckett is a dick]]
[[(something irrelevant)|PearsonIrrelevant]]
[[Tell me about the Delta System|PearsonDelta]]
[[Tell me about the Paldium Nebula|PearsonPaldium]]
[[Tell me about the Reclamation Drive]]
[[I'm ready to start!]]Pearson:
We're supposed to deliver whatever's in your cargo hold to the Delta Outpost, but to get there, we'll have to pass through the Paldium Nebula. I don't have any more information than that, but the mission itself has high clearance, so I guess it's important. Don't worry though, Commander, I'll keep you safe.
[[Who are you?|PearsonWho]]
[[What's our mission again?]]
[[Do you know who I am?]]
[[Do you know what's in my cargo bay?]]
[[Do you think we'll run into troble?]]
[[Tell me about yourself]]
[[Where are we right now?]]
[[What's P.E.A.C.E.?|PearsonPEACE]]
[[What do you know about the Delta Outpost?]]
[[Why do I need an escort?|PearsonEscort]]
[[What are Ecknians?|PearsonEcknians]]
[[FTL?|PearsonFTL]]
[[What can you tell me about Hydrazine?]]
[[Why is this mission so important?|PearsonImportant]]
[[Why did you join P.E.A.C.E.?]]
[[What kind of ship do you fly?]]
[[What can you tell me about my ship?]]
[[Tell me about Admiral Beckett]]
[[Admiral Beckett is a dick]]
[[(something irrelevant)|PearsonIrrelevant]]
[[Tell me about the Delta System|PearsonDelta]]
[[Tell me about the Paldium Nebula|PearsonPaldium]]
[[Tell me about the Reclamation Drive]]
[[I'm ready to start!]]Pearson:
...Uh... my dossier says you're a Superintendent, aren't you? I'm sorry if there's some sort of protocol around that, but standard P.E.A.C.E. procedure is to call you "Commander" now. Anyone who's in charge of their own ship - but doesn't have a pre-existing military rank - is a Commander.
[[Who are you?|PearsonWho]]
[[What's our mission again?]]
[[Do you know who I am?]]
[[Do you know what's in my cargo bay?]]
[[Do you think we'll run into troble?]]
[[Tell me about yourself]]
[[Where are we right now?]]
[[What's P.E.A.C.E.?|PearsonPEACE]]
[[What do you know about the Delta Outpost?]]
[[Why do I need an escort?|PearsonEscort]]
[[What are Ecknians?|PearsonEcknians]]
[[FTL?|PearsonFTL]]
[[What can you tell me about Hydrazine?]]
[[Why is this mission so important?|PearsonImportant]]
[[Why did you join P.E.A.C.E.?]]
[[What kind of ship do you fly?]]
[[What can you tell me about my ship?]]
[[Tell me about Admiral Beckett]]
[[Admiral Beckett is a dick]]
[[(something irrelevant)|PearsonIrrelevant]]
[[Tell me about the Delta System|PearsonDelta]]
[[Tell me about the Paldium Nebula|PearsonPaldium]]
[[Tell me about the Reclamation Drive]]
[[I'm ready to start!]]Pearson:
That's above my pay grade. You're probably not used to following orders without all the info, but that's the life of a soldier.
[[Who are you?|PearsonWho]]
[[What's our mission again?]]
[[Do you know who I am?]]
[[Do you know what's in my cargo bay?]]
[[Do you think we'll run into troble?]]
[[Tell me about yourself]]
[[Where are we right now?]]
[[What's P.E.A.C.E.?|PearsonPEACE]]
[[What do you know about the Delta Outpost?]]
[[Why do I need an escort?|PearsonEscort]]
[[What are Ecknians?|PearsonEcknians]]
[[FTL?|PearsonFTL]]
[[What can you tell me about Hydrazine?]]
[[Why is this mission so important?|PearsonImportant]]
[[Why did you join P.E.A.C.E.?]]
[[What kind of ship do you fly?]]
[[What can you tell me about my ship?]]
[[Tell me about Admiral Beckett]]
[[Admiral Beckett is a dick]]
[[(something irrelevant)|PearsonIrrelevant]]
[[Tell me about the Delta System|PearsonDelta]]
[[Tell me about the Paldium Nebula|PearsonPaldium]]
[[Tell me about the Reclamation Drive]]
[[I'm ready to start!]]Pearson:
To be honest, I'd be surprised if we made it through the Paldium Nebula without seeing *some* combat. I wouldn't worry about it. Your ship's top of the line and Ecknian weapon systems are shit.
[[Who are you?|PearsonWho]]
[[What's our mission again?]]
[[Do you know who I am?]]
[[Do you know what's in my cargo bay?]]
[[Do you think we'll run into troble?]]
[[Tell me about yourself]]
[[Where are we right now?]]
[[What's P.E.A.C.E.?|PearsonPEACE]]
[[What do you know about the Delta Outpost?]]
[[Why do I need an escort?|PearsonEscort]]
[[What are Ecknians?|PearsonEcknians]]
[[FTL?|PearsonFTL]]
[[What can you tell me about Hydrazine?]]
[[Why is this mission so important?|PearsonImportant]]
[[Why did you join P.E.A.C.E.?]]
[[What kind of ship do you fly?]]
[[What can you tell me about my ship?]]
[[Tell me about Admiral Beckett]]
[[Admiral Beckett is a dick]]
[[(something irrelevant)|PearsonIrrelevant]]
[[Tell me about the Delta System|PearsonDelta]]
[[Tell me about the Paldium Nebula|PearsonPaldium]]
[[Tell me about the Reclamation Drive]]
[[I'm ready to start!]]Pearson:
(not expecting it - used to being treated like a soldier)
Oh. Uh... well, I'm a pilot. But you already knew that. I joined P.E.A.C.E. when I was seventeen - right after they rescued the Traversal - and I love it here. I've been flying for over ten years now, so they've got me teaching the scrubs. To be honest, I'm a bit high-ranked for this mission, but I think that just means the brass is taking your safety seriously.
[[Who are you?|PearsonWho]]
[[What's our mission again?]]
[[Do you know who I am?]]
[[Do you know what's in my cargo bay?]]
[[Do you think we'll run into troble?]]
[[Tell me about yourself]]
[[Where are we right now?]]
[[What's P.E.A.C.E.?|PearsonPEACE]]
[[What do you know about the Delta Outpost?]]
[[Why do I need an escort?|PearsonEscort]]
[[What are Ecknians?|PearsonEcknians]]
[[FTL?|PearsonFTL]]
[[What can you tell me about Hydrazine?]]
[[Why is this mission so important?|PearsonImportant]]
[[Why did you join P.E.A.C.E.?]]
[[What kind of ship do you fly?]]
[[What can you tell me about my ship?]]
[[Tell me about Admiral Beckett]]
[[Admiral Beckett is a dick]]
[[(something irrelevant)|PearsonIrrelevant]]
[[Tell me about the Delta System|PearsonDelta]]
[[Tell me about the Paldium Nebula|PearsonPaldium]]
[[Tell me about the Reclamation Drive]]
[[I'm ready to start!]]Pearson:
Right now, you're in P.E.A.C.E.'s Sol Factory, right outside Earth. That's where most of our new ships are built. I'm orbiting just outside.
[[Who are you?|PearsonWho]]
[[What's our mission again?]]
[[Do you know who I am?]]
[[Do you know what's in my cargo bay?]]
[[Do you think we'll run into troble?]]
[[Tell me about yourself]]
[[Where are we right now?]]
[[What's P.E.A.C.E.?|PearsonPEACE]]
[[What do you know about the Delta Outpost?]]
[[Why do I need an escort?|PearsonEscort]]
[[What are Ecknians?|PearsonEcknians]]
[[FTL?|PearsonFTL]]
[[What can you tell me about Hydrazine?]]
[[Why is this mission so important?|PearsonImportant]]
[[Why did you join P.E.A.C.E.?]]
[[What kind of ship do you fly?]]
[[What can you tell me about my ship?]]
[[Tell me about Admiral Beckett]]
[[Admiral Beckett is a dick]]
[[(something irrelevant)|PearsonIrrelevant]]
[[Tell me about the Delta System|PearsonDelta]]
[[Tell me about the Paldium Nebula|PearsonPaldium]]
[[Tell me about the Reclamation Drive]]
[[I'm ready to start!]]Pearson:
You don't know what it stands for? It's the People's Earth Army of Commerce and Exploration. I think they decided on the name way back when the U.N. merged with Kal-Tech, but I guess it's a bit counterintuitive. I mean, we're the largest military force Earth has ever seen, and we're named "peace"? We *create* peace, sure, but it's not what we're *about*.
Personally, I would have named it something else. The ecknians don't *deserve* peace.
[[Who are you?|PearsonWho]]
[[What's our mission again?]]
[[Do you know who I am?]]
[[Do you know what's in my cargo bay?]]
[[Do you think we'll run into troble?]]
[[Tell me about yourself]]
[[Where are we right now?]]
[[What's P.E.A.C.E.?|PearsonPEACE]]
[[What do you know about the Delta Outpost?]]
[[Why do I need an escort?|PearsonEscort]]
[[What are Ecknians?|PearsonEcknians]]
[[FTL?|PearsonFTL]]
[[What can you tell me about Hydrazine?]]
[[Why is this mission so important?|PearsonImportant]]
[[Why did you join P.E.A.C.E.?]]
[[What kind of ship do you fly?]]
[[What can you tell me about my ship?]]
[[Tell me about Admiral Beckett]]
[[Admiral Beckett is a dick]]
[[(something irrelevant)|PearsonIrrelevant]]
[[Tell me about the Delta System|PearsonDelta]]
[[Tell me about the Paldium Nebula|PearsonPaldium]]
[[Tell me about the Reclamation Drive]]
[[I'm ready to start!]]Pearson:
I don't know much about it, really. It's right on the border of Ecknian space, so I'm sure it sees its fair share of combat, but as far as I know it isn't any different from any of the other outposts.
[[Who are you?|PearsonWho]]
[[What's our mission again?]]
[[Do you know who I am?]]
[[Do you know what's in my cargo bay?]]
[[Do you think we'll run into troble?]]
[[Tell me about yourself]]
[[Where are we right now?]]
[[What's P.E.A.C.E.?|PearsonPEACE]]
[[What do you know about the Delta Outpost?]]
[[Why do I need an escort?|PearsonEscort]]
[[What are Ecknians?|PearsonEcknians]]
[[FTL?|PearsonFTL]]
[[What can you tell me about Hydrazine?]]
[[Why is this mission so important?|PearsonImportant]]
[[Why did you join P.E.A.C.E.?]]
[[What kind of ship do you fly?]]
[[What can you tell me about my ship?]]
[[Tell me about Admiral Beckett]]
[[Admiral Beckett is a dick]]
[[(something irrelevant)|PearsonIrrelevant]]
[[Tell me about the Delta System|PearsonDelta]]
[[Tell me about the Paldium Nebula|PearsonPaldium]]
[[Tell me about the Reclamation Drive]]
[[I'm ready to start!]]Pearsons:
They're scum. All of them. They kill humans just for the fun of it. If you want *my* advice, you see an Ecknian, you shoot it before it has a chance to shoot you. They pretend to be all reasonable, but they're just looking for an opening. Killing Ecknians is the only way to keep yourself alive out there, trust me.
[[Who are you?|PearsonWho]]
[[What's our mission again?]]
[[Do you know who I am?]]
[[Do you know what's in my cargo bay?]]
[[Do you think we'll run into troble?]]
[[Tell me about yourself]]
[[Where are we right now?]]
[[What's P.E.A.C.E.?|PearsonPEACE]]
[[What do you know about the Delta Outpost?]]
[[Why do I need an escort?|PearsonEscort]]
[[What are Ecknians?|PearsonEcknians]]
[[FTL?|PearsonFTL]]
[[What can you tell me about Hydrazine?]]
[[Why is this mission so important?|PearsonImportant]]
[[Why did you join P.E.A.C.E.?]]
[[What kind of ship do you fly?]]
[[What can you tell me about my ship?]]
[[Tell me about Admiral Beckett]]
[[Admiral Beckett is a dick]]
[[(something irrelevant)|PearsonIrrelevant]]
[[Tell me about the Delta System|PearsonDelta]]
[[Tell me about the Paldium Nebula|PearsonPaldium]]
[[Tell me about the Reclamation Drive]]
[[I'm ready to start!]]Pearson:
You've NEVER travelled Faster Than Light before? Oh, you're in for an adventure, then. It's... uh, it's a bit weird the first time, but you warm up to it quick. *I* think it's really fun.
[[Who are you?|PearsonWho]]
[[What's our mission again?]]
[[Do you know who I am?]]
[[Do you know what's in my cargo bay?]]
[[Do you think we'll run into troble?]]
[[Tell me about yourself]]
[[Where are we right now?]]
[[What's P.E.A.C.E.?|PearsonPEACE]]
[[What do you know about the Delta Outpost?]]
[[Why do I need an escort?|PearsonEscort]]
[[What are Ecknians?|PearsonEcknians]]
[[FTL?|PearsonFTL]]
[[What can you tell me about Hydrazine?]]
[[Why is this mission so important?|PearsonImportant]]
[[Why did you join P.E.A.C.E.?]]
[[What kind of ship do you fly?]]
[[What can you tell me about my ship?]]
[[Tell me about Admiral Beckett]]
[[Admiral Beckett is a dick]]
[[(something irrelevant)|PearsonIrrelevant]]
[[Tell me about the Delta System|PearsonDelta]]
[[Tell me about the Paldium Nebula|PearsonPaldium]]
[[Tell me about the Reclamation Drive]]
[[I'm ready to start!]]To be honest, I don't really know much about Hydrazine. I remember they sold weapons to the Ecknians during the war, but I think the board members all went to jail afterwards. They've been pretty quiet since then, and we're still using their ships, so I guess it all got sorted out.
[[Who are you?|PearsonWho]]
[[What's our mission again?]]
[[Do you know who I am?]]
[[Do you know what's in my cargo bay?]]
[[Do you think we'll run into troble?]]
[[Tell me about yourself]]
[[Where are we right now?]]
[[What's P.E.A.C.E.?|PearsonPEACE]]
[[What do you know about the Delta Outpost?]]
[[Why do I need an escort?|PearsonEscort]]
[[What are Ecknians?|PearsonEcknians]]
[[FTL?|PearsonFTL]]
[[What can you tell me about Hydrazine?]]
[[Why is this mission so important?|PearsonImportant]]
[[Why did you join P.E.A.C.E.?]]
[[What kind of ship do you fly?]]
[[What can you tell me about my ship?]]
[[Tell me about Admiral Beckett]]
[[Admiral Beckett is a dick]]
[[(something irrelevant)|PearsonIrrelevant]]
[[Tell me about the Delta System|PearsonDelta]]
[[Tell me about the Paldium Nebula|PearsonPaldium]]
[[Tell me about the Reclamation Drive]]
[[I'm ready to start!]]Pearson:
Beats me. I just go where they tell me, Commander. Do you have any other questions, or should we head out?
[[Who are you?|PearsonWho]]
[[What's our mission again?]]
[[Do you know who I am?]]
[[Do you know what's in my cargo bay?]]
[[Do you think we'll run into troble?]]
[[Tell me about yourself]]
[[Where are we right now?]]
[[What's P.E.A.C.E.?|PearsonPEACE]]
[[What do you know about the Delta Outpost?]]
[[Why do I need an escort?|PearsonEscort]]
[[What are Ecknians?|PearsonEcknians]]
[[FTL?|PearsonFTL]]
[[What can you tell me about Hydrazine?]]
[[Why is this mission so important?|PearsonImportant]]
[[Why did you join P.E.A.C.E.?]]
[[What kind of ship do you fly?]]
[[What can you tell me about my ship?]]
[[Tell me about Admiral Beckett]]
[[Admiral Beckett is a dick]]
[[(something irrelevant)|PearsonIrrelevant]]
[[Tell me about the Delta System|PearsonDelta]]
[[Tell me about the Paldium Nebula|PearsonPaldium]]
[[Tell me about the Reclamation Drive]]
[[I'm ready to start!]]Pearson:
I joined up right after P.E.A.C.E. rescued the Traversal. I was... it's a long story, and I don't want to bum you out. Why don't I answer that over drinks once we're at Delta Outpost? You ready to head out, or do you have more questions?
[[Who are you?|PearsonWho]]
[[What's our mission again?]]
[[Do you know who I am?]]
[[Do you know what's in my cargo bay?]]
[[Do you think we'll run into troble?]]
[[Tell me about yourself]]
[[Where are we right now?]]
[[What's P.E.A.C.E.?|PearsonPEACE]]
[[What do you know about the Delta Outpost?]]
[[Why do I need an escort?|PearsonEscort]]
[[What are Ecknians?|PearsonEcknians]]
[[FTL?|PearsonFTL]]
[[What can you tell me about Hydrazine?]]
[[Why is this mission so important?|PearsonImportant]]
[[Why did you join P.E.A.C.E.?]]
[[What kind of ship do you fly?]]
[[What can you tell me about my ship?]]
[[Tell me about Admiral Beckett]]
[[Admiral Beckett is a dick]]
[[(something irrelevant)|PearsonIrrelevant]]
[[Tell me about the Delta System|PearsonDelta]]
[[Tell me about the Paldium Nebula|PearsonPaldium]]
[[Tell me about the Reclamation Drive]]
[[I'm ready to start!]]Me? I fly a DR-33. It's one of the older ships still in active use. They're mostly being phased out for new models that use a reclamation drive, but I like it becuase, when the fuel is actually *in* the ship, you have more control. Like, just as an example, sometimes when a Shadow Kar's on my tail, I like to hit the afterburner. It wastes a bit of fuel, sure, but no one ever expects such a big burst of speed. I can end most fights right there.
Basically, the DR-33 doesn't have as many features as the newer ships, but I stick by it. There's nothing faster in our fleet *or* theirs.
[[Who are you?|PearsonWho]]
[[What's our mission again?]]
[[Do you know who I am?]]
[[Do you know what's in my cargo bay?]]
[[Do you think we'll run into troble?]]
[[Tell me about yourself]]
[[Where are we right now?]]
[[What's P.E.A.C.E.?|PearsonPEACE]]
[[What do you know about the Delta Outpost?]]
[[Why do I need an escort?|PearsonEscort]]
[[What are Ecknians?|PearsonEcknians]]
[[FTL?|PearsonFTL]]
[[What can you tell me about Hydrazine?]]
[[Why is this mission so important?|PearsonImportant]]
[[Why did you join P.E.A.C.E.?]]
[[What kind of ship do you fly?]]
[[What can you tell me about my ship?]]
[[Tell me about Admiral Beckett]]
[[Admiral Beckett is a dick]]
[[(something irrelevant)|PearsonIrrelevant]]
[[Tell me about the Delta System|PearsonDelta]]
[[Tell me about the Paldium Nebula|PearsonPaldium]]
[[Tell me about the Reclamation Drive]]
[[I'm ready to start!]]Pearson:
(Excited/rambling)
The XR-71? It's the sexiest thing Hydrazine's put out in a while; perfect for long range, multi-jump strike missions. I mean the reclamation drive is *brilliant* - It's like this wireless energy reciever, so the ship itself never runs out of fuel. And the hull is *flawless*. They used this brand-new aluminum compound that gives it a *crazy* combination of maneuverability and durability. I mean, the DR-33 is still way faster because the controls are manual, but once they redesign the interface for dogfights-
(she realizes she's rambling)
...Sorry. I, uh, I nerd out a bit when it comes to ships. All you need to know is that it's voice activated, and it's flexible enough to do pretty much whatever you need it to.
[[Who are you?|PearsonWho]]
[[What's our mission again?]]
[[Do you know who I am?]]
[[Do you know what's in my cargo bay?]]
[[Do you think we'll run into troble?]]
[[Tell me about yourself]]
[[Where are we right now?]]
[[What's P.E.A.C.E.?|PearsonPEACE]]
[[What do you know about the Delta Outpost?]]
[[Why do I need an escort?|PearsonEscort]]
[[What are Ecknians?|PearsonEcknians]]
[[FTL?|PearsonFTL]]
[[What can you tell me about Hydrazine?]]
[[Why is this mission so important?|PearsonImportant]]
[[Why did you join P.E.A.C.E.?]]
[[What kind of ship do you fly?]]
[[What can you tell me about my ship?]]
[[Tell me about Admiral Beckett]]
[[Admiral Beckett is a dick]]
[[(something irrelevant)|PearsonIrrelevant]]
[[Tell me about the Delta System|PearsonDelta]]
[[Tell me about the Paldium Nebula|PearsonPaldium]]
[[Tell me about the Reclamation Drive]]
[[I'm ready to start!]]The Admiral? He was the commander of the largest ship in the fleet - The King's Glory - back in the war. None of us expected him to run for President, but when you really think about it, it makes perfect sense. President Tyrell was decent enough, I guess, but he was a politician first and a leader second. We needed to bring the military and the business-types together, and Beckett was the one who could do it.
I *am* going to give you one piece of advice though: call him "Admiral", not "President". When he's on a military ship - and he *always* is - he wants the military title.
[[Who are you?|PearsonWho]]
[[What's our mission again?]]
[[Do you know who I am?]]
[[Do you know what's in my cargo bay?]]
[[Do you think we'll run into troble?]]
[[Tell me about yourself]]
[[Where are we right now?]]
[[What's P.E.A.C.E.?|PearsonPEACE]]
[[What do you know about the Delta Outpost?]]
[[Why do I need an escort?|PearsonEscort]]
[[What are Ecknians?|PearsonEcknians]]
[[FTL?|PearsonFTL]]
[[What can you tell me about Hydrazine?]]
[[Why is this mission so important?|PearsonImportant]]
[[Why did you join P.E.A.C.E.?]]
[[What kind of ship do you fly?]]
[[What can you tell me about my ship?]]
[[Tell me about Admiral Beckett]]
[[Admiral Beckett is a dick]]
[[(something irrelevant)|PearsonIrrelevant]]
[[Tell me about the Delta System|PearsonDelta]]
[[Tell me about the Paldium Nebula|PearsonPaldium]]
[[Tell me about the Reclamation Drive]]
[[I'm ready to start!]]Pearson:
(Amused)
The Admiral gave you a warm welcome, did he? I wouldn't worry about it. He's a serious guy with a serious job; he's like that with everyone until you've done a few ops together.
(Laughs)
This one time, he found some bootleg liquor stashed in the engineering bay, so he had *every* engineer sent to the *same cell* of the brig. There was, like, seventy people in one ten-by-ten cell, and he just stood there and stared at them until someone confessed. If I remember right, they didn't come forward until after someone farted.
[[Who are you?|PearsonWho]]
[[What's our mission again?]]
[[Do you know who I am?]]
[[Do you know what's in my cargo bay?]]
[[Do you think we'll run into troble?]]
[[Tell me about yourself]]
[[Where are we right now?]]
[[What's P.E.A.C.E.?|PearsonPEACE]]
[[What do you know about the Delta Outpost?]]
[[Why do I need an escort?|PearsonEscort]]
[[What are Ecknians?|PearsonEcknians]]
[[FTL?|PearsonFTL]]
[[What can you tell me about Hydrazine?]]
[[Why is this mission so important?|PearsonImportant]]
[[Why did you join P.E.A.C.E.?]]
[[What kind of ship do you fly?]]
[[What can you tell me about my ship?]]
[[Tell me about Admiral Beckett]]
[[Admiral Beckett is a dick]]
[[(something irrelevant)|PearsonIrrelevant]]
[[Tell me about the Delta System|PearsonDelta]]
[[Tell me about the Paldium Nebula|PearsonPaldium]]
[[Tell me about the Reclamation Drive]]
[[I'm ready to start!]]Pearson:
...I'm really not sure what that has to do with the mission. I mean, we *could* get into that now, but I'd rather save stuff like that for after we're done. Are you ready to head out, Commander?
[[Who are you?|PearsonWho]]
[[What's our mission again?]]
[[Do you know who I am?]]
[[Do you know what's in my cargo bay?]]
[[Do you think we'll run into troble?]]
[[Tell me about yourself]]
[[Where are we right now?]]
[[What's P.E.A.C.E.?|PearsonPEACE]]
[[What do you know about the Delta Outpost?]]
[[Why do I need an escort?|PearsonEscort]]
[[What are Ecknians?|PearsonEcknians]]
[[FTL?|PearsonFTL]]
[[What can you tell me about Hydrazine?]]
[[Why is this mission so important?|PearsonImportant]]
[[Why did you join P.E.A.C.E.?]]
[[What kind of ship do you fly?]]
[[What can you tell me about my ship?]]
[[Tell me about Admiral Beckett]]
[[Admiral Beckett is a dick]]
[[(something irrelevant)|PearsonIrrelevant]]
[[Tell me about the Delta System|PearsonDelta]]
[[Tell me about the Paldium Nebula|PearsonPaldium]]
[[Tell me about the Reclamation Drive]]
[[I'm ready to start!]]Pearson:
Well, the XR-71 is a great ship, and the brass wouldn't have put you in it if they weren't sure you could handle it, but there's limits to what a single ship can do. Traditional combat tactics don't apply in space because there's no geography; an attack could come from literally every angle you can think of. Square one of space combat is that your fleet *becomes* your geography. They're how you take cover, they're how you flank a hostile, et. cetera, et. cetera. A single ship has a bitch of a time fighting by itself, no matter how good it is. You could be the best pilot in the world and they'd still give you an escort.
[[Who are you?|PearsonWho]]
[[What's our mission again?]]
[[Do you know who I am?]]
[[Do you know what's in my cargo bay?]]
[[Do you think we'll run into troble?]]
[[Tell me about yourself]]
[[Where are we right now?]]
[[What's P.E.A.C.E.?|PearsonPEACE]]
[[What do you know about the Delta Outpost?]]
[[Why do I need an escort?|PearsonEscort]]
[[What are Ecknians?|PearsonEcknians]]
[[FTL?|PearsonFTL]]
[[What can you tell me about Hydrazine?]]
[[Why is this mission so important?|PearsonImportant]]
[[Why did you join P.E.A.C.E.?]]
[[What kind of ship do you fly?]]
[[What can you tell me about my ship?]]
[[Tell me about Admiral Beckett]]
[[Admiral Beckett is a dick]]
[[(something irrelevant)|PearsonIrrelevant]]
[[Tell me about the Delta System|PearsonDelta]]
[[Tell me about the Paldium Nebula|PearsonPaldium]]
[[Tell me about the Reclamation Drive]]
[[I'm ready to start!]]Beckett:
The Delta System is unfortunate enough to be located between Ecknian space and the Paldium Nebula. We need an outpost there to maintain our border presence, but we don't have an easy path to it. The Ecknians have taken advantage of that weakness and have begun to feed the locations of our supply chains to the local pirates.
(Contextual)
[[Tell me about these pirates]]
[[I have no further questions.]]
[[(something irrelevant)]]
[[(unintelligable)]]
[[(repeat)]]
[[(finished)]]
[[Who are you?]]
[[Tell me about my ship.]]
[[What makes the situation complicated?]]
[[What's the package?]]
[[Tell me about the Delta Outpost.]]
[[Tell me about my escort.]]
[[Will this be dangerous?]]
[[Who am I?]]
[[Why do I need an escort?]]
[[Do you have a problem with me?]]
[[What are Ecknians?]]
[[FTL?]]
[[What's P.E.A.C.E.?]]
[[There was a war?]]
[[We have a treaty with the Ecknians?]]
[[Why is this mission so important?]]
[[What's Hydrazine Interstellar?/Tell me about the Hydrazine Scandal]]
[[Tell me about the Delta System]]
[[Tell me about the Paldium Nebula]]
[[What's my diplomatic status?]]
[[What's a Superintendent?]]
[[I've got a question: go fuck yourself.]]
[[Remind me what the mission is again.]]Beckett:
The Paldium Nebula is *technically* human space, but it's altogether lawless. In order for the Ecknians to agree to restrictions on their weapons development, we had to open the entire Nebula to Ecknain "trade". That said, Ecknian traders are essentially government-sanctioned pirates. We try to avoid the region if we can. In your case, we can't.
(Contextual)
[[Tell me about these pirates]]
[[Why can't we avoid it?]]
[[I have no further questions.]]
[[(something irrelevant)]]
[[(unintelligable)]]
[[(repeat)]]
[[(finished)]]
[[Who are you?]]
[[Tell me about my ship.]]
[[What makes the situation complicated?]]
[[What's the package?]]
[[Tell me about the Delta Outpost.]]
[[Tell me about my escort.]]
[[Will this be dangerous?]]
[[Who am I?]]
[[Why do I need an escort?]]
[[Do you have a problem with me?]]
[[What are Ecknians?]]
[[FTL?]]
[[What's P.E.A.C.E.?]]
[[There was a war?]]
[[We have a treaty with the Ecknians?]]
[[Why is this mission so important?]]
[[What's Hydrazine Interstellar?/Tell me about the Hydrazine Scandal]]
[[Tell me about the Delta System]]
[[Tell me about the Paldium Nebula]]
[[What's my diplomatic status?]]
[[What's a Superintendent?]]
[[I've got a question: go fuck yourself.]]
[[Remind me what the mission is again.]]Pearson:
It's one of the frontier systems, right on the border of Ecknian territory. None of the frontier outposts are vacation destinations, but Delta's got it especially bad because it's sandwitched between the Ecknians and the Paldium Nebula. There's been Ecknain raids on the supply chains there, too, so the entire system has taken to recycling its food and water supplies. I've never been, but I've heard it's... unpleasant there.
[[Who are you?|PearsonWho]]
[[What's our mission again?]]
[[Do you know who I am?]]
[[Do you know what's in my cargo bay?]]
[[Do you think we'll run into troble?]]
[[Tell me about yourself]]
[[Where are we right now?]]
[[What's P.E.A.C.E.?|PearsonPEACE]]
[[What do you know about the Delta Outpost?]]
[[Why do I need an escort?|PearsonEscort]]
[[What are Ecknians?|PearsonEcknians]]
[[FTL?|PearsonFTL]]
[[What can you tell me about Hydrazine?]]
[[Why is this mission so important?|PearsonImportant]]
[[Why did you join P.E.A.C.E.?]]
[[What kind of ship do you fly?]]
[[What can you tell me about my ship?]]
[[Tell me about Admiral Beckett]]
[[Admiral Beckett is a dick]]
[[(something irrelevant)|PearsonIrrelevant]]
[[Tell me about the Delta System|PearsonDelta]]
[[Tell me about the Paldium Nebula|PearsonPaldium]]
[[Tell me about the Reclamation Drive]]
[[I'm ready to start!]]Pearson:
It's a nasty place - the one area of Human space where Ecknians are allowed. It had something to do with the treaty, but I'm not really a history buff; what's important is that we can't keep the Ecknians out without restarting the war. Even *worse*, the Ecknians in the Nebula aren't technically affiliated with their government, so they can do whatever they want without breaking the treaty. There's a couple of safe spots in the Nebula where we can refuel and catch a break, but we're going to have to stay on our toes.
[[Who are you?|PearsonWho]]
[[What's our mission again?]]
[[Do you know who I am?]]
[[Do you know what's in my cargo bay?]]
[[Do you think we'll run into troble?]]
[[Tell me about yourself]]
[[Where are we right now?]]
[[What's P.E.A.C.E.?|PearsonPEACE]]
[[What do you know about the Delta Outpost?]]
[[Why do I need an escort?|PearsonEscort]]
[[What are Ecknians?|PearsonEcknians]]
[[FTL?|PearsonFTL]]
[[What can you tell me about Hydrazine?]]
[[Why is this mission so important?|PearsonImportant]]
[[Why did you join P.E.A.C.E.?]]
[[What kind of ship do you fly?]]
[[What can you tell me about my ship?]]
[[Tell me about Admiral Beckett]]
[[Admiral Beckett is a dick]]
[[(something irrelevant)|PearsonIrrelevant]]
[[Tell me about the Delta System|PearsonDelta]]
[[Tell me about the Paldium Nebula|PearsonPaldium]]
[[Tell me about the Reclamation Drive]]
[[I'm ready to start!]]Pearson:
You're asking the wrong girl. I know it's like a receiver - the ship's energy supply is powered by a factory on-world and sent out to the ship instantaneously, which means you've basically got infinite fuel. Beyond that, I really don't know how it works. I can pilot the shit out of a ship, but science isn't really my thing.
[[Who are you?|PearsonWho]]
[[What's our mission again?]]
[[Do you know who I am?]]
[[Do you know what's in my cargo bay?]]
[[Do you think we'll run into troble?]]
[[Tell me about yourself]]
[[Where are we right now?]]
[[What's P.E.A.C.E.?|PearsonPEACE]]
[[What do you know about the Delta Outpost?]]
[[Why do I need an escort?|PearsonEscort]]
[[What are Ecknians?|PearsonEcknians]]
[[FTL?|PearsonFTL]]
[[What can you tell me about Hydrazine?]]
[[Why is this mission so important?|PearsonImportant]]
[[Why did you join P.E.A.C.E.?]]
[[What kind of ship do you fly?]]
[[What can you tell me about my ship?]]
[[Tell me about Admiral Beckett]]
[[Admiral Beckett is a dick]]
[[(something irrelevant)|PearsonIrrelevant]]
[[Tell me about the Delta System|PearsonDelta]]
[[Tell me about the Paldium Nebula|PearsonPaldium]]
[[Tell me about the Reclamation Drive]]
[[I'm ready to start!]]Pearson:
Great! Now, I know you haven't flown the XR-71 before, but you really only need to know a few commands to get started. First, try saying "Computer, release the engine lock".
[["Computer, release the engine lock."]]
[["Release the engine lock."]]
[["Computer, (something else)."]]
[[(Something else directed at Pearson)]]Computer:
The engine lock has been disengaged, Commander.
Pearson:
All right. Now, it looks like the coordinates for our first jump have been pre-loaded, so autopilot should handle everything else. Go ahead and tell your ship to engage the autopilot.
[["Computer, engage the autopilot."]]
[["Engage the autopilot."]]
[["Computer, (something else)."|CompElse2]]
[[(Something else directed at Pearson)|PearsonElse2]]Pearson:
You gotta say "Computer" first, otherwise you could, like, fire off a missle or something in the middle of a conversation. Try it again: "Computer, release the engine lock."
[["Computer, release the engine lock."]]
[["Release the engine lock."]]
[["Computer, (something else)."]]
[[(Something else directed at Pearson)]]
[["Computer, fire off a missile."]]Computer:
Apologies, Commander. Auxiliary directives have been temporarily disabled until the ship is in flight.
Pearson: V.I.'s are stupid like that - you have to spell it out for them word for word. Try it one more time: "Computer, release the engine lock."
[["Computer, release the engine lock."]]
[["Release the engine lock."]]
[["Computer, (something else)."]]
[[(Something else directed at Pearson)]]Pearson:
Let's just get you in the sky, for now. We can deal with everything else later.
(prompting you)
"Computer, release the engine lock."
[["Computer, release the engine lock."]]
[["Release the engine lock."]]
[["Computer, (something else)."]]
[[(Something else directed at Pearson)]]Computer:
Apologies Commander, but my mission directives will not permit the use of lethal force within the Sol system.
Pearson:
(sarcastic, trying to laugh it off)
...Okay, while that was *hilarious*, we're both *seriously* lucky that thing's programmed well. I don't know what you were told, but your weapons *are* live rounds, so no more jokes please. "Computer, release the engine lock."
[["Computer, release the engine lock."]]
[["Release the engine lock."]]
[["Computer, (something else)."]]
[[(Something else directed at Pearson)]]Computer:
Autopilot engaged. Taking off.
Pearson:
See? You're a natural. I'll meet you at the other end of the jump, Commander. End transmission.
THE END - ON TO SCENE 2Pearson:
*Computer*, engage the autopilot.
[["Computer, engage the autopilot."]]
[["Engage the autopilot."]]
[["Computer, (something else)."|CompElse2]]
[[(Something else directed at Pearson)|PearsonElse2]]Computer:
Apologies, Commander. Auxiliary directives have been temporarily disabled until the ship is in flight.
Pearson:
Finicky, isn't it? You're gonna have to say it word for word: "Computer, release the engine lock."
[["Computer, engage the autopilot."]]
[["Engage the autopilot."]]
[["Computer, (something else)."|CompElse2]]
[[(Something else directed at Pearson)|PearsonElse2]]Pearson:
We're starting to get behind on our timeline, Commander. Why don't we get into that when we're in the air? For now, let's start by engaging your autopilot.
[["Computer, engage the autopilot."]]
[["Engage the autopilot."]]
[["Computer, (something else)."|CompElse2]]
[[(Something else directed at Pearson)|PearsonElse2]]Beckett:
Greetings, Commander.
(if: $playerIgnoreBeckett is 1)[We seem to have had a bit of trouble connecting just now, but our transmission looks steady for the moment.] I trust you're getting well-acquainted with the XR-71, so let's get down to business. How much have you been told about your assignment?
[[Nothing|Iknownothing]]
[[I don't know anything about it]]
[[Assignment?]]
[[Who are you?|WhoareyouBeckett1]]
[[Who the hell are you?]]
[[What's going on?|Assignment?]]
[[Where are you?]]
[[What are you talking about?|Assignment?]]
[[I know a little bit]]
[[I know everything]]
[[I know some of it|Sure, I do!]]
[[XR-71?]]
[[Remind me what my assignment was?|Assignment?]]
[[(Say nothing)]]Beckett:
You don't know *anything* whatsoever?
[[Was I supposed to?|Nope]]
[[It looks like someone fucked up, huh?]]
[[Nope]]
[[Why don't you tell me?]]
[[Sorry...]]
[[Sure, I do!]]Beckett:
...You haven't been told anything at all, have you?
[[I really haven't|Nope]]
[[Sorry...]]
[[It looks like someone fucked up, huh?]]
[[Was someone supposed to?|Nope]]
[[Why don't you tell me?]]
[[Sure, I have!]](set: $playerAskedWhoBeckett to true)Beckett:
My name is Admiral Stephen Beckett, P.E.A.C.E., and I'd advise you not to take a tone with me, Commander. I take it from your impertinence that you haven't been briefed?
[[Nope]]
[[It looks like someone fucked up, huh?]]
[[Why don't you brief me?|Why don't you tell me?]]
[[Was I supposed to be?|Nope]]
[[Sorry.]]
[[Sure, I have!]]Beckett:
...I'm at Delta Outpost, waiting for your arrival. Have you not been briefed?
[[I really haven't|Nope]]
[[Sorry...]]
[[It looks like someone fucked up, huh?]]
[[Was I supposed to be?|Nope]]
[[Why don't you brief me now?|Why don't you tell me?]]
[[Sure, I have!]]Beckett:
Excellent. Let's get right down to it, then. I imagine you've got some questions about the specifics. Let's have them.
(set: $playerLiedBriefing to true)
[[I have no further questions.]]
[[(something irrelevant)]]
[[(unintelligable)]]
[[(repeat)]]
[[(finished)]]
[[Who are you?]]
[[Tell me about my ship.]]
[[What makes the situation complicated?]]
[[What's the package?]]
[[Tell me about the Delta Outpost.]]
[[Tell me about my escort.]]
[[Will this be dangerous?]]
[[Who am I?]]
[[Why do I need an escort?]]
[[Do you have a problem with me?]]
[[What are Ecknians?]]
[[FTL?]]
[[What's P.E.A.C.E.?]]
[[There was a war?]]
[[We have a treaty with the Ecknians?]]
[[Why is this mission so important?]]
[[What's Hydrazine Interstellar?/Tell me about the Hydrazine Scandal]]
[[Tell me about the Delta System]]
[[Tell me about the Paldium Nebula]]
[[What's my diplomatic status?]]
[[What's a Superintendent?]]
[[I've got a question: go fuck yourself.]]
[[Remind me what the mission is again.]]Beckett:
(displeased - someone's getting fired)
Nothing at all?
(Contextual)
[[Nope]]
[[It looks like someone fucked up, huh?]]
[[Was I supposed to?|Nope]]
[[Why don't you tell me?]]
[[Sorry...]]
[[I know a little bit]]
[[Well, I know *some* of it|Sure, I do!]]Beckett:
You were supposed to receive a mission briefing. Someone, somewhere, is about to be fired, but I'll deal with that next; let's get you caught up to speed.
[[Continue|Briefing]]Beckett:
(irritated that you'd ask, but knows he should)
Yes, why don't I.
[[Continue|Briefing]](set: $playerAskedWhoBeckett to true)Beckett:
My name is Admiral Stephen Beckett, P.E.A.C.E. I take it that means you haven't been briefed?
[[Nope]]
[[It looks like someone fucked up, huh?]]
[[Why don't you brief me?|Why don't you tell me?]]
[[Was I supposed to be?|Nope]]
[[Sorry...]]
[[Sure, I have!]]Beckett:
...The XR-71 is the ship you're sitting in. Have you not been briefed?
[[I really haven't|Nope]]
[[Sorry...]]
[[It looks like someone fucked up, huh?]]
[[Was I supposed to be?|Nope]]
[[Why don't you brief me now?|Why don't you tell me?]]
[[Sure, I have!]]Beckett:
So it would seem, but I'll deal with that next; let's get you caught up to speed.
[[Continue|Briefing]]Beckett:
No need for apologies, Commander. *Some*one's about to get fired, but it isn't you. We'll just have to catch you up.
[[Continue|Briefing]]Beckett:
How much, exactly, do you know, Commander?
[[Nothing. No one told me anything.|Nope]]
[[I know I'm headed to the Delta System|Good Guess]]
[[I know I'm carrying something somewhere|Good Guess]]
[[I know I'm (something totally wrong)]]
[[I know enough]]Beckett:
(sighs)
Apology accepted, Commander. I suppose, if a stranger had hailed *my* vessel, I would be just as direct. You were supposed to receive a briefing alerting you to my call, but let's just get you caught up to speed.
[[Continue|Briefing]]Beckett:
What exactly have you been told, Commander?
[[Nothing. No one told me anything.|Nope]]
[[I know I'm headed to the Delta System|Good Guess]]
[[I know I'm carrying something somewhere|Good Guess]]
[[I know I'm (something totally wrong)]]
[[I know enough]]Beckett:
That's correct, Commander.
[[Continue|Briefing]]Beckett:
Not even close, Commander. Maybe you got the wrong briefing. Let's correct that.
[[Continue|Briefing]]Beckett:
(set: $playerLiedBriefing to true)
That's good, but I imagine you still have some questions about the specifics. Let's hear 'em.
[[I have no further questions.]]
[[(something irrelevant)]]
[[(unintelligable)]]
[[(repeat)]]
[[(finished)]]
[[Who are you?]]
[[Tell me about my ship.]]
[[What makes the situation complicated?]]
[[What's the package?]]
[[Tell me about the Delta Outpost.]]
[[Tell me about my escort.]]
[[Will this be dangerous?]]
[[Who am I?]]
[[Why do I need an escort?]]
[[Do you have a problem with me?]]
[[What are Ecknians?]]
[[FTL?]]
[[What's P.E.A.C.E.?]]
[[There was a war?]]
[[We have a treaty with the Ecknians?]]
[[Why is this mission so important?]]
[[What's Hydrazine Interstellar?/Tell me about the Hydrazine Scandal]]
[[Tell me about the Delta System]]
[[Tell me about the Paldium Nebula]]
[[What's my diplomatic status?]]
[[What's a Superintendent?]]
[[I've got a question: go fuck yourself.]]
[[Remind me what the mission is again.]]Beckett:
What, exactly, do you know, Commander?
[[Nothing. No one told me anything.|Nope]]
[[I know I'm headed to the Delta System|Good Guess]]
[[I know I'm carrying something somewhere|Good Guess]]
[[I know I'm (something totally wrong)]]
[[I know enough]]Beckett:
Commander, are you there? How much have you been told about your assignment?
[[Nothing|Iknownothing]]
[[I don't know anything about it]]
[[Assignment?]]
[[Who are you?|WhoareyouBeckett1]]
[[Who the hell are you?]]
[[What's going on?|Assignment?]]
[[Where are you?]]
[[What are you talking about?|Assignment?]]
[[I know a little bit]]
[[I know everything]]
[[I know some of it|Sure, I do!]]
[[XR-71?]]
[[Remind me what my assignment was?|Assignment?]]
[[(Say nothing)]]Beckett:
You have the lowest grade of diplomatic immunity. In laymans terms, you're important enough to cause a hassle for the Ecknains if anything were to happen to you, but not important enough to think twice about. It's a delicate balance, which is why we've drafted you into service.
[[I have no further questions.]]
[[(something irrelevant)]]
[[(unintelligable)]]
[[(repeat)]]
[[(finished)]]
[[Who are you?]]
[[Tell me about my ship.]]
[[What makes the situation complicated?]]
[[What's the package?]]
[[Tell me about the Delta Outpost.]]
[[Tell me about my escort.]]
[[Will this be dangerous?]]
[[Who am I?]]
[[Why do I need an escort?]]
[[Do you have a problem with me?]]
[[What are Ecknians?]]
[[FTL?]]
[[What's P.E.A.C.E.?]]
[[There was a war?]]
[[We have a treaty with the Ecknians?]]
[[Why is this mission so important?]]
[[What's Hydrazine Interstellar?/Tell me about the Hydrazine Scandal]]
[[Tell me about the Delta System]]
[[Tell me about the Paldium Nebula]]
[[What's my diplomatic status?]]
[[What's a Superintendent?]]
[[I've got a question: go fuck yourself.]]
[[Remind me what the mission is again.]]Beckett:
Is this some kind of test? The diplomatic status granted by your *old* job might be why we chose you, Commander, but everything else about it is now irrelevant. You aren't a politician any longer. You're a soldier now. If you have any more *pertinent* questions, I'd like to hear them.
[[I have no further questions.]]
[[(something irrelevant)]]
[[(unintelligable)]]
[[(repeat)]]
[[(finished)]]
[[Who are you?]]
[[Tell me about my ship.]]
[[What makes the situation complicated?]]
[[What's the package?]]
[[Tell me about the Delta Outpost.]]
[[Tell me about my escort.]]
[[Will this be dangerous?]]
[[Who am I?]]
[[Why do I need an escort?]]
[[Do you have a problem with me?]]
[[What are Ecknians?]]
[[FTL?]]
[[What's P.E.A.C.E.?]]
[[There was a war?]]
[[We have a treaty with the Ecknians?]]
[[Why is this mission so important?]]
[[What's Hydrazine Interstellar?/Tell me about the Hydrazine Scandal]]
[[Tell me about the Delta System]]
[[Tell me about the Paldium Nebula]]
[[What's my diplomatic status?]]
[[What's a Superintendent?]]
[[I've got a question: go fuck yourself.]]
[[Remind me what the mission is again.]]Beckett:
I'm glad to see you're taking my aid seriously, Commander. I'll be handing you off to Sergeant Pearson now. With your combined skills, I'm sure she'll be able to wipe what's left of you off the package before getting it to Delta herself. Beckett Out.
(Beckett hangs up)
[[Enter Pearson|Enter Pearson]](if: $playerLiedBriefing is true)
[Beckett:
Commander, if you didn't get a briefing, you should have just *said* so. You've been assigned to deliver the contents of your cargo bay to our forward outpost in the Delta System. Under normal circumstances, we'd send a military courier, but the political situation is... complicated. Your diplomatic status is our best shot at delivering the package unscathed. That said, I've taken the liberty of assigning a DR-33 fighter as your escort.
(He eyes you - you're a civilian to him, and he doesn't like civilians on his ships)
I imagine you've got questions. Let's have 'em.
(set: $playerLiedBriefing to false)](if: $playerLiedBriefing is false)
[Beckett:
You're to deliver your cargo to the Delta Outpost, by way of the Paldium Nebula. Sergeant Pearson will be escorting you and can handle any moment-to-moment problems you encounter. If you have any questions, now's the time.]
[[I have no further questions.]]
[[(something irrelevant)]]
[[(unintelligable)]]
[[(repeat)]]
[[(finished)]]
[[Who are you?]]
[[Tell me about my ship.]]
[[What makes the situation complicated?]]
[[What's the package?]]
[[Tell me about the Delta Outpost.]]
[[Tell me about my escort.]]
[[Will this be dangerous?]]
[[Who am I?]]
[[Why do I need an escort?]]
[[Do you have a problem with me?]]
[[What are Ecknians?]]
[[FTL?]]
[[What's P.E.A.C.E.?]]
[[There was a war?]]
[[We have a treaty with the Ecknians?]]
[[Why is this mission so important?]]
[[What's Hydrazine Interstellar?/Tell me about the Hydrazine Scandal]]
[[Tell me about the Delta System]]
[[Tell me about the Paldium Nebula]]
[[What's my diplomatic status?]]
[[What's a Superintendent?]]
[[I've got a question: go fuck yourself.]]
[[Remind me what the mission is again.]]Beckett:
(pissed)
Greetings, Commander. I'm going to start by stating that I'm not a man who gets ignored, so I think it'd be best to begin our relationship with the assumption that your communications array had a malfunction. Now that our connection seems stable, tell me: how much have you been told about your assignment?
[[Nothing|Iknownothing]]
[[I don't know anything about it]]
[[Assignment?]]
[[Who are you?|WhoareyouBeckett1]]
[[Who the hell are you?]]
[[What's going on?|Assignment?]]
[[Where are you?]]
[[What are you talking about?|Assignment?]]
[[I know a little bit]]
[[I know everything]]
[[I know some of it|Sure, I do!]]
[[XR-71?]]
[[Remind me what my assignment was?|Assignment?]]
[[(Say nothing)]]Beckett:
Commander, if you think annoying me will make me forget my devotion to military security, you're acutely mistaken. You don't have clearance. End of story. Let's move on to your other questions.
(Contextual)
[[Got it. So... what's in the package?|I've got a question: go fuck yourself.]]
[[I have no further questions.]]
[[(something irrelevant)]]
[[(unintelligable)]]
[[(repeat)]]
[[(finished)]]
[[Who are you?]]
[[Tell me about my ship.]]
[[What makes the situation complicated?]]
[[What's the package?]]
[[Tell me about the Delta Outpost.]]
[[Tell me about my escort.]]
[[Will this be dangerous?]]
[[Who am I?]]
[[Why do I need an escort?]]
[[Do you have a problem with me?]]
[[What are Ecknians?]]
[[FTL?]]
[[What's P.E.A.C.E.?]]
[[There was a war?]]
[[We have a treaty with the Ecknians?]]
[[Why is this mission so important?]]
[[What's Hydrazine Interstellar?/Tell me about the Hydrazine Scandal]]
[[Tell me about the Delta System]]
[[Tell me about the Paldium Nebula]]
[[What's my diplomatic status?]]
[[What's a Superintendent?]]
[[I've got a question: go fuck yourself.]]
[[Remind me what the mission is again.]]Beckett:
You're a relatively junior politician, Commander. Your current level of security clearence is *no* security clearance.
[[I have no further questions.]]
[[(something irrelevant)]]
[[(unintelligable)]]
[[(repeat)]]
[[(finished)]]
[[Who are you?]]
[[Tell me about my ship.]]
[[What makes the situation complicated?]]
[[What's the package?]]
[[Tell me about the Delta Outpost.]]
[[Tell me about my escort.]]
[[Will this be dangerous?]]
[[Who am I?]]
[[Why do I need an escort?]]
[[Do you have a problem with me?]]
[[What are Ecknians?]]
[[FTL?]]
[[What's P.E.A.C.E.?]]
[[There was a war?]]
[[We have a treaty with the Ecknians?]]
[[Why is this mission so important?]]
[[What's Hydrazine Interstellar?/Tell me about the Hydrazine Scandal]]
[[Tell me about the Delta System]]
[[Tell me about the Paldium Nebula]]
[[What's my diplomatic status?]]
[[What's a Superintendent?]]
[[I've got a question: go fuck yourself.]]
[[Remind me what the mission is again.]]Beckett:
No. Change the subject.
(Contextual)
[[No. Tell me.|I've got a question: go fuck yourself.]]
[[I have no further questions.]]
[[(something irrelevant)]]
[[(unintelligable)]]
[[(repeat)]]
[[(finished)]]
[[Who are you?]]
[[Tell me about my ship.]]
[[What makes the situation complicated?]]
[[What's the package?]]
[[Tell me about the Delta Outpost.]]
[[Tell me about my escort.]]
[[Will this be dangerous?]]
[[Who am I?]]
[[Why do I need an escort?]]
[[Do you have a problem with me?]]
[[What are Ecknians?]]
[[FTL?]]
[[What's P.E.A.C.E.?]]
[[There was a war?]]
[[We have a treaty with the Ecknians?]]
[[Why is this mission so important?]]
[[What's Hydrazine Interstellar?/Tell me about the Hydrazine Scandal]]
[[Tell me about the Delta System]]
[[Tell me about the Paldium Nebula]]
[[What's my diplomatic status?]]
[[What's a Superintendent?]]
[[I've got a question: go fuck yourself.]]
[[Remind me what the mission is again.]]Beckett:
Ecknian pirates generally aren't loyal to their government, but it isn't uncommon for the two to come to a healthy business arrangement at our expense. The government funds the pirates and gives them the location of a few high-rated targets, then they wash their hands of it. The Ecknians hit us without risking the treaty, and the pirates reap the spoils of war.
[[I have no further questions.]]
[[(something irrelevant)]]
[[(unintelligable)]]
[[(repeat)]]
[[(finished)]]
[[Who are you?]]
[[Tell me about my ship.]]
[[What makes the situation complicated?]]
[[What's the package?]]
[[Tell me about the Delta Outpost.]]
[[Tell me about my escort.]]
[[Will this be dangerous?]]
[[Who am I?]]
[[Why do I need an escort?]]
[[Do you have a problem with me?]]
[[What are Ecknians?]]
[[FTL?]]
[[What's P.E.A.C.E.?]]
[[There was a war?]]
[[We have a treaty with the Ecknians?]]
[[Why is this mission so important?]]
[[What's Hydrazine Interstellar?/Tell me about the Hydrazine Scandal]]
[[Tell me about the Delta System]]
[[Tell me about the Paldium Nebula]]
[[What's my diplomatic status?]]
[[What's a Superintendent?]]
[[I've got a question: go fuck yourself.]]
[[Remind me what the mission is again.]]Beckett:
Yes. The Ecknians don't have the technology to get much further than nukes, but a bomb is a bomb. We have the edge in space, where there's plenty of time to pick up on the radiation and jump away, but our first priority is keeping the Ecknians away from civilian settlements. Hence the treaty.
[[I have no further questions.]]
[[(something irrelevant)]]
[[(unintelligable)]]
[[(repeat)]]
[[(finished)]]
[[Who are you?]]
[[Tell me about my ship.]]
[[What makes the situation complicated?]]
[[What's the package?]]
[[Tell me about the Delta Outpost.]]
[[Tell me about my escort.]]
[[Will this be dangerous?]]
[[Who am I?]]
[[Why do I need an escort?]]
[[Do you have a problem with me?]]
[[What are Ecknians?]]
[[FTL?]]
[[What's P.E.A.C.E.?]]
[[There was a war?]]
[[We have a treaty with the Ecknians?]]
[[Why is this mission so important?]]
[[What's Hydrazine Interstellar?/Tell me about the Hydrazine Scandal]]
[[Tell me about the Delta System]]
[[Tell me about the Paldium Nebula]]
[[What's my diplomatic status?]]
[[What's a Superintendent?]]
[[I've got a question: go fuck yourself.]]
[[Remind me what the mission is again.]]Beckett:
I'm referring to your fellows in the political ranks of P.E.A.C.E. If you ask me, P.E.A.C.E. was founded to *bypass* the quagmire of politics and treaties, but, as it's been explained to me multiple times, that's not my decision.
(Contextual)
[[You don't like the treaty?]]
[[I have no further questions.]]
[[(something irrelevant)]]
[[(unintelligable)]]
[[(repeat)]]
[[(finished)]]
[[Who are you?]]
[[Tell me about my ship.]]
[[What makes the situation complicated?]]
[[What's the package?]]
[[Tell me about the Delta Outpost.]]
[[Tell me about my escort.]]
[[Will this be dangerous?]]
[[Who am I?]]
[[Why do I need an escort?]]
[[Do you have a problem with me?]]
[[What are Ecknians?]]
[[FTL?]]
[[What's P.E.A.C.E.?]]
[[There was a war?]]
[[We have a treaty with the Ecknians?]]
[[Why is this mission so important?]]
[[What's Hydrazine Interstellar?/Tell me about the Hydrazine Scandal]]
[[Tell me about the Delta System]]
[[Tell me about the Paldium Nebula]]
[[What's my diplomatic status?]]
[[What's a Superintendent?]]
[[I've got a question: go fuck yourself.]]
[[Remind me what the mission is again.]]Beckett:
(sighs, as if it was a waste of his time)
Hydrazine was caught selling weapons to the Ecknians back in the war. It was a couple of bad board members who've since went to prison. They've course-corrected since then, and they still make the best ships there are. We're lucky to have them.
[[I have no further questions.]]
[[(something irrelevant)]]
[[(unintelligable)]]
[[(repeat)]]
[[(finished)]]
[[Who are you?]]
[[Tell me about my ship.]]
[[What makes the situation complicated?]]
[[What's the package?]]
[[Tell me about the Delta Outpost.]]
[[Tell me about my escort.]]
[[Will this be dangerous?]]
[[Who am I?]]
[[Why do I need an escort?]]
[[Do you have a problem with me?]]
[[What are Ecknians?]]
[[FTL?]]
[[What's P.E.A.C.E.?]]
[[There was a war?]]
[[We have a treaty with the Ecknians?]]
[[Why is this mission so important?]]
[[What's Hydrazine Interstellar?/Tell me about the Hydrazine Scandal]]
[[Tell me about the Delta System]]
[[Tell me about the Paldium Nebula]]
[[What's my diplomatic status?]]
[[What's a Superintendent?]]
[[I've got a question: go fuck yourself.]]
[[Remind me what the mission is again.]](if: $playerLiedBriefing is true)[Beckett:
Sorry, Commander, that should have been in your briefing. We need you on this mission because of your diplomatic status. We want to keep this delivery under the radar, and, pardon my bluntness, you're the exact balance of important and unimportant that we need. Important enough that the Ecknians will think twice before attacking you, unimportant enough that they won't suspect anything of value is aboard your ship.]
(if: $playerLiedBriefing is false)[Beckett:
Again, your diplomatic status is why we chose you. Pardon my bluntness, but you're the exact balance of important and unimportant we need to keep the Ecknians uninterested in your passage through the Paldium Nebula. Important enough that the Ecknians will think twice before attacking you, unimportant enough that they won't suspect anything of value is aboard your ship.]
[[I have no further questions.]]
[[(something irrelevant)]]
[[(unintelligable)]]
[[(repeat)]]
[[(finished)]]
[[Who are you?]]
[[Tell me about my ship.]]
[[What makes the situation complicated?]]
[[What's the package?]]
[[Tell me about the Delta Outpost.]]
[[Tell me about my escort.]]
[[Will this be dangerous?]]
[[Who am I?]]
[[Why do I need an escort?]]
[[Do you have a problem with me?]]
[[What are Ecknians?]]
[[FTL?]]
[[What's P.E.A.C.E.?]]
[[There was a war?]]
[[We have a treaty with the Ecknians?]]
[[Why is this mission so important?]]
[[What's Hydrazine Interstellar?/Tell me about the Hydrazine Scandal]]
[[Tell me about the Delta System]]
[[Tell me about the Paldium Nebula]]
[[What's my diplomatic status?]]
[[What's a Superintendent?]]
[[I've got a question: go fuck yourself.]]
[[Remind me what the mission is again.]]Beckett:
DR-33s are the oldest fighter model still in active use. They're not fuel efficient, and their defenses are insubstantial, but the Sergeant still prefers them for their speed. Most pilots go for something a bit slower and sturdier, but you don't get more lethal than Pearson in a 33.
(Contextual)
[[Tell me more about Pearson.]]
[[I have no further questions.]]
[[(something irrelevant)]]
[[(unintelligable)]]
[[(repeat)]]
[[(finished)]]
[[Who are you?]]
[[Tell me about my ship.]]
[[What makes the situation complicated?]]
[[What's the package?]]
[[Tell me about the Delta Outpost.]]
[[Tell me about my escort.]]
[[Will this be dangerous?]]
[[Who am I?]]
[[Why do I need an escort?]]
[[Do you have a problem with me?]]
[[What are Ecknians?]]
[[FTL?]]
[[What's P.E.A.C.E.?]]
[[There was a war?]]
[[We have a treaty with the Ecknians?]]
[[Why is this mission so important?]]
[[What's Hydrazine Interstellar?/Tell me about the Hydrazine Scandal]]
[[Tell me about the Delta System]]
[[Tell me about the Paldium Nebula]]
[[What's my diplomatic status?]]
[[What's a Superintendent?]]
[[I've got a question: go fuck yourself.]]
[[Remind me what the mission is again.]]Beckett:
She's a good soldier. She's seen things that would make a hardened general lose hope and she still came out swinging.
(beat)
...It isn't my place to say more than that. For the time being, why don't you move on to your next question.
[[I have no further questions.]]
[[(something irrelevant)]]
[[(unintelligable)]]
[[(repeat)]]
[[(finished)]]
[[Who are you?]]
[[Tell me about my ship.]]
[[What makes the situation complicated?]]
[[What's the package?]]
[[Tell me about the Delta Outpost.]]
[[Tell me about my escort.]]
[[Will this be dangerous?]]
[[Who am I?]]
[[Why do I need an escort?]]
[[Do you have a problem with me?]]
[[What are Ecknians?]]
[[FTL?]]
[[What's P.E.A.C.E.?]]
[[There was a war?]]
[[We have a treaty with the Ecknians?]]
[[Why is this mission so important?]]
[[What's Hydrazine Interstellar?/Tell me about the Hydrazine Scandal]]
[[Tell me about the Delta System]]
[[Tell me about the Paldium Nebula]]
[[What's my diplomatic status?]]
[[What's a Superintendent?]]
[[I've got a question: go fuck yourself.]]
[[Remind me what the mission is again.]]Beckett:
Scientifically, the Ecknians are centuries behind us. There's a number of factors involved, but the biggest is their religion. You thought *our* dark ages were bad, you should read up on *theirs*. Most of the tech they have has been cobbled together from debris and equipment they've stolen from *us*.
(Contextual)
[[Ecknians have a religion?]]
[[I have no further questions.]]
[[(something irrelevant)]]
[[(unintelligable)]]
[[(repeat)]]
[[(finished)]]
[[Who are you?]]
[[Tell me about my ship.]]
[[What makes the situation complicated?]]
[[What's the package?]]
[[Tell me about the Delta Outpost.]]
[[Tell me about my escort.]]
[[Will this be dangerous?]]
[[Who am I?]]
[[Why do I need an escort?]]
[[Do you have a problem with me?]]
[[What are Ecknians?]]
[[FTL?]]
[[What's P.E.A.C.E.?]]
[[There was a war?]]
[[We have a treaty with the Ecknians?]]
[[Why is this mission so important?]]
[[What's Hydrazine Interstellar?/Tell me about the Hydrazine Scandal]]
[[Tell me about the Delta System]]
[[Tell me about the Paldium Nebula]]
[[What's my diplomatic status?]]
[[What's a Superintendent?]]
[[I've got a question: go fuck yourself.]]
[[Remind me what the mission is again.]]Beckett:
They're too numerous to keep track of, but our last estimate had them at about ninety billion - six times as many as there are of us. Combined with the fact that they don't flinch at the prospect of casualties, it makes them exceedingly dangerous.
[[I have no further questions.]]
[[(something irrelevant)]]
[[(unintelligable)]]
[[(repeat)]]
[[(finished)]]
[[Who are you?]]
[[Tell me about my ship.]]
[[What makes the situation complicated?]]
[[What's the package?]]
[[Tell me about the Delta Outpost.]]
[[Tell me about my escort.]]
[[Will this be dangerous?]]
[[Who am I?]]
[[Why do I need an escort?]]
[[Do you have a problem with me?]]
[[What are Ecknians?]]
[[FTL?]]
[[What's P.E.A.C.E.?]]
[[There was a war?]]
[[We have a treaty with the Ecknians?]]
[[Why is this mission so important?]]
[[What's Hydrazine Interstellar?/Tell me about the Hydrazine Scandal]]
[[Tell me about the Delta System]]
[[Tell me about the Paldium Nebula]]
[[What's my diplomatic status?]]
[[What's a Superintendent?]]
[[I've got a question: go fuck yourself.]]
[[Remind me what the mission is again.]]Beckett:
They believe some nonsense about God living in alien machinery. The details are irrelevant. The downside is that it's made some their political factions irreversably anti-human, solely because we have the audacity to be carbon based. The upside is that their worship of alien technology has prevented them from developing any of their own.
[[I have no further questions.]]
[[(something irrelevant)]]
[[(unintelligable)]]
[[(repeat)]]
[[(finished)]]
[[Who are you?]]
[[Tell me about my ship.]]
[[What makes the situation complicated?]]
[[What's the package?]]
[[Tell me about the Delta Outpost.]]
[[Tell me about my escort.]]
[[Will this be dangerous?]]
[[Who am I?]]
[[Why do I need an escort?]]
[[Do you have a problem with me?]]
[[What are Ecknians?]]
[[FTL?]]
[[What's P.E.A.C.E.?]]
[[There was a war?]]
[[We have a treaty with the Ecknians?]]
[[Why is this mission so important?]]
[[What's Hydrazine Interstellar?/Tell me about the Hydrazine Scandal]]
[[Tell me about the Delta System]]
[[Tell me about the Paldium Nebula]]
[[What's my diplomatic status?]]
[[What's a Superintendent?]]
[[I've got a question: go fuck yourself.]]
[[Remind me what the mission is again.]]Beckett:
Ecknian Dreadnaughts are their most advanced warships; they're the best technology that the Ecknians have been able to salvage, slapped together into a singular vessel. Because there's no way to tell exactly what a dreadnaught is made from, there's no way to predict what it's capable of. Some of our best fighters were taken down by dreadnaughts because we weren't able to accurately assess the threat until it was too late.
[[I have no further questions.]]
[[(something irrelevant)]]
[[(unintelligable)]]
[[(repeat)]]
[[(finished)]]
[[Who are you?]]
[[Tell me about my ship.]]
[[What makes the situation complicated?]]
[[What's the package?]]
[[Tell me about the Delta Outpost.]]
[[Tell me about my escort.]]
[[Will this be dangerous?]]
[[Who am I?]]
[[Why do I need an escort?]]
[[Do you have a problem with me?]]
[[What are Ecknians?]]
[[FTL?]]
[[What's P.E.A.C.E.?]]
[[There was a war?]]
[[We have a treaty with the Ecknians?]]
[[Why is this mission so important?]]
[[What's Hydrazine Interstellar?/Tell me about the Hydrazine Scandal]]
[[Tell me about the Delta System]]
[[Tell me about the Paldium Nebula]]
[[What's my diplomatic status?]]
[[What's a Superintendent?]]
[[I've got a question: go fuck yourself.]]
[[Remind me what the mission is again.]]Beckett:
Ecknians aren't scientifically advanced enough to build their own FTL drives. They've had to salvage or trade for them, which means they don't have enough to outfit every single fighter. As a result, they rely on larger transport ships to ferry their fighters around.
[[I have no further questions.]]
[[(something irrelevant)]]
[[(unintelligable)]]
[[(repeat)]]
[[(finished)]]
[[Who are you?]]
[[Tell me about my ship.]]
[[What makes the situation complicated?]]
[[What's the package?]]
[[Tell me about the Delta Outpost.]]
[[Tell me about my escort.]]
[[Will this be dangerous?]]
[[Who am I?]]
[[Why do I need an escort?]]
[[Do you have a problem with me?]]
[[What are Ecknians?]]
[[FTL?]]
[[What's P.E.A.C.E.?]]
[[There was a war?]]
[[We have a treaty with the Ecknians?]]
[[Why is this mission so important?]]
[[What's Hydrazine Interstellar?/Tell me about the Hydrazine Scandal]]
[[Tell me about the Delta System]]
[[Tell me about the Paldium Nebula]]
[[What's my diplomatic status?]]
[[What's a Superintendent?]]
[[I've got a question: go fuck yourself.]]
[[Remind me what the mission is again.]]Beckett:
Ecknian dreadnaughts are large ships, Commander, and there aren't very many of them - maybe a hundred or so in their entire fleet. No, they aren't going to waste those kind of resources chasing you down unless they're certain they'll be adequately rewarded.
[[I have no further questions.]]
[[(something irrelevant)]]
[[(unintelligable)]]
[[(repeat)]]
[[(finished)]]
[[Who are you?]]
[[Tell me about my ship.]]
[[What makes the situation complicated?]]
[[What's the package?]]
[[Tell me about the Delta Outpost.]]
[[Tell me about my escort.]]
[[Will this be dangerous?]]
[[Who am I?]]
[[Why do I need an escort?]]
[[Do you have a problem with me?]]
[[What are Ecknians?]]
[[FTL?]]
[[What's P.E.A.C.E.?]]
[[There was a war?]]
[[We have a treaty with the Ecknians?]]
[[Why is this mission so important?]]
[[What's Hydrazine Interstellar?/Tell me about the Hydrazine Scandal]]
[[Tell me about the Delta System]]
[[Tell me about the Paldium Nebula]]
[[What's my diplomatic status?]]
[[What's a Superintendent?]]
[[I've got a question: go fuck yourself.]]
[[Remind me what the mission is again.]]Beckett:
It didn't disappear, it just merged with Kal-Tech to create P.E.A.C.E. If anything,the responsibilities of the U.N. were taken over by *your* department.
(Contextual)
[[Kal-Tech?]]
[[I have no further questions.]]
[[(something irrelevant)]]
[[(unintelligable)]]
[[(repeat)]]
[[(finished)]]
[[Who are you?]]
[[Tell me about my ship.]]
[[What makes the situation complicated?]]
[[What's the package?]]
[[Tell me about the Delta Outpost.]]
[[Tell me about my escort.]]
[[Will this be dangerous?]]
[[Who am I?]]
[[Why do I need an escort?]]
[[Do you have a problem with me?]]
[[What are Ecknians?]]
[[FTL?]]
[[What's P.E.A.C.E.?]]
[[There was a war?]]
[[We have a treaty with the Ecknians?]]
[[Why is this mission so important?]]
[[What's Hydrazine Interstellar?/Tell me about the Hydrazine Scandal]]
[[Tell me about the Delta System]]
[[Tell me about the Paldium Nebula]]
[[What's my diplomatic status?]]
[[What's a Superintendent?]]
[[I've got a question: go fuck yourself.]]
[[Remind me what the mission is again.]]Beckett:
(Sighs - this old argument again?)
War isn't popular, Commander. You can't ask your leaders to be killers and run for election at the same time. There are plenty of safeguards in place, but military officials need some cloud cover to do their jobs. P.E.A.C.E. gives it to them.
[[I have no further questions.]]
[[(something irrelevant)]]
[[(unintelligable)]]
[[(repeat)]]
[[(finished)]]
[[Who are you?]]
[[Tell me about my ship.]]
[[What makes the situation complicated?]]
[[What's the package?]]
[[Tell me about the Delta Outpost.]]
[[Tell me about my escort.]]
[[Will this be dangerous?]]
[[Who am I?]]
[[Why do I need an escort?]]
[[Do you have a problem with me?]]
[[What are Ecknians?]]
[[FTL?]]
[[What's P.E.A.C.E.?]]
[[There was a war?]]
[[We have a treaty with the Ecknians?]]
[[Why is this mission so important?]]
[[What's Hydrazine Interstellar?/Tell me about the Hydrazine Scandal]]
[[Tell me about the Delta System]]
[[Tell me about the Paldium Nebula]]
[[What's my diplomatic status?]]
[[What's a Superintendent?]]
[[I've got a question: go fuck yourself.]]
[[Remind me what the mission is again.]]Beckett:
War was inevitable after the discovery of the FTL drive. It was only a matter of time before we ran into *some*thing unfriendly. We only made it a year and a half before the Ecknains found us. The Traversal ran smack into them. The war started immediately.
(Contextual)
[[How did the war end?]]
[[The Traversal?]]
[[I have no further questions.]]
[[(something irrelevant)]]
[[(unintelligable)]]
[[(repeat)]]
[[(finished)]]
[[Who are you?]]
[[Tell me about my ship.]]
[[What makes the situation complicated?]]
[[What's the package?]]
[[Tell me about the Delta Outpost.]]
[[Tell me about my escort.]]
[[Will this be dangerous?]]
[[Who am I?]]
[[Why do I need an escort?]]
[[Do you have a problem with me?]]
[[What are Ecknians?]]
[[FTL?]]
[[What's P.E.A.C.E.?]]
[[There was a war?]]
[[We have a treaty with the Ecknians?]]
[[Why is this mission so important?]]
[[What's Hydrazine Interstellar?/Tell me about the Hydrazine Scandal]]
[[Tell me about the Delta System]]
[[Tell me about the Paldium Nebula]]
[[What's my diplomatic status?]]
[[What's a Superintendent?]]
[[I've got a question: go fuck yourself.]]
[[Remind me what the mission is again.]]Beckett:
The war ended with Percy Janeston, a relatively low-level P.E.A.C.E. officer. He uncovered that certain unsavory elements on Hydrazine Interstellar's board of directors were selling weapons to the Ecknians. The corrupt elements were jailed and Hydrazine quickly started selling their weapons to pro-human Ecknian rebels instead. It was enough to turn the tide of the war - enough so that the Ecknains became willing to subject themselves to a treaty.
[[How did the war start?]]
[[I have no further questions.]]
[[(something irrelevant)]]
[[(unintelligable)]]
[[(repeat)]]
[[(finished)]]
[[Who are you?]]
[[Tell me about my ship.]]
[[What makes the situation complicated?]]
[[What's the package?]]
[[Tell me about the Delta Outpost.]]
[[Tell me about my escort.]]
[[Will this be dangerous?]]
[[Who am I?]]
[[Why do I need an escort?]]
[[Do you have a problem with me?]]
[[What are Ecknians?]]
[[FTL?]]
[[What's P.E.A.C.E.?]]
[[There was a war?]]
[[We have a treaty with the Ecknians?]]
[[Why is this mission so important?]]
[[What's Hydrazine Interstellar?/Tell me about the Hydrazine Scandal]]
[[Tell me about the Delta System]]
[[Tell me about the Paldium Nebula]]
[[What's my diplomatic status?]]
[[What's a Superintendent?]]
[[I've got a question: go fuck yourself.]]
[[Remind me what the mission is again.]]Beckett:
Right now, there's nothing in the treaty about rogue entities. It means that, as long as we can't tie an Ecknian ship back to the government, it can do whatever it wants without risking larger retribution. What's worse, because most Ecknian ships are made from scraps, we can't identify which ships are and aren't government licenced until *after* they've opened fire. We can never, under any circumstances, fire first, and the pirates know it.
[[I have no further questions.]]
[[(something irrelevant)]]
[[(unintelligable)]]
[[(repeat)]]
[[(finished)]]
[[Who are you?]]
[[Tell me about my ship.]]
[[What makes the situation complicated?]]
[[What's the package?]]
[[Tell me about the Delta Outpost.]]
[[Tell me about my escort.]]
[[Will this be dangerous?]]
[[Who am I?]]
[[Why do I need an escort?]]
[[Do you have a problem with me?]]
[[What are Ecknians?]]
[[FTL?]]
[[What's P.E.A.C.E.?]]
[[There was a war?]]
[[We have a treaty with the Ecknians?]]
[[Why is this mission so important?]]
[[What's Hydrazine Interstellar?/Tell me about the Hydrazine Scandal]]
[[Tell me about the Delta System]]
[[Tell me about the Paldium Nebula]]
[[What's my diplomatic status?]]
[[What's a Superintendent?]]
[[I've got a question: go fuck yourself.]]
[[Remind me what the mission is again.]]Beckett:
The company itself wasn't at fault - it was the decision of a few corrupt board members. There's been several thorough reviews and there's no longer any reason to suspect Hydrazine isn't above board.
[[I have no further questions.]]
[[(something irrelevant)]]
[[(unintelligable)]]
[[(repeat)]]
[[(finished)]]
[[Who are you?]]
[[Tell me about my ship.]]
[[What makes the situation complicated?]]
[[What's the package?]]
[[Tell me about the Delta Outpost.]]
[[Tell me about my escort.]]
[[Will this be dangerous?]]
[[Who am I?]]
[[Why do I need an escort?]]
[[Do you have a problem with me?]]
[[What are Ecknians?]]
[[FTL?]]
[[What's P.E.A.C.E.?]]
[[There was a war?]]
[[We have a treaty with the Ecknians?]]
[[Why is this mission so important?]]
[[What's Hydrazine Interstellar?/Tell me about the Hydrazine Scandal]]
[[Tell me about the Delta System]]
[[Tell me about the Paldium Nebula]]
[[What's my diplomatic status?]]
[[What's a Superintendent?]]
[[I've got a question: go fuck yourself.]]
[[Remind me what the mission is again.]]Beckett:
Yes, it is. Let's change topics.
[[No. Tell me why this is important.|I've got a question: go fuck yourself.]]
[[I have no further questions.]]
[[(something irrelevant)]]
[[(unintelligable)]]
[[(repeat)]]
[[(finished)]]
[[Who are you?]]
[[Tell me about my ship.]]
[[What makes the situation complicated?]]
[[What's the package?]]
[[Tell me about the Delta Outpost.]]
[[Tell me about my escort.]]
[[Will this be dangerous?]]
[[Who am I?]]
[[Why do I need an escort?]]
[[Do you have a problem with me?]]
[[What are Ecknians?]]
[[FTL?]]
[[What's P.E.A.C.E.?]]
[[There was a war?]]
[[We have a treaty with the Ecknians?]]
[[Why is this mission so important?]]
[[What's Hydrazine Interstellar?/Tell me about the Hydrazine Scandal]]
[[Tell me about the Delta System]]
[[Tell me about the Paldium Nebula]]
[[What's my diplomatic status?]]
[[What's a Superintendent?]]
[[I've got a question: go fuck yourself.]]
[[Remind me what the mission is again.]]Beckett:
I suppose I *could*, but I *won't*. Move on to your other questions, Commander.
[[I'm not moving on until you answer my question|I've got a question: go fuck yourself.]]
[[I have no further questions.]]
[[(something irrelevant)]]
[[(unintelligable)]]
[[(repeat)]]
[[(finished)]]
[[Who are you?]]
[[Tell me about my ship.]]
[[What makes the situation complicated?]]
[[What's the package?]]
[[Tell me about the Delta Outpost.]]
[[Tell me about my escort.]]
[[Will this be dangerous?]]
[[Who am I?]]
[[Why do I need an escort?]]
[[Do you have a problem with me?]]
[[What are Ecknians?]]
[[FTL?]]
[[What's P.E.A.C.E.?]]
[[There was a war?]]
[[We have a treaty with the Ecknians?]]
[[Why is this mission so important?]]
[[What's Hydrazine Interstellar?/Tell me about the Hydrazine Scandal]]
[[Tell me about the Delta System]]
[[Tell me about the Paldium Nebula]]
[[What's my diplomatic status?]]
[[What's a Superintendent?]]
[[I've got a question: go fuck yourself.]]
[[Remind me what the mission is again.]]Beckett:
(carefully - he IS the president)
...I think that paper makes a flimsy shield. I have no problems with the treaty. I have problems with complacency.
[[I have no further questions.]]
[[(something irrelevant)]]
[[(unintelligable)]]
[[(repeat)]]
[[(finished)]]
[[Who are you?]]
[[Tell me about my ship.]]
[[What makes the situation complicated?]]
[[What's the package?]]
[[Tell me about the Delta Outpost.]]
[[Tell me about my escort.]]
[[Will this be dangerous?]]
[[Who am I?]]
[[Why do I need an escort?]]
[[Do you have a problem with me?]]
[[What are Ecknians?]]
[[FTL?]]
[[What's P.E.A.C.E.?]]
[[There was a war?]]
[[We have a treaty with the Ecknians?]]
[[Why is this mission so important?]]
[[What's Hydrazine Interstellar?/Tell me about the Hydrazine Scandal]]
[[Tell me about the Delta System]]
[[Tell me about the Paldium Nebula]]
[[What's my diplomatic status?]]
[[What's a Superintendent?]]
[[I've got a question: go fuck yourself.]]
[[Remind me what the mission is again.]]Beckett:
Yes. I'm currently stationed at Delta Outpost, awaiting your arrival.
(Contextual)
[[Then why didn't you take the package yourself?]]
[[I have no further questions.]]
[[(something irrelevant)]]
[[(unintelligable)]]
[[(repeat)]]
[[(finished)]]
[[Who are you?]]
[[Tell me about my ship.]]
[[What makes the situation complicated?]]
[[What's the package?]]
[[Tell me about the Delta Outpost.]]
[[Tell me about my escort.]]
[[Will this be dangerous?]]
[[Who am I?]]
[[Why do I need an escort?]]
[[Do you have a problem with me?]]
[[What are Ecknians?]]
[[FTL?]]
[[What's P.E.A.C.E.?]]
[[There was a war?]]
[[We have a treaty with the Ecknians?]]
[[Why is this mission so important?]]
[[What's Hydrazine Interstellar?/Tell me about the Hydrazine Scandal]]
[[Tell me about the Delta System]]
[[Tell me about the Paldium Nebula]]
[[What's my diplomatic status?]]
[[What's a Superintendent?]]
[[I've got a question: go fuck yourself.]]
[[Remind me what the mission is again.]]Beckett:
(Considering how much to tell you)
You don't have the clearance to know the details, but it should suffice to say that the Ecknians take an interest in my movements. The right scan can identify the package, which means we need to keep it aboard ships that the Ecknians won't bother to watch.
[[I have no further questions.]]
[[(something irrelevant)]]
[[(unintelligable)]]
[[(repeat)]]
[[(finished)]]
[[Who are you?]]
[[Tell me about my ship.]]
[[What makes the situation complicated?]]
[[What's the package?]]
[[Tell me about the Delta Outpost.]]
[[Tell me about my escort.]]
[[Will this be dangerous?]]
[[Who am I?]]
[[Why do I need an escort?]]
[[Do you have a problem with me?]]
[[What are Ecknians?]]
[[FTL?]]
[[What's P.E.A.C.E.?]]
[[There was a war?]]
[[We have a treaty with the Ecknians?]]
[[Why is this mission so important?]]
[[What's Hydrazine Interstellar?/Tell me about the Hydrazine Scandal]]
[[Tell me about the Delta System]]
[[Tell me about the Paldium Nebula]]
[[What's my diplomatic status?]]
[[What's a Superintendent?]]
[[I've got a question: go fuck yourself.]]
[[Remind me what the mission is again.]]Beckett:
Sending you the long way around would attract too much attention. Your diplomatic status is a double edged sword: it'll only protect you if the Ecknians see you as important enough to be a diplomatic hassle, but *not* important enough to be a high-value target. Put simply, we need to give the impression that you're not worth killing. If we take too many precautions getting you to Delta Outpost, the Ecknians will know we're hiding something.
(Contextual)
[[That doesn't sound like a big deal.]]
[[My escort isn't going to raise any eyebrows?]]
[[I have no further questions.]]
[[(something irrelevant)]]
[[(unintelligable)]]
[[(repeat)]]
[[(finished)]]
[[Who are you?]]
[[Tell me about my ship.]]
[[What makes the situation complicated?]]
[[What's the package?]]
[[Tell me about the Delta Outpost.]]
[[Tell me about my escort.]]
[[Will this be dangerous?]]
[[Who am I?]]
[[Why do I need an escort?]]
[[Do you have a problem with me?]]
[[What are Ecknians?]]
[[FTL?]]
[[What's P.E.A.C.E.?]]
[[There was a war?]]
[[We have a treaty with the Ecknians?]]
[[Why is this mission so important?]]
[[What's Hydrazine Interstellar?/Tell me about the Hydrazine Scandal]]
[[Tell me about the Delta System]]
[[Tell me about the Paldium Nebula]]
[[What's my diplomatic status?]]
[[What's a Superintendent?]]
[[I've got a question: go fuck yourself.]]
[[Remind me what the mission is again.]]Beckett:
You don't have the clearance for me to explain it fully, but your cargo can be easily picked up by a scan of your ship. That means our plan rests on the Ecknians not finding you worth *any* attention whatsoever. Sending you halfway across the galaxy before doubling back would raise a few eyebrows. We can't afford that, so you're going through the Nebula.
(Contextual)
[[My escort isn't going to raise any eyebrows?]]
[[I have no further questions.]]
[[(something irrelevant)]]
[[(unintelligable)]]
[[(repeat)]]
[[(finished)]]
[[Who are you?]]
[[Tell me about my ship.]]
[[What makes the situation complicated?]]
[[What's the package?]]
[[Tell me about the Delta Outpost.]]
[[Tell me about my escort.]]
[[Will this be dangerous?]]
[[Who am I?]]
[[Why do I need an escort?]]
[[Do you have a problem with me?]]
[[What are Ecknians?]]
[[FTL?]]
[[What's P.E.A.C.E.?]]
[[There was a war?]]
[[We have a treaty with the Ecknians?]]
[[Why is this mission so important?]]
[[What's Hydrazine Interstellar?/Tell me about the Hydrazine Scandal]]
[[Tell me about the Delta System]]
[[Tell me about the Paldium Nebula]]
[[What's my diplomatic status?]]
[[What's a Superintendent?]]
[[I've got a question: go fuck yourself.]]
[[Remind me what the mission is again.]]Beckett:
You've been assigned to deliver the contents of your cargo bay to our forward outpost in the Delta System. Under normal circumstances, we'd send a military courier, but the political situation is... complicated. Your diplomatic status is our best shot at delivering the package unscathed. That said, I've taken the liberty of assigning a DR-33 fighter as your escort.
(He eyes you - you're a civilian to him, and he doesn't like civilians on his ships)
I imagine you've got questions. Let's have them.
[[I have no further questions.]]
[[(something irrelevant)]]
[[(unintelligable)]]
[[(repeat)]]
[[(finished)]]
[[Who are you?]]
[[Tell me about my ship.]]
[[What makes the situation complicated?]]
[[What's the package?]]
[[Tell me about the Delta Outpost.]]
[[Tell me about my escort.]]
[[Will this be dangerous?]]
[[Who am I?]]
[[Why do I need an escort?]]
[[Do you have a problem with me?]]
[[What are Ecknians?]]
[[FTL?]]
[[What's P.E.A.C.E.?]]
[[There was a war?]]
[[We have a treaty with the Ecknians?]]
[[Why is this mission so important?]]
[[What's Hydrazine Interstellar?/Tell me about the Hydrazine Scandal]]
[[Tell me about the Delta System]]
[[Tell me about the Paldium Nebula]]
[[What's my diplomatic status?]]
[[What's a Superintendent?]]
[[I've got a question: go fuck yourself.]]
[[Remind me what the mission is again.]]Beckett:
Kal-Tech was an old corporate conglomerate that specialized in interplanatary travel and colonozation. They were the ones who first invented the FTL drive. They had the technical and military expertise to build - and then rescue - the Traversal, which ultimately inspired their merger with the U.N., creating P.E.A.C.E.
(Contextual)
[[The Traversal?]]
[[I have no further questions.]]
[[(something irrelevant)]]
[[(unintelligable)]]
[[(repeat)]]
[[(finished)]]
[[Who are you?]]
[[Tell me about my ship.]]
[[What makes the situation complicated?]]
[[What's the package?]]
[[Tell me about the Delta Outpost.]]
[[Tell me about my escort.]]
[[Will this be dangerous?]]
[[Who am I?]]
[[Why do I need an escort?]]
[[Do you have a problem with me?]]
[[What are Ecknians?]]
[[FTL?]]
[[What's P.E.A.C.E.?]]
[[There was a war?]]
[[We have a treaty with the Ecknians?]]
[[Why is this mission so important?]]
[[What's Hydrazine Interstellar?/Tell me about the Hydrazine Scandal]]
[[Tell me about the Delta System]]
[[Tell me about the Paldium Nebula]]
[[What's my diplomatic status?]]
[[What's a Superintendent?]]
[[I've got a question: go fuck yourself.]]
[[Remind me what the mission is again.]]Beckett:
The Traversal was the first ship to complete an FTL jump with live humans aboard. It became a symbol of Human potential before it made first contact with the Ecknians. The reports of what happened still aren't clear, suffice to say that there weren't many survivors. Kal-Tech managed to find and rescue what was left of the crew, but only after they'd been drifting through space for several months.
(Contextual)
[[Kal-Tech?]]
[[I have no further questions.]]
[[(something irrelevant)]]
[[(unintelligable)]]
[[(repeat)]]
[[(finished)]]
[[Who are you?]]
[[Tell me about my ship.]]
[[What makes the situation complicated?]]
[[What's the package?]]
[[Tell me about the Delta Outpost.]]
[[Tell me about my escort.]]
[[Will this be dangerous?]]
[[Who am I?]]
[[Why do I need an escort?]]
[[Do you have a problem with me?]]
[[What are Ecknians?]]
[[FTL?]]
[[What's P.E.A.C.E.?]]
[[There was a war?]]
[[We have a treaty with the Ecknians?]]
[[Why is this mission so important?]]
[[What's Hydrazine Interstellar?/Tell me about the Hydrazine Scandal]]
[[Tell me about the Delta System]]
[[Tell me about the Paldium Nebula]]
[[What's my diplomatic status?]]
[[What's a Superintendent?]]
[[I've got a question: go fuck yourself.]]
[[Remind me what the mission is again.]]Beckett:
What's that, Commander? Speak up.
[[I have no further questions.]]
[[(something irrelevant)]]
[[(unintelligable)]]
[[(repeat)]]
[[(finished)]]
[[Who are you?]]
[[Tell me about my ship.]]
[[What makes the situation complicated?]]
[[What's the package?]]
[[Tell me about the Delta Outpost.]]
[[Tell me about my escort.]]
[[Will this be dangerous?]]
[[Who am I?]]
[[Why do I need an escort?]]
[[Do you have a problem with me?]]
[[What are Ecknians?]]
[[FTL?]]
[[What's P.E.A.C.E.?]]
[[There was a war?]]
[[We have a treaty with the Ecknians?]]
[[Why is this mission so important?]]
[[What's Hydrazine Interstellar?/Tell me about the Hydrazine Scandal]]
[[Tell me about the Delta System]]
[[Tell me about the Paldium Nebula]]
[[What's my diplomatic status?]]
[[What's a Superintendent?]]
[[I've got a question: go fuck yourself.]]
[[Remind me what the mission is again.]]Beckett:
I'm a busy man, Commander. I don't have time to re-tread old ground. Why don't you stick to questions we haven't already covered?
[[I have no further questions.]]
[[(something irrelevant)]]
[[(unintelligable)]]
[[(repeat)]]
[[(finished)]]
[[Who are you?]]
[[Tell me about my ship.]]
[[What makes the situation complicated?]]
[[What's the package?]]
[[Tell me about the Delta Outpost.]]
[[Tell me about my escort.]]
[[Will this be dangerous?]]
[[Who am I?]]
[[Why do I need an escort?]]
[[Do you have a problem with me?]]
[[What are Ecknians?]]
[[FTL?]]
[[What's P.E.A.C.E.?]]
[[There was a war?]]
[[We have a treaty with the Ecknians?]]
[[Why is this mission so important?]]
[[What's Hydrazine Interstellar?/Tell me about the Hydrazine Scandal]]
[[Tell me about the Delta System]]
[[Tell me about the Paldium Nebula]]
[[What's my diplomatic status?]]
[[What's a Superintendent?]]
[[I've got a question: go fuck yourself.]]
[[Remind me what the mission is again.]]Beckett:
I think that about covers what you need to know. I'm going to pass you off to Sergeant Pearson, Commander. She'll take care of you from here. Good hunting.
(Beckett hangs up)
[[Enter Pearson]]Beckett:
Escorts are standard procedure. Roundabout space travel is fuel intensive and, therefore, *not* standard procedure.
[[I have no further questions.]]
[[(something irrelevant)]]
[[(unintelligable)]]
[[(repeat)]]
[[(finished)]]
[[Who are you?]]
[[Tell me about my ship.]]
[[What makes the situation complicated?]]
[[What's the package?]]
[[Tell me about the Delta Outpost.]]
[[Tell me about my escort.]]
[[Will this be dangerous?]]
[[Who am I?]]
[[Why do I need an escort?]]
[[Do you have a problem with me?]]
[[What are Ecknians?]]
[[FTL?]]
[[What's P.E.A.C.E.?]]
[[There was a war?]]
[[We have a treaty with the Ecknians?]]
[[Why is this mission so important?]]
[[What's Hydrazine Interstellar?/Tell me about the Hydrazine Scandal]]
[[Tell me about the Delta System]]
[[Tell me about the Paldium Nebula]]
[[What's my diplomatic status?]]
[[What's a Superintendent?]]
[[I've got a question: go fuck yourself.]]
[[Remind me what the mission is again.]]