New chat room entered at 1/25/2007 8:34:17 PM.
You are now in chat room “sotsw01252007.”
Vernjonal has entered the chat room.

Thematrian1 has entered the chat room.

MilesMk1 has entered the chat room.

MilesMk1 (8:34:38 PM): Evening.
Umbrafer (8:35:03 PM): j0
Umbrafer (8:35:13 PM): How's everyone tonight?
MilesMk1 (8:35:42 PM): I'm - unfortunately - only available for a relatively short time. (like, an hour, hour and a half tops).
MilesMk1 (8:35:50 PM): Other than that, I'm good... You?
Umbrafer (8:36:27 PM): No problem, I'm probably only available a little bit longer myself. It has been a very, very long week.
Thematrian1 (8:36:36 PM): tell me about it
Umbrafer (8:36:58 PM): Aside from the fact that I need to write the control module for a simple microprocessor by tomorrow morning, though, things are pretty decent.
Thematrian1 (8:36:58 PM): the next iteration of the game is due Wednesday, and everyone other than me has moved on to other projects
Thematrian1 (8:37:03 PM): I guess we are of one mind, here
Umbrafer (8:37:06 PM): Yeep
Umbrafer (8:37:43 PM): How much needs to be done, roughly?
Thematrian1 (8:37:55 PM): more than there's really time for. Oh well.
MilesMk1 (8:39:10 PM): We'll regroup.
Thematrian1 (8:39:22 PM): so, um, what happened last week?
MilesMk1 (8:39:48 PM): We called it.
Thematrian1 (8:39:55 PM): ah
Umbrafer (8:40:18 PM): As for the info on Salish-Shidhe, what you got is as follows:
Umbrafer (8:40:43 PM): Apart from the border, Council Island, Vancouver, and a few other spots, the individual tribes make the rules. As such, laws vary decently widely by area.
Umbrafer (8:42:31 PM): The target area is mostly in Sinsearach territory, though you cross through some Salish territory nearer Seattle.
Thematrian1 (8:42:44 PM): rgh
Thematrian1 (8:42:51 PM): are there border crossings between tribal domains?
Umbrafer (8:43:16 PM): Not generally. Checkpoints may be set up, but in general it's roughly similar to crossing state lines in the modern-day US.
Thematrian1 (8:43:48 PM): ah
Umbrafer (8:44:14 PM): The Sinsearach generally do have more "border-crossing-ish" stuff than other tribes, but that looks like it's tighter around their center of government. You probably won't have to encounter it.
Umbrafer (8:45:00 PM): Cascade Ork also have more checkpoints than usual, but they're not in your path.
Thematrian1 (8:45:40 PM): ok. This sounds do-able
Umbrafer (8:45:48 PM): The local language is English, though some communities still cling to various tribal languages.
MilesMk1 (8:48:00 PM): So we just need to get across the border, and then be careful not to get arrested for being Anglos?
MilesMk1 (8:48:10 PM): Well, conspicuous Anglos.
Thematrian1 (8:48:13 PM): Heh.
Thematrian1 (8:48:20 PM): Random harassment, I can probably get us out of.
MilesMk1 (8:49:13 PM): Still, the big question is the Tir.
Thematrian1 (8:49:32 PM): Our target is north of them. We don't even need to cross the border, do we?
MilesMk1 (8:50:03 PM): I guess it depends on how far north of Portland it is.
MilesMk1 (8:50:25 PM): Also, do we know that we don't need to be on the train?
MilesMk1 (8:50:38 PM): Can we have the text of that mysterious message, again?
Chat room exited at 1/25/2007 8:51:15 PM.

New chat room entered at 1/25/2007 8:52:54 PM.
You are now in chat room “sotsw01252007.”
Umbrafer (8:52:59 PM): "TRAIN: LA->VANCOUVER BRIDGE NORTH OF PORTLAND 7/2 1:05 AM"
Thematrian1 (8:54:20 PM): All we have to do is be in the right place, I think.
Thematrian1 (8:54:32 PM): And if we get on the train, we really can't bring any goodies
MilesMk1 (8:55:14 PM): Yeah, it's sort of a weird message, though.
MilesMk1 (8:55:30 PM): More like a warning that something will happen than anything.
MilesMk1 (8:55:59 PM): Unlikely anyone will be getting on or off, even if not impossible...
Thematrian1 (8:56:26 PM): yeah. I think it's more likely to be some kind of magical phenomenon
MilesMk1 (8:56:36 PM): Definitely doesn't seem right for a time and place for a meeting.
Thematrian1 (8:57:02 PM): it does seem unlikely
MilesMk1 (8:57:19 PM): Can we go online and see if, based on train schedules, we can figure out which bridge this is talking about?
Thematrian1 (8:57:22 PM): we decided that a train really would be passing on that bridge at about that time, right?
Thematrian1 (8:57:32 PM): We did; it's one over a ravine north of the Tir border, IIRC
Umbrafer (8:57:32 PM): You've done that, yes.
Umbrafer (8:57:38 PM): Correct.
MilesMk1 (8:57:43 PM): Ah, I forgot, then.
Umbrafer (8:57:50 PM): Understandable
Thematrian1 (8:58:02 PM): Ok. Next question: what are we packing?
MilesMk1 (8:58:05 PM): Well, I'll definitely be brining rock-climbing gear.
MilesMk1 (8:58:11 PM): bringing
Thematrian1 (8:58:12 PM): yeah, that
MilesMk1 (8:58:17 PM): How deep a ravine, BTW?
MilesMk1 (8:58:23 PM): Deep enough for a base jump?
MilesMk1 (8:58:47 PM): Not that I necessarily plan on making one, but if I had to, that's just a parachute and a skillsoft away...
MilesMk1 (9:00:02 PM): Hmm... One of these days, I will make a skydiving runner.
Thematrian1 (9:00:02 PM): Team up with a rigger...
MilesMk1 (9:00:03 PM): Right after I make the one on cyberskates.
Thematrian1 (9:00:09 PM): I had a plan for skydiving zombies once
Thematrian1 (9:00:12 PM): an early iteration of Gem, in fact
MilesMk1 (9:00:32 PM): How did zombies enter into an early iteration of Gem? Voodoo?
Thematrian1 (9:00:45 PM): Yeah; the first dozen or so variations on this character were houngans of Obatala
MilesMk1 (9:01:00 PM): Why were the zombies going to skydive?
MilesMk1 (9:01:18 PM): You did do those sky-falling zombies once, in the other game. Not quite the same thing, but...
Thematrian1 (9:01:19 PM): they're not good for much else, honestly. I was going to load them up with explosives.
Umbrafer (9:01:58 PM): The bridge is listed as being 44 meters high
Umbrafer (9:02:36 PM): I can find at least one BASE jump from 53 meters, I'm not sure how aggressive that was in terms of BASE jumping
MilesMk1 (9:02:53 PM): Ok, no parachutes. I think that's just barely doable if you're set up just right and begin with the pilot chute in your hand, but it's hardly practical.
MilesMk1 (9:03:27 PM): Is it a guarded bridge, or just an unwatched chunk of steel and concrete out in the countryside?
Umbrafer (9:04:32 PM): None of the photographs you can find show any significant security, but there also aren't any reports about it being blown up. Whether that means there's security or that it just hasn't been targeted is unclear.
MilesMk1 (9:04:41 PM): You know, sometimes I wish SR was more friendly towards things like boarding a train using a grappling gun... And it's not entirely wild fancy, what if we're on the bridge and realize we need to get on?
Umbrafer (9:05:06 PM): Then presumably you try it. I'd just hope the train had slowed down for some reason :)
Thematrian1 (9:05:34 PM): Hm. Is this one of those fancy bullet trains, or are we looking at something slower?
MilesMk1 (9:06:00 PM): I mean, I suppose that between the high athletics, and the balance augmentations, and the claws, I would have a shot if anyone would, but...
MilesMk1 (9:07:20 PM): Actually, best bet would probably be - if this is the right kind of bridge - to use the grapple gun to get above the train, and then jump down on it.
Umbrafer (9:07:22 PM): It is high-speed rail. It quotes its speed at 280 KM/H, but presumably that's peak.
MilesMk1 (9:07:29 PM): Eeesh.
Umbrafer (9:07:32 PM): km/h, I should say.
Thematrian1 (9:08:21 PM): yeah, I think we're not joining the train mid-way
Thematrian1 (9:09:04 PM): although if I used a spirit to fly us, and another one for Movement...
Thematrian1 (9:09:15 PM): they'd have to be big spirits, but we could just barely match velocity
MilesMk1 (9:09:33 PM): Well... In theory, if we get there early enough, and the rail is automated, between the two of us we should be able to get into the control and safety systems, and arrange for it to slow down and stop, no?
Thematrian1 (9:09:46 PM): yes, or there's the technical approach
MilesMk1 (9:09:54 PM): Send in a false report of an obstruction on the tracks, or something.
Thematrian1 (9:10:10 PM): pose as a hiker or something...I like it
MilesMk1 (9:10:42 PM): I don't know if we'll need that, but it'd be wise of us to have it in place just in case, I think.
MilesMk1 (9:11:12 PM): And a spirit backup would hurt either.
MilesMk1 (9:11:17 PM): wouldn't
Thematrian1 (9:12:11 PM): or Movement the train down to a more reasonable pace, though that'd be obvious
Thematrian1 (9:12:29 PM): the annoying thing about the obstruction plan is that we have to set it up in advance
MilesMk1 (9:12:33 PM): Neither would just mining the tracks in case we, for some unfathomable as of now reason, decided we really had to stop the train. Assuming it wouldn't be foolish to try to get all that gear inot Salish.
Thematrian1 (9:12:53 PM): oh, it definitely is
MilesMk1 (9:14:44 PM): Well, then let's stay subtle. If I know what I'm doing, I can probably get it to crap out with electronics, making explosions unnecessary.
Thematrian1 (9:15:07 PM): ok. Weapons?
circlmastr has entered the chat room.

circlmastr (9:15:58 PM): (Ahoy all)
MilesMk1 (9:16:10 PM): Before we leave, one of my priorities will be to try to obtain the maintenance manual for the electronics in the tracks, train, control systems, etc. that the rail company engineers would use, and perhaps any necessary B/R
MilesMk1 (9:16:16 PM): skillsofts I might need.
MilesMk1 (9:16:52 PM): (Evening. Unfortunately, it may be a short one - I need to decamp soon.)
circlmastr (9:16:56 PM): (Sob)
circlmastr (9:17:13 PM): (That's as in crying, not a descriptive acronym)
MilesMk1 (9:17:32 PM): As far as weapons go... I dunno. I feel very ill at easy trying to go in without a gun of some sort, but I'll definitely be leaving the GL at home.
circlmastr (9:17:52 PM): Aww
circlmastr (9:18:03 PM): A run just isn't a run unless there's a grenade launcher.
MilesMk1 (9:19:01 PM): I generally agree, but this time it'd be more toruble than it was worth...
Thematrian1 (9:19:13 PM): right. I'll go unarmed save the Hand, I guess. Hound can definitely bring his spiders, but what else?
circlmastr (9:19:20 PM): You don't know that. There could be things just begging to be grenaded on the train.
MilesMk1 (9:19:23 PM): The Hand?
Umbrafer (9:19:29 PM): (Regarding the maintenance manuals, that's going to be a few Etiquette tests. Do you have a relevant contact?)
Umbrafer (9:19:34 PM): Gem has her Glove built-in.
MilesMk1 (9:19:45 PM): Ah.
MilesMk1 (9:20:12 PM): (No, I don't... But I have Etiquette at 8 with the right software plugged in, and I have Gem. :))
Thematrian1 (9:20:18 PM): (Time to go out and make some friends, I guess :-D)
circlmastr (9:20:49 PM): (Since Hound's only combat skill appears to be Gunnery, it looks like he has his spiders and his Strato for things that deal damage.)
Thematrian1 (9:21:16 PM): (Works for me. Stratos are agile)
MilesMk1 (9:21:18 PM): Your... only combat skill is gunnery?
circlmastr (9:21:22 PM): (And, I want to install a bulldozer scoop on the van so it can run people over. Turrets are sadly not an option.)
circlmastr (9:21:51 PM): Yeah. He has Negotiations, if that helps.
Umbrafer (9:22:43 PM): (FWIW, Alex's only combat skill was Gunnery for about three months, at which point she branched into Laser Weapons)
MilesMk1 (9:22:44 PM): It does, but what happens if a soccer mom with Unarmed 1/Karate 3 decides to get aggressive? :)
Umbrafer (9:22:59 PM): (One point worth, which is what she has for non-Gunnery now :) )
Thematrian1 (9:23:02 PM): seduction is a specialization of Negotiations, right?
circlmastr (9:23:11 PM): If it isn't, it should be.
Umbrafer (9:23:24 PM): Y'know, I think it actually is. I figure it's probably functionally identical to Fast Talk.
circlmastr (9:23:27 PM): Even soccer moms need luvin'.
MilesMk1 (9:24:00 PM): Huh.
MilesMk1 (9:24:40 PM): I guess I never considered making a character without at least like a 2/4 unarmed specialization of some kind, so they can defend themselves if needed...
MilesMk1 (9:24:48 PM): Though that is sort of a metagame approach.
Thematrian1 (9:25:06 PM): Come to that, all my combat skills are in softs
circlmastr (9:25:23 PM): Oh, Hound has softs
circlmastr (9:25:36 PM): 4 dice to throw, IIRC, but that's better than 0
circlmastr (9:25:46 PM): (brb a sec)
MilesMk1 (9:25:48 PM): Skillsofts? Heh... Rating 1, CED 3?
MilesMk1 (9:27:42 PM): I guess I shouldn't necessarily be talking, Glitch only has...Well, actually, he's got Pistols, Unarmed and Clubs, so he's not too bad.
MilesMk1 (9:28:12 PM): But Launch weapons he uses off a chip, despite how often he uses the GL.
Umbrafer (9:30:29 PM): Speaking of which, the team was still driving around Seattle when they started researching Salish-Shidhe. Where are you going?
MilesMk1 (9:30:36 PM): Oh well... I have to run... Plot amongst yourselves? And have a good weekend. Sorry to ahve to do this.
Umbrafer (9:31:13 PM): No problem, I'd have to ditch in 20-30 minutes anyway. Sleep well, and see you Monday.
Umbrafer (9:31:43 PM): (But if anyone has an answer to "where is the team going", it'd be nice to resolve that now)
MilesMk1 (9:32:21 PM): I have no strong preferences... But if we want to just sit down and research, we can use my place. They've already been there.
MilesMk1 (9:32:28 PM): See you guys Monday.
Thematrian1 (9:32:30 PM): yeah. We have some time IIRC
Thematrian1 (9:32:31 PM): see you
MilesMk1 has left the chat room.

Umbrafer (9:32:42 PM): Time relative to what?
Thematrian1 (9:33:09 PM): whatever goes down on that bridge
Thematrian1 (9:33:10 PM): so to speak
Umbrafer (9:33:49 PM): Ah. Yeah, it's now about 3:00 AM Monday, and Bridgeday is a bit more than an hour after midnight Saturday
Thematrian1 (9:34:03 PM): ok. And it's how far away from us?
circlmastr (9:34:09 PM): Gah
circlmastr (9:34:40 PM): Well, I had an idea
Umbrafer (9:34:48 PM): Starting from downtown and ignoring traffic, just under three hours.
Umbrafer (9:35:03 PM): Less if you tempt the SS traffic police.
Umbrafer (9:36:21 PM): Also on the event calendar, it's slightly over two weeks until the time the other SS told you to come back if you still wanted to join.
Umbrafer (9:36:26 PM): Remember that for next year ;)
circlmastr (9:36:27 PM): Can Hound take over the train through EW?
Umbrafer (9:37:38 PM): It's not impossible, though it'd be difficult. Trains like that are generally secured decently well, and are more likely to use wired or semi-wired communication via datacables in the rails. You may be able to tap into those, but
Umbrafer (9:37:44 PM): the obvious hazards exist with that.
circlmastr (9:38:54 PM): No remote control interface on the train for riggers?
Thematrian1 (9:39:25 PM): I'd assume not, at least not one that's unencrypted.
circlmastr (9:39:41 PM): Bastards
Umbrafer (9:39:44 PM): They usually exist but only enable in emergency situations. They're also usually, as mentioned, encrypted.
circlmastr (9:40:41 PM): I don't have a clue what it takes to do EW on an encrypted vehicle/drone network
Umbrafer (9:41:10 PM): A decryption module of much higher rating than the target encryption rating and a healthy dose of luck.
Umbrafer (9:41:14 PM): Unless you mean jamming.
circlmastr (9:41:37 PM): :(
circlmastr (9:41:51 PM): Damn rules
circlmastr (9:41:59 PM): I hate them with every fiber of my being!
circlmastr (9:43:29 PM): (dinner-ness...)
circlmastr (9:58:09 PM): Back, and no one is here it seems.
Thematrian1 (9:58:15 PM): yo
circlmastr (9:58:19 PM): Yay!
Umbrafer (9:58:29 PM): We're here. Ok, anyone have anything else to do tonight?
Umbrafer (9:58:39 PM): Destination, whatever?
circlmastr (9:58:41 PM): Tell me how much tool lasers cost.
circlmastr (9:58:47 PM): I want them on my spiders damnit! heh
circlmastr (9:59:01 PM): (Not that I remember how much we got paid...)
Umbrafer (9:59:26 PM): I thought I told you last week. Oh, that's right, I don't think you were here on Tuesday when I announced it:
Umbrafer (9:59:29 PM): Er, Monday
Umbrafer (9:59:33 PM): One of those days
Thematrian1 (9:59:43 PM): hey, as long as you show up at the right time
Umbrafer (9:59:49 PM): I increased the karma award for the previous run by three points, so you've got more karma to play with.
circlmastr (9:59:53 PM): Who knows when I'm anywhere.
Umbrafer (9:59:55 PM): (Monday is the new Tuesday)
Umbrafer (10:01:57 PM): So yeah, tool laser costs twice what the eye-laser costs, and installation is as per Special Machinery or whatever it's called.
circlmastr (10:01:58 PM): Wow, the USB cable is surprisingly short.
Umbrafer (10:02:03 PM): How short?
circlmastr (10:02:58 PM): Nothing indicates the actual length, but it's a stretch from the back of the tower to my lap. And my tower is not far away by any means.
Umbrafer (10:05:02 PM): So yeah, final actions?
Thematrian1 (10:05:53 PM): I guess not.
Umbrafer (10:07:15 PM): Mmk. Then if nothing kills me in the next few days, I'll see you Monday. If something does kill me I might still see you, but I'll probably be talking about brains a lot more.
Umbrafer (10:07:32 PM): *Waves*
circlmastr (10:07:33 PM): I'm sure we won't notice.
Chat room exited at 1/25/2007 10:07:34 PM.