Association Storyline/Offshoot

Association Summary	Preamble	Intro Missions	Merrol Filler	Offshoot	Final Missions

In the offshoot missions, you help the Rebels acquire new technology and patch a security leak and the Association acquire upgrades while punishing a redneck, exploring a deep space hulk and rescuing a scientist's family.

Rescue Tomak (Pirate Offshoot 1)

mission #300

Offer

Available from

Koria
Rebel II
Bar, 50%, Combat rating 0 (No Ability)
AvailBits: b651 & !b425

"You are sitting in the bar a rather fit, but fairly nondescript man walks in. He sees you, and walks over casually."

Offer

"<PN>, it is good meeting you," he begins pleasantly. "I am Frandall, and I have a somewhat dangerous mission for you. I know this is a bit outside the regular line of work we get you to handle, but I need cargo carried at the same time as a passenger. It will mean going through Federation space with a highly illegal cargo, and if you are scanned, then the game will be well and truly up. The gear is THAT hot." You smile, casually reminding Frandall that illegal cargo is a constant when you are working for the rebellion, and he chuckles. "This is even hotter than usual. Are you interested?"

Refusal

On refusal	b425

Briefing

On accept	b425 b426

""The cargo must be picked up on Rauther in the Rautherion system," he continues after you nod in agreement. "It is a shipment of new technology that we cannot allow to be sold to the Federation."

Briefing

It will upset the balance of power a lot if the Federation does receive this technology. The only problem is that we cannot tell you what the cargo is. However, I can tell you that the passenger you will be collecting is Tomak Gemmel, grandson of Jiorgen Gemmel, CEO of Rauther Heavy Power Industries. Tomak wishes to defect to the Rebellion, and bring his new technology with him. I need you to rescue him." You finish your drink, telling Frandall that you will get Tomak back, however long it takes. You may have to lay low for a couple of days, or even weeks. Frandall nods. If anyone understands the complexities of the spy game it is him. You say your goodbyes, and head for Rauther.

While active

Mission Log Entry
Go and pick up Tomak from Rauther in the Rautherion system and make sure that he survives and defects to the Rebellion with the plans for his latest technology.

On abort	!b425 !b426

Return with Tomak

mission #720

Loading Cargo

Travel to:

Rautherion
Rauther
Spaceport, 100%, Combat rating 0 (No Ability)
AvailBits: b426 & !b427
12 tons of ion absorber plans

"You land at the far end of the dock, in an off-peak time. A group of sleepy dock-workers look at your consignments, and load a number of crates into your hold."

Loading cargo

You head off to the meeting point, but something tells you that the port is a little bit too quiet. It is with great relief you see a man matching Tomak's description waiting for you. He sees you approach, waves, picks up a large case and heads over to you, just as a squad of Bureau agents round the corner. You whip out your blaster and open fire. Bolts fizz past the two of you as you sprint for your ship. After deft turns and ducking through a bar, you somehow manage to lose your pursuers. At your ship, you breath a sigh of relief when the harbor-master gives you your clearance vector. Breaking any number of port laws, you blast away from the station. Tomak is visibly shaken, and you can tell that despite his development work, he has never heard weapons fired in anger. As you reassure him that you should be okay now that you have reached open space, the sensors begin to sound alarms. Outside, the Federation Navy is vectoring a large number of ships to stop you. You begin to count, but soon realize that there are simply too many of them and you immediately prepare to jump out...

On accept	b427 b428

While active

This mission fails if the player's ship is boarded. It can be aborted.

On failure	b427
On abort	b427 !b428

Mission Log Entry
Ensure that Tomak survives and defects to the Rebellion with the plans for his latest technology by taking him back to Rauther in the Rautherion system.

Opposition

Special Ships	3 ships of type Lone Big Federation Ship that follow and attack the player
Auxiliary Ships	1 ships of type Pirates that infinitely regenerate
Düdes	Lone Big Federation Ship "Lone Big Federation Ship" (Warship) of govt Federation: 30% Fed Destroyer; Destroyer Class (#141) 14% Fed Destroyer; Auroran Outfits Detected (#211) 14% Fed Destroyer; Missile Variant (#212) 14% Fed Destroyer; Heavy Missile Variant (#213) 14% Fed Destroyer; Carrier Version (#214) 5% Fed Carrier; Flagship Class (#143) 2% Fed Carrier; Non-Missile Variant (#218) 2% Fed Carrier; Heavy Missile Variant (#219) 2% Fed Carrier; Heavy Fighter Variant (#220) 1% Fed Carrier; Light Missile Variant (#221) 2% Fed Carrier; Auroran Outfits Detected (#222) Pirates "Pirates" (Warship) of govt Pirate: 9% Manticore; Original Version (#146) 5% Pirate Carrier; Standard (#147) 17% Pirate Argosy; Stolen Tech (#150) 17% Pirate Enterprise; Stolen Tech (#151) 2% Manticore; Light Weapons Version (#227) 2% Manticore; Anti-Fighter Version (#228) 2% Manticore; Heavy Weapons Version (#229) 2% Manticore; Light Carrier Version (#230) 5% Pirate Enterprise; Modified (#236) 5% Pirate Enterprise; Heavily Modified (#237) 5% Pirate Enterprise; Heavily Modified #2 (#238) 17% Pirate Thunderhead; Pirate Upgrade (#275) 2% Pirate Carrier; Upgraded (#285) 2% Pirate Carrier; Extra Fighters Detected (#286) 2% Pirate Carrier; Heavy Weapons Platform (#287) 6% Pirate Valkyrie; Class IV (#291)

Ion Dissipator jury-rigging

mission #719

Available from:

Any system
Any space object
Spaceport, 100%, Combat rating 0 (No Ability)
AvailBits: b428

"The ion damage from the pirates in the fleets has lead to a number of close calls, and it has been with luck rather than good management that you have made it this far."

Offer

The enemy you have faced have all headed straight for you, and you know that you will have to do something or there is every likelihood that the rest of the mission will end in disaster. You are sitting on your ship-ramp when Tomak stops by. "<PN>, I may have a solution to your dilemma," he offers tentatively, after you explain your thoughts to him. "The pirates have been ionizing you, trying to disable you to make you an easier catch. In exchange for my political asylum in the Rebellion, I brought along a prototype of an ion dissipation device. If you would allow me, it wouldn't take too long to install it into your ship. What do you think?" You consider for a moment, before realizing that having such a device couldn't hurt, especially when dealing with pirates and other groups that use ionizing technology. You tell Tomak to go ahead. A few days later, it is all ready to go.

On accept	!b428 g262 A719

Accepting this mission grants an Ion Dissipator. While this mission reads as though it should be sought prior to arriving at Rebel II, it will also be offered there.

Completion

Return to:

Koria
Rebel II

"Frandall meets you and Tomak at the hatch, and other rebel operatives begin to examine the extent of the damage to your beloved <PSN>."

Completion

Frandall looks vaguely worried about the fact that the entire Federation population seemed to know about the shipment. He tells you that he is going to discuss the matter with the Rebel High Command. "I have a suspicion that we are going to get you to do something a little different for us next time we send you out." He shakes your hand, and walks away, calling out orders to his staff. Tomak thanks you quickly, before being whisked away by rebel staff for debriefing.

On success	b429
Payment	25,000 credits
Legal changes	2 points with Association

Pick Up Cargo (Pirate Offshoot 2)

mission #721

Offer

Available from

Koria
Rebel II
Bar, 50%, Combat rating 0 (No Ability)
AvailBits: b429 & !(b430 | b431)

"Once more you are sitting in the bar when Frandall comes in. He doesn't mince words."

Offer

"<PN>, are you able to do a special mission for me?" He waits for you to nod. "Going back to Rauther Prime and picking up another shipment?" You groan, thinking about the trouble you had last time. But Frandall goes on before you can protest too much. "The last time you went to Rauther there was obviously a security leak, or somehow the Federation sent word to the Pirate organizations in the area that you were an inviting target. We don't think the latter could have happened quickly enough to cause you as much trouble as it did, so we need to send you out again, in order to try and ascertain where the leak is. "Are you game?"

Refusal

On refusal	b430

Briefing

""On Rauther, collect your shipment from docking bay 94, and deal only with the cargo handlers there. You manifest will say 'engine manifolds', but instead they will load a number of crates of Polaron Cannons.""

Briefing

"Another group of techs will also take some time installing a Light Polaron Cannon to your ship. They are still only prototypes, and won't be coming into the Federation Lineup for at least a few years. If we implement them first, we will have a HUGE advantage over the Federation. The other great thing about this mission is that all the pirates that attacked you last time will come out again, because the leak will tell them to do so. But armed to the teeth and with Ion Dissipators, you will have the upper hand. Kill them all. Blow them from this world. While you take care of that end, we will take care of the leak." You point out to Frandall that the entire Federation Navy wants to catch up with you, and that landing on Federation-controlled planets with your record will be more than a little tricky. He grins at you, before explaining that rebel techs were cleaning your Federation record even as he is speaking. You ask him to thank them, grab your gear, and head for your ship.

On accept	S896

Mission #896 auto aborts and pays the player with a clean Federation legal record.

While active

Mission Log Entry
Go to back Rauther and pick up some 'Polaron Cannons' and head back to Rebel II with them to try and help Frandall find the security leak.

On failure/abort	b430

Completion

Return to:

Rautherion
Rauther

On success	b431

Steal Polaron Cannons

mission #721

Loading Cargo

Available from:

Rautherion
Rauther
12 tons of Polaron Cannons, illegal to Federation and Pirates
Spaceport, 100%, Combat rating 0 (No Ability)
AvailBits: b431 & !(b430 | b432)

"You are in a state of total awareness the entire time you are on Rauther. The loading of the "Engine Manifolds" takes very little time, but installing your new hardware is a trickier task."

Loading Cargo

Work can only progress while there is little chance of discovery by security patrols. Finally, the cannons are in place, and the tests have been run. Your targeting computers recognize the weapon, and you are impressed at the size of the things. Each side of your ship there is an innocuous little hatch, yet when you climb into the inner workings of the ship, you see the impressive expanse of accelerators, focusing crystals and powerplants. You grin wickedly at the thought of taking your revenge on the scum that caused so much trouble on your last trip back to Rebel II. Now you will have the whip hand.

On accept	g147 g147

Accepting this mission grants two Polaron Cannons.

While active

The Lone Big Federation ship is not necessarily hostile unless you get scanned.

On failure/abort	b430

Opposition

Special Ships	4 ships of type Pirates that follow and attack the player
Auxiliary Ships	1 ship of type Lone Big Federation Ship that infinitely regenerates
Düdes	Pirates "Pirates" (Warship) of govt Pirate: 9% Manticore; Original Version (#146) 5% Pirate Carrier; Standard (#147) 17% Pirate Argosy; Stolen Tech (#150) 17% Pirate Enterprise; Stolen Tech (#151) 2% Manticore; Light Weapons Version (#227) 2% Manticore; Anti-Fighter Version (#228) 2% Manticore; Heavy Weapons Version (#229) 2% Manticore; Light Carrier Version (#230) 5% Pirate Enterprise; Modified (#236) 5% Pirate Enterprise; Heavily Modified (#237) 5% Pirate Enterprise; Heavily Modified #2 (#238) 17% Pirate Thunderhead; Pirate Upgrade (#275) 2% Pirate Carrier; Upgraded (#285) 2% Pirate Carrier; Extra Fighters Detected (#286) 2% Pirate Carrier; Heavy Weapons Platform (#287) 6% Pirate Valkyrie; Class IV (#291) Lone Big Federation Ship "Lone Big Federation Ship" (Warship) of govt Federation: 30% Fed Destroyer; Destroyer Class (#141) 14% Fed Destroyer; Auroran Outfits Detected (#211) 14% Fed Destroyer; Missile Variant (#212) 14% Fed Destroyer; Heavy Missile Variant (#213) 14% Fed Destroyer; Carrier Version (#214) 5% Fed Carrier; Flagship Class (#143) 2% Fed Carrier; Non-Missile Variant (#218) 2% Fed Carrier; Heavy Missile Variant (#219) 2% Fed Carrier; Heavy Fighter Variant (#220) 1% Fed Carrier; Light Missile Variant (#221) 2% Fed Carrier; Auroran Outfits Detected (#222)

Dropping Cargo

Return to:

Koria
Rebel II

"Rebel cargo handlers begin to unload the crates from your hold, while rebel tacticians begin downloading your sensor banks for study."

Dropping Cargo
You are more than happy to let them, since it will lend some credence to the stories you are going to have to tell during your debriefing. The cannons are stupendous in battle. You cannot wait to let the rebels loose with them. The Federation will never know what hit them.

"With the data from your sensors as backup, you are able to convey to the Rebels the power of the new weapon in their arsenal."

Completion

Frandall is especially happy at the result, and glad at the havoc you were able to wreak on the way back to Rebel II. As you leave your debriefing, Frandall walks up beside you. "<PN>, you might like to hear this," he says, taking you aside. "I didn't want to say too much just then, but the leak that caused all the trouble was located. Lets just say that there won't be any problem from that particular double agent again." You remember a time when war was something you didn't have to think about, but now you realize that you are glad that Frandall is capable of being as ruthless as he is. His ruthlessness means that agents and operatives like yourself have the best chance of survival.

On success	b432
Legal changes	Clean status with Federation 2 points with Association

Pick Up Engine Upgrades (Pirate Offshoot 3)

mission #723

Offer

Available from

Tichel
Viking
Bar, 50%, Combat rating 0 (No Ability)
AvailBits: b432 & !(b430 | b433)

"You are sitting quietly in the bar, going over the latest reports from Olaf, when the man himself walks in. He heads in your direction, and you are secretly relieved."

Offer

You never did have much time for paperwork, and all in all whenever Olaf heads your way, you know that you'll be headed off into the depths of space again. Olaf doesn't disappoint, and he tells you about a pirate outfitter organization operating out of Altia in the Altair system, using a large asteroid as a base. Apparently, they are building some very powerful engine upgrades out there, and are prepared to sell them to the highest bidder. Olaf thinks it would be worthwhile heading out there and having a look at least. "But just be careful," he finishes "They are apparently a pretty rough bunch."

Refusal

On refusal	b430

While active

Mission Log Entry
Head to Altia in the Altair system and have a look at the engine upgrades being built there.

On failure/abort	b430

Completion

Travel to:

Altair
Altia

On success	b433

Offer

Available from

Altair
Altia
Spaceport, 100%, Combat rating 0 (No Ability)
AvailBits: (b433 & !b435) & !(b430 | b434)

"On arrival, you cycle the hatch, and see four burly men facing you, each holding a wickedly oversized blaster. A skeletal man steps out from behind them, and starts rasping at you."

Offer

"Don't be causin' any trouble about he'er," in a thick and uncouth accent, "or you'll be dealin' with ma boys, Reggie, Ronnie, Mikki, and Rodger." You nod to the four mutant apes, who grunt a monosyllabic greeting to you. You tell Skinny Man that you have been sent by Olaf Greyshoulders to view the engine upgrades for sale. "Olaf," Skinny sneers "He be just ay'nutha uppity central boy. He don't know jack about reel eng'ine work. Always too busy stickin' he's nose where it aint wanted." You bite back an angry retort, and ask the man if he has any upgrades available, and if so, how much does he want for them. The price has almost tripled since you left Viking. You tell Skinny this, and he just laughs at you. "Weeell," he drawls "You could pay us, or you could be doin' us a fay'vor. Wee've been having tru'ble with a pirate over East." That would be 'Daring' Dan McGraw over in the Lalande 21185 system, you think to yourself. You've had some cordial dealings with him through the Association; last time you spoke him via subspace, Dan was having trouble with, as he put it, 'hicks' who decided that they would take resources from his territory, and attack him if he complained about it. At least, that was Dan's version. According to Skinny, the real problem was that Dan didn't like his boys "takin' rides" in his systems, and that McGraw couldn't understand boys "just bein' boys" and "shootin' and drinkin' and blowin' stuff up". You mutter your agreement, meanwhile thinking that Skinny is a true imbecile. However, when Skinny finally gets to the point, you have to stop and consider. Skinny is prepared to throw in all of his engineering skills (while Skinny is a ferret, he has done some amazing things with engines) which will make your ship accelerate faster, fly at a faster top speed, and jump "like a Vell-os with a Nuclear Torp up it's butt". You guess this means that it will jump quickly. However, in return, Skinny wants you to make his problems with McGraw "jus' dissapeer...if ya git ma drift..." So, do you do it or not? You do have an "agreement" with McGraw regarding each other's shipping, and he's not a bad guy.

MAKE YOUR CHOICE!
Destroy McGraw	Don't
Beat on 'Daring' Dan McGraw	Beat On Skinny

Beat on 'Daring' Dan McGraw

mission #724

Briefing

"You nod to Skinny, saying that you knew where McGraw was, and that you'd be happy to do business with him. He grins, showing stained and chipped teeth."

Briefing
"I jus' knew you'd be seein' it my way," he grinned, slapping you on the back. You tell him that you are going to go and do the job. You quickly get your ship started up and point it in the direction of the Lalande 21185 system to go and find Dan McGraw. After all, these engine upgrade outfits will make your organization into a true force, capable of running through even the toughest blockades...

While active

Mission Log Entry
Head over to the Lalande 21185 system and destroy 'Daring' Dan McGraw in order to get the upgrades offered by Skinny back on Altia.

Travel to:

Lalande 21185
Destroy Dan McGraw's ship

Opposition

Special Ships

1 ship of type Pirates

Düdes

Pirates "Pirates" (Warship) of govt Pirate: 9% Manticore; Original Version (#146) 5% Pirate Carrier; Standard (#147) 17% Pirate Argosy; Stolen Tech (#150) 17% Pirate Enterprise; Stolen Tech (#151) 2% Manticore; Light Weapons Version (#227) 2% Manticore; Anti-Fighter Version (#228) 2% Manticore; Heavy Weapons Version (#229) 2% Manticore; Light Carrier Version (#230) 5% Pirate Enterprise; Modified (#236) 5% Pirate Enterprise; Heavily Modified (#237) 5% Pirate Enterprise; Heavily Modified #2 (#238) 17% Pirate Thunderhead; Pirate Upgrade (#275) 2% Pirate Carrier; Upgraded (#285) 2% Pirate Carrier; Extra Fighters Detected (#286) 2% Pirate Carrier; Heavy Weapons Platform (#287) 6% Pirate Valkyrie; Class IV (#291)

Ship is titled 'McGraw Family' with the subtitle 'Daring' Dan McGraw'.

On shipdone	b434

Return With Upgrades

mission #725

Offer

Available from

Altair
Altia
Bar, 100%, Combat rating 0 (No Ability)
AvailBits: b434 & !(b430 | b436)

"Landing on Altia, you feel highly ashamed, but you have done the deed. McGraw cursed you with his last words, and they still echo in your ears."

Offer

However, Skinny is more than happy to follow through with his end of the bargain, and soon you are ready to leave with the hottest ship you have ever seen. Skinny has worked almost round the clock, and his boys have been enjoying their new found freedom. Skinny even guarantees his workmanship, saying "It'll be a cold day on Sirius Prime before you have to work on these babies again." As you are leaving, a huge fleet of Pirate Vessels jump into system, and Skinny and the boys begin leaping with joy. Apparently, the fleet belongs to the rest of Skinny's "Kin" and they will be having a huge party that night. You decline the offer to stay, and head back to Viking.

On accept	g198 g199

Accepting this mission grants a Port & Polish and Overdrive.

While active

Mission Log Entry
Return to Viking in the Tichel system with the engine upgrades from Skinny.

On failure/abort	b430

Allies

Auxiliary Ships

8 ships of type Pirates in Altair

Düdes

Pirates "Pirates" (Warship) of govt Pirate: 9% Manticore; Original Version (#146) 5% Pirate Carrier; Standard (#147) 17% Pirate Argosy; Stolen Tech (#150) 17% Pirate Enterprise; Stolen Tech (#151) 2% Manticore; Light Weapons Version (#227) 2% Manticore; Anti-Fighter Version (#228) 2% Manticore; Heavy Weapons Version (#229) 2% Manticore; Light Carrier Version (#230) 5% Pirate Enterprise; Modified (#236) 5% Pirate Enterprise; Heavily Modified (#237) 5% Pirate Enterprise; Heavily Modified #2 (#238) 17% Pirate Thunderhead; Pirate Upgrade (#275) 2% Pirate Carrier; Upgraded (#285) 2% Pirate Carrier; Extra Fighters Detected (#286) 2% Pirate Carrier; Heavy Weapons Platform (#287) 6% Pirate Valkyrie; Class IV (#291)

The aux ships represent Skinny's boys.

Completion

Return to:

Tichel
Viking

Opposition

Special Ships

5 ships of type Pirates in Tichel that attack the player.

Düdes

Pirates "Pirates" (Warship) of govt Pirate: 9% Manticore; Original Version (#146) 5% Pirate Carrier; Standard (#147) 17% Pirate Argosy; Stolen Tech (#150) 17% Pirate Enterprise; Stolen Tech (#151) 2% Manticore; Light Weapons Version (#227) 2% Manticore; Anti-Fighter Version (#228) 2% Manticore; Heavy Weapons Version (#229) 2% Manticore; Light Carrier Version (#230) 5% Pirate Enterprise; Modified (#236) 5% Pirate Enterprise; Heavily Modified (#237) 5% Pirate Enterprise; Heavily Modified #2 (#238) 17% Pirate Thunderhead; Pirate Upgrade (#275) 2% Pirate Carrier; Upgraded (#285) 2% Pirate Carrier; Extra Fighters Detected (#286) 2% Pirate Carrier; Heavy Weapons Platform (#287) 6% Pirate Valkyrie; Class IV (#291)

Special ships are titled 'McGraw Family'.

"Olaf is furious with you."

Completion
"I don't care just how great the engine work is," he storms "Word has spread about what you did out there, and memberships are dropping faster than the temperature on Vrenna. At this rate, we'll be running at a loss for decades." Olaf punctuates his final point by crashing his fist down on the table, and storms away. You have a feeling you have made a big mistake.

On success	b436 l143 k144
New rank	Pirate Guild-master degraded
Legal changes	-10 with Association

Daily salary of 350 credits with a salary cap of 350k, 25% discount with government Association (of which there are no planets).

McGraw Family Revenge

Available from:

Random system
Federation space object
Spaceport, 40%, Combat rating 0 (No Ability)
AvailBits: b436

Offer
Looking around you notice a number of figures darting towards you, and you decide that it would be better not to hang around to find out what exactly they want. Discretion being the better part of valor and all that...

Opposition

Special Ships

6 ships of type Pirates that follow and attack the player.

Düdes

Pirates "Pirates" (Warship) of govt Pirate: 9% Manticore; Original Version (#146) 5% Pirate Carrier; Standard (#147) 17% Pirate Argosy; Stolen Tech (#150) 17% Pirate Enterprise; Stolen Tech (#151) 2% Manticore; Light Weapons Version (#227) 2% Manticore; Anti-Fighter Version (#228) 2% Manticore; Heavy Weapons Version (#229) 2% Manticore; Light Carrier Version (#230) 5% Pirate Enterprise; Modified (#236) 5% Pirate Enterprise; Heavily Modified (#237) 5% Pirate Enterprise; Heavily Modified #2 (#238) 17% Pirate Thunderhead; Pirate Upgrade (#275) 2% Pirate Carrier; Upgraded (#285) 2% Pirate Carrier; Extra Fighters Detected (#286) 2% Pirate Carrier; Heavy Weapons Platform (#287) 6% Pirate Valkyrie; Class IV (#291)

Special ships are titled 'McGraw Family'.

On shipdone	A727

The mission aborts itself after the McGraws are destroyed.

Beat On Skinny

If "Beat on 'Daring' Dan McGraw" is refused...

Refusal

On refusal	b435

"You tell Skinny that Dan is a friend of yours, and that you'd just as soon go without the upgrades than sell out your friend."

Refusal

Skinny sneers, and tells you to "Git offa his land", and you turn and head back to the ship. The gruesome foursome follow you every step of the way, and Skinny comes behind them, telling you that you had better not hang around. He and the boys are expecting the rest of their 'kin' back from raiding soon, and they would take great delight in killing you. At least that is what you think he said. However, you believe that the Boys will be going for a joyride soon, and will be gone at least a couple of days. If you LOOK like you are going, then maybe you can come back and force Skinny to do the repairs for free.

Offer

mission #726

Available from

Altair
Altia
Spaceport, 100%, Combat rating 0 (No Ability)
AvailBits: b435 & !(b430 | b439)

"You land on the asteroid, surprised at how empty it is. You almost start to think that Skinny left with his "young'uns" when you hear him whistling away to himself down a long corridor."

Offer

You pull out your blaster, and wander in. Skinny is elbows deep in the innards of an engine, and in no position to defend himself. At first he is ropeable at being disturbed, but before long he is working on your ship. By the time he has finished, you take him back to his workshop, hog-tie him, and go back to your ship. But just when you think you are going to get away with it scot free, you hear Reggie (or was it Ronnie - they are all so alike) excitedly calling in on the radio saying "Paw, lookie at who we found!" You quickly turn on your sensors, and sure enough, the boys are coming back, with a fairly major Pirate raiding force following them. You prep the ship for battle, and hope that Skinny wasn't smart enough to do anything foolish!

On accept	g198 g199

Accepting this mission grants a Port & Polish and Overdrive.

While active

On failure/abort	b430

Mission Log Entry
Return to Viking in the Tichel system with the engine upgrades from Skinny.

Opposition

Auxiliary Ships

8 ships of type Pirates in Altair that attack the player

Düdes

Pirates "Pirates" (Warship) of govt Pirate: 9% Manticore; Original Version (#146) 5% Pirate Carrier; Standard (#147) 17% Pirate Argosy; Stolen Tech (#150) 17% Pirate Enterprise; Stolen Tech (#151) 2% Manticore; Light Weapons Version (#227) 2% Manticore; Anti-Fighter Version (#228) 2% Manticore; Heavy Weapons Version (#229) 2% Manticore; Light Carrier Version (#230) 5% Pirate Enterprise; Modified (#236) 5% Pirate Enterprise; Heavily Modified (#237) 5% Pirate Enterprise; Heavily Modified #2 (#238) 17% Pirate Thunderhead; Pirate Upgrade (#275) 2% Pirate Carrier; Upgraded (#285) 2% Pirate Carrier; Extra Fighters Detected (#286) 2% Pirate Carrier; Heavy Weapons Platform (#287) 6% Pirate Valkyrie; Class IV (#291)

Completion

Return to:

Tichel
Viking

"Olaf roars with laughter as you tell him all about the fun you had while getting the upgrades."

Completion
When you tell him about how the ship handles in combat, he gets very serious. "I'll have to get the techs to look at what he has done. If it's half as good as you say it is, I'd say that Skinny is a genius with mechanics." You tell him that you readily agree, and you both head off for a drink, your laughter booming down the corridor.

On success	b439

Pick Up Alloy from Lodestone (Pirate Offshoot 4)

mission #728

Offer

Available from

Tichel
Viking
Bar, 40%, must be flying the Unrelenting.
AvailBits: b439 & !(b440 | b441)

"You are quietly going over some Association data, when there is a tap on your shoulder. You turn, and Olaf slides his bulk gratefully onto a chair."

Offer

"Have you got a minute?" he asks. You nod and he waves for a drink. "I've been approached by a friend of mine from the old association. A scientist of sorts, but more interested in dabbling in a number of fields. He would have been legendary if he had specialized, but he couldn't keep up the focus on one thing long enough. "He has been working on a couple of small devices for us, and his work has snow-balled into a couple of major innovations in the fields of robotics and interstellar travel. He's given us first chance to use his work for a practical purpose, because he has been unofficially on the payroll for so long. His creations are currently incomplete, but he is sure we will be able to put them to good use, if we help him by collecting crucial resources for him." You ask Olaf to tell you what exactly he needs, and where you are supposed to get them. He smiles, shaking his head. "That's one thing I always liked about you <PN>, you never were one to beat around the bush. The first resource you need to collect is a shipment of metal. It's on Lodestone in the Fire system. Can you fetch it and return here with it."

Refusal

On refusal	b440

Briefing

"Olaf takes out a datapad and hands it to you. "I've heard rumors of problems with workers on Lodestone. If you get into any problems, give this data pad to Billy Booya in the Consignments office. He'll sort it out for you.""

Briefing

You wonder where Olaf finds the time to gather all this information but it would be unwise to question its validity. He is rarely wrong, and even though it has happened, he has never been utterly wrong. "The shipment we need is a rare alloy, that is very malleable. It will be used in the creation of droids. I don't know exactly how it is useful, but that isn't our concern, is it? All we need to know is that we need that alloy." You shrug, take the data pad, bid Olaf farewell, and head for the door.

While active

Mission Log Entry
Pick Up Alloy from Lodestone in the Fire system and return with it to Viking in the Tichel system.

On failure/abort	b440

Loading Cargo

Travel to:

Fire
Lodestone
15 tons of alloy

"You land on Lodestone only to find out that the planet is in the middle of a dockworkers strike. The Federation have removed the dock management, and accused them of being rebel sympathizers. This has caused the workers to 'down tools' and head for the pub."

Loading Cargo

You head for the consignment office and ask for Billy Booya. A few minutes later, a harried looking man walks over to you. "Can I help you?" he grunts, barely keeping a civil tone. You explain to him that you are waiting for an urgent consignment, and that you are unable to receive it. "You and every other bloody spacer in this port," he snaps "What makes your case so special?" By way of answer you hand him the data pad that Olaf gave to you. He reads it, and without thought, picks up a microphone and calls through the loud speaker, "McCauliffe, Spacey, Pitts and Williams, report to bay 96!" Booya tells you that he didn't realize that the Shipment was for Olaf. They will load your cargo as quickly as possible. You thank him and head down to your ship. The Cargo handlers load your ship with good cheer, explaining that Olaf had helped out fellow workers on a dozen or more systems in the past, and it was their pleasure to load his cargo for you. Before too long, you are headed back to Viking.

Completion

Return to:

Tichel
Viking

"You watch as the dock workers unload the alloy from your hold, and as you do, you tell Olaf about what happened on Lodestone."

Dropping Cargo

He smiles, telling you that it was always important to treat workers well, as all management did was use fancy words for what the workers did. He wanders off to organize the alloy delivery, and you can't help but smile at the means and ways that Olaf got what he wanted. Never with violence, but with just as good results. In fact with better results. You never have to brandish a gun if the other person likes you.

"Later in the Bar, Olaf explains that the Alloy will enable his scientist friend to build small droids."

Completion

These droids will perform repairs to your ship while you are in flight, even during battle. They will repair armor and generators and such while the ship is under fire. The real trick is that once he has created the initial units, they will also replicate themselves, creating an almost unending supply of repair droids, without any sense of fear. They will simply do their job every time, without any complications. It sounds good in principal, but you must admit to yourself, you will reserve your judgement until the finished product is delivered.

On success	b441

Locate Ryan's Last Chance

mission #729

Offer

Available from

Tichel
Viking
Bar, 60%, Must be flying the Unrelenting.
AvailBits: b441 & !(b442 | b443)

"You wander into the bar to meet Olaf, and he waves you to a seat. "<PN>, things are going well on the droid project, but the boffin now wants us to collect something else for him."

Offer

Only problem is, it hasn't been mined in 400 years. The last ship to transport the stuff was called 'Ryan's Last Chance.' A group of prospectors apparently found the wreck of a leviathan in the depths of space, and their leader, Ryan, had them spend years repairing it to return with its cargo to more civilized space. Their last transmission was sent from the Don'U'Cusyon system, saying that the ship had been repaired enough to attempt the return leg, and listed their stock-take on the cargo, so they could get some market prices. Unfortunately for them, they never arrived, and the ship faded from memory. Now we need you to go and find it. Are you interested?"

Refusal

On refusal	b442

Briefing

""Good, I'm glad you're game. It isn't going to be easy. The ship was lost deep in what we now call 'Wraith Space'."

Briefing

The last transmission said that they had patched their hyperdrive back into working order, but that it was running off main ship power in order to get them moving. It is presumed that the ship was half ionized by a bad set of power connections, but we really don't know. "I need you to head out to the Don'U'Cusyon system, find the ship, and take as much forced matrix Iridium Cuprite as your hold can carry. Apparently, we only need a little bit, but I'd like to have a stockpile of the stuff, just in case. It was originally used in old hyperdrive reactors, but a much more stable substitute is now used. However, our man assures me that he can use this stuff to make a better warp bubble, and keep it more stable. It should cut your warp times substantially, but I must admit, I have my doubts. So get out there and see if you can find that ship."

While active

Mission Log Entry
Find the ship "Ryan's Last Chance" in the Don'U'Cusyon system and transfer a goodly amount of Iridium Cuprite from into your own holds before returning to Viking with it.

On failure/abort	b442

Loading Cargo

Travel to:

Don'U'Cusyon
Recover 15 tons of Iridium Cuprite from Ryan's Last Chance

Boarding target

Special Ships	1 ship of type Leviathan - disabled in Don'U'Cusyon
Düdes	Leviathan - disabled "Leviathan - disabled" (Wimpy Trader) of govt Derelicts: 100% Leviathan; 31d Model (#131)

Target is named 'Ryan's Last Chance' with subtitle '- disabled -'.

"You find "Ryan's Last Chance" drifting aimlessly. Your sensors find no one has moved on that ship for centuries."

Loading Cargo

Your crew are dubious about making the transfer, and you must admit, the thought of setting foot on the derelict makes you shudder. Moving through the airlock in your e-suit, your torch beams plumb the depths of the darkness. Around you are the floating bodies of the crew, vacuum desiccated. Their corpses drift, like reminders of the souls that still haunt this place. You quickly organize the cargo transfer, then try to retrieve the captains log. Only the final few words remain: "...foolish endeavor to bring this ship home. Truly......last......chance....finally......death......signing......off" One poor man had managed to hole himself up in a tiny pressurized area, but had finally died of starvation, or asphyxiation. Over time the cold harsh unforgiving hands of space have finally breached this final bastion, and now claim the entire wreck as its own. You shudder, imagining the few moments before the end...alone...cold...waiting for death...hoping against hope that a ship might come to your aid. You head back to the warmth and comfort of your ship, glad to be leaving the ghosts behind.

This text does not display in-game.

Completion

Return to:

Tichel
Viking

"Olaf keeps quiet as you tell him about the scene at "Ryan's Last Chance"."

Completion
Olaf grimaces, " I remember one time, we had a hull decompression in battle. Was serving on a cruiser at the time, and we lost half the crew in a heartbeat. Some of the crew refused to remove their e-suits, even once we reached port. They never served on a ship again." You nod, and together you both raise a glass to the souls of the departed.

On success	b443

Rescue Dr Ralph's Family

mission #730

Offer

Available from

Tichel
Viking
Bar, 60%, Must be flying the Unrelenting.
AvailBits: b444 & !(b445 | b681)

"You meet Olaf in the Shipyard as he watches techs crawling over your ship. He indicates the man directing them, "Dr. Ralph Sutherland. The reason you've been flying all over the universe collecting various resources. We are installing his inventions.""

Offer

The Doctor explains. "This is the "Sutherland Warp Time Compressor." It uses an energy field, created through the use of a forced matrix..." "Doctor, you've lost me already," you interrupt, smiling. "What does it do?" "Oh, that's simpler," he grins. "It reduces the amount of time you spend in warp space, by creating a better warp bubble" Olaf chimes in," Tell him about the droids." Dr. Ralph explains that his droids will repair your ship and themselves, even replacing droids lost in battle. Repairs can be done in space, saving the need of landfall. You simply cannot tell Dr. Ralph how impressed you are with him, nor how his new tools will help you in your day to day encounters, and ask if you can do anything for him. He tells you his wife and two children are being held captive by the Federation to ensure his continued work for their Navy. You assure Ralph you can help. Bribes are sent, papers produced, and soon you are ready to leave to collect his wife Denise and his children, Rodger and Jenny, from Codec in the Codehaven system.

On accept	g201 g437

You are granted a Sutherland Alluvial Dampener and Repair Droids.

While active

On failure/abort	b445

Mission Log Entry
Rescue Dr. Ralph's family from Codec in the Codehaven system where they are being held by the Federation and take them back to Viking.

Loading Cargo

Travel to:

Codehaven
Codec
1 ton of passengers, illegal to the Federation

"You are surprised that no one is there to meet you at the spaceport. Your most trusted contacts had organized the exchange, and the Sutherlands should have been here by now."

Loading Cargo

You glance at your chronoputer, and suddenly realize your mistake. The 'Dampener' has saved you so much time in warp that you are two days early for your meeting. You spend a fruitless two days hanging around the port, knowing that there is no point in pressurizing the situation, since it wouldn't get Denise, Rodger and Jenny out any faster. Finally the time comes, and right on schedule, the contact arrives with the Sutherlands. You are about to take off, when you hear the klaxons sounding. You realize that something (or someone) has given the game away, and quickly blast off the station, breaking several laws in the process. A fleet is coming your way, but you think you can handle it...

On success	b681 S912

Federation Navy Encounter

mission #912

Opposition

Special Ships

8 ships of type Lone Big Federation Ship that follow and attack the player

Düdes

Lone Big Federation Ship "Lone Big Federation Ship" (Warship) of govt Federation: 30% Fed Destroyer; Destroyer Class (#141) 14% Fed Destroyer; Auroran Outfits Detected (#211) 14% Fed Destroyer; Missile Variant (#212) 14% Fed Destroyer; Heavy Missile Variant (#213) 14% Fed Destroyer; Carrier Version (#214) 5% Fed Carrier; Flagship Class (#143) 2% Fed Carrier; Non-Missile Variant (#218) 2% Fed Carrier; Heavy Missile Variant (#219) 2% Fed Carrier; Heavy Fighter Variant (#220) 1% Fed Carrier; Light Missile Variant (#221) 2% Fed Carrier; Auroran Outfits Detected (#222)

While active

On failure/abort	b445

Completion

Return to:

Tichel
Viking

On success	b445

"The scene at the hatch is amazing to behold, as a family is reunited."

Dropping Cargo
It reminds you of why you attempt the crazy things you do. Olaf heads over to you, clasping your hand, and the two of you head off for a drink, happy to leave the Sutherlands to catch up.

"The 'Dampener' and repair droids have performed better than expected, and now that Dr. Ralph's family are free of the Federation, he is now free to join the rebellion."

Completion
He and his family tell you once more how much they appreciate your assistance, and they board a rebel destroyer to take them out of harms way. You have become close in the past few weeks. You'll miss them.

Final Pirate offshoot mission.

Navbox

Nova Pirates

Sub-factions: Marauders • Free Traders • The Association • Houseless Warriors Pirate Ships: Viper (v) (i) 110k, Argosy (v) (i) 250k, Thunderhead (v) (i) 425k, Valkyrie (v) (i) 500k, Enterprise (v) (i) 700k, Starbridge (v) (i) 725k, Manticore (v) (i) 12M, Carrier (v) (i) 15M (Unrelenting 1 rich uncle) Association Storyline (Preamble • Intro Missions • Final Missions • Offshoot • Merrol Missions) Pirate Outfits • Pirate Weapons