G-011: Crystal Coast Resort, Ranulf’s On-The-Water, The Tank
They make their way to the tank, where a server shows them to a table in a corner and gives them hardcopy menus to peruse.
Beside them through the transparent wall, underwater lights in slowly shifting colours illuminate a garden of strangely shaped local xeno-plants, wafting gently in the sea currents.
The server takes drink orders and at some point in their conversation will return with them and take their food order.
They can now make plans…
“So, firstly. What’s your thoughts on our temporary employer?”
Lia is delighted with the view of the underwater garden and Oliver’s comment distracts her.
Her gaze snaps to him and she gives him a piercing look before huffing a sigh.
“I don’t like him but that’s not news. If this is what we have to do to ensure the safe return of the crew then we work with him.”
She blinks.
“What’s your impression of him?”
“He seems overworked and power hungry.” He takes a moment to look at the view. “So, I suppose he’s a politician.”
“He did seem a little worn around the edges didn’t he? He’s usually very polished. Does make me wonder what’s going on over at that compound of his that he seems so reluctant to share.”
“Either that or he’s just aimed to please everyone while they’re here and is doing that on the back of stimulants and willpower.”
“True.”
She ponders for a second.
“Can you think of any way we could find out what has caused this lockdown?”
“Not legally. Might take some time and effort.”
“Hmm. Well, it might be worth knowing if you think it’s possible. Forewarned is never a bad thing.”
“It’s possible. It may take longer than our current assignment though.”
“Right. Okay, maybe not right now then. It would just be nice to have a little leverage on our side instead of feeling like we’re totally at his mercy.”
“Essentially if the information isn’t publically available I’d need an informed underworlder or access to legion information.”
Just for clarification, Oliver probably has some other options open to him regarding information gathering using either his skills or his situation and contacts but they aren’t trivial nor without risk to himself or his greater objective; so I understand he may not wish to disclose that to Lia.
Does that information change anything about Oliver’s response?
Not really, he feels it’s to much risk and effort compared to their goal which would get them out either way
Lia makes a face.
“Ordinarily, I could access someone with that information but you saw what happened when I used back channels on this planet.”
Oliver nods. “I don’t know anyone on this planet, I’d have to make new connections”
She sighs.
“Okay. Let’s focus on the task at hand. What are your thoughts?”
“I think the complexity of this issue is based on the individual. How confident are you in your talents?”
He thinks a moment, then continues in a more hushed tone.
“Do you have any talents in sleight of hand?”
She blinks.
“I might. Why do you ask?”
“There might be some useful info on his PDA. If you can slip it to me while he’s distracted in conversation I can take a look then get it back to you.”
“Hmm. Two challenges there, although I like your thinking. First, he’d most likely be in conversation with me or he’ll notice me getting that close and second, you would have to do a brush by for the hand-off, which leads to the question, do you have any such skills yourself? Or were you thinking I lift it and bring it to you later? In which case, he would notice it was missing unless I do a swap.”
She’s thinking out loud but he is welcome to contribute.
“Wouldn’t be too hard to stage a hand-off, however you’re right about needing a replacement, the idea might not work.”
“It might but the outcome might depend on how often he looks at his PDA. We could try a brief recon to see if he checks it constantly whilst out and about but our timeline is short.”
GM, what time is it currently?