Session Start: Sat Sep 12 23:29:43 1998 I'd like to call this meeting to order We all know why we are here: to discuss what we are going to do next. With the resignation of Maximus, we are left with a rather large gap in our overall structure I'll now recognize anyone who wishes to speak I wish to speak. Go ahead I think we should head out a bit... explore... maybe we'll find some other like-minded individuals... Agreed Ditto Agreed any ideas as to WHERE? We must bolster our ranks if we are to get anywhere first Third star to the left? That's not quite how that goes... Well, we have to go longer than till morning... heh It's my opinion we should raise the number of members, we should target Cybertron for this first... where there are still many neutrals who may wish to escape the new war Agreed Cybertron has most of the Transformers we'd ever need True... but after that... we should get away a bit. Who knows what we'll find? * Shadowpaw nods that is true, but in some cases we aren't exactly the most welcome on Cybertron Some cases, not all At the very least we could find some excitement... maybe even manage to find marketable salvage or something. Maybe new species to trade with... Yeah, but also maybe new species that wish to fight. Hmm... Another reason we need more troops, the more we have, the more races they may know I've sent word through my contacts we're searching for members so far only one individual has taken any interest I know many other races I see the wisdom in returning to Cybertron, but I would like to point out that our kind is fairly well-spread these days. We could find potential members almost ANYWHERE. That's true Wait, but the ones on Cybertron are premium blend So what'll it be? "premium blend"? The anonymous bot who contacted us while at the starbase the other week has not yet been in contact again Stopping by Cybertron or looking else where? Yeah, they keep up with Cybertronian technology Not completely, Arty. Just because they chose to depart doens't mean they are any less viable. that's true Stardrive says who Artifice? Cybertron cybertrons are responsible for Angra's death, and my being a full TF. I wouldn't exactly call them "premium"! I'm not talking ethics Some of us want excitment...and we all want members, what could be better than a possible hostile homeworld bristling with potential members? scum is more like it I'm talking superstructures superstructures and programming Programming hasn't changed much since the dawn of the Golden Age. My headmaster form is of Earth constuction, and of a higher quality than cybertron forms do we really want more alien Transformers like Dark Star with that funky alien programming? enough of this pointless arguement And what about you Star, with all of that Verillian stuff in you Freaks I tell you hehe * Ayreon mumbles to himself Superstructures... well... that's debatable... especially with the new "lighter" designs they've been working on lately. Still, we need more members I personally find the idea of returning to Cybertron this soon distasteful Cybertron is a sure bet Elsewhere is risky * Ayreon looks at his "lighter design" We're not sure what we'll find Why not try Earth? We were at Earth only a few months ago It was our last major stop before coming here Aside from these goals, I can say that ship moral has improved greatly after our 'holiday'. Besides, trolling for Autobot dissenters isn't much of a chance... especially with the near-peace in that sector lately. Not on Earth. Well, what shall we do? Jump blindly into the unknown hoping to find new LONAC members? Well, whatever we do, we should increase numbers...safety within I think jumping into the unknown is a good idea, though not blindly And how will we not be doing such blindly? * Stardrive watches Lil and SP return to the bridge. It's the unknown, we have no idea what to expect was anyone successful in scouting out new trade ventures? that would be a good place to start no We have a decent ship. A... somewhat ok crew... I was out looking for Maximus I got shot at, repeatedly Do you find someone in the crew particularly bothersome Stardrive? I went to the Verellian Empire. excuses, excuses... Artifice, Lightning still gives me the heebie jeebies, but no one in particular, really. Though I wouldn't call this a crack team we have going here... That's true We need more team work We need more team. It seems like we're running a hotel here HEY! I think we need to make standards more strict * Stardrive nods. how so? Well, everyone comes and goes as they please, seems to me like there is no responsibility hmm... that is true If they are to leave the ship, I think it should be mandatory that they inform us of where they are going * Ayreon begins pacing the room They're neutral now, they have nothing to hide Unless we're the new Foreign Legion. heh maybe they're just not comfortable revealing their full, personal agendas That's true But they don't have to reveal their personality I'll try not to take that as a cheap shot But they also don't need to be so secretive Well, each has their own story. Some perfer to tell, some do not... LONAC is a team, and if they want their own agendas, that's fine as long as it doesn't interfere with LONAC's plans therein lies the problem, I think we HAVE no plans... True has a plan to possibly colonize a small planet or large moon been considered? the idea has been tossed around, but it'd be pointless at this point Difficult for a handful to colonize anything. That's true We only have a handful of members We can't even get a large enough crew to properly run the ship. that may be one way to attract new members, the prospect of a "true" home But, Autobot or Decepticon, isn't Cybertron our true home... most of us, anyway. For most of us it is old Earth saying: "Home is where you make it" Oh... for the good old days. Cybertron is not what I consider my true home... well, maybe one small sector of it... my "good old days" were in an insane asylumn We've all lost some attachment to Cybertron That's one of the reasons we're all here Starscream would always be working in that lab... I'd say "Why do you slave over those computers and machines all day?" * Stardrive lapes into silence... staring out into space. What we need is to is get something flashy to attact people to LONAC ... Pax was always working, it almost seemed as though I was the only one with free time... * Waitstate turns as Cirrus walks in Hey guys, news from the bridge. We've been invited to visit a colony of Cybertronians out in the Nelvada sector! * Stardrive jolts suddenly Oh, the silver state That's great * Ayreon begins to sulk again Wow... that recovery program I've been running must have done some good... We need to advertise, I say we post flyers everywhere we can * Stardrive returns his attention to the meeting. Did they say why? I know a few Autobots who might join They just said that they'd heard about us and wanted to meet in person hmm... sounds interesting opinions? Well, I guess we're headed to Cybertron *to Artifice* We are? Cybertron? Greeeeeeeaaaaaaat......... Why not? You heard Cirrus * Stardrive knocks on Arti's head. The lights are on... Artifice, I think you need to run a diagnostic on those audio receptors of yours... *mumbling* just what I need, more dumbass 'cons mistaking me for Angra again but Arty's not home. I mean I guess we're headed to the Nelvada sector Then to Las Velgas *chuckles* anyone have any high caliber ammo? Las... OH! heh... I never was good on Terran geography why is everyone looking at me? Sure, we've got plenty here Ayreon *to Ayr* mainly because you are making incoherent ramblings... Ok, so we're going to the Nelvada sector to attempt to recruit some new 'bots... Or be ambushed well, to give a show, of sorts, at least Thank you Artifice for that gleaming bit of optimism :P maybe I could meet up with Ytsejam......no, wait! that would mean a trip through 'con territory Well, you gotta admit, it's kinda suspicious There's one thing we don't need. I'm not getting shot down anymore....... We need new members, then all of a sudden there's a whole group claiming they want to meet us yeah... but we'll stay on alert. No need to be lax in our defense True, maybe we should leave a few behind for cover why is everyone looking at me again? *to ayr* mainly because you are making more incoherent ramblings... we should read up on that colony... I seem to recall reading something about it actually The Deceps don't care for us, the Autobots don't really want to bother with us, the Quints have tried to kill us, and who know's what faction has been screwing around and spying on us... Caution is required. The more we grow, the more of a threat we could seem to be to the Autobots and Decepticons More so the Decepticons all of this is true Well then we shouldn't be much of a bother so far. though I still can't figure why we are a threat :/ But someone must think we have potential. Even after all that's happened, I still tend to expect the best of people... Non-neutrals don't know where we stand, and the unknown is always treated as a threat how long have you been living in this reality Wait? We have a ship unlike most others, we have a crew that is either somewhat enigmatic or wanted by the Deceps... Ayr, about two hundred Terran years why Waitstate, you're just a little baby that was sarcasm Waitstate Baby want his bahdle? hehe Hehehe * Stardrive smirks. * Ayreon sits back down The trouble with dealing with other Cybertronians is that you can't threaten to throw them out the airlock and have it MEAN anything... :) well........ So let's head off to Las Velgas! * Ayreon hums an old Earth song well, I think this meeting is adjourned One thing... agreed who wants to join me for some refreshment? Sure thing what kind? the intoxicating kind :) Oh well... What is it Stardrive? the last stuff you served me nearly detonated my power core! Eh, that was back planetside. I've got the REAL stuff here :) It wasn't as big a problem before, but now I have to ask, Trilana and I need small amounts of Antimatter from time to time... * Ayreon shakes his head Available in egineering. Just make sure and take small portions so as not to under-power the reactions Anyway, I've been dying to "cut the ribbon" as it were on the new facility on deck 5 :) What's that? Thanks... it's not like we can store extra in our quarters... and we may not be near a port when we need it. You'll see :) are there any larger quarters available? I feel like a mouse in a trap in that broom closet I was assigned just temporary assignment until we get your full paperwork And don't worry about the amounts... we'd only need it after a lot of warp flight... and we don't use it anywhere near as fast as the ship. Yeah, and hurry up with that, Junky said he's annoyed with the brooms in engineering that Ayreon displaced. Brooms? Why not just open the doors and have the space suck it all out? very funny Stardrive well... come on everyone! Let's go! * Waitstate motions everone to the 'lift * Ayreon pushes past Stardrive to find a place in the back * Stardrive packs into the 'lift with the others. * Waitstate enters last Deck 5 * lift hums ok, follow me everyone * Waitstate steps out of the lift *singing* I sat down with my son, set to see the crimson sunset * Stardrive wedges himself out of the 'lift * Ayreon steps out, looking around * Waitstate walks down the corridor a ways, then stops at a newly added door * Waitstate keys for entry * Stardrive reads a tiny inscription on the bottom of the door... "Bob Villa was here." :P * The door opens to reveal a sight familiar to many of those who enter. * The room beyond the doorway appears to actually be divied into two rooms. * The foremost section contains several comfortable looking chairs next to a bar counter, as well as several more similar chairs around some small tables. * The back section is cluttered with more tables and many smaller chairs. In the far back, there are a number of computer terminals and gaming machines. * Waitstate steps inside and hurries behind the bar. Everyone, welcome to the Second Neutral Ground Bar :) Well well Home at last * Artifice takes a seat at the bar I'll take the hardest stuff you've got while we were having the place remodeled, I just HAD to have this added :) * Ayreon enters the bar and looks around * Stardrive goes to the gaming machines. I hope... I hope it helps bring us all together again, like in the old days... there a jukebox in here? yeah, over there * Waitstate points * Ayreon walks over to the jukebox * Stardrive plays pac-man. um........... what kind of music is this? doesn't look like much stuff from Earth what? geez... I guess they didn't put it in... Computer: update the jukebox with my personal collection *scoffs* no prog rock either........ acknowledged nope... none of that... feel free to add it though polkas? yeah... *looks at SD* why are there so many polka's? anyway... I believe someone asked for the "hard stuff"? that would be me I'll be back, I brought some *real* music from home ah... well, the house specialties still stand, assuming they stocked the place per my spec One "Cab Ride Home"? * Ayreon leaves the bar to return to the broom closet he calls a room Sure thing Wait * Waitstate pours, mixes, etc * Stardrive ends the pac-man game. * Stardrive goes to the bar... Here you go... first drink in the new place goes to Artifice! Fitting, dontcha think? :) * Ayreon returns to the bar No one better to take it :) * Artifice drinks What'll it be, you two? Might as well have the usual... no sense in have to start using my antimatter to charge. * Ayreon fiddles with the jukebox Overcharged energon, please. I hope the Verillians didn't mess with your "converters" ;) coming right up * Waitstate pulls at the tap hmm... Improved them, actually. * Waitstate connects the tank * Waitstate pulls at the tap again Here you go :) why won't this damn thing interface with my music player? heheh that would help.. * Ayreon slaps the jukebox * Waitstate cleans up the mess, then turns down the tap's pressure Ayreon, having trouble over there? damn thing won't interface with my music player I wondered where you all were. Hmm... BIT! Yes sir? Just get your music converted Ayreon Oh, hi Tri. can you hook in his player? One of the technichians will do it for you Yes sir. Saved you a seat. cool * Trilana sits next to SD. * Bit transforms and interfaces the two thanks, Bit So... Trilana... what do you think of this place? :) * Trilana eyes SD's drink. This looks kind of like the bar on Cybertron Starry told me about. wait til you 'bots hear "Three Minute Warning" by the Liquid Tension Experiment! All thirty minutes of it! good reason for it. I modeled it after the original hey Wait! What have you got from Earth? *whisperes to Trilana* Don't call me "Starry" in public.. * Trilana smirks. Starry? Quite a bit... it should all be there oh Starry, you're so fine So, Trilana... want a drink? "Starry"? * Stardrive throws his arms up in the air. see... these bots are impossible... * Ayreon sits down and removes his head, reverting to human form * Trilana puts her arm around Stardrive. I'll have a milk on the rocks Oh, don't worry about it. * Stardrive drinks his energon. hmm... I wonder if they stocked those human-scale lift-chairs... yeah.. here it is * Waitstate pulls out the chair and puts it in front of the bar Want one of these? They're almost good for *our* energy systems. why do I get the feeling I'm being placed in a baby's booster chair? Milk... 'Cause that's what it is Ayreon It's really not designed like that at all Milk for the baby organic It's got a human sized seat, and a lift mechanism, that's all hehe I guess so... haven't... indulged... since I got this upgrade... I keyed in for some milk from stores... should be here in a few minutes * Ayreon1 takes his milk, taking a long draw from it Triliana, I've got a special drink for you though Oh? It's got standard energon derivative of two different densities on top and bottom, and some really high grade stuff of a middle density in the middle. I call it "Stowaway Surprise" ;) * Trilana shrugs. What the hell. * Stardrive smiles. I see Lil found the bar Lil! I see you've stumbled into my little surprise! :) these 'bots busting on me for being human What?! * Shadowpaw coughs * Trilana sneaks behind the bar and takes a marachino cherry. * Waitstate slaps Tri's hand You coulda just ASKED :P That's no fun. * Stardrive retrevied the entire jar while Wait was busy with Tri. geez! * Ayreon reverts to headmaster form, and reattaches his head * Trilana runs back to SD. * Waitstate decides to start charging for drinks, since no-one seems to be able to ASK * Stardrive hi-5's Trilana. um......question oh nm yes, Ayreon? are the food replicators here programmed for human food? sure * Stardrive thows a cherry to Ayreon. I have some in the bar kewl I just wasn't expecting a milk order * Ayreon picks up the cherry, loads it into his force gun, and sends it through the wall THE WALL!!! I'll fix the wall, sorry! I didn't expect it to go *that* far ok then... anyway... may I reccomend the barbeque sandwich? my aim is off to, I was aiming for Stardrive! pork or beef? beef hmmmmmmmmmm sure ok... lemme just run to the kitchen for a moment... * Ayreon twiddles with his force guns Hey, we were upgraded to be able to consume organics... let's try some! * Waitstate comes back a few moments later with a tray * Stardrive looks hesitant. One BBQ sandwich, some french fries w/ketchup, and a Pepsi :) * Ayreon pulls his head off again, and transforms back to his human form enjoy :) * Ayreon takes a bite not bad thanks :) * Ayreon sips the pepsi Hey Wait... we want to try some food! your mixture is off Wait * Stardrive looks unenthusiastic. too little syrup? * Waitstate walks out, then back with 2 more trays with the same stuff, only larger maybe, but then again I haven't had a Pepsi in almost four months * Stardrive stares at the food. Thanks Wait. * Trilana looks at SD. enjoy, I hope :) Oh, c'mon! * Ayreon throws a french fry at Stardrive Explore the galaxy, fine, try food, no... CHICKEN! Ah.. I have some of that, too... oh, NM * Ayreon sticks his tounge out at Stardrive But it's... organic... so am I, whats your point? Organic food is great stuff I don't plan on consuming you, either. dammit why not? Lil :P * Ayreon throws another fry at Stardrive, this one loaded with ketchup * Ayreon gives Lil the bird * Waitstate watches amusedly * Trilana takes a bite. what do you think Trilana? It's... different... * Stardrive takes a hesitant bite. * Stardrive shrugs. I still prefer my flavored energon. ... but not bad. oy vey............ * Trilana hugs SD. * Waitstate smiles * Trilana feeds SD a fry. * Stardrive feeds Tri a fry. * Ayreon sends his body over to a nearby view screen, and begins channel surfing *to Ayr* we have the best cable in the galaxy! ;) *innocently* Does this thing get the porn channel? * Stardrive activates his built in remote and totally confuses Ay. Porn? Not THAT screen... but the one in your quarters? Who can say? ;) best cable in the galaxy and no porn? sigh.......... * Admiral-Lilwall to Waitstate * Waitstate sighs in exasperation and wonders if he needs to spell it out [to comm] yeah? *to Star*> Hey! Stop that! You're confusing my body! We've just been contacted by the Kyonn Government, they have a task for us A paying task I might add You mean that broom closet has a video moniter? hmm... looks like we may be postponing our Nelvada trip LONAC: Intergalactic Mercenaries. Ayr, yes it does if you guys will pardon me, I'm going to the bridge *as marv Albert* YES! * Waitstate calls in Overwrite to handle the bar * Waitstate steps out and heads for the bridge * Stardrive goes with him. * Waitstate goes to lift, blah blah blah, exits onto bridge * Trilana grabs some fries and follows. The Kyonn governement, eh? I don't think I've heard of them * Stardrive goes to the Communications console. * Ayreon reattaches to his body, and joins the others on the bridge Chancellor Drebanajos, a representative of the Kyonn government has been asked by their Prime Minister to call the closest vessel to their system for aid Which happens to be us * Trilana goes to the Aux console. aid? in what? A pirate frigate and several fighters have been looting the local spacelanes there, raiding transports and supply vessels *to himself* why does the word Kyonn sound familure? Pirates? how cliche... did they say who the pirates were? These vessels are apparently vital to the economy of Kyonn and their neighbours, it's major trading space * Shadowpaw walks around the ship and wonders where everyone has disappeared to Pirate is as Pirate does... Nope. Just that they don't have the means to rid themselves of the pirates on their own * Shadowpaw to Waitstate hmm... paying job you say? * Waitstate sighs * Ayreon pages Shadowpaw to the bridge [to comm] Yeah SP? [to comm] um... where is everyone? Total eradication pays 12,000 Shanix, which equals approx 9000 credits I'm not sure I like the idea of us being hired as a mercenary force... only 9000? eliminating just the frigate pays half the afore mentioned. the fighters cannot survive without a capital ship hmm... This would represent a serious change in our policy if we accepted The pirate raids are becoming so frequent that importors are pulling out of business deals and no one wants to pay to export things out of the system for fear they will lose it to pirates do we have any confirmation of the pirates from other sources? sounds like a personal problem to me. can't they defend themselves? * Stardrive fiddles with the comm board... None so far, best we could do is to contact neighbouring systems and inquire about the Kyonn They don't have adequate means to do so Ayreon hmm... we should do that then. Best not jump blind into the situation [to comm] hello? Wait? where are you guys? I informed Chancellor Drebanajos we would re contact him regarding the matter soon set course for Kyronn, or whatever. In the meantime, we should check up on them. get all the info we can * Waitstate taps comm button a lot of us are on the bridge, SP [comm to Shadowpaw] didn't you hear my page? Come to the bridge You have to know where to look... Intersector news reports should be useful. SD: good... you get on that [to comm] ok then, I'll just go back to my quarters and rest for awhile. I also suggest we check authority centers in this sector of space, we may be able to capture the pirates and collect a reward for them if there's one out also an excellent idea * Shadowpaw walks back into her quarters and sits down * Stardrive nods. Now I remember! Isn't one of the Kyonn's main exports slave labor? * Waitstate looks shocked Is it?! Unknown, I haven't heard of them till now, Artifice would know If it is... well... Let me double check Angra's..I mean *my* memory banks