"In the Cards", © 1987, 1998-2005 by
Timothy B.
Brown, originally appeared in _Challenge_ #29 (pages 36-39),
and is reproduced here with the author's permission.
Text-entry & HTML:
Steve C.
"Welcome to Xi Ursae Majoris, Center of operations for Trilon Corporation. From all of us here at Interface/Ground Operations, we hope you enjoy your visit!"
Each seat on the spaceplane lander featured a prominent viewscreen which was displaying a similar message to every passenger, in the appropriate language, of course. The trip out from Beta Canum was rather speedy, actually - two days to Henry's Star, one more to 61 Ursae Majoris, and one more day for the final leg. Whatever this Alexander fellow needed us for, he needed it rather quickly - a company sponsored trip with no significant layovers doesn't happen without a reason. Turbulence began shaking the plane about, and the windows were sealed off against the re-entry.
Gathering luggage at the surface port, after a quick customs check, we were met at the terminal by a young executive fellow wearing a flashy business suit and brandishing a briefcase and cane. "Gentlemen, my name is Alexander. I'm so glad you could make the trip so quickly. Forgive my lack of courtesy, but we must make haste - if you will leave your bags with my assistant here, we should go immediately to a more discrete location to discuss the problem at hand."
The multiple star system of Xi Ursae Majoris boasts many interesting planets, but only one has come to be known as "garden" status. As such, this planet takes the name of the system at large and dominates all the system's human activity. Without going into excessive detail, Xi Ursae Majoris is a pre-garden world in the process of building its own advanced ecology. Most of the world is still virgin territory, and while the native atmosphere is breathable, it contains many unsavory elements which should not be taken internally on a long-term basis. Several enormous atmospheric processing stations are in place on the planet, attempting to remedy this situation - significant results are not expected for several decades.
Trilon Corporation was the first human concern to occupy the garden world of the system and make a colony work there. They have thus far been able to exercise ultimate control over the planet since its colonization. However, the actual ability of Trilon to own its own planet has never been seriously challenged by any established nation. Under the direction of Trilon, Xi Ursae Majoris has become an industrialized bastion of mankind's civilization on the very frontier of the so-called French Arm, with Trilon encouraging not only its own activities, but those of many other industrial concerns as well.
One such concern is DataResources, Inc., a Canadian microelectronics firm which has had an established facility on Xi Ursae Majoris for over a decade. Mr Alexander works for DataResources, and his superiors have authorized him to locate and hire several troubleshooters to look into a grave situation which threatens the very existence of their small business.
Alexander's personal limo brought us to a green area in the surface port facility. Outside the dome of the port quite a storm was brewing. The brilliant blue sky was giving way to enormous brown and black clouds and we were already being treated to quite a show of lightning in the distance. Below the plateau of the surface port lay the city Arnor, reputed to be the favorite port of call for every ship's hand in the Arm. I wondered if that reputation would hold true later in the night.
We got out of the car and entered the park. We walked among the transplanted Terran and extra-Terran flora on winding paths of rock and plaster, until we became almost lost in this artificial wilderness. Alexander gestured toward a bench in front of a fountain on which sat a solitary figure with his back toward us. We approached to find an elaborately dressed man, not unlike Alexander, but older and definitely of African lineage.
"This is Mr. Ogundipe, head of our Security division, here at Xi Ursae Majoris," announced Mr. Alexander, gesturing as if to give the "floor" to his superior. Mr. Ogundipe eyed us thoughtfully, and then began.
"We have had a major security breach within our organization which could cost the company dearly. Due to my own budgetary and personnel shortages and the extreme high cost and low reliability of contract law enforcement here, I am forced to seek out men such as yourselves to rectify the matter." He continued as if he had been practicing this speech for some time, "Without going into great detail, I am prepared to pay handsomely for the apprehension of a man who has left this system with property belonging to DataResources. Certain information made available to you in order to catch him will be strictly confidential, and your activities will be monitored even after the job is completed. On this basis, do you accept?"
Ogundipe stood patiently, waiting for a reply. He could have stopped after the "pay handsomely" part. I spoke for us all. "We accept."
Ogundipe and Alexander will now proceed to explain their situation, using materials they have brought with them concerning the man in question.
They will explain that DataResources is a major manufacturer of financial cards for several banks on the French Arm, and on Earth. The locations of such facilities are generally kept confidential, as modern financial cards are the very backbone of the personal financial organizations of virtually all of mankind - tampering with their production could be catastrophic. The characters will be asked to keep this information to themselves.
The man in question is one Benjamin Yamahira, a microelectrical technician who was, until recently, a loyal employee beyond reproach. His activities ran the gamut of card manufacture, from hardware to software. One week ago, Yamahira turned up missing, as did five new financial cards, "addressed" to Imperial Bank and Trust of Adrian, Beta Canum. Since Yamahira had access to the information and materials necessary to set any balance he chose on these cards, the loss could mean the financial ruin of both the bank and DataResources. The bank is liable for any charges made on these cards under the charter signed with all businesses which honor their cards. The bank will undoubtedly sue for compensation from DataResources, which will be forced out of business as a result.
Mr. Ogundipe will give the characters a file on Yamahira, which includes a description and a brief background check on the man (which is quite unremarkable). It also contains all the information DataResources has been able to obtain about his current whereabouts. They know he boarded a ship bound for Henry's Star six days ago using the assumed name Hikaru Samuru, but that's all they know.
Oh, there is one last thing. Mr. Alexander will have to accompany the characters on their search.
Most individual finance in the year 2300 is conducted using personal financial cards, each owned by an individual according to agreements between the individual and the holding bank. While individual agreements may vary, what follows are the uses, capabilities and limitations of financial cards.
Description: A financial card is a small, plastic card, approximately the size and shape of a 20th century credit card. The outer surface of the card is unimportant to the tasks of financial transactions, but is used to identify the card's owner, the holding bank, and can be decorative.
Inside the card is a microprocessor capable of handling quite a number of financial transactions. The processor itself is capable of withstanding most abuses, including folding and smashing. However, it will become inoperative should the card be burnt or torn into pieces, at which time a replacement card should be obtained.
Account Balance: The card holds all the information about the holder's current financial balance, which it draws upon much like a savings account. The balance is updated whenever the owner makes a purchase or other transaction. It is also possible that the microprocessor will continuously update the balance with such things as salaries, pensions, interest on balance, or allowances, any of which can be programmed into the card by the holding bank only.
Purchases: Any purchase can be made using a financial card. The universe of 2300 is virtually cashless. Cash transactions are more common on the frontier than in the core. The card must be present with the owner during the transaction.
First, the card is capable of identifying the thumbprint of its owner and will not function without reading the correct thumbprint. Next, the storekeeper takes the card and inserts it into his register/computer which signals the card to deduct the correct amount from the balance and makes a copy internally which will be sent to the holding bank for their records. A card with insufficient funds will be recognized by the register/computer and the sale will be voided. Finally, the card is returned to its owner and the purchase is complete.
Deposits: Deposits of cash may be made into the balance of a card. Any register/computer can perform this function, and most establishments which have register/computers will do this. Similarly, the balance can be turned into cash.
Loans: Bank loans can be administered by the financial card as well. The loan must be applied for at the holding bank, where the balance is credited with the amount of the loan and the card is programmed to deduct payments due on that loan.
The card will alert the owner continuously a week before a payment is due. On the date of the payment, the card will deduct the amount from the balance. If there are insufficient funds, the card will go on working without taking out the payment. However, frequent failures to make payments will cause the card to "lock up"; it will not function until reset by the holding bank, usually after restitution is made.
It is virtually impossible to counterfeit financial cards. First off, they are a particularly sophisticated item, including a powerful fingerprint scanner and microprocessor capable of withstanding a respectable amount of punishment. Second, there are plenty of software safeguards, including multiple access codes and identification numbers which must be recognized and used during transactions.
Aside from being completely unprepared for the lifestyle of a troubleshooter, Lyle Alexander appears to be a pleasant enough fellow. He seems to know his business well, which is mostly administration. However, his utter lack of skills in the area of stealth or surveillance will make him stand out like a sore thumb.
Alexander is well-meaning but clumsy. Small accidents follow him wherever he goes. However, he insists that it is his right to accompany the player characters on what might be very subtle duties (tracking Yamahira, spying on him, etc.). On one of these occasions he will most certainly foul up. One way or another, he will give himself and the player characters away to Yamahira, alerting the latter to their presence.
Referee: Handling this particular incident could be difficult. Be careful to administer it when appropriate according to the actions taken by the player characters when seeking Yamahira. The player characters are calling the shots, but Alexander's enthusiasm will tip Yamahira off despite their best efforts.
After this incident, Alexander will yield to the wisdom of the more experienced player characters and agree to stay in his cabin during delicate operations.
NPC Motivation Results: Diamonds 6: Alexander is a company man, interested chiefly in climbing the company ladder and gaining a position where he can make a substantial profit. He sees this particular mission as a potential feather for his cap, as it were, possibly getting him the recognition he needs to advance in the security division. Hearts 3: He is an amiable person, interested in pleasant relations with his associates. He is very much in love with his wife and family, which helps to fuel his desire for financial success.
Under the name Hikaru Samuru, Yamahira has fled Xi Ursae Majoris on the merchant ship Carnival bound for Henry's Star. He would have reached Henry's Star three days ago and has almost certainly moved on from there.
At Henry's Star it will be only slightly difficult to determine Yamahira's whereabouts. Asking around at the starport terminal with the photograph of Yamahira will probably yield results.
To determine the whereabouts of Yamahira: Routine. (Unskilled). Streetwise. One day.
Success will tell the players that Yamahira signed onto a trip aboard the Tall Ship Queen of the Nile which left two days ago bound for Beta Canum and beyond. He is now travelling under the name Hikaru Saito.
Trips aboard Tall Ships are pleasant excursions and speed is not an issue. Though it could make the trip from Henry's Star to Beta Canum in only a couple of days, the Queen of the Nile will take a leisurely pace, and is not expected to make port for nearly two weeks. It is common practice for other ships to visit Tall Ships making such cruises. For instance, the merchant/courier vessel Lorraine is bound for the Queen of the Nile, leaving from Henry's Star in one day. Passage for each person will be Lv 300, plus passage on the Queen of the Nile for the rest of the journey to Beta Canum of Lv 31,000, or Lv 31,300 per person to be charged to the expense account of DataResources (which Mr. Alexander will approve with much enthusiasm).
I'd heard of the Tall Ships, about their reputation, I mean. I never thought I'd be able to afford to be on one. Sure, this is a job, but as jobs go it's a pretty good one.
Our ship the Lorraine came out of stutterwarp in deep space. It's sort of unnerving to see your termination image knowing there's not a real planet for trillions of miles in any direction. The Queen of the Nile was already waiting for us at the rendevous point.
Several passengers were on board the Lorraine who were also meeting the Queen. We just blended into the crowd, more or less. Alexander booked us our rooms while we checked things out.
The reception area we were in was decked out pretty well, date trees and jeweled pillars. The porters were made up to be Nubian warriors, ornamented with gold and silver jewels and bronze swords. We could see other passengers, some made up to fit the character of the ship, others in their 24th century attire. Down the corridors we could hear drums and music accompanying the laughter and friviolity of a large and (from the sound of it) lively party.
Alexander came back, saying we had a suite of six adjoining staterooms. Since they are pretty booked, we had to take luxury staterooms, instead of the standard tourist rooms. Good thing this is on someone else's tab.
This could be fun.
The Queen of the Nile is typical of the twenty plus Desarge 8680 ships in that it is completely unique unto itself. Known collectively as the Tall Ships, this fleet of luxury liners has gained a reputation of being the most exciting cruise ships in all of human space. Specific information on these ships can be found in the ship listings of Traveller:2300.
This particular ship, the Queen of the Nile, is decorated in the flavor of an ancient Egyptian river barge in areas frequented by passengers. The stewards and crew in these areas are more often than not dressed in traditional garb as soldiers, slaves, or whatever pseudo-Egyptian equivalent comes closest to their actual jobs.
The word best describing this ship is "gaudy." All the staterooms, the casino deck, the nightclubs and the passageways are ornately decorated with gold and jewelry (all fabrications, of course) for the benefit of the passengers. The ship's mood is one of continuous festivity, to the extent that the passengers are encouraged to draw appropriate costume from the ship's stores and take part in all of the feasts and parties thrown by the ship's social directors.
Sure, it's touristy, but it makes money, and keeps these ships in operation.
The Crew: As mentioned earlier, those crew directly involved with the passengers are commonly costumed to match the ship. Other personnel, such as the engineers, pilots, and other specialists are not so outfitted and are only occasionally found in the main areas of the ship. Their duties keep them isolated in the inner workings of the ship itself.
Also in costume, and thus disguise, on board the Queen of the Nile are its security personnel. Security teams are on constant duty in all areas of the ship. There is usually no trouble on such pleasure cruises which justify a large security force. However, with many important people on each voyage, the potential for criminal activity runs high.
Obviously, once on board the Queen of the Nile, the characters will have to do three things. First, they will have to locate Yamahira. Next, they will have to abduct him or at least get the financial cards away from him. Finally, the characters must get Yamahira off the ship and return him to Xi Ursae Majoris. For purposes of this adventure, the scenario ends when Yamahira is off the Queen of the Nile.
Locating Yamahira: This may not be as simple as it sounds. There are nearly 400 passengers on board, nearly half of them in costume and all of them enjoying themselves throughout the ship. The one thing the characters do know is that Yamahira entered the ship using the assumed name Hikaru Saito. By asking the desk clerk, they can locate his assigned cabin, which is in the Southern Nile habitat (called "Upper Egypt" for the sake of history buffs).
Yamahira's Cabin: Yamahira never went to his cabin. He will not go there. If the characters stake it out, they will have no luck finding him. If they break in they will find none of his things. Yamahira could easily spend the entire voyage simply carousing from cabin to cabin, which is, in fact, exactly what he is doing.
Yamahira's Luggage: The characters will know that large pieces of luggage will be placed in the luggage hold. Attendants there allow access by passengers to their belongings during the trip. Some of Yamahira's luggage will also be in the luggage hold.
To remember that Yamahira's luggage might be in the luggage hold: Routine. (Unskilled). INT. Instant.
Obviously, the clerks will not allow anyone but Yamahira to examine his luggage. So, the characters can take one of two options regarding the luggage hold. They can break into it to examine the luggage, or they can stake it out in hopes of spotting Yamahira.
To spot Yamahira at the luggage hold: Difficult. Recon. 1 day.
Should the players actually examine the luggage, they will find neither the cards nor any particular clue as to where Yamahira is or what he is doing.
Simply searching the ship for Yamahira might also prove effective.
To spot Yamahira by searching the ship: Difficult. Recon. 1 day.
Important Note: Once Yamahira is spotted, Alexander will make his blunder and give the party away. From this point on, Yamahira will know that he has been spotted. He will lose himself in the crowd and lay low.
Apprehending Yamahira: Once the player characters locate Yamahira, they will have to isolate and capture him. There are two major problems with this plan. First, since he has been tipped off, he will be more difficult to locate. Second, the ship's security men do not take kindly to this kind of activity - they will interfere on Yamahira's behalf if they are in the vicinity of a struggle.
The Search is On, Again: Finding Yamahira this time will be somewhat more difficult. The tasks for spotting him are the same as those mentioned above, but are formidable instead of just difficult.
The Struggle: Anyone who spots Yamahira may try to capture him. Use the regular 2300 rules to administer a chase, or whatever.
Security: Whenever there is a struggle, there may be security guards present. Since they are usually in costume, they are virtually impossible to spot in advance.
To avoid security during a struggle: Difficult. Stealth. Instant.
Failure of this task will result in 1 security guard joining the struggle, on Yamahira's side. He is armed with a Brandt Audionique AS-3 stun pistol.
Catastrophic failure will bring three such security personnel into the melee.
Any player characters who are rendered unconscious will be collected by security and held in a standard stateroom under the guard of two security people. Of course, the rest of the party will have to break them out in order to continue the adventure or to escape the ship. However, once a character is marked, security will be on their guard looking for suspects.
To avoid security: Routine. Stealth or Disguise. Instant.
Getting Yamahira off the Queen of the Nile: Once apprehended, there will be several ways to get Yamahira off the ship. Since this is a passenger liner, and since security has no reason to suspect someone is being smuggled off the ship, there should be no trouble, provided the characters have some reasonable plan. In this case, getting Yamahira off the ship under the nose of security will be a task.
To get Yamahira off the ship: Simple. INT. 5 minutes.
Failure of the task means that Yamahira can tip off security and a firefight will ensue. Naturally, if the players are already being sought by security for previous shenanigans on-ship, they will have to resolve the task to avoid security when leaving the ship.
Whether the mission is successful or not, the player characters will have ingratiated themselves to DataResources. This will be quite a feather in their caps should they come into a tight situation, especially in this part of the frontier. Both Alexander and Ogundipe will remember the player characters and help them out when possible, either with work or information, within reason.
However, on the flip side, the havoc on the Queen could cause them trouble in the future if they ever travel on her again. Also, since it is not infrequent to switch from Tall Ship to Tall Ship for crew positions, the player characters should exercise caution when travelling on all Tall Ships.
- Timothy B. Brown