A Cautious Nausicaan ?

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A Cautious Nausicaan?

 

"Captain, Commander since we ditched our "guide" I feel I ought to let you know what I've observed so far since we've been down here. Excessive surveillance. Everywhere my tall head seems to turn there appears to be a globe or hemisphere mounted in a corner or wall near the ceiling. Our choice to ditch the tour guide will not go unnoticed. Also the lack of security from a "manpower" point of view is of note. If something or someone doesn't agree with their plan, they must have some sort of Striketeam in waiting, or more likely some sort of aerosol dispersant system to subdue any wanderers. I'm more inclined to believe the later based on my experience. Bynars and Vulcans are not ideal SWAT team species. Those who have ODRIs I encourage scanning. I do not have one, so I will just continue using my...big eyes."

"Aww hell," Joe said, grabbing his forehead. "I completely forgot. We're not allowed to take any scans down here. It's a corporate espionage thing; they don't want research secrets getting stolen. It's in the Welcome Packet too, but I didn't bother readin' it since I've been here twice before. Get in touch with Pher, would you? Make sure her group understands."

 

"At once sir.." Byblos activated his small comlink, Pher provided him. He was certainly glad she had done so now as he scrambled the signal in a hurry then commed the Orion. "Pher, Byblos. The Captain has mentioned some law regarding the use of ODRIs or other scanning tools at this place. He mentions use of such ..as an ODRI would be considered "Corporate Espionage" by law. The Boss says spread the word to your group."

 

The Nausicaan turned to Joe with quick words "Message sent, Boss."

 

"We'll hope that she hasn't had cause to scan anything yet," Joe said. "So, where do you want to go, Byblos? What catches a Nausicaan's interest in a high-tech underground lab complex? Aside from the glass eyes watching us from the ceiling, that is."

 

"Well, weapons of course. The non-lethal variations we can get around the Guardian's inspections. There are only so many ways to take down a person without, how shall I say this..permanent damage." The Nausicaan grinned.

 

Byblos added "Honestly though I think we need to look for some fixes for your ship Boss. Perhaps there are repair technologies being developed that can keep Qob moving. Perhaps even some sort of substance that can strengthen the hull plates on her wings or other weak spots."

 

"But even if we did see something of excellent use, I doubt the ship's purse could afford such technologies in the labs 'rumored' to be down in these labyrinths. " Byblos looked to Joe with a kinda helpless look. He was broke, the ship's purse did not appear to have funds to put the ship into drydock? What could they possibly get here? Perhaps the Boss had something up his sleeve? "How do we acquire what we cannot pay for here boss?" The Nausicaan finally shut his trap.

 

"Money isn't the only way to pay for something, my humongous friend," Joe replied. "Don't worry, I won't barter your bike ... unless we can get something really good for it. But there might be other things aboard we could barter. Services. Maybe even a cut of the Zoalus action. Some of the researchers here might be willing to reimburse us if we promise to smuggle some useful technology out of the ruins.

 

"One thing you'll learn about our jobs, Byblos -- even when there's one distinct objective, there are always other opportunities to profit. We've just got to keep our eyes open ... like you're doing now."

 

"Aye Boss, I will try not to blink." The Nausicaan replied with a grin.