Bartender (Perry Naval Base)

Bartender
Allegiance	Perry Naval Base bar

"Bartender" is the unnamed owner of the bar on Perry Naval Base.

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Script

General

Universal

Talk to Bartender

BARTENDER

Listen, you can't beat New Detroit for great jobs.

I mean, it's the HiTech hub of the Gemini sector.

Employers who need special services and are willing to pay for them...

...can usually be found there. Check it out.

Talk to Bartender

BARTENDER

You have the look of a smuggler about you. I'm right, am I not?

If you have no qualms about running Brilliance, head for the Troy system.

I know of a woman there, Tayla, who could use an enterprising young man such as yourself.

She mainly channels the merchandise to agricultural and mining worlds...

...where a little chemical cheer is welcome respite from the tedium.

Her routes are well-drawn and sparsely patrolled. Good money, low risk...

Talk to Bartender

BARTENDER

Here's a tip. Confed patrols around New Constantinople have been kicked up.

They're trying to cut back on all the Brilliance that's coming in from Troy.

Fat lot of good that'll do. There'll always be privateers like you willing to make the run...

...and they can't catch them all. They need to crack down on the source.

Anyway, the point is, think twice before running Brilliance to New Constantinople.

It'll be a tough run, so if you do it, get a damn good price.

Talk to Bartender

BARTENDER

Looking for work? Who isn't. Well, here's a suggestion, take it or leave it...

Ever heard of Roman Lynch? He runs a business empire out of New Constantinople.

The guy has his fingers in almost every illegal operation in Gemini...

...every one worth messing with, that is. He's a hard man, and like all players...

...he'll screw you over if there's enough profit in it.

But even so, there's a lot of money to be made from a guy like that...if you're careful...

Talk to Bartender

BARTENDER

Here's a good one. Roman Lynch, Gemini's own Godfather, has family problems.

His cousin, Regis, was caught in New Constantinople with a gun in his hand...

...and a corpse at his feet. Pretty open and shut case.

Old Regis is going up on murder charges, and all of Lynch's money can't save the guy.

Guess there IS some justice, eh buddy?

Talk to Bartender

BARTENDER

I may hear a few rumors now and then, but I'm just a bartender.

If you want important information, try Oxford University.

I hear they got a library there so big that, if they don't got it, it don't exist.

Talk to Bartender

BARTENDER

Had a treasure hunter here the other day. You know the type.

Seems he'd hit it big on an archaeological dig on a planet in Kilrathi space.

Found a prehistoric Kilrathi artifact, proved they sharpened their claws with special tools...

...something like that. Anyway, he was headed for Oxford, planned on using the library there...

...try to figure out what he had. I say good luck. Oxford's his only hope at this point.

If he can't come up with something there, he'll have to research it on Kilrah!

Talk to Bartender

BARTENDER

You look like you've done a little piracy in your time.

I happen to know that sometime in the next month or so...

...Oxford library is going to be receiving a shipment of rare, VALUABLE books...

...or NOT receiving it, if someone smart intercepts the freighter. Get it?

Talk to Bartender

BARTENDER

Myself, I used to fly for the Exploratory Service...

...till I saved up enough to buy this bar.

It's a good living. They're not real picky about who they take...

...and the pay's nothing to sneeze at.

If you don't mind getting shot at, from time to time, you oughtta look into it.

Talk to Bartender

BARTENDER

Hey, you need to watch your back. Something's up.

Admiral Terrell at Perry Naval Base is conducting research on privateering.

He's digging for any dirt he can find on privateers operating in the Gemini Sector.

Usually all you guys got to worry about is Insys...

...but now the Confed is getting into the act. Not a good time to get careless.

I think he's looking for someone specific, pal. Sure hope your nose is clean...

...and if it isn't, you better wipe it QUICK.

Misc

Talk to Bartender

BARTENDER

Didn't I see you here, 'bout six months ago?

You know, back when the Rondall Corporation was hiring mercs.

No? Too bad. You could've cleaned up.

They were looking for people with blockade experience...

Oh well. Can't win 'em all, I s'pose.

Talk to Bartender

BARTENDER

A pilot laid this on me last week.

She was three weeks out of New Detroit, off-lane, running silent...

...when she came in visual range of this incredible ship!

It was massive, not Kilrathi, not Confed...and every instrument said it wasn't there!

She said she could see it, but it didn't register on her scans.

You believe her? I sure don't.

Talk to Bartender

BARTENDER

Hey, what do you think the Kilrathi are up to?

From what I hear, they've changed tactics again.

Instead of their usual seek-and-destroy policy, it seems they're asking some odd questions...

They're looking for a smuggler who has some unusual weapon they want...

You don't know anybody like that...do you?

2669

Talk to Bartender

BARTENDER

I hear there's a real operator hiring out of New Detroit right now.

His name's Sandoval. I don't know exactly what he's up to...

...but with the rumors floating around this guy, he must be up to something big.

I hear he's got some kind of valuable art piece he's trying like hell to dump. Probably hot.

If you ask me, the guy's a High-Ender, and you should look into getting a piece of his action...

Talk to Bartender

BARTENDER

This might sound a little crazy to you...

...but I've heard there's some guy at New Constantinople...no, make that New Detroit...

He's got something that Insys is desperate to get. Something ALIEN.

Not Kilrathi. From a civilization way before them. Before us, even. Worth a mint.

If I was a privateer like you, I'd get the hell over there and look into it...

Talk to Bartender

BARTENDER

Hey, you ever been to New Detroit? Ever heard of a guy named Sandoval?

Me and him are tight, but I tell you, lately he's been acting real weird.

Hell, we been pals a long time, but I ain't heard stat from him...

...no one has in weeks. Listen, if you ever dock at New Detroit...

...be sure to look up Sandoval for me, will you?

Talk to Bartender

BARTENDER

Look, you better steer clear of New Detroit for awhile.

Both Insys and the Confed are looking for a guy named Sandoval.

He's gotten into something real big, some kind of alien trouble.

Anyway, there's probably a lot of money to be made at New Detroit right now...

...but if I were you, I'd steer clear. Better poor than dead, eh?

Talk to Bartender

BARTENDER

Did you know that the Troy system is known for moving a lot of Brilliance?

I know a lot of Privateers turn their noses up at smuggling drugs...

...but you don't look like the picky type. No offense.

Anyway, you'll want to hook up with a woman named Tayla.

She's well-connected with the underworld there. Tayla can get you the contracts.

If she likes you, that is...

Talk to Bartender

BARTENDER

Can you keep your mouth shut?

There's a group of pirates at Oakham base in Pentonville.

These guys move Brilliance in volume. I'm talking bulk here.

You could get a piece of that, with the right contact.

Talk to Bartender

BARTENDER

Course, if I knew who that was, I'd be running the stuff myself.

All I can tell you is, some broad working out of Troy system is their agent...

You should've been here an hour ago. Talk about idiots.

Some moron calling himself William Riordian was shooting his mouth off...

...about smuggling Brilliance for some knockout named Tayla.

He was even blabbing about her having pirate contacts in Pentonville...

What a fool. A privateer who can't keep his trap closed about operations...

...is soon unemployed...or dead. Mark my words. He's history.

Talk to Bartender

BARTENDER

This you gotta hear. You know who Roman Lynch is?

Only the richest, most-connected crime lord in Gemini Sector.

Anyway, word is some nut named Seelig screwed Lynch over on a drug deal big time.

Not a good thing to do if you have any plans...like waking up in the morning.

It's only a matter of time before Lynch sends some goon to Pentonville to take Seelig out.

If I was him, I'd head for Kilrathi space. Believe me, it's safer...

Talk to Bartender

BARTENDER

Someone's got to stop these Gemini gangsters.

That son-of-a-bitch Roman Lynch sent his trained gorilla in here to bust up my place.

Ever seen the guy? His name's Miggs. Lynch uses him as an enforcer.

How the hell does he expect me to pay him back if he keeps sending animals to trash my bar?

I barely got cleaned up in time to open up this morning!

Someday I hope that rich bastard and his lackey get what they deserve!

Talk to Bartender

BARTENDER

Looking for the Rhombus crew? No? Too bad.

I was told to keep an eye out for some guy who's supposed to hook up with them here.

They got a sweet deal going in the Oxford system. Operate out of a ship named Rhombus.

They've got the access codes for the Oxford data bases.

These guys have been robbing the library blind and selling the data.

Nice racket, if you can get the codes. Maybe you ought to check it out...

Talk to Bartender

BARTENDER

Boy, I'd hate to be in Hunter Toth's shoes. Have you heard about him?

He's wrote Prometheus Unplugged. Surely you've read it.

That's the book that attacked the Church of Man, remember? He coined the term retros...

...labelling the faithful as backward for their hatred of technology.

Now all those anti-tech freaks are gunning for him, and he's been forced into hiding.

Wonderful society we live in, where scholars can be silenced by freaks...

Talk to Bartender

BARTENDER

Jeez, this weird...guess you'd call it a THING...was seen in these parts just days ago.

Some kind of ship, gave off an eerie green glow. Must be Kilrathi...

...though it's sure as hell worse than anything the cats have made so far.

This is the same thing that's been destroying capital ships right and left.

Tore the TCS Winterrowd to bits without breaking a sweat...

...though from what I hear, the Winterrowd wasn't all she was cracked up to be...

Talk to Bartender

BARTENDER

You're not afraid of a tough fight, are you?

There's a holdful of credits to be made in the Palan system right now.

Bronte Corporation has Palan blockaded right now...

...trying to block shipments from Rondell, a rival agricultural corporation.

Whichever side you work for, expect a lot of trouble...and a LOT of credits, friend.

Talk to Bartender

BARTENDER

You catch the netcast last night? Remember the guy that got that huge Rondell grant?

You know, the archaeologist that did those Mars digs...Monkeyhower, something like that...

He was digging on Palan when the blockade went up. Hasn't been heard from since.

If you ask me, he's a goner. Archaeologists like him...

...they always have some valuable knick-knack or other. Makes them a target.

Count yourself lucky you're not in the relic business, pal. That's one rough trade...

Talk to Bartender

BARTENDER

There's a lot of talk about the blockade in the Palan system.

Supposedly Lemuel Monkhouse is trapped there. I read his book.

Drawing on the fossil evidence discovered on Mars and other planets...

...he believes the entire galaxy was home to an ancient super race.

Interesting hypothesis, but I think he's a little carried away.

After all, a galaxy-spanning race couldn't just vanish...could it?

Talk to Bartender

BARTENDER

There's some money to be made in Rygannon right now.

The Exploratory Service is charting an unexplored region in Gemini.

Usually this kind of grunt work doesn't pay much...

...but I hear they've lost a number of ships through jump points out there.

They're looking for pilots who can take care of themselves in a scrape.

And you look like you fill the bill. Check it out.

Talk to Bartender

BARTENDER

You remind me of an old friend, name of Garrovick.

He worked the privateer racket, until he signed on with the Exploratory Service.

Haven't seen him since, though I heard a nasty rumor that he had disappeared...

...vanished while charting out of Rygannon.

I can't help but think that, whatever got all those Confed ships, took him out as well...

Talk to Bartender

BARTENDER

Man, I tell you, I hate the British. Who doesn't, right?

But there's one limey that really pisses me off, privateer named Kroiz.

Gun-runner, dangerous as hell, but what really gets me is, he's polite!

A pirate who's ready to throw you to the void...

...should at least have the courtesy to be rude, call you a few names...

...so you know where you stand. Yep, that Kroiz is an English weasel, no doubt about it.

Talk to Bartender

BARTENDER

Have you noticed an increase in Confed patrols lately?

Has to do with that killer ship skulking around out there.

They're trying like hell to find it. Funny thing is...

...instead of hitting military installations, logical Kilrathi targets...

...it's destroying targets along the usual privateer lanes. Weird, huh?

Talk to Bartender

BARTENDER

Friend of mine in the Confed reserves was called into duty last week.

His orders were secret, but hell, he never could keep his mouth shut.

Seems there's a Confed fleet massing somewhere in the Gemini sector.

Ten to one it's tied into all those random attacks by that marauder vessel.

Whatever it is, if it runs into that fleet, it's dead for sure!

2670

Talk to Bartender

BARTENDER

Have you heard about these new speed booster things?

I don't know what makes them go,

but they're supposed to work great.

You just plug 'em into your mobility units, and suddenly you can go faster.

What'll they think of next?

Talk to Bartender

BARTENDER

A privateer friend of got into a hairy scrape the other day.

He would have been a goner, but his shield boosters saved him.

You just attach them to your shield units, and it pumps up their regeneration rate.

Keeps the bullets out of your armor. Good deal, if you ask me.

Talk to Bartender

BARTENDER

Have you seen this new super-tough armor?

Apparently some Oxford whizzes got together with the guys from Perry,

and they came up with this stuff.

It's amazingly strong. Pretty cheap, too.

If you ever get into fights out there, I'd recommend it.

Talk to Bartender

BARTENDER

You're a fighting man, right?

Have you checked out these new gun cooler systems yet?

They improve your refire rates dramatically.

Some Confed ace says he's able to bag twice as many Kilrathi ships per mission.

Quite an improvement, eh?

Talk to Bartender

BARTENDER

Hey, you're that famous privateer!

Great to see you. You want some advice?

Stay away from those Retros.

They used to be cake, but now they're tough.

I bet even a tough guy like you would have some trouble with them.

Just my opinion. That's all.

Talk to Bartender

BARTENDER

Can you keep your mouth shut?

I heard a top secret rumor yesterday.

From a guy who lives at Perry.

It seems that the Confeds are getting desperate,

and they'll pay top dollar to a privateer who's willing to take some risks.

If you like danger, I bet you could get rich quick.

Talk to Bartender

BARTENDER

Retro menace got you down? How about a drink?

I've seen a whole lot of out-of-work privateers come through here recently.

Most of them are planning on signing up with the Confeds.

Pretty boring life, but at least you get to eat.

Good luck. I hope you're not driven to military service too.

Talk to Bartender

BARTENDER

This you gotta hear. You know who Roman Lynch is?

Only the richest, most-connected crime lord in Gemini Sector.

He's been moving around a lot lately. I don't know where he's staying right now.

Probably some out-of-the-way place, to avoid over-eager privateers buggin' him for work.

If you can get in touch with him, though,

I bet he's got some real juicy stuff.

Talk to Bartender

BARTENDER

I hear they're moving Oxford's big library off-world.

It's apparently too big a target in its current location.

I also hear they're in bad need of hired protection.

I bet a privateer could do some nice business there.

Talk to Bartender

BARTENDER

I hear those Retros assassins are really getting their act together.

Just last week they offed some out-of-sector bigwig.

He was on a base near Perry, reviewing Gemini's military strategy.

No assassin was found. Just the body and a Retro eye symbol.

Pretty spooky, if you ask me.

Talk to Bartender

BARTENDER

Did you hear the news? The Retros finally got Hunter Toth.

Remember him? He's the guy who wrote 'Prometheus Unplugged.'

There were some Confeds involved in the battle. They say it was really weird.

The Retros somehow disabled his ship and took him captive.

Then they jumped out of the system, and no one knows where they went.

I hear the Retros don't treat their 'technophile' prisoners too well.

I wonder what they're doing to Toth right now.

Talk to Bartender

BARTENDER

Hey! Aren't you the guy who blew up the big green egg?

You're a pretty popular character around here.

Have a cold one on me.

Talk to Bartender

BARTENDER

I know you! You're the guy who nailed the Steltek drone!

I'm pleased to meet you in person.

We haven't heard any more from the Stelteks.

Too bad. They seem like pretty smart guys to me.

I wonder just where they went, and whether they'll ever be back.

Talk to Bartender

BARTENDER

Ever hear of a guy called Menesch?

He used to do sell surplus Confed ships to criminal groups.

I've heard that he's dealing with the Kilrathi now.

They've got plenty of spacecraft, and need the money more than the ships.

I still don't know who's buying them, though.

Talk to Bartender

BARTENDER

I sure am glad that Steltek drone was destroyed.

A lot of folks though it was a new Kilrathi super-weapon!

We figured the Kilrathi were about to overrun Gemini.

Of course, now there's a lot of anxiety about the Retros.

I like to call them Toasterphobes.

Talk to Bartender

BARTENDER

I wonder just what's going on with those Retro nuts.

They've been around for a long time, but they never did much harm.

They were always very disorganized and scattered,

but now they seem to have a real plan.

I wonder what changed.

Talk to Bartender

BARTENDER

A funny thing happened the other day.

Some Confeds were trying a trick attack on some Retros.

They painted Retro insignia on their ships and used Retro hailing signals.

They did kill a few Retros,

but in the confusion of the battle they blew each other up.

Kind of ironical, huh?

Talk to Bartender

BARTENDER

We had quite a fright last week.

Some Retro screwball came running in here, explosives strapped to his belt.

He threatened to blow up the bar unless we surrendered the base to Retro control.

Luckily, there was a cop at one of the tables.

He killed the Retro with one shot, then defused the bomb.

Unusually talented for a Confed.

Talk to Bartender

BARTENDER

Have you noticed an increase in Confed patrols lately?

They're bringing ships back from the front to combat Retros throughout Gemini.

Those Confeds better be good. I think they're already outnumbered.

Most bases haven't had too much trouble yet,

but I think it's only going to get worse.

Talk to Bartender

BARTENDER

Friend of mine in the Confed reserves was called into duty last week.

They've mobilized just about everyone they can get.

Kilrathi on the outside, Retros on the inside.

The Confeds are in for a long, hard fight. That's for sure.

Agricultural Planets

Universal

Talk to Bartender

BARTENDER

Friend, you look like a hard man...

...the kind who looks for dirty work.

But $BN is just an agricultural base. We're farmers...

...not pirates looking to hire cutthroats and thugs.

Please, don't make any trouble here.

Talk to Bartender

BARTENDER

I hear the Kilrathi are giving the Confed fits.

Our boys are spread too thin to protect the outlying colonies...

...the result being plague and famine for those trapped in the crossfire.

The Confed has asked $BN to up our production of food.

It's good for business, but no one here likes profiting from the hardship of others.

Anyway, there may be some cargo runs available for you, if you're interested.

2669

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BARTENDER

I just heard that the 6th Confederation fleet was lost around Midgard...

Gone! The Kilrathi must've destroyed them so fast they couldn't even get a message off!

An entire fleet, lost! I'm afraid it's only a matter of time...

Drink up, friend. While you still can.

Talk to Bartender

BARTENDER

Have you heard the bad news?

No one has been able to establish contact with Palan.

It's like the whole planet has just...disappeared.

Hell, I got family there...I...had family there...

I think I need a drink.

Talk to Bartender

BARTENDER

Overall, it's been a good year for $BN.

We've had record crop yields across the board.

We think it has something to do with the lessened solar flare activity this year...

...but what does it matter? We're making out like pirates here for a change.

2670

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BARTENDER

Those retros have got some nerve, man.

They've been attacking agriculture bases recently.

Sometimes they just interfere with shipments, but often they go after the planet itself.

I think they're trying to conquer the planets.

Imagine! Cutting off the food supplies of millions of innocent people.

Talk to Bartender

BARTENDER

I think I've got these retro guys figured out.

They're nuts.

Talk to Bartender

BARTENDER

Overall, it's been a good year for $BN.

We've had record crop yields across the board.

We think it has something to do with the lessened solar flare activity this year...

...but what does it matter? We're making out like pirates here for a change.

Course, the retros might put a stop to all that.

Mining Bases

Universal

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BARTENDER

New to $BN? Good. We could use some more flyboys hauling cargo around here.

There's been a shift in demand from the usual metals to radioactive ore.

Haven't seen anything like it. With the invention of particle weapons...

...radioactive ores became less and less valuable.

I guess the Confed must be experimenting on some new weapon, huh?

Well the way the war is going, looks like they'll need it.

Talk to Bartender

BARTENDER

Welcome to $BN, the newest boomtown of the Gemini Sector!

We got ahold of a dozen of those new Sediment Imaging Satellites...

...and it's made all the difference in the world.

SIS has revealed deposits of tungsten, iron and radioactive ores we never would've found.

Business couldn't be better, pal. You came at a good time.

Talk to Bartender

BARTENDER

There is one bit of bad news here on $BN.

The base is being shaken by tremors.

We can't keep the damn mines from collapsing. We fix one...

...then a quake hits and collapses two others.

Unless this 'roid stabilizes, $BN may be in for some trouble.

2669

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BARTENDER

Just flew in, did you? Let me ask you a question.

Did you notice the increased militia and Confed patrols on your approach to $BN?

The Confed is losing hundreds of ships a day to the war.

That means they need more metal for replacement ships...

...and they're stepping up protection of mining bases to keep raw material out of Kilrathi hands.

I don't know about you, but I feel a lot safer because of it...

Talk to Bartender

BARTENDER

Hey, an assassin from the Church of Man came by $BN last week.

He was looking to whack some artist, a writer or something. Go figure.

Don't ask me what the hell a writer would be doing on a mining base, though.

Those Retros give me the creeps. I hear they hate all technology...

...just the kind of wackos you want to run into on a space station, eh?

Talk to Bartender

BARTENDER

This dancer from Saxtogue came to $BN last week.

Real operator, this woman.

You heard of Roman Lynch? Well, she lifted one of his bank codes.

She's been siphoning off money slow, but I think she's in over her head.

If Lynch finds out, she's history.

2670

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BARTENDER

The Confeds are buying as much raw material as ever,

but they haven't been able to provide mining bases with much protection.

I guess they're more worried about fighting Retros.

Anyway, Retros and pirates are nailing a lot of the ore ships that leave here.

So the Confeds end up losing a lot of their supplies.

I guess I shouldn't worry, though. We still get our money.

Talk to Bartender

BARTENDER

Mining bases like $BN used to be pretty safe from Retro aggression.

I guess the Retros don't think of mining as a very tecnological activity.

But in the last couple of months, the Retros have been getting more organized.

They're systematically attacking all types of bases.

Doing as much as they can to disrupt Gemini sector production.

We've had it pretty easy till now, but I think we're in for hard times.

Talk to Bartender

BARTENDER

You going to stick around for the big festival?

Every year, if profits are good,

The base governor throws a big party. Quite a spectacle.

Fireworks, plenty of luxury food, the whole nine yards.

If the Retros don't assassinate anyone, it ought to be a real good time.

Pirate Bases

Universal

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BARTENDER

Hey, Mister, have a seat. The first one's on me.

No big deal. We're having a boom here on $BN. Times are good.

With all the fighting out along the borders...

...there's a lot of loot just floating around out there, waiting to be salvaged!

Used to be a pirate had to do some shooting to earn his daily bread...

...nowadays, the only trigger he's gotta pull is wired to a tractor beam!

Talk to Bartender

BARTENDER

I hope you're gonna buy a drink and not just sit here trawling for a job.

Business is slow at the bar.

People are spending too much time out there on those stressful missions.

They need to be in here relaxing, like you.

So...what'll it be?

Talk to Bartender

BARTENDER

Hey, welcome to $BN. I heard a good one the other day.

Seems that there's this hollow asteroid along the

Kilrathi border...

The thing of it is, the Kilrathi use it as a munitions dump!

The guy who finds that dump can help himself to as much

ordnance as he can haul!

2669

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BARTENDER

Hey, buddy, have you heard the latest?

A pirate looking to scope $BN for business told me this one.

Seems the TCS Valiant has just...disappeared.

That's the second carrier the Confederation has lost

along the border.

It's a sure bet the Kilrathi have their paws in this!

Talk to Bartender

BARTENDER

Better watch your step on $BN, Mister.

The...business comminity here is leery of strangers these days.

We've had a lot of problems with undercover Militia agents lately.

I'm not saying you're one of 'em...

...but I'd do my best to look as innocent as possible, if I were you.

Talk to Bartender

BARTENDER

Happy days are here again! You heard? The Confed is slipping in the war effort.

Seems the sector is lousy with Kilrathi, and they're giving the Fed fits.

Hey, I'm as patriotic as the next guy. I don't want the Fed to give it up...

...but this means they're diverting their efforts away from law enforcement!

That's good news here on $BN. The less Confed around, the better!

Talk to Bartender

BARTENDER

Looking for a job? Must be if you're hanging around $BN.

Ever heard of a guy named Roman Lynch? He's a Well, a real mover.

Seems he's looking for a wet spesh to whack a guy named Seelig.

Lynch runs his empire out of New Constantinople.

No thanks, that's what bartenders do. Just remember me when it's time to tip.

2670

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BARTENDER

I just heard a wild rumor.

Apparently the Kilrathis and the Retros are in league.

They're planning to wipe out the Confeds and split up the Gemini sector.

Strange bedfellows, huh?

Pretty hard to believe, if you ask me.

Talk to Bartender

BARTENDER

The atmosphere sure has loosened up around here.

Everyone used to be worried about undercover Milita agents,

but now they're so rare that folks here will gab about anything.

Maybe they're a little too open.

If the agents ever come back, a lot of these guys are gonna get busted.

Talk to Bartender

BARTENDER

Happy days are here again! You heard? The Confed is slipping in the war effort.

And now they have the Retros to worry about, too.

Hey, I'm as patriotic as the next guy. I don't want the Fed to give it up...

...but this means they're diverting their efforts away from law enforcement!

That's good news here on $BN. The less Confed around, the better!

Talk to Bartender

BARTENDER

Looking for a job? Must be if you're hanging around $BN.

I'd get some pirate work, if I were you.

Depending on where you go, pirate work can be real lucrative these days.

Those Retro nuts have a lot of Confeds and Militia tied up,

so the Confed and Militia patrols have thinned out.

If you don't want to get on their bad side, don't worry.

As long as you can avoid 'em, you won't have to shoot 'em.

Pleasure Planets

Universal

Talk to Bartender

BARTENDER

Come to $BN for a vacation, have you? You're not alone.

Seems like in wartime, everyone has a worse need for entertainment...

...and that desire for relaxation seems to grow as the war worsens.

Anyhow, you did right to come to $BN! We have the finest facilities in the sector.

Trust me...would I lie to a guest?

Talk to Bartender

BARTENDER

Damn Confed hotshots! I hate it when they come to $BN on leave.

You wouldn't believe the hell they raised in here.

I barely had time to clean up before we opened this morning.

And the 17th floor, God! It's a shambles. These jocks are nuts!

Mooning, jumping off balconies into the pool, ballwalking...listen...

Take my advice. Avoid the 17th floor. It's not pretty.

Talk to Bartender

BARTENDER

Mind, this is just hearsay, but it seems the Kilrathi are all stirred up!

The weird thing is, they seem to be looking for something...looking real hard.

God only knows what it could be...but whatever it is, it's got them worried.

I just hope the activity doesn't scare off our tourists.

2669

Talk to Bartender

BARTENDER

Get this...the Confed has lost another carrier!

I'm afraid it might be related to that Kilrathi secret weapon we've been hearing about.

I'm thinking of shutting down the bar awhile, leaving $BN...maybe heading deeper into Confed space.

The thought of something that nasty creeping around, well, it makes you think, doesn't it?

Talk to Bartender

BARTENDER

I heard this from a privateer out of Saratov.

He ran across this daft bloke while lane-skipping along the frontier.

The terminal wooly was sitting in the middle of a ship's graveyard...

...wrecked ships all around. He opens fire on my mate, no reason...

...ranting and cursing him like he was the devil himself! Fancy that...

Talk to Bartender

BARTENDER

You picked a fine time to come to $BN, sir.

With all the bad news about lately, everyone is anxious to find a little getaway...

...especially the ladies, sir, if you take my meaning.

I think you'll find your stay at $BN the best you've ever enjoyed...

...that is, if you LIKE women...

Oh dear...I hope I haven't been too presumptuous...

Talk to Bartender

BARTENDER

Just arrived at $BN have you? Then you haven't heard the latest.

Beastly affair. Seems the Intersys Patrols are looking for a murderer.

He eliminated a diplomatic party on Matahari. Ten dead. Horrid.

I hear this was done to stall negotiations with Oresville...

...prolonging the labor disputes. What do you think?

2670

Talk to Bartender

BARTENDER

I hope the Confeds are able to keep the region stable.

With Retros and Kilrathi about, it's becoming much more dangerous.

The hard times are really helping out our business,

but if the whole sector collapses, we're included.

I'm not getting you down, am I?

Talk to Bartender

BARTENDER

A Militia soldier came here a little while ago.

He came from the front. His nerves were shot.

He claims he was attacked by Retros and Kilrathi together.

Apparently the Confed brass are trying to keep the story quiet.

Poor guy. I bet no one believes him.

Talk to Bartender

BARTENDER

You picked a fine time to come to $BN, sir.

With all the bad news about lately, everyone is anxious to find a little getaway.

We've got plenty of various entertainments for everyone.

I think you'll find your stay at $BN the best you've ever enjoyed.

Talk to Bartender

BARTENDER

Just arrived at $BN have you? Then you haven't heard the latest.

Beastly affair. Seems the Intersys Patrols are looking for a murderer.

Someone killed seven people in their beds at Achilles.

The strange thing is, there's no connection between the seven people.

Intersys says the murders were at random, but I'm not so sure.

Refinery Bases

Universal

Talk to Bartender

BARTENDER

Did you hear? A delegation from the Confed Mining Guild swept by $BN last week.

Because of attrition on the front, they're stepping up fighter production...

...which means more raw ore is being bought, which means it has to be refined...

...which means everyone at $BN is jumping to keep up with the demand.

Seems it's gonna be a bad year for the Confed...and a hell of a year for us.

Talk to Bartender

BARTENDER

There's an ugly rumor making the rounds here at $BN.

Heard it from a subcontractor for the Fed that they're thinking of militarizing our business.

They might use the Wartime Emergency Act to take over all mining and refinery operations...

...which means we'd have to work twice as hard for four times less.

I sure hope it ain't true.

Talk to Bartender

BARTENDER

Heard this from a pirate who left $BN two days ago...

You wouldn't believe the trouble Oxford has been having with data theft.

These database jackers I know are looking to trawl the Oxford net.

They been at it for months, but it's a tough crack.

I bet it's worth it, though. Lot of valuable info at the Oxford Library...

Talk to Bartender

BARTENDER

We had another terrorist bombing at $BN today.

I tell you, it's those damn Mandarins if it's anyone! This war started out to be good business...

...but if the bombings get much worse, the only profit'll be had by Russo Incorporated...

...maker of fine red ink everywhere!

2669

Talk to Bartender

BARTENDER

Talk about bizarre stories, this is incredible.

A Kilrathi attack force was spotted on sensors...

It was moving along the frontier in a search pattern.

On Confed screens, one by one, each Kilrathi ship vanished...just vanished...

...all except one, which moved into Confed space. Strange, huh?

Boy, I'm glad I'm here on $BN, safe and sound. Aren't you?

Talk to Bartender

BARTENDER

Had a look around $BN yet?

Well, you wouldn't guess it from the way things look...

...but everyone on $BN is going to be rich in three years.

We just signed a deal with the Merchants' Guild that'll do us right.

Because of the quality of our ore, they've waived 75% of the standard Guild cut...

...in exchange for 10% of our gross. Sweet, eh?

Bet there's no other refinery that can make THAT claim...

Talk to Bartender

BARTENDER

Bet you're glad to be on $BN. There's been more trouble from the front.

I heard that Confederation Outpost 57 is gone.

Now there's a crater on the asteroid where Outpost 57 used to be.

Not a trace of residual radiation. No weapon we've ever heard of.

Intel reports call it a new Kilrathi weapon. Do you buy that?

2670

Talk to Bartender

BARTENDER

This retro threat's getting worse. I'll tell you how I know.

It used to be, when a few retros showed up near $BN,

privateers and the militia would show up inside of half an hour,

and wipe out the retros almost immediately.

Less than an hour from the first warning siren to the 'all clear.'

But last week, there was an attack here.

We didn't get the 'all clear' for two days. The base took some hits, too.

Everyone was mighty scared. Let me tell you.

Talk to Bartender

BARTENDER

Everyone here on $BN is a little depressed.

We had a great deal with the Merchants' Guild going, but it fell through.

The Guild is tightening up. They don't have much faith in the stability of this sector.

And as we all know, instability is bad for business.

Oh, well. Maybe next year.

Talk to Bartender

BARTENDER

I heard a rumor the other day.

Seems the Confeds are about to declare total war on the retros.

If they do, they'll have to bring a lot of ships back from the front.

That could be real good news for the Kilrathi.

I don't think Gemini's ready to fight two enemies at once.

Storyline

Series 1

Talk to Bartender

BARTENDER

Hey, buddy, have you heard the latest?

Seems that the TCS Valiant has just...disappeared.

That's the second carrier the Confederation has lost

along the border.

It's a sure bet the Kilrathi have their paws in this somehow!

Talk to Bartender

BARTENDER

Have you seen a guy named Tybol Carr?

The Intersys Ops are looking for him...something about a

murder trial.

I hear this Carr is well-connected.

Anyone who can get him off-world wins the jackpot...

Talk to Bartender

BARTENDER

Hey, I heard a good one the other day.

Seems that there's this hollow asteroid along the

Kilrathi border...

The thing of it is, the Kilrathi use it as a munitions dump!

The guy who finds that dump can help himself to as much

ordnance as he can haul!

Series 2

Talk to Bartender

BARTENDER

Hey, an assassin from the Church of Man was here last week.

He was looking to whack some artist, a writer or something. Go figure.

Those Retros give me the creeps. I hear they hate all technology...

...just the kind of wackos you want to run into on a space station, eh?

Talk to Bartender

BARTENDER

You wouldn't believe the trouble Oxford has been having with data theft.

These database jackers I know are looking to trawl the Oxford net.

They been at it for months, but it's a tough crack.

I bet it's worth it, though. Lot of valuable info at the Oxford Library...

Talk to Bartender

BARTENDER

I can't stop shaking...

I just heard that the 6th Confederation fleet was lost around Midgard...

Gone! The Kilrathi must've destroyed them so fast they couldn't even get a message off!

An entire fleet, lost! We're doomed, it's only a matter of time...

Drink up, friend. While you still can...

Talk to Bartender

BARTENDER

This dancer from Saxtogue came in here last week.

Real operator, this woman.

You heard of Roman Lynch? Well, she lifted one of his bank codes.

She's been siphoning off money slow, but I think she's in over her head.

If Lynch finds out, she's history.

Series 3

Talk to Bartender

BARTENDER

Didn't I see you here, 'bout six months ago?

You know, back when the Rondall Corporation was hiring mercs.

No? Too bad. You could've cleaned up.

They were looking for people with blockade experience...

Oh well. Can't win 'em all, I s'pose.

Talk to Bartender

BARTENDER

Have you heard the bad news?

No one has been able to establish contact with Palan.

It's like the whole planet has just...disappeared.

Hell, I got family there...I...had family there...

Man...nobody in this bar needs a drink worse than me.

Talk to Bartender

BARTENDER

Get this. Kilrathi patrols are sweeping the outskirts of Rygannon.

Nothing there but refineries, but they're flying sweep patterns...

... almost like they're looking for something. Weird, huh?

I'm glad I'm running a bar and not flying anymore.

It's getting crazy out there!

Talk to Bartender

BARTENDER

Beastly affair. Seems the Intersys Patrols are looking for a murderer.

He eliminated a diplomatic party on Matahari. Ten dead. Horrid.

I hear this was done to stall negotiations with Oresville...

...prolonging the labor disputes. What do you think?

Series 5

Talk to Bartender

BARTENDER

Talk about bizarre stories, this is incredible.

A Kilrathi attack force was spotted on sensors...

It was moving along the frontier in a search pattern.

On Confed screens, one by one, each Kilrathi ship vanished...just vanished...

...all except one, which moved into Confed space. Strange, huh?

Talk to Bartender

BARTENDER

More trouble from the front.

I heard that Confederation Outpost 57 is gone.

Now there's a crater on the asteroid where Outpost 57 used to be.

Not a trace of residual radiation. No weapon we've ever heard of.

Intel reports call it a new Kilrathi weapon. Do you buy that?

Talk to Bartender

BARTENDER

I heard this from a privateer out of Saratov.

He ran across this daft bloke while lane-skipping along the frontier.

The terminal wooly was sitting in the middle of a ship's graveyard...

...wrecked ships all around. He opens fire on my mate, no reason...

...ranting and cursing him like he was the devil himself! Fancy that...

Series 7

Talk to Bartender

BARTENDER

A pilot laid this on me last week.

She was three weeks out of New Detroit, off-lane, running silent...

...when she came in visual range of this incredible ship!

It was massive, not Kilrathi, not Confed...and every instrument said it wasn't there!

She said she could see it, but it didn't register on her scans.

You believe her? I sure don't.

Talk to Bartender

BARTENDER

Hey, what do you think the Kilrathi are up to?

From what I hear, they've changed tactics again.

Instead of their usual seek-and-destroy policy, it seems they're asking some odd questions...

They're looking for a smuggler who has some unusual weapon they want...

You don't know anybody like that...do you?

Series 8

Talk to Bartender

BARTENDER

You look like you've agreed to do a little smuggling.

I can tell these things.

Be careful, pal. Confeds aren't a big fan of smugglers.

Talk to Bartender

BARTENDER

You're a privateer, huh? Good to see you.

We've had a shortage of privateer customers lately,

since so many are joining up with the Confeds.

Drink up!

Talk to Bartender

BARTENDER

Pirate activity is on the rise.

Without much Confed and Militia presence,

pirates have free rein.

Don't know that I mind smuggling, actually.

I mean, if people want something, why not let them have it?

Series 9

Talk to Bartender

BARTENDER

You're the guy who blew up the big green egg, right?

I heard the space aliens gave you a super-gun.

I wish I had something like that. I'd make me some serious money.

Talk to Bartender

BARTENDER

I hear the battle against the Kilrathi is heating up.

I'm no sympathizer or anything,

but I don't think we stand much of a chance.

Talk to Bartender

BARTENDER

Some Confeds were walking around here last week.

They were asking if anyone knew about some guy called Menesch.

I don't think they got much out of the crowd here.

Series 10

Talk to Bartender

BARTENDER

You look like you're working for the Confeds.

I can tell these things.

They're pretty honest guys, but I hear the money's terrible.

Talk to Bartender

BARTENDER

Did you hear about the TCS Kinney?

The furballs destroyed it in a surprise attack.

I bet someone leaked its nav data. Too bad.

Talk to Bartender

BARTENDER

Good to see a privateer in here.

In tough times like these, the privateers are all out flying around,

when they should be in here buying drinks.

Series 11

Talk to Bartender

BARTENDER

I hear they're dismantling the Oxford library.

That's too bad. I took a vacation in Oxford once.

Very pretty place. I wonder why they're going to tear it down.

Talk to Bartender

BARTENDER

I hope the Retros didn't give you too much trouble on the way here.

They're making a lot of people feel like prisoners on their own planets and bases.

Talk to Bartender

BARTENDER

I know you! You're that famous singer!

Would you do a number for us?

It would really make the customers happy.

Oh, wait a minute.

Wrong guy. Sorry.

Series 12

Talk to Bartender

BARTENDER

The situation's real bad for the Confederation.

I think they're going to have to make some concessions real soon,

or else fall to either the Retros or the Kilrathi.

I wonder which bases they'll give up first?

Talk to Bartender

BARTENDER

I hear the Retro blockades have become almost impossible to break.

Some blockades have lasted for weeks.

Without adequate supplies, Gemini becomes all the weaker.

Series 13 & 14

Talk to Bartender

BARTENDER

Did you hear the news? Governor Menesch is dead!

They say he was making deals between the Retros and Kilrathi.

Just a little while ago, he got taken out by some privateer.

I bet that privateer's got a lot of bounty money coming.

Talk to Bartender

BARTENDER

It looks like the Confeds have just about had it here in Gemini.

Things are getting way too dangerous. I've already started packing my bags.

I wonder where I'll go? Maybe the Magellan sector.

I just hope I can find some kind of transportation.

No Rumors

Talk to Bartender

PLAYER

Could you tell me...

BARTENDER

Excuse me, but I've got customers. Can't talk right now.

Talk to Bartender

PLAYER

What's happening on the local scene?

BARTENDER

I can't think of anything right now. Check with me later.

Talk to Bartender

PLAYER

Any local news?

BARTENDER

Shh. Can't talk right now. I think we're being watched.

Talk to Bartender

PLAYER

Any news of local interest?

BARTENDER

Sorry, man. I don't have anything for you right now.

Except for a good Manchester Rum!

Talk to Bartender

PLAYER

What's going on around these parts?

BARTENDER

If I hear anything new, you'll be the first to know.

Talk to Bartender

PLAYER

Any tips for a new kid in town?

BARTENDER

Don't get blown up. That's all I've got right now.

Talk to Bartender

BARTENDER

Sorry, no new info.

Talk to Bartender

PLAYER

What's a guy do for fun around here?

BARTENDER

Drink some beer!

Talk to Bartender

PLAYER

Any good missions out there?

BARTENDER

If you're looking for a mission, talk to the guys who sometimes sit at the front tables there.

Talk to Bartender

PLAYER

Any news I can use?

BARTENDER

Check with me later, after I've talked to some other folks.