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The spaceport is busy as usual. People and ships come and go. A other shuttle lands and people come off, some of them seem to be in a bit of a hurry and have a worried look on their face. Last person to come out is an Idaran with silvery scales and wearing black colored clothing that could be considered to be for combat uses. As the idaran steps outside and leaves the exit ramp he looks around the spaceport.
Kethren comes wandering in from town, idly munching from a bad of dough knots. The calico on his shoulder is clutching a chunk of knot, munching away. The usual penguin and guard bring up the rear. As they do.
Qraco'Xar walks further into the starport, away from the shuttle that lifts off to his next pickup. The idaran Walks slowly looking around the starport. Most people try to avoid him as much as possible walking around him with a large circle.
Speaking of things people like to avoid, the Limbics have arrived. At least half a dozen spiderbots of varying sizes come scuttling out of a hatch in the IND Temperantia, and start a very obvious and regimented reconnaisance pattern. Amusingly, two of the smaller ones scuttle right by the Idaran with hardly a chirp, but noisily 'tag' a toddler stickily eating a lollipop with a couple of concerned little buzzes. Danger, it seems, is in the eye of the beholder. Once the 'patrol' is complete, they scuttle back up the Temperantia's docking ramp, and Leucohyle pads carefully out of the ship, squinting in the light. "...well. At least the weather is clement," she mutters to herself in her fluting little voice, and walks in a path mathematically designed to bring her towards Kethren whilst avoiding anything who may be sticky, dirty, smelly, germy, or all of the above.
Qraco'Xar looks with interest at the spiderbots doing their thing. As there gone and has noticed there owner he thinks a bit to himself while looking around some more.
Kethren waves at the approaching Leu "Afternoon there. Have a safe trip?"
Leucohyle blinks a few times at Kethren. "Of of course. Sigma is driving. I have had zero instances of failure so far. And and they said there was no way I could create a nonsapient program that could anticipate every possible obstacle." She utters a small, affronted 'pip'. "I I would say I have showed them, however it would in fact take beyond all of my doubters' lifespans to prove that there is a consistent theoretical zero point of failure but those are, as I believe they say, the breaks. I I rather do not wish to share my programming secrets with naysayers, regardless. Right so er. Right. What have you, what have you got for supplies for me, hmm?"
Kethren nods "Yes, of course. For now, what we have coming is a crate containing two dozen half pint jars of the local honey. Should be here in a minute or two. We can of course, box up some more things if there's anything you'd like. Care for a dough knot?" Floriana just chitters a bit between bites of her own scrap of knot. Wark!
Qraco'Xar walks closer towards Leu and Kethren. He nods kindly to kethren as he recognizes him from his earlier visit to Baile. Seeing as the two are starting a conversation he doesn't say anything as he doesn't want to interrupt anything.
Leucohyle looks somewhat suspiciously at the offered foodstuff. "Is it made with bleached or or quote unquote enriched flour? I er, generally only eat whole and sprouted grains. Better for the digestive system." Pause. "Thank you for the er, the honey order, do you, do you have an accessible inventory I could peruse for some of your other available nonperishable products?" Another pause. "I do believe that male Idaran is making a gesture of greeting in your general direction."
Kethren chuckles "These're whole wheat. I find it tends to have better flavor than most other varieties." As he takes a bite of knot, he lets his eyes slip out of focus for a moment "Just forwarded a copy of said inventory to your pda for leisurely perusal.... I do believe you are right, though." So he offers a wave to yon Idaran. "Afternoon!" Wark.
Qraco'Xar smiles as he is greeted. "Good afternoon Sir, Ma'am. I hope I am not interrupting your conversation?" The idaran asks.
Leucohyle musters up a smile of her own to return to the approaching Qraco'Xar. It's a bit wobbly. Seems to be out of practice. She blinks back at Kethren, and almost immediately, words and images start scrolling across the lenses of her holospectacles. "Ah yes thankyouverymuch this is very helpful." Pause. "And yes I I would like one of these pastry knot items if you please." She rummages a napkin out of a pocket. In the background, Omicron, the stalwart security bot, is ensuring that a five foot radius clear of errant passersby continues to surround the little clone. "Hello," she finally says to the Idaran. I'm Leucohyle Amalia Hall, genetic offspring of Doctor Alastair Rhys Callum Hall, and we are beholden to no planet or or government so I've no interest in discussing military matters if-you-please."
Kethren nods as he holds out the bag o knots so that Leu can pluck out one that suits her. "I'm beholden to this planet and its government, but I'm not particularly interested in military discourse, either."
Qraco'Xar nods as Leu introduces herself. "I'm Qraco'Xar, of the Qun'tilu. Since the news of the dominion's down fall I have been exploring the universe. I am not here for military matters. However those spiderbots did spark an curiosity in me."
"Well that's -delightful-, because the last representative of your species continued to attempt to recruit me for a good seventy-eight minutes -after- I expressed my disinterest and I nearly had to call station Security to to escort her out. It was -very- unpleasant. Also I do not generally -measure- time, as due to constant advances in genetic and medical science my lifespan has become inestimable, however if I -were- able to demand a refund for the portion of my lifespan she wasted, I most certainly would," Leucohyle pipes, prissily selecting a pastry knot and dusting a portion of the spiced sugar carefully onto her napkin before taking a nibble. "The er, robots are my productions, I I design and manufacture them myself, well at at least I -did-, out of Hall Laboratories on Comorro which has alas since gone missing. I have a limited manufacturing capability from the workshop on my ship but my ability to process complex orders has become somewhat limited. However at the er, at the moment I am capable of producing the Observational and and Security models, both of of which are available for live demonstration."
Kethren chuckles "Ah, that brings back memories. Was still getting confetti out of my hair a week later." Floriana barely holds her grip on his shoulder as she's clearly laughing at the image. Wark!
Qraco'Xar smiles en thinks a bit. "Observation and Security, both sound interesting. Especially considering my species history in this world. what more could you tell me about them?" he asks curiously and gives a smile seeing floriana's reaction.
"The Observational Limbic," Leucohyle pipes, and as if on cue one of the walnut-sized robots comes scuttling over her shoulder and down her arm, "Is a compact unit that is watertight to three metres and can scale uneven or porous surfaces at any angle. Nonporous or sheer surfaces require the usage of the optional silicone appendage tips." She flips the little robot over, revealing its lens-studded underbelly. "Recording capabilities include audio, visual, and still images, with facial and item recognition software designed to work with either verbal commands or neural implants. One or more Observational Limbics may work in conjunction with each other and holoviewer software to create three-dimensional maps and schematics via photomosaic coordination technology."
Kethren calmly scratches Floriana to calm her down whilst the sales pitch is going on.
Qraco'Xar Looks to the little robot Leu shows. "Very interesting. A half dozen of those, could help me keep an eye out on my surroundings." he says and thinks a bit. "Do they come with some form of recharging station? and what about the viewer software? You see,... I'm currently without a decent transportation of my own. So this system would work best if I can easily carry it with me. Unless you have a better solution?"
"I I can construct a variety of recharge solutions depending upon your situational needs. We have kinetic, solar, standard electric, and replaceable battery. A belt charger can house, recharge, and receive data from the average squad of four Limbics," Leucohyle continues, in her little fluting voice, as she starts to walk the walnut-sized spiderbot up and down her hands. "The data they produce is compatible with Image Maker XII, PhotoLive versions 0.11 to 90.1.13, HoloProject NOW! both Lite and Full versions, and all ToggleView compatible security systems." There is a small pause, as questions catch up to answers. "I I would recommend a group of either four or eight as the units operate on latitudinal and longitudinal x,y coordinates which are actually less compatible with variables of of six. Elevation is is classified as a separate variable for three dimensional mapping."
Kethren nods as a few of the larger citizens come walking in toting that crate of honey, as they look around a bit questioningly as to where it should be deposited.
Qraco'Xar listens some more to Leu's words and thinks while she speaks. "I see. I don't think I have any of those programs so I'd like them to be delivered as well if I buy those... limbic's from you. Is there a way to get it into a backpack system? or maybe into another of your robot models?"
Qraco'Xar listens some more to Leu's words and thinks while she speaks. "I see. I don't think I have any of those programs so I'd like them to be deliverd as well if I buy those... limbic's from you. Is there a way to get it into a backpack system? or maybe into an other of your robot models?"
"You you can purchase any of those programs via your PDA. I I do not have licensing for any of them and have so far had no interest in creating imaging s-software, sir," Leu pipes on, as Iota the Conveyance 'bot scuttles over to the slightly confused teamsters and taps its forelimbs on the ground to get their attention. "Yes, the Conveyance model Limbic can have its cargo compartment altered to instead house up to eight four-unit 'squads' and and they can be charged from its power reserves or via solar linkup. You you can purchase a solar 'umbrella' from any non-primitive household goods shop. What what becomes -problematic- here, er, sir, is that as previously stated my entire workshop has gone -missing-, so my resources are just about nil."
The teamsters blink at the attention seeking spider bot, and with a collective shrug, deposit the crate on the ground for whatever fate is in store for the honey.
Qraco'Xar notices The Iota bot move motions his head to it. "Is that one of those Conveyance bot's? It looks very practical as a mobile base for the Observational Limbic." he says and thinks a bit more. "and a total of 32 units sound more than enough to help me keep an eye out on my surroundings. How long would they be able to operate without a recharge? The Conveyance model with the limbics?"
Iota is incapable of sighing, but there is a brief flexing of limbs before it scuttles over to the crate and levers the thing onto its back, using half of its limbs to hold the crate and the other half to scut-scut-scuttle slowly back towards the Temperantia. Leucohyle nods, and a green-screen view of Iota's path can be seen flickering across her holospecs. "The the Conveyance model is capable of using either its own battery or a quarter tank measure of polydenum-based ship fuel to operate, and and it can 'go' for approximately one solar week between charges. The Observationals do -not- utilize external fuels but can operate for one week on simple surveillance, three quarters of that time gathering still images and audio, and and half the time gathering video and and audio. If if I -am- to produce any of these items for you sir you would be advised that the the responsibility of resource gathering would fall upon yourself although I can refer you to Mister-Kethren here who is not only a reputable resource manager but also has experience with the qualities and quantities of the the materials I need to work with."
Kethren nods "Oh, indeed. Been gathering materials for Leu's bots from the night I rifted in. Though it is a lot easier these days now that I've got Kail with me." Wark!
"Very interesting." Qraco'xar says. "so... correct me if I am wrong but it sounds like the price for the creation of your limbic systems would be the materials Mister Kethren will collect. So I would only need to pay him whatever he asks for his collection services?"
"There is a moderate charge, sixty-five in-universe credits each, for the resources I will expend during the production, such as solder, lubricants, polishing, etcetera, but I have no logarithm available to put a price on my time as my lifespan no longer has an estimable end. Which of course may chance if Comorro is not recovered, but I say that's not much of a reason to jump to defeatist and summarily stingy conclusions as-of-yet," Leucohyle pipes, sinking briefly into thought. "Also the er, Conveyance Limbic requires one hundred additional credits for construction as I -will- have to hand-machine the parts and that is quite the onerous labour and and tends to wear out my er, my er tools. You see."
Kethren listens quietly to the chatter, and nods at the teamsters who go on their way to do whatever it is they do when not delivering honey.
Qraco'Xar nods. "I think I can get that amount of credits together. Before delivery that is. I currently do not have that amount since I haven't found a job yet." he says and thinks to himself.
Leucohyle blinks a few times, and then shrugs. "Oh that's absolutely fine, you can purchase the order piecemeal, etcetera, and and you may discover upon partial delivery that you do not need a very large amount. A four-unit squad of Observationals, after all, could mosaic-map this... well this spaceport in about five hours. An initial threat assessment o-only takes ten minutes. Ten and a half if if you'd like to look for specific persons. I've I've even worked out a a preliminary programme whereupon the charger base program can aggregate local news stories and and notify you of suspicious personages ahead of time. It's it's very convenient when you'd like to go somewhere without, you know, some manner of legal kerfluffle breaking out."
Kethren nods "We of the Danu Chroi council do not approve of people causing shenanigans of dubious legalitiy in our borders."
Qraco'Xar nods to Leu. "I see. while a four unit squad would be able to do it in 5 hours, but more could do it faster." He says and look to kethren. "I'm not here to cause trouble sir. That's why I think this system could work to help me out avoiding those situations."
Leucohyle tucks the little Limbic into a pocket, and nods in agreement before turning to Kethren. "I I have perused your active inventory, and and would like to order a six weeks' supply of: freeze-dried local fruit, assorted, freeze-dried vegetables, also assorted, dehydrated and condensed milk products, herbivores only, and any of your bread products that are deemed suitable for long-term frozen storage." Pause. "Please." She blinks a few times before turning back to Qraco'Xar. "A-also be advised that any amount larger than eight Observational Limbics deployed at one time has a a ninety-seven percent chance of inciting panic in sapient populations other than B'hirans and Phyrrians."
Kethren nods to Leu "It'll take about a day to get all that together, but I'll get right on that and make sure nobody screws up the order." then smirks a bit "Never understood the general dislike of the spider-bots."
Qraco'Xar nods at Leu's tip. "Thank you for your advice ma'am. I'll take it into consideration. when deciding on the amount I'd like to order." he says and thinks a bit. "B'hirans,... I have heard about them before."
Kethren nods as he reaches down to scratch the penguin at his side. "Yep. Big spider folks. The ones I've met were nice enough."
"ah right of course." Qraco'xar says. "Now I remember. Interesting species, considering they are bigger than anything I have seen before of their kind."
Kethren stretches a bit, letting his eyes slip out of focus for a little longer this time. "Yep. Rather large. But then, so are a lot of people in this universe."
Qraco'Xar nods "Perhaps so. But to be honest The B'hiran's interest me mostly because of there evolution. How did they become so big in the first place."
Kethren shrugs "No idea. Just know they are."
Qraco'Xar smiles. "I think I will try to find out about that. I'll put it on my list of things to do." He says and takes out his pda and writes something down on it.
Kethren nods "Good to have priorities."
Leucohyle snaps out of whatever digital reverie she happened to have been in and rattles off a very large quantity of genetic-science babble ending in "ideal species-environment evolutionary track."
Qraco'Xar nods smiling. "Indeed. they are required to get things done. Even thought I am nno longer in the military I do aproache most things as if they are still missions I need to do."
Kethren nods to Leu "Yeah, that sounds about right."
"Priorities are are very important," Leu agrees with a nod, and then furrows her brow in thought. "Er anyways have you a personal data device? I I can transmit my contact information to you and and you can reach me when you are able to fund your commission, yes?"
Qraco'Xar nods and adds some extra information on his pda. "Sounds like something a sientist would say alright. I'll still make a visite to their home thought." He says and nods to Leu's question holding up his pda. "You mean one of these?"
Kethren nods to Leu "I've already put the order into the system, so barring a sudden typhoon or something, it'll be ready in the morning."
Leucohyle blinks at Kethren. "I did not see anything in your seasonal reports or predictions or trends about typhoons," she pipes, absolutely straight-faced. Somewhat absent-mindedly, she adds, "Oh er yes sir please open your incoming port and and I will transmit my details to your unit."
Qraco'Xar nods to Leu and looks trough his PDA's fucntions. "ahm... lets see where was that again." He says working his way trough his menu's. "ah this should be it." he says and presses some functional buttons. "I hope that did it."
Kethren nods to Leu "Right. So the odds of a typhoon being a problem on this order are pretty low."
Leucohyle's eyes flicker out of focus, and her contact details pop up on the other PDA. She peers, unfocused, at Kethren. "W-were you making a whimsy, just there, with the the comic exaggeration of the probability of catastrophic weather occurrences?"
Qraco'Xar giggles a bit as he saves the contact details into his pda.
Kethren reaches up to scratch Floriana a bit "Yeah, pretty much. There is of course always the possibility of freak weather occurances, but I wouldn't put money on it. Not with Floriana this calm."
It looks like Leu is trying to muster up a couple of 'pip's of amusement but they don't quite make it to the surface. It's not that she looks -annoyed-, it's just that she knows there's supposed to be humor there but it's just that bit out of reach. "Aaah, I see. Well, er, yes. You've, what's the phrase, 'got me' there. Well played, etcetera."
Qraco'Xar smiles and puts his pda away. "thanks for the info miss."
Kethren yawns a bit "Well, I better get going. Need to get something resembling a meal, and there's much work to do. Always more work to do... sigh." Wark.
Leucohyle nods to Kethren. "All, all right. I will remain parked here until the delivery is complete and well then I'll likely go back to LCX, so if if you've some time to gather up Mister Galactix or anyone else to discuss planetary survey options I'll be easy to reach."
Qraco'Xar looks around. "well sicne where all parting ways I think I will look around a bit more myself. I will see you two some other time." he says bowing a bit and leaving to go into the city.
Kethren nods to Leu on his way out "I'll let you know I manage to get anything useful arranged."