Thoughts On - Eco Warriors 3

 Hi Everyone,

                     Cop 27 has finally rolled around. I was keen to hear what progress had been made since COP 26 in Glasgow had departed from the headlines. As many protesters had predicted, we are still showing the highest levels in methane and CO2 emissions. In other words, "Bugger All!". With another year wasted.

The political leaders will cite the assorted problems we have had in the last year, such as the war and the energy crisis, the UK election and the following fiasco of a budget. Their response was to go back on the same old solutions that got us into a mess in the first place. Start a new coal mine "But it will be very efficient, promise". Start a new nuclear power plant "It will be ready in about 15 to 20 years, all being well and within budget, promise" . To the energy companies, "Here are 101 licences to drill for more oil in the north sea, have fun! We won't mind if you spill a bit now and then."

BIGWIGS  Take Note, We are all out of Magic Wands, You need to fix it 

What they should be doing is change to a coalition government to stop all of the squabbling between them, pump more money into battery research and manufacture, boost jobs, increase renewable energy sources, including hydro power. If every bridge had a water wheel under it, we would have more power than we could shake a stick at. Make as much of them out of recycled materials as possible.

There is no planet B, we are here to stay

I do wish COP 27 well, its aim is less promises, more actual dosh on the table. Good luck with that at the moment. The developing countries say give us some dosh, we are not to blame for this. Which is true. To be fair, we have been giving them aid in one form or another, when it suits us, through charities etc. Hopefully, they can come to some sort of agreement. We are all in this together, as some folks seem to forget.

Another Lightbulb Moment

UK Science and research seem to think their funding will be cut in the latest funding review. Another short sighted move. We have world renowned science teams, but they can only produce results with a steady assured flow of money. Once the money stops, the "boffins" are poached to other countries where they get more pay and perks, then investment in this country goes somewhere else. When the breakthrough comes along, we have to buy it off them, instead of being able to sell it to them. Idiots. The politicians are supposed to be well educated, act like it.

Finally

A well known saying from the Second World War comes back into everyday use , "Turn that light off !". Good advice.

Ivor Cogdell

Thoughts On - Disaster Strikes

 Hi everyone,

                      It had been a disaster of a week, in fact, not to put too fine a point on it, it had been a double whammy last week. To start with, my email account was hacked and the site was totally deleted by two despicable souls, who should be locked up in a small smelly cell, with the key dropped in the nearest bottomless pit. On top of that calamity, I finally discovered that I had been made redundant.

                     I could not have been zapped at a more unfortunate time, so I hope they are happy with themselves. All of the communications about my pending redundancy had gone to my email, which then got wiped before I saw them. Not that the cherubs in the "Human Resources" team had any idea of my problem, of course. I had not any clue as to what was going on when my timesheet went blank when I went to check my shift for the following day. I knew that some others in my team were leaving; but since I  had not received any notifications over any of the other channels to say that I was being "Ramped Down", as they put it in political speak land. Just call it redundancy and be done with it. The bigwigs had left my team leader in the dark too, so he could not confirm or deny what the situation was.

                    Once I had got another email up and running, numerous emails were sent off, followed by frequent calls to automated helpdesks that just requested me to send an email instead. I tracked down the number of another local branch and after confirming my id, they were able to state that I WAS one of those that had "Walked the plank" off the pirate ship.

                      I am now beginning my search for the next way to earn myself a crust. I have an updated CV to pass on to my agency recruitment team and look forward to when I can be a productive member of the community once more.

Time will tell.

Regards to one and all, as the showbiz folks say, "Break a leg", if you are job hunting like me.

Ivor Cogdell

P.S. The printer is running out of ink to print my CV. It's a good job we have the net, too, otherwise, I would be stuck.

Staycation

 Hi Everyone,

                    I've got a staycation going on at the moment. I have had a ride along our local river bank and a ride from Berkswell, going towards Meriden and then swinging over to Henley in Arden on Saturday. I first did this route on foot 40 years ago with some walking pals of mine. My journey crosses the HS2 high-speed rail route, now under construction, so I wanted to see it once again in its mostly unspoiled state. Looking at an online map, I see they have had to change the walking / cycling "Green Route" to Kenilworth as well. The start is on the south side of the tracks, in a club car park, and across a couple of fields before you get back on the normal route. 

                      One of my workmates put me on to "Fall Guys" - the PC game. I have not had a chance to download it yet, but it looks fun on the mobile clip I saw. I just hope my poor old PC can take the strain.

I had the chance of going to a blues session tonight, but it was an outdoor event, so I gave it a miss, there was a 70% chance of rain.

 I did a bit to my "Nations Battle" today. I was working out what occurred in turn five, which was a bit of a slow nightmare for me since I was so rusty at it. I still have a couple of elements to work on. Time for dinner. I shall give it a go another day.

Regards,

Ivor Cogdell

Holiday break

 Hi Everyone,

                     It's holiday time again. I have just been for a few days in Blackpool with some mates. I have some more to take yet, but I'm not sure where to go yet, apart from it being down south, or exactly when. So if things slow down a bit, that's why. I have got a Firefly episode to post here. The garden needs doing too. I have a cold to boot.

Take care,

Ivor Cogdell

Update - 6 Sept 2022. I got some of the garden done. Also, see the Staycation entry.

Firefly - Jubal Early Turn 2a - Turn 4

 Hi Everyone

                    Here is my latest instalment of our Firefly Board game, with a bit of fluff thrown in the mix occasionally.

Turn 2 Player : Ivor.

Captain: Jubal Early. Age 24. Profession: Pilot Hire Cost: Free

Abilities: Bounty Hunter: +2 Fight when Attacking in Showdowns. May carry 2 gear.

Skills: Fight = 1, Tech = 1, Negotiate = 1.

Gear: Nothing.

Background : Jubal grew up on the mix of stations that make up Amnon Duul, ferrying cargo from station to station. Good at bargaining for jobs. Got into scraps with other cargo haulers. Studied the tech of what he was hauling to gain inside information of what was going to be the next big thing to be a hit with the punters.

Siblings: Sister - Grace Early, Works in Amnon Duul, Hab 4 Medbay. Currently as a porter, but studying for the Nurses entrance exams.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Crew

Rodrigo Ponsonby Cost: $100

Gun Hand: Merc, Expendable: When killed, discard instead of removing from play, Fight: 1

Ship Name: Yun Qi Warrant: None Outstanding.

Logo: A running Coyote in red.

Class: Firefly Series III

Special: None

Crew: 6 Hired: 1

Cargo: 8 cargo, 4 stash. (Available: 2.5 cargo and 4 stash)

Upgrade slots: 3 (Currently empty).

Drive Core: Radion Accelerator Mark I: 1 fuel to initiate full burn.

Max Burn Range: 5

Ship Cost: $7,800.

Cargo

0 Parts (Cargo 0)

4 Fuel (Cargo 2)

3 Contraband (Cargo 3)

Current Location: Space Bazaar.

Last Port: Space Bazaar

Maintenance Log :

Flight Certificate: In Order.

Grav Plates: Passed.

Sensors: Passed.

Air Pressure Test. Passed.

Drive: No radiation leakage.

Nav Comp: Calibrated and up to date.

Transponder Code : Newhall F.III. Mkr.455 E443392 .

Ship’s Log: Wiped.

Ownership - Jubal Early.

In Debt to Niska $12,000.00

Paid Back $0.00.

Funds $7,500.00.

Current Client: - Higgins

Waiting

Mud Run Muir Requires: N/A

Agent: Magistrate Higgins Type: Shipping / Legal

Pick Up: Harvest, Red Sun Details: Load 5 Cargo, Use 1 additional fuel to burn

Drop off: Muir, Blue Sun Details: Deliver 5 Cargo, Reward is $3000

Transport bonus + $500

Working

Ships Log

Turn 1:   Harvest, Red Sun

Magistrate Higgins is the final word of law on Higgins' Moon, a small moon that is a primary export of high-quality mud, used for clay and in ceramic substances with numerous applications. He treats his workers, known as "Mudders", harshly, almost as slaves, and hands out strict punishment to any who crossed him.

Desperate for funds you take up some Mud work for $200. Your available funds increase to $3,200.

You take the opportunity to approach Magistrate Higgins looking for more taxing and rewarding work.

You can choose the two following jobs:

• Mud Run Muir

• Mud Pipeline Liann Jiun

Turn 2: You decide to fly to Liann Jiun via the Space Bazaar. The Artificial Intelligence Auto-Loader decides that the most efficient action is to Work the Lian Jiun job and then fly. 3 heavy contraband are loaded aboard ship.

You burn two fuel as you set course for Lian Jiun. The ship trembles as you enter high order and burn rapidly toward Space Bazaar where extra fuel can be taken on board.

The journey starts quietly as you burn through the black. ‘What’s that noise?’ you ponder as the engine overheats. With no mechanic you desperately use a spare part to patch the problem. ‘Gorram parts ain’t free!’ you mumble as you continue your flight.

As you near your first point of call the Nav Comm alerts twice barks ‘Reavers on the hunt’. You look at the Nav Comm as Reaver Cutter 1 and 2 move slowly away from Reaver Space dropping small sensors in their wake.

 "Thankfully you see Space Bazaar ahead.

You see another Firefly called Jetwash entering space. As you cross paths the Artificial Intelligence Trader Interface sparks into life: ‘Would you like to trade?’ and a quick response ‘No, I’m penniless’ comes back from Murphy, captain of the Jetwash as the ship burns away in the direction of White Sun. "Maybe next time. Safe Landings, Watch out for them Reavers."

 Space Bazaar Control: "Yanky, you are cleared to dock at Lock 45." 

Jubal : "Thank you control, and its, "Yun Qi".

"That's what I said "Yanky." 

"Its pro.......Never mind. Thank you, Control, we have your nav beacons locked. Docking to Auto."

"Confirmed".

"Docking completed........... Checking Seals ........Confirmed. Welcome to Space Bazaar. Please have the usual documents and Med samples ready".

"Thank you Control. Will do."

Turn 3: As per your instructions you look to buy replacement fuel. The AI suggests replenish the 2 fuel spent in the burn and the 1 part for $500 total.

As part of the same action you can consider a total of three items for purchase from up to 3 visible items at the Space Bazaar and consider up to three random none advertised items. E.g. 3 random, 1 visible + 2 random, 2 visible + 1 random or 3 visible. You can then choose up to 2 items of the 3 to buy. This is a free action as you are buying replacement fuel.

You decide to hire a Gun Hand, a cheap mercenary called Rodrigo Ponsonby.

You use one fuel to burn toward Liann Jiun.

On the way you hear a distant signal, a call for help. Saying a prayer you slide on by. Then you notice the Alliance Cruiser moving stealthily in your direction, possibly interested by your contraband! Your ship lurches as the engine coil nearly gives out! You have to replace the whole damn mess, using both parts to keep flying.

Finally you arrive at Liann Jiun and touch down before any breaks!

Turn 4:  You work the job on Liann Jiun, offloading the contraband. As you do so you encounter an alliance check point. You can’t risk them digging in your records, but luckily neither you nor Rodrigo are wanted by the alliance so they let you proceed.

You gain $2,800 and become solid with Magistrate Higgins. You pay $100 to Rodrigo, his salary for completing the job.

"Let's see what's on the net and who needs something taking somewhere"..

"Vance Dorwitty, the celebrated HoloFlic magnate, was attacked today in SnapDuds Nightclub. His lawyer, Byron McPhee later stated it was a disgruntled fan who had not appreciated him sacking Goriana Sprocket from his latest series of "Beeforamoid for Two". It has not been announced who is to replace Miss Sprocket, but speculation has turned to .......".

Regards all,

Ivor Cogdell

P. S. All characters are totally fictional and in no way represent living or dead people or droids on this or any other planet, moon, space habitat or dwelling or craft.

P.P.S. I'm not sure if Richard has where we were up to on this. My copies were destroyed in my Email hack October 2022.

Firefly retains (C) Copyright. All Rights Reserved.

Firefly Nav Comp - Turn 2

 Hi Every body,

                         I'm not sure how big this graphic will come. It shows the positions of the three ships that are active at the moment.

You can follow along by reading The Signal.- Kindly provided Richard, our GM. Ricjhard and Kitty, his better half are flying the other two ships. His brother, John, may be joining us at some point. Which means there may be a couple of spare positions going. First past the post wins the spot.

 If you would like to join in the game please email me at ivorcogdell "at" hotmail . com with "Firefly Game 1 applicant" in the subject header. Please note, the turns are fairly frequent, one to two day intervals usually.

Regards all.

Ivor Cogdell

P.S.

Sorry, folks, this one sort of died a death due to work pressures, for the time being..

Firefly - The Signal (Where everybody is in the game) Chapter 1 Turn 0 - 2.

 

THE SIGNAL

The Firefly Initiative

A ship will bring you work, a gun will help you keep it. A captain’s goal is simple: find a crew, find a job and keep flying.

The Unification War resulted in a collapse of trade, particularly in the outer territories. To solve this problem Parliament has launched the Firefly Initiative.

Niska Shipyards at Ezra is selling ex-military hulks and Parliament are providing free registration for new captains willing to brave the black.

Already new ships have been sighted operating around the Space Bazaar and Harvest in Red Sun.

CHAPTER 1 - First Time in the Captain’s Chair

So you finally took the plunge and borrowed enough credits for a ship to call your own. You’re the master of your destiny and right now that destiny looks mighty uncertain! You’re in debt up to your eyeballs with a creditor that’s not the sort of man to be trifled with.

GOAL 1: Makin’ Friends: You ain’t gonna get far in the Verse without makin’ a few friends. It’s just good business.

To complete goal, be solid with two different agents. After completing this goal take a goal token.

GOAL 2: Seein’ Daylight: Carrying a heap a’ debt on your back is no way to live. Scrape together enough cash to get back in the black.

To complete goal, have $6,000 in hand and your first goal token. After completing this goal, take a second goal token.

GOAL 3: Feeding the Shark: Head over to pay off your loan shark. Adelia Niska is not a patient man.

The first player who travels to Ezra with two goal tokens and then pays the bank $6,000 wins this chapter. You own your ship free and clear.

Reaver Alert

Reavers are believed by most of the 'verse to be men that went insane at the edge of space and became savage. They stared into the void beyond and became what they saw: nothing. They gave into their primal nature and all that was civilized was discarded.

Reaver vessels have been sighted at the edge of the Burnham System. The Core Worlds of White Sun are safely guarded by Alliance forces, but the outer Colonies remain at risk. Caution is advised when travelling through Border or Rim Space.

Fly safe brave captains.

Alliance Patrols

Harken, the Alliance Agent is to be found aboard the Alliance Cruiser which is patrolling the White Sun area. Random checks of vessels within that area may occur leading to confiscation of illegal goods and possible fines.

An Alliance Corvette has been sighted at Cortex Relay 2 and is free to travel within any system, hunting down those who would do Parliament harm.

Most Wanted

The Alliance Cruiser patrols White Sun, however some miscreants still persist in a life of crime. Parliament have released their top three most wanted:

River Tam REWARD $4,000: Record Classified – Parliament level security clearance required. Target wanted alive. Caution: This young woman is armed and dangerous, use extreme caution. Last seen on Persephone. May be travelling with her brother Simon Tam.

Simon Tam REWARD $2,600: Wanted for the crimes of: Resisting arrest, impersonating an Officer, Criminal trespass, felony aiding and abetting and public indecency. Last seen on Persephone. May be travelling with his sister River Tam.

Crow REWARD $3,500: For the crimes of: Felony murder, premeditated murder, involuntary murder, aggravated murder and is armed and dangerous. Last seen on Regina. This ex-employee of Niska took it upon himself to start torturing and murdering those wanting to join the Firefly Initiative.

CHAPTER 1 – TURN 1

Harvest – Jubal Early worked mining high quality mud on the planet earning $200

Higgins, Harvest – Jubal Early obtained two jobs. (1) Transport 5 cargo from Harvest to Muir – Shipping / Legal – Reward $3,000 + $500 Transport bonus (2) Transport 3 contraband from Harvest to Liann Jiun – Smuggling / Illegal - Reward $2,800 + $500 Grifter bonus

Persephone – Womack purchases Security Interface Pad for $1,000 and an Enforcer Mercenary for $200

Badger, Persephone – Womack chooses a job: Transport 2 cargo from Persephone to Three Hills – Shipping / Legal – Reward $1,600 + $500 Grifter bonus +/- $500 based on negotiated test.

Space Bazaar – Murphy purchased Tracey an unlucky Grifter for $100 and Scrapper a dirty leech Pilot for $200.

Amnon Duul, Space Bazaar – Murphy obtained two jobs. (1) Transport 2 cargo from Bernedette to Shadow – Shipping / Legal – Reward $1,800 (2) Travel to Hera – Task / Legal – Reward $800 + $400 per Negotiate + $500 per Grifter

CHAPTER 1 – TURN 2
Harvest – Jubal Early worked the transport Harvest to Liann Jiun, loading 3 contraband.

Harvest to Space Bazaar – Jubal Early burned to the Space Bazaar. He had a slight mechanical problem along the way and the burn drew the attention of the Reavers. Their cutters moved slightly out from Reaver Space.

Persephone – Womack worked the transport Persephone to Three Hills and loaded 2 cargo.

Persephone to White Sun near Athens – Womack burned to White Sun near Athens. This burn drew the attention of the Alliance Corvette. Just as Womack was burning away from the Corvette the engines overheated. There was a fire and while bringing this under control the Enforcer Mercenary was fried and jettisoned into space.

Space Bazaar to Bernedette – Murphy burned to Bernedette, drawing the attention of the Alliance Cutter. The Operative in the Alliance Cutter intercepted Murphy at Bernedette and arrested Tracey the unlucky grafter. All other papers were in order and Murphy was released from custody.

Bernedette – Murphy worked the job loading two cargo.

(Hmmm - Not sure what happened here. Ivor.)

Ivor Cogdell