1,001 Characters #10: Hermann Moonstarr

 

10. Hermann Moonstarr    3A4BA4    ex-Merchant 2nd Officer  Age 42 6 Terms

Skills: Computer-2, Electronics-1, Engineering-1, Pilot-1, Navigation-1, Streetwise-1, Steward-1, Jack-of-Trades-1, Bribery-1, Laser Pistol-1.

Benefits: Cr61,000, Laser Pistol, Low Psge, Pension: Cr6,000

Hermann was born and raised on Brulli, he and his creche mates were raised by the nanny bots until they were 18 years of age. At age 18 Brullians are given a choice, become a "Citizen" and enjoy a life of idyllic leisure, or embark upon a career as an "Exile". Strange as it seems Hermann thought he detected a note of distaste in Nanny 83551's vocoder when she talked of "Citizens", and when it came time for him to choose, he chose exile, rather than displease Nanny "Bessi", and while there was no obvious signs of pleasure at his choice, he sensed a subtle difference in the way he was treated by the robots from that moment on; a hint of deference perhaps. In any event he was quickly separated from his creche mates and for the very first time given private quarters. His training began almost immediately, he was tutored in electronics (Electronics-1) and engineering (Engineering-1). From there he was placed aboard a newly built 400 ton merchant ship the "Datta Meghe" where he underwent pilot training (Pilot-1), upon completion of which he was promoted to 4th Officer and assigned as the ship's pilot. Hermann was the only biological member of the crew, the remainder being robots, including the captain. Hermann's role aboard was to provide human insight, learn everything he could about the ship, it's role and the ins and outs of interstellar trade. Additionally it was expected that he would one day take over command of the ship. While his first term was relatively uneventful, it did include his first jump across the stars and his first meeting of non-Brullian people, both of which were pretty exciting events for him. His second term saw Hermann and the Datta Meghe continue to trade goods and resources between Brulli and nearby star systems. Hermann also undertook the study of astrogation and also practiced navigating dirtside (Navigation-1). Having noticed the differences in his low gravity physique and that of the planet bound people he met, Hermann began a physical exercise regimen during his third term, that plus the constant exposure to higher gravity both aboard ship and dirtside helped him gain some muscle (+1 STR), he also had his first encounter with the black market which was an eye opener, and proved to be an ongoing association as some goods were no longer legally available on some worlds (Streetwise-1), his success at locating and securing an ongoing source of these extra-legal goods earned him a promotion to 3rd Officer. At the end of his third term there were hints in the robot crews speech and behaviour that something was wrong, in fact the ship was held in drydock for a considerable amount of time and Hermann was confined to quarters during this period. Hoping to find out the reason, Hermann began investigating the computer records and quizzing the robots about the situation. Apparently the black market dealings had been discovered by law enforcement and the ship and crew were wanted for questioning on several worlds. Also, dismantling had apparently been the standard response to this issue in the past. Hermann wasn't sure how comprehensive the dismantle order was to be, but he did not look forward to the possibility that it might extend to him as well. Therefore he suggested that since the robots were essentially mobile computers, and Brulli had the highest technology in the region, that an effort to doctor the computer records to remove all references to anything relating to the Datta Meghe, one Hermann Moonstarr, and Brulli itself, should be made (rolled exactly 4 to re-enlist). The idea was immediately taken up by the powers that be on Brulli and Hermann was put through a thoroughly comprehensive computer course and sent on a secret mission in a copy of a Moni scout ship, to the worlds in question. He had the needed tools and funds to gain him access to the law enforcement computers of several worlds and reprogram and/or overwrite all necessary data contained within (Computer-1), it took a while but he got the job done without being caught, thanks in part to the high-tech equipment he was issued and his own ingenuity (INT-9 and EDU-A). Term four saw the Datta Meghe and newly promoted 2nd Officer Hermann Moonstarr, back out in space, plying the trade lanes again. In actuality Hermann had surreptitiously inserted a self erasing subroutine into the main computer on Brulli, just prior to the usual promotion period, which ensured his promotion to 2nd Officer (rolled a 9 for promotion, but used a +1 for INT-9+), (also Computer-1). During this term the ship and crew encounter some significant and varied problems and thanks mainly to Hermann's quick wits and intuitive thinking, he and the crew were able to overcome them with little damage or loss (JoT-1). Continued service (5th Term) saw Hermann dealing with corrupt officials in a number of situations (Bribery-1). Towards the end of the term he began to notice a loss of stamina, probably due to spending a lot of time aboard ship and letting robots do most of the work (Aging: -1 END). Therefore he resolved to do more work during jump periods and took an active part in catering to the passengers and inadvertently discovered a love of cooking (Steward-1). At the end of this term Hermann was, much to his surprise, discharged from service. His robot ship's captain, simply stated that "You have failed to earn promotion to captain. A new Exile has been chosen to enter service aboard this ship. This Exile will replace you. Thank you for your service, Exile Moonstarr. A pension of Cr6,000 for you is to be paid annually, and is collectable at any class A or B starport on the first day of each year. Please disembark here, and do not return to Brulli" with that the captain turned to leave, but turned back for a moment to add "and...... it has been..... a.... pleasure...... Hermann".

While this was happening another robot crew member, had walked by and placed Hermann's packed bags at the foot of the ramp.

Hermann is currently standing at the Starport (any class A, B, C, or D starport will do) with his bag in hand watching the Datta Meghe lift off. He has no idea what to do now. He has just been abandoned by the only beings he has ever really called family and is watching his home for the last 24 years, disappear into the sky above.

    Brulli    0507     A000203-G    Ni As    G    

Referee: Brullian society is a small one, numbering only a few hundred people, all of whom exist in a state of idyllic bliss, with all their needs and wants met by their robotic servants. Children are gestated in vitro, they are decanted and raised by robotic "nanny bots", who see to their well being and education. At 18 years of age, all Brullian children are expected to make a choice between the idyllic life of a citizen or to accept exile and undertake a career. Very few choose exile. Brullian Exiles are never allowed to enter Brullian society and thus they will never again see their creche mates. As it turns out Exiles are also never allowed to return to Brulli either, what happens if they do, is up to you as the referee. I added the World Tags (from Stars Without Number) Hatred and Secret Masters to Brulli. Who the Secret Masters are and who hates whom I leave up to you. I do have a vague notion that it's the robots who hate the "Citizens", i.e. Hermann detecting a note of distaste in his Nannybot's vocoder when discussing "Citizens" and perhaps a bit of sympathy for the Exiles. as exhibited by the parting words of the Captain of the Datta Meghe.

Mustering Out: Since his career ended so abruptly, I ruled that most of Hermann's mustering out rolls were results of continued study and learning applied during his 6th term. He took three rolls on the cash table and the other 5 on the benefits table: +1 Int, Gun (laser pistol), Low Passage, +1 Int and Gun again (this time Laser Pistol-1 instead of an actual weapon).