[Jmenschenfresser]

Chapter 2--Part 2
2402.0

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GOTH & FERRISS
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(F)--How's the gel shock covering?
(G)--Stress virtually zero. Thanks for watching out, Programmeer.
(F)--You're a fully fledged member of the Tribe now, Goth. We all know your comfort is essential to our survival. Do you have the scans of this system completed yet?
(G)--I do. Eppis Eppingi, several useable rock planets and several ice planets. No breathable atmospheres. Nothing unexpected. Are we going to set down in this system, Programmeer?
(F)--I was hoping you can tell me.
(G)--Atmosphere does not matter to me, you know that.
(F)--Sa'ah Command is pushing to venture further away from the Rellan systems. No doubt the Rellan will quickly move into Eppis Eppingi.
(G)--Calculations show an equal chance of find better worlds in the next system to finding worse conditions. Has the Command ventured to then sell the rights to Eppis Eppingi?
(F)--Negotiations are underway. Both parties are waiting on your complete scans. Would you send them upstairs, G?
(G)--Done. I've accessed the negotiation files.
(F)--You're not allowed, Goth!
(G)--There was no restrictioned placed upon them.
(F)--Because no one would come looking for them.
(G)--It would be wise if the Command allowed me to write standard encryptions and coding for such files. I've noticed that the data storage proceedures boarder on chaotic.
(F)--Yes, possibly, but don't tell them you've gone and tried to look at their files.
(G)--You forget, Programmeer. The files are in me. One could make the claim...
(F)--If you start making those types of claims, I doubt they'll let you live another five minutes.
(G)--Understood.
(F)--Ok...
(G)--Ok in what sense of the word.
(F)--Still having trouble with that one, eh. What's in the file, G? And while you are at it, restrict yourself from divulging the fact that you divulge things to me.
(G)--That's a round about way of saying, 'our little secret.'
(F)--Well, I never know if you are going to understand.
(G)--Rellan and Vellon are in negotiations. Neither wants to pay what Sa'ah want because there isn't an immediate gain in acquiring Eppis Eppingi. However, neither wants the other to have it. Since it is the terminus of this route through space, the value is strategic rather than as a place to call home. What was the name of he who first recommended me to enter the Tribe?
(F)--Htari, a friend of mine.
(G)--I am adding something to his recommendations for the negotiations.
(F)--You wouldn't.
(G)--Just repaying my debt, Programmeer.
(F)--What did you add?
(G)--Few graphs. Few statistics. Some convincing words, but you'll just have to wait and see.