<div class="quoteheader"><div class="topslice_quote"><a href="https://elliquiy.com/forums/index.php?topic=175379.msg8308292#msg8308292">Quote from: icecradle on 29-05-2013, 23:58:26</a></div></div><blockquote class="bbc_standard_quote">Is that a sneaky Red Dwarf reference I see there?<br/></blockquote><div class="quotefooter"><div class="botslice_quote"></div></div><br/>Actually, no, just made it up off the top of my head.  I'm not familiar with Red Dwarf.  I'm not that familiar with the Andromeda Strain either, just thought it would be a nice play on words.  When the ship was being repainted, some pesky fungus got in the paint and discolored it as it was drying, hence the ship looks like it was stained.  Don't worry, it's not dangerous, just unsightly.  (and memorable)<br/><br/>-------------------<br/><br/><strong>We are so close to getting started I can almost taste it:</strong><br/><br/>So .. since many of our characters are from the Core, I think it would make sense to start them out on Bernadette ... the sight of my imaginary shipyard which has just completed an overhaul of the Andromeda.  Meanwhile, the original owner went out of business and couldn't pay the shipyard, which in turn sold the ship for the cost of the renovation to recoup what they had into it.  Our captain was Johnny on the spot with the necessary letter of credit, etc.<br/><br/>Now he has a ship full of fuel and nothing else.  And, he has until close of business the next day to remove it from the premises.<br/><br/>It is now the job of each of us to decide why his or her character is unemployed on Bernadette.  Here is a little something about the planet:<br/><br/><em>After the initial colonization of Londinum and Sihnon, Bernadette was the first planet to be terraformed and  settled by humanity. The only remaining ship that brought the folk who made the Exodus stands in the capital city of New Paris as a monument to their courage. The ark is a monstrous starship, at least five times the size of an Alliance cruiser. The sheer sight of the ark inspires all manner of awe and jaw-dropping. The inside of the ark is a museum containing information about the journey, and also information on the cultures and history of Earth-That-Was. The great ark is named Prometheus, after the legendary god who gave man fire.<br/><br/>Bernadette is a traditional launching point for those leaving to settle on other worlds. Settlers arrive here from other planets on the Core and make preparations to set off for a new life on the Rim.  Many businesses cater to these settlers, selling tools and supplies.  Best watch your step here. There is an  underground slave-trade on Bernadette. Settlers are captured and hauled off to work on terraforming stations. The slavers are smart enough to leave locals alone. They figure outsiders won’t be missed. Bernadette is also home to many  churches and religious groups. Buddhists and Christians rub shoulders with Islamic clerics and Hindu fakirs. In addition, the planet is home to a number of fringe cults and fanatical devotees.<br/><br/>Bernadette is a restricted landing zone. However, if you claim to be a settler or you have a group of kiddies on board for a field trip to see the ark, you’re usually welcome.</em><br/><br/>