Merv’s Missiles
As you approach the sector, a hidden space lab appears and its transponder ID displays the name, “Merv’s Missiles or Arken’s Arsenal.”
“Captain, we’re receiving a message from an automated source,” your crew member informs you.
You nod in acknowledgement and they patch the message through to your comm system.
The view screen changes to what looks like a commercial. The camera zooms in on the lab before shifting to an interior shot of a man wearing a lab coat with a clear dome over his brain, and a third eye in the center of his forehead. “Welcome to Merv’s Missiles or Arken’s Arsenal, your new favorite place for purchasing weapons of destruction. With my advanced brain power and, and the tireless work of my robotic workforce I can make more and better weapons than anyone else. Need to take out targets hiding around corners? Want to hit multiple enemies at once? Or perhaps make a statement with a freeze ray? I am here to assist for a reasonable cost. Our product catalog is being transmitted now. If you choose to dock with us, we will roll out the red carpet for you.”
“That was unusual.”, are the first words out of your mouth.
“Sir, the catalog has been received.”, your crew member reports.
You respond, “Let’s see what they have to offer.”
The first thing you notice is that the catalog is titled, The Book of Armaments. Upon skimming through the catalog, you notice all the standard items such as missiles, blasters, and shield piercing modifications. However, there are also some new additions such as a freeze ray that inflicts ice damage instead of traditional harm, an automated defense system that retaliates against attackers, long-range missiles capable of launching from greater distances, and even a drone missile programmed to navigate around obstacles. They also offer armored missiles designed to withstand debris and asteroid fields. And then there is their high-end creation: Merv’s MIRVed Missile (Multiple Independently targetable Reentry Vehicles), which boasts the ability to strike multiple targets simultaneously. As a convenience, they also sell energy rods. The catalog mentions ongoing development of new weapons as well.
Do you choose to dock with the lab to learn more about their inventory, or just keep on flying.
Dock with the lab, read/listen to Story 40.
Just keep flying and continue with the rest of your turn, but the first ship that does dock with the lab should read/listen to Story 40.