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Our Fifth Annual Craft Show

Every Summer we have a craft show and raffle to raise money for our patient care fund. This is always a big event for us as lots of individuals and businesses donate baskets specifically to help our patient care fund. The day of the craft show will be extra special this year as we’ll have food on the grill and live music. Please be sure to come in and check out our raffle when it launches on August 17th during our Fifth Annual Craft Show and come in for the drawing on Labor Day. Have a craft you want to sell? Get a table for just $25 (which goes to support our patient care fund).

You can sign up for the craft show on line or in store.

We already have some great crafters lined up including lathed pens, a make and take jewelry table, 3D printed toys and gifts, and more. We even have one crafter that only wants to make tiny Jesus figurines. Apparently he only want to make a small prophet.

Of course there is another crafter coming that intends to make the dwarves from Snow White. Apparently he’s confident that he can make seven figures.

Organizing this craft show this year reminds me of the time I had the really unusual opportunity to organize Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson’s craft room. Unfortunately, I lost his scrapbook cutting tool. That’s right, I lost the Rock’s paper scissors. Hopefully I will still be able to find my scissors when this craft show is done.

I also want to encourage others to help us get some great baskets together for our raffle. There is going to be a basket with Steeler’s tickets, another with a whole bunch of 3D printed mystery gifts, a beautiful rocking chair with a hand made star blanket, and more. We would appreciate anything that people would consider making and dropping off at Lost and Found between August 10th and 17th. All proceeds from the raffle will go to the patient care fund. The raffle will begin selling tickets on August 17th and the drawing will be held on Labor Day, September 2nd at 4PM.

The tickets will be priced as follow:

1 ticket for $1
7 tickets for $5
16 tickets for $10
40 tickets for $20

Last year I won a baguette in a raffle. That made me the family bread winner.

I should talk about some of the things we have coming up in the not too distant future:

  • Friday, July 26th, 6:30ish – 9ish, Board Game Night ~ This has long been a tradition to come in on a Friday and have fun playing games.
  • Saturday, July 27th, 1PM – 3PM, Tech Help ~ We are a handful of tech heads that like technology and would like to help you with your stuff. We can help with cell phone, tablet, and computer problems/questions. We can talk with you about the latest tech like streaming TV, home security, cyber security, etc. This is all done for free, you just need to come in and ask for help.
  • Saturday, July 27th, 7PM – 8:30PM, Bereans Group ~ This group, which is open to the public, we always discuss tough theological questions and rarely come to consensus. This time we are discussing, ‘If we see another Christian doing something wrong what should we do?’.
  • Tuesday, July 30th, 7PM – 8:30PM, Bible Study ~ We are studying Second Corinthians and this week we will be studying Chapter 9.
  • Every Wednesday in August, 5PM – 7PM, Rings of Power – Season 1 ~ An epic drama set thousands of years before The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings, following the rise and fall of kingdoms and the re-emergence of evil in Middle-earth. We will watch the entire first season prior to the release of season 2 on August 29th.

  • Saturday, August 17th, 9AM – 2PM, Fifth Annual Craft Show ~ This year’s craft show will have lots of activities, grilled foods, raffle baskets, live music and more! This is our big Summer fundraiser, so stop in and check things out. You may register here or at our store.

Now for the part everyone always asks about, the actual food! Our soup is our very popular white chicken chili and our sandwich is a Reuben! Our specialty ice creams are Moose Tracks and Pistachio.

Thanks and God bless,
Sean

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Which mythical creature casts no reflection?

All of them, technically.

A mythical horse could be a unicorn or a even a pegasus…but what do you call a mythical cow?
Legendairy.

So this week’s topic is focused on mythical creatures, but after noticing a hand written note in the margins of Genesis chapter 8, I’m not quite so sure if the unicorn is mythical. The following is what I noticed:

Noah’s diary : Day 39.
Unicorn pie is delicious!

Some people, when they read my newsletters, worry that there is something wrong with me. With so many people expressing so much concern, I was worried that I was going insane…
…until the the leprechaun and the tooth fairy told me I was just fine.

I feel much better now.

I should talk about some of the things we have coming up in the not too distant future:

  • Wednesday, July 17th, 5PM – 7PM, How to Train Your Dragon ~ A hapless young Viking who aspires to hunt dragons becomes the unlikely friend of a young dragon himself, and learns there may be more to the creatures than he assumed. I was going to include a really long joke about a mythical fire breathing animal at this point, but it’d drag on.

We’ll also have some fun related toys at the store.

  • Saturday, July 20th, 1PM – 3PM, Tech Help ~ We are a handful of tech heads that like technology and would like to help you with your stuff. We can help with cell phone, tablet, and computer problems/questions. We can talk with you about the latest tech like streaming TV, home security, cyber security, etc. This is all done for free, you just need to come in and ask for help.
  • Saturday, July 20th, 7PM – 8:30PM, Bereans Group ~ This group, which is open to the public, we always discuss tough theological questions and rarely come to consensus. This time we are discussing, ‘What should a Christian’s attitude be towards entertainment?’.
  • Tuesday, July 23rd, 7PM – 8:30PM, Bible Study ~ We are studying Second Corinthians and this week we will be studying Chapter 7 and beginning Chapter 8.
  • Every Wednesday in August, 5PM – 7PM, Rings of Power – Season 1 ~ An epic drama set thousands of years before The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings, following the rise and fall of kingdoms and the re-emergence of evil in Middle-earth. We will watch the entire first season prior to the release of season 2 on August 29th.

  • Saturday, August 17th, 9AM – 2PM, Fifth Annual Craft Show ~ This year’s craft show will have lots of activities, grilled foods, raffle baskets, live music and more! This is our big Summer fundraiser, so stop in and check things out. You may register here or at our store.

I do want to take a moment and promote our upcoming raffle and craft show. Every Summer we have a raffle to raise money for our patient care fund. This is always a big event for us as lots of individuals and businesses donate baskets specifically to help our patient care fund. Please be sure to come in and check out our raffle when it launches on August 17th during our Fifth Annual Craft Show and come in for the drawing on Labor Day.

Now for the part everyone always asks about, the actual food! Our soup is our very popular white chicken chili and our sandwich is transitioning to a Reuben! Our specialty ice creams are White House Cherry and Pistachio.

Thanks and God bless,
Sean

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A senior center our pharmacy services must really love adult diapers.

When I was there I heard the staff was getting ready for another shipment. I heard them call it, “In Depends Day.”

As we get ready for another Summer holiday and a chance to gather and celebrate I wanted to let everyone know that not only are we going to have amazing grilled food, but we will also bring back karaoke.

I have an interesting story about the last time I sung karaoke. While I was up on stage looking over my options I heard Shannon talking to a soda jerk working at the counter.

Soda jerk: Is he any good?
Shannon: I don’t know, whenever he starts to sing at home I immediately go out to the front yard to do some yard work.
Soda jerk: Why’s that?
Shannon: That way the neighbors can see I’m not hitting him.

We also have a LEGO competition coming up on Saturday, July 6th and it made me wonder, ‘How do the LEGO figurines celebrate national holidays?’.
A: They have a block party!

So are up coming LEGO competition has a patriotic theme.

I should probably mention some of the things we have coming up in the not too distant future:

  • Tuesday, July 2nd, 7PM – 8:30PM, Bible Study ~ We are studying Second Corinthians and this week we will be finishing chapter 3 and beginning chapter 4.
  • Thursday, July 4th, all day, Independence Day ~ While this is truly something that goes on all day we will begin grilling delicious foods and having fun singing karaoke.
    • 11AM – 6PM, Grilling ~ We will be making our nearly famous hamburgers and a range of various loved tube meats.
    • 3PM – 4PM, Karaoke ~ Come and sing your favorite songs, or watch others sing their favorite ditties.

  • Friday, July 5th, 6:30ish – 9PM, Board Game Night ~ This has long been a tradition to come in on a Friday and have fun playing games.
  • Saturday, July 6th, 11AM – Noon,
  • Saturday, July 6th, 1PM – 3PM, Tech Help ~ We are a handful of tech heads that like technology and would like to help you with your stuff. We can help with cell phone, tablet, and computer problems/questions. We can talk with you about the latest tech like streaming TV, home security, cyber security, etc. This is all done for free, you just need to come in and ask for help.
  • Saturday, July 6th, 7PM – 8:30PM, Bereans Group ~ This group, which is open to the public, we always discuss tough theological questions and rarely come to consensus. This time we are discussing, ‘When is pride OK?’.
  • Wednesday, July 17th, 5PM – 7PM, How to Train Your Dragon ~ A hapless young Viking who aspires to hunt dragons becomes the unlikely friend of a young dragon himself, and learns there may be more to the creatures than he assumed.

  • Every Wednesday in August, 5PM – 7PM, Rings of Power – Season 1 ~ An epic drama set thousands of years before The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings, following the rise and fall of kingdoms and the re-emergence of evil in Middle-earth. We will watch the entire first season prior to the release of season 2 on August 29th.

Now for the part everyone always asks about, the actual food! Our sandwich is a chicken, pesto, and roasted red peppers panini (changing soon). Our soup is our extremely popular is about to change to our White Chicken Chili. Our specialty ice creams are Dark Chocolate Raspberry and Peanut Butter Twist.

Thanks and God bless
Sean

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Birthdays are good for your health

Studies have shown that people with more birthdays live longer.

This weekend is my lovely bride’s birthday, and as one of my student’s pointed out almost 17 years ago, calling her my better half under sells how amazing she is. What that student actually said was, “For all I know, she’s your better three-quarters.”

Neil’s words rang true in my ears, so ever since, I have consistently referred to Shannon as my better three-quarters. So with her birthday coming up in two days I really wanted to get her something with a lot of diamonds, but then I double checked our bank account and decided the only way I was going to accomplish that was to buy her a pack of playing cards.

Be sure to stop in and share your favorite rendition of a birthday song with Shannon. I always believe that the inclusion of phrases like ‘cha-cha-cha’, clapping, and zoo animal noises make most songs better.

I should probably mention some of the things we have coming up in the not too distant future:

  • Friday, June 7th, 6:30ish – 9PM, Board Game Night ~ This has long been a tradition to come in on a Friday and have fun playing games.
  • Saturday, June 8th, 1PM – 3PM, Tech Help ~ We are a handful of tech heads that like technology and would like to help you with your stuff. We can help with cell phone, tablet, and computer problems/questions. We can talk with you about the latest tech like streaming TV, home security, cyber security, etc. This is all done for free, you just need to come in and ask for help.
  • Saturday, June 8th, 7PM – 8:30PM, Bereans Group ~ This group, which is open to the public, we always discuss tough theological questions and rarely come to consensus. This time we are discussing is the Church an apostate.
  • Tuesday, June 11th, 7PM – 8:30PM, Bible Study ~ We just finished studying First Corinthians and we are getting ready to study Second Corinthians, but this Tuesday is a social night we are all going to sit around and enjoy good conversation while eating snacks. In other words, it’s a lot like our regular study night with more snacks.
  • Wednesday, June 19th, 5PM – 7PM, Ghostbuster: Frozen Empire ~ Bill Murray, Dan Aykroyd, and Ernie Hudson return to the Ghostbuster franchise along with Paul Rudd and others to try and save the world. Some one recently asked me if I thought a Ghost Buster would wear funny socks. I told them, “No. They would wear a pair a normal socks.”

Now for the part everyone always asks about, the actual food! Our sandwich is a chicken, pesto, and roasted red peppers panini. Our soup is our extremely popular Chicken Tortilla Soup. Our specialty ice creams are Coffehouse Cookies n’ Cream and Orange Blossom. Also, for a limited time enjoy our Elvis Milkshake at Lost and Found.

Thanks and God bless
Sean

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Memorial Day

Memorial Day last year was fantastic with the parade coming past our store. A level of pride could be seen in our community as everyone watched the participants. During the parade I overheard a kid’s question to his mother:

Kid: Mom, do soldiers ever go to heaven?
Mom: Of course they do! What makes you ask?
Kid: There are so many soldiers with beards but I never saw any pictures of angels with beards.
Mom: Oh, that’s because most vets who go to Heaven get there by a close shave.

Once again, the Penn Hills Memorial Day Parade will be coming past our store, and once again we are in an excellent spot to watch the parade as it makes its way from St Bart’s to the new Municipal Building on Duff. The parade starts at 11:00 on Monday the 27th, but they will probably close the roads about an hour in advance, so be sure to arrive early and enjoy some good company and amazing food. We’ll be making food on the grill including our nearly famous hamburgers, kielbasa, and all beef hot dogs. You can check out our order form in advance and start planning how you want to delight your taste buds. I would also like to let everyone know that the grills that I will be using were assembled in America. The box of components were imported, but I had to put it together myself in my garage.

While we all recognize the significance of Memorial Day, sometimes kids have questions. I remember one time when I had the opportunity to observe the following interaction:

A small boy was staring at the names on the wall of an old church when the pastor noticed him. “What are you looking at?” asked the clergyman. “All those names. Who are they?” the boy asked. The pastor nodded, and said, “They are the reason we have Memorial Day. They are those who died in the service.” The little boy considered that, then asked quietly, “The 9 o’clock service or the 11 o’clock?”

Now that I’ve gotten those jokes out of my system, I should probably take a moment and mention what else we have coming up in the not too distant future:

  • Friday, May 24th, 6:30ish – 9PM, Board Game Night ~ This has long been a tradition to come in on a Friday and have fun playing games.
  • Saturday, May 25th, 1PM – 3PM, Tech Help ~ We are a handful of tech heads that like technology and would like to help you with your stuff. We can help with cell phone, tablet, and computer problems/questions. We can talk with you about the latest tech like streaming TV, home security, cyber security, etc. This is all done for free, you just need to come in and ask for help.
  • Saturday, May 25th, 7PM – 8:30PM, Bereans Group ~ This group, which is open to the public, we always discuss tough theological questions and rarely come to consensus. This time we are discussing the New Jerusalem as discussed in the book of Revelation.
  • Monday, May 27th, 10AM – 6PM, Memorial Day Cookout ~ We are getting ready for a cookout to kick off the Summer season. Our menu for the day is already available.
  • Tuesday, May 28th, 7PM – 8:30PM, Bible Study ~ We are studying First and Second Corinthians. Feel free to come and join us for this study.
  • Wednesday, June 19th, 5PM – 7PM, Ghostbuster: Frozen Empire ~ Bill Murray, Dan Aykroyd, and Ernie Hudson return to the Ghostbuster franchise along with Paul Rudd and others to try and save the world.

Now for the part everyone always asks about, the actual food! Our sandwich is a chicken, pesto, and roasted red peppers panini. Our soup is our extremely popular Chicken Tortilla Soup. Our specialty ice creams are Super Berry Acai (made with oatmilk) and Coconut Chocolate Almond Ice Cream. Also, for a limited time enjoy our Elvis Milkshake at Lost and Found.

Thanks and God bless
Sean

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A pirate came to visit me.

I ran into an old friend at the soda fountain who I hadn’t seen in years. He had a peg leg, a hook for a hand, and an eye patch. I greeted him and decided to serve him myself so we could catch up. I couldn’t resist giving him a hard time about his appearance.

“When did you become a pirate, Keener?” I joked.

He replied with a laugh, “Aye Parsons, it was about twelve years ago.”

“Wow, I was just kidding you, but now I have to know. How did you lose your leg?”

Keener took a sip of his root beer. “‘Twas a terrible sea battle. I stood bravely, directly facing 12 cannons. All they managed to hit was my leg.”

“But what about your hook?” I inquired further.

Keener took another long swig. “Arrrr, twas the day the British navy caught me. They tied me to the mast, I escaped by gnawing my own hand off.”

I was growing skeptical. “And how did you get that eye patch?”

Keener took another swig. “Twas a mutiny. Me own crew left me marooned on a desert island. But I had no fear. I lay down on the sand to wait to be rescued. As I looked up, a seagull flew over and pooped in me eye.”

“That’s ridiculous.”, I scoffed. “No one loses an eye from bird muck.”

Keener finished his mug in one gulp, and grimaced. “Twas the first day with the hook.”

About then Keener noticed my dog. I introduced him to Xanax.

“It’s good to have a pet. Over the years I had a couple of pets on me ship.”

“Really, what were they.”

Keener replied, “Well first I had a parrot, but then it flew away.”

I asked, “Were you sad when it left?”

“Aye, it gave me the cold shoulder. Then I decided to get a dog.”

“What was your dog’s name?”

“I named him Plank, because I was always taking him for a walk.”

Keener and I carried on like this for awhile. Finally I asked, “So what brought you this far inland.”

“Well, spending so much time in the sun I had started to become concerned about some moles that I had noticed. This was the earliest appointment I could get with a dermatologist, but required me to come pretty far inland.”

“That might be the first honest thing you’ve said to me.”

Keener carried on as if I hadn’t said anything. “I told the doctor, ‘I have moles on me back aaarrrghh.’ The doctor replied, ‘It’s okay, they’re benign.’ So I responded ‘Count again, I think there be ten!'”

At this point, I really felt like I needed to save face with Keener, so I tried to share my favorite pirate joke. “What’s a Pirate’s least favorite letter?”

Before I could respond with the punchline, Keener pulled an envelope out of his pocket and handed it to me. The letter read:

Dear Customer,

Due to recent illegal activities that have been performed through your connection, your internet service has been permanently disconnected.

-Sincerely, your ISP.

Maybe I got a little carried away this week, but we just had a fantastic anniversary event at Lost and Found with a LEGO competition, live music on our stage, and lots of food on the grill. Our next big event is our movie night on May 15th when we’ll be showing Pirates of the Caribbean. Then, in two and a half weeks we’ll have lots of food on the grills again as the parade comes right past our pharmacy.

Let’s talk about what else we have coming up in the not too distant future:

  • Friday, May 10th, 6:30ish – 9PM, Board Game Night ~ This has long been a tradition to come in on a Friday and have fun playing games.
  • Saturday, May 11th, 1PM – 3PM, Tech Help ~ We are a handful of tech heads that like technology and would like to help you with your stuff. We can help with cell phone, tablet, and computer problems/questions. We can talk with you about the latest tech like streaming TV, home security, cyber security, etc. This is all done for free, you just need to come in and ask for help.  This does remind of the time I saw a pirate go to an Apple store. Apparently he needed an iPatch.
  • Saturday, May 11th, 7PM – 8:30PM, Bereans Group ~ This group, which is open to the public, we always discuss tough theological questions. This time our topic is ‘Debt’. It does remind me of where a pirate goes to get a good price on a hook. He goes to the second hand store.
  • Tuesday, May 14th, 7PM – 8:30PM, Bible Study ~ We are studying First and Second Corinthians. Feel free to come and join us for this study.
  • Wednesday, May 15th, 5PM – 7PM, Pirates of the Caribbean ~ We are watching fantastic movie that has spawned numerous sequels since it was released over 20 years ago.

Now for the part everyone always asks about, the actual food! Our sandwich is a chicken, pesto, and roasted red peppers panini. Our specialty ice creams is Moose Tracks, and for a limited time enjoy our Elvis Milkshake at Lost and Found.

Thanks and God bless
Sean

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Enjoy a burger with us this weekend

Shannon: So a big day is coming up.
Sean: Yes it is, I am really excited for May the 4th.
Shannon: Yep it’s International Star Wars Day and…
Sean: … our LEGO contest.
Shannon: Well yes and…
Sean: live music.
Shannon: Yes, but not really what I was hoping you would remember.
Sean: Oh, its an anniversary.
Shannon: That’s right. Which anniversary is it?
Sean: The anniversary of the first National Association Baseball League game.
Shannon: What?
Sean: Yep, Cleveland lost to New York on May 4th, 1871. It was a 2-0 shutout.
Shannon: I was hoping you would remember the store’s anniversary. It is the 8th anniversary of the store, but even cooler than that, it’s the 100th anniversary of the soda fountain equipment which was built in 1924!
Sean: Really?
Shannon: What do you do at our board meetings?
Sean: Mostly just doodle and try and make up jokes.
Shannon just shakes her head and walks away.

So on Saturday May 4th, we will be celebrating our anniversary event with a soda counter that is turning 100. Our counter has been visited by Elvis, Guy Lombardo, Babe Ruth, Richard Nixon, and other celebrities. To celebrate we will have food on the grill, a Star Wars themed LEGO competition, kids crafts, and live music. We will still have our Tech Help Group, and Bible Study as well. Also, be sure to stop in and say ‘Hi’ to Sasha, as it will be her first day back on the soda fountain.

Since it will be International Star Wars Day, it does remind me of a few Star Wars jokes.

Q: What is R2D2 short for?
A: Because his legs aren’t very long.

Q: How is Ducktape like the Force?
A: It has a Dark Side, a Light side and it binds the galaxy together.

I Have to admit the trying to come up with Star Wars jokes can be difficult. Sometimes they seem a bit too forced!

I should take a moment and mention what we have coming up in the not too distant future:

  • Tuesday, April 30th, 7PM – 8:30PM, Bible Study ~ We are studying First and Second Corinthians. Feel free to come and join us for this study.
  • Friday, April 19th, 6:30ish – 9PM, Board Game Night ~ This has long been a tradition to come in on a Friday and have fun playing games.
  • Saturday, June 3rd, All Day, 100th Anniversary ~ One hundred years ago a soda fountain set was built that has been visited by Babe Ruth, Elvis, and Nixon. We are celebrating its history this Saturday.
  • Saturday, May 4th, 11AM – 5PM, Cookout ~ Enjoy one of our famous hamburgers, and hangout with everyone.
  • Saturday, May 4th, 11AM – Noon, Star Wars themed Lego Contest ~ Elementary age kids can compete for free for the opportunity to win prizes. Fun will be had by all.
  • Saturday, May 4th, 1PM – 3PM, Tech Help ~ We are a handful of tech heads that like technology and would like to help you with your stuff. We can help with cell phone, tablet, and computer problems/questions. We can talk with you about the latest tech like streaming TV, home security, cyber security, etc. This is all done for free, you just need to come in and ask for help. This does remind me about a stormtrooper that bought an iPhone. Apparently he couldn’t find the droid he was looking for.
  • Saturday, May 4th, 4PM, Live Music ~ Come in and join us for some live entertainment.
  • Saturday, May 4th, 7PM – 8:30PM, Bereans Group ~ This group, which is open to the public, we always discuss tough theological questions.

Now for the part everyone always asks about, the actual food! Our sandwich is a chicken, pesto, and roasted red peppers panini. Our soup is a sausage gnocchi. Our specialty ice creams are White Hhouse Cherry and Peanut Butter Cup ice cream.

Thanks and God bless
Sean

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Story 93

Hidden Room

As you explore further, you stumble upon a hidden room tucked away in the depths of the factory. Inside, you find a dusty terminal flickering to life as you power it on. Lines of code flash across the screen, revealing fragments of intricate algorithms and complex neural networks.

With bated breath, you realize that this is where the heart of the AI research was conducted. This forgotten corner of the factory holds the key to unlocking the mysteries of HAL’s advanced artificial intelligence systems. As you delve deeper into the terminal, you uncover hidden files detailing the development of groundbreaking neural interfaces and cutting-edge machine learning algorithms.

The more you read, the more you realize the magnitude of the technological achievements made within these walls. It becomes apparent that HAL Industries was light-years ahead of its time, pushing the boundaries of what was thought possible in AI and robotics.

Just as you finish copying over the data that contains the missing components needed for Charles Truman and Dr. Merv Arken’s project, a faint noise startles you from your concentration. You shove the data fob into your pocket. Listening intently the sounds grow louder and more distinct. The whole factory sounds like it is turning on and the computer screen changes to show a glowing red circle. Invisible speakers intone, “Sorry Dave, I can’t allow you to do that.”

You can hear heavy machinery coming towards the door. You tap your comm, “I need a bar tender’s exit.”

“Sorry Dave, you’re not going anywhere.”

As the sounds of heavy machinery grows louder, you also hear the whine of your ship’s engines. Reacting quickly, you drop to the ground as two laser beams blast a hole through the wall, sending debris and dust flying. Without hesitation, you jump up and sprint towards your ship. You dive through the newly created opening into the open air lock, which is still cycling as you frantically tap on your communicator again. “Lay ions, we need to get out of here fast!”

Place the HAL marker on the Trans-Human Project goal card. Your next stop for this goal is the Trans-Human Project in Neo-Vostock.

When you arrive at the Trans-Human Project in the Neo-Vostock sector, listen to/read Story 88.

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Story 92

A gift for the man with everything

You arrive at the Kiln and find that the bald man is in his office in the rear of the Loan Shark’s business front. While waiting for admittance to his office, the crew that you know flies the Rep Omen are dragging a man with a disheveled and forlorn look. 

The door you’ve been standing outside of buzzes and softly clicks open. The bald man calls to your crew, “Enter.”

You walk in and see an impeccably dressed, broad shouldered, bald man sitting behind a beautiful carved wooden desk while scanning something on his tablet. As everyone from your crew finishes entering the office along with a small grav-sled holding a medium sized tree. The bald man sets down his tablet, “What can I help such renowned spacers as yourselves with?”

You nervously clear your throat, “Actually we came to make a tribute. We were on Aeon Station and saw something that you might appreciate and occasionally find useful.” You motion to the tree. “This is a carnivorous tree from a neighboring solar system.”

“Carnivorous?”, is his one word question.

“From what we understand, it is capable of eating a human sized creature but we’ve kept an electrostatic barrier around it to ensure that we didn’t test its ability.”

“That is a thoughtful gift”

You earn 2 fame points. Continue the rest of your turn.

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Story 91

A Strayon ambassador

The ship is a towering behemoth of metal and glass, an encapsulated city that houses the last remnants of your people. As you wend your way through the bustling corridors you feel the weight of responsibility on your shoulders. Parliament on board this ship is minuscule compared to the large group of representatives that worked as government functionaries on your old home planet but the colony ship could only save so many and it became a meritocracy for who to save.

You can’t help but feel a sense of unease as you enter the Parliament chamber and take your seat at the front, facing rows of seats occupied by representatives from different sectors of the ship’s population. The chamber falls silent as all eyes turn to you, waiting for your address.

You begin with a simple “Thank you for gathering today,” but then you pause. The silence stretches on, causing murmurs to rise among the group and even your own team starts to shift uneasily in their seats. Finally you lean into your mic and clear your throat, “An ambassador from Tunow, a planet in a neighboring solar system, was meeting with us at Aeon Station. During the meeting, wanting to impress me and my crew, the ambassador started boasting. ‘Last week, I was on Doravin V. I met one of the all time greatest glocken athletes. The previous week, I was on Zhian Prime. I met the galaxy’s leading mathematician. The week before, I was on Kei. I shook hands with the most beautiful supermodel in the universe. A few days earlier, I was on Lunari. I had lunch with the most accomplished chef who ever lived. From there, I went to Ularos IX, where I got an autograph from the best composer I’ve ever heard!’

I nodded humbly and replied, ‘Yes, our leader has been traveling a lot recently.'”

The room laughed and you sat back more comfortably holding the mic in your hand.

“I want to remind all of you that we are a small colony now. We cannot afford to isolate ourselves from potential allies and friends. And who knows, maybe one day we will need their help.”

Silence falls over the chamber as everyone ponders your words. Finally, one representative stands up and speaks out.”Very well, I support sending an ambassador,” he announces firmly, “We need to consider the long-term benefits for our people.”

Slowly but surely, more voices join in and before you know it, the majority of the representatives are in support of your request.

Transport the Strayon ambassador to Aeon Station. The Scoundrel will specifically target your ship while the ambassador is on board. After arriving on Aeon with the ambassador, gain two fame points.