ND Cragsand S3E17: Chaos and Clowns

:Return to character article: Sten Berglund
==Season 3: Neon Divide==
===Episode 17: Chaos and Clowns===
====Trades====
Starting work early there's something really strange going on outside the shop that's difficult to describe. Some tall creature with a gathering around it. Having a closer look, it turns out to be Ima having inherited properties from Sheila. Held in the air by a piston, covered with surgical tools and grabbers he looks down at all the people gathered around with two beds below. Explaining the strange sight, he tells that he ate Sheila's tail and his cybernetics have formed a medbay of sorts. Like something alien it's unsettling for most to look at, though it will probably come in handy. Prowler and Norbert take a closer look inspecting Ima, and seems like he's doing just fine. At will, he transforms and the whole medbay folds in on itself into a backpack. 
Pillbug traders come into town and spot the terrifying sight. They seem to carry scrap and what looks like a cup of coffee, nothing of interest for the shop. Spotting a customer outside the shop Sten ignores the ruckus to greet him instead. He looks familiar, unable to tell for his mask, turns out to be Wrench in a disguise. He carries a bag of valuables. In the bag is a Shometsu pistol, a Shometsu rifle and a Shometsu vibroblade... this is expensive stuff, but its all registered corporate contraband. Suggesting to disassemble them for parts he agrees and puts in an order for a GU Rifle. Lacking titanium that technically places him second in queue after Bernard. Disassembling the weapons turns out limited and only a single titanium is recovered. Fee-Bee offers one of hers so lacking 1 to complete the order. Giving him a price estimate of 250,000 credits he's still interested. For gathering material Sten recommends seeking out Skully and joining a scrapping expedition.
:+10,000
:+1 Titanium
Two pillbugs run in and trade a scrap metal with Fee-Bee for 2 tanks of fuel. Very generous of her, she tells that some in Astral told her to "go above and beyond", and she's trying that out.
Skully is up and walking but tells that he's operating below 20% and suggests that he gets scrapped himself. Protesting to that finding a replacement chassis for him seems a better option. He offers to reimburse the scrappers paid out yesterday on Henderson tab and is thanked kindly. Mentioning that replacing his chassis is in the works by Hendersson Sten tells him that if they need anything he'll be glad to help, considering Skully more than just a synth, but a friend.
:+16,000
Going for breakfast Sten gets today's special recommended by Odd and Jyggal; beetle burger and tea. While dining Chester looks like he took a tumble. Cracks all over his body and lacking his flight capabilities he doesn't go into what happened. Nevertheless he asks about getting a sniper rifle crafted and as always the response is the always limiting factor, titanium. Commending the chef Jeremy on the food he still haven't found anyone to make him a new prosthetic arm. Considering that Willie got industrial ones are cheaper Jyggal reminds him that the old man has to take strong medication on the regular so maybe that's not the best option.
Torok brings another carnival clown along, "Clap the Stabber" and they both thank Sten for aiding in the festivities preparations using pyrotechnics. Their carnival event for initiations is scheduled today. With fingers about as big as the average fist, when Clap meets Jyggal he comments on her small size but changes to admiring her fierceness after she extends and shows off her sharp claws. They're specialized for defense she'll have everyone know. In celebration of the event several townsfolk have painted their faces in blue. Norbert some cogs and bolts and the cactus girls in matching clown makeup. 
Limping about Maxies got his cybernetics arm working again for at least 3 days or so. Feeling for him Sten tells him to let him know if he needs an upgrade, the shop could spot him some funds, certainly if he needs it to continue working. More of a lack of supplies problem he instead shows his sketch for a synthetic design he's working on. 
====Parking====
Breakfast gets interrupted by the commotion of a spacecraft landing right in the middle of town. To the protests of Herk they land anyway, it's not really like anyone can do much about it. Disembarking it becomes clear they don't have any hostile intentions and familiar faces exit. M and Leon and some unknown other mercenaries. Gathering a crowd councilman Ima clears up the confusion. They're here to provide security for a race, this time it's going to extend past the canyon and into the sand dunes of the desert. Packing up and moving out gear they're placing outposts in the desert. In the ruckus a car arrives leaving the gate open and Sten rushes to close it, not wanting another raider surprise attack. Watching the ship leave from the gate, Sten tells Skully he's in awe of the thing but can't help himself but think of scrapping it. Taking it apart peace by peace for all the valuable materials that could help the town. Skully asks him if he could make one and Sten protests how complicated that would be, being in no way close to the skills of a spacecraft engineer. Taking a ship for a trip to orbit and look down at the planet though, that would be an amazing experience. Not having been off-world since being small child it's a quickly fading memory. More practical, Skully doesn't seem to grasp it but agrees nonetheless. 
A tall guy with horns is looking for someone he calls "the burrito guy" who intends to participate in the race. He gives a description but Sten had no clue who that is. Back at the shop a queue is gathering outside. Titus has returned to pick up the repaired armor. Along from the city he brings a friend named Riggs. A dog-faced man who is also a gunsmith, working out from the row. Aiding in defending the race the armor will certainly come of use. Describing everyone on the council Sten tells Riggs that he wont mind collaborating as long as he's not a direct competitor in trade. 
Juno in clown makeup, restocks on ammunition. Asking her if she's joining she explains the makeup is only in support. Telling her it's for the better Sten begs her not to say anything to Torok. The whole thing just sounds really dangerous. About those large medicine injectors she has another on her and is willing to sell. Asking a low price Sten insists on paying more and tells her to consider it good will towards the hospital staff.
:-5000+6000 credits
:+Large medicine syringe
====Not feeling that adventurous====
Yuna placed an order for goggles completed by Maxie. He's heading out scrapping with Shura, Titus, Charles and Chester so Sten gives directions to skull rock. The last place he managed to find vulcanium not counting the volcano. With the sands always shifting after storms you never know for certain though. Phineas also tells them of a crashed ship that may be valuable to salvage. Not really up for adventure again with all the raiders, Sten hands Maxie the medicine stim and tells him to jam it into his arm if he gets shot before wishing him good luck. They're probably gonna need it more than Sten anyway.
:-Large medicine syringe
Prowler gives materials for an order for kevlar armor, another order for Titus. Figuring an upgrade is in order for them as well, Sten tells him he's gotten attached to his (scrap) armor, with its usual discomforts and smell but that might not be a bad idea. 
The leader and two Astral guards arrives to brief Fee-Bee. Lending them the shop to talk in private Fee-Bee addresses "M" as "admiral", revealing her high rank. As they talk Maya asks the guards if she can join them. At first being let down, she asks if she can ride along on their ship and be allowed to jump off the ship during flight. Flexing and proclaiming herself a "wasteland expert" in front of "M" Sten nods and agrees and somehow they let her tag along. 
Asking Fee-Bee if she would tag along and show Sten where to find Nitrolium in the salt flats, Reeza tags along. On their way out they spot the parked Astral ship outside the gates. Fee-Bee makes a quick inspection and notices lack in maintenance since she got stationed in the wasteland and tells she will file a complaint later. Ima catches them and at first worries they were messing with the ship without permission but has his worries calmed and asks Reeza to check the Earth shrine for them. After telling her about communicating with the Rock elementals via dancing, he gets to demonstrate it. Taking a detour to check the shrine, it doesn't look like much but Sten still has respect for the magical elements of nature. A tiny rock elemental appears to them and doing the little dance, it responds in kind. Stellar catches up as they leave the shrine explaining they just dug up McCuldger from the shrine. They took him during the night and bricked him in for days. A strange punishment for breaking the shrine before. Searching for Nitrolium, Fee-Bee shows 5 different locations, which she usually gathers in a circuit.
South by the sand falls, from the sand falls to the canyon racetrack, one in the center of the flats and then two by to the north bend of the racetrack.
:+5 Nitrolium
Grabble eventually returns to collect his armor and after gathering the nitrolium it can finally be delivered. He wishes to place an order for a machine pistol but requiring titanium that places him third in the queue. Sten promises him that he haven't forgotten about him and not to worry. 
====Freedom for synths====
Fee-Bee and Sten put together the final parts of pyrotechnics for the carnival initiation event. She tells Sten that when she handed over explosives to Torok she reflected over what she just did. The potential consequences of giving him explosives as he walked off with them in the distance. Asking to lower his voice Fee-Bee gives an update on the planned raid on the Valkyrie facility at the volcano. Someone wants to sponsor it, but she doesn't have a name, only that it's an Astral superior.
Bringing a chair to go watch the race Sten can't help but overhear Fee-Bee talk to a stranger. She seems to be considering her future and conflicted. While stuck at Astral with them technically being her owners she feels safe with them and respects their military structure and organization. Listing various benefits like counting exact inventory and order the stranger tells that isn't quite her taste. Sten buds in that it's good in a professional setting but maybe not in a relaxed one. Making an example he's familiar with, for example in Scrap Town, it's all about finding practical easy solutions to simple problems. If there's a hole in a wall you patch it with some scrap laying about and you don't have time to count the inventory and calculate risks. Hank overhearing, wonders what the "holes" conversation is about but at the mention the stranger says she will be counting holes and storms off. Picking up on the prior topic Sten tells Fee-Bee that the shop has funds if that's what it comes down to to buy her independence and freedom from her owners, Astral. In response she explains that while she appreciates the gesture she hesitates because she likes Astral except for being property, preferring to have a rank. Wishing to attain that someday she tells of still having access to their software bypasses. Sten lists some of her accomplishments and how great of a worker she is. 
====Wild rat race====
Looking for a good place to watch the race the crowd wonders where the heck everyone is. Listening in on channel 5 everyone realizes that it's already started but is taking place outside in the wasteland. Opening the radio there is complete chaos going on with Ima narrating what is going on mixed with the racers themselves chattering. 
By the gate there's some commotion about the Astral ship parked outside so Sten tells everyone not to worry explaining that it's "just Astral" providing security. Hunter Charles scoffs at this. Sounds like he has some beef with the mercenary company.
From the chaos on the radio the racers have encountered both hostile raiders and "the maw", the giant creature from days back who caused everyone to be too afraid to even head out of town. Watching the ambulance return with injured Sten takes place on top of the gate listening in for a bit. Maya encounters and distracted the Maw using a flare gun but it turns bad. According to Henderson he orders closing the gate and tells that Astral decided to attack the maw against all advice. Terrible mistake. Listening in the monster eventually charges and kills some of the Astral mercenaries.
The winner in the race ens up being the tall guy with horns.
====Ruckus in the shop====
While listening to the radio about people getting evacuated Chester, who participated in the race, came up close hand with "the maw". Glad that he made it out alright he puts in an order for a sniper rifle. Even bringing the required materials himself. 
Titus got his brand newly repaired armor damaged and left it off to Maxie for repairs again. Maxie made it back successfully from the run and brought back some volcanium for the store. During his trip he saw Astral face off against the maw and fail as well as got chased by a giant crab. Trusting Maxie to keep it secret, Sten tells him of the plans to storm the Valkyrie facility and take it by force and that doing so will require a disguise. 
:+1 Volcanium
One of the contestants, Sevvie "Sevens" Swords stops by the shop to ask the values and decides to sell an SMG to the store.
:-70,000 credits
:+1 Row SMG
Shura purchases some of the tech parts Sten got from previous salvage. Charging a small amount for forging steel they agree on 1000 credits per bar for the labor. 
:-2 Low tech parts
:-1 Medium tech part
:+57,000 credits 
Titus, Elliot and Voxene visit and ask to check something on Titus's armor. Voxene takes a closer look and Titus asks her if this is what she saw. Her lights suddenly turn red and announces "COMBAT DIRECTIVE 514" and starts looking really menacing. Voxene visibly fighting against her programming, Sten starts backing away. Elliott warns for everyone to stand back and Titus starts running out. Airing his complaints Sten shouts; "Why does things have to happen in my shop?!", grabs and shoves the counter in a corner and positions himself in front of it. Blocking the way between the counter and Voxene. In the commotion Elliot picks up the helmet from the armor and Voxeme storms out after him. Very strange, but at least she didn't attack anyone there. R0n walking in during the commotion Sten asks him what the heck that was about but he has no clue. Elliot later returns with the helmet to have it repaired once more.
R0n with Norberts aid asks for help in getting ahold of components to keep synths like Mercury repaired. Unsure of what's needed he supplies some Valkyrie firearms to disassemble for components. Charging him a small fee Sten tells him he'll do what he can and let him keep the components salvaged. A decent mechanic himself R0n assists but they only get two pieces of titanium. Not really having use for it Sten offers to trade him a high tech part in exchange and he agrees. 
:+5,000 credits
:+2 Titanium 
:-1 High tech part
====Continuing as normal under siege====
While working there are some worrying sounds of gunfire in the background. Chester informs that the raiders are attacking once more but he's in need of that rifle order so Sten resumes work. The noise gets so overwhelming that Sten goes for a look himself. Checking the injured at the gates, Crunch is among the injured and though wanting to walk himself Sten insists on guiding him to the hospital to make sure he doesn't doze off somewhere. Chester uses some magic on him, making him lighter and he starts to float in the air. Making it easier to push him along they get him to get checked out. Among the attackers are the tech junkies and they've brought higher firepower. Lacking the funds he promises to pay the rest tomorrow.
:+50,000 (Payment plan half out of 100,000 for a sniper rifle to Chester)
Sevvy returns to sell a scrap rifle.
:-10,000 credits
:+1 Scrap rifle
Maxie gives his Machine pistol for sale to the shop, since he doesn't need it any more. Offering to reimburse him for it he strangely declines.
:+1 Machine pistol
Fee-Bee asks for some aid processing 3 pieces of titanium needed to repair Mercury and Sten assists.
Grabble comes to finally collect his order. In the chaos with the raiders attacking he got shot. Luckily the bullet only grazed him, chipping of a piece of his ear. Lacking a dressing room to put it on he's offered a corner behind some shelves. Having found raw ore out in the wastes he asks how to gather it. Lacking the knowledge Sten tells him he might end up hurting himself and is better off bringing someone along to help him out like Maxie or Fee-Bee. So happy to finally get his armor after days of effort Sten tells him that he'll always find a good and fair deal here as long as he stays a loyal customer. Giving an extra tip he's also interested in a machine pistol and since one was just traded in it makes a quick sale. He even adds another tip to that.
:-2 Steel
:-2 Kevlar
:+35,000 + 110,000 credits for armor and pistol
:-1 Machine pistol
Skully kindly brings in some materials he recovered after the battle.
:+2 Iron
:+1 Scrap 
Before the carnival initiation Jeremy purchases some scrap armor.
:-4 Scrap metal
:+5,000 credits for armor
The cloaked stranger who was in the company of that "Nemesis" synth from some days back return to purchase some ammo and picks up the kitchen utensils order that were forgotten. 
:+13,000 credits
Maxie has completed Prowlers armor so they go to deliver it. Over in his mechanics shop the whole place is filled up with damaged synths from the attack. Anna's voice modulator is broke so she's hardly understandable. Prowler having his hands full and not wanting to disturb him during his work he'll have to get the armor tomorrow. 
:+Kevlar armor for Prowler
====Carnival initiations====
Gathering for the fireworks and initiation event "Clap the Stabber" tells how happy he is for the excitement of the raider attack before, not having seen action in quite a bit. Grabble works on his holograms and projects a bunch of bugs everywhere by accident. 
Looking for a good vantage point to watch the fireworks Sten is approached by the mechanic who runs the garage in the row, a woman named Reyna Ryder. Never formally introduced she's the one many row locals rent vehicles from when they visit the wasteland. She has gathered the materials needed for a high revolver and places an order. 
Rushing for a better vantage location the fireworks that Sten and Fee-Bee aided in go off in a glorious display. The initiates applying to become members of the carnival step forward one at a time and are given signature nicknames by Torok. 
*Jeremy the chin 
*Charles the cracker 
*Hank the scorpion
Officiating them all a hamster moves forward and Torok being himself, initiates that one too as a member of the carnival. Overhearing Torok talk to the initiates afterwards he tells Hank that he now as access to coordinates and special services. The event ends with food and drink at the Oasis grille where Jyggal is happy to serve. Sten picks up some free liquor making him happy.
Fee-Bee took some hits before and while charging at the Oasis grille, Sten offers to aid her if she needs repairs. 
As the sandstorm begins to roll in a loud sound and echo moves through the air, something sinister is delivering a message: 
:"IF THERES ANY DOUBT THIS IS THE VENERABLE BLOODSHIV. YOU HAVE EXPERIENCED A TASTE OF OUR MIGHT. OUR LUST FOR CONQUEST. YOU HAVE YET TO EXPERIENCE THE EXTENT OF OUR POWER. PREPARE YOURSELVES SCRAP TOWN FOR OUR INVASION IS NIGH"
Rushing to the gate Herk and Skully had the same idea. All there, they can't spot whoever is delivering the ominous message. 
Staying at the shop overnight Sten works on ammunition and crafts another sniper rifle and a pistol, thinking that they're going to need it.
:-2 Titanium
:+1 Sniper rifle
:-2-2 Iron
:-2 Carbon
:+1 Pistol
:Next Episode: ND Cragsand S3E18: Calm before the storm
==Inventory==
Sten personal inventory tracker after episode...
==Store inventory==
Store inventory tracker after episode... This is shared with employees, credits are stored in the smithing registry.
==Links==
*Twitch VOD: Neon Divide Season 3 Episode E17: Chaos and Clowns 
*YouTube VOD: Neon Divide S3 E17: Chaos and Clowns
===Twitch Clips===
*Ima's newest form... is terrifying
*Voxene turns hostile...
*There's such a thing as too big
*Casual conversation while under fire
*Maya distracts the maw
*New disguise, get the RV
==Gallery==
ND Crag S3E17 01 Imas new form Sten.png
ND Crag S3E17 02 Imas new form Sten Prowler.png
ND Crag S3E17 03Imas new form Sten Norbert Prowler.png
ND Crag S3E17 04 Imas new form Sten Herk Skully Prowler.png
ND Crag S3E17 05 Imas new form Sten Herk Skully.png
ND Crag S3E17 06 Imas new form Herk.png
ND Crag S3E17 07 Sten Wrench.png
ND Crag S3E17 08 Sten Fee-Bee.png
ND Crag S3E17 09 Sten Fee-Bee Wrench.png
ND Crag S3E17 10 Sten Pillbugs.png
ND Crag S3E17 11 Sten Pillpugs Fee-Bee.png
ND Crag S3E17 12 Jyggal Sten.png
ND Crag S3E17 13 Sten Jyggal Jeremy.png
ND Crag S3E17 14 Sten Torok and Clap the stabber.png
ND Crag S3E17 15 Sten Torok Clap the stabber.png
ND Crag S3E17 16 Sten Clap the stabber Jyggal.png
ND Crag S3E17 17 Sten Torok Clap the stabber Jyggal.png
ND Crag S3E17 18 Maxies plans.png
ND Crag S3E17 19 Scrap town council.png
ND Crag S3E17 20 Sten Charles spot Astral ship landing.png
ND Crag S3E17 21 Astral ship landing Sten.png
ND Crag S3E17 22 Astral ship landing Sten.png
ND Crag S3E17 23 Astral ship landing Sten.png
ND Crag S3E17 24 Astral ship landing Sten.png
ND Crag S3E17 25 Astral ship landing Sten.png
ND Crag S3E17 26 Norbert carnival support face paint.png
ND Crag S3E17 27 Astral ship landing Sten Herk Skully.png
ND Crag S3E17 28 Astral ship landing Sten Herk.png
ND Crag S3E17 29 Astral ship landing.png
ND Crag S3E17 30 Astral ship taking off.png
ND Crag S3E17 31 Sten Skully.png
ND Crag S3E17 32 Sten Bat.png
ND Crag S3E17 33 Bat.png
ND Crag S3E17 34 Rigsby.png
ND Crag S3E17 35 Titus armor Rigsby.png
ND Crag S3E17 36 Rigsby.png
ND Crag S3E17 37 Titus armor.png
ND Crag S3E17 38 Juno carnival face paint.png
ND Crag S3E17 39 Phineas Maxie.png
ND Crag S3E17 40 Maxie medicine.png
ND Crag S3E17 41 Sten Prowler.png
ND Crag S3E17 42 Sten Skully.png
ND Crag S3E17 43 Sten Fee-Bee Astral Leon M.png
ND Crag S3E17 44 Sten Astral Leon Phineas.png
ND Crag S3E17 45 Sten Astral Fee-Bee M Maya Leon.png
ND Crag S3E17 46 Sten Fee-Bee Astral M Maya Leon.png
ND Crag S3E17 47 Sten Fee-Bee inspecting Astral spacecraft.png
ND Crag S3E17 48 Sten Fee-Bee inspecting Astral spacecraft.png
ND Crag S3E17 49 Sten Fee-Bee gathering Nitrolium.png
ND Crag S3E17 50 Sten earth shrine.png
ND Crag S3E17 51 Sten Reeza.png
ND Crag S3E17 52 Sten Stellar Reeza.png
ND Crag S3E17 53 Sten Reeza gathering nitrolium.png
ND Crag S3E17 54 Fee-Bee.png
ND Crag S3E17 55 Sten Fee-Bee.png
ND Crag S3E17 56 Fee-Bee.png
ND Crag S3E17 57 Fee-Bee and (Missymod).png
ND Crag S3E17 58 Fee-Bee and (Missymod).png
ND Crag S3E17 59 Sten Hank and (Missymod).png
ND Crag S3E17 60 Sten Sevvy burrito guy Bat.png
ND Crag S3E17 61 Sevvy burrito guy and Bat.png
ND Crag S3E17 62 Titus armor Voxene.png
ND Crag S3E17 63 Maxie working.png
ND Crag S3E17 64 Sten Sevvy.png
ND Crag S3E17 65 Sevvy burrito guy.png
ND Crag S3E17 66 Sten Shura Maxie.png
ND Crag S3E17 67 Maxie working.png
ND Crag S3E17 68 Voxene losing it.png
ND Crag S3E17 69 Voxene losing it turning hostile.png
ND Crag S3E17 70 Sten blocking the registry R0n.png
ND Crag S3E17 71 R0n.png
ND Crag S3E17 72 R0n.png
ND Crag S3E17 73 Attack at the gates.png
ND Crag S3E17 74 Sten Chester Crunch injured.png
ND Crag S3E17 75 Fee-Bee smelting titanium.png
ND Crag S3E17 76 Fee-Bee and sten processing titanium.png
ND Crag S3E17 77 Grabble.png
ND Crag S3E17 78 Grabble.png
ND Crag S3E17 79 Grabble.png
ND Crag S3E17 80 Sten Grabble Jeremy.png
ND Crag S3E17 81 Sten and (Vicse).png
ND Crag S3E17 82 Sten Maxie.png
ND Crag S3E17 83 Sten Fee-Bee Anna Reyna.png
ND Crag S3E17 84 Ima Maxie.png
ND Crag S3E17 85 Sten waiting for fireworks.png
ND Crag S3E17 86 Reyna.png
ND Crag S3E17 87 Hank and Torok.png
ND Crag S3E17 88 Sten Fireworks.png
ND Crag S3E17 89 Black hole carnival initiates Hank Charles Jeremy Hamster and Torok.png
ND Crag S3E17 90 Sten Fee-Bee charging.png
NeonDivideCreditsInfographicThingy.png|Neon Divide RP approximate prices infographic (outdated)
Category:Neon Divide Cragsand Episodes