Message:We seem to be stuck. Not just a time-loop but some kind of Quantum Entanglement. Before hinting at what we learned, let’s get to some dice facts:
We got our first taste of combat pain. We fought a mutant Elephant and everyone got a bit banged up. We started on the route M2 to M1 to J. It was the worst travel route for the ship that we could make. We got roughed up by gravity, had to fashion more fuel and ate some poop turnips. There were no card flips, because there was no orbital traffic. Strange.
Altaire Seven is changing. It appears to be doomed. We watched the star flare and explode. Not a good day. Luckily, every time we get blown-apart, we loop or more correctly RESET. This is not a Groundhog Day problem. We are slowly being diminished, and the best times are behind us.
Course of travel seems to be a no-go, it alone will not solve our problem of being Trapped in Altaire Seven. By the end of the session, we decided as a group to try other incongruent options.
We examined the Fruit Crates = not the solution. We did decide on our next trip to the three planets that we need to watch and see if something else is being removed from the ≠ Bell. That name? Could it refer to Bell's inequality?
A mathematical theorem that sets an upper limit on the correlations between measurements of entangled particles, assuming local realism (the idea that particles have pre-existing properties and that measurements cannot influence each other faster than light). Experiments consistently show that the correlations between entangled particles violate this inequality, proving that local realism is incompatible with quantum mechanics and demonstrating that reality is stranger than classical intuition suggests.
Alright, knowledge may be power, but that bit of physics alone will not get us out of here (finish this campaign). Gobbledygook so ask what is causing Quantum Entanglement? In Traveller terms it’s going to be an Object, something we can bash with a sword. Who do we have to kill? I say again Who do we have to kill?
We tried to Opt Out of the job = Not the solution. We had a few weeks of job hunting before the star went nova, torn apart.
Dump the Junk = not the solution. We have to make three deliveries to escape Altair Seven. But adding to that problem, we do not have a ship with a Jump Drive. Maybe we can board one or steal one?
We know that Dr Simpson on Mercury is an egghead that makes us feel stupid. We know Ensign Pnissmo on Jupiter might be an ally. We know the correct leader of Terraforming Mars is Director Mossnip.
On M1 and telephoning Dr Simpson. Doc is rather excitable, giddy. "Are you aware of Quantum Entanglement? I'm working on applications. Two points forever connected, no matter how far apart." He then starts to explain the math and you wish you were sedated. Everyone loses a point of EDU knowing how far you are behind the experts. Let’s not do that often, shall we. IronDave is already at caveman attribute.
On J and telephoning Ensign Pnissmo, silent "n,” says "I am not a fan of this, the delivery. I must supervise the installation, but I'm doing so under protest. The theory of Quantum Entanglement puts Einstein's thoughts to shame. Could result in a time tunnel. What if we never know we are stuck in a loop? Or worse do know and live an endless struggle of boredom and frustrating repeated mistakes." IronSnake says we already live such a life.
Why was there no message from Director Mossnip on M2. Maybe we should find him? But the planet has some really dangerous mutant fauna. Not that Jupiter and robots or Mercury with Deranged Empaths is any better.
What about Al, Nate and Bo. The guy seems to be the same guy, and not the same guy. Shrodinger’s Cat, things are both true and not true. As we arrive on planets using the correct route, one guy or all the guys vanish. When we travel to a place out of order (for want of a better term), he’s on the ship, no concerns.
Something about Wet Cargo seems off. There is not an easy entrance to the place and the cameras don’t work (two failed attempt rolls). Maybe talk Nate into letting us in.
We keep exiting a computer simulation. Capt Al says we are ready to get started on
the ≠ Belle. Yet the Abort button there is only a Red Herring. It will not allow us an easy escape. Ren and Stimpy style everyone was pressing it, “abort, Abort!” to no avail. Captain Al was not pleased. “Bunch of know-it-alls, lazy kids today. Okay, go find your bunk on the ship.”
Above all focus on ESCAPE not solving a Great Mystery of Cosmology (physics). There is at least one obvious thing that will cause the party to Facepalm. Duh, we are all so old. Not an Excuse. Focus on ESCAPE.
Continues next week….
Yours,
IronRed
23-Nov-2025