RE: [HOE] Decryption

["Jodi and Clint Black" <cblack@abts.net>]

> My aim isn't to make a whole saga over this thing; it's already leading
> into another big long deal, and I worry that I don't have the time.
> Therefore, I'm automatically assuming that the means exist in Junkyard to
> decode this thing.

The means do exist, and it couldn't be simpler for you or the players.
Remember this is information, and who are the kings of information, the
Librarians.  There's a branch library in Junkyard.  The players can take the
slugs there.

Let the Librarians tell them that with what they already have, they can
decode the rest.  You, as Marshall, come up with a price that the players
can pay but doesn't seem too cheap.  Why too cheap?  Because the Librarians
aren't doing it for the money; they're doing it for the code and the info on
the slugs.  If the players demand that information remain secret, the
Librarians will say with a completely straight face, "We agree; this is too
dangerous to fall in just anyone's hands.  You must promise us as well to
keep this to yourselves."  They will of course go right ahead and make
copies anyway.  :)

Then you get to follow up with the repercussions.  The Librarians now have a
major military code broken.  Pretty soon the Librarians are armed with some
hard core military bang-bang.  Maybe when the big showdown with the Combine
happens, the Librarians (a much overlooked asset) show up with top grade
military vehicles and equipment to turn the tide.  Oh, the possibilities are
endless.

Anyway, my two cents,

Clint Black (no, not that one)