The backbone of communication throughout the Imperium (and other large states)
is the X-boat network. Now we all know how this works: X-boats carry messages
between worlds with suitable stations, scout/couriers take the messages from
such worlds to those without stations, and X-boat tenders transfer messages
between X-boats, as well as refuelling and maintaining them, and providing
for their crews. What I haven't seen anywhere is how an Imperial citizen (i.e.
your PC) uses the X-boat network. Specifically, how much will it cost you to
send a message, and how long will it take to arrive? Here are my answers; any
comments (including alternatives) welcome.
Cost: Cr10 per page of pure text
Cr20 per page including pictures (pictures take up more computer space,
and require higher quality output devices. You also pay the higher
rate if you want high quality documents at the other end.
Cost multiplied by:
* 5 for message encryption using civilian cypher
*10 for message encryption using military cypher
* 1 (1-9 jumps)
* 2 (10-99 jumps)
* 3 (100-999 jumps)
Civilian cypher provides protection against such things as industrial
espionage, and a limited degree of personal privacy. Limited, to the extent
that the local government can easily decode it if it wishes.
Military cypher provides total protection against all except Imperial
interception. It is often used by megacorporations, as other megacorporations
are often quite capable of breaking civilian cypher. However, in addition to
the higher fee, a permit to use military cypher is often required, especially
by high law level worlds, who may even require to see a copy of the text in
plain language.
Time delay:
7 days per X-boat jump
+2D + (log(no. of jumps)) - 10 days for random transition delays
+4D days per link by scout/courier
Once an X-boat arrives in system, the tender will usually have the message
transferred to another X-boat and on its way within 1-2 hours (according to
Supplement 7). Assuming another boat is waiting, of course. And assuming no
delays of any other sort. Hence the "random transition delay".
Messages to be transferred by scout/courier will usually be delayed until the
ship is available, and until enough messages have accumulated for a jump to be
worthwhile. Delays aren't usually more than 3-4 weeks (Supplement 7 again).
Example:
I want to send a message to another world which is not on the network, but the
nearest station is 2 parsecs from it, and 8 X-boat jumps away from me. I am at
an X-boat station. I have 2 pages, text only, and I don't care how it looks at
the other end. The message is private, but not top secret, so I'll uses the
civilian cypher.
Cost: 2 * 10 * 5 * 1 = Cr100 (2 pages @ Cr10 each, * 5 (cypher) * 1 (not more
than 10 jumps).
Time: 7 * 8 + (2D + 0 - 10) + 4D
Roll 2D for a 6, so random delay = 6 + 0 - 10 = -4 -> 0, i.e. no unexpected
holdups.
Roll 4D for 19. The courier is a bit late.
So my message will arrive in 75 days time.
"Keyboard? Tis quaint!" - M. Scott
Adrian Hurt | JANET: [email removed]
UUCP: ..!ukc!cs.hw.ac.uk!adrian | ARPA: [email removed]