Lars O'mally - Revision history

Siddharth1: /* Early Life */

2025-09-08T01:06:43Z

Early Life

← Older revision		Revision as of 01:06, 8 September 2025
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	==Early Life==		==Early Life==
	Lars was born in A.Y. 4290, well after the oppressive corporate structure had become entrenched. He was born to a poor farming community where his parents were both laborers. Despite their vital role in producing food, farms were considered one of the lowest forms in the already low laborer caste. The basic farming structure was as follows: a company employee is given a plot of arable land to work. The land, the tools, and everything it produces, are the property of the corporation. Based on water availability, climate, and projected crop-yields, he is expected to produce a given quantity of food. In exchange for ~~preforming~~ this service, he receives an operating budget (in the form of company scrip), out of which he must pay himself and his worker's wages.		Lars was born in A.Y. 4290, well after the oppressive corporate structure had become entrenched. He was born to a poor farming community where his parents were both laborers. Despite their vital role in producing food, farms were considered one of the lowest forms in the already low laborer caste. The basic farming structure was as follows: a company employee is given a plot of arable land to work. The land, the tools, and everything it produces, are the property of the corporation. Based on water availability, climate, and projected crop-yields, he is expected to produce a given quantity of food. In exchange for performing this service, he receives an operating budget (in the form of company scrip), out of which he must pay himself and his worker's wages.

	The Corpocracy had no minimum wage laws. The man operating the farm is considered a 'worker', one caste higher than the 'laborers' whom he employs. Farming communities were often remote. There may be three to five workers for hundreds of laborers, who themselves live in abject poverty. The more of the operating budget the worker can save, the more he gets to keep for himself. Being a 'farm worker' was seen as a good way to earn a decent living. Being a 'farm laborer' was a great way to die before you turned thirty.		The Corpocracy had no minimum wage laws. The man operating the farm is considered a 'worker', one caste higher than the 'laborers' whom he employs. Farming communities were often remote. There may be three to five workers for hundreds of laborers, who themselves live in abject poverty. The more of the operating budget the worker can save, the more he gets to keep for himself. Being a 'farm worker' was seen as a good way to earn a decent living. Being a 'farm laborer' was a great way to die before you turned thirty.

Siddharth1: /* Entrepreneur */

2023-04-17T04:13:17Z

Entrepreneur

← Older revision		Revision as of 04:13, 17 April 2023
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	Initially, the workers berated the child, yelling at her and threatening to beat her for trespassing on the station, but to Lars, two things were evident: based on how filthy she was and the clothing she wore, the girl had come from a corporate farming community, and she was currently dying of dehydration and hypoxia.		Initially, the workers berated the child, yelling at her and threatening to beat her for trespassing on the station, but to Lars, two things were evident: based on how filthy she was and the clothing she wore, the girl had come from a corporate farming community, and she was currently dying of dehydration and hypoxia.

	Lars had the girl rushed to the station's medical center, then transported to the planet surface with him. When she regained consciousness later, she confirmed she was indeed from his home world, and had stowed away in one of the food trucks, trying to escape her abusive ~~step father~~. Being himself well aware of the kind of abuse that went on at these communities, Lars brought the girl home with him rather than turn her over to the authorities.		Lars had the girl rushed to the station's medical center, then transported to the planet surface with him. When she regained consciousness later, she confirmed she was indeed from his home world, and had stowed away in one of the food trucks, trying to escape her abusive stepfather. Being himself well aware of the kind of abuse that went on at these communities, Lars brought the girl home with him rather than turn her over to the authorities.

	Up till then, standard practice on Mehrun was to return refugees to the corporate towns from which they fled, on grounds that they likely owed money to the company. However, the authorities on Mehrun had never been particularly judicious in completing this task. Legally adopting the girl or even becoming a foster parent to her would have involved considerable red-tape; but as her situation living at the O'mally home was generally a good one, the social workers turned a blind eye. He was able to enroll her in school, and once she reached legal age she could apply for citizenship. This was the same process Lars had been through. Mehrun was a very open place with lax immigration standards: essentially all that was required for citizenship was either proof of employment or proof of education, and the girl had both of these by the time she turned sixteen (though admittedly the former was simply an apprenticeship at Lars' company).		Up till then, standard practice on Mehrun was to return refugees to the corporate towns from which they fled, on grounds that they likely owed money to the company. However, the authorities on Mehrun had never been particularly judicious in completing this task. Legally adopting the girl or even becoming a foster parent to her would have involved considerable red-tape; but as her situation living at the O'mally home was generally a good one, the social workers turned a blind eye. He was able to enroll her in school, and once she reached legal age she could apply for citizenship. This was the same process Lars had been through. Mehrun was a very open place with lax immigration standards: essentially all that was required for citizenship was either proof of employment or proof of education, and the girl had both of these by the time she turned sixteen (though admittedly the former was simply an apprenticeship at Lars' company).

Siddharth1: /* Early Life */

2023-04-17T04:10:39Z

Early Life

← Older revision		Revision as of 04:10, 17 April 2023
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	Lars was born in A.Y. 4290, well after the oppressive corporate structure had become entrenched. He was born to a poor farming community where his parents were both laborers. Despite their vital role in producing food, farms were considered one of the lowest forms in the already low laborer caste. The basic farming structure was as follows: a company employee is given a plot of arable land to work. The land, the tools, and everything it produces, are the property of the corporation. Based on water availability, climate, and projected crop-yields, he is expected to produce a given quantity of food. In exchange for preforming this service, he receives an operating budget (in the form of company scrip), out of which he must pay himself and his worker's wages.		Lars was born in A.Y. 4290, well after the oppressive corporate structure had become entrenched. He was born to a poor farming community where his parents were both laborers. Despite their vital role in producing food, farms were considered one of the lowest forms in the already low laborer caste. The basic farming structure was as follows: a company employee is given a plot of arable land to work. The land, the tools, and everything it produces, are the property of the corporation. Based on water availability, climate, and projected crop-yields, he is expected to produce a given quantity of food. In exchange for preforming this service, he receives an operating budget (in the form of company scrip), out of which he must pay himself and his worker's wages.

	The Corpocracy had no minimum wage laws. The ~~manoperating~~ the farm is considered a 'worker', one caste higher than the 'laborers' whom he employs. Farming communities were often remote. There may be three to five workers for hundreds of laborers, who themselves live in abject poverty. The more of the operating budget the worker can save, the more he gets to keep for himself. Being a 'farm worker' was seen as a good way to earn a decent living. Being a 'farm laborer' was a great way to die before you turned thirty.		The Corpocracy had no minimum wage laws. The man operating the farm is considered a 'worker', one caste higher than the 'laborers' whom he employs. Farming communities were often remote. There may be three to five workers for hundreds of laborers, who themselves live in abject poverty. The more of the operating budget the worker can save, the more he gets to keep for himself. Being a 'farm worker' was seen as a good way to earn a decent living. Being a 'farm laborer' was a great way to die before you turned thirty.

	Though he was strong and smart, Lars did not expect to rise through the ranks of his small and rigidly segmented community. His father had already been killed by the time he turned five; and his mother, who spent all her time working to feed him and his older brother, was abusive and cruel. Lars was put to work in the fields at the age of eight. Corporate rules stated he was supposed to be educated until he turned fourteen, but the workers running his farm had bribed the company inspectors. Aside from very basic literacy and numeracy learned so he could do his job, Lars received no formal education.		Though he was strong and smart, Lars did not expect to rise through the ranks of his small and rigidly segmented community. His father had already been killed by the time he turned five; and his mother, who spent all her time working to feed him and his older brother, was abusive and cruel. Lars was put to work in the fields at the age of eight. Corporate rules stated he was supposed to be educated until he turned fourteen, but the workers running his farm had bribed the company inspectors. Aside from very basic literacy and numeracy learned so he could do his job, Lars received no formal education.
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	The final straw came when Lars was 13. His older brother, then fifteen, was crippled by a combine harvester. He lost an arm and was paralyzed from the waist down. Lars was forced to do the amputation himself because no one else would help. When his mother returned to the family shack that evening, she screamed at him for costing the family a day's wages. Lars swore to his brother that night that he would not rest or sleep and work every second to so the older boy wouldn't starve. His brother, however, chose instead to take his own life later that night, rather than become a burden on his already struggling family.		The final straw came when Lars was 13. His older brother, then fifteen, was crippled by a combine harvester. He lost an arm and was paralyzed from the waist down. Lars was forced to do the amputation himself because no one else would help. When his mother returned to the family shack that evening, she screamed at him for costing the family a day's wages. Lars swore to his brother that night that he would not rest or sleep and work every second to so the older boy wouldn't starve. His brother, however, chose instead to take his own life later that night, rather than become a burden on his already struggling family.

	Lars was crushed by the loss, and fled the farming community the next day. He made it first to the city where he lived for a year on the streets. He stole textbooks and hung around near schools, often convincing the children of higher ~~society casts~~ to teach him. He learned rather quickly that, as a itinerant laborer, his prospects were very few.		Lars was crushed by the loss, and fled the farming community the next day. He made it first to the city where he lived for a year on the streets. He stole textbooks and hung around near schools, often convincing the children of higher castes to teach him. He learned rather quickly that, as a itinerant laborer, his prospects were very few.

	==First Space Voyage==		==First Space Voyage==

CourseDirector at 19:27, 3 January 2021

2021-01-03T19:27:00Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 19:27, 3 January 2021
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	An influx of refugees surged Mehrun's population and bolstered its economy.		An influx of refugees surged Mehrun's population and bolstered its economy.

			[[Category:Course Books]]

CourseDirector at 20:25, 20 June 2020

2020-06-20T20:25:30Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 20:25, 20 June 2020
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	While his treatment was very much illegal, if the crew had ejected him into space, it is unlikely they would have faced any repercussions. Such crimes against stowaways were common and never punished unless the murdered individual had some sort of social standing.		While his treatment was very much illegal, if the crew had ejected him into space, it is unlikely they would have faced any repercussions. Such crimes against stowaways were common and never punished unless the murdered individual had some sort of social standing.

	In perhaps the greatest stroke of luck in his life, the freighter arrived at [[Cantilever Station]]. This was an important hub of commerce, and one of the few places in corporate space where one could easily interact with outsiders. It was also the site of a currency exchange, though Lars had no money and nothing of value. He survived on the station for a couple of weeks, scavenging food and begging, until he was spotted by a tramp freighter captain.		In perhaps the greatest stroke of luck in his life, the freighter arrived at [[Cantilever Station]]. This was an important hub of commerce, and one of the few places in corporate space where one could easily interact with outsiders. It was also the site of a currency exchange, though Lars had no money and nothing of value. He survived on the station for a couple of weeks, scavenging food and begging, until he was spotted by a [[Tramp Trade\|tramp freighter]] captain.

	==Cabin Boy==		==Cabin Boy==

Siddharth1: /* Refugee Advocate */

2020-06-13T21:37:36Z

Refugee Advocate

← Older revision		Revision as of 21:37, 13 June 2020
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	==Refugee Advocate==		==Refugee Advocate==
	This second encounter spurned Lars into action. While he kept his software company, he distanced himself from the day-to-day operations and became an advocate for corporate refugees. He requested and was granted an audience with the emperor~~, and was able to use his keens observation skills to sway the man~~.		This second encounter spurned Lars into action. While he kept his software company, he distanced himself from the day-to-day operations and became an advocate for corporate refugees. He requested, and was granted an audience with the emperor.

	Lars began by telling his own story, emphasizing how this emperor's ~~controvertial~~ housing law had made it possible for Lars to climb out of poverty and become the man he was today. He then went on to explain that because corporate refugees were paid in corporate scrip, their money was only valuable to the corporation, and thus their debt, in turn, was not worth anything on Mehrun(Mehrun, did not, at the time, deal directly with any of the megacorps, and so had no exchange rate between its own currency and the scrip).		Lars began by telling his own story, emphasizing how this emperor's housing law had made it possible for Lars to climb out of poverty and become the man he was today. He then went on to explain that because corporate refugees were paid in corporate scrip, their money was only valuable to the corporation, and thus their debt, in turn, was not worth anything on Mehrun (Mehrun, did not, at the time, deal directly with any of the megacorps, and so had no exchange rate between its own currency and the scrip).

	In Lars O'mally, the emperor so a further valuable opportunity. Mehrun ~~had been a troubled nation. It~~ had faced economic problems, then the pandemic. The coming crisis was even worse. Social and economic factors decades ago had caused the birth rate to plummet. Now, a significant portion of the population was set to retire, and there were dire concerns that the remaining workforce would be large enough to support them. Mehrun had worked for some time to encourage emigration, by keeping the aforementioned low standards for being granted permanent citizen standing. This was, of course, impossible for the refuges, most of whom er uneducated laborers with nothing but the filthy rags on their backs.		In Lars O'mally, the emperor saw a further valuable opportunity. Mehrun had faced economic problems, then the pandemic. The coming crisis was even worse. Social and economic factors decades ago had caused the birth rate to plummet. Now, a significant portion of the population was set to retire, and there were dire concerns that the remaining workforce would not be large enough to support them. Mehrun had worked for some time to encourage emigration, by keeping the aforementioned low standards for being granted permanent citizen standing. This was, of course, impossible for the refuges, most of whom were uneducated laborers with nothing but the filthy rags on their backs.

	The emperor appointed Lars "Minister of Undesirable Relocations", and asked him to create ~~social and~~ government programs to help refugees gain citizenship. The Emperor further created a law stating "Anyone entering the territory of the Principality of Mehrun would be allowed to stay for up to four years before being required to apply for citizenship". This still left the possibility for deportation(which made the megacorps happy) while in turn giving any arriving refugees a very large ~~window~~ to establish themselves.		The emperor appointed Lars "Minister of Undesirable Relocations", and asked him to create government programs to help refugees gain citizenship. The Emperor further created a law stating, "Anyone entering the territory of the Principality of Mehrun would be allowed to stay for up to four years before being required to apply for citizenship". This still left the possibility for deportation (which made the megacorps happy) while in turn giving any arriving refugees a very large chance to establish themselves.

	Lars in turn created a program asking citizens like himself to take in refugees. A large number of them were children or teenagers, and he created an endowment to pay for education. He found ~~that~~, if first given a decent home and food, the average refugee would learn enough to get a job in two years. The Age of Majority on Mehrun was sixteen. Thanks to the earlier housing laws, it was not difficult for even a barely-educated 16-year-old to obtain a steady job and permanent place to live.		Lars in turn created a program asking citizens like himself to take in refugees. A large number of them were children or teenagers, and he created an endowment to pay for education. He found, if first given a decent home and food, the average refugee would learn enough to get a job in two years. The Age of Majority on Mehrun was sixteen. Thanks to the earlier housing laws, it was not difficult for even a barely-educated 16-year-old to obtain a steady job and permanent place to live.

	In influx of refugees surged Mehrun's population and bolstered ~~it's~~ economy.		An influx of refugees surged Mehrun's population and bolstered its economy.

Siddharth1: /* Entrepreneur */

2020-06-13T21:35:51Z

Entrepreneur

← Older revision		Revision as of 21:35, 13 June 2020
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	Despite his successes, Lars was very unhappy with his job as a freelance coder. He said that while the money was excellent, he despised having to constantly line up new jobs. All the material possessions in the world couldn't make up for the simple security he had felt working his low-level dispatch job, going home to his tiny apartment.		Despite his successes, Lars was very unhappy with his job as a freelance coder. He said that while the money was excellent, he despised having to constantly line up new jobs. All the material possessions in the world couldn't make up for the simple security he had felt working his low-level dispatch job, going home to his tiny apartment.

	So, Lars O'mally, the humble farm-child, founded his own software company. He regretted that he no longer got to do much coding, but the company was a success. They produced many well-liked products and cultivated a loyal customer base. Lars was always happy to make a little less money in the short-term if it meant growing the buisness in the long. They specialized in highly customization scheduling systems for dispatch work, though produced many consumer and corporate products as well. In an ironic twist of fate, one of O'mally's biggest windfalls was the [[Mabach Consortium]], who paid him a handsome some of money for the source code to one of his products. He commented that it wasn't as much as he might have gotten if he'd kept it, but ~~that~~ he was well aware Mabach would simply steal it if he didn't sell. ''"The supreme irony,"'' Lars said, ''"is that in that one transaction, they paid me more than me and my brother combined could ever have made if we worked on that farm till we turned a hundred"''.		So, Lars O'mally, the humble farm-child, founded his own software company. He regretted that he no longer got to do much coding, but the company was a success. They produced many well-liked products and cultivated a loyal customer base. Lars was always happy to make a little less money in the short-term if it meant growing the buisness in the long. They specialized in highly customization scheduling systems for dispatch work, though produced many consumer and corporate products as well. In an ironic twist of fate, one of O'mally's biggest windfalls was the [[Mabach Consortium]], who paid him a handsome some of money for the source code of one of his products. He commented that it wasn't as much as he might have gotten if he'd kept it, but he was well aware Mabach would simply steal it if he didn't sell. ''"The supreme irony,"'' Lars said, ''"is that in that one transaction, they paid me more than me and my brother combined could ever have made if we worked on that farm till we turned a hundred"''.

	Lars especially liked the relationship aspects of his business, and ~~would commonly visit his clients. He~~ particularly liked to visit the space docks, where he would engage with dock workers and ask about their experiences using the software, and how it could be improved. On one occasion, he was present when workers opened a sealed shipping container to find a bedraggled ten year old girl inside.		Lars especially liked the relationship aspects of his business, and particularly liked to visit the space docks, where he would engage with dock workers and ask about their experiences using the software, and how it could be improved. On one occasion, he was present when workers opened a sealed shipping container to find a bedraggled ten-year-old girl inside.

	Initially, the workers berated the child, yelling at her and threatening to beat her for trespassing on the station, but to Lars; two things were evident: based on how filthy she was and the clothing she ~~war~~, the girl had come from a corporate farming community; and, she was currently dying of dehydration and hypoxia.		Initially, the workers berated the child, yelling at her and threatening to beat her for trespassing on the station, but to Lars, two things were evident: based on how filthy she was and the clothing she wore, the girl had come from a corporate farming community, and she was currently dying of dehydration and hypoxia.

	Lars had the ~~girls~~ rushed to the station's medical center, then transported ~~back~~ to the planet surface with him. When she regained consciousness later, she confirmed ~~that~~ she was indeed from his home world~~. She~~ had stowed away in one of the food trucks, trying to escape her abusive step father. Being himself well aware of the kind of abuse that went on at these communities, Lars brought the girl home with him rather than turn her over to the authorities.		Lars had the girl rushed to the station's medical center, then transported to the planet surface with him. When she regained consciousness later, she confirmed she was indeed from his home world, and had stowed away in one of the food trucks, trying to escape her abusive step father. Being himself well aware of the kind of abuse that went on at these communities, Lars brought the girl home with him rather than turn her over to the authorities.

	Up till then, standard practice on Mehrun was to return refugees to the corporate towns from which they ~~had~~ fled~~. This was based~~ on ~~the notion~~ that they likely owed money to the company. However, the ~~authorizes~~ on Mehrun had never been particularly judicious in completing this task. Legally adopting the girl or even becoming a foster parent to her would have involved considerable red-tape; but as her situation living at the O'mally home was generally a good one, the social workers turned a blind eye ~~on what Lars was doing~~. He was able to enroll her in school, and once she reached legal age she could apply for citizenship. This was the same process Lars had been through. Mehrun was a very open place with lax immigration standards, essentially all that was required for citizenship was either proof of employment or proof of education, the girl had both of these by the time she turned sixteen(though admittedly the former was simply an apprenticeship at Lars' company).		Up till then, standard practice on Mehrun was to return refugees to the corporate towns from which they fled, on grounds that they likely owed money to the company. However, the authorities on Mehrun had never been particularly judicious in completing this task. Legally adopting the girl or even becoming a foster parent to her would have involved considerable red-tape; but as her situation living at the O'mally home was generally a good one, the social workers turned a blind eye. He was able to enroll her in school, and once she reached legal age she could apply for citizenship. This was the same process Lars had been through. Mehrun was a very open place with lax immigration standards: essentially all that was required for citizenship was either proof of employment or proof of education, and the girl had both of these by the time she turned sixteen (though admittedly the former was simply an apprenticeship at Lars' company).

	About this time, Lars got a call from one of the dockworkers from whom he had rescued the girl~~. That encounter~~ had ~~changed the man, and when they~~ found ~~a second kid, he thought he might call Lars. This was~~ a boy, aged fifteen, who like Lars's brother ~~had~~ had his hand mangled in a farming accident. Unlike the brother, he kept the arm, though it was twisted in useless. This youth was dying of malnutrition, and had to be hospitalized for weeks; all of which Lars paid for.		About this time, Lars got a call from one of the dockworkers from whom he had rescued the girl, who had now found a boy, aged fifteen, who like Lars's brother had his hand mangled in a farming accident. Unlike the brother, he kept the arm, though it was twisted and useless. This youth was dying of malnutrition, and had to be hospitalized for weeks; all of which Lars paid for.

	==Refugee Advocate==		==Refugee Advocate==

Siddharth1: /* Adult Life */

2020-06-13T21:32:38Z

Adult Life

← Older revision		Revision as of 21:32, 13 June 2020
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	==Adult Life==		==Adult Life==
	Despite having traveled quite far, Lars ended up settling only a few systems ~~over~~ from the planet of his birth. Corporate Space, as it was called, was dotted with independent nations, some single~~-planet~~, others planets with multiple countries. The important difference was, here, the presence of a government enforced the rule of law. His new home was in the Krakas System, the [[Principality of Mehrun]].		Despite having traveled quite far, Lars ended up settling only a few systems from the planet of his birth. Corporate Space, as it was called, was dotted with independent nations, some single planets, others planets with multiple countries. The important difference was, here, the presence of a government enforced the rule of law. His new home was in the Krakas System, in the [[Principality of Mehrun]].

	Lars first worked as a dock worker on an orbiting space station, then later as a dispatcher planet-side~~. It was not a good job, but it was steady~~. Though ~~he was~~ still desperately poor by Mehrunian standards~~. He~~ was amazed at the difference in the quality of his life.		Lars first worked as a dock worker on an orbiting space station, then later as a dispatcher planet-side. Though still desperately poor by Mehrunian standards, he was amazed at the difference in the quality of his life.

	Mehrun had, a few years prior to Lars's arrival, suffered from a viral pandemic. While the actual death toll was low, it did bring about a serious housing crisis caused by decades of improper zoning and the failure of the market to self-correct. In the wake of the pandemic, about 40% of Mehrun's people had become homeless. Since the Principality was still an absolute monarchy, the sitting-emperor responded to the crisis with draconian new housing laws, saying ~~that~~ ''"We are a wealthy and well-positioned nation, each person working within our borders shall afford a roof over their heads"''. While the new laws were not well-received by the locals and caused significant damage to the real-estate industry, they had a very positive effect on the lower-classes. Lars, who worked a low-aying job and was barely literate, was able to afford his own small apartment with a private bathroom and a window. He also enjoyed the pleasures of 'eating meals daily' and 'having access to actual medical care'.		Mehrun had, a few years prior to Lars's arrival, suffered from a viral pandemic. While the actual death toll was low, it did bring about a serious housing crisis caused by decades of improper zoning and the failure of the market to self-correct. In the wake of the pandemic, about 40% of Mehrun's people had become homeless. Since the Principality was still an absolute monarchy, the sitting-emperor responded to the crisis with draconian new housing laws, saying, ''"We are a wealthy and well-positioned nation, each person working within our borders shall afford a roof over their heads"''.

	~~To put it in perspective~~, Lars ~~would later describe "desperately poor by Mehrunian standards" as "being in~~ the ~~worker-caste back home"~~.		While the new laws were not well-received by the locals and caused significant damage to the real-estate industry, they had a very positive effect on the lower-classes. Lars, who worked a low-paying job and was barely literate, was able to afford his own small apartment with a private bathroom and a window. He also enjoyed the pleasures of 'eating meals daily' and 'having medical care'.

	~~With a steady job and the ability to eat regular meals~~, Lars ~~grew stronger and healthier, and began to use his spare time to improve his lot~~ in ~~life. Mehrun had numerous social programs which gave Lars access to things like adult education. He had always been smart, and with~~ the ~~aid of actual instruction by trained teachers, he passed his high school equivalency~~-~~exam at the age of 21. This made him eligible for a promotion at work, which in turn allowed him to take on a better job and earn what was then considered a living wage~~.		To put it in perspective, Lars would later describe "desperately poor by Mehrunian standards" as "in the worker-caste back home".

	Lars ~~found that improving himself came easily~~ to him. Though he never completed college, he did take several courses, but discovered he learned more quickly from attending seminars and short, intense study programs. He initially took a one-week total immersion course in computer coding, hoping to write better software for the dispatch company where he worked; but found ~~that~~ his skills would be in even higher demand as a freelance computer programmer.		With a steady job and regular meals, Lars began to use his spare time to improve his lot in life. Mehrun had numerous social programs which gave Lars access to things like adult education, and with the aid of actual instruction by trained teachers, he passed his high school equivalency-exam at the age of 21. This made him eligible for a promotion at work, which in turn allowed him to take on a better job and earn what was then considered a living wage. Though he never completed college, he did take several courses, but discovered he learned more quickly from attending seminars and short, intense study programs. He initially took a one-week total immersion course in computer coding, hoping to write better software for the dispatch company where he worked; but found his skills would be in even higher demand as a freelance computer programmer.

	In his late-twenties, Lars met and married a young woman who worked as a teacher. Together they were able to buy a small house. This felt like an unbelievable accomplishment to Lars, as such a notion had been beyond even his wildest childhood dreams(for perspective, he said "when I was a kid I thought that, just maybe, if I worked really, really hard, I might be able to drive a combine harvester one day, and earn enough to eat at least one meal every single day"). When he bought the house, he and his wife were living in a two-bedroom apartment and he was eating three meals a day.		In his late-twenties, Lars met and married a young woman who worked as a teacher. Together they were able to buy a small house. This felt like an unbelievable accomplishment to Lars, as such a notion had been beyond even his wildest childhood dreams: for perspective, he said, "when I was a kid I thought that, just maybe, if I worked really, really hard, I might be able to drive a combine harvester one day, and earn enough to eat at least one meal every single day". When he bought the house, he and his wife were living in a two-bedroom apartment and he was eating three meals a day.

	==Entrepreneur==		==Entrepreneur==

Siddharth1: /* Cabin Boy */

2020-06-13T21:30:17Z

Cabin Boy

← Older revision		Revision as of 21:30, 13 June 2020
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	==Cabin Boy==		==Cabin Boy==
	Long-haul itinerant freighter captains were ~~notorious for being~~ eccentric sorts, and this one was no different. Capt~~' Ottis~~ Frank first berated Lars for his slovenly appearance, then demanded why he had so little self-respect he should resort to begging. And then, when the small, frightened child looked ~~ready to piss himself~~, Frank said ~~very~~ cordially ''"But if you're interested, there's a ~~birth~~ on my ship"''.		Long-haul itinerant freighter captains were eccentric sorts, and this one was no different. Capt. Otis Frank first berated Lars for his slovenly appearance, then demanded why he had so little self-respect he should resort to begging. And then, when the small, frightened child looked up again, terrified, Frank said cordially, ''"But if you're interested, there's a berth on my ship"''.

	Lars would then spend the next two years ~~working~~ as a cabin boy aboard the ''A.S. Shiny Paw''. While he had his ~~chair~~ of troubles with the crew, he was well-liked by the captain and a few of the senior officers. The ~~slightly less crazy~~ third-officer even took it upon himself to educate Lars ~~as best he knew how~~. Lars was also paid a wage for his time aboard ship.		Lars would then spend the next two years as a cabin boy aboard the A.S. ''Shiny Paw''. While he had his share of troubles with the crew, he was well-liked by the captain and a few of the senior officers. The third-officer even took it upon himself to educate Lars. Lars was also paid a wage for his time aboard ship.

	==Adult Life==		==Adult Life==

Siddharth1: /* First Space Voyage */

2020-06-13T21:29:14Z

First Space Voyage

← Older revision		Revision as of 21:29, 13 June 2020
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	==First Space Voyage==		==First Space Voyage==
	Lars stowed away on a freighter. He had learned enough by then to know that so long as he stayed within the corporate system, he had no chance at a good life. Every single day would be like the ones he had grown up with: dirty, sweaty, hungry; and in constant fear. He was caught, and nearly ejected from the freighter, but as it was a short haul the captain elected 'only' to ~~not~~ feed him. Lars spent four days locked in an airlock, where he was given only two bottles of water and told to pee into them ~~when he was done~~.		Lars stowed away on a freighter. He had learned enough by then to know that as long as he stayed within the corporate system, he had no chance at a good life. Every single day would be like the ones he had grown up with: dirty, sweaty, hungry; and in constant fear. He was caught, and nearly ejected from the freighter, but as it was a short haul the captain elected 'only' not to feed him. Lars spent four days locked in an airlock, where he was given only two bottles of water and told to pee into them.

	While his treatment was very much illegal, if the crew had ~~followed through and~~ ejected him into space, it is unlikely they would have faced any repercussions. Such crimes against stowaways were common and never punished unless the murdered individual had some sort of social standing.		While his treatment was very much illegal, if the crew had ejected him into space, it is unlikely they would have faced any repercussions. Such crimes against stowaways were common and never punished unless the murdered individual had some sort of social standing.

	In perhaps the greatest stroke of luck in his life, the freighter arrived at [[Cantilever Station]]. This was an important hub of commerce, and one of the few places in corporate space where one could easily interact with outsiders. It was also the site of a currency exchange, though Lars had no money and nothing of value. He survived on the station for a couple of weeks, scavenging food and begging, until he was spotted by a tramp freighter captain.		In perhaps the greatest stroke of luck in his life, the freighter arrived at [[Cantilever Station]]. This was an important hub of commerce, and one of the few places in corporate space where one could easily interact with outsiders. It was also the site of a currency exchange, though Lars had no money and nothing of value. He survived on the station for a couple of weeks, scavenging food and begging, until he was spotted by a tramp freighter captain.