Sneaking onto a planet at TL 10

[Jonathan Willis]

Originally Posted by ArcLocke

This discussion just puts me in mind of the "Trash" episode of Firefly. In the opening scene, Mal meets an old army buddy on a less-populated planet where they exchange goods they're working together to smuggle. It would take some work, but if the smugglers are taking part in these "relay runs," it's just a matter of working with a legitimate on-planet front to sell their goods on legal markets.

This really seems the best option for any smuggler in a spacefaring (TL9+ or equivalent) society - assume they will detect you, but set things so they won't care.

Trying to be invisible to advanced sensors is more trouble than it's worse. Much easier just to be detected, but not worried about.

[roguebfl]

Originally Posted by Jonathan Willis

Trying to be invisible to advanced sensors is more trouble than it's worse. Much easier just to be detected, but not worried about.

"Keep your distance, but don't look like you're keeping your distance, you know. I don't know Fly Casual."

[jason taylor]

The key point is that the tactical framework make interesting situations and the scientific justifications believable enough to maintain suspension of disbelief. If you like having stealth in space you need to have a balance between stealth and sensors that fits the plot.

But assuming the problem remains one method is to have a series of rendevous far away from the Starport. Unless the planet you are going to is a fanatically paronoid cyberpunk state with an all-powerful security computer, you should be able to signal the rendevous point by code without being noticed amid all the chatter. Then imitate an honest man until you are ready to make your run. Then run toward the drop point, drop the cargo in a pod and flee like a rabbit. If done well your customers can be in and out before customs arrives and so can you.