From:	abortion_engine abortion_engine@*******.com
Subject:	Multiple Datajacks
Date:	Tue, 24 Aug 1999 17:14:04 -0400

Of course more than one is useful. Besides the rigger/decker pair (first
mentioned in RBB2, IIRC) and wierd things like skillsoft jukeboxes (another
NERPS thing, I presume?) the sourcebooks have mentioned, once or twice,
using a datajack as an external link to an internal device. For instance, I
love the Philips Tacticomm, but hate having a headset. So, I plug the
Philips into the datajack port running to my cybercomm. Now, you shouldn't
really need a different datajack for every accessory you want linked to
(although I sometimes makes players do this if the work is done at street
level) but it sure is a pain to have to unplug Widget X to use Widget Y.

As for multi-tasking, what do you think the encephelon is for?

No, really, I'm asking. :)

When the encephelon was introduced, Smiling Bandit mentions that you can
"use these babies to multi-task your cognitive needs." What's that supposed
to mean? Why are there no (published) rules for it? Now, I'm certain many
people have a house rule, and I've seen some on the internet, but what does
FASA think? Will it be in M&M? I hope so.

(I should note, our house rule bounces back and forth from no effect to
allowing the user to essentially split personalities, inasmuch as the
multi-tasked "personality" is able to act as an expert system for the
purpose of working on any task using an inserted skillsoft, up to a number
of extra tasks equal to the level of encephelon. This way, you can be
shooting someone to bits while not paying attention at all to the data-code
decryption going inside your head, or whatever. Sensible limits must be
placed on this behavior, or all hell breaks loose. I once played a character
with a dual, max-rating encephlon who could be decking through a satellite
link--another keen use for that spare datajack!--while talking to his fixer
(street ettiquette) on his internal phone--another datajack!--and shooting
someone in the head. All the while he could be only thinking about playing
chess-by-mail with some friend from Istanbul. See the problems? My GM did.)