This is an idea/question. What if it was very easy for GMs to set some kind of response code on an NPC?
In the same way that there is an automated response from bar tenders, cabbies, etc. when you say a keyword, what if any NPC could be given this kind of intelligence on the fly and for particular situations? Even if there was a generic, cryptic response to every question you asked them it would be super cool.
Imagine if something goes down in an apartment in green sector. There's a bomb or something. Lots of bits and pieces everywhere, the rooms trashed, the doors busted. Now imagine you wander to this location and you see "WJF Guard 00011 is standing posted at the door, guarding the entrance." You inquire to the guard, what the hell happened here? The guard spits out a generic answer, or just tells you to fuck off.
Benefits: If RP occurs and you need a response to a particular question, a GM doesn't have to puppet that NPC in order for a -particular- piece of information to be passed on to an individual. The GM adds some trigger to the NPCs responses so you go and ask, "Hey boss, I still haven't gotten that expense form you were asking for...I've been waiting for weeks..." that NPC recognizes the char. and gives them what they want. Huge frustrations ended. More complex, valuable RP continues...
