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Message: <blockquote data-quote="ptolemy" data-source="post: 9262257" data-attributes="member: 1412">013-1080CaladbolgWeek 1We arrived and were immediately detained. They took us to a starport facility and were informed we were being held under suspicion of kidnapping a member of the Imperial Nobility. We scarcely had time to share horrified glances when the sweating officer in charge barked an order to an underling and turning to us commented that “now we will find out who you really are” while our biometric data was compared to our I.D. cards. Of course, Helena’s came up as suspicious, as her biometrics mark her a the daughter of a count and her I.D. is an old intelligence issue one. We could see the young officer’s face as the computer started to emit an alarm indicating a problem, but the commander didn't turn to look. He shouted “Ha! Got you. Take them to the cells!” the latter at another officer. The youngster at the desk told the commander he needed to “come take a look” and moving over to the desk, visibly irritated and not taking his eyes off us until he was in front of the machine the commander sneered and then looked down. They manner in which his face drained of colour looked like it belonged in a ani-flic. Helena had stood up by now and with the utter disdain only found in her class turned to the officer who had been ordered to take us to the cells “Well, follow your orders, I will be proud to be incarcerated with these honourable fellows but I absolutely will not stay here and be spoken to in such a vulgar manner!” When the poor sod didn’t move Helena fixed her mind on his and with the strongest “push” I’ve seen her achieve yet, sent a telepathic order. Turning on his heel he walked us out of the room, along a fusion-rock corridor and held open the cell door. We could hear the commander spluttering in confusion. Some 20 minutes later a now obsequious commander personally unlocked the door, expressed his most sincere apologies for the misunderstanding and we were marched out of the cell, the unit, the Highport and ushered into a stretch air/raft and whisked away. The flyer and the guard in the front seat were both bearing the insignia of the Baron. Obviously, Noreena and Lucy had had a chance to tell their story.After two days in an impressive hotel we were flown to a fabulous palace in the middle of an exquisite country estate where we were presented to the Baron, his family and major officials of his court in attendance. Looking frankly bewildered (his wife looked red around the eyes) he thanked us and asked it was true that I had fought a giant crocodile which was trying to swallow his daughter. I laughed and explained and when I told him that I regretted losing my knife in its mouth he gave a shudder and laugh, nodded to his majordomo who inturn clapped his hands and 4 servants stepped forward, each carrying a longish box. These opened to reveal beautifully made sabres baring the Baronial crest. Small medallions were tied to the hilt. The Baron looked awkward and spoke to Helena. He seemed to find it easier to cope with the situation by assuming that we were her entourage. He thanked her for taking her daughter into her protection and informed her that an official thanks was to be sent to the County of Rhylanor. He muttered something about it being unfortunate when families fall out and the the wished for a speedy reconciliation between Helena and her father (evidently he had heard of the rift) and said that he had added a code to all of our I.D.’s to the effect that we were to be given priority support as members of his household if need be. The medallions would broadcast a priority rescue alert via a ships transponder when pressed. The swords would also give a clear indication of our status in his household - such marks of esteem are not freely given out. He said he had included Helena so she has noble protection even while travelling “incognito” as he delicately put it.Week 2We spent some time with Noreena who tried to convince P, V and myself to join her father’s staff. Towards the end of the week we found out preparations were under way to complete the work we had begun on the reactor back on Gunn. We were invited to join the upcoming expedition. Noreena had demanded that sufficient computers along with a new fuel reprocessing plant be provided plus tools and other bits and pieces. She’s buzzing with energy. I think the escapade was good for her and she will one day make a better Baron because of it.Weeks 3 - 5We enjoyed the hospitality of the Baron, seeing him once or twice - although Helena had several meetings with him. The estate is wonderful and it has been a lovely time. Our I.D.’s are up to date and we have been supplied with clothes. We have each been gifted a shiny new gauss pistol ("For next time you have to protect the vulnerable") and we will be setting off for Gunn to help with the project.Week 6The jump was uneventful. We should be coming out of it any time now. Still a bit nervous about jumps but that’s understandable.Week 7I enjoyed our visit. We had a full engineering team and they had the reactor and fuel processor set up in no time. I spent most of my time just hanging out with the locals. Although the engineers finished the job we got the credit. I think we might become folklore in the village of Audamu. We promised to call in when we can, but this felt like a true parting. After 8 days we were back in jump space.</blockquote>

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