Traveller T20: Tales of the Bray Keaven [Updated 12-20-05]

[Pyske]

You could always try to plow through the raw posts on the game board.

Better to get the Shadowdancer's processed form.

Ron

I know I could. I was mostly trying to give encouragement in a slightly humorous fashion. OK, very slightly.

More on-topic: those KGL folks are dedicated! I think I'd have given up after the PCs blew away my third or fourth driver. I bet the guvmint has their families as hostages or something.

. . . . . . . -- Eric

 

[Shadowdancer]

Vargas keys up the transmitter. "KGL, this is Imperial humanitarian mission. We are attempting to comply with earlier request to stay clear of your airspace by departing same. Please be advised, this vehicle makes wide turns. Have a nice day."

The former Scout turns to Argent. "All jokes aside, four enforcers? I wonder what happened? Oh, and any ideas how we handle our friends out there orbiting the border? Go ballistic maybe?"

"The Bromlians are there to ensure the Kingans don’t attempt to enter their airspace," Marcus answers, continuing to follow the fastest course to the friendly border as he decides to use the nape of the earth to his advantage. "I’m quite sure they’re extremely interested in our attempts to obtain the vaccine.

"Swann, target KGL units at your discretion. No mercy, Mister," he adds. "Ian: strap in and take notes."

Argent chuckles through an evil grin as he tries to coax all of the speed he can out of the lumbering hulk.

-----​

"Aye aye, Captain." Ian responds.

"Thanks for the concern, Darishun, but it’s just some good ol’ strains, sprains, and bruises. We can check it out later."

After a brief argument with Darishun about his health, Ian heads for the stateroom next to the improvised sickbay, straps himself to the chair, and configures the station to keep track of the action.

Shaking his massive head sadly, Darishun follows and hunkers down in the corridor outside of the stateroom and braces himself against the walls. Thinking about the unfortunate propensity for the crew to get into unnecessary violence, the Virushi thinks that he really ought to rig some harness points where he can strap himself in around various parts of the ship given that he can’t fit in any station chairs.

-----​

Martha chimes in on the comm discussion about where to go next. "Cap’n, have you considered going above them? We can reach orbit faster than they can, and once we’re up there, we’ve got Imperial support on our side." She shrugs, mostly to herself as Marcus probably can’t see her.

She continues her efforts to jam the sensor locks of the fighters, frustrated that three shots got passed her prior efforts.

-----​

Vasilii listens to the ex-Scout and the engineer, then chimes in. "Captain, Ms. Smith and Mr. Vargas may have good points. If we cross into Bromlian airspace directly, we implicate them and could start a war. If we head into space, not only will we avoid that but also we could head straight for the Wall of Stone where Imperial medical facilities are better.

"The Bromlians can claim outrage and denounce us all they want. They can even claim that their fighters are there to deny the border to us."

A sly smile spreads across Vargas’ face. "Very good, a nice piece of thinking that."

"Good idea. Hang on," Argent confirms, then banks left — parallel to the border — and takes the Bray Keaven as vertical as he can get without losing too much velocity. "Emile, Swann, keep those fighters out of our exhaust port."

-----​

"Roger that, Captain," Swann says as he tracks the incoming fighters. He targets the closest one and fires.

-----​

Marcus initially points the lumbering far trader towards the border with Bromley and attempts to extract as much airspeed as possible from the Bray Keaven. After suggestions from Vasilii, Martha, and Vargas, he takes the Bray Keaven vertical and heads for space at maximum speed. Unfortunately, Marcus can’t recall the likely operating ceiling for the TL-8 fighters, so he can’t estimate how long the Bray Keaven will be under fire from the KGL fighters.

Vasilii uses the ship’s sensors to assist Swann’s gunnery.

-----​

Seeing the Bray Keaven go ballistic, the lead new fighter comms the fleeing far trader, "Merchant ship. This is Raptor One. Return to 10km altitude and circle immediately. We will destroy you if you attempt to flee. You are in violation of King George’s Land airspace and you are harboring criminals. This is your last warning."

-----​

Martha’s attempt to jam their sensors goes disastrously awry, and her efforts apparently turn the sensors into some great beacon, and all four fighters achieve lock ons and fire. Fortunately for the Bray Keaven, only two of the missile hit. One missile impacts on the top side of the hull over port jump engine. The other missile strikes on the port side near the low berths. The damage control screen in the cockpit indicates probable damage to one of the low berths.

-----​

Swann returns fire, targeting Raptor One. With Vasilii’s assistance, he easily hits the lead fighter with both lasers, and the fighter is simply vaporized.

Vargas has the computer target Raptor Two with the port laser. The port laser hits Raptor Two, and Raptor Two goes down streaming smoke.

-----​

Vasilii watches his screen as the ship fires, and winces as the lead fighter vaporizes. He switches his sensors to the two remaining fighters and tries to assist the gunners with targeting.

-----​

Marcus frowns as the ship takes a couple more hits, then leans his head slightly in Vasilii’s direction. "Vas, if you can, give Martha a hand on jamming those radars."

With everyone doing their jobs, the captain is able to focus entirely on piloting, and he continues to guide the Keaven up and out of the atmosphere.

The former Scout remarks calmly as the ship obtains a vertical climb, "Hmm. Haven’t done one of these in a while. I forgot how much fun they can be." He also preps a shot at the remaining fighters.

-----​

Swann watches in grim satisfaction as two of the fighters disappear from his targeting screen. "Two down, two to go," he says to himself. "I just hope we can bag these other two before they get a lucky hit on us."

He sets his sights on the next closest fighter and fires.

-----​

Martha, realizing that the bridge had now overridden the sensor arrays, remarks into the comm system, "Vasilii, you take sensors. No use in us both giving conflicting commands to the equipment. Captain, I’ll try to give us some more power so we can get out of here just that much faster."

With that, her fingers dance across her boards, coaxing the engines to perform at their safest limits.

-----​

The Bray Keaven streaks towards space with the two remaining KGL fighters desperately trying to keep up. Vasilii takes over the jamming duties and does a good job of causing problems for the two TL–8 fighters.

One of the fighters loses its lock on and doesn’t fire. The other manages to maintain its lock and fires. The missile homes in on the Bray Keaven, and strikes squarely on the starboard turret, damaging or destroying one of the pulse lasers, damaging the turret traversal mechanism, and sending a spall or two whizzing around in the turret fire control. One narrowly misses Swann’s head while the other strikes him hard in his uninjured shoulder.

Cursing enough to peel paint off the fighter, Swann returns fire, and the shot punches straight through the cockpit, killing the pilot instantly.

Swann grunts in satisfaction as the laser strikes the fighter. "You got off easy, pal. You’d be sorry if Martha got her hands on you for damaging her baby."

He briefly rubs his right shoulder where the spall struck him. He then grits his teeth and begins trying to line up the remaining fighter in his sights.

-----​

Vargas’ computer–controlled turret fires at the other fighter but misses.

-----​

Martha adjusts the engine’s output as much as she can, knowing that the Bray Keaven will pick up speed as she gets to thinner atmosphere. Losing the second starboard laser has helped a little bit, and she manages to coax a little more speed.

-----​

Marcus glowers as the Keaven takes the hit and casts a quick glance toward Vargas. "Emile, that noise is distracting,"he growls. "Cut those monkeys off."

He continues to push the ship, as if he were trying to will the Keaven out of the atmosphere.

"I’m already on it, Arggie," replies Vargas as he works the weapons console.

-----​

Martha begins assessing the damage sustained, with the intention of exacting what repairs she can with the equipment she has at hand. True repairs would have to wait until dry-dock, but she would have to make sure her baby makes it to dry-dock first.

She starts running damage control diagnostics routines on her systems. Component readouts generally show OK except Low Berth No. 3 (which appears offline) and Starboard Laser No. 2 (also offline). There don’t appear to be any hull breaches with the possible exception of just outside Low Berth No. 3.

-----​

Meanwhile, the passengers (Darishun, Ian, and Saro) are hunkered down in/near the improvised sick bay and the cabin next to it trying to follow the action the best that they can.

-----

The remaining "Raptor" fighter is still in pursuit, but is starting to drop behind as the Bray Keaven accelerates as it gets to thinner atmosphere. The fighters that most recently took off from the KGL military base are clawing for altitude, but Marcus decides that, barring mishaps, they will not be able to engage before the Bray Keaven gains too much altitude for their engines. Of course, the KGL Air Defense command is still calling on the Bray Keaven to surrender or be destroyed.

The Bromlian fighters are still circling just inside their airspace and warning the KGL fighters to stay clear.

-----​

The Bray Keaven streaks towards space with the remaining KGL fighter desperately trying to keep up. On the bridge of the far trader, Vasilii continues to try to break the fighters’ sensor lock-on. He continuously shifts the frequency output of the trader’s radar, and scans for the frequency the fighter is using to its weapons tracking. When he finds it, he intends to start introducing bursts of random energy on the same frequency, hoping to introduce a premature detonation for any proximity–fused missiles.

Marcus continues to push the Bray Keaven to her limits, and the velocity indicator continues to increases as the air gets thinner. In spite of the damage, the far trader climbs into the upper atmosphere and steadily draws away from the pursuing KGL fighter.

-----​

Though smarting from his wounds and wrestling with a damaged turret, Swann is able to get the starboard turret to bear and fire a shot at the last KGL fighter. This shot strikes the fighter towards its tail and punches clean through the single engine. At the same time, Vargas’ computer–controlled port turret fires, but misses. The fighter goes down in a number of flaming pieces anyway.

-----​

Vasilii attempts to increase the jamming of the sensors, but ends up overloading the emitters, and the entire sensor system shuts down. It’s not immediately clear what happened or how quickly the system can be restored, but the Bray Keaven is effectively flying on visual only at this point.

The next 15 minutes are tense ones as the ship is essentially flying dumb and blind except for what Marcus and Vargas can see out of the bridge. Luckily, the other KGL fighters appear to be out of range and unable to sufficiently close the range, and no other missiles find the fleeing far trader. By the time that the far trader reaches orbit, Martha has the sensors back online at half capability.

 

[Shadowdancer]

Epilogue​

The Bray Keaven achieves orbit smarting from her wounds, and Marcus contacts the Marquis onboard the Wall of Stone to explain the situation. The Marquis isn’t too pleased to learn that the holiday party’s return wasn’t handled quietly, but he is excited to hear that a probable vaccine has been acquired and dispatches the Civan and Seri’s Dagger to pick up half of the vaccine cans for analysis.

While waiting for the two close escorts to arrive, Marcus contacts Gen. Tilshire and explains the holiday party’s actions as well as the current situation. Gen. Tilshire also isn’t too pleased that matters descended into violence, but agrees that the best thing is for the ship to avoid returning to Bromley for the moment. He does insist that half of the cans be returned if possible so that Dr. Warren can study them.

Amusingly, the crew’s old friends, the Lingsdonlanders, attempt to intercept the Bray Keaven just before the two Gazelle–class close escorts arrive. As before, the Lingsdonlanders demand that the Bray Keaven hand over half of the vaccine cans for analysis. Unhappily for them, they quickly discover that Gazelles have good sensor suites and weapons with long ranges, and that the Marquis’ troops and the Imperial Navy take a very dim view of locals trying to shake down Imperial representatives.

An hour later, Seri’s Dagger speeds off towards the Wall of Stone with its vaccine cans while the gig from the Civan drops to the Groves Airport to deliver four cans of soda for Dr. Warren. The gig then returns, and the Civan escorts the far trader to the Wall of Stone.

About this time, the scattered remains of the Lingsdonland craft start sparkling as they reach the upper edge of the atmosphere.

-----​

The next several weeks are a bit of a blur for the crew of the Bray Keaven.

Working with the other scientists onboard the Wall of Stone, Saro is able to quickly isolate and grow the vaccine. Dr. Warren and his team are able to duplicate the feat as well with some information and help. Within a week, the vaccine is being produced in some quantity onboard the Wall of Stone and within Bromley. Bromley and the Imperials also distribute samples of the vaccine to other nations on Alief starting with those directly affected but not involved in combat.

Ian and Swann end up on bed rest for three weeks with Saro threatening to get Darishun to sit on them if necessary. Given the magnitude of the threat, they decide to relax in bed, slowly going crazy and wearing out all available game software.

Meanwhile, the rest of the crew is able to get the hull of the battered far trader patched and repaired with the interdiction trader’s supplies and facilities. Martha is able to determine that starboard laser No. 2 was seriously damaged but not destroyed. Unfortunately, the Wall of Stone does not have a compatible power–focussing crystal, so the major part of the repairs will have to wait.

On the bright side, they are able to get the port laser and missile launcher finally calibrated. Low Berth No. 3 is still offline pending spare parts, but at least it is no longer open to space. The sensor suite is fully operational again with Martha’s tender care.

-----​

During the holiday trip to Kingsland, Swann bought some souvenirs for those who stayed behind. He passes them out first chance he gets.

For Darishun, a stuffed shierrhino.

For Marcus, a T-shirt which reads "My crew went to Kingsland, and all they bought me was this lousy T-shirt."

For Martha, a hot pink belly shirt with spaghetti straps which reads "Queen of Kingsland."

For Emile, a Hawaiian-style shirt with a loud print of male Vargrs playing ukuleles and female Vargrs dancing while wearing skimpy native costumes. "Better watch out, or Dr. Saro will steal this from you," Swann says as he gives Vargas the shirt.

-----​

Most of the time, Martha throws herself into repairing the ship, making sure her baby is spaceworthy. Martha finally decides that her dreams are too much for her, and with the help of Dr. Saro, she contacts and utilizes some confidential counseling services. In time, she begins to relax somewhat, and the dreams begin to drift away.

The young engineer is very appreciative of the gift she received, and wears the top occasionally when "letting her hair down" at a local club. With recent developments, Martha Smythe remains determined to stay with the Bray Keavan and make sure nothing untoward happens to her.

-----​

The time aboard the Wall of Stone goes all too quickly for Vasilii. Realizing that his error with the sensor suite could have cost the crew their lives, he works with Martha to repair the ship. When the repairs are finished, Vasilii helps Marcus to run short test flights checking out the far trader.

On his off time, Vasilii wanders the blockade tender making friends and talking to the crew. He makes sure that Cpl. Obutu gets her flower soap. He also trades to the crew and Marines the items that Sgt. Burnett acquired for him in Bromley, trading items to the troops at cost. The pottery and vases that he bought in KGL go on the walls of his cabin, trying to add a little life to his room.

-----​

Tensions between Bromley and King George’s Land become very tense for about a week with accusations flying back and forth between the previously neutral to friendly neighbors. King George’s Land insists that the Bromlians admit that the crew was part of a Bromlian special ops group and operating under Bromlian orders. Bromley notifies the media and other nations of the evidence the crew found that a soda giveaway contained a vaccine for AHV. A coalition of nations against KGL is quickly formed, and a much wider war looks imminent.

Eight days after the Bray Keaven retrieved the holiday party, the 2395th Imperial Navy Reaction Squadron arrives insystem carrying the 4836th Imperial Marine Regimental Combat Team. The Marquis presents his findings and the crew’s evidence to Commodore Hasigarii. The King George’s Land government initially resists the Imperial Marine fact–finding teams, but meekly give in once the Imperial squadron starts conducting spinal mount target practice using KGL bases and military units.

The fact–finding teams discover enough evidence to conclusively show that AHV was artificially created with non-local help as part of a KGL military operation to conquer neighbors. The KGL government declines to supply all of those involved and its senior leaders for trial, so the Commodore drops the entire regimental combat team on KGL.

The fighting is over within three days.

The surviving KGL leaders are put on trial, found guilty, and executed. Heavy reparation demands are placed on KGL by the coalition of nations, but outright war is averted by the presence of the Imperial Navy squadron.

-----​

About this time, a Damian Bray of Bray Shipping Pty. Ltd. eventually shows up insystem to discover the whereabouts of the company’s missing far trader. A quick round of negotiations ensue between Damian Bray, the crew, the Marquis, and the Bromlian government. The Bromlians and the Marquis are intent on rewarding the crew for their actions. Damian Bray wants the company’s aging far trader back, but isn’t too pleased when informed of the former captain’s actions and how he broke the quarantine and endangered another system.

In the end, a deal is struck. The Bromlians purchase the far trader from Bray Shipping Pty. Ltd., partly with a loan from the Marquis. The Bromlians then create Bray Keaven Interests Ltd. and transfer the title to the company. The Bromlian government is the majority shareholder for the time being with each crew member being a minority shareholder, but the agreement is that the government’s stake will be transferred to the minority shareholders (the crew) in 10 years provided that the Bray Keaven transport two non-military cargoes from offworld to Bromley each year (assuming that Bromley can arrange cargoes). Otherwise, the crew will be free to do with the ship as they please (and be responsible for maintenance and salaries of any hired new crew).

Vasilii (with the crew’s permission) represents the crew during the negotiations with Bromley and Bray Shipping Pty. Ltd. He tries for the best terms possible. He requests from the Marquis’ staff an exemption from the Red Zone quarantine, in order to fulfill the Bromlian contract.

-----​

The crew eventually returns to Bromley to pick up its air raft and return the battered Amadel. Luckily, the rental car company waives the fines given that the Amadel now has some notoriety as the car that helped find the vaccine. The crew loads the two dTons of silver, converts their various accounts to Imperial credits, and prepares to depart the system.

-----​

Five weeks after the pickup of the holiday party, the Bray Keaven returns to Sentry. Seven weeks ago, they had departed as a grab–bag of individuals thrown together in an emergency. They return as a seasoned crew, comfortable working with each other. Now, each needs to decide if they want to stay together or go on their separate ways. They met in the crew lounge on the morning of their arrival in Sentry Downport to decide.

-----​

Funds:

The crew now has a total of 444 KCr in credit chits: 133 KCr was in the safe, 111 KCr is from the Lingdonsallers converted to Bromlian Pounds, and 200 KCr is from the Marquis' reward for find the vaccine.

The crew also was each paid 25 KCr by the Marquis as their salary for the near two months of work (a rate well above the going rate even for pilots) and thanks for their efforts.

The crew also has two dTons of refined silver in the cargo hold.

Potential trouble:

The star flower plants still remain in the converted/hollowed out fuel purification areas. There are now five metal tubes of star flower pollen.

The Bray Keaven is still due for jump drive overhaul, but the drives are still within spec.

It is still a mystery as to why the bomb was placed onboard the ship.

-----​

So ends the first Tale of the Bray Keaven.

 

[Morte]

For Martha, a hot pink belly shirt with spaghetti straps which reads "Queen of Kingsland."

Damn, whatever happened to that? Must wind Martha up about it...

 

[Pyske]

So ends the first Tale of the Bray Keaven.

*wild applause from the audience*

. . . . . . . -- Eric

 

[Shadowdancer]

Damn, whatever happened to that? Must wind Martha up about it...

She still wears it from time to time.

 

[Broccli_Head]

Fanstastic Ending. Can't wait until the next book.

Makes we want to suggest Traveller this Friday instead of Champions

 

[Shadowdancer]

Prologue​

Date: 126-993 to 154-993
Location: Alief system, Linkworlds Cluster, Ley Sector, Gateway Domain

Vasilii’s efforts to make friends and sell his procured items at cost on the interdiction tender do earn him friends that may prove useful the next time the ship is in Alief.

-----​

Darishun is quite amused with his stuffed toy and laughs heartily. At least, that is what Swann thinks Darishun is doing when he presents the shierrhino to the Virushi. It’s either that, or Darishun’s digestive system is suffering mild seismic quakes.

-----​

Martha begins therapy sessions with a therapist to which Dr. Saro refers her. Being a detached duty Scout, the therapist is very understanding of the stresses and schedules of starship crews, and her nightmares begin to fade.

-----​

Marcus spends much of the last two weeks in Alief away from the ship, apparently in discussions with Navy officers and the Marquis’ advisors while Vasilii represents the crew in the Bromlian negotiations. He seems preoccupied whenever any of the crew bumps into him, but he just tells them it’s about "personal stuff" before moving onto another subject.

-----​

Date: 161-993
Location: Sentry system, Linkworlds Cluster, Ley Sector, Gateway Domain

After the Bray Keaven exits jump space, Vasilii watches as the world of Sentry glows in front of the ship, not quite believing that their trip is over. The jump back from Alief was uneventful; at least no bombs or prohibited plants were found.

As soon as the ship achieves orbital status and starts its landing pattern Vasilii starts calling up financial news and cargo activities. He looks for any good opportunities for speculative trade or cargo runs to other worlds in the cluster. He posts the two dTons of silver for sale, writing the ad aggressively to highlight quality and content.

When morning comes on date 162-993, Vasilii rises early, the thought of trading and profits to come racing through his brain. Vasilii finds one of his old contacts in the metals business and manages to sell the Bromlian silver. His negotiating skills help net the crew KCr180 or the silver. He correlates all known cargo offers by destination and probable profit margin for the crew to consider during their scheduled meeting in the docking berth’s attached office. He also brings his shopping list to the meeting in case others want to add to the list or volunteer to shop for him.

-----​

Argent catches up with Darishun in the berth and flags down the Virushi. "Well, my friend, it seems that the Scout Service is calling me back to duty," he says. "My transport leaves tomorrow morning."

Darishun nods his massive head sadly, adds a slightly alarming rueful smile, and says, "As the winds of fate will take us. Please go in peace, my friend, and I hope that our paths will cross again soon."

"Sooner, rather than later, I hope," the captain replies with a smile of his own as he glances at the Virushi. "Take care of these guys for me, will ya? And take care of yourself, big guy."

Marcus pats his friend on one of his massive shoulders, then takes a step back. "Godspeed, Darishun."

"Marcus!" calls out Vargas before his former captain can get away. "Good work," he offers his hand, "maybe we’ll see you again sometime." After Argent shakes hands with him, Vargas gets a mischievous little grin. "Shake it easy," he says before turning to leave.

"And you keep on groovin’, Emile," the captain answers, his lips curling into a wry smile. He starts to move off, then stops suddenly. "Oh, Emile, can you do something for me?"

Pulling a small data chip out of his jacket, Marcus hands it over to his fellow scout. "I know you all will probably be looking for my replacement soon. I just received a message from my cousin, who just got out of the Imperial Navy," he says. "He’s a top-notch officer, and a pretty crisp pilot. You all would be doing well to pick him up before someone else does. Pass his info around to everyone. I really think he’s worth a hard look."

"Will do," says Vargas, pocketing the chip, "and if he’s anything like you, well – we’ll probably like him anyway."

-----​

Shortly after lunch, Darishun receives a summons from the Scout Service. A passenger liner has gone down in the wilds of a planet just outside the cluster, and Darishun’s profile came up as having experience with on-planet search and rescue operations. Darishun hurriedly takes his leave of the crew as well, promising to try and catch up with the Bray Keaven when their paths cross again.

 

[Shadowdancer]

Chapter I​

Date: 162-993
Location: Docking bay, Sentry Downport

Vasilii bustles into the berth’s office for the morning meeting wearing his best suit, smiling broadly with a sheaf of documents in his hand. Bidding each person a "Good Morning," he sits down in a comfortable chair and orders breakfast. "Ah, I love Sentry. No dust masks, weather problems, or weird animals to worry about!" he says to Saro. "I enjoy these arcologies, so much better than living out in the open air."

"Well Vasilii, I was born and raised in Edenelt so I’m partial to natural atmospheres," Saro replies. "There is nothing like the smell of air purified by a natural ecosystem. Call me strange." He smiles.

When the meeting starts, Vasilii waits for his turn with only a slight impatience. Once he is recognized, he plows into his subject with enthusiasm.

"As you can see," he states as he hands each crewmember one of the pages he brought with him, "our little ‘adventure’ turned a comfortable profit. Given it was our first venture together, I think we should be fairly well pleased. If you’ll look at your copy, I’ll explain our status."

Each sheet has the same info, basically a ledger of credits and upcoming debits. The highlights are as follows:

Total Available Funds: Cr606,000
Management Reserve (MR): Cr18,000
Total Funds: Cr624,000

Ship Refitting: Cr54,000
Ship Repairs: Cr230,000
Weapons Restocking: Cr30,000
On-going Maintenance: Cr16,846
Projected Expenditures: Cr330,846

Available Balance: Cr275,154 plus MR.

"I’ve set aside 10 percent of our first profit, the Bromlian silver, as a management reserve and will continue to do so with any other speculative profits. We can use it as necessary but it’s only sound business practice to have a reserve fund for emergencies."

While Vasilii proceeds to explain the details of the group’s financial status Saro seems impressed.

Martha nods absently as Vasilii expands on the finances. "We’ll be able to take care of you soon, baby," she thinks as she looks in the general direction of the ship. Though she can’t see it through the walls, Martha still feels a sense of connection to the far trader.

Vasilii continues. "If we want to pursue more profit-making ventures we should determine our options. Bulk cargo is a mainstay of the commerce trade, and should be pursued. Once we have a destination, we can solicit passengers if we choose and even indulge in a little speculative trade goods.

"I’ve considered looking into acquiring the mail contract for Alief. I know it’s a Red Zone, but our unique dispensation puts us in a prime situation. Mail charters are lucrative, but would require us to stay close to this section of space."

Vasilii looks to the others for any input.

"Good job, Vasilii. Thanks for the bookkeeping efforts," Ian says.

Swann looks around the room at the others, rubs a hand across his face and says, "A mail charter for Alief sounds like a good idea. We’re going to have to stay primarily in this cluster already because of our contract to haul at least two cargoes a year for the Bromlians, so we might as well visit more often and make some credits.

"I’ve been doing some searching on the computer nets while I was convalescing the past few weeks. Well, that is, when I wasn’t playing ‘WizWar (TM)’ against Ian. Anyway, I discovered that Fonnein Orbital over in system 069-526 has a good reputation for doing maintenance on far traders. The shipyard there specializes in it. Can our engines make one more Jump 2? If so, maybe we should go there to have the annual maintenance done on the engines."

Vasilii looks just a little uncomfortable when Swann mentions Fonnein Orbital. "Mr. Hellinic is correct, there is a shipyard there that specializes in far trader types. The rumor is that they can upgrade a ship to near military specifications, although I’ve never actually seen their work."

Clearing his throat, Vasilii continues. "I grew up on Estorr in Kleister Beta and have passed through Fonnein a couple of times. Fonnein Orbital is a busy place, if a bit small. However, due to certain things I’d rather not get into I would prefer to stay away from Estorr at this time. It’s possible that I could meet some people at Fonnein that I’d rather not bump into."

Vasilii looks extremely uncomfortable to reveal this information. Fidgeting a little, he continues in a slight rush. "If we decide to head there, I can look for some cargo for that destination. I’m sure we could find some items that might net us a few credits as well."

Saro laughs good-naturedly and pats Vasilii in the back. "I suggest we do not go to Fonnein then. Perhaps we can inquire about services here. I’m no expert but it seems like there are facilities here.

"I think the mail contract is a wonderful idea. We should approach the proper authorities about it.

"I would also like this opportunity to explain my motivations, not to sway anyone but to explain why I feel so strongly about staying with all of you."

Saro’s words draw Martha’s attention. She smiles at the man, thankful for his assistance in finding the Scout counselor, and in the confidentiality in which he handled her request.

"Profits are nice but I do this for the opportunity to experience different things, to see new places and meet new people. If I can earn a living doing that then I am a happy man. As such I am willing to forego my cabin and bunk with someone so we can take passengers. Since I don't have any useful ship skills and my medical know-how could easily be replaced by someone with knowledge of first aid during normal operation of a ship, I volunteer to look after the passengers in flight."

Martha’s head bobs almost imperceptibly, as she laughs inwardly at Saro’s statement. "He can keep the passengers. Give me the engine room any day of the week, and twice in jumpspace." She listens silently to the rest of the doctor’s words, feeling a sense of pride in how he describes the crew in general. Still, she isn’t proud of how she faired with the sensors, and makes a mental note to pick up some texts and testing software to help her enhance her skills in that area.

"Another request is that since I believe in enjoying life," Saro says. "We should get good supplies. We probably should vote on it though.

"Last thing — I wish Marcus was still here to listen to this. When we first reached Alief an event left a bad taste in my mouth and I would like to talk about it. The sale of drugs to the Lingdonslanders was something that I failed to understand. The way I saw it we made a profit from selling medications which did not belong to us and information that was freely available. Now, after spending all of this time with all of you, I have no doubts about anyone’s character. People who put life and limb on the line for the benefit of a population they do not belong to and have no association with? That is rare and commendable. I am immensely proud of being in a crew with all of you."

Swann quickly interjects: "Doc, you can be my wheelman any time."

"I also noted how those profits were used to finance the excursion to KGL, but at the time it was most confusing to me," the Doctor continues. "It is in the past but perhaps the next time we could hold a vote on matters like that. Yes, we needed to act quickly then but a vote usually won’t take more than a few minutes."

Swann says, "I agree. If this is going to be a joint venture, then we all need to have an equal say when possible. Sure, some of us have more expertise in certain areas, and the others will need to defer to that expertise when necessary. But if something affects all of us, we all should have a say in the decision."

"Now to get back to what we should do," Saro says. "Speculative trading sounds great to me but I am pretty much open to any legal and non-unethically exploitative strategy. I am sure Vasilii can turn a profit from anything so as long as he is here I feel content."

As Saro ends his comments, Martha chimes in. "I’d like to give some consideration to the annual maintenance that Vasilii mentioned. The Bray Keavan has probably one more good jump in her, if I nurse the engines, but after that we’re risking a misjump every time we power up the grid."

She pauses. "After that, though, we should probably see what’s available here, as it will probably dictate what our best options will be."

 

[Shadowdancer]

Date: 162-993 and 163-993
Location: Sentry Downport

The crew spends the morning discussing options for refitting and deciding what to do next. During the morning, Marcus announces that he has been recalled to active duty and takes his leave of the crew. Before departing, he hands Vargas a chip containing information about his cousin, a Kevon Holland who apparently may be calling on the Bray Keaven soon for a berth.

-----​

Martha determines that the drives are still within spec (though edging close to the borderline), so another jump or two should be okay if the crew wants to head to system 069-526. Vasilii guesses that the jump drive maintenance will probably be cheaper at Fonnein Orbital, though he doesn't know by how much. He also guesses that the popup turret installation and the pulse laser repair will probably be cheaper there also. He doesn't know if the low berth repairs will be cheaper or not.

Martha adds that, while the engines can take another jump, she'd rather not push it any further than that. "Please consider it my recommendation that we perform our annual maintenance as soon as possible."

-----​

Vasilii leaves after the meeting in the morning, the news of Marcus’ departure a little upsetting. In the nearly two months that he’s known the captain, he’s come to respect his leadership abilities and common sense.

Vasilii returns to the Bray Keaven and uses the bridge console to look up information on 069-526. Although he spent his youth growing up on the moon of Estorr, he’s only been through Kleister Alpha three times. The memory of the last time, when he’d been fired from Sternmetal and deposited on Fonnein Orbital, still haunted him. He doesn’t remember any details of that time, only the sense that everyone was staring at him.

Shaking himself out of his reverie, Vasilii looks for economic data that he can use to his advantage. First, he looks to see if any bulk cargo is headed there. If so, he makes sure that it will fit in the cargo hold of the Bray Keaven.

After checking on that, Vasilii then looks for any speculative ventures. Drawing on his memory of life on Estorr and the data he researched, he tries to find items that are needed or desired on 069-526.

-----​

After his research, Vasilii logs off the computer and heads to the engineering compartment. Finding Martha huddled over the engines (as he expected) he comes right to the point. "Ms. Smythe, would you like me to order materials for any routine maintenance you need to do? I’ve read several logistical studies that point to a direct savings in shipboard maintenance if routine items are accomplished on a timely basis. I’m sure that you have engineering analyses that come to the same conclusion. I’d be happy to help with any small jobs that you need done, although I’ve never actually been trained in starship maintenance. I do want us to be as efficient as possible, however. ‘Efficiency is profit,’ as they say at home."

Vasilii writes down the materials Martha indicates and the possible vendors.

When she is done, Vasilii continues. "I wonder, have you had a chance to look at the starboard fuel processor? I know the port one is, ahem, out of commission but I don’t think we’ve ever looked at the other one. If it was operating, we could save a good amount of credits buying unrefined fuel and processing it ourselves. Please let me know what you find, I’d be most interested."

-----​

When done, Vasilii returns to the bridge and opens a comm channel to port operations. He requests standard refueling (refined) and resupply for the ship, and makes sure that the crew knows when the ground crew is arriving so that they can be escorted. He then contacts a maintenance supplier for any supplies Martha needs.

-----​

Ian asks for volunteers to help escort the ground crew and observe the resupply. "Don’t want any stray bombs being planted, now do we?" he tells the others. When the ground crew arrives he assigns the volunteers to each person/group and personally pats down each worker and searches their toolboxes, materials, etc.

-----​

Once the ship’s business is done, Vasilii turns to personal needs. First he orders a small handcomputer from a major supplier, one of the advanced synaptic models. Then he accesses a starship supplier and orders an advanced vacc suit in his size. Finally, he asks the supplier for any prepackaged cuisines for expeditions. He orders two cases of them, asking for variety. Vasilii requests delivery within 24 hours for all items.

-----​

Late in the afternoon, after the resupply crews finish, Swann showers, changes into jeans and a T–shirt, and heads toward the starport concourse, making sure to leave all of his weapons behind on the Bray Keaven. "I hate these high law level systems," he thinks. "I feel almost naked without a weapon tucked away somewhere."

He heads for the closest tavern, sits down at the bar — out of habit taking a seat that allows him to watch the entrance — and orders a beer with a whiskey chaser. He sips the beer and starts thinking.

"Darishun and the Captain, both leaving," he thinks. "Damn, that was fast. Too fast. I liked both of them, too. Marcus is the sort of captain you can respect, not so full of himself he won’t pitch in and help with the work. And the way he brought the ship in to snatch us out of Kingsland; I could be dead, otherwise — all of us could. That’s the sort of man you want to work for, knowing he’ll back you all the way when it counts.

"And Darishun," Swann smiles as he takes another sip of beer. "It’s hard to believe someone that big can be so gentle, and not take advantage of his size and strength by bullying others. He’s one of the nicest sophonts I’ve ever met, and pulls more than his weight when it comes to working. And that’s a lot of weight to pull." Swann smiles again.

"I should be used to people leaving by now. It always happens, sooner or later. I guess it’s better sooner rather than later." Swann drains the last of his beer, then downs the shot of whiskey. "Well, I’ve got some shopping to do. Best get to it."

He tips the bartender and walks out, strolling down the concourse to the nearest clothing store. He buys four more sets of work clothes, then heads to an electronics store where buys a new advanced synaptic portable computer. He visits an entertainment store to check out the new computer games, but only buys some recorded music: the latest albums by Native Traveller and Mendoza Beaver. Then he heads back to the Bray Keaven with his purchases.

During his shopping, Swann looks for any stores that sell weapons and ammunition. He wants to know what his options are for buying a new SMG.

-----​

Kevon Holland steps onto the tarmac of the downport in his undress uniform, carrying a garment bag over his left shoulder as a petty officer pushes a small case behind him. His father had already arranged an apartment for him on Sentry to use following his departure from the service, fully paid for six months while the young lieutenant commander figured out where he would go next.

Kevon was resigned to taking advantage of the apartment as he rode down on the shuttle from the Frigate Aphid, but is pleasantly surprised to find a waiting message from his cousin concerning his departure from the Bray Keaven and the ship’s impending arrival in Sentry. Fortuitous. By his calculation, the Keaven should have already been in port for a day or two, so Kevon decides to find the small trader and see if that job is still open.

-----​

Saro spends part of the day soaking in the atmosphere of the startown at Sentry. He looks to acquire a flak jacket, but otherwise his time is spent wandering, browsing, speaking to random people, and finding out what are the "must-not-miss" spots here.

His plan is to make sure everyone in the crew has a bit of fun here, since they seem so workaholic. Once he finds an appropriate restaurant he will make reservations for everyone. He will also look for post-dinner hang–out places. Then he will call the whole crew and invite them. Of course, dinner and drinks will be on him.

-----​

The first and second days in Sentry pass by pretty quickly for the crew of the Bray Keaven. The sudden departures of Marcus and Darishun put a bit of a damper on the crew’s spirits, but the crew carries on buoyed by hope for future prospects and individual actions such as Saro’s dinner.

-----​

Vasilii busies himself with working his contacts to sell cargoes as well as doing some shopping for himself and the crew. He postpones committing to cargoes (both contracted transport and speculative) and a possible mail contract for Alief until at least the start of the third day in port.

-----​

Swann spends the time doing a little bit of shopping and canvassing the local scene. Sentry is of a depressingly high law level, and startown and the starport itself both lack any weapon shops. Some drinks and lounging about in the Startown bars isn’t helpful, but a Belter in one of the Starport bars, The Cog and Nut, mentions a Belter named Lysette Tamara stops in the bar at least once a week in the evenings and sometimes has automatic weapons for sale.

Swann leaves a message with the bartender at The Cog and Nut for Lysette Tamara. It says simply, "I would like to meet with you to discuss some possible business." He signs it and also leaves the Bray Keaven’s docking bay number so she will know where to contact him. He gives the bartender Cr20 for helping him out.

-----​

Martha, Vargas, and Ian arrange for the repair of the laser turret (at least getting the parts) and the two low berths. Martha, Vargas, and Swann can handle the actual repairs, with Ian doing lifting. Swann suggests that the crew attempt to repair the laser turret themselves but hire someone to repair the low berths. "I don't know much about them, and I don’t want some poor passenger’s death on my conscience," he says.

Out of curiosity, Martha, Vargas, and Vasilii check the starboard fuel processor. Like the port fuel processor, this area looks like a fuel processor, but is really a self–contained smuggling area with its own life–support system. There are two cubes of some sort of opaque, dark gray plastic present. The cubes are about half a meter across and high, and feel and sound rather solid. Both probably weigh at least 25 kilos. There are no obvious seams or openings.

-----​

Saro arranges for his party for the evening of the second night in the starport.

"It’s too bad Darishun and Marcus had to leave so fast. We didn’t get a chance to say goodbye and toast to their health properly, but we can always do that in absentia."

"Doc, you are the man! Great idea!," Ian says, clinking glasses with Saro before glugging down his drink.

Martha, dressed in a nice, tight-fitting black outfit quite unlike her usual attire, nods to Doc Saro. "Here, here! To the Cap’n!" She smiles as she raises her glass with the others, then savors a draught of the drink the Doc ordered for them.