Broccli_Head
Explorer
BUMP!
Just because I like the story and the characters so much.
Just because I like the story and the characters so much.
Traveller T20: Tales of the Bray Keaven [Updated 12-20-05]
- Thread starter Shadowdancer
- Start date
Shadowdancer
First Post
I believe the Starflower will play a prominent role in the next few updates.Fade said:
Shadowdancer
First Post
Chapter II
Date: 164-993
Location: Sentry Downport
On the morning of the third day in Sentry, the crew gathers for a breakfast meeting. The switch from Marine field rations to regular fare is particularly welcome this morning. Checking the ship's inbox, Vargas finds a rather cryptic message that he brings to the crew’s attention.
The message reads, "Your former captain had something of ours that we would like returned. We need to meet to discuss the items’ return this evening at the Long Shadow Falling at 2100 hours. Just go to the bar and order a Hidelian Brandy with Erole. Failing to return the items could be most unfortunate."
Swann and Vasilii both screw up their faces in disgust. Swann mutters, "Hidelian Brandy with Erole? Frell!" A quick directory check reveals that Long Shadows Falling is an upper class bar in Startown.
Vasilii says, "What possessed some person to invent a drink like that?" When the location of the bar is found, Vasilii offers the opinion that the crew should attend the meeting. "Right now they know who we are and what we have, and they assume that we know what we have."
Martha chimes in. "So what do you think they want? The contents of purifier number one or purifier number two?"
"We seem to be suffering from an embarrassment of riches, or contraband in this case," says Vargas wonderingly.
"What if we meet these people — with suitable backup — and offer a straight trade?" Vasilii says. "If we act straightforward, maybe we can extricate ourselves from whatever we’ve inherited. I propose we don’t admit to anything, but let them make an offer. I’d be happy to make contact with these people, since my skills at ‘backup’ are probably sadly lacking."
"I wish we had just gone straight to the authorities when we first found our ‘inheritance,’ and I still feel that we should attempt to come clean," Saro says. "I’ll do some research into what options we have."
"I believe that might still be an option," Vasilii responds. "We have had the vessel only a few weeks and can claim to only have found the ‘items’ since arriving back at Sentry."
"Otherwise we don’t really lose anything by listening to them," the doctor adds. "I could provide medical backup, although I doubt it will be necessary."
"I don’t wish to jump to a premature conclusion however," Vasilii says. "They may be referring to something totally different than what we suppose. I mentioned to Ms. Smythe yesterday about an area of the ship we haven’t looked at, and there may be others. Let’s listen to them and gather information, at least we could use that to bargain with the authorities if need be.
"I’d also like to remind everyone of the device planted on the Bray Keaven on our trip to Alief. Someone has already tried to kill us once, and I have no doubt that they’d try again if we refuse them flatly."
After listening to Vasilii and Saro, Swann agrees that the meeting should be kept. "But we need to check the place out first," he says. "I don’t expect there to be any trouble, but you can never be too careful. Also, I don’t think the entire crew should go to the meeting. It might be a ruse to get us out of the ship so they can come in and take back their items, and anything else they want.
"I suggest that Ian and I go to the bar about an hour before the meeting to check it out. We’ll contact Vasilii and let him know if everything’s shiny or not. Vasilii, you should get to the bar about 10 minutes early. If everything looks OK, Ian will join you for the meeting, and I’ll stay on the periphery, just in case.
"Now, we just need to decide who will accompany Vasilii, and who will stay with the ship."
-----
Towards the end of the breakfast meeting, the berth chime rings on the comm. A quick look at the scanner reveals a lean human in his early to mid 30s. of above average height with blond hair, in an Imperial Navy officer’s uniform standing patiently at the berth door comm.
"Crap! Imps are here," Martha says. "Did someone forget to dot an eye on one of the forms, or do you think he’s here in regards to this message or certain items not on our cargo manifest?"
"Then again it could be Argent’s cousin or what-have-you," Vargas says. "If it was a customs check I’d think there’d be Marines with him. Oh, and by the way, what do you mean ‘Crap! Imps are here’?" The last is said with an obvious grin on the ex-Scout’s face.
Martha makes a face at Vargas, sticking her tongue out. Smiling, she says, "Not all of us have had great experiences at the hands of the ISA." She then turns her attention to the door.
Swann chuckles at the exchange, then adds, "Or it could be someone from the Marquis, bringing us our medals for our actions on Alief."
Ian performs a quick scan with the external scanners/cameras to verify he is alone. The scan reveals a petty officer in tow, carrying a garment bag over one shoulder and pulling a black rolling road case behind him.
"Guess we shouldn’t keep the Squid waiting," the retired Imperial Marine says with a sly grin. He taps the comm button: "May I help you?"
The officer nods once and says in a disarming voice, "Yes, I’m looking for Emile Vargas or Martha Smythe. Marcus Argent told me to ask them about the open pilot/captain position for the Bray Keaven. Is either in?"
Ian will disable the comm and turn to the crew. "So, Emile, Martha, y’all up for a visitor this morning?"
Martha breathes a sigh of relief. "So," she says softly, "do we do the interview here, or go for someplace more public?"
"Might as well be here," replies Vargas. "After all, this may be where he’ll wind up working. We could invite him to dinner! Get rid of some of the Marine rations that way!"
He pauses a beat before continuing. "Naw. Let’s just invite him in. Argent probably warned him about us anyway."
Ian will look to Martha and Vargas, waiting for a conformation before punching the comm button.
Martha nods acceptance, straightening her uniform a bit so as to look presentable, at least somewhat.
"Welcome aboard sir, the hatch will open momentarily." Ian then walks over to the hatch and punches in the code to open it. When the officer approaches, Ian will extend his hand. "This way," he says and leads him to the area where the crew is gathered.
Kevon takes the proffered hand and shakes it crisply — his aura of military discipline almost tangible to Ian — then follows the security officer toward the lounge, taking note of McConnell’s left ear, or, rather, the lack thereof. The lieutenant commander immediately recognizes Martha and Emile’s faces from the images his cousin provided, but turns to the enlisted man at his side first.
"Thank you, Petty Officer, I can handle my gear from here," the officer says. "Please extend my thanks to Captain Haarz for his assistance and hospitality."
As the petty officer leaves the way he came, Kevon turns his attention to the crew. "Lt. Cmdr. Kevon Holland, Imperial Navy Reserve," he announces through a broad and friendly smile, stepping forward and offering his hand to the lady first, then to Vargas. "Marcus told me nothing but good things about you folks."
"Further confirmation that Argent is a serial liar. Tragic really." He shakes Kevon’s hand. "Pleased to meet you." Vargas then directs Holland to a seat.
"Yeah, that sounds like my cousin," the officer quips through a wry smile as he takes one of the available chairs in the lounge.
Vasilii rises and extends a hand to Kevon. "Hello Mr. Holland, I’m Vasilii Kugiikhiishi, astrogator and broker for the Bray Keaven. It's a pleasure to meet you. However, I have a very busy day scheduled and I’m afraid that I must be off."
"Vasilii," Kevon replies, taking the proffered hand. "A pleasure meeting you."
Addressing the group at large, Vasilii says, "I’m looking into the procedures concerning gaining the mail contract today. I should have some information for everyone by the evening meal. If you need me before then, I’ll have my personal communicator with me."
With that, Vasilii leaves the room and prepares for his day.
Once Vasilii is out the door, Kevon’s gaze shifts between Martha and Emile. "So, do you folks have any questions for me?" he says. "I have my personnel record with me if you need it."
Kevon’s personnel jacket highlights:
- Graduated NOTC class of 981 from Imperial University–Kanadine. Commissioned as Ensign in Imperial Navy.
- Assigned as Assistant Inspections Officer, Faradan Naval Station. 981-985. Assigned as student at BOTIC (Bridge Officer Training and Indoctrination Command), Ulvios. Graduated 986.
- Assigned as instructor at BOTIC, Ulvios. 986-989. Promoted to Lieutenant, 986.
- Assigned as Assistant Operations Officer, strike cruiser Gladius, 223rd Sector Fleet. 989-993. Promoted to Lieutenant Commander, 991. Assigned as Chief Operations Officer, 992.
- 223rd Sector Fleet disbanded. Released from service, 993.
- Bridge Officer Certified
- Department Head Certified
- Marksman Rating (laser, firearms)
- Ship’s Gunner Rated
- Starship Piloting Certified
- Ship’s Boat Piloting Certified
- Tactics and Strategy Certified
- Damage Control Specialist
- Highly Proficient in Pilot, Gunnery, Astrogation, Sensors, Communications, Administration and Recruiting skill sets.
- Highly Rated Leader
As the crew continues to interview Kevon, they realize Kevon appears to be cut from similar cloth as Marcus, though Marcus has been softened a bit by his time in the Scouts. Kevon definitely seems to be still in Imperial Navy mode, not surprising given that he was just recently discharged.
Though he seems a bit ImpNavy formal, Martha feels like he is a decent enough chap and fairly reminiscent of Kevon. She thinks that he is being truthful, but she can’t be sure. She asks Kevon to run through a simulation or two, the most difficult based on the ship’s most recent combat at Alief, to see how he scores compared to Marcus’ performance.
Kevon agrees to perform any simulation that Martha asks of him, after asking for a few minutes to get out of his undress uniform and into a more-comfortable duty jumpsuit.
Martha and Vargas set up some simulations for Kevon to run through based on their recent combats. Kevon is slightly amused and runs through them without any problems.
Later in the day, they give him a tour of the ship.
After Kevon’s testing, interview, and tour are complete, Martha says, "That pretty much concludes my part in the interview process. You obviously have the technical skills we need. But we’ll have to review everything, you know. We’ll probably be getting in touch with you soon, to let you know our decision."
Vargas nods his concurrence with Martha’s statement. "Good to meet you," he adds. "It’s not often you can find a qualified individual for this line of work who is also crazy enough to apply." The ex-Scout grins slightly at this.
-----
After the tour, Kevon returns to his undress uniform — you can’t just go out into public in your duty jumpsuit — and heads into the starport to buy some sharp civilian attire. He spends about Cr500 for some outfits, at least one that matches his ImpNavy liberty jacket, and a nice pair of boots.
Shadowdancer
First Post
After the morning meeting, the day passes by pretty quickly. Hue de Silva’s Delivery Service brings the parts for the second starboard laser shortly after breakfast, and Martha, Vargas, and Swann get to work on the repairs. A little while later, some technicians from Joel Life Systems arrive to repair the low berths, and Ian plays escort for the technicians. By mid afternoon, the repairs are going well. The low berth repair crews finish the repairs under Ian’s eye. Martha, Swann, and Vargas do get the laser repaired though it’ll need to be calibrated again which will take some time in space — at least a day.
Meanwhile, Saro does some research onto the legal ramifications of having the Star Flower plants. He does need to tie into Sentry’s infonet in order to conduct his research properly. Luckily, doing so is pretty easy. Based on several court cases from the last few decades, the prospects of just turning over the plants and pollen now are not very promising. If they had done so originally (IIS vs. Wenchsel et. al), the Imperial Investigative Service probably would have given the crew a warning after an investigation. Now that the crew has possessed the plants and pollen for almost two months, the crew probably could successfully avoid the death penalty, but the ship and all assets would probably be seized.
"Dang it! Now what?!" Saro is clearly frustrated.
After doing the research, Saro wanders over to inspect the mystery cubes. Ian joins him. Vasilii pops in briefly on his way out to run some errands. Looking at the items, Vasilii’s eyebrows arch and his mouth opens slightly. His curiosity propels him forward and he circles the items almost without thought. Finally, he looks at the others and says, "I’ve never seen anything like this before, have you? It almost looks like some sort of biohazard container, although that would be more Dr. Talbak’s area of expertise. Perhaps we could run some diagnostic tests, like X-rays or something?"
Ian’s look at the cubes doesn’t reveal much. The cubes are made of an opaque dark gray plastic, with a touch of purple tint to the gray. The cubes feel very solid and have no apparent seams, openings, screws, or other fasteners. For all practical purposes, the cubes appear to have been produced as a single solid piece.
Saro’s inspection doesn't reveal that much more. The chemical analysis doesn’t reveal anything useful. He does use one of his medical scanners on the cube. Though more suited for scanning live tissue, the scanner reveals that the cube isn’t solid all of the way through with the plastic. There appears to be a shell of some sort comprised of the surface material. The shell is about 5mm thick. Beyond the shell is a large volume of what appears to be some sort of foam. In the center of the cube is a second cube about 10cm on each side, which appears to be solid or at least resists any attempt to scan its contents. Saro isn’t sure if the center core has any metal or not.
Saro looks puzzled at the cube within the cube. "What could this be?"
He asks the others: "Do any of you know about explosives? My biggest worry is that it is something that will blow up once we open it. Biological stuff I can take care of. Anyone have any ideas?"
Vasilii dons a good business suit and heads towards the offices of the Imperial Mail Service. After a bit of a wait, he meets with a Ms. Rebecca Obuto. Ms. Obuto is fairly helpful, but she does make it clear that the IMS rarely runs mail or package service to planets under Red Zone restrictions. She does suggest that Vasilii call upon the offices of ImpEx, the Imperium—wide package shipping company.
Vasilii talks to Ms. Obuto about the possibility of running a "limited" service, running any mail during the Bray Keaven’s normal trips to Alief. He reminds her that the Imp Navy has a presence there and package runs there could fulfill a dual purpose by running Imperial packets.
Ms. Obutu brightens at this suggestion. She says that she can’t guarantee anything, but if there is mail headed to Alief, the transfer station, or the picket, she could probably work out somewhere between Cr1,500 and Cr2,500 per ton transferred.
The visit to the ImpEx office goes much better. The station manager, Iritok McGee, appears delighted to hear that the Bray Keaven has access to Alief. He says that there isn’t much bound for Alief given its Red Zone status, but he is prepared to sign a contract for four tons of space reserved for a trip a quarter (scheduled to depart Sentry on the first of every quarter) at standard contract rates. He mentions that there could be more cargo on any particular run, but he is only prepared to contract four tons per run.
-----
Meanwhile, Saro does some research onto the legal ramifications of having the Star Flower plants. He does need to tie into Sentry’s infonet in order to conduct his research properly. Luckily, doing so is pretty easy. Based on several court cases from the last few decades, the prospects of just turning over the plants and pollen now are not very promising. If they had done so originally (IIS vs. Wenchsel et. al), the Imperial Investigative Service probably would have given the crew a warning after an investigation. Now that the crew has possessed the plants and pollen for almost two months, the crew probably could successfully avoid the death penalty, but the ship and all assets would probably be seized.
"Dang it! Now what?!" Saro is clearly frustrated.
-----
After doing the research, Saro wanders over to inspect the mystery cubes. Ian joins him. Vasilii pops in briefly on his way out to run some errands. Looking at the items, Vasilii’s eyebrows arch and his mouth opens slightly. His curiosity propels him forward and he circles the items almost without thought. Finally, he looks at the others and says, "I’ve never seen anything like this before, have you? It almost looks like some sort of biohazard container, although that would be more Dr. Talbak’s area of expertise. Perhaps we could run some diagnostic tests, like X-rays or something?"
Ian’s look at the cubes doesn’t reveal much. The cubes are made of an opaque dark gray plastic, with a touch of purple tint to the gray. The cubes feel very solid and have no apparent seams, openings, screws, or other fasteners. For all practical purposes, the cubes appear to have been produced as a single solid piece.
Saro’s inspection doesn't reveal that much more. The chemical analysis doesn’t reveal anything useful. He does use one of his medical scanners on the cube. Though more suited for scanning live tissue, the scanner reveals that the cube isn’t solid all of the way through with the plastic. There appears to be a shell of some sort comprised of the surface material. The shell is about 5mm thick. Beyond the shell is a large volume of what appears to be some sort of foam. In the center of the cube is a second cube about 10cm on each side, which appears to be solid or at least resists any attempt to scan its contents. Saro isn’t sure if the center core has any metal or not.
Saro looks puzzled at the cube within the cube. "What could this be?"
He asks the others: "Do any of you know about explosives? My biggest worry is that it is something that will blow up once we open it. Biological stuff I can take care of. Anyone have any ideas?"
-----
Vasilii dons a good business suit and heads towards the offices of the Imperial Mail Service. After a bit of a wait, he meets with a Ms. Rebecca Obuto. Ms. Obuto is fairly helpful, but she does make it clear that the IMS rarely runs mail or package service to planets under Red Zone restrictions. She does suggest that Vasilii call upon the offices of ImpEx, the Imperium—wide package shipping company.
Vasilii talks to Ms. Obuto about the possibility of running a "limited" service, running any mail during the Bray Keaven’s normal trips to Alief. He reminds her that the Imp Navy has a presence there and package runs there could fulfill a dual purpose by running Imperial packets.
Ms. Obutu brightens at this suggestion. She says that she can’t guarantee anything, but if there is mail headed to Alief, the transfer station, or the picket, she could probably work out somewhere between Cr1,500 and Cr2,500 per ton transferred.
The visit to the ImpEx office goes much better. The station manager, Iritok McGee, appears delighted to hear that the Bray Keaven has access to Alief. He says that there isn’t much bound for Alief given its Red Zone status, but he is prepared to sign a contract for four tons of space reserved for a trip a quarter (scheduled to depart Sentry on the first of every quarter) at standard contract rates. He mentions that there could be more cargo on any particular run, but he is only prepared to contract four tons per run.
Broccli_Head
Explorer
Caught up after a brief trip to Las Vegas! Looking forward to meeting with the folks who left them that nasty note.
Shadowdancer
First Post
Chapter III
Date: 164-993
Location: Sentry Downport
During a break, Swann does some research on the Long Shadows Falling Bar. The local entertainment directory lists the LSF as an upscale bar (snazzy casual only, please) on the nicer side of Sentry Startown (outside of the XT line in a nice part of Startown) on the north side of the 67th floor of the Uraid Arcology. There are a number of upscale shops, restaurants, and entertainment establishments nearby. There is a large promenade in front of the bar with several banks of elevators nearby. The weapons policy isn’t listed, but Swann assumes that it’s the same as the rest of Startown (law level 9 — no weapons outside the home), which is down from the rest of Sentry.
"Frellin’ paranoid geetches," Swann mutters to himself. "Might as well walk into the bar nude."
-----
On the way to case the bar that evening, Swann drops his note off at the Cog and Nut.
-----
Also on the way to the bar, Ian stops at a shop to purchase a stylish flak jacket from a shop inside the Downport, one large enough to conceal a pistol in a shoulder holster. It’s made from a leather-like material cut in the current fashion. Ian is not carrying a pistol due to Sentry’s law level, but he did conceal his InvisiKnife on his person before he left the ship.
Ian isn’t stopped for carrying his InvisiKnife* at the customs inspection point for entering Startown.
-----
Arriving at the LSF bar around 2000, Swann and Ian head to the bar proper and order drinks (though they arrive and sit separately). Long Shadows Falling appears to be a pretty popular spot for hanging out. There are about 100 or so people, mostly professional types, in snazzy, casual clothes hanging out at the bar proper or clustered around the numerous small round tables. The noise level is a bit high and vibrant. Swann spots someone he thinks may be a guard type (muscular, quiet, arrives by himself, orders what probably is a non-alcoholic drink, eyes shifting left and right), but he isn’t sure.
Ian orders a non-alcoholic drink, and tries to look inconspicuous. He scans the room looking for other "conspicuous" people, but doesn’t notice anyone who strikes him as being particularly conspicuous.
Fifteen minutes before the appointed hour, Ian heads out to retrieve Vasilii and Vargas from a nearby shop while Swann continues chatting with the very attractive brunette, Erica, who has been flirting with him for the last 10 minutes or so.
Swann attempts to read the intentions of Erica, wondering if she is just a clever diversion, or is she truly just looking for companionship? "Who’s a paranoid geetch now, hmmm?," he thinks to himself. Erica’s intentions do appear to be genuine. Of course, she could be a really good actress.
-----
Vasilii and Ian return, and, at the appointed time, Vasilii manages to keep a straight face while ordering a Hidelian Brandy with Erole from the bartender. The bartender looks confused and disgusted for a moment, but then remembers and says, "The lady at the corner table underneath the blue painting already has your drink, sir."
Vasilii and Ian glance over to the indicated table and see a striking blonde in dark blue chatting amiably with a small, wiry fellow with wisps of white hair. Vasilii and Ian make their way over. Just as they reach the table, the blonde looks up, smiles at them, and says, "Ah, welcome. Won’t you please join us?"
-----
Swann tries to keep an eye on the suspected guard while still being witty and charming to Erica.
-----
Vargas seats himself at a table so that he can observe another portion of the bar. He doesn’t notice anything that catches his eye other than the brunette flirting with Swann and the striking blonde in blue who is now talking to Vasilii.
-----
Vasilii sits down at the table with a slight smile and nods to the man and woman. "I’d be happy to sit with you, on the condition that I don’t actually have to drink that concoction."
Vasilii looks at the two, first at the blonde and then the man. "I understand that we may have some business together.
"I’ll offer some information for free. The original crew of the Bray Keaven suffered a disaster, with only one survivor. The replacement crew has only been there a few weeks. We haven’t had much time for anything other than the most basic operations.
"Perhaps if you could elaborate on that rather cryptic message we could come to some accommodation. If you want anything from us, I’m afraid you’ll have to be specific. If we have it or know where it is, we’ll be happy to work a deal."
The striking blonde laughs and exclaims, "Ah, how delightful! A proper Vilani merchant, getting right to the point."
She continues, "Quite simply, we had contracted with your ship's former captain to transport four plants for us. Shipment was due to be received seven weeks ago, and we are most put out not to have received the shipment."
Leaning in closer, the blonde continues as Vasilii and Ian notice that her outfit is rather low cut and loosely flowing. "So far, I have been able to persuade my associates not to take drastic action, but my powers of persuasion may not last much longer.
"We would like for you to transfer the plants over to us just before you depart for your next system. A simple ship–to–ship transfer, nothing more than a few minutes of your time. For this service, we are willing to pay KCr10 as an honorarium."
The blonde then sits back, flashes a blinding smile, and says, "So, what do you say?"
Vasilii listens to the blonde, then stares at the drink in front of him. Idly turning it to watch the liquid, he thinks for a second.
Looking up into the woman’s eyes, Vasilii stares at her while trying to gauge her honesty. With a slight glance to Ian, Vasilii says, "I don’t believe that your powers of persuasion are that formidable, since someone took ‘drastic action’ on our last trip. An explosive device was found on board, which I can only assume came from you and your ‘associates.’
"After the ship was recovered with only the one survivor from that ‘incident,’ it was thoroughly decontaminated and refitted. Your plants may have been discovered by the Imperials or the refitting crew.
"Where would these plants be, and what do they look like? If we find them and the crew agrees, I’m sure we can come to some accommodation.
"Give me 24 hours, then come to the ship. You can bring your friend here, but only you will be allowed inside. If the plants are there, we’ll discuss terms then."
The striking blonde in blue blinks, looks confused, glances at the wiry man, and then composes herself quickly. "Explosives? If you’ve suffered an explosion of some sort, it’s certainly not our doing."
Vasilii feels that her surprise is quite genuine and that she has been truthful to this point. Ian, on the other hand, doesn’t trust her one bit and feels that she is so obviously lying.
Continuing, the blonde says, "Ah, Mr. Kugiikishshi. Lies do not become you. You know exactly to which plants I’m referring. I will come to your ship if you so require, but the terms will be as I’ve already stated. So, when would you like me to come by tomorrow?"
Vasilii’s face looks surprised for just a second, then he smiles disarmingly. "You understand, I can’t admit to anything. If you were Imp agents undercover then anything I say would be admitting to a crime.
"Like I said, it would be up to the crew to make the decision. I’m only here as their representative. Please do come by however, sometime around 1800?"
The striking blonde in blue nods. "I’ll be at the Bray Keaven’s berth at 1800 hours tomorrow. Have a good night."
With that, the striking blonde and the small wiry man get up, smile, and then head off.
-----
Meanwhile, Swann continues to chat with Erica. Erica is from Sentry, but has done some travelling to a few systems near Sentry. Erica tells Swann that she is a graphics designer for a marketing firm based in the Hopier Arcology (two arcologies over from the one containing the Long Shadows Falling Bar and just outside of Startown proper).
Swann tells Erica he is a crewmember of a starship. He will mention that his ship was a part of the recent relief effort to Alief, and they had some exciting, very dangerous adventures.
When she asks about the adventures, he tells her about the encounter with the Langdo-idiots in orbit, and about having to shoot it out with their spaceships. And he mentions the ship’s rescue of the poor trapped uninfected innocents in Bromlian, making it sound as if he was on the ship at the time without giving any really specifics about what he did. "We were hard pressed to get them out. Once, we had to shoot it out with some crazed infected wackos who were trying to get on the ship when we picked up a family from the roof of a high-rise building."
Erica does seem interested in the ship and the troubles in Alief, but her eyes start to glaze over once Swann gets into retelling "exciting, very dangerous adventures" and shifts into "usual heroic stuff" mode. After a little while, Erica suddenly remembers that she is supposed to meet her friends for a late dinner and wanders off.
*InvisiKnife: a knife made of a nonmetallic substance designed to defeat most weapon detectors.
Shadowdancer
First Post
Chapter IV
Date: 165-993
Location: Sentry Downport
Morning finds the crew of the Bray Keaven chatting around the table and having breakfast.
Swann finds a message in his inbox from Lysette Tamara that invites him and any of his crewmates to call on her at berth 78 after 1400 hrs and before 1600 hrs. Swann does some checking and finds that a Seeker named Hard Luck and registered to Lysette Tamara is currently parked at berth 78.
Swann informs the others about the message so if anyone has any firearms requirements, they can tag along. Specifically, he asks Ian if he wants to go along in search of more ammo for his gauss pistol. "You used up quite a bit on Sentry, and I’m guessing you can’t just walk into any gun shop and buy that stuff." Also, Swann would like to have at least one person along for backup.
"Sure, I’ll come along." Ian says. "You’re right, I need to replenish my gauss pistol ammo. I would also like to expand my arsenal a bit as well."
"Well, actually, if you don’t mind, I could use two clips of standard ammo for a snub pistol," Martha mentions to Swann. "Would you mind?"
Vasilii asks Swann, "Mr. Hellinic, if you don’t mind I think I’d like something a little more powerful than the weapon I carry normally. If you don’t mind, would you select something for me that might be more intimidating?"
Swann fights to maintain a serious expression as he looks at Vasilii. "Well, maybe we can find you a PGMP or FGMP to match your suit." Then he breaks into a smile. "Sure, I’ll see if I can’t find you a hand cannon big enough to strike fear into the heart of an Aslan."
Martha and Vargas bring up the topic of Kevon Holland and point out that they should probably contact him today regarding the decision about whether to hire him or not. Kevon did seem a little surprised that he wasn't hired on the spot and had to carry his duffel back to his hostel by himself.
"I personally would recommend hiring him," Martha says. "His performance was stellar on the tacticals, and he seems likable enough. If there’s a big issue on his background, call Argent. He’s probably still in system, and can get back to us with the details as he knows them."
"He seems like a good enough fellow, and he comes highly recommended," Ian says. "I’ll do some background checks to see if anything interesting comes up. Otherwise I’d recommend hiring him on as part of the crew. Should we give him an equal cut of the pay? Or should there be an initiation period?" Ian says with a sly grin.
Saro says, "Well, I think the fellow will work for us plus he is Marcus’ cousin and comes highly recommended by him. That’s the difference for me. I think we should hire him with a salary for a period and when he works out, no doubt he will, we offer him partnership."
Saro then looks at Vasilii. "By the way, what happened to Marcus’ share of the ship? Did we buy him out or does he still own it, and if he does what do we offer Kevon?
"On that topic, should we discuss salaries or do we just split a percentage of the profits."
"After that large amount handed over last time, I thought we were on a percentage plan," Martha volunteers.
Vasilii doesn’t have an opinion on hiring Kevon, since he didn’t participate in the interview process. He does suggest a salary commensurate with a pilot’s position rather than a share.
Swann listens to what the others have to say, then adds, "Well, if he passes Martha’s stringent requirements, he’s got my vote. I know she wouldn’t put this ship in the hands of an unqualified pilot."
Vasilii, Swann, Ian, and Vargas recount their odd meeting with the mysterious blonde. Swann studiously avoids mentioning Erica for some reason.
Vasilii tells the others, "The lady seemed surprised when I mentioned the bomb. I don’t think her group had anything to do with it. I’d prefer to space the plants myself, but we are going to be operating in this area for a while. If we take that kind of action, we might be facing another bomb or something even worse."
"I have to disagree, I think she was faking surprise and disbelief when you told her of the bomb," Ian says. "I don’t care to deal this these people myself, but what Vasilii says makes sense. It would not be prudent to make enemies if we don’t have to. I’ll do a bit of checking around to see if I can learn any info about our blonde bombshell and her white haired friend."
Ian turns to Swann. "Swann, think we could leave a bit early and make a stop or two on the way to your appointment? Maybe we can glean some information from some of the locals."
Swann smiles and says, "Stop off for a drink? Well, if you insist, I suppose I could be persuaded to join you."
"By the way," Ian asks, "is Mr. Holland gonna be here during the blonde’s visit at 1800? And if we decide to make a deal, how do we handle all this if we hire Mr. Holland on as crew?"
"Well, after my legal research I can say that we are in deep," Saro says. "Had we just given it to the Imperials when we found it things would have been a lot less harsh. Background search and such. Now, after two months, at the very least we lose the ship and at the worst we croak. Any ideas?"
"Perhaps we should just dump them out into jumpspace the next time we make a jump?" Martha suggests. "You know, nothing ever returns that crosses that field to the other side and contrary to popular holovid, it doesn’t cause misjumps to do that."
"Don’t know what to do with the cubes either," Saro says. "Could we look to install a negative pressure cube in the ship? Otherwise we can wait until the laser are calibrated and open it in the airlock."
"Probably should do the same with the boxes," Martha says, referring to a jumpspace dumping. "I don't know what the old captain was into, but none of it seems legit. May as well be rid of it, just to be safe."
"Best suggestion I’ve heard in a while," offers Vargas. "Hanging on to illegal goods, especially really illegal goods, can be hazardous to your health. I for one don’t want to be looking down the business end of some artillery piece wielded by Marines or mobsters. Deadstick a Type S, sure; slug it out with the professionally violent, no."
Shadowdancer
First Post
Thanks. I think our campaign has featured a good blend of action, character development and interaction, and intrigue/problem solving. This blend is crucial in a Traveller campaign since combat can be so deadly.
