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

[Shadowdancer]

Ian does a quick search on Kevon and pulls up some information that effectively corroborates the information that they already have on the young lieutenant commander.

The crew does decide to hire Kevon Holland and contacts him after breakfast inviting him to join the crew onboard at his earliest convenience.

-----​

Saro and Swann look at the cubes a bit, and they can’t figure anything else out about the odd plastic cubes.

-----​

Martha spends the day doing routine maintenance, particularly on the life support systems. When she is head deep into the third air scrubber, she gets an odd feeling that she is being watched. She pulls her head out abruptly, scraping it slightly, but doesn’t see anyone in the corridor.

Taking a moment, she checks with the computer to insure that the intrusion/anti-hijacking system hasn’t detected an unauthorized presence on the ship. The system shows no intruders onboard or surrounding the ship. She shrugs and goes back to work.

-----​

As soon as he gets the call from the Keaven, Kevon heads over in one of his new civilian outfits, luggage in tow. Pressing the chime on the door, the young officer waits for someone to answer.

A few moments later, the comm flickers on. From the speaker comes the crash of metal on metal, followed by muttered curses. After a pause, a feminine voice asks, "Hello? What do you want?"

Once Kevon identifies himself, Martha apologizes. "Sorry about that. Sure, come on in. I’ll be down in a moment to show you to your cabin."

Martha tabs the airlock to an unlocked position then makes her way down to greet the new pilot. She shows him to his cousin’s old cabin, and gives him a brief tour of the ship. As part of the process, she scans him and enters the appropriate data into the ship’s security protocols so that he can be recognized as authorized personnel.

After the tour and other preliminaries are done, Kevon asks, "So, what do we need to get done? I’m not an engineer, but I do have technical training on bridge equipment: sensor calibration, comms maintenance, etc. Or, if Mr. Kugi … umm, Kuishi … no, Kagisha … Oh, hell. If your Cargomaster needs any assistance with recruiting or administrative tasks, I’m able to help with that, too. Fifteen years of fleet service teaches you something about datawork."

"Sadly, we can’t complete calibration of the weapon systems until we are in space, but if you’re comfortable running a level–I diagnostic on the sensors, comm, and ops/comp stations, feel free," Martha says. She gestures to the bridge. "Also, if you want, you can comm Vasilii and let him know you’re available to help him out, if he needs it."

With that, Martha returns to her routine maintenance work, answering Kevon’s questions as the day passes.

Kevon gets settled once Martha shows him around and then starts to familiarize himself with the far trader. He heads to the bridge and starts a diagnostic of the sensors while he comms Vasilii. "I’m certainly not going to try to say his last name again," he says to himself.

"Lieut, err, Mr. Holland to Cargomaster," the pilot announces. "If you need any assistance with recruiting or administrative duties, please feel free to contact me."

-----​

Vasilii posts on the starport information network that the Bray Keaven is accepting cargoes destined for 069-526, and consults the network for publicly available cargoes headed for 069-526.

The trade board lists the following cargoes as available for 069-526:

Priority:
Adhesives, 3 tons
Crystals, 1 ton
Dishware, 1 ton
Tea, 6 tons

Hazardous:
Chemicals, 3 tons
Strong acids, 5 tons
Chemical solvents, 1 ton

Security:
Rare books, 1 ton
Holovid cubes, 2 tons
Corporate records, 6 tons

Major:
Fruit, 40 tons
Copper, 60 tons
Wood, 40 tons
Carbon, 30 tons
Herbs, 60 tons
Livestock, 40 tons

Minor:
Bulk plastic, 5 tons
Meat, 10 tons
Liquid pavement, 20 tons
Carbon, 10 tons

Some of these cargoes will require the purchase of specialized cargo containers. The security cargoes will come in their own containers.

Vasilii also checks to see what speculative cargoes are available for easy purchase at the downport. He finds the following cargoes available:

Petrochemicals, 4 tons
Tools, 4 tons
Aluminum, 210 tons
Herbs, 17 tons

A little after midday, Vasilii receives a message from an Aidan Silver that reads:

Greetings, sir.

I understand that the Bray Keaven is accepting cargoes bound for Fonnein in the 069-526 system. I have three tons of electronics parts which I need to transport to Fonnein in addition to myself. Given the priority of the parts and their value, I am prepared to offer Cr28,000 for their transport plus high passage accommodations for me as long as we can leave within three days.

Please contact me at the Hotel Meridian, Sentry Downport.

Sincerely,
Aidan Silver

Vasilii stares at the comm screen as the cargo shipping lists scroll past. He quickly separates cargoes by shipping code (priority, hazardous, etc.) and discounts those not suitable for the Bray Keaven. "There’s no way I’m cleaning up after livestock." He mutters. "Plus, I don’t know how Imperial officers get dates, so there’s no reason to tempt our new pilot."

He also scratches off those cargoes that require special environmental requirements (chemicals, strong acids, chemical solvents, meat, liquid pavement) since the packaging required would cost more than the profit of carrying the cargo.

Once that is done, he starts sorting out the possible combinations of cargoes based on the tonnage of the Bray Keaven. He works up three possible load-outs as drafts for the crews’ review.

While puzzling over the best approach to cargo, Vasilii receives another message. This one reads: "I am Hil Seirl, and I’m the purser onboard the Kilnea. We have a small cargo that has been rerouted to Fonnein, and we’re not headed that way. We’d like to contract the Bray Keaven to transport the cargo for us. The cargo is 1 dTons of electronics for the ImpConext Corporation. Would you be willing to transport the cargo for us at double standard rates? We can arrange a zero g transfer via our cutter near the jump mark. Please contact me at the Newel Hostel at Sentry Highport. Sincerely, Hil Seirl."

Vasilii adds the messages from Aidan Silver and Hil Seirl to his cargo load–out recommendations for the other crewmembers.

-----​

Swann and Ian head out a little early to allow Ian to poke around a few bars. Ian spends money a little liberally, but doesn’t have much luck until the last bar (of four that the pair hit). A deckhand off the Homecoming Piece remembers seeing a tall blonde walking with an old wiry geezer. He says that he has seen them on the last two trips that his ship has made here (seven weeks ago and four weeks ago) and thought that it was odd that they just appeared to be interested in strolling and observing far traders arriving.

At Berth 78, Swann and Ian key the berth door comm. A woman quickly answers and lets them in when Swann identifies himself. Entering the berth area, Swann and Ian find themselves facing a pair of hard–looking spacers. One casually cradles a laser carbine while the other cheerfully asks the pair to raise their arms. After a quick pat down, the spacers lead Swann and Ian onboard the Hard Luck.

Entering the cargo bay, Swann and Ian meet Lysette Tamara, a lean–looking woman with leathery skin and short spiky brown hair. She apparently isn’t much for small talk as her first words are, "So, what kind of arms do you need, boys?"

Swann smiles at Lysette. "No messing around, no foreplay, get right down to business. A woman after my own heart.

"Well, I’m looking for a submachine gun, preferably an Assault M990 or a Crewman 10mm, plus a thousand rounds of ammo.

"I’m also looking for magnum revolvers and magnum autos. A Precision 12 for the revolver, although I’ll settle for a Manstopper Six if that’s all you have. For the auto, I’m looking for a Loyalist 12mm. Plus a thousand rounds for each gun."

Scanning down the list on his hand comp, Swann double checks to make sure he hasn’t forgotten anything. "And a box of standard snub pistol ammo.

"My friend here is looking for clips of ammo for a Marine–issue gauss pistol and some sort of auto rifle — I don’t know how fussy he is about the latter."

Lysette Tamara smiles briefly and then says, "I have an Assault M990 available. With 1,000 rounds and three magazines, let’s say Cr2,000."

Swann says, "Done."

"I only have Manstopper Six’s for magnums. One revolver and a thousand rounds, say Cr1,500. I have a few speedloaders available too, Cr5 each."

Swann says, "I’ll take two revolvers, two thousand rounds and four speedloaders."

"Gauss pistol, huh? A little tougher to come by. I have two magazines, Cr350 each. I have 400 rounds of Gauss ammunition, Cr600 per 200 rounds."

Ian says, "Cool, I’ll take both magazines and all 400 rounds."

"I don’t usually deal in the heavier stuff: too difficult to move. But, I do happen to have an M856 ACR from Imperial Arms with two magazines and a case of 1,000 rounds for Cr4,000."

"That’ll work. Wouldn’t happen to have a telescopic/electronic scope to go along with that, would ya?" Ian asks with a half grin.

Shaking her head, Lysette replies to Ian’s query, "No, no sights. People I work with tend to work in close quarters, not outdoors. Sorry.

"Snub pistol ammo boxes are Cr50 each."

Swann says, "I’ll take two boxes."

Swann pays Lysette Cr5,120 for his portion of the purchase. Ian chips in another Cr5,900.

After the transaction is finished, Swann says, "Thank you very much. It has been a pleasure doing business with you.

"I was wondering if you have any interest in laser weapons? I have a possible connection, and in the future might be able to acquire some laser carbines and spare powerpacks. Would you be interested in buying some if I was able to procure them?"

Lysette chuckles a bit at Swann’s inquiry. "Yes, I’d be interested in purchasing a small number, say up to five, laser rifles, carbines, or pistols if you have access to a supplier."

Once business is concluded, Lysette’s henchmen provide a plastic box (with handles) suitable for transporting the weapons, and show Swann and Ian to the berth door.

Swann and Ian head back towards the ship and arrive without any difficulties. They keep watch on the way, but do not notice anyone following them.

-----​

Vargas performs odd jobs about the ship, grabs lunch out and then cruises the local shopping district to see what catches his eye. He also keeps watch to see if anyone is taking an interest in his movements. He buys some fiction books and some music — a mix of classic metal and eighth century jazz. He can't find the kind of shampoo Rusti likes.

While wandering around the starport, he does notice a woman in her 20s with close–cropped, red hair who appears to be wandering in the same direction as Vargas does for about 15 minutes. Once he catches her eye, she stares straight back for a moment, looks a little flustered, and then wanders off.

Vargas attempts to follow her for a bit but loses sight of the redhead in a large shopping area. Shrugging, Vargas returns to the ship. Vargas makes an attempt to remember as much as he can about her.

Shortly after Vargas returns, Swann and Ian return with their purchases.

"Gentlemen, by any chance have you noticed anyone following you? I'd like to think the young lady was interested in me personally but somehow, I doubt it."

 

[Shadowdancer]

After returning to the ship, Swann will take his purchases to his cabin and open everything up, just to make sure everything is there and in working order. He doesn’t load any of the weapons, but does inspect them closely to make sure they are in good working order.

He stows the SMG and one of the magnums away with their ammo and accessories, and sets aside the other revolver and the snub pistol ammo. He takes a quick shower and changes into work clothes in preparation of the blonde's arrival. Then he goes in search of Martha and Vasilii.

When he finds Martha, he hands her the two boxes of ammo. "Here you go, that should keep you ready to repel boarders for quite some time. You owe me Cr100, pay me when you get the chance. There’s no hurry — I know where you live."

"Thanks!" She says, checking out the boxes. "I’ll take care of that at dinner tonight."

He smiles and walks away.

Martha stows the ammo away in the ship’s locker with the rest of her munitions, and gets back to work.

-----​

When he finds Vasilii, Swann says, "I have something for you." He shows him the revolver and opens the chamber so Vasilii can inspect it. "This should even be capable of bringing down a Virushi — just don’t ever tell Darishun I said that. It’s made by Zakurn Kiishi, a good Vilani company; I figured you would like that.

"I was so impressed with the gun, I bought myself one. When we get a chance, we’ll have to track down a shooting range and go try them out.

"I also got you a thousand rounds of ammo, so that should last you for a while. And here are a couple of speedloaders — they make reloading during a shootout much faster and easier. And the gun came with this holster, which also has a place for the pre-loaded speedloaders. I’ll show you how to clean the revolver, and how the speedloaders work, later when you have some time.

"Not too bad for Cr1,510. Now you’ll be ready for our next ‘vacation’."

-----​

Vasilii suggests to the other crew that Mr. Holland be requested to stand outer perimeter sentry during the meeting with the blonde. Since Kevon has only been with the crew for a day he is the least likely to be recognized. This also will put him outside the ship so that he won’t overhear anything that he shouldn’t.

Since Vasilii isn’t comfortable yet with the new crewmember, he suggests that Mr. McConnell or Mr. Vargas take on the task of breaking it to him.

-----​

Ian approaches Kevon.

"Mr. Holland, we will be conducting a meeting within the hour with outside guests and I am hoping you will assist me with the security tasks.

"I would like for you to stand post in an inconspicuous location outside the ship to survey the surroundings before, during, and after the meeting. We are expecting a man with white hair and a blonde woman. Only the woman is going to be allowed to enter the ship. If you do not have a comm unit, one will be available for you so you can be in constant communication with me and the ship.

"Please call in when the couple approaches and let me know if there are any tag-alongs. Weapons should not be needed, but are always nice to have for insurance." Ian finishes with a wry smile, making the burn–scarred skin around his missing left ear crinkle.

"Any questions?"

"In other words, you folks don’t trust me yet, and there’s things you don’t want me to hear," Kevon muses. "A blonde with a white-haired man. Got it. And I have my own comm."

Ian tries to suppress a wry smile. "Yeah, you pretty much nailed it. Just give use some time to get ‘broken in’ with you. We’re just tryin’ to tie up some loose ends with this meeting."

-----​

Watching Ian leave, the pilot shakes his head and first heads to the lounge and grabs a quick snack. He goes to his cabin and fetches his laser pistol and a power pack, then finds a nice, cozy place where he can observe both the berth door and the area outside.

Thumbing his comm, Kevon announces, "Keaven, Holland checking in. How do you read?"

Ian responds, "Loud and clear. Ian out."

Sentry Downport is mostly a large, circular, arcology like structure with most berths arrayed in stacked horizontal levels. Entry to most berths is made horizontally, and the berths are all sealed against the atmosphere outside. The Bray Keaven’s berth can hold up to an 800 dTon ship comfortably, so there is quite a bit of open space with just the Bray Keaven inside. Two doors — one for passengers and another for vehicles — lead to the common concourse/road/walkway that goes from berth to berth.

-----​

After dealing with Kevon, Ian goes off to prepare for the meeting. He grabs one of the snub pistols and a holster from the ship’s stores and 20 rounds each of tranq and AP ammo, with the pistol loaded with tranq rounds. He still has his knife.

At a crew meeting prior to the blonde’s scheduled arrival, Ian takes the floor. "Unless anybody has objections, Mr. Holland will be posted outside away from the ship so he can keep the area under observation." Ian glances at Vasilii with an almost imperceptible grin. "He and I will be in constant communication, as will any others we deem necessary.

"I will meet the visitors at the berth door, allowing only the blonde female to enter, closing and locking the hatch afterwards. I will pat her down for weapons," he says with a wide, smirky grin, "and will escort her to the meeting.

"During the meeting I will be standing off to one side so I can keep an eye on our guest. At the conclusion of the meeting I will escort her out. We should run an anti-hijacking/ship security program on the ship’s computer."

 

[Pyske]

Still here; still enjoying the story. Thanks again for taking the time to compile these!

. . . . . . . -- Eric

 

[Shadowdancer]

Chapter V​

Date: 165-993
Location: Bray Keaven's berth, Sentry Downport

Saro heads out early to go grab a bite to eat and then play at an open mic night or two. He is pretty successful at the clubs, and he receives an invitation to play at another club, the Moriel, the following night for Cr200. As such, he misses the scheduled meeting with the mystery blonde.

Kevon decides the concourse is a little too obvious a place to stand watch. Instead, he retrieves his shotgun and plants himself in the scaffolding inside the berth.

Vargas takes up position on the Bray Keaven’s bridge, keeping an eye on the external monitors. Martha remains in port engineering, ready to monitor the internal sensors.

-----​

Precisely at 1800 hours, the berth door comm chimes inside the Bray Keaven. From the vid pickup, Ian, Vargas, and Vasilii can see the striking blonde, now wearing deep maroon. Her eyes seem to sparkle a bit when she announces, "Good evening. I am here to continue our discussion, Mr. Kugiikishshi." There doesn’t appear to be anyone else within vid pickup range.

Ian goes to escort the blonde in. When he arrives at the berth door, he checks the vid pickup again, and again sees only the blonde. The door wisks open, and the blonde smiles at Ian and enters. A quick glance to the concourse only reveals normal light traffic. After closing the door, Ian announces that he is going to search the blonde for weapons. The blonde smiles, and says, "Of course, but I do hope that you’ll be a gentleman about it. I’ve a boyfriend who can get a little irrational once he gets jealous."

Ian conducts a very thorough search of the blonde. She noticeably stiffens when Ian’s hand explores private regions in his search for weapons, but makes no reaction. Ian finds no weapons or devices/equipment.

Just as Ian completes his search, the blonde asks, "So, do I pass inspection?" When Ian says yes, the blonde quickly moves in close, and before he can react, the blonde’s right hand grabs Ian’s crotch. Squeezing far harder than her delicate hands would seem to be cable of, the blonde whispers, "Good. You don’t pass mine. I asked you to be a gentleman. Don’t try that again."

The blonde then abruptly releases her viselike grip, steps a bit away, and then brightly says, "So, shall we continue?"

Staggering and cursing a bit, Ian leads on.

-----​

From his perch on the scaffolding, Kevon is momentarily alarmed, but quickly deduces what just happened. On the bridge, Vargas’ grimace takes over his entire face for a moment. "Ooooh. That’s gonna leave a mark."

-----​

Ian escorts the blonde onboard ship. Vasilii is waiting just inside the airlock. The blonde smiles at Vasilii and says, "So, Mr. Kugiikishshi. Shall we continue our business?"

"Welcome to the Bray Keaven, Miss. If you would be so kind as to follow me." With that, he turns and heads up to the crew lounge area. He and Ian escort the blonde to the lounge.

-----​

"Keaven, Holland. Someone please give me a heads up before the lady is escorted off the ship."

"Will do, Ian out."

-----​

As soon as the lift starts toward the upper deck, Swann calls Kevon on his communicator. "Holland, this is Hellinic. I’m going to exit the starship. Please refrain from shooting me."

Swann exits to take up another position covering the berth entry doors and the starboard airlock. His position is behind more scaffolding, but on the ground, pretty close to from where Kevon is watching. So far, neither of the outside watchers nor Vargas see anything of note.

As he settles down to wait, Swann cradles his shotgun in one arm, rubs a hand across his face, and mutters to himself, "Now, let’s see what we can see."

-----​

When the blonde is seated in the lounge, Vasilii offers her a drink and continues.

"Well Miss, we seem to have a quandary here. These plants that you desire are quite dangerous to all parties. While we only inherited these plants, I don’t think that your offer of Cr10,000 is very equitable.

"I propose more along the lines of Cr10,000 per plant, to include any ‘residue’ that the plants have produced that we have. Transfer should be off-planet, but your vessel should not be more than 100 dTons in size."

Clapping her hands together, the blonde exclaims, "Ah, such the proper Vilani merchant. But we could have discussed this at the Long Shadows Falling! Forty thousand credits for the plants plus any residue is acceptable.

"As far as the ship is concerned, I only have one available to me, and it’s a 200 dTon far trader. We’ll follow you off planet until we’re about 30 or so planetary diameters away, and then we’ll make the exchange. Our ship is the Offkey.

"So, do we have a deal?"

Vasilii’s eyes reveal the fact that he expected a more heated exchange. His face stiffens just a shade as he tries to work out whether he just lost a bigger profit.

"Agreed. But the delivery method is not negotiable. Charter a boat if you have to, but we reserve the right to jump out if the exchange isn’t as we request."

-----​

As negotiations continue in the lounge, the comm on the bridge buzzes for attention.

Martha, in engineering, notes the indicator that the ship is receiving an incoming comm. Turning briefly from the security monitors, she pulls up the ident code of the incoming comm before she decides whether or not to route it to the message queue. Since it doesn’t appear to be for her, she decides to let the computer route it to the queue.

Ian glances at the comm, notices that it is an external call, and turns his attention back to the conversation. He assumes Vargas will answer it from the bridge.

Vargas triggers the external comm line. "You’ve reached the Bray Keaven, how may I direct your call?"

"Greetings! This is Aidan Silver. I’m coming over to your ship to present my proposal in person. Are you ready to receive visitors?"

"Your pardon Mr. Silver, but which one of our representatives was assisting you?"

"I sent a letter earlier to the ship to a Mr. Vasilii Kugiikishshi inquiring about the possibility of arranging transport for some cargo. I think you’ll find my terms quite profitable. I have a recipient who is eager to get his goods.

"I’m on my way to visit, I trust that this will not be an inconvenient time?"

"Ah, very good Sir. If you’ll please hold the line I will inquire as to Mr. Kugiikishshi’s schedule."

He puts Silver on hold and hits the ship–wide intercom. In a calm, placid voice he says, "Mr. Kugiikishshi, you have an incoming call. Please pick up."

 

[Shadowdancer]

From their positions Swann and Kevon observe no changes. Nothing is happening in the berth other than two fairly heavily armed fellows waiting for anything of note.

-----​

Shaking her head slightly, the blonde responds to Vasilii’s insistence of meeting a ship less than 100 dTons in size. "You disappoint me, sir. I’ve come aboard your ship alone as requested even while a sizable number of your crew are lethally armed. I’ve endured a physical inspection by an ex–military man who must have trouble getting dates."

Ian grins and winks at her.

She continues. "I’ve accepted your demand for Cr40,000 for something that isn’t yours. How do I know that I can trust you, as a true Vilani merchant?

"Show me the four Star Flower plants, and then we’ll talk about your latest demand."

Glancing toward Vasilii, Ian says, "I see no need to show her anything. She could be a an undercover Imperial officer looking to fill a monthly quota."

Ian flips on his comm. "Security, please check in."

-----​

Swann flips on his comm, "This is Swann. Everything’s quiet in the berth."

"This is Holland. All quiet here."

Clicking his comm off, Kevon hops down near Swann and lays the shotgun next to him. "Mr. Hellinic, I’m going to check the concourse. Keep me covered."

The pilot adjust his laser powerpack and pistol so that they’re as discreet as possible, then opens the vehicle berth door and walks quietly toward the personnel door, scanning the area for anyone who looks to be loitering nearby.

-----​

On the bridge, Vargas sees Kevon lay down his shotgun, head towards the berth vehicle door, key the door, and then go out the door. The door closes behind him.

-----​

Vasilii sits for a second, absorbing the blonde’s words. He glances over to Ian and catches him winking at her, reinforcing her claim to the search method. He hears the page from Vargas about an incoming call, but decides to ignore it for now.

"Ma’am, if my shipmate was overly zealous in his concern for security then apologies are in order. We’ve been overly protective since we took over this ship and events so far have borne out our paranoia.

"As to ownership of the plants, I doubt that either of us can present a claim that would stand up in court. That is, if either of us were so lacking in common sense to allow this to get there. We have only the advantage of possession, and I think the price I’ve requested is more than fair for our continued ‘agricultural upkeep.’ "

Vasilii looks at the blonde for a second, then comes to his feet. "I’ll assume that if you were an Imp Agent and you know the truth of the plants that you’d be here with a full squad of Marines. There wouldn’t be much need for this negotiation.

"If you want to continue this, let me show you the plants. Then we can conclude this and I’ll escort you somewhere for a closing drink."

The blonde smiles at Ian’s comment about being an Imperial agent and Vasilii’s response. Chuckling, she says, "No, if I were IIS, then I’d have my own squad of IIS goons to comb your ship. No point in using handsy Marines, a FGMP is not an all–purpose tool unless I just wanted the ship destroyed.

"In any case, thank you for agreeing to show me the plants." She stands and waits for Vasilii to lead her to the lift and through the ship. She seems amused again that Ian is insistent on being close and watching her every move from behind. At one point, she glances over her shoulder and comments, "You really must be hard up for a date."

-----​

Kevon heads to the vehicle door, keys it open, and then steps out onto the concourse.

The concourse seems to have the normal, light level of traffic for the early evening in the form of spacers and vehicles — mostly automated — going about their business. Across the concourse between the Bray Keaven's berth (No. 44) and the next one over, there is a pair of humans near a pair of wheeled scooters used by some for transport on the starport’s concourse roadways. One, a small fellow or woman, is hunched over with his/her back turned towards Kevon and appears to be attempting some sort of repair. The other, a tall, muscular fellow in gray spacer’s coveralls with a small bag slung over his shoulder appears to be watching him intently. When the berth vehicle door opens, the muscular fellow looks up briefly but goes back to studiously watching the smaller human.

Watching a moment longer, Kevon does notice that the small human doesn’t seem to be doing much with his hands.

Turning his attention away, Kevon continues his survey. There doesn’t seem to be anyone else loitering, but there is a thin fellow of medium height in a rather elegant, if slightly old–fashioned gray suit who appears to be walking down the concourse and headed straight for Kevon or the Bray Keaven’s passenger berth door. The fellow appears to be in his late 30s or early 40s, but it’s hard to tell because of the blond hair tinged with silver white.

The pilot moves back toward the vehicle door and leans against the wall near the access panel in such a way that he can keep an eye on the scooter couple and the personnel door.

"Keaven, Holland. Suspicious-looking couple across from our berth," he reports quietly. "Beefcake in gray coveralls with small skinny man or woman trying to look busy fixing a scooter."

-----​

After hearing Kevon’s transmission, Swann picks up Holland’s shotgun and walks over to the personnel door. He places Holland’s shotgun where it can be reached easily, and stands ready beside the personnel door holding his own shotgun.

He comms Kevon. "I've relocated to the personnel door with your shotgun."

-----​

Martha spots the trio approaching port engineering, and looks up from her station as they enter. The blonde and Martha seem to regard each other for a long moment, and then the blonde — ignoring Vasilii who is starting to open the port smuggling hold hidden in the fake fuel processor — strides over to Martha.

After going a couple of steps, the blonde brightly says, "Ah, what a delight to meet someone else of the crew. And you are?" while extending her right hand.

Stammering and a little flustered at the odd attention, Martha replies, "Martha Smythe, ship’s engineer," and takes the blonde’s hand.

"Pleased to meet you. Be careful of handsy man over there."

Martha is startled and confused, but quickly regains her composure and the handshake breaks.

"Umm, thank you," Martha stammers softly. She quickly turns her attentions back to her screens, and avoids looking at the others as they begin checking out the plants. A moment later, she mutters an "excuse me" and leaves, heading for the starboard engineering section where she won’t be disturbed by intruders into her domain.

At the discussion, Vasilii is a little puzzled and turns around but doesn’t notice anything obviously out of the ordinary about the exchange outside of the noticeable warmth in the blonde’s voice.

On the other hand, Ian, his professional paranoia raised already, sees a brief startled and disturbed look cross over Martha’s face as the two women finish shaking hands.

Turning away from Martha, the blonde now comes over to inspect the smuggling hold and the plants. She exclaims, "Ah, how ingenious of the former captain! And, the plants do appear to be in reasonable shape, though they look like they could use some fertilizer.

"Thank you for showing me the plants. Now, as to your demand that I hire a ship of 100 dTons or less, you credit me with far too much funds and patience. We are not going to be hiring another ship, but I am prepared to increase your honorarium to Cr50,000."

Vasilii looks confused. "You can’t afford Cr1,200 to hire a 50 dTon cutter for a day, but you can add Cr10,000 to the bill?"

The striking blonde looks confused and amused. "Cr1,200 to rent a cutter? You must have some contacts that I don’t have. My sources tell me that the going rate is much higher. Besides, why would I want to leave such a trail?

"In any case, you have our final offer. I encourage you to accept it. As I said before, my powers of persuasion will not last much longer against my associates’ impatience, and they are much more likely to take rash actions.

"In spite of Mister Handsy over there, you haven’t offended yet, and I do hope that we can conclude this matter sensibly for us both."

Vasilii looks at the blonde for a moment and then sighs. "Ma’am, the crew is understandably upset. We are not trying to profit unduly from you or your associates, but merely trying to extricate ourselves from an unexpected and unwanted situation.

"We seem to be at an impasse; you are offering more money and we are requesting more security. Your constant reference to ‘rash actions’ is most discouraging however. Unless we can come to some accommodation then I’m afraid ‘Mr. Handsy’ over there will want to employ some all-purpose tool like you mentioned earlier on this merchandise."

Vasilii cocks his head and listens to the continued chiming of the comm system. "I’m sorry, but this session is not proceeding and I have other business. Perhaps we could resume this later, say in about 12 hours? ‘Mr. Handsy,’ would you be so kind as to escort our visitor to the concourse please? Ma’am, as always it is a pleasure, even if we disagree."

The striking blonde shakes her head sadly, seems to study Vasilii for a moment, and then replies, "You want security, but you fail to accept that we want security also. I’ve extended a fair amount of trust by boarding your ship alone and unarmed. Now, you want to put my associates and me in the awkward position of being significantly underpowered during the exchange rather than exchanging from a position of equal strength. How am I to know that you won’t simply take the money, kill me, and then jump out of system?

"We can resume this discussion tomorrow, say noon, at the Cleburne Cafeteria in Startown if you like."

With that, the blonde looks at Ian and says, "Well? Shall we?"

"My pleasure. Right this way, ‘Ma’am!’ " Ian says with a grin. He walks behind her to the ship’s exit, flipping on his comm. "Security, visitor is about to exit the ship."

-----​

In the starboard engineering compartment, Martha struggles to keep her concentration on the internal sensors. Part of her mind keeps going back to the blonde woman she met just moments ago. She tries to ignore or to forget what took place, but can’t.

As she took the blonde’s hand, Martha ‘heard’ the woman say, "You have a gift. If you ever make it to Adukgin, please comm 37-127-8333 and tell them that Leira said that you should ask if Sonaran sticky rolls are available today. Now, please say nothing to your associates."

While she clearly ‘heard’ the blonde’s voice, the blonde’s mouth didn’t appear to move.

 

[Shadowdancer]

Vasilii leaves the engineering compartment and heads to the bridge, where he activates the comm system to see who is calling. Upon seeing Mr. Silvers’ information, he punches it in to call him.

-----​

Kevon loiters near the berth access doors and watches the couple ‘repairing’ the scooters. He notices the muscular fellow mutter something, and the smaller human does seem to be doing something with the scooter now — or least, appears to be doing something.

The thin man in the gray suit has slowed a bit and seems to be using his personal comm. It’s either that, or he’s talking to someone/something only he can see/hear.

The thin man strides up to Kevon. "Sir, I am Mr. Aidan Silver. I’ve come to have a chat about some cargo with a Mr. Vasilii Kugiikishshi. I’d appreciate the opportunity to board and speak with him."

Kevon is about to politely inform Mr. Silver that no one is available this evening, when Vasilii beeps the man’s communicator.

"Mr. Silver, thank you for calling me. I’m sorry, but I’m tied up with another customer right now. Perhaps I could meet you in a half-hour at Agnacio’s. I’d like to give your proposal the attention it deserves. Thank you for understanding. I’ll see you there."

"Ahh, Mr. Kugiikishshi, as a matter of fact I’m standing outside your portal of entry at the moment. I was just about to chat with your most excellent guard about viewing the ship. I’d certainly be happy to join business and pleasure at a local venue of your choice."

Kevon nods slightly, flashing a friendly smile at Mr. Silver while he keeps his eyes on the scooter repair scene.

"Hello Sir," Mr. Silver says to Kevon. "Have you been with the ship long?" Aidan has followed Kevon’s eyes and is now looking over at the scooter repair scene.

"All of 12 hours, actually," the pilot answers, his eyes only briefly darting to the man he was addressing. When he hears the warning that Ian and the blonde are coming out, he adds, "Sir, if you will excuse me for a moment."

Kevon takes a step to the side, to get a good sightline to both the berth door and the scooter, and keeps his hand near his pistol until everyone is out of sight. Only when he’s comfortable with the situation does the lieutenant commander return his attention to Aidan.

-----​

After warning Swann and Kevon that they’re coming out, Ian escorts the striking blonde off the ship. Ian is a little dismayed to see that Kevon has seemingly abandoned his post, but understands once the blonde is escorted out the passenger berth door.

Once outside, the blonde turns to Ian, smiles briefly, and then walks towards the moving sidewalk that runs counter clockwise down the concourse (and away from the scooter pair).

A minute or two later, the scooter pair apparently finish whatever they are doing and both get on the scooter. The smaller human is wearing some sort of helmet. It’s hard to be sure, but Ian thinks that the smaller human’s size is about the same as the small wiry man accompanying the blonde at the Long Shadows Falling bar. The pair takes off on the scooter in the same direction as the blonde.

-----​

Swann turns his attention to the ship, and watches the blonde and Ian walk from the ship all the way to the berth exit.

After the blonde leaves and Ian re-enters the berth, Swann smiles at him and asks, "So, how was it?"

Ian flashes a big grin, crinkling the scarred skin where his ear used to be. "That one’s got some spunk!" he says as the two walk back to the ship.

-----​

"The cargomaster should be with you shortly. Have a good evening, Sir," Kevon says to Aidan before returning to the berth through the vehicle door.

-----​

Vasilii watches the blonde leave the hanger area from the bridge, and sighs. Lest Emile get the wrong idea, he says, "I don’t think we are getting anywhere in our negotiations. We may just have to destroy the items and take the consequences."

"I’m just wondering how far those consequences are willing to follow us in order to teach us, and anyone else considering the same thing, a lesson," Vargas says. "There are folks out there who’ll be relentless.

"Oh, and by the way, I personally don’t care how poorly negotiations are going as long as she keeps dropping by. She’s really a nice change of scenery."

-----​

Vasilii goes to his cabin and freshens up for his meeting with Mr. Silver, taking a few seconds to meditate for proper composure. When he’s done, Vasilii exits the ship and heads towards the door of the hanger. Activating his personal comm, Vasilii calls Ian. "Mr. McConnell, I’m leaving the ship area to meet with Mr. Aidan Silver at Agnacio’s restaurant. I don’t expect it to take long."

A couple of minutes later, however, Aidan comms the Bray Keaven again to announce that something has just come up and he will need to meet Vasilii tomorrow morning. Aidan suggests 0730 hours at Agnacio's for breakfast. Though a little irritated at the rescheduling, Vasilii agrees.

-----​

The crew of the Bray Keaven gathers for dinner in the lounge, and are quite happy to be able to sample regular merchant fare rather than the Marine rations. They spend the evening chatting, and Kevon seems particularly interested in the activities of the crew at Alief.

After some time, the crew begins to drift off to various evening activities, and almost all turn in by midnight if not earlier. Saro is one of the last to turn in as he arrives a little after 0100 from his night of haunting open mic nights at various clubs/bars.

-----​

All of the crew are soundly asleep when a rather loud siren resounds through each crew cabin followed by the Bray Keaven’s computer announcing, "Unauthorized access to port fuel processor. Unauthorized access to port fuel processor."

 

[Psion]

"One of my friends is doing an upgrade of Gazelle patrol ships.

A ga-who class ship?

Aren't these, like, not invented yet in 993?

 

[Broccli_Head]

All of the crew are soundly asleep when a rather loud siren resounds through each crew cabin followed by the Bray Keaven’s computer announcing, "Unauthorized access to port fuel processor. Unauthorized access to port fuel processor."

That's funny. Wonder if someone was mentally imprinted.

 

[vutpakdi]

A ga-who class ship?

Aren't these, like, not invented yet in 993?

Details, details. So, in MTU, the Gazelles were originally laid down a hundred years earlier.

Ron

 

[Psion]

Details, details. So, in MTU, the Gazelles were originally laid down a hundred years earlier.

Here, I just thought you mispelled Ramada.