Shadowdancer
First Post
Well, we hit 9,000 views on 12-8. Yeah! 
Traveller T20: Tales of the Bray Keaven [Updated 12-20-05]
- Thread starter Shadowdancer
- Start date
Shadowdancer
First Post
ThanksTruestar said:Been reading for some time, enjoying it very much
Good luck. I hope your group has as much fun as we've had and are having in our game.Truestar said:
Shadowdancer
First Post
Chapter XVIII
Date: 169-993 to 172-993
Location: Aboard the Bray Keaven, in jump space between Sentry and Fonnein
“Mornin’, Ms. Smythe,” the lieutenant commander intones. “You’re up rather early today. Did your ‘engineer’s sense’ wake you when it smelled the coffee?”
Martha nods absently at Kevon, then heads immediately to port engineering, just to affirm that everything's OK. She’s somewhat groggy and panicky, but moving with a definite sense of purpose. Only when she awakes enough to realize that it was just a dream does Martha begin to relax a little. Still apprehensive, she activates the iris vale leading to the low berths, standing somewhat out of the way. Nervously, she glances inside the room beyond, just to make sure there’s no Zho mind-rapist with an SMG ready to mow her down.
After confirming that the ship is safe, the young engineer pings Doc Saro on personal comms. “Doc, sorry to wake you, but I need to get your opinion on something. It’s kinda important.”
Answering the early call over the comm, Saro tells Martha to come by as soon as she is ready. A little while later, Martha enters the Doc’s cabin, her complexion pale and with a haunted look in her eyes. Saro sits her down and listens closely to her as she reveals her concerns and fears to him.
“Sorry I got so busy yesterday, and didn’t get back with you. Yesterday was pretty hectic, and then -- well, Doc, I’ve started having the dreams again.” In a tumble of words and emotion, Martha relays the details of her most recent dream to Doc Saro. “When I got up off the floor, I even went and checked on engineering, to make sure it’s all OK. That’s how bad things around here are getting to me. So, Doc, what do you think? Am I losing it?”
When the words finally slow and she makes her fearful query, Saro leans forward, looks into her eyes, and begins to speak in his most sincere voice. "Martha, I’ve seen how valiantly you’ve tried to deal with all these troubling events, going back to the loss of the Keaven’s previous crew. You have done an admirable job of maintaining your composure thus far, but the incident with the Oser was one stick too much and your anxiety level has become overwhelming, hasn’t it?”
Martha nods wearily. "These last two months have been the worst of my life, Doc. I don’t know if I’m coming or going, and every time I think I get a hold on the situation, it changes on me.” She looks up at him, the corners of her eyes watering.
Keeping his voice warm and reassuring, he continues, “Now, as I may have said before, I’m not formally trained as a psychiatrist. I do have some familiarity in the area and as an MD, I could prescribe some drugs to stabilize your anxiety. However, I am loathe to do so unless absolutely necessary. These medications often have side effects and in controlling the anxiety may adversely affect you in other areas.”
“That’s what the counselor said at Alief, but like I told him, I don’t want to have to take medications. The Bray needs my attention, and if it’s lacking, even for a moment, we could end up in – an indelicate situation, to say the least.”
“What I’d like to do is to see if we can use some alternative methods to help you lower your anxiety and to develop means to mitigate the stress brought upon by future events.”
The young engineer nods again. “I’m game. I just can’t seem to calm down enough to think like the counselor told me to. You know, look at the situation from afar, and ask myself the right questions.”
“I would start out teaching you some simple breathing exercises and relaxation techniques. After that, we can move to some more advanced techniques for mental focusing that I’ve learned from various practitioners during my studies.”
Saro leans back in his seat, maintaining his eye contact with Martha. “What do you think Martha? Do you wish to start with these exercises? Or would you rather I prescribed some medication?”
With a sigh, Martha straightens up in her seat. “Let’s start those exercises, Doc. I don’t know about those ‘more advanced techniques’ you’re talking about, but I definitely would like to breath easy again.”
-----
Shortly after Martha leaves the lounge, Vargas enters and helps himself to some of Kevon’s coffee. He joins the lieutenant commander at a table. Aidan strides in, studying his portacomp. He grabs some coffee and walks over to the table. “Good morning Kevon. Vargas.”
After exchanging pleasantries, Kevon grills Mr. Silveron the Hsieu-Buowil-5 and other Imperial communications encoding, justto get a general idea of the courier’s level of knowledge.
“So Kevon, what would you like to know about Hsieu-Buowil-5 encryption?” Aidan says. “It’s a fairly old method, which is why it took us a while to recognizeit. Some genealogical studies of older encryption methods led usgradually back to this old H-B-5. Fortunately, there are some well-knowmethods for cracking it.”
Aidan rambles on for several minutes talkingabout the history of encryption methods and generally exhibiting aninterest in the technology. He is clearly a fairly knowledgeable hacker who isquite conversant with the intricacies of the actual algorithms and howto design and code them.
Kevon also is well versed in communications technology, and understands the basics of communications encoding, even though he’s not a cryptologic specialist. The lieutenant commander politely nods occasionally, even though he’s glossing over most of what he’s hearing. He’s getting the information he needs, and sufficiently understands Aidan’s skill and knowledge by the end of their conversation.
“Imperial communications encoding you say?” Aidan continues. “Hmm, I only know some of thealgorithms behind it as they relate to some of the encryption encodes.” He rambles off for a few more moments.
“Sorry about drifting from thetopic there. Yes, not much beyond that though. Never really gotinvolved in that end of the family business. I was much more interestedin the computers and control systems. Really fascinating on some ships.”
"Sorry, might still be sleepy but, what ‘family business’?” Vargas asks.
“Did I say that? Errrm, I suppose I did. I tend to forget what I’m saying when I’m rambling about my passions. Don’t get me started on pentathlons. Right, so, the family business. Please keep this within the ship. Especially as might family might be pleased to deny it. You see, my family builds ships. And I sold them to the Imperial Navy for several years. Quite interesting being near the court and such, but not quite as interesting as diplomatic work.
“Have you seen my ship models? And their holographic tricks? Those are some of my favorite models. Umm, the name’s Argentii -- Argentum Conglomerate. Silver’s a convenience used in the family, and I don’t want to advertise my connections. Anyway. Anything else you’d like to discuss on the computer? We should talk about some protocol enhancements to make sure the ship’s computers are completely secure and then . . . ” Argent starts to drift off into technical explanations again.
“I see,” Vargas says. “So the ‘family business’ included military grade comms systems eh?”
“Some part of it certainly. Not a side of the business I followed too closely. Afraid I was more of a salesman than anything else. Useless son of the aristocrats don’t you know.”
-----
For the rest of the jump, Ian concentrates on relaxing in his cabin, assiduously resting and healing. Vasilii, after some consultation and some aborted activity, does the same thing in the improvised sickbay. Saro cares for them both as well as counsels Martha.
After a slow start, Vasilii does start healing, though he is still injured. Ian responds much better to Saro’s care, particularly because he really is resting.
Saro does a good job of teaching Martha some relaxation techniques as well as does a bit of psychotherapy. His efforts appear to be quite effective at helping the young engineer deal with the stress caused by events of the last few months, and her sleep improves as the days wear on. She still will need to come to an understanding with regards to what the blonde “said” to her, but at least Martha feels more confident about being able to handle events that do occur.
Swann and Aidan work on improving the computer’s security protocols. Swann watches Aidan very closely, and as far as he can tell, Aidan isn’t trying to pull anything sneaky. By the end of the week, Swann and Aidan have managed to improve the security of the system considerably.
Kevon works on rigging up a cube transponder suppression system. Armed with information about the exact frequency and some characteristics of the transmission (provided by Martha), Kevon is able to construct a suppression system partly built from some of Aidan’s electronics parts. The resulting device is fairly crude and must sit right next to the cubes, but it should provide a some protection against picking up the cube squawks.
Martha and Vargas spend their time taking care of the ship (maintenance), repair some damage to Kevon’s former cabin (which will still need to be replaced), and assisting others in various tasks.
-----
Very early in the morning of the 172nd day of the year finds the crew at their jump emergence stations. Shortly after 0300, Kevon signals that the Bray Keaven is about to emerge from jump, and then the Bray Keaven appears in 069-526 system. Klesiter Alpha burns red a little off to port, and Fonnein, the main world, appears straight ahead. Traffic appears to be fairly light at the moment, and the Bray Keaven proceeds in system at 2G. Fonnein will be about 5 hours away at 2G.
-----
Martha runs the standard diagnostic protocols for emergence from jump space, then begins a more detailed diagnostic intended to prepare her for the upcoming annual maintenance work. Finding no red lights, she then pulls up the computer's library data on Fonnein and starts checking out the local facilities.
-----
Once out of jump and Kevon verifies the jump drive is properly secured, he runs through the approach checks, then monitors in-system communications.
-----
Swann monitors the location and vector of all ships he can through the targeting system, particularly any that appear to be approaching the Bray Keaven.
-----
As they head into system, Saro does a final inventory of his supplies to determine if there is anything he needs to try to pick up to replenish what he’s used in treating the crew so far, and perhaps some specialized tools to help Martha with her relaxation and focusing exercises.
When that is done Saro heads for the lounge with his medkit at the
ready. He hase his vacc suit laid out and ready in his cabin, just in case.
-----
Ian turns to Saro to when he enters the lounge. “I’m feeling much better. Thanks, Doc!”
Then he levels his gaze on Aidan. “Mr. Silver, I would again like your assurance that you will be on your best behavior. I understand that there were extenuating circumstances that you were reacting to during the Oser situation. It goes against my character, but I’m willing to give you a second chance.”
Ian flashes a big grin, crinkling the scarred skin on the side of his head.
“Indeed, I shall be on my best behavior,” Aidan promises. “It appears that that is what will best facilitate making the exchanges with the cubes. Not always the case in completing some of the tasks set for me. Although, rest assured, if the crew needs some of my bad behavior in a future encounter, it will be entirely at your disposal -- but only if you call for it.”
Ian nods once and sits back in his chair. “Very well Mr. Silver.”
He remains stay in the lounge conversing with the crew and Aidan. He listens in on any and all internal/external communications, just to stay on top of any situations that may arise.
-----
Up in the lounge, the helmet to Vasilii’s vacc suit sits at the end of the table, out of everyone's way but in reach if needed. He’s resting his head on his arms folded in front of him on the table. He looks at the rest of the group in the lounge through bloodshot eyes at half-mast.
As Aidan is talking, Vasilii gets a look of angst on his face again. When Aidan finishes, Vasilii blearily lifts his head to look at the ship’s chronometer, turns to Aidan and points at the chrono. “Aidan, do you see that? To military types, that's Oh-Three-Hundred. To the rest of us, that’s Oh-Dark-Early. I don’t do Oh-Dark-Early, let alone anything else at 3 a.m., with the notable exception of sleep, so cut to the chase. What ‘tasks’ do you have ‘set for you’ beyond the exchanges for these cubes, and why would they require anything other than your best behavior?”
“Not meaning to startle you Vasilii, just responding reminiscently. I have no other tasks at the moment. But, gunrunning to revolutionaries is something that can get a bit, umm, sticky at times. Especially when the other side of the revolution has some major commercial interests behind it. It’s a good story for sometime when you’re more awake.”
When the conversation in the lounge is over, Vasilii says to the group, “Well, since I’m not going to get any sleep this morning, I’ll go see if I can find out what’s happening on Fonnein.”
He makes his way to the bridge and gets on the communications console to see if he can pick up any news feeds from Fonnein, even if it’s just audio or something in text.
Last edited:
Shadowdancer
First Post
Chapter IXX
Date: 172-993
Location: Aboard the Bray Keaven, in the Fonnein System, located in the Linkworld's Cluster of Ley Sector
Compared to the departure from Sentry, the transit from jump emergence to Fonnein Orbital is almost unbelievably smooth and rather unremarkable.
Well, there are a few tense moments when a pair of sleek shuttles made a 5G intercept of the incoming far trader, but once contact is established through the jury rigged communications system, Kevon smoothly fields all of the defense crews’ questions — an easy task for him having been on the other side of suspicious intercepts many times.
Aid is offered as soon as Kevon mentions the reason for the damaged communications system — the attack by the Oser — but Kevon declines the offer other than stating that if the Bray Keaven suddenly goes quiet, it’s probably because the comm system died. Both shuttles escort the Bray Keaven to the orbital station just to make sure that communications are maintained as well as to keep an eye on the far trader — just in case.
-----
Swann spends the entire transit in the starboard turret monitoring all craft using the targeting system and sensors. He notes the approach of the shuttles with some alarm, but Kevon manages to assuage his concern — mostly. Traffic continues to be fairly light.
Both Swann and Vargas do notice a pair of ships entering the system from jump space about an hour after the Bray Keaven arrives. Both emerge on the limits of the Bray Keaven’s sensors. One appears to be another far trader while the other is some sort of 300-dTon ship. Both head inbound at 2G.
-----
Martha runs her diagnostics on her systems. The systems seem to still be within specs, but she really thinks that the jump drive is borderline for another jump without maintenance. The odds are still fairly low for a misjump — and still within ideal spec — but the young engineer just doesn’t have a good feeling about pushing the odds another time.
Martha’s notes (and the library information) on Fonnein Orbital indicate that the station has two main concerns which handle starship maintenance. The larger of the two, Kaufshiliu has a reputation for having slightly higher prices than the smaller shop, Stork and Sons, but being a bit faster. Stork and Sons has a reputation for being slightly better at custom retrofits of equipment and being a bit cheaper, but also a bit slower. Both have very good reputations for their maintenance work, and quite a few captains who work the cluster come here for work on far traders and scout/couriers.
-----
Saro determines he has used about Cr2,500 worth of supplies treating Ian and Vasilii. He decides there are a couple of sound and visual relaxation devices that he can try to find for Martha that should cost around Cr250 for a good set.
-----
Vasilii tries to use the communications systems to pick up news feeds from Fonnein. A couple of hours from Fonnein, he tries for a fourth time. The Vilani merchant barely gets a signal during part of an interesting sounding news story. In order to get the rest of the story (something about lanthanum futures), Vasilii tries to boost the gain a bit and the entire comm system goes dead again.
About 10 minutes after the comm system dies, one of the escorting shuttles drops back to directly astern of the Bray Keaven and the other closes to within a few kilometers. About the same time, Swann and Martha, and anyone else in a vacc suit, pick up a query on their suit comms from the closing shuttle. For the rest of the transit to the highport, communications are relayed through the escorting shuttle to the Bray Keaven via suit comms.
-----
A little after 0900, the Bray Keaven settles into Arrival Berth No. 208. The berth is an enclosed and pressurized berth, just a little larger than the far trader itself, and not suitable for much other than cargo unloading via the port and forward cargo locks, passenger unloading, and light maintenance. Once the crew selects a maintenance yard, the ship will need to move.
After the ship powers down the drives and the berth pressurizes, a polite and annoyingly awake SPA (StarPort Authority) Customs officer arrives to look over the cargo and passenger manifests, check identities, and spot check the cargo. The inspection is over fairly quickly, and the officer doesn’t appear to notice anything beyond what is declared.
-----
After the inspection, the rather bleary crew of the Bray Keaven gathers in the lounge for what is now a brunch.
Vargas decides to remain on the bridge keeping an eye on things and cat napping when possible. Thanking Vargas profusely for staying on the bridge, Kevon head down to the lounge for a light snack.
"I suggest we take the day to rest and recover, and worry about cargoes, repairs, and upgrades tomorrow morning," the lieutenant commander says to the rest of the crew. "Pushing ourselves today nets us nothing. If you need me for any ‘captain-type’ things, I’ll be in my temporary quarters."
Swann looks around the lounge, and rubs a hand across his face. "That sounds good to me. I’ll be in my bunk."
"Sounds like a plan to me," Ian says. "Let’s make sure we have all security systems set before we bed down."
Martha yawns. "I’ll get some of the preliminary work set up for repairs and maintenance . . . ," she says, then notices Dr. Saro’s penetrating gaze. "Umm, this evening, after I’ve slept some."
With a forced smile, she stands. "I’ll be in my room if anyone needs me. Swann, you got security covered?"
Swann says, "Sure, I’ll check to make sure the new upgrades are in place and running."
-----
Swann checks to make sure the ship’s security system is engaged and running as it should. He grabs something to eat and returns to his cabin. He sets up his vacc suit to recharge, eats, showers, and then goes to sleep.
-----
After ensuring that Vasilii and Martha are aware of his concern for their welfare (by means of a few penetrating glares and stern expressions) Saro watches them to make sure they make good on their words of resting and relaxing.
His patients taken care of, Saro sits in his cabin looking over his list of consumed medical supplies to ensure he hasn’t missed anything. Putting that aside, he begins to make a list of what he’d like to see in an actual working sickbay. In the morning he plans on approaching the rest of the crew with his wish to upgrade the Keaven’s medical facilities. He knows that it will be expensive and take awhile, but if they at least consider it, the crew can start planning and preparing for a possible installation/retrofit.
Almost subconsciously he begins to hum ancient Terran lullabies to himself as he works.
Shadowdancer
First Post
The crew of the Bray Keaven mostly rests during its first day in Sentry.
Swann sets up the security systems before the crewmembers go to their staterooms.
Saro checks that his patients are resting, looks over his list of medical supplies again, and then does a quick estimate of the costs to convert the improvised sickbay into a real one (albeit a small one). He estimates that it’ll probably cost around MCr2. Most of the costs will be due to the cost of acquiring and installing the various medical equipment required.
On the bridge, Vargas alternates between cat napping and monitoring things. It's pretty quiet in the berth, but he does field a few calls.
The first call is from a well–dressed gentleman in his 40s. The call arrives shortly after most of the crew turns in.
"Good morning sir, my name Sare de Salui. May I speak to the captain about a package that he has for me?"
"The Captain is asleep right now. Do you have a number where you may be reached?"
"Of course. I’m staying at the Fonnein Orbital Hotel, room 112. Would you please ask him to call me at his earliest convenience?"
"I will. I don’t know when he’ll be awake, though."
"That’s quite alright. Thank you."
Around midday, just as a dream involving a very attractive Darrian, an Aslan, and a Chirper is getting very interesting for Vargas, another call rouses him from the dream. This call is from a stern, gaunt looking man in his 40s:
"I am Sare de Salui. Where is my package?"
"Sir, I am unable to answer that at this time."
"Don’t play games with me. Get me your captain."
"He’s asleep, sir."
"Wake him then."
"No sir, I will not. I can have him call you when he wakes."
"Don’t bother. I will contact him later."
This man calls back three more times during the afternoon; each call runs about the same in style and tone.
Finally, yet another party calls, this one just as Vargas is getting back to sleep from the gaunt man’s calls. This call is from a fairly pretty redhead in her 30s.
"Hello there. I’d like to speak with your captain about an offer that I’d like to make him."
"He’s asleep right now, may I take a message."
"Of course. Please ask him to call Holly Clegg on the Klenbrooke please."
"I will, thank you."
Vargas does a quick check on the list of docked ships. The Klenbrooke is listed as a 300-dTon yacht that arrived this morning.
Around 1800, the crew and Aidan gather for an evening meal, where a very groggy and rather grumpy Vargas relays the various calls that interrupted his catnaps.
Aidan says, "Lovely, two Sare de Salui’s. Which on will know the pass code? Hmm, the redhead sounds like the most dangerous. May I recommend a call to the first gentleman who called. The one from the Fonnein Orbital Hotel. The second sounds likely to become violent."
Swann looks up from his meal and smiles. "I volunteer to check out the dangerous redhead."
Saro grunts in exasperation as the tale of the three callers is told.
"As some wise man said once, ‘Nothing’s ever easy,’ " Saro says as he works his way through the dinner. Leaning back in his chair, he takes a long drink from his cup and muses out loud some more. "What we should do is set up a meeting in a public place — with all of them at the same time. Let them fight it out amongst themselves, instead of with us, for a change."
Ian chuckles as the images flash through his mind. "Nice thought, Doc. Wish it could be so easy."
Aidan grins and snorts. "Not a bad idea. But there is the pass code to distinguish them; ‘Fallen Whiskey’ as you may recall. Plus, the last character didn’t mention Sare de Salui. Still, the idea of having them all in one place has distinct attractions. But I still think it’s worth seeing if one of the first two, or worse, both of the first two, know the pass code."
Swann says, "Before we get to planning any meetings, we need to decide what to do about repairs to the ship. And going hand in hand with that, what do we do with the cubes while the ship is being repaired. We need someplace safe and secure where we can leave them, especially the one destined for delivery elsewhere."
Martha nods, somewhat concerned. "Agreed."
"Well, don’t forget that getting a starship worked on is an expensive proposition," Vasilii says. "I’ve never actually looked into the prices for ship repairs and maintenance before, but I gather they can run into six figures. We may need to make the exchange to pay for the work on the ship. I’ll start working on selling the cargo after we’re done eating to see if we can avoid that prospect, but if the price goes that high, we may be in a bit of a spot, even if we make the exchange and it goes well.
"As for the cubes. Hmm. Well, the repairs seem like they’re on the lower deck, and the maintenance would involve the upper drive rooms, but they’re not connected to the staterooms up here. Martha, would there be any reason for the repair or maintenance crews to be up here while they’re working? If not, why not move the cubes up here and keep them under guard?"
"I can make sure there's no reason for them to come up here," Martha says, smiling. "I think that sounds like a good idea, though I agree also with taking care of this as quickly as we can. The less time they’re here, the less time we have to spend with intruders trying to penetrate ship’s security or walking through walls or something like that."
Turning to Aidan, Swann says, "So I take it this Sare de Salui is your contact?"
"Correct Mr. Swann. And the one and only correct Sare de Salui should know the pass code ‘Fallen Whiskey.’ Now, if both of them know it — well, there’s an interesting conundrum. I imagine only one of them will be willing to hand over the KCr150. As for hiding the cubes, why not the purloined letter trick? Stuff them into someone’s luggage. It would be handy to block the RF signal with some light shielding, but otherwise, if they are treated unremarkably . . . "
Kevon keeps relatively quiet while the rest of the crew discusses the particulars of who to contact. Finally, he speaks up. "Personally, I think we need to at least return their calls before we attempt to decide on a course of action. We need not set meeting times, nor even admit that the devices are on board, in this initial contact.
"We do, however, need to get a little insight into both of the ‘prospective clients.’ "
Ian continues to eat and listen to the discussions. "I agree with Kevon. We should reply to the callers but provide no info. We need to check things out a bit before we proceed."
Vasilii says, "Just a thought: do we tell either of our prospective clients that there’s another prospective client? Maybe check out their reactions?
"But I agree with Kevon that we should at least return their calls. I could contact the yacht tomorrow and at least tell them something like, ‘We’re sure your offer is generous, but we’re under contractual obligations, blah-blah-blah, thank you for your patronage, etc."
"Well, we don’t know what the redhead wants yet," Swann says. "Her offer may be unrelated to the cubes. We need to contact her and find out."
"As for the other two," Vasilii says, "Mr. Congeniality is going to show up again sometime soon, so how about this: A couple of us could go to the hotel, maybe get a room, and wait there until Mr. Congeniality shows up back here. Someone here radios the group at the hotel, who pays a call on the first Mr. de Salui there, and we see who knows the pass phrase. If only one of them knows it, we’re golden.
"If both or neither of them know it, we tell both of them we’ll get back to them to make the arrangements, we regroup back at the ship, and get the ship out of this docking berth. We can figure out where to go after that, maybe to one of the shipyards.
"How does that sound? Good, bad, indifferent?"
"That idea has some merit," Swann says. "We might want to put the ship in the shipyard for the overhaul and repairs first. Of course, if things go rimward, we’re stuck here with no escape. But I don’t think the Keaven’s in any shape to use for an escape anyway."
Aidan looks around at the crew interestedly. "Perhaps a bit of computer exploration into these clients? How about checking the registry of that yacht while I poke around hotel registries and see if I can find out anything?"
"It might be a good idea if you do your poking around in computers somewhere
off-ship — less traceable that way," Vargas says somewhat grumpily after yawning.
"Good point Vargas. I’ll see what I can find in the way of anonymous access points." Aidan looks up access points on the station map to see where he can hook his comp into the network to do a little investigating.
Martha spends the rest of the day making arrangements with local contractors, getting approval from Vasilii on the monetary aspects of it, and getting the work started on the ship.
After the meal, Ian checks the ship’s status and checks with Swann to make sure the security systems are functioning properly with all cameras and sensors operational.
Afterwards, he says, "Swann, you up for a stroll? I need to stretch my legs a bit. Just gonna go out and do a sweep around the ship and get a visual of the place. You game?"
Swann says, "Yeah, I could use some new computer games. And I’ve always wanted to see what a yacht looks like."
Ian carries his gauss pistol and Invisiknife. Swann takes his usual starport loadout plus his TL 13 laptop. He looks for a store selling computer games and buys one. Then he looks for a cafe where he can plug into the local computer net while having a drink.
Swann sits with his back to a wall so no one can glance at the computer screen while walking past. Then he searches for information on the Klenbrooke, and Holly Clegg. When he finds out the ship’s docking berth, he recommends to Ian they walk past that berth on the way back to the Keaven. He also checks out the visitor information sites for things to do in the starport, as a cover.
-----
Swann sets up the security systems before the crewmembers go to their staterooms.
-----
Saro checks that his patients are resting, looks over his list of medical supplies again, and then does a quick estimate of the costs to convert the improvised sickbay into a real one (albeit a small one). He estimates that it’ll probably cost around MCr2. Most of the costs will be due to the cost of acquiring and installing the various medical equipment required.
-----
On the bridge, Vargas alternates between cat napping and monitoring things. It's pretty quiet in the berth, but he does field a few calls.
The first call is from a well–dressed gentleman in his 40s. The call arrives shortly after most of the crew turns in.
"Good morning sir, my name Sare de Salui. May I speak to the captain about a package that he has for me?"
"The Captain is asleep right now. Do you have a number where you may be reached?"
"Of course. I’m staying at the Fonnein Orbital Hotel, room 112. Would you please ask him to call me at his earliest convenience?"
"I will. I don’t know when he’ll be awake, though."
"That’s quite alright. Thank you."
-----
Around midday, just as a dream involving a very attractive Darrian, an Aslan, and a Chirper is getting very interesting for Vargas, another call rouses him from the dream. This call is from a stern, gaunt looking man in his 40s:
"I am Sare de Salui. Where is my package?"
"Sir, I am unable to answer that at this time."
"Don’t play games with me. Get me your captain."
"He’s asleep, sir."
"Wake him then."
"No sir, I will not. I can have him call you when he wakes."
"Don’t bother. I will contact him later."
This man calls back three more times during the afternoon; each call runs about the same in style and tone.
-----
Finally, yet another party calls, this one just as Vargas is getting back to sleep from the gaunt man’s calls. This call is from a fairly pretty redhead in her 30s.
"Hello there. I’d like to speak with your captain about an offer that I’d like to make him."
"He’s asleep right now, may I take a message."
"Of course. Please ask him to call Holly Clegg on the Klenbrooke please."
"I will, thank you."
Vargas does a quick check on the list of docked ships. The Klenbrooke is listed as a 300-dTon yacht that arrived this morning.
-----
Around 1800, the crew and Aidan gather for an evening meal, where a very groggy and rather grumpy Vargas relays the various calls that interrupted his catnaps.
Aidan says, "Lovely, two Sare de Salui’s. Which on will know the pass code? Hmm, the redhead sounds like the most dangerous. May I recommend a call to the first gentleman who called. The one from the Fonnein Orbital Hotel. The second sounds likely to become violent."
Swann looks up from his meal and smiles. "I volunteer to check out the dangerous redhead."
Saro grunts in exasperation as the tale of the three callers is told.
"As some wise man said once, ‘Nothing’s ever easy,’ " Saro says as he works his way through the dinner. Leaning back in his chair, he takes a long drink from his cup and muses out loud some more. "What we should do is set up a meeting in a public place — with all of them at the same time. Let them fight it out amongst themselves, instead of with us, for a change."
Ian chuckles as the images flash through his mind. "Nice thought, Doc. Wish it could be so easy."
Aidan grins and snorts. "Not a bad idea. But there is the pass code to distinguish them; ‘Fallen Whiskey’ as you may recall. Plus, the last character didn’t mention Sare de Salui. Still, the idea of having them all in one place has distinct attractions. But I still think it’s worth seeing if one of the first two, or worse, both of the first two, know the pass code."
Swann says, "Before we get to planning any meetings, we need to decide what to do about repairs to the ship. And going hand in hand with that, what do we do with the cubes while the ship is being repaired. We need someplace safe and secure where we can leave them, especially the one destined for delivery elsewhere."
Martha nods, somewhat concerned. "Agreed."
"Well, don’t forget that getting a starship worked on is an expensive proposition," Vasilii says. "I’ve never actually looked into the prices for ship repairs and maintenance before, but I gather they can run into six figures. We may need to make the exchange to pay for the work on the ship. I’ll start working on selling the cargo after we’re done eating to see if we can avoid that prospect, but if the price goes that high, we may be in a bit of a spot, even if we make the exchange and it goes well.
"As for the cubes. Hmm. Well, the repairs seem like they’re on the lower deck, and the maintenance would involve the upper drive rooms, but they’re not connected to the staterooms up here. Martha, would there be any reason for the repair or maintenance crews to be up here while they’re working? If not, why not move the cubes up here and keep them under guard?"
"I can make sure there's no reason for them to come up here," Martha says, smiling. "I think that sounds like a good idea, though I agree also with taking care of this as quickly as we can. The less time they’re here, the less time we have to spend with intruders trying to penetrate ship’s security or walking through walls or something like that."
Turning to Aidan, Swann says, "So I take it this Sare de Salui is your contact?"
"Correct Mr. Swann. And the one and only correct Sare de Salui should know the pass code ‘Fallen Whiskey.’ Now, if both of them know it — well, there’s an interesting conundrum. I imagine only one of them will be willing to hand over the KCr150. As for hiding the cubes, why not the purloined letter trick? Stuff them into someone’s luggage. It would be handy to block the RF signal with some light shielding, but otherwise, if they are treated unremarkably . . . "
-----
Kevon keeps relatively quiet while the rest of the crew discusses the particulars of who to contact. Finally, he speaks up. "Personally, I think we need to at least return their calls before we attempt to decide on a course of action. We need not set meeting times, nor even admit that the devices are on board, in this initial contact.
"We do, however, need to get a little insight into both of the ‘prospective clients.’ "
-----
Ian continues to eat and listen to the discussions. "I agree with Kevon. We should reply to the callers but provide no info. We need to check things out a bit before we proceed."
-----
Vasilii says, "Just a thought: do we tell either of our prospective clients that there’s another prospective client? Maybe check out their reactions?
"But I agree with Kevon that we should at least return their calls. I could contact the yacht tomorrow and at least tell them something like, ‘We’re sure your offer is generous, but we’re under contractual obligations, blah-blah-blah, thank you for your patronage, etc."
"Well, we don’t know what the redhead wants yet," Swann says. "Her offer may be unrelated to the cubes. We need to contact her and find out."
"As for the other two," Vasilii says, "Mr. Congeniality is going to show up again sometime soon, so how about this: A couple of us could go to the hotel, maybe get a room, and wait there until Mr. Congeniality shows up back here. Someone here radios the group at the hotel, who pays a call on the first Mr. de Salui there, and we see who knows the pass phrase. If only one of them knows it, we’re golden.
"If both or neither of them know it, we tell both of them we’ll get back to them to make the arrangements, we regroup back at the ship, and get the ship out of this docking berth. We can figure out where to go after that, maybe to one of the shipyards.
"How does that sound? Good, bad, indifferent?"
"That idea has some merit," Swann says. "We might want to put the ship in the shipyard for the overhaul and repairs first. Of course, if things go rimward, we’re stuck here with no escape. But I don’t think the Keaven’s in any shape to use for an escape anyway."
Aidan looks around at the crew interestedly. "Perhaps a bit of computer exploration into these clients? How about checking the registry of that yacht while I poke around hotel registries and see if I can find out anything?"
"It might be a good idea if you do your poking around in computers somewhere
off-ship — less traceable that way," Vargas says somewhat grumpily after yawning.
"Good point Vargas. I’ll see what I can find in the way of anonymous access points." Aidan looks up access points on the station map to see where he can hook his comp into the network to do a little investigating.
-----
Martha spends the rest of the day making arrangements with local contractors, getting approval from Vasilii on the monetary aspects of it, and getting the work started on the ship.
-----
After the meal, Ian checks the ship’s status and checks with Swann to make sure the security systems are functioning properly with all cameras and sensors operational.
Afterwards, he says, "Swann, you up for a stroll? I need to stretch my legs a bit. Just gonna go out and do a sweep around the ship and get a visual of the place. You game?"
Swann says, "Yeah, I could use some new computer games. And I’ve always wanted to see what a yacht looks like."
Ian carries his gauss pistol and Invisiknife. Swann takes his usual starport loadout plus his TL 13 laptop. He looks for a store selling computer games and buys one. Then he looks for a cafe where he can plug into the local computer net while having a drink.
Swann sits with his back to a wall so no one can glance at the computer screen while walking past. Then he searches for information on the Klenbrooke, and Holly Clegg. When he finds out the ship’s docking berth, he recommends to Ian they walk past that berth on the way back to the Keaven. He also checks out the visitor information sites for things to do in the starport, as a cover.
Shadowdancer
First Post
Chapter XX
Dates: 172 and 173-993
Location: Arrival Berth 208, Fonnein Oribital
Martha does some quick estimates of work that could be done:
Annual maintenance on drives/power plant — KCr80–100
Repair comm system — KCr200–500
Repair captain's cabin — KCr5–50
Light popup lasers — KCr75
Actual costs will have to be determined once Martha selects one of the maintenance companies or, alternately, solicits bids from both.
-----
Ian and Swann head out for an evening stroll. The Bray Keaven’s current berth is a pretty tight fit. There is nothing in the actual berth itself other than the far trader. There is a cargo door and a personnel door in front of the ship — the far trader is nose into the berth — that open to a wide corridor that runs perpendicular to the axis of the ship (i.e., port to starboard).
The corridor beyond has some foot and cargo sled traffic as people go about their business. Ian thinks that he sees a scruffy–looking fellow in dark, purple stained coveralls observing them as he leaves. Ian mentions the fellow to Swann, but neither of the strollers notices the man following them later.
Fonnein Orbital is a fairly small place as high ports go (only about 500 permanent residents), so there aren’t many dining establishments. However, all of them have wireless access to the local net in addition to loaner units.
Wandering towards one of the dining establishments, Swann ducks into a store and picks up a game before continuing on. Swann and Ian select a fairly casual cafeteria and sit down for a couple of drinks. Swann spends Cr25 for the game and Cr5 for the drinks. Ian also spends Cr5 for drinks.
Doing some research, Swann finds out that the Klenbrooke arrived a couple of hours after the Bray Keaven did and is in berth 104. There isn’t much information available, but he does find that the Klenbrooke is listed as a Cavanah-class Yacht (3J, 4G) registered out of Souris/Outrun in the Crucis Margin Sector to a McMaster Sharpe. No information on Holly Clegg is available.
Wandering by the Klenbrooke’s berth later, Swann and Ian don’t spot anything of note. After a bit more wandering, Swann and Ian return to the Bray Keaven’s berth where they spot the man in the stained overalls watching the berth door again.
Ian informs the crew of the "watcher" at the berth door, along with his description.
-----
Aidan hooks into the network to see if there’s anywhere he might be able to offload some old computer parts. Sheepishly, he asks, "Umm, Vasilii, think you might be able to sell some antique computer parts?"
-----
Saro realizes that continued inactivity can adversely affect a person’s mental state, so he will allow his patient to engage in some trading activity with the understanding that Vasilii not over exert himself. To ensure this, Saro agrees to accompany Vasilii wherever he needs to go to do his business. The doctor would prefer if Vasilii could do this via comm from the Keavon, but if necessary he will escort Vasilii to places off-ship as long as the journey is not too strenuous.
A bit on edge because of recent events and the dealings with the cubes to take place, Saro carries his snub pistol with tranq darts and tries to be more alert to possible threats.
-----
The next morning, Aidan wants to have breakfast off ship so he can do some searching on the station’s computer net. Swann offers to accompany him and watch his back.
"Thanks for the company, Swann. It’s appreciated."
Aidan and Swann head over to the Numoc Diner. On the way out of the berth, Swann spots what he thinks to be someone observing the Bray Keaven’s berth. The observer appears to be a large yet hard looking woman in her mid to late 30s. The woman is dressed in a gray ship’s jumpsuit and appears to be standing around trying to look like she is reading a bookreader while waiting for someone.
After a bit of a walk, Swann and Aidan arrive at the Numoc Diner and order some breakfast. After enjoying the surprisingly good breakfast and real coffee — breakfast costs Cr10 while the coffee costs Cr30 for one cup each — Aidan starts doing his research.
Aidan’s foray into the Fonnein Orbital Hotel’s computer system goes very smoothly. Aidan is able to determine that a Mr. Worin Tahashima checked into room 112 yesterday at 8 a.m. Room 112 is listed as one of two executive suites with two sleeping rooms connected to a central room. Four guests are noted to be in the suite, but only Worin Tahashima is named. A call was placed yesterday morning from the room to the Bray Keaven. No other calls have gone through the hotel’s comm system.
Aidan also has a list of others checked into the hotel, about 40 guests total. Most have come in relatively recently — within the last week. A few rooms are rented to people on long term contracts.
His backtrace into the second Sare de Salui’s calls indicates that they came from a public comm booth in the promenade area of the station.
Aidan’s backtrace of the Holly Clegg call indicates that it did come from the Klenbrooke. His investigation of the Klenbrooke doesn’t turn up any more information than Swann found.
While Aidan is doing his research, Swann tries to see if anyone is watching them. No one appears to be.
-----
Meanwhile, Kevon returns the call the Sare de Salui No. 1. A brownish–reddish haired man in his mid to late 20s answers the call.
"Good morning, may I help you?"
"Yes. I’m Kevon Holland, Captain of the Bray Keaven. May I speak to Sare de Salui please?"
"Of course sir, one moment."
The man goes out of the pickup range. A few moments later, a well–dressed gentleman in his 40s steps into view.
"Good morning, Captain Holland. I’m pleased to see you. I would like to arrange a meeting so that you may deliver the package that you have for me. Of course, I have your payment in hand as well as identification information. When would you like to meet?"
Kevon replies, "I will have to check with my crew. We’ll be unloading most of our cargo today, so we’ll be a little busy. May I return your call later?"
"Of course. I await your call."
-----
A moment after finishing this call, the Bray Keaven receives a call. This call is from the stern, gaunt–looking man in his 40s.
"I demand to speak with the captain. I am Sare de Salui, and I want my package."
"Good morning, sir. I’m Kevon Holland and captain of the Bray Keaven. How may I help you?"
"You can give me my damn package. I have your payment here, and I’ve been waiting too damn long for you to show up. I was going to double your payment, but if you keep me waiting any longer than this afternoon, you can whistle for that extra payment."
"We’ll be unloading cargo today, so I’m not sure when we’ll have time to meet. How may I contact you?"
"Don’t play games with me. I’ll call you again this afternoon. If you want KCr200, you’ll have the package ready to go when I call."
<click>
Shaking his head a moment, Kevon pauses and then places a call to the Klenbrooke. After a few chimes, a rather disheveled–looking redhead in her 30s answers the comm.
"Good morning, may I speak to Holly Clegg please? I'm Kevon Holland, captain of the Bray Keaven."
"Ah, Captain Holland. Holly Clegg, captain of the Klenbrooke. I was hoping that you’d call. I wanted to meet with you to discuss a little proposition that could be very lucrative. I’ve heard of the exploits of the Bray Keaven at Alief, and I think that my little proposition could be very profitable for us both. Have you been to The Grotto yet? Very good food. I could book us a table for dinner this evening?"
"Ah, we’ll be unloading cargo today, so I’m not sure when we’ll be done. May I call you back later?"
"Of course, captain."
-----
Also that morning, Martha, Vasilii, and Saro go to meet with the representatives of Kaufshiliu and Stork & Sons, the two maintenance yards on Fonnein Orbital. Both companies send an engineer to return with the trio to inspect the ship and produce bids. Saro does seem a bit concerned about Vasilii given that he is being fairly active for someone who is still recovering from an abdomen wound.
-----
The Kaufshiliu representative is a very neat, professional woman in her 30s. Kaufshiliu has a good reputation for fast, professional work and slightly higher prices. The Kaufshiliu representative's bid, after some negotiations is:
Annual maintenance on systems — KCr113, 12 days
Comm system repair — KCr223, three days
Repair captain's cabin — KCr48, three days
Light popup lasers — KCr70, one day each
Repair docking tube — KCr65, two days
All of the work can be done concurrently, but the price increases by 20 percent. All work to be done by Kaufshiliu’s reps, though Martha can observe.
-----
The Stork & Sons representative is a rather slovenly, slightly strange young man in his mid 20s. His coveralls are filled with grease, and his accent is a little high and hard to understand. Stork & Sons has a reputation for being very good at custom retrofits and work (particularly on older ships), being a bit cheaper, and a bit slower. The Stork & Sons bid is:
Annual maintenance on systems — KCr100, 16 days
Comm system repair — KCr195, five days
Repair captain's cabin KCr28, four days
Light popup lasers — KCr65, two days each
Repair docking tube — KCr50, three days
None of the work can be done concurrently. Martha can help with the work; cost reduces by 10 percent.
Swann and Kevon (with some help from Vargas and Martha) can help with the communications installation or alternately do the installation themselves. Helping Stork & Sons will reduce the cost by 20 percent and cut the time to three days. Doing the installation themselves (with Stork & Sons parts) will cut the cost by 60 percent (KCr117). The time required will be eight days, but this work could be done concurrently with the maintenance.
Another option would be to go with an upgraded comm suite, five days for installation, helping Stork & Sons only.
Vargas can help with the annual maintenance and reduce the cost by 5 percent — total of 15 percent savings for Martha and Vargas helping. Swann and Kevon can also work on Kevon’s cabin. Helping Stork & Sons will cut the cost by 20 percent and cut the time to two days.
Doing the work themselves will cut the cost by 60 percent (to KCr16.8) but take eight days — this work could also be done concurrently with the maintenance.
-----
Finally, Vargas and Ian arrange to have the bulk plastic and carbon freight cargoes offloaded and sent on their way. Observing the cargo handlers unloading the cargo doesn’t reveal anything unusual though Ian does spot the large woman still observing the berth. Unloading takes a couple of hours since some of the Bray Keaven’s other cargo has to be unloaded and moved around to unload the freight cargo out of the forward cargo lock.
The ship’s port account is credited for CR22,000 (freight fee) and debited for Cr660 (cargo handling fee).
-----
The crew gathers for a late lunch after the maintenance yard reps leave and all freight cargo is unloaded.
Vasilii gives a breakdown on the finances. "OK, to start with, counting the credits on-hand and the ship’s account here at the port, we currently have Cr282,583. That does not yet include money from the speculative cargoes, Aidan’s expense account, or payment for the cube. Unfortunately, that's where the good news ends."
He glances at Martha and draws a deep breath. "Alright, we have two shipyards to deal with: Kaufshiliu Yards, which apparently has more manpower than the other yard, but you pay for it, and Stork & Sons Yards, which I’m guessing has less manpower, but will cut you a deal if the ship’s crew helps out with the work, and apparently does better work with custom equipment.
"For both yards, I ran the bottom-line figures for essentials: the maintenance, comm system, and hull repairs, and then with and without the popup lasers. I’ll add the figure for the docking tube at the end, but I figure we have another tube that will work for the moment until we have the funds later to fix it.
"For Kaufshiliu, I also figured with and without the work being done concurrently, concurrently meaning more expensive and a lot of their people crawling around on the ship at the same time, but we're out of here in 12 days, which, regrettably, is the best time figure so far.
"For Stork & Sons, I ran the figures with and without Martha being involved, but even with her help, the best time estimate from them is still 25 days, and that's just for the essentials."
Vasilii runs through the long, dizzying list of figures, then sums up.
"If we set the pop-up lasers and the docking tube aside for later, the best money for the here and now is Stork & Sons, at KCr219 and 16 days.
"For KCr93 more, we can save a week at the other yard. For KCr169, we can save about two weeks.
"Perhaps, for the sake of speed, we could do the essentials now, and come back for the lasers and docking tube repairs after the run to Adugkin?" Vasilii offers. "Or, since the ship would be in the repair bay anyway, if we went ahead with the repairs to the docking tube after the essentials were done, maybe we could cut a deal for the popup lasers too, if the crew did the work, and get both done concurrently.
"For that matter, we could also try sending some of the tools and aluminum in our cargo hold in their direction, see if they’d be interested in them and what kind of a break they might give us for it on the docking tube and lasers."
When Vasilii has completed his layout of the expenditures, Martha replies, "My first captain once said that time was money, so my gut says we go for the fastest options available. However, will the cost of going that route cost more than the amount of money we’d make during the two weeks we saved?"
Vargas says, "I’m glad that the Scouts always had someone doing the admin for us. Well, I’m more than happy to help out Martha with repairs and be on standby if anyone needs the cavalry."
Shadowdancer
First Post
Swann listens to the repair estimates from Vasilii and the report from Kevon on his calls. He rubs a hand across his face and says, "It doesn’t sound like Miss Clegg is after the cubes. We should find out what her offer is. If it’s something we can do without the ship, we could take her little job. It would give us something to do while the Keaven’s being repaired, and earn some money to help pay for the repairs at the same time.
"If we can't do the job, or she is after the cubes, then we can always turn her down. And, if that’s the case, then I suggest we go with the least expensive repair option, which will involve some of us pitching in to help.
"As far as the two Mr. De Salui’s, I like the idea about two simultaneous meetings in two separate places until we determine who is the real thing, and who is the imposter. It will spread us thin, but it will also keep our options more flexible."
"I agree with Mr. Hellinic. Let’s meet with Ms. Clegg first, then we’ll arrange near simultaneous meetings with the de Salui’s," Kevon adds.
Vasilii says, "Except that de Salui No. 2 is trying hard to set his own schedule on this. For my own opinion, he seems to be trying very hard to be the better option of the two. Maybe a little too hard, if you ask me."
"We will simply not allow him to dictate the schedule," Kevon counters. "If he wants to meet, he will meet on our terms."
Aidan says, "Kevon, you’ve an excellent point on setting our own schedule. We might throw him off balance, and get him to accept a change of schedule more easily, if I make the next contact and appear clandestine about it."
"Not sure I follow you," Vasilii says. "We have no idea where he is, until he’s banging on our door. What’d you have in mind? Personally, I could support clandestinely tranqing the bugger for a couple of days, if that’s what you have in mind," he adds with an amused smile, then shrugs.
"Well, if he wants to do business, threatening the delivery people is not the way to do it, especially if he wants any future deliveries of whatever’s inside these cubes," Vasilii continues. "He seems, at best, to be unaccustomed to the realities of interstellar commerce and travel, and, at worst, to be anything but a professional, at least in any profession you can discuss in polite company."
Vargas says, "Some people just like to throw their weight around or need to overcompensate. Or he’s nervous. Maybe someone’s breathing down his neck. In any case, I advise caution — people backed against a wall can get dangerous fast."
Aidan says, "Tranqing him is an enchanting idea. An enchanting idea to do to me at times when I’m being the fop as well. But no, at the moment that might be a bit extreme." Aidan grins rather madly. "I’m simply thinking that we might keep this second Sare off balance if he thinks two groups are approaching him."
He ruminates for a moment. "Although, Vargas, your point about dangerous animals and corners is well taken. We should arrange something soon so that he doesn’t feel the need to take pointed action."
"Yes, that pointed action could be in the form of an attack on the ship," Ian says, "or even an attempt to snatch one of the crewmembers to use as incentive to deal with him. We all should be on our toes anytime we are out and about!"
"I think I should take point on Ms. Clegg, maybe with Mr. Hellinic as backup," Kevon says. "We’ll have to make sure we can get him reservations at the same restaurant. Ms. Smythe can be his ‘date,’ perhaps?"
Vasilii looks at Kevon, than at Martha, then tries to sink back as far as he can into his seat while holding his fingers in his ears, waiting for the incoming barrage.
Instead of exploding in anger Martha blushes slightly, then responds, "Umm, what about my work here on the ship? Won’t I need to be working on repairs?" She does avoid looking Kevon in the eye, though tries to be nonchalant about it.
The lieutenant commander smiles a genuine smile. "I’m sorry, Martha. I didn’t mean to embarrass you," he says, using Martha’s given name for the first time that she could recall. "Since Mr. Hellinic is going to be my backup, he won’t stand out as much with a beautiful young lady like you ‘on his arm,’ so to speak, at a restaurant such as the one Ms. Clegg is suggesting we meet at."
Swann chuckles and says, "I must be getting popular. I’ve had dates with half the crew since we got here.
"But seriously, it would be a good idea to have some of the crew in the restaurant during the meeting, just in case."
Aidan offers, "Perhaps I may be of service as an observer detached from the party? With luck, they’ve not observed me as associated with the crew?"
Ian slowly eats his meal while listening to the discussions, eventually throwing his two credits worth in. "Lot’sa issues to deal with, eh? My expertise does not lie in the mechanical/electrical aspects of our needs. So unless we just need muscle to help with the repairs, I’d be better use dealing with the other issues," he says with a half grin. "I prefer speedy repairs, especially if things get a bit sticky here. But our funds may not support that route.
"I think we should call the redhead up and meet her this evening, like she requested. Sounds like there are plenty of volunteers for that one so I’ll let y’all handle it."
Ian glances at Swann and chuckles a bit. "Just be careful, some females are easily offended!"
Turning back to the rest of the crew, Ian says, "I would prefer to go along with whoever meets with de Salui No. 2. He might get a bit agitated if the meeting doesn’t go the way he prefers. I agree that both meetings should take place during the same time frame if at all possible. Maybe tomorrow morning, at places of our choosing. And I have no problem letting Aidan speak with him next time he calls. I would like to listen and watch, though, just to see if I can ‘read’ him a bit."
Aidan says, "Hmm, choosing between the potential black widow spider and the bull in the china shop? Yes, I think I'd take the bull each time. Although tricking the spider could be interesting. Nonetheless . . . ," he trails off reminiscently.
Over the latish lunch, the crew hashes out options for dealing with their various callers and repair options. The tentative plan is for Kevon to meet with Holly Clegg with Martha and Swann in the restaurant as backup. The crew then plans to have split meetings with the two Sare de Saluis about the same time.
Kevon calls Holly from the lounge. This time, Holly Clegg appears in a standard ship's jumpsuit and appears to be seated comfortably in a chair when taking the call.
"Ah, Captain Holland. I was hoping that you’d call back soon."
"Good afternoon, Captain Clegg. I will be able to accept your invitation for dinner this evening. Say, 1800 hours at The Grotto?"
"Very good. 1800 at The Grotto sounds fine. I’ll make reservations for us. I’ll see you then."
"Farewell."
After Kevon finishes his call, Swann makes reservations for himself and Martha at The Grotto at the same time. The person accepting the reservations call does tell Swann that, while formal attire isn’t required, it is strongly suggested, and ship kits or jumpsuits are not accepted.
Meanwhile, Martha places a call to Stork & Sons to accept their bids and inform them that the crew would like to help with the service work. The same young man who made the bid, Clay Stork, seems delighted that the crew will be helping.
"Yahhhh, it’d be great if you help. We need you to move your ship, though, to our yard, Stork & Sons Berth 2 tomorrow morning. You should tell traffic control though, they get a little upset if you don’t."
Martha confirms with Kevon before filing a flight plan for the next morning, and then goes about making sure the ship is ready.
Saro marches Vasilii back to the improvised sickbay and essentially forces him into the bunk.
A little after the calls are finished, the crew receives another call from Sare de Salui No. 2. This call is being placed from the berth door.
"Damnit! I’m here to pick up my damn package. Again, I’m ready to give you twice the agreed upon payment, but if you don’t have my package ready now, you can bloody well whistle for that bonus."
The berth door camera shows the stern, gaunt fellow dressed in gray casual wear scowling at the vid pickup. The fellow seems unarmed as far as can be seen on the vid pickup, but there are two Sydites* hovering over his shoulder.
Before the call is answered, Ian quickly speaks to Kevon. "See if you can set up a meeting with him in the morning, maybe at one of the bars or cafes we have previously visited."
Ian the positions himself so he can watch and listen to the conversation without being seen.
Kevon nods to Ian, then thumbs the comm switch. "Mr. De Salui, you will conduct yourself with civility or we will take our cargo with us and you will get nothing," he warns. "There are certain protocols that we must follow, which includes a first meeting, at a public location — and without your hired goons.
"You, and you alone, will join me for breakfast at Alaphar’s Café, and we will discuss your needs and proposal," Kevon continues. "Should we get any hint that you’re failing to heed the spirit and letter of these instructions, the meeting is off, period. Do you understand me, sir?"
Vargas nods appreciatively before speaking very softly, "Nicely done."
The gaunt man scowls at the vid pickup at Kevon’s warning and replies, "I doubt that you’ll take the cargo and forgo payment. Not when you have a damaged rust bucket. But, fine, we’ll play it your way. Tomorrow morning at 7 a.m. at your cafe.
"I will be bringing my assistants, but they’ll stay outside."
Saro mutters to himself, "Buffoons and goons. Why is everyone who wants to deal with us a buffoon or a goon, or both?"
*Sydites are a race of large, genetically-engineered humans with four arms. They were created to serve as soldiers, and are often found working for individuals and organizations as "hired muscle."
"If we can't do the job, or she is after the cubes, then we can always turn her down. And, if that’s the case, then I suggest we go with the least expensive repair option, which will involve some of us pitching in to help.
"As far as the two Mr. De Salui’s, I like the idea about two simultaneous meetings in two separate places until we determine who is the real thing, and who is the imposter. It will spread us thin, but it will also keep our options more flexible."
"I agree with Mr. Hellinic. Let’s meet with Ms. Clegg first, then we’ll arrange near simultaneous meetings with the de Salui’s," Kevon adds.
Vasilii says, "Except that de Salui No. 2 is trying hard to set his own schedule on this. For my own opinion, he seems to be trying very hard to be the better option of the two. Maybe a little too hard, if you ask me."
"We will simply not allow him to dictate the schedule," Kevon counters. "If he wants to meet, he will meet on our terms."
Aidan says, "Kevon, you’ve an excellent point on setting our own schedule. We might throw him off balance, and get him to accept a change of schedule more easily, if I make the next contact and appear clandestine about it."
"Not sure I follow you," Vasilii says. "We have no idea where he is, until he’s banging on our door. What’d you have in mind? Personally, I could support clandestinely tranqing the bugger for a couple of days, if that’s what you have in mind," he adds with an amused smile, then shrugs.
"Well, if he wants to do business, threatening the delivery people is not the way to do it, especially if he wants any future deliveries of whatever’s inside these cubes," Vasilii continues. "He seems, at best, to be unaccustomed to the realities of interstellar commerce and travel, and, at worst, to be anything but a professional, at least in any profession you can discuss in polite company."
Vargas says, "Some people just like to throw their weight around or need to overcompensate. Or he’s nervous. Maybe someone’s breathing down his neck. In any case, I advise caution — people backed against a wall can get dangerous fast."
Aidan says, "Tranqing him is an enchanting idea. An enchanting idea to do to me at times when I’m being the fop as well. But no, at the moment that might be a bit extreme." Aidan grins rather madly. "I’m simply thinking that we might keep this second Sare off balance if he thinks two groups are approaching him."
He ruminates for a moment. "Although, Vargas, your point about dangerous animals and corners is well taken. We should arrange something soon so that he doesn’t feel the need to take pointed action."
"Yes, that pointed action could be in the form of an attack on the ship," Ian says, "or even an attempt to snatch one of the crewmembers to use as incentive to deal with him. We all should be on our toes anytime we are out and about!"
"I think I should take point on Ms. Clegg, maybe with Mr. Hellinic as backup," Kevon says. "We’ll have to make sure we can get him reservations at the same restaurant. Ms. Smythe can be his ‘date,’ perhaps?"
Vasilii looks at Kevon, than at Martha, then tries to sink back as far as he can into his seat while holding his fingers in his ears, waiting for the incoming barrage.
Instead of exploding in anger Martha blushes slightly, then responds, "Umm, what about my work here on the ship? Won’t I need to be working on repairs?" She does avoid looking Kevon in the eye, though tries to be nonchalant about it.
The lieutenant commander smiles a genuine smile. "I’m sorry, Martha. I didn’t mean to embarrass you," he says, using Martha’s given name for the first time that she could recall. "Since Mr. Hellinic is going to be my backup, he won’t stand out as much with a beautiful young lady like you ‘on his arm,’ so to speak, at a restaurant such as the one Ms. Clegg is suggesting we meet at."
Swann chuckles and says, "I must be getting popular. I’ve had dates with half the crew since we got here.
"But seriously, it would be a good idea to have some of the crew in the restaurant during the meeting, just in case."
Aidan offers, "Perhaps I may be of service as an observer detached from the party? With luck, they’ve not observed me as associated with the crew?"
Ian slowly eats his meal while listening to the discussions, eventually throwing his two credits worth in. "Lot’sa issues to deal with, eh? My expertise does not lie in the mechanical/electrical aspects of our needs. So unless we just need muscle to help with the repairs, I’d be better use dealing with the other issues," he says with a half grin. "I prefer speedy repairs, especially if things get a bit sticky here. But our funds may not support that route.
"I think we should call the redhead up and meet her this evening, like she requested. Sounds like there are plenty of volunteers for that one so I’ll let y’all handle it."
Ian glances at Swann and chuckles a bit. "Just be careful, some females are easily offended!"
Turning back to the rest of the crew, Ian says, "I would prefer to go along with whoever meets with de Salui No. 2. He might get a bit agitated if the meeting doesn’t go the way he prefers. I agree that both meetings should take place during the same time frame if at all possible. Maybe tomorrow morning, at places of our choosing. And I have no problem letting Aidan speak with him next time he calls. I would like to listen and watch, though, just to see if I can ‘read’ him a bit."
Aidan says, "Hmm, choosing between the potential black widow spider and the bull in the china shop? Yes, I think I'd take the bull each time. Although tricking the spider could be interesting. Nonetheless . . . ," he trails off reminiscently.
-----
Over the latish lunch, the crew hashes out options for dealing with their various callers and repair options. The tentative plan is for Kevon to meet with Holly Clegg with Martha and Swann in the restaurant as backup. The crew then plans to have split meetings with the two Sare de Saluis about the same time.
-----
Kevon calls Holly from the lounge. This time, Holly Clegg appears in a standard ship's jumpsuit and appears to be seated comfortably in a chair when taking the call.
"Ah, Captain Holland. I was hoping that you’d call back soon."
"Good afternoon, Captain Clegg. I will be able to accept your invitation for dinner this evening. Say, 1800 hours at The Grotto?"
"Very good. 1800 at The Grotto sounds fine. I’ll make reservations for us. I’ll see you then."
"Farewell."
-----
After Kevon finishes his call, Swann makes reservations for himself and Martha at The Grotto at the same time. The person accepting the reservations call does tell Swann that, while formal attire isn’t required, it is strongly suggested, and ship kits or jumpsuits are not accepted.
-----
Meanwhile, Martha places a call to Stork & Sons to accept their bids and inform them that the crew would like to help with the service work. The same young man who made the bid, Clay Stork, seems delighted that the crew will be helping.
"Yahhhh, it’d be great if you help. We need you to move your ship, though, to our yard, Stork & Sons Berth 2 tomorrow morning. You should tell traffic control though, they get a little upset if you don’t."
Martha confirms with Kevon before filing a flight plan for the next morning, and then goes about making sure the ship is ready.
-----
Saro marches Vasilii back to the improvised sickbay and essentially forces him into the bunk.
-----
A little after the calls are finished, the crew receives another call from Sare de Salui No. 2. This call is being placed from the berth door.
"Damnit! I’m here to pick up my damn package. Again, I’m ready to give you twice the agreed upon payment, but if you don’t have my package ready now, you can bloody well whistle for that bonus."
The berth door camera shows the stern, gaunt fellow dressed in gray casual wear scowling at the vid pickup. The fellow seems unarmed as far as can be seen on the vid pickup, but there are two Sydites* hovering over his shoulder.
Before the call is answered, Ian quickly speaks to Kevon. "See if you can set up a meeting with him in the morning, maybe at one of the bars or cafes we have previously visited."
Ian the positions himself so he can watch and listen to the conversation without being seen.
Kevon nods to Ian, then thumbs the comm switch. "Mr. De Salui, you will conduct yourself with civility or we will take our cargo with us and you will get nothing," he warns. "There are certain protocols that we must follow, which includes a first meeting, at a public location — and without your hired goons.
"You, and you alone, will join me for breakfast at Alaphar’s Café, and we will discuss your needs and proposal," Kevon continues. "Should we get any hint that you’re failing to heed the spirit and letter of these instructions, the meeting is off, period. Do you understand me, sir?"
Vargas nods appreciatively before speaking very softly, "Nicely done."
The gaunt man scowls at the vid pickup at Kevon’s warning and replies, "I doubt that you’ll take the cargo and forgo payment. Not when you have a damaged rust bucket. But, fine, we’ll play it your way. Tomorrow morning at 7 a.m. at your cafe.
"I will be bringing my assistants, but they’ll stay outside."
Saro mutters to himself, "Buffoons and goons. Why is everyone who wants to deal with us a buffoon or a goon, or both?"
*Sydites are a race of large, genetically-engineered humans with four arms. They were created to serve as soldiers, and are often found working for individuals and organizations as "hired muscle."
