Traveller T20: Tales of the Bray Keaven [Updated 12-20-05]
- Thread starter Shadowdancer
- Start date
Shadowdancer
First Post
Chapter V
Date: 202-993 and 203-993
Location: Fonnein Orbital
When Swann, Ian, and Vargas return to the ship's berth, they find the other crew members making preparations for -- something. Swann takes a look at Vasilii and Aidan wearing their fancy clothing and says, "Awww, you guys didn't have to get all dressed up and go to all this trouble just to welcome us back. I know you probably missed us, but we weren't gone all that long."
He then breaks into a smile and says, "So, what's up?"
"You always wanted to be a cowherd, right?” Vasilii says. “We've got a last-minute cargo -- livestock, plus the wrangler. I want the man to feel like we're taking him seriously, so I put my suit on."
"Are we starting our own traveling rodeo?” Swann asks. “I hope the wrangler is going to be on scoop detail, because that's not in my job description."
Ian's serious expression quickly changes as he laughs and slaps Swann on the back. "What, it doesn't fall under the clause 'and all duties as assigned'?"
"Alright, so the livestock is frozen,” Vasilii says. “It comes with its own giant low-berth container. It's some sort of modified cows, developed to handle the pollen on Kerin's Tyr. There's a rep traveling with it, he's going in low berth. It was a last-minute transfer, as the scout who was carrying it got reactivated. It's paying decent money.
"It checked out, so far as Mr. Silver could investigate in an hour. And it would be pretty hard for somebody to get at us this way – another merchant passed our name to this scout after I contacted her. But we're being careful, on principle."
"It's always good to be careful,” Swann says. “Glad to see everyone's learning that.
"After we popsicle the rep, we," Swann indicates himself, Ian, and Vargas, "have something to bring to everyone's attention. A favor we need to do."
Ian's cheerful expression fades. "Yes, we should gather in the lounge afterwards."
-----
At 2300 hours exactly the berth door chimes, and Vasilii goes to a comconsole in the lounge to answer the call. The vid pickup reveals an olive brown-complexioned man in his late 20s/early 30s smiling at the camera and the vague outlines of some large containers on cargo movers in the corridor beyond.
"Good night and salutations! I am Anil Salian, and I believe that you're expecting me and my cargo at this time?"
"Yes, Mr. Salian. We'll be down shortly."
"Very good!"
-----
The crew goes down the ship's forward ramp into the berth in order to receive the salesman and his frozen cattle. After making sure that everyone is in position (somewhat scattered, Swann and Ian behind cover), Vasilii keys the berth cargo lock open. As soon as the doors open, Anil Salian strides forward, beaming and extending his hand towards Vasilii.
Over the next few minutes, the salesman makes the point of introducing himself to and greeting all of the Bray Keaven crewmen, being rather effusive in his compliments and thanks to the crew for getting him out of the bind that the Scout dropped him in. Sprinkled throughout his compliments and thanks, he drops scattered complaints about the Scout and his ship along with scattered comments that he trusts that the illustrious Bray Keaven is considerably better maintained and run.
The cargo turns out to be six 1.5 dTon low berth containers and one 1dTon low berth container. Salian explains that each low berth container is completely self contained and has enough power for a week of operation in an emergency and during transfers, but he would like to have the containers connected to ship's power. The larger containers each contain an adult bioengineered cow-like beast, and the smaller container contains a juvenile. The view ports into the containers do show something that looks very much like a cow except that they look a bit tougher and squatter.
Saro and Martha inspect the low berth containers. The containers appear to be functioning properly as far as the two can tell based on previous experience with low berths, and the cattle appear healthy as far as Saro can tell.
-----
While the cargo handling service loads the containers into the ship's hold and Martha makes the cargo connections, Salian does ask to see Saro's medical credentials, explaining "I really prefer to travel in a cabin if you have space, but I'd be willing to travel in a low berth as long as a qualified medic is onboard. I would be willing to pay a high passage fare for a cabin if you have one available."
At Salian's request, Saro will allow Salian to access his credentials so that he may satisfy his concerns.
"Oh, doctor! A thousand apologies if I have insulted you. I see that I will obviously be in good hands."
Saro chuckles good-naturedly. "No apologies are necessary. I think it is a wise idea to check the credentials of anyone whom is going to be responsible for your life and limb. I know I'd want to be sure the person putting me on ice knows his way around a cryo tube.
"I just want you to you that I take every low berth very seriously. You'll receive my utmost attention going in and coming out."
-----
After the cargo is loaded, Salian pays the cargo handling service personnel (who then depart) and inspects the connections. Once the inspection is complete, Salian hands his two bags (a wheeled briefcase and a wheeled, medium-sized suitcase) to whoever will take them, and then accompanies Saro to the low berths.
Saro preps Salian, puts him in the low berth, and freezes the salesman.
-----
Vasilii takes the bags with a smile and puts them where they can be looked over once Salian is in the freezer. Later he'll ask Swann and anyone else who seems so inclined to have a look at them.
-----
After the salesman is frozen, the crew gathers in the lounge before heading off to sleep.
When all have gathered, Ian clears his throat. "Well, I must ask a favor of this crew. In return for some documentation I need for a recent hardware purchase -- namely, my ACR -- I have agreed to transport a small box to Warn Highport on Kerin's Tyr for a powerful Vargr named Markul."
Ian pauses a moment to glance at his crewmates around the room to catch any reactions.
Vasilii and most of the others look unfazed. It's normal small-trader business.
"If we do this, it would put us in good favor with him and his family. I am to deliver the package, or 'gift' as he called it, to his cousin. It will be delivered in the morning.
"Just a side note: the Vargr that I killed in the shoot-out at the shipyard was this guy's nephew. But he doesn't seem to hold that against us, as far as we can tell."
With that Ian crosses his arms in front of his chest and waits for the discussion to commence.
-----
"That's some side note,” Vasilii, his eyebrows raised ironically. “Well, with nephews like that he's less likely to be a plant. And if he takes that shooting in his stride, you don't want to cross him. What do you think he can do for us? I guess we should check him out, if you're not already on it."
-----
To an inquiry as to the contents of the package, Ian replies, "No, I don't know what's in it. Probably something we don't wanna know about anyway," he says with a half grin.
Martha does not look impressed. "Ian, if you want, I can meet you in the docking bay and scan it for radiation, volatile chemicals, etc., before it is brought onboard."
After a brief pause, she corrects herself. "Why don't I just plan on that, anyway? When are you going to be back?"
"Thanks Martha. Let's do that. The courier is suppose to contact us in the morning and will be delivering the package to the ship. I'll let you check it out before bringing it on board."
-----
As Ian makes his announcement, Saro groans inwardly and closes his eyes to breathe slowly and to count to a million or so.
When Ian is through, Saro opens his eyes and looks at him and says wryly, "Another mysterious box. Dandy. I swear by Kwazl's Brow, if we get attacked by pirates over this box, I'll personally turn it, and you, over to them via the airlock -- vacc suit optional."
Looking around the room, he continues, "If no one else objects to this `gift' transfer, I'll keep my peace. But I expect this to be Ian's responsibility. I for one think we attract enough trouble as it is, without soliciting more."
Saro doesn't sound truly angry, merely apprehensive, exasperated, and slightly annoyed.
"Doc, I understand your concerns and take full responsibility,” Ian says. “I had hoped the deal would be settled with credits, but that was not to be. Assuming all goes well," Ian pauses and grimaces, reflecting back on the crew's luck lately, "we hope to solidify a friendly relationship with this powerful person in this region. At least gaining enough respect from him and his family to allow us some leeway while we are in the area.”
“By the way Saro,” Aidan adds. “Swann and I picked up this other box -- it was behind door number three.” Aidan is ready to dive for cover if Saro throws anything at him.
-----
“Well, as long as we don’t have another half-dozen packs after us for this package, I’m game,” Kevon says. “It’s good to be able to pay off a debt quickly. No use in letting it linger.”
-----
Ian turns to Swann and Aidan. "Think you guys could try to do some digging online to gather more info on our Vargr friend Markul before we jump outta here? Just curious what his family is into around here.”
“Happy to Ian,” Aidan says. “I rather imagine that it should lead to some interesting discoveries, at least for those with a penchant to illicit activity. I’ll check the police records and the shipping records. Swann, can you think of another venue? Perhaps court cases, too.”
Swann thinks a minute, rubbing a hand across his face. "Try business records, too. See if Markul owns any businesses, or is listed as a partner, minority stock holder, board member, that type of thing."
“Another anonymous box – interesting,” Aidan muses. “I’d love to scan it with my comp when it comes in.”
Swann laughs and says, "Yeah, you scan it, then I'm opening it. I don't want this Markul pulling a Rosencrantz and Guildenstern on us."
"Well, I was wondering about that,” Ian says. “We probably should open it and check it out. We'll see once we get it in hand."
Aidan dives into his computer to do the research.
-----
Ian then motions for Vargas to join him and Swann. "I would appreciate it if you two would be available in the morning to help me greet the courier with Markul's package."
Turning to Vargas, he says, "Your knowledge of Vargr customs has helped tremendously it seems, and with a chance that a Vargr may deliver the package in the morning, your presence would be helpful.
"Swann, I'd like you standing by -- just because. Another set of eyes and guns can't hurt a bit." Ian ends in a grin.
Swann says, "Yeah, I'll be standing by. But tonight, you have to help
me go through The Popsicle's baggage. Since you're the ship's
security officer, you have that right, just in case he complains on
the other end."
Martha jumps into the discussion. "Swann, you need some help with that? I can check it out with the scanners before we get into too much trouble by opening everyone's stuff directly."
Vargas looks at Ian and simply states, "I would not miss the receipt of the box for a million credits. I think that it is a good idea to check out the grey Vargr. I really don't think that we should open the box. However, a good scan and maybe a trip through Doc's X-ray would certainly be in order. If you need any help checking out the luggage, let me know."
"Thanks, Vargas,” Ian says. “And thanks for your advice concerning the package, we'll figure out if we should open it or not once we have it in hand. If the cousin receiving the package discovers it was opened, it might not set too well."
-----
Martha scans Anil Salian's luggage with her engineering diagnostic scanners. The scanners don't reveal anything that appears to be alarming in terms of anything chemical or explosive in nature beyond a perfectly normal looking snub pistol and five clips of ammunition -- two appear to be filled with explosive rounds, two appear to be filled with chemical rounds of some sort, and one appears to be solid shot. There are a number of holodisks, some hard copy flimsy files, and a handcomp.
"Nothing unreasonable for a traveling businessman,” Vasilii says. “I should have asked him if he had a weapon when he arrived. I forgot in the rush. Perhaps we should put his bag in the ship's locker, since it contains a firearm."
Ian and Swann open the luggage and do a search. Then Ian takes the bag with the weapon and ammo, and places it in the ship's locker.
-----
Aidan's research into Merkul is quite interesting with regards to what he can find and can't find. A search of commercial oriented databases reveals that Merkul does not appear to have any businesses registered under his name. However, he does own a rather large (800 dTon) portion of the station that is listed as a private residence with private 250 dTon berth.
A search of the criminal case database reveals that Merkul has not been involved in any recorded cases. The civil case database indicates that a couple of suits were brought against Merkul for business dealings. Both suits were dropped when the plaintiffs failed to show for their court dates.
Growing a bit bolder and more curious, Aidan attempts to delve into the SPA Investigative Service's criminal files. Aidan manages to scan snippets of a rather interesting set of notes, musings and clippings on Merkul. Merkul first came to the service's attention about 10 years ago when he arrived at Fonnein Orbital and purchased his residence with cash. The SPA-IS noted that other offices did not have any previous files on anyone named Merkul elsewhere.
Since his arrival, Merkul has been suspected in at least cursory involvement with a number of smuggling operations, a protection "service" which provides armed cutter and pinnace escorts to merchant ships, and some odd disappearances, but none of the investigators have been able to tie Merkul to anything worth bringing a case against him. It is notable that a couple of investigations seem to have ended fairly abruptly with a transfer of the investigator to better postings.
-----
"Thanks for checking him out, Aidan,” Ian says. “That's some interesting information."
Swann whistles softly. "This Merkul sounds like a no-nonsense guy. I'm glad we won't be going back to him to tell him we can't deliver his box."
Vargas listens carefully to Aidan's report on his research on Merkul's background and remembers the visible blanching of the spacer when the Vargr walked into the tavern. The other crew notices that Vargas has a slight look of concern on his face.
He finally states, "This throws an interesting light on our relationship with this individual. With him providing protection for starships and the disappearance of those plaintiffs, coupled with the large sum of cash required to purchase his living quarters, reminds me of some contact I had with various corsair groups while in the Vargr Extants.
“It is not unusual that leaders of these groups will loose their position due to a loss of charisma and the accompanying challenge from others of the group. After a loss of leadership position, the individual almost always leave the space of the group. I remember one particularly strong group known as the Kforuzeng. They were a very powerful and violent group that absorbed most of the smaller groups, often with considerable bloodshed.
“This Merkul may very well be a former leader of any of the corsair groups. It also seems that his current group appears to be very loyal. Now, I may be wrong in this analysis; however, if we are to err let us err on the side of safety. I am totally in favor of not opening the package and ensuring that nothing happens to it."
Shadowdancer
First Post
Hawkshere said:
No, I'm saving that for the end of the season.
Shadowdancer
First Post
Chapter VI
Date: 203-993 through 210-993
Location: Fonnein Orbital and Jump Space
In the morning, the other three low-berth passengers arrive one by one. Tariq Abasov, a dour, stout, and heavy-set man dressed in grease-stained coveralls, arrives first carrying a tool case and a duffel. Shortly after his arrival, Nancy Gattis, a middle-aged woman in old-fashioned spectacles, walks up with a wheeled suitcase behind her. Finally, a somewhat nervous-looking man in his late teens, Guwann Dura, arrives with only a small duffel. All seem reasonably friendly, and none appear to be an obvious threat to Ian's practiced eye. Saro puts them all under with practiced ease.
Martha's scans of their luggage don't reveal anything obviously dangerous other than what is probably a small canister of some solvent in Tariq Abasov's tool case, a laser cutting torch (also in the tool case), and an auto pistol (one clip only) in Guwann Dura's small duffel.
After Martha's scans of the luggage, Ian and Swann open and search the luggage by hand. Ian takes the auto pistol and stows it in the ship's locker.
Vasilii picks out a hold with spare space for the luggage. "Let's make sure we don't put that solvent near any chemicals it could react with if it outgases."
-----
A little before 1100 hours, Ian receives a chime from the berth door. When he answers the chime, the berth door vidpickup shows a rather tall, heavy-set man squinting at the pickup who intones in rather wooden tones, "I have a delivery for Mr. Ian McConnell from Mr. Merkul."
Ian replies, "I am Ian. I will be right down."
When Ian opens the berth door, he sees that the heavy-set man is awkwardly carrying a shiny, dark wooden box with ornate shallow abstract designs decorating most of the surface. The box is about 65 cm long, 15 cm wide and 8 cm tall. Attached to the top of the box is a paper envelope with Jarvis Nuuis written on it in flowing script.
The heavy-set man slowly says, as if trying to recall the exact wording, "Mr. McConnell. This package is from Mr. Merkul. You are to deliver the package to his cousin, Jarvis Nuuis, on the Warn Highport. This note is for you." The heavy-set man hands Ian a plastic flimsy. On the flimsy is written, in the same flowing script:
Mr. McConnell,
Here is my gift for my cousin. You should be able to find him without any problem on the Warn Highport by consulting the comm directory. I have instructed him to provide the document that you desire shortly after the receipt of his gift. I trust that he will receive his gift intact and undamaged.
Merkul
After Ian reads the flimsy, the heavy-set man hands Ian the wooden box, which is surprisingly hefty. After Ian appears to be in control of the box, the heavy-set man turns and walks away.
-----
Returning to the lounge, Ian finds that a number of the other crew has arrived, drawn by curiosity to see the latest mystery box. The box doesn't appear to have any obvious seams upon initial inspection, but a more careful look reveals that there top should slide off (though it doesn't seem to budge easily).
Martha and Saro run their diagnostics scanner over the box, and based on what they can see, the contents appear to be a stack of papers or documents on either end of the box, and a pair of what look like flintlock pistols in the center. There does appear to be some sort of complex locking mechanism involved with removing the lid.
"Well, Swann. What'cha think? The scans of the contents don't show anything greatly suspicious. Should we try to open it? Any other opinions?" Ian looks questioningly at the others gathered around.
"I'll bet there's an interesting story to that,” Vasilii says. “But I can live without knowing it."
Ian acknowledges Vasilii's stated opinion with a nod. "Any other opinions?"
“So, either he’s delivering sensitive datawork disguised to look like a dueling pistol gift, or his cousin’s supposed to fight a duel soon, and Markul wanted to be sure he had a proper set,” Kevon muses. “Maybe the datawork is a will and testament for him to sign, just in case he loses?”
“As long as the pistols are not a challenge to a duel,” Aidan says. “I’d dislike being the messenger in that case.”
Martha grimaces. "I hope not. Just in case, Ian, I'd make sure you have several ways out of wherever you go to deliver this. By the way, do you know the details on that yet, or is this just another of those mystery jobs?"
Swann rubs a hand across his face, considering. "Could be antique dueling pistols, and the documentation to verify their authenticity. Or it could be instructions: `Use these guns to shoot the men who deliver this box to you.' Very Shakespeare." Turning to Vargas and Saro, he asks, "Do Vargrs have a fondness for Shakespeare?"
"Although the Vargr do not have a Shakespeare as we know it, they do have a rich heritage in literature,” Vargas says.
Turning back to the box, Swann says, "Or maybe it's another test, like the cube Holly bought. If it is a test, I believe the stakes this time are much higher -- our lives. I say we just leave the box closed for some other Pandoras to open. Let's find some place very safe for it, so it doesn't get damaged in transit."
Martha nods, remembering Aiden's words about disappearing participants in several court cases.
"The research into Markul indicates that we may be dealing with a much more powerful individual then we originally thought,” Vargas says. “I really do not think we had better disappoint him by trying to open this box. I agree that this is a test and we had better not fail this one. I don't want him as an enemy.”
Ian takes the box, carefully wraps it in some of his clothes and places the box in one of the drawers in his room.
-----
Also during the morning and mid day, the three dTons of misc. cargo, the holodiscs, and the leather arrive to be stowed away.
By 1300, the ship is refueled.
By 1530, the Bray Keaven is ready to depart Fonnein Orbital. Vasilii closes the ship's account after paying for the fuel (the Bray Keaven had essentially empty tanks after the jump from Sentry) and the berthing fees.
The Bray Keaven departs Fonnein Orbital at 1610 for the planet's surface in order to pick up the catalysts and salt.
-----
Amazingly, the transit down and the pickups both go very smoothly despite a fairly decent storm over the arcology where FGC Ltd is located. By 2023, the Bray Keaven is again in Fonnein orbit and ready to transit to the jump point, bound for Kerin's Tyr.
-----
In his captain’s chair, Kevon manages the C-squared station, ready to get the ship underway for the jump point. “Shall we get out of here before someone else decides to involve us in their affairs?”
-----
Vasilii asks if he can come on the bridge to watch the departure. He picks out his home planet, Estorr, on a screen and watches it as the ship heads out. He seems subdued.
He may be a paper millionaire at 24 thanks to his share in the ship, and a successful businessman, and something of a hero after Alief, but he's still disgraced in clan and corporation.
-----
With Ian and Swann at the turrets, Kevon, Emile, and Vasilii on the bridge, and Martha in port engineering, the Bray Keaven breaks orbit to head out to a safe jump point.
Swann keeps an eye out for Merkul's escort cutters. And, he does spot a couple of civilian cutters headed out of the station about the same time that the Bray Keaven breaks orbit. But these cutters appear to be headed about 45 deg by 45 deg away from the far trader's axis of travel, and before too long, the cutters drop off out of sensor range.
The transit out to jump distance is entirely -- ordinary. Normal comm traffic. Swann does track a scout courier headed inbound which passes at the limits of sensor range, but other than that ship, no traffic even comes close to them. The ship appears to be operating well after her maintenance, much to Martha's and Kevon's satisfaction.
-----
At 2400, Kevon dims the in-ship lights, and the Bray Keaven winks into jump space, headed for Kerin's Tyr.
"Why Captain, you never seemed the sort to uphold an old Vilani tradition like that,” Vasilii says. “I must say, it is nice to see."
“The Navy doesn’t leave you when you leave the Navy,” Kevon replies easily, reciting the old quote.
-----
The next seven days in jump space are decidedly odd in that they are, perfectly ordinary days that a typical far trader's crew would spend in jump space. Martha and Vargas perform normal ship's maintenance, and the other crew pursue individual pursuits. Saro occasionally checks in on the low-berth passengers and the frozen beasties, and all seem fine. A couple of the crew do start to feel a nagging sense of worry that it can't be good that nothing notable has happened since they left Fonnein Orbital, but they try to dismiss the worry as best as they can.
-----
Despite Vasilii's efforts during the last few days in jump space, the Vilani merchant can't seem to find any bombs hidden in the cargo, though he hasn't tried thawing any of the frozen beasties and checking in them. Yet.
-----
Not being used to this much free time on the ship, Ian looks for things to do: clean and inspect weapons (even those in the ship's locker), run through several PT routines daily, check his vacc suit and other equipment for readiness, etc.
At some point he drops by for a visit to the Doc when he is sure they will be alone. "Hey Doc, you got a minute?"
Saro sets aside his baliset and invites Ian to enter his improvised sickbay.
He shuts the door to the sickbay. "During shore leave, I got to thinking. This laser burn I got here was a proud badge to wear while I was in the Corp. But civilians don't see it that way."
He pauses. "It makes it kinda tough to meet people, specifically, people of the female gender, if ya know what I mean?" He says with a bit of a grin. "It also makes me stand out a bit in a crowd -- that's an undesirable thing here lately. Could you do some checking and figuring to see what it would cost in credits and time to get me fixed up looking half-way presentable?"
"Well, let me take a look. We're not really set up for that sort of corrective procedure, but perhaps if I can get some specific supplies. Otherwise I can look around to help you find a facility and physician that will do acceptable work."
Saro then gives Ian an exam and assess the situation.
-----
During the time in jump space, Swann enjoys the new gourmet entrees which have been added to the menu. He especially develops a fondness for ganisha steaks with cranberry and walnut chutney.
He also spends time cleaning all of his weapons, checking his vacc suit and other equipment, and just relaxing in his berth listening to the soothing sounds of Straylight Run and The Subdudes.
He also informs everyone else what he learned about Kerin's Tyr while back on Fonnein. "To sum up, if you're stopped by security, just pay the fine and move on," he says. "Think of it as part of the cost of doing business."
-----
On the sixth day, Martha suddenly realizes the strangeness of a perfectly normal jump without problems, and contemplates briefly whether the ship has misjumped. Then she realizes the folly of such thoughts, and puts them aside.
-----
On the afternoon of the last day in jump, Vasilii pays each partner a Cr1,500 stipend as agreed at the last business meeting.
-----
Just before 2400 on the last day in jump space, the crew prepares for normal space reinsertion.
-----
“Well, should we drop in shooting, just in case?” Kevon quips.
"Just a thought, Captain,” Vargas says. “I wonder if we will receive an escort to the planet compliments of our friend Merkul. We might want to do some careful scans of any ships prior to vaporizing a great part of them."
-----
"Aidan, if you would like to man the port turret going in, that would be fine. I don't need to hog all the fun." Ian says with a sincere half grin.
-----
"Well, back to the real world," Swann says to himself as he climbs into the starboard turret. "The place where people are always shooting and otherwise trying to kill us."
-----
When the ship is ready to transit back into real space, Saro suits up as a precaution and stays suited up until someone gives the all-clear.
Inside his suit and to himself, he begins to quietly sing an ancient sea shanty about the travails of an accursed ship. “The Minnow would be lost. Oh yes, the Minnow would be lost.”
Shadowdancer
First Post
We have Kevon as the Skipper, Vargas as Gilligan, Aidan as Thurston Howell and Martha as the Professor and Mary Ann.
Shadowdancer
First Post
Chapter VII
Date: 210-993
Location: Kerin's Tyr, Linkworlds Cluster, Ley Sector
Without much fanfare, but with some tension, the Bray Keaven emerges from jump space at 0015 hours Standard Imperial Time. The F class star that Kerin's Tyr orbits glows faintly 35 degrees up and 15 degrees to starboard off the bow of the ship. Kerin's Tyr lies directly ahead, 800,000 km away.
Almost immediately upon emergence Vasilii, monitoring communications, receives a broadcast transmission on the emergency band, audio only. " — hit. Please help us! Message Repeats. Signal GK, Blue Donovan declaring Signal GK. We’re being boarded! Oh St. Elvis, they’re com— " The transmission ends abruptly.
At the same time Martha, on sensors, receives a transponder squawk indicating a ship called Blue Donovan, a 200 dTon far trader registered out of Sentry, is about 60,000 km away. Her plot indicates the ship is also about 800,000 km from Kerin’s Tyr (about 100 planetary diameters).
-----
"The fun starts already," Swann says to himself as he starts to adjust his targeting sensors to pick up the ships.
-----
Checking her sensors, Martha does detect what appears to be a single, 600-dTon blip at the location indicated by the transponder squawk of the Blue Donovan.
Trying to refine the picture further, Martha continues scanning. She manages to get a picture which looks rather like a standard far trader docked with a 400 dTon, winged ship of some sort. There is no transponder squawk from the 400-dTon ship.
-----
"Can you get any idea of their velocity relative to us, Miss Smythe?" Vasilii asks over the comm, figuring that if both parties were stopped for jump entry/emergence then it might actually be possible for the Bray Keaven to match.
He mutters to nobody in particular. "A four hundred dee–tonner engaged in piracy, that might be too big for us to chew. Six hundred, if the victim’s a put–up job."
Then he continues in a more professional tone. "I’ll relay to the planet, in case there’s Navy listening, but we may be just too far out."
"Thank you, Mr. Kugiikishshi," Kevon replies to Vasilii’s initiative. "Mr. Vargas, can you get us close enough to do some detailed scans? I don’t want to present an easy target to their long guns, but we should at least give some data to the local Navy if we can. We run at the first sign that they’re interested."
"Understand Captain, maneuvering for best scan and minimum target presentation," Vargas says. "I hope we don’t have any other surprises waiting out there."
Vargas proceeds to maneuver the ship presenting the smallest possible target and the minimum possible electronic signature — a bow–on approach.
-----
Swann says over the comm: "Martha, since they probably know we’re here already, give ’em a hot ping."
-----
"I wonder if the package we have on board could have anything to do with this, and that ship is a corsair?" Vargas queries verbally to himself.
-----
Martha mutters under her breath as she works away. "Damn, did these guys discover FLT radio, or what?"
-----
"Ms. Smythe," Kevon says through the comm system. "Get me as detailed a scan as you can. Turrets, power up and stand by. I’m hoping we won’t need you, but I’m sure that 400-tonner already knows we’re here."
-----
"On it, Chief. One sec . . . "
-----
Vasilii creates the following message: "Far trader Bray Keaven to Kerin’s Tyr authorities. Other vessels please relay. We have received a Signal GK from far trader Blue Donovan which reports hostile boarding attack from another ship. We have Blue Donovan on sensors and she appears docked with a winged vessel of 400 displacement tons, which is not using its transponder. Coordinates and vectors follow."
He sends it, loops it, does his best to boost it on the off chance, and tells Martha about it since she’s much better at comms than him and she might be able to do more.
-----
"After Tactical, you’re next in line," Martha replies, swearing softly by Elvis’ Blue Suede Shoes as she works her electronic magic.
-----
Vasilii goes back to monitoring comms while attempting to boost the signal for his message as much as he can on the new communications system. A few minutes later, he is apparently successful because he receives a partial reply. The image is sketchy and broken, but a female human in a light blue uniform replies (broken by static), "Under—, Bray Keashen. Hue Mer— Boats Botswann and Kaf— will respond. — lend assistance if — can. ETA — ."
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Vargas turns the Bray Keaven so that the ship is bow–on to the pair of ships 60,000 km away.
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Swann and Aidan power up their turrets and start to acquire the two ships on their sensors.
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Saro and Ian hang out in the improvised sickbay and the lounge (respectively) while monitoring the situation. Saro rolls his eyes, grits his teeth and begins to sing his shanty again in a slightly louder, slightly forced–cheery voice. He does keep his comm open to receive updates on the situation as he dutifully pretends that everything is fine . . . perfectly normal . . . no need to be alarmed at all . . . not a bit.
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Martha goes to active scanner to find more information about the 400-dTon ship. Unfortunately, in her rush to find out more information, her attempts at more detailed scanning seem to be easily defeated by jamming which is now emanating from the 400-dTon ship. She does manage to get an improved image of the ship at least and spots what she suspects are four turrets: port, starboard, and two dorsal. The ship looks streamlined and appears to have large doors forward on the lower level (of two).
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Just as Martha is about to get the computer to search the limited ship–configuration database in the ship’s computer, Vasilii receives a broadcast transmission from the Blue Donovan, audio only, spoken in a calm male voice: "Blue Donovan to all ships. We are canceling the Signal GK. We have fought off the pirates and are returning to Kerin’s Tyr immediately. Blue Donovan out. Message repeats."
The message seems to repeat every minute or so.
Turning back to her scanner display, Martha sees the two ships separate (a minute or so after the Bray Keaven hears the "cancel GK" message). The Blue Donovan rotates and lights her maneuver drives at 2G headed for Kerin’s Tyr. The 400-dTon, winged ship also rotates. After a few minutes, the 400-dTon, winged ship jumps out–system.
Martha insures that all sensor data is being recorded, in case the Blue Donovan (or the authorities) requires outside, unbiased confirmation of events.
-----
"Anyone get a match on that ship?" Aidan asks. He checks his own memory for recollection of that model from the limited bit he was able to see. "And does anyone believe that message? Personally that’s just a slight bit suspicious. Of course, being the knight-errant may not be the best thing, but I am rather curious.
"Hmm, it’d be a good idea to look up the Blue Donovan, too."
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Martha renews her efforts to identify the class of vessel of the 400-dTon "corsair."
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Swann says, "I think we should follow the Blue Donovan in, at a safe distance. Hopefully, the authorities will stop it and check it out anyway."
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"Agreed. I think it’s passing strange that the Signal GK stopped a minute or so before the ships separated. Doubt I’d have that much time in repelling boarders to make a message sound that calm, were it me," Martha offers.
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Swann comms Martha: "Can you save your scanner info on that 400–dTon ship? Just in case we encounter it again."
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"Doing so, now. Also running a comparison against known ship profiles, in the hopes of identifying the ship’s class of design."
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Swann also searches his memory for any recollection of a ship that matches the profile of the 400-dTon vessel.
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When he receives the message canceling the Signal GK, Vasilii gives the comms suite an evil look. "And if you believe that . . . " he mutters.
He aims another message in-system. "Bray Keaven to Kerin’s Tyr authorities and relays. Blue Donovan has cancelled Signal GK. She reports repelling borders and is proceeding in–system. The other vessel has gone into jump."
Again he loops it and tries to boost it, and tells Martha about it for when things slow down in case she can do a better job.
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"Once I’m done here, I’ll amp it and cycle it for you," Martha replies, her hands flying over the computer’s controls.
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Vasilii sits back, looks vaguely around at the other people on the bridge. "Well, you don’t see that every day. I wonder if we just saw a ‘small package hand-over’ and got their standard ruse to drive off onlookers?
"We’d better watch out for Blue Donovan’s crew in port. Watch our backs, that is.
"I suppose we could transit over to their rendezvous point and see if there are any small packages just drifting in space. Or we could mind our own business. Planetwards. At 2g."
Vargas turns to the captain and states simply, "Either that man is completely without feelings or that little show was a complete ruse. I seem to remember after our little problem at the last port of call, it took quite a while for the nerves to calm down. This voice has a complete calmness about it. I do not trust it at all. I agree we need to watch our backs."
Vargas goes into contemplation for a few moments. He then states, "That ship design reminds me of several corsair ships that I saw in my service in the Vargr Extents. I wonder if that other ship was mistaken for us and the raid was intended for this ship?"
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Martha, in engineering, grimaces at Vargas’ speculations, considering the Bray Keaven’s recent track record. It didn’t make sense to her, unless somehow the raiders were psychic or something. That the crew had encountered psionic raiders before gave some uncomfortable weight to Vargas’ words.
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Vargas then asks, "What are your orders, captain?"
"Ms. Smythe, keep your scans on the Donovan. The first thing we need to know is her acceleration rating and armament," Kevon orders. "Record everything you scan. We’re turning it all over to the local authorities as soon as we’re within comms range.
"Mr. Vargas, keep us on the edge of sensor range. Be as ‘casual’ as you can."
"Roger, captain, I will remain on the edge and fly as though we are not alarmed," Vargas says.
He then contacts Martha. "Can the sensors reliably detect a ship that is laying in wait in a powered–down state? I just don’t buy that last transmission from that freighter. That voice is too calm and the message just keeps repeating. I may be called paranoid, but I can not help feeling there is more to this than meets the scanner."
Vargas continues to shadow the Blue Donovan as though the Bray Keaven was following a planetary approach, keeping proper traffic spacing.
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Martha continues her attempt to determine the vessel’s design class from the ship’s library files. On the flight in, she continues to man the sensor array, making sure that this isn’t the only pirate in this space.
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As the Bray Keaven follows the Blue Donovan towards Kerin’s Tyr, Swann thinks about what the crew just witnessed.
"What was going on back there?" he wonders. "Maybe the mystery ship was a corsair vessel, and it took over the Blue Donovan with the help of some of the crew members. They killed or captured the crewmembers not in on the scheme, then replaced them with part of the boarding party from the corsair ship. Now they are returning to port to allay suspicion.
"Or maybe it has to do with what that crazy Scout mentioned back on Fonnein, the one who arranged the frozen cattle shipment. He mentioned he was being called back to active duty to help track down some SolSec deep strike teams. Maybe it was a deep strike team that docked with the Blue Donovan. They are going to take over merchant ships and use them as raiders. It would make a good cover. Almost like a Q-ship; the victims wouldn’t suspect until the merchant turned on them."
Over the comm, Swann asks Martha: "What sort of weapons does the Blue Donovan have? Can you tell from your scans?"
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Swann tries to remember what ships he has seen before that might be the same class as the mystery 400 dTon ship based on the sensor image that Martha was able to acquire. His initial thought is the ship was one of the standard winged subsidized merchant designs, but most subsidized merchants only carry two turrets.
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Aidan has better luck. He recalls one of his cousins talking about some sort of upgunned/upgraded version of the subsidized merchant designed for use off the mains near the border of Imperial space that she was working on — which was a copy of some custom design. The conversation was a number of years ago, though, and he can't remember the class designation.
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Martha searches the limited ship–configuration library in order to try and match the profile. She gets a number of possible hits including several different variations on the ubiquitous subsidized merchant and a "frontier merchant" manufactured by Argentii, ILC. The Aswan–class frontier merchant is the closest match in terms of apparent turret placement. Listed stats are 2G/2J, four turrets, 100 dTons of cargo.
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Vasilii gets no response to his new message.
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After completing her search (and reporting the findings to the crew), Martha tries to boost the comm strength in order to get Vasilii’s message out. The new system works wonderfully for her, and she manages to reach the Hue Mercenary Boat Botswann and relays the message. The sandy–haired Hue Mercenary officer replies, "That is a little odd. We’ll continue our intercept, but we’ll probably send the Kaferian back.
"Please relay this message to the Blue Donovan: ‘Blue Donovan, Hue Mercenary Boat Botswann, under contract to SPA Warne High Port. Please plan for a zero speed inspection at coordinates 1382.33 by 2832.5762 by 18101.2749. We have medical staff onboard if you have casualties.’
"Bray Keaven, thank you for your assistance. Please continue to monitor and relay messages if possible. Botswann out."
"Roger that, Botswann," Martha replies as she cycles the message back out, focused on the Blue Donovan.
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The rendezvous coordinates would place the Blue Donovan and the Botswann 20 planetary diameters, or 160,000 km, from Kerin’s Tyr.
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Martha relays the message to the Blue Donovan, but receives no response other than the repeated "cancel Signal GK" message.
"Ain’t nuttin’ but a Hound Dog," Martha mutters a hymnal verse under her breath as she continues her work. More openly, the engineer notifies the others of the lack of response from the Blue Donovan.
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Vargas pivots the Bray Keaven towards Kerin’s Tyr and proceeds to follow the Blue Donovan in–system at a discrete distance just within nominal sensor range.
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While following the Blue Donovan in, Martha scans it. The ship doesn’t appear to have suffered any external damage and is maintaining a steady 2G acceleration. The Blue Donovan appears to have two dual turrets, probably a laser and sand caster in each.
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The repeated "cancel Signal GK" comm message from the Blue Donovan continues to be repeated every minute for an hour, and then the message changes to, audio only in the same calm male voice, "Blue Donovan to Warne High Port approach control. We were attacked by pirates, and we have suffered some communications damage and casualties. Proceeding at best speed to Warne High Port. Message repeats every 5 minutes." The new message does repeat every 5 minutes.
In order to make the designated inspection point, the Blue Donovan would have to flip over and start decelerating around 480,000 km from Kerin’s Tyr (or 60 planetary diameters). She doesn’t do so, but continues accelerating. At 400,000 km from Kerin’s Tyr — where she would normally flip in order to start decelerating to arrive at zero relative speed to Kerin’s Tyr — the Blue Donovan continues accelerating.
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"Where the Sam Hill is she going?" Aidan asks. "Can someone plot the course she’s tracking?"
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"Better not be aimed directly at the planet," Vasilii muses.
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As the Bray Keaven follows the Blue Donovan in, Swann observes the craft’s sensor signal and listens to the comm traffic with keen interest. When the Blue Donovan changes its message, he becomes puzzled, with a pilot’s light of anxiety igniting in the pit of his stomach. That small flicker bursts into a full-blown sense of dread when the Blue Donovan does not start the expected de-acceleration. Then the flame grows into horror as he suspects what is happening.
"Oh frell!" he thinks. "What are those madmen doing?"
For several seconds, Swann is stunned into inaction. The blood drains from his face and his eyes grow wide, although he is not aware of it. Coming back to his senses, he reaches for the comm switch. He tries to speak, but realizes his throat has gone dry and he can barely manage a hoarse croak. He quickly takes a sip of water from his vacc suit and tries again.
"Martha, radio the Botswann and warn them! I think they mean to crash the Blue Donovan into the high port! Kevon, Vargas — can we get close enough to stop them?"
Shadowdancer
First Post
"Do not adjust your computer screens. We are experiencing technical difficulties."
Don't know what happened with the font size on that last post. Guess it beats reading glasses, though.
Don't know what happened with the font size on that last post. Guess it beats reading glasses, though.
Shadowdancer
First Post
Another thing I've noticed when compiling this story hour is that many incidents turn out to foreshadow later events. And I think often it is more serendipity or synchronicity than it is intentional design. Ron has mentioned on several occassions that he takes ideas the players mention in their posts -- sometimes in jest -- and runs with them or allows them to influence the direction events are taking.
Hmmm. Maybe we should stop giving him so many cruel ideas.
Hmmm. Maybe we should stop giving him so many cruel ideas.
