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Message: <blockquote data-quote="Shadowdancer" data-source="post: 1637925" data-attributes="member: 515">Chapter IIDate: 164-993Location: Sentry Downport On the morning of the third day in Sentry, the crew gathers for a breakfast meeting. The switch from Marine field rations to regular fare is particularly welcome this morning. Checking the ship's inbox, Vargas finds a rather cryptic message that he brings to the crew’s attention. The message reads, "Your former captain had something of ours that we would like returned. We need to meet to discuss the items’ return this evening at the Long Shadow Falling at 2100 hours. Just go to the bar and order a Hidelian Brandy with Erole. Failing to return the items could be most unfortunate." Swann and Vasilii both screw up their faces in disgust. Swann mutters, "Hidelian Brandy with Erole? Frell!" A quick directory check reveals that Long Shadows Falling is an upper class bar in Startown. Vasilii says, "What possessed some person to invent a drink like that?" When the location of the bar is found, Vasilii offers the opinion that the crew should attend the meeting. "Right now they know who we are and what we have, and they assume that we know what we have." Martha chimes in. "So what do you think they want? The contents of purifier number one or purifier number two?" "We seem to be suffering from an embarrassment of riches, or contraband in this case," says Vargas wonderingly. "What if we meet these people — with suitable backup — and offer a straight trade?" Vasilii says. "If we act straightforward, maybe we can extricate ourselves from whatever we’ve inherited. I propose we don’t admit to anything, but let them make an offer. I’d be happy to make contact with these people, since my skills at ‘backup’ are probably sadly lacking." "I wish we had just gone straight to the authorities when we first found our ‘inheritance,’ and I still feel that we should attempt to come clean," Saro says. "I’ll do some research into what options we have." "I believe that might still be an option," Vasilii responds. "We have had the vessel only a few weeks and can claim to only have found the ‘items’ since arriving back at Sentry." "Otherwise we don’t really lose anything by listening to them," the doctor adds. "I could provide medical backup, although I doubt it will be necessary." "I don’t wish to jump to a premature conclusion however," Vasilii says. "They may be referring to something totally different than what we suppose. I mentioned to Ms. Smythe yesterday about an area of the ship we haven’t looked at, and there may be others. Let’s listen to them and gather information, at least we could use that to bargain with the authorities if need be. "I’d also like to remind everyone of the device planted on the Bray Keaven on our trip to Alief. Someone has already tried to kill us once, and I have no doubt that they’d try again if we refuse them flatly." After listening to Vasilii and Saro, Swann agrees that the meeting should be kept. "But we need to check the place out first," he says. "I don’t expect there to be any trouble, but you can never be too careful. Also, I don’t think the entire crew should go to the meeting. It might be a ruse to get us out of the ship so they can come in and take back their items, and anything else they want. "I suggest that Ian and I go to the bar about an hour before the meeting to check it out. We’ll contact Vasilii and let him know if everything’s shiny or not. Vasilii, you should get to the bar about 10 minutes early. If everything looks OK, Ian will join you for the meeting, and I’ll stay on the periphery, just in case. "Now, we just need to decide who will accompany Vasilii, and who will stay with the ship." -----Towards the end of the breakfast meeting, the berth chime rings on the comm. A quick look at the scanner reveals a lean human in his early to mid 30s. of above average height with blond hair, in an Imperial Navy officer’s uniform standing patiently at the berth door comm. "Crap! Imps are here," Martha says. "Did someone forget to dot an eye on one of the forms, or do you think he’s here in regards to this message or certain items not on our cargo manifest?" "Then again it could be Argent’s cousin or what-have-you," Vargas says. "If it was a customs check I’d think there’d be Marines with him. Oh, and by the way, what do you mean ‘Crap! Imps are here’?" The last is said with an obvious grin on the ex-Scout’s face. Martha makes a face at Vargas, sticking her tongue out. Smiling, she says, "Not all of us have had great experiences at the hands of the ISA." She then turns her attention to the door. Swann chuckles at the exchange, then adds, "Or it could be someone from the Marquis, bringing us our medals for our actions on Alief." Ian performs a quick scan with the external scanners/cameras to verify he is alone. The scan reveals a petty officer in tow, carrying a garment bag over one shoulder and pulling a black rolling road case behind him. "Guess we shouldn’t keep the Squid waiting," the retired Imperial Marine says with a sly grin. He taps the comm button: "May I help you?" The officer nods once and says in a disarming voice, "Yes, I’m looking for Emile Vargas or Martha Smythe. Marcus Argent told me to ask them about the open pilot/captain position for the Bray Keaven. Is either in?" Ian will disable the comm and turn to the crew. "So, Emile, Martha, y’all up for a visitor this morning?" Martha breathes a sigh of relief. "So," she says softly, "do we do the interview here, or go for someplace more public?" "Might as well be here," replies Vargas. "After all, this may be where he’ll wind up working. We could invite him to dinner! Get rid of some of the Marine rations that way!" He pauses a beat before continuing. "Naw. Let’s just invite him in. Argent probably warned him about us anyway." Ian will look to Martha and Vargas, waiting for a conformation before punching the comm button. Martha nods acceptance, straightening her uniform a bit so as to look presentable, at least somewhat. "Welcome aboard sir, the hatch will open momentarily." Ian then walks over to the hatch and punches in the code to open it. When the officer approaches, Ian will extend his hand. "This way," he says and leads him to the area where the crew is gathered. Kevon takes the proffered hand and shakes it crisply — his aura of military discipline almost tangible to Ian — then follows the security officer toward the lounge, taking note of McConnell’s left ear, or, rather, the lack thereof. The lieutenant commander immediately recognizes Martha and Emile’s faces from the images his cousin provided, but turns to the enlisted man at his side first. "Thank you, Petty Officer, I can handle my gear from here," the officer says. "Please extend my thanks to Captain Haarz for his assistance and hospitality." As the petty officer leaves the way he came, Kevon turns his attention to the crew. "Lt. Cmdr. Kevon Holland, Imperial Navy Reserve," he announces through a broad and friendly smile, stepping forward and offering his hand to the lady first, then to Vargas. "Marcus told me nothing but good things about you folks." "Further confirmation that Argent is a serial liar. Tragic really." He shakes Kevon’s hand. "Pleased to meet you." Vargas then directs Holland to a seat. "Yeah, that sounds like my cousin," the officer quips through a wry smile as he takes one of the available chairs in the lounge. Vasilii rises and extends a hand to Kevon. "Hello Mr. Holland, I’m Vasilii Kugiikhiishi, astrogator and broker for the Bray Keaven. It's a pleasure to meet you. However, I have a very busy day scheduled and I’m afraid that I must be off." "Vasilii," Kevon replies, taking the proffered hand. "A pleasure meeting you." Addressing the group at large, Vasilii says, "I’m looking into the procedures concerning gaining the mail contract today. I should have some information for everyone by the evening meal. If you need me before then, I’ll have my personal communicator with me." With that, Vasilii leaves the room and prepares for his day. Once Vasilii is out the door, Kevon’s gaze shifts between Martha and Emile. "So, do you folks have any questions for me?" he says. "I have my personnel record with me if you need it." Kevon’s personnel jacket highlights: <ul> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">Graduated NOTC class of 981 from Imperial University–Kanadine. Commissioned as Ensign in Imperial Navy.</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">Assigned as Assistant Inspections Officer, Faradan Naval Station. 981-985. Assigned as student at BOTIC (Bridge Officer Training and Indoctrination Command), Ulvios. Graduated 986.</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">Assigned as instructor at BOTIC, Ulvios. 986-989. Promoted to Lieutenant, 986.</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">Assigned as Assistant Operations Officer, strike cruiser Gladius, 223rd Sector Fleet. 989-993. Promoted to Lieutenant Commander, 991. Assigned as Chief Operations Officer, 992.</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">223rd Sector Fleet disbanded. Released from service, 993.</li> </ul>Certifications: <ul> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">Bridge Officer Certified</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">Department Head Certified</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">Marksman Rating (laser, firearms)</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">Ship’s Gunner Rated</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">Starship Piloting Certified</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">Ship’s Boat Piloting Certified</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">Tactics and Strategy Certified</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">Damage Control Specialist</li> </ul>Skill Ratings: <ul> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">Highly Proficient in Pilot, Gunnery, Astrogation, Sensors, Communications, Administration and Recruiting skill sets.</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">Highly Rated Leader</li> </ul>Martha goes over the highlights of his certifications from the resume provided as the other crewmembers introduce themselves. As the crew continues to interview Kevon, they realize Kevon appears to be cut from similar cloth as Marcus, though Marcus has been softened a bit by his time in the Scouts. Kevon definitely seems to be still in Imperial Navy mode, not surprising given that he was just recently discharged. Though he seems a bit ImpNavy formal, Martha feels like he is a decent enough chap and fairly reminiscent of Kevon. She thinks that he is being truthful, but she can’t be sure. She asks Kevon to run through a simulation or two, the most difficult based on the ship’s most recent combat at Alief, to see how he scores compared to Marcus’ performance. Kevon agrees to perform any simulation that Martha asks of him, after asking for a few minutes to get out of his undress uniform and into a more-comfortable duty jumpsuit. Martha and Vargas set up some simulations for Kevon to run through based on their recent combats. Kevon is slightly amused and runs through them without any problems. Later in the day, they give him a tour of the ship. After Kevon’s testing, interview, and tour are complete, Martha says, "That pretty much concludes my part in the interview process. You obviously have the technical skills we need. But we’ll have to review everything, you know. We’ll probably be getting in touch with you soon, to let you know our decision." Vargas nods his concurrence with Martha’s statement. "Good to meet you," he adds. "It’s not often you can find a qualified individual for this line of work who is also crazy enough to apply." The ex-Scout grins slightly at this. -----After the tour, Kevon returns to his undress uniform — you can’t just go out into public in your duty jumpsuit — and heads into the starport to buy some sharp civilian attire. He spends about Cr500 for some outfits, at least one that matches his ImpNavy liberty jacket, and a nice pair of boots.</blockquote>

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