Main / 1104-353

Calendar

1104-352 -- 1104-353 -- 1104-354

Timing of events
6:00 - Morning Meeting on Pioneer
10:30 - Meeting with Museum Director
13:30 - Meeting with Clib
14:00 - Conversations over lunch
?? - ??

1104-353 08:00

To SV PioneJ.Mikhel, Per Crockett ha secured passage to Drinax. If you happen to be at Highport today I'd be happy to brief you on what I've learned. My schedule is pretty open. Crockett Out

1104-353 08:30

To J. Crockett, Torpol Main from M. Dromah, PSV Pioneer
Jim,
I was intending to head to Clib's Highfalutin' Emporium of Haberdashery, this morning. However, I have no response from him concerning timings.
I am heading down to Torpol for other reasons, so I can stop by the Highport for a quick face-to-face, for 09:00 hrs?
Your winger,
Mikhel

1104-353 09:00

Mikhel docks the Voyager at the assigned berth. It is a hot connect, as Mikhel does need to be on the surface soon. He heads to the meeting area next to the docking arm to see Crockett.

[Crockett on lookout for Mikhel]

Hey...great to see you...I have terrific news from yesterday's time down here on Torpol...Not only did I secure two separate job offers yesterday, but I also managed to obtain an offer of passage to Drinax with one of the Provosts from the Highport here and I've accepted it. I was really torn by the other offers both from Captains of far traders doing business along the trade routes, but I concluded that traveling aboard this diplomatic transport as a guest of one of the provosts I would be able to build some relationships with power sources here on Torpol that may come in use to all of us in the future. What's up with you?

"Things aren't anything like being on a Navy ship, with someone in charge that has a defined mission to perform. I am bobbing about like jetsam.
Right now, I'm on an info recce about what King 'Oaf' might be up to, and what his delusions of grandure might be based on? I am not optimistic about any of this supposed 'offer of opportunity'. I'm glad you've got some prospects on tap, though. After the meeting in Drinax, if the King hasn't thrown me off the Floating City, I might be looking for a new job, too. We'll have to see what it looks like, from a position of informed consent, rather than complete ignorance."
"Being on the Torpol diplomatic ship may be a real boon. They will have things to say about any neighbouring system with aspirations of empirical proportions. So, will they be in on the plan? Will they be resistant? It really depends on whether King 'Oaf' is in any way serious about gunboat diplomacy, or if there is room for partnerships in the empire being established? That will have to wait for the Big Do on Holiday."

You bet...copy that...fully understand...Having said all that it seems we are all set for Drinax....We'll be out of touch now I guess until arrival at Floating Palace. If you need to find me or if I need to find you prior New Year's Day we should be able to use our mobile communications or else get in touch via radio messages to and from Pioneer eh? ....and failing all that via Drinax Security/Admin office as they will know where our transport has docked....

"I'm not too worried about comms here. I'll send you texts or emails about the movements of the Pioneer. The plan is no later than 357 we head for Drinax. If I recall correctly, the ship has filed to accept passengers to Hilfer, but I don't know why, or on what schedule?"

"Once we get to Drinax, we will likely attend meetings as a group with official Drinax reps. Other than individuals with alternate agendas, we should get all info together. I wanted to get to Drinax early, so we can get our ears warmed up by those alternate factions. Those conversations will most likely be one-on-one, very much in private. We will benefit from appearing to be at-odds with each other from our arrival. You may get completely different people and offers, being associated with Torpol. I'd be really interested in the contrast. We might want personal, secure comms between us to surreptitiously compare notes. At least until we can be openly 'not' in contention. We won't know anything about surveillance in Drinax, or expectations of privacy."

"Do we want personal comms? Can we get comms that aren't detectable by local tech? Drinax is listed as high-tech. But is it? I'd want TL14 or better, if we want anything like privacy. We might just have to go completely low tech, and personal. For that, we need a cover story that still works with us being at-odds.
Attempts at reconciliation? We just break off meetings with animosity, until we sort ourselves out? That might work."

[Following up on Mikhel's question about comms] Seems to me personal comms would be useful. On other question though...are you saying the "Group of Five" that were together on Marduk receiving the invites via our contact should all be together when King is first greeted? I think that should be. King will know 5 individuals received special invite and he will be expecting to see five....Can you confirm that is what you mean?

"Does it not make sense to you that the King is going to make one offer to a group?" Mikhel shakes his head. "I don't see doing anything different. The 'tickets' are keyed to individuals. Otherwise, I'd be giving mine away. It would have been given away as soon as I got back to the Pioneer, really. The more I find out about this whole situation, the more I'm inclined to ditch this ticket. I really don't want to meet this buffoon of a 'King'. So, I think we are stuck, until after the sales pitch. I'm hoping I have my mouth taped up for the meeting. Really."

Well, I think the group of five needs to be clear about this approach. I'm prepared to hang in with all of us hearing the pitch from the King as a group. Otherwise different responses will enter into the equation and individuals will hear different things and respond in different ways.... I am prepared to let the Captain talk for the group after the four of you have spent a week more in jump and made sure all are on same page....Otherwise I go to the King on my own and I guarantee there will be different responses and a different approach and I don't think that is in interest of the 'Group of five'. Please tell me you agree and then have a happy day at the museum. I've got to liaise with the Provost's representative and prepare for my trip to Drinax. Of course, you could make it a group of four I suppose without me and then meet again with the King when I see him....but I suggest my priority is to tell you that I'm prepared to be a team player for this meeting and see where it takes us.

"We'll have to see what happens on arrival. Going in, we can say we were expanding our reach, I suppose, arriving on different ships. There may be more people than us? I have no idea."
"Are we the only group the 'Interested Party' gathered together? There needs to be more than five to run this POS that's on offer. We may meet more invitees on Drinax. Someone on staff will greet and organize us all for the gathering, and provide some direction. That should get us all together for whatever pitch the King is going to make. With any luck, we can check out the feelings of the locals and factions before being granted the audience."
"That's my surmise, for what it's worth."
"Do we want safe words or codes, going in? Nicola wasn't too wrong about having something, in case."

In principle I should be against anything that young lady came up with...However...the code word is not a bad idea...How about "Spider" ? Now how should the code word be used between us....Everything OK use the code word????

and before either of us leaves Torpol we better get this mobile comms issue sorted out....I think we just use what we've got as the mobile comms Tech Level 08 I've loaned you will work but just won't be totally secure...so we work out some code words in the short term... 

          Like Spider 1 could mean I need to meet you right now
               Spider 2            I need to meet you this afternoon
               Spider 3            I need to meet you this evening at 1900 hrs

Perhaps just use some NavySpeak? Like 'muster' and number of bells for how many hours from current time? Work 'muster in three bells' into a conversation to mean 'meet in three hours'. A location could be included, like starboard lookout for East balcony above the Spaceport, on the Floating Palace.

Copy that "stethescope"...."muster on fantasy island"....Forget what 'four bells' would mean if it exists...but it got your attention and you will know that similar message will be from me....Save jump to you...Enjoy your afternoon at the museum...I must go myself as well as I have a few things to get done myself before I can say I am completely done here on Torpol.//

To Topol Chaperone Service.// James Crockett on Torpol wishes to return to Resort for afternoon. No other business on schedule for today following that.//

To PROVOST FALX// Crockett available this afternoon to meet your representative to arrange transport of my crate aboard the Transport vessel to Drinax.// Crockett Out//

Mister Crockett, your gear will be held until the morning of 357 in secure storage at Highport. At 06:00 that day report to the storage area on level three to pick up your gear. You will then be escorted to upper docking ring to board the Ship of Unity. Departure is at 09:00

TO PROVOST FALX// Copy// Crockett Out//

1104-353 10:30

Esafen city, Torpol Equator

Museum of the Sindal Empire

On entering the museum, Mikhel stops to look over the Sindalian Empire mural. Mikhel pulls out his PDA and brings up a current map of the Outrim Void.

Stars, has this region been through hard times!
Recce. 'Time spent in recce is seldom wasted!' Recruit Sgt Tak's words sprang out of deep memory. 'Know the terrain. Know where to make a stand, and especially, know where NOT to make a stand!'
Mikhel came here on a whim, for a lark, really. Perhaps this place is a resource. What other unlooked-for treasures lie hidden here? Treasures not of Credits or precious objects, but something more valuable. Knowledge.

How many Harriers did the Sindalian's build? Did Drinax build any of them? Another question to ask somebody.

Link: Sindalian Navy

Curator Staff Offices - Collections Director

"Good day, Director. Thank you for taking time from your busy day. Just to expedite my inquiries, and minimize disruptions, I am particularly interested in weapons. Specifically swords, and most particularly the custom-made ships swords I've heard were made for commissioning ceremonies. I have heard there are many fakes, and need an expert's advice and expertise."

"Director, is there anyone of which you are aware, within the Outrim Void, that is making good quality swords of equivalent quality and useability? I ask as a favour. I know of a person, actually a few, that are blademasters that would appreciate the quality and style of Sindalian sword craft."

[Crockett decided not to accompany Mikhel to museum at Esafen City given time as it would ruin his morning's productivity ]

(Museum Director)"I am always happy to meet with potential patrons of the museum. We have three verified Sindalian Officer's Swords in our collection I am proud to say. The golden pommels were quite distinctive don't you agree?" watching Mikhel nod diplomatically "Sadly not everyone appreciates fine art. Most of the known blades have been desecrated by melting down the gold adornments and replaced with cheap titanium guards. Not suitable for a Sindalian Commander at all. I do know of at least one manufacturer that is out there creating Sindalian Replicas, with the replica in very small print. It is sad that someone would take advantage of the deep history of the Sindalian Empire and turn it into a trinket making scheme."

Director, my interest is in the utility of the blades, for their intended design, not as decoration. What I've heard is that Sindalian blades excel in combat. Made of hull steel, they are resiliant and lethal. I have a few people I'd like to acquire blades for. Not as treasures of past history, but for those that may be in the position of making history. As a curator of all regional history, and knowledgable of the turbulent nature of empires in transition, I hope you would be able to recommend or disuade the qualities of these swords. I am aware there are reproduction available. Reproduction might be suitable as dust gatherers, being made for 'collectors' or 'souvenier hunters', and put on a display rack to impress the uninformed. None of those will be suitable for hard use. Are there manufacturers making serviceable tools of war?"

"As a side thought, I have heard the King of Drinax fancies himself a swordsman. What do you know of that? Does he have a Sindalian Sword? And if these blades are any good, would a master bladesman want a gift of one?

(Museum Director)"I would think that finding a Sindalian Officer Sword would be more valuable than its use as a mere weapon. I do believe that King Oleb of Drinax does have at least one such sword, his father was known to have several of them. I would be willing to broker a deal for you with other collectors if you are in search of such an item. The Museum's funding does not cover all of the acquisitions that we would like to have. Sometimes a generous patron will give us an item on loan for an extended period of time. In other circumstances we have a treasure hunter opt not to pass such items on to us and they search of other options. I will be glad to forward those sorts in inquires along to you. Where could I address such communication?

"One of the reasons for coming here was the hope of authenticity. I don't want to become a target of those with less than scrupulous purposes. And, I will not be in the market for long, anyway. The King of Drinax's father being known to have a few swords reduces the value of such a gift. So, that knowledge was actually worth the trip here, alone. Many thanks. As to other contacts, perhaps you could just send a note you'd like to see me? It can be sent to the PSV Pioneer. I haven't informed any of my compatriots that I'm searching for anything, and I'd like to keep it private. The Pioneer will be leaving Torpol in a few days, but I expect it back in the near future.

It percolates up in the back of Mikhel's mind, talking over the characteristics of the sword's design and style, that Vice Admiral Sir Adkhar Urimshik might really like one of these. His use of the moulinet move (Link:1091-077) could be more effective due to the structure of the blade.

"One last, perhaps silly, question to one knowledgeable of the Empire. Where were the swords originally made? Looking at the current star maps and information, I have been puzzled by the heights of technical achievements written in the histories. None of it appears to have survived, or has diminished in capabilities. Would you, or one of your colleagues, know where the Sindalian ship building facilities were located?"

(Museum Director)"That is a very good question on both types of production. Of course starships can be build at any A rated starport, they all have at least repair and usually full construction facilities. At the height of the Empire there were several shipyards building Sindalian Warships and Merchant ships. There are rumors of Theeve, the infamous pirate base having used some of the fabulous technology of the Empire in their ships. Where they find the pieces is always a source of speculation. There are many systems that were part of the Empire and it would take another thousand years to explore all of the potential sources of artifacts. We do what we can here to separate fact from fiction and gently lay to rest rumors of such tales until proven otherwise.

"For your sword that is a different issue. Those were made in many places to the exacting specifications of the Sindalian Navy and Royal Family. I will tell you one of the secrets we use. There was a very strong prohibition on using fabricators for such weapons. Every one of them was made by the finest crafts people to satisfy a very exacting clientele.

"Hammering a sword blade out of hull plating would take a mastercraftsman of rare ability. Making it into a good fighting weapon would take skill on an unbelievable level. Perhaps that is why they are cherished. Well. Thank you for your time. I will drop by next time I'm in the Torpol system, whether you send word, or not.". Mikhel begins his turn to leave. He pauses, then turns back. "Director. Not that I'm looking for Sindalian artefacts as an ongoing task, but, one never knows. Is there anything in particular the Museum is looking for to complete its collection? Something you haven't been able to track down?"

(Museum Director)"That is very generous of you. I cannot think of anything that I know where it is and have not been able to acquire it. I will reach out if I do have any solid leads for you."

"We'll be in touch. Thanks for your counsel and time." Mikhel departs the Museum, and heads to Clib's Haberdashery.

1104-353 11:30

Searching for Comms equipment. Some of this might require a back-corridor search on the Highport.

First, Computer searches for information on Drinax and its Comms capabilities:

Mihkel Dromah: [SKILL] Education (2D+1) (vs Difficulty 8) [2d6+2 = 8]
[ +0 Effect] [Marginal SUCCESS] 15+ minutes

Result?

Are there Comms available, and how much?

Mihkel Dromah: [SKILL] Electronics (2D+2) (vs Difficulty 8) [2d6+2 = 7]
[ -1 Effect] [Marginal FAILURE] 15+ minutes

Checking out less public sources for comms and anti-spy gear (May require a trip to the Highport, if a source is located, but not on the surface):

Mihkel Dromah: [SKILL] Streetwise (2D+3) (vs Difficulty 8) [2d6+3 = 10]
[ +2 Effect] [Average SUCCESS] 1+ hour

Result? Difficulty may be 10 or more? So not a success?

Mikhel comes to a few conclusions. 1 - Yes you can purchase secure comms here at Torpol Highport. They are TL 13 or lower. 2 - You can find anti-spy wear gear, things to obscure facial recognition, etc. Those are not legal in civilian hands. So it would have to be from an irregular source on the planet, not at the Highport. 3 - As far as he can tell Drinax does not have any restriction on Comm gear but does ban anti-spy wear gear. 4 - The current communication badges that the Pioneer has are sufficient for normal communications, it would be at least very difficult to intercept, but they are not the TL13 that you could get to make it even harder to intercept.

1104-353 13:30

Mikhel with Clib

And in a short hop, Mikhel arrives at Clib's establishment to check out the fine handcrafting of the master tailor and his artisans. The suit and accoutriments are purchased, including appropriate footwear, and the all important 'doctor's bag'. Mikhel attempts to contain the distress at the outlay of credits for 'mere clothing', and tries to admire the details and skills required to produce the garments.

Clib, in his turn, tries not to turn up his nose at the vestments (near rags) that Mikhel is wearing about town on his errands.

Mikhel then heads for the Lowport, and checks in with the traders network. Anything like drugs or medical supplies on offer? Maybe Mikhel should check the local office/contact for DWB? They might have insights as to what is around, and needed by Drinax? Can't hurt to check.

Mikhel can quickly find that the office for the DWB is small and in the Highport. He can arrange a meeting with them easily.

1104-353 14:00

During his conversations with DWB by video conference over a late lunch Mikhel discovers that with the many different nations on the planet the DWB here on Torpol supplies coordination from the Downport for the many hospitals and clinics scattered about the planet with different resources. Mikhel also does find out that just like most systems Drinax does have a market for Anagathics.

Mikhel checks the location of Pioneer crew, so he can assist with any transport needs, then heads back to the Pioneer to consult with Sultana about brokering options. Mikhel is not surprised by the anagathics demand. The lack of any other pressing demand could be a good sign, but Mikhel was cynical. Considering what little he knew of the place, it wouldn't be a stretch to think the peasantry was not a priority. Recce was, yet again, going to be in person. The lack of communication and trade was not encouraging.

On arrival, Mikhel reports in with Sultana about cargo options, and advises about the Anagathics preference. That could be a real diplomacy booster?

Sultana rubs at the bags under his eyes tiredly. "Thanks, Dromah. I appreciate the intel. I've been digging through so many reports and journals and news broadcasts I'm up to my eyebrows in data, most of it worthless. One of our new people, Admiral Dawn, apparently knows something about the ins-and-outs of trading, I'll pass this along to him."

--- He gives Mikhel a slim smile, "Are you doing okay out there alone? You going to be able to make it to Drinax on time on your own? If you're still coming, that is. Hope you do. We've got different styles, but having allies nearby is always good." ---

Sultana passes a message to Admiral Dawn outlining what Mikhel has found out about the demand for anagathics on Drinax.

To Sir Lt Sultana, PSV Pioneer
I can have a look for them there highly illegal or are controlled substances on most worlds and only worlds of TL15 can synthesise them so I’ll do my best. How much are you looking for and how much are you willing to spend?
Harison Dawn

Harison set about contacting suppliers and other brokers looking for requested cargo. Also looks up the possibility of going to the starport to talk to incoming and docked traders.

To Admiral Dawn
For now, let's cap at 115k. Let me know if that's insufficient and we'll review. We don't have a lot of cargo space to work with.
Sultana

To Sir Lt Sultana, PSV Pioneer
Understood working on it now. I’ll update you when and if I make any progress. Over and out
Harison Dawn

Harison rolled a 16 for his Searching and Purchase for Spec Trading. Knowing he was specifically looking for anagathics, and rolling at an Impossible Difficulty he successfully found 4 tons of them {lots cannot be split up} available. I used his same roll (minus the 3 luck) to find that he was able to secure this lot at 75% of base cost. Base cost is Cr100,000, so the 4 tons will cost him Cr300,000 to purchase. They will be available in 2 days (1104-356).

To Sir Lt Sultana, PSV Pioneer
Have found a seller with 4 tons at 75,000 25% off average market value. So 1 ton is under the 100k budget. Might be a big score on world were they don’t have the teck level to make it them selfs. It will be available in two. Let me know how you want to proceed with it. Take it all, some or keep you and the crew young for many years to come? Over and Out.
Harison Dawn

  1. PurchaseAnagathics

To Captain Solis
Admiral Dawn has obtained a line on 4t of anagathics. Any objections to our purchasing the cargo to take to Drinax?
Sir Lt Sultana

Proceed as you see fit, Lieutenant.

To Admiral Dawn
I've made the funds accessible to you, Admiral. Permission to buy the cargo.
Sir Lt Sultana

To Sir Lt Sultana, PSV Pioneer
Copy that I will move forward on buying the cargo and make all the necessary arrangements. Over and Out.
Harison Dawn

Harison goes to work confirming he will buy the 4tons and arranging pick up and payment. He all so takes note of the supplier and informs them if they get more he would be interested and to get in contact with him.

1104-353 18:00

Mikhel remembers the searches from earlier in the day, and seeks out Sultana.

"L-T! I thought of something today, but in the mix of tasks, forgot about a search I was trying to do. What do we want for privacy on Drinax, and do we want to keep our personal conversations personal? Are we subject to any surveillance, or will we be? There are going to be factions on Drinax, if not elsewhere. We might wish to be cautious."

"Thoughts?"

Sultana looks up from the book he was reading. At his side is a notepad with a variety of scribbles and notes and lines connecting them. "Hello, Dromah. What ar.. Oh, secured comms, you mean? Yes, that's definitely not a bad idea." He thinks for a moment. "Having our own personal set of secure comms could be handy. I'm sure the local security forces could provide us with some, but you know they'd always be listening. We don't have a lot of credit left though. Any idea how much a full suite would cost?"

"Commercially available stuff isn't too expensive, but locally not acceptable. Go figure, local government doesn't want to be prevented from doing surveillance. We may need to go elsewhere, and the only high-tech place convenient isn't in reach, fast enough."

Mikhel ponders a moment.

"Unless the ship already has stuff on board? How many of our science crew are paranoid about scientific espionage? Some, or all of them, might have bug snoopers, now that I give it some thought. And some of it might be pretty high tech, the Pioneer having come through the heart of the Marches."

Mikhel gives Sultana a raised eyebrow.

Sultana scratched at his chin in thought. "Mmayybe? But if they did, would it be a suite, or just a hodge podge of individually-acquired pieces?" He sighed and reached over to his commpad and quickly entered a quick query to the Captain. "Well, if nothing else, we can always start with the local security suite and acquire our own at a later date. Good thinking, Dromah. I haven't been looking at the practicalities. I've been trying to map out the political landscape, but I'm kind of working in a vacuum here. Most of this is pure speculation or old history." He gestures at the books and papers.

Sir Lt Sultana to Captain Solis
Checking in - any chance any of the science crew have encrypted or secure comms or security-sweep bug-detection devices already on board? Local law prohibits them, so is likely too expensive or risky to buy new here. Dromah thought of it looking ahead to Drinax where they might come in handy. We can buy later, just checking if we already have them. Out.

Lieutenant, we have comms we use in the field you may check but they may not be up to your standards. Feel free to ask Eleni to show you them and any others we have in storage.

Sultana acknowledges that he received and understood Captain Solis' message and looked over at Mikhel. "Captain says they have comms for field work and the like, but notably omits the word 'secure' from her description. We can check with Eleni to see the actual stores, but I'm guessing it's a slim hope. We can look into it during jump when there's plenty of time, but otherwise I think we're stuck on this until we jump to a more relaxed world. Good thinking though, thanks for bringing it up. Any other good ideas we need to look at before jump?"

"Well, if we can't get weapon range time in this system, and we have all our finery for the gala, I'm out of tourist options. It is just picking up any ordered gear and/or supplies. There may be crew and scientists on leave? I didn't see Nika come back to the ship, so if you didn't bring her, she's still somewhere in the system. Do we have all the people who are listed as hires?"

Mickhel returned to the Med Bay, flashed up the Comp, and proceeded to run through his 'System Departure Routine' (Note: these are for Drinax):