Main / 1104-364-Drinax

Calendar

1104-363 -- 1104-364 -- 1104-365

Timing of events
13:38 - Arrival of Ship of Unity at Floating Palace
15:56 - Arrival of Pioneer at Floating Palace
17:00 - Tour of the Scholar's Tower
17:30 - Meeting at Bazaar
18:00 - Tour of the Art Gallery

1104-364 16:00 - Arrive at Drinax

As the Voyager and the Suraksha settle in and power down to landing status two of the Royal Hawk Warriors glide down from above onto the platform. The Hawk Warriors are tall strong male humans wearing armor and grav belts with large gold metal wings that seem to be ceremonial coming up out of the back of their armor. Each has a ceremonial sword at their waist and a shoulder slung laser rifle.

They alight just in front of the doors leading off the platform and wait for your groups to disembark.

Sultana is the first one off the Suraksha, to make sure everything is in order with his paperwork and any last minute Customs requirements. He is wearing a suit in shades of blue, cut similar to a Naval uniform, but more stylish, as worn in the County of Askigaak. His Pioneer badge is pinned in place.

"Good afternoon. Sir Lt Sultana and the Suraksha, from the Pioneer. Any rules or restrictions we should be aware of while we're here? Also, I apologize, I forgot to ask earlier. What sidearms, if any, are permitted at the Palace. I have both a firearm and a blade, semi-ceremonial, onboard, in case either are needed for local customs."

(Hawk Warrior)"Welcome Sir Lieutenant Gopal Sultana to the magnificent Floating Palace, gem of the Kingdom of Drinax. Your status has been registered with the Royal Guards, there should be no incidents for you to be concerned. Your administrative assistant can handle any other arrangements. We will arrange with them the appropriate escort for your audience with King Oleb XVI on the First.

"Excellent, thank you. I just wanted to confirm the local customs beforehand." Sultana moves off to one side to wait for the rest of his passengers to alight.

His eyes go to the next off the Suraksha and there is a subtle signal of more interest

(Hawk Warrior)"It is very generous of you to visit the Floating Palace Baron Harold Hernández. Your culinary reputation is well known here in the Kingdom. Your four best selling, (Hernandez)" five.. (Hawk Warrior)".. Five, certainly your treatises on spice control are known across the sector and beyond I am certain. I will update our library with your latest publication. If you would allow me to download the information from your records, perhaps on the Pioneer?

(Hernandez)"I will consult with Captain Solis to see which of the working titles we can also include as a pre-published work for you." The Guard's eyes grow just a bit wide and greedy.

Turning to the airlock for the third passenger both of the guards come to even higher tension.

(Hawk Warrior)"Welcome Admiral Harison Dawn. It is an honor to have you spend time on the Floating Palace. We will be honored to escort you as you need. Unfortunately, I am certain it was a miscommunication in the hurried unexpected arrival your administrative assistant did not contact us for your accommodations. We will provide an office for you immediately and we are working on arranging a suite. If we can have that contact information we will work with them to correct these errors."

Harison leaves his duffel bag with his belongs and gun just at the entrance to the Surakasa. He then steps of the Surakasa in his normal closes like a tourist with his com devise in hand taking pictures of the area and the Hawk guards. "Thank you for such a majestic welcome very impressive, truly this is a city of great beauty and wonders." He then send his contact information over via his coms. "Thanks so much for rectifying that over sight you can contact me directly with the details I just gave you there. Could you have some one bring my bag from the ship there when it’s sorted and store my side arm in your lock up too please. Now that we have that all sorted again thank you For that, would you be so kind as to point me to the Bazaar it is in the first ring I believe?"

(Hawk Warrior)"Admiral Dawn, if you will allow me the pleasure of providing you with a dedicated guide to the Magnificent Bazaar I can arrange that in short order for you.

"No need for a guide just show me in the general direction and I’ll find my way. I don’t want to be waiting around for some one to show up. Thanks for the offer but no thank you."

He nods to the other guard to start communicating the request as he looks up. "Welcome guests, we expect you to have an excellent experience here at the Floating Palace"%white he pauses as Silas appears on the ramp behind Athena and Mikhel, Looks over at Harison and straightens up again.

Once the last of his passengers had disembarked from the Suraksha, Sir Lt Sultana hit the controls to close and lock the hatch to the ship. He then stands off to one side to observe the arrival and greetings given to the passengers of the Voyager.

(Hawk Warrior)"Admiral Dawn, it is not a problem. Here is Sir Thornonton III to help guide you.

(Sir Thornonton)"Admiral Dawn, it is a pleasure to have you here at the Floating Palace. Follow me and I can take you to your office. He picks up Harison's bags and leads the way off of the landing platform

"Thank you Sir Thornoton lead the way." Harison follows along, making sure to take notes of where they go and how they got there.

Harison is lead down a wide corridor that opens into what looks to be a wide passageway and turns left, (Thornoton)"We go towards the bow here, do mind your step" As he lifts the bags a bit higher to avoid a pile of crates. The passageway seems that it has been partially filled with crates and packages along the walls, leaving a path down the middle that two people can almost easily move abreast in. After a few turns the scenery changes. (Thornoton)"This is the Diplomatic section. Your office will be down this way. He leads Harison around several twists and corners to find an office about one third the size of his stateroom on the Pioneer, with one corner of the office piled high with boxes. (Thornoton)"I will leave these here for you Admiral. setting the bags down in the opposite corner. (Thornoton)"Do you have any appointments you need me to guide you to?"

"Again thank you Sir Thornoton no I should be all good now might head out and stretch my legs been a long week in space."

"After giving herself a quick check, making sure wrinkles and such were smooth, dressed as one would expect of an academic with blouse and black pants, short heels, badges clear to indicate position, she stepped out to lead the party to their greeters. "Captain Athena Solis, Lead Scientist for the Pioneer."

Mikhel will keep to the rear of the party, and let others lead. His is his usual appearance of shabby, but clean. Just a hard-working crewman. He does carry the satchel with the Interplanetary symbol of Medicine, the Red Crystal.

Silas followed Captain Solis and the scientists, smiling and ushering the party from the Voyager as appropriate. Although he demured, his 198cm height, wild shock of dark hair, olive skin and golden eyes made him conspicuous. The ex-Scout considered himself abreast of fashions (although of course fashions differ greatly across the vastness of space) and dressed in a slim fitting all-in-one of navy blue with grey detail piping and a deepest blue with silver trim duster coat over the top. His accoutrements included an IISS utility belt, cutlass and laser pistol on opposite hips, sash bag with tablet as well as the trademark tinted HUD glasses.

(Hawk Warrior)"Silas Lane? We are honored to have such a distinguished member of the Imperial Scout Service here to explore the Amazing Floating Palace. I find that my depts of astonishment are being strained today. He glances over at Sultana, Harison, and Hernandez "I am looking forward to assisting you to enjoy your stay here on the Floating Palace. This will be a very enjoyable New Year's event with such foreign nobility in attendance, along with the diplomatic envoys from Torpol. nodding to the Ship of Unity on the landing pad on the other side of the Voyager and Shurkasa. I will settle with the rest of your landing party and then escort you to..... He pauses as he is scanning the data pad that has updated with the identities of the remaining people.

(Hawk Warrior)"I... there seems to be a mistake? YOU? are Captain Athena Solis of the Lab Ship Pioneer? The Captain Solis who fought at Esalin in the Fourth Frontier War? The Captain Solis who..."He straightens up "I am pleased to welcome you and ... " another pause as he consults again to be certain "and Mikhel Dromah, chief medic onboard the Pioneer. Both of you are on my list as special envoy guests to King Oleb, may his reign be unending, and are to be afforded requests as we can accommodate.

Mikhel gives the Hawk Warrior a Marine Handsign, recognizing the individual's military position, and acknowledging the welcome. Mikhel stays back, letting the Captain deal with details. Mikhel takes in the surroundings, noting any obvious signs of defense or surveillance. He is also looking at the condition of the area and the level of maintenance. Any sign of emergency equipment or first responder facilities is also of interest.

Mikhel cannot spot any surveillance systems in the area. There are places they should be but the gear has been taken down. There are standard safety gear boxes he spots after a moment of looking. Rather than being the standard white with red they are gold with red images of the double eagle of Drinax on them. They almost blend in with the rest of the decor.

He looks at the ramp to see one final person exiting and looks almost relieved as he consults his data pad.

(Hawk Warrior)"I welcome you Veronica Sherris to the Magnificent Floating Palace. I am certain that your stay with us will be memorable. Captain Solis will have all the details for her crew available to you shortly. Feel free to relax in the Voyager and I am certain we will be able to respond to any requests you have momentarily.

It sounds like Sherris will keep you company for now unless you wish to visit an... art gallery? You are not holding down the Voyager to prevent me from returning to the lab, correct? Because if so, it is working well.

After not getting a reply after a few minutes, Athena offered a quick excuse, claiming to have left something in Voyager to see what was going on with Eleni.

(Eleni)"I am just fine no worries. I am scheming with Sherris, and we will be ready to return back to the Ship when you are ready.

1104-364-16:30 - Continuing the extended welcome committee

(Hawk Warrior)"Esteemed guests, I have notes that several of you are scheduled for a tour of the Art Gallery at 18:00. It is right next door to the Bazaar that Admiral Dawn will be visiting soon. If you can be most gracious and grant us a moment of time we will work on appropriate arrangements for you.

Mikhel takes the opportunity to do a quick confirmation check of his data. It is extremely strange but there are no independent bars or hostels, hotels, lodging, anything normally associated with a starport or city available or listed in the data directories he has access to. There does not seem to be a place to book a night to sleep, or a place to eat a meal.

Mikhel's eyebrows go up. Well. Actually, he shouldn't be surprised. The Floating Palace is a busted society, based on available data. In two hundred years, the surviving population of the planet (Floating Palace only, who knows what, if any, population is on the surface) has supposedly doubled? With no expansion of space. So, what may have been in existence two hundred years ago, in a functional facility, is not likely around now. The offer of accommodations was another thing to raise eyebrows. Now, the missing surveillance gear was a quandry. Not sure what to make of that. Enough people everywhere, there is no privacy, therefore everything is under 24-hour surveillance? Could very well be. So, finding a quiet place for a tête-à-tête could be an impossibility.

Athena returned to the warriors, asking, "Is it possible to get an escort to the Scholar's Tower or is this... art gallery visit one arranged for all the guests? I missed a memo regarding its importance."

(Hawk Warrior)"Captain Solis, I will bring a guide from the Scholar's Tower for you shortly. The tour of the Art Gallery is on my list of events that we were told to clear the space for the King's Guests by Ranchando. King Oleb often selects one of his advisors to entertain guests. If you do not want to be part of that entertainment I can send along your regrets."

Although clearly a bit disappointed, Athena replied, "Ah. No, if it was previously scheduled, it would be rude to ignore. I can see the gallery. If it possible to see the tower as well today, that would be good but if not, it is only courteous to participate in the events planned by the host."

(Hawk Warrior)"I would be pleased to escort you to the Scholar's Tower on the way to the Art Gallery if you would like Captain Solis. It will be a bit out of the way but I can also show you and your guests the Bazaar along the way. If you have any meetings at the Tower we can arrange the timing for you there."

(Hawk Warrior)"For our other guests, Sir Sultana, Medic Dromah, Mr Lane, Baron Hernández. Would you like to join us on that detour?

"The opportunity to learn more about the Floating Palace would be greatly appreciated. Anything about your history and especially about the resilient people who keep the Drinaxian culture alive is something of which I am very interested. My particular focus is medicine and the care of people, if that assists you in guiding us.

"I'm happy to see any of the detours you want to take us on. Whenever I visit a new planet, I like to see the different things each has to offer."

1104-364-17:00 - Ambassador's Wing

Harison takes a moment after being left alone to look around the office he has been given. There is a chair, desk, data access, and perhaps room to squeeze in a food dispenser if there was one. There is no sign that there has been anything like that in this room in recent times. Harison gets a feeling that this might be all. There has been no mention of sleeping quarters, food delivery, or any of the various sundry things he expected.

To Silas Lane.
Mr Lane hope you have settled in ok I am about to head out to the Bazaar if you would care to meet me there before you go see our old friend?
Harison Dawn

Harison headed out of the office made sure it was locked up and made his way to the bazaar making sure to take note of the route he has taken.

Silas remained quiet throughout the ceremonial greetings, politely nodding and acknowledging the courteous Hawk Guards whilst taking mental notes of everything he saw and heard, like an apprentice on his first day in the Shipyard. He considered the options presented and thought to himself that the Art Gallery by way of the Bazaar sounded like his preferred first day's sight-seeing. He was mulling over this and greedily eyeing the Hawk Guard's grav belt when his communicator pinged inaudibly through his HUD induction. It was Harison. He subvocalised a response via Vix and sent it to the Admiral.

To Harison Dawn.
Hello Admiral. Settling currently incomplete, ha ha. I have a guide to the bazaar if you'd like to join us? Two heads are better than one to try to understand this most unusual place. Sending you my coords.
Silas

To Silas Lane.
Thank you for the invite I am trying to avoid the use of a guide as I don’t want them known who I am meeting and where I’m gone. I know it’s a little paranoid, but I don’t know who they answer too.
Harison Dawn

To Harison Dawn.
Understood. I'll leave my guide and join you.
Silas

Tour of Scholar's Tower

(Hawk Warrior)"Baron Harold Hernández, Sir Lieutenant Gopal Sultana, Captain Solis, and Medic Dromah. Follow me and I will escort you personally along to your appointment. The Scholar's Tower is to the after of the Magnificent Floating Palace. It is a repository of the finest knowledge that remains from the Sindalian Empire. His Majesty King Oleb XVI has done brilliant work at maintaining the Scholar's Tower as the bastion of learning throughout the Trojan Reach sector.

As he leads you proudly through a wide empty corridor out of the Royal Docks and around through the maintenance? repair? areas he gestures to the left, "The Bazaar is that way, we will come back to it by a different route" He continues down a long wide corridor that Sultana and Mikhel suspect is the outer wall of the Floating Palace. Turning to the left he brings you through what might be an art exhibition on classical textiles that is draped over several other statues? maybe? He moves confidently and straightforward through the corner of the art gallery and brings you to the entrance to the Scholar's Tower.

Sultana rolls an 11 on Art to observe the tapestries and/or hidden statues as they pass.

Without pausing and taking time Sultana cannot be certain but at least two of the tapestries he sees draped across statues look to be forming walls to create a small private space. The tapestries themselves are brightly colored with what he thinks are Sindilarian themes. A guess is they are real antique artifacts being used in an unusual way.

There are several dormitories that ring the area of the Tower. As you make your way past them, several students? professors? scientists? pause to watch your group enter the grounds.

Mikhel is doing the visual scans of the walk. Are the surveillance points all stripped? Are the people healthy and happy? Gaunt, with bone structures obvious, good skin condition and color, or plump? Normally curious looks from the locals towards the tourists, or suspicious glances/stares? Any and all info is noted and categorized. Amongst this, Mikhel is also looking at anything that shows the culture and quality of Drinax to best advantage. Mikhel is attempting to formulate ideas on how to promote the benefits of Drinaxian leadership in a confederation, as opposed to subjugation by an imperial overlord, while being preyed upon by a bunch of pirates with letters of mark.

How are people doing on the Floating Palace (general appearance).

Mihkel Dromah: [SKILL] Medic (2D+4) (vs Difficulty 6) [2d6+4 = 12]
[ +6 Effect] [Exceptional SUCCESS] 20 Minutes checking. (As the tour walks around the palace)

Survey of people's reactions/attitude to strangers on the Floating Palace.

Mihkel Dromah: [SKILL] Streetwise (2D+3) (vs Difficulty 6) [2d6+3 = 11]
[ +5 Effect] [Average SUCCESS] 20 Minutes checking. (As the tour walks around the palace)

Tactical Assessment of Defences on the Floating Palace.

Mihkel Dromah: [SKILL] Tactics (military) (2D+4) (vs Difficulty 6) [2d6+4 = 10]
[ +4 Effect] [Average SUCCESS] 20 Minutes checking. (As the tour walks around the palace)

Mikhel's impressions as he walks along with the tour is that the residents of the Floating Palace are... resigned. They are happy enough, and he can hear "His Majesty will find a way", but there are far too many people living in tight quarters. There does not seem to be open discontent, no one seems to express complaints of being suppressed, more of just not quite enough to be really happy. Mikhel does not spot any missing cameras or security gear, but it is not overtly present. Just standard normal gear as expected.

Thoughts run through Mikhel's head: OK. King 'Oaf' may be a buffoon. But, the Aslan did a number on these people. The Aslan didn't cut the head off the snake. They cut the body off. There was no honour in this. How badly did the Drinaxians piss off the Aslan, that honourable warriors did this? Where is khoafteirleao in any of this? This planet was stomped into ruin. No Aslan would want this planet now, and they did this to send a message. "We don't respect you, we don't need to treat you with honour, and we don't even want your land." What did Drinax do? Mikhel considers the vacuum of his knowledge concerning the Aslan, and sees the need for information. Lots of it.

Sometime. During the tour, as the group moves about, Mikhel will take advantage of a quiet moment to step next to the second warrior, if he is haning back and letting the other lead the tour.
"Warrior Jarxal, are you and your fellow warrior volunteers, or voluntolds, for this dog and pony show?"

(Hawk Warrior Jarxal)"This is a treat Medic Dromah. Getting to meet celebrities like you, the Captain, Admiral Harison, Silas Lane, even a chance to meet Sir Sultana. We do not get many off world people here who have done something that brings attention to themselves like Baron Hernández. He is a legend in the culinary arts. Of course you would be invited by His Majesty to visit and bring your knowledge here. I wonder what new things he will create now after he visits the Scholar's Tower."

"Good to know this isn't a burden, or a necessary evil, Warrior. I don't claim any particular fame, unlike the others on the Pioneer. However, I am here on an invitation, and would like to get a feel for the landscape. Any worthy warrior likes to know the terrain he may have to fight on. So, who is the Strategist for Drinax? Who is in charge of force projection? The mind advising the King? Would it be possible to speak to that person sometime before the big event on New Year's Day? On the subject of possible conflicts or collaborations, do you have any rumours or opinions on what might be ahead for Drinax?"

(Hawk Warrior Jarxal)"You sound like you are already part of the Palace Intrigue Medic Dromah. His majesty King Oleb XVI, long may he reign, keeps his own council. He assigns tasks to those he favors, those who do well stay to do more tasks. Some stay near His Majesty in the hopes of being asked to do those favors. The Princess has His Majesty's ear as of late, but I will say that the Court is buzzing over the rumor that the Prince will be attending the events for New Years. he glances around "I have heard that there is a special guest too, no one knows who they are. Are you that guest?"

"As I mentioned before, I don't see myself as being special. My vocation is healing, saving lives, which isn't very glamorous. And usually involves tragedy." He gave Warrior a sad look. "I hope never to be part of Palace Intrigue. This meeting I am to attend may draw me in like a black hole, despite my desires. Thank you for your insight. I may want to speak with the Princess, if you think she is bending the King's ear."

"How would one cross the path of one of the Princess' Ladies in Waiting, or her Personal Assistant."

(Hawk Warrior Jarxal)"Medic Dromah, I can see you are not part of the Palace Intrigue now. Princess Rao is not one for ladies taking care of her. She does have a tendency to be very active at Court then be scarce for weeks. The Princess is very independent, ever since she was named the Heir she has spent time all over the Floating Palace and even out into the outer planets learning as much as she can. She has even taken trips to Asim as part of her explorations. Now that Prince Harrick has returned to Court people are abuzz with thoughts."

Only half listening, Athena is trying to get a gauge on what kind of research may be going on in the Scholar's Town and why type of individuals are here.

[SKILL] Investigate (2D+3) (vs Difficulty 6) = 15 Exceptional Success

[SKILL] Science (2D+3) (vs Difficulty 6) = 8 Average Success

Athena cannot tell the details of of the research but three things stand out to her. One is that something that needs venting to the outside is happening in the tower, another is that there are many levels to the building that seem to extend down below the surface she is walking on that seems to be the ground floor for the Palace. Finally she notices that there are many types of sophonts here studying, interacting with each other, engaged in animated discussions. Female Aslan, a group of Bewaps, human females of what seems to be many different systems, and many young men in all sorts of dress. There does seem to be a particular scholarly dress with adornments to indicate some sort of structure.

As he follows the Hawk Warrior around, absorbing all the details he's able to, not knowing what might be important. At a lull in the conversation, he asks the Warrior, "What is the King's favorite subject or branch of study in the Scholar's Tower? What is he most interested in? Same question for you, is there anything in there that you're interested in?"

As your Royal Hawk Warrior guide turns from the base of the Scholar's Tower and leads you out through a different gate he points to the right and left of the open clean corridor in front of you. (Hawk Warrior Jarxal)"To the right here are the Royal Guard Barracks, we have our families with us, it does help to keep everyone more close knit. To the left there are the Royal Apartments. Only the King and his family have places there. He gestures directly ahead, (Hawk Warrior Jarxal)"And that is the entrance to the Royal Court, where your meeting with His Majesty will be on the first."

Turning to Sultana, (Hawk Warrior Jarxal)"His Royal Highness, King Oleb XVI, long may he reign, does not show a keen interest in the activities in the Scholar's Tower. He is grateful of course for all their work at saving Prince Harrick. I am most interested in the Scholar's work on food. When I was young we would have good steaks every week, then as time went on we had them less and less. I hear that the scholars are working to rebuild Asim's produce, I hope that gives us more variety. Of course I am very excited by having Baron Harold Hernández here for the celebrations. Maybe he is the rumored special guest?"

"Hydroponics, food chemistry, and I assume to some degree agriculture science as they all go hand in hand. You have quite a variety of sophonts studying here. What saving did Prince Harrick require? Unless it was starvation, with what I see and what you've mention, one must extrapolate that there are other disciplines studied here. Are the different dress indications of their studies or their progress in their education? I certainly would like to explore the tower more in our time here if you can set that up."

(Hawk Warrior Jarxal)"I will pass along your request for tomorrow. Is there a time that you would like Captain?"

Your guide leads you down an crowded corridor, weaving a bit through, making space for your group as needed. As you turn a corner your personal radios light up with messages.

"I have a meeting in the morning. Perhaps a visit before or after lunch would be most appropriate," replied Athena after a quick look at her messages. She noted the lack of any information about the Prince. A question best saved for another, possibly Ranchardo, one of the scholars, or if rumors were true of his visits to the tower, the Prince himself.

1104-364-17:30 - Radio Personal Communications

Captain Athena Solis, this is Administrative Aide Dar with a request from Provost Shala of Torpol, aboard the Ship of Unity. Provost Shala would like to host you for a breakfast meeting onboard the Ship of Unity at 08:00 tomorrow morning. Please acknowledge if this is a good time for you. Provost Shala has a query about your previous work in other systems prior to entering the Reach. I await your reply. Unity out.

Captain Solis to Administrative Aide Dar. Request acknowledged and accepted.

To M. J. Crockett, Torpol Vessel 'Ship of Unity', from M. M. Dromah, PSV Pioneer
O Grp postponed. RVP TBD.

To M.M.Dromah, Pioneer Message received....will check code book

To Pioneer Crew and Guests,
Please note that there is no expectation of privacy or concealment of movement within the Floating Palace.
The lack of surveillance equipment is an illusion of convenience. There are people everywhere, and staff not necessarily in view at all times. Door locks are a fiction of courtesy, and not to be depended upon to keep things safe or unexamined.
Caution is advised.
M. Dromah
Pioneer Health and Safety Officer

1104-364 17:35

To: MIKHEL ABOARD LABSHIP PIONEER, cc: Bridge crew of PIONEER
By my request I have received following info from Bridge Crew of "THE UNITY" regarding vessel traffic in sector:

-Ship of Unity - at the Royal Docks, details of the ship withheld
-King's Royal Yacht - at the Royal Docks, details of the ship withheld
-Voyager, Pinnace from the Pioneer - at the Royal Docks, full details
-Suraksha, Ships Boat, owned by Sultana - at the Royal Docks, full details
-A Bold Jewel, Systems Defense Boat - traversing the space from Drinax to the 100D jump point, details of ship withheld
-Pioneer - in synchronized orbit to the Floating Palace - full details
There is no indication of any ships docked at the Floating Palace on the public landing pad.
...Wondering if this matches info from sensors aboard "THE PIONEER".... seems awfully quiet other than our combined special visitors...

Please confirm receipt and respond.

Crockett out

As Your guide leads you down the crowded corridor you spot Harison and Silar up ahead as they go to your left through a doorway into the Bazaar. (Hawk Warrior Jarxal)"This is the famous Bazaar of the Floating Palace. Medic Dromah, you asked who has the ear of his Majesty King Oleb XVI, long may he reign. Many at the Court would say that Ranchando is the easiest to speak with. For someone not from Drinax he has a good understanding of how the Floating Palace should properly operate. Shall we go in? We can continue our tour you will meet him at the Art Gallery in a half hour or you can meet him here."

"Warrior Jarxal. Is Ranchando part of the Court? Does he have status with the King? Or, perhaps he moves beneath the surface, and influences things with discretion?" Mikhel looks at the other Pioneer Crew in his group. "I will follow the Captain's lead on this."

"While I dislike interrupting meetings, but it may set a bad precedent to walk by without a short word. A quick greeting, and then we can let our crew continue their meeting. Any other words we can save for the Art Gallery."

(Hawk Warrior Jarxal)"Medic Dromah, Ranchando is not an official member of the Royal Court, he was not born on the Floating Palace. He has performed many duties to His Majesty and was awarded the spot here to open a Bazaar to facilitate his trading with Countess Tollar. He also works closely with the Baroness of Algra-reev on Asim for the transport of their goods here. Captain Solis when you are meeting with him at the Art Gallery he can perhaps arrange who to speak with at the Scholar's Tower."As the group turns into the corridor leading into the Bazaar for a quick hello

Meeting at Bazaar

Harison starts back towards the Bazaar. After some struggles to get past blocked passages, and circling around a section of gardens that suddenly appear he manages to reach a wide corridor that he recognizes. As Harison walks down the corridor he spots Silas near the entrance to what looks to be a marketplace. There is a bustle of people going in and out carrying bags of food? That seems to not be right as he spots someone carrying in a statue.

Silas has been waiting for Harison for a few moments and can tell him that there is an almost never ending stream of people coming and going through this entrance.

As soon as Harison sees Silas he heads over to him and says "Good day to you, Mr. Lane. This is an interesting place to say the least shall we head off and see can we find our friends Shop? How has your visit been so far? Anything interesting. I was given an office that looks like it could’ve been a closet. I was very impressed they fit a desk in there"

"And to you, Mr. Dawn." Silas supressed calling Harison "Admiral". "Yes, let's continue... Shame about the office." As they walked Silas shared his impressions with Harison and endeavoured to learn what the Drinaxians were transporting in their bags.

Silas will check Recon unskilled Rolled 5+6-1 =10 Effect 2

"Oh, it’s an honour that they even found any space for me. But these days I don’t have much use for an office, must be a perceived notion from my last position as an admiral that I need one. It is quite saddening that space here is on short supply and that they are all crammed in like cattle."

"Agreed. I didn't come all this way to live like a Reginan." Silas waved an expansive hand at the dark space and stars beyond the "Palace" expressing his wistfulness for the remote adventure of the Tlaiowaha subsector. "Anyway, you're the lucky one. I might be sleeping in the street tonight! Or back on the Voyager..." He thought that sounded a little lacking in the luxury he had imagined the palace might yield to them. "Perhaps friend Ranchando might help..." he conspired with a wink to the Admiral.

Harison gives a laugh back" That he might. If not my office has a floor and a desk we can flip a coin to see who get the desk."

Harison and Silas enter the Bazaar just behind a small family group. A woman with two children, carrying an empty bag. As the two of them follow the family in they spot Ranchando standing near an intersection of aisles of goods. He nods to Harison and Silas, then smile broadly at the family as they approach.

(Ranchando)"Countess Abigail, how nice to see you this evening. I do hope the family is well? He smiles down at the two children "What brings you out today to grace this humble establishment with your presence?

(Abigail)"Ranchando, always one with a warm smile and a greeting for everyone. I do believe you have memorized every family living here in the Palace. We are lucky that his Majesty has such observant members of his court. I do have a small query for you, "she glances around and spots Silas and Harison. She smiles, almost flirting with Harison. Then she gives a small toss of her hair and turns back to Ranchando. "I would speak with you about an offer I have for you." Ranchando smiles in return, nods again to Silas and Harison to indicate he will be right with them, and then he leads the Countess off down an aisle. The two children stay there, looking around. One who looks slightly younger, a girl maybe 12, looks up at Harison and smiles. "You are pretty. Are you new to the Palace?"

Harison Drops down to one knee to be at the same hight as the child and gives her a smile. "Why thank you M'lady for such a compliment it means a lot coming from some one as pretty as you. "He gives her a bow and then continues on. "I can also see you are very observant too M'lady as yes I am new here in fact it’s my first day. This is my good friend Mr. Silas Lane and my name is Harison Dawn former Admiral of the Imperial Navy at your service. And who do I have the honour of addressing?"

(Dilmah)"I am Princess Dilmah" (slightly older boy)"You are not a Princess, you can't just go telling people you are because you want to be one" (Dilmah)"I can be a Princess if I want. I can be smart. Just because you are not smart does not mean you cannot be a Prince. You are strong at least"

"Well it must me my lucky day I am so honoured to meet a princess and on my first day Dilmah. But does that mean your brother is a big strong Prince."

(Dilmah)"Thank you Admiral" she says primly "This is my brother Clengah he nods " He is strong, and I guess he is smart too. Why did you come to the Floating Palace to see His Majesty?"

"Well today we are here to see Mr Ranchand. But I guess everyone who comes to the Floating Palace hopes to get a glimpse of the King. The next time you are talking to the King maybe you could put in a good word for us I am sure it would mean a lot coming from a princess."

(Clengah)"You look like a Scout, are you here on a secret mission for the Imperium?" To Silas

"Correct! I am on a secret mission for the Imperium." Silas thought it might be fun to play along. "I'm here to learn the culinary secrets of the King's chef..." Silas got down low and took on the most somber serious tone he could. "See, a traveller passed though Pax Rulin, and told amazing tales about the unique flavours Drinaxian ramen. So-o-o... I need your help to get into the royal kitchen and learn the secrets of the Noodle Master of the Trojan Reach. Seriously. Please?"

(Clengah)"I can help with that. If we do that do you think I can get some extras for me?" (Dilmah)"You cannot just give away secrets Clengah! What if it is really valuable? Mother would want to know first. See this is why you are strong and I am smart."

Mikhel, Sultana, Athena, and Hernández pause a couple of feet into the Bazaar. They spot Silas on one knee speaking with a young boy and young girl while Harison looks on with a smile. Harison spots the group and nods quickly.

"Ah, do not let us interrupt. We simply thought it proper to give a greeting as we were walking by rather than pretend you were not seen. We can speak later at the gallery," said Athena in greeting, body posture clear they had no intention of staying to chat long.

Standing in the Bazaar, looking at the large group of people moving about, Mikhel realizes he will need to memorize the faces, as well as marks of rank, for Drinaxian royalty, and key figures. If he is looking to 'bump' into a few of them, and not in formal settings where everyone will know of the meeting, Mikhel would have to be able to identify them on sight.

What else interesting was going on around the group?

Mihkel Dromah: [SKILL] Streetwise (2D+3) (vs Difficulty 6) [2d6+3 = 9]
[ +3 Effect] [Average SUCCESS] 10 Minutes checking. (Looking about the Bazaar, getting a feel for the place.)

Sultana looks about the bazaar to see if there's anything interesting for sale, keeping a special eye out for a likely high-end book seller.

Mikhel and Sultana both size up the Bazaar quickly as the group enters briefly then heads back out along the crowded outer corridor. 1- It is crowded with people looking over things but not unreasonably crowded. You saw Silas and Harison speaking with a family and no one interrupted them, or pushed through. 2 - The items for sale did not have prices, there seemed to be a variety of goods. Surprisingly things like spices and cookware that you might seen in any market, and also art and antiques BOB did some rolls for Mikhel and Sultana on Streetwise and Admin, tossed in a Science of Sophontology for Athena 3 - Based on the results of the rolls and looking at each other as you move along it occurs to the group. This is almost a pawnbroker type of setup rather than a store, a bartering type of system that Mikhel and Athena have seen out on other lower tech level systems

With what little Mikhel could find in researching Drinax, there was no economy here. No trade in or out, on anything like a regular basis. Once in the system, the lack of ship movement was yet another indication of the problem. Drinax didn't produce anything. If it did, it wasn't in interstellar trade quantities. So, barter economy? Drinax was in serious trouble. With nothing being produced, were Drinaxians trading away their legacy and history? There was an educational institution on the Floating Palace, according to the planetary summary. That would bring in foreign cash. Was it in sufficient quantity? Or just prolonging the demise? Let's see the Scholar's Tower, and maybe we'll get more answers.

{this is when Ranchando, Silas and Harison disappear deeper into the Bazaar as the group continues down the corridor}

Your guide brings you out of the Bazaar and along the corridor towards the Royal Docking Platform again. He brings you past those airlocks and to another set of oversized environmental doors that are guilded with the Royal Symbol of Drinax.

(Hawk Warrior Jarxal)"Captain Solis, Baron Hernández, Lt. Sultana and Medic Mikhel. I give you the Great Hall of the Royal Family, His Majesty King Oleb XVI, long may he reign. He using a code to open the doors and you enter a wide open spacious multi level space with fountains, open areas, and a definate change of feeling from the rest of the Floating Palace.

(Hawk Warrior Jarxal)"Captain Solis, I was not ignoring your earlier question, I just did not think it wise to speak of it while others could hear and think you were taking sides. Unless that is your intention. Prince Harrick was grieviously wounded in the assault on Asim and has spent the last two decades in the Scholar's Tower recovering. Or being replaced, or being converted, depending on your flavor of the conspiracy theory. I have not ever been part of his security detail so I cannot say if he has changed or not. When his body was recovered from the crash of his ship during the assault it hurt His Majesty, long may he reign, and after a time he appointed the Princess as his heir. Now that Prince Harrick has returned, the palace is filled with intrigue.

"Science does not take sides. It should always remain impartial. But that said, the Prince himself may be of interest to science depending which, if any, of those conspiracy hypotheses come up true. It simply piques my curiosity more as to what studies are done here and as to how equip the tower is to handle it. I had not thought it advanced enough for those formerly mentioned hypotheses, but perhaps I will be surprised," said Athena with clear interest. How she already longed to be back in her lab.

"Two decades is certainly a long recovery time. If I had to guess, I'd think either massive cybernetics, or some sort of comatose state." Or perhaps something out of fiction, he thinks, like growing a new body from scratch for a brain transfer. "But I can see why the return of an heir after a long absence would cause upsets in the established heirarchy."

"Captain, Ell-Tee? Is this something you might want me to check out? I might be able to do a scan on the Prince on the Dee-Ell, but not likely. There could be something I might be able to do, if the recovery was not entirely successful. Drinax is supposed to have the Tech Level, but perhaps not the best practitioners." Mikhel will turn to the escorts if they were listening in. "No offence intended, Warrior Jarxal. I am not familiar with Drinaxian medical experience. I do know I've been part of many recovery team efforts for catastrophic injuries. Sadly, almost all of them have been due to belligerent action, but the results still took specific skills."

(Hawk Warrior Jarxal)"This is why I thought you might find it appropriate to spend time here alone. The assault on Asim was complicated and their ambassador to the Floating Palace might have a differing opinion on things. If I may be so bold to offer a suggestion, do not offer your own opinions on Palace intrigue until you have met more of the people involved. I will be taking you to one of those now for your tour of the Art Gallery. Ranchando does have the ear of many of the factions in the Floating Palace. His Majesty, long may he reign, has given him several favors, including the Bazaar we passed by.

"The Prince's injuries and recovery are interesting from an outsider's viewpoint, but it may be a sensitive subject for casual conversation. Your skills might be welcomed by the medical community here though, if you have additional experience in catastrophic injury recovery, Dromah. Coming here directly from the Imperium with its likely more active and possibly more advanced medical practices, you might have knowledge they currently lack. I'd imagine the medical journals needed to keep up with the leading edge of medical treatments take a while to get here."

To Warrior Jarxal: "Don't worry, we certainly won't ignorantly try to meddle with Palace intrigues. However, it's my experience that by us merely being here, Palace intrigues may try to make use of us. So that we do the least amount of damage possible, it's wise for us to get as thorough an understanding of the political landscape as we can. I'd hate to accidentally offend someone unknowingly. There are some duels it's better to avoid than fight."

"Warriors, you do not know who I am, or what agenda I might follow. This is understandable, I not having been here before. However, nothing I offer for medical treatment is ever politically motivated. I do not expect any favours or future considerations, if I manage to aid anyone on the Floating Palace, or anywhere I happen to travel. The Code of Ledriasda is my overarching moral guide. As I'm not a traditional Doctor, and am no longer a member of the Third Imperium military, I am not restricted by other oaths or codes. Politics, local or otherwise, would never interfer with who, or why, I provide medical assistance. I hope that assisting residents of the Floating Palace won't offend anyone, nor step on any toes of the Scholar's Tower medical staff."



adding break to make it easier to find which conversation you are replying to

Ranchando comes back around the corner as Captain Solis' group leaves the Bazaar.

(Ranchando)"Countess Abigail I am always happy to spend time with you. I do hope that we can come to a better agreement soon. Enjoy your day Clengah and Dilmah. The Countess retrieves her children from Silas and Harison. She smiles at the two of them. (Abigale)"I do hope the children were pleasant for you. Always curious about new things. Come along, we have to get you to your music lesson Dilmah.

The family moves down the Corridor heading the same way as the other group.

Ranchando nods to Harison and Silas, "Gentlemen, please some back to my office where we can have some privacy." He leads the two of them down an aisle, around a corner and through one of the few doorways you have seen in the Bazaar. He opens the door for you, then closes it behind. He opens a bottle of some darker sweet smelling liquor and pours three glasses. Handing them out he gestures to two chairs in front of a desk as he moves around behind.

(Ranchando)"Thank you for visiting. I am glad you came to speak with me. My previous guest was here because of you, well indirectly because of you perhaps. She wanted to know how many doses of a particular substance she could purchase from me. I am certain there will be more. You have been in system not even a full day yet. If I may be open and blunt with you. Who the hell are you? Why are you here?"

Harison sits back in the sea and swirls the drink in the glass and then takes a smell and smiles "This doesn’t smell half bad." He looks up at Ranchando. "Nice opener strong forceful letting us know we are in your territory now, gone is the nice polite captain we meet on his ship. Who we are is who we said we were I am sure if you looked us up even in this back water radiated hell hole of a planet you get some news from out side this sector and verified we are who we said. If not you may need better sources for your information I could probably help with that. As for your 2nd question why are we here I believe you invited us to visit you or was I miss taken?"

(Ranchando)Laughs happily, "Thank you Admiral. I do appreciate being able to speak man to man and be honest with each other. I am still the polite captain you met a few hours ago. It is only that I have done my research since meeting you two there. I know you are both highly decorated and well regarded members of the Imperial Naval and Scout forces. I know you are here with some... strangely influential companions that apparently have caught the eye of King Oleb. There are two meetings scheduled with His Majesty tomorrow and three more on New Years Day. Several of your companions are in those meetings, yet you two are not. he sips his drink appreciatively "That would be enough to be interested in this.... back water radiated hell hole of a planet..... to encourage me to speak with you.

he pauses just a moment to let Harison and Silas see he has taken the jab well, is not upset, but not giving in.

(Ranchando)"Let me tell you how I came to the Floating Palace five years ago. I knew I wanted to find out more about this place. So I brought along supplies that I researched and knew would be wanted. Not fancy jewelry, no high technology weapons. Fruit. I brought fruit. That gave me a chance to meet people, to engage, and have meaningful conversations. I was lucky enough to serve King Oleb in a time of need for repairs to one of his ships used to defend Asim. I grew my place here from that. taking a sip of his drink "Now you two come here with something that the Palace Nobles crave, and His Majesty will be pleased to have as a gift. If you want to give it or not. That is why I wanted to speak with you. Are you able to handle that? What is your plan? I want to be clear, I bear no ill will towards you, I applaud your instincts and personally I think you might be excellent company here at the Palace if you can pull this off. So I suppose my next question is how can I work with you to benefit both of us?"

Silas watched carefully and made murmurs of agreement to Harison's points. Puzzle pieces were tumbling into place in his mind, too few to complete his picture of Drinax, but very illuminating just the same. "As the Admiral says, we're currently speculating, and as any merchant worth their credits, we'll seek the maximum profit for our goods... We're birds of a feather, Ranchando. Peas in a pod." He savoured his beverage a moment seeking out Harison's unspoken agreement before he went on. "I agree, I would like to work on some mutually beneficial arrangement."

"I see now. You came here five years ago with fruit, and you sold your fruit for the heirloom and valuables of these people that must’ve made you a pretty penny now that’s how you make profit well done that is some nice work. Now I am impressed." Harison raises his glass to Ranchand to congratulate him on his success. "Now selling our good here or not is no problem we will find a buyer at the next plant we can sit on them till we find the right price we are in no hurry for a quick turn around. But there is no need to worry we did not come here looking to move in on what you have going on here. Unless that’s why the King has invited the other members of the crew here but that’s unlikely as your a part of his court and help him with his ship. So we are here for some thing else as I said before I don’t know why we are here but I am sure I’ll find out soon. Now I think you don’t know what the King is planing and that’s worrying for you as you can sense some thing is brewing change is on the horizon. So my question to you is how can we help you?"

(Ranchando)"How you can help me is to allow me to guide you in your negotiating the sale of your goods. I am not concerned about you visiting the Palace often, bringing in new trade goods is a sign of strength that His Majesty will appreciate. It just so happens that your particular cargo this time will stir interest and you will not be accustomed to solving the balances here. If I may indulge myself, can I trust that both of you will keep a secret?"

"You sure can I am nothing if not a man of my word."

"Scout's Honour." Silas said earnestly although with a twist of humour. "For is it not said that secrets are things we give to others to keep for us? We can keep a secret."

1104-364-18:00 - Tour of the Art Gallery