Main / 1104-341

Calendar

1104-340 -- 1104-341 -- 1104-342

Chapters

Timing of events
8:00 - Arrival at Highport
13:00 - Shuttle to Downport
15:00 - Start of Pirate Attack
16:00 - Shuttle Crash Aftermath
16:45 - The aftermath on the Highport
21:00 - Encounters with the natives

Continuing the Introduction to Stepping Stone II

1104-341-08:00

Marduk Highport to Yacht Reverie. Permission to land at Downport denied. I appologize Sir, no ships can land at this time, all landing spaces are taken up at this time. Please proceed to dock at the Main Arm dock 3. I have a note here that you are expected and that GeDeCo has prepaid for your docking and refueling fees. There is a transfer station to the Main Section and to the Commercial Arm if you need to take a shuttle to the surface. Welcome to Marduk.

Marduk Highport to... Pioneer. You have permission to dock at the Commercial Arm for refueling. A reminder that no weapons are permitted off your ship. If you need access to any other amenities they are available to you and are included in your docking fee. Your refueling charges have been pre-approved by GeDeCo. Welcome to Marduk.

Pioneer to Marduk Highport. Thank you, Highport. Proceeding to dock at Commercial Arm. Weapons restriction understood.

Pioneer to Yacht Reverie. Is this the Yacht Reverie under command of Sir Diplomat Artemis? Sir Lt Sultana asking.

(space for potential conversations by radio)

After docking the Pioneer at the Commercial Arm of Marduk Highport Sultana and Athena consult their library data for Marduk quickly before departing the ship.

The Commercial Arm caters to medium-sized merchant ships and liners. Its passenger terminals are well appointed and comfortable, creating a good impression among visitors. Most ships stop over for a day or two at least, granting passengers a chance to get outside the ship and enjoy entertainment not available aboard. The Commercial Arm has a modest array of shops, bars, restaurants and entertainment facilities, and for many visitors this is enough to occupy their stay. However, those intending to stay for more than a couple of days, or who desire greater variety of food and entertainment, usually take a shuttle to the downport. The shuttle service runs to and from the Commercial Arm, making transit quick and convenient. The Commercial Arm also has auction houses where cargoes are bought and sold, along with the offices of the port's few freight and cargo brokers. Relatively little cargo changes hands here however; most goods are shipped through to destinations outside the Oghma Cluster. Bulk freighters and similar very large ships are handled by the LVA or Large Vessel Arm. The LVA can dock only two ships at a time, but it is very rare that more than one will be present at any given time. Most bulk freighters simply refuel and move on, a process that takes a few hours plus however long the crew require for portside liberty. There is no money to be made hanging around backwater ports like Marduk, so most ships stay at most a day before moving on, and grant their crew an extended liberty at major ports where there is largescale trading or bulk unloading to be done. On rare occasions, large military ships (generally from the Imperium) come through and use the LVA facility if they choose to dock. Most do not, however, and instead make use of the LVA's extensive shuttle terminal, which is also used by freighters that prefer to take up orbit near the station and make whatever transfers are needed by shuttle.

Departing through the airlock they are met by a woman with a clipboard.

"Hello, I am Karine Lukowiak, I am here to get you situated for your shuttle to the surface. Sorry we are having a bit of a problem with some of the cargo. An ale being shipped to the surface still passing through customs. You are?"

Lt Sultana steps forward and smiles at Karine. "Hello, pleased to meet you. I am Lt Sultana, pilot of the Pioneer, and this is Captain Solis. Sorry to hear you're having problems. Have you any idea how long it will delay departure?"

(Note: This is where someone can jump into FG and make a skill check such as Persuade, Investigate, which ever anyone sees as appropriate and then respond to the conversation or ask questions based on your rolls)

(Karine) "I am glad to meet you. I am not sure when they will be ready with the cargo, we still have four hours before departure so I hope we will leave on time. I would like to get home. Did you have any cargo to offload? Any supplies to purchase? I have three other people on the list, are they with you?"

"Yes, of course. Here is my cargo manifest." He hands her the paperwork for his cargo (and a tip). (ooc- sorry, I don't remember exactly what it was) "No, it's just the two of us. No idea who the other three are."

(Karine) "Ahh, I don't need these, I don't work here. I am just helping out the crew of the Pandrisha get things underway so I can get home faster. I can take you through to the cargo handlers though who can unload for you. They can help with a broker too if you do not already have a buyer. After that I can take you over to the promenade if you want something to eat before we go to the downport. I guess we will meet the other three at the shuttle if they are not with you. What brings you to Marduk?"

"Of course, my apologies, Karine. By all means, any assistance is welcome." He turns to Solis, "Captain, would you like to proceed to the promenade or shuttle while I take care of these other matters, or tag along?"

"Perhaps it is prudent to tag along to ensure things are done properly, Lieutenant, although I will let you handle the... niceties."

"Perhaps I can be of help? I came on board the lab when you hired the staff at Fist. You were looking for someone to fetch you food and tea. But I was a Steward on a GeDeCo liner. I can handle niceties. That's always been my job. Maybe you could read me in on the way."

(Karine) "Right this way to the Broker area, nice to meet new people, I rarely get up here to Highport. Where are you from?"

"I'm Jerdehl Nishka. I came from Five Sisters subsector in the Marches. I got as far as Strend, beautiful place, and took a job with a GeDeCo liner. Most of what I did was waiting on passengers, but this was a luxury liner and there were a few bigwigs and their, er, 'wives' so I had to break out my most diplomatic smile for them. It was nice money. And then we parted ways at Fist. The Astrogator and I had a disagreement. He wanted me to say 'yes,' I said 'no,' and my knee seconded the vote. 'No' carried, but that's how I wound up on Fist."

"Ah, I forgot about you," said Athena, staring at Jerdehl for a moment. "Those cell lines needed tending. I assumed the rest of the crew showed you and the Lieutenant around." With a small nod to herself, she continued, "Yes, that'll work. That's why you were hired. I despise socializing, but it is a necessity sometimes."

Sultana strode along beside Karine. "Of course, good to have you along, Nishka. And if you have similar problems with any of our current crew, please come see me. I'll take care of them for you. There's no excuse for that kind of behaviour in civilians, but disrespecting your crew mates that way is even worse." He hands over his clipboard with the bills of lading for his cargo to Jerdehl. "When we reach the loaders, double-check my numbers for me, would you? Always best to have a second set of eyes."

"Of course, Sir Lieutenant."

Jerdehl, at a glance, commits the bills of lading to a memory palace.

The list appears to contain a list of a few dozen crates of varying size and tonnage, all belonging to "Whesthler Shipping", with contents claiming to be a wide variety of high-quality furniture. The total is listed at 30 tons, with an approximate value of 330,000. Sultana is listed merely as the shipping agent, transporting the goods to a local agent for resale.

Jerdehl consults the datanets for information on Whesthler Shipping to see if it's entirely legit - from experience, she knows that no broker is ever 100% on the level if they can get away with it - and to look for information on the local agent. Also checks up on Marduk, looking at the local law level, just in case they hate furniture and prefer to sit on the floor or something.

A quick consultation confirms that Whesthler Shipping is registered as a small time supplier for larger Corporations that deal with goods traveling along the Florian Trade Route. {I made a Broker roll for Jerhehl} Jerdehl speculates that this is a placement of goods for sale to repairs to ships. All the furniture types here seem to be for either ocean going vessels or for spaceships that want that aesthetic.

"Pardon the interrupt, Captain, Sir Lieutenant. Karine, your offer to get us to see the cargo handlers is a good idea, but we could do some negotiating with the broker first, and they can call ahead to their cargo handlers. Captain, Sir Lieutenant, this could save a lot of time, if you see my point."

"Besides, Karine, you said you rarely get up here. Do you live down there? I'd love to know more. What's it like on Marduk?"

Sultana nods at Jerdehl to carry on, and continues to walk alongside Karine. He listens to the conversation and observes the station and personnel they pass by.

(Karine) I grew up here, I have spent all my life on Marduk. I come up to High Port only rarely, to help coordinate things, physically check on the items up here. I grew up in Startown working with the fleets.

Bringing your group to the offices for the Commercial Arm you see signs posted for three broker companies. Pelagic Enterprises, Joint Shipping Corporation, and GeDeCo.

"GeDeCo. There we go. They're expecting us, Karine. They prepaid our portage costs. Captain; Sir; we're there. I've got your paperwork here."

Sultana turns and smiles at Karine. "Yes, you're absolutely right, Nishka. We're looking for Building #256, Karine. Is that this one here, or do they have multiple offices scattered about?"

(Karine) Building numbers like that would be at Downport so I suppose I can help you find that when the shuttle lands. I am going to go search for the rest of the people on my list of passengers. I will meet you at the shuttle port farther down there {points down the corridor to the smaller docks}

"An excursion to the wilds of Marduk, I suppose. Any objections to joining us, Nishka? I confess I don't know the purpose of this meeting that the Captain and I were invited to. You're welcome to tag along if you like. We'll just call you our Personal Assistant if they question your presence."

"My pleasure, Sir. I'll take the liberty of calling the Pioneer. They can send wet weather gear ahead of us to the shuttle. I hear that the Near Coast can be a bit windy and rainy this time of year."

{pauses} "Oh, I can also get them to send a sample of your furniture and put it onto the shuttle ahead of us. Let them see what we're hauling, Sir."

"I suppose that wouldn't hurt, although hopefully not necessary. I'm not sure about the furniture, since I don't actually own it. I'm merely the transporter this time. I didn't want to spend the time on Fist it would have required to negotiate my own cargo, even if it probably would have been more profitable. A single-use security code for the cargo doors on the 'Suraksha' is listed on page 3 of the papers there, by the way."

He turns to begin walking down the corridor toward the shuttle port, "You seem to be very efficient at this sort of work, Nishka. I find it hard to believe you learned all this working on a luxury liner." He looks back over his shoulder and winks at her. "Keep up the good work."

"Yes, sir. Thank you, sir."

Jerdehl puts in some more calls^^ over the comm - a call to the Pioneer to expect her imminent return, a courtesy call to the GeDeCo office to let them know the shuttle will be coming down soon, and a call to the public weather bureau for weather conditions over Marduk Down and the Near Coast.

Also, a quick scan to see what the latest fashions on Marduk look like, and it looks a lot like what Karine is wearing.

Jerdehl quickly sees that there is a very wide difference in what Karine was wearing and the typical spaceport employee. Karine looked to be in her early 20's dressed in sturdy clothing that could handle the weather and seas. Most of the people here in the starport are dressed in shirt sleeves, much more fashion conscious or in uniforms to indicate they are part of an official function. {portrait of Karine shared in FG}

Jerdehl comes back from the comm console and accompanies Sultana and Athena down the corridor to the GeDeCo office doors. Jerdehl knocks, then enters. An admin person looks up, their wolf like head sitting farther up over the counter height. Looking down their nose staring at the three. Silently taking the paperwork offered by Jerdehl, they look up and ask, "So which of you is responsible for this cargo?"

"Hi. That would be Sir Lieutenant Sultana. Allow me to make the introductions. You are?'

(Velleuo) Vellueo, Sir Lieutenant, Vellueo Goalnouk. Welcome to Marduk Highport. What were you looking to purchase today?"

" We don't yet know our next port of call, so I think it'd be best if we put the payment from the current shipment into a temporary account, to be put toward the purchase of the next cargo, whatever it might be. Helps avoid a few of the Imperial taxes if I never have direct access to the funds."

Jerdehl returns from inspecting the cargo they have loaded on the shuttle. She looks at Sir Sultana. "Sir, wasn't there someone you wanted to say a specific word to?" She leans forward and whispers "Such as the word 'Amber'?"

(Velleuo) Not a worry for that here Sir Lieutenant, I will transfer over the 330,000 CR to your ships's account. GeDeCo does not charge extra at our starports.

His ear flicks and then leans forward conspiratorially Amber you are looking for? I would suggest O'mally's for a good draft. They have good food too. I hear they are going to shut down the Astroburger for health violations this afternoon, so best to not be in that area. louder The shuttle dock is that way to the right and if you head over to the left you can find a nice place to eat and drink. Enjoy your stay at Marduk Highport

Sultana looks askance at Jerdehl when she whispers to him, then briefly over to Athena, then back to Jerdehl, speculating on what the Captain told her. Outwardly though, he nods. "Thanks, Nishka. A good idea." He turns back to Velleuo, "Much appreciated, friend Velleuo. We'll head over that way. If your shift ends and we're still there, I'll be happy to stand you a drink." Sultana turns and starts ushering his companions out the door. "Shall we? We've still got many kilometers to go and a lot of business to attend to."

Jerdehl smiles. A word in the right ear, as her Dad used to say. She looks at Captain Athena and Sir Sultana. "Tell you what - the first round's on me."

Your group of three arrives at O'mally's with about 3 hours to kill until the shuttle Pandrisha departs for Marduk Lowport. Inside is the typical spaceport bar. A short bar with 3 stools, the rest with tables and chairs, in sets of two or four. There are three booths along the far wall, each of them taken up by what looks to be old school tramp traders waiting on cargo to be loaded or unloaded. Your group takes a table for four near the bar. The bartender, a young woman with pink spiked hair and tattoo on the side of her neck looks your group over and calls out "What'cha 'aving?

"I promised that the first round's on me. You wouldn't happen to be serving a stout resembling an old Terran brew called Guinness, would you? I'll get the orders for the other two. The tall drink of water I came in with is a pilot, so I dunno, Gibson's Martini or Virgin Mary for him." Jerdehl winks at the bartender to indicate she isn't being serious. "I'll see what they want, but let me know if you have anything like Guinness."

" Boilermaker for me, Nishka." He waits for Jerdehl to return with all the drinks. "So, Nishka, how much has the Captain told you about this trip?"

"Only what I have picked up through powers ... of observation. Sir, can I tell you a little tale about my father? It might shed some light into things ..."

He gestures with his drink in her direction. "Of course, if you wish to."

"My Dad was Chief Gunnery Sergeant Maris Nishka. He served aboard a variety of ships in the Marches, and saw action in Lunion, Rhylanor, and Five Sisters Subsectors. His last deployment was at Emape, where he and my Mum settled down and I was born."

"I grew up a Marine brat, and Mum was what they call a Marine widow, waiting at home while Dad was away. But those times when he was home, we all loved him."

"What I'm trying to say is that I had a long, boring childhood, and there wasn't much to do except to crawl under fences, shimmy up trees, and stick my nose into anything and everything, including places where I wasn't supposed to go."

"The locals told Dad about this, and instead of beating me up like you'd expect, Dad taught me something fun, to take my mind out of breaking and entering, and looking through people's closets."

"He taught me to hunt, Sir."

*takes a swig of her Guinness* "We'd head on out into the wilderness, and stay there for days at a time, and we did some serious bonding."

"I learned to track animals by their traces, and we'd always be able to find water by following the tracks of hungry and thirsty animals to waterholes, and sometimes we'd beat the local pack predators to wounded prey." *pauses* "I didn't used to like guns. Made it too easy." *swigs more beer* "But I learned some good survival and tracking skills, and I learned about setting traps, and Dad was really proud of how I handled a knife. Sir."

"My brother Enos ... he became a vegetarian. He couldn't look at me, sometimes, but I loved him, and helped him when people tried to beat him up. I wish to Saint Astley that he were still with us. Got killed in a protest. Rubber bullet to the eye. I never found who fired that shot. But the thing that makes me sick to think of it is that Emape's only law enforcement force ... are Imperial Marines." *swigs* "Sir."

"So I grew up like that, always doing a Sherlock Holmes, looking over people's shoulders, listening in. It's always been useful. People sometimes forget things or lose things, and it's good to return those things to their owners." *smiles* "Half the work I did on the Abundant Light was singing and dancing, and the rest was chasing down missing jewellery and tracing them to the lairs of seedspitters lurking in the ducts."

"I was really good at doing that. I got it down to a routine. Dad would have been so proud." *finishes with a swig of her pint*

Sultana lifts his drink in salute to Jerdehl's father. "It kind of surprised me that the Captain would have told you. Not that this trip is anything special, I just didn't peg the Captain as the conversational type. No offense intended, ma'am, of course."

"That's one of the reasons I didn't marry before service. I didn't think it was fair to leave a family behind. It was the right decision to make, I think. The Fourth happened my first term, and it was touch and go quite a few times. I made it, obviously, but a lot of good people didn't."

"To those who gave their lives." *takes a swig* "Dad didn't make it. There was a boarding action. He got blindsided from a doorway by a random assailant who never showed their face. He'd been helping out a brother who'd been clipped in the knee and gone down. The creeps had been slavers, taking their cargo of good citizens to meet some unholy fate on Arden or Utoland, outside the Imperium. Cowards."

"And I lost my brother Enos, the night of the embassy bombing on Emape. He was at a protest march. Someone planted a bomb in the Darrian Embassy. A hundred people dead. The Marines who were Emape's only law and order panicked, shot wildly into the crowds. Enos took one in the eye."

"So I was alone. Mum was long gone, and I didn't like how Emape was going ugly, and I packed my bags and hopped on the first ship out, which happened to be a Scout ship captained by an old friend of Dad's. He had a Far Scout ship, four times bigger than a standard Type-S, with twice the Jump range. So this was a ship which could ply the X-Boat lanes and handle itself better than those big, useless onion-shaped ships.

"They took me to Strend, outside the Imperium, and there they had to leave me. I was there six months, and had my eyes glowed up like this" - *shows off her eyes, whose irises and sclera are solid black* - "and jumped on the Abundant Light, just launched, heading for Tobia Subsector."

Over in the corner of the bar a holovid plays a new popular song by the Aslan singer Uiraus Elrotre:

''I've been staring at the edge of the water
Long as I can remember, never really knowing why
I wish I could be the perfect daughter
But I come back to the water, no matter how hard I try
[Pre-Chorus]
Every turn I take, every trail I track
Every path I make, every road leads back
To the place I know, where I cannot go
Where I long to be
[Chorus]
See the line where the sky meets the sea? It calls me
And no one knows how far it goes
If the wind in my sail on the sea stays behind me
One day I'll know
If I go there's just no telling how far I'll go
[Post-Chorus]
Go-oh-oh-oh-oh-oh-oh-oh
Go-oh-oh-oh-oh-oh-oh-oh
Go-oh-oh-oh-oh-oh-oh-oh
Go-oh-oh-oh-oh-oh-oh-oh
[Verse 2]
I know everybody on this island seems so happy
On this island, everything is by design
I know everybody on this island has a role on this island
So maybe I can roll with mine
[Pre-Chorus]
I can lead with pride, I can make us strong
I'll be satisfied if I play along
But the voice inside sings a different song
What is wrong with me?
[Chorus]
See the light as it shines on the sea? It's blinding
But no one knows, how deep it goes
And it seems like it's calling out to me, so come find me
And let me know
What's beyond that line, will I cross that line?
See the line where the sky meets the sea? It calls me
And no one knows, how far it goes
If the wind in my sail on the sea stays behind me
One day I'll know, how far I'll go

The bartender brings over another round, Here you go. Where you folks shipping out to?"

Jerdehl looks at the bartender. "I'm with Sir Sultana, and he's taking the lead on this." She looks at Sir Sultana.

Sultana takes his drink in hand and takes a sip of it, nodding in approval and setting it down on the table in front of him. "We've got business Downside first. We haven't picked our next stop after that yet. Need to see which way the winds are blowing."

Jerdehl takes a sip of her beer, and thinks "That works for me." She looks at Sir Sultana. "I was only fourteen when The Battle of Two Suns took place. That was far, far to Coreward." She sipped her beer again. "Dad came back from that in time for my sixteenth. He had some harrowing stories. He served on a ship called Destiny, part of the 116th Marine." She offers her dimpled pint pot in toast. "To those who served."

Sultana toasts with his drink as well. "I was at Two Suns, in the 154th, aboard the Stormrider." After a drink he checks the time. "It's time to head to the departure lounge for Downport."

Jerdehl gets up, popping a pill into her mouth. "The latest thing from Strend," she says. "All the fun, but none of the impairment or hangover. I bought a pile of them. So, let's kick the tires and light some fires. Sir."

Shuttle to Downport

Marduk Downport and the Near Coast

Marduk Downport was custom-built on an artificial island raised from the coastal seabed for the purpose of housing it. The island is significantly larger than required for a starport, and also houses a small town of a few thousand people plus a small (maritime) port. The downport is still fairly busy, with shuttles going to and from the orbital port every hour and transport barges carrying freight and supplies both ways. Most of this freight is food being sent from the surface to the highport, or imported items such as spares for the port’s machinery being brought down from orbit. Security, in terms of customs inspections and related legislation, is fairly light at the downport since almost all traffic comes in through the orbital facility or else has been cleared as a trusted vessel by GeDeCo. There is no real dividing line between the downport’s reception terminal and Marduk Startown, as the settlement is called.

Heading Groundside

The highport-to-downport shuttle service is safe, cheap and efficient (Cr50 each way), though the craft are not high-performance models. Transit to the surface can take two to three hours, with coming back up taking about 50% longer. The variance stems mainly from the fact that the highport is not in a geosynchronous orbit; it would not be possible to go ‘straight up’ or ‘straight down’ even if it were; shuttles loop around the planet in a series of descending orbits that pass over most of the world’s uninhabited continents and seas. The shuttle has a small cargo bay, passenger area and crew section separated by internal bulkheads. Normally only the passenger area is accessible to non-crew, and operations are sufficiently routine that no stewards are carried. Nor do the crew interact with the passengers except to pass on announcements when necessary. The whole setup is as mundane as a bus service, and usually about as exciting.

The shuttle Pandrisha is by no means new, but seems well-maintained. The passenger area has airline-style seating for about two thirds of its length, with a small common area with a drinks-and-snacks machine. Apart from the toilet facilities there is nowhere to go from here – the hatches to the cargo area and the bridge are routinely kept locked in flight.

There are other passengers, as well as the Travellers. Two are humans (a middle-aged man and a young woman) and one is a Vargr. The Vargr population of the Trojan Reach is small compared to the number of humans, but there are still significant numbers living in mixed populations or Vargr-only enclaves on various worlds.

Marduk Highport: Attention passengers with ticketed travel to Downport, the second to last shuttle of the day, the Pandrisha, is now boarding.

1104-341-13:00

Shuttle Pandrisha - Passenger List

Sultana relaxes in his seat, his attention alternating between browsing the local Marduk news feed and glancing out the viewport at the planet below. He's seen many planetside views like this one, but he still enjoys picking out the unique visual details each planet has to offer. His pilot reflexes are also active, feeling the shuttle's motion as it maneuvers through the atmosphere. He's not really an atmospheric pilot, most often his environment is the depths of open space, but even so his training and experience has involved enough atmospheric flight to be familiar with the motions.

Jerdehl closes her eyes and attempts a little meditation, to shut out the babble of the passengers. She feels a little disappointed that Karine simply wants to keep herself to herself, and Jerdehl just contents herself with sitting next to the Marduk native, strapped in, minding her own business.

"All the Vargr," she murmurs. "Wonder if there are any Vargr worlds in this sector? I'd love it if there were."

A quick on her computer tells Jerdehl: The Vargr population of the Trojan Reach is small compared to the number of humans, but there are still significant numbers living in mixed populations or Vargr-only enclaves on various worlds.

You see that Evan is a mature adult; {humans unfamiliar with Vargr are unlikely to be able to discern his age more closely.} He wears a very sober dark grey suit with a particularly garish tie, and carries a hard-copy document wallet as well as a more standard electronic reader. Evan is obviously well-off, probably an office worker of some kind. He does not say much but is civil to everyone and generally well-mannered about things like who goes through a door first or gets the best pastries from the snacks machine.

Phynan is a slightly overweight man of middle age, conservatively dressed in brown slacks and a light blue shirt that does not quite go with the trousers. He talks a lot more than Evan - chatters is a better word - and seems nervous about the shuttle. From his accent, Phynan seems like a bit of a yokel, though he is clearly not from Marduk. He glares at the shuttle bulkheads and tuts every time there is a bump or the slightest change in the drive note, suggesting that he is one of those people who just does not like flying.

Jerdehl looks at the chubby chatterbox. Something is amiss. A bit inconsistent.She gets up and goes over to the dispenser for some sort of snack, and buys two of the weird little pasty things, ostensibly one for her and one for Karine. On the way back, she stumbles in the aisle and drops one of the pasties onto Phynan's lap, looking for his reaction, which is totally not what she expected.

She watches as the man totally fumbles his way through some sort of an apology, and hands her the little pasty thing, still in its wrapping. She catches him saying "That fell on my lap. It might not be edible, er, Miss ..."

An honest man would have said "I'm sorry," or "I can get another one for you," with the first person pronoun. Self-referential speech is a hallmark of honesty, and someone who never makes personal references is handing out a huge red flag.

"That's not a problem. I'll get one myself. Tell me: what brings you to Marduk? Karine here's just going home. I'm here to help my boss to conduct a little trade. I don't know what the young Vargr wants, but he looks kind of swish in that really expensive suit. Really hot, actually. So ... personal visit, sightseeing, or business?" (Investigate Effect 7, followed by Carouse Effect 3)

Sultana isn't completely tuned out, he notes Jerdehl's actions, but is mostly focused on composing an entry on his datapad.

(Phynan) Looks up a bit nervously. "Hello there young lady. Very forward of you to question a strangers reasons for traveling. Tell me, why are you here on Marduk?"

Jerdehl smiles. "That'll be business, then. You don't look like an ornithologist or sightseer, you don't sound like someone who's got family on the surface, and you're definitely not dressed like a corporate sarariman, so I'm guessing something low level." She pats Phynan on the shoulder to see if he's got a holster strap. "And I'm here for business, too, so enjoy the trip." And with that, she returns to her seat.

She looks around. Karine is preoccupied. Captain Athena and Sir Sultana are engaged in their work reports, as are the Vargr and the chubby chatterbox, now not so chatty.

For a moment, Jerdehl lets down her guard. Her head sinks down, pressing against the back of the acceleration couch in front of her. (thinks) "I have been running for so long ..."

(Phynan) Looks out the porthole, reaches out to touch the glass. Then he stands up and moves forward to the vending machines again, looks at the options. Taps the pad randomly without paying. Turns and walks past everyone to the rear lavatory facilities. Closes the door quickly.

(murmurs) "I've been at this game way too long, Karine. I was an entertainer on board a cruise liner for twelve years, and I can always spot the fourflushers and mountebanks boarding. They'd have me wait in the departure lounge and mix with the other passengers. I used to do the "lost tourist dropping her luggage" thing and it always flushed them out. They could never resist what they thought was an easy mark.

""Dad taught me to look for the signs, and all that Chatty Man has done is complain about the bumpy flight - not a blink when I tried the "come on from a pretty girl" thing. Over there, my two bosses are pretty straight up, and so's the nice royal flush in the shiny suit. I know they're not interested. But Chatty Man didn't so much as blush. So I think he's not here to go birdwatching."

Sultana closes down his datapad. The entry he just made isn't great, but it records the inspiration fairly well so that he can revisit it later and perhaps turn it into something. He watches the chatty man and Jerdehl out of his peripheral vision - he's not yet paranoid enough to think everything is an attack, but he's still carrying the scar from an assassin, and he's where he is right now from trying to avoid a repeat of that attempt. You never know when someone might have gotten there ahead of you. This whole meeting could be a trap, but it doesn't feel like the right style for the enemies he left behind.

Looking back at the facilities (Karine to Jerdehl) "Some people get nervous before a meeting, I always feel better when I am home. It is just that I am one of the few who does not mind going to Highport for errands. I am happy to get back home. Maybe he is not happy to be going down?"

"If he is, I just probably gave him something to take his mind off of worrying." Jerdehl winks. "I don't have a home any more, so I try and make wherever I am my home. For a time, it was a long-haul Far Scout pulling Jump-4, until they left me at Strend. And for the next six months, I lived out of these beautiful hotels, some of them halfway out of the atmosphere. Then for the next twelve years, I was on the Abundant Light. Each one a different home, but home for me nonetheless." She looks at Karine. "You have family here?"

On the video screens an advertisement for a new documentary to be filmed on Marduk by the popular anthropologist Maris Enar. "Another Furtherance documentary focused on the mysterious Gods of Marduk. Watch your feeds for a special offer for exclusive content"

"(Karine)Home is Starport town on the coast of downport."

(softens voice)"Coastal town? So, you've got a maritime background?"

"(Karine)"All of my family is in the fishing industry."

"That is awesome, Karine." Jerdehl smiles. "It must be rough, working the sea."

"I'd ask you to tell me what the seas are like on your world, but that sounds like a cheesy pickup line from one of those awful science fiction holovids."

Sultana leans over slightly in there direction, "Pardon me for interrupting, but your family go out to sea in these storms? Flying through them is fairly rough, but actually being on the sea must be incredibly dangerous."

"(Karine)"A brother who is an engineer aboard a trawler, and I am an apprentice as a communications operator at the maritime port's shipping control office. I brought up some water samples to ship off to who knows where. This weather is normal."

(thinks)"Selling water to spacers. I'm in the wrong business."

A little over two hours out from Marduk Highport, things start to go very badly wrong.

Back on Marduk Highport, shortly after shuttle Pandrisha departs...

Mikhel goes seeking any medical facilities on the port, to see what is available, and what staff may be around to help if things go sideways with the ship's crew. Just looking to do a courtesy call, get the low-down on who's around, and find a source of good supplies at reasonable prices (hoping he won't have to use this info). It might lead to a recommendation for a good recreational establishment, when Mikhel is off duty. He does get a lead on some "Non-lethal ammunition" and supplier of quality armaments. One thing that Mikhel wasn't able to get in the hectic period shortly after his release from the Marines and scrambling to arrange transport to parts Outrim, was a good hand gun. Stunners are good for close-in unarmored and lightly clothed opponents, but Tranq rounds do let one reach out and put down raging rhinos before they get into tramping range. They probably won't have Tranq grenades or aerosols, though.

1104-341-15:00

Shuttle Pandrisha - "Starport under attack... many ships, maybe from Oghma. Strap in, we'll get you down safe...."

Sultana peeks out the window in the likely vain effort to see enemy ships. Ship sensors would have a much longer range than the Mk I Eyeball. He rummages his memory to determine if this shuttle is armed, what it's carrying, and where the turret entrance is.

"Everyone standing, sit down and strap yourselves in! Phynan! Evan! Karine! Strap in!" Jerdehl looks at Athena and Sir Sultana. "Will you both be okay, Sir, Captain?" She looks at Karine. "Who the hell are these Omegas?"

Sultana nods in response. "Of course. Oghmans, a neighboring system. They're the usual source of a lot of system raids. The starport has adequate defenses against them, so our ships should be safe. But they don't protect most of the planet. I believe Low Starport is within their usual purview, so hopefully it won't affect us much." He stows away his datapad that he was reading the local news feed on earlier into his jacket pocket.

After a few moments, the shuttle levels out then makes a sharp turn and begins to dive - but in a more controlled manner. The internal speakers come alive with a breathless and garbled announcement from the bridge:

Shuttle Pandrisha - ""Strap in NOW! Missile alert!!"

The shuttle begins to evade violently.

The pilots are second-rate freight haulers, flying an old low-performance shuttle that was never designed to survive in combat. Travellers with the Pilot skill or naval experience will be grudgingly impressed at the performance the pilots put on, completely evading a missile launched by a vessel coming down from high orbit. A second does not even come close.......

Jerdehl, out of curiosity, checks her comm to hear what chatter, if any, she can pick up.

After the worst of the evasion maneuvers, and the pilots are hopefully not as vulnerable to distraction at the wrong moment, Sultana unstraps himself and nimbly darts up the aisle. He pounds on the door to the pilot's cabin and shouts through it, "Lt Sultana, Imperial Navy, with combat piloting and gunnery experience. I'm at your service and awaiting orders, Captain!"

.....A second does not even come close, and they almost manage to dodge the third. But only almost.

The missile is a standard ship-to-ship type, with a multifunction warhead that can either penetrate ship armour and detonate inside or, if a direct hit is not possible (as in this case) create a directed explosion that will hurl fragments of its casing at the target. Most of the fragments go right by such a small target, but the shuttle's lifters and drive are fatally crippled by the impact. The bridge goes ominously silent but the shuttle is clearly under control as it levels out and streaks towards the coast.

{Sultana should roll a dex check to grab onto something and leverage himself into a seat}

Sultana rolls an 8, a marginal success

Sultana grabs onto a seat and slides in throwing the safety belt over quickly.

Anyone with a working personal comm can use it for the first few minutes of the crisis, and will be able to pick up some signals that suggest an attack is underway. The channels are swamped and nobody has time to make a detailed explanation. Indeed, it is not clear if a distress signal has been received from the shuttle.

Jerdehl felt that lurch as the missile killed the shuttle. "Sir, I think we're now a flying housebrick. Did you feel that? The ship's stopped vibrating. Everything aft of here just died. Don't think your piloting skills could save this tub now. Everybody, place your head forward as close to the seat in front of you as you can. Put your flight pillow between your head and the seat. Feet flat on the floor. Bend forward. Everyone - BRACE, BRACE!"

The shuttle is over the ocean, losing height fast. Ahead is a large land mass, offering the chance for an emergency landing. The shuttle is in daylight at present, but as the coast comes closer it is obvious that it is rushing towards an area that will soon be in darkness.

After the missile hit, the shuttle's own communications equipment goes down and since personal comms tend to be short-range units that piggy-back on repeaters like the shuttle's systems, the Travellers are out of contact.

The shuttle's flight is extremely erratic as it crosses the coast, and by the time it is a few minutes inland it is barely under control. Nevertheless, the pilots do their best to make a controlled crash landing, sending the shuttle skidding along in a deep furrow. It fetches up against some rocky obstruction with a horrible crash; experienced Travellers may be able to figure out that the forward bridge bulkhead has collapsed. The shuttle has come to rest at a strange angle and power is failing. Already the main lights are off, though the emergency system is still working. Finally, the doors are blown off by the emergency system, just as the power dies completely. The Travellers have crashed on Marduk but they are alive and intact... for now....

After the shuttle crash

It is obvious that it will be getting dark soon. The air outside is damp and cold, but entirely breathable. The Travellers know they are far from the starport and that their last transmissions may not have been received. There was a battle going on and they do not know who won, but they do know for certain that someone shot their shuttle down.

Jerdehl opens her eyes after a weird dream, and listens to the silence. She takes a moment to gather her senses, then looks around. "Everyone still here? Call out." She unbuckles her belt, and checks Karine for life signs.

Sultana woozily unstraps himself from where he had hastily secured himself before the crash. It'd been a rush job, so he was quite shaken up by the landing. He stands up unsteadily, leaning on a seat back for balance. "See ... *cough* See to the Captain and the other passengers, Nishka. I'll check on the pilots." He walks forward up the tilted walkway to the front of the shuttle to see what's left of it and the people in it.

Jerdehl sees to the other passengers, helping the Captain, Karine, Phynan, and Evan to their feet and out the open passenger door. She remains inside for the moment to check on Sir Sultana.

"I think we need to check for survival kits. Something we can salvage. Sir, see if we can gain access to the cargo bay."

Checking over the shuttle, the finds that the passenger and cargo sections are damaged but structurally intact, but without power. The drive section was holed by fragments and is heavily damaged, but would yield considerable salvage if someone had the time (and skill) to dismantle the engines. The bridge section is very badly damaged. Both pilots are dead, presumably killed by the final impact, and few systems survive intact. There are plenty of components to salvage but little of immediate use even if the shuttle had power.

The three passengers are disheveled but in one piece.

(Karine) "Did anyone see where we landed? There are lots of islands off the coast"

(Evan) Low growl as he scratches at his left arm where there is a small gash "Good piloting at least, did they make it out already?"

(Phynan) "Of COURSE the Oghmans show up when we are in an unarmed shuttle." Glances up into the sky and points to the sparkles of ships firing "I hope they don't follow us down"

A quick search of the bridge section, which is an unpleasant business, will yield a few small items that can be quickly grabbed, such as the bridge snacks dispenser and a couple of bottles of water the pilots brought aboard (this was not a long flight) plus the bridge medical and survival kits. The pilots' personal communicators still work, but have no greater range than those the group has. There is also a shotgun on a bracket over the door. It is loaded and there are six additional shells on a holder attached to the sling.

"Sir, better grab that shotgun and the shells." Jerdehl grabs the water, communicators, and med and survival kits, handing them out to the Captain before taking the snack dispenser. Jerdehl now makes her way back through the passenger cabin to the cargo area, retrieving the packages she'd placed there - the wet weather gear, her sticks, her knives, and the package marked "DAMAGED IN TRANSIT" which contained weapons and ammo.

On her way out, she checks out the shuttle for further survival kits.

The bridge medical kit is a very small first-aid pack of a sort all craft are required to carry. The survival kit is meant for the use of the crew - there is a kit for the passengers elsewhere in the craft. It contains two personal survival kits, an inflatable life raft and an all frequencies emergency beacon that will run on its own battery for twelve hours.

The shuttle's survival kit is large and bulky. It is deployed by dragging it out of its holder above the main boarding hatch and configured to be dragged on its cords away from a distressed vessel. The kit is quite ingenious, consisting of several 'personal' kits which can be taken out and used as well as the shared components. The container is a tough bag which can be used as a life raft by inflating its frame or converted into a shelter by a process explained on a series of cartoon like cards in the kit. This is notoriously difficult to do, however, to the point that experienced starfarers have several jokes at the expense of these kits.

{Personal survival kits added to each character sheet in FG. Parcel with large survival kit added to the party sheet in FG}

"Let's see who's here. Evan ... no, the shuttle crew didn't make it. I am sorry. I hope none of you knew them. I'll get their names, and we're going to get to Downport somehow so we can remember them."

"Karine, I don't know where the sea is in relation to where we are just now. I think we've got some sort of maps in our comms. I'll check them out in a bit. I've also got the shuttle crew's communicators."

"Phynan, anyone, do we have a reason to worry about the raiders following us?"

Sultana checks the pilots one last time to make absolutely sure there's no chance of survival. He grabs any ID he can find and pockets it for later inside his jacket. He pulls down the shotgun and shells, makes sure the gun is loaded, and stores the extras in an outer pocket of his jacket.

He comes back from the cockpit, the shotgun held under one arm, barrel pointed safely at the floor. "Nishka, you said you often went hunting with your father, right? That means you probably have the most experience in wilderness survival. Take a look outside and determine our best course of action to take. The land looked pretty flat here as we came in. We probably don't want to wander too far from the shuttle because that's where rescuers will come to, but we don't want to stay here either, because this is also where the raiders will come. And we don't want to be here if they do."

He turns to the other people in the shuttle. "Alright gentlefolk, my name is Sir Lieutenant Sultana, and I'll take temporary command of the situation until it's resolved and we're back in civilization. Nishka here is our expert on survival, and will make sure we don't do anything stupid. Do what she tells you, or what I tell you, and we'll get out of here as soon as possible. Gather up any of your gear you want to salvage and are willing to carry. Everything else will be left with the shuttle and can hopefully be recovered later. If any of you have any skills that you think will be useful, tell me now. If any of you have any ideas you think will be helpful, tell me now. If any of you have any complaints you'd like to lodge, shut up now."

"Any questions?"

"Anyone else got experience in reconnaissance, survival, tracking, or navigating by the local stars? I don't know how to navigate by local constellations, so we need you to help us know our North and South."

"Karine, what did Phynan mean about the raiders coming down here?" (checks her comm's database for information on the raiders) "If they routinely follow up after crashed ships, I think we'd better get out of here."

(checks the shuttle pilot's and co-pilot's comms for star maps) "I really hope one of these belonged to an outdoorsperson, or that they kept the local sky charts in here just in case they needed to navigate without Space Traffic Control sending them a guidance beam to home in on."

(looks up) "Can we check to see if there's any flashes of light on the horizon? If the Downport artillery is firing, we can triangulate its direction. That'll give us a direction to aim towards. That'll possibly be the coast. We'll be able to set a fire and maybe catch the attention of a fishing vessel."

(Karine)"I know that we should stay with the shuttle. If anyone is going to rescue us they will come here first."

(Phynan)" What do you mean stay here? The Oghmans will be looking for anything they can scavenge, if they saw us go down someone will be here to harvest any materials... or people... they can. We should leave now!"

Evan blinks slowly watching Sultana, "So what do we do with the pilots? If they are dead we should bury them. Give them some respect. If we are going to wait it will give... people something to do. "

Sultana points to Karine and Phynan, "I'll repeat myself once only. We're moving away from the shuttle in case raiders follow us. We're staying close enough to the shuttle so we can make ourselves known if rescuers come. You have 2 minutes to gather what you want to carry." He turns to the Vargr, "I appreciate your compassion, but the requirements of the living come first. If it turns out we're here for awhile then we can come back and take care of them."

"Nishka, do you have a direction for us to go? Any direction is better than no direction in this situation. Some cover to hide in would be ideal."

"The direction the shuttle was headed. Looks like there are some trees just that way, some sort of gorse-like shrubbery. The vegetation should conceal our movements."

"Distance is our best bet." (points) "Let's go that way. We're already lost. We can't get any more lost, and if we're lucky, we might just reach the shore in this direction. Phynan mentioned that these Omahas take people, and I don't want to be nobody's damn slave. Sir."

(looks at the survivors) "You're going to hate this part, folks. This is lesson 1 of Basic SERE Training, one oh one." (glances at Sir Sultana) "Remember SERE from your days in boot, sir?"

"The basics, yes, but it's been a damn long time since I was in boot, and I was a pilot, not a groundpounder. You're the expert here. Tell us how to stay alive." He starts picking up some of the gear Nishka has scavenged from around the shuttle, spreading the load as best he can.

1104-341-16:00

"First priority must be to get moving. Sir Sultana, please take point. Athena goes behind you. Phynan, Karine, Evan, then me. Let's go." (gets the team in line) "From this point forward, people, we are a team. We work as a team. We put the team ahead of ourselves. Shine the light ahead of your feet so you don't trip over roots, stones, or snap twigs. I don't know if this place had gophers, but I don't want any of you finding a gopher hole with your foot and getting six weeks of broken ankle."

"To Phynan, Karine, and Evan, and Doctor Solis, SERE Training has four basic principles. Survival. Evasion. Resistance. Escape. Formal training in a military or paramilitary comprises a series of phases, seven in all. Some classes in theory, a bit of roleplaying, and then you are taken out into the wild with some screaming primate bellowing at you to pick those damn feet up as you take a little trek of a hundred klicks through some of the worst wilderness the universe has put together, carrying a pack weighing as much as your whole damn family and no cocoa and marshmallows at the end of the trip. This is the sort of experience that gets a one star review on the datanets, people, and at the end of this you're going to be lapping it up and laughing."

(Phynan) LOOK!

Following Phynan's skyward-pointing hand, you see a vessel overhead. It is quite high up, and will take some time to descend, but if it is a raider then the survivors need to be well away from the wreck when it lands.

Jerdehl looks up at the descending ship and speculates. That looks like a 400-ton Type R Subsidised Merchant. "Sir, I do not remember any vessel of that class in port when we arrived, do you?"

As the group gets farther away from the wreckage, checking your welcome pack {A welcome pack is typically automatically downloaded to your local comm when you arrive in a system and automatically deletes unless overridden. Marduk's welcome pack contains background information on the world (not very comprehensive), maps (positively sketchy apart from the Near Coast region) and a great deal of information about the bars, shops and businesses of the starport.}

Armed with this basic knowledge and whatever they salvaged from the wreck, the group starts to head overland into the gathering dusk. A couple of light rain showers pass over, suggesting that there might be heavier rain during the night. The terrain is complete wilderness, with large areas of spiny bushes reminiscent of brambles.

These are extremely resistant to being hacked through and have sufficiently nasty thorns to make macho stomping a bad option. Fortunately, there are plenty of gaps to move through, and the bushes are only high enough to block sight in a few areas. They would effectively hide anyone who crouched as they moved, however.

"Okay, this stuff is tough, but so was the gorseland on Emape when Dad took me hunting. Let's look sharp, everybody, and get under that overhang and out of sight." She looks at the team. "Get some food down you. We're stopping here for a moment but we'll be pressing on shortly."

She pulls out the heavy pack she's been carrying from the cargo bay and opens it. "Time for a little surprise, Sir."

Sultana pulls out his comm and checks his ship logs from when he entered the system, to see if that ship was on it.

It was not on the logs

Jerdehl hands out the weapons and ammo to Sir Sultana and Captain Solis. "I've been carrying these long enough. If those raiders come after us, we'll give them something to worry about, Sir." She waits till the raider ship completes its descent towards the crash site, and looks at Sir Sultana and Captain Solis, then the rest of the team. "They're down, which means they'll be opening up the ship to salvage what they can. Let's go, while they're preoccupied with scavenging."

"Type-R, crew of 5. I don't think they'll waste time looking for us if they're just raiders." He takes the sword and pistol from Nishka and, recognizing them as his own, pauses for a second. He gives her a look that clearly says, "We'll talk later," and starts strapping them on.

"Nishka, you lead the way through the brush, I'll cover the rear. All of you, if you hear me start shooting, run."

At first the group moves quickly to get away from the descending ship.

After slogging through this terrain for an hour or so, the group encounters a change in the landscape.

1104-341-17:00

Jerdehl takes point, while preparing a little Talent of hers, just in case it's needed.

There are strange mounds and oddly regular areas where the undergrowth is small and patchy - as if the soil underneath was very thin. It becomes apparent after a while that this area used to be a city. Very little remains of it now, other than a layer of tumbled masonry and roadbeds on top of which thin soil has been deposited.

It is possible to see where highways and lesser roads once stood, and here and there a small section of wall has survived. Most are covered with creepers which are now home to innumerable small birds.

(Karine) "This isn't like anything near home"

(thinks) "These birds sing at night. Cool. Not seen nocturnal birds before. If someone comes up behind us, hopefully we'll be alerted by their startle reaction. Like now, as we're passing." (whispers) "There used to be a city here, Sir. Is this what the Oghman raiders did? Depleted the population? Or was it something else?" (whispers) "Stay sharp, people. If you hear a sound, I don't care what it is - stone, twig, someone farting - I want to know."

"Could be, Nishka, I don't know. See if you can find us one still intact enough to provide shelter. We can shelter in place, stay close enough to the wreck to watch for rescue, and stay out of sight all at once."

"Good idea, Sir. Searching ..."

1104-341-18:30

As dusk settles, many of these birds are flying home to roost. The landscape feels eerie; deserted yet alive, with oddly familiar shapes softened by vegetation. The wings of many small birds create sudden sounds and movements, making it seem that there is something lurking at the corner of the Travellers' eyes. Everyone is tired and at first jumpy, but soon it becomes too much effort to turn at every sound. It's just the birds again. Isn't it?

Jerdehl has found what could be a defensible shelter. (Recon check 11 before adding Recon skill and INT DM) She helps Sir Sultana to get everyone in out of the rain.

Sultana sits with his back to a wall and the shotgun on the ground within reach, with the rest of the group huddled together under cover inside a ruin behind him. He's keeping an eye back the direction they came from. So long as that Type-R shuttle doesn't take off, they're still in danger. To kill the time he sketches a rough diagram of the city layout from what he can see from where he's sitting.

Jerdehl looks up from checking that everybody is okay, then takes a little time to look around, checking to see if there are any hidden passages that someone could sneak through. If this place was once lived in, what happened?

Something is stalking the party. It is a local predator....

(Karine)"I wish we knew more about this place. Nothing like this anywhere near home. It is nice quiet peaceful by startown. I have not seen any wild animals outside of the oceans that are large enough to cause any real problems."

(Phynan) That ship is settling in, we need to get away from here!

(Evan)sniffs and cocks an ear "There is something out there, smells canine, not human..."

Jerdehl and Sultana can tell you are being hunted. Jerdehl thinks about the idea it is getting dark, and starting to rain more heavily. Obviously, a defensible and sheltered location is desirable. Moving at night would be a very bad idea in this terrain.

Sultana can see that up ahead, a more intact section of the city offers the chance of shelter. Soil deposition and heavy vegetation has turned the remaining buildings into a sort of half sunken cave system. Only a few buildings have more than the ground floor intact, but there are enough of these to create a three-dimensional maze. There should be defensible shelter if you can get there before it is too dark to see.

"Look sharp, everybody. Evan, if you hear something like footfall, give us warning. Thank you for having sharper senses than us humans. Karine ... so this is new to you too? Phynan, I'm on it. Follow Sir Sultana, everyone!"

Sultana hands the shotgun over to Jerdehl and draws his saber in his primary hand and the pistol in the other. "Carry this, don't use it unless *absolutely* necessary. Using it could alert the pirates to our location. Keep an eye out for ambushes from the side." He places himself at the lead of the group and heads towards the more defensible location he spotted earlier. His saber points at each shadowy nook or alley as they come to it, in case of an attack from the shadows. The pistol is held out the side, pointed at the ground, finger not on, but near, the trigger. "Evan, let me know if you sense anything. Everyone, follow me, watch each other, watch your step. And no screaming, please."

Jerdehl takes the gun from Sir Sultana. "It'll probably be a really bad day if I need this," she says, bringing out one of her kali sticks. "Sir."

Jerdehl is sensing multiple presences out there. Canids, as Evan said, and moving close, low to the ground. Coming in for an attack. She sighs. "Come on, then, you," she murmurs. "Come to Mama. I've got a surprise for you that nobody's expecting."

Jerdehl gathers her energies to unleash on the approaching pack. As soon as the outermost member comes into Long range, she will unleash her little surprise.

As Jerdehl concentrates on the canids and sensing the boldest one approaching she starts to .... but then pauses as suddenly it changes direction and fades backward. Jerdehl opens up more and senses more sophonts approaching from down one of the artificial canyons created by the half buried walls.

1104-341-19:45

(Evan) "Hey! lights!"

Jerdehl and Sultana spin in the direction of Evan and spot faint lights, torches maybe? coming up one of the canyons.

"Humans. Unexpected. Not raiders. If they were, they'd be trying a tactical approach." She glances at Sir Sultana. "I think they're locals." She looks at Karine. "I thought the continent was uninhabited."

(Karine)"It is supposed to be, but there are islands with isolated groups of people where there should not be any. The trawlers spot them sometimes. They always flee outsiders.

Jerdehl gestures for everyone to clear a path from the doorway. "Let them come in, and flank them, keep aiming at the door. We know there's something coming in after them. We just need to make them feel welcome, and protected. This could be their place. We're intruders in their home." She steps to one side, handing Karine the shotgun and drawing both her kali sticks.

Sultana moves over to Karine and puts out his left hand (still holding the pistol, but finger not on the trigger and barrel not pointing at anyone) onto the barrel of the shotgun, making sure it's pointed at the ground still. "Do you know how to use one of these? If not, just keep it pointing straight down." He smiles at her. "It's alright, really. I'd just rather not catch a round in the back by accident, is all. The trigger is usually pretty stiff and requires a good pull, and you'll want to have it braced against your hip or shoulder, or the recoil will knock your shot straight up into the air. Don't aim the gun at anyone unless you're fully prepared to shoot them." He nods at her calmly and moves back over to his place by the doorway and waits for developments.

Karine takes the pistol and then looks at Evan. She offers the shotgun up to him as she reaches into her cargo pocket and pulls out a pistol of her own.

Sultana raises an eyebrow. "I think we can all agree that the security on Highport has some significant flaws in it. Eyes out, let's see who our visitors are."

(Karine)"Off worlders are not allowed to bring weapons onto Starport grounds. I brought mine up with me and did not take it out when I was at Highport.

Jerdehl smiles, and keeps her counsel on Sir Sultana's remark on Highport security. She just waits for the visitors to come in out of the rain. Then she'll be ready.

"Sir ... I can't help but wonder something. No matter how dangerous canids get, no matter how wild, even a wild pack won't attack humans. Not when there are herbivores around which make much easier prey. People can be hilariously dangerous in our own right. We have evolved for sheer luck, and there's no force more powerful than human stupid. Not even the Zhodani are immune from the power of dumb people."

"So why the hell are these canids stalking us? It can't be just because. This isn't some mindless holovid. We're not plucky heroes about to be faced by waves of cannibalistic mutant humanoids in dungarees and chainsaws. Animals are driven by real motives - the need to hunt for food, the need to mate, the need to secure territory and protect their young. Something real, not some made-up nonsense like in the shows and movies."

(Karine)"They are Garinaembreight (Garrin-Aim-Brate with a vaguely middle-European accent), which will be translated by a comm after it is heard a few times as 'extremely clever teeth-killing thing'. This is the best that a comm can do, and is not a direct translation. The Garinaembreight belongs to a category of threats known as Behytleict, which a comm will variously translate as 'that which was left over after civilisation collapsed', 'the things out in the darkness' and 'beyond the light'. This term, 'beyond the light' is a local colloquialism for both that which lies outside the safe area controlled by a settlement and any area denied the 'light of civilisation'

The Garinaembreight is the apex predator on Marduk.

And with that, as she hears the approaching running footsteps, Jerdehl cuts loose with a powerful broadcast thought wave filled with pure instinct - the need to stop and sleep. It doesn't matter if there are people in the way, at this point. Knock everything down, sort out the primates from the canids afterwards.

1104-341-20:00

(listens to the sudden silence) "I think it's going to be okay now. They'll all be out for a few hours unless I wake them up. Let's go and see what's going on. And who's chasing whom. And if the humans are raiders or something."

"Excuse me? I think I kind of need to know what's going on here first. There's been a lot of odd things about you that I could stand to have explained to me, please."

"I'm not from these parts, Sir. In many ways. But you need to know something. Killing is anathema to me. I'd rather find out stuff than just shoot from the hip and ask the corpses questions. So I learned this trick from my Mother to put everybody to sleep first, then find out what is going on."

"It's psionics, Sir. I'm what you would call a psion. And everything is going to be okay. I want you to believe that, Sir. Now can we go out there before the canids wake up? There's something I think we all need to see."

(Evan) Rotates his ears towards Jerdehl {showing curiosity} while (Phynan) look shaken by this revelation

Sultana digests this information for a moment. "Alright, that tracks. We'll put a pin in this conversation to pick up again later, Nishka. You four," pointing to the civilians and captain, "stay here, and don't come out unless I call you. She and I are going to go check out the situation, we won't be far, and we won't be long." He gestures for Jerdehl to lead the way, and follows after, covering her back.

Athena - Staying steady, looking over the three other shuttle passengers

Jerdehl takes point. With Sir Sultana behind her, she heads out through the exit to see what she has wrought with her mind.

"My father taught me to hunt, Sir," Jerdehl whispers as she makes her way out. "He and I would go out into the wilderness, camp out under the stars, and eat what we found. One day, I saw a mammalian predator, about the size of a beagle, creeping up on a reptilian creature on the shore of a lake. The reptile was laying its eggs in a shallow pit in the sand. I made a noise, and the predator ran off. I let the reptile finish laying its eggs, bury them, and slide back into the lake."

"The following day, I returned to fetch some water. The predator had only come back, dug up the eggs and eaten the lot." She looks at Sir Sultana. "What would be the point of tracking the predator down? It had been hungry, it was determined, and it was long gone."

"But that wasn't the end of it. On my next hunt, I came across the same predator. She had given birth, and it was trying to get its offspring to move. Only, the poor thing was stillborn. It eventually let go and wandered off, and I picked up the tiny blob of flesh and brought it to the lake."

"And there was the reptilian, coming out of the water. So I left the stillborn cub for the reptilian to eat."

"My point being, Sir ... Nature is not, overall, malicious. Stuff happens. But it happens because of hunger, or the need to mate or protect the young."

Sultana is quiet for a moment, then says, "That's very illuminating, Nishka, thank you. But we should probably focus on the pirates that shot us out of the sky and whether or not we just declared war on the natives of this place. Do you see anything?"

Jerdehl shines her flashlight around. She'd let them all get close to the entrance. She aims the flashlight low, and hopes that the raiders are too busy with the shuttle. After all, they want to get their prize inside the subby asap before somebody sends a flight of fighters over to intercept their ship. And they probably think there's nobody on this continent but wild canids, if they ever saw canids on previous raids. Hopefully, the raiders now think that the survivors of the shuttle are all dead. Dog food.

"Hopefully we can consider the war postponed, Sir," she says, pointing her flashlight down on the nearest human, who collapsed next to a canid which looked as if it had been a few centimetres from killing her, judging by the massive gouge it had dug into the ground. "I think there are more people here. And they don't look like raiders." She shines the light on a woman, a wounded man, and a bunch of kids and teens.

"Fetch the crew out. Get these people into shelter. In a while, they'll come around. You'll have a lot to talk about. These Hounds will also be awake soon, and I'm going to need them."

"Here's why the Hounds were attacking the people." She shines a light on one of the Hounds, a heavily pregnant female. "She is starving, weak. She's about to give birth, and these are her family." She looks at Sir Sultana. "You're a human. You do understand the concept of family, don't you?"

"The Hounds need protein, especially Mama here. So I'm going to get some. Stay indoors. Talk amongst yourselves. At dawn, you can go back to the crash site. It'll all be there for you. Take the subby home to civilisation. Give the shuttle crew a proper burial. Remember their names. Go."

Jerdehl picks up her small pack and walks into the night. Sultana watches and it comes to him that she is not coming back. Jerdehl traveled with the Pioneer not for work but as a way to get here to a wilderness. To get away, go native, and escape.

Night on Marduk

1104-341-21:00

Let's take stock of the situation:

Then the natives - five people; three men and two women. Two men in their twenties look like they were supporting a third, older, man who is clearly badly hurt, a woman of about forty with an oil-burning lamp in one hand and a large pistol in the other fallen to the side. A 12-year-old girl armed with a shotgun lies at the rear of the group.

Sultana watches Nishka walk off into the darkness and sighs inwardly. He hadn't had a lot of experience with psikers, but they certainly seemed to be as erratic as the stories said. Turning around, he stuck his head back under the overhang and quietly said, "Psst! Everyone, step out here for a moment. We've got some natives down that we need to bring inside. They should wake up on their own soon, we'll wait in here until the dawn. Two people to each body to make it easy, don't step on the dogs. We don't want to risk waking them up. And before you ask, Nishka has lit out, if that eases your mind any."

"Correction, Karine, you cover me from a safe distance while I take care of our stray problem." He pauses to smile at her, "I assume since you brought your own that you have some training with that," indicating her pistol.

(Karine)"I only have this because my brother insists I carry it. I have used it twice. Once while he was training me, the other to shoot a scavenger bird that would not leave a catch we were hauling in. I only did that to show Carl I was not to be trifled with.

The other two start to bring the natives into the area into the area by the campfire one at a time.

Sultana nods in acknowledement. "Well, if any of these wake up and come after me, please try to shoot them and not me." Turning back, he walks carefully out to the sleeping dogs. With the first one, he carefully aims his saber blade so that it will slice through the windpipe and arteries of the throat and then plunges it downward and then pulls it forward so that it slices out the front. His goal is exsanguination as quickly as possible, paired with cutting the windpipe so it can't make any sounds to awaken the others.

Ignoring whatever was going on with the pilot - at least he seemed capable of handling himself unlike the last one - Athena took stock of her surroundings and those with them. She didn't do all those years in university for groundside research again, especially without her tools and her SHIP, but the basics were ingrained within her and there were things to study here. (Roll a 9 Sophontology, 10 Xenology, 5 Survival).

Athena barely succeeds on her Xenology check Athena fails her Sophontolgy check and badly botches her Survival roll

Athena scowls as she starts assessing the patients? visitors? captives? They do not look drugged but they are not responsive. As she is moving about assisting the others in moving the unconscious bodies she trips over a flare, it bounces off of a rock and skitters off into the dark. As she turns to pick it up Evan (the Vargr) puts a hand on her arm, pointing to a snake ready to strike (apparently startled away by being attacked with a flare).

(Evan)"Careful Captain, unless you are really good with poisons it is never a good way to test just how poisonous a snake is."

"I have no intention of eating it. Is it venomous as well? No matter. I have none of what I'd need to study such a specimen anyways. Unless those toxins prove useful somehow... what does the poison induce?"

(Evan)"I have no idea about venomous? Are you a scientist? Do you study toxins? In any case I think we need to be ready for these people to wake up before Sultana gets back here. What do you want to tell these people who wake up in the middle of strangers?"

"Study toxins? Not for the past couple years, but I have considered delving back into it. As for these speci-... people, we tell them they are safe as long as they won't harm us or bring attention to us. Same thr-.. reassurance you give something you study. Once we know their temperament, we'll know how to proceed."

(Evan)"Very well. If you want some sleep you should grab a nap now. I will watch over them and Sultana should be back in a few minutes. It must be getting close to midnight. I will wake you once they start to wake up so you can greet them along with Sir Lieutenant"

A few minutes later, Sultana wipes the blood off his sword blade on the fur of the last beast slain. He looks around, checking the darkness for any hints of further danger. If there is none, he will look to see if there is an easy vantage point where he can peek over or around and check on their crashed shuttle, to see if the raiders are still there or have finally left.

Sultana pauses to check {make a survival roll {3}} and then climbs up cautiously onto one of the ruined walls. He can see in the distance that there are light glowing on the horizon from the second shuttle that landed and is scavenging parts off of their downed craft.

Then he turns and falls off of the wall and into the center of the group. {make an Endurance check to avoid damage} {roll: 11}

Sultana lands hard on his hands and knees. Standing up, he checks for any injuries, satisfied when he finds none. "Well, that was graceful." He starts brushing the dust off his hands and clothes. "The raiders are still out there, at the shuttle. If we can avoid any more unnecessary noise from clumsy people falling over, hopefully we can avoid their notice."

Sultana does a quick recon of the area a few minutes later. Watching Athena tend to the natives, he hears a commotion on the other side of the camp. Turning he sees one of the young male natives grabbing, attempting to strangle Evan as Phynan tries to pull him away from the assault.

The older woman and young girl under Athena's gaze start to stir at the noise.

Sultana rushes over and tries to strike the native's forearm(s) with the back (blunt) edge of his saber (or if Phynan is too in the way for that, across the top of the head). He isn't trying to injure the native, just get his attention and hopefully make him stop through gesture or sign-language. If that still doesn't work, he'll have to hurt the man, and he doesn't want to do that unless necessary.

Sultana manages to free Evan from the attack. As the native comes more awake he shifts backward away from the three of you. He points at Evan and says something that your comms do not pick up well enough to translate. Could be a different language, could be just slurring from waking up.

Athena watching the rest of the native group slowly stir. As she looks the group she comes to a realization {BOB rolled for Athena in FG}. All of these people are human but suffering from low level radiation poisoning. Athena looks up to Karine to check and Karine does not have those indicators.

"Is it not obvious?" Athena was not one to roll her eyes, but her gaze certainly had the affect of making one feel dumb in comparison. "Even an undergraduate could see it. The hair loss, the reddening and bruising of the skin, the nose bleed. Either your indicator is wrong or this is something that mimics low level radiation poisoning. While we cannot remove the variable of whatever put them in this unconscious position, and there is overlap with their weakness and disorientation, the additional symptoms cannot be attributed to that event. Unless you have another conjecture?"

Phynan recoils at Athena's words.

(Karine)"Yes they must be living in one of the old wasteland ruins. Maybe they came this way to scavenge when they saw the shuttle crash. The war was over centuries ago but there are people who hide from what they think of as too dangerous of a civilization." Looks at Phynan "It is not contagious, I don't think..."

"Radiation poisoning? Of course not. You should have learned that in grade school. Whatever other diseases or arthropods they may be carrying? Possibly," replied Athena as she stared at the stirring natives. "But that is low hanging fruit for current study and of no interest to me."

Sultana takes a deep breath and lets it out slowly. "Radiation. Okay, wasn't on my boards for worrying about. Can we tell if we're in a zone now? If we are, based on the injuries of these natives, what is our prognosis if we stay here overnight? Is it curable, or permanent damage for us if we do?" He thinks for a moment. "If it's permanent, we need to move or go after the raiders to get out of danger pronto. If we're not in a zone, it's immaterial at this time."

"If it is acute radiation? Curable. If it is chronic? More difficult, but I am a scientist, not a doctor. You'd have to ask..." Athena trails off, thinking, before snapping her fingers. "Ah, yes, Mikhel. You will have to ask Mikhel for more details on prognosis and cures. He is the current doctor on the Pioneer. But if Karine's sensor is not picking up radiation here, then it is likely they were exposed elsewhere or overtime with their lifestyle."

Sultana nods. "Makes sense, thank you Captain. Karine, does your sensor detect background radiation? If so, please do a quick scan just to make sure we're not in a current hazard zone." Turning to the waking natives he tries to smile and appear friendly to them, and urging them with gestures to stay seated and remain quiet.

Sultana, Athena, Evan, and Phynan look on as Karine starts conversations with the natives. Using your personal computer translators you start to pick up on the pieces of conversation as your system learns to adjust to the much older version of what is now the standard Galactic.

Karine looks up at Athena, “They are traveling here to scavenge from the ships they saw fall out of the sky. They thought everyone must be dead. Borx (points to the one who was strangling Evan) thought he was a Garinaembreight, apparently that is what those canid creatures are called in the local tongue. He thought Evan was trying to eat him.

"The other names are Emilya, Lorrnn, Altyn, Eclya, Haf, and Ysk. They are a family group. It is very rare to find people like this, living out here. We must have crashed on one of the mainlands rather than an island. They never would have come near here if they thought we were alive. They avoid people, off worlders particularly. I have seen a few scattered individuals on some of the islands from our trawlers but never a whole family like this."

(Karine) "What should we do with them?"

Sultana makes an irritated noise. "This would be easy if those pirates would just finish up and take off already. What are they doing, unbolting the engine? Just get your loot and go already." He sighs and runs his hand through his hair. "I assume if they're here, that means that even if we're on a mainland instead of an island, there's no civilized towns nearby that we might be able to hike to and maybe call for help?"

(Karine)"Marduk Startown is on an island. Marduk Downport was custom-built by GeDeCo on an artificial island raised from the coastal seabed for the purpose of housing it. The island is significantly larger than required for a starport, and also houses a small town of a few thousand people plus a small (maritime) port. That is where I live with my families fleet. From the looks of these people we are on the mainlaind. I have my communicator but it will also alert anyone listening where we are."

(Karine)" I do think they are stripping the engines, but they know they need to get out quickly before station security shows up. That is why these people here avoid all contact. Imagine if that is who came to visit your home every so often. "

"Glad to know Starport Security will show up eventually, at least." He gestures at the natives. "Any point to making them stay? Assuming they're not going to run straight to the pirates and get shot, we could just let them go run and hide."

After docking the Pioneer at the Commercial Arm of Marduk Highport Sultana and Athena consult their library data for Marduk quickly before departing the ship.

The Commercial Arm caters to medium-sized merchant ships and liners. Its passenger terminals are well appointed and comfortable, creating a good impression among visitors. Most ships stop over for a day or two at least, granting passengers a chance to get outside the ship and enjoy entertainment not available aboard. The Commercial Arm has a modest array of shops, bars, restaurants and entertainment facilities, and for many visitors this is enough to occupy their stay. However, those intending to stay for more than a couple of days, or who desire greater variety of food and entertainment, usually take a shuttle to the downport. The shuttle service runs to and from the Commercial Arm, making transit quick and convenient. The Commercial Arm also has auction houses where cargoes are bought and sold, along with the offices of the port's few freight and cargo brokers. Relatively little cargo changes hands here however; most goods are shipped through to destinations outside the Oghma Cluster. Bulk freighters and similar very large ships are handled by the LVA or Large Vessel Arm. The LVA can dock only two ships at a time, but it is very rare that more than one will be present at any given time. Most bulk freighters simply refuel and move on, a process that takes a few hours plus however long the crew require for portside liberty. There is no money to be made hanging around backwater ports like Marduk, so most ships stay at most a day before moving on, and grant their crew an extended liberty at major ports where there is largescale trading or bulk unloading to be done. On rare occasions, large military ships (generally from the Imperium) come through and use the LVA facility if they choose to dock. Most do not, however, and instead make use of the LVA's extensive shuttle terminal, which is also used by freighters that prefer to take up orbit near the station and make whatever transfers are needed by shuttle.

1104-341-14:00

Mid afternoon this long day: CROCKETT is one of new crew to arrive aboard Pioneer...(entry time noted on Ship's Log, as one would expect a military-trained 'star marine' to do) . . ..

[musing to self--since no one else around to apparently welcome me] "Why am I here aboard this vessel all on my own? There must be someone around to welcome myself and the soon-to-be arriving other new crew members? I'd better take a quick look around and see if I can find anyone . . . . . cause someone needs to be doing something about the lack of security around here. Wonder if I will find anyone?" 

 [end of post for now]

BOB: What do I see and does anyone greet me afterall? Awaiting discovery by new people to answer for certain on this

One of the warlords of Oghma has managed to convince some of his peers to follow him in their most daring raid ever. Over two dozen ships (albeit small ones, and not well armed) are involved in a massed raid on Marduk starport. Most of the ships emerge from jump quite close to the port and immediately begin firing on it, trying to silence its missile batteries. Others start shooting at anything they can see (including each other in one instance) while a group breaks off and heads for the downport.

The nature of jump is such that most of these ships emerge over the period of several minutes, with stragglers popping up a couple of hours into the fight (or after it has ended). There are enough guns among the raiders to inflict serious damage on the port and its small defensive flotilla, but the piecemeal nature of the raid is such that it will eventually be beaten off. However, this does not stop some of the raider ships fighting their way down to the downport and landing, pouring out enough ground fighters to seriously threaten the defenders.

1104-341-15:00

Attention all ships and their crew. We are under attack. I say again we are under attack. Maintain your position at dock or you will be fired upon. I say again maintain your position at dock or you will be fired upon

The crew of the Pioneer:

{space to add new crew details}

The airlock between the port and the ship remains under the control of the Pioneer.

Mikhel runs for the ship! The thought crossed his mind that the station was planning on using docked ships as ablative armor. Let the docked ships soak up hits, and save damage to themselves. Uncharitable, perhaps, because a mass undocking could do lots of systems damage, if done in a panic.

Does the Pioneer even have 'battle stations'? Who is the back-up pilot, if we have to separate from the station? I have smallcraft piloting, so I could do the maneuvering in a pinch? Perhaps? Do we have gunners? Do the turrets even have clear arcs of fire? First step, first. Get back to the ship!

{here is where the Travellers on the ship pick up the roleplay}

[When Mikhel arrives back at lab ship he will note on Ship's log that a fellow by name of CROCKETT is already aboard and likely part of new crew arrivals. He will wonder if that might be the same fellow he has 'connection' to from when Crockett did work experience with his marines while Crockett was at military academy some years ago.]

[As Mikhel returns to Pioneer at 1500 hrs] . . ..Crockett has already been aboard for a whole hour and hopefully completed a quick familiarize tour (somehow) and been shown (somehow) to quarters....and perhaps posted some kind of note on reception area BULLETIN BOARD that he James Crockett, Star Marine has boarded and can be found in quarters #____ should new arrivals want to drop by.....

(again musing to himself but also saying out loud) "What the hell was that? I'm a marine and I know battle sounds when I hear them. Time for someone to yell battle stations,but this is a lab ship and where the hell are its gunnery stations? Better head for the bridge and see if I can read the sensors to see what's going on? Maybe there will be a battle stations PLAN posted somewhere? Wonder if there is anything in lab we can make Molitov cocktails somewhow? Geezz...where is the bridge on this place anyway?"

Finally arriving at the Pioneer, Mikhel notes the ship has been accessed. Great! Now what? Check authorizations and access the Ship's Log to see what's what. Crockett? ex-Marine Crockett? I know a Crockett. Can't be the same person. Let's go find out...

[He (Mikhel) will find CROCKETT on the bridge checking sensors to see if he can determine what is happening with this ATTACK on Marduk.]

Stepping into the Bridge, Mikhel is very pleasantly surpirsed to see James! Hugs! Backslaps! And down to business. Get the sensors online and check in with Station Central Control. Quick one-liner to Station Med Bay that limited crew on Pioneer may delay any medical assistance, but call to check, if need is great. On to collecting "Situational Awareness" and looking at options on defence. What if anything is James carrying for personal defence? His personal weapons may have been sealed transiting through the Highport to the Pioneer, but those can be broken in repelling any attempted bording of the Pioneer. Anything like small arms in the ship's locker, that Mikhel would be aware of, would be passed on to James. Mikhel would be somewhat aware of James skills, being that they kept touch over the years...

An idea pops into Mikhel's brain. Remote drones are part of the ship's inventory. Those could be used for defence, in extremis. If nothing else, they could be interposed with incoming objects to do damage or act as shields.

"Good to see you SIR! says Crockett to Mikhel (who had senior rank to himself)....Looks like we are about to see some action...the kind I don't really like to see...i.e. feeling out-numbered, out-gunned, and somewhat out-numbered.....but we're marines right...I'll let you know if and when these sensors tell me if I can only remember how to read them properly and report to you. Have you been assigned a cabin yet? Unless I find someone else around here pretty soon to provide some contact and service...I guess I'll function as our interim-STEWARD if that makes sense to you....Grub around 2000 hrs tonight...complete with liquids if I can find them....sound OK?

"Darn...I can't read this crazy sensor"...Can you give it a shot Mikhel?"

[noting that Mikhel rolled a '9' for his sensor check] ..."Great -- What are the sensors showing?" WHAT - you can't read them either?? $%^&*@

Fumbling around with unfamiliar equipment, Mikhel wasn't as adept as he'd like. And just as he was trying to resettle his nerves for another attempt, remembered the Standard Operating Prohibition against operating high output emitters while near, or docked to, any station. The transmission could, and probably would, interfere with all sorts of electronic/electrical gear, including Station navigation equipment. Shut the stuff down.

We weren't going to get our own info, but Mikhel remembers Piloting 101, and that all ships have access to Traffic Control feeds. Turning on that screen, all the moving objects around the Station were displayed. The screen would most likely be cluttered with "Unknown" objects maneuvering about, as pirates would not likely have their "Identify Friend or Foe" systems blaring out their IDs. But, they would still be visible. With that easy task now done, situational awareness could be gained. And Mikhel started thinking of possible boarding actions. Might need someone by the access hatch. Grab personal comms and get Crockett down to the Cargo Bay hatch to protect the ship. If Crockett doesn't have personal weapons, I have a Snub Pistol or a Stunner he can use. The Ship's Locker is on the other side of the Cargo Bay, and would have real ammo available for the Snub Pistol, if Crockett wanted penetration power. Tranq rounds aren't likely to do anything to well armed, and armored, pirates...

CROCKETT salutes (which really annoys Mikhel given his abhorence of authority ha ha). . . . and heads for cargo bay via Ship's Locker where he has his own rifle, pistol and stun grenades stored....then will move to defend cargo bay at all costs as suggested. Since Crockett couldnt earlier find place to purchase ammo he will borrow what is in Ship's Locker from Mikhel's cache as authorized. Upon reaching Ship's Locker he obtains his own Laser Pistol, Stun Grenades, and equips himself with appropriate body marine armor that he owns as star marine. Also loads up with frag grenades, stunner, stun grenades... HE IS A READY MARINE...

Waiting for the Traffic Control feeds to build, a few thoughts of inadequacy jump through Mikhel's mind. Why was he standing on the bridge of any ship, pretending he was in command? The Scientist didn't lead through the Free-Rein style. She lead using the Abdication style. There must have been crew on this ship to get it here, did they evaporate? The CO and the pilot went down to the Low Port with nobody on board to watch the ship? Oh! And was the refueling completed? Did it even start? Check ship's status for all systems. I can't take this thing through Jump, but I can get it off the station if they call for abandonment. Check logs for crew arrival/departure notices. And then, check the Traffic Control feeds. And check the station comms for any follow-on broadcasts for information and directions. Asking Station Control for information at this point would likely get the response of, "Shut UP, we're busy!" They will advise all of any requirements as needed, or when they have a free moment. This is not the first time being a sitting duck...

Refueling was paid for in advance by GeDeCo, and the ship docked around 9:00. Refueling could have been completed by 15:00. It would be Standard Operating Procedure to shut down any non-urgent, operationally-required refueling during any situation where pumping fuel could be a hazard to station and personnel. An attack by pirates would fall into that category. So, if Pioneer isn't refueled, I'd expect that any attempt to get fuel would be denied, until the crisis situation was over.

Mikhel manages to get hooked into the feed for Traffic Control. It is awash with reports of damage, of tracking ships, and someone out there trying to get a ship to come rescue their disabled trader before the pirates took them. {Intelligence check for Mikhel please}

Mikhel Dromah: [SKILL] Pilot (Small Craft) (2D+3) (vs Difficulty 6)</font> [2d6+3 = 8] [ +2 Effect] [Average SUCCESS]

Mikhel understands that there are at least six civilian ships not docked at the highport, perhaps that many docked, two dozen pirate raiders from the Oghma system, and several system defense boats all involved. The SDBs do not seem to all be near the main world at this point. The one thing that Mikhel realizes in sorting out traffic. Nothing comes from Marduk government. Everything is Civilian, Oghma Raider, or GeDeCo system defense boats.

CROCKETT is filling his pockets when he hears a ping at the airlock. He......

[assuming there is some kind of intercom....visual ID of visitors or callers on other side of airlock Crockett says-- utilizing such system:]

"Pioneer security this side of airlock. Please state your business and show Identification!" [following that he quickly presses intercom to BRIDGE: "Crockett here at airlock cargo bay--we have a visitor about to identify himself/herself"

Call up the external camera views to see what's in the access passage...

Image of Docking/Cargo Bay to Marduk Highport in Discord channel.

(a young girl, early twenties at the oldest)HELP ME!!!! Please let me in! If they catch me they will take me away Please!!! Let me in!

Mikhel checks every feed around the dock to which he has access, looking for any persons near to the Cargo Bay hatch, and anyone in pursuit. If there isn't any apparent pursuit, Mikhel does a quick check for any "Be On the Lookout For" notices that may have pictures that look similar. As He is doing that, he switchs to open comms, so Crockett is in the loop...

[says to person seeking to come aboard]"Sorry ... I am not authorized to do that without consultation....standby...."

[says on intercom to Bridge] "Crockett to Bridge: Better come down here to airlock and assist with decision as to whether we should allow entrance to young female seeking some form of protection. OVER"

Mikhel says into the mic, in a clear, drill sergeant voice, "Identify yourself! No hatch is opening until we know who you are."

Mikhel scans the camera pick-ups, the news feeds, and the Station Info feeds...

Mikhel Dromah: [SKILL] Electronics (Remote Ops) (2D+2) (vs Difficulty 6) [2d6+2 = 8] Mikhel checking cameras for any other suspicious movement or people in the background behind the figure at the Cargo Bay door.

Mikhel Dromah: [SKILL] Electronics (Remote Ops) (2D+2) (vs Difficulty 6) [2d6+2 = 10] Mikhel searching through the Station Info feeds for 'Be On the Lookout For' notices...

Mikhel Dromah: [SKILL] INT (2D+2) (vs Difficulty 6) [2d6+2 = 11] Mikhel looking through News Feeds for any pictures/stories featuring Young Women that might match the face at the Cargo Bay door...

New Image of Docking/Cargo Bay to Marduk Highport, with representative Standard Cargo Containers, in Discord channel.

Timing is an issue with the current situation. The checks are constrained by moments, seconds, not hours. So, immediate threat to the young lady is assessed first, looking for threats in the proximity of the cargo bay. If none, checkes for BOLFs, then info searches, if and only if, threats don't appear. None of this will be taking longer than minutes, so nothing remotely thorough. This is a look for the blatantly obvious. When an identity come through, check it, while watching for threats closing on the dock.

1104-341-15:30

Mikhel does not find any immediate red flags on this particular person. He does discover that the News Feeds for the station stopped updating about 10 minutes ago, 20 minutes into the attack.

CROCKETT does not spot any open weapons on her, dressed in civilian clothing.

(a young girl, early twenties at the oldest)HELP ME!!! PLEASE!!!

Mikhel doesn't want to let any unknown individual on deck without a thorough search. Preferably, have the person disrobe to the skin and throw all the clothes and posessions into the middle of the Marduk Cargo Bay before being allowed on the ship. However, Mikhel also knows, professionally, that nothing short of full body scans in a well equipped med bay would allow someone to know what was walking onto your ship, despite appearances of a human body. An individual could have augments, cyber-enhancements, or be a skin job with internal devices, or be a gynoid (a complete female-appearing machine) and all would look the same. And be much more of a hazard to crew and ship. And that doesn't say anything about legal/political issues that might come with offering "sanctuary" to a fugitive...

Mikhel says into the mic, in a clear, drill sergeant voice, "Identify yourself! We are not opening the hatch until we know who you are."

(a young girl, early twenties at the oldest) MY NAME IS NICOLA, I WORK AT THE ASTROBURGER, PLEASE LET ME IN, WE ARE UNDER ATTACK! HELP!

On Ship-wide I/C, "Wait, Out!" Take two minutes to check Station Roster for employees. Any Nicola? Anywhere in Station Personnel Registry? If not allowed access, or the information is not there, confirm Med Kit and Stunner are on person and head for the Cargo Bay.

Mikhel Dromah: [SKILL] Electronics (Remote Ops) (2D+2) (vs Difficulty 10 - Time Constraint) [2d6+2 = 9] Mikhel does yet another quick check on the Station Registry/Crew List for the name "Nicola", before heading to the Cargo Bay.

On the way to the Cargo Bay, a quick pop into the next door Ship's Locker for two Thermal Smoke grenades. Then, to the Cargo Bay. To Crockett, "Please get back to the Iris Hatch, and cover me. Keep your eyes peeled for anyone approaching through the Marduk Cargo Bay. Cover the left side, (pointing to the side of the Cargo Bay next to the Air/Raft bay) and I will keep to the right." Mikhel then points to the Ship's Locker side of the Cargo Bay, where the Marduk Terminal Station is (and hopefully the young lady is). Mikhel then stands as close to the right wall of the Cargo Bay and opens the door, crouching down to diminish his targetable area...

How close is the Astroburger location to the Marduk Cargo Bay? Is it reasonable that this person would seek shelter at this dock? I could see the idea of jumping on 'any ship' as a means of excaping the attack on the station. But, our ship? Unarmoured, not too maneuverable, no weapons? Not a likely ship of refuge, if anyone looks us up. So, complete ignorance and panic, or a bad set-up...

Mikhel thinks to himself, as he pockets the Thermal Smoke grenades... "Was Nicola wearing anything like an 'Astroburger' uniform? Any type of commercial/franchise uniform?"

Would Mikhel recognize anything from an Astroburger franchise? TravellerWiki says 'YES!'\\ Astroburgers, LRC is an interstellar restaurant chain. The company had a notorious marketing strategy of aggressive expansion. Marketing stunts were also common, with company staff often riding in with Imperial Marine and Army units into war zones, or with the scouts into previously unopened worlds.

Mikhel does not find a public employee listing for station staff. Having been out of the Pioneer only briefly he can say that it is possible you are just the closest ship to the concourse or this young lady is not thinking clearly and choosing your ship over some Far Trader.

Crockett says to Mikhel>> "Shall we just tell this person to seek safety elsewhere further down the concourse--perhaps aboard a Far Trader as we don't take passengers!" ?? [Meanwhile CROCKETT moves to "Iris Hatch" as suggested by the more experienced marine that he's happy to have around in these matters.]

Those watching the video feed see a sign shatter in the coridoor from some sort of shot.

Mikhel cycles the Cargo Bay door open, keeping close to the wall and crouched...

Get the girl in, and close the door! Don't let her past the Iris Valve into the ship...

What? What kind of a Cargo Bay allows a "shot" from a simple gun to penetrate it?" He yells to Mikhel while aiming is Laser Pistol 11 at entry way...AND any target visible..AND...Crockett grabs girl and drags her in as advised by Mikhel to do.

[Question: Can CROCKETT communicate with girl? He must be able to as she was able to communicate that she needed help...so....] Crockett says to girl...Get down on your knees, we will protect you for now...but you must do everything I say for now as we are taking fire it seems from your pursuers"

CROCKETT now immediately closes any bay door that exists to prevent further normal fire from external shooters.

[with moment's breathing time it seems with door now closed CROCKETT looks at girl and says: ] "So short story lady! WHO is chasing you? This better be good and while you're at it...put out your arm...I want to feel your pulse.

Mikhel checks external views to see what's happening outside, and if anyone was following Nicola. Mikhel listens for whatever Nicola will provide. If there is a way to check Station feeds for info, he'll do that.

<CROCKETT rolls on FG for "Investigate" hoping that might help get something out of girl. Result DR= 9 (-3 unskilled)=6

Too many things to do, all at once. There should be a way to close the Marduk Cargo Bay doors from inside the Pioneer. Checking camera feeds, it should be possible to ensure nobody is on the dock bridge between the Pioneer and Marduk Highstation. This should be apparent to Mikhel, as he was looking for any pursuit of Nicola. If the passage is unoccupied, Mikhel will close the Marduk Cargo Bay doors. Then, evacuate the air from the bridge. This is not in preparation to leave, but to put two solid ship hull barriers between pursued and persuers. Physical barriers and vacuum should give us some time, should pursuit appear. Then, get Crockett to stop acosting the poor, scared young lady...

(NICOLA)" Thank you thank you thank you. " she falls inside the ship, collapsing in relief for a brief moment. Then she stands back up. " Can you please lock me up somewhere? Not a stateroom, they would look for me there. Is there a storage locker? She pulls out a closed switch blade knife to show CROCKETT I will leave when the attack is over, I just need to hide from the slavers

Mikhel discovers that no there is not a way to disengage the locks from the Pioneer from the station on your side. The station needs to give permission to close the locks. There is the emergency override if you go out into the entry to pull but the normal breakaway airlock portion is disarmed. He can guess during the alert when they said to stay docked but at this time he only has control over the ships airlocks.

Assuming there are not people banging at the door...

Not Yet......

Locking down the Pioneer Cargo Bay hatch controls from outside tampering, Mikhel turns to the young lady and asks if he can do a med scan to ensure she is OK? He will introduce the Surly slab of walking meat as Mr Crockett, Ship's Security, and himself as the "Ship's Doctor, so called". If she is amenable, do the scan and note results. If she is OK (within normal parameters, good.), we let her stay, but not take her anywhere, yet. If she refuses, she still stays in the Cargo Bay. Mikhel would like to see her ID and work tag. If she won't show them to me, so be it.

[thinks to self] ("Sure hope my fellow marine there knows what he's up to...think he's a bit trusting...the lady has a switch blade knife for God's sake!!!! and since I am apparently the closest piece of 'walking meat' I'll likely be her target....yikes.)

Once the Med Scan issue is dealt with, Mikhel turns to Crockett, "You are still in charge of keeping other Riff-raff off the ship. I have to go check on what Intel can be gleaned from the Station. I'll keep in touch by intercomm. And I won't be far away." I pass him a "pen" from my pocket as I head to the bridge.

"Hey," , he calls after Mikhel. "What am I doing with our visitor here in terms of security before you go?"

Mikhel shouts over his shoulder, as he heads for the bridge, "She's part of the Security Team, now. She even brought her own weapon.". With a second thought, he added, "Don't give her anything bigger, unless you trust her. I'll leave the intercomm on for comms."

Mikhel gets to the Bridge, and leaves the speakers and Mic on to monitor what's happening in the Cargo Bay. Mikhel will be listening and watching the Marduk dock, as well. Mikhel will access feeds from Station HQ to get info on the current situation, and then look through the Station Registry for Nicola's name (Did he get the ID with full name and some type of ID number?). If he finds anything, He'll pass it on to Crockett (Discression if required).
As Station HQ is probably busy as chaos can inflict, Mikhel will attempt to contact the Medical Staff, hoping they are not yet too busy, and see if they know of a Nicola from Astroburger...

Mikhel gets conflicting reports of boarders repelled from the station or if that is from the ships attached to the station.

Mikhel is wondering if there is a way to check, on the fly, for station personnel status? If someone wanted to report in to advise that they were 'safe', injured, in peril, etc... Is there some process/method/email address to which can be sent updates?

Mikhel knows that there must be for official security. It would require hacking into the system pas their protocols to get access on the fly.

[Crockett says to Girl] "So that outfit you're wearing....What did you do there cause my mate and I are starting to wonder about our next meal...Don't suppose you know how to actually make those mouth-watering juicy burgers?...and since you're now a bit safer with us (sitting next to me here) with Hull Plate between both of us and any pursuers... Not too bad for safety... I'd feel a lot safer if maybe you could put that switchblade of yours on the floor and push it over to me? How about it?

(Over Intercomm, cause Mikhel is listening...)"Hey, Nicola! Don't let big, scary Mr. Crockett talk you into giving away your weapon. Just for your info, and it may be hard for you to believe, but Mr. Crockett is probably more scared of you, than you are of him."
"It's true. Untrained civilians with weapons are really dangerous. Civilians that think they're trained are even worse."
"Now, as a means of building trust, I'd like your help with something that might help you. Is there somebody on Station I can contact to let them know where you are?"
"That will give you some assurance that if something happens to you on this ship, which it won't if we can do anything about it, somebody you think cares about you will know about it. (pause) Just trying to help out everyone."

She sounds more calm but still very on edge.

(NICOLA)"I do not have anyone, I have been on my own for the last year or two. I appreciate your concern, but I want to keep my knife just in case. I really would be more comfortable if you locked me into a storage closet. No way for anyone else to find me. If they bang on your door next you will have to let them in. Station security is on the way too but I don't know who will get to who first."

1104-341-15:34

Mikhel doesn't expect anything from Station HQ, but should report that shots were fired in the Marduk Cargo Bay to someone. A report will be passed to the appropriate authorities, "Shots fired in Cargo Bay #?. Pioneer Cargo Bay Door Secured. No crew casualties at this time. Unknown if there are Marduk casualties. One person, claiming to be Astroburger staff requesting sanctuary, is on board."

Is it possible to summon one of the Science Crew to escort Nicola to the Common Area (#4 room on the Pioneer Deck Plan) until this situation resolves? Mikhel will provide a comm unit to the Scientist, and will keep the intercomm open to the Common Area, as well as the Cargo Bay. Looking for comfortable options here. One of the Scientists may have sparred with Mikhel, and actually know how to fight, at least a bit.

Yes to a science crew could do that but they seem to be ignoring Mikhel in favor of securing the lab, and making sure none of the experiments are disturbed during this incident. Apparently Captain Solis has made quite the impression that lab and experiment integrity is more important than pirate attacks.

The possibility of Nicola being a distraction occurs to Mikhel. Or, perhaps the intruders are not one dimensional, and looking at the front door being the only way into the Pioneer. Are there cameras looking at the outside of the ship, and are other access points under surveillance? Is it at all possible to have other crew, no matter how limited, or untrained, to monitor those other points of entry? Mikhel's knowledge of the ship suggests: Docking ring (Currently filled with a ship, so no entry there); Maintenance hatch on the spoke (leads to the base of the spoke entry into the ship ring at #12, so we are able to watch that), the Air/Raft Bay (Currently full of an Air/Raft with the bay door in the Marduk Cargo Bay extendable bridge, with the Cargo Bay hatch); and the Cargo Bay hatch. So, we are watching both of the latter, at this time. Are there others on this particular ship?

The answers to this are Yes normally if you have been granted access to security feeds you could see both sides of the airlock area, cargo, etc. With the interior highport cameras having issues while under attack it is hard to tell what is going on outside of the immediate sight line of the airlock. The science crew normally stays away from the cargo area and there are not any unusual entry/exit points.

It will be up to CROCKETT or Mikhel to bring Nicola to a secure location other than just inside the airlock.

If there isn't any other crew, Mikhel will need to do the babysitting. There isn't any place to lock her up, unless we use the Air/Raft bay. And Crockett will be guarding the front door. Mikhel would not like a 'visitor' on the ship's bridge. I don't see anywhere an answer to 'Is Nicola wearing a uniform', or if Mikhel actually ran that medical scan?

[Crockett says to girl] "You can tell me your name girl if you wish, otherwise I will just have to call you "GIRL"....but regardless you may have hunger pains soon and neither me or your guardian angel up there on the bridge of this ship are great at cooking...but I'm guessing you might be? How about it? We could go to the ship's galley and check it out if you want to be of some use around here. I can't be gone long ...it's just in the next sector around the corner there....and I can ask Mikhel buddy if he'd watch the cargo space entrance here from his monitor....or we could just sit here and wait...up to you? Can you cook? or at least help us find something to eat?

(NICOLA)"My name is Nicola. I really need you to lock me up in a storage closet NOW. If they come in here they can only kill you, they will do worse to me. PLEASE JUST HELP ME. Lock me up where they will not look."

Nicola is wearing a basic jumper, no insignias. Simple deck shoes and her hair pulled tight behind in a pony tail. She looks to be in her early twenties. The very quick med scan showed no obvious abnormalities (prosthetics, enhancements, etc.) but Mikhel did not have time for a full check for diseases etc. She seems healthy and scared.

[Crockett wonders to self] "How can I get to nearest secure storage closet without leaving sight of present guard position for too long? How close is it?"

Crocket knows there are maintenance closets along the outside bulkheads as well as in the galley. He would have to leave the vicinity of the hatch for 1 minute or so. He does have all the codes on him for the doors.

The Air/Raft bay is right beside the Cargo Bay, and there is a 'cargo bin' in the A/R. It is really small (0.25T), but if Nicola is small (STR and END not over 5@), she might fit. Or we could put her in the back seat with a tarp over her. Not too many people would do more than a cursory look into the bay, anyway. We could leave the InterComm on so she'd hear us talking and get updates. If things got really quite for too long, she'd be near the way out if nothing else.

[Crockett relays the idea to NICOLA of having her hide in the A/R Bay here beside the Cargo Bay in a 'cargo bin' inside the AR itself and asks if that would make sense to her????]

(NICOLA)"I need to hide where they will not look for me. Can they take the AirRaft out of your ship? It might be something you bribe them with to take and leave the rest? Please just hide me so they can't take me. Please.

1104-341-15:36

Banging on the airlock door, "Open Up Security"

Any way to verify who these guys are? Are the wearing station uniforms, and IDs? Can we check with Station Control as to whether their staff is, in fact, at the hatch!

Over the hatch intercomm, 'Identify yourselves, and under what authorization are you requesting access?. The Pioneer is not subject to search, certainly not by unidentified rabble.

For an answer Mikhel gets a banging on the door, and sees the butt end of a long gun attempt to smash the camera. The outer shell cracks but the camera continues to work.

[Meanwhile Crockett is thinking that this could get nasty and wonders if there is time to get into full boarding armor....and while wondering this says to those at door calling themselves 'Security'] Just to let you know what you're up against....you've got two marines in here fully loaded and not in the mood for games...so show the identification my colleague is asking for nicely...or face consequences you weren't counting on....It just so happens we can't tell a test tube from a grenade!!!!"

[Referee's ruling/advice required here] Does Crockett have time to quickly get to ship's locker...suit up in BOARDING ARMOR and get back before further actions occur? If so..... Crockett does this.....Don't have real sense as to how many minutes that would take and whether Mikhel could stall the so-called "Security" forces if he chose to while this occured? Mikhel is aware Crockett has this armor and knows we would be better off in a skirmish if he (Crockett) was wearing it....also Crockett bumped into one of the scientist types earlier in day and they're scared shitless that these raiders like to kidnap scientists and Crockett is thinking that might include him and Mikhel as any bad guys are likely not wanting to take time to distinquish who is scientist and who isn't????....oh...and do we have time to stuff the female into the A/R without that action being detected by these dudes at our doorstep?

Crockett is yelling out at the door, trying to get Nicola someplace else, and hearing Mikhel shouting over the intercoms.

Over the intercomm to the Cargo Bay, not over broadcast, "Crockett, don't embroider the "Dumb Marine" stereotype, please! We have enough bad graces, especially in the Outrim Void. I am trying to get Station Control to confirm these are part of station security. If they try to break in, I'll be there to back you up. Retreat to the Iris valve for cover."

[Crockett moves behind Iris valve for cover in lieu of taking 20 minutes to suit up in boarding armor....while hoping he has scared off visitors with his "dumb" YET TOUGH marine talk!!!! ]

[Crockett is ready for whatever with following items loaded and available:

(Nicola)"I need to hide!" and she runs down the hall away from Crockett.

Then Crockett and Mikhel hear and see a firefight in the Starport cargo area on the other side of the airlock.

Mikhel is out of the bridge and going through the Iris valve to the A/R and Cargo Bays. There should be no place for Nicola to go, once into the corridor, as there are locked Iris valves on either side of that area. Either she runs into Mikhel, or a locked Iris vavle on the other side of the bays. Mikhel shouts, "Nicola, Come to me! I'll hide you. Crockett! Guard the door!"

Nicola runs to Mikhel

Are there Anti-boarding protocols on the Pioneer, and if so, Mikhel would have been advised. Locking all the interior hatches to impede movement by unauthorized personnel should have been implemented, and Mikhel would have done that when the Cargo Bay became a point of entry by unknowns. He will hit the lock-down, if it hasn't already been done, as he leaves the Bridge when he goes for Nicola.

[Crockett guarding the door as suggested. Laser Pistol "aimed" at door and ready in right hand...Frag Grenade in left hand ready to hold pin with his teeth and throw while firing pistol carefully "with aim" at same time as might be required.

A very silly thought runs through Mikhel's head as he attempts to corral Nicola. If we weren't so short-handed, or running after scared children, we might venture forth to assist Marduk Highport in repelling pirates. However, we don't know enough about this port to know friend from foe, so likely to add more confusion than help...

Mikhel manages to get a hold of Nicola

With no one on the bridge currently no one has a visual on the cargo loading area Crockett hears several shots and an impact of at least one body on the floor

[Crockett may hear shots...but they are on other side of door and for some reason as Mikhel and I have both noticed there is no visual cam on other side of door to observe who is seeking entrance to our ship. Right??]

[Crockett doesn't know what Mikhel is thinking cause he doesn't have Psionics....but Crockett was thinking same thing and came to same conclusion]

1104-341-15:38

Mikhel takes Nicola to.....

Really? There is no access to cameras directly outside of the Cargo Bay to check if it is clear? There should be a way for crew to check the immediate area around the hatch. Farther into the Marduk bay or any other views of the ship and surroundings I could imagine being out of sight. Even a view port or small window?

Mikhel takes Nicola to the A\R bay and puts her into the back seat, throwing a tarp over her. As he is doing that, he points out the controls for the A/R bay door, and tells her that, if absolutely necessary, the alternate way out is that way, if all goes pear-shaped. "Check the 'window/viewport' before opening the door, to ensure the way is clear!" Then he quickly proceeds to the Cargo Bay to check the situation (If there is no way to check the outside view, he heads to the Bridge).

[Crockett witnesses return of the fair maiden and hopes Mikhel has tied her down--but knows that hasn't happened...He doesn't like this situation at all....and wonders what those shots were all about out in the cargo bay....?? Crockett begins to think that maybe he can persuade his old contact Mikhel to think about busting out of this lab ship, seeking out another ship that his 'pirate' mind tells him would be fair game, and blasting out of this world altogether...???? just thought waves really....but he also is letting himself be quite annnoyed that this crazy Highport doesn't have some anti-missile sites to protect themselves from these silly raids that seem to happen occasionally around here and also have some kind of defense force that would have credentials and be visiting to make sure we were OK?

[Crockett yells to Mikhel as he passes thru] "Sure glad you're back. Hope the 'fair maiden' stays put in the A/R...and by the way...think about us all joining her in the A/R and trying to get around to other side of Highport and perhaps finding another vessel and way out of this mess ?"......[and folows up with] "What....now where are you going?"

Mikhel is the closest Combat Medic to the firefight in the Marduk Cargo Bay. There is a responsibility to help out, at least in Mikhel's rulebook. If the station staff are being hit, Mikhel is highly motivated to assist. We need to see what is going on! And a Probe Droid may be able to run interference and remotely deploy smoke to cover getting injured into the Pioneer's cargo bay and to medical treatment. Mikhel is carrying three Trauma Packs, and even critically or fataly injured individuals might be saved, if Mikhel can get to them within three minutes. Do we see what is going on, or not?

The camera feed on the bridge is not available as Mikhel and Crockett rush around preparing. After a moment of silence in the cargo area another announcement comes over the Station broadcast.

1104-341-15:40

Attention all ships and their crew. Marduk Highport has suffered a boarding breach. Do not open your airlocks to any unknown personnel. Security is repelling boarders. Again maintain your position at dock or you will be fired upon. Marduk Security is regaining control of the situation. Repel any boarders but to not leave your position at dock or you will be considered a hostile and fired upon.

So the Pioneer doesn't have access to video feeds in the Cargo Bay, and there aren't any windows. OK. So, after hiding Nicola, he would have gone to the bridge, as stated above. In which case, he can see the area at the Airlock. And if there are any people down, he'd pass on the info to Station Security, and with Marduk Medical that Mikhel is available in the immediate area for assistance.

Yes you have video feed from the Pioneer camera, but up in the bridge. So arriving there he can see what is going on.

"Marduk Medical, this is Pioneer's Doc. Previous info provided in person, but Medical Assistance from Pioneer is available at your request."

Pioneer this is Marduk Security. Hold for assistance. We will send someone with security ID to escort your medic to our triage. Once they arrive contact us again by radio to confirm identity. Appreciate your assistance Pioneer

1104-341-15:42

From the bridge Mikhel can see the camera feed of outside the Pioneer into the highport cargo area. There are three bodies laying on the ground, with some sort of netting/adhesive stretched over them to pin them to the deck. None of them are moving.

By intercomm (to A/R & Cargo Bay), "Crockett, we should have real Station Security on the way. When they arrive, we'll confirm ID's and I will be heading to their Med Station to assist. You'll be I/C." (I/C = In Charge, or person in command)

By intercomm (to Bridge) "Copy that...good work on seeking to build rapport with "real" Station Security by being of medical assistance. Maybe with things a bit more under control our young female visitor might agree to go with you and be of some assistance? Hopefully Station Security might provide some security for our cargo bay also?"

"Marduk Security, Pioneer. Are you seeing bodies in the Airlock area? Are they your people, or intruders?"

[Crockett expects that Mikhel will hear this on the bridge and acknowledge on behalf of the 'Pioneer'.]

Pioneer this is Marduk Security. We cannot confirm identities at this time. Situation is fluid. Highport command is assessing the situation. Stay tight, Stay vigilant. Marduk Security out.

1104-341-15:45

[Crockett to Mikhel on bridge via intercomm] Suggest you take mobile COMMS with you before departing ship....there is an extra in ship's locker stored with my stuff if need. Grab one for me too while you're at it and drop it off on your way external.]

"Roger, that! Good idea, Crockett"

[to Mikhel via intercomm] "and I hope you're going to be able to see if anyone on Highport Security can shed light on our mystery girl's situation here?" OVER

Crockett and Mikhel can guess from previous actions that it will take several minutes to a half hour to organize and get a security team to your berth. There are other passenger ships and vessels with higher security requests than the Pioneer. What did you want to accomplish while waiting?

to Mikhel via intercomm "Don't know how long we're going to be waiting for these security types....so maybe we should both be down here guarding the airlock approach?"

"Crockett, we can't see the approaches to the ship from the cargo bay. So, I'm guarding the ship from the bridge, by having eyes on the outside of the door. We also have comms with the station from the bridge. Do you want to check bodies outside? Or do we leave them for security to get to? I want to check out the people out there... Without external recce, I'm not inclined to open the ship to who-knows-what. We only have you for cover, and me to venture out."

Mikhel tries to get a photo of Nicola from the video records on the Pioneer, so he can send it to Marduk Security, and get info on the intruder. He will be visually checking on Nicola in the A/R bay, to ensure she is OK (not doing anything but hiding). Concerns about upcoming bodily comfort are pressing on Mikhel's mind. With only two people on guard, there is nobody to do relief or back-up. Food and bio-breaks will be necessary, sooner or later.

Mikhel's video review takes a few minutes to get the best view of Nicola's face he can. She was using her hair to hide at least part of it at various times, (skill check to see if that is intentional). He can determine definitely that she is still in the Air Raft, no sounds from that portion of the storage at all and the netting is still fastened down as they left it.

Secondarily there are the other NPC lab workers around to run errands as needed. That could also include our two new players as soon as they feel ready to roleplay.

1104-341-15:50

"Bridge to Crew. Any personnel on board that can operate the Probe Drones, contact the Bridge. If there are no personnel on board that can operate the drones, Science Department Head will contact the Bridge to advise."

Second intercomm message to the A/R Bay only, "Nicloa, are you any good at working with drones or robots? If you are, or even if you are not, would you like to come to the bridge and help with a project? Stay where you are, if not. Come to the bridge if you are."

A woman who seems to be in her 30's comes onto the comm "I have used the drones before Sir. I use them for survellence of specimens. I can help with that."

Nicola cautiously pushes against the covering on the Air Raft, then more forcefully to pop out one of the fasteners. "I have not used robots, but I can come to the bridge to help out if the raiders are gone"

"Eleni (being that Mikhel knows all the crew, having done medicals on them, he knows their names, supposedly, if not their individual skill sets), thanks for your help. Can you bring a probe drone to the cargo bay and set it up for a sweep of the Marduk cargo transfer area? With Security tasked elsewhere, I want a look at what's out there, but not get shot at while doing it. You can run it from the drone station here on the bridge. Also, I'd like to attach a med scanner to it, to check out the individuals out there, when we send the drone out."

On intercomm to the A/R bay, "Nicola, I'm not sure the raiders are gone, but they aren't visible threats on our cameras. I could use you eyes to help identify friends or enemies, though. You'd be on the bridge, and nowhere near any bad people. Well, other than me."

As you create these crew and NPCs I am adding them into FG for future use. Once we are comfortable with who they develop into I will change them over to PC sheets that the group can make rolls with as you want. Skills you know Eleni has include: Admin 0, Electronics 0, Electronics (sensors) 1, Science 0, Science (robotics) 1, Science (cybernetics) 1, Science (xenology) 1. Those are the minimum levels she might be better at things, you will find out during roleplay.

(Eleni) Bringing an obviously frazzled girl with her (Nicola) This one said she is part of the crew Sir, and you told her to report to the bridge. Reaches over and pulls out a drone remote control from a drawer under the bridge station. I can take one from the lockers and go to the air lock. I am in charge of our remote surveillance when out in the field. The new guy is there? Crockett? Pulls out a air mask and clips it to her belt I don't like guns, do you think he can stop with the military shit?

"Eleni, sorry about the lethal hardware, but Crockett's there to keep intruders off the ship. Nicola can fill you in on why we don't want that type of company on board. I need you to run the drone, and provide running commentary of what's out there on the ship's intercomm to the Cargo Bay. If Nicola would be so kind, she can provide her expertise on what's supposed to be out there, 'what's normal', and who the drone comes across."
"If anyone shoots at the drone, bring it back. I'm gonna rig up a thermal smoke grenade for cover, and all you need to do to set it off is raise the left manipulator, and release the gripper. That will pull the pin and drop the grenade. I will set that up, before we open the Cargo Bay door." If you see anybody out there, and they are not upright and mobile, move in for a better look, to see if they need help."
"Mostly, I just want a look around the immediate area and ensure it is clear for me to go out and assist any casualties, without getting shot."
"I will be heading down to the Cargo Bay to be immediately on-site, if there are casualties. Also, Crockett will be backing me up, and ensuring nobody gets through the door. Again, Nicola can advise as to why we want hardware out and ready. You and Nicola stay here on the bridge, where you will be much safer. Keep the door locked, and don't open it for anyone not crew."
"Lastly, keep an ear out for anything Marduk Security tells us about what's going on. I am expecting a call."
"Any questions, or concerns?"

(Nicola)Yes Sir, I will report anything I see or hear. Do you have a code word you want to use to tell me not to do something you tell me to do? Like if you are being forced to do something against your will you tell me 'everything is peachy' and I know not to follow through?"

(Eleni looking at Nicola)"Are you trying to be some super spy? These are just drunk raiders most likely who started a brawl and things got out of hand. They go back to their ships and start shooting. Stupid men with guns cause a lot of trouble."

Eleni clips the controller to the other side of her belt and picks up two drones. "Ready to go when you are Sir. I work these best when I am close and can see them and not just the screen on the controller."

Ship Probe Drones are 'man-size' IAW the rules I'm reading. So, these are different, and not big enough to carry grenades? Smaller targets are better I suppose.

Yes to smaller observation drones but yes can carry 1 grenade, or a food parcel, or....

"Eleni, in case you haven't been keeping up with current events, there is a raider fleet attacking the station. Multiple raider ships have breached the station and are sending out press gangs, not just scavengers and thieves. These intruders are not just rowdy drunks. And if they are who I think they are, they are specifically looking for smart people. People who are literate, preferably highly educated and/or highly skilled. Like you."
"So, if you can operate the drones from the bridge, with locked Iris hatches between the Cargo Bay and you, as well as not within easy grabbing reach. I'd be happier.
"Why the air mask, by the way? Know something I don't?"

(Eleni)"Thank you for your concern. I suppose thank you for the compliment too Sir. I can try to operate them from the bridge but I am more used to watching them in the air as I navigate than the screens. I mostly use them for observation. I always have an air mask with me if I leave the ship, never know what sort of gases you might encounter.

"Being that the raiders are looking for live captives, they might be using Tranq gas, like I am planning on using. Having an air mask might be a really good idea. Thanks, Eleni!" Mikhel grabs two more masks (if they are available). "So, Eleni, can you run the drones from the corridor at the back of the Cargo Bay? That will keep you as far out of reach as possible, and let you see something. As you get the drones farther into the Marduk station, and can see the surroundings are clear of threats, you can move closer to the Bay doors. I don't want you anywhere out of the ship! Please!" Turning to Nicola, Mikhel addresses her, "As for safe words, once I'm out of the ship, if I don't come back, assume the worst. Hmmm... If I get snagged by the Marduk Medical services, I may be gone for an extended time. Perhaps the safe word idea isn't bad. So, yeah. 'Everything is peachy' is good, and simple." Mikhel then heads for the Cargo Bay.

Grab the third mobile comm for Eleni and Nicola?

[Crockett says to Mikhel when he arrives at Cargo Bay area of the Pioneer] "So there you are....ready to exit in what unknowns lie ahead...doing your medical diplomacy thing? I'm not sure about this, but you are obviously set to carry this out....btw...have you got my mobile COMM for me so you can update me when you have news to report? and stay save eh?

Oops! I thought we had the first two mobile comms. Pick up all three on the way to the Cargo Bay.

Mikhel is currently wearing his Cloth Ship's Jacket (TL10, AP+8), carrying his Stunner Pistol, Med Scanner and Med Bag, as well as two Thermal Smoke Grenades. He has portable Comms for Crockett, Eleni(and Nicola) , as well as himself. Air Masks on everyone. Set up the first Drone with a Themal Smoke for remote release, and put it by the Cargo Bay door. Would it be possible to set up the bay so that anyone trying to toss a grenade into the opening door would have that grenade bounce back into the Marduk access bay? The plan is to open the door wide (high) enough to let the drone out, and keep the cargo bay protected as possible. So, for Eleni, this may interfere with her watching the drone to help dirrect it. It was one of the reasons I wanted Eleni on the bridge and use the cameras to keep an eye on the drone's progress.

Understood on the plan. Yes to one Thermal Smoke grenade release on command from a drone. Eleni can view the drone cameras from her controller. It is possible to open the center of the doors just enough to slide the drone out and then close them.

(Nicola)" The outside bay looks clear"

Eleni picks up her drone and walks to the middle of the doors. "On my mark bridge. Begin observation session Marduk Station recording one: exploring terrain for unknown objects. Ready...."

Eleni looks to Crockett and Mikhel.

Ensure nobody is in the line of fire and crack the door...

(Nicola) "Acknowledged Sir, opening the cargo bay doors...

The doors start to slide open, Eleni quickly reacts and tosses a drone out through the opening.

ALARM BLARING outside the door in the cargo area

All personnel docked at the Commercial Arm stay in your ship. I say again stay in your ship. Marduk Security will be bringing medical teams as soon as the security teams have completed their sweep. Stay calm. Stay vigilant.

(Eleni)"I have visual lock. Increasing magnification. Wow these look like, WOW what in the hell does the inside of their ships look like, I have not seen that many survive in a ships environment before

(Nicola) "Sir, closing the cargo bay doors on your command....

1104-341-16:00

"Close the Cargo Bay door, Nicola!". And Mikhel hopes the signal to the drone is not cut off.

One of the reasons for using the Probe Drones was the controls should have been somewhere intregrated into the bridge, and the antenna to control the drone should be on the outside of the ship, and not cut off by the closed door. Then, of course, this doesn't take into consideration being airlocked to a station...

[Crockett to bridge via intercom] Crew member Eleni on Bridge....Do you copy....What's happening...I'm down here at Cargo Bay Air Lock and exit of drone appears to have gone smoothly....but I've not received any update on what it sees out there.....Are you seeing anything yet?"

(Eleni) Scoffs at Crockett (Eleni)"I am right here, that is Nicola up on the bridge. You need to pay attention, those are the kind of mistakes that get you infected in the lab. (Louder to both Crockett and Mikhel) "I checked the three bodies out there and there is no movement from them. But the ticks and lice are amazing. I have not see anything like that off of planet side. They are huge and look to be aggressive. You need to be careful when handling those bodies."

(Nicola) "Sir, nothing on the cameras yet outside our doors. I did spot Marduk Security moving through the corridors and will relay any communications to your comm when they arrive at our docking space. I have not spotted any of the raiders on the cameras since I have been on the bridge. Also Sir I have had reports from 6 of the 8 lab sections that everything is secure and safe. The other two are not paying attention to requests for updates. On camera they are securing things as you ordered. Bridge out."

Setting the scene for everyone as things begin to transition out of active attack. Crockett and Mikhel seem to be in charge even if they had not planned on that before. Eleni is not a military person, but is listening to orders and performing tasks. Nicola has shaken off her panic and has been actively assisting on the bridge in a very competent manner. Everyone except Crockett and Mikhel seem to be treating her as regular crew person. That might speak to just how Crockett and Mikhel became part of the crew and made their own spaces and everyone accepted it, and how the Captain runs her ship. This is very much a civilian lab ship with two military people stepping up to handle things while all the main bridge crew are off planet side.

1104-341-16:10

Check with Eleni and see if there is any signs of life, or serious injury (chests rise and fall regularly, pooling of blood around bodies, etc...). If the individuals are sedated or pinned, but not apparently dying, Mikhel will wait for Station Security to deal with them. He is considering a Vacc Suit, if the bodies are that infested with parasites. Or, get an isolation suit from the science crew. Consult with Eleni as to best options (would she want samples?).

Check with Nicola to ensure she is doing OK, and thank her for the update. 'Keep a sharp eye on any movement. Advise if you see anyone. If you aren't sure who it is, warn us and if the cargo bay door is open, close it!"

(Eleni)"Of course I am taking samples! There must be something resistant going on there for them to survive like that in ship setting. Every ship I have seen has been pretty clean, not as clean as the Pioneer of course but most stewards can keep things to spec. She pauses thinking about the specimens. "Oh I am pretty sure the bodies are dead, the human bodies that is. No movement but they would still be warm, cooling down, or the ticks and lice would be moving away from the bodies."

Coordinate with Elen, checking for obvious signs of death (bullet holes with blood on clothes, and probably pooling blood - FG check - 15 [16 with Remote Ops added])? Are the 'nets' mechanical(man-made), non-lethal restraint systems [FG check - 7]? And do we really want off the ship to get samples? Caution may be needed, and Mikhel hopes physical restraint is not necessary for Eleni. Keep the door closed. Check a bit farther into the Marduk Bay with the drone to see any other casualties or staff (pirates hiding...).

(Eleni) Showing her screen view to Mikhel "Look here sir, these scorch marks on the clothing? That could be from some sort of energy weapon. Unlike your gun happy friend there {nods to Crockett} station security does not use slug throwers. No holes in the bodies that I can see. That webbing is standard restraint, well a lot more of it than is needed but standard stuff. They are dead though so likely security was not being careful enough with their percentages. You can knock down a human that size with only... she pauses seeing Mikhel's eyes start to squint again "I do want to capture some of those specimens. No one is allowed to go visit the surface of Oghma, this might be the only time we can find them. We could do a paper or two on them and.... pausing again as Mikhel's eye start to squint harder. "Ready to go out when you are Sir

Pioneer, this is Marduk Security.

(Nicola)"Marduk Security, this is Pioneer Communications Officer, go ahead"

Pioneer, Ready for that medic assistance when you can provide.

(Nicola)"Marduk Security, We have one medic with assistant ready to assist. We have our own security onboard. What authentication will your team use?

Pioneer, We will have security team Echo meet your team at your hatch. Two person team, both human. They will arrive inside of ten minutes. We will radio you when they arrive to authenticate.

(Nicola)"Marduk Security, Understood. Pioneer Communications out.

(Nicola){Internal Comms}"Mikhel and Crocket. You have two Marduk Security on the way, team Echo, two humans. I will confirm ID when they arrive. Informed them our Medic and assistant would be joining them. Do you need any other supplies?

"Eleni. Two issues. One, I don't want to risk ship's crew to possible abduction. Especially Science Crew. Two, I don't want to hazard the ship to an infestation of an unknown species, with unknown ability to survive in our environment. I am not authorized, nor qualified, to make either call. I will defer to strict caution, and deny any exposure of you and crew in this instance." Mikhel takes a deep breath, and attempts to calm himself. Looking straight into Eleni's eyes, Mikhel says in an even tone, "In our current circumstance, I don't know what the Captain has directed the Science Crew to do, or what the nature of your current research is about. All I can do is advice that you follow the directions of the Captain as to her research priorities. If it includes bugs, and you see an opportunity to 'Appropriately' expand your research parameters, I will defer my extreme apprehensions."

"Crockett! You are the defensive cover. Any input? Before we open the door and risk life and bodily fluides?"

Whispering, "Eleni, can you get samples remotely?"

(Eleni)"Don't worry we have captured far more dangerous and harder to contain creatures. If this makes you nervous don't look in lab number 5. I COULD get samples remotely, that is what the drones can do..... if you did not have me put that smoke grenade there which is taking up the collection pincers. Do you want me to drop that?..... Sir.....

"Eleni, now you're messing with me. You've been calling me 'Mikhel' for two months. What's up with the honorifics, now? And yeah, I asked for the smoke grenade. If you can lay it down without setting off the grenade, do that. If you can't, land that drone by the hatch, and I can make the drone/grenade safe when I leave. Once the first drone is safely parked, can you use the second drone to get samples?"

"Nicola, I have my essential tools with me, Crockett should be remaining with the ship. Thank you for taking Comms duty. I don't think we need any supplies here, yet, unless Crockett or Dr. Iirigamah need something. They can advise you on their own."

[to Mikhel as he is about to depart Pioneer] "Be safe fellow Marine. Before you get too far from hatch perhaps let's do a Comms check with our mobiles...YOU initiate OK? and don't trip over the netting!" [Crockett will secure hatch as soon as Mikhel and Eleni leave and then notify our BRIDGE via intercomm]

(Eleni)"The ships comms will work unless someone is intentionally jamming us. The Captain does NOT like to be out of touch with the ship or crew. We have good quality comm units. I can fire up the second drone now and soon as the doors open we can send it out. Sir."

She looks over at Mikhel, "You are Sir until the Captain comes back, then you go back to just being Mikhel. Captain Solis would not want us to treat you differently. You took over when no one else did, that puts you in charge.

Eleni glances at her screen, "Heads up two humanoids approaching"

1104-341-16:15

Now for the paranoia. Have we authenticated Marduk Security as a radio source? Are these people actually Marduk Security, and how do we tell?
Mikhel is of the experience that anyone demanding to be called 'Sir' is a boot-licking, ass-kissing, narcissist in an overly-expensive suit, bucking for a promotion at the expense of anyone around him/her, the expense part likely to be dibilitating or fatal to anyone but the 'Sir'. Hence, Mikhel's near-obsessive aversion to the title. Anyone remotely worthy of respect won't be called 'Sir' by Mikhel.

"Dr, we will chat later, but prep the drone, as the door may be opening soon. People start using 'Sir' around me, I start looking for the pompous ass pretending they're in control of the situation." Raising his voice, "Nicola, stand by. Can you positively ID Marduk Security personnel? Do you know any staff, and can we be sure the voice on the comms is Marduk?" Turning to Eleni, it occurs to Mikhel to ask, "Did the Captain take a radio with her? Can we get in touch with her on the planet? The ships probe drones are able to do comms relay duty, if we need to extend range."

Athena did not take a radio with her, she was expecting a quick trip down to the surface, a meeting, and return to the ship.

Spêaking of radios Mikhel (not a Sir!)...Do not forget you are doing a Mobile Comm check with me first chance you get out there...It is all I really care about right now as I do not relish idea of being out of communication with you directly.....and again...be safe...I too by the way was wondering about authenticity of Marduk Security...must be the marine training.

(Nicola)"Marduk Security, this is Pioneer Communications. I have two Vargr approaching our port. Are they your people over"

"Pioneer this is Marduk Security, Negative No Vargr on assigned patrols, do NOT engage, do NOT unlock. Our security team is on the way, they will take care of them Marduk out

(Nicola)"Marduk Security, confirmed. Correction two security personell are human. Was checking verification with you Security, blind check against raiders. What authentication is your group using?"

"Pioneer, good call on the double verification. You are only the second ship to ask. Echo team is reporting they are outside your lock. Authenticate Zero Yellow Two, I say again Zero Yellow Two. I will wait for your confirmation"

(Nicola)"Pioneer medical team, two humans outside of our lock. Authentication for two humans, code Zero Yellow Two. Waiting on your confirmation.

Using the drone camera and microphone (Eleni)"Security? Are you here for pickup or drop off? What is your authentication code?

{Two humans, male, in light cloth armor, each carrying what look like stun pistols, with various gear strapped to their belts and pockets}" Hello (checks notes) Pioneer. We are here for pick up. You have two medics for us, we have 18 casualities gathered in the main concourse, most with minor wounds, two in serious condition. We can help you with some supplies but the raiders took two containers of our medical supplies. Our authenication codes are Zero Yellow Two. Waiting your confirmation.

(Eleni)"They have the right codes Communications, do we open the lock?

(Nicola)"Recommend opening and staying in communication. Mikhel and Crockett are your final word"

(Nicola)"Marduk Security we have confirmation of team Echo. Waiting for you to confirm for them. We stand by to assist station as needed"

"Confirmed Pioneer Communications, We will contact you as needed. Good work.

[via ship's intercom and mobile phone to Mikhel] Crockett here very uncomfortable with opening lock at this moment...The visitors have correct codes...but there has been nothing in COMMS about picking up "two medics"..... info doesn't match with what we know.... Seeking clarification and further checks from both NICOLA on our bridge and MIKHEL out there somewhere. REPEAT...Negative on opening door at this moment.

"I'm confused, too. So, how do we sort this out? Nicola, is there a hardwire to Marduk Security, so we cut out any radio override?"

(Nicola)"Mikhel and Crockett, We have authenticated the Security detail as best we can. They have all the correct protocols. They are here because you volunteered to assist with medical needs. I can override and open or close the lock as needed. You have controls there. You should have your ship's radio to stay in contact with me while you are out on the station.

To Eleni, "Are you going out for samples, or are you coming with me to assist with the Medical team? Nicola may have gotten this wrong, or I'm just my usual confused self."

(Eleni)"I am coming with you. I can grab some samples quickly before we go with security. Then after I am done helping you I can collect more, or someone else from the labs can collect. If we, well you, are out there making sure everyone is safe then they can get back to work."

Mikhel switches on the comms and indicates to Crockett and Eleni by tapping the earpiece of his unit. "Radio check. This is Pioneer Doc. How do you read, over?"

[via mobile comms] "Crockett reading Mikhel "5 x 5" receiving clearly" .....meanwhile aiming at air lock door in case something goes wrong with this grand plan.

(Eleni)"I read you loud and clear sir" Now she is clearly teasing Mikhel with it.

"Nicola, how are you receiving us? If we are clear, we are on our way." Turning to Crockett, "Do you want the pen I lent you? If you don't want the back-up option, I'll take it back."

[Crockett is thinking to himself: "What the heck is Mikhel talking about? What pen?" ] (and then to Mikhel responds) YES Mikhel...I'm reading you also on my mobile....What do you mean pen??? [This will be foolish question if the mobile phone is in shape of a pen!!!!] [to Mikhel as afterthought] "Hey Mikhel...you referring to the 'Stun Flashlight Pain Pen - Silver' that you have yourself ....??? Are you giving me that?"

It has been a while, but way, way back at 15:30 hrs, when I let Nicola into the Cargo Bay and abandoned Crockett with her, I handed a 'pen' to Crockett. That was so he wouldn't have to shoot Nicola with his laser pistol, if she started using her knife or doing some other thing that would threaten the ship.

(Nicola)"Mikhel and Elina, I read you loud and clear. Again I am ready for you to make the call on if everything is peachy. Be safe out there. Pioneer Communications out."

Relieving Crockett of the pain pen, Mikhel signals the door open. Pulling his DWB ID to have it ready when he asks the escort for theirs, he leads cautiously out the Cargo Bay door to Marduk station. Eleni can follow behind with her ship's ID or other credentials as she posesses. Mikhel gives his head a shake, and drops his battlefield aura over himself. Eyes start scanning for threats and casualties, allies and resources. No weapons were drawn, at least until they got to the escort. Mikhel was conscious of Crockett covering them, so avoided blocking his sight lines. Mikhel had the Snub Pistol (left hip) with two @ red and white mags, the Stunner (right hip), the pain pen in a chest pocket, and two Stun Flashlights were in the Med Bag over the left shoulder and hanging draped behind his back, clipped to keep it from swinging around when 'dancing' about a scene.
PS: Following Eleni's advice, masks on!

“Good to meet you Pioneer. Corporal Pizak of Marduk Station Security.” Gestures over to the second person who is squatting down to check the bodies, “That is Fredrica Von Blattersmeer… did I get that right?” He nods continuing to check the bodies “He is from GeDeCo Operations. We are here to bring you to the main concourse and watch out for anyone who is a little too antsy with a response.” Fredrica looks on casually as Elina completes her collecting of samples.

Looking back up and down the passageway he nods, “You are?”

Pointing to Eleni, "Eleni Fomat, one of the Research Team on Pioneer, and fascinated by life in all its forms. She will be right with us. Something about parasites not living or staying on dead bodies? We might wish to quarantine these bodies, to prevent spread of the vermin. I'm not familiar with the specific infestation, but I'm pretty creeped out."

Showing his credentials to Pizak, "I'm Mikhel Dromah, "Doctor, so called". I'm a Combat Medic, with some experience with wound surgery in emergency conditions. I'll help as I can, and not afraid of being shot at. Don't like being shot, though, so if you'll provide cover, I'm happy."

Mikhel Dromah: [SKILL] Leadership (2D+3) (vs Difficulty 6) [2d6+3 = 13] [ +7 Effect] [Exceptional SUCCESS] Mikhel checking over Pizak and Von Blattersmeer for competence and gear.

Yes Fredrica is a male, yes they both look very competent and are equiped properly

Nodding at Crockett through the hatchway. (Pizak)“Do you two have authentication codes for him already for when you return? Or do you need us to step aside?”

"There are a few suspicious crew on our ship, and they made me memorize a "Safe Phrase." Perhaps, I've lead a sheltered life, or been part of a really big organization for too long." Crockett, ship's Security Chief, will know me when I return, I hope." Mikhel winked at Pizak, "But, then, he may not let me back on. Depends on how he feels..." Mikhel smiles.

(Pizak) “Very well folks let’s get you over there to work on our casualties. The raiders caused a bunch of damage, somehow they knew we only had half of our SDBs available. (Walking and talking) That group hit us hard, knocked out two freighters, stole a yacht, boarded the station with what we think was a full thirty strong force. We killed five of them, not counting those in front of your ship. You know who did that? It was security from some ship was all I heard, looks like you have the firepower to handle that. Good on you if it was.

(Fredrica) ”From the tatoos and clothing it seems there are at least three clans involved in this raid. The two groups that came made it onto the station were searching for medical supplies, lucky they did not get access to your ship”

Arriving at the main concourse (Pizak) “Here we are, I am right behind you if anyone reacts poorly, thanks for helping out Mikhel.”

Mikhel starts his scanning looking for threats, casualties, and habitually checks his Med Scanner is easily accessible on his belt. Mikhel says to Pizak's back as they walk, "I was too busy tiptoeing around the weird bugs to answer your other question. We didn't do anything to the individuals outside our Cargo Bay. Didn't see who did that, either. We were thinking it was Marduk Security. Although, netting them and perforating them was excessive."

Mikhel Dromah: [SKILL] Tactics (military) (2D+3) (vs Difficulty ?) [2d6+3 = 6] [ +? Effect] [Marginal FAILURE?] Tactics assessment of the Concorse. Obviously unfamiliar ground.

(Pizak) "We can check on who did shoot them, it could be our guys, it could be someone from a ship that was docked, or even one of the consessions here in the concourse. From what I heard earlier we did not make it to this docking arm until 3 hours in. "

Your group of four make it to the main area and Mikhel starts in on treating the worst cases first.

checks as you see appropriate

Mikhel makes a quick scan of the area, counting casualties and condition. If there is a lot of blood, and a moving body near it, he heads for that casualty first, while pointing out the next most urgent looking one to Eleni. "Triage! Then, we start any immediate care, if they are not past our skills." He tosses a Trauma Pack at Eleni, in case she runs into any mostly dead. Then, out comes the Mediscanner and gloves.

Mikhel will do the First-Aid Survey as part of the triage, and only do a Mediscan if there are no obvious wounds or trauma. The Mediscanner can calibrate while Mikhel is doing the physical survey, in the event there is need. He will check for consciousness, do introductions and request permissions as needed, and proceed as the situation dictates. Mikhel will keep his head up, and swivelling, to ensure there isn't any critical situations developing with other casualties, or incoming threats.

Mikhel Dromah: [SKILL] Medic (2D+4) (vs Difficulty 6) [2d6+4 = 11] [ +5 Effect] [Average SUCCESS] Triage roll for Marduk Station. Also, 1d (6) minutes.

Mikhel Dromah: First serious casualty: [HEAL] First Aid (2D+4) [+2], Include Medikit (TL12) (vs Difficulty 8) [2d6+6 = 13] [ +5 Effect] [Average SUCCESS] [5 Healing]

Mikhel Dromah: Second serious casualty: [HEAL] First Aid (2D+4) [+2], Include Medikit (TL12) (vs Difficulty 8) [2d6+6 = 17] [ +9 Effect] [Exceptional SUCCESS] [9 Healing]

Mikhel Dromah: Another additional casualty (If needed): [HEAL] First Aid (2D+4) [+2], Include Medikit (TL12) (vs Difficulty 8) [2d6+6 = 14] [ +6 Effect] [Exceptional SUCCESS] [6 Healing]

Note 1: Not added into the above checks is Mikhel's TL12 Portable MediScanner. I'm having a disconnect in the First Aid Check (1D rounds = 6-36 seconds) and doing things within the First Aid Check, like calibrating the MediScanner (1D minutes = 1-6 minutes). If a First-Aider does a physical survey of a casualty, that can take a few minutes, if done at speed, not seconds. The MediScanner could be set to calibrate next to the patient, and let run while doing the Physical Survey, and consulted as other treatments are commenced (Clear airways, Stop bleeding, get drugs prepared for injection, prepare splints, etc...). Then, before any aggressive treatment, consult the MediScanner for confirmation of treatment, or any anomalies that would contra-indicate the plan of treatment. The MediScanner should indicate any Augments in humans, but only humans, as Mikhel hasn't added any Alien Species chips to his device.
*Should this approach be acceptable, all the above [HEAL] First Aid Checks would have +1 Effect added [Exceptional SUCCESS].
*Note 2: The assumption may be that catestrophic combat injuries are obvious, and the usual actions are not done.
*Suggestion: With a known crew, could the MediScanner have recorded profiles in memory, and bypass the calibration? One of the reasons for the baseline Med Checks Mikhel insisted on?

Yes to this approach, yes to being able to quickly stabalize the first group.

Should the above checks not succeed in stabilizing the particular casualty, Trauma Packs should be used to extend the casualty's treatment period to 1D hours, to get them to a Med Bay/Surgery. If Mikhel can stabilize all the other present casualties, and it looks necessary, actual surgery could be performed in situ, and wait for a portable AutoDoc to be brought to the location. Treat as situation dictates.

"Eleni, Hold that limb, apply pressure on the inside of the thigh to that bleeder, please. I'll suture the vein and muscles and close up the skin..."

Anything that is small, non-life-threatening should be a routine task for Mikhel. In a spacestation environment, without ongoing combat, Mikhel'd be pretty relaxed.

"Eleni! Thanks for not passing out like my usual assistants. Much appreciated."

(Eleni) We deal with minor problems in the bush every so often. It is good to have a real doctor to work with.

Mikhel wonders about the injuries, and the idea of the Oghmans looking for slaves. There is a disconnnect here. Were people shooting the Oghmans, and the Pirates/Slavers shooting back?

1104-341-16:45

"Pioneer, this is Pioneer Doc. SitRep. Time: 16:45; Loc: Marduk Commercial Arm Concourse; Assets: Team Operational; Enemy: No hostilities to report; Remarks: First group of casualties triaged and treated. Moving on to next site. Will check in after next triage, or at Marduk Med Bay. Sit Rep complete. Over."

[Crockett hears SitRep but will leave to the Pioneer's bridge to respond thinking the young woman appears to be more competent than originally thought]

(Nicola)"Pioneer Doc this is Pioneer Communications. Understood. If you need additional supplies we can send a small number. GeDeCo is paying our docking fees for the extra day in thanks for your assistance. Pioneer Comms out."

"Pioneer Comms, this is Pioneer Doc. Many thanks to Marduk Station! Quote: No matter what you do, give 100%. Unless you are giving blood. End Quote. Pioneer Team will continue doing its best. Out."

1104-341-16:45

Mikhel and Eleni are working on the triage through the Commercial Arm of the station with Pizak and Fredrica. Your group manages to save one young Vargr’s leg by using a borrowed med scanner with the correct library setting. After going through the concourse and making sure all are safe Pizak leads you over to the Main Arm of the station. Here there are two casualties you cannot save, decompression deaths. A section of the wall has a temporary patch on it, where an airlock was broken. The air is thin but good in this area.

Pizak pushes rations in Mikhel and Eleni’s hands as you move along the arm. It seems that other than the yacht that was highjacked nothing in this part of Main Arm of the station is in need of your care. Fredrica says, “Any ship that docks here on the Main Arm typically has their own doctor on board. It is the commercial freighters that have the most reported problems. Your ship was over at the Commercial Arm because we rarely see a lab ship like that. Most of them stay off station and come over with their ship’s boat.”

The group starts back towards the Commercial Arm. Pizak holds Mikhel and Eleni back with Fredrica as he approaches the first airlock of a ship. He pings the ship, asks for a report on casualties and if they need assistance. The ship does not request anything.

Moving to the next airlock, this ship does seem cautious but asks for a quick medical check on a member of the crew who is unconscious. The group enters the freighter to find a young male with an obvious head wound, breathing but not moving. Mikhel diagnosis indicates potential hematoma and after consulting with Fredrica and Pizak helps to get him to a full med bay back in the Main Arm. At the med bay Mikhel and Eleni discover why they are needed. Both doctors and three nurses have been kidnapped along with many of the medical supplies. This must be what Fredrica had referred to earlier. The group continues to triage and treat as many as they can.

1104-341-20:00

Fredrica says, “I just got a report that the bulk of the raiders have left the system. There are still unconfirmed reports from Downport on how many casualties they took there. At least three raiders made it to the surface. We lost a handful of satellites but sensors on the station here seem to be working. “

Mikhel, Eleni, and Pizak pause at hearing that news.

Fredrica continues, “We have handled all of the ships on the Main Arm and the Commercial Arm. There are a couple in the corporate area we should look at in case they need assistance also. We have not found any survivors of the two ships that crashed. Hope to get you back to your ship in the next hour. Please give a report of all the materials used when you return so GeDeCo can compensate you for those.

1104-341-23:00

After two unexpected problems and one new baby girl that Eleni delivered both Mikhel and Eleni get returned to the Pioneer.

Fredrica looks unphased by all of this, “Thank you for your service. I was told that you two are coming to a visit at 8:00 at the Downport. Bring your security with you, it can’t hurt to have a backup. I will clear you three for personal weapons allowed in the Downport only.”

Nods to where the bodies were on the deck, “If we find anything interesting I will let you know” he says to Eleni. She nods, “If you get them to me privately I can give you a credit on the paper.” He nods knowingly and leaves.

Pizak shakes Mikhel’s hand. “You did good work here today. If you even want to settle down let me know and I will put I a good word at the Station for you.”

Nicola"Welcome home Pioneer Doc. Food and water is in your staterooms. No word yet from the Captain.

(Crockett)"Those lab people have not stopped working all night. Is this ship on a 24 hour rotation?

Eleni"They are trying to get their experiements as finished as they can. If the Captain is missing, they know the funding might get frozen. If that happens they are out of work.

(Mikhel)" If she is missing we need to go find...." Eleni cuts him off "Not we, not right now. looks over at Nicola, "Have they cleared anyone to leave dock yet?% Nicola shakes her head, No, no one can leave yet. Station Security said they would let everyone know as soon as possible.

Eleni"Good enough, Mikhel here is in charge, he can take the Voyager (the ship's pinnace) down with Crockett and me in the morning. We will go see where the Captain got off to. Probably a new sea creature knowing her. I want sleep.