Main / 1104-345

Calendar

1104-344 -- 1104-345 -- 1104-346

Passengers on board this trip:

Timing of events
Third day in Jump space
6:00 - Start of day
6:30 - Morning Meeting
12:00 - Mid-day office hours
??? - ???

1104-345 06:30

The morning after the Captain's Dinner. Morning Meeting - Private on the bridge. Only Athena, Sultana, Mikhel, Crockett, and Eleni are present.

Primary on the agenda: Who each person on this team is that GeDeCo plucked out of Known Space and threw together to restore the glory of Drinax. What in your history leads you to believe you should be part of this endeavor, and what skills do you bring to the team?

Notes from your meeting with GeDeCo:
Alexeis Drabahn: I want you to go to the King of Drinax and help him control the Trojan Reach
Alexeis Drabahn: The Hierate is advancing through the Reach
Alexeis Drabahn: The Imperium is trying to prevent their inroads
Alexeis Drabahn: My project that I would like to attempt is to have you work with the King of Drinax to reestablish the Drinax Kingdom and use the means you see appropriate to build Drinax into a power again
Alexeis Drabahn: The Aslan Ihatei will take territory where they can, however they can...
Alexeis Drabahn: The Kingdom of Drinax was spread over half the reach when they were all that was left from the Sindalian Empire
Alexeis Drabahn: What i can tell you is that King Oleb has a new weapon he has recovered. He intends to use it to create chaos in the Reach so that he will come out as the protector who can calm it
Alexeis Drabahn: King Oleb has found a Sindalian Harrier
Alexeis Drabahn: He intends to hire a group to be pirates for him
Alexeis Drabahn: I am sending you with these invites to his party so you can be those pirates
Alexeis Drabahn: You should keep all indications of GeDeCo from your associations
Alexeis Drabahn: There are notes from one of our other branches Vorito that an attempt on the King's life was made by one of their operatives
Alexeis Drabahn: The King will not look kindly on someone from GeDeCo being part of his inner circle
Links for research
(LINK) -> Kingdom of Drinax
(LINK) -> General Development Company


Looking around the room Athena calls the meeting to order, then reads out the notes she has as she can remember them. {OOC above for ease of use but to this point there is no written anything anywhere discussing the meeting}

Who wants to go first?

(Eleni)" I can go. I have no idea why I am here. I was not supposed to be in that meeting at all, I was just dragged along with Crockett and Mikhel as part of the rescue team. My skills are research and organization. A bit of drone piloting. Not sure how that will help in this situation. I can look up information about GeDeCo and Drinax for you now Captain if you like while the rest of you get started.

Athena looks at Eleni for a moment in thought as it still doesn't quite sit right with her. In a tone of consideration, she says, "I have been considering that Eleni, and I'm not a fan of that explanation. They took our information when we arrived. Either they were fine with me bringing along a trusted colleague or their security is very lacking for you to be simply brought along. Perhaps they already have something on you to allow me to bring you into the meeting or you had an invite you did not disclose to me."

Tapping the desk, wheels still turning, she continued, "I'd prefer it to be the former than the latter. The latter makes me wonder how wide they are casting their net and how carefully if you could so simply be swept along."

"You may look into that information, but you are not dismissed from this meeting yet." Folding her hands in front of her, she turned to the others, and prompted, "Well? Were you all simply randomly chosen as Eleni claims or is there a pattern to tease out here? Speak."

"My apologies to all for bailing in the middle of dinner, last night. Eduardo and I will be working on a solution going forward. There was nothing anyone at the gather did or said that precipitated my departure. Just something I need to work on.
As to why I was at the meeting on Marduk, I saw the notice in the news feeds on Imisaa. I was in the middle of a personal change of heart with my previous employer, and wanted a change. I leapt at the Marduk offer as an opportunity for a radical alteration of life choices. As it turns out, events at Marduk Station has thrown my illusions of better things in civilian realms out the airlock. Then, the meeting on Marduk sent my very ephemeral plans on an even wider orbit. I have been re-evaluating what this opportunity means to me, and the answers I am getting, so far, are not to my liking. I am very interested in what all of you think you want to do with this idea. That will help me in making a decision. All that I ask is that you understand any path I choose will be guided by the Code of Ledriasda."

(Eleni)"I have been on the Pioneer for over a decade, if they researched you, they obviously researched everyone on the ship. It makes sense that they know who I was. I am not .... unhappy?.... that they thought I was suitable for a super secret double blind secret mission to affect the Sector... but I am glad you are the one they picked to lead this and not me. looking around Or at least the four of you.

Lt Sultana sits quietly for a moment before speaking. "For myself, there are a couple of obvious reasons they might have selected me. Navy career, military officer, etcetera. And I have the noble title recently granted to me by Count Askigaak which may make me more palatable to King Olek or his court. Less obvious is that I've ... "dabbled"... in politics a few times before. Not to any great success, unfortunately. So don't count on me to be any great expert at it."

He looks thoughtful for a few minutes, then shrugs and sighs to himself. "I think, if we're going to be in this together, that you need to know all the details. My last .. erm.. mission is what earned me the recognition from Count Askigaak. A few days after that ceremony, someone put several holes into my transport with a sniper rifle. Most likely someone sent or hired by the Duchy of Vincennes, although I don't have any hard proof of that. The Count's security men and I decided that it was safest for me to disappear for a while, so I began the random walk space tour that eventually led me here. I figured it would be harder for them to find me if even I didn't know where I was going until I broke orbit."

"Drinax is a long way from Askigaak and Vincennes, so I may be completely safe here, if anybody was even looking for me in the first place. For all I know, it was a one-time attempt. Or, they could have put out a bounty, I don't know. If anyone is looking for me, the longer I stay in Drinax, the more likely it is that they'll find me. So, at some point in the future, someone may try again. Or there's no danger whatsoever."

"Given how far and fast I've moved in the last year, GeDeCo probably doesn't know any more about it than I do. That's why I didn't ask. Any information about me couldn't have gotten here much quicker than I did myself, and almost certainly no time for them to send queries and get back replies."

Lt Sultana chuckles drily. "Of course, just doing what we're planning is entirely likely to earn us brand new assassination attempts, not to mention other dangers."

From the look Athena gave Eleni, it was clear she didn't like the answer given, but that had always been how it was on the Pioneer, wasn't it? Ask no questions as long as the science gets done. This was, perhaps, one of the very few times Athena's curiosity was actually piqued - but, she also understand, there was a time and place. Why divulge all your secrets to some strangers because of a request they may, or may not, end up taking? Still, Athena made sure she caught Eleni's eye, a sign that the conversation wasn't over but they'd continue it elsewhere, before turning her attention to Mikhel.

"You were given your own personalized newsfeed and do not find that a curiosity, Doctor? Perhaps you are the good PR for this mission, or is there more?" Athena again tapped her fingers in thought before giving a slightly dismissive wave. "And it is always bad to jump to conclusions without evidence to support that. I am sure Eduardo has given similar advice of not going right to assuming the worst. All we know for now is we are going to a New Year's Eve Party where we can gather more data about what all will be involved in this endeavor. I do hope you can work with Eduardo before that so a repeat of last night does not happen." With the slightest hint of kindness? Maybe a bit of concern? Hard to tell but she added, "I hope you find positive results in that work."

Turning towards Sultana with a sigh, she said, "You are the only one who has given a good, credible reason for being sent a message." Taking in the new security officer with her gaze, she added, "Any you? Anything you'd like to add, Crockett?"

"Of course Captain....I think both "Doc" here and I are in same situation...Firmly of understanding that I saw a general posting from GeDeCo about the 5,000 cr for just showing up to listen to a proposal and accepted and next thing I knew I was aboard your labship here....Nothing more than that...and now I'm with all of you going to Drinax for now anxious to hear how together we might assist this "King" fellow there....I'm along for the adventure and to make some money...I'm not here for parties and would like to get on with some serious business that includes consideration of my proposed security proposal outline....and then while this is not my ship Captain...with the greatest respect to your scientific credentials....I'm worried I may be throwing in aboard a financially troubled lab ship here that may not be in my best interest to stay aboard. I've inquired about the financial status a couple of times and not because I'm nosy...but looking ahead past Drinax it would be very risky to stay aboard a ship that could get re-possessed by the Interplanetary Financial Council or some other body for failure to make payments owed...Anything you might offer to satisfy that concern this morning will continue to be most appreciated as I contemplate if I want to remain aboard after we arrive at Torpol...!!!! Meanwhile I will do my best to contribute to our joint security...and to do that I need input from all of you regarding my posted security outline

I have forwarded Crockett's proposal to Carissa(Athena) in DM for her approval to post as part of the Ship's Charter Or to suggest changes here in this conversation.

Mikhel considers the news feed in which he found the message. Was it his personal news feed, or a random search? Was the search really that random? Where did he see that notice? Nobody knew he was considering pulling the plug. Or did somebody know more about him than he did himself? This could warp a person's brain.
The activities of the group were not predestined. There was more than enough time to influence the group, or withdraw. Nobody has done anything bad. Yet.
Eduardo and he would have to have a talk. We have a a few weeks...

For Mikhel and Crockett - The In Character recollection of 'finding a public posting' and heading off to a meeting is valid. The truth as Athena is pointing out to Mikhel is that this was a targeted invite, with code words, travel expenses paid, etc. So if you think it was in a public feed.... which is correctly causing Mikhel to frantically rethink how this happened. And to have Sultana thinking, and Athena speculating on her crew. Does GeDeCo know how much about who and why?

"Crockett, I have been Captain of this ship for nearly a decade, and helped it run for longer than that. I have tried to reassure you multiple times. At this point, I can either direct you to Eduardo or remind you that you may leave at any stop to find your own way around the systems," said Athena, sternly. "But I go where my ship goes. You must make your own decisions here."

Lt Sultana leans forward and puts his hand out onto the table. "As for funds, not even counting anything King Olek might gift towards the project, I've been thinking about that. I've been studying the cluster around Drinax some, and I'm pretty sure there's a lot of potential profit in inter-system trade. There are a lot of planets all very close together. In theory, a ship might be able to just fly and down that whole line of planets, buying and selling along the way. I don't know how bad piracy is in the region, but that would probably be the major hindrance. And if this ship the King has supposedly acquired is real, we could use it to knock off some pirates. Possibly even take their ships and convert them into more trade freighters and/or pirate interceptors. I don't have any hard numbers to support this, I'm afraid. I'm studying the principles and best methods of trade, but someone on board may already know it better."

"If I'm understanding all this correctly, as an example, starting from Drinax, Asim and Kteiroa want electronics, both common and advanced. Hilfer wants weapons and medical supplies. From Hilfer, we could take common industrial and manufactured goods just about anywhere, including Drinax. I honestly don't know how much profit all that would earn per month, it really depends on how good the deals you get with the local merchants are. But the potential demand is there."

Already tired of this conversation happening yet again, Athena sighed and nodded, saying, "It is one thing we can do, yes. We can also expand our search for grants, look at corporate ones if needed, perhaps look at hiring a researcher who can bring in guaranteed money. While I loath Dr. Enar, backing from someone like the Furtherance Production Company does provoke some envy. I have yet to know how to do such a thing without compromising my morals."

"But," said Athena, straightening up. "These are for discussion after we see the King and what funding he may, or may not, be able to offer us or opportunities to find it. The discussion right now is why we were sent that message and what skills or connections you may underestimate you have at your disposal."

"'A lack of data isn't the same as no information.' We have to go to Drinax and look at the proposition, before we make a decision. I'm currently not in favour of the whole pirate thing, but I'm interested in bending the opportunity to what will work for the best for everyone. War and conflict do not make living easier or better. The Aslan are also not going to do their thing peacefully.
Spending a week with Vice Admiral Sir Adkhar Urimshik, the Imperial Navy Attache to the Aslan, was eye-opening. He and his team are doing everything they can to stop, or slow down, the inate drive of the Aslan to expand. If I understand GeDeCo's Charter correctly, they want to uplift the region. The higher the collective Tech Level is in the Outrim Void, the less attractive of a target the sector is likely to be.
I want to help people. We can help people. The self-delusional, over zealous, pompous ass playing at royalty in Drinax looks to me like a serious impediment to the peaceful co-existence of the sector. Take his ship and thwart his plan completely. We need another bunch of greedy, power-hungry petty pretentious idiots jamming a stick in the spokes like we need a kick in the head.
Let's get to Drinax, inform ourselves, and make a decision with intelligence, not in ignorance. I think I have the ear of a few high-placed Imperium staff. They are not at liberty to aid us without limit, but they might bend other ears that can keep us out of jails?"

Yup. The message was directly sent to Mikhel. He has completely gapped that. Mikhel had been bumbling along, going in the general direction of Marduk, runing on automatic. When he goes back and looks at the message, he will see he was addressed specifically. The questions will rise up and smack him in the consciousness. What the F?

"We'll want to keep an open mind going into the party. Not all royalty are inbred megalomaniacs. Some are, of course, but no reason going in and antagonizing him right off the bat. He doesn't have to lend us his ship, after all. And I don't relish the thought of trying to use the Pioneer in any active combat scenarios if I can help it." Lt Sultana thought for a moment, then said, "Your contacts and Aslan experience might be one of the reasons why you were targeted. I don't have any direct experience with the Aslan. And your contacts are probably different than mine, so that increases the chances of having some sort of aid or information nearby is doubled."

"Pirating: to take or entice away for one's own use."

With thin patience, Athena continued, "It is but one of the many definitions. Being a pirate does not necessarily mean violence nor illegal activity. Certainly it is an option, and perhaps why some of you were chosen, but while combat zones offer some intriging research options not normally available, I find combat tiresome. I have never partaken in it and have no intention in starting. So no, we will not be outfitting this ship for such use, either. That is not why I took over it. But, as Doctor Mikhel points out, perhaps we can 'pirate' by enticing support away from whoever is deemed the enemy. It may be as basic as that. "

"It is a big universe. If we take up the offer, I'm sure we can find the right opportunities to fit our views. And it bears keeping in mind we are likely not the only ones GeDeCo or the king have sought out for help. Let's hope it is a talented crew that gathers."

"Agreed, and sorry if I gave the wrong impression earlier. The only reason piracy has come up, I think, is because the GeDeCo gentleman mentioned it specifically. I don't think this group is a particularly blood-thirsty one, interested solely in loot and plunder. If you'll pardon me a bit of amateur philosophy, as I understand it, our ultimate goal is to provide a bit of Order and Stability to the region in order to provide some resistance against further Aslan expansion. Piracy is more a symptom of Chaos and low levels of security. If anything, I anticipate us having to operate more in an anti-piracy role. The trick will be convince the other planetary governments that the best way to pacify, improve, or otherwise profit their planets or government in the short term would be to join a greater Drinax power. Underhanded methods could include bribery or false flag operations, to make them fear someone else and see Drinax as a protector. Aboveboard would be system defense, enhanced trade status, diplomatic initiatives, etcetera. And I'm sure neither of those is a comprehensive list of options."

1104-345 09:30

Mikhel is in the Med Bay, checking staff records, and notices that two of the crew have not stopped by yet to update their vaccines. Need to chase them down and perforate them. Today!

Oh. Contact Eleni and explore Tranq options for safely subduing escaped specimens. Also, ask about her research into parasites (shudder). Perhaps more importantly, ask her if there is anyone on the staff that has civilian general practitioner experience to share. It is an area of 'doctoring' of which Mikhel is completely missing.

(Eleni)" Good Morning Mikhel, or is it Good Morning Doc? Captain said you wanted to talk with me? "

"Hi! It has always been, just 'Mikhel'. Perhaps with passengers aboard, people are trying to make the ship more attractive, with 'official' titles. But, as I've said to lots of troopers when I started going up in rank. 'When we are on our own, with nobody around, it's just Mikhel. When there are other troopers, and we're not sure about their take, or higher ranks, it's, at least, Sarge. What you call me when I'm not in earshot? That is totally up to you.' If you want to talk professionally, perhaps 'Doc'? Not Doctor. I've never earned a PHD, so not entitled to that. Maybe even 'Sick Bay Tiffy' if you have a sense of humor?"

"If Athena sent you to me, it is most likely about Capture Protocols. Our meeting yesterday raised the idea of non-lethal means of reacquiring escaped specimens. I mentioned that I have Tranq rounds available for non-lethally subduing Humans. I also raised the idea that Human tranquilizers may not be good for, and potentially lethal to, other lifeforms. Athena suggested we talk."

(Eleni)Definitely not Sarge. I am ok with Mikhel or Doc, most people call me Eleni instead of Doctor Eleni Kagaragu on the Pioneer. Luckily none of them have ever been in one of my classes before... so far. As for Tranq rounds please do not use them on anything other than Crockett she winks or on other crew on the ship. You would have no way to tell if it would be fatal to a non-human sophont or non-humanoid creature. Those are best left for derailing pirates if we see them. If someone or something gets out of one labs you just see it and call one of us.

(Eleni)"What sort of creatures are you interested in exploring?"

"Sarge was only a rank I carried for a few weeks, and didn't like it at all. It only really worked in garrison, with other Marines, and when I was out of the Medical Inspection Room. I'd like it if you called me Mikhel. I'm not necessarily interested in exploring any creatures, except sophonts we might encounter. I did encounter Vargr and Aslan in the Navy, sometimes as mercenaries, if they were fighting against us. Very rarely did I ever have to patch them up. Now, on another topic, if there are any staff aboard that have General Practitioner experience, I'd be interested in comparing notes on procedures in clinics. Just to make sure I'm covering all the bases. Perhaps I can consider, sometime in the not too distant future, challenging an exam or two for formal certification as a Doctor? Maybe there is something going on in the Pioneer labs that might match a part of traditional doctoring?"

[As ELENI leaves Med Bay...Crockett sticks his nose in] "Howdy marine...or I guess it's 'Doc' in here....thought I'd check in to see if you need me to subject to your medical diagnosis equipment and outstanding medical mind? Your call...and while in here we should stick to medicine...but on other topics we should share a "Lizard's Breath" sometime real soon before we approach Torpol....I've got to get you to understand my financial concerns about (what at the moment appears to be) this floating financial disaster"

"James." Mikhel shakes his head. "You are too tightly wrapped. You know how much I care for demi-credits and credits. Have a lay-down on the exam bed here and relax." Mikhel gets his MediScanner out and starts adjusting for a scan. "You won't even need to drop your strides, if you don't have any specific complaints. Do you have your Med chip with you?"

"I don't think I'm 'tightly wrapped' at all Doc. It's just I grew up around numbers and discussions of balance sheets with my parents and there's issues here on this labship that involves numbers that don't add up and I fear what it is leading to even though you have pointed out before that we shouldn't really worry about a ship we don't own...but I can't help it.... Here's my Med chip.....and I have no specific medical complaints."

"We are not going to agree, I guess. This ship and its finances are not our issue, as long as we get where we are going. If we get arrested or shot? That could be an issue. Don't see it coming in the near term. Thanks for the chip. If you don't mind, I'll make a copy and compare it to the scan. I'll also copy the current scan onto your Med chip for future references." Mikhel quickly loads the chip in the scanner, and checks the immunization log. Crockett is up to date, and all is good. "Outstanding!"
"You are good to go, James! Thanks for dropping in. Can we get together after dinner, tonight, and we can bend each others' ears?"

"Sure," responds Crockett to the 'Doc', "why don't you drop by my cabin. There are some ongoing security matters I'm dying to chat with you about."

1104-345 14:00

As Mikhel does his 'inspections by wandering around', he passes by the Passenger Rec Area. M. Vellueo Goalnouk is sitting, reading from a tablet and sipping at a beverage. Mikhel pauses by M. Goalnouk's seat and offers a Vargr greeting in a bad Human accent. "Koudhoe taso [Good day, in Mikhel hopes, at least in the Arrghoun dialect. Not the more common Gvegh]. Sorry to disturb you. May I speak with you for a moment?"

Hoping for a 'Yes'

"I have given a bit of thought about adapting to Torpol, but it really depends on a few things. Such as, me for example, having lived all my formative years on a small craft in an asteroid belt, I was not ready for a planet surface. All that open sky and moving air was a shock. If you have spent most of your life in stations and ships, Torpol surface will be a similar experience for you. Mostly, stations keep the environment at comfortable level for Humans, and that mostly suits Vargr. Humidity is for all the electronic systems, and a bit low, but not bad. The surface of Torpol, in the tropics, will be like a 'sauna'. Have you ever run across, or tried, a sauna?"

(Vellueo)"I appreciate the attempt at greeting. It was a nice try, but you need to bare your teeth just a bit more on all sides with the Taso. It is hard to do with your facial structure so thank you for trying. I have spent almost all of my life on board ships so I am glad that Torpol will be similar but different. I have not tried a sauna before, is that more like a rainstorm?"

"Sorry." Baring his teeth a widely as he can, in an approximation of a Vargr smile, "I didn't communicate well. If you've spent most of your life enclosed in ships, a planet surface will most likely be distressing the first time. Some ship-born sophonts never adjust to the wide open expanses and a horizon so distant the atmosphere obscures it. Torpol, the planet, will be a challenge, if you are going down to the surface. The climate will be even more of a challenge."

Mikhel has an idea randomly intrude into his thoughts, and nearly shocks himself. Vargr and saunas. Mikhel mentally shudders. A vicious individual could do nasty, nasty things to a Vargr, using a sauna. Where did that thought come from?

"Do you know where you are going, and what that entails? If you can speak about it. I don't wish to intrude in any business or private issues. I'm looking for information on your expected environment. If you can, I would strongly suggest you conduct any business indoors, away from windows, at first. Do the business as soon as possible. With this approach, you can be comfortable and not off balance or in mental distress. Then, at your convenience, do the sight-seeing, and try to experience the planet. This is all just for the planetary experience. I know from bitter personal experience, that attempting to function normally, while freaking out at all the open space and moving air that you can't get away from, is hard on the brain. In addition to experiencing a planet for the first time, you are going to be experiencing a climate you can't adjust with a thermostat, and it is potentially bad for Vargr. Here is an uncomfortable thought, and I apologize in advance if I'm wrong or out of place. I only mention this to forewarn you, and let you prepare for what may come. If you are going to meet someone for business, of any sort, and they know of you and your background, they may set up your meeting to put you at great disadvantage. If the meeting place can be mutually agreed upon, my recommendation for an indoor venue is in your best interests. If you are invited to a place outdoors, and in the Tropics, again, should the person know you or of you, that person is setting you up to take advantage of you. They are being, at least, rude. At worst, they are actively trying to hurt you."

"Saunas aren't like a rainstorm. Interesting thought, though. They are wet, but because of the steam. Yes! Steam! If you look up 'Sauna', spelled S-A-U-N-A, in the library database, you will find some information on the concept. It is a Human thing. Bwap like the humidity of saunas, but perhaps not so much the heat. Vargr would probably liken a sauna to a torture chamber, to be avoided at all costs. Some Humans actually enjoy them. I have no idea why. Torpol, at the equator, will not be as extreme as a sauna, but I imagine a Vargr thinking so. No moving air, and no great expanse of space, but heat and humidity would be abundant in a sauna. We could try to emulate the conditions on the Pioneer, but we'd have to find a space where the electrical systems wouldn't be affected. There may be a sauna in the fitness and recreation centre on Torpol High Port. But, that doesn't give you much time to adapt before your arrival.
Are there any details you'd like to explore, questions or concerns that come to mind?"

It comes to Mikhel's mind that there are survival suits with thermal regulators somewhere on the market. Perhaps there are chill vests or the like available. There were thermal concealer units in Combat Armor suits to camouflage soldiers from Infra-Red and thermal detectors. Small liquid nitrogen bottles that regulated the heat of the suit and body down to ambient air. That could work for a Vargr in a hot environment. Somebody has thought of this. As an absolute minimum, there were ice vests for tank crew in hot environments, IIRC.

Note: The Wanderer's Tale, or Gvurrdon's Story was written in the Arrghoun dialect, a dialect that was common around -2300 (Imperium). It is recognizably Vargr, but not spoken at all, currently. Vargr who have a penchant for history may know of it, if they have read The Wanderer's Tale in the original form. Mikhel has a copy in his eLibrary, something he picked up as part of his casual hobbies in languages and history. Mikhel's history knack is mostly for military history, and specifically in battle studies/tactics. Mikhel would think it interesting that a young Vargr would know the words he used, at all. Perhaps they are close enough to Gvegh that the bad accent made it discernible.

1104-345 14:10

Mikhel sees the 'Engineering Department' heading to the Galley, and Mikhel excuses himself from the conversation with Vellueo. Mikhel eventually walks into the Main Galley and they get to work. Panels are removed, and access to the HVAC ducting is gained. The simple checks are exhausted and nothing is found. Could this be a Psionic Echo thing? Perhaps not. Let's eliminate everything else, first. Eleni is called in to use small drones to get further into the ducts than can be seen from the Galley access, but the drones would only fly so far. Well. Perhaps when the ship gets to Torpol, we can get a crew in with camera snakes and go through all the ducts. Close up, and clean up the galley, so dinner prep can proceed.

"What about the Engine Room?" Forehead slap. Yes. The HVAC system is attached to the Engine Room. 'Burnt Engine Grease Smell'? D'oh! Into the Engine Room adjacent to the Galley. Panels off and rummaging begins, again. Yes! This is it! And it isn't too difficult, nor expensive to fix.

Mihkel Dromah: [SKILL] Intellect (2D+2) (vs Difficulty 10) [2d6+2 = 12] [ +2 Effect] [Average SUCCESS] 1 Hour. Find the 'Burnt Engine Grease Smell' And it is fixable! Cr1,000, with parts on the ship. Rolls on FG.

"Now we wait and see if this fixes the problem." I'll update the Captain and the Financial Advisor. Great work, TEAM! Fist bumps.

Captain/Owner from Ship's Doctor.
This is an official communique.
Reference: Communique 1104-343
Odour in the Main Galley
Ship's Engineering Department and Ship's Doctor conducted an investigation of the HVAC system in the Galley with nothing found that would result in an odour of burning engine grease. Further investigation in the adjacent Engine Compartment which provides the HVAC to the Galley was then conducted. It was determined that filters and an Air Scrubbing Unit hadn't had regular maintenance performed as per routine instructions, and it appears these units have been missed for a few years. The dirty filters were replaced, and the scrubber unit was overhauled. Really, it was a very easy fix, with parts and consumables being available on the ship. Cost to replenish the filters and parts should be just under Cr1000.
Please be advised that the Engineering Department is conducting a 'pub crawl' (the not so fun version) to ensure all the routine maintenance checklists are updated and verified so that this problem doesn't occur again. All the publications will be checked for accuracy and that they are up to date with any change orders or amendments from the ship's and equipment's manufacturers. Then, maintenance procedures will be verified as up to date and accurate going forward.
Rest assured this little annoyance will result in a much improved routine maintenance process, with all relevant checks up to date, and using current approved parts and materials.
Bravo Zulu to the Engineering Department for their professionalism and perseverance in resolving this issue.

1104-345 18:00

Dinner time, Main Dining Room

(Kilee Hörgenshon) "Hey Doc, sorry to report but yeap, that smell is starting to come back again. Not as bad, you did find a good fix. You saved us at least 50% or more on the permanent fix. Maybe we can even put off the permanent fix until the next annual maintenance. Next time we are at a type A starport. I have been trying to get the Captain to fix this I know where the problem is. But we have to open up that panel and disconnect the conduits. Will take the engine off line at least a few days, so might as well do the full maintenance. Glad to have you on board, good to have someone else look at things and handle them. Thanks. Anything else you need?

"Kilee, it would have been nice to get the issue fixed on the first shot. And we did straighten out some issues with the routine maintenance schedules, so the effort was not wasted. With the testing I've done to date, and with the maintenance work on record, we are somewhat covered if Torpol does scrutinize our ship. There is nothing at the moment that should cause us to be restricted by Health authorities. We can try to do the next attempt when we have a layover at a station with sufficient facilities. It also depends on whether we are going to take any more passengers aboard, as well. If you can provide an overview of the scope of work, we can forward it to the Captain for consideration and scheduling."

1104-345 18:30

Mikhel steps into the stateroom he is sharing, some of the time, with Crockett, and digs into his gear to pull out a bottle. "It might be a bit early to really pound a lot of this down, but the sun is over the yardarm. Want a glass, or is the topic too serious."

"Hey...there you are...glad we could get together...and YES for sure I'd be happy to join you in a glass of that stuff. There are really lots of things we need to chat about from a security point of view...but let's catch up on this business of the news that our invites to go on this mission were "targeted"....It makes no sense in my case...unless our 'Colonel' friend is awaiting our arrival at Drinax to help her out with some challenge she has and didn't know where else to turn. Do you have any other thoughts?

"I completely gapped the targeted thing. How, I don't know. And as to why me? No clue. Considering my background, and the strife I caused the Marines, I have no idea why any organization would want me. Unless they were expecting a duffle bag of trouble, and needed medical skills above all else.

Pouring out some liquid into glasses, and passing one to James, "What particularly are you concerned about for security?"

"Well for one...you've not responded to my 'Security Plan DRAFT' ( http://dragonslayer-traveller.com/index.php?n=Main.ShipsLog ) I have sitting in the Ship's Log. I for some reason seem to be in the Captain's bad books (or could care less about books) and I'd like her to see I'm trying to do my job and earn my keep....but I don't want to make a presentation to her of the Security Plan until both YOU and Sultana have looked at it and had some input. It's been there for a few hours now!"

"Secondly....there's the matter of these passengers....YOU have any chance to chat with the Vargr yet? I originally thought he'd be fine because I thought GeDeCo were on up and up....NOW I'm worried about this "targeted invite" thing we're learning about and wonder that if the Vargr is tied to GeDeCo in administration he may be here to spy on us???? (That might be a stretch...but what if anything have your learned about him?"

"Then thirdly....there's SILAS LANE....and I think from what you and I both know a bit about his background ...he ought to be OK?...Do you agree on that one?

"Then there's YELLN....I've not had a chance yet to check her out....are you yourself hearing anything about her....?

"And finally the entertainer woman???? .... You got anything there...I was hoping Sultana might tackle that one...

"AND....looking ahead to Torpol....we need a plan for arriving there and protection of the ship while at STarport....that might mean you or I or Sultana doing shifts so one of us always aboard while others do carousing or whatever on Torpol Highport????

"AND...I must have a chat with Sultana....we need a BRIDGE WATCH schedule and I haven't seen one posted yet and we are on DAY 3 of this Jump....Someone needs to be monitoring the security cameras at all times if the science side is to be guarded against watchful eyes for next few days...

"THIS MAY REQUIRE ANOTHER GLASS OF THAT STUFF YOU'VE GOT THERE!!.... ha ha....oh damnation!!!! ...almost forgot our girl Nicola....She still OK with you? I'm still personally more than cautious about her lack of back story....but if shit hits fan on this chapter...it won't be on me!

"Personally, every person on this ship is a possible security risk. As to any Security Plan, I leave that up to you. If you are happy, I'll go along."

"For passengers, I'll send you a list of everything I got on my searches. There is some interesting stuff, but not the place I thought I'd find it. Everyone is who they seem to be, but if they are spies, backed up by an organization, the backstory and anything online should match. Doesn't mean it is true, or isn't complete fabrication. I'm not a Computer Geek."

Get the Searches performed over the last few days, and provide the data to Crockett. 1104-342 16:00 - 1104-342 18:45 - 1104-343 19:00 (Later in the evening) - 1104-343 11:20
Darn. Busy guy!

"Yellon is an issue, and the Captain has been advised. Nicola is doing HUMINT, and doing it very well. I'm of a mind to get ahold of the NavInt people on Torpol, and get them to check her out for a job. She's got talent. Nicola could still be an issue, but we could make her a double-agent, is my thinking. However, experts would be involved in handling her. Yellon has come up as a journalist, under cover, and looking for dirt on the Scientist Crew of the Pioneer, specifically the Captain in her science role. The Captain seems happy to deal with it on her own, using Nicola as a back-up. You may be called in, if things go sideways. I'd recommend caution in dealing with Yellon, and perhaps some more bug sweeps all over the ship. Check clothes, too."

"Vellueo is a nice guy. Seems to be who he says he is. Haven't seen anything that raises suspicions, which means he's good, or Really Good. The singer has Talent. Silas is pretty grumpy. Got nothing on them. As to a bridge watch, in jump, that's the Anti-Hijack Program. Check the scans and video, if there is an alert. Check logs occasionally, to ensure nobody is bypassing security. So far, there hasn't been an incident of someone being in a place they shouldn't be, that I know of. Do you?"

"Lastly, I don't know if we need a watch, if we don't dock the ship to the station, if you are that worried."

It wasn't stated on the way through last time, so Mikhel can't comment on what happened. Did the ship dock (as in Marduk), or did we ferry with the Pinnace, which is supposed to be the Standard Operating Procedure IAW the ship's design parameters. This changes how the ship conducts security by quite a bit.

"This is all good intel I can work with...Please take a sec to look at the security outline I've posted though and make sure there's no major topic left out and I'll use all of this you've given me to complete my PLAN.... It's nice to have a plan...I wish some others had a plan!!!! Hey...have you been "Studying" anything during jump? I'm studying leadership (have informed GM of this)...but I'm curious about what you're studying Mikhel... OH...and here's another topic we should grab Sultana and discuss amongst 3 of us....and that's recruitment of more crew during Torpol stop.... Do you see any holes in our crew makeup if we're aboard a different ship that has more defense and offensive weapon and detection systems...??? Let's organize a drink with Sultana...maybe meet up on the bridge and chat about this..." Think I'll go over that way and have a look at some security cam footage.... Thanks for the drink.....and the info...

1104-345 19:00

Back in her lab, Athena straightened up from her microscope and rubbed her eyes. Sure there was much better equipment, but nothing had replaced a good old-fashioned microscope for certain work. She heard rattling from one of the cages nearby, and ignored it, but did not ignore the knock and sound of the door to this section of her lab opening.

Seeing her expected second, she gestured for her to join her at the lab bench and swiveled her stool to face her. Athena had known Eleni for years and felt no need to put on a Captain's hat or mannerism in this setting, but neither did she see the point of putting on a pretense of pleasantries. They were a waste of time. Best to get right to the point.

"I am still not satisfied with your conjecture this morning, Eleni. As you say, GeDeCo must have information on us all, but something in your background made them believe you would be an asset to this mission," said Athena, frowning slightly. "It is not that I doubt your talents, but with what information I have, I've come to two potential conclusions. The first is that you have not puzzled out what in your background may spark their interest. That is a disappointing conclusion as I expect better of the researchers on my ship, especially my ancillary. The second is that you have already figured it out but do not wish to disclose that information, especially to whom are essentially strangers, which is more admirable."

"So we will start simple. Is there something you wish to tell me, Eleni? We have known each other long enough. I am well acquainted with keeping classified information to myself."

(Eleni)"It is not that I do not feel I will be valuable. I understand why some of the others would be. In only what? five days Crockett has shown he has a quick trigger and a heart he tries to hide. He took in Nicola and hid her away, got her food, made sure she was safe. All the time grousing that he could not trust her. Makes me wonder if he has a daughter out there somewhere. Doc has been good these past couple of months, I can see why he fits in on some military mission that might go wrong. Sultana has been here the same amount of time but has done a lot to gain your trust so that by itself says enough. It is obvious why you would be picked. Eleni stops and goes quiet simply sitting in the lab with the humming around them.

"... and ...

(Eleni)"Ever since Corben when you and I almost drowned in that raft. I knew there was something we were meant to do. Something that we were going to bring to light, a way to put our mark on the Universe. This is our chance. We need to pull more and better library data when we get to Torpol but Drinax just might be that chance for us."

She pauses.

(Eleni)"I think that why I am here is because of you. If I was not on this ship, our home, then I would never have been there for that meeting. If you had left me on the ship and gone to that meeting alone, you would have been very tempted to tell me everything anyway. You saved me from my husband and I will always owe you my life. And as importantly my mind."

(Eleni)Cutting Athena off before she interupts

(Eleni)"And you need me for the analysis, grins, "I heard you muttering about other GeDeCo sent groups, or the King recruiting others. I lay the chances of that at less than 5% before meeting him. It might go down after that. This Alexeis Drabahn is obviously very well connected. He told us so by letting us know other factions inside the corporation had already attempted to solve this problem by assassinating the King. That tells me Alexeis does not approve of such methods and if there were other groups he would have told us about them. Also him tossing us into this means that he is a gambler too. Taking the risk that the five of us will not rat him out to the King. Means he thinks we will do worse if we tell the King. So that means Alexeis does not know of anyone else from GeDeCo there attempting this. Physical real solid gold tickets are not a trivial thing to forge so he definitely has inside knowledge of some sort. My instincts tell me we take this chance and run the table.

Laughs

(Eleni)"Besides, Sherris owes me 10kcr, poor sweet Harold owes me 75kCr, and I will not let them off this trip until they pay me back.

In one of her rare moments, Athena actually cracks a small smile: from the memories, the comradery. And that Eleni came to the conclusion Athena hadn't mentioned out loud - that, one way or another, she'd be dragging Eleni into this, anyways. She did not want to speculate on the possiblity that GeDeCo already knew that somehow.

This time waiting a few seconds longer to make sure she wasn't cut off (so few she allowed to do that to her), she said, smile still slightly visible, "Have you met Shantina yet? The singer? At dinner last night, she asked if I've ever explored a water world." She gave a slight snort, a mix of laughter and derision. "This is why I prefer fluid worlds. At least if we drowned, it would be quick. Not to mention it is easier to obtain what I need if you ever want to make sure your ex is truly gone. The offer is still there."

She gave a sigh for times past and contemplating the future, as she said, "You are right about the odds, but as you saw, a couple of them were still trying to come to terms with it not being a coincidence. Let them have some introspection before they jump to more conclusions." A brief pause as she drummed her fingers. "I will certainly see through the dreadful party. I've calculated quite a few tantalizing possibilities this may open, or reopen, for research. We just must be creative about it."

"And truly, if they haven't learned not to gamble with you by now, that is on them."

1104-345:1930

[Over Ship's Comm] ATTENTION LT SULTANA....Crockett has asked that you meet him on the Bridge

A brief acknowledgement buzz came back over the comm, signaling that Sultana had heard and understand the message. Around 20 minutes later, there was a small chime, and the Bridge door slid open and Sir Lt Sultana stepped inside. "Sorry to keep you waiting, I was up late reading, so had slept in a bit this morning. What can I do for you?" He stepped over and sat down in the pilot's chair and gave the boards a cursory once-over, just making sure nothing had somehow suddenly gone wrong on this completely ordinary portion of the trip without every alarm in the ship going off at once.

Great to see you Lieutenant....Don't know if you have had a chance to have a look at my proposed SHIP SECURITY PLAN yet for the Pioneer...but thought we might chat in general a bit about what I feel needs to get covered. I have gone over it with the "DOC" and after running by it with you I plan to do a presentation to our Captain lady. So first and most urgent right now I think is that I'd like you to show me the ropes on reviewing our security cameras....both the ones that keep an eye on the maneuvers of our (4) passengers plus "NICOLA"....and then also the best camera to keep an eye on the main entrance to the science lab area.....This is of course most important to the Captain!....

Then just a chat about our passengers and since Mikhel already has shared his thoughts on our Vargr and on SILAS....I'm wondering if you have anything you could share with me about what you might have learned about our entertainer lady??

By the way...Lieutenant...You have not posted a watch schedule....I'm good for a shift here on the bridge certainly if you want to do that...As person assigned to security for the Captain and her scientists and for the overall defense of the Pioneer right now...I'd like to have a bit more regular watch on the security cameras next couple of days of our Jump until we reach Torpol if that's OK with you...

Sultana turns away from the board and leans back in his seat and crosses one leg up over the other. "Hmm.. to be honest, I haven't given it a lot of thought. Seems odd, doesn't it? This is an odd situation for me. Normally I'm just hired to do the piloting, and the captain is quite defensive about making it clear that *they* are in command of the ship and its security. I make sure I don't leave any screens or doors unlocked, and that's usually the extent of my involvement. Only a few of us actually have the codes to unlock that door, of course, " he says, nodding towards the Bridge door. "It was probably quite lucky for you all that Dromeh was on board the ship when the pirates attacked, or you couldn't have gotten in here. Well, without blasting the door open, of course." He pulls out his padd and calls up Crockett's plan and skims over it again. "I didn't spot any glaring gaps in your plan, nor do I have any additions to make. It is entirely up to Captain Solis what gets adopted, of course. I have no say in the matter, officially. And she seems to have security to the labs fairly well covered. Hopefully the rest of the ship is as well protected."

He turns toward the boards and reaches over and flips a couple of switches, bringing up the security camera feeds. "Here are the security feeds, at least the ones we have access too. I'm pretty sure there are ones we can't access, that are aimed at lab experiments that are classified somehow - only the Captain will be able to review those feeds. But most everywhere else is pretty well covered. The cameras aren't state-of-the-art, but do an adequate job of it. I think there are blind spots here *flips between two camera views of the hallway* and here *flips between two other views of another hallway*, but they're not near anything sensitive. Probably a few more, too, but I haven't spotted anything worrying yet." He turns back to Crockett and guides him through the controls, until he has it down. "Feel free to come in any time you feel is appropriate to review the cameras. Your entry will be noted in the logs, of course." He pulls up the Bridge door log to show what times the door was accessed and by whom. "You can access this list as well, to confirm that no one has hacked a code and entered unauthorized."

To Security Chief from Ship's Doc
Please check with Eleni for electronic eavesdropping devices that are capable of meandering around the ship without sophont assistance. Thinking nanotech crawlers and micro-drones.
There were sweeps of luggage, but nothing intrusive, nor penetrative (we don't have x-ray devices. Yet).
There may have been unpowered devices in the luggage that were not detected by our sweeps.

This is excellent Lieutenant. I very much appreciate your input on both the security plan I've posted and the tips on how to access this security camera footage. As for now it appears everything OK at this hour on Day 3 of Jump! ....and my last question...have you picked up anything yourself on our entertainer lady? Anything on background or that we should be suspicious of????

Lt Sultana considers this for a moment. "She's not faking being a singer, for what that's worth. That doesn't mean she's not on someone's payroll, of course. If I learn anything, I'll let you know. What is your stance on the girl now? Nicola, I think her name is?"

I have no choice but to continue to be quite suspicious of someone (i.e. Nicola) who won't level with us with some simple answers to some simple questions...I prefer that Mikhel's trust in her is not betrayed....I'm still worried and want to keep special eye on her whereabouts...

Sultana nods. "Understandable, I suppose. That is your job, after all. A personal request though, if I may. The bridge really isn't the best place to leave prisoners, especially not when I'm trying to fly the ship. If we need to set up one of the staterooms with an outside lock so it can be used as a cell, we should bring that up with the Captain."