Calendar

1104-358 -- 1104-359 -- 1104-360

• System - Torpol Tlaiowaha Trojan Reach 2221
• Message Center - Anchor link to section of Message Center
• Ship's Log - Anchor links to Personal Logs & Library Entries - Free & Clear
• In Character discussions - Anchor links to discussions on this page

Note - time marks include which ship is involved in the conversations

1104-359 - 08:30

Esafen city, Torpol Equator

Torpol Highport - Office of the Quartermaster

Master Shlito approached his office, arriving for the first time that day. Cerabu watched him from across the broad foyer, all the other offices of port masters and cargo managers looking back at him. Some had already come in and Cerabu watched them to see what office they entered, but he was only interested in Shlito. Cerabu measured him up as he opened the door.

Shlito stood about five-foot-ten, weighed under 200 pounds, his brown hair had started greying and though he kept it fairly short, it was disheveled in a working mop despite the fact he was just arriving. He already had his data-pad open before he reached his office, and opening the door, he hadn’t really taken his eyes off of it.

The ape moved across the area to stop the door before the it closed, intentional making noise to announce his presence. Still, Shlito seemed surprised. “Oh, what?”

Cerabu smiled around his cigar. Past Shlito, other workers could be seen going about their business, though looks of surprise and general awe did not go unnoticed. He was used to it. Uplifted apes were not common. There were several million across the Imperium, moreso closer to the Solomani Rim, but in the Reaches, they were few. Cerabu didn’t need a reputation. He, was enough without it.

“You, you must be Amada Cerabu.” Shlito moved into the outer office and turned to face the museum representative. “Director Zyerski said I should expect you.”

“Ce-ra-bu.” Shlito had mispronounced his name, but the ape was probably the only one who would have heard the subtle differences. He corrected it anyway.

“Kind of early. I don’t really get started until after 09:00. I haven’t even walked the boards and berths to see what’s in and available yet.”

“I need a ship.” Cerabu delivered it flat, trying not to antagonize, but to impart urgency.

“Whoa, there’s a lot of information we need to talk through. Let me set this down and get settled in and then we can start this off. Can you give me fifteen minutes to at least get a cup of coffee?”

Cerabu almost nodded, more like a head lift, looked across the outer area he had just come from to a seat he had made himself comfortable in while he had waited for Shlito to appear. “I’ll be over there.”

Almost fifteen passed before Shlito appeared. “Now, let’s try this again, Mr. Cerabu. I understand you need a ship.”

“And I need to leave today. No later than tomorrow. It’s an assignment from the museum.” He hoped the last would provide the clout he did not have personally.

“Well,” Shlito seemed to have taken everything that had happened before in stride, “we have plenty of ships come through the highport here, and we can usually find one for hire, though it depends on the destination and cargo to if the captain wants to sign on for whatever it is your hauling.”

Cerabu nodded his understanding of the situation.

“Now, if I can ask, what’s your cargo? Or is it just passage.”

“Passage, with space reserved for cargo.”

“Most captains will want to be paid to have empty cargo space. Lost revenue.”

“Not lost,” Cerabu corrected, “Opportunity cost. Can’t lose what you don’t already have.”

“As you say. They’ll still want to be paid.” Shlito paused to look at his data-pad. “How much of the hold are you looking to reserve?”

“All of it.”

The quartermaster looked up at the ape, “You’re not going to find many that will want to do that, even if paid standard rates. Loss of opportunity you said.”

“Opportunity costs.” Cerabu corrected Shlito again slightly emphasizing each syllable, “As I said, the museum is paying.”

“Assuming I can find someone who’d agree to such a contract, what’s the destination?”

“Thebus.”

“That’s quite a haul. I’m not sure we’ll find someone willing to bite.”

Cerabu knew the odds were slim, but slim was better than none. And with the museum’s money behind him, slim odds could have a way of growing. “Let’s get started.”

Master Shlito looks over his records of the ships in system or with advance bookings. "I understand you want to leave right away. If you can hold off a week or so there are better options. I have the Long Spear, a Far Trader under Captain Hook, shakes his head, "He could have named it anything but oh well... I know you do not want to wait but he is a reliable Captain and I can say the Museum would be in safe hands.

Cerabu shakes his head.

(Master Shlito), "Knowing you need to leave so soon there seems to be three options. One I would recommend, one I would tell you to steer clear of, the third, might fit your needs but you would have to convince the captain. The Idle Born can get you there but their Captain is flighty even for a Vargr. Who knows what they will get hyper-fixated on next and leave you at some random port. I would not recommend them for museum business that is on a timetable. Fast ship but you will have to work some magic on him. The other that I can recommend is Captain Aleaso, an Aslan Captain. She has a bit of a plodder, a jump one, but a massive ship, over a thousand tons of displacement. Not sure she will want to travel outside the normal trading routes but she has been through here dozens of times and never a problem to this point. Not sure where she is on her maintenance schedule so I am unsure if she can leave immediately. Very trustworthy captain though. Finally, there is the Free & Clear. Decent captain, has been through a few times. They are a bit slow for your needs but the Captain keeps his ship up to specs and is always looking for a bit of an edge. Seems willing to go off the beaten path.

Pings Cerabu's data pad with the information on the three potential captains. "Let me know if you want other options if none of these pan out. The Long Spear is due sometime in the next week or so out of Marduk if you do end up being able to wait."

Amada Cerabu looks at the new information on his data-pad sifting through each one quickly speaking aloud to himself. "Vargrs are fine . . . thousand tonnes, could use it . . ." He stops at the Free & Clear. "Tell me about this captain, the Free & Clear. What does he look like?"

(Master Shlito)"Slender, medium short, light muddy-brown hair. Very sharp dresser. He definitely has a silver tongue. He could be an amazing trader who just coincidentally has exactly what you need, even if you did not know you needed it." Checks his data pad again "The ship is up to date on everything, we finished refueling it overnight. Captain Cooper has put some feelers out for new crew so it seems he is between jobs at the moment. His docking information is there for all three of them, good luck. If they don't work out I can search again for you."

He looked down at the berthing registration. "This one will do. Slow, but it will do. Where is berth C-1-Eleven-A?"

1104-359 - 08:30 - Traefar Station

To: Cal, Free&Clear
From: Jeet, Traefar Station
I'll be arriving at Torpol Highport at local noon. I will endeavour to arrange a suitable demonstration on station, if possible. I will advise as to where as soon as possible after arriving.
In any event, I will be available at 14:00. If there isn't a demonstration, I will come to the Free&Clear
Jeet

Sure thing, Jeet. Just let me know where.

1104-359 - 10:00 - Torpol Highport - Free & Clear Kalidaren made his way to the dock as arranged with Captain Cooper. Passing security, he looked through the glass as he walked had a good look at each ship as they passed before he saw the Free & Clear. He hailed the Captain on his comm unit to announce his arrival and found them waiting for him.

The two spent some time catching up on the last ten or so years before getting down to business. Kalidaren was amenable to the terms of his shipboard as presented, although he planned to capitalise on trade to his own benefit (and that of the Captain). Which raised the important question, "What were their speculative profit sharing arrangements to be?"

"Cal my friend, I feel a 17.5% commission on trades I broker is a suitable encouragement for me to do my utmost best in your service. I suggest that I will make you more than that on each deal in any case. You've seen my work, and I don't have down days. I'll aim to create business..." he fanned the fingers of one hand like a magician losing a card in their sleeve, "...where there was none to be had." Kalidaren grinned like a hungry cannibal. "And I'll quieten that harmonic murmur in your manoeuvre drive in my spare time. A good deal yes? We're in agreement. Good."

Questions were answered regarding the other crew and their likely goals and destinations plying the spacelanes. In the end the deal was sealed... Kalidaren only waiting to know when they would be leaving Torpol.

Cal adopts an amused expression. I much prefer a true profit sharing model. 4 KCr/month salary, and 10% of all profits. He grins. That encourages you to get the best deal, not the most expensive one.

Kalidaren continued to haggle until he decided that Cal probably had the right of it, and that they were going to make a lot of credits no matter which way they played it. Kalidaren realised he was looking forward to being on a ship with a peers, rather than the short term contracts he'd been accustomed to, and that might be worth a percentage cut. So, accepting his Captain's offer, he was magnanimous for a short time, as if victory was the prize of agreement.

1104-359 - 12:00 - Torpol Highport

Intersystem Shuttle Arrival Dock

Torpol Security takes note of the container Jeet maneuvers off the shuttle, and waves him over. Jeet informed the Security Officer that his purpose for arriving was for a potential job interview, and his stay may require a few more days, if the interview was unsuccessful. Jeet would be in the Torpol system until he could be hired by a ship.
On questioning Jeet about the contents, it is discovered there are parts in the container that could be lethal. Jeet does not attempt to conceal this, and is cooperative when Torpol Security requires the container's contents be locked up, while Jeet is on the station. Also, the weapons would not be allowed down on the planet. Jeet asked about permissions for access and space for demonstrations of the enclosed equipment. Jeet understood there was a weapons range on station, and Jeet wanted the option of performance displays to potential employers.
While going through the Shuttle manifest, and noting Jeet's name on the document Jeet provided, the Security Officer realizes that Jeet had requested a secure lock-up of a container as part of his booking. His mood and attitude changes subtly, and for the better, as he realizes that Jeet had checked the rules, and had made arrangements in advance. The Security Officer didn't even have to call out extra assistance, and as he looked at the entrance to the station, noted the porter and additional Security Officer that would escort the 'offending' container to the lock-up. The two Security Officers gave each other a wave, and the first pointed to Jeet and the container. The escorting Officer gave a thumbs up.

"M. Pringtip, Officer Zexel over there will be your escort to the lock-up, if you will take your container to him. The porter was going to assist with the movement, but it looks like you have that taken care of.

Handing Jeet his papers, the Security Officer adds, "Enjoy your stay, and good luck with the interview."

"Officer, thank you for your assistance, and may I wish you a very boring day."

The officer raises an eyebrow at the comment, and then busts out laughing. "Thanks, I hope it is."

Jeet pulled the shipping container over to the access to the main station. Smiling at the two gentlemen, he said,

"Gentles, I bid you good day. Porter, if you don't have pressing need elsewhere, you could help guide my container. It is self-supporting, and if there is a need to stop it, the red disc on top, here, will turn off the grav units, and the container will come to rest on the deck quickly."

"Officer Zexel, pleased to meet you. I have need of a place to demonstrate the contents in two hours. Is there a place that could be done? If there is a combat range, even better."

The container and the sophonts move through the station towards the Customs Security Holding Area.

"Officer Zexel, for the demonstration, I will be setting the bots equipment to demo-mode, including weapons to 'paint' mode. However, for your peace of mind, and for the safety of the station, I would like to access your station's legal codex for armed bots. Do you have an API address for linking robots to your legal data-base? Will it provide IDs to your Security Staff, or means of ID'ing your staff? I will place the entire staff into the command overrides, giving them priority control. This means any Torpol Security Staff will be identified as command elements, not just friendlies. I am going to set the Inhibitors to Law-Enforcement for the demonstration. That's the second highest mode, but still allow for a good demonstration of the robots' capabilities to defend a ship."

Link: Robotic Laws

(Officer Zexel)"Those restrictions sound appropriate M. Pringtip. Of course no live fire on the Highport, I suspect your potential employer would understand. I can recommend a testing range just outside of the Downport if you need.

At the Customs Station, Jeet acquires a chip of local legal parameters, and checkes over the inhibitions that might be required.

'Law Enforcement' would fit this situation, and Demo Mode would eliminate any lethality. The rifle-strength laser was illegal, even for law enforcement, but in paint mode (only at 'target designation' strength, enough to put a dot of red light on a surface), it wasn't a threat to anyone. Giving the local enforcement staff Priority Command Override should give them some comfort. Jeet takes the time to explain how the demonstration would be run, and asked if there was a suitable place on-station. A shooting range would be the minimum, but an combat simulator would be best.

"Officer Zexel, could the bots be assembled and taken to a ship for a demonstration under seal? If not, I understand. I'll contact the ship's Captain, and see what he'd like to do. We'll put the container in storage until the Captain decides what he wants. I suspect that if he doesn't think I will fit in with his crew, a demo of the bots won't make much of a difference."

"Could I offer you lunch, once done here? If you are able to take a break, that is?" Jeet figures if the officer accepts, Jeet will at least get a decent meal, as the officer wouldn't likely pick a bad spot. And if Jeet keeps things casual, information could be gained.
"I'll just need a moment to update the prospective Captain of the change of plans, and we can go."

Jeet types up a message to send to the Free & Clear, and shows the message to Officer Zexel, before hitting send, to ensure the officer knew the plans/options so he could bless them.

Jeet's message text:

Jeet wanted to check that a demo on a private ship was considered 'legal'. Each ship was supposed to be considered an extrailty zone, but you never knew how stations would interpret the rules.

Jeet Pringtip: [SKILL] Electronics(Computers) 2 (2D+2) (vs Difficulty 4) [2d6+2+2 = 10]
[ +6 Effect] [Exceptional SUCCESS] 5 Minutes checking. For publicly available data search, with +2 DM for INT/EDU.

Free & Clear offloaded over 70dT of cargo on 1104-358 on arrival at Torpol Highport, IAW the Torpol Quartermasters Office.

Officer Zexel doesn't have a lot of time to grab a bit, but suggests a nearby kiosk that serves sandwiches and wraps that are quite tasty, and good value. Jeet requests a transit escort to and from the secure lock-up. Jeet does hope that the return escort will be cancelled, with Jeet and the container staying aboard the Free & Clear. Escort to will be at 13:40 hrs, and escort from could be at 16:00 hrs, depending on the interview. Officer Zexel checks with Security Central, and advises Jeet that there won't be a problem with escorts.

Jeet does check out the Grub & Go kiosk, and it was as Officer Zexel suggested. Jeet asks about security staff, and the kiosk staff knew Officer Zexel as a regular, with a usual favorite wrap. Jeet arranges to have the next meal for Officer Zexel covered. Then, Jeet heads back to the lockup, to await escort to the Free & Clear.

Officer Zexel clears the cargo for Jeet to move it directly to the Free & Clear. He provides the escort to move the cases directly to the loading area for the ship.

To: Cal, Free&Clear
From: Jeet, Traefar Station
I am at Torpol Highport. Local Law Enforcement won't allow armed bots to wander around the station, and there isn't a suitable range on the station for a demo.
Options are a face-to-face without a demo, to see if we have compatible personalities, as a start. Then, see if you want a demo. I have video files showing the bots during testing of their programming. I wouldn't expect you to accept that as complete proof, but it would give you a starting point.
Demos could be done at the range at Torpol Downport, or, if your cargo hold isn't tiptop full, we might arrange something in your ship.
I remain available at 14:00, for which I can come to you.
Jeet

1104-359 - 12:00

Esafen city, Torpol Equator

Torpol Highport - Berth C-1-Eleven-A

"Over there." Cerabu pointed toward the starboard side of the Free & Clear where the cargo doors would open to accept cargo, eventually. When the handler approached, Cerabu signed the data-pad, and sent the handler and their cargo loader on their way, his 100 kilo cargo crate, like himself, sitting and waiting for someone to acknowledge them.

1104-359 - 12:30

Cal exits the Free & Clear airlock, headed towards Cerabu. "Cerabu?!? Where the hell did you come from? I haven't seen you since Arunisiir, back in '86."

"Took long enough. Been standing here most of the afternoon."

"When you disappeared, I wasn't sure what was happening, but I figured it was time to move on. I was hoping to hear from you again, but . . . ." He trails off. Finally, he gestures towards the ship. "Come on in. We've got some catching up to do."

Cerabu smiles as he walks up to join Cal as they enter the ship. "Bigger than the last drone you piloted. Yours? Legal?"

Cal escorts Cerabu on to the ship and to the crew commons. "Yep. Free & Clear, just like the name says. Legal? It is now. Five Points Salvage, on Corban. Top tier on paperwork and transponders." He gestures at the awkward pillar in front of the galley. "Perhaps less so with refits. You want the whole story?"

Cerabu followed the gesture to the pillar, then looked back at Cal. "Sure, I got time."

"Want a beer?" Cal heads to the galley for beverages.

"Something pedestrian. Haven't been drinking of late. Lifestyle change."

Cal returns with a brew in each hand. "Formerly the Pelican; I actually had a legit job piloting her for a small merchant house, but I spotted some odd paperwork from corporate that reminded me of some of the stuff I saw Angie M do, back when I was just getting off Wildeman, except they were leaving a bright blazing trail back to themselves. I sort of . . . refined their plan, and took it over. I ended up with the ship, and they ended up with the educational experience, and the heat. Hopefully it will teach them to be better crooks. I think of it as my own brand of mentoring the next generation. Five Points laundered everything until it was clean as momma's laundry."

The pop of the cap preceded the slight fizzy sound of escaping carbonation, Cerabu smiled the half-smile he gave anyone he felt deserved the recognition, "Good way to develop enemies."

"Eh. I try to be a moving target. Anyway, what brings you by? Other than catching up, and the booze?"

Cerabu put down the bottle and leaned against the wall as though he was simply waiting for the sun to cross the sky. "Got a job for you. Legit, but quiet. Salvage, maybe more. Immediate start, pays well. Need someone I can trust, but it's need to know. What I need to know, without anything more, is if you're open to consider a potential prospect?"

"I could be. I could be. Immediate start, though? I gotta ask. Are you running towards trouble, or away from it? I'm running an honest ship now; there's no profit in violence."

"Neither, but I can't promise. This is the Reach." The ape did a double-tap pointing to his right eye to indicate Always got to be on the lookout.

Pausing for just a second to consider, Cerabu reaches into the right breast pocket as he speaks, pulling out a small electronic device, "No. Time sensitive. Hard deadline. The 50th. Mostly just travel time. Locate, authenticate, retrieve, transport. Legitimate salvage. A race, you might say. As far as I know, we're the only players. But secrets have a way of leaking. Speaking of . . . Is this thing secure?" Cerabu waves his right hand in the air to indicate the Free & Clear as he reaches into his right breast pocket and pulls out a small electronic device.

Cal pauses. "As secure as I can make it, but I haven't yet hired a comms tech. Before we get too deep into it, I'm supposed to be seeing a potential engineer at 2 - somewhere on station; by coincidence, also a comms tech. He's got a couple of bots he built himself, a man called Jeet? Anyway, you're welcome to hang out here while I finish my business on-station. Another old friend popped up last night, Ashe Volare. When I get back, we can hammer out the details. Then, I figure we make a proper night of it, drinking, swapping lies, and pretending we're still young and stupid."

Cerabu looks at the device and nods thoughtfully as he returns it to his pocket.

"Give me a moment to check messages, and see what he's arranged for a location." Cal disappears towards the bridge. After a few minutes, he returns. "Turns out he wasn't able to arrange a demo for his bots without us needing to go to downport. He's going to come here for a face-to-face first. So we've got a bit more time."

Cal sits down, and focuses on Cerabu. "So what's the deal? You mentioned a deadline, and salvage. The Free & Clear is only Jump-1 and 78 tons cargo space, but presumably you knew that before you showed up."

"I'm working for the Museum . . . of the Sindal Empire." He pauses for an expected look of something, shock maybe, confusion maybe, maybe just disbelief, but Cal just continues to observe him.

"Straight up job, on the payroll. Acquisitions. Got word of something could be very important to the museum, if it is real. That's the job. Find it. Authenticate it. If its real, acquire. Kind of the old skills used for the other side." He pauses for a genuine smile curling up the left side of his simian face. "I'd like a faster ship, but trust is more important. Saw your name on the quartermaster's berthings, well . . . we never did each other wrong. In our line, that's worth something."

"I understand trust. In our former line, a comrade you could trust was worth more than anything. Now, it's more contracts, bonds, and escrows, but I can still play by the old rules." He pauses. "That job on Arunisiir. It wasn't me that queered the deal. I looked, but never figured out who."

He snorts through his nose that way apes do half-aggression, half-dominance . . . all dominance. "No, we're good on Arunisiir. Know who it was. Saved his skin with mine. Won't be able to save it when I find him." He snorted again with an angry look. The subject was closed.

Seeing Cerabu's reaction to mention of their history, Cal moves on. "OK, then. Details. It sounds to me like you're looking for a charter, not just passage, am I right? What's the cut? Fee for service, or a percentage of the action? He pauses, and looks intently at Cerabu. How much skin do you have in this game? Can I buy in?"

"Yes, to the first, and a private cabin. My size doesn't share easy. You'd be paid. And you'd be compensated for an empty cargo hold at the four parsec rate, plus fifty percent. All up front. Generous because the museum won't profit directly from the acquisition, if it exists. It might amount to nothing. Twenty-k bonus for each day ahead of the 50th. Fuel and berthing paid by the museum of course, but . . .," he pauses to emphasize, "I am the company man. Ship's yours, won't interfere, but I direct the assignment."

"Nothing in the game for me. Was comfortably peaceful on retreat. They came to find me. Figured, if getting back in after . . . after fifteen years . . . no contacts, no stake, just a job, and no reputation. If this thing is authentic . . . a very big score, reputation wise. If it is real . . . I'm back in the game, reputation intact."

Cal snorts, "Look at us. Honest work? Who would have thought it." He pauses, doing the math in his head. "Four parsecs, that's 28 days each way, plus slippage, and the 50th is only 61 days away. That's gonna be tight, I won't lie. Cargo alone for that run is 350 KCr each way, there and back, plus 50% and you've topped a megacredit. With that time frame, I'm not going to have time to find passengers, so that's another 350 KCr, on top of your passage at 50 KCr. Your museum paying the 50% bonus on the passage fees also?"

He nods. "You in? Need to leave today if possible. Tomorrow at the latest. If you want to run your own cargo on the way there, I'm okay with that. Museum's still paying for the space."

"That kind of money, I'd be a fool not to. I'm in. I'm not going to count on cargo, with the time frame you've got, we're going to have to jump like an X-Boat. But if my broker can make arrangements, I'm not going to turn it down. Expenses include ammunition. How likely are we to see combat on this adventure? Because I charge extra for getting shot at."

Cerabu shrugs. "Wait see what happens. First jump's Marduk, then Thebus. I'll draw up contracts, then money."

"If the funds clear, hopefully we can jump tonight. I'll contact my new astrogator and let him know we jumping ASAP. I'll meet with this Jeet fellow in about an hour - if he works out, we'll have a full crew, if not, I'm willing to fly short-handed for a couple of jumps. It's not ideal, but," he shrugs, "needs must."

Cerabu stands, reaches out and takes his cane in hand. "The funds will clear. My crate's outside. I'll have the contract within an hour. Thanks for the suds." (Which he never took a sip of.)

Cal stands as well. "Let me authenticate you to the ship. Cabins are on deck 2." He grins again. "I'll get my steward to help you." He presses the intercom. "Ashe? We've got a passenger. Come and give him a hand."

"At once, Sir," Ashe responds in a lower, masculine register. He appears wearing a suit complete with a tie. The svelte man is ready and willing to assist Cerabu to the best of his ability.

When Ashe appears, Cerabu nods to his one-kilo crate waiting by the cargo doors.

Jeet, confirming 14:00 at the ship.
(sent when Cal was on the bridge in the above scene)

1104-359 - 13:30

Urgent message from the Free & Clear to Kalidaren

Kalidaren, I just got us a juicy charter, the catch is it's an urgent departure. If possible, we lift ship tonight for Marduk. If you've got a line on cargo, and it can be loaded by 18:00, good, otherwise we lift empty. Any gear you need, get it shifted to the ship ASAP. Problems or questions, contact me at the ship, otherwise, I'll see you by 18:00.

Cal out.

Hi Cal
Understood. I'll see if any cargo can be sourced quickly. An empty hold is no way to conduct a trading operation.
To work.
Kalidaren

Kalidaren Seeking Spec Trade - Torpol Highport
Task Chain to locate an Online Supplier
Average 8 - Science Economics 2 - EDU +3 - Total (boxcars!) 21
Average 8 - Admin 1 - EDU +3 - Total 10
Total Effect = 15 reduces time taken from 6 hours to...

Amount of Biochemicals available 1d6x5 ton = 10 ton

Purchase Price 65% (Cr32,500/ton) - Broker +3 - Water World +2 - Opposition Broker -2 = 15

Kalidaren went to work doing what he loved, and shortlisted suppliers in the Starport having hooked into the datafeed. He cross referenced the shortlist against current trends and what he could glean of recent manifest data before making the calls. He settled on one Liraya Dask who was spruiking Biochemicals and arranged a meet.

Kalidaren dressed in his suit when he was conducting business, a matte black suit with a deep green lining subtly visible in the cuffs and lapels; a black dress shirt and an emerald silk tie; sharp boots, and a simple ring bearing the Kalidaren Starfarers logo. Nearly black deep grey eyes, a close cropped full beard a little longer at the chin and straight dark medium length hair.

The meet went well for Kalidaren, leaving Liraya at a loss for the next deal. He'd persuaded her on price and now needed to pay and so pinged Captain Cooper.

Cal
Require a prompt response.
I assumed you had cargo space.
Have sourced 10 ton Biochemical cargo for trade at a good price.
Only have funds for 5 ton. How are you for credits currently?
Move fast this could be stowed by 18:00
Kalidaren.

Private to Amada Cerabu
For your museum

Invoice for charter
343,200 Cargo, 4 parsecs, 78 tons @ 4400/ton
138,000 Middle passage, 4 parsecs, 6 cabins @ 23 KCr
78,000 Low passage, 4 parsecs, 20 pods @ 3900 Cr
-------
559,200 One way full load
559,200 Return trip
-------
1,118,400 Sub-total
559,200 50% surcharge
80,000 Fuel
-------
1,757,600 Total

Call it 1.7 megacredits - this big a charter, payment in advance is worth the discount.

1104-359 - 13:58 Torpol Highport - Berth C-1-Eleven-A

A Torpol Security Officer appears at the airlock bay of the Free & Clear, with a gentleman dragging along a sizable container. The container would likely take up half a ton, if it were placed in cargo, with it being a metre wide and high, and about three metres long. It could fit through a person airlock, but it would require anyone else to crouch down on top of it, if anyone could go with it at all. The person maneuvering the container was well dressed, and obviously not a union Porter.

Once at the lock, the Escorting Officer stood aside, and the gentleman approached the airlock. He activated the external comms, and said,

"Ahoy, Free & Clear. This is M. Jeet Pringtip. I am expected by the Captain for an interview."

Jeet! Good to see you. I checked, and your Robotics credentials are impressive. I wasn't able to connect with your last captain, but I'm willing to take a certain amount of things on faith.

As I mentioned, the life of a free trader is uncertain. I've just signed a lucrative charter deal, with the stipulation that we leave as soon as possible. I aim to lift ship by 22:00 tonight at the latest, ideally sooner, as time is of the essence. I can offer you a 2-month trial as Engineer, at 4000/month. If it works out, we'll discuss something more long-term, if it doesn't, we part ways mutually satisfied. If things go sour in the middle, well, hopefully we can work it out, but I'll guarantee you at least a Class C starport.

He pauses, starting to put his hand forward, waiting for Jeet to respond. When Jeet advances to shake, he continues. Unless things go very sour. I don't like trouble. If trouble is following you, you let me know first thing, and we'll deal with it. If you cause trouble, you're off my ship at the next port. Big trouble, maybe a bit sooner. Because of the time constraint, I'm taking a bigger gamble on you than I'd like.

I realize this is short notice, but I need an answer now. How soon can you be ready? If you don't have your bots with you, I can arrange to have them shipped, or reimburse you for their transport, within reason.

"I have everything I need, including the robots, with me now. So, as soon as you allow me to put this shipping container in your cargo hold, everything I have will be aboard."

Jeet turns to the escorting officer, and says,

"Officer? It appears that return escort will not be needed. Many thanks for the personal attention and courtesy. I will be posting a five star review of Torpol Station before the Free & Clear departs."

Turning back to Cal, Jeet continues the discussion,

"Captain, I can't say how much I appreciate the job offer, and I can see you are in a hurry, but I would be uncomfortable accepting a job as a Ship's Engineer, if I am the only engineer aboard. I didn't post for that type of position. I can handle a lot of things, and I can assist with a lot more, but please tell me you have another engineer with more ship time."

"Also, if we are going to be forthright, I didn't arrive here under my current name. If you did even a cursory search of the Xanadu's manifest, you noticed that Jeet Pringtip didn't arrive on that ship. So, am I running from something? Not under that name. An alias of mine is being looked for, but not in this Sector. Nobody in the Imperial Department of Justice currently has any of my aliases under warrant, if that means anything. I have very good connections with Tukera Security, if that means anything, although that will probably only be helpful if we get into Imperial territory."

"So. Still want a demo?"

You won't be the only engineer, but you will be primary. If you have issues or a question, let me know. At least initially, I'll check your jump entry calculations - I got my start in the engine room, and I've managed to keep my hand in from time to time, in order to stay fresh. I'm guessing your engineering focus is power systems? If your stay, I'd ask you to work on training up your J-drive skills, at least to a full Mate's certificate, or the local equivilent.

Regarding your past, I appreciate your honesty. Regarding your bots, for the moment, they would need to stay in cargo. I'll want to discuss them and their capabilities with you, but I don't have the time at the moment. Eventually we'll be able to arrange that demo.

The job is yours if you want it, but I'm afraid I must insist on an immediate response.

"This is pretty much the craziest hire I've had, but it looks like you have a new crew member. If I can stow this container where it will be accessable later, I will head to the Engine Room to look over the essentials. Unless the condition of the engines is really bad, I'll make the attempt at being an en-gan-ear.

1104-359 - 14:00 Torpol Highport - Museum of the Sindal Empire

To: Director Zyerski
CO: Museum of the Sindal Empire
From: Amada Cerabu
Re: Exploration Charter

Charter secured. As expected, expensive, 2 MCr. A fair price. Make available immediately. Lift off as soon as the ship is loaded and paid.

At least a week delay, otherwise.

Will provide invoice upon return.

See Contract attached within.

To:Cerabu - A reasonable number. Additional work if completed on time and under budget. Post if any issues, I expect you to beat any post back here. Good Hunting Z out.

1104-359 - 15:00 Torpol Highport - Berth C-1-Eleven-A

To: Cal Cooper
CO: Free & Clear
From: Amada Cerabu
Re: Exploration Charter

Funds secured. Contract approved.

Private to Kalidaren
Kalidaren. Funds secured. See attached; I've set you up with drawing access on ships funds with a limit of 500 KCr for investment purposes, and a separate access for 50 KCr for life support, maintenance, and expenses. Take a look at the ships records to see if there's anything that's been missed, but to the best of my knowledge, all we need at the moment is another 20 tons of fuel. It seems like we're running light on this trip though, so if we can spare the cargo space, get 40 - just make sure there's 10 tons of space left for our passenger, crew allotments, ships stores, etc.
Cal out.

Kalidaren leads the starport stevedores to the Free & Clear feeling like he'd done some honest labour. He'd brought 40 ton of cargo, unfortunately most of it low value foodstuffs, but some of it expensive trade goods the Captain would appreciate having in his hold and a good performance given the short timeframe.

While he oversaw the loading, he connected to the ship's computer via his datapad and began entering the data into the ship's ledger. It had been awhile since he'd pursed, so he took a little while setting up the sheet. He also contacted the highport admin and sourced the required fuel for the top up before they jumped.

It was 17:50 by the time Kalidaren was satisfied that the cargo was stowed and recorded, and his personal effects were stowed in his room. He was hungry. He found his way to the crew common area and edged past the aftermarket support pillar and found himself the food dispenser and helped himself. He removed his jacket and hung it over the seat back and began eating. Never good to travel on an empty stomach.

Free & Clear Ledger

Starting balance KCr550 (KCr500 investment line - KCr50 expenses line) - Cargo 78 ton - Maintenance Costs 4298 Cr/Month - Life Support Costs 8000 Cr/Month (plus 500 Cr / jump for passengers)

(via intraship comms) Ashe? Slight change of plans. I want to lift by 20:00. Plan for dinner at 21:00. We've got a full crew of 4, plus our passenger.

1104-359 - 18:00 Torpol Highport - Berth C-1-Eleven-A - Free & Clear

Amada Cerabu looked at the Free & Clear. It would be home for the next two months, possibly more if there were complications. It's been a long time, he thought to himself, Fifteen years. Reflexively, he tilted his head to the side cracking a few vertebrae into alignment. He rolled his massive shoulder up and back easing the tension from the muscles. Fifteen years since he was in control of his life, much less a project of this potential. Excited wasn't the right word. Enthusiastic wasn't right. Anxious?

He walked toward the ship, suitcase in his left hand, his ever present cane in his right. Cane wasn't precise, it was more of a staff, made of dense wood and intricate metal inlay. The rest of his possessions had arrived when he had spoken to the captain, Cal Cooper, earlier in the day, securing the services of the Free & Clear for the next two months at a hefty price. If everything went as hoped, if there was even anything to go right or wrong, it would be worth the time. He didn't care about the money. It wasn't his anyway.

Cerabu followed Cal on board. He trusted Cal as much as he trusted anyone. It had been a long time, but they'd never steered each other wrong in the past, why would they start now. Still, it was hard to trust anyone. Cal's crew, was another question. He was in the process of hiring. It was not an auspicious start. An untested crew. An unknown ship. An excursion that might turn out to be nothing. Yes, anxious was the right word. He was anxious to get under way.

Cal greets Cerabu as he boards. "Welcome aboard. That's your luggage? We stowed your small cargo crate earlier. It is as close as we could get it to give you access. Are we expecting anything more? If not, I hope to lift at 19:00. Ashe is prepping a lift-off dinner for tonight at 21:00; you can meet the crew. Sorry, our planned night of debauchery will have to wait, as I'll be headed straight to the bridge as soon as dinner is over.

Cerabu had sent everything over in his cargo container delivered when he first visited the Free & Clear. Only his small suitcase remained of the possessions he owned. Everything to his name was purchased within the last few months, mostly for his trip to Torpol for this very excursion. It had cost him more than he was willing to part with, but he parted with the funds anyway. Over fifteen years he lived like a monk living in a cell less than the size of a stateroom. He would consider anything luxurious at this point. Possessions? He'd was only just getting used to the though of owning something again, of it being his and his alone. And privacy? A commodity he would not take for granted.

Cal had given Cerabu access to all the appropriate places, and to his stateroom. The commons had been clear of surveillance devices when he had checked earlier. Security and privacy was something of which Cerabu was very conscious. Reaching into his jacket vest pocket, he pulled out his scanner and swept his room. It was clean. He was grateful for that. Cal still seemed trustworthy.

1104-359 - 18:00

Torpol Highport, this is the Free & Clear, requesting liftoff clearance for 19:00 tonight. Appreciate anything you can do to expedite. Say the word and we'll be out of your hair.

Torpol HighPort"Free & Clear your departure is approved. Safe Jump. Torpol Highport out"

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