1104-364 -- 1104-365 -- 1105-001
- System - Drinax
- Message Center - Anchor link to section of Message Center
- Ship's Log - Anchor links to Personal Logs & Library Entries -
- In Character discussions - Anchor links to discussions on this page
- Category Tags - Crockett, Solis, Mikhel, Silas
| Timing of events |
| 6:00 - Morning Meeting on Unity |
| 8:00 - Meeting with Captain Solis and Provost Shala |
| 8:00 - Meeting with Crockett, Silas and Mihel |
| ??? - ??? |
Speculative morning thoughts
[Crockett is remaining on board the UNITY and hoping it will become clear to him how he is to get to the floating palace tomorrow and meetup with the original 'gang of five' for meeting with the King]
1104-365 7:00 - Unity Bridge Comms Center
To M. J. Crockett, Torpol Vessel 'Ship of Unity', from M. M. Dromah, PSV Pioneer
O Grp proposed. Results to Discuss. Unity 10:30.
1104-365 7:30 - Floating Palace Royal Dock
Mikhel sends an update message to Crockett, on landing on the Royal Dock:
To M. J. Crockett, Torpol Vessel 'Ship of Unity', from M. M. Dromah, PSP Voyager
O Grp Update. On FP. Available anytime before 10:30. Ack.
Upon arrival to the Royal Docks on the Floating Palace Captain Solis and Eleni walk over to the Ship of Unity for the arranged meeting with Provost Shala. Mikhel accompanied the Science Team, in case Crockett was available at short notice. The airlock opens.
[upon receipt of Mikhel's radio message responds] M Dromah, Vessel 'Pioneer' from J Crockett
Upon arrival Unity make your way to galley, I am there now awaiting your visit.
1104-365 8:00 - Unity Common room/meeting area
Solis, Eleni, Silas from the Pioneer
(Admin Aide Dar)"Welcome Captain Solis. We are very appreciative of you attending this planning session with us. she smiles and nods, then turns to Eleni, "You must be the Captains Aide. I will be glad to provide you with transcripts that have been suitably vetted after the meeting. We will not need you this time. I appreciate your work. I will inform you when the Captain is ready to return."
With a slightly raised brow, Athena said, "Your message indicated a query from Provost Shala on my previous work. I have brought Doctor Eleni Kagaragu," with emphasis on the doctor part "with me as she has collaborate and co-authored previous research with me. If this meeting is not related to my work, and the work I have done with others, it would be wise to indicate that now."
Adding a slight nod to the others with her, she added, "Silas is pilot and crew on the Pioneer and has offered to escort me here, and Mikhel Dromah has a meeting with another on the Unity, I believe. You may direct them as needed."
(Admin Aide Dar)"Welcome Doctor Kagaragu. When Provost Shala offered the invitation to Captain Solis I am certain that she thought it would be presumptive to ask for other members of the scientific staff to join. turning to Athena "I can say with all certainty that this meeting is solely based on your scientific credentials and your very well deserved reputation Captain Solis. I will go tell Provost Shala that you are ready to begin."
Admin Aide Dar exits the room
"An aid?" mused Athena, glancing at Eleni. "Perhaps one of the few things I do miss about having grad students about." She gave a small sigh and lightly rubbed her cheek. "This was originally proposed to me to be a query about my previous work, but now it is a planning session? I despise planning. Perhaps it is good you are here, Eleni."
As Eleni and Athena sit at the table a tall woman comes in carrying three data pads. "Welcome to the Ship of Unity, I am Provost Shala. Doctor Kagaragu thank you for joining Captain Solis and myself in this conversation. She slides a data pad over to each of you "Have you ever visited the Thalassa system?
She pauses while Athena and Eleni look over the details. Admin Aide Dar returns with coffee, tea, and breakfast danish.
"I've been to numerous systems since my time on the Pioneer as both researcher and Captain." Athena took a sip of coffee. Was this cup number two or three today? "What's the nature of your inquiry on the Thalassa system in particular?"
(Provost Shala)"This is a sensitive matter you understand. In the Thalass system there are huge floating cities. They are built on large rafts of floating woven organic matter. Unlike here, gestures out to the Floating Palace'They are not restricted to technology keeping their cities afloat. She pauses "at least not once the secrets are unlocked. The Thalassans guard the secret of how they genetically modified their native plants to grow and perform the way they do now.
taking a sip of coffee looking Captain Solis and Eleni.
Athena set down her coffee with a small, brief smile. Two and half. It would be three cups once this one was empty. Carefully, she said, "Although few, the data points you provide are significant enough to conjecture where you may want this conversation to lead. Perhaps you can provide the premise of your visit to Drinax and your end goal; however, grand as my curiosity is among many things in this universe, it is, unfortunately, often limited by funding."
"The benefit of remaining academic and being captain of my own ship," continued Athena as she sought out a danish to put on her plate, "is allowing myself to choose my own research. The corporate world may provide stability of financing, but they dictate curiosity."
She took a bite of the danish and another sip of coffee. Two and three quarters. "All that aside, there are no secrets in science. With the right tools, any knowledge can be unlocked. As the ancient saying goes, 'Science is a candle in the dark'. Given my research, hypothetically speaking on this matter, yes, I do believe I could shine light on that secret if things aligned to allow it."
(Provost Shala)"I am glad to hear that. We have gathered a couple of details that might help you solve this puzzle. passes along a new unmarked data pad "This is the primary research facility that we can determine there on Thalass. It is run by the government, the lead researcher for the bio-engineered rafts is a geneticist Dr. Thorkin. He is a very clever man. If you can get to him and bring his research to Torpol, or better yet, find a way to ..... persuade.... him to come to Torpol with you it could be very helpful for your prospects.
pauses as Athena reads the data pad
from Athena's Character Discovery. Enemy #1 from research - Genetist Dr Thorkin, Stole Athena's samples while on Folin in 1071, later claimed it was "lost in the confusion of Athena taking over as Captain of the Pioneer"
(Provost Shala)"I believe you have a private meeting with King Oleb tomorrow. I sense that he will be offering you a contract of some sort. Perhaps he is feeling that Asim needs more attention now. You are the type of person he would like. Bravado but not overbearing. What I offer you is a chance to do the work you want to do, assist a neighboring system, and demonstrate to your potential new benefactor that you will look for..... innovative... ways to achieve your goals.
Athena tapped the table absently as she considered the new information. A minor demon from her past, but a thorny one nonetheless. How to work this to her advantage without letting her simmering annoyances of old transgressions get to her? A lead researcher, indeed. On her stolen research. She downed the last of her coffee. Three.
"Thank you for the information, Provost Shala," said Athena, cordially. "As with any new data, I will need time to analyze it before coming to a result and deciding my next query. If you will allow, I would see the outcome of the meeting with King Oleb before giving a final verdict on my plans. But," continued Athena, her tapping moved to the data pad, "I am intrigued by the proposal. I will give you that."
Captain Solis was a near stranger to Silas and much of what was spoken of during the meeting was new to him. More yet had been revealed in this strange Palace of seemingly endless opportunity. As an impartial witness Silas kept a poker face throughout except to exclaim a congenial, "Fascinating!" regarding the Thalassan floating cities. He found he was enjoying being in the shadow of these Travellers and witness to events unfolding. Afterward in brief he thanked Solis for the opportunity to join and joked about "...whatever great chance might befall us next!" as they moved on to the next rendezvous.
(Provost Shala)"I would be glad to speak with you again tomorrow evening after your meeting with King Oleb during the day. I have one with him shortly. I will say as you consider your options. We do have excellent facilities on Torpol for all sorts of trade goods. Some of which need to be kept away from any prying eyes. Also I am certain you will find our customs and importation division glad to assist you in restraining anyone who has violated any legal provisions that need to be pursued. Provost Shala slides the unmarked tablet over to Athena for her to keep and stands up.
Admin Aide Dar comes into the room.
(Admin Aide Dar)"Doctor Kagaragu, Captain Solis, if there is anything else?"
(Provost Shala)"Dar, as you show our guests out remind James Crockett that he is part of our party when we meet with King Oleb at 12:00"
Admin Aide Dar leads the three of your group out the door.
As they walk back to the Voyager, Athena asks Eleni, simply, "What do you remember about Thorkin?"
(Eleni)"He was competent but unimaginative. He was easily able to follow a chain of reasoning but not able to make the leap to the idea of how to apply something to a new problem. If he is the person who built that bio-tech then my bet is he started with your notes. If we can get our hands on the research he claims he did then we can prove it belongs to you, well to the Pioneer."
the three move from the Unity to the Voyager
1104-365 8:00 - Unity Galley
Mikhel and Crockett
Admin Aide Dar leads Mikhel into the Galley to meet Crockett.
"How's it going, Jim? Thanks for meeting on such short notice. Transportation arrangements were early or too late, so I went for early. Sorry if that messed up your timings."
Mikhel will pass a thumb drive to Crockett. It will contain a similar report to the one Unity provided to Pioneer, but for the third contact, it will only say there is an object in the far edge of the system, "details TBD". The distance and direction are not included.
"Three things of any note came up on Pioneer's scan. One is a ship, station-keeping near the gas giants. We think it is an SDB watching over the gas giants."
"The second might be an abandoned asteroid station. Not sure what that is, but after the New Year event, it might be worth checking out."
Mikhel pauses, with a frown.
"The last was at extreme range, and we are not sure, yet, what that is. We are thinking Drinax Control may need to be consulted, and I will be making inquiries with them directly upon leaving the Unity."
[Crockett responds to greeting from Mikhel] I'm over the moon of Marduk, thanks. Welcome both of you to the Unity. How do you like my transport vessel I found back on Torpol there? ha ha ... I see you haven't been wasting any time with suggestion I gave you to check the sensors. The check at your end seems to have turned up some interesting data. I will check the thumb-drive after you leave, but meanwhile what are you thinking given this information? I have checked as best I could and have found no audio monitors in this section of the ship so our discussions are fairly secure. I like the two Provosts here and find they are mainly concerned with trade and have no other driving priorities to be concerned about. They've been very welcoming to me anyway.
"If you recall the discussion last night, I mentioned asteroid mining. And then, the scan last night suggests there is an existing facility already in place. I'm thinking it could, I repeat, could give the system a head start, if we entice a few prospectors to take a look."
"Other than that, we'd have a bit of a trip to check out the other target, with questionable return for the time and expense."
"I'm heading out to recce as much of the Floating Palace as I'm allowed to see. Maybe ask a few questions. If you have time, and nothing else to do, we could put four eyes on things, instead of two."
"At 11 hundred hours, the science crew has a meeting with the Scholar's Tower staff, to which I'm invited. I have a few medical inquiries I wish to pursue."
Sure. I can be an extra set of eyes with our good doctor. Should we leave now?
Mikhel gives a thumbs-up.
[prior to leaving the Unity with Mikhel...Crockett seeks out Administrative Aide Dar and coordinates with her his plan to go with Mikhel now and meet up with the Provost's group outside the meeting area with the King at 1145 hours (15 minutes prior their audience with King Olaf)...and seeks her approval of that plan]
(Admin Aide Dar)"I will radio you if there are any changes Sir Crockett. Enjoy your explorations. Be sure to wear your best."
[Before departing Ship of Unity...Crockett checks his cabin/stateroom/lodgings?? again to make sure he has notebook, writing utensil (writing pad of future) needed for meeting with King, mobile phone communication device and one last look in mirror to check how great he looks in his new cr500 suit he purchased back on Marduk.
1104-365 17:00 - Unity Bridge Comms Centre
To M. J. Crockett, Torpol Vessel 'Ship of Unity', from M. M. Dromah, PSV Pioneer
O Grp proposed. Looking for Results from your meeting(s). Verbal at your earliest convenience?
1104-365 17:00 - UNITY
Crocket on Unity to Pioneer M. Dromah
Copy your request for asap meeting aboard UNITY
I am aboard UNITY now and would welcome your attendance.
OUT
1104-365 18:00 - UNITY
Mikhel arrives at the Unity Airlock asking for M. Crockett.
1104-365-Unity to Pioneer Attn MDromah Afternoon meeting re trade follows here - Crockett
1104-365 18:00 - UNITY
[Crockett appears to greet M Dromah]
"Greetings. Great to see you 'Doc'. (I can call you anything but "Sir" right? LoL)
Shall we just chat out here or would you like to grab something in the galley? Assuming you are on a schedule then let's chat here.
I did have an interesting meeting with the Baroness this afternoon and I got strong impression that RANCHERO is well-connected as far as she is concerned and our go-to person if we want direction on trade opportunities...and the fellow to MAKE IT HAPPEN.
What have you learned?
"I'm not on a schedule tonight. The next timing on my schedule is the Royal Run tomorrow, not quite at O-dark hundred. 8AM, local."
"The Tower tour was a smoke and mirrors show. We saw stuff, but nothing giving us anything I thought useful. No names to buttonhole for more info or help. You can have a copy of the info package, and see if I missed anything."
"We met the Prince. Not as healthy an individual as I'd expect, considering he was supposedly under TL15 rehab. Something is very interesting, and Doctor Solis might become involved. It will depend on tomorrow's meeting."
"The biggest surprise is who is related to whom. The head of the Scholar's Tower is the mother of the Prince? And we have no idea of her influence on the King. To whom is the Princess related? The place is a mine-field of social catastrophies waiting to happen."
"As for trade, I have no good feelings about Ranchando, and the more distance we can keep from him, the better I'll sleep. Look at this place. There is no economy. This place needs a complete overhaul. Getting anything going will need money. The mining station will most likely need an ovehaul, before it can be used. And we don't have a history, yet, to say why it isn't working. If we want to help, it is a mountain we'll be climbing, in full rucks."
Copy that. Not a happy picture. So you are back to the lovely labship now and we will see what tomorrow holds. The two of us are on same wavelength. I am happy to provide some security backup if we head for this distant asteroid of yours; join the Harrier crew we've learned about; or some other useful use of our time with an opportunity for each of us to enjoy ourselves and make some money perhaps on the side....Otherwise I intend to head back to Torpol with or without you and pursue something more secure I fear. See you at 11:45 tomorrow at the Palace my friend.
"We can only wait for the offer, and see how good, or bad, it might be." Mikhel ponders for a moment or two.
"I am not in favour of any ship that is not in, at least, good shape for jump travel. I can foresee accompanying you back to Torpol, in the short run, to check on mining options. This will take some effort to negotiate, if I don't have some hint of Drinaxian interest. It might still take a lot. I can see if I have anyone on the Sternmetal Horizons facility in Torpol that might be interested in a new venture.
As to my position on the Pioneer, it isn't a bad gig, just not ideal. It also depends on what the Captain/Doctor wants to do. She is getting pulled in a few directions, not just for possibilities on the morrow. More fallout to await."
