1104-365 -- 1105-001 -- 1105-002
- 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, Mikhel, Sultana, Solis, Harison, Silas, Iskavrin
| Timing of events |
| 8:00 - The Royal Run |
| 11:00 - Royal Run Wrap up |
| 12:00 - Meeting with King Oleb in throne room |
| 15:00 - Continued Meeting with King Oleb in throne room |
At 7:30 Sultana, Harison, Iskavrin, Mikhel, and Silas arrive at Starport Docks. The handful of ships there have been moved for the crowd of runners to assemble just outside the Royal Palace. Palace attendants hand out small fans to each person running the race. They are iridescent gold framed in bands of red. They glitter in the early light. Looking around there appears to be over a thousand people lining up to run and several more thousand lining the edges of the wide pathway that circles the Floating Palace.
Mikhel has a small chat with one of the Hawk Warriors about what he plans to carry in the race. He has his trusty Field Medical Backpack and Mediscanner, as well as a Trauma Pack. This is 5 Kg of gear in a tight, well-strapped pack (to keep the weight glued to his body, and not flopping around). Integral to this particular pack is a built-in hydration bag, good for long marches in hot climates. Mikhel jokes with the Warriors about ruck marches and field training, and suggests that he has been on ship too long without getting dirt on his boots. This particular run, Mikhel isn't burdened with weapons, comm gear, armor, and rations. So, even if this is an actual run, and not the publicity show he expects, Mikhel should be able to keep up. Oh. And he's wearing light cross-trainers, not 2kg BLCs.
The Royal Hawk Guard chuckles with Mikhel, and hands him a coin with what appears to be a middle number in the 500's.
The Palace attendants pass out coins to all of the runners. There is some disappointment in some of the runners, others smiling. Sultana and Silas get number in the upper 100's Iskavrin and Harison have coins in the upper double digits.
On the Royal Docks the Provosts line up everyone from the Unity along the edge of the docks. Just to their side Eleni and Sherris have lined up all of the researchers and crew of the Pioneer as well. The orange formal dress of the Provosts contrasts with the formal whites of the Pioneer crew. Eleni has managed to acquire a fan for each of the crew of both ships. Sherris is speaking with one of the Royal Hawk Guards showing them a small red and gold box.
"I have never understood the appeal of running," remarked Athena as she took a fan from Eleni. "But this one should provide entertainment for the observers."
Sultana is no runner, but he's managed to find a reasonable facsimile of a running outfit from among his fencing outfits. He stood among the crowd performing a few stretches to get ready.
"OK old friend this thing could be a mad battle Royale with 1000's people running around small confined areas be on the watch out for elbows and people trying to trip us up. I think we should stick together and watch each other’s back and throw our elbow here and there just so they know we mean business. Oh thanks again for signing me up. This is exactly how I wanted to start the new year."
Sultana chuckles. "Oh, absolutely, old bean. Wouldn't miss this for the world." He looks around at the competitors swarming around them. "I don't plan on throwing the first punch though. Self-defense will be enough, I think. How hard do we want to push towards the front?" He twists slightly once or twice, just to make sure the slim knife he has hidden under his shirt and taped to his lower back is still securely fastened. "The farther forward we go, the more resistance there'll be, I expect." When preparing this morning for the run, he'd decided at the last moment to include this bit of preparation. The knife is a small one, invisible under his clothing, and resistant to scans. But there may (or may not) be a bounty out on him, and if word somehow reached here before him, someone may decide this jostling crowd could be the perfect opportunity to try and collect it.
"Right to the front let’s set the pace and show these people what we are made of."
Sultana shakes his head in mock despair. "What kind of flowers do you want at your funeral? Sorry... *our* funerals?"
Harison smiles back "They’ll probably put Purple hyacinth as they symbolise regret." He gives a cheeky wink and starts doing some stretching.
Mikhel lines up with the runners, looking for the "well dressed" clique that will be competing or trying to stay with the King. As Mikhel has see the Prince, he should be recognizable, even in running togs. Mikhel will keep an eye out for the group with comm gear and funny bulges in their clothing.
Mikhel Dromah: [SKILL] Streetwise (2D+3) (vs Difficulty 8) [2d6+3 = 12]
[ +4 Effect] [Average SUCCESS] Checking the crowd and runners, looking for People of Note and Security Personnel.
Mikhel can spot several places where the Hawk Guards are settling in, and new monitors are scattered about to allow everyone to watch the progress of the race.
Check for Health of Participants. Are the people getting ready to run actually ready to run? Are there obvious Health Problems on the track?
Mikhel Dromah: [SKILL] Medic (2D+4) (vs Difficulty 8) [2d6+4 = 8]
[ +0 Effect] [Marginal SUCCESS] Looking over runners for fitness and health.
This might change Mikhel's plan of sticking close to the Prince. He may not be the only medical emergency on the race track.
Mikhel can see that there are many who are in good shape, while others who would seem to be planning on doing more of a shuffle than a fun
Mikhel, Sultana, Silas, Harison from their various spots do not recognize anyone of significance. Several of the minor nobles that you interacted with, or Scholars. The Prince, the Princess, Wrax, Ranchando, none of them are in the area of the race participants.
With only a moment to spare King Oleb step floats out of the Palace doors and out to the large open space of the docks. King Oleb touches a control on his waist and he floats upward almost a meter off the platform.
WELCOME ALL OF OUR ROYAL SUBJECTS OF DRINAX, GUESTS, AND JEALOUS RIVALS!!! He waves his arms and the crowd laughs and cheers loudly.
TODAY IS THE FIRST DAY OF A NEW YEAR!!! AND THE DAY WE CELEBRATE OUR PAST VICTORIES AND OUR FUTURE ONES!!!
He waves a hand Lord Wrax emerges from the Royal Palace with two women on his arms. Both wearing red cloaks and gold dragon masks covering their faces. A loud cheer from the crowd nearby and as others farther back in the line hear and see on screens the speech and presentation.
Lord Wrax bows to King Oleb then steps back through the Palace doors.
WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR!!! LET'S RUN CHEERS!!!
King Oleb drops back down to the promenade that runs around the outside of the Floating Palace and turns towards the stern of the Palace. He takes a step or two then one of the two women standing at the palace shrugs off her cloak, revealing a runners suit in red with gold stripes under it. She keeps her mask on, holding up a coin with the number 2 on it and then she quickly skips to run along side King Oleb.
With that the race is on.
Important safety tip: Do Not Jostle The Lady In Red. Keep her in view, and watch the crowd.
Mikhel considers keeping further back in the pack, and watching for those who might over-exert. And perhaps, try to keep up. The King may actually make this a Run.
Sultana kicks off and starts running at a steady pace. He holds himself just to the right and slightly behind Harison, so they can protect each other's flanks. He will try to match whatever pace Harison sets.
Harison takes off dodging and sidestepping using his natural dexterity to navigate the crowd. He keeps an eye on the runners near him and Sultan trying to keep aware of any surprises they might throw. His goal is to make his way to the front pack of pace setters and not get stuck in the slower groups and be left behind when they inevitably pull away from the pack.
had nothing to run in but an all-in-one tied at the waist with a black t-shirt underneath. He hoped his long legs and nimbleness would help, but years of sedentary shipboard life had softened any athleticism he might have had. He decided to try keep pace with his erstwhile crew members, and flashed a grin regarding the seemingly silly activity they were involved in.
The run continues past the Royal Palace leaving the one lady in a dragon mask standing on the balcony. She waves her fan as the many people shuffle run past. The areas past the Palace are lined with spectators waving and cheering as the King trots along. He is moving at a jogging pace, his gravity belts not giving any boost forward, just keeping his weight a bit lighter on his feet. The lady in red is laughing and bouncing on her feet as she runs along. She calls and waves to the crowds, she plucks up someone's fan from them to use to wave a breeze on the King then laughs and tosses it back towards the crowd.
The King rounds towards the Diplomatic Quarter and on one of the large doorways Lord Wrax is standing there with a woman dressed in red, no gold trim wearing a dragon mask. The King raises his hand to wave at the crowds and around the woman. As the crowd flows through Sultana speculates on who the three women are but is concentrating on being careful in the crowd along side Silas and moving slowly nearer to Harison and Iskavrin up ahead. Mikhel is much farther back in the pack just beginning to leave the docks.
As the thousand runners follow King Oleb around the bow of the Floating Palace everyone in the race is now moving at a jogging pace. Mikhel gets the feeling that yes this section of the run is filled with very average or lower athletes. Older nobles or younger children who are getting a first or second experience with the Run. The young ones are clutching their coins like precious prizes. There is still a few runners up ahead of who are up front near the King who are actively discretely jostling each other to be in the front dozen. Iskavrin and Harrison stay farther back from that group.
Heading along the port side of the Floating Palace King Oleb leads the runners past larger crowds who frame the path through the Royal Gardens. As they wind their way through and out the doors to the Bazaar the crowd thins but is just as loud. Ranchando is leading a group of men with drums banging out a beat for the runners. The King raises his fists in the air as the cheers go on.
Coming out of the Bazaar area and towards the Royal Docks in front of the Pioneer crew and the Ship of Unity the King looks up and smiles. The young lady almost dancing round as she keeps pace with several nobles who are more athletic striving to stay close but not too close.
Then a sudden loud ROAR comes from right in the middle of the Pioneer crew. Lights sparkle on the side of the Voyager and the head of a large red and gold dragon dances along. Athena looks over to see Sherris holding the red box directing the light and sound show. King Oleb looks around, quickly settling as he realizes there is no danger and then...
LAUGHING!!! THE SINDAL DRAGON RISES UP!!!
The King cheers and waves to the people on the Royal Docks as they continue on through, looping past the Gallery and towards the Scholar's Tower.
Athena watches the race with the rest of her crew, seeing what information she can gather about the king, the mysterious lady, and the runners.
Athena Solis: [SKILL]Science(Sophontology) (2D+4) (vs Difficulty 8 [2d6+4 = 10][ +2 Effect] [Average SUCCESS]
Athena Solis: [SKILL]Science(Investigate) (2D+3) (vs Difficulty 8 [2d6+3 = 11][ +3 Effect] [Average SUCCESS]
Athena Solis: [SKILL]Science(Diplomat) (2D+4) (vs Difficulty 8 [2d6+4 = 10][ +2 Effect] [Average SUCCESS]
Athena Solis: [SKILL]Science(Advocate) (2D+3) (vs Difficulty 8 [2d6+3 = 10][ +2 Effect] [Average SUCCESS]
Shortly after King Oleb passes by the Royal Docks Harison (waving to the crew) and Iskavrin follow along, now in the top 50 runners. Another 40 to 50 pass then Sultana and Silas trot on by, bowing and waving to the cheers of the Pioneer crew. Several minutes go by before Mikhel appears in the middle of a pack. He grins and nods to Sherris as she continues to wave around her light show on the side of the Voyager.
Athena understands now that this race is more about those that follow the King, how they place based on their starting position is more important than winning. No one will come in second, the lady in red and gold has assured that. But Harison and Iskavrin are nearing the front and both them and Sultana and Silas seem to have moved up dozens of positions during the slow jogging race.
Both Athena and Mikhel realize there has been no sign of the Prince to this point in the race.
King Oleb continues past the Gallery and back into the widest part of the paths that lead into the University Grounds. There at the base of the Scholar's Tower stands a woman dress in red with gold trim, wearing a dragon mask. Next to her stands a tall stiff male dressed in tight fitting clothing and wearing a dragon mask. As the King approaches the man steps forward slowly cautiously and shuffles along just behind the King while he crosses the University grounds. Harison and Iskavrin enter the grounds to see him shuffling along then pause near the exit gate of the University. The woman in red running with the King briefly pauses and squeezes the man's arm then quickly darts back up to be even with the King in front of him.
If Mikhel is not so far behind the leaders to miss the joining of the Run by the masked man, Mikhel understands that one of the Royal children has made an appearance. The masked man at the Scholar's Tower was the Prince. And the assessment of his recovery is not good. Prince Harrick has a long way to go. If Mikhel saw that, and the Prince does join the rest of the run, Mikhel will pick up the pace to get near the front. The Prince won't need assistance, and getting into his running clique isn't an option, with the Prince not really running.
Mihkel Dromah: [SKILL] Streetwise (2D+3) (vs Difficulty 8) [2d6+3 = 9]
[ +1 Effect] [Average SUCCESS] 5 Minutes checking. (As the pack runs through the Tower grounds)
Mihkel Dromah: [SKILL] Athletics (2D+1) (vs Difficulty 8) [2d6+1 = 8]
[ +0 Effect] [Marginal SUCCESS] 2 Minutes dodging. (Picking up position to see the lead runners, as the pack runs through the Tower grounds)
Mihkel Dromah: [SKILL] Medic (2D+4) (vs Difficulty 8) [2d6+4 = 10]
[ +2 Effect] [Average SUCCESS] 5 Minutes checking. (As the Prince steps away from the runners leaving the Tower grounds)
The race continues the short path past the life support and spaceport control areas before arriving back at the starship docks. A loud cheer goes up as King Oleb crosses the finish line, the young woman right behind him. They both move to the side, she bows to King acknowledging him as the winner, she stops to hug the woman in the dragon mask standing at the doorway, and then skips lightly back into the Royal Palace.
Mikhel will not push to pass people who are seriously pressing towards the front, just for the view of the finish. Should he actually get into view of the finalists crossing the line and observe the King's victory, he will surmise that the young lady in red was likely Princess Rao. Being masked, identifying her later will only be by build and height if next to the King.
Mihkel Dromah: [SKILL] Athletics (2D+1) (vs Difficulty 8) [2d6+1 = 10]
[ +2 Effect] [Average SUCCESS] 2 Minutes dodging. (As the pack runs towards the finish line)
Suddenly around Harison and Iskavrin, Sultana and Silas there is a surge in the runners towards the finish line......
Sultana rides with the surge, attempting to find gaps and maneuver forward through the crowd. The run so far has been relatively relaxed, so his energy levels aren't flagging yet.
Sir Lt Sultana: [SKILL] Athletics (2D+1) (vs Difficulty 8) [2d6+1 = 10] [ +2 Effect] [Average SUCCESS]
As the race draws to an end Harison realises that this is not a race and just an exercise in sheep following the Shepherd. With all the runners finishing behind their king in order of their noble importance just another symptom of what’s very wrong with this city. With this, he loses his interest in a big sprint to the finish line.
Athletics’s Dex Diff 8 Roll 5 Average Failure
Mikhel surveys the crowd for anyone not looking well, as people are at the finish. Some will be walking off the run, some might be doing stretches. There might be one or two doing the dry heaves, or even puking.
Mihkel Dromah: [SKILL] Medic (2D+4) (vs Difficulty 6) [2d6+4 = 11]
[ +5 Effect] [Average SUCCESS] 15 Minutes checking. (As the runners mill about the finish line, and walk around.)
Silas' breath was even and he had energy left for the end, so when Sultana surged, Silas followed. The spacer was dextrous and thin and captalised on the crowd press, nudging and springing through the crowd.
Silas: [SKILL] Athletics (2D+1) (vs Difficulty 8) [2d6+1 = 10] [ +2 Effect] [Average SUCCESS]
The crowds cheer as more runners enter the landing platform. Each one gives a quick scan of their coin and a quick medical scan. Mikhel and the others participating know this is both a safety check as a registration check for how well someone participated in the race.
The monitors light up with results. King Oleb in first place, Princess Rao in second place, the names start to stream along. Sultana - 84th Iskavrin - 99th Harison - 102nd Silas - 104th Mikhel - 476th
As everyone move to fight against the current of the crowd to return back to the Voyager Mikhel, Sultana, and the others compare notes on what the race was like, who they saw. Mikhel helped two people during the race, one of them wants Mikhel to visit his home before the Pioneer leaves so he can meet his daughter who is an aspiring doctor. Harison, Silas, and Sultana count the very visible bystanders. Using Mikhel's observations, Iskavrin's and Silas's thoughts the group determines that obviously King Oleb, and Princess Rao. Then Prince Harrick is a given. It seems a good guess that Scholar Voha and Lady Hil were two of the others. That brings the woman in red that was with Lord Wrax as the only unknown in a dragon mask. Iskavrin heads to his home to change.
Arriving back at the Voyager the race participants see the crew animated and talking with each other. Apparently Sherris pulled off a prank? demonstration? celebration? it seems unclear how everyone on the Floating Palace thought of it but King Oleb reacted well so it is seen as a positive thing by most.
There is only time for a quick clean up and change of clothes before leaving for the Royal Palace and the Throne Room.
Once in the ship, Sultana removes the blade taped to his back, wincing slightly as the adhesive pulls at his skin. His court dress outfit is already hanging ready to wear. After quickly changing into the fancier clothing, he strapped his sword belt on, his sword conspicuously absent from his side. He checked himself quickly in the mirror before walking back out to the Dockside.
Athena, Sultana, Mikhel, and Eleni emerge from the Voyager clean and ready to leave. Crockett emerges from the Unity ready as well.
1105-001 11:30 - Floating Palace Royal Dock
Crockett arrives early at 11:30 to provide opportunity for last minute discussion with others regarding general approach to discussion. Crockett greets each other member of party as they arrive. "Happy New Year to you. I arrived early so we might discuss how this meeting with this King is to be approached. So we don't look too disorganized I propose that Sultana or Mikhel open discussions by greeting King, thanking him audience and expressing curiosity about whether or not a group (to be introduced to the King following) such as ours might be able to serve His Majesty in assisting in the reestablishment of the once greatly respected Kingdom."
An honor guard of four Royal Hawk Warriors comes out of the hatchway walking in front of Lord Wrax
(Lord Wrax)"I am here to escort you to your meeting with King Oleb, long may he reign"
12:00 - The Royal Palace, Throne Room, the Dragon Throne
Lord Wrax leads your group surrounded by the Royal Hawk Guards past the Bazaar and along side the Royal Gardens. He takes you through a door and passageway that has previously been closed off to you and after a short cordidor you enter a very large open chamber. {Crockett was in here before but came a different way}
On the large throne sits King Oleb XVI with a goblet in his hand. He does not look worn at all from the run this morning. He is in different attire, a more formal cloak, as always red with gold trim.
(Lord Wrax)"Your majesty King Oleb XVI, Heir to the Sindal Empire, lord admiral of the Star Guard, protector of the.."
[+YES YES YES LORD WRAX, THANK YOU VERY MUCH FOR THAT. IF WE WAIT FOR ALL THE TITLES IT WILL BE PAST OUR MEAL TIME. GO CHECK ON MY OTHER GUESTS AND SEE THAT LADY HIL'S REQUEST IS COMPLETED."
Lord Wrax bows, turns to the group with a withering stare, then walks back out the way you entered.
King Oleb waves a hand and dismisses the four Royal Hawk Guards as well, GO WATCH THE DOORS, NONE OF THEM HAS A SWORD {his eyes flick over and look Sultana up and down} AND I CAN TAKE THESE FEW WITHOUT ANY HELP"
King Oleb refills his goblet from a carafe next to the throne. There are no accommodations for your group other than to stand in audience. The same as Crockett saw before.
King Oleb takes a moment to look at each of the five of you, giving you a careful even assessment.
[+MY SON SAYS I SHOULD USE THE WORD RECRUITED, MY DAUGHTER SAYS I SHOULD SAY YOU WERE INVITED, LORD WRAX THINKS YOU SHOULD BE ARRESTED. OTHERS SAY REQUESTED, COMMANDED, ASSIGNED, OR ASSEMBLED. DISLIKE THAT LAST ONE, YOU ARE NOT MACHINES, YOU ARE REAL PEOPLE, FLESH AND BLOOD. PASSION, THAT IS WHAT WE NEED, I NEED. MY WORD IS CHOSEN. YOU FIVE HAVE BEEN CHOSEN.
He takes a drink of his goblet as he watches the thoughts flicker across your faces
MY SON IS A GOOD MAN, HE IS RECOVERING WELL FROM THE WAR. HE IS NOT READY TO TAKE CHARGE OF THE NEXT ONE. HE WOULD OFFER SOFT DIPLOMATIC SOLUTIONS. MY DAUGHTER IS BOLDER AND OFFERS ACTION. SHE UNDERSTANDS WHAT I WANT. SHE IS TOO RECKLESS BUT WITH GOOD INTENTIONS. YOU, YOU FIVE ON THE OTHER HAND, YOU CAN BE A SWORD, YOU CAN BE A SHOT ACROSS THE BOW AND REMIND EVERYONE OF THE POWER OF THE DRAGON OF SINDAL. YOU CAN GO OUT AND BRING ME WHAT I NEED TO RE-ESTABLISH THE DRAGON THRONE TO ITS FORMER GLORY. YOU ARE A DANGEROUS GROUP, A SWORD IN A SHEATH, A TRAINED WARRIOR WHO HEALS, A MARKSMAN WHO WANTS A TARGET, A PIECE OF STEEL WRAPPED IN A PRETTY FACE, AND A MAD SCIENTIST WHO'S AIM FOR LEARNING OUTWEIGHS ANY LAW.
MY KINGDOM NEEDS PEOPLE LIKE YOU TO REMIND MY PEOPLE OF WHO WE WERE AND WHO WE NEED TO BE.
MY INSTINCTS TELL ME THAT YOU ARE THE TYPE OF PEOPLE WHO UNDERSTAND THE IMPORTANCE OF SUCCEEDING IN YOUR MISSION. WHEN YOU UNDERSTAND THE STAKES YOU WILL GO TO ANY LENGTH TO COMPLETE YOUR MISSION.
YOU WILL BE MY NEW SWORD
King Oleb raises a toast to the group and then downs the rest of the goblet. He refills again.
YOU ARE MY NEW PRIVATEERS. I AM GRANTING YOU ONE OF THE TREASURES OF SINDAL, A TRUE HARRIER, THE V'HURG, LOST FOR CENTURIES AND NOW YOU WILL COMMAND HER. TAKE HER OUT INTO THE REACH AND PLUNDER. GO OUT AND SHOW EVERYONE WHY THEY NEED THE KINGDOM OF DRINAX TO SAVE THEM FROM THE PIRATE SCOURGE. YOU WILL MAKE YOURSELVES RICH, YOU WILL COMMAND NAVIES, ARMIES, YOU CAN CHOOSE A MOON OR AN ENTIRE SYSTEM FOR YOUR REWARD IF YOU DESIRE ONCE WE HAVE ESTABLISHED THE KINGDOM OF DRINAX AGAIN AS THE POWER IN THE REACH.
MY DAUGHTER CHOSE YOU FIVE TO BE OUR CORE GROUP TO LEAD THIS NEW CHARGE. I WAS SKEPTICAL BUT THE REPORTS SHE PRODUCED WERE VERY CONVINCING. EACH OF YOU HAVE ACTED IN A WAY THAT FITS THIS PLAN, EACH OF YOU HAS SHOWN YOU WILL BE ABLE TO ACT INDEPENDENTLY AS IS NEEDED IN THESE TIMES.TO SHOW YOU MY COMMITMENT TO YOUR ABILITIES I AM GRANTING YOU FULL CONTROL OF THE V'HURG. I WILL BE PROVIDING YOU WITH AN EXECUTIVE OFFICER FROM MY STAFF AND YOU WILL CHOOSE A CAPTAIN FOR YOURSELVES. THE PIONEER, THE V'HURG, AND I IMAGINE YOU WILL GATHER MANY MORE SHIPS FOR YOUR FLEET.
I HAVE ONE MORE REWARD FOR YOU AS WELL. WHEN YOU SUCCEED IN ASSISTING ME IN SEEING THE KINGDOM OF DRINAX REBORN YOU WILL BE GRANTED PERMISSION TO MARRY MY DAUGHTER.
GET IN HERE, I KNOW YOU ARE LISTENING, NO LURKING IN THE SHADOWS FOR YOU
A young woman enters the Throne Room. She stands tall and proud, moving smoothly, obviously the woman who was in the race this morning. She lightly carries a basket in her hand and start to walk towards your group.
(Princess Rao)"Hello Mikhel, it is good to see you again."
As Nicola/Princess Rao walks up and hands him a glass of wine.
Mikhel comes to attention, and 3/4 bows. 2, 3. Coming upright, keeping his hands at his sides, Mikhel says, "Your Highness. I respectfully decline the beverage. I am already at a serious disadvantage. I will need what few wits I possess at full capacity." Mikhel smiles. "I am very glad to see you healthy and safe." The thought crosses Mikhel's mind that he may not get immediately thrown from the Palace for any gaff he might make. Maybe.
It occurs to Mikhel that Nicola/Princess Rao hadn't see him dressed up. Mikhel was now wearing clothes completely unlike anything he had ever worn. The tuxedo was pretty grand, and lightly decorated with his trinkets (Combat Medical Badge with two stars, Good Conduct Medal with four stars and a Pistol Expert qualification badge with a 9th Award bar. Other decorations had long since been discarded.) The designer hand satchel allowed Mikhel to have his tools available, and still be tasteful. As good as the clothes were, it was another level of discomfort and unease. He clutched the satchel handle like a drowning man to a life preserver.
Athena Solis: [SKILL]Science(Diplomat) (2D+4) (vs Difficulty 8 [2d6+4 = 15][ +7 Effect] [Exceptional SUCCESS]
Athena Solis: [SKILL]Science(Advocate) (2D+3) (vs Difficulty 8 [2d6+3 = 10][ +2 Effect] [Average SUCCESS]
With an appropriate bow, Athena addresses the king. "It is an honor, your majesty, long may you reign. I have learned plenty and aim to continually learn more. The knowledge I've already acquired has vast potential applications. I am certain our collaboration will be of great benefit to us both." Turning to give Princess Rao a similar, smaller bow, she added, "And it is good to see you again, Princess Rao. A surprise, but more a relief that you are unharmed."
Sir Lt Sultana steps forward. "Thank you, Your Majesty. That is indeed a handsome offer, if a trifle unexpected. If I may ask, are your intentions for the V'hurg to act as Privateer under your flag to raise Drinax in the esteem of your neighbors, or as independent pirate to harry them so that You may step in as protector to the region? I'm afraid I know little of the current political landscape of the Reach."
Careful not to let her expression reflect her thoughts, and seeing Mikhel stand there awkwardly with no court experience, Athena prompted, quietly and under her breath, "Take the wine. This is not the time to commit a faux pas."
"Like alcohol isn't going to expedite more of those." Mikhel whispers back.
Without wanting to make a scene of it, Athena simply gives a nod towards the princess who is awkwardly holding the wine for him to take and hoped he realized she didn't say drink it. A sip or two if etiquette dictated, but she could only advise. It was for him to make the move - or not.
[Crockett keeps his mouth shut....he can't say he's overly surprised as he was expecting some type of surprise to be pulled....He wonders how Nicola (now to be addressed as Princess he figures) will assess his behaviour back on the Pioneer....He awaits the verdict....and starts thinking about how fast he might escape this gathering.]
Sir Lt Sultana: [SKILL] Diplomat (2D+1) (vs Difficulty 4 [2d6+1 = 12])
Sultana so successfully controls a double-take upon realizing who Princess Rao actually is that he almost makes it look like he knew it all along. Without even a twitch, he turns his attention back towards the King to await his next declaration.
Another 3/4 bow is made to the Princess. Mikhel takes the glass from her, "Things are not as they were, your Highness. Perhaps we can discuss, some other time." Mikhel salutes Princess Rao with the glass, with a wry smile, but doesn't take a drink.
(Eleni)"You said you were good at talking," laughs and bows "So I take it we passed your test if we are still here?"
(Princess Rao)"Yes you did. You all were what we expected."
MY DAUGHTER DID HER RESEARCH ON YOU AND YOU PASSED HER INSPECTION. NOW YOU WILL IMPRESS ME AND SHOW THAT YOU DESERVE THE JEWEL OF THE V'HURG. I HAVE A SPECIAL GUEST FOR YOU TO MEET LATER THIS AFTERNOON AND TOMORROW MORNING IF YOU MEET MY APPROVAL YOU WILL TAKE HER OUT FOR YOUR FIRST TEST FLIGHT.
King Oleb takes a deep drink from his goblet then shouts BRING OUT MY TABLE, TELL MY COUNCIL TO GET IN HERE
King Oleb then turns and walks out of the throne room.
(Princess Rao)"Now that you have met his Majesty, I am certain you have questions. I can answer some of them. But I want you to know a few things first. Drinax was shattered as you have seen. My Grandfather was a mere caretaker, my Father went out to pursue his life knowing things would be hard to change until he was King. Once he became King he worked hard to reinvigorate our people. With few resources we had to secure them all and make sure that everyone had enough. My brother Harrick as his heir did good work trying to be diplomatic in who's titles would be continued. He worked with the Scholars Tower to bring in new students and find sources of income for our system. Ask his Majesty about that as you wish."
(Princess Rao)"My life was uprooted during the assault Asim as much as anyone's. Harrick could have.... (she pauses) died. It has been twenty long years of him secluded in the Tower with his mother. His Majesty held out but finally saw the truth in the matter and instated me as his heir. I will not let our Kingdom flounder any longer. It was the Universe telling us that this is our time. Harrick awakes, or emerges at the same time that the V'Hurg was found, the same time that his Majesty starts to believe that I do understand how to create the excitement that is needed to reclaim our glory for the Kingdom of Drinax. I know we can do this and I want you to.....
Princess Rao closes her mouth quickly and turns back to pick up her glass, coincidentally as the large doors open on the side and two techs bring in a long wide conference table on grav skids.
The table is set in front of the throne with a second large chair set in the center of the long side of the table facing the throne. Next to that chair on the right and left are chairs set in red and gold and then on either side of them chairs in black. At the two ends are high backed chairs in red. Then along the side for your group are five chairs set. They are grey with a red drape over the back of each of them. As you approach the table to sit you see engraves in the wood is the outline of the Kingdom of Drinax. Each system highlighted in metals, with jewels sparkling for the stars in each system, and the occasional diamond or other precious stone for a moon. The expanse is flat and smooth with enough room for even King Oleb to lay out on.
Each of you takes a seat along your side. Princess Rao takes the chair to the right of the throne like chair.
(Lord Wrax)"All RISE. His MAJESTY KING OLEB XVI, THE DRAGON OF SINDAL....
OH ENOUGH OF THE TITLES FOR TODAY WRAX.
King Oleb enters and takes his seat in the center, Princess Rao sits to his right. From one side of the room Scholar Voha and Prince Harrick enter. He sits next to the King, she sits at the end of the table, leaving the black chair empty.
Lady Hil enters from the door with Lord Wrax. She takes the end seat of the table opposite Voha, and Lord Wrax takes the black chair next to Princess Rao.
(Lord Wrax)"Be seated"
LET ME TELL YOU WHAT I WANT. I WANT YOU TO BE THE WORST OF THE PIRATES IN THE REACH. I WANT YOU TO BRING THOSE IMPS TO THE VERGE OF TEARS. I WANT YOU TO MAKE THOSE DAMN ASLAN ACHE TO STRETCH THEIR CLAWS. I WANT YOU TO MAKE SURE THAT EVERYONE KNOWS THAT THE ONLY ONE WHO CAN SOLVE THIS PROBLEM IS DRINAX. THAT KING OLEB THE STAR DRAGON IS THE ONLY ONE WHO CAN SAVE THEM.
He stabs a finger down on the table top on top of Drinax.
SO CROCKETT, SULTANA, DROMAH.... TELL ME HOW YOU WILL USE MY V'HURG TO HELP ME RESTORE DRINAX TO GLORY.
It is as bad as Mikhel's worst thoughts. And we still have no idea of what the ship is capable. It is a 200 tonner. Not even a good sized System Defence Boat. And he expects terror? He's a fool. Completely. Best keep my lips tight.
Sir Lt Sultana leans forward to look at the map engraved within on the table. Although he was familiar with the systems, it was still good to have it right on hand to refresh it. "Well, a few things have been cleared up now. We didn't know how accurate the information we'd been fed was, nor that you were aware of this scheme, so we wasted most of our time guessing how we might broach the subject with You. At least now we know where the information came from, and can start making more proactive plans."
"Your Majesty, if you permit, a blunt and honest question: How well remembered is the Drinax Empire among the other planets? Will it take gentle nudges, or are some of them likely to be overly stubborn holdouts," he asked, running a fingertip over some of the planet names.
"I freely admit I don't know all the details of the political landscape, but to my thinking, if you wish to build an Empire capable of resisting future Aslan or Imperium expansion, one capable of lasting for more than your lifespan, the systems involved should want to be a part of it, over the allure of independence or political machinations of the enemy. I'm afraid that if we start attacking and tearing down the neighboring planets' trade, they're as likely to turn to the Aslan for help as Drinax, especially if the Drinax Empire is not fondly remembered. I'm not an expert, so I'm willing to be convinced otherwise if a cogent argument can be raised for it."
Sultana leaned back in his chair and looked over at the King and Princess. "Those are my main points, and they're my opinion only. The others also have their own thoughts. Since we didn't know for certain what the situation we were going to be landing in here actually was, we didn't put together any firm plans or ideas." He shrugs eloquently. "I have some other, smaller, ideas that might help, but they would very much depend on the path we choose to take, so it's not worth airing them yet."
(again with the musing to self....He is thinking Sultana has really stepped up and is asking some of the right questions....He (Crockett) just sees himself still as being in a non-leadership role and merely a good old marine who is interested in security work so is keeping quiet....However...if none of this group get something organized he "could" step up himself as he's not spending spare hours studying Leadership for nothing.....)
(thinking he should however respond to His Majesty) "Well Your Majesty...Our group here may have some talents to offer but we're not overly skilled in diplomacy and Sir Lt Sultana here seems to be asking some of the questions that are on all our minds....so I'm just listening for now....It does seem to my mind though that there may be other ways of achieving the respect for Drinax you yearn for and we are hoping you might be open to some discussion of those thoughts as well. With that I'll hold my tonque for awhile and let Sultana here carry on."
Mikhel gives a head nod. I can get behind that approach. There are big parts missing from the King's plan. Are we to be set up as the gadfly, to later be swatted by the 'benevolent' King, and make him look good?
(Lord Wrax)"Crockett makes good points your Majesty. I believe that Prince Harrick would concur that there are other ways of attacking this problem than using our best warship on this dangerous idea. Diplomacy and negotiation to begin, as you said your Majesty, looking at Eleni " A wrapped piece of steel. Send out Sultana and Kagaragu? or is it Fomat today? and leave me the V'Hurg to defend Drinax and Asim."
(Eleni)"You have it right Lord Wrax. Always remember that the sharpest rapier is made of the finest steel."
YES LORD WRAX YOU HAVE MADE YOUR POINT BEFORE. I AM A GENEROUS RULER AND I WANT TO TAKE INTO ACCOUNT THE BEST USE OF RESOURCES THAT WE HAVE. NOW THIS SCHEME THAT YOU AGREED TO A YEAR AGO IS COMING TO FRUITION. THE V'HURG WILL GO OUT AND BE BOLD. THE CAPTAIN WE CHOOSE WILL HAVE TO BE ABLE TO ACT ON THEIR OWN, TO DECIDE WHAT ACTIVITIES WILL SERVE OUR NEED THE BEST.
LET THEM GO EXPLORE. I WILL BE SENDING ALONG AN EXECUTIVE OFFICER WITH THEM THAT WILL HAVE MY FULL BACKING. LORD ISKAVRIN ANTELIOS DRAX-AMADITH IS WELL SUITED.
King Oleb waves away Lord Wrax's incipient comment
THAT IS WHY HE IS A GOOD CHOICE. YOU HATE HIM, HE KNOWS YOU HATE HIM. IF HE FAILS IT PROVES YOU RIGHT. IF HE SUCCEEDS IT STRENGTHENS THE KINGDOM. FOR YOUR QUESTION SULTANA, KTEIROA AND KHUSAI WILL BE THE HARDEST TO ENCOURAGE TO REJOIN OUR REVIVED KINGDOM. those are labeled on the map as Stross and Banks BRING THE REST OF THE MAIN INTO THE KINGDOM SIEZE TECH-WORLD AND THAT PART OF THE BORDERLANDS IF WE CAN. WITH TORPOL AND PAAL THAT BRINGS BOTH TRADE ROUTES BACK INTO OUR KINGDOM.
King Oleb abruptly stands, everyone scrambles to stand as he does. He waves everyone back down.
LEAVING YOU ALL TO WORK OUT DETAILS. YOU HAVE AN XO, WHO THE CAPTIAN IS SULTANA, DROMAH, WHOEVER THEY PICK THEY WILL BE READY FOR OUR MEETING AT 15:00. I WANT THE CREW FOR THE V'HURG HERE TO BE INSPECTED BY YOU LORD WRAX.
King Oleb walks to the doors and suddenly turns and points a finger at Athena
WHEN WE MEET THIS AFTERNOON I WANT TO KNOW WHAT YOU PLAN TO DO WITH ASIM, OUR OWN DRINAX, AND WHICH WORLDS DO YOU THINK ARE BEST SUITED FOR YOUR SKILLS
King Oleb walks out the doors. The sudden silence as his booming voice leaves feels deafening.
Sir Lt Sultana turns to Lord Wrax and Princess Rao. "That didn't sound to me like a flat dismissal of alternate methods, although he didn't endorse them either. There's still a lot more planning we can do. In your experienced opinion of King Oleb, long may he reign, if he gets the results he wants, will he be upset if it's not the method he chose? I've met people of both stripes, and it can be hard to tell the difference sometimes. Which is more important, the results, or doing it their way? There's no blame implied for either one, I just want to know what His Majesty would prefer, and we'll see what we can do to make it happen. We should probably have this XO brought in as well, if they're going to be part of the decision-making process, might as well be from the beginning."
While waiting for their response he looks back at the map on the table, at Banks and Stross. "The two claimed by the Aslan," he mutters to himself, "of course. Needed for a defensive perimeter between the empires."
"Oh, had one additional thought from something the King said. Sorry, I'm jumping from topic to topic here. A bad writer's habit. Captain Solis, one of the things the King mentioned was improving Asim and Drinax. That sounds to me like it might be a prime mission for the Pioneer. What are your thoughts?"
"What is the old saying, Lieutenant? An army marches on its stomach? Improvements must be made closer to home before you will make much progress farther away. There is more than enough the Pioneer can do nearby. At minimum we can assist in find or training up someone to head the Agriculture Department."
(Lord Wrax)"Captain, Lieutenant, Sir, Sultana? what do you want to be called here at Court? I can say with one hundred percent certainty that results matter to his Majesty. Appearances matter, as they always do, but his Majesty will value results."
(Eleni)"Princess Rao. I want to be clear on two points. I can say for myself that I enjoyed your time on the Pioneer while you were with us. The second is... I do not want you on this extravagant idea of a.... expedition.... on this V'Hurg ship. Can you tell us here that you will not try to be involved as part of the crew on this ship?"
(Rao) Lightly laughs "I promise you that I have no intention of joining the crew of the V'Hurg anytime soon. If I give you this Royal Promise, I expect one from you. Looking between Athena and Eleni "If I promise to not be part of this expedition, as you put it, with the V'Hurg, will you promise to commit to one year of using the Pioneer and your skills towards the betterment of Drinax?"
(Eleni)"Princess Rao, your highness..." pauses and looks at Athena....
"Certainly. Why not?" replied Athena, looking at Eleni to see if she had reason to refuse. Turning back to Princess Rao, she continued, "Comments you made before, and comments made now makes me believe you know more than I like and yet you still ask for my skills. I have spent years gathering a treasure trove of genetic data to manipulate as I wish and now you offer me a playground for it. I have more ideas than I know what to do with this offer. Hernández and I have already discussed reviving old research ideas yesterday, among other thoughts, but now with the right backing..."
Eyes alight with excitement, Athena shakes her head, trying not to get ahead of herself, but a small smile still remains. With a light wave of her hand, she continues, "But I do dislike repeating myself, so I'll save those ideas for the 1500 meeting. For now, I'll simply say that promise seems fair but may be one we need to revisit again in a year to renew your promise to stay reasonably safe, your highness."
After a very brief pause, she adds, with a look toward Lord Wrax, "But Dr. Kagaragu remains on the Pioneer. That is non-negotiable."
"Lord Wrax, could you give us your strategic assessment of this plan? How do you see the King's, long may he reign, plan working, if you don't have control of the ship? I must be missing a lot of info, as I don't see the infrastructure, nor the naval backup, for any of this grand scheme."
Sultana smiles at Lord Wrax. "It seems I'm rather low on the totem pole around here. I think it'd be appropriate to choose whichever title is appropriate for the situation, be it court or military, or both. Look on the bright side though - I only have the two titles to pick from. I'm not a Captain though."
(Lord Wrax)"Captain Solis... a quick glance at Sultana, Drohma, and Crockett "I am happy to agree to not having the Princess out somewhere in the Reach. I will not require Dr Kagaragu to go on any expedition with the V'Hurg, however as decreed by his Majesty, I will not be the Captain of such expeditions. The Captain along with his XO will be the ones who decide on crew. As Captain Solis has reminded us, we do need a decision on the crew by 15:00 when his Majesty returns. Is there someone else from the Pioneer that would be appropriate to send on this expedition?
(Lord Wrax) smiling at Mikhel and Crockett "If either of you wants to be the Captain of this expedition now is the time to speak up. Before you say anything about not having pilot skills, or research skills, being a Captain..."
(Prince Harrick) '_"Being a Captain is not about technical skills. It is about leadership, it is about vision, it is not always knowing the why, it is about understanding the importance of what is needed. _'
(Lord Wrax)"Precisely your Highness. bows his head to him. "With Captain Solis and her XO off the table that leaves the three of you. Crockett is fully aware of the importance of orders, giving and following. Sultana understands the complexities of having different goals. AND YOU Drohma, you know how to search out information and try to examine the details. Each of you has ability to be Captain, do you have the drive?"
(Lord Wrax)"Drohma took the Pioneer scans of our system and found out something new. He tried to determine what, why, how. I can give you two answers to the things you have asked so far. The V'Hurg is in reasonable shape. We have spent almost all of the remaining treasury on repairs to her. You have seen that in action. The first priority was the holographic hull. Your scans proved how successful those repairs were. At a distance the V'Hurg can look like an innocent trader drifting. Imagine what you can use that for.
Lord Wrax pauses for a moment letting the thought sink in.
(Lord Wrax)"For your other question of Control. Yes, there was a mining station in the belt. No, it is not active. The previous occupants chose to divert their products outside of our system in an attempt to serve themselves rather than the greater good of the Kingdom. I would encourage Captain Solis to consider the entire systems of Drinax and Asim in her economic plans."
(Lord Wrax)"For your other question Drohma about the Drinaxian naval capabilities? Other than our two ships maintaining the trade between Asim and Drinax... the V'Hurg IS our offensive naval presence. You understand why I distrust giving any of you control over that. I am loyal to our King, long may he reign, so I will do my best for the Kingdom."
"I wasn't ruling myself out of the role of Captain, by the way, merely stating that I don't currently possess that rank. My apologies if I wasn't clear. I'm open to whoever we or you or the King decides to put in charge. It is his ship, after all." He turns to the other two, "Dromah, Crockett, apparently they're asking us to choose a Captain. Which is not the ... usual method of promotion in the military. However, that appears to be what we're doing. I hadn't really put any thought into it beforehand, since hard information was so hard to determine. Even the ship's actual existence was uncertain." He shrugs. "Anyways, beside the point. Do either of you want the role, or want to remove yourself from consideration? Captain Solis, as an actual Captain, your input is welcome as well."
Mikhel gives a 3/4 bow to the Prince, and turns to Sultana. "Well. El-Tee, it's obvious you haven't paid attention to anything I've said in the last three months. I left the Marines because they wanted to promote me to a Lance Sergent, and take me away from being a working Medic to make me a Squad Leader."
"Lord Wrax, thank you for the information about our scans. And I am not committed to any course of action that includes bludgeons and blades. Doubly so not on a relic."
"Mining. Now that is something for which I have a plan. Any military endeavour needs logistics. And if you are going to be shooting, you need a repair facility, with resources to back it up. A secure base of operations is required. The average freighter running these trade routes is over a thousand tons. 'We need a bigger boat.'"
Sultana nods. "I just didn't want to speak on your behalf is all." He turns to Crockett next. "What are your thoughts, Crockett?"
It occurs to Mikhel that it will take a week for the V'Hurg to get back to Drinax. Minimum. So, we are here for at least that long. Unless the Unity is leaving earlier. Mikhel might be hitching a ride, if he wants to work on his mining plan. As there is not a 200T far trader to rescue/salvage.
(Princess Rao)"Mikhel, there no repair facility for a Harrier. You will not be flying the flag of Drinax. You will be operating independently. Your combat medic skills will be invaluable both for your own crew and any additional incidents that happen where you want to assist a ship in distress. I can see you swooping in to be the saviour of a ship that has been attacked.
"Your Highness, respectfully, I'll wait until I see the ship, before I commit to anything. My research tells me the ship is not appropriately provisioned for any type of Medic. The design appears to consider damage to crew less than an afterthought. If a decision is needed this afternoon, it will be made by others, without me or my participation. IF there isn't a logistics plan, under a Drinaxin flag, Theevian, or independent, I'm not for this in any way. Lord Wrax can have the ship."
"Your Highnesses, Lord," Mikhel bows to the three nobles, "I am a glorified Corporal, and have a good grip on tactics. Give me a field of battle, and I can plan an attack on a position. I could stretch and possibly get my brain wrapped around the operational scale of things. Like working with a battalion of troops taking a city. However, we have someone up top that has a sector-wide strategic view, with the training and experience of directing sub-sector fleets. Also, we have another person we've brought along with us that has experience working at great distances from any support, in a small ship, slipping in and out of systems, doing intell and recce."
"Both of those gentlemen should be part of this discussion, and would have a better perspective of this plan than me. Why don't we get Dawn and Lane down here?"
"You wanted my advice, Lieutenant?" asked Athena after a small pause, with a glance around the table. "My advice, right now, is to get your priorities straight. You all are risking going into the weeds. You need a Captain for the Harrier. Will this be the one who leads future fleets? Maybe, maybe not. But you already have an XO who can help you all decide the next step. You all are getting too wrapped up in details that you cannot figure out until you have, at minimum, a Captain. Your priority right now is to decide upon a Captain."
"As His Highness and Lord Wrax have pointed out, you need someone who is driven and who can be flexible without everything yet mapped out. You all have an opportunity right now to make your case to be Captain and yet only Dromah has spoken, and it has been to decline. If you wait for someone else to nominate you, you will be waiting long past the next meeting. If neither of the two remaining feel that drive yet then Dromah has a point in bringing in a few others we've picked up along the way. I have no doubt Her Highness can get background information on them to feel comfortable with them potentially being captain of a single ship. You may also wish to bring in your new XO to know who will work best with him. Do not make this more difficult than it needs to be on yourself or you start risking a loss of confidence. And I would suggest all make their opinion known," continued Athena, her gaze sweeping across them all and landing slightly longer on Mikhel, "So that you can help your fellows succeed even if it is not something you agree with."
"Remember you were asked to choose a captain who will 'be able to act on their own, to decide what activities will serve' the kingdom best. If you just need a ride to a mining facility, who says you cannot do that as Captain of the Harrier? You simply need to choose someone whose ideas best align with whoever goes on the Harrier."
"Your Highness, if I might... with Sultana and Dromah listening I hope. As I've said privately before...I myself am really along for the ride and to support...so I'm not a team leader at this moment....I am happy to support Sultana if he wishes the assignment ....but I also think our good doctor has a point that we need to consult with the two external members of our group somewhat being 'Dawn and Lane' .... that is if you don't mind Your Highness....it will allow us to perhaps provide a stronger response to your challenge and perhaps serve your goals better."
(Prince Harrick)"Very well. It seems we have a choice... He looks across the table to Princess Rao, Lord Wrax, and the two women at either end. Princess Rao nods emphatically, Lord Wrax simply bows his head. (Prince Harrick) "We will confirm to His Majesty that Captain Sultana will lead the V'Hurg out into the Reach as part of this new expedition for Drinax.
(Princess Rao)"Excellent. I can fully trust that Captain Sultana will be able to find a way to assist in rebuilding our assets. looking to Mikhel and Crockett "His Majesty said that you had to have your crew here at 15:00 so you should certainly call who you want to join you in this expedition. I do not know who Dawn is, when you say Lane, are you referring to Silas Lane? The Imperial Scout who travelled with us on the Pioneer?"
(Lord Wrax)"I should go fetch your XO"... (Lady Hil)"I will handle that for you Lord Wrax, you should be here working on bringing our new crew up to speed." Lord Wrax squints just a bit at Lady Hil, suspicion showing, then he turns back to the rest of the table. (Lord Wrax)"After our meeting with King Oleb XVI, long may he reign, at 15:00 we will have a tour of the V'Hurg. I expect that to be after dinner this evening, perhaps say 18:00."
Lord Wrax sees the look of surprise and speculation on Mikhel's face
(Lord Wrax)"The holographic hull is very impressive Dromah. When the rest of the ship is powered down it is able to display a visual displaced by an extreme distance. I am certain you can guess that drive signatures give away the ruse so it is a specialized piece of the operation."
Sultana chuckles. "Holographic hull, eh? Just imagine how much money we could charge for advertising space. Who needs piracy when you could just go into advertising instead?" He looks back down at the map engraved on the table top. "If Drinax has no real Navy to speak of, we're going to have to acquire one. Ships, crews, support, all that. I'm guessing that will mostly be the V'hurg's mission, at least at the start. But, we're going to want loyal crews. I imagine we can get a fair number just from among the Drinax and Asim populations, but eventually we're going to have to be able to get them from other planets as well. So, a thought, what if we had a group working on installing Pro-Drinax movements on the neighboring planets? Get a few of those going to build popular support for a united empire again."
"I can talk to Admiral Dawn, see if he'd be willing to lend us his support and skills. I'm still not sure why he came all the way out here. One possibility we should keep in mind is that he might actually be doing something for the Imperium on the sly. I don't think he's a security risk for us unless the Imperium is planning something out here, but I really doubt they are. And they probably wouldn't send an Admiral for anything like that if they were. If anything, it's probably a minor diplomatic task or negotiation. He declined to meet with the Imperium Consul here, so I doubt his job, if there is one, is on Drinax."
"I don't have any problem with the El-Tee being the Captain on the V'hurg. It depends on the ship and the mission whether I will be on it when departs. Lord Wrax, what visibility do you have on the ihatei gathering at Kteiroa? Or the supposed major Aslan pirate hunter base on Khusai? These are things I've run across looking on open-source databases. Do they concern you at all? Is the information even reliable?"
(Eleni)"Sultana.... sorry not calling you Captain... not when MY Captain is here at the table... she gives both Athena and Sultana a wink.. Remember we have Blacke up on the Pioneer still. He came from Blue, he worked in the Security or some such agency there. He would be someone to talk to about opinions about Drinax in the Torpol cluster. We know some things about the Aslan but not much in our encountering them with the Pioneer."
Sultana waves off Eleni's problem. "Quite alright, Eleni. My main concern is if I'll be able to eat at the Captain's Table in the mess hall on the Pioneer now." He turns to look at Mikhel. "We'd have to look at the viability, but we already know one potential source of ships that absolutely no one, except the owners, is going to regret being taken. The Oghman pirates have a few too many ships. I'd say they could stand to lose a few."
"My interpretation of the Code of Ledriasda will not get in the way of taking out pirates! I just don't include pirates in the definition of "Intelligent Life". So, I could be persuaded to assist in a mission to clean out that stain on the Outrim Void. In fact, I'd be all in. With extreme prejudice."
”I have called you Lieutenant for the length of time I’ve known you. I will have to find a way to break that habit, I suppose,” mused Athena at Eleni’s comment. Not wanting to get distracted, she prompted, “But no matter. Dromah has an unintentional point. If we are working together, to up our chances of success, we may have some crew that may be better suited to one mission over the other. If you wish to see who from the Pioneer may be interested to follow you to the V’Hurg and whatever your first plan is, I will allow you to address my crew, Lie-, er, Captain Sultana. But, given I am not a fan of losing most my crew, I will not do it myself.”
With a tap of her finger, she continued, “Along with input from His Majesty, long may he reign, and the Council, I will need to know so I may figure out which of my plans would be best to try to implement first. If I lose certain crew, I need to know who may need to be replaced or if I focus on Drinax first before jumping elsewhere.” As she was still feeling on top of things in the diplomatic discussion, she looked to High Scholar Voha. “And, I suppose, now that I better know where you stand, a tour of the Pioneer tomorrow would be prudent to better assess where we both stand since it is certain we will be working closely together now." She gave a quick glance around the table. "I can extend the invitation of this initial tour to others on the Council who feel they may benefit from it.” She turned her gaze back to Voha, but with a small smile. "Although, we will work up our trust before I allow you to see some of the more intriguing projects we've worked on. Scientific discretion, and all."
(Lord Wrax)"I can say for certainty that His Majesty will want a tour of such a famous ship. His Majesty has not been on the V'Hurg yet either so visiting both ships tomorrow morning before they depart is on the schedule."
(Princess Rao)"I can confirm for you that the Pioneer is very much a working ship, Captain Solis has strong opinions on what should happen on her ship." She smiles with Athena.
"I know what I am doing. As they say, the results speak for themselves given the reputation of the Pioneer, let alone most of my researchers." The easy smile Athena gave the princess slipped only slightly, but remained cordial, as she gave a nod towards Lord Wrax. "It is unclear yet when both ships will depart, but it would be best to get the tours done as early as possible so it does not hold us up if departure is imminent. I do expect that to potentially be a bigger concern for the V'Hurg for the new captain to factor in. I will relay to my crew after this meeting that we will be expecting such esteemed guests in the morning."
So Captain Sultana, Congratulations on obtaining our trust and support and on your new role as Captain for what lies ahead. With your permission I will forego the tour tomorrow as I am of course familiar with the Pioneer and am not knowledgeable enough about ship structures to really offer an opinion on the V'HURG. I will alter that view if you feel there is need for additional security of force backup, but with His Majesty attending I'm thinking there should be sufficient protection for tomorrow. Does that meet with your approval SIR ?"
Sultana nods towards Crockett. "I'm sure we'll be fine on our own for a little while, Crockett. Nothing's going to be happening right now, there's going to be a lot of prep-work still to do." He looks back over to the Drinaxians, "Are there any further questions or decisions that we need to make?"
(Lord Wrax)"I cannot speak fully for His Majesty's plans. I believe he expects the V'Hurg to depart Drinax tomorrow morning on your first shakedown jumps. Your XO will be here soon to be here when you will get your orders from King Oleb, long may he reign.
He glances at an ornate time piece, "We have a bit more than a half hour if you have any additional questions for any of us."
"Are we inviting Dawn and Lane along? I would have preferred to have them here, by now, to throw in their two centi-Credits."
Giving a quick look at her datapad, Athena prompted, "The tour of the Pioneer is scheduled for 0900 tomorrow morning. You know the length of time that'll take, Captain Sultana. If you are expected to jump tomorrow morning, you will need to factor that into your timeline as His Majesty will not want to miss my tour." As she entered a few notes into her schedule, she added, "After this meeting, we can summon others as needed. Unless the Council sees need to speak to them, or if they prefer their Captain to speak for them. There will be time between the end of this meeting and the next regardless to summon them."
Mikhel is pondering the lack of information from the Drinaxians. They are very, perhaps too, good at not answering the right questions. We will get to see the relic in a few hours, but will the Drinaxians come clean on the actual condition of this POS? Lord Wrax isn't answering any questions on 'enemy forces' or their disposition. The mining facility is probably not on the Lord's tactical display, so he's not answering much about that. Can't hold that against him. But, neither of the Highnesses are volunteering info, either. Not in their tactical display? That should be in their strategic plan. Not inspiring. The why for this situation being busted is still looking grim. People with unrealistic plans that have no chance to succeed. Perhaps I need to look at other options?
Lord Wrax was clear, there are two ships that guard the trade between Drinax and Asim. That is all. The mining facility tried to sell goods to someone other than the King, they were removed. You did not ask for more details on what that means. You have been told that the entire treasury was poured into overhauling the V'Hurg. That explains why there is no cash in the Palace. No one has asked detailed questions to get detailed answers. For the unrealistic plans, that is what Travellers do :)
"I should probably meet with my XO as soon as possible. We're going to need to assemble a crew. I know Captain Solis and Eleni are sticking with the Pioneer. What about you other two? What roles in all this do you want to do? On either of the ships, or something else? If you have other ideas, we're open to them. This is a goal that would be best attacked from multiple directions."
Lord Wrax and the King have indicated that the Crew of the V'Hurg should be there at 15:00 so the XO will be at that meeting.
"I'm not ready to commit to an unknown ship. So, count me out. I'm not interested in being a pirate, nor commerce raiding. Drinax got pounded into slag and the kingdom fragmented because the previous rulers were heavy handed. That's what I've read of the history. Attempting to revive that attitude is going to get what's left erradicated. I'm not going to be part of making the people of Drinax's situation worse. I've got a feeble plan that needs more info, and I'll attempt to pursue that. So, unless there is anything else, I believe my presence isn't required here."
Keeping her calm, Athena simply said, "I have not kicked you off the Pioneer, Mikhel. You do not have to commit to the V'Hurg, but neither does that mean you are without a ship. I have no intention of being heavy-handed in my approach. If you do want to go after pirates, as you encouraged, the V'Hurg is a good choice, but we have talked in the past your desire to help others. I am certain we'll run across such in the Pioneer, especially as Asim will likely be a destination at some point, and Drinax itself could likely use your skills. But, the choice is always yours to make."
"I agree with Captain Solis. Would your plan work in conjunction with the Pioneer's work? Or as an independent actor? Our goal here is to improve Drinax's situation, by whatever means we determine. Captain Solis has her path, I have mine. You and Crockett can have your own, or can join up with either of ours. We should be a team with a single goal, but we all absolutely don't have to be doing the same tasks towards that goal. If the V'hurg or Pioneer can help you in parts of your task, then we should do so. And vice-versa. Lord Wrax has said that the King is more interested in results than in us strictly following the path he envisioned. Merely building up the naval forces won't do any good if the economic and social pillars aren't there to support it. And if the economy is built up, but without any defenses, it just becomes a juicy target. Trust me to do my job to the best of my ability to not bring extra enemies after us in retaliation for any acts. It does no good to build up the navy if I'm also building up the enemies who want to come destroy it."
"Captain Solis, I appreciate you clarifying that I am still a crew member of the Pioneer. I don't know where I am going next, and may still need a berth. I have other inquiries to persue, now that I'm fairly certain I will not be entertaining this offer. I'm done talking, and late for the door."
Athena gives Mikhel a small nod. "You have a berth, but I cannot shield you from consequences of how your actions will be interpreted. Hopefully you can find your way forward. Eduardo I believe is still on Drinax and not yet at the ship if speaking to him helps." With a glance at the clock, she added, "And if you do insist on heading for the door, please let Silas and Harison know they will be needed for an upcoming meeting as soon as this one is over."
(Princess Rao)"Mikhel, You and Eleni worked well on Marduk to save people from the attacks of the Oghma raiders. You had two of them there and you actively chose not to harm them. You have to be the one who decides how best to help those people. I am advocating for a proactive approach. Go out into the Reach, find ways to turn the people's attention. My Father and the Prince both tried the only hard approach with Asim. My father took that victory and turned it into a defeat. she holds up a hand to stop the others at the table from speaking "The loss of the Prince, brought His Majesty to his darkest days. There were those who said we should abandon our home entirely and move everyone to Asim. It was only at Lady Hil's most urgent discussions that he named me his heir in the limbo that existed. Within months the Palace became more alive. Then last year two extraordinary events. We discovered the V'Hurg and the Prince was returned to us.'
She takes a drink from her goblet.
(Princess Rao)"I spend over a year looking for solutions, for people who might be of interest to us, I started research on the best scientists we could recruit to supplement the Scholar's Tower. The Pioneer is not the highest regarded science ship, but Captain Solis is definitely of the mold that His Majesty will appreciate working for Drinax. Captain Sultana is a perfect foil to an overly foolhardy approach. His participation in the uprising and the assassination attempts on his life prove he is a man of character. I trust in the group of you to select crew that will hold to your own high standards. I expect that before the year is out you will be worried about several ships and how to support them all. You are concerned about the condition of the Harrier? That is valid. Are you just as concerned about the condition of the rest of your team?"
She stops and sits back. She nods at Lord Wrax, and then turns to Prince Harrick and nods again.
(Prince Harrick) '_"Being part of a revolution is not easy.' he pauses, is it just being slow? or? everyone is unsure if that is an attempt at humor
(Prince Harrick) '_"I will be happy to have you on my team Dromah, working on a diplomatic front. We need to reach out to the Aslan clans and negotiate a way forward for both the Kingdom and the Hierate. It is long boring work crafting diplomatic communiques and then finding the appropriate person to deliver them. If you continue with the Pioneer we can send Captain Solis into the Hierate with those.'
He pauses and then continues to be quiet.
(Lord Wrax)"You have a team, you have managed well to demonstrate why I told His Majesty this was the wrong direction to take. Captain Sultana, I will hold you personally responsible for the V'Hurg. This meeting is over. We all need to freshen up before His Majesty arrives in a half hour. Call your other crew you have in mind, talk among yourselves.
Lord Wrax stands, Bows to Princess Rao and Prince Harrik then escorts Lady Hil and Scholar Voha out of the room. Princess Rao steps over, whispers in Prince Harrick's ear and leaves with Lady Hil. Scholar Voha pauses to wait for Prince Harrik to move slowly to the door.
After a moment the Floating Palace Throne room is empty except for the five Travellers.
Sultana pushes his chair back from the table and stands up. "Well, I guess I need to go talk to Dawn and Silas, see if either are interested. Captain Solis, I hesitate to ask, but if there are any in your crew whom you think might be a better fit for the harrier, I'd appreciate a meeting with them and you to discuss the situation." He starts to walk to the door, but pauses, "Remember we're all working together towards a single goal here. No one of us is going to single-handedly solve all the problems. Keep in contact with the others, keep us updated, and if any of us need to call on the others for help, we need to be as available as possible. I expect the V'hurg will take me out of system for long periods of time, so I'll set up drops at the neighboring planets where messages can be cached, and I'll check them as often as I can. Best of luck to you all." With that, he turns and follows the locals out of the room.
Admiral Dawn, Silas Lane: If you are available, would you both meet me at the shuttle? I have some potential business to discuss with you. - Sir Lt Sultana
Sir Lt Sultana: Understood. Will meet you at the shuttle. -Silas
copy that this better not be another run.
To one of the guards outside the door he says, "Please send a message to Lord Iskarin Drax-Amadith, I hope I'm pronouncing that right, I only heard it once, and ask him to meet Captain Sultana at the ship. I have some business to attend to first, and will be there as soon as possible. If you need correction on the name, please check with Lord Wrax or Lady Hil's staff."
"Captain Solis, I need to know your plans, to ensure I don't impact your schedule, or strand myself. I know there is a tour tomorrow, but beyond that?"
”As much as I would like to give you a hard schedule, I cannot answer that yet. While His Majesty has given us leeway to do as we wish, and it is my ship to do as I wish, it would be foolish to not seek his opinion. It is best to start off on the right foot and show we are willing to work together. I will present options to him at this upcoming meeting and see which he, or his council, believe would be the best first step.” With a small sigh, Athena typed out a message to her crew so they could start preparing for the tour tomorrow. “Do we start small and focus on getting the Scholar’s Tower to be something admirable? Or would he prefer we go straight to finding some worlds to start terraforming? Am I able to talk him out of his grand ideas to something more realistic to start?”
There was a pause before she typed out another message to some of her researchers specifically to see if any of them would want to come to the 1500 meeting. Sherris, Baron Hernández (give his surprising fame here). She hesitated before adding Tep to the list. He was fussy and probably wouldn’t want to leave his quarters given even her skin felt dry, but he was brilliant and better understood planetary systems. Athena let Eleni look at the list, add anyone she forgot, and sent it when she gave a nod.
”I do believe Asim will be a possibility here soon. It would be good to assess their economy and nutrition. Would they benefit from enhancements to their food stock? Do we need to bolster their free time by setting up cellular agriculture so they are less reliant on land and the expenses with it? I do believe at some point Hernández and I would like to purse making something worth exporting here as well as something worth visiting. Never underestimate what one will do for good food.”
After giving her temples a short rub, she stood up. “Dromah, the best I can promise you for the moment is to keep you updated on our departure schedule. I do believe your expertise would fit well with my ideas, and if you are able to join, I would welcome it. You’ve been a good doctor for the crew. But I must figure out some unknowns before I can give you a better answer. If you can be patient, and you are not at the 1500 meeting, I will let you know once a course is set.”
Athena gave them both a nod, indicating she was willing to wait for a reply, but would have to meet with some of her own crew shortly as well.
"Doctor, anything you can do for food diversity, especially meat, would generate a lot of credit for the Pioneer. This is from a casual comment from a warrior. I take that as a heartfelt desire.
The pirate plan is bad. I am not a diplomat, but if someone can disuade the King from going down the path of brutal subjugation, perhaps we can prevent a repeat of history. I still can't get the total collapse of the old kingdom out of my head. And I can see nothing but the current king sliding down that slope again, and it ending in disaster. Not glory."
With a small smile, Athena replied, “Dromah, the only pirating I currently have plans to do is to take back research that was originally mine to begin with somewhere down the road, which, I believe, doesn’t truly count as pirating. I also am reconsidering being part of that holovid series, though I loath the thought, as the PR may be worthwhile now. Sherris has already offered to help me… steal the show? ...which I do not believe to be pirating, either.” She gave a shrug of her shoulders. “But we are barely trusted by the king right now to dissuade him. Do not get me wrong. I fully agree with you that brutal subjugation is not the way, but the only way to guarantee he does not go down that path again is to work with him, gain his trust, and earn the ability to bend his ear towards a new direction.”
”Now, if you’ll excuse me, I really do need to freshen up as well. I feel naked without my lab coat. And yes, Doctor Mikhel, I brought my professional one to wear to the next meeting, the one that does not ever enter my lab. I do not think you'd forgive me for bringing contaminants into this populace.” She gave him another smile and a nod and turned to head towards the Voyager. “I truly hope to see you at the next meeting if only so you can listen in.”
To: One-who-exist-on-ship-workers-researchers-pioneer-command
Fr: One-who-exist-star-tree-book-make-cosmos-understand
“Presence Tepawabpeperfobaweafe One-who-exist-on-ship-to-workers-researchers-pioneer-command Tepawabpeperfobaweafe request acknowledge. Presence Tepawabpeperfobaweafe pleasant to make.”
[TRANSLATION]
To: Solis, Captain, Pioneer Research Vessel
Fr: Tepawabpeperfobaweafe, Astronomer Research Fellow
“Tepawabpeperfobaweafe acknowledges Captain Solis’s invitation and will be happy to attend.”
13:30 - Researchers Meet-Up
While Sultana was meeting with his future crew at the Suraksha, Athena was rummaging around in the Voyager to freshen up a bit. “Here I thought you were the sword in a sheath while Sultana was the pretty face,” commented Athena to Eleni as she retrieved her lab coat, checked it for wrinkles, and put it on. She gave Eleni a humorous smile before adding a small sigh. “Would it be noticeable if I wore a noise reduction device? My ears are still ringing after the meeting with the king. It makes me miss the quiet hum of my lab. Any thoughts to give before the other researchers get here, XO?”
(Eleni)"The XO meeting the XO? she gives a laugh and blows a kiss to Athena "I will have to tell Sultana you think he is prettier than me. Pausing as she adjusts her dress lab coat and fixes the badges. Handing over one large gold one to Athena.
(Eleni)"That one is for you to give King Oleb, long... nah can't do it. Yes you will look awkward wearing a different hearing device now. Next time we meet you can tell him it is an encrypted recording device so he can get detailed information on the work you, we, are doing. I cannot see any harm in anyone knowing that the Pioneer is flitting about the Reach doing research and who we are working for. As long as it is not the Glorious Empire no one should care about that.
(Eleni)"Sherris, what do you think? You have not met His Majesty, yeah, I can say that one easily enough, I need you to take good notes on the five of them. On their actions not on the Throne Room. Lots of time for that later on.
(Sherris)"From what I see we have the King, two unwed wives, one child each, and a court advisor who favors one over the other. Are you sure this is not a half credit novel that some hack wrote?"
(Sherris)"Tepawabpeperfobaweafe, Bwaps have a different family structure, what do you think of this dynamic from the outside?"
[TRANSLATION BELOW RESPONSE]
Tepawabpeperfobaweafe puts one hand to his chin and supports it with the other at the elbow, contemplating the question and how best to answer, and how best to use the words. He turns his head the other direction for a brief second, then removing the hand from his chin, he spreads his arms wide with a profound expression of undeniable truth."Bawapakerwa-a-a-awapawab [collectively: all bwap], matter qualified best for position who?"
"Parentage matter not." Tepawabpeperfobaweafe gestures with his right palm up as if holding the matter in his hand.
"Wawathwa-pabessab, proper way do." He opens his left palm opposite the right with a sharp nod of certainty.
Tepawabpeperfobaweafe brings his hands together to form a circle,"Bawapakerwa-a-a-awapawab best. One, two, few, best not." He emphasized the numbers by presenting one finger, then two, then an open right hand.
With a curt shake of his head and wave of his right hand, "Favoritism not."
"Bawapakerwa-a-a-awapawab, wapawab prosperity survival important great." He clutches both hands into fists in front of him.
"Parentage dictate not." His right fist opens and spreads out as if releasing stardust into the air.
"Favortism dictate not." His left mirrors the right.
"Bawapakerwa-a-a-awapawab best do, wapawab best do." Tepawabpeperfobaweafe clasps his hands together with an assured shake of righteous action.
"Bawapakerwa-a duty fail not." His right hand opens palm up and away from the clasped hands.
"Bawapakerwa-a duty not seek not." His left hand opens palm up and away from the right.
"Bawapakerwa-a waweta not." Tepawabpeperfobaweafe finishes his speech with an emphasis of widening his hands, then signals the end of his speech by clasping his hands together in front of his waist. A satisfied smile across his very thin lips.
[TRANSLATION]
Tepawabpeperfobaweafe puts one hand to his chin and supports it with the other at the elbow, contemplating the question and how best to answer, and how best to use the words. He turns his head the other direction for a brief second, then removing the hand from his chin, he spreads his arms wide with a profound expression of undeniable truth."For all Bawapakerwa-a-a-awapawab [formal, it would be very informal to call them bwaps], it matters who is best qualified for the position."
"Who their parents are does not matter." Tepawabpeperfobaweafe gestures with his right palm up as if holding the matter in his hand.
"It is the proper way we do all things." He opens his left palm opposite the right with a sharp nod of certainty.
"It is what is best for all Bawapakerwa-a-a-awapawab, Tepawabpeperfobaweafe brings his hands together to form a circle.
"Not just one or two or a few." He emphasized the numbers by presenting one finger, then two, then an open right hand.
With a curt shake of his head and wave of his right hand, "There is no favoritism."
"The survival and prosperity of the Bawapakerwa-a-a-awapawab, whole and in part, is too great and importance." He clutches both hands into fists in front of him.
"Parentage does not dictate." His right fist opens and spreads out as if releasing stardust into the air.
"Favoritism does not dictate." His left mirrors the right.
"We [bwaps] do what is best for all of us as a whole, and for each crèche and clan." Tepawabpeperfobaweafe clasps his hands together with an assured shake of righteous action.
"We do not fail our duty." His right hand opens palm up and away from the clasped hands.
"We do not seek what is not ours." His left hand opens palm up and away from the right.
"We do not make foolish decisions." Tepawabpeperfobaweafe finishes his speech with an emphasis of widening his hands, then signals the end of his speech by clasping his hands together in front of his waist. A satisfied smile across his very thin lips.
”I do admire that,” remarked Athena with a nod towards Tep. “It is similar to my creed with the Pioneer, except, perhaps, sometimes foolish decisions.” She finished switching out her earrings and checked her own badge on her coat before deeming herself acceptable. The one from Eleni she carefully wrapped in a handkerchief and put in her pocket. “I hear Sultana writes half credit novels. He might have had more insight than expected. How one can be a wife but unwed does not make sense to me, but this is why I stick to genetics and ecology. Anthropology simply complicates things too much for my liking.”
[FOR EASE, SEMI-TRANSLATED RESPONSE]
Tepawabpeperfobaweafe shakes his head. "Bawapakerwa-a-awapa . . . er . . . life-giver have, Bawapakerwa-a-bawpa, life-giver-not have." The little bwap purses his lips considering the concepts. "Wife Husband Bawapakerwa-a-a-awapawab have not. Paesab . . . er . . . unborn [eggs] Pa-a-bewsa . . . er . . . young ones wapawab belong. Paesab Pa-a-bewsa wapawab care wapawab responsible."
[TRANSLATION]
Tepawabpeperfobaweafe shakes his head. "Bawapakerwa-a-a-awapawab females esteemed birth give, males birth give not." The little bwap purses his lips considering the concepts. "Concept wife and husband, Bawapakerwa-a-a-awapawab have not. Unhatched and young to community whole belong. For young and unborn community whole care, community whole responsible."
”Humans tend to have variety although it seems we lean towards a certain preference of which makes this specific set up not a common one to my limited trained eye.” She gave a slight tilt of her head towards Sherris. “More her specialty than mine. My guess would be some royal nonsense or political reason for a lack of marriage, but I could certainly be wrong. It will be interesting to see what Sherris picks up with her more trained eye. It may be interesting to you as well, Tep. From a pure curiosity standpoint, of course.” She gave a small laugh and a wink towards Sherris. “Or it may be even less interesting to you than it is to me given you focus on the more captivating, larger picture of the universe than these trivial details.”
”I have caught you all up on what is known so far. The Pioneer chases scientific leads. Nothing we’re doing is much different than we’ve done in the past and may open more doors for the other researchers and their projects. Anything else you all need me to cover before we return to the Throne Room? If not, we can head back.”
13:30 - V'Hurg Meet-Up
Sir Lt Sultana comes striding up the docks towards the shuttle, even as a group of native Drinaxians approaches from the other direction. They converge on the group of Admiral Dawn and Silas Lane waiting at the shuttle. Sultana greets them, "Admiral, Mr. Lane, thanks for meeting me. I've ... "
He stops as the Drinaxian joins them (he'd obviously been expecting him to keep going on past them). "Yes? How can we help you?"
(Iksavrin) Lord and Lady Drax-Amadith, come in toe with Lady Hill leading them. Lady Drax-Amadith looks older thatn Lord Drax-Amadith. Her hair have more greys strains interwoven in her modest style. Her gown is obviously old bet well kempt and cared for. It still has a number of fine jewerly and gems still attached to it, with the highlight being mother of pearls that have micro diamonds and rubies encrushed on them, to catch the light, causing a nearly holographic effect with the veragating colors. Lord Drax-Amadith is in officer attire, though its lacking officer ranking pins. The outer coat has a subtle animation of the Star Dragon, emerging from the bottom hem of the coat, as the body extends, its then escorted by swords. The coat has a series of stars that are a burgundy then when a sword or the Dragon flies close it the star changes color to a metalic blue. On the overcoat are Iskavrin's medals; 'Combat Action Ribbon' with 4 swords and 'Imperial Valor Medal'. The ribbon looks like band of 3 stripes with the outer layer being red, and the golden one being in the middle, thicker. The medal is circle with the back plate being made out of platinum, with foreground elements made out of gold, with a figure of a soldier, overlooking a battlefield.|
The three of them are talking privately amongst themselves before the meeting showing the vessel happens.
Iskavrin sees he is beckon, and breaks away from his wife and Lady Hill. He salutes to both of them, with two fingers above the nose touching the forehead, toward both their waist. He answers Sultana question with skipping a beat. "By implementing and succedding at the directive that our Liege has given all of us all. Make, me leaving my wife, my home, my station worth my time, so I dont come back with my house and family ruined. Both those things would be very pleasant. Thank you for asking and being forthwright, what your service is."
Sultana pauses a moment to digest and decipher that statement. "Lord Drax-Amadith, I assume? I hope I said that right, I've only heard it once. You're earlier than I expected, thank you for coming. Shall we do introductions all around before getting down to business?"
The tall golden eyed ex-Scout was dressed as before in his finest clothes; snug, well cut and utilitarian pants of deep navy, a duster jacket over a white shirt and his trademark goggles hung from his neck. At his waist he wore his scout’s utility belt, sabre and pistol.
He wanted to say, "How did the meeting with the King go? Tell All." to Sultana but paused as the Drinaxian nobles and Lady Hil joined them. After his meeting with Lady Hil he assumed there would be some kind of update here at this meeting at the Shuttle. Although that was definitely not what was expected as he’d thought any meeting would be behind closed doors.
Instead of quizzing at that point, although he was incredibly curious, he instead took the painfully diplomatic path of greeting them all and bowing deeply to the Lord and Ladies. "My Lady Hil. The pleasure is mine… My Lord… My Lady… very pleased to make your acquaintance… To what do I owe this introduction?" He smiled his most charming smile.
His curiosity would remain confusion for the moment.
Harison started to laugh at the sight of Drax-Amadith in his uniform walking over. "Well if it isn’t Four Hours it’s so cute seeing you play dress up as a solider to impress the ladies. Did you also threaten them with legal action so they come out and talk to you?"
Sultana raises an eyebrow at this sally. Apparently they've met...?
(Iskavrin) He addresses Sultana. "Almost. The Trojan Anglic accent is a bit more Solomani, then Valani as it is in the Imperium. And yes, I have been appointed the executive officer, of a privateer. To earn wealth, to erode our enemies and to be alluring to allies. " Turns toward Harrison. "Naivety is needed, to balance cynicism."
"Well Four Hours congratulations on your appointment to XO and my commiserations to fool of a captain who hired you. But I’m sure you’ll be able to bore all your enemies to death with constant irrelevant questions."
(Iskavrin) He smiles at Harrison. "I'll be sure to inform King Oleb, you consider him a fool. He may find it funny, and he may even forgot about it."
Sultana chuckles quietly to himself and shakes his head slightly. Off to an illustrious start, indeed. "Well, I was going to suggest a quick jog around the port to get our blood flowing, but it would seem our it's already running a bit hot. Gentlemen, shall we walk over to the Suraksha? As we do, may I ask if either of you," indicating Dawn and Lane, "are currently undertaking any tasks that would preclude you from accepting a job opportunity from me? Secret, public, whatever. You don't need to tell me what, just a yes or no. If you're otherwise engaged, I don't need to waste any more of your time. But if you might interested in a job with some risk and the potential for some high rewards, come along, and we'll discuss it."
(Iskavrin) Iskavrin gestures, to lead the way.
"No the pioneer is my only commitment at the moment. I am not the XO on a ship captain by king Oleb or any thing like that."
"Nothing under the table for the Im*perium? I'd wondered a bit what brings an Admiral out into the wild spaces. Thought maybe you were doing a bit of unofficial legwork." Sultana shrugs. "It's not a problem if so. I'm not planning to do anything to get the Imperium's knickers in a twist. But I also don't want word to spread around either. So if you could keep this all just between us, I'd appreciate it." He turns to look at the other, "How about you, Mr. Lane? Any side projects going on?"
Silas had not known Iskaravin at all, and wondered how Dawn knew, and had so little regard for him already but played along. Again, impatient and wanting to know all, the ex-Scout gave a hand wave at Sultana's question, "No, no tasks that would interfere. A job offer from yourself..? He arched an eyebrow and held a look with Lady Hil for a moment. This whole business was taking too long for his liking and he hoped someone would simply say what it was that was known. "Of course I'm interested," In good humour he added the spacer's version of I'm not here to mess around, "Idle talk won’t fuel a jump drive."
Sultana opens the door to the Suraksha and invites them inside before closing the hatch behind them. It's reasonably plush. As Sultana's primary home, he's spent some effort making the interior comfortable. "My apologies for not talking to you about this beforehand, I've been under an NDA with a death clause attached, but fortunately that's almost completely expired now. I've accepted a private charter from the King here to, and I quote, "Bring Drinax Glory." He's given us a very nice ship with which to pursue this goal. He seems to expect us to do so through piracy, but isn't too fussed over our actual methods. Personally, I don't see piracy as leading to glory. There are no hard and fast plans, but at the moment my plan is to try and build this sector back up into a viable, unified, power. That's an extremely long-term plan, and we'll be funding it ourselves, which will make it even slower and more arduous. Admiral, you have light-years more experience than I at tactical planning. Lane, a scout's skillset could be invaluable." He paces back and forth a bit. "I figure we'll have to take a balanced approach at the beginning. most every option is on the table for us to look at. It's a bit far away, but I know the Oghman pirates would be legitimate targets for raiding and scavenging from, and good PR as well. There might be similar targets available in this region, I don't know yet. Anyways, the job holds a fairly considerable risk, but also a quite high chance of reward to go with it. We'll not be working openly in the King or Drinax's name, either. We're not the only ones working on 'Glory', but for the most part we'll be independent actors. Does this sound like work you would be interested in? Oh, and the King has attached Drax here as my XO." Sultana grins at Admiral Dawn. "That ought to keep things lively on board the ship, don't you think? Much better than running to keep the juices flowing."
(Iskavrin) Iskavrin listens, as he enjoys being back on a spaceship as its been around four years. He listens appointed Captain, nods along. Then he speaks up when Sultana comes to a pause. "I think Oghman is 20, 30 years to late. Marduk and Borite are tapped out. Fighting the raiders largely buys us good will with those two planets. And their good will, is, worthless. We also dont need to do anything really to get Borite on ourside. The BCA is more or less a loss Drinax court. If they're invited back, and given any token support will likely join. And Oghman raiders, cant be given a handshake and treaty. They've put two planets back to before spaceflight. So there no nice way force them into a union, let alone one which they will give up their sovereignty in favor of ours. I am very sure the raider kings like being king as much as my Liege does. The only way, I know of to subsume a king's sovereignty, is if there longer a king."He pauses for a moment."Though, I think I need to address the glory part. Lady Hill informed of my Leige speech. Glory. My Liege in his youth, was a pirate. He has no shame, and has regaled his court and the rest of us, with his tales of daring. Its how he brought in a lot of wealth when he finally became king. My King not only thnks, but knows for a fact that piracy is glory. He also said we were a sword. I know of no sword, that doesnt threaten to injure or kill people. He probably didnt argue how, because my King is not a how person. That is his court and the royal family. And the court havent been talking about a how. Which probably means that its the royal family, as to how, and that means the Royal Highness Roa."
"I am interested in this work. I could be part of the King's 'sword', or a part of a diplomatic mission, or scouting worlds for conquest or benefit. To start, I personally advocate for reining in the Oghman raiders. They're a blight on the subsector." He spat out the words with marked disdain. "Claiming and repurposing their ships achieves multiple objectives; to create safer shipping, curry favour with those worlds afflicted, and potentially build a small fleet... which will aid our... ahem... empire rebuilding. The Drinaxian fleet is currently underwhelming."
Although Silas sometimes came across as a poseur, he was an accomplished spacer, and had become overly accustomed with Imperial hierarchies. He'd mustered out of the IISS with dreams of travel, strange worlds and adventure and didn't plan on exchanging one bond for another. So he played Devil's advocate and addressed the group.
"I want to be sure how this offer of work is to our personal benefit? We could be pirates in the Reach ourselves, yes? Would we be more powerful or better paid under the King? Better equipped? More able to succeed?" He appealed to all present. "Would a safe home port be guaranteed? What would be our lines of reporting? How would we receive the King’s approval of our actions?"
Silas' questions were designed to provoke thought and ensure that he knew what he was getting himself into. But in his heart he had already signed up. His imagination running away with romantic notions of being the King’s Privateer! Free reign of their own ship and a charter to improve the position of the kingdom and neighbouring systems.
"Now my friend, tell us more about this very nice ship."
Sultana points a finger at Iskavrin, "That kind of local knowledge is exactly what we'll need. We don't yet know who is pliable vs who would oppose it. And I agree, the good reputation from hitting Oghmans would be of limited use here. But the equipment and resources gained would be useful, and any reputation we get would eventually make its way here as background for the work we do locally. Are there any local pirate groups that would make closer targets? I'm not hard-set on the Oghmans as targets, they're just the one I know about, from personal experience."
"I didn't know the King used to be a pirate, that makes sense why that's what he'd jump at here first. It's a good way to bring in money quickly, but I don't really see it as a way to build a lasting polity. *IF* our goal is to rebuild the region into anything resembling a functional empire, kicking the supports out from under those you're hoping to include is somewhat self-defeating. We'd basically become the local version of the Oghmans ourselves, driving our neighbors into pre-spaceflight. And, coincidentally, making the whole region a big, ripe, target for the Aslan to expand into. If your goal is to provide something capable of resisting the Aslan, you want your planets, all of them, as strong and productive as possible."
Sultana waves a hand. "But, we don't need to lock in our methods just yet. We have a goal. A fairly vague goal, as it goes. Part of the whole mission will be to figure out What our actual goal is, and How we're going to work towards it. Everything I've said so far is just my thoughts on it. There's a lot I don't know, and part of the reason I've asked the two of you," indicating Dawn and Lane, "is because I need more opinions, feedback, and ideas. And the two of you conveniently have all of those. I also don't want to rely solely on Drinax crew. No offense, XO. We need the local information and viewpoint, but we also need others who can view the situation from the outside."
"And I'll wait on the ship for a moment, Lane. Nothing I've said yet would hurt the mission if either of you decline my offer. But if I give you hard info, that might be useful if anyone decided to target us. There is a ship tour later this afternoon if you decide to sign on."
"OK a whole lot of questions number one. Can you guarantee our safety If we say no? You’ve just told us that the king has told you to go into piracy and Four Hours here is definitely more loyal to him than you so he would just run off and say we know too much you have all already said that your life has been threatened. And I know what you said we don’t know much about your plan but if we go off to the imperial and say that the king is trying to pay for people to engage piracy will be listening to. Proof or no proof."
"Question number two. Are the other members of the crew OK with this? I can’t see your good doctor been on board with piracy like he was running around with a med pack in the race to make sure everyone was okay. What about our good caption of the Pioneer is she ok with this? Even if they’re not directly involved, some part of the pain is piracy are they okay with that?"
"Question number three. What’s in it for us this is a long-term commitment whether with or without the privacy. Are you just going to pay us normal crew salary and expect us to shed blood to lift up this ruin of a kingdom. Like all I’m hearing is do all the hard work make this kingdom great again for their king. Like here is a nice ship it takes way more than just a ship."
"Question four which is probably one of the more important ones how is loyalty going to work on the ship? If we are doing this we need to be loyal to each other first but already there is conflicting interest like when something comes up where you have two choices and one is best for us and one is best for Dranix what then. Is it a case of 100% a Pirate crew and we watch our backs?"
Sultana leans back against a counter and crosses his arms, considering the admiral's questions. "Hmm.. okay, we'll take those in order. First, safety. I can give you my personal word that neither I nor anyone under me will take any action against you if you decide not to accept this offer. Obviously I can't speak for the King on this, but if I find out he decided to harm one of my friends over my guarantee I would probably take that *very* personally indeed. And I would have access to a very nice ship with which to express my displeasure." He gives Lord Drax-Amarinth a significant look, to make sure he's paying attention. "The King is putting a lot of trust and faith in us for this mission, so I'm willing to extend some back to him as well. I hope he doesn't start this whole thing off with some personal betrayals."
"As for the Imperium, I don't think they'd care much. Number 1, we're outside their borders. If they cared that much about the Reach, they'd have done something back after the Aslan smashed the region. It'd have been ripe for the plucking then. 2, if Drinax was planning to use us against the Imperium interests, he did a piss-poor job picking his crew. We're all of us, in one way or another, former and not-disaffected Imperium. They'd have been much better off going with independents or even Aslans. 3, I'm not stupid enough to risk antagonizing the Imperium, and they should know that about me by now. I play small games at a low level. I'm a small fish in a very big pond. If you go and tattle, they'd probably thank you for the information, say they'll keep an eye on us, and go back to important things, like planning the next meeting agenda." Sultana smiles. "No, I'm not too concerned about the Imperium at this point. It'd cost far too much for them to take an interest, for no real benefit."
Sultana continues, "As for the concept of piracy and us, no, we're not really chuffed over it. I understand better now why the King seemed to prioritize it. It's worked for him in the past, and he doesn't seem to be a complex planner and thinker. That's why he's turning it over to us, I think. Because we can hopefully come up with better long-term solutions. Piracy is the simplistic answer, and I'd prefer good alternatives. The Pioneer is on a different mission than ours. Lab ships make lousy corsairs anyways. No one is stupid enough to take a ship and crew of its capabilities and waste it on mere piracy. We may interact with the Pioneer on a few things down the road, but we're mostly an independent actor."
"Third question...", Sultana exhales loudly, ".. Hell if I know. If we assume the piracy route, to keep it simple, part of our proceeds would go to Drinax, we'd keep the rest. How it gets divided from there on down I don't know. I've no idea the proper pay ratios for pirate crews. We'd have to figure that out as a group. Personally, while I'd be happy to get rich from this, it's not my priority. I'm not going to stiff my people just so I can put a few more credits in my accounts. Non-piracy, Drinax would still get its cut of whatever we're doing, and the rest is still ours."
"Last, loyalty. The way I see it, crew loyalty will be to the Ship and Ourselves. And we'll be guided by our intent to achieve the long-term goal. Every captain knows there are circumstances that arise that might necessitate the sacrifice of their ship. But it won't help the goal to lose out on our capabilities unless the need was very Dire. I don't expect to encounter a set of circumstances that dire, but I'm not going to pretend it might not happen either. So, in general, I'd rank our loyalties to be Plan, Ship, Drinax, where the Plan is the long-term goal of recussitating the region. For the most part, the crew will only be concerned with the Ship. It's the officers who'll need to keep the other 2 in mind. For the most part, I expect all 3 will be in agreement."
Sultana looks around at the other three. "Did that answer all your questions satisfactorily? I wish I could pull out a full presentation with a detailed list of action-items and schedule, but at this point it's all way too vague. If I did try to pass something like that off to you, it'd be complete hogwash. The three of you will be part of my brain-trust. I'm not bringing you in just to follow my orders blindly. I want feedback, ideas, creative thinking. I'm not going to pretend to have all the answers. For now, I'll be the Captain who makes the final decision from all the options you give me. And I want no hard feelings if I choose a plan other than yours. We are all professionals. Or at least, we *should* be by now."
"What do you say, Dawn? You in? Or do you need to do some more laps around the station to think about it?" Sultana grins at him. "I don't know why you came out all the way out here, but I'm glad you did. I could use you along with me on this."
"Ok so you have a job offer for a job that you don’t know what it will be what the pay is what we will get out of it. You can’t guarantee my safety if I say no just to trust the man that has asked you to rob raid and kill innocent people across the reach, who you were afraid to brake a NDA with or you would be killed. It I know it’s all a work in progress so how about I say yes I am in and as I sign on bonus you give me 12 doses of the cargo we were trying to sell. Then I’ll be happy to jump on board."
Sultana waggles his hand in a so-so manner. "The death clause on the NDA isn't related to anything I've revealed to you so far. It's not something you need to worry about, nor is it the King threatening me. But as for the doses, yes, that's absolutely fine." Sultana also has a glimmer of an idea now why a retired Imperium Admiral is traveling outside the borders and into the Reach, but says nothing. It's none of his business, and besides, he might be approaching the age to consider it himself. "Is that it then? Are we all good to go? We have a ship tour to get to."
14:00 - Outside of the Throne Room
Admin Aide Dar, Yes… finally able to get my mobile communication functioning so I could confirm that I would very much like to return to Torpol in morning and meanwhile return to the UNITY tonight for dinner with Provosts if welcome. Crockett standing by for reply
(Admin Aide Dar)" Yes Crockett, I will confirm a meeting with the Provosts at 18:00 for you. We will host you for your return trip home tomorrow morning. Dar out
1430 hrs --- ROYAL PALACE -- just outside Throne Room for meeting at 1500 hrs //
[Crockett arrives early at 1430 hrs for pre-discussion of how 1500 hrs will be approached??? ]
"Hey, Winger! Have you talked to anyone about possible revenue generation ideas? Anyone on the Unity got a finger on mining in their system? I'm seeing three options, depending on how this meeting goes. Other than a flying lesson, that is. I'm hoping I have a bit of credit with the King for protecting her Highness. The three are the V'hurg and whatever it gets up to. The Pioneer, and whatever it gets up to. And going back to Torpol to chase the untamed fat avian that is my mining idea. What are you seeing?"
"YES...but for me there are only two options and you know which one is NOT an option. I wish the Pioneer well, but it simply isn't my kind of adventure. Now re mining options via intel I have gained from the UNITY...Answer is nothing...but then I haven't probed...I could do that tonight after this 1500hr discussion and send you something on your mobile communication. You DO have it with you don't you? ....Re the Harrier...I think we are (or should be on same page)...(1) It HAS TO BE a vessel YOU are comfortable making your termporary assignment/home on; (2) It would be nice from my point of view if it had some armaments for at least defensive purposes on...AND if not then some arrangement for KING to loan us money to have some protections added-- because I don't see paying for them out of our pocket; (3) We need some kind of operating cash flow financed by His Majesty...at very least a line of credit upon the BANK OF DRINAX. THESE are the (3) points I'm hoping to persuade Sultana and the rest of you to accept before we meet at 1500 hrs.
"I fully understand the Pioneer issue. However, I don't think we'll see any hard currency for the V'hurg. Certainly nothing attached to Drinax. They don't even have a currency. Have you seen anything like a bank around here? Everything around here is barter."
There has to be some kind of financial institution Mihhel. Just back me on this proposal....It's merely an ask and not too overboard....King only has to agree to some kind of loan authority......I just want for Sultana to raise it and let KING know that the loan or gift of the HARRIER is one thing...but if there are many major repairs yet to be done we are going to need some kind of credit...we ask and see what happens ... Why not have us try? Sure wish others would hurry up and get here....
Lt Sultana and the others enter the room from the direction of the docks, just catching the end of his sentence. "I'm willing to ask, Crockett, but I don't expect much luck on that front. Have to tread lightly though, so as not to sour the King's opinion of us. I have a feeling that once he goes off someone, it will take a lot for them to get back in his favor."
1105-001 15:00 - The second meeting of the day with King Oleb XVI, long may he reign
Just before 15:00 the Royal Hawk Guards lead your group inside of the Throne Room. They stop Iskavrin's family from entering, offering them a place to wait while the group talks outside of the throne room.
{Your group consists of Sultana, Iskavrin, Crockett, Mikhel, Harison, Silas, Tep, Athena, Eleni, Sherris, and Hernández}
As it was set for the previous meeting there is a large table is set in front of the throne with a second large chair set in the center of the long side of the table facing the throne. Next to that chair on the right and left are chairs set in red and gold and then on either side of them chairs in black. At the two ends are high backed chairs in red. Then along the side for your group are five chairs set. They are grey with a red drape over the back of each of them. As you approach the table to sit you see engraves in the wood is the outline of the Kingdom of Drinax. Each system highlighted in metals, with jewels sparkling for the stars in each system, and the occasional diamond or other precious stone for a moon. The expanse is flat and smooth with enough room for even King Oleb to lay out on.
There are chairs set at the ends again, on the opposite side is the King's throne like chair, with Rao's and Harrik's on either side of him. The two empty black chairs, one of which Lord Wrax sat in before, and the vacant one from the previous meeting. Looming behind it all is the Grand Throne of Drinax. Supposedly larger and older than the one that the Emperorer of the Third Imperium sits on. As the guards bring you in another woman enters from a different room. The Royal Hawk Guards step towards her, then pause, then consult on a communicator briefly. There is a flurry as another chair is brought in, set between Prince Harrick's chair and the end. Then they drape it with brown. She nods with a smile and takes her seat. Some will recognize her as Baroness of Algra-reev, the represenative from Asim.
On the opposite side of the table from the Royal Family the chairs are set in two groups, with three people up at the table, then more chairs behind them. Sultana, Iskavrin, and Harison have the chairs across from where the Princess was sitting, and Athena, Eleni, and Hernández have the three across from Prince Harrik's seat. There is room for Mikhel, Silas, and Crockett behind Sultana's group, and room for Sherris and Tep behind Athena.
As you start to settle in, the Royal Hawk Guards call everyone to stand. Lady Hil, Princess Rao enter from the one side of the room. Scholar Voha escorts Prince Harrik in from the other side. Baroness of Algra-reev stands and bows to the Prince and to the Princess. Everyone sits.
(Prince Harrick)"Very well, as we wait, does anyone have any questions?"
Mikhel gave serious consideration to moving a chair behind Doctor Solis. Maybe later. He had pretty much made up his mind, already. Mikhel is happy to let others speak in this situation, for now.
Somewhere in the time between meetings, Mikhel had sparked a thought about how to have a base of operations for the Harrier, in this system, without the overt support of the Drinaxians. If the mining station could be made operational, it could act as a cover. There would be transport ships moving in and out of the system on a regular basis, never really interacting with the main planet. So, one more would hardly be noticed. A bit of extra supply over and above the needs of the mining operation to restock the ship every so often would also be hard to keep tabs of. Well. It is a plan, until somerhing else can be arranged. It does require the mine to be operational, though.
(Princess Rao)"Lord Wrax is working to bring His Majesty before his special guest arrives."
(Iskavrin) Iskavrin draws attension to himself politely. He address his question to the royal family, his focus on Rao. "For taking this perilous duty, I would like a boon, regardless to how successful it is."
(Princess Rao)"I understand that desire. I know that I will do my best to guide the Court towards these goals, and to reward those who play a part in achieving them. Asking for a boon is perfectly reasonable, only His Majesty can definatively dispense that."
"Baroness of Algra-reev, you are the representative from Asim are you not? Are you a native of Asim."
(Baroness)Nods to Harison and that quadrant of the table. "I have been selected by our leaders as the person to represent Asim here in the Royal Court. Our Foundation has a plan for our future and I am here to ensure that Drinax upholds their treaty requirements of the last war."
There is a stirring of the Royal Hawk Guards and Princess Rao stands up, looks back and as the large doors open up she announces... "Welcome His Majesty King Oleb VXI, the Lord of the..." she trails off as King Oleb emerges by himself, laughing and obviously in a good mood as he waves at her and everyone to sit down.
WELCOME MY PRIVATEERS!!! TODAY IS THE FIRST STEP TOWARDS REMINDING THE REACH AND BEYOND OF THE POWER OF THE KINGDOM OF DRINAX!!!
TELL ME WHO WILL BE TAKING THE V'HURG OUT FOR GLORY!
(Iskavrin) Iskavrin, draws his sword, raises in salute over the table. "I, Lord Drax-Amadith is serving and able and willing to lead for Glory. For reclaiming what is ours by right." He announces himself with confidence and command that he has pratice for years in service in the navy. If Oleb was asking who was Captain, why not just go for, if he asking who is committing themselves to the endourver, then that too will do.
Sultana looks at Drax with a bit of mild amusement in his eyes. He bows to the King. "I am at your command, Your Highness. Lord Drax-Amadith has been assigned as the ship's XO; Admiral Dawn and Scout Lane have agreed to join the crew as well. Other placements are still under discussion at this early date. I trust that this meets with your approval, Your Highness."
Mikhel will stand and bow with Sultana. Mikhel will not say anything at this time, still waiting for the tour. Mikhel wonders if he missed something. Was there not to be a 'Special Guest'? Mikhel resists shaking his head. The V'hurg. Really? Bad words...
This was the moment, and, caught up in the pomp, Silas bowed with a flourish. "At your command, Sire." He couldn't help a grin, but had to remind Sultana that he wasn't 'Scout' Lane, just plain Silas Lane. He'd left his old life behind, along with the trappings of Imperial hierarchy. Joining this crazy project felt like the culmination of that process and the start of a very interesting time.
"Wow Iskavrin that was amazing all those hours practising that in front of the mirror really paid off." Harison turns and stands up to address the king."King Oleb we have not been introduced. I am retired Admiral of the Imperium Harison Dawn. I’ve been a big fan of yours for a long time your exploits in the boxing ring are legendary. But I am a real fan of your sword fighting as I dabble a bit my self. My favourite duel was your match against the Demon of Tropal a master class in dealing with a left-handed opponent. I would love someday to cross steel with you. Now that would be a story that would get me free drinking and loose women in every port bar from here to the capital of the Imperium."Harison pauses and waves his hand as to say sorry. "So sorry I am getting off track not every day you meet a legend in the flesh. I all so have to say I am disappointed that you did not ask me to lead this mission but I put it down to your intelligence people not being well informed. I had a great plan to raid the Trojan reach and bring trade and money to Dranix maybe in another life. I can’t wait to see the plan our Captain and XO have for you today and what great adventure they will bring us on." He bows and sits back down.
Sultana leans over and murmurs in Harison's ear, "They teach you to talk like that in those fancy Admiralty courses you took? No wonder I only made it to L.T."
Harison smiles back at Sultana."No that’s how you get yourself on those fancy Admiralty courses wait till you see what I learned on them." He gives a wink as he settles back in to his chair.
And Your Majesty...Crockett here...I had the pleasure of addressing you earlier...I'm the former marine and really don't have much to say accept once again it is a pleasure to be in your company" [Meanwhile internally Crockett is most amused by Admiral's comment about looking forward to a 'plan' and very curious to see if Sultana has picked up on need for some cash flow to get things up and running]
THIS IS EXCELLENT NEWS. WE HAVE OUR THREE. He beams over at his two children, and at their two mothers I HAVE FAITH THAT THE THREE OF YOU WILL BRING GLORY TO THE REACH FOR DRINAX. WITH YOUR CAPTAIN OF MARINES IN CHARGE OF BOARDING points at Crockett AND YOUR FIELD DOCTOR points at Dromah YOU HAVE A GREAT STARTING CREW. LORD WRAX, GET OUT HERE!!!! LAUGHS WAIT TILL YOU SEE WHO MY GUEST IS! SHE WILL BE TRAVELING WITH YOU ON YOUR FIRST SORTIE
Lord Wrax enter the Throne Room with an elderly woman on his arm. He walks her over to sit next to Princess Rao and King Oleb.
Sultana: [CHARACTERISTIC] INT (2D+1) [6/4]+1 = 11
Sultana: [CHARACTERISTIC] EDU (2D+2) [6/6]+2 = 14
Harison: [CHARACTERISTIC] INT (2D+2) [6/3]+2 = 11
Harison: [CHARACTERISTIC] EDU (2D+1) [6/2]+1 = 9
Mikhel: [CHARACTERISTIC] INT (2D+2) [1/4]+2 = 7
Mikhel: [CHARACTERISTIC] EDU (2D+1) [1/5]+1 = 7
Iskavrin [CHARACTERISTIC] EDU = 5
Silas: [CHARACTERISTIC] INT (2D+2) [2/3]+2 =7
The woman is dressed in grey, a very well tailored buisness suit. She looks very respectable, neat, tidy, well presented, nothing like the rest of the Drinax Court in their reds and gold. She appears to be extremely non-descript to the point of being someone who is just not interesting to look at, listen to, easy to discount as unimportant, especially in this glittering Throne Room.
THIS IS THE INFAMOUS MARGARET MEISTER OF PILLAGE SCOURGE OF THE REACH BLAINE King Oleb is obviously extremely impressed and believes everyone should be impressed by her presense.
Sultana, Harison, Mikhel, and Silas recognize this as the other woman in red that Wrax was with who was watching the Royal Run
Sultana and Harison both perk up at that name. Margaret Blaine was/is? infamous throughout the Reach on several Imperial chats for being the Pirate no one could catch. She was someone talked about over drinks, but details were always murky, could be she was just a rumor combining several various people or ideas of pirates. Now apparently here she is in the flesh?
THIS WILL BE YOUR FIRST MISSION, YOU WILL TAKE HER WHERE SHE WANTS TO GOHe grins conspiratorily, he likes knowing more than others THEN YOU WILL RETURN HERE TO TELL ME THE TALES OF YOUR TRIUMPHS
Margaret sits down as the King finally sits and everyone takes their seats again.
(Margaret Blaine)"Yes,in an accent that could be from anywhere "I was something of a raider in my youth. And in my middle years too. And I did indeed once plot a three ship squadron jump using only my own personal chronometer. Purely out of necessity, of course. Showboating really isn't my style. But anyway, my dear friend King Oleb XVI has agreed to permit me to ride in your new ship. I have a small task to accomplish, nothing very hazardous, but it is necessary all the same."
OF COURSE MY PRIVATEERS WILL DO AS YOU SAY, ANYTHING YOU ASK THEY WILL ACCOMPLISH FOR YOU.
Margaret smiles at the interuption. "I can see it on your faces already, how did she do it? How did I accomplish all those deeds? I will show you along the way if you will help me out. For now, consider this. My career as a raider spanned four decades from my first score to my last. Seven decades I suppose if we count this one. Let's succeed before we count that though.
She sips some tea from a cup that Loard Wrax placed for her.
"Your next question is "How did she do it? How did she surive being on the Most Wanted List? A soft gentle smile as she pauses again. "I was never on it."
Sultana nods, interested in hearing the tales. He is groaning a little bit inside, however, fully anticipating her looking over his shoulder the whole voyage and informing him of every step he does wrong. He was already expecting some of that from his crew, but at least they were *his* crew, and they could work out the details between them.
"How did you manage that, ma'am? If there's one thing I've picked up from dealing with the Imperium Navy, it's that they love making their lists, and a List of Bad People is usually pretty popular among them. Wouldn't you agree, Admiral Dawn?"
"Nice to meet you Miss Blaine funny how we are now on the same team. I all ways believe Margaret Blaine was a Moniker used by more than one person and that’s why your were never caught."Harison claps his hands together."Well play my Lady very impressive."
Mikhel isn't impressed. Other than a respectful nod of acknowledgement, Mikhel is silent.
As for how the V'hurg and crew would get some expertise in 'pirating', that was now answered. Someone with a LOT of experience. It could bode well for those crewing the V'hurg.
Mikhel could just as easily kill Margaret as follow her, though. Depending on what she had done over her fourty years.
(Margaret Blaine)"Yes Admiral, It was a very effective strategy. Careful in choosing targets, stay mostly along the Sindalian Main and over through the Borderlands. Do not attrack too much attention from any of the polities, and do as much as possible to limit the damages to things that insurance can cover.
"Our target is one of my old ships, the Cicendai. My crew that was on it got a little complacent and lost it to a patrol. It was auctioned off and it took me a number of years to track down the new owners. They are tramp traders, doing a little extra work on the side when times get tough. I have managed to piece together their route. They will be traversing the Marduk system sometime in the next few weeks. My estimate based on my most recent data that came from Torpol, Nods to Mikhel and Athena "is that they will be at Marduk sometime between the 024 and the 035 if they stick to their normal runs. If we leave tomorrow, transit through Torpol, arrive in Marduk we should be able to be in system to lie in wait."
"Do you want the ship back will we need a 2nd crew to fly it back? Do you know where in the system the ship is coming in will we have to contend with system defence boats? How many people are crewing the ship presently? On our end does our ship have a boarding tube if not do we have vac suits to make it over to the ship I am presuming it’s in space you want to confront the ship and not try to take it in port that’s why your hear for our ship to help. Then weapons for us what can we get here before we go as Torpal is a no weapons world so won’t be able to buy any there."
Silas did not know this person but could tell from the others reactions and questions that she was in fact a pirate of note. He caught her eye and gave her his most winning smile. He was careful to note all that she said, subvocalising to Vix and recording details. Vix responded inaudibly with what data they had, which was mostly sensationalised news reports flashed over the inside of Silas' goggles briefly enough not to attract much attention. His smile became genuine, for he was very much enjoying the company and tales of derring do.
"I agree with your sentiment of not attracting attention from our friends to trailing and spinward. I expect your crew that lost this ship the Cicendai were reprimanded?"
To the newly ordained crew he asked, "Can we manage two ships for a short time? Or, Lady Blaine, do you have a plan for once the ship is seized?"
(Blaine)"I have no use for the Cicendai, my adventuring days are over. On our trip I will give you what advice I can in the finer points of managing an encounter to be profitable. The Admiral is correct that you will need Vacc Suits and other gear. I do not know if your V'Hurg has that on board already. I am certain you can purchase any additional needs at Torpol on our way."
(Blaine)"If this encounter goes smoothly, the Cicendai would be a good ship to have on your side. Can you persuade their crew to join in your new careers? I do not know. I can say that none of the crew currently on the ship worked for me. I will not be seeking compensation other than my small personal items that I want to recover.
Sultana says, "IF our ship is as notable looking as I suspect it is, I'm already thinking we're going to need a cover vessel, to enter port in our stead and do the more ordinary parts of our business. I'm not sure how trustworthy a shanghai'd crew of an independent ship would be. Any recruitment efforts would have to be very delicately done. If we're spotted in port often, eventually word will get around about a Sindalian Harrier being active in the region, and people will take precautions that will make our lives harder. I also have many questions for the technicians or someone knowledgeable on the ship's holographic hull. I will need to understand its capabilities in full."
"There is also a question of repairs. Assuredly, at some point in time the ship will need repairs. If we put in to a regular dock for repairs, again, word will spread about the ship and its capabilities. Or should we come back to Drinax for those? Or build our own repair dock in an isolated location?"
"Lady Blaine, how did you handle these issues? Did you raid in one area and then retire to another for maintenance, so no one made any connections? Did you have a loyal zone where you could come and go in peace? Did your ship have alternate ID codes to maintain anonymity?"
(Blaine)"I am certain we will have time to go over many stratagies like these on our way to Marduk. For the V'Hurg I do not know the capabilities....
JUST WAIT TILL YOU SEE HER, SLEEK, NIMBLE, POWERFUL, STEALTHY, A THING OF BEAUTY AND GRACE
(Blaine){Unruffled by the outburst}"You will need to look in multiple places for repairs, finding a safe haven, or at least a friendly port. It helps to be able to pass along any goods you have aquired, many dock masters are happy to take in quality goods at lower prices for example. If you can provide a source of steady income to your fleet they will willingly follow your orders. Most priates are only pirates because they have no other choice. If you give them a mission, a reason, work together, you can build a strong unit. Trust is always a delicate thing. Captain you seem to have thought about this a bit. I will be glad to share more thoughts with you and your crew when we get underway."
See the Perceived Attitude page for details about what the spectrum of options are for you to work with. As you are working you will be trying to influence them to change in your favor.
'A Sindalian Harrier!' Of course Silas, being the starship boffin he was, had heard of the commerce raiders of yore. His eyebrows shot up and he had Vix quickly throw up basic specs. Streamlined, stealth, military grade electronics, 'holographic controls!' and wait... a holographic hull. "Wait, does this Harrier have a holographic hull..? Is it 'the' Sindalian Harrier..?"
Mikhel has mulled over a few of the conversations during the day. When the V'hurg departs tomorrow, Mikhel wouldn't be on it. With Blaine going aboard, Mikhel will have no part with the ship, and possibly the crew, going forward. So, Mikhel's chair is definitely in the wrong group. And Mikhel is somewhat intrigued with the comment by the Prince. This might be an opportunity to get a bit closer to that personage, without subtrifuge.
JUST WAIT TILL YOU SEE IT LIVE, THE HULL CAN PUT OUT ALL SORTS OF ELECTRONIC SPECTRUM AND CONFUSE THE BEGEZZES OUT OF ALL BUT THE FINEST TUNED SENSORS!
King Oleb is satisfied that he has sufficiently impressed the group.
I WILL SEE MY GREW AT THE V'HURG AT 9:00 IN THE MORNING. MARGARET, COME WITH ME, I WANT TO HEAR MORE ABOUT THE TIME YOU LANDED ON OGHMA AND TOOK ON THOSE CLANS
Everyone stands as King Oleb and Margaret Blaine leave the Throne room.
Lord Wrax looks over the group, "Are we done here? Did you have any other questions?"
"I did, yes. That was an actual question I asked, about the repairs in case of emergencies. Are we completely on our own as soon as we leave, or can we rely on occasional assistance from Drinax if absolutely necessary? I sincerely hope to never need it, but I don't really know the status or capabilities of the V'Hurg. I do understand your dislike of this plan, Lord Wrax. It will be an interesting challenge to see if I can prove it can work. I assume that for any repairs out-system we'd need to pay for ourselves, no lines of credit or anything? I do appreciate being invited to give this challenge a try, and I hope we can make it work for you."
(Wrax)"Captain Sultana. You will have full control over the V'Hurg. There is no line of credit, no reserves to pay for anything. You will be responsible for finding your own path to keeping your ship solvent. King Oleb, long may he reign, will expect at least ten percent of your new found wealth to return to him and the Kingdom. You will fly under your own flag, you will work in your own way to try and meet His Majesties lofty expectations. I do not agree with this course of action it is true. However I do not want you to fail. He gestures to the Princess, Prince, and the two ladies of the Court. "We have brought together some of our own personal resources to ensure you have sufficient fuel on board, and the opportunity to refuel fully at Torpol one time. After that you are on your own entirely as far as I am concerned."
Sultana nods to Lord Wrax. "Thank you, I appreciate the clarity. I will do my best to make this gamble pay off for all of us."
Athena Solis: [SKILL]Science(Diplomat) (2D+4) (vs Difficulty 10 [2d6+4 = 10][ +0 Effect] [Average SUCCESS]
Athena Solis: [SKILL]Science(Advocate) (2D+3) (vs Difficulty 10 [2d6+3 = 7][ -3 Effect] [Average FAILURE]
"A comment or two," said Athena with a quick drum of her fingers. “A tour of the Pioneer was scheduled for 0900 as I stated only a couple hours ago. Whoever miscommunicated that to the King may also let him know that, unless it is changed, a tour at a different time will be shortened. Some experiments I had worked to line up for view will not be available later or earlier due to their delicate nature.”
With a mostly successful attempt to keep her irritation in check, she added, with a nod towards the Prince, “And given His Majesty is much too preoccupied to know what the Pioneer Crew can offer, even though it was a request for this specific meeting, would it be the correct assumption that it will be a discussion between us, instead, Prince Harrick?”
“The sooner we can get plans going, the quicker we’ll see results, and the quicker we have results, the better we’ll know which will lead to success. Science waits for no one - not even a king.”
(Prince Harrick)"Very true Captain Solis. My Father is not as focused on what the Pioneer can do as much as he is interested in what you have done. Knowing you will not be leaving right away he is not as focused on you as on the V'Hurg. I would like to visit the Pioneer tomorrow, if My Father joins us or not.
(Scholar Voha)"You have not been off of the Floating Palace yet, my son. Are you certain you want to do that tomorrow?
(Princess Rao)"Yes exactly, you should go tomorrow Harrick. There will be all the attention on Father and the V'Hurg. You and I can go to the Pioneer while everyone is distracted. It will make for an easier first trip with fewer eyes on us.
(Prince Harrick)"Very well. I will come visit at 9:00. We should bring Baroness of Algra-reev with us as well. I think you will have questions for her also Captian Solis?
”Thank you, Prince Harrick. I hate my time being wasted almost as much as I dislike repeating myself. I could take His Majesty’s lack of focus as an indication of free reign to do as I wish, but I do not believe it to be beneficial to any down the road.” She gave a nod towards Princess Rao followed by a slight smile. “This sounds like it’ll be a much more pleasant tour. Princess Rao has some familiarity with the Pioneer, and may point out something of interest I may overlook, and we can better ensure it is more comfortable for you, Prince Harrick. I may not have the skills of a steward, but I can brew an invigorating coffee blend. If you have any other requests to make this easier for you, let me know. And please do bring whomever you feel would be best for such a tour and further collaboration. The Baroness of Algra-reev among them.”
(Prince Harrick)"Thank you Captain Solis. I have heard many good things about the Pioneer and your pursuit of science. I am interested in hearing your thoughts on how best to apply those ideals toward restoring our Kingdom.
"Mr. Wrax two questions for you if you be so kind to answer them. What would you do with the Harrier if it was given to you to command? You mentioned that you were second in command on the assault on Asim I love to hear the details of that campaign."
"Lord Wrax for you Admiral. I have been open that I think the V'Hurg should be here in the Kingdom defending Drinax and Asim. We would be able to keep both systems safer. The campaign at Asim two decades ago was very brief, glances down the table at Prince Harrik "and successful. I was able to lead His Majesties troops to secure the needed supplies and ensure that Drinax woudl continue to have the supplies needed going forward in the future."
"Interesting well there are no bad ideas as they say. How would then plan to maintain and repair the ship as you said all funds dried up getting it operational but it’s not 100%. Surely two defence boats would do a better job than the one harrier. One on each plant would be round the clock protection for each, not a week in jump space were there is no defence for both as it moves from plant to plant. They would also match it on speed have more guns and better durability on its hull. If I wanted to raid one of you planets I just wait till the ship leaves then free rain. Or attack both at the same time and witch ever one the harrier was at that ship jumps away. So I would say that the harrier would off no protection to both plants but it is a shiny new toy that would be impressive looking but functionally useless at that job."
(Lord Wrax)" With the V'Hurg we could have her maintaining a watch in one system, likely Asim, while the freighters are gone home here to Drinax. With the stronger assurance of her prescence in system we could induce faith that there is more trading opportunities available than Ranchando produces. I am not adverse to hunting pirates but few come to our system. For lack of prospects I must admit."
"That plan leaves you very open and predictable. If we were to acquire some suitable ships would you have the means to pay for its maintenance and pay its crew? As well as repair the ship as needed. No point in trying to get you ships if you can’t maintain them."
(Lord Wrax)"If you can manage to bring ships here we will have to see. Our shipyard can handle repairs of most ships, it is the supplies that we lack. That is how Ranchando aquired the favor of our King. He managed to procure the needed parts to repair our existing fleet. When he hears of the V'Hurg tomorrow he will no doubt be anxious to help you."
"That’s very disappointing to hear. “We will have to see” is not worth the effort of getting you ships and then you being unable to maintain and look after them. I have a few ideas that might work we might be able to get them and we cover the cost they be no drain on the kingdom but would still have protection. As for Ranchabdo I think his part of your problem and your over relying on him. We won’t be wanting any help from him cause it’s not help his out for."
Mikhel is watching the different groups, looking for an opening to get within whisper range of the Prince. Watching Doctor Solis and her party, seeing if they are going to approach the Prince to take up a discussion. Mikhel was hoping he could drift out of the V'hurg group and into the Doctor group somewhat discretely. There were unanswered questions, and Mikhel didn't want to broadcast them to one and all.
Mikhel moved around the back of the grouping of chairs for the Pioneer contingent as the V'hurg group discussed tactics. Doctor Athena and Prince Harrick had moved closer to each other, as they conversed. Once they finished, Mikhel was somewhat within earshot of the Prince.
"Your Highness." Mikhel gave a bow, 2, 3. "Do you have a moment?"
(Prince Harrick)"I have time before dinner"
(Scholar Voha)"How can we help you Healer Drohmah?"
Mikhel glances at Scholar Voha, but faces the Prince to continue, "Your Highness. Two things presently. One for all of Drinax, one specifically concerning only you. Whom would negotiate mining rights in your system is the more general question, and is developing a revenue-generating resource of interest? This, I believe, can be ramped up very quickly, with a good negotiator, seeing as a facility already exists in your asteroid belt."
Mikhel once again glances at Scholar Voha, but continues to face the Prince. "The second question." Mikhel pauses, and draws a shallow breath. Looking the Prince directly in the eyes, "Would you be interested in a training partner? Or perhaps a friend?"
(Prince Harrick)"I cannot answer for my father exactly. Yet I know that he wants to build the Kingdom. The problem with the Shlotisie family was they thought they could sell and make a profit for themselves rather than for the good of the Kingdom. That is what I need from those around me. People who will support me and the Kingdom."
(Scholar Voha)Smiles at his responses. She offers her arm up for the Prince.
Prince Harrick nods to Mikhel, takes Scholar Voha's arm and they slowly leave the Throne Room.
And I'm Out of here! I don't know what I'm missing. I didn't ask who screwed the pooch. I asked who would be negotiating going forward. The King isn't going to be travelling around, negotiating. The King will have the last word, but someone has to set the plan up, first. And approaching the Prince in the presence of Scholar Voha isn't the way to go. How bad is court intrigue? Would the offer of friendship be seriously suspect? Probably way too... Perhaps I'm far too low class. Stars, is this place a mess.
On to dinner with Crockett...
—————
To Sultana, Silas, Athena, Mikhel, Crockett
Could we all meet at 06:00 before all these tours I would like to get everyone together to say goodbye and discuss one final thing before we all depart I am sure Captain Athena would be happy to host on the Pioneer.
To Harrison - Regrets Admiral Sir...Crockett has other engagement at 1800 hrs.Why not discuss it now while we are still are gathered here with His Majesty...? We could discuss outside the throne room after he dismisses us....
To Harison et al.,
The Pioneer would be happy to host all for a final farewell and send off – along with some additional planning we may not want to discuss in our current, potentially unsecure setting.
To Harrison - Crockett regrets he will be unable to attend but appreciates attempts made to adjust schedule your end. Safe travels to all. I will be on Torpol for awhile. Crockett OUT.
To Harrison and all
06:00 aboard the Pioneer. Confirmed.
To: Crockett:
I have some issues to take care of first, but feel free to come to the Suraksha about 1630-1700 to discuss your thoughts. - Sultana
The Bwap rises and looks around. If not for the king's great voice, Te'pe'fe would have fallen asleep. Even so, he isn't sure he did not. He could not wait to be back on the Pioneer.
To: Admiral Dawn, Lord Drax-Amarinth
"Please meet me at the Suraksha after the presentation with the King is over. We have a few issues I need you to talk to me about." - Sultana
To Sultana
Copy that see you there.
[Sensing meeting is over as King has left the chamber...and apparently no one else was sticking around the palace to chat...Crockett heads out to return to The UNITY]
Location: Suraksha
Participants: Sultana, Dawn, Drax-Amarinth
Sultana takes a moment aboard the Suraksha to take a drink of water and reflect on the meeting with the King while waiting for the others to arrive.
Harison arrive at the Suraksha gives a knock and calls out."Permission to come aboard."
Sultana is sitting relaxed in one of the plush seats with his jacket open and his feet kicked up on a countertop. He waves Dawn in through the open doorframe. "Have a seat, grab a water if you want."
"Getting ready for the Captain of Dranix Calendar you’ll make a great June. "Getting ready for the Captain of Dranix Calendar you’ll make a great June."He gives Sultana a wink as he takes a seat. "Put me down for one of the calendars. No thanks on the water you have some thing stronger? What’s your plan for this ship leave it here or may be the good Doctor can use it to scout out the mining facility or have a look at the ship left out there. We need to pick up some tow cables to bring that ship in might be good to take it to the mining installation see can we work on it there to get it up and running? But not sure where they are in relation to each other.'''"
"Sultana shakes his head. "Nah, just taking a moment to relax between meetings. Feel free to do the same while we're waiting for Drax-Amarinth. Nothing stronger to drink yet, still need to keep all of our wits."
He looks around at the ship somewhat sadly. "I'm pretty sure I'm going to have to leave the Suraksha here for a while. It would just get in the way, even if the harrier has a docking ring to support it. Hadn't thought about Dromah using it. I suppose he could, it would be better her getting some use than sitting idle, but I'm not fond of the idea of handing her over to someone, if you know what I mean. We've been through a lot together."
"We just need to liberate a bigger ship for you with a dock for her problem solved. What colour would you prefer?"
Sultana laughs. "Oh, blue! Definitely blue." He quiets for a moment. "I did have a weird idea for making use of her anyways. If there was a planet we went to a lot, but didn't want to bring the Harrier in for prying eyes, we just stash Suraksha in some out of the way spot in the system where no one goes, then whenever we jump into system, we aim there. Then we could transfer over to Suraksha and bring her in to port, leaving the Harrier safely hidden. Problem is, Port Authority might get *real* curious why we keep coming in and going back out in a non-Jump capable boat."
"No, it's a decent idea for maintaining a low profile, but only with a real jump-capable vessel."
Blue it is a nice, royal Blue would look great on a ship. If there is a port we keep going back too it be one that doesn’t ask any questions. The Harrier has stealth jumps any way she can get in move around and out of systems with out any one seeing her she could land on the plant and you could walk in to a down port. Also holographic hull means she can be a different ship every time she docks as long as we don’t let people up close to her."
"Won't the engine signature give the ship away if we approached port camouflaged? I've never really run into a holographic suite to know the capabilities. They were usually just for obnoxious rich kids or obnoxious salesmen when I did hear about them." He takes another drink of water. "I suppose we could always do a different paint scheme for a new identity at each planet, but eventually someone might connect the sudden spate of Harriers that all happened to show up in the region. I assume there aren't many of them out here in the hinterlands in the first place." He sighs, "Well, if it becomes necessary, we can always fall back on old-fashioned bribery. Find someone in the Port who can cover up our footprints. I wonder if a hacker could install a routine to automatically cover up our energy signature into something else automatically? It feels wrong even asking these questions. Too much legal training, I suppose."
"I don’t think we are going to be out there miss behaving in every system. And as long as we are well behaved in the one we visit often we should be ok. All the systems out here for the most part are self contained. No over arching power or law. The holo hull is good for making the ship look damaged or a different colour. Not great for combat as the power consumption for it only let you use the manoeuvre drive and basic ship functions."
(Iksavrin) Iskavrin returns to his wife, has a brief conversation before, toddling off but at no hurry toward the Sultana subcraft. He interacts with the comms of the airlock, letting two of them know he coming aboard. The airlock cycles quickly, and Iskavrin finds himself on board. He sees the other two sitting, and Iskavrin remains standing.
Sultana waves Iskavrin forward. "Excellent, you're here!" He taps at his control panel and the shuttle door closes behind him. "Have a seat, have some water, get comfortable. In this room, for this session, there are no ranks, no titles, nobody but us three, and nothing we say here leaves this room. We're going to all three be in real close quarters for weeks or months at a time, and under a lot of stress and danger. And frankly, if you two are going to be at each others' throats the whole time, I'm liable to kill you both and space the bodies."
"So we're going to discuss it like sensible adults, find out what's going on, and what we can do to tamp it down to a low rumble."
He turns to Harison, "Dawn, you've been on the offense against Drax-Amarinth here from the start. That isn't a side of you I've seen before. I'd say it's uncharacteristic, but obviously it isn't. What's going on?"
"I don’t take well to people threatening and manipulating me. No matter what law or reason they hide be hind. 4 hours here singled me out and no other former military people threatening some urgent law to get me to go to a meeting then interrogated me informally but didn’t answer any of my questions back. So as we are going to be working together I am willing to put all this behind us if he wants to apologise. Tell me why he did it and who put him up to it? Then we can all live a happy space family life. But he’s not going to do that. He’s just going to say that it was his job. No one put him up to it and there was no ulterior motive. His going to cover for who ever his really boss is and they must be someone high up in the court cause they were able to pull strings to get him on the Harrier as the XO. I just want to know who is after me and why all the interest?"
Sultana nods, "Lots of assuming why he did and what he's going to say in there, but I get the gist of it, I think." He turns to Iskavrin. "So, your response, or any clarifications to make? What happened, why, for what purpose, on whose orders, and so on? The floor is yours."
(Iskavrin) Iskavrin listens to the tale of Harison. He blinks as he digests the side of events. He smiles, almost to a laugh, but manages to restrain himself. "I think that was a lot of grandstanding with little substance or importance. I think he was promoted because he was disposable, and I think he is here now because he is as disposable. As are we all. I think he is overstating his own importance to believe there is a conspiracy surrounding him. I think he should get an active MRI, as he has poor short term memory. I think he has the political awareness of a sea sponge. I think he has the tradecraft of a hull breach siren. There are no orders. No ulterior motive. Everything at hand to us, to the royal family, and to the Admiral is as clear as clean atmosphere. Nothing about my person or actions was offensive or in need of an apology. " He points to the Valor Medal. "This is for stopping a mutiny aboard the ISN Reign, a 5000 ton P. F. Sloan fleet escort. I killed friends I made aboard the ship, fellow junior officers I went to the academy with." Then he points to his Combat Medal. "Two for the Asim rebellions. Fertilizer bomb on a Marine base. Twenty five dead. One Asim village. I hear it is a good fishing lake now. Downport shutdown. Shuttle got hit with what I was told was a lucky anti material rifle shot. Slid along the roof of the main atrium. Asim is our breadbasket because it is required to be. Their wishes on the matter do not matter. This is for the Telle Cravra Arcology. The five Vesprex clans decided they no longer needed to pay their tithe to the Floating Palace, as they found a storage of ten thousand environmental suits. They started to trade them to other Vesprex arcologies. This is for the Vesprex who managed to assemble a working SDB from the break yard and charged the Floating Palace. I have killed my friends. I have killed civilians, armed and unarmed alike. I do what my duty requires of me. I am loyal to the crown." His voice becomes more stern. "My patience is a skill I have let atrophy. I managed ten thousand Vesprex, who wait for me and do as I direct. It is something I am sorely short on. If you ever insult my valor again, I will kill you. If you ever insult me in front of my wife again, I will kill you. If you insult my wife again, I will kill you. I will enjoy it. And no one will care. I know no one will care because you are not married. You do not have a family. Not even the mega corps cared about you and your experience. No one will miss you. I can leave a grave marker with confidence that it will not matter. Insulting my valor is worth apologizing for. Insulting my wife is worth apologizing for. Unlike you, as you have so far demonstrated, I do not have issues recalling brief conversations that happened yesterday. If you do it now, if you do so with sincerity, I will accept it. If you do not do so now, I will remember it. It will never interfere with my duties. It will never endanger my duties. But I will remember it. And you will pay for it. This is a promise, not a threat, since you seem to have a poor understanding of their uses in court."
"Wow that’s a lot of grandstanding and hiding behind your medals with your little story’s. First off I never insult your wife I feel sorry for her having such a liar of a husband. As for insulting your valour that is impossible, I could not have done that you would have to have some first for me to insult. And I will be remembered you think some one kills a former Admiral of the Imperial and no one takes notice shows how unaware of the universe outside you really are think all the radiation on the planet have effected you more think you need that MRI more than me."
Sultana massages his temple with one hand. "Alright, Drax-Amarinth, tell me what happened yesterday between you and Dawn from your perspective then."
(Iskavrin) Pulls out a cell phone, and plays the meeting. He listens along. (1104-365-Drinax#First_Attempt_at_Meeting) -- This one actually. https://dragonslayer-traveller.com/index.php?n=Main.1104-365-Drinax#Second_Attempt_at_Meeting -- Would have started when they sat down inside Iskavrin overly crowded office.
Sultana sighs and rubs the bridge of his nose. "Let's clear the air here. Dawn, I understand you felt challenged by the security protocols, and Drax-Amarinth, you reacted to that defensiveness. Dawn, I've noticed your diplomatic skills come and go – impressive with the King, significantly less so with the Ambassador. Do you think we can dial them up a tiny bit in general?"
He turns to Iskavrin with a direct gaze. "Drax-Amarinth, we're strangers still. I expect you have reporting duties to your superiors, which is perfectly acceptable. I have no intentions on any double-dealing. I play fair with my friends, and dirty with my enemies. I hope we'll establish ourselves firmly in the first category."
"Gentlemen, our mission's success depends on our collective strength. Death is a very real possibility. As experienced officers, you've both served alongside people you didn't particularly like, yet you performed excellently. This assignment requires the same professionalism. While I hold the title of Captain, I recognize either of you might have been equally suitable choices. Whatever the reason for my appointment, I intend to work my ass off trying to justify that decision."
"I was hoping this was simply a misunderstanding I could resolve from the outside—which is why I took this chance to meet. Now that I understand the background, I can better avoid triggering future conflicts. I must ask you both to keep your antagonism off the ship, or at least confine it to downtime when we're not trying to accomplish mission objectives."
He pauses a moment, and then smiles again. "Oh, and it goes without saying, if either one of you dies under mysterious circumstances, I'll probably just space the other one."
“Any questions?”
(Iskavrin) "No, CO."
"Well, this meeting has been very insightful. Maybe in future get to know your crew before putting them in a room you might be able to avoid the escalation of events. Before this meeting I had zero people threatened to kill me, now I have two thank you for that gentleman. But it is great to see the 2 senior officers of the ship share the same style of leadership, the first solution you both come up with for your problem is to threaten to kill someone. At least going forward I can now see where I stand. To you 4 hours your lack of experience is all ready showing lying to your captain and crew as your fist act is not a great call cause you’ll need those people to have your back when the shit hits the fan. And not have them watching you so you don’t shot them."
Sultana sighs and shakes his head. "Right, light humor apparently doesn't work either. Just go, both of you. I guess we'll just have to figure things out the hard way. Which is probably the way it was always going to have to be. But it was worth the attempt to talk it out. Gentlemen, thank you for coming, and thank you for agreeing to join this mission. I hope it will be a success, either with us, or in spite of us." He pushes a button on his console and the lock cycles open. "I will see you both in the morning."
The lock cycles closed behind them, leaving Harison and Iskavrin standing together on the dock.
Attention Harrison aboard PIONEER....Crockett thanks you for invite at early hour tomorrow and will attend PIONEER meetup Crockett out.
To Crockett
Copy that happy to hear you’ll be there.
Later that afternoon, Sultana makes his way from the Suraksha to the Interstellar Communication Center, where all mail, messages, and other knowledge and communication flow through. With him he carries a data card. At the center, he enters his card into the system, marking it for Immediate Public Publishing. From here, it will spread to other systems, slowly, at each stop entering the public library system or book repositories. For any who followed his stories, Chapter 2 of Lt Shaitana's latest adventure, The Pirates of Oghma, would hit their inbox soon.
