Main / 1105-008

Calendar

1105-007 -- 1105-008 -- 1105-009

Unity

Calendar

1105-007 -- 1105-008 -- 1105-009

Timing of events
6:00 - Start of Day
8:00 - Breakfast with Provost Falx
9:45 - Emerge from Jump
12:35 - Arrive at Highport

06:00-Start of Day

Crockett arrives Galley of UNITY and seeks out Administrative Aide DAR

"Good morning DAR.... Have you found me accommodation for this evening and what is your advice about how I should find this accomodation. Regarding my activities for next couple of days, I would very much appreciate it if you could make arrangements for Provost Falx to contact me at my accomodation once he is ready to introduce me to the contacts he is arranging for me. Might you also be able to do that?

(Dar)"When we leave jump I will send along a request for you for the lodging style you requested. For the chances of meeting Provost Falx I will remind you he is a very busy administrator and it is unlikely he will contacting you directly. I will ensure that your request for the contact information comes through to you as soon as he has it ready. I would expect that to be tomorrow or the day after. He will have many things to catch up on after being gone on this trip."

"Thanks DAR for that advice...So given that I wonder if I might have a few more minutes with Provost Falx then before we emerge from Jump...I would like to learn a bit more about Torpol's trade activities....and having met King Oleb what he thinks about future prospects of trading with Drinax?

(Dar)"Certainly I can help with that. I will tell Provost Falx that you will be here in the common area at 8:00 for your Breakfast and you would like a quick word with him."

08:00- Breakfast in the common area

(Falx)"Hello Crockett, I hear from Admin Aide Dar that you have questions for me. I am not certain how much I can help with that I have not already on this trip. What did you have in mind?"

Good to see you again Provost Falx. I asked to see you again before we arrive back at Torpol as I know you will be busy again there with your many duties so I thought I would seek time with you again before that time arrives. What I have been wondering about, and who better than you to help with this, and that is what you yourself thought of future possibilities with this KING in Drinax. To me, he seemed pretty insular and extra defensive of his domain. Did you see any cause for optimism yourself in terms of future trade possibilities for Torpol with Drinax?

(Falx)"Thank you Crockett for valuing my opinion on this. Provost Shala has the most experience dealing with the surrounding systems as the most senior Provost. What I can offer is that yes Drinax for as long as I have been working at the starports has been reclusive. They seem to be not so much hermit like but to be very careful of who they let in. There are small traders that come and go, from what I understand Ranchando is the lead among them. I had a brief talk with him while we were at the Floating Palace. He has quite the trade happening there from what I could tell. Then seeing that new ship unveiled when we left was interesting. I wonder how much they have invested in that? I am certain that I will be seeing them when they visit home. Not many other places for them to go when they are returning to Drinax." he takes a long drink from his cup "For trade from Torpol to Drinax I would imagine that Provost Shala would approve of such things if there could be a good flow of goods and credits. Remember Crockett, two hundred years ago we were ruled by Drinax. It is always a delicate dance to be partners after a break up and a long time apart."

YES...I see things the same way but did want your sense of it also....Separate issue is my own future and what service I might be to you and others on Torpol in the coming weeks and months....Security is what I'm trained to do...but I really want to see if I can get something going in terms of a mining operation....aside from worrying about how best to finance an operation...I'm wondering what your experience tells you about worlds in the vicinity (outside of Drinax) that might be open to more mining in their zone or on their world?

(Falx)"I do not handle much of the reasons for trade inside of our system. Running the Starport and Spaceports for the system takes a lot of coordination and planning. Knowing where all the moving pieces are, and might move to, with all the freighters moving along the trade route. Once you are in place, I am certain that Admin Aide Dar can assist with finding the correct people for you."

Thank you for that clarification Provost Falx. Before we conclude this last chance to chat before arriving Torpol, I should also raise topic of some employment during next couple of months on Torpol as I will need to be keeping an eye on my personal funds during this time. Might there be possibility of some security work within your areas of responsibility? Or am I best to seek out some of the Trade Ship Captains?

(Falx)"I would ask Admin Aide Dar about that. I do not know if my head of security is looking for anyone currently. She will be able to assist you with setting up appointments for that also."

Free & Clear

Calendar

1105-007 -- 1105-008 -- 1105-009

Timing of events
6:00 - Start of Day
10:00 - Mission Briefing
??? - ???

1105-008 - 08:00 - The Free & Clear - Cargo Bay

[Amada Cerabu] Cerabu completes his morning ritual and meditation. A few minutes of quiet reflection to settle his pulse and blood pressure, to even out his breath, and to settle the thoughts racing around in his head. Today, the mission officially begins; his bid back into society after fifteen years of isolation; his chance to find meaning after years trying to find himself.

He stands from his kneeling position taking his staff in hand. Walking to his personal cargo crate, Amada Cerabu reaches in and pulls out a suit identical to the one he wears every day, only the colors vary from day-to-day. If asked, he would say you don't change what works, or everyone should have a signature--if he answered at all. Most likely he would simply grunt.

Climbing the ladder to the passengers deck, Amada felt the isolation. Over the three weeks he had been on the Free & Clear, he had made a habit of maintaining his state of mind, his presence of peace, by maintaining his isolation. He had known Cal many years ago, worked together across several jobs, made connections on both ends and sold what Cal found to the highest bidder he could find, or the right one. But that was over fifteen years ago. Cal had said people change. Amada Cerabu knew he had changed over those intervening years. Cal too seems to have changed, but to what degree, Cerabu didn't know.

The rest of the crew were a mystery to him. He liked Jeet. The roboticist/engineer seemed affable and a genuinely happy person. He liked to be useful and helpful. Ashe Volare was flashy. An entertainer of some kind, Cerabu didn't know what Ashe's role was on the ship. She was supposed to be the Steward and was perfectly capable of the job. Ashe took care of Cerabu's needs more than the ape needed. It was almost a nuisance. But with Cerabu having bought out the ship and no other passengers for the pointy-ear to attend to, he felt it was his duty to let Ashe do the job appropriately.

Kalidaren, or Sed, wasn't like the other two. He was secretive and too curious for his own good even after being told not to ask questions. Secrets usually meant something to hide. Changing his appearance and name between ports didn't help Cerabu's suspicions that Sed was going to be a problem. Only the future would tell if he was right or just paranoid.

Over the past three weeks, Cerabu had spent most of his time with others with Cal talking about old times. Cal was the only one who knew the mission so it was comforting to be able to relax around his old friend, to talk like nothing had happened and like it was still fifteen years ago. But it wasn't. It wasn't fifteen years in the past. It was now. It was 1105.

Cerabu showered and changed clothes. Jeet had been working on the presentation over the past weeks. Cerabu had given him all the information he could, helped him lay it out in order. It would go the way he wanted. Cerabu had spent most of his free time planning out everything he knew, which only helped him to discover there were a lot of variables outside of his control. Complications. Complications required contingencies.

At 09:30, he made himself some coffee in the passenger suite and made his way back down to the cargo hold to the same area he used for his daily meditations. Jeet would be there in a few minutes and they would make the last adjustments before the others arrived. Today, the mission would really start.

1105-008 - 09:15 - The Free & Clear - Crew Lounge

[Jeet Pringtip] Jeet pops into the Crew Lounge, shuts down the mini-holo projectors, and collects them. He will need the projectors for the walk-through. He then grabs a cuppa, and heads for the Cargo Bay.

1105-008 - 09:30 - The Free & Clear - Cargo Bay

Jeet enters the Cargo Bay and walks over to the planned display area. He picks three spots around the perimeter, and places the mini-projectors. He takes out his PDA and starts them up. Heading over to the Bot Crate, he opens it up and flashes up the bots. They were in stand-by mode, from the tweeking the night before, so it was moments, not minutes to have them ready. Connecting the mini-projectors was nearly instantaneous.

Cerabu enters the cargo bay from aft, the only entrance from the passenger level, his private level at the moment. He looks over to Jeet moving around the empty space placing and testing his equipment. Cerabu smiles as he brings his cigar to his mouth in an indication of approval. Walking over to the tech specialist, Cerabu puts a large hand on his shoulder. "You're doing good, kid. When the others arrive, we'll get started." Moving to his personal cargo container, Cerabu opens it, takes a gulp from his coffee and then sets the mug down on an interior shelf, then retrieves his cane and waits.

[Kalidaren / Sed] There was not enough coffee in the galaxy... Sed considered as he poured an oversized mug and decided to supplement this with a bowl of nutripaste bites. Comfort food... He juggled his breakfast as he made his way to the cargo area and found an out of the way perch, ready for the briefing.''

Cerabu looked over each crew member as they came in looking to gauge their level of attention and before he started. He knew it would likely be low. Only Cal knew what they were doing. And while Cerabu had not *completely* isolated himself, a decade-and-a-half of living almost monastically had instilled a strong tendency toward distancing himself and . . . well . . . isolationism. It would be a hard habit to challenge. He pondered his return to society and wondered about this current challenge to re-engage while he waited for everyone to arrive.

1105-008 - 09:55 - The Free & Clear - Cargo Bay

[Cal Cooper] Cal emerges from the piled crates of cargo to the area at the aft end of the bay that Cerabu had reserved for himself. He glances around, and then walks to a console on the wall. His voice echoes from the ship's public address system.

Ashe? Did you oversleep again?

Room left intentionally for Ashe

Cerabu watches the steward walk in. Ashe was one of the crew he was unsure about. What were Ashe’s actual skills beyond waiting hand and foot on people that didn’t need it? But there were those that desired a servant at their disposal. Cerabu had no use for those kind of people.

Using two fingers and his thumb, he put out his cigar and set it down on top of his personal cargo container. Looking over to Jeet, he nodded that he was ready and moved to where they had arranged to be the forefront of the presentation. He carries his cane . . . if it can be called that at a metre-and-a-half long.

“You've come with no knowledge of what lies before you. That was my decision. Captain agreed to go along with it though he wanted to bring you in before this. I insisted and since I am the one paying, I make the decisions as long as it doesn't interfere with running the ship.”

“We're headed for Thebus.” The ape nods to Jeet to project a video of Theban countryside. Mountains. Green and brown hills. Scrublands. Trees. Oceans. Lakes. “I’ve been researching our destination, the primary planet. There is a starport, but outside of it it is mostly wilderness. We're going into the wilderness.”

Jeet decides at the last moment to skip the opening presentation, and keep it professional. Even a casual backhand cuff from Amada would likely do some damage. The two Bots circle in on either side of Amada and Jeet, to give the full 3D effect. The Theban Lion didn't appear, as they didn't start walking the terrain. But everything other than wind and heat of the sun was there. Even some slight background noise from insects and random animal calls. The two bots blend into the terrain as bushes or tree trunks.

He pauses to take a breath before continuing. He again nods to Jeet to show the tourist’s picture. “A few months ago, a tourist on a hunting trip took a picture of what is believed to be a starship bridge.”

For the bridge, it appears around the cargo bay, with people either on appropriate console seats or sitting on the consoles (Jeet had tested this part in advance and repositioned containers appropriately. Amada was in the center of the bridge, on one side the Captian's Chair. Jeet was on the other side. The Bots remained visible, not bothering with concealment.

The bridge is not a standard bridge. It is ornate. Very ornate. And if the projection image color is correct, the railings, posts, and metal supports look to be gold.

“This is what we are after. That is why I need to entire cargo bay. If the bridge is standard size, Captain tells me this is twenty tonnes, then there'll be plenty of space after it's loaded. But this picture is all we have. It may be more than a bridge and we won’t have the gear necessary to cut the bridge away from whatever else remains. But truth is, we don’t know what's there. If it isn’t what we think . . .," the ape's voice softens, “we may come back with nothing. I believe we're making an empty trip.”

Cal looks around, visibly impressed with the video presentation. He starts to ask a question, but stops himself, looking at Cerabu, and decides to hold his questions for the end of the presentation.

After a generous pause for the crew to process what they are seeing and put together what is being asked of them, Cerabu continues with the full strength of his deep baritone almost bass voice, “But . . .,” the word is punctuated by the metal butt of Cerabu's cane slamming down onto the cargo deck. A pregnant pause fills the space to gather attention. He again softens his tone as he speaks, “we may come back with something more.”

“Captain and I have spoken about the possibilities. While it is a longshot there is anything . . . and we will most likely we come back with nothing . . . there is an equal longshot that there is a vessel . . . a ship . . . probably not functional . . . but maybe able to be made so. Having three engineers aboard is a blessing. Since only Captain can fly a ship . . . that leaves us with two choices if the impossible occurs. One, the Free & Clear goes into storage at Thebus until Captain can return to it. Two, we hire someone who can fly to bring it back to Torpol alongside the artifact.”

Cerabu pauses again, slowly slapping the top end of his metal engraved cane into his palm three times before catching it on the fourth. He then releases it to wave the silver-coloured balled top in a broad gesture over the heads of the crew. “Listen to my words carefully. No one is to know about this. When we speak among ourselves, it is the artifact , the site , and I am the finder. Captain understands the need for this.”

“While we hope for an easy extraction . . . locate the site, use Tech's robot's to cut away any loose rock, soil, vegetation, ship's cargo crane hauls it in, and get under way . . . we can't count on it. We prepare for the worst possibilities. And, we have to plan for the impossible. That is what I have been doing.”

Sed stroked his chin, and not finding his goatee, scratched at his stubble. Time to shave again. After the briefing. He took a long draw on his now cooling coffee. A mission, an interesting mission. This is what he had fallen back in with Cal for. Never dull. He grinned at Cal with raised eyebrows before giving him an appreciative incline nod of the head. I wonder if I recognise that ship? The purser then frowned and began calculations of what it might be worth.

Jeet had tried his best to get details out of the few images Amada had provided. If the rest of the ship was similar, it was pretty well dressed. Very fancy, and likely had a few treasures worth some effort. The Bots would not fit the work profile the contractor described. Mining drones would better suit cutting and excavation tasks. But, if this was a pleasure yacht, would others be after it? That would be a better task for his toys.

Cal looks with wonder at the images behind Cerabu. He had seen Sindalan artifacts before, and recognized the elaborate style, but he had never encountered them at the scale of a starship. He started mentally inventorying all the jeweled consoles and gilted panels, assessing the value of it all with a practiced eye. Then dividing the sum by five. Or two? Or . . . one?

The ape looked over the faces. He was familiar with what appeared there. This, he knew, was the greatest challenge. He measured his words spacing each one out and giving them weight using his cane to point at each individual in turn with each syllable of the first three words leaving only Jeet out. “Make no mis-take, artifact is taken. That’s why you’ve been paid and why only I know the location. Reward for bringing artifact home worth more than what you’re imagining.” He paused holding his staff tight in both fists. His right palm down. His left palm up. It was a readied stance intended very specifically to make his position very clear.

“Now, the complications.” Again, he paused for the room to settle and regain their attention, which he knew was divided at best, but that would soon be taken care of. “Picture was pulled . . . scrubbed soon as it was known, someone else could of seen it . . . artifact hunters, pirates, anyone with money or influence. We’re going to have days, no more.” He repeated the word to let it sink in, “Days.”

Cerabu looked over to Jeet with a nod to bring up public archival footage of the planet. His tone, almost professorial, “Thebus is small, fourth moon of a large gas giant in the first orbit of the star. Sixty-five percent standard gravity means when you’re hit,” Cerabu makes a motion of a broad backhand strike with his cane, “you’re going to hit and bounce several metres away and whatever hit you will be on you before you stop. No telling what might hit you, might be a Theban Lion.”

This was Jeet’s cue to bring up motion images of the Lions of Thebus. Large golden looking creatures with lean muscle and great manes that ran down the ridges of their backs ending where their tails began. The image stood snarling beside Cerabu, the eyes bearing down on the uplifted ape by a few centimetres. In an evenly measured voice, his eyes unfocusing as if in memory, “I bear the scars that say you don’t take one down by hand. Only one I know that survived.” His eyes narrow as he looks at the crew. If anything would focus them, this would. “Lions evolved with Thebus. Silent and deadly during the day . . . more so at night. You don’t see them coming.”

He returns to a matter-of-fact tone. “Days are sixty standard . . . average twenty-eight day, twenty-eight night. Tilt means seasons . . . shortened days, nights. Not sure season we’ll arrive. Days can exceed 100 Cee and nights negative that. Hierate bombed it. Atmo's thin. Respirators. Fighting exhausts you. Do the work. Get back in the ship. Go home. Get paid. Questions?”

Jeet will wait until others ask. If it looks like there won't be questions, he'll jump in. Jeet is not a ground pounder. He's hoping others have better skills. Jeet looks around at the rest of the crew...

Based on what you've said, there's no on-planet advance team, so we'll be dropping in with no local prep. Are you planning on hiring on any local guns, or are we relying solely on what we have here?

“Fewer people, fewer complications. Re-evaluate when we know what’s there.”

He pauses. Also, previously you mentioned getting local labor for excavation and such. That normally takes time, and like you said, we don't have much.

“If we need help with retrieval, prefer equipment over bodies, but we’ll do what’s needed, or what’s available.”

He looks at Sed, and frowns. Sed, if you can't sell off our cargo immediately, then I want it moved to local storage; we'll have to eat the fees while we try and move it. That might take some extra time; if Cerabu needs you for anything, that takes priority. That said, I want it off our hands before we have to lift. This is not the time to hold out for the best price.

Sed brightened with coffee and collaborative talk, and assured the Captain that he'd sell at the next available opportunity. "I believe I can unburden us of our cargo without financial loss. I'll do my best," he solemnly nodded.

“Non-producing system. Commons, bio-chems should move. Post them on arrival. Keep contact for buyers while we hunt. That’s the cover. Hunting Theban Lions. Primary income outside of starport. Cargo should offload before lift-off.”

You'd be the hunter, and us the hired transport?

The ape nods affirmative. “I'll enter port, check if permits're required. File necessary paperwork.”

We'll need to look like we're planning to settle in for a while, to justify using the ship as a base. Yeah, that should work. Sed? When we hit the port, lay in some extra supplies, and make a splash picking up some of it high end. That should help sell the idea.

One plus for defense; The Free & Clear has a caster which can be loaded with AP. I can have it in the air with little notice, and have the fire control paint the area. Two or three rounds should slow anyone down, unless they've got damn good armor.

“Tech had thought on that. Ship sensors keep constant scan of area, relay to bots and our comms, bots move to intercept. Should prevent surprise lion visits, and anything else.”

To Cerabu he offered, "I can fight, although it's not my forte. I can help with the separation of the bridge from its craft.. if required. I can also pilot in a pinch..." Sed also wanted his motivation understood. "Gold may fill the purse, but purpose fills the soul. Understand that I promise to do this for my fair share of profits, also to align myself with the ambitions of our Captain... and to uncover this rare artefact (his research would later show more clearly what it was) the doing of which I will take pride in, along with our team."

He paused to choose words and with a sardonic grin said, "And if it all goes sideways; which it might; I’ll still be there, doing what I can. I'm no hero. But I show up, I pull my weight, and I don’t walk away when it gets messy."

"I have no skills with weapons, and likely more a hazard to our own crew than a help. However, I can run an Ops Board, and can provide Information Officer oversight on situations. Using the Bots, and ship's resources, I can feed sensor data to the Bots and crew to keep everyone aware of what's happening around them. With the Bots sensor suites, I can't imagine anything sneaking up on you.

I would suggest Mining or Construction Bots/Drones, if we are likely to cut up and move a part of a ship. The Gun/Security Bots can move some heavy stuff, but they can't cut through Hull Plate, nor lift more than a few hundred kilos.

Captain, do you want to consider looking into acquiring, or possibly renting, heavy excavation equipment? We could suggest we are building pit traps? If anyone asks why a hunting party needs such gear?

“Need bots for heavy soil, loose rock. After that, we decide. Don't want to attract more attention than we need until we can make a claim.”

1105-008 - 11.30 - The Free & Clear - Common Area

[SKILL] Sed's Engineering check attempt to understand what kind of spacecraft the bridge came from (2D+6) (vs Difficulty 8) 1 + 2 + 6 = 9 [ +1 Effect] [Marginal Success] 1D x 10 minutes = 50 minutes

Sed retired to the Common area after the briefing, wondering what type of craft the bridge from Jeet's holograms came from. He felt like he should know, and, booting up his database, he scanned the available data. Surely... He stubbornly trawled the records, opening up page after page, cross referencing technical diagrams and comparing items from his mind's eye to what he saw on the screen. Then it occurred to him to search closer to home... and that was the trick! A Drinax ship! Of course! It had to be, with the finery and adornment. In gold as well! Was Cerabu aware of this?

Cal enters the commons, looks around, and confirms Sed is alone in the room. The others must still be back in the cargo area, or on the passenger deck.

Sed, a word?
On this business with Cerabu and his bridge, or ship, or whatever. No side deals. This is Cerabu's job, we're the crew. This is not the time to try to be clever. Got it?

Sed considered Cal's intent for a moment, "A gold-plated bridge, Cal. Stars judge us! This is better than any deal I could dream up!" The Purser was excited. "But, understood. Cerabu is in charge." he finished with a wink and a grin.

Torpol

Calendar

1105-007 -- 1105-008 -- 1105-009

Timing of events
12:35 - Ship of Unity Arrives at Highport
13:00 - Dismbarking
13:30 - Organizing time
18:00 - Meeting with Admin Aide Poson

The Ship of Unity arrives at the Torpol Highport shortly after 12:30. The ship docks, and the Provosts depart to their offices. The crew of the ship then begins to handle the disembarking of the other passengers (Kherl, Dar, Crockett, and the other Admin Aide) until everyone is standing in the corridor.

13:00 - Torpol Highport

(Admin Aide Dar)"Crockett, I am happy to help you with moving your gear to the locked storage you used previously. Did you decide if you wanted to rent a space here at the Highport or somewhere planet side?"

DAR Yes that would be great re storage of my crates…. and I think I would prefer to stay at Highport for accommodation if same price as planet side

(Admin Aide Dar)"Certainly Crockett, They will move your crates to the secure storage for you. You can accompany them, take any personal effects out that you wish. I will arrange for you to stay at the Blue Ice. They are a small hotel here on Highport. They will bill you the standard 1,500 Cr for the month when you arrive. The cost of public shuttles to and from the surface is included. I will ensure that you have an employment assistant for you this evening that can assist you with planning your stay here in system. That will give you time to sort your gear, settle into your quarters, and have your questions ready for them. When Provost Falx has any information to share with you I will forward it to your quarters at the Blue Ice. I believe he indicated that would be in a day or two. I hope you enjoy your stay with us. "

13:05 - Torpol Highport

DAR As always DAR you have been of great service. Can I radio message you from the Blue Ice should I require your assistance while on Torpol?

(Admin Aide Dar)"Certainly Crockett, you can send a message. In my new role working with the Administrators I am not certain how quickly I can answer. I do have the name of your person now. He is Aide Poson. He will be arriving at the Blue Ice at 18:00.

{space for Crockett to interact with the storage and or hotel staff}

14:00 Check in at Blue Ice

Crockett checks in with the Blue Ice hotel and is assigned his room. {any firearm type weapons need to be checked at the desk, personal blades are allowed in the rooms}' He is on the third level of the Highport, on the second level of the hotel. It has a base simple decor, the noise level is slightly higher than is normal in a starship.

18:00 - Meeting with Aide Poson

With a knock on the door, Crockett opens to an older man, grey hair and a crisp business suit. "Hello there, let me introduce myself. I am Aide Jinfal Poson. I work with the employment section here at Torpol Starport. My job is to assist with those who are in search of employment or investment. I presume you are Sir Crockett?"

My...that's very good of you to come to my doorstep...Would you like to meet on the lower level over a refreshment? First of all though, do come in for a quick chat and then we can decide whether to retire to the lower level... Do you have any background file on my education and career ...or shall I begin from the beginning? What's important to you and your open for hire positions is likely I am a mustered-out former space marine with excellent combat skills and a full suit of boarding armor in my possession looking for a month-long or two-month long temporary assignment. Do have a seat Aide Poson.

(Poson)"Thank you Mr Crockett. I was told that you had a wide range of interests and could surprise people sometimes with your options. I have brought a handful of options for you. I will start with the most flamboyant one that I have in case that is the direction you want to go. I have been told that you are very interested in mining, particularly the mining operations here in the Torpol system. As you may know Sternmetal Horizons has an extensive operation here. I have managed to secure you a seat on the board for only ten million credits. Of course this is a limited offer, two of the current, well previous board members are no longer able to fulfill their functions and are being replaced before the next board election in six months. Nominally nominations come from the floor of such meetings and are spontaneous. However as a man of charted space I am certain you understand that is rarely how things actually work. It would take an amazing amount of work to truly walk into an election and surprise everyone with enough votes. In this case your investment would be for the corporate administration to gather the needed votes for you to be elected. Then you would have some say in the future direction of the local branch of the corporation. Does this match your interests?"

(Crockett) "I'm blown away by the generosity of the offer to secure a seat for me on the Board of Sternmetal Horizons at your cost as I understand you and I think I could easily accept that.... So it more than matches my interests in answer....shall we retire to the space lounge below and discuss this further? Wow! Wow! I'm speechless.

(Crockett) "Now...if I have misunderstood who is to put forward the 'ten million credits'...then I must pass on that "flamboyant" offer you have as I am currently in no financial position myself to raise that kind of payment....So should that be the case we'll have to move on to what else you might have as an option for me...pitty in this case as I would very much have enjoyed the Board position."

(Poson)"Well Mr Crockett, I do not have that sort of credit available to me, or I would take advantage of that opportunity. It could set someone's family up for life. I had proposed because I was told you were at Drinax to meet with King Oleb and might have connections to deeper pockets than I do. If you do have someone to reach out to, we do have time to try and arrange things. "

(Poson)"Lacking that option I am certain we can find a suitable position for you somewhere in the system. Are you looking to continue in security work in any particular sector?"

It's conceivable my parents back in the Spinward Marches system could help out but it would take some time to get in touch with them I'm afraid, so best for now I continue to work on my own attributes and abilities with limited cash resources or credits in hand.

Having said that and unless a benefactor steps forward in near future, I'm certainly available for some security work and as a priority on some trade route or at some mining location the Provosts here on Torpol might have some interest in....

(Poson)"I will say that if there is any way you can come by such funding these types of opportunities do not come by every year. The next expected board vacancy is in 1107. That being said I can assuredly secure you a security position on one of the many freighters that run through on the Florian Route?. Did you have a preference for the size of the ship? As you know the larger ships have more crew but the smaller ones tend to have more openings because of the itinerant nature of their finances. Also did you have any urgency in taking on a new position? Many of the security positions on the smaller freighters change over on a random basis, so knowing how quickly you can take a new job or waiting for the right opportunity can make a difference."

"Before I leap at a security position on a passing freighter....I'm wondering if there are any more entrepreneurial opportunities for me?"

(Poson)"I can certainly help with that. How many credits are you looking to invest? There are several franchises that I would find for you scattered on the many islands. There are even ones in owning an island itself."

"Not in a position to invest anything but sweat and brain cell equity at this moment unfortunately....so think I should ask if you would be so good as to see if I might find a security position with a mining operation that would have its head office here on Torpol? I could perhaps serve on a freighter delivering resource product from the operation itself to other locations...That would help me learn more about mining operations...

"Sorry to be jumping around in my mind so much...but I'm trying to survey opportunities a bit before jumping into something...I would have loved to have time to get info from Bowman in District 268 and join the Board of Directors of Sternmetal but just can't see me fitting all that in and spending next several weeks in JUMP myself....MIND YOU...I suppose I could just send my parents a correspondence asking for info on the Sternmetal shares and for their support for such an opportunity...?????? Any advice for me?

(Poson)"I will research that for you and send you options tomorrow. Are you opposed to shipments leaving the system or do you want to stay here in Torpol? I will look at both options." he pauses, "I do want to be clear that the board opportunity is only for the Torpol division for Sternmetal. If you are sending anything out I would ensure that there are unimpeachable bearer bonds for the credits, or if you can surprise with something or someone else."

Ship of Unity

Calendar

1105-007 -- 1105-008 -- 1105-009

Timing of events
6:00 - Start of Day
8:00 - Breakfast with Provost Falx
9:45 - Emerge from Jump
12:35 - Arrive at Highport

06:00-Start of Day

Crockett arrives Galley of UNITY and seeks out Administrative Aide DAR

"Good morning DAR.... Have you found me accommodation for this evening and what is your advice about how I should find this accomodation. Regarding my activities for next couple of days, I would very much appreciate it if you could make arrangements for Provost Falx to contact me at my accomodation once he is ready to introduce me to the contacts he is arranging for me. Might you also be able to do that?

(Dar)"When we leave jump I will send along a request for you for the lodging style you requested. For the chances of meeting Provost Falx I will remind you he is a very busy administrator and it is unlikely he will contacting you directly. I will ensure that your request for the contact information comes through to you as soon as he has it ready. I would expect that to be tomorrow or the day after. He will have many things to catch up on after being gone on this trip."

"Thanks DAR for that advice...So given that I wonder if I might have a few more minutes with Provost Falx then before we emerge from Jump...I would like to learn a bit more about Torpol's trade activities....and having met King Oleb what he thinks about future prospects of trading with Drinax?

(Dar)"Certainly I can help with that. I will tell Provost Falx that you will be here in the common area at 8:00 for your Breakfast and you would like a quick word with him."

08:00- Breakfast in the common area

(Falx)"Hello Crockett, I hear from Admin Aide Dar that you have questions for me. I am not certain how much I can help with that I have not already on this trip. What did you have in mind?"

Good to see you again Provost Falx. I asked to see you again before we arrive back at Torpol as I know you will be busy again there with your many duties so I thought I would seek time with you again before that time arrives. What I have been wondering about, and who better than you to help with this, and that is what you yourself thought of future possibilities with this KING in Drinax. To me, he seemed pretty insular and extra defensive of his domain. Did you see any cause for optimism yourself in terms of future trade possibilities for Torpol with Drinax?

(Falx)"Thank you Crockett for valuing my opinion on this. Provost Shala has the most experience dealing with the surrounding systems as the most senior Provost. What I can offer is that yes Drinax for as long as I have been working at the starports has been reclusive. They seem to be not so much hermit like but to be very careful of who they let in. There are small traders that come and go, from what I understand Ranchando is the lead among them. I had a brief talk with him while we were at the Floating Palace. He has quite the trade happening there from what I could tell. Then seeing that new ship unveiled when we left was interesting. I wonder how much they have invested in that? I am certain that I will be seeing them when they visit home. Not many other places for them to go when they are returning to Drinax." he takes a long drink from his cup "For trade from Torpol to Drinax I would imagine that Provost Shala would approve of such things if there could be a good flow of goods and credits. Remember Crockett, two hundred years ago we were ruled by Drinax. It is always a delicate dance to be partners after a break up and a long time apart."

YES...I see things the same way but did want your sense of it also....Separate issue is my own future and what service I might be to you and others on Torpol in the coming weeks and months....Security is what I'm trained to do...but I really want to see if I can get something going in terms of a mining operation....aside from worrying about how best to finance an operation...I'm wondering what your experience tells you about worlds in the vicinity (outside of Drinax) that might be open to more mining in their zone or on their world?

(Falx)"I do not handle much of the reasons for trade inside of our system. Running the Starport and Spaceports for the system takes a lot of coordination and planning. Knowing where all the moving pieces are, and might move to, with all the freighters moving along the trade route. Once you are in place, I am certain that Admin Aide Dar can assist with finding the correct people for you."

Thank you for that clarification Provost Falx. Before we conclude this last chance to chat before arriving Torpol, I should also raise topic of some employment during next couple of months on Torpol as I will need to be keeping an eye on my personal funds during this time. Might there be possibility of some security work within your areas of responsibility? Or am I best to seek out some of the Trade Ship Captains?

(Falx)"I would ask Admin Aide Dar about that. I do not know if my head of security is looking for anyone currently. She will be able to assist you with setting up appointments for that also."

Free & Clear

Calendar

1105-007 -- 1105-008 -- 1105-009

Timing of events
6:00 - Start of Day
10:00 - Mission Briefing
??? - ???

1105-008 - 08:00 - The Free & Clear - Cargo Bay

[Amada Cerabu] Cerabu completes his morning ritual and meditation. A few minutes of quiet reflection to settle his pulse and blood pressure, to even out his breath, and to settle the thoughts racing around in his head. Today, the mission officially begins; his bid back into society after fifteen years of isolation; his chance to find meaning after years trying to find himself.

He stands from his kneeling position taking his staff in hand. Walking to his personal cargo crate, Amada Cerabu reaches in and pulls out a suit identical to the one he wears every day, only the colors vary from day-to-day. If asked, he would say you don't change what works, or everyone should have a signature--if he answered at all. Most likely he would simply grunt.

Climbing the ladder to the passengers deck, Amada felt the isolation. Over the three weeks he had been on the Free & Clear, he had made a habit of maintaining his state of mind, his presence of peace, by maintaining his isolation. He had known Cal many years ago, worked together across several jobs, made connections on both ends and sold what Cal found to the highest bidder he could find, or the right one. But that was over fifteen years ago. Cal had said people change. Amada Cerabu knew he had changed over those intervening years. Cal too seems to have changed, but to what degree, Cerabu didn't know.

The rest of the crew were a mystery to him. He liked Jeet. The roboticist/engineer seemed affable and a genuinely happy person. He liked to be useful and helpful. Ashe Volare was flashy. An entertainer of some kind, Cerabu didn't know what Ashe's role was on the ship. She was supposed to be the Steward and was perfectly capable of the job. Ashe took care of Cerabu's needs more than the ape needed. It was almost a nuisance. But with Cerabu having bought out the ship and no other passengers for the pointy-ear to attend to, he felt it was his duty to let Ashe do the job appropriately.

Kalidaren, or Sed, wasn't like the other two. He was secretive and too curious for his own good even after being told not to ask questions. Secrets usually meant something to hide. Changing his appearance and name between ports didn't help Cerabu's suspicions that Sed was going to be a problem. Only the future would tell if he was right or just paranoid.

Over the past three weeks, Cerabu had spent most of his time with others with Cal talking about old times. Cal was the only one who knew the mission so it was comforting to be able to relax around his old friend, to talk like nothing had happened and like it was still fifteen years ago. But it wasn't. It wasn't fifteen years in the past. It was now. It was 1105.

Cerabu showered and changed clothes. Jeet had been working on the presentation over the past weeks. Cerabu had given him all the information he could, helped him lay it out in order. It would go the way he wanted. Cerabu had spent most of his free time planning out everything he knew, which only helped him to discover there were a lot of variables outside of his control. Complications. Complications required contingencies.

At 09:30, he made himself some coffee in the passenger suite and made his way back down to the cargo hold to the same area he used for his daily meditations. Jeet would be there in a few minutes and they would make the last adjustments before the others arrived. Today, the mission would really start.

1105-008 - 09:15 - The Free & Clear - Crew Lounge

[Jeet Pringtip] Jeet pops into the Crew Lounge, shuts down the mini-holo projectors, and collects them. He will need the projectors for the walk-through. He then grabs a cuppa, and heads for the Cargo Bay.

1105-008 - 09:30 - The Free & Clear - Cargo Bay

Jeet enters the Cargo Bay and walks over to the planned display area. He picks three spots around the perimeter, and places the mini-projectors. He takes out his PDA and starts them up. Heading over to the Bot Crate, he opens it up and flashes up the bots. They were in stand-by mode, from the tweeking the night before, so it was moments, not minutes to have them ready. Connecting the mini-projectors was nearly instantaneous.

Cerabu enters the cargo bay from aft, the only entrance from the passenger level, his private level at the moment. He looks over to Jeet moving around the empty space placing and testing his equipment. Cerabu smiles as he brings his cigar to his mouth in an indication of approval. Walking over to the tech specialist, Cerabu puts a large hand on his shoulder. "You're doing good, kid. When the others arrive, we'll get started." Moving to his personal cargo container, Cerabu opens it, takes a gulp from his coffee and then sets the mug down on an interior shelf, then retrieves his cane and waits.

[Kalidaren / Sed] There was not enough coffee in the galaxy... Sed considered as he poured an oversized mug and decided to supplement this with a bowl of nutripaste bites. Comfort food... He juggled his breakfast as he made his way to the cargo area and found an out of the way perch, ready for the briefing.''

Cerabu looked over each crew member as they came in looking to gauge their level of attention and before he started. He knew it would likely be low. Only Cal knew what they were doing. And while Cerabu had not *completely* isolated himself, a decade-and-a-half of living almost monastically had instilled a strong tendency toward distancing himself and . . . well . . . isolationism. It would be a hard habit to challenge. He pondered his return to society and wondered about this current challenge to re-engage while he waited for everyone to arrive.

1105-008 - 09:55 - The Free & Clear - Cargo Bay

[Cal Cooper] Cal emerges from the piled crates of cargo to the area at the aft end of the bay that Cerabu had reserved for himself. He glances around, and then walks to a console on the wall. His voice echoes from the ship's public address system.

Ashe? Did you oversleep again?

Room left intentionally for Ashe

Cerabu watches the steward walk in. Ashe was one of the crew he was unsure about. What were Ashe’s actual skills beyond waiting hand and foot on people that didn’t need it? But there were those that desired a servant at their disposal. Cerabu had no use for those kind of people.

Using two fingers and his thumb, he put out his cigar and set it down on top of his personal cargo container. Looking over to Jeet, he nodded that he was ready and moved to where they had arranged to be the forefront of the presentation. He carries his cane . . . if it can be called that at a metre-and-a-half long.

“You've come with no knowledge of what lies before you. That was my decision. Captain agreed to go along with it though he wanted to bring you in before this. I insisted and since I am the one paying, I make the decisions as long as it doesn't interfere with running the ship.”

“We're headed for Thebus.” The ape nods to Jeet to project a video of Theban countryside. Mountains. Green and brown hills. Scrublands. Trees. Oceans. Lakes. “I’ve been researching our destination, the primary planet. There is a starport, but outside of it it is mostly wilderness. We're going into the wilderness.”

Jeet decides at the last moment to skip the opening presentation, and keep it professional. Even a casual backhand cuff from Amada would likely do some damage. The two Bots circle in on either side of Amada and Jeet, to give the full 3D effect. The Theban Lion didn't appear, as they didn't start walking the terrain. But everything other than wind and heat of the sun was there. Even some slight background noise from insects and random animal calls. The two bots blend into the terrain as bushes or tree trunks.

He pauses to take a breath before continuing. He again nods to Jeet to show the tourist’s picture. “A few months ago, a tourist on a hunting trip took a picture of what is believed to be a starship bridge.”

For the bridge, it appears around the cargo bay, with people either on appropriate console seats or sitting on the consoles (Jeet had tested this part in advance and repositioned containers appropriately. Amada was in the center of the bridge, on one side the Captian's Chair. Jeet was on the other side. The Bots remained visible, not bothering with concealment.

The bridge is not a standard bridge. It is ornate. Very ornate. And if the projection image color is correct, the railings, posts, and metal supports look to be gold.

“This is what we are after. That is why I need to entire cargo bay. If the bridge is standard size, Captain tells me this is twenty tonnes, then there'll be plenty of space after it's loaded. But this picture is all we have. It may be more than a bridge and we won’t have the gear necessary to cut the bridge away from whatever else remains. But truth is, we don’t know what's there. If it isn’t what we think . . .," the ape's voice softens, “we may come back with nothing. I believe we're making an empty trip.”

Cal looks around, visibly impressed with the video presentation. He starts to ask a question, but stops himself, looking at Cerabu, and decides to hold his questions for the end of the presentation.

After a generous pause for the crew to process what they are seeing and put together what is being asked of them, Cerabu continues with the full strength of his deep baritone almost bass voice, “But . . .,” the word is punctuated by the metal butt of Cerabu's cane slamming down onto the cargo deck. A pregnant pause fills the space to gather attention. He again softens his tone as he speaks, “we may come back with something more.”

“Captain and I have spoken about the possibilities. While it is a longshot there is anything . . . and we will most likely we come back with nothing . . . there is an equal longshot that there is a vessel . . . a ship . . . probably not functional . . . but maybe able to be made so. Having three engineers aboard is a blessing. Since only Captain can fly a ship . . . that leaves us with two choices if the impossible occurs. One, the Free & Clear goes into storage at Thebus until Captain can return to it. Two, we hire someone who can fly to bring it back to Torpol alongside the artifact.”

Cerabu pauses again, slowly slapping the top end of his metal engraved cane into his palm three times before catching it on the fourth. He then releases it to wave the silver-coloured balled top in a broad gesture over the heads of the crew. “Listen to my words carefully. No one is to know about this. When we speak among ourselves, it is the artifact , the site , and I am the finder. Captain understands the need for this.”

“While we hope for an easy extraction . . . locate the site, use Tech's robot's to cut away any loose rock, soil, vegetation, ship's cargo crane hauls it in, and get under way . . . we can't count on it. We prepare for the worst possibilities. And, we have to plan for the impossible. That is what I have been doing.”

Sed stroked his chin, and not finding his goatee, scratched at his stubble. Time to shave again. After the briefing. He took a long draw on his now cooling coffee. A mission, an interesting mission. This is what he had fallen back in with Cal for. Never dull. He grinned at Cal with raised eyebrows before giving him an appreciative incline nod of the head. I wonder if I recognise that ship? The purser then frowned and began calculations of what it might be worth.

Jeet had tried his best to get details out of the few images Amada had provided. If the rest of the ship was similar, it was pretty well dressed. Very fancy, and likely had a few treasures worth some effort. The Bots would not fit the work profile the contractor described. Mining drones would better suit cutting and excavation tasks. But, if this was a pleasure yacht, would others be after it? That would be a better task for his toys.

Cal looks with wonder at the images behind Cerabu. He had seen Sindalan artifacts before, and recognized the elaborate style, but he had never encountered them at the scale of a starship. He started mentally inventorying all the jeweled consoles and gilted panels, assessing the value of it all with a practiced eye. Then dividing the sum by five. Or two? Or . . . one?

The ape looked over the faces. He was familiar with what appeared there. This, he knew, was the greatest challenge. He measured his words spacing each one out and giving them weight using his cane to point at each individual in turn with each syllable of the first three words leaving only Jeet out. “Make no mis-take, artifact is taken. That’s why you’ve been paid and why only I know the location. Reward for bringing artifact home worth more than what you’re imagining.” He paused holding his staff tight in both fists. His right palm down. His left palm up. It was a readied stance intended very specifically to make his position very clear.

“Now, the complications.” Again, he paused for the room to settle and regain their attention, which he knew was divided at best, but that would soon be taken care of. “Picture was pulled . . . scrubbed soon as it was known, someone else could of seen it . . . artifact hunters, pirates, anyone with money or influence. We’re going to have days, no more.” He repeated the word to let it sink in, “Days.”

Cerabu looked over to Jeet with a nod to bring up public archival footage of the planet. His tone, almost professorial, “Thebus is small, fourth moon of a large gas giant in the first orbit of the star. Sixty-five percent standard gravity means when you’re hit,” Cerabu makes a motion of a broad backhand strike with his cane, “you’re going to hit and bounce several metres away and whatever hit you will be on you before you stop. No telling what might hit you, might be a Theban Lion.”

This was Jeet’s cue to bring up motion images of the Lions of Thebus. Large golden looking creatures with lean muscle and great manes that ran down the ridges of their backs ending where their tails began. The image stood snarling beside Cerabu, the eyes bearing down on the uplifted ape by a few centimetres. In an evenly measured voice, his eyes unfocusing as if in memory, “I bear the scars that say you don’t take one down by hand. Only one I know that survived.” His eyes narrow as he looks at the crew. If anything would focus them, this would. “Lions evolved with Thebus. Silent and deadly during the day . . . more so at night. You don’t see them coming.”

He returns to a matter-of-fact tone. “Days are sixty standard . . . average twenty-eight day, twenty-eight night. Tilt means seasons . . . shortened days, nights. Not sure season we’ll arrive. Days can exceed 100 Cee and nights negative that. Hierate bombed it. Atmo's thin. Respirators. Fighting exhausts you. Do the work. Get back in the ship. Go home. Get paid. Questions?”

Jeet will wait until others ask. If it looks like there won't be questions, he'll jump in. Jeet is not a ground pounder. He's hoping others have better skills. Jeet looks around at the rest of the crew...

Based on what you've said, there's no on-planet advance team, so we'll be dropping in with no local prep. Are you planning on hiring on any local guns, or are we relying solely on what we have here?

“Fewer people, fewer complications. Re-evaluate when we know what’s there.”

He pauses. Also, previously you mentioned getting local labor for excavation and such. That normally takes time, and like you said, we don't have much.

“If we need help with retrieval, prefer equipment over bodies, but we’ll do what’s needed, or what’s available.”

He looks at Sed, and frowns. Sed, if you can't sell off our cargo immediately, then I want it moved to local storage; we'll have to eat the fees while we try and move it. That might take some extra time; if Cerabu needs you for anything, that takes priority. That said, I want it off our hands before we have to lift. This is not the time to hold out for the best price.

Sed brightened with coffee and collaborative talk, and assured the Captain that he'd sell at the next available opportunity. "I believe I can unburden us of our cargo without financial loss. I'll do my best," he solemnly nodded.

“Non-producing system. Commons, bio-chems should move. Post them on arrival. Keep contact for buyers while we hunt. That’s the cover. Hunting Theban Lions. Primary income outside of starport. Cargo should offload before lift-off.”

You'd be the hunter, and us the hired transport?

The ape nods affirmative. “I'll enter port, check if permits're required. File necessary paperwork.”

We'll need to look like we're planning to settle in for a while, to justify using the ship as a base. Yeah, that should work. Sed? When we hit the port, lay in some extra supplies, and make a splash picking up some of it high end. That should help sell the idea.

One plus for defense; The Free & Clear has a caster which can be loaded with AP. I can have it in the air with little notice, and have the fire control paint the area. Two or three rounds should slow anyone down, unless they've got damn good armor.

“Tech had thought on that. Ship sensors keep constant scan of area, relay to bots and our comms, bots move to intercept. Should prevent surprise lion visits, and anything else.”

To Cerabu he offered, "I can fight, although it's not my forte. I can help with the separation of the bridge from its craft.. if required. I can also pilot in a pinch..." Sed also wanted his motivation understood. "Gold may fill the purse, but purpose fills the soul. Understand that I promise to do this for my fair share of profits, also to align myself with the ambitions of our Captain... and to uncover this rare artefact (his research would later show more clearly what it was) the doing of which I will take pride in, along with our team."

He paused to choose words and with a sardonic grin said, "And if it all goes sideways; which it might; I’ll still be there, doing what I can. I'm no hero. But I show up, I pull my weight, and I don’t walk away when it gets messy."

"I have no skills with weapons, and likely more a hazard to our own crew than a help. However, I can run an Ops Board, and can provide Information Officer oversight on situations. Using the Bots, and ship's resources, I can feed sensor data to the Bots and crew to keep everyone aware of what's happening around them. With the Bots sensor suites, I can't imagine anything sneaking up on you.

I would suggest Mining or Construction Bots/Drones, if we are likely to cut up and move a part of a ship. The Gun/Security Bots can move some heavy stuff, but they can't cut through Hull Plate, nor lift more than a few hundred kilos.

Captain, do you want to consider looking into acquiring, or possibly renting, heavy excavation equipment? We could suggest we are building pit traps? If anyone asks why a hunting party needs such gear?

“Need bots for heavy soil, loose rock. After that, we decide. Don't want to attract more attention than we need until we can make a claim.”

1105-008 - 11.30 - The Free & Clear - Common Area

[SKILL] Sed's Engineering check attempt to understand what kind of spacecraft the bridge came from (2D+6) (vs Difficulty 8) 1 + 2 + 6 = 9 [ +1 Effect] [Marginal Success] 1D x 10 minutes = 50 minutes

Sed retired to the Common area after the briefing, wondering what type of craft the bridge from Jeet's holograms came from. He felt like he should know, and, booting up his database, he scanned the available data. Surely... He stubbornly trawled the records, opening up page after page, cross referencing technical diagrams and comparing items from his mind's eye to what he saw on the screen. Then it occurred to him to search closer to home... and that was the trick! A Drinax ship! Of course! It had to be, with the finery and adornment. In gold as well! Was Cerabu aware of this?

Cal enters the commons, looks around, and confirms Sed is alone in the room. The others must still be back in the cargo area, or on the passenger deck.

Sed, a word?
On this business with Cerabu and his bridge, or ship, or whatever. No side deals. This is Cerabu's job, we're the crew. This is not the time to try to be clever. Got it?

Sed considered Cal's intent for a moment, "A gold-plated bridge, Cal. Stars judge us! This is better than any deal I could dream up!" The Purser was excited. "But, understood. Cerabu is in charge." he finished with a wink and a grin.

1105-008-Torpol

Calendar

1105-007 -- 1105-008 -- 1105-009

Timing of events
12:35 - Ship of Unity Arrives at Highport
13:00 - Dismbarking
13:30 - Organizing time
18:00 - Meeting with Admin Aide Poson

The Ship of Unity arrives at the Torpol Highport shortly after 12:30. The ship docks, and the Provosts depart to their offices. The crew of the ship then begins to handle the disembarking of the other passengers (Kherl, Dar, Crockett, and the other Admin Aide) until everyone is standing in the corridor.

13:00 - Torpol Highport

(Admin Aide Dar)"Crockett, I am happy to help you with moving your gear to the locked storage you used previously. Did you decide if you wanted to rent a space here at the Highport or somewhere planet side?"

DAR Yes that would be great re storage of my crates…. and I think I would prefer to stay at Highport for accommodation if same price as planet side

(Admin Aide Dar)"Certainly Crockett, They will move your crates to the secure storage for you. You can accompany them, take any personal effects out that you wish. I will arrange for you to stay at the Blue Ice. They are a small hotel here on Highport. They will bill you the standard 1,500 Cr for the month when you arrive. The cost of public shuttles to and from the surface is included. I will ensure that you have an employment assistant for you this evening that can assist you with planning your stay here in system. That will give you time to sort your gear, settle into your quarters, and have your questions ready for them. When Provost Falx has any information to share with you I will forward it to your quarters at the Blue Ice. I believe he indicated that would be in a day or two. I hope you enjoy your stay with us. "

13:05 - Torpol Highport

DAR As always DAR you have been of great service. Can I radio message you from the Blue Ice should I require your assistance while on Torpol?

(Admin Aide Dar)"Certainly Crockett, you can send a message. In my new role working with the Administrators I am not certain how quickly I can answer. I do have the name of your person now. He is Aide Poson. He will be arriving at the Blue Ice at 18:00.

{space for Crockett to interact with the storage and or hotel staff}

14:00 Check in at Blue Ice

Crockett checks in with the Blue Ice hotel and is assigned his room. {any firearm type weapons need to be checked at the desk, personal blades are allowed in the rooms}' He is on the third level of the Highport, on the second level of the hotel. It has a base simple decor, the noise level is slightly higher than is normal in a starship.

18:00 - Meeting with Aide Poson

With a knock on the door, Crockett opens to an older man, grey hair and a crisp business suit. "Hello there, let me introduce myself. I am Aide Jinfal Poson. I work with the employment section here at Torpol Starport. My job is to assist with those who are in search of employment or investment. I presume you are Sir Crockett?"

My...that's very good of you to come to my doorstep...Would you like to meet on the lower level over a refreshment? First of all though, do come in for a quick chat and then we can decide whether to retire to the lower level... Do you have any background file on my education and career ...or shall I begin from the beginning? What's important to you and your open for hire positions is likely I am a mustered-out former space marine with excellent combat skills and a full suit of boarding armor in my possession looking for a month-long or two-month long temporary assignment. Do have a seat Aide Poson.

(Poson)"Thank you Mr Crockett. I was told that you had a wide range of interests and could surprise people sometimes with your options. I have brought a handful of options for you. I will start with the most flamboyant one that I have in case that is the direction you want to go. I have been told that you are very interested in mining, particularly the mining operations here in the Torpol system. As you may know Sternmetal Horizons has an extensive operation here. I have managed to secure you a seat on the board for only ten million credits. Of course this is a limited offer, two of the current, well previous board members are no longer able to fulfill their functions and are being replaced before the next board election in six months. Nominally nominations come from the floor of such meetings and are spontaneous. However as a man of charted space I am certain you understand that is rarely how things actually work. It would take an amazing amount of work to truly walk into an election and surprise everyone with enough votes. In this case your investment would be for the corporate administration to gather the needed votes for you to be elected. Then you would have some say in the future direction of the local branch of the corporation. Does this match your interests?"

(Crockett) "I'm blown away by the generosity of the offer to secure a seat for me on the Board of Sternmetal Horizons at your cost as I understand you and I think I could easily accept that.... So it more than matches my interests in answer....shall we retire to the space lounge below and discuss this further? Wow! Wow! I'm speechless.

(Crockett) "Now...if I have misunderstood who is to put forward the 'ten million credits'...then I must pass on that "flamboyant" offer you have as I am currently in no financial position myself to raise that kind of payment....So should that be the case we'll have to move on to what else you might have as an option for me...pitty in this case as I would very much have enjoyed the Board position."

(Poson)"Well Mr Crockett, I do not have that sort of credit available to me, or I would take advantage of that opportunity. It could set someone's family up for life. I had proposed because I was told you were at Drinax to meet with King Oleb and might have connections to deeper pockets than I do. If you do have someone to reach out to, we do have time to try and arrange things. "

(Poson)"Lacking that option I am certain we can find a suitable position for you somewhere in the system. Are you looking to continue in security work in any particular sector?"

It's conceivable my parents back in the Spinward Marches system could help out but it would take some time to get in touch with them I'm afraid, so best for now I continue to work on my own attributes and abilities with limited cash resources or credits in hand.

Having said that and unless a benefactor steps forward in near future, I'm certainly available for some security work and as a priority on some trade route or at some mining location the Provosts here on Torpol might have some interest in....

(Poson)"I will say that if there is any way you can come by such funding these types of opportunities do not come by every year. The next expected board vacancy is in 1107. That being said I can assuredly secure you a security position on one of the many freighters that run through on the Florian Route?. Did you have a preference for the size of the ship? As you know the larger ships have more crew but the smaller ones tend to have more openings because of the itinerant nature of their finances. Also did you have any urgency in taking on a new position? Many of the security positions on the smaller freighters change over on a random basis, so knowing how quickly you can take a new job or waiting for the right opportunity can make a difference."

"Before I leap at a security position on a passing freighter....I'm wondering if there are any more entrepreneurial opportunities for me?"

(Poson)"I can certainly help with that. How many credits are you looking to invest? There are several franchises that I would find for you scattered on the many islands. There are even ones in owning an island itself."

"Not in a position to invest anything but sweat and brain cell equity at this moment unfortunately....so think I should ask if you would be so good as to see if I might find a security position with a mining operation that would have its head office here on Torpol? I could perhaps serve on a freighter delivering resource product from the operation itself to other locations...That would help me learn more about mining operations...

"Sorry to be jumping around in my mind so much...but I'm trying to survey opportunities a bit before jumping into something...I would have loved to have time to get info from Bowman in District 268 and join the Board of Directors of Sternmetal but just can't see me fitting all that in and spending next several weeks in JUMP myself....MIND YOU...I suppose I could just send my parents a correspondence asking for info on the Sternmetal shares and for their support for such an opportunity...?????? Any advice for me?

(Poson)"I will research that for you and send you options tomorrow. Are you opposed to shipments leaving the system or do you want to stay here in Torpol? I will look at both options." he pauses, "I do want to be clear that the board opportunity is only for the Torpol division for Sternmetal. If you are sending anything out I would ensure that there are unimpeachable bearer bonds for the credits, or if you can surprise with something or someone else."