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13:35, 28th March 2024 (GMT+0)

Profit Margin - Dinomn/Lanth (0302) Date: 316-1107 11:00.

Posted by Traveller RefereeFor group 0
Traveller Referee
GM, 1217 posts
In space nobody can hear
you swearing at me.
Sun 14 May 2017
at 10:36
  • msg #176

Re: Profit Margin - Dinomn/Lanth (0302) Date: 316-1107 13:45

"As long as a person is not acting suspiciously, they should be fine." Enigaakam assures Shui.  "While he has reported a large number of incidents, they've almost always been a result of somebody behaving in a manner that doesn't fit expectations."

The vehicle slows to a halt.  "Here we are.  Docking Bay 12."
Shui Tiesi
player, 1707 posts
Quiet doctor,
helpful steward.
Mon 15 May 2017
at 13:21
  • msg #177

Re: Profit Margin - Dinomn/Lanth (0302) Date: 316-1107 13:45

"Which, sadly, would include myself in this situation," Shui admits.  Responsibility does certainly in part lie with her.  It seems likely that Captain Carter's issue is more with a general nervousness or overly focused concern.  She could label it paranoia, but for one it doesn't seem to have gone so far, and for another she's hardly a licensed professional...and finally, she has only met the man once.

But probably no maliciousness?  She can agree with that.

"Thank you, Officer Enigaakam." Still seated - and in the front, if allowed, for Shui does not feel at ease with being driven about as if someone of import - the steward offers a small bow.  "You have been most helpful, but in the matter of the drive and the cautionary information."
Ash Tescali
player, 589 posts
Traveling through J-space
isn't like dusting crops
Mon 15 May 2017
at 19:40
  • msg #178

Re: Profit Margin - Dinomn/Lanth (0302) Date: 316-1107 13:40

Ash thought for a pregnant moment as Shui's missive came over the crew channel.  Am I well? the lanky ex-Scout hesitated for the briefest of seconds, the ship's doctor always had interesting phrasing.  He was physically unhurt, which only left a more in-depth mental evaluation.  But there hadn't been the time nor necessity for that.  ++I++ he broke the silence and his own reverie, ++am all right.  Perhaps a touch shaken, but nothing more than that.++  And so, he left it at that.

Any regrets or recriminations about the situation, either avoidance or outcome, would have to wait.

++I'll be coming back to the Profit Margin forthwith; the Captain has asked for a change of clothes.++ he added after a moment, registering Jago's request for a new shirt.  Grabbing stuff for Jago was the least that Ash could do in this case.  The Captain might as well be comfortable if he was really going to be require to remain under observation for twenty-four hours or more.  "A change of clothes... got it." he pulled open another note on his wrist comp and tapped in the start of a list, "Is there anything else that you need or want, that I can bring back?"

He stood and was straightening his duster then looked thoughtful for a moment, "Um, Boss?  Who has access to your quarters?"  I mean he was sure that Saskia could probably hack the system.  Even he might be able to do it as well, but it probably wasn't called for in this case...
Traveller Referee
GM, 1218 posts
In space nobody can hear
you swearing at me.
Tue 16 May 2017
at 18:38
  • msg #179

Re: Profit Margin - Dinomn/Lanth (0302) Date: 316-1107 13:45

Jago starts giving Ash a list of things to bring in for him - clothes, something to read (Trade and Commerce Quarterly), toiletries - then adds, "Yas has the key code to my quarters, but the door probably isn't locked anyway."

Tylen responds to Shui's message about returning to the ship with a Port Security escort.  "One of us can meet you at the bay entrance, if you like, to avoid potential issues with unfriendly neighbours.  Just let us know when you get here."
Shui Tiesi
player, 1708 posts
Quiet doctor,
helpful steward.
Thu 18 May 2017
at 16:54
  • msg #180

Re: Profit Margin - Dinomn/Lanth (0302) Date: 316-1107 13:45

+ That seems wise, Mr. Orgesh, + Shui replies, stepping out of the vehicle. + I have actually arrived. +  Leaning back in, she thanks the officer - again - and waits politely for him to drive off before turning toward the docking bay.

She'll wait.
Tylen Orgesh
player, 1200 posts
Gunner and former scout
Who the hell is Will?
Thu 18 May 2017
at 19:20
  • msg #181

Re: Profit Margin - Dinomn/Lanth (0302) Date: 316-1107 13:45

Tylen raises his eyes skywards, as Shui tells him that she has arrived.  His scanning cameras tell him that she hasn't entered the hangar, so she must be waiting outside the docking bay.

Still i his security uniform he leaves the bridge at a run, keying his com for Yas as he goes.  "Shui is outside." and continues down the ramp  and across the docking bay to the entrance.
Traveller Referee
GM, 1219 posts
In space nobody can hear
you swearing at me.
Sun 21 May 2017
at 04:47
  • msg #182

Re: Profit Margin - Dinomn/Lanth (0302) Date: 316-1107 13:45

Shui waits for the vehicle to drive off, but it doesn't.  Clearly Enigaakam is a stickler for duty - having been ordered to deliver his charge to Docking Bay 12, he is going to watch long enough to ensure that she enters safely...

At least he doesn't insist on walking her in, as if he were an anxious parent on Shui's first day at EduCentral.

While Tylen crosses to the bay door to act as an escort, Yas follows him as far as the foot of the ramp, ready to provide backup, should it be required.  And, incidentally, to watch the open entrance to the ship...

Tylen opens the pedestrian access, eschewing the much more massive vehicle entrance.  Still, a klaxon blares repeatedly, and rotating amber hazard lights start to flash on both sides of the door as it begins to noisily roll aside, admitting warmer air from the station's interior to the still somewhat chilly docking bay.  Moisture starts to condense on the metal deck.
This message was last edited by the GM at 04:54, Sun 21 May 2017.
Shui Tiesi
player, 1709 posts
Quiet doctor,
helpful steward.
Tue 23 May 2017
at 14:48
  • msg #183

Re: Profit Margin - Dinomn/Lanth (0302) Date: 316-1107 13:45

Arriving at the docking bay entrance, Shui waits for her pickup.  All of this mess, just because of a foolish decision on her part.  Well, she's not going to second-guess it now - it made sense at the time, a few seconds possibly meaning a life saved and no knowledge that the other ship would be doing regular scans of the docking bay and then considering her a threat.

But she's not taking a chance, now.  Better to wait for identifiable ship's security.

She hears the distant hooting of the access, then the door begins to open.  "Mr. Orgesh," the steward states with some relief.  "It is most certainly a pleasure to see you."
Tylen Orgesh
player, 1201 posts
Gunner and former scout
Who the hell is Will?
Tue 23 May 2017
at 14:54
  • msg #184

Re: Profit Margin - Dinomn/Lanth (0302) Date: 316-1107 13:45

"And you." he grins at the stewardess.  "Lets get you inside before the idiot from next door comes visiting." He adds ushering her towards The Margin.  "He can't be much of a security man, if he didn't bother to check his cameras back, once he thought he had seen something wrong."
Shui Tiesi
player, 1710 posts
Quiet doctor,
helpful steward.
Tue 23 May 2017
at 15:18
  • msg #185

Re: Profit Margin - Dinomn/Lanth (0302) Date: 316-1107 13:45

Shaking her head, Shui enters the bay and follows Tylen's lead. "I must apologize for this.  Had I chosen differently, all of this could have been avoided.  I appreciate you coming to meet me here - I have no desire to speak to anyone from the other ship, at present." Awkward, to say the least.  And, Shui realizes, worse.

While she can understand the series of events that led to here, there remains the gut-deep fear she felt when faced shotguns levelled at her stomach in the hands of people who considered thrown grenades to be a viable tactic for use against an unknown.  Fear that, upon thought of facing them again, turns to anger.

"I would vastly prefer to simply enter into the ship as swiftly as possible," she continues, knowing - from experience - that the other ship was likely keeping tabs on the movement in the bay even now.
Yasmine Crow
player, 1233 posts
Gunner and ex marine
''Fire at Will!''
Tue 23 May 2017
at 16:57
  • msg #186

Re: Profit Margin - Dinomn/Lanth (0302) Date: 316-1107 13:45

Standing still like a statue with her arms folded across her chest, Yas watches the entrance and the two of the crew that is over there.  She does not move or look away at all even as they begin to make their way back.  On her hips is one big revolver and leaning against her leg is the scattergun, but it is a "safe" bet she is packing more heat.
Traveller Referee
GM, 1220 posts
In space nobody can hear
you swearing at me.
Tue 23 May 2017
at 19:43
  • msg #187

Re: Profit Margin - Dinomn/Lanth (0302) Date: 316-1107 13:45

And it's over... Tylen escorts Shui across to the ship, while Yas stands watch at the ramp.  The pair go into the ship and, after one last survey of the bay, Yas also enters and closes the cargo access behind her.

The ramp lifts with its customary screech, and the shooting of the locking bolts is almost as good as slamming a door in the face of anybody who might be observing the bay...

Jago hesitates for a moment, then seems to reach a decision, "I need you to keep this secret, Ash.  There's a cooler in the bottom of the closet in my cabin, with a few packs of chocobacon in it.  Take one out and bring it back here - but don't trust anybody else to do it, and don't tell them about the cooler."
Shui Tiesi
player, 1711 posts
Quiet doctor,
helpful steward.
Wed 24 May 2017
at 16:48
  • msg #188

Re: Profit Margin - Dinomn/Lanth (0302) Date: 316-1107 13:45

Finally within the ship, Shui slowly sags against the cargo bay's bulkhead.  "Thank goodness.  And thank you, Mr. Orgesh, Ms. Crow."  In her distress, Shui reverts to her customary manner of speech without realizing it.

For an instant, her eyes slowly close; a moment later, they snap open. "Captain Lanza.  Is there any news?  Have we been sent a medical report?  They must send a medical report.  I think."  Her mind races, running over the laws.  She'll need to look it up, but the norm on many worlds is for the crewmember's ship to receive such a report, due to travel issues and the fact that the person in question is not a citizen of the world.
Tylen Orgesh
player, 1202 posts
Gunner and former scout
Who the hell is Will?
Wed 24 May 2017
at 17:24
  • msg #189

Re: Profit Margin - Dinomn/Lanth (0302) Date: 316-1107 13:45

Tylen tosses Yas a 'look' as Shui sags against the bulkhead, but grins when she suddenly starts worrying about Jago.  "Why don't you contact them now you are back and you can chase them up on it?" he says encouraging the doctor to do something that will keep her business like.  Any other, more personal, comfort and support will have to wait until later.

"And I have something I want to try out ..." he adds with a big grin.
Shui Tiesi
player, 1712 posts
Quiet doctor,
helpful steward.
Thu 25 May 2017
at 14:50
  • msg #190

Re: Profit Margin - Dinomn/Lanth (0302) Date: 316-1107 13:45

"Absolutely, Mr. Orgesh.  A very fine idea."  Immediately, Shui begins keying her dataglove in a search for the medical center and its call numbers.  There comes a short pause when Tylen's next words finally seep into her racing mind.

One eyebrow rises slightly. "Something...you wish to try out?" the steward hesitantly inquires, still hunting for the proper information.
Tylen Orgesh
player, 1203 posts
Gunner and former scout
Who the hell is Will?
Thu 25 May 2017
at 15:13
  • msg #191

Re: Profit Margin - Dinomn/Lanth (0302) Date: 316-1107 13:45

Tylen just grins at Shui.  "Yeah!  I have The Margin's cameras scanning the docking bay and  recording movements, we should, for example, be able to easily pull back images of us walking back to the ship. And I should be able to see what matey-boy next door has been up to when I feel like it. Now I just want to see if I can tweak that a little bit ..."
Shui Tiesi
player, 1713 posts
Quiet doctor,
helpful steward.
Thu 25 May 2017
at 15:58
  • msg #192

Re: Profit Margin - Dinomn/Lanth (0302) Date: 316-1107 13:45

Oh, dear.

"Mr. Orgesh, please not on my account," Shui hastens to state. "Things did certainly go in an odd direction, but it could have been much worse -" she could have been flat-out shot, for example "- and I have no wish to begin a feud with another ship that could lead to both crews suffering."

Her lips press tightly together. "I...have heard that the neighbouring captain is swift to interpret situations in the worst possible light, if not invent such situations, and does not hesitate to immediately call them to the attention of the local law enforcement.  He also seems very quick to point weapons and threaten their use.  I am not saying he carries sole responsibility for what transpired, but I do not wish any further unpleasantness."

Especially the sort that could end with one of Profit Margin's people back in the hands of the authorities...or the hospital, with a similar (or worse) wound to Jago's.
Tylen Orgesh
player, 1204 posts
Gunner and former scout
Who the hell is Will?
Thu 25 May 2017
at 17:16
  • msg #193

Re: Profit Margin - Dinomn/Lanth (0302) Date: 316-1107 13:45

"Oh, no one is going to get hurt and I'm not even going to antagonise him.  Doubt I'll even meet him." the Ex-scout says with a grin, "However, I trust him about as far as I can throw him.  He clearly isn't much of a security officer if he didn't watch his cameras back before he came to detain you, and something just doesn't ring right. Too eager to get the locals involved  ... " Tylen trails off without finishing the thought.

"And," he adds as an after thought, "if someone does coming in pilfering, I wouldn't want to leave it to him."
Traveller Referee
GM, 1221 posts
In space nobody can hear
you swearing at me.
Sun 28 May 2017
at 20:21
  • msg #194

Re: Profit Margin - Dinomn/Lanth (0302) Date: 316-1107 13:45

"Actually." Yas says, "He called the authorities because he's had problems with thefts from docking bays on this station recently.  So as soon as his thermal sensors spotted somebody acting suspiciously - hiding behind some machinery by all accounts - he reported it to Port Security immediately and moved to prevent the suspect escaping."

"As his ship's Security Chief he has the authority to do it.  I'd have done the same, and I wouldn't have wasted time checking cameras first either, if I'd caught somebody in the act.  That could wait until after the Law had carted them away.  It's my job to protect my ship and its crew, cargo and passengers first, using whatever means I have at my disposal, it's Port Security's job to deal with the paperwork, and conduct an investigation.  After all, they're the ones who might still be stuck with the prisoner after the ship has moved on.  They're the ones who have the time to do a proper investigation.  Shui's back here, and that's an end to it.  Probably the best end we can expect."


She sighs, "Anyway, what he did was not as out of line as what we did - charging across the station with guns drawn to rescue Jago and Ash.  Outside of this docking bay we didn't really have the authority to do that.  Port Security could have shut us away and erased the door codes, if they wanted to."

"It's a good job I have a crew I can rely on while I'm in here." Jago ruminates happily, "I can stay here for a while, I think, and I know that there'll be no problems back at the Margin.  Just bring me the things I asked for."
Shui Tiesi
player, 1714 posts
Quiet doctor,
helpful steward.
Mon 29 May 2017
at 13:57
  • msg #195

Re: Profit Margin - Dinomn/Lanth (0302) Date: 316-1107 13:45

Relieved that things did not proceed as badly as they could have for her shipmates, Shui merely listens to Yasmine's explanation.  When the Security Chief finishes, the steward merely nods.  "Of course, I will leave all matters of security to yourself and Mr. Orgesh."  It's their business, not hers, how to go about dealing with such matters; Shui is only peripherally familiar, in any case, having focused mostly on circumvention...not to mention being woefully out of practice.

"I am pleased, however, that nobody else was harmed during this altercation," she quietly concludes.

Once she has a call number for the medical area, she puts in said call, inquiring - officially, as the ship's medical officer - as to Jago's current condition.
Traveller Referee
GM, 1222 posts
In space nobody can hear
you swearing at me.
Tue 30 May 2017
at 18:07
  • msg #196

Re: Profit Margin - Dinomn/Lanth (0302) Date: 316-1107 13:50

Shui manages to find the contact codes without difficulty.  The medical facility is set up for ease of contact.

A short while later, she has information about Jago's condition.

"Kher Lanza is comfortable and stable.  He is in no danger at the moment but, because of the medication he's been prescribed, we have to keep him under observation for 24 hours.  Do you have any message you would like us to relay to him?"
Ash Tescali
player, 590 posts
Traveling through J-space
isn't like dusting crops
Tue 30 May 2017
at 18:50
  • msg #197

Re: Profit Margin - Dinomn/Lanth (0302) Date: 316-1107 13:45

Ash simply nods as Jago confides in his guilty edible pleasure, bringing him into the conspiracy of silence.  He's obviously not proud of it, but the lanky navigator does know who pays his salary.  At least, up until the presumed impending coronary blockage, which his actions would presumably be facilitating.  He sighed slightly and ran his fingers through his hair for a moment, before committing the choco-bacon to his list (but only mentally, as he couldn't actually put it on the list).

"Got it, Boss." Ash noted simply as he made for the door, "shouldn't take me too long ..."

Before heading out of the clinic, Ash stops by nurse's station to see if they can call him a cab or other transport to their docking berth.  Only once en route to the Profit Margin does he ping the rest of the crew to let them know that he is on his way and that he intends to return to visit the Captain with a care package.
Traveller Referee
GM, 1223 posts
In space nobody can hear
you swearing at me.
Tue 6 Jun 2017
at 13:11
  • msg #198

Re: Profit Margin - Dinomn/Lanth (0302) Date: 316-1107 14:00

The cab, looking like a slightly smaller, stripped-down version of the air/raft drops Ash outside the docking bay, and he makes his way inside.

There seems to be some activity at the other ship - the cargo door is open, though there is not currently any cargo in sight.  Two armed men appear to be standing watch over the aperture.  Three more people,dressed in high visibility jumpsuits are sitting on the access ramp, talking quietly among themselves.

Ash enters the code to open up the Margin, then goes into the ship and closes the ramp behind him...
Shui Tiesi
player, 1715 posts
Quiet doctor,
helpful steward.
Tue 6 Jun 2017
at 17:05
  • msg #199

Re: Profit Margin - Dinomn/Lanth (0302) Date: 316-1107 14:00

"Absolutely," Shui replies, relieved at the reasoning. "Please let him know I shall come to see him as soon as security deems it appropriate."  She glances up at both Yasmine and Tylen.  "I am certain that will be soon."

Abruptly the door opens, and Shui's eyebrow rise.  "Please excuse me," she requests of the medical facility before logging off. "Ah, Mr. Tescali," the steward continues, surveying him for injuries as he enters. "One trusts you are well?  I had no reports of injuries to your person, but it's always wise to ask...."
Traveller Referee
GM, 1224 posts
In space nobody can hear
you swearing at me.
Tue 13 Jun 2017
at 20:52
  • msg #200

Re: Profit Margin - Dinomn/Lanth (0302) Date: 316-1107 14:00

Ash assures Shui that he's fine, though he does confess to having been a little shaken by the incident, which he describes in some detail - the Vargr in distress who had turned out to be an ally of the group attacking him, and the bait in a cunningly planned trap, the demand for valuables, the gunshot, and the rescue.

"But really, I'm not hurt, and the shock was short-lived.  I've just come to pick up some clean clothes, and some magazines for Jago."
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