In reply to Referee (msg #1):

Shortly after 0800, a SPA (Starport Port Authority) functionary arrives with a printed invitation.  It invites the Captain and company (OOC: Since Hayden is essentially an NPC at the moment someone should go in his stead) to meet the station director, Athena Xiu, at her office for a courtesy call at 0945.

Jim's in a good mood - over his handover and ready for dockside - as he dusts some cat hair off his suit, while addressing Jack and Danica regarding the invite.

"What say we meet this Athena and then hit the Beach*?  Think we can trust one of the hired hand to handle the stevedores?"

OOC: Hayden's sleeping and the stevedore's are coming 15 min after the invite time, so someone should overlook.  *Beach = The Steel Beach bar/lounge.

"I think that's a fine idea, Doctor. We'll let Bertrand and Thera keep an eye on the resupply and cargo activities." He turns to Danica. "What do you think? Shall we?"

Danica enters the lounge with Jacques.  She gives the Doc and Mr. Jinx a glance on the couches.  Apparently, the good doctor has found his companion again without any assistance from her.  A raised eyebrow is all that accompanies that thought.  Well, and another slight smile.

Then Dani nods to both Jacques and Doc, "Well, someone is going have to meet with the Director.  The protocols must be maintained."  She looks both men up and down for a brief moment, seemingly appraising their attire, "And I guess that we are it."  A turn of the head and a curt nod accompany Jacques idea that Bertrand and Thera hold down the ship.  She trusts both of them implicitly having known them for quite a while and been through some rather harrowing experiences with them.

While tugging at her sleeve pleats for a moment, a slight smile plays on Dani's lips as she turns to go with Jacques and Doc, "And there is no time like the present."  Her posture seems just a little more erect and her demeanor a touch aloof as she begins to head towards the main lock with the others.

Seeing Danica's look, Jack takes a moment to evaluate his uniform. "Ship's livery is... rather uninspired, I suppose, but I think it does me well to maintain appearances."

For some reason he felt slightly embarrassed but shook it off. If he had his druthers he'd relax into his usual dark jeans and jacket. "But I have a feeling the port director wouldn't mind if I showed up in one of Thera's outfits..."

Jack slaps the release on the airlock and steps into the docking tube and into Box 2.

In reply to Jacques Keveloh (msg #6):

The three of you depart Gypsy Moth, and step on to the cargo deck of Box 2.  Over a third of the Box is dedicated to fuel tanks to refuel visiting starships.  The next largest use of space is the one you're in, the cargo deck.  An 8m high rectangular area, the cargo deck connects the eight docking stations and facilitates the transfer and storage of freight.  At one end of the cargo deck is Alagash's, a small ship's chandlery that carries supplies and life support equipment.  Above Alagash's, protruding above the Box's dorsal side, is a spherical hab pod.  It houses the crew and transient accomodations, as well as the Steel Beach and the Box's cafeteria.  Below the Box is another spherical pod.  The ventral pod contains Box 2's powerplant, life support, operations center, and the offices of the Port Authority.  It is there that you are heading now.

Carefuel to stay within the yellow-marked personnel walkways, you proceed towards the lift.  Port activities are in full swing this morning, but, other than a trio of stevedores gathering near Gypsy Moth, there isn't much going on.  The bay is less than half-full of shipping containers and there are only a handful of spacers on errands, making social calls, or just wandering about taking the chance to get off their ships, even if the only thing to see is a station.

As you step into the lift, you wonder what to expect from the Director.  On the one hand, Box 2 doesn't offer nearly the quality of life of, say, Gaithersburg Down or Espiaux Down.  On the other hand, as the port of entry to the Free Republic's capital system, it is regarded as a pretty important post.  Conventional dockside wisdom holds that Box 2 posts are considered "dues payers" positions for SPA workers and that Box 2 directors tend to be on upwards career trajectories.

You take the lift down into the ventral pod, stepping out into the utilitarian Port Authority reception area.  You know from previous visits that the station's operations center is to one side of the reception area, behind locked doors.  The Port Director's office is to the other.

The muscular and handsome mid-twenties SPA rating at the reception desk takes your names.  His name strip reads Wylins.  He flashes Danica a flirtatous smile, as if to assess her receptiveness.

Wylins steps into the Director's office and returns a few minutes later, "The Director will see you now."

You step into Director Xiu's office and are immediately struck by the change in decor.  The office is richly appointed with wood-paneling, thick carpeting, and leather and wood furniture.  Behind the Port Director's desk, the transparent bulkhead offers a commanding view of the underside of the station and the ships docked there.  Gypsy Moth's belly is in full view from the office, her wingtip hazard lights winking in the night.

In her drab grey working uniform, the Port Director seems underdressed for the rich leather and polished antique wood furnishings.  She is of moderate height, appears to be in her late forties and has her chestnut hair pulled back into a tight bun.  Her features are angular and naturally severe, a look not moderated by her drab grey uniform.

Her voice is warmer than her appearance suggests as she greets the group.  "Good morning, I am Port Director Athena Xiu.  Welcome to Largen Solar Orbiting Station Two."

Jack barely notices and barely interacts with the SPA functionary outside of the Port Director's office; he stands waiting, hands clasped loosely behind his back, preoccupied and keeping his thoughts to himself.

As the group enters the office Jack's eyes roam the room, with an appreciative nod and a smile on his face.

"Good morning, Director Xiu," Jack says, stepping forward and extending his hand. "My name is Jacques Keveloh, Bridge Officer of Gypsy Moth, recently arrived out of Alsace. This is Danica Moreau, our pilot, and this is our ship's physician, Doctor Jim Jones. Thank you for the invitation to meet, it's quite a privilege."

He gestures to the viewport, certain that the Director knew exactly which ship out there was the Moth. "I'd like to return the courtesy and offer you a tour of Gypsy Moth, should you have the time while we're in port. There's more to her than meets the eye, which I believe you would appreciate."

Doc appraises the room and the woman.  He's not overly fond of out of place, ostentatious, executive rooms, or rather the sort of person who generally inhabits them.  But, Director Wu's appearance and manner, puts him at his ease that they won't be dealing with some pompous bureaucrat.

With a smile he returns Wu's greeting, "A pleasure.  Quite nice to meet someone runs such an efficient outfit."

Danica is fairly quiet and very alert on the lift to the Director's office.  As the lift approaches the proper level, Dani pulls on the sleeves of her jumpsuit to pull the pleats in line.  She also checks her ponytail and the placement of her shades, using the reflective surface of the lift doors as mirror.  She also rolls her shoulders slightly, which produces a quiet, though audible popping sound as some tension appears to be relieved.

Once the doors open, the former FRA Major moves quickly and efficiently to the reception desk to announce their arrival.  She smiles at the man behind the desk rather perfunctorily until she realizes that he is showing more than a passing interest in her.  Her right eyebrow peeks out over the line of her glasses for brief moment and her smile takes on a slightly crooked, more mischievous, look to it.  But, she does not say anything extra, except offering a "Thank you, Mr. Wylins." to the young man specifically as he rises to tell the Director they are here.

As she gets up to go into the Director's office, Dani states off-hand (but just loud enough to be overheard by the receptionist), "Doc, are you sure about going to the Steel Beach after this?"

Once in the office, Danica lets Jacques take the lead.  She acknowledges the Director as she is introduced.  "Good morning and thank you, Director." she states simply and directly.  The woman seems down to earth enough - now, it is simply a matter of seeing what, if anything, she wants of them.

A slight smile darts across Xiu's face and vanishes.  She indicates three overstuffed, leather armchairs facing her large, polished wood desk and invites the group to sit.

As you are settling into the seats, Xiu proceeds to a sideboard.  She pours a brown liquid from a crystal decanter into four elegant tumblers.  Xiu serves each of you a tumbler from a silver serving tray, taking the last for herself.  "Do you imbibe?", she asks as she sits in her own impressive chair and leans back.

"On occasion," Jack responds as he takes the offered glass. "I've become fond of wine lately but I'm always looking out for something new."

He raises his drink. "Here's to a fufilling new year."

Dani sits easily and comfortably in the leather chair.  The surface squeaks only slightly as she shifts her weight while getting comfortable.  Her legs are crossed and her arms draped casually on the armrests, while she sits there watching the Director pour drinks.

Danica holds up a hand to the tray and the tumbler that awaits her there.  "Thank you, Director, but I cannot partake." she notes, adding rather quickly and more quietly, "Duty."

The raven-haired pilot smiles slightly at Jack's toast.  She merely inclines her head to acknowledge the sentiment as the others drink.

Jim's smile broadens as he reaches to take the tumbler, "Indeed."

"Just the specific I would prescribe," he adds, leaning back and raising his tumbler as Jack gives his toast.

To which he adds, "And, to new acquaintances well met."

In reply to Dr. Jim D. Jones (msg #14):

The superbly blended sctoch is silky smooth as it slides down your throat.  You feel a pleasant warmth spreading in your belly and diffusing to your extremities.  This may not be the best scotch you have ever had, but it isn't far from it.

Between the Director's hospitality, the lavishness of her office, and the offer of alcohol during business hours, this may be the oddest encounter you have ever had with a SPA functionary.  Typically you associate SPA with bureaucratic annoyance rather than this.

Sipping her scotch appreciatively, the director swivels her chair to observe the underbelly of the station and the ships in port.  She is silent for a few moments, perhaps lost in reflection, perhaps savoring her drink and affording you the chance to do the same.  You can see a navy cutter departing, presumably on some errand to the SDB hovering a few thousand kilometers away.

Almost musingly, the Director begins, "I have known Petra Zamorin for many years.  Bright, ambitious, sly."  With a sarcastic, self-mocking smile and lively eyes she looks back at you and notes, "she reminds me of myself."

Languidly she holds up a hand, "don't bother commenting.  I know what you'd say and I'm just a tipsy old lady blowing exhaust through her vent. Point is, you've got Petra's backing and that's something."

She turns back towards the view window.  She sighs and says in a sad tone, quite a bit more serious than before, "This station isn't at all what it seems.  The gateway to the stars, a bastion against contamination by outsiders, a symbol of the Free Republic's technological supremacy.  Really it's a front line in a different war.  The parochialism, the self-aggrandizment in the name of patriotism, the corruption, and the fuzzy wishfulness of so many downworld, only sap our strength.  So eager to line their pockets, to score political or commercial points, our friends at home fall into the trap of thinking Liberty versus FSP*, Pathfinder versus SPA, Colonization versus Education, or what have you is the most important issue of the day.  The truth, that no one dirtside talks about but everyone knows, is that Espiaux needs the galaxy beyond the Boxes far more than the galaxy needs Espiaux. She needs the Empire, Svetlana, the Aslan, and all the little dirtball worlds to trailing.  Without the trade, the links, the ideas, and yes, even the threats, our little world would collapse in on herself."

*=Liberty and FSP are the two largest political parties in the Free Republic parliament at the moment.

She turns back to you. With another gracious smile, she adds, "But I don't suppose I'm telling you anything you don't already know, and I do so ramble on sometimes, especially after drink."

She takes another sip of scotch and adds in a lighter tone, "Besides, politics is too distasteful a subject for a friendly conversation between spacers.  I understand from your cargo manifest that Gypsy Moth is carrying a bit of freight for Tupolev.  Will you be making a port call there?"
This message was last edited by the GM at 05:34, Wed 09 Nov 2011.

Jack nods slightly. "We do indeed have a lot to be delivered there. We haven't had time to investigate speculative opportunities yet so our exact route is unknown at the moment."

He takes a sip of the scotch. "Having said that, we have been planning to deliver that lot ourselves and I for one assumed we would go through Vauclain. But I understand there's a  bit of tension between the Republic and Halowon there at the moment. Mineral mining rights, I believe? Perhaps that's why the Halowon Ambassador started the new year with such a positive op ed piece?" ** A sardonic smile crosses his face as he savors a bit more of the liquor.

"Regardless, if you have any word of Vauclain - or could suggest another route to Tupolev - it would be much appreciated."



** OOC: from the Vicinity of Box 2 (Espiaux) 002-5742 thread:
link to a message in this game

The scotch was smooth, but mention of Petra instantly numbed any soothing effect it would have had on the doc.  The woman was pretty smooth, too.  Apparently considered herself ambitious and sly to boot and not shy about pointing it out.

Jim wouldn't have given two thoughts to not letting anyone and everyone know their intended course, but the woman's smooth talk made him jittery about doing so now.

"Yes, we will likely stop over there, assuming plans don't change.  Which they often do.  Why do you ask?"

He continued to smile and enjoy the scotch, but he wasn't a good enough people person to completely hide his uncomfortableness.


OOC: Petra is from the first thread?

Danica nods in agreement with Director Xiu, the smile on her lips slightly rueful and her fingers steepled before her chin, "People are people, Director.  And politics are politics.  One could say that almost everything is politics..."  She shrugs slightly, and then notes quietly, if slightly rhetorically, "We might dearly like to see those things change.  But, really, what can be done about it?"

She lets her statement hang there for a moment, then moves on with Jack and Doc and talking about their next destination.  She listens quietly as they both ask in different ways, what business it is of the Director about how and why they go towards Tupolev.  Danica smiles slightly as it is interesting to watch the two effectively try a variation on 'Good Cop-Bad Cop' or, rather, 'Civil Spacer, Gruff Spacer'.

It's either that, or the three of them are living caricatures of the 'See No Evil, Hear No Evil, Speak No Evil' monkeys.  And as the silent one, Dani knows which one she is...

In reply to Danica Moreau (msg #18):

Xiu takes another sip of her scotch and acknowledges Danica, "Quite right."

When Jacques brings up the op-ed piece, the Director replies diplomatically, "That piece was not particularly constructive, but it illustrates the mindset we must consider."

"There is a prominent Halowon businessman, Helmar Nagel, who has recently arrived on the station.  He and his associates are looking for passage back to Halowon space.  Gypsy Moth appears to be the best option for Mr. Nagel to return home safely and swiftly.  I expect he will be approaching you for passage.  You would be doing a service to the Free Republic, and to the cause of peace, by delivering Mr. Nagel safely to Tupolev."

"The reason I wanted to speak to you personally about him is to alert you to a certain risk.  There are those who might see advantage if Mr. Nagel were not to return alive to Halowon.  I don't have any actionable knowledge of specific threats to him, just an appreciation to his vulnerability.  I will do what I can to ensure his safety here on the station, but once he leaves it will be up to you."

"There are advantages and disadvantages to each route.  The space around Vauclain itself is patrolled by the Free Republic Navy, but downworld is low tech and somewhat chaotic.  You may also have difficulty finding cargo to Vauclain."

"Ozawa in the Vauclain system is obviously more security conscious and is also patrolled, but is much more cosmopolitan.  The same goes for Svetlana."

"Indeed," JIm replies vaguely, sitting back and making himself more comfortable as he cradles the remains of his scotch.

"We do happen to be at liberty to take on passengers, especially if it benefits the FR," he adds reflectively.

"This prominent Mr. Nagel, you happen to know the nature of his business?  And, while the nature of any specific threats may be unknown, perhaps you could share the identity of those suspected of wishing him ill..."

In reply to Dr. Jim D. Jones (msg #20):

The Director replies, "Of course, I dined with him only last night.  He is best known as a dealmaker.  He brings together principals from different polities or industries on large business agreements.  He also has ties by marriage to Rabenshild Bank, a sizeable private bank on Tupolev."

"I can not claim to be privy to the particulars of his current project, but I am told it involves a joint venture to establish new trading routes between Tupolev and the Free Republic.  Several parties could stand to gain from access to new sources of goods, but other factors would suffer from increased competition."

"Politically, the danger would be from factions that have become polarized in their opposition to any improvement in relations.  Unfortunately, the strength of our Navy may work against peace."  She shakes her head ruefully, "Some people downworld don't grasp that the cost of war, even one the Free Republic is virtually assured of winning, far outweigh any benefits to be gained.  With an election later this year, a new trade arrangement or the collapse thereof could be milked for points in the polls.  Everyone knows who the hawks are in the right wing of the Liberty Party.*"

"Externally, factors on Svetlana would not benefit from more Halowon goods in our markets and there are some in the Principality who would want the Free Republic and Halowon to war with each other."

Xiu shrugs her shoulders helplessly.  "I know I haven't narrowed the threats down much.  I wish I could give you better insight, or a suspect list, but I can't.  I also readily admit I could be exaggerating the danger, but I have learned to trust my gut in this job and my gut says Mr. Nagel is at risk."

* = the hawks to whom the Director is referring are probably the group of MPs closely associated to Michael Porter, a colorful, self-proclaimed "unabashed patriot" and senior representative from Espiaux's Koto Range district.
This message was last edited by the GM at 08:06, Sun 13 Nov 2011.

Jack listens carefully as Xiu outlines what she can of the situation. He downs the last sip of his liquor and sets down the tumbler.

"I'm beginning to think we don't have much choice in this matter, Director Xiu," Jack says carefully. He looks at the Doctor and Danica, his face serious but non-committal. "A recommendation by Petra Zamorin could be construed as a... direct request. But there are a lot of unknowns in this endeavor that could set us up for failure."

He turns back to Xiu. "A lack of operational intelligence in a given matter is one thing but I'd be interested to know if there are any other resources you might have that could help us protect Mr. Nagel. Be they political, financial or, ah, physical."
This message was last edited by the player at 04:46, Tue 15 Nov 2011.

Questions.  Plenty of questions.  Some with possible answers, others with less possible answers.  Danica's posture in the seat continues to be relaxed, even as Jack implies that the job offer at hand is not really an offer, nor it is very well defined.  Her mind is racing, however.  There are plenty of undefined parameters in this job.  In some ways, too open-ended for her liking.  In other ways, it is just par for the course with what she is used to dealing with.  Her hands steepled for before her chin and lips, she waits until Jack asks his questions and then posits her own, piggy-backing them onto Jack's line of thought.

"Director, I sympathisize with your concern; a display of genuine friendship.  But may I ask why Mr. ..." she pauses briefly as she mentally searches for the name for a moment, "ah, Nagel did not contact us directly?  While, we do specialize in being a high-speed courier for people and property - that does require some cooperation and interaction with the clientele, in question."  Danica considers some of the logitistics as she ventures, "How urgently do Mr. Nagel and his associates need to be returned to Tupolev?"  Her brow furrows for a moment as she ponders the specifics, "You did mention associates, correct?  How many people and how much associated cargo would we be contracted to transport to Tupolev?"

Given Athena's concern within the Federation, Dani also asks, "And are we to assume that once we enter Halowon space that Mr. Nagel is safe?  That there a designated drop point off for him once we are there?  Or are we to assume that the potential threat level to his safety remains high there as well?"  It's always back to defining the parameters of the job for her - the latter could extend the nature of this job extensively.  Without actual evidence though, the Director asking for a fair bit of intangible action.  Protecting against anything is ... difficult; and the short-haired brunette's pursed lips reflects that.

Dani is also worried about what his disposition to this arrangement is, she shifts in her seat, the leather creeking slightly.  Her tone is matter-of-fact, if a little distant as she brainstorms, while prompts, "There will also be questions about how much direct, and indirect, protection we are to afford Mr. Nagel at any given time.  And how much of our protection he wants or feels he needs."  She arches and eyebrow and glances at Jack and Doc, and then back to Director Xiu, "Or, perhaps, those are questions that we should be asking of Mr. Nagel himself?"

Jim remained relaxed, casually listening to the Director, Jack and Danica as he slowly enjoyed his scotch.

As Danica finished, he looked at all three, then held out his empty glass for a refill and added, "Indeed."

In reply to Dr. Jim D. Jones (msg #24):

Athena Xiu chuckles at Jacques insinuation the job is mandatory and graciously assuages his concerns, "Hardly my dear boy.  I am barely the boss of the two dozen or so people here on the station, much less anyone else's. I am simply appealing to you to as fellow citizens.  I don't have the authority to order you to do anything, outside of typical SPA duties at any rate, nor can I offer much in the way of inducement."

She pauses to wet her lips from her tumbler.  She lays her hand on her desk and runs it along the smooth wood and allows, "I do have some small modicum of influence her on this station though, for fueling priorities, cargo handling, and the like."

She listens appreciatively to Danica's questions and notes, "You are quite right my dear.  Some clients can be their own worst enemies when it comes to security.  Like most members of the weaker sex, no offense gentlemen, Helmar does most of his thinking with his smaller head.  There is a crewmember here, Claudette, who is... vivacious.  She is not a threat, except to his stamina, and has occupied much of his time since he and his party arrived two days ago."  The Director allows herself a small bit of off-color gossip as she remarks, "I should not wonder if the poor man lacks the strength to stand this morning."

"The good Claudette will continue to keep Helmar enagaged as much as possible until he departs, for his own good, of course."

Noting the Doctor's deficit, the Director stands and proceeds to the sideboard, talking as she goes, "Helmar Nagel and two associates arrived on station two days ago.  They brought with them a considerable amount of baggage, but not above what is considered customary for quality passengers.  I should think one of his assistants will contact you shortly as I would expect them to be rather interested in the prospect of making it to Tupolev in three weeks or so, rather than the six weeks or more it would take them in any other non-Ozawa trader."  She pauses.

"Although it would be regrettable if anything were to happen to Helmar after he disembarks your ship on Tupolev, there really is not much we can do to prevent it is there?"

Returning with the decanter, she generously replenishes the Doctor's tumbler (and recharges Jack's if he desires), "Do you like it Doctor?  It is a Brambleton pure single-malt, 5703 I believe."

"Indeed," doc replied with a large grin, giving his appreciation of the drink and her replies.

The Brambleton was certainly affecting Jim's demeanor in a positive way.

Looking around to his companions, he added, "Thanks for the drinks and the heads up, I think we will seriously entertain assisting Mr. Nagel and would appreciate any help you may be able to provide."