Danica can only smirk slightly at Athena's methods for keeping Helmar occupied.  But it is a tried and true method, at least in the short term.  Of course, how Helmar got any of his other work done is likely a mystery, if Claudette was any good at what the Director was implying.  As for what that meant with respect to what Nagel's expectations once on the Gypsy Moth might be - well, Dani figures that she would temper any expectations early and that Thera and the others on-board were all adults and could handle themselves well enough.

When the Director addressed Dani's concerns about Halowon security and continuing to protect Nagel once in Tupolev with a rather blase attitude, Danica merely nodded.  It was probably a good thing that she had mirrorshades on.  From her standpoint, it could be practicality or it could be deeper plans on Athena's part.  Dani's paranoia meant that she knew what she suspected, but for her that didn't change whether they would take the job (they would) or whether they should take the job (they should) or whether they had any choice in taking the job (they didn't).  If nothing else, they needed the work and Hayden's directive with respect to their cover required that they not burn any bridges unnecessarily.  Done properly and professionally, this job could not do anything but help to enhance their reputations.

Dani returns Doc's glance and nods in agreement with his statements.  She merely added, "We are grateful, Director Xiu.  This situation seems tailor-made for us; we don't consider ourselves 'elite security specialists' for no reason..  We'll be in touch with Mr. Nagel and his associates in the morning."  The slight smirk returns along with a raised eyebrow.  The 'business' portion of the meeting appeared to be coming to an end.  Unless Director Xiu had additional matters that required their attention, of course.  But the dark-haired ex-ACID operative figures that it is for Athena to broach any such topics first.

"Well then, we have a consensus," Jack remarks, smiling. "I'm sure the Gypsy Moth will be more than satisfactory for Mr. Nagel and his associates. And yes, any sort of help you can arrange with cargo and freight would be appreciated indeed."

In reply to Jacques Keveloh (msg #28):

The Director smiles, "Thank you, you are doing a service to the Free Republic.  I will ensure Gypsy Moth gets priority service from station personnel."

Graciously, Xiu brings the meeting to a close, "Unfortunately, I will have to cut our meeting short as other pressing business to attend.  Thank you for your understanding."

Still smiling, the Director shakes hands with each of you, remembering each of your names, and wishes you a pleasant and profitable stay at the station and successful voyage to Tupolev.  Afterwards you are politely ushered back to the lift by the same rating as earlier.

It is now a bit past ten in the morning and you are free to do whatever you choose (to either of the cargo brokers, to the Steel Beach, to seek out Nagel, visit another ship at dock, purchase supplies at Alagash's, return to the ship, whatever).

About this time, you get a text from Hayden:

"cargo ops smooth. below list freight + spec enough fill hold Ozawa or Svetlana. Svet ship arriving soon maybe more price comp that route.  foods poss good spec but poss perishable.  Working passengers next."


Freight On Station
Tons Dest Description          Forwarder
40   Oz   Construction Drones  Engel
30   Oz   Magnesium Rods*      Engel
40   Oz   Biochemicals         Engel
10   Oz   ATV                  Engel
15   Oz   Medical Supplies     Engel
50   Svt  Crystal Iron Coils   Engel
50   Svt  Industrial Crystals  Engel
60   Svt  Manufactured Goods   Engel

* Hazardous Cargo

Freight Arriving Day 009
Tons Dest Description
25   Oz   Crystal Iron Coils   Engel
10   Oz   Machine Parts        Engel
20   Svt  Luxury Goods         Engel

Spec On Station
Tons Description            Supplier
10   Commercial Appliances  Alagash
70   Kelp Foodstuffs        Alagash
50   Cuttlefin Foodstuffs   Alagash

Spec Arriving Day 009
Tons Description            Supplier
25   Petrochemical Polymers Alagash
50   Phosphate Fertilyzers  Alagash
25   Ceramics               Alagash


OOC: BTW, in this TU ships aren't arbitrarily required to stay in port for one week between jumps.  Port stays are more a function of cargo delivery times, passenger booking, and other commercial factors.  I understand the one week thing as a courtesy to shippers and passenger agencies to allow them to work delivery and embarkation schedules, but it isn't an ironclad rule, especially at a station like this (if a potential passenger isn't already on the station or on the sissy arriving on day 009...)

As they enter the lift, Jim announces, "I'm for the beach."

"Figure its as good a place as any to contact this Nagel guy."

"Sounds fine. I'll join you, my good Doctor."

As they head towards the Beach, Jack texts Hayden back. "Copy that, we have one VIP plus unknown number of lackeys for Tupolev. Will confirm by tomorrow AM. Port Director may grease our wheels a bit. Thinking Ozawa then quick turnaround to Tupolev. Please front Lance creds to finalize livery for all crew through Alagash. Steel Beach for lunch if you like."

Jack then pinged Lance to ask him to meet with Hayden and handle the remaining livery for the crew. He was starting to feel like a micro-manager but it was better to be in the loop and make sure things we're getting done than to assume it would all just happen.

"Things move fast, don't they?" Jack mused aloud as he slipped his comm into his pocket. "I imagine we could be heading out in a day or so if Director Xiu has her way. Better make the most of the Beach, Doctor!" Jack said, grinning.
This message was last edited by the player at 18:49, Mon 21 Nov 2011.

Danica thanks Athena for her hospitality before walking out with the others.  She smiles slightly as she thanks Wylins for his help and enters the lift with Jack and Doc.

Once in the lift, she nods to the others, "To the Beach it is."

She nods approvingly as Jack makes arrangements.  Danica stands at ease, quite still actually, as the lift jets the away.  She can only chuckle slightly as Jack makes his rejoinder about the timing and fact that they may only get a couple of meals on station before heading off.

While still in the speeding lift, Dani asks off-hand, "So, are we going through Svetlana or Vauclain?"  As she does so, her head turns and gleaming mirrorshades focus on her two companions.

"I'd say Vauclain, or probably Ozawa to be more precise," Jack says amicably. "We've got freight and now passengers to Tupolev. If we go through Svetlana we add a jump-1. Which is adding another week with said passenger."

On a lark, Jack gets his hand comp out and searches the local nets for Nagel. "Lafleur and his team were easy. If the Port Director is keeping this Nagel busy by throwing a woman at him, Thera would probably jettison the man if there was a third jump she had to endure... And no telling what his associates might be like."

As they passed through the main cargo area again, Jack sent a quick text message to Hayden while responses to his net query loaded in the background. "Suggestions on fine food and drink much appreciated. Tupolev passenger may require extreme coddling."

When they got to Alagash's, below the Steel Beach, Jack paused. "Grab us a table, I'll be up in a moment. I want to order extra, ah, libations for the Tupolev run. There's more than one way to sap a man's energy..."

"Svetlana has the hottest...", Jim glances at Danica, "er, markets. Or so I hear."

"But, Ozawa, will do if it shaves time and makes things easier."

To Jack's final remark, adding, "Sure thing... I could use some sapping myself."

In reply to Dr. Jim D. Jones (msg #34):

OOC: And the party has split, Eeek!  (just kidding)

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Alagash's Supplies

The supply shop on Box 2 is small, and generally stuffed with equipment, leading to an almost claustrophobic experience.  It is well-stocked, though, and just about everything legal can be found here, though at a considerable markup as it is the only such store for many millions of kilometers.  As Roan Alagash is fond of joking, location is everything in business.

Alagash himself is a bit of a larger-than-life personality.  With his back slapping nature, habit of calling all his customers "my good friend", sharp suits, slicked-back hair, and thick gold rings on each hand, Alagash is often caricatured behind his back.  He has run the shop since before Jacques begin spacing and has an instinctive understanding of the kinds of equipment spacers need.  He also known to rent cargo space on the Box and sell goods on speculation.

When Jacques enters the shop, Alagash and Lance Charpentier are leaning over his sales counter conferring on something, "so you see my good young friend, to place the logo here is no problem..."

Further back down one of the shop's few aisles two spacers stand in close proximity, examining some piece of equipment (Jacques can't tell what at this point).  Judging from their height, the man's full beard and the woman's waist length hair, they are likely Svetlanan.

Hayden texts, "Meet you at Beach after cgo hndlng comp"

A quick scan of Nagel's name in the local news doesn't turn up anything in the mainstream press.  There are however a handful of reports on niche business sites, mostly having to do with shipping, shipyards, and investing.  All but a handful of those sites are pay-for-content, allowing a casual reader only the first two or three sentences.  The few that Jacques can access talk about how any plan to start a shipping line to compete with Ozawa Lines on Republic-Empire trade will fail because:

a) the Free Republic would never agree to build J-2 ships for any company based in the Empire, fearing the risk of technology transfer
b) even if they did, the production schedule at Espiaux's orbital shipyard is already booked to 100% capacity for years to come with naval construction
c) Ozawa would buy out any startup that threatened to compete in Ozawa's core business area

One article speculates that reason c) is actually the point behind Helmar Nagel's plan.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The Steel Beach

Occupying part of the dorsal spherical pod, the Steel Beach would probably command a spectacular view of deep space if the overhead or bulkheads were transparent.  The designers apparently figured that the last thing people on a space station in far orbit needed was to see more endless space, the walls and ceiling are thankfully opaque and painted a comforting wood color.  Likewise, where many dirtside spacer bars strive for coziness or privacy, the Steel Beach is built to encourage sociality.  There are no waiters and patrons must go to the bar to retrieve their food or drink.  Likewise there are no booths or out-of-the-way tables.  The bar occupies one end of The Beach, to the left.  A small group of tables is clustered around a low fountain/carp pond in the center of the room, and another small group of tables ring a holographic bar games unit.  The place probably has enough seats for about forty people.

Besides Dani and Doc, there are only three people at the Beach.  Of course, that may be because it is not quite 1100 hours yet.  An early twenties man is behind the bar, chatting with two females in ESL uniforms.  The ESL spacers backs are to you, but as you enter they glance back to see who you are.  One female is a flat-faced, heavy-set brunette in worn spacer's coveralls while the other is petite, also brunette, but with a lively smile and a uniform that, if not new, is at least better-cared for and somewhat more flattering than her companion's.

OOC: But Jim still has to ditch Danica! :)

As they entered, Jim surveyed the Beach.  Real spacers don't keep dirtside hours, so he was disappointed at the lack of 'scenery'.

Still, he'd make the best of it - smiling his brightest at the glances from the gals as he made his way to the bar.  He took a seat on the side of the heavy-set brunette and proceeded to introduce himself.  (Jim knew if he was to have a chance with the petite one he'd have to get on her companion's good side first...)

"Hello," he offered her his hand.  "Doc Jones.  Off the Gypsy Moth.  And our pilot, Ms. Moreau."

He, of course, also offered the petite one his hand.

Dani walks along side Doc as they enter the Steel Beach, pausing at the doorway to keep pace with the doctor.  She takes in the surroundings. though her head barely moves.  But as the good doctor is a well aware, Danica's eyes are always moving, being especially well-suited for motion contrast and tracking.  He was, in fact, one of the people that helped make them that way.

Her leather and suede boots click softly on the powder-coated surface of the floor and the fabric of the jumpsuit and jacket swishing softly as she moved.

She nods in greeting to the bartender, but does not order anything.  Danica then inclines her head to the two ESL personnel.  A slight smile passes her lips, as she extends a hand.  Given that Doc is occupied with the larger female, Dani offers her right hand first to the petite one, and then to her companion.  When she is introduced, she adds, "Please, call me Danica." Dani notes genially, "A pleasure to meet you."  Having spoken and with her hand out, Danica head tilts slightly and moves up and down slightly, casting an appraising glance upon the two women.

Inside Alagash's

Jack goes immediately to the counter. "Good morning, Mr. Charpentier, glad to see you." He faces Alagash and extends his hand. "And good morning to you, sir. Jacques Keveloh, Bridge Officer of the Gypsy Moth."

Jack isn't interested in talking over the livery work at all; he doesn't even address it as he has faith that Lance can handle it. "I'm sorry to interrupt, but our ship has a pressing new need: I'd like to add four cases of a fine wine, two bottles of Brambleton scotch and two cases of the best beer you have on hand. This will be in addition to anything our steward, Mr. Marks, sees fit to order."

In reply to Jacques Keveloh (msg #38):

Alagash's

Charpentier greets Jacques quietly.  He seems appreciative that Jack doesn't try to micromanage him.

Alagash booms genially, "Of course my good friend.  It is always a pleasure to have customers of discerning taste!  I will bill these items to the ship's account and have them delivered shortly."

The two Sevtlanans have moved to stand behind you and Lance, not in a threatening way, just as waiting for the two of you to be done so they can have Alagash's undivided attention.

Up close they are clearly Svetlanans.  The man is about 40, wearing a spacer's jacket with a Sascha, a trim little 200 ton trader, patch.  He is clutching two different sizes of vacc suit gloves in meaty, hairy paws.  He is about 185cm tall with a high, rounded belly and a full black beard.  His eyes are such a liquid blue that you find yours involuntarily watering.  He nods to you politely.

the woman is a striking specimen.  Probably in her thirties, she stands at least 190cm with long limbs and a statuesque figure.  A single, long braid of flaxen hair falls to below her waist.  Her high cheekbones frame wide-set, ice blue eyes above a prominent, straight nose.  She seems aloof.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Steel Beach

OOC: True, spacers don't keep normal hours but sometimes peoples' behavior is guided by expectations of what others will do.  You would expect the bar to become progressively busier throughout the day. Also, if someone's here in the daytime it probably means they're working nights.

The stocky, flat-faced crew-woman visibly brightens when Doc saunters over and introduces himself.  She extends him a soft hand and a surprisingly shy smile.  She introduces herself in a quiet voice as Nadine, astrogator on Elder Pine, an ESL 400ton Fat Trader.  She is drinking some form of greenish-white mixed drink.

The petite crewmember says with a naturally enthusiastic smile to both of you, "Very nice to meet you. Gypsy Moth? She just arrived this morning didn't she? Is this your first time to Espiaux?  Oh, I'm Linsey, engineer on Camille, by the way.  She's a sissy."

After some gentle, semi-subtle encouragement from her friend, Nadine invites Doc to have a seat.

Inside Alagash's

Jack shakes Algash's hand, thanking him for his help. "Perhaps we'll see you for lunch, Mr. Charpentier," he says as he turns to the Svetlanans.

He politely extends his hand to the bearded man from the Sascha and says with respect, "Hello, Jacques Keveloh, Gypsy Moth out of Alsace. We hope the new year is treating our Svetlanan compatriots to full holds and safe journeys."

In reply to Jacques Keveloh (msg #40):

The corners of the man's eyes crinkle with pleasure.  He booms jovially, "It has so far, but we haven't left port yet!" and chuckles at his own wit.  He shifts his burden to his left arm, grasps Jacques hand in a meaty paw and pumps it strongly, "Happy New Year to you as well! Peter Kurbatkin, captain of Sascha."

He introduces the blonde, "My First Officer Anna."  She smiles a perfunctory smile and says, "A pleasure."

Kurbatkin pulls the second pair of vacc suit gloves out from under his left arm where he stashed them in order to shake hands.  Still smiling he remarks, "You can't beat Casere* but they're blasted expensive, eh?"

* Casere = An Espiaux based manufacturer of vacc suits and other space survival equipment.  They have a reputation for quality, but the models Kurbatkin is holding are high-end.  Given Alagash's reputation, they're probably quite expensive here.

Sascha's First Mate, her demeanor still aloof but attentive, smoothly inquires, "Is your ship a new regular on the Alsace-Espiaux run Mister Keveloh?"

Danica nods to both Linsey and Nadine.  She continues to stand, but more squarely faces Linsey to address her question.  "Yes, very early this morning.  It's the Moth's maiden voyage." she acknowledges readily.  "Though the crew itself has plenty of experience all about the Republic and beyond."

"How long have you been with the Camille?" Dani asks innocently of Linsey.  "And how do the two of you know each other?" she adds, figuring that the two must have served together in the past or something.  They seem an unlikely pair to be merely commiserating.

Danica squares her shoulders slightly to include Nadine (and Doc) in the conversation.  She looks thoughtful for the moment, "Isn't the Elder Pine berthed next to the Moth?  We're on Dock Four."  She tilts her head slightly, and after a slight pause, Dani ventures, "And she's bound for St. Croix isn't she?"

Jim listens as Danica chats up the gals, briefly calling out to the bartender, "A Brambleton, 5703 if ya got it.  Next best scotch if ya don't."

He drops more than enough credits on the bar to cover the drink, letting the bartender know he's a good one for the tips.

Piping in after Danica's opening, he adds, "Well beyond!"

In reply to Dr. Jim D. Jones (msg #43):

Linsey brightly answers Danica, "This is just my fourth trip on Camille, but I've been with the company for almost eight years."  She loops her arm through Nadine's and adds with a laugh, "it was me who got my cousin in with the company." She jokingly pouts, "now she's an astrogator on a starship while I'm just a wrench turner on a sissy!"  She laughs and continues, "Just kidding.  There's no way I would trade, way too much math."  Linsey gives Doc a coy look and comments, "Nadine is definitely the smart one in the family."

For her part, Nadine seems more than willing to let her cousin carry the conversation until Danica and Doc mention their experience beyond the Republic.  Her innate reserve visibly drops and she asks Doc with interest, "Really?  Where have you been?  Have you been to the rim?"

The bartender responds with a suitably impressed "yes sir", but apologizes that the best scotch he has is Brambleton Red (still quite good).

Meanwhile, Linsey continues chatting with Danica, "Yep, her ship is next to yours and mine is next to hers, all right in a row."  Linsey leans in a little towards Danica and confides, "She's on the Alsace run via St. Croix, but Nadine wishes she was exploring new trade routes somewhere."

Around them, it looks like the Steel Beach may get a little more lively shortly.  The bartender is preparing for a rush and two more people have wandered in.  They are both male and dressed in dockside work clothes. In fact, you recognize them as stevedores (cargo handlers).  One is tall, lean and rugged, while the other is short, round, and unshaven.  They eye Doc with some envy for monopolizing the attention of all three females in the bar, but take beers and settle in at a table at the far end without approaching you guys.

Alagash's

Jack nods politely when introduced to Anna and chuckles lightly when Peter makes his joke. As Peter mentions the quality and cost of the Casere EVA gear, Jack nods again and smiles grimly.

"Pricey, indeed," he intones, intent on the items Peter has. "But you've made a good choice. We've been lucky enough to outfit ourselves almost entirely in Casere kit. It will hurt you now," -- Jack gestures discretely in spacer fashion to Alagash's store around them -- "but believe me, you'll be glad every time you use it. The damned stuff has saved me once or twice and it lasts a star's age."

When Anna inquires about the Alsace-Espiaux run, Jack shakes his head good-naturedly. "Oh, no, not at all. We've some freight and a passenger to Tupolev."

Knowing his dead-end comment could put an end to the conversation, he addresses Peter once again, his voice a little lower as Alagash and Charpentier continue with the livery patches. "You know, I'm an old hand at vacc suits and some of our crew is having lunch above at the Steel Beach. If you care to join us perhaps I could help you choose some kit and save you a credit or two. At the very least we'll pass the time in good company. By the stars, there's not much else to do on this can."

In reply to Jacques Keveloh (msg #45):

Peter and Anna exchange quick glances, then Peter answers, "That sounds splendid.  We have a couple things to drop off back at our ship, then we'll meet you up at the Beach."

"Wonderful, we'll see you then."

With a nod to Charpentier and a wink and a smile to Alagash, Jack leaves the store and heads up to the Steel Beach.

He pauses only slightly as he walks he in, just enough to get his bearings in the space. He crosses to his friends as soon as he sees them.

He nods to Dani as he walks up, pats the Doc good-naturedly on the back then smiles at the two spacer women. "Hello, I'm Jack. I work with these two."

Danica smiles at Linsey's openness and enthusiasm.  She nods as the young lady speaks about the jobs that she and Nadine do.  When she finds out that Nadine is an astrogator, Dani simply quips with a slightly conspiratorial lean towards Linsey, "Perhaps she merely enjoys the power of being able to tell people just where to go."  Her easy smile and light tone, let both women know that she's only jesting - well, that and the unsuppressed chuckle.

Though she hears the question, Danica says nothing about their travels - especially since Nadine appears to be addressing Doc.  Instead, Dani continues to chat idly with Linsey.  "There's nothing wrong with being a 'wrench turner'.  Every spacer worth their salt knows that a ship is more grease than glory."  She confides to Linsey, "Most of that stuff about eight-fold symmetry space and twelfth-order Miligore tenser topology eludes me, too..."

"Ah, Jack..." Dani notes rather cheerfully as she turns towards him.  She glances back at Nadine and Linsey with a slight knowing smile before adding, "Jack, here, is our astrogator on the Gypsy Moth."

In reply to Danica Moreau (msg #48):

The Steel Beach is starting to fill up quickly now.  Several new groups of people have entered the bar including:

- Prisa Gadron, who joins you

- Three more Box crewmen, two maintenance types, one male and one female, and a rather fetching blonde, female medic

- Four Svetlanan non-spacers, two adults and two teenage children, look more interested in lunch than revelry

- Five Svetlanan spacers, mixed genders, but not Peter or Anna yet

- Two non-spacer, one male one female, business types, sitting apart from any other group but clearly not a couple

- Four Ozawa Lines crewmembers, three male, one female, obviously looking to party, they make a bee line for the bar

OOC: Recon checks might reveal more, as would overt observation or engagement in conversation

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Prisa reports that cargo operations are complete and that Hayden says they went smoothly.  She also reports that Hayden says he's feeling out the freight broker on rates now.

Linsey nods agreement at Danica's comments and adds cheerfully, "Yup, ships don't go without their heart and soul."  She rolls her eyes, "theoretical mathematics, ugh."  Linsey keeps glancing over at Doc and Nadine, but gives Jack a bouncy, "Hey, Linsey of Camille.  Great to meet you too.  Have you met my cousin Nadine?"

Linsey tugs her cousin's sleeve and introduces Jack to Nadine.  While she is doing that, one of the newly arrived Ozawa crewmembers, a tall, wiry guy with a lean face and unkempt hair, tells Danica, "Hey, I'm Tucker.  You've got a great lower deck.  Tokugawa's shipping outsystem tonight.  Wanna have some fun before I go?"

Dani nods in greeting to Prisa as she approaches the group.  Otherwise, she notes the entrance and filling of the Beach with more than passing interest, but she is pretty much engaged in conversation and doesn't want to look too obvious in her surveillance.

As the lanky one addresses her, Danica turns her head to bring it more inline with Tucker's.  An eyebrow raises itself above the rim of her mirrorshades.  "As touched as I am by your flattery and despite the lovely, if not very subtle, offer, Tucker." she notes evenly, "I think that you are way out of your league, young man."   Dani's tone  is cordial enough, but is just a little patronizing and the smile accompanies that last part bares a little too much tooth for comfort, making is every so slightly feral.

"Besides," she remarks, "You're leaving tonight.  I prefer a man with a lot more stamina."  She shakes her head slightly to no one in particular and the smile morphs into more of a smirk.  With that Dani turns her attention back to Linsey, Nadine, the newly arrived Prisa. and the other Moth men.

[OOC: 22:23, Today: Danica Moreau rolled 7 using 2d6+2. Recon/Int: Scope patrons - as necessary.]

Jack smiles to Prisa as she arrives, nodding appreciatively at her report. In his peripheral vision he notices the various Svetlanans across the bar.

"Hello, Linsey." Jack turns to Nadine as Linsey pulls on her cousin's sleeve. "Nice to meet you, Nadine." Tucker's arrival catches Jack's attention and when Dani flays the man without a thought a dismissive chuckle escapes him. With a quick scan of the room, he shakes his head as he turns back to his party.

"Prisa, meet Linsey and Nadine," Jack enthuses, as if Tucker weren't there. To the group at large he says, "I saw Lance downstairs, he may come up for a bit. And I also invited a couple of Svetlanan merchants to have lunch with us."
This message was last edited by the player at 14:10, Fri 09 Dec 2011.