After a several hours of backtracking and covering their trail, the group made it back to the hovercraft crash site safe and sound. There was no sign of pursuit, and even the drums tapered off over the hours.

There, they found the others had made good use of their time. Sentries had been posted, and two large rafts made from fallen trees and materials stripped from the hovercraft were nearing completion. Jaxxon Zalvedes, the medic (formerly one of Kalamanru's mercenaries) was directing the efforts, using his previous expertise in raft construction.
This message was last edited by the GM at 10:52, Fri 17 May 2013.

"Lorain! My dear! You're safe!"

Jothan rushed forward to give his daughter a hug, then turned and shook Linus' hand.

"Well done, old friend. I am so glad you made it safely with my precious daughter. I see that Liisha woman didn't survive. I feel terrible about that, about everthing, really, but I guess moping around isn't going to change anything right now. There will be more than enough time later.

"Now, that man we rescued, Jaxxon, he's been a real help in constructing the rafts. They should be done by morning. Such as occurs on this dreadful planet."

Surprisingly, he made no mention of the obvious artefacts they were carrying (the ancient laser carbines). He was wholly focused on his joy at his daughter and his friend being safe and sound.

In reply to Professor Jothan Messandi (msg # 2):

Lorain hugged her father back. "Don't worry about me, daddy. I'm all right. Linus and his friends were wonderful."

Linus looked - and felt - rather embarassed.

"Least I could do, Jothan. Felt... well, responsible for Lorain... you know, when scampering round on what's now my homeworld all worried about you. Still, now 'all' we need do is get back to civilisation and you can be on your way, reunited."

Ken looked with interest at what the others had accomplished.  Leaving Lorain to her father, Ken set down his bag of loot and headed over to the rafts.  "Good work Jaxxon, it looks like you are close to being done.  Can we pile in and help?"

Messandi started to sway, and needed help to stand.

"Yes, I feel that civilisation would be our best hope. But maybe not here on Mirayn? I have been feeling poorly and I fear I've picked up a parasite, the "Mirayan brain-worm". It's uncommon but a danger if you stay too long in the Outback, and Mirayn medicine is unable to treat or cure it. One reason exploration of this area is so difficult! I'm just so tired. I just want to get home, turn my.... our discoveries over to the Institute for study. They have enough resources to compensate all of us."

For Messandi to put academic learning over financial gain was quite remarkable, indeed!

In reply to Professor Jothan Messandi (msg # 6):

"I do not think returning directly is such a good idea. We will be showing up in a stolen ship owned by Eneri Kalamanru, a respected trader, businessman and friend of the notoriously corrupt government. We would find ourselves in jail, and everything of value confiscated.

"Even if we do not show up in the ship, the Antiquities Police will not be interested in witnesses to their attack showing up. We could try playing both sides against each other, but both sides have reason to see us disappear. Or dead. Both of which happen here with frightening regularity."

"Daddy! here, have a seat."

Lorain seemed quite concerned with her father's health.

"You have the brain-worm? We know about it and all had vaccines back on Alzenai but your boosters must have worn off. I guess that's one way Kalamenaru held your feet to the fire, holding your health hostage by refusing the booster. Well, I say if we get ahold of a ship we use it to get home as soon as possible to Alzenai. Even if it's a false alarm I think your overall health has really suffered."

Ken nodded at the subject of the conversation;  "We definitely want to get off planet although I'm not sure Stanley will want to leave."

Jaxxon look pleased at the compliment.

"We made a lot of these damn things because the climate plays such hell with the air/rafts. So yes, I've had a lot of practice in making and sailing them.

"You sure can help out!"

He listened to Jothan's plight and shook his head, angrily.

"Yes, I have been helping treat Jothan for the parasite. I'm just a medic but I think that's what the problem is. We can slow it down with treatment available locally but once it's established in the brain stem, only brain surgical techniques available off-world will remove it. And the eggs."

All the members of the expedition, plus those who were already on Mirayn, were all inoculated against a wide spectrum of diseases and parasites native to the planet. This was standard for all people travelling to Mirayn. They all received boosters upon setting out on this current trip as part of the preparations. It was true, once the parasite was established it was impossible to actually remove without advanced surgical techniques.

"Remember, I studied off-world on Alzenar! Fat lot of good my law degree has been, here on Mirayn.

"It'll be good to return, look up some old friends. Maybe it's time to look into taking up another career besides street food-cart seller and rickshaw driver."

Ken clapped Jaxxon on the back.  "You're a life saver getting these rafts built.  Once things settle out here I'll help get them finished." He frowned at the discussion of the parasites.  His hand came and rubbed the back of his skull uneasily.  "I'm glad we are all inoculated for now.  Still Lorain, it's all the more reason to get off planet and head directly back to Alzenar.  If Stanley has a law degree he can defend us if we are sued over the treasure."

In reply to Ken Jenkins (msg # 13):

Neva looked around and arched an eyebrow at all the activity.  She'd be lying if she said she didn't want to be off this planet but something told her it wouldn't be that easy yet.

Finally she went to Jaxxon.  "You're handy to have around.  I don't think I could have that.  Some time will you show me how to do it?  Let me know if you need any more help.</blue."  As she looked over his work she smiled and then looked at him.  "<blue>We had a bit of problems in the woods, to be expected of course since it was a rescue, but did you guys have any problems here."

"Eventually I will be returning to Capital City and my bar," said Linus, "But it might be appropriate to take the long way via Alzenar or some other planet."

"Lorain and her father are at the institute on Alzenar.  It's the capital and we should be able to get the best prices there for this stuff."

"I hate to be pedantic, but it all belongs to the Institute as they funded the expedition. On the plus side, it's not like you'll be flogging jewellery in the bazaars or posting anything for auction. And I'll make sure they make a fair offer."

Lorain took charge of the valuables, collecting everything she could.

"Linus, I'm especially interested in that necklace with the plate. It seems like it's of some kind of special significance." The plate in kind was hexagonal in shape with an unknown type of gem that glinted in their work lights.

In reply to Lorain Messandi (msg # 17):

Walker shrugs.  "I forgot that was in the contract.  I remember reading that when I signed it."

Ken smiled wryly at Lorain.  "Right you are Lorain.  I'd imagine there is archeological significance to the loot.  Although you have to admit it's turned out far more hazardous as well as successful than anyone expected."

He looked at the necklace as well.  "It certainly has some importance but what that might be is not clear.  I'd imagine that this find is going to blow the roof off of the studies of the Sky Raiders.  It seems we've shown that they were human and had some linkage to the Vilani directly or indirectly."

The man smiled warmly, pleased at the compliment.

"So far, nothing. I guess you all much have kept them occupied. Sure, there's work to be done, both getting the last logs in place and tying them up."

After a couple hours work, the rafts were completed. A few tribal warriors skulked in the dark, but warning shots scattered them back into the forest. Finally, as dawn was about an hour off, the rafts were ready to launch.

In reply to GM (msg # 21):

Slinging his carbine Blake checked his wrist chronometer, then looked up at the black clouds in the sky.

"Dawn's only about a half-hour off... no light up there even now!

"So gang, what's the plan? Travel during the day? Just offshore for navigation's sake or out in the lake to avoid the angry tribesmen? And what about the hovercraft? If we leave it here any air recce will have an easy starting place to look for us."

Ken frowns as he looks at the hovercraft. "Can we push it into the water or cover it with branches?  We need to hide it for just a couple of days to get us out of here."  He looks out over the lake.  "If we travel by day we risk getting spotted by air recce as well.  I say we hide the hovercraft and then travel by night near the coast."

Knowing that Thomas was on duty as security, Neva took a little bit of time to work on her interpersonal skills and helped Jaxxon with the rafts.  "I'll let you do the tying but I can certainly help get the logs there and hold in place for you."

As Neva helped Jaxxon and the rest tie the logs together, Neva watched in case she would have to try and do it herself sometime.

"The hovercraft was doing its best to sink when I moored it and hauled it halfway onto shore... if we untie it and push it back in it will probably sink on its own," said Linus.

"Or we could give it a hand, I suppose."

Ken nodding as he remembered. "Good point Linus.  We could cut holes in the hull to help."

In reply to Ken Jenkins (msg # 26):

Walker quietly throws a monkeywrench in the plans to sink the hovercraft.

"Stanley, are you planning on living on this planet when we get a shot at going to safety?  I'm sure the thing was insured, but you're the one who's going to have your livelihood shot in the head if we bail on the contract."

In reply to Thomas Walker (msg # 27):

Stanley explained, "trust me, it wasn't much of a livelihood, anyways! My interests are looked after, here. I sold my cart to a friend when we left as I knew we were going to be gone for months and so there was no need to let it rust without someone making use of it! If and when I return I have the right of first refusal to buy it back. We take care of each other here, no one else will."

The wreck was firmly on the bottom of the lake, but with a great deal of pushing, levering and the pulleys sunk into the lake mud (that is, poles were set further out and then lines run out to them and out to the hovercraft to pull the wreck out) the hulk was freed and then slowly moved off into the water. Floats (logs and plastic containers) were improvised and let the hulk float enough to move it further out in the lake, once it was free of the bottom.

Puncturing the final flotation chambers and releasing the exterior floats, the wreck sunk to the bottom in a rush of air. The water was murky enough that almost as soon as it was under the water it was out of sight.

Blake looked around at the grey clouds. It was definitely daylight, now. They were essentially trapped against the shore of the lake, swampy jungle in front and water behind.

"Well, I guess we should get to making a wall. We know the tribals know exactly where we are. So let's expect a rush by dozens, maybe hundreds of them. Or more. How much ammo we got?"

Ken glanced about at the scenery.  "I'd rather risk being spotted on the lake than doing a heroic but futile last stand here with our backs to the water.  Let's get the hell out of here then and at least move down where we can break contact with them before we start the real journey to the island."  He considered.  "If we humans stay under cover could just Stanley be visible and convince any fliers that it's just a native fisherman or such out on the lake?"

In reply to Ken Jenkins (msg # 31):

There were 2 rafts, and 14 beings (Ken, Neva, Linus, Thomas, Blake, Lorain, Talia, Jothan, Stanley, Jaxxon, Fatima, Hal. Ross and Juan were both wounded.) Stanley rubbed his chin.

"I guess we could fake something, like covered cargo, maybe tied-up bundles of leaves and foliage, for people to hide under. They might wonder why 1 "gog" is poling such a load. But it's better than nothing."
This message was last edited by the player at 23:52, Mon 20 May 2013.

In reply to Stanley (msg # 32):

While the others worked on the rafts, Lorain and Talia wrapped up Liisha's body in a 3 Mylar survival blankets, then sealed the burial shroud up with epoxy.

Neva found that Jaxxon appreciated the help, and was more than glad to show her the ropes (literally). On his homeworld of Fomor, a waterworld in the nearby Domain of Alntzar (which he left years ago to look for work) he'd been a maritime sailor. Even though he was a medic he'd picked up some ropecraft and basic sailing skill.

"Thanks, Neva. It looks like you're picking this up really well!"

Ken glanced again at the jungle.  "Let's work out the subterfuge with the rafts then and get the hell out of here.  I don't want to get swarmed by the hostiles."

Thanks Jaxxon.  I've done some knots before and stuff but nothing that would involve anything like this.  I'm glad to learn something new."

Neva smiled as she got the boost to her abilities.

Within the hour, they were ready to cast off. Deep in the jungle, drums began echoing back and forth. With a feeling of dread and it being not a moment too soon, they cast off into the lake, ready to take cover beneath concealing bundles of leafy branches tied off with vines.

They passed by the watery grave of the GEV. It lay in about 8m of dark lake water, just barely visible only when they were practically on top of it but otherwise lost in the murk.

Poling along for several hours, they travelled over a dozen kilometers along the swampy shoreline. With at least a few minutes warning, they could easily slip in amongst the giant vine-festooned trees that grew out of the water at the lake's edge and be out of sight in the undergrowth. There was no sound of patrolling aircraft, but some time in the afternoon Neva spotted something on the horizon. Possibly a canoe behind them, slowly gaining.

[Assuming Neva points out the canoe]

Ken looks back.  "Damn, who would be following us.  It's not going to be the government or the raiders.  It's a native or some explorer.  Let's keep going and maintain a watch on the canoe.  Keep your rifles ready guys."

In reply to Ken Jenkins (msg # 38):

<yes Neva would have pointed it out>

Jaxxon can you guys steer so that we can shoot? I can't see who it is but I doubt they will be friendly."

In reply to Neva Alexovna Morozova (msg # 39):

"Relax, he's a long distance away.  Put more hands on the paddles, and one of us can check to see if they're catching up.  They get close enough and appear hostile, then we can see if they can outrun a bullet."

With that, he helped move the raft.

In reply to Thomas Walker (msg # 40):

In a short time the other vessel broke off, or maybe wasn't really headed in their direction in the first place. For whatever reason it disappeared from sight, leaving them to pole along the shallows of the lakeshore in the ever-present drizzle, warm though it was.

There was no pursuit for the rest of the day, and it seemed they had thrown off even the tribals by doing something unexpected. That night they tied off on a grove of massive trees that were isolated offshore, roots sunk deep into the water and bottom mud like wooden oil rig platforms. An entire ecosystem lived in the upper branches far above their heads, birds, insects, 6-limbed lizards and mammals.

Ken soldiered on as they made their way along the lakeshore.  As the rowed he turned to Jaxxon.  "So what can we expect at the landing site?  Is it built up and do they have a lot of security?"

He turned to the others in general.  "Can we operate a ship to get out of here and into Jump?  We might need to grab ship's crew as well."
This message was last edited by the GM at 20:12, Fri 24 May 2013.

In reply to Ken Jenkins (msg # 42):

"I'm a qualified pilot. As long as it's nothing larger than 400-600 tons, we should make it. I've done the other necessary jobs: navigation, engineering."

In reply to Blake Renfield (msg # 43):

"I was also given some engineering training, even if all I saw was the ocean on my World. Our maritime force ships sometimes used anti-grav and fusion power. I have training in starship drives but no experience."

Ken nods. "It sounds like we can manage then."  He turns to Jaxxon.  "What can you tell us about the landing area?  We need to know as much as possible to help set our ambush.  What forces can we expect to face?"

In reply to Ken Jenkins (msg # 45):

He thought about it for a few seconds, trying to remember. "Ok. The island is forested. The LZ is a shore clearing on the south side, between the water and the high ground in the middle of the island. On the north side is about a dozen prefab huts. We cleared the LZ of stumps and boulders."

While the rafts were tied up, bobbing, among the trees, Stanley scaled up one of the massive trunks to keep watch.

He called out, "I have bad news. There are 2 canoes coming this way. From the direction of the hill of the tomb. It's hard to tell... look likes war canoes to me."

In reply to Stanley (msg # 47):

"How many warriors do they typically put in a war canoe?"

In reply to Thomas Walker (msg # 48):

"Ten. They put ten in, usually."

In reply to Stanley (msg # 49):

Checks the number of bullets he has.

"How far out do you want them to get the message to go away?"

Ken swivels to look at the canoes. "Damn, do you think they saw us?  We are hidden in the bushes.  Best to snipe them Thomas once we are sure they are on to us."  He readies his guns as they watch the approaching canoes.

In reply to Ken Jenkins (msg # 51):

Neva looked over at Thomas.  "Had to jinx it didn't you with your comment about they are a long way away."  She smiled when she said it and shook her head.  It was par for the course.

"Instead of sniping, how much damage can you do to their canoes?  Sniping gets one or two, canoes will get more.M"

In reply to Neva Alexovna Morozova (msg # 52):

"Depends on what they're made of.  I'd probably have to hit the keel, and that's small.  If there's not enough material, I can't have cavitation help me blow bloody great holes in the hull."

"If we had a grenade launcher we could really finish them off.  As it is the rifle should let us pick them off from a distance.  The shooting on a moving platform will be tricky though."

The rafts were relatively stable platforms and should not affect anyone's aim in a fight. But this also meant they were about twice as slow as canoes when it came to travelling on the water.

Their lines of fire were relatively good as well, at least if they moved the rafts around the tree trunks first. This was because they were moored to a huge tree in a grove of about a dozen standing offshore, with their roots reaching down through the water to the lake bottom. There was no ground to speak of, and therefore no underbrush. In order to get a better view, Stanley had managed to climb up 10m or so to where a couple branches sprouted from the trunk.

"Thomas, could you climb the tree and snipe with better effect?"  As eh spoke, Ken prepared his shotgun as well as arranged the screens they had rigged as camouflage into cover from spears.

In reply to Stanley (msg # 55):

"Let me take a look.  At the very least, I can pick out targets easier."

He looks to see how Stanley got up the tree, and where he could pick out a stable place to shoot from.

Neva settled into place and got her weapon ready to fire if need be.  SHe had learned her lesson before about climbing.  Let Thomas do it.  She was sure she'd just fall again.

In reply to Thomas Walker (msg # 57):

"I have a line, it should be easy to help you up."

Stanley tied off his nylon rope to the branch, then let it down for Thomas to climb. He hauled on the line with two arms while using the other two to keep himself steady.

"Up we go!"

With some effort, Thomas was helped up to the massive lateral branch. From there, he could get set up in a braced shooting position. It was cramped but could hold both of them easily enough.

Across the dark lake water he could see the two canoes approaching. It seemed clear they had spotted their prey, as a priest in the bow of the forward one gestured and urged both craft onwards. They picked up the pace.

Down below, it was clear the bundles would provide concealment but simply were too loose to deflect or catch thrown spears. Jaxxon readied his SMG, Blake his carbine.

As it was, both rafts were in partial view of the approaching war canoes.

Ken takes cover either behind a tree trunk if possible or at least concealed behind the screens if he must.  He readies his shotgun.  "They've seen us Thomas, open fire on them when you have the range and the shot." Ken waits until he is in range to fire.

In reply to Ken Jenkins (msg # 61):

Thomas takes careful aim at the priest.

Aiming a revolver in a shaking hand, Jothan suddenly, groaned and collapsed to his knees.

"Blast! I can't focus anymore... it's been too long since my last treatment."

In reply to Professor Jothan Messandi (msg # 63):

"Let's get you over here, shall we?"

Talia dragged him over to where Ross and Juan were resting. (They were conscious and responsive but unable to physically exert themselves due to their wounds.) She began treatment, trying to determine how serious the brain worm infestation had become.

They waited nervously as the canoes drew closer.

Up in the tree, Thomas took careful aim. Beside him, Stanley followed suit with this shotgun. Below, on the raft, Ken readied his shotgun, while Jaxxon aimed his SMG and Neva rested the bipod of her auto-rifle on the rough-hewn log surface of the raft. Blake aimed his carbine, while Fatima took the other carbine. Hal took Jothan's dropped revolver (having some skill) and along with Lorain joined the "firing line".

OOC: I don't know what Linus is armed with, I assume the last shotgun?

Up in the tree, Thomas braced himself and fired at the lead canoe. It was almost impossible to pick out his target at such long range but he figured that the priest would at least be in the front of the lead war canoe.

It was a long shot, 500m, at the far end of effective range for the weapon. Down on the rafts, Jaxxon fired a burst from his SMG, walking the rounds onto the lead canoe as well. It looked like they maybe got a hit as the lead canoe lost steam and the paddlers' rhythm collapsed in momentary confusion.

Neva waited until the canoes came in a little closer and figured she'd be backup.  Usually the firing really started after the first shots were fired.  She kept her eyes on her target and waited for them to get a little closer.

Ken glanced over at Neva and Lorain and gave them a thumbs up.  He waited for the range to close before firing his shotgun.

In reply to Ken Jenkins (msg # 68):

Using his keen eyesight, Stanley was able to see a little better what was going on and act as spotter for Thomas.

"Hit! I think you got the priest!"

Thomas kept taking long-range potshots, as did Blake. At a half-klick, it was hard for those on the rafts to make out the effect of the firing. Stanley confirmed they were having some effect. A couple of the tribals in the lead canoe were already down, including the priest.

Ken regarded the scene with professional interest.  "Good shooting guys, keep it up and we'll at least whittle them down."  He turned to Neva.  "You're in range down Neva, cut loose carefully."

In reply to Ken Jenkins (msg # 71):

"I need to count ammo a second."

In reply to Thomas Walker (msg # 72):

Checking his magazine, Thomas saw he was down 4 rounds.

In reply to Ken Jenkins (msg # 71):

Neva gave a small smile at Ken's words of cutting lose carefully.  It sounded like a contradiction and perhaps it was.  She was ready to fire since she had been aiming now for a bit.  Now she took that breath to calm her nerves and did what she used to know how to do very well.  She took her shot.

In reply to GM (msg # 73):

Walker smiled, he didn't care who killed the problem, as long as the problem was killed.  However, since he was down 4 bullets, it was more likely that he was the one doing the killing.

He shouldered his weapon and took aim again, at the second canoe, looking for another priest.

They continued pounding the canoes at long range, with the rifle and auto-rifle doing the most damage.

Soon, the canoes were dead in the water, then started to withdraw in a hurry. Both finally made it out of the fire zone and continued to limp away. At least half a dozen tribals were down.

In reply to GM (msg # 76):

Stanley shook his head, worried. He said to Thomas,

"Shooting them at such long range was safer. But this allowed them to get away. In their canoes they are twice our speed. Today there were two canoes. Later, perhaps a dozen canoes will come, then more and more.

"We need a better plan. We can't outrun them and we can't fight them all."

In reply to Stanley (msg # 77):

"Yup.  But they outnumbered us this time, and with their priests dead, perhaps they won't be as fast to get more warriors into canoes and come after us."
This message was last edited by the GM at 19:36, Fri 14 June 2013.

Ken relaxed as the canoes turned away.  "We can't face their numbers if they decide to swamp us. And they'll try to figure out some way to close with us and use their numbers to their advantage.  The only solution is to get the hell out of here.  We need to break contact and get to the island.  Let's head out into the depths of the lake and make it hard for them to track us.  That should be a more direct path to the island as well."

"That sounds best. Hopefully they'll decide it's more trouble than it's worth to keep coming after us. No profit in it for them," said Linus.

Stanley climbed down, helping Thomas as well.

"That's not how these tribals work. There's always more priests, more warriors. Next time, the priests won't be in the forward canoes."




He checked the map.

"On a direct line, we are 20 kilometres from the island. Fresh, 8 hours of travel. Everyone is exhausted... perhaps 12 or more. Easily enough time for the tribals to catch up."



"They understand it's fruitless to continue into certain death, that is why they turned back for now. But it's now a matter of honour, so they will ignore profit and loss and concentrate only on success. They will be back with enough numbers to guarantee success."

He took in Stanley's input.  "If they are going to catch us making the dash to the island we decide if we want to really try and hide or make the dash anyway and fight them out in mid-lake.  I say we make the dash and risk it."

In reply to Ken Jenkins (msg # 82):

No one seemed eager to offer a competing plan, so they started out onto the lake.

Having travelled most of the night without rest, they were understandably exhausted as they paddled and poled along. Fortunately, there were no search aircraft. Perhaps the government and police forces believed they'd headed in the opposite direction down the lake, tried to head back down the Nahahnir river to escape the swamp, or had drowned. Or else they realised that they had no place to go other than Val Preszar and would show up there, eventually.

As their doctor, Talia recommended they have double rations to provide energy for the arduous trip, and paddle in shifts to preserve their strength.

Finally, after 14 agonising hours of paddling, they made sight of the island as the sun was setting. It was a green dot on the horizon of the immense lake. Slowly it grew.

In reply to GM (msg # 83):

Keeping a watch to the rear, Stanley exclaimed, "more war canoes! Following us! I could at least a dozen!"

Neva was glad they were making progress but then frowned when the news of more war canoes were following.  She double checked her ammo and reloaded if needed while she could.

Ken looked up wearily as Stanley sighted more canoes.  Even the added food had not dispelled his exhaustion.  "We're stuck out on the open lake.  Let's turn it into a stern chase at least.  When the get close enough see if you can snipe at them Thomas."

In reply to Ken Jenkins (msg # 86):

"I'll paddle until they reach being in range."

"I'll keep paddling as well," said Linus.

The paddlers continued their desperate exertions, straining to put some distance on their pursuers. The island seemed to be growing larger... could they make it in time?

Checking her ammo, Neva found she was down 3 magazines, leaving her with 11 magazines of 7mm ammo in 2 bandoliers to share with Thomas.

By the time the canoes had closed to 1km, they were close to the island. The now-exhausted paddlers gave a final burst of effort, first one and then the other raft grounded on the mud shore.

In reply to GM (msg # 89):

Drenched in sweat and gasping for breath, Jaxxon staggered ashore. He squinted at the trees and the rocky promenade inland, getting his bearings.

"Holy mackarel... I'm whipped! I recognise... this shore. The landing field... it's just a half-klick... or less... off to the right... if we follow the lake shore."

"Right," said an equally breathless Linus. "Can you lead the way?"

In reply to Linus Spruance (msg # 91):

Neva got out of the boat and felt exhausted and exhilarated at the same time.  This was the same feeling she used to get on the force when on the case.  You knew you had to keep going even when your body didn't want to.  She also knew that if they didn't get some place where they could rest they all would collapse.

"Thomas.  How's your supply?  Need any ammo yet?  You want to guard the front or bring up the rear.  I can take the other."

Ken staggered ashore as well and helped Lorain.  "I'm glad we're close Jaxxon.  We'll follow you." He glanced back at the approaching canoes.  "We don't want a shoot out now as it will warn the people at the field."

"Come on Lorain, Professor."

In reply to Neva Alexovna Morozova (msg # 92):

"Take point.  This is hunting.  I'm just the prey for a change.  Ken, you want to come with me to cover our route or see what we can set up?"

Neva nodded.  "Let me know when everybody is ready.  I'll do the shaking and Ken and Thomas and do the raking."

Neva looked around to make sure that they hadn't lost anybody.  "Listen up then people.  Jaxxon, you come up front with me more since it sounds like you know the way.  We'll take your advice and follow the lake shore."

Ken nods to Thomas.  "I'll stick with you Thomas."

In reply to Linus Spruance (msg # 91):

Panting, Jaxxon nodded. He seemed to be catching his breath and marshalling himself for one last push.

"Yes, it's easy enough to find from here.

"What's the plan? Do we just rush the field? There's going to be guards if there's a ship or not, native raids happen all the time."

In reply to Jaxxon Zalvedes (msg # 97):

The usually indefatigable Mirayn was amost certainly winded as well, but trying not to show it.

"If we attack the field, then we could be caught between tribals on one hand and smugglers on the other. One thing... the tribals probably can't tell one set of humans from another. And we just raided their tomb... like Kalamanaru's people have done."

Ken chuckles grimly.  "You make a good point Stanley."  He turns to the entire party.  "Let's lead the tribals on to the field so that they attack the guards.  We could sneak in under cover of the attack from the far side of the field and rush the ship.  In the confusion we'll be able to pass for defenders perhaps.  If there is no ship here at least the guards and tribals can fight one another while we stay hidden waiting for a ship to show up."

Abandoning the primitive rafts at the water's edge, the band staggered along the shore of the island as fast they could. It wasn't easy as they had walking wounded (Juan and Ross) but they made the best time they could. Finally, they were at a small rise just short of the landing area perimeter. It was a clearing hacked out of the forest, alongside the lake shore.

To the right was the water's edge. Along the shore were a few metal huts and primitive sheds (wood frames covered with plastic waterproof sheeting). To the left, inland, was the island's high ground. There was a bluff there, overlooking the landing field.

Parked on the landing field was a standard A2 Far Trader. It had League of Suns markings, although those were probably fake, knowing Kalamanaru's smuggling operation. They were in luck!

Ken sighed at the sight of a ship.  "Damn, that's just what we need."  He looked about.  "Let's move toward the landing strip and high ground.  Thomas, can you cover our trail from this point on?  We can lure the natives along it and then they will be sure to attack the buildings."

In reply to Ken Jenkins (msg # 101):

Walker took his hat off and wiped the sweat off his forehead.

"Yup.  Perhaps we want to leave a trail to the perimeter and hope they take the bait?  If we had time, and safety, I'd create a trail that leads to the buildings, rather than the ship."

Linus looks for any signs of life.

"I suppose I could go over to the building, leave a trail... think I could then sneak round the back and into the undergrowth..."

In reply to Linus Spruance (msg # 103):

"No.  We'll have to make do with getting onto the ship.  Once we're there, we'll need to deal with the watch-standers, and then get the hell out of here.  Besides, you'll have lost enough, the bar might as well be gone, if the police find out what we're up to.  Separating you from the rest of us might as well be a suicide run."

Ken nods in agreement.  "Let's not split up.  We were making a big enough trail as it was with the wounded.  I'd guess that the tribals will have no problem following us.  The key will be to disguise our movement going toward the landing area.  Thomas, can you cover our trail while the rest move toward the overlook by the ship?"

In reply to Ken Jenkins

Walker nods while fumbling in his pockets for something he doesn't find.

"No problem.  That ship bloody-well better have some tea on it."

In reply to Thomas Walker (msg # 106):

Neva snorted.  "Tea?"  She smiled at Thomas and shook her head.  "I'll be happy as long as it's not our coffin."

The group detoured around the lakeshore landing field. Fortune seemed with them, as they didn't see anyone around. There was a garbage fire going, so it was obvious someone was about.

Their timing was impeccable. As they were about halfway to the high ground to the north of the camp, the natives tracking them showed up behind them. They took one look at the camp and broke into a ragged charge. There was at least fifty of them, practically an endless stream of them breaking out of the forest and setting out at a dead run towards the field.

It was also very, very, lucky Linus hadn't tried to come closer to the buildings. They must have had some kind of sensor alarm set up because klaxons started wailing. A man stumbled out of one of the prefab buildings, then started yelling a panicked warning. More men tumbled out of the other buildings, holding weapons.

At that point about a half dozen large war canoes transporting 50-60 more warriors showed up on the lake, obviously following the shoreline. They started rowing furiously towards the shore. The damp jungle echoed with the chatter of wild SMG and Auto-rifle fire, and the bangs and cracks of shotguns, carbines and rifle fire.

In reply to GM (msg # 108):

As they settled into cover, hiding from both sides, Walker panted.

"Good call.  Now we wait until night before moving again?  It also looks like they have some sort of perimeter alarm."

He paused a moment.

"Perhaps we'd be better off closing into some sort of hide inside the perimeter.  Otherwise we'll set it off when we make our move."

Ken glanced down at the growing mayhem.  "Tribals vs. thugs, now there is a match made in heaven the bastards." He looked at the perimeter and back to the others.  "No, let's move now during the confusion Thomas.  The thugs will be busy repelling the fight and even if we set off the alarm they won't think twice about it.  Also, the tribals are no threat to the ship so the thugs will focus their efforts elsewhere."

"I say we move directly on the ship now."

In reply to Ken Jenkins (msg # 110):

Walker checks his magazine, and nods.

"OK.  Give me a couple to look for a sentry on the hatch."

"Will do Thomas."  Ken turns back to Loraine and the others.  "Ok, lets get ready gang.  We're going to make a run for the ship."

In reply to Ken Jenkins (msg # 112):

Walker snuck off into the forest, looking for a good observation spot.  Close to the ground, and quiet.

In reply to Thomas Walker (msg # 113):

Making it to the edge of the forest, Thomas found a good hiding position. Nice and shaded under a fallen tree trunk screened by hanging moss. Insects buzzed in his ear.

From his perspective the ship was nose left, stern right. The nose ramp was down, and there were 2 sentries, dressed in typical ship coveralls. Each held rifles. One was looking in his general direction keeping a watch on the jungle, while the other was looking the other way, towards the firing and mayhem erupting at the South/SE edge of camp.

In reply to GM (msg # 114):

Walker retreated into the forest slowly, like a cat approaching it's prey, but in reverse.  Speed was the enemy now.

Once well clear of the entry to the ship, he made his way back to the group.

"There's two sentries on the ship.  One's good, he's doing his job, the other may be distracted.  He's watching the fighting with the indigs.  I can do both, but not before one gets a message out.  It will require two shooters, at the same time."

Ken nodded and looked around at the group.  "Who is the next best rifle shot?  I'm a good hand with a pistol but the long arms are not my specialty.  We need to take both guards out to buy us time to get aboard and fire her up."

In reply to Ken Jenkins (msg # 116):

Blake hefted his carbine.

"I guess I'm pretty good with this. Not as much of a punch as a rifle, but good enough.

"Too bad that Kensing dolt isn't around. He was a great shot. But he got separated at the camp during the attack and, well, that's hardly our fault, now."
This message was last edited by the GM at 06:30, Wed 03 July 2013.

Ken gathered up the rest of the group.  "Stay in cover and be ready to dash to the ship when we take out the guards."  He turned to Blake and Thomas.  "Take the guards out.  We'll follow up as soon as they are down."

In reply to Ken Jenkins (msg # 118):

Walker looked at Blake.

"Just do it by the book, and we'll be fine.  There's plenty of cover, and we'll find a branch to use as a bench to fire from."

He looked at Jenkins.

"Wait for both of them to hit the ground.  Worst case scenario, I have to take the second shot.  But don't hit the road until both are down, or you'll be running into my second shot."

"This is probably a dumb question, but who can drive that thing?  I can't."

In reply to Thomas Walker (msg # 119):

Trying to calm his nerves, Blake laughed a little.

"I can, don't worry. I'm a Scout, it's our "thing"!"

Ken listened carefully. "I'll keep the party back until you've dropped both guards Thomas.  Then we'll rush the ship."  He nods to Blake.  "The Scouts will come to our rescue!"

In reply to Ken Jenkins (msg # 121):

"As always. Okay, Thomas, I'm ready."

"Right..." said Linus, looking a bit worried.

In reply to Linus Spruance (msg # 123):

"Let's go."  With that, Walker once again snuck into the woods.

Neva made sure that she had a full clip in her weapon and stayed alert.  HOpefully they would get to their destination this time.

They got into position and chose their targets. It was 40m range, not too long, but the crew were wearing cloth armour.

When Thomas gave the signal, he and Blake fired at the same time.

Both the targets slumped over.

Ken gave a thumbs up to Thomas and Blake.  He turned to the others and in a low, urgent voice called out.  "Go! Go! Go!"  Ken took hold of professor Messandi and helped move him toward the ship. "Let's get into the ship people and get the hell off this place!"

Linus trotted towards the ship.

Neva made sure that the others were on the way to the ship before starting out on her own.  She had her gun ready if it was needed for protection but thought that just getting there fast would be their best protection.

In reply to GM (msg # 126):

Walker never pulled the rifle down from his cheek-weld.

"Go.  I'll cover the rest until you're back into the cover of the ship.  Then I'll join you."

He searched the compound for threats to his crew, looking for someone who not only recognized that they were a threat, but made move to do something about it.

In reply to Thomas Walker (msg # 130):

The fighting on the far side of camp intensified as the motley group broke from cover and rushed to the ship.

No alarm was raised as they reached the bottom of the forward cargo ramp, where the 2 crew guards were laying. They were right below the bridge but it seemed no one was paying attention or the bridge wasn't manned. Blake and Stanley dragged the wounded and unconscious crew with them up the ramp.

Soon, they were inside the cargo bay. The hatch leading to the bridge was across and to the left. The closest hatched to either corridor leading to engineering were in the port and starboard cargo locks.



http://www.obsidianportal.com/...s/far-trader-type-a2

In reply to GM (msg # 131):

Walker crossed the distance and assisted Blake and Stanley as they hauled the bodies onboard the ship.

[OOC:  An Empress Marava!  Cool!]

Linus made sure that the unconscious/dead guards were clear of the cargo ramp before entering. Wouldn't do to have them clogging up the works when they closed it!

He went over to try the bridge access hatch.

Neva took up a position where she could cover the men as they dragged in the unconscious guards.  A ship.  Now this was something that was interesting.  It sure beat, so far, a leaky canoe.  Not that Neva would voice that since the leaky canoe managed to get them to the ship.  Dare she hope that things were starting to look up?

Ken stripped the guards of weapons and then helped Linus dispose of them.  He headed up the ramp and once the entire crew was aboard closed it.  Looking around he came to a quick decision.  "Let's secure the bridge and engineering first and then work our way through the port and starboard sides.  Thomas you take the bridge with Linus and Jaxxon.  Neva, you come with me aft."

Neva nodded to Ken and followed him, watching the route as they did so in case she had to do it by herself.  It was a little intimidating because it was so big compared to what she had recently become used to.

In reply to Ken Jenkins (msg # 135):

"Roger."  Walker moved towards the bridge of the Empress Marava.

The others, including Lorrain, Talia, Fatima, Hal, Jothan and the conscious but barely functional Juan and Ross stayed in the cargo bay to guard the prisoners.

Blake, being the pilot, planned on going with those storming the bridge. "Hey, why waste any time? This way I'll be right there."

"No," said Lorrain as she stopped him. "You're not expendable, you can't catch a bullet. You stay here with us, you can go forward when they make it. Neva, take a shotgun. That autorifle is too big for inside the ship."

As she passed Neva the shotgun, Jothan halted being sorry for himself and started  looking proud of his little girl.

"Thomas, Linus and Jaxxon are going to the bridge, I will go with to Engineering with Neva and Ken," Stanley said. He was armed with a pair of machetes and a revolver.

Without radios there was no good way to coordinate the attack, so they'd have to hope they could neutralise the bridge crew in short order. Linus opened the hatch to the crew lounge area aft of the bridge while Ken opened the aft cargo hold hatch to the bridge. The lounge was empty. Ahead lay the bridge.

In Engineering, the lower Drive deck was empty.
This message was last edited by the GM at 09:46, Tue 16 July 2013.

In reply to GM (msg # 138):

Neva swapped out the weapon for the shotgun and took quick stock of how much ammo she had for it.

Ken readied his shotgun and grinned to Stanley and Neva.  Upon seeing that the lower deck was empty he pointed to the three Iris valves leading up.  "Each of us should take one Iris valve and head to the upper deck all at once.  We'll try to surprise anyone up there by appearing all at once."  Once the three were in agreement he headed up the aft lift.

In reply to GM (msg # 138):

Walker moved forward to the bridge of the ship, stopping when he had line-of-sight on the entrance to the bridge, and had cover.

In reply to Thomas Walker (msg # 141):

Neva nodded to Ken and took one of the other valves when given the signal went on through it, prepared to fight if necessary.

In reply to Thomas Walker (msg # 141):

There was no one in the crew lounge aft of the bridge. The iris valve that provided access was closed.

In reply to GM (msg # 143):

Jaxxon moved up and put his hand on the access plate for the bridge valve. he nodded to Linus and Thomas. "Go on three?"

In reply to Ken Jenkins (msg # 140):

There were three of them, and coincidentally, three iris valves providing access to the power level of the engine room.

Neva climbed into position, after checking the spare ammo for the shotgun. She was given 30 rounds, probably more than enough for any but an extremely long fight. Stanley took the rear hatch, climbing into position as well.

"Ready, my friend."

Ken raised his hand.  "On three... One, two, three."  He headed up the lift, shotgun ready.

In reply to Ken Jenkins (msg # 146):

Neva nodded to the guys and on the count of three she headed up lift with her shotgun at the ready.

In reply to Neva Alexovna Morozova (msg # 147):

In the upper engine room was a harried looking Vargr in a cut-off set of coveralls and an Engineering tool belt and tool kit. He was carrying standard diagnostic equipment. He looked up, irritated at the disruption.

"Hey! Shouldn't you guys be defending the camp? You humans all look the same."

Ken grinned, deliverately showing teeth as he advanced toward the Vargr shotgun ready.  "There's been a change of leadership in this pack.  We're taking the ship over and getting the hell out of here.  I'm Ken, this is Neva and Stanley.  You can come with us and be treated with respect and let off with a good payment or we can let you off here to face the wrath of your employer."

In reply to Ken Jenkins (msg # 149):

Walker, having observed the bridge for a few minutes, listened for sounds of occupancy.

In reply to Thomas Walker (msg # 150):

There was no response from the bridge, and it was impossible to observe through the iris valve and bulkhead.



The Vargr looked nervously at the alarm on the intercom and decided he couldn't make it.

"Pack? What the hell! If we desert, Kalamanaru is going to shit, then kill us if we take off with his ship! He'll kill you too. You better get back outside, I won't say anything."

Ken motioned for Stanley and Neva to approach and cover the Vargr.  He moved closer but just out of easy reach.  "We're not deserters, we're explorers and we've found the treasure that Kalamanaru was looking for.  Now we're going to get off planet with our spoils.  And he can't kill us if we're long gone."

In reply to Ken Jenkins (msg # 152):

He looked unsurely from Ken to Neva and finally to Stanley. If anything, the presence of a "gog" convinced him this wasn't a group affiliated with his present, or perhaps former, employer.

"Uh... yeah, okay whatever you say, chief."

Ken smiled but without teeth.  He kept a firm stance, knowing that dominance was important with Vargr.  "Good, we'll give you a handsome reward for joining the right side."  He motioned away from the console.  "But until we have the ship under control you'll understand we're wary.  Now, is the ship ready to go?  Is it fueled?"

In reply to Ken Jenkins (msg # 152):

Neva moved to cover the Vargr.  She personally thought that if he talked too much it would be just as easy to kill him.  He couldn't spread the alarm then but she didn't think the others would go for it.  At least not if they made the first move.  If he attacked first that would be another thing.

She watched the Vargr carefully to see if he would make a move.  She was ready just in case.

In reply to Ken Jenkins (msg # 154):

The Vargr scratched his ear. It was obvious he wasn't going to get greased, although he wasn't sure about the female.

"Fine. My name is "Oksasaellllozae" but they just call me "Oskar". We're fuelled. I'm trying to get the ship prepped for liftoff, but we could takeoff right now, assuming you control the bridge. Which is what I think you want, too? So if you don't mind..."

"Gotta do it the hard way,"  Said Walker.  "We'll enter as soon as I get the bulkhead opened.  I'll open it on three."

Walker quietly walked up to the controls for the iris.  He held up his non-rifle hand, and counted to three, then opened the hatch.

Ken nodded to Neva as she moved up to cover the Vargr.  "I'm glad you decided to cooperate Oskar.  I'm Ken Jenkins, this is Neva Morozova and that is Stanley.  It's good to know that the ship is ready.  Now, who else is aboard besides you?  We're not out to kill anyone so letting us know who is where will help us take over peacefully."

In reply to Ken Jenkins (msg # 158):

"Captain Lambert, the pilot, is on the bridge. Frick and Frack (I don't know their names but they sounded Zhodani) were on guard duty outside. One was navigator, the other was ship'd medic. I assume you went through them to get up the ramp. Plus me, that's the entire crew. Frick and Frack doubled as gunners when needed.

"Where are you headed? Dominion? Descarothe Hegemony? Or League of Free Suns? If you want to avoid Kalamanaru the Free Suns is your best bet, he's got a lot of pull in Descarothe and the Dominion. That's where I'd prefer to get dropped off if we part ways."

Oskar was keeping his hands where they could see them.

In reply to Thomas Walker (msg # 157):

Snugging his SMG against his shoulder, Jaxxon moved out of the way.

"Ok, fine! You open it."

The iris valve Whoooshed open. There was a woman at the pilot station. She turned around, startled, and said, "whoa... who are you guys? What's going on? You, you look familiar." She seemed to recognise Jaxxon.

"Oh, uh, hi Mariel. Long time, no see."

In reply to Jaxxon Zalvedes (msg # 160):

Walker followed Jaxxon in, keeping enough space between them so his rifle would not be caught up and rendered ineffective.  He was also looking for a second target.

"Good, you two have already met.  Here's the deal. We're leaving.  Your boss has already tried to machine-gun us once, so we're uninterested in talking to him.  The indigs don't like us.  You can either work with us, spend the trip locked up, or dead.  I know I'd prefer not being dead."

Linus just tagged along behind. Despite being a Naval vet, he'd never been more than a storeman...

Ken nodded slowly.  "Good decision Oskar." He motioned to Neva.  "Let the others know that there should just be one person left onboard on the bridge." Ken turned back to Oskar.  "We're headed to the League.  Once we reach there safely you will be free to go and do whatever you want.  We have Lorain Messandi with her as well as her father."

She looked from Jaxxon to Walker to Linus.

"Well, you sure know how to sweet-talk a gal. There's also the low berths.

"Good to see you alive, Jax, they said you were missing after the attack on camp. Everybody better get settled in, we can lift-off at any time."

She started her preflight checks.

"Glad to see you to, Mari. If you can handle nav, we have a pilot on board. We can get everyone strapped down in the crew lounge?"

Ken called to the others.  "We have engineering and the engineer secured. Where do we stand with the bridge?

In reply to Ken Jenkins (msg # 163):

Neva nodded to Ken and let the others know the situation on who was on the bridge and waited for an update from the bridge.

In reply to Jaxxon Zalvedes (msg # 165):

"Linus, would you please go back to engineering and let the others know we've got the bridge?"

"Mariel, who else is on board the ship?"

"Of course, on my way," said Linus, and headed down to Engineering with the message.

"There's just Oskar, our Vargr engineer, and me, plus Frick and Frack. I assume you went through them to get up the ramp?" She checked out the bridge's panoramic viewport and didn't see the other two human crew below.

In reply to Linus Spruance (msg # 169):

On his way to Engineering he found Lorrain waiting for him in the lounge.

"Is everything all right? Do we have the ship?"

In reply to Mariel (msg # 170):

"Unfortunately.  Not in the mood to risk a firefight."

She sighed.

"Oh, that's just swell. Those guys are useless.

"I take it you want to get going immediately? Want me to call Engineering, get the ball rolling?"

In reply to Mariel (msg # 173):

"Let's wait for Linus to come back.  If the other guys haven't resolved Engineering, I don't want to screw up their end of things."

"Just about, Lorain. How are you getting on?" Linus replied. "I'm just trundling down to Engineering to check all is fine there, we have the Bridge. Including a crewman who is happy to join us!"

Linus carried on to Engineering.

Ken greeted Linus as he appeared.  "Did you guys take the Bridge?  We've got engineering locked up.  Oskar," he nodded to the Vargr, "has agreed to cooperate."

"Good..."

Linus nodded to the Vargr and headed back to the bridge again to tell them that Engineering was secured.

In reply to Linus Spruance (msg # 175):

As Linus passed through, Lorrain said, "we're okay here. If you have the bridge, let's get out of the bloody cargo bay!"
This message was last updated by the player at 16:44, Sat 27 July 2013.

With the major parts of the ship secure, they performed a quick swwep to confirm that there was no one else on board.

In a few minutes time, Blake moved up to the bridge to assist with piloting duties. Jaxxon, with some Engineering ability, headed back to the cargo bay and moved the groggy ship's navigator and gunner/medic to the low berths. They may or may not want to join the mutiny, but there was no need and they would just increase the odds of a potential counter-mutiny (such as it was).

Everyone else was strapped into acceleration couches for liftoff, mainly in the bridge, engineering or the crew lounge.

In reply to GM (msg # 179):

Looking out the bridge viewport at the battle outsdie, Blake settled into the pilot's chair.

"Attention all hands. Prepare for liftoff. This could be a little bumpy, And we might explode! I think Kalamanru's men have just about got the natives cleared out so if we leave it any later we're going to be in serious trouble."

Ken helped the others move out of the cargo bay and settle in.  He chose to stay in the lounge as he had no training in the operation of a starship.  He grinned over to Lorain as the made the preparations to lift.  "One last hurdle and we should be home free!"

In the low berth bay, Stanley carefully laid the body bag containing Liisha's corpse into one of the stasis units.

"Safe trip, my friend. My people did not know of the stars, may they protect and guide you on your journey."

Neva thought the lounge would be the best place for her unless they wanted her to stand hard some place else.  She held her breath as she buckled in.  "A new adventure for sure."  She could be heard muttering.

Linus settled back in the lounge, content to leave matters to others for a change.

Ken glanced down at Liisha's body.  "Thank you for seeing to her Stanley.  She was a brave and a good friend."

In reply to Ken Jenkins (msg # 185):

Over the ship's speakers came Blake's voice.

"Ok, we're ready for liftoff. Do we want to go straight up, or try to avoid Mirayn Space Traffic Control? This is a pretty podunk World, I don't know if they have any interceptors, but even a couple of armed Cutters could be a handful for us."

Ken replied on the intercom.

[Comm]

"Ask the pilot how they came in?  If they registered then we want to go out the same way.  If they snuck in then let's sneak out.  I'd bet they just snuck in."

Neva chuckled at the "snuck in" comment.  She was sure they probably snuck in but for now she was the passenger, at least for lift off, and would let the others figure it out.

In reply to Neva Alexovna Morozova (msg # 188):

The ship, under the name Empress Katarina, had avoided detection as her main mission was to avoid customs. So Mariel took her out the same way.

Anti-Grav drives humming, the ship closed ports, retracted the ramp and lifted off. They accelerated over the lake, then banked west over the vast jungles and swamps of Mirayn's Outback. Not quite at NOE height they nevertheless used terrain-following flight to traverse the rest of the continent, then once over the stormy ocean they began the transit to orbit.

No beacons pinged the IFF, Mirayn TRAFFCOn was quiet. It was like they'd never been. Soon, they were in Jumpspace, on a course for Alnezei in the Free Suns.

Ken relaxed and congratulated each member of the team.  "We made it, great job everyone.  This is a famous find."  He turned to Stanley; "What are your plans Stanley now that you've made it off planet?"

Seeking out Lorain he smiles.  "We found your father and huge clues to the identity of the Sky Raiders.  What are you going to do for an encore?  I think if we can keep the ship we can make a go at trading or even trouble shooting.  You should join us."

Linus started investigating the galley, to see what supplies they had.

In reply to GM (msg # 189):

Considering the presence of a debilitating parasite in Jothan's brain, Talia decided to freeze him for the jump to Alnezei. She got him settled into the low berth.

"We'll take you directly to the Institute hospital. They can remove this thing if anyone can. When you wake up, you'll be cured! Sleep tight."

In reply to Ken Jenkins (msg # 190):

"I might look for work as a gunner on another ship. Maybe work on furthering my law degree, although I can't see what that'll gain me.

"We should make out okay, so it's not like I need to decide right away."

In reply to Ken Jenkins (msg # 190):

She kissed her father before the lid to the low berth closed.

"Back to academia, I guess. I have a paper to write, probably several by the time we're through. Publish or perish! I have a feeling my days tramping through the jungle are done. Not that there weren't some amazing times!

"When we get to Alnezei, let's keep in touch? Even after you receive your pay! The Institute might have some kind of work for you, and they'll be very grateful for what we're bringing."

Ken nodded to Stanley.  "Your share of the treasure if no one takes it from us should set you up nicely in a law practice if you wanted.  Another option is if we can keep this ship we could always use more crew."

Separately with Lorain he chuckled. "Ahhh... the grind of books and papers.  You'll be famous you know, solving part of the riddle of the Sky Raiders.  I'm expecting a sequel to your father's book from you." Ken nodded.  "I'd like to stay in touch.  I've enjoyed your company and will miss you." Ken's smile broadened and he winked.  "Assuming you will still want to mingle with your old comrades after you are a star."

"Sill, a few good jobs from the Institute wouldn't be turned down."

Neva grinned and relaxed for a bit.  Pay.  They mentioned payment.  She had almost forgotten that.  She had been working on reintegrating back into society and survival that she had forgotten it was a job that she was getting paid for.

She gave a small laugh to herself and ALMOST kicked up her heels at the realization that she had survived this first step.  Does this mean that she will now take a second step?  A third step?  Ohhh, look where that first step had landed her.  She hoped she would get a chance to take that second step.

Back in Engineering Olly runs the Power Plant through a series of diagnostics and talks things over.

So they’ve screwed Kalamanaru.  That’s not so good.  But they’ve screwed Kalamanaru and got away with it and that’s better.  So far they seem competent.  Not sure about the female, we don’t like the way she was covering us...but still, competent.

Makes a few adjustments and grunts to himself.

Mr Smilie don’t know us, so we let it slide, but if he growls at us again…WOOF!

Grunts again, and goes about his business.

Walker followed Linus to the galley.

"Perhaps they have some goddamned tea aboard this ship."  He was grateful that he hadn't killed the targets, but sad that they were in low berths.

"I'll have to replace my kit, and figure out where I'm going from there."

In reply to Thomas Walker (msg # 198):

With Mari's and Oskar's help, tea was found and dinner served.

The Far Trader continued through Jumpspace, and they found it wasn't a particularly well-equipped ship. Indeed, it had been a regular commercial ship, pressed into service as a smuggling vessel. There were a few standard smuggler tricks, like variable IFF. Armaments included a couple auto-pistols and revolvers; the rest of the arms locker had been distributed to those defending the camp.

A week later, they emerged from Jumpspace not far from the World of Alntzar. It was a blue-green planet, and the scopes showed plenty of space traffic.

After an exchange of signals, the ship was intercepted by a Free Suns armed cutter and escorted to the starport. There, the ship was impounded (it was originally stolen, after all) and the crew transferred to the planetary surface.

Within a short period, they were contacted by Lorain and asked to meet her at the Institute for Systems Study...