"I do not consent to any searches Officer."  Liisha said flatly.  "Now am I under arrest for something or am I free to go?"

In reply to Liisha Laagir (msg #77):

Sgt. Boniface smiled evilly at Liisha.

"Who says you get a say in consenting to be searched? We're the Antiquities Police, welcome to Mirayn. Search the bags, shoot them if they resist."

The tension shot up considerably as Boniface and another drew their revolvers while two began searching the bags.

Unexpectedly, "Boss Gog" (who Boniface addressed as "Stanley") cleared his throat and said in creditable Anglic, "according to the Mirayn Antiquities Act, permits to explore the Outback and carry defensive weaponry are Cr200, and cover the entire party and all weapons. Once you have the permits, your weapons will be returned."

Face reddening, Bonface spat out, "give one Gog an education, he thinks he's better than you. Fine. Turn over all firearms. I'll write up a receipt, you may claim it in one week or less. When you have the permits."

"I am a resident citizen, Officer. Rules pertaining to offworlders do not apply."

Linus continued to drink his coffee, savouring it. When he was done, he took out his hand computer and made a few notes.
This message was last edited by the player at 12:15, Fri 16 Mar 2012.

Liisha gave a subtle nod to the big Gog who had also stood up to Boniface.  It would have been nice to know about the permit requirements before they had arrived.  She made a mental note to talk with Lorain about hiring on 'Stanley' if he were available.  If Messandi didn't know the various regulations regarding expedition to the Outback, then they would need someone who did.

Liisha didn't resist the Antiquities Police search of her bags, but offered them no assistance in doing so.  It was dark and late.  If they missed something, that was their problem.

In reply to Linus Spruance (msg #79):

Two more Jeeps pulled up, with two more APs each. These were armed with revolvers as well and joined the group already there.

The Gogs were shooed away, as Boniface seemed to be focusing on the group. "Stanley" stood back, but didn't leave, standing across the street by his pedicab.

Sgt. Boniface snorted and gestured with his pistol. "You live here? You know then that the penalties are harsher for you."

All bags were efficiently searched, and AP's frisked them expertly, removing all firearms. All weapons and ammunition not allowed at Law Level 7 (basically, all firearms) are put aside. Careful records were kept. Boniface seemed disappointed they didn't find any contraband artwork.

The receipt seemed accurate and didn't show any fine for the prohibited weapons.

Linus grinned.

"That, Officer, is why I don't deal in antiquities - I run a bar!"

He made a few more notes, and looked round (yet again) for Lorain. Where had she got to? He started off towards the warehouses she'd vanished into...

In reply to Linus Spruance (msg #82):

Sgt. Boniface scowled unhappily at Linus's smile and made a dismissive gesture. Linus's ID checked out and he had no contraband art, so he was free to go.
This message was last edited by the GM at 21:42, Thu 15 Mar 2012.

In reply to Sgt. Boniface (msg #83):

Neva just waited for her turn to see what they would either charge her or let her go.  It never paid to buck the system when you didn't know it as well nor when you didn't have enough creds to get everybody out of the slam.  On the other hand it was interesting to see the dynamics of the group.  She would voice her opinion when it mattered to her but for now she would see how the group dynamics worked out before making a move.

Ken headed back from where ever he had been and hailed Linus as he was walking toward him.  "Hey Linus, Lorain is back behind me in that warehouse with a grad student loading gear.  I gave them a hand so they are almost done." He looked past the other man.  "What with the police jeeps?"

When the police left, Liisha walked over to the 'Boss-Gog', and extended her hand.  "I'm Liisha.  Thanks for that.  You seem to know lot about the antiquities laws.  Are they serious about not paying local help in Imperial Credits?  What’s the fine for something like that?” Liisha asked, trying to find out how much he might know about local laws.  She followed up with another quick question, not trying to put him on the spot, but eager to see if they could work out something mutually beneficial.  ”Any experience in the Outback?”

"Hi, Ken... we were beginning to get a bit worried... The police are being a bit anal about weapons permits, is all. That and a dose of racism regarding the poor gogs," said Linus.

Ken nodded.  "I was a bit worried also when Loraine went haring off into the dark.  This expedition is going to be more complicated than I expected."  He headed back to the others; "What is it with the weapons permits and the police?  Loraine mentioned something about that."

0200 Hours
Val Preszar Hoverport Terminal

Sgt. Boniface and the rest of the APs piled into their Jeeps and left.

The Gogs, save for Stanley, had already left. Late-morning, there was little sound save the loud chorus of Mirayn's night insects.

The Gog advanced and shook hands with Liisha. His voice was gravelly but possible to understand.

"Pleased to meet you, Liisha, I am Stanley. I studied Law off-world in order to become a solicitor. Regretfully, there are many people here opposed to Gogs becoming involved in their legal system."

"For now, I work as a porter because Gogs cannot become accredited guides. My tribe is coastal and I speak many of coastal languages, which is similar but not the same as those of the deep jungles."

"Mirayn derives much income from tourists and treasure-hunters. The trade is controlled by the government through laws and regulations. Enforcement is through the Antiquities Police, a special enforcement unit of the Gendarmerie, itself a branch of the Planetary Militia.

"All artifact finds and information on archaeological sites must be sold to the government at (relatively low) fixed rates, with fines and penalties under the Antiquities Act not to exceed twenty years in prison or two million Mirayn francs, about Cr100,000."

"There is much corruption in the government. Many in power have become rich from cozy arrangements with smuggling rings and tomb robber gangs. The currency laws serve to severely restrict economic contact between Gogs and outsiders. With no independent sources of wealth, Gogs are kept subservient and dependent."

With the police gone and everyone met up, Lorain and her grad student arrived soon afterwards and apologised for being late, sorting the gear took longer than she anticipated. They were driving a rusted pickup truck with smoking exhaust, loaded up with that same gear. The trip to the hotel was about a half kilometer, maybe a dozen blocks or so.

Although everyone could cram on the back, it wouldn't be comfortable or probably even safe. Stanley offered to give a couple people a lift to the hotel, free of charge.

In reply to Liisha Laagir (msg #86):

When there's a quiet moment, Walker makes a point out of speaking with Liisha.

"Thanks for keeping us out of trouble.  I had no idea there were laws against using Credits as currency, or that firearms were illegal.  I only stayed in the 'port district, and it's not like you want to wave my rifle around in civilized areas."

He pauses

"As much as you could call the 'port distric 'civilized.'"

In reply to GM (msg #91):

Neva looked at Stanley and volunteered to go with them.  "If you have room for me then I'll go with you Stanley.  Thanks for the offer."

Neva patiently waited for Stanley whomever else was going on.  "Stanley?  How long has this type of thing been going on?  I've been...out of touch...for awhile."

In reply to Thomas Walker (msg #92):

"The credits thing was something I remembered seeing at the starport.  Didn't realize we would have firearms trouble until Boniface brought it up.  I was mostly worried about the credit issue.  We have Stanley to thank for bringing up the permits."  Liisha said to Thomas.

"Half a klick? I'll walk," said Linus.

In reply to Linus Spruance (msg #95):

Stanley helped load Neva's luggage into the truck. He got the location of the hotel, the "Green Park Village". Lorain described the route to Linus as it was simple enough. Everyone else who was riding in the small truck would have to hang on. Lorain promised to go slow and it would be safe enough, even over the rough patched pavement of Val Preszar's streets.



Stanley confirmed he knew the location of the guest house. "As well, I agree that the good Sergeant was trying to set your friend up using an obscure regulation no one obeys or even thinks about. For what reason I do not know. Usually the government wants to encourage tourism and expeditions. Very unusual to harass potential treasure-hunters without cause. They will usually wait until after someone has found something of value to put out their hand."

All gear loaded, Lorain started the truck up after a little coaxing.

Ken loaded up his gear into the truck.  "Thanks for the information Stanley.  Are you available for hire as a porter then?  We're going on an expedition with Lorain over there into the back country and can use an experienced person to help us organize things and stay out of trouble."

"Do you mind if I ride with you also Stanley?"

In reply to Ken Jenkins (msg #97):

"Yes. I will contact you tomorrow."

He waited until they were settled, then pushed off, following the truck.

346-1107
0230 Hours

The streets were quiet and empty, occasionally lit by streetlights. Everyone in the truck and pedicab quickly arrived, Linus on foot a short time later.

The Green Park Village was a 3-story main building with separate garage and staff accommodation in behind, surrounded by a wall. A Gog guard carrying a bamboo-like staff let them through the gate and a tired-looking human clerk checked them in. They were on the 3rd floor, all in single rooms containing a bed with clean sheets, a screened-in window, and a ceiling fan (that worked). Washroom facilities were shared. The tiny rooms were stuffy but with the window open and fan on, not too bad.

As they were getting settled in, the lights died without warning. After a moment, a nearby petrol-fired generator kicked in and began putting away.

346-1107
1000 Hours

The electricity returned some time in the morning. Those who wanted to could sleep in late. There was hot water for showers. Breakfast was served in the main dining room: egg omelette, fantastic french bread, fresh local fruit, strong coffee.
This message was last edited by the GM at 11:31, Fri 08 June 2012.

Relishing being the guest rather than the host, Linus was up quite early.

"Nice spot you've found," he commented when he encountered Lorain.

"Ah, hot showers, good bread and strong coffee.  All the hallmarks of civilization," Liisha said as she entered for breakfast, her hair still damp.  "What's on the agenda for today?" she asked, pouring herself a cup before grabbing some fruit and french bread.