Sam draws herself upright, and looks squarely at Khea "Why do you assume that I wasn't going to do that? I was letting the other Pilots know that I want to have the first test flight. I wasn't referring to what happened before we flew it. And that reminds me," she says more loudly to everyone " we still need to decide on our chain of command here, so we're not arguing about who does what when."

  Kaengarr sliced the air with one hand. "Our boarding of the Long Shot answered that, don't you think? I'm used to this sort of command, what you'd call 'informal association'. It's how everything works in the Extents."

In reply to Kaengarr Ruzokh (msg # 340):

"I'm a pilot!" Vonon tosses in, thumping himself in the chest with a thumb, "Before I retired I was the commander of a Space Interdiction squadron.  Before that I spent years splitting my time between sensor operations and boarding operations -- both sides of boarding operations."

"As for cargos -- I've already tossed in my point of view, coming from an asteroid colony.  Pablo, you're from the Carril system, back me up on this -- we rockhounds are turned on by anything natural, right?"

"Outpost is a moon with a really thin atmosphere that's toxic, and they don't have many readily accessible water sources.  I had thought to bring natural mineral water there as a novelty consumable.  Another thing I'd thought of taking there was real wood paneling -- if you spend your entire life surrounded in glass, steel and concrete, the smell of a little warm wood paneling goes a long way to improving your mood.  And spices! Sealed environment communities tend not to have large agricultural resources, so they eat a lot of imported canned stuff, or a lot of processed synthesized crap.  Good condiments are worth their weight in credits."

Vonon shrugs, "Of course, I'm no Trader -- yet -- but I spent many a patrol thinking about what I, a person born and raised in sealed environments, really wanted to spend my creds on.  Mostly it was beef, then beer.  But after that I really wanted to own real, natural things."

Sam looked at Kaengarr "which explains a lot about why the extents are like they are." She shrugged "If no -one wants to sort out a chain of command, so be it, but we'll waste a lot of time arguing points which could be settled easily by  a decision maker. And the Long Shot proved we were lucky, especially Pablo, not that no commander worked. If those guys had been organized, it could have gone pear-shaped very quickly. Next time he tries that we may well not be so lucky."

  Kaengarr grinned at Vonon's description of pining for the natural life. Most of humaniti had moved on from Rosseau and Romanticism, but now and then Kaengarr had nevertheless met someone who imagined very odd things about the Vargr because of them.

  Vonon had missed the point that Kaengarr was trying to make, though in hindsight that was probably his own fault, so he elaborated, in the process revealing that somehow, somewhere, he had learned to pull off a good vocal caricature of an overwrought drill sergeant, even if the lines didn't quite match those that Vonon, Pablo, and Samantha had no doubt endured during their early careers. "It's not about the boarding, Vonon. You've boarded more ships than I have! It's about the command and the command structure. We aren't a formal Imperial-style military outfit with all of the 'Yes sir, no sir, are my boots shiny enough sir!' silliness that goes with it."

  "This, though? Informal, improvisational, and driven by personal relationships. That's closer to a Vargr pack than most would like to admit - on either side of the border!"
This message was last edited by the player at 09:33, Thu 28 Jan 2016.

In reply to Kaengarr Ruzokh (msg # 343):

"Oh, I agree." Vonon enthused, "The last thing I want is to fall back into a rigid military-like structure."

Vonon pauses a moment in thought, "I think I remember there was some ancient Solomani philosopher named Nikki Benin, or Unka Stalled-engine, or something like that -- and he said 'from each according to their ability, to each according to their need'.  I think that means -- in a civilian setting -- that whoever can do a thing best, should be placed in charge of doing that thing.  And thus be given the title that goes with being the boss of that thing."

"For instance, I'm pretty certain that Sam, you are a better starship pilot than I am, while I think it's a good bet that Sir Walter, you and I probably have equal skill with small boats.  I also have a suspicion that Sam, you might also be the best starship pilot among us all.  So you should be the Senior Pilot, maybe even be the Captain...."

Vonon turned a puzzled muzzle towards Kaengarr, "That's right, isn't it? On civilian ships, the top operations officer is called The Captain?  It's not just a Rank?"

Vonon turns back to the group, "But, as we're all agreed that running this ship will be a business, on civilian ships that means that there is an officer of equal, sometimes greater, authority than the Captain, and that would be the Owner-Aboard, or also The Chief Trader.  That would either be Count Darrel or...Khea, you said you were a Trader by profession, didn't you?  So, either you or Count Darrel should probably be the ship's Trader.  Whichever of you turns out to be better educated in business, I guess."

  Kaengarr was trying to deal with two people at once and the divided attention was making for a disjointed dialogue. "I didn't say there was no command, Sam, and you should know that from the last time we met! 'Pack Leader' isn't a vanity title, and Gvegh don't like an absence of leadership any more than Imperials do. When it's missing, one of us steps in. That's what happened on the Long Shot since everyone was off doing their own thing after trying to organize a raid by popular vote."

  He turned back to the other subject, that of who would do what under normal circumstances. "If by civilian you mean independent it could be handled any which way, but if it's about trading, that's Walter's expertise. The problem isn't who does what when everything's quiet, though. It's about who can keep us organized when things go to pieces, like on the Long Shot, or preferably before they do. I've shown I can do that, but if I'm too Gvegh for your comfort, there are three others here whose background says they can."

  "Maybe a fourth. He looked over at Khea. "It wouldn't be Aslan-traditional, but if you were traditional you wouldn't be here to begin with!"
This message was last edited by the player at 09:51, Thu 28 Jan 2016.

Pablo looked at Sam, and said, "Guess its better to be lucky than good, as they say." Standing up, he said, "I think I need to stretch my legs a bit, and have a smoke. I'm good with whatever you guys decide on organization and so forth." He headed out, though it occurred to him belatedly that a number of those present knew he didn't smoke.
This message was last edited by the player at 14:10, Thu 28 Jan 2016.

"I agree that we don't need a formal Yes Sir, No Sir, set-up , however, all of us have been in different organizations that require structure and/or discipline...and the need for it is obvious."

Turning towards Samantha, "She's right, we were lucky and that could have gone terribly wrong. If we had a chain of command, if things had went wrong, we would have been better prepared to deal with it."

Gesturing at Kaengarr,"And his point makes sense, it's most important when things have gone to shit that everyone needs to know their task and where they fit in the overall scheme. Of course that doesn't detract from someone stepping up when they need to, only that the best executed plans are when everyone understands their jobs."



Watches Pablo leave, "I guess he agrees...Anyways, the group should have 2 settings, normal, which means when things are, well, normal, no laser beams, explosions, blood etc. Then there is the SHTF setting, which means laser beams, explosions, blood, etc. The SHTF also has two modes, ship to ship and ground/boarding actions."


Darrel scratches his head for a moment, "Ahhh, yes, exactly...each of us has skills and attributes, that qualify us for different positions, and we must choose which person is best qualified depending on if we are in normal or SHTF setting. For example, in our SHTF setting/boarding mode, it makes no sense for me to be in charge of that, but, my part, given my medical training, fits into that as the group medic."

Nods to Khea, "And the same thing applies during the normal times, I doubt she would want to sit in some portmaster's office arguing about the legality of overpriced docking fees, that would be my job. Or trying to convince an Imperial officer to let us load military grade weapons onto our ship."

Ponders his next words carefully, "Positions, titles and jobs...something to think about, I've written up a "chain of command" chart and you guys can check it out and we can figure it out later. Let's get to the ship, pre-flight checks and get ready for a test-flight, Walter can start working on getting us some cargo."

OOC: I'm writing up a thing and will put in OOC, I have a feeling it might take a bit to figure out.

Sir Walter listened into the conversation as he started scanning the various traders online to see if there was a good cargo for them. "Vonon, this merry band of cutthroats has so many pilots that we might have to stick some at the auxiliary bridge just so they can have the required flight hours to keep up with their certification, let alone train the two of you that are not pilots" he said with a sly grin, looking at the Count and Gregory.

"Samantha brings up a very good point given the skills of the crew and I agree that we need to come up with some kind of organization so that we can operate more efficiently, more so in order to file paperwork to create the corporation to operate this vessel.  Here is what I was thinking..." Sir Walter said as he opened another program on his computer

                                                 Captain: Count Darrel Crowell
                                           ][
                            Senior Pilot/XO: Samantha Kilgore
                                           ][
                                  Navigator: Sharik Kaagira
                                           ][
           =============================================================
           ][                              ][                         ][
       Engineering                  Cargo operations         Gunnery/Security
           ][                              ][                         ][
       Kheaiftouaw                  Sir Walter Zeller        Pablo Esteban Ryzov
       Valeska Brandenberg          Gregory Jones            Vonon Ronkunu
                                                             Kaengarr Ruzokh

"Now it is not perfect as there are eight of us that are certified as a pilot but only three certified in engineering, so Valeska, I would like you to work with Chief Engineer Kheaiftouaw on getting trained on the drives. Same with you Gregory. Pablo, Vonon, and Kaengarr, the three of you are skilled in Gunnery but Pablo you are skilled enough to be an instructor so I think working with Vonon and Kaengarr in getting their skills to the same level as yours would be the best for the ship." Sir Walter said.

"If you want a natural cargo Vonon, Grendal is not the place to look. You are better off at Tharrill or Yarhfahl since both of them are rather agricultural, more so with Tharrill since that is such a lush planet. That is why I had suggested it as a possible destination if we were to set up a trade route."

"That works for me. Thank you for including me."

Valeska looks towards Kheaiftouaw with a smile.

OOC: I'm assuming we are moving to the Long Shot?

As the conversation revolves around how to set up the crew and positions, and how skills/attributes and jobs are designated...

The group notices the Count actually develops a blush, he takes a large gulp of his brandy, "Ahh, I haven't been completely honest you all. There are individuals that are born with tremendous natural talents, having skills and attributes that sets them apart from the common person. I am not one of those fortunate few."

There is a long pause as Darrel continues, "I am embarrassed to admit, given my stature and position, I had to resort to well, cheating, I had augments, and other procedures done, to compete with my peers."

As a display, tapping on his throat, he says Hello, mimicking almost perfect in their own natural language, each of the other members of the group."Shrieker box"

Pulls out his sword, twirls it around, in a skilled manner.
"Almost all of the skills I have, isn't really me, it's augments and programs...I'm a fraud, and what makes me most ashamed, many of the skills I do possess, might have been applied during our last mission, but I didn't want to expose them."

His confession drains him, "My friends, I am truly sorry, I placed my own reputation over our success, and I ask your forgiveness."

Link back to this game

Sam looked over Walters chart and raised her eyebrows when she saw her position, but said nothing.

As Darrell spoke, she looked at him with a fair amount of sympathy "Theres a still a lot we have to learn about each others skills. And some we might be wary about sharing, if they are less than shall we say reputable. But your honesty does you credit. How you get a skill is less important than being able to use it to help us out if needed. SO no harm done, and lesson learnt I hope?" She smiles warmly

I leave the exact chain of command, outside of engineering, to you. But so far it looks very sensible to me.

To Valeska
ValeskaBrandenburg, may we work well together. And I will try to remember that you most likely are unfamiliar with us Fteirle

Nods in response to Kheaiftouaw. She then bites her lip and begins to open her mouth to say something, stops herself at first. She shakes her head, obviously in conflict with herself.

"Listen, I should probably put all my cards on the table if you are to trust me. I'm an agent. I was on-board undercover. I hope this doesn't complicate my participation with the group."

Sharik simply shrugged when the Count confessed to being 'enhanced'.  "A prerogative of the wealthy." the diminutive dilettante noted off-hand; she actually seemed more perturbed by the lack of earlier disclosure, but could understand it.  They were all still getting to know each other.  And she'd known Cromwell from before - so, it wasn't a total surprise.  Still, as the Captain had noted, it was water under the bridge at this point.

"As long as the augments are properly ruggedized for field work...." Shar mused aloud, "I don't see a problem with them.". Her primary concern was that the Count would be useless - or worse hijacked - during an operation.  Especially since he'd apparently slaved his nervous system to a kinetic interface as was implied when he brandished his blade.  Shar had never been brave enough to take that leap, all of her systems were tightly integrated (as was fairly obvious given her personal array of electronics), but she'd never felt inclined to actually tie an expert routine to her limbic system.

The auburn-haired operative nodded simply with Walter's proposed 'chain of command'.  It placed here as bridge crew and astrogator,;her general forte, which suited her fine.  The only thing she might question, she brought up, "Vo has had a fair amount of experience with ship to ship maneuvers."  Shar shrugged, "he is a fine candidate for combat time Captain.". Ultimately, they wouldn't want to have the main pilot and the tactical leader to have to split their attention during a skirmish.  But, it all came down to trust.  And for Sharik, she had a long standing relationship with Vonon; so for the two them there was trust.

When Valeska made her own disclosure, Sharik pursed here lips.  "Difficult to serve two masters." she stated casually with a rather rueful smile playing on here lips.  "Can you tell us who you are working for?" she prompted, "We probably should avoid conflicts of interest..."

OOC: Can it be assumed that everyone went to the Long Shot unless otherwise noted?

  Kaengarr took Darrel's confession with casual ease. "Don't much like the idea of brain-sockets, but I don't turn up my nose at programs to do the job better either. Should look together at the options on Outpost. Can afford the good ones now!"

  So Valeska was an undercover agent? And the only one that didn't retire on the proceeds of the mining run. And the one who immediately approached them to sign on. That was... something of interest, but why would an erstwhile secret agent advertise the fact?

  Then again, he wasn't sure about everyone else at the table, and hidden loyalties were far more dangerous to life and limb than any grunt or corsair. He'd learned that the hard way.

  I think so, Darrel.
This message was last edited by the player at 00:21, Sun 31 Jan 2016.

OOC:This kinda of segues into the Long Shot Thread...

Count Cromwell seems to causally await her answer.

"I can't reveal who I was working for. Sorry. But I didn't want there to be an instance where this information was revealed and for you to doubt my intentions. I can say that nothing I was sent to do would be counter to your potential missions. My mandate was a pretty nebulous concern for issues that could arise in the belt. Keeping an eye out for suspicious activity. That's all. And that's why I don't see joining your crew as antithetical to that mission."

She smiles to the crew and hopes her sincerity is enough to overcome their potential suspicions to an acknowledged agent in their midst.

"I wanted you to know this because I bring a skill set that may be useful to you in other ways beyond what you may think to slate me for."

In reply to Valeska Brandenberg (msg # 358):

Vonon moves a step closer to Sharik, and leans in to whisper in her ear.

"Bran-den-berg -- this is a Solomani name, yes?" he whispers, pointing carefully at the young human woman, "Could she, perhaps, be one of theirs"

Sharik simply shrugged at Vonon's suggestion.  "Anyone could be SolSec." the waifish dilettante noted off-hand, leaning in to keep her voice low.  She added with a chuckle, "Name's not really an indication, at this point, any Vilani-Solomani mutt had both heritages back a couple of generations."

Her friends were likely well aware that as a frontier noble, Sharik's family had ties to both Solomani (the Second Imperium) and Vilani (which was the First Imperium) roots.  The former was via the umpteenth uncle on her mother's side, while the latter was another umpteenth (twice removed) on her father's side.  Claims that likely anyone this side of the Reaver's Deep would be able to make.

In the past, Shar had never really placed that much stock in such things - despite her courtly title.  But, then as a landless noble that was due to inherit very little, the cosmopolitan scion of the Kaagira family probably was less vested in such things than most Imperial nobility.

It is not that Sharik wasn't anxious about Valeska's unknown allegiances.  She simply didn't place the possibility of her being a Solomani spook as any more or less likely than any other Intelligence agency.

  Kaengarr looked sidelong at Valeska, as if he was trying to decide what to make of her revelations. "Still working for them. Informant but not saboteur? What 'issues' and 'suspicious activity' that you can say?" His speech had turned slow and grammatically sparse again as it seemed wont to from time to time.

"It's possible that those who sent me had specific concerns or even advanced knowledge, but it wasn't shared with me. Just that they wanted someone to be on hand if something did."

"I'll vouch for Valeska," Jones offers, "but then my bona fides aren't much better than hers."

"As I see it, she was clearly put aboard the Long Shot as additional security, pretty much like a sky marshal on a commercial aircraft. While it eludes me how her other boss could have known about the spacejacking ahead of time, since, based on what we now know, it was a spontaneous decision, it just happened that she was needed on the first trip."

"In the cosmic scheme of things, first trip is as likely as the hundredth trip."

"Personally, I'm impressed with the security measure. On a commercial ship, you expect there to be a sky marshal on board, just in case, but you still don't know who it is. It's not like he's wearing a big flashing sign that says he's a sky marshal."

"As the saying goes, the space gods look out for fools and idiots. She was incredibly lucky on her first trip. Even the captain thought she was a good luck charm!"

"In theory, she could retire, but, like the rest of us, she wants to pursue a bit of adventure before doing that. Personally, I kind of like the idea of having her on board as a good luck charm."

"Of course, when her luck runs out..."

Just as he'd been hired by the Count on the ship now, she'd been hired by the other captain then. For all he knew, she might actually be an insurance investigator or something. In all the movies he'd seen, it wasn't until the end that such a revelation was made, because doing so earlier wouldn't have let get the job done and would have put her in danger. He couldn't see any danger for her here, but then he also didn't know the rest of the crew.