Preparations for your new exploratory trip are made, with repairs to any damaged equipment from Hibernia. Supplies are also made available, though not quite as many as you would have liked as they are in short supply Only 10 tons are available, enough for 36 days. In shorter supply are missiles, so you only get enough missiles to reload the Dastavkas launchers once, plus 24 (2 reloads) for the ships boat, and missile fighters are not available as a result. But you can select 3 other small 6 dton small craft, and you have plenty of space left in the hold for other equipment as a result.

OK, How about:
 x2 Grav APC, 1.4 M Solars, 6 dTons, Fusion Plant
  (Grav/Move: 500, dDR: 50, dHP:21, 24 passengers),
  Included Weapons: Gatling Laser
The usual way of moving Terran troops.

and a AK APC, 6.6 M Solars, 6 dTons
The same size as the small fighters, this is actually a small spacecraft with life support for 5, a sickbay and heavy armour. Capable of supporting small insertions for long periods of time, it has limited cargo space.
(2.02G/Move:1607, dDR:49, dHP:22, dTons of Cargo Space: 0.6),
Weapons:1x Gatling Laser

That should give us three scouts and Duke may be able to do some things to improve them.

In reply to Cyril Zotmund (msg # 2):

The AK APC is basically the Grav APC modified to fit in the modular bay. As such, the regular Grav APCs would not actually fit (they are the wrong shape for the 6 dTon bays. Also, they are not currently produced by Kalishnikov due to the war effort and the fact they are seen as less than ideal when you could have His fine specimens!

Hence, the AK one has life support for a smaller number of passengers, similar armament and armour, and MUCH better handling in space (2 G as opposed to about 0.2 G) and a sickbay, but at a premium price tag. But you can still take three of them for the mission.

Options for the hold include Grav Bikes or Jeeps, AT Scouts or trucks, Quad bikes and spiders.

"My colony ship came right past some of the planets we're looking to explore. There might still be some sensor logs left we could find a use for, even if they are about thirty or forty years old now."
The somewhat lower tech of the sensors on the Tel Aviv might just have been offset by the much slower flight speed of the colony ship - in some cases they'd spent months, even years within telescope range and the active crew with little more to do besides maintenance and taking observations.
"Could be an idea to load up on goods Acquitaine can use, and see if there's anything interesting in the databanks."
"They might be able to trade us some food and other supplies too. Not like there's as many people left to eat it now...
Even all this time after the attack on his home, Meir was still exceptionally bitter and angry. Too many had died and he'd yet to see justice for them.

The AK Grav APCs are nice... even two of them is fine, but the load capacity is missing, we need something that can move people and supplies without making DASTAVKA land.  I assume we still have a shuttle too.

Suppling Aquitaine is fine... the logs might indeed be useful.

In reply to Cyril Zotmund (msg # 5):

You do have the shuttle, and it would be used to transfer any vehicles planetside.

There are also the small fighters that can fit into the same three bays in the Dastavka, so APC are not the only thing available. The modular speeder is basically the cargo version, capable of up to 3.9 dTons, or several quad or grav bikes. The AK APCs can take 1 quad bike or two grav bikes, with limited other cargo space. You should also specify what vehicles you want to take as well.

OK, You said all fighters were gone/off the table I thought... I'd certainly want a couple just in case along with one AK APC. It appears that between the shuttle and some of the Grav vehicles, we can move stuff to planets w/o too much trouble.

I'll work on the Grav stuff, once I know what I need to move it.

In reply to Cyril Zotmund (msg # 7):

Just the missile fighters, since missiles are in short supply. Beam weapon fighters are fine.

OH ... not quite as useful, so maybe just one as a scout.

In reply to Cyril Zotmund (msg # 9):

Actually, very useful for shooting down missiles! And, as you noted, scouting. But the longer range ones have thinner armour and weaker weapons...so a short range one that works off batteries with a beam weapon (dDR24 armour), or a longer range one with a pulse weapon (dDR5 armour)?

Beam weapon... under impressed with Pulse Lasers.
I think I'll have Duke do some scrounging for missile making stuff and a rail for two for our fighter.

In reply to Cyril Zotmund (msg # 11):

So which ones are we starting with, before Duke gets to them? If you pushed, you could get a missile fighter, just no missiles!

well, we already have some missiles... but a fighter that could employ either would be better than one that could only use one of the two... Duke should be able to create one or tell me why we can't.

In reply to Cyril Zotmund (msg # 13):

"The problem is one of space. Beam weapons require big reactors to power them, while missiles require space for controllers and sensors. AK fighters are already smaller than normal fighters by quite a margin, so they already squeeze a lot into a small space..."

Well yes Duke.. I was talking about external, removable racks to allow it to launch a missile or two ... so little additional to be added inside the fighter. I'm sure it will affect handling some and atmospheric handling a lot, but out in space, it could be a big help.

In reply to Cyril Zotmund (msg # 15):

"Not half as much as it effects docking. The docking pods are specifically for their external size and shape. That is the reason for the redesign of the AK APC to be modular: they are all built on the same small flattened sphere shaped hull. The hulls dock by coming into a specially designed indentation on the mother ships hull, and a short airtight sleeve extends to the vessels hatch. Since all the hatches are in the same place, this works for all of them meaning that the specific docking ports , which take up much less space than a hanger, can be used with a variety of small vessels."

He looks thoughtful, as if thinking aloud.

"It also means that a small part of the vessel remains hanging in open space. Any missiles attached would have to be attached there, working in a vacuum, while the docking would have to be closed and the vessel decompressed to enable the hull penetrations to be made. Also on the same area is the fighters main weapon, which is fixed, and the landing gear for planetside landing which would probably be adversly effected by the installation of the missiles there. We would also have to rig up the control systems for the missiles back to the Dastavka, so that the control of them would be done from here. That would mean they would have to be launched from basically beside us and landing gear would not be usable until the missiles were launched, but it is possible. But no reloads, and as reloading involved transporting the missiles outside of the hull, no reloading in combat either!"

You pose a lot of issues... The Landing gear should be ion the bottom, which is I assume the part we dock with, so away from the missiles... if there is no way for the fighter to fire and target the missiles... we waste our time.  Given the vast amount of miniaturization , I find it hard to imagine the fire direction taking up much space. Anyway, Trying to improve things a little, not rewrite the rules. Maybe a short ranged smaller missile ... sort of like today's AMRAAMS, maybe a HEAT or Explosive formed fragment type warhead.

In reply to Cyril Zotmund (msg # 17):

"The issue with controlling the missiles is that they require a fairly extensive communications array to communicate with the missile, and the antennas require a certain size to be effective. To create 'smart' warheads would negate this requirement, but then it would be limited to the missiles intelligence, and may lock onto friendly targets if the enemy runs faster!

The small modular vessels actually dock underneath the mother vessel, with the boarding dock just behind the cockpit to save space. Hence, it is the bottom of the vessel is the part exposed to space when it docks."

[OOC: The vessels already stretch the rules. Most fighters are nearly twice the size...10 dTon with minimal armour and 2 missile racks, though with reloads, so I figure to get more out of them, there will have to be some compromises!]

OK... the issue is with what they imagined 30+ years ago that has been over run by technology already.

OK, Two AK Short Range Fighter, 13 M Solars, 6 dTons and one AK APC, 6.6 M Solars, 6 dTons
Two Grav Jeep, 400 K Solars, 4 dTons, 2F/1000 miles  (Grav Propulsion unit/Move:100, dDR: 0.4, dHP: 5, dTons of Cargo Space: 1)
Two K.D. G-Carrier, 1.2 M Solars, 8 dTons, 4F/600 miles  (Grav Propulsion unit/Move:40, dDR:2.8, dHP: 7.2, dTons of Cargo Space: 3.4),  Maximum Weapons: < 500 lbs
Six or so Grav Bike, 25 K Solars, 0.3 dTons, 2E/240 miles  (Grav Propulsion unit/Move: 80, dDR:0.2, dHP: 1.6, dTons of Cargo Space: neg, seat only) Cheapest Grav transport available

Stuff Aquitaine may need. Meir?  vehicles? Definitely need some shop/create stuff tools and some limited raw materials... the rest they will have to salvage off of wrecks. Might need a robot or two to enter contaminated areas.

In reply to Cyril Zotmund (msg # 20):

G-Carriers are BIG. They take up 8.8 dTons, and after supplies and missiles are loaded, you have just 11 dTons of space. Which is a lot, until you start loading things bigger than busses! All Terrain trucks and Wheeled scouts take 5.5 dTons of space, Grav Jeeps, 'Spiders' (AT legged vehicles) and Air rafts take 4.4 dTons, Quad bikes take 0.55 and grav bikes just 0.29. These sizes include some basic spares and packaging for transport, as well as allowance for odd shapes in packing them.

OK, belay the two... would one be reasonable? Looking for transport capability with out deploying our shuttle.

In reply to Cyril Zotmund (msg # 22):

Oh,I see. In that case you really want the Modular AK APCs or Modular speeders then, both with about 2G acceleration. The G-Carriers are very slow, I mean, really slow! Move of 40 and acceleration >0.1 G, with no life support, is going to take hours to get to the surface.

There is also an AK G Carrier, with 2G acceleration, life support for 10 and a sick bay, but cargo capacity reduced to 1.2 dTons. That might be the go. To launch or recover it, you will need to clear and evacuate the cargo bay though.

So 1 AK G Carrier and 6 gravbikes, right, in addition to the Grav bikes some crew member have (Tanya..who else?)

Cyril has one as well... so the 6 grav bikes may be negotiable on Aquitaine... they could probably use them and other ways of moving things... maybe they could use a truck or two... Clearing the Hold may not be a big deal, given when and where we would likely be doing it.

Don't forget the two bean weapon fighters.

In reply to Cyril Zotmund (msg # 24):

Yep, OK. So modular small craft are 2 Short Range Beam fighters and an AK APC. In the hold we have an AK G Carrier and 6+2 Grav Bikes, about 1 dTon of weapons and ammunition (The Armoury, which has been updated to reflect what was left on Hibernia, is basically a 1 dTon 'box' in the hold) and 2 tons of smokes for Kats habit...that leaves about 0.2 dTon for other items.

Medicines for Aquitaine.

In reply to Cyril Zotmund (msg # 26):

Filling up the rest of the hold with about 0.2 dTons (1.27 tons) of pharmaceuticals will cost $25,440. Is that being paid for personally, or by Andrew? (Ie who will foot the bill and take the risks on the profit?)

Ideally, goods for Acquitaine would replace what was lost in the Lab attack. Boats, fishing nets, tools, shelters, breeding stock (animal, vegetable and especially human).
The gene pool was small to begin with and breeding was tightly regulated. The loss of a rather large percentage of the people was a HUGE blow to the viability of the colony.
This message was last edited by the player at 07:38, Sat 09 Sept 2017.

In reply to Meir Galinski (msg # 28):

There have been several trips already of keen new colonists, and once news reaches Chrysolite, there can be many more. Of course, Kalishnikov enterprises will be doing their best to meet all technological needs and wants, in exchange for various goods, which they will be happy to assist the Aquitainians in manufacturing. Basically, Andrew will look after them because it pays him to do so. Potentially quite well...there is a small Hero, the Yamamato, assigned to meeting that trade route now.

In reply to Fate (msg # 27):

Personally funded ... Or maybe the long lost Kat will chip in?

In reply to Cyril Zotmund (msg # 30):

We will assume just you until we hear otherwise.

Shopping done, your departure from Aegir sees you coming out of hyperspace at Aquitaine on the 3rd of July, 2171.

Quick look around on the sensors for any signs of trouble, then off to our last landing location.

In reply to Cyril Zotmund (msg # 32):

A quick scan around with sensors indicates nothing amiss.

Landing is done easily enough. Since you have been here before, Kat can take her time and put it down easily. The colony is contacted, and you easily land in an area that has now been cleared for such events.

The Yamamoto is not currently on the planet, but there are many signs it has been more than once. New colonists, new vehicles and new technology are everywhere. You are met by numerous officials and many more locals just glad to see you, some of whom remember the deadly battle of your last visit.

We weren't sure what you might need, so brought a few things you might be able to use. Medicines, a couple of Grav Bikes and tools for making and or repairing the stuff the Labrysians  left.

In reply to Cyril Zotmund (msg # 34):

"Definitely interesting. We have considerable stocks of dried foods and wood. Can I interest you in any of them in exchange?"

Perhaps some...  I assume cash is limited here ... but what about metals and minerals of value?

In reply to Colonial Official (msg # 35):

OK, Missed that I guess.

In reply to Cyril Zotmund (msg # 36):

"Since the attack the mines have not been operating so efficiently. We are in the process of purchasing new mining equipment, but the war has taken a lot of resources, so we are still waiting on that equipment."

Hopefully with what we brought, you can make some of it. There is a limit on how much dried food we can store and I don't want a mutiny over a few tons of dried fish in the hold.

In reply to Cyril Zotmund (msg # 39):

What do you want to swap out? You can fit extra in the G Carrier too, and the ships boat.

We aren't communicating... I don't want all that much food.

In reply to Cyril Zotmund (msg # 41):

Not communicating? The above posts loked like you were addressing them, so I responded accordingly.

"Perhaps it's best if you leave the details to me Captain? I am the trade officer after all."
"While I work with these good people to obtain the best mutually beneficial result, why don't you and a few others look into those sensor logs Mister Galinski mentioned?"

Once freed to conduct business, settled down at the table with a case full of papers, all of which seemed complete gibberish to the untrained, non-Suerrat eye.
"Right then. Here's a list of everything we brought including quantity. In return we need supplies, specifically those necessary for a survey of the nearby stars over a period of several months..."

In reply to Fate (msg # 42):

You misunderstand... I hear him talking, but he isn't answering my request for things other than dried food.  I'll make sure PO Hancock knows to limit that to what we can reasonably use.

"We should visit the library then."
"It's not a real library like you're probably used to though, more a couple of computer terminals. The data might not be on the network, but I should be able to find out where it's supposed to be now."
It seemed unlikely anyone would have bothered to include old astrological survey data in the readily available files - it wasn't like anyone had expected to be heading back that way for at least a few generations.

In reply to Cyril Zotmund (msg # 44):

Ah, OK. He hears you, he just has nothing to answer you with.

However, they do have dehydrators and food processors to make the food last much longer, if that helps. If you have some specific item, they would be glad to look into it, but otherwise, they have few exports other than food and wood.

Meir finds that the main data hub was kept, not surprisingly, in the remains of the old generation ship...the principle target of the initial Labrysian attack.

"Oh great. There's little of that left now. What wasn't stripped and used to build the colonies was torched by the Labs!"
"Still, could be worth a hop over there to make sure."
Admittedly a long shot, the data storage used on the ship may have survived. It had been designed to last over a hundred years in some of the most extreme conditions imaginable after all.
"Better bring some shovels..."

We load the shuttle with some crew, a few guards and Duke's tools plus some helpers of his (that aren't pregnant.). Looking into a ships nursery..

In reply to Cyril Zotmund (msg # 48):

So is Duke...he is creating the need!

Bill Gates would be the man of choice, and perhaps Illiam driving? Or Kat?

The trip to the site is straightforward. It has been well worked over with plasma weaponry. Small gravesites are marked around.

Or the much overlooked, exceptional ex-spetnaz and pilot, Ivan.

Da... but screw up and see how overlooked you are.

In reply to Cyril Zotmund (msg # 51):

All options...

In reply to Fate (msg # 52):

As noted, the site is starting to be overgrown. The remains of the original starship had been used to create the main colonial buildings. They had been hit hard in the Labrysian government forces.

However, you have heard that mercenaries sent to assist the colony visited the Labrysian government ship and obtained considerable resources to return the favour. They found some were still alive, a situation they quickly rectified with three losses.

"Good," Meir stated with great satisfaction when he'd heard more of the Lab scum had been killed.
"The drives might be over in that area," he suggested, pointing at a large pile of burnt rubble which used to be a building.
"If you've got any high tech toys, now, before we start digging, would be the time to use them."

In reply to Meir Galinski (msg # 54):

"We have scanners, but what are we looking for? What can the stripped out drives give us?"

"Information."
"We talked about this before. The Tel Aviv passed by a number of systems we're looking to survey. While we did so we did a little more than star gazing. What else were we to do in the months, or in some cases years we were in range of some stars?"
The data was a few decades old, and probably wasn't as good as the Dastavka could do, but it was still more than they already had. A day or three's work here on Acquitaine could save weeks later, provided they could find the drives and they hadn't been too badly damaged by the Lab attack.

In reply to Meir Galinski (msg # 56):

"On all ships I know, all that sort of data was kept in the main computers and backup computers, which were kept as far as possible from the drives due to the high power and associated surge associated with the main drives. Was there some small computer or unusual or secret stash there I should now about?"

OK, Lets send one team to inspect the hulk and see if the can find the drives or other computers.

The other team can comb through the remains of this building. Both teams need to exercise great care, as both structures are damaged and not strong.

Meir flashed confusion for a moment.
"No, I meant the computer storage drives, not the ships propulsion drives."

In reply to Meir Galinski (msg # 59):

"Oh, of course. I took the liberty of getting the design from the historical archives, so I can scan through for that, but I am guessing the Government pricks would have targeted that. Lets see..."

He pulls out his scanner and laptop. On his laptop are the design plans for the ship, and he scans through them using the scanner.

"Yep, found most of the systems. Since the colonists were using them ads their main computer, it looks like they were smashed. However, there does seem to be a small system that was not obviously smashed since it was not used except as a backup. They seem to have kept it in a safe under what used to be the mates quarters. We can dig out the safe, but opening it might be more challenging."

"Opening it won't be a problem unless the mechanism is damaged."
Almost everyone on the planet was a member of the ships crew, and had spent their turn out of the freezers as part of the active maintenance and flight teams. Finding somebody with the code was simply a matter of asking around.

In reply to Meir Galinski (msg # 61):

"Why is that? Most of engineering would have been right here, right? Besides, asking everyone  about a secret data cache on the generation ship might not enhance trust of each other."

I doubt that cache was secret at all... some other stuff may be, but Meir had access then, so shouldn't have any issues now.

In reply to Cyril Zotmund (msg # 63):

"Guess so. Should I try to pick it or will you try to find someone living who know"s the code?

Perhaps you should try the old code you knew... it may not have changed....

In reply to Cyril Zotmund (msg # 65):

"If Meir ever knew it. It was the 2IC's room after all..."

Cyril grins... He was a security guy and a scout...

"Communications and Expeditionary," he corrected with more emphasis on the later than the former.
"Security on a colony ship of this size wasn't all that important. In fact, we had nobody specifically assigned to that role and only the small team of Expeditionaries had anything more than basic weapons training."
"The safe wasn't about security from theft but protecting the survey data from damage in case there was an accident. It wasn't designed to withstand total destruction of the ship, but could handle exposure to fire, explosive decompression, micro meteor impact, and a few other possible scenarios."
"It wasn't supposed to handle this level of destruction," he waved at the ashes and rubble, "But I'm hoping the building it was in shielded it from the worst of the damage."
Having the code wasn't necessarily going to do them much good either as it may have been changed in the years since he last accessed the safe. Also, the safe itself may have suffered damage to it's locks or hinges while still protecting it's contents. Nothing short of industrial cutting equipment would get it open then at the risk of destroying what was inside.
"Once found, I think it's best to take it back to the main colony and see if anyone there can open it. It's still Aquatainian property after all."

In reply to Meir Galinski (msg # 68):

"Or we could drill a hole and fill it with Blast foam, then use a fusion torch in the shuttle workshop to cut off the hinges..."

No Duke, we take it back to the owners...if we find it.

"Keep an eye out for anything else that can be salvaged too. Even scrap metal is useful."
"Could be some bodies too. The few survivors and I couldn't find everyone before we had to leave Landfall."
Meir still had flashbacks of that week in hell and trouble sleeping. Being back amongst the carnage wasn't helping his mental health much.

In reply to Cyril Zotmund (msg # 70):

Once located on the scanners it is rather a laborious task removing badly burnt rubble. As you lift a large beam on which is leaning badly burnt desk, down falls the burnt body of a child still held by its mother.

Fright checks everyone!

Meir collapsed to the ground, stunned by the sudden appearance of two people he knew. He'd spent much of his life in forced close proximity to the woman - she'd even been assessed as a possible mate by the geneticists. The child though, fortunately perhaps, wasn't his, not that he knew anyway.
He sat in the ashen rubble hugging his knees, the horrors of the attack and aftermath washing over him in relentless wave upon wave.

Cyril grimaces... he moves over and puts a hand on Meir's shoulder ... I can only imagine how hard it must be.

Kat walks up, finally catching up with everyone. She sees the bodies and grabs something (like a sheet or anything) and covers the bodies.

We'll need to get them buried properly...



OOC - Nice to see you back my dear ;-)

In reply to Cyril Zotmund (msg # 76):

It takes a while to dig graves outside and bury them. It takes a little longer for Meir to be back to a condition to communicate normally, though it will take longer yet for him to fully recover.

In reply to Fate (msg # 77):

Grave, Mother and child together, as they lived.

In reply to Cyril Zotmund (msg # 78):

As you gather around the new grave, a couple of other survivors of the attack approach. Amoung the six colonists who, like Meir, were absent from the colony at the time, there are also three Labrysians, rebels who came in way of apology from the species to assist in rebuilding. They all stand silently as a mark of respect, waiting for you to break the silence.

Meir, I think that you or a rabbi, if one is near should give the last rights... I only know the Christian burial rights.

In reply to Cyril Zotmund (msg # 80):

Noting Meir's condition, one of the colonists step forward.

"Rabbi Levi Shibboleth at your service. I have come to serve this troubled outpost."

Greetings and thanks, would you be so kind as to give these poor folks the Last Rites, and perhaps speak with Meir afterward, as he has taken this very hard... I think he knew them.

Kat will be respectful and help. She looks at Cyril "I can go speak with the   Labrysians after this. I speak some of their language"

That would be good, and they need to understand that these colonists may have issues, Meir in particular.

"I think he know everyone. Only seven hundred people on ship, very hard to exist strangers."
Ivan did his best to keep Meir and the Labrysians separated, and the Expeditionary unaware of their presence. To know there were present those of the same race responsible for this atrocity might send him completely over the edge.

In reply to PO Ivan Andropov (msg # 85):

The Rabbi says a few words in Hebrew over the grave.

"They Labrysians understand. They expect hard feelings, despite also having lost many family member to the same government forces. They assisted in removing the last government forces from this planet, and one of them found an officer directly responsible for massacring his own family, who he finally was able to deliver justice to. Still, if we can help him come to terms with that, it would be to his benefit as well."

He turns nd nods to the Labrysians, who melt away quietly.

I am glad that you have established peace and understanding... it brings hope that we will yet surmount violence as a solution to problems.

Kat waits till the funeral is done and then goes to look for the Labrysians

Cyril goes back inside to see what he can find that might serve the purpose they came for...

In reply to Cyril Zotmund (msg # 89):

The safe inside that Duke had found on the scanners is found after the rest of the rubble is cleared. One of the other locals is a bit excited and tries his old code, but it has been changed. They are keen for you to open it for them.

Apparently the survivors are re-establishing a colony nearby, but with much better camouflage.

Kat does succeed in finding the Labrysians there. It is an old mine system, where the Labrysians have blocked an area off to create a small section with air breathable to them. They greet Kat cordially.
This message was last edited by the GM at 19:21, Fri 22 Sept 2017.

What sort of lock are we looking at?

In reply to Raymond 'Duke' Vurhund (msg # 91):

It seems to be a mechanical lock. You have not seen one of them except in history museums on Earth.

Duke smiles... a true artifact, let's see if what they say is true... he pulls a small listening device out and attaches it to the door, then spins the dial counter-clockwise several turns before stopping at zero and turning it clockwise slowly while listening carefully. He bungles the first attempt, missing the click by several ticks...


He starts over, being more careful, he fails multiple times before finally succeeding.
This message was last updated by the player at 22:02, Fri 22 Sept 2017.

In reply to Cyril Zotmund (msg # 93):

It is nearly 50 minutes before Duke hears the long awaited clunk of the bolts moving. The door swings open, and there are three small hard drives. They are somewhat dated.

Duke struggles to get up after having been crouched for so long... Not as easy as they say in books... but it can be done.
He reaches down and removes his listening device off the door and shuts it off.

Someone want to look at those drives... the Labels aren't in English.

In reply to Raymond 'Duke' Vurhund (msg # 95):

"We can read that, as can Meir. One is a diary, and two are astronomic observations. If we had a working computer we could tell you more. You are welcome to take a copy of the second two."

[OOC: it will take Duke a while to jury rig an adapter to existing computers. Meir will be cack to normal by now...]

Kat will greet them in their language and ask if any of them speaks hers. She will ask what the status of their people is here and where are they.

"My laptop is compatible. Give me a moment and I'll get it hooked up."
To Meir this was an absolutely routine task he'd done countless times before. If one was to care enough to check, they'd even find his fingerprints all over these particular three drives too!

In reply to Katherine 'Kat' Steele (msg # 97):

Kat: They do speak English, and are very surprise to hear a human speaking Labrysian. They are part of a small diplomatic mission that volunteered to come here to try to restore relations, as they see the relationship with humans as extremely important for their future. There are 5 of them total living in this cave, and there is another group of them on the Island colony as well.

Meir: These particular drives were the mates backup copies, but there are distance surveys done of the following systems:

Procyon, Ya, Sarpedon, 1435, 1636, 1537, 1437, 1637, 1538 and 1339.

The surveys contain only data about large objects: nothing is known about planet habitability or lack thereof. See charting a System in message 6 in link to a message in this game
This message was last edited by the GM at 09:03, Sat 23 Sept 2017.

"Yes," he nodded.
"That's about what I expected. Enough to aid with plotting a jump, and maybe refuelling points."
Despite the trauma of the day, and the limited information on the drives, Meir still felt it had been worth the effort.

In reply to Meir Galinski (msg # 100):

Duke looks over it.

"Unfortunately there is not enough information for a direct jump, but it will speed up the process. A charted system needs a short survey to get the current location of large objects, but at least this tells us what to look for."

[Note fine print at the bottom of the section on 'Charting a System']

"That's what I meant. A few hours here has probably saved upwards of half a day per star. Certainly not enough without further work, but a good start."

Kat will ask them how things are going with a. the relations with the humans here. and b. how is the colony doing? c. what do they need? She also warns them to stay away from Meir as his family was killed by government forces and he still has issues with Labrysian's.

It was worth it on several levels, trade being the only one that is suspect ... let's see how we made out.

In reply to Cyril Zotmund (msg # 104):

You find that dehydrated food is one  of the colonies bigger exports. Apart from fish, there is a growing farming base the supplies many dehydrated meat and other foods, as well as fresh produce very cheaply. There is also a Labrysian contingent there.

Kat, a) Relation are cool, but slowly improving as humans make the ditiction between government and rebel Labrysian.
b) Colony is recovering we'll due to assistance from Aegir and the rebel colonies.
c) They have met many like that. They understand.

"Captain, we should be loaded up and ready to leave by dawn tomorrow. Perhaps it's a good idea to let the crew have some leave tonight before we leave? We probably won't see any other intelligent life for quite a while."

I don't need a bunch of drunks back in the morning... is their alcohol available for consumption? Or drugs?
No serious chance of finding portions of the population impregnated?

"Alcohol is...limited," Meir reassured the Captain.
"And I think you'll find impregnation is actually welcomed here. There's two women for every man and since the attack the limited gene pool has shrunk even more to barely five hundred, of which only perhaps three hundred are females of child bearing age."
Meir made the whole idea of avoiding pregnancy seem utterly alien and incomprehensible. Why would you not want to widen the pool?

She will talk some more with them and then go back to the men. "So luv" she says to Cyril "What a drink? We need to figure out what next" she pulls out her flash and sips it

Very well, the crew except for a minimum watch is released, but is on a two hour recall and must be here NLT 0700 tomorrow AM.  I'll be surprised if there isn't a significant population bubble in 9 months...

Yes Dear, lets retire to our cabin...

"That is the plan," he grinned, already thinking of a few women he intended to reacquaint himself with...

In reply to Meir Galinski (msg # 111):

The rest and recreation, or rather, procreation, seems to go well. Duke gets himself in trouble with the Checkov sisters and a couple of local ladies, and the next morning Cyril is presented with a disturbingly long list of persons who will have to start paying regular payments of alimony (Duke features twice), despite the small quantity of local alcohol available. It turns out, certain grasses can be burnt like incense to create a rather festive mood.

The next morning, there are a number of folk, many female, to see your crew off. Some are a little tardy, but all are present by 0730.

Kat retires with her husband. She also gives the locals some of her gin to help them out.

In the morning, she comes out looking happy.

In reply to Fate (msg # 112):

Isn't it just a wee bit too soon to start deciding who is Prego and who isn't?  It is quite normal for ⅓ of all pregnancies to terminate within 30 days or so for reasons Natures has, to do that ( Nature is actually quite good at eliminating pregnancies that are unlikely to produce viable offspring).

Meir returned to the ship just on dawn, a pretty young woman on each of his arms, all three with big smiles plastered across their sleep deprived faces.
Leaving them at the hatch he found his way to the captain.
"I have a small problem I need to talk to you about..."

In reply to Cyril Zotmund (msg # 114):

Many women will register as pregnant up to 5 day before their next missed period, or they may even make assumptions. There is absolutely no guarantee they are right, but since many WANT to be pregnant, they may assume they are and try to make preparations accordingly.

As Meir has pointed out, women outnumber men about 2:1, so sometimes distinguishing between desire and reality takes time...

In reply to Meir Galinski (msg # 115):

No problem, Want to step into my cabin?

Kat is in their cabin when the men come in. She looks at Cyril and Meir as they enter "So is this just a guys talk?" she says as she sits there.

"No, please stay. This might effect you too."
Meir took a seat and sat silent for a few moments, gathering his thoughts into something vaguely coherent.
"Well, as you know this is a colony planet and the gene pool was recently decimated by the Lab attack," he began, his disgust for the aliens plainly evident.
"We came here on the colony ship, the New Tel-Aviv and spent about a century in transit, most of us in the freezers, but with about a dozen thawed out for six months or so to take our turn as active crew."
It had been a long and boring journey for the most part. Days filled mainly with long range astrological surveys, routine maintenance tasks, and training in the planet side skills they expected to need.
"Back before launch we were all screened and carefully selected based on not just our skills, but our genetic compatibility and freedom from defects. Most of us are actually physically superior - I myself as you might have noticed, require very little food and am psychologically suited to long periods of solitude."
"All seven hundred colonists possess a similar advantage or adaptability, and fitted together like the pieces of a multidimensional puzzle. Since the attack and contact with the outside world, that puzzle has been shattered, years of calculations and planning rendered useless."
Meir didn't pretend to even begin to understand the complexity behind the selections. Many much smarter experts in genetics, biology, psychology and so on had been involved in the years leading up to the launch.
"Anyway, the society here on Acquitaine has been shattered. The last ten or twenty years of our lives rendered almost pointless in some cases leading many to question their continuing place here now Acquitaine is no longer on the frontier."
He paused again to think.
"The future of Acquitaine seems assured now with new people arriving and the beginnings of trade with other worlds, and so a few are looking for new challenges and uses for their skills. The two lovely ladies waiting just outside the ship are amongst those people."
"One is an Expeditioner like myself who is also a qualified starship deckhand, and the other hydroponics specialist with training in biology, genetic engineering, and life support systems."
He grinned.
"And besides being very easy on the eyes, they're great in the sack and seem to want to bear my children."

Oh I see...  hmmm ... we don't do much with Hydroponics... but a biologist might be useful in our explorations... another deck hand... again may be helpful. Our issue is space, as we have limited cabin space, but perhaps we can shuffle things a bit and provide the three of you a single room. I realize Marriage per se, may be immaterial to you, but there needs to be some sort of commitment so we, uh the company,  can provide normal benefits. It could be a legal agreement, or perhaps you have another suggestion.

"Probably should look at hydroponics though. It's what kept our air clean on the New Tel Aviv, and provided most of our food for nearly a century."
"I don't know how much of an impact if would have here, but it can't hurt to give it a go. Even if it only boosts the ships endurance by 10% that's still an extra five weeks per year without having to restock and dump waste."
It wasn't his area of expertise though. Would probably get even better performance with an expert designing and running the system.
"Perhaps you should talk to Ava about it?"

Perhaps ... doubt we have the time to reconfigure at this point, but we could plan some, then do something when we return.

"I'm no engineer, but surely shifting a few internal partitions can be done fairly quickly while in jumpspace? It's not like there's a lot of structural work involved."

Oh, more than you think, with water piping, electricity for the lights and all the racks to hold plants. It would be best to plan it out before building it.

Meir looked at him in confusion for a moment.
"I meant the living spaces. Hydroponics is Ava's thing."

Oh, That... that's minor, it'll take only an hour or so... but get them and their gear aboard.

In reply to Cyril Zotmund (msg # 126):

Note that Eva was selected to be Meirs mate, and was a scout similar to Meir. Ava Gardners husband was Meir's best friend, and a specialist in dealing with wildlife, but was killed in the Labrysian attack. As Ava is a specialist in Farming, now the main export of Aquitaine, there may be some negotiations required despite her wishes to leave. Just saying...

We will accept her, but not whisk her away.  If they wish to keep her on the planet, we will comply with the planets leadership. Ava and you need to do some talking. We'll hold for a while, as Eva needs to get her things and permission to leave as well. While holding, we might see if we could put a small Hydroponic set up in the hold as an experiment, assuming they grant Ava permission to come along.

In reply to Cyril Zotmund (msg # 128):

While the ladies are waiting outside the ship for discussions inside to complete, the local colonial leader joins them, and after some discussions, all three request to join you in the ships conference room, or what passes for it.

Certainly, we have them brought in...

In reply to Cyril Zotmund (msg # 130):

They come in, and the colonial leader is seated, and waits for you to be seated as well.

"I will get straight to the point. I understand that that these two ladies wish to join your crew."

So Meir has told me, I told him that it would require your approval, I'm not going to take anyone illicitly.

In reply to Cyril Zotmund (msg # 132):

He seems relieved.

"They are both free ladies, of course, and while Ms Navis' skills have been rendered less in demand than was anticipated. However Ava Gardner's skills are more in demand now than ever before, as food is one of our major exports, as even you have purchased some. How do you suggest compensation for her departure?"

Compensation?  Meir asked if they could come, I said OK, but I am not begging and I am not sure what you seek. I don't need them to move on, but am willing to give anyone a chance to do different things. Ava is a Horticulturist as I understand it, with skils in hydroponics ... we have no use for those skills right now, but perhaps we should consider a limited Hydroponic set up in the future to increase our food supply, one of the most limiting things in travel right now. But that's something for the future, not now.

Kat listens to the men discuss a women to be bought or a man to be paid off. She waits to see what happens before saying anything.

In reply to Katherine 'Kat' Steele (msg # 135):

"It is true I asked for them to come aboard, and they had asked me if they could. I believe Miss Navis skills could complement my own in exploring any new planets we come across, but Mrs Garnders skills could actually be more beneficial for the colony if she cam with us than if she stayed. If she can find new species to bring back here, should could potentially make the colony much more profitable than she could staying here and working as a glorified farmer."

In reply to Meir Galinski (msg # 136):

He seems puzzled by the suggestion of new species, perhaps a little worried even.

"How could we check the new species is safe for this planet, or even for humans for that matter? What could they offer that we don't get from what we know? Perhaps science has advanced a lot in this area...or not?"

He seems to look at each of you in turn as he speaks. More so than Meir...

"She is a biologist isn't she? Isn't making sure plants and animals are safe sort of what they do?"

In reply to Meir Galinski (msg # 138):

"Yes, but she is protecting a planet here by doing so, and also ensuring our financial viability. How can that compare with what she might accomplish with you?"

"I would think she needs to take a lot of measurements of this planet, that a test could be run by the computer to figure out it a new animal would work here."

In reply to Katherine 'Kat' Steele (msg # 140):

He looks at you quizzically.

"What have the planets physical dimensions go to do with the biological compatability of the inhabitants?"

"I am speaking of measurements of such things as biological and geometric"

In reply to Katherine 'Kat' Steele (msg # 142):

"Huh? Why would you measure biological things? What would that have to do with the danger they pose? Bacteria are microscopic..."

Meir shook his head slowly.
"See, this is why you're an administrator and not a scientist."

In reply to Meir Galinski (msg # 144):

"Yes, I am an administrator. So kindly explain it to me..."

He seems a little put off by the comment.

In reply to Colonial Leader (msg # 145):

"Simulated Biological ecosystem estimation, as we know it, is not so advanced. Maybe it has improved though. But it may be possible for me to train someone to do my job and then I can go with you in search of new species that could be a whole lot more profitable here. It would mean I could only leave in a month or so, but then my departure would be minimized and I could have a better effect for the planet" Ava offered.

In reply to Ava Gardner (msg # 146):

The Administrator seems a bit uncertain about Ava's initial comments, but clearly understood the part about training a replacement.

"That would only be beneficial if you were to return regularly and report on your progress. That would also mean you did not leave now, but most likely on the next trip...which Meir might not be too happy with."

His last sentence is as much a question as a statement.

Tanya listens patiently to all of this talk of biological measurements and colonial administration.  Finally, she concludes, “I’ve been sober too long.”

Kat looks at Tanya "What to have a martini? I got home made gin if you want a drink, I could use one"

Let's skip the booze for a bit... if we need to jump, I'll need both of your skills...

In reply to Colonial Leader (msg # 147):

In the light of no further suggestions, The Colonial leader and Ava agree that she will remain for at least a month to train a replacement, and then be allowed to leave on the proviso that if she finds any plants or animals that could prove profitable and safe for this planet, she is to return with them.

A brief wedding ceremony is planned for Eva and Meir, which is more of a formal civil ceremony given both lack much that resembles family, for that afternoon, and you are given clearance to leave, with the blessings of the colony.

OK, so Ava doesn't come... Meir does?  Are we to wait for this affair or head out... Cyril is a bit confused. When he got married, he wanted to be with his new wife...

In reply to Cyril Zotmund (msg # 152):

Meir comes with the woman he married, Eva Navis. Ava Gardner, the other woman he wanted to marry, can come next time!

OK... Missed the Ava and Eva switch ... so we just hold for the wedding, then leave.  No problems unless the girls get into the gin.

“Not questioning orders, of course... but I do think I fly safer when I’m tight.  I just wanted to put that out there.  Sir.”

Ri-i-ight .... I don't.

"Oh come on luv, I do, don't you know. Not like you keep track of how much gin I have" she says with a grin

Or maybe I do... Luv.

In reply to Cyril Zotmund (msg # 158):

Lol, when did Tanya become an alcoholic? I seemed to have missed that part!

Where we headed to next, Captain?

She’s not an alcoholic.  She can stop any time she wants... it’s just that she doesn’t want to.

In reply to Tanya Weaver (msg # 160):

Almost a classic definition of an alcoholic, sorry!

An alcoholic thinks they can stop.  But Tanya really can.  Or could.

Yup ... Classic alcoholic!
Heroin Addicts sound similar as well.

We can put it to the test, I can get a bottle.

It has been adequately tested... for over three hundred years now. Alcohol impairs motor  skills and brain function.

In reply to Cyril Zotmund (msg # 165):

"Every Alcoholic I have known has said they could stop if they wanted to..."

"I can stop anytime. I do when ever I run out of supplies"

Tanya looks pensively from one crew member to another.  She folds her hands behind her back.  She purses her lips.  Clearly, she has a detailed reply in mind... but she’s uncertain whether or not she should give it.

In reply to Tanya Weaver (msg # 168):

Dukes voice comes over the intercom from the engine room.

"All systems ready, sir. Do we have a destination in mind."

Aye Duke, we do... this afternoons wedding with the locals.

In reply to Cyril Zotmund (msg # 170):

"Oh, weddings...I keep forgetting about them. Better just to have friends with benefits!"

In reply to Raymond 'Duke' Vurhund (msg # 171):

The preparations for the wedding seem surprisingly low key. There is very little wine available, and no other alcoholic drinks other than what you bring. Clothing is simply formal...for 200 years ago, so most of you are not entirely appropriately dressed, except for Meir and Eva, but you do not stand out too much. There is a ceremony scheduled, along with food and traditional dancing interrupted by speeches afterwards.

A number of local Labrysians also ask to attend, but local officials suggest that might offend the groom.

She will see if there are any local dresses she can get.

“Should I just stay here?  I’m not exactly the life of the party, especially when sober.  Particularly when I have no choice about being sober.”

In reply to Katherine 'Kat' Steele (msg # 173):

There are. They are not flattering, and do seem a little overpriced, but they are modest and elegant, even if the style is dated. Basic Formal wear costs about $500, and silk garments cost between $5,000 and $15,000, which ironically is less than you would normally expect to pay for formal silkware. Apparently, they have a silk farm still untouched by the Labrysian attack!

You can find a Light weight dress that also functions as basic armour for $2400 (Similar to ablative armour but half as effective, DR10 vs any laser, -1/10 points of damage taken, DR2 vs all other damage, 5 lbs).

No, Of course not... who knows whom you might meet that will tickle your fancy.

"Tanya, you think I am going to stay sober, I am bringing some gin. Please join us. Cyril can probably only carry me back though." she says with a smile.

She will get the light weight dress that is also armor. She will also see about some silk lingerie.

In reply to Katherine 'Kat' Steele (msg # 177):

They are happy to fit the dress for $2400. Silk Lingerie costs between $300 and $5000, depending on the quantity of silk, the fit, the style, etc.

Tanya brightens immediately (or at least pretends to brighten immediately) at Kat’s words.  “Now that’s a different story.”
This message was last edited by the player at 04:56, Wed 22 Nov 2017.

Cyril frowns ... his displeasure obvious.

Tanya straightens.  “No alcohol.  Aye, sir.”

Kat sighs "Oh please, you want us happy or not luv? I can make you happier later" she says with a mischievous grin

She will buy the dress and 2 silk lingerie's and spend about 3,000 on the 2.

So only booze makes you happy?

"Define 'happy.'"

Contented, enjoying life, looking forward to doing things...

“Do contented people ever accomplish anything?  Sounds like a recipe for mental stagnation.  I mean, I’m not exactly looking forward to our next space battle, but I’ll do my duty regardless: happiness doesn’t even enter the equation.  Nietsche probably has something to say about this; words fail me.”

"Oh, I don't need booze but it sure helps. It helps us move accomplice what does satisfy and makes us content. Learning an alien language and piloting this ship is very good for me. After the adrenaline rush, a drink helps me down."

Quite a difference between having a drink and getting soused

Could be. We can see if you want, luv" she smiles at Cyril

In reply to Katherine 'Kat' Steele (msg # 189):

The wedding also serves as an official good-bye for Meir and Eva, and apart from a few officials who were their superiors, it is a fairly candid affair with their friends. Ava is the bridesmaid, though her late husband, who would have been best man, is remembered along with the rest of the fallen in a brief but solemn ceremony at the start of the wedding feast. Starting with a formal ceremony and exchanging of very Jewish vows, the ceremony then moved on with considerable formal dancing initially, and a lush meal of local produce. The food produced is largely familiar, though there are a few foods you do not recognize, and some foods you have only hears about in history, such as the Sea Tortoise soup, but it is all very nice. Apparently, the creatures have become very common here after they were introduced from clones.

Cyril smiles and wishes all well, but he really wants to get the show on he road ... They are already a day behind in his mind, although there is no real schedule to meet. He is also concerned at the heavy drinking that seems to be becoming rife ... a drink or two is fine...but he doesn't need any of his crew drunk at a critical juncture. He also has to consider the expecting Moms aboard, something new to him, as Scout ships didn't (openly) allow fraternization. Still, he'd rather they be pregnant than drunk.

Tanya sits in her cabin, holding an empty vodka bottle on her naked stomach while meditating.

Kat is dressed nicely as she looks around at Cyril "Where is Tanya? she asks and then heads off to Tanya's cabin.

She walks in on Tanya and looks down at her "I gather your drunk? and you drank all the vodka?"

Tanya awakens from her trance and smiles politely.  “Drunk?  I wish.  But no.  My stash ran dry days ago.  Now I’m trying to channel the spirit of booze.”

"Well, I don't have vodka but I have gin." she disappears for 30 seconds and reappears "Here is a bottle of gin" she puts the bottle on Tanya's naked stomach.

Cyril follows his wife, delayed slightly, he arrives in time to see Tanya given the Gin... Oh Shi...oot, not the answer she needed.

Tanya stares at the gin.  “Don’t even think about it,” she says aloud.

She looks at Cyril "What's wrong love. She is just laying here wanting" she pulls out a flask and takes a sip.  She holds it out to Cyril

Thanks dear... I feel like whiskey right now... he heads off to their room.

In reply to Cyril Zotmund (msg # 199):

After the wedding, you get to say goodbyes and prepare for departure. The send-off is friendly and has about 30 locals there, including a few Labrysians who want to call this place their home. It is more than you expect, and you depart in good spirits.

Rising through the atmosphere, you once again prepare yourselves for space. Ne next system is simply marked 1540 on Terran charts, though the Labrysians called it Vyborg for some reason. It is a binary system with one planet with an atmosphere.

The jump through hyperspace takes a week, as usual. Exiting from hyperspace, you find the planet is a Garden Planet with a breathable atmosphere, though it is thin, and the climate is cold. With the gravity just 0.84G, it is fertile with green areas visible from orbit.

In reply to Fate (msg # 200):

Did we get VYBORG translated to English?

In reply to Cyril Zotmund (msg # 201):

Inquiries suggest it is a large local carnivore. No specifics are given.
This message was last edited by the GM at 02:26, Thu 07 Dec 2017.

“Garden planet.  Large predator.  A snake, perhaps?  It seems that every time man finds a garden, there’s a serpent waiting for him.”

"So, we going to go down and check it out? I wonder if it is intelligent?"

Captain Ronovan, can you tell us what VYBORG Means?

“Large, slug-like.  Eats rocks... and rock creatures.”

So a danger to us as well?

“Could be.”

Good to know... Let's do a detailed scan of the planet and the system around it. when we get that done, we can do a remote scan of 1740 and a close inspection of this place.
This message was last edited by the player at 23:50, Thu 07 Dec 2017.

In reply to Cyril Zotmund (msg # 209):

"Right, Sir. I order to do a full system mapping and a proper orbital planetary survey it will take us 10 days. We should take at least four days for the remote charting of 1740, suitable for an immediate Jump only. If you want, an away team can leave for the planet for 2 weeks to investigate further, but they will not have the benefit of any new information; only existing information. Myself, Kat and perhaps a few extra hands in the survey module would be the only folk required aboard the Dastavka for the duration of the surveys."

I'd rather hold off on landing for a while until we have some better knowledge of the planet; I don't plan to camp or do large amounts of ground exploration but rather to gather some sample and pictures for further analysis. Basically enough to decide if a colony ship is warranted and enough information to prepare them if it is.

In reply to Cyril Zotmund (msg # 211):

"So a Biological and Geographical survey of at least one region that shows promise, or about 35,000 square miles, taking about a week if both are done by capable teams concurrently."

“Is there anything you’d like me to do, sir?”

Seems logical Gun Da Bin ...  Tanya just needs to assist Gun Da Bin ... the sooner we get this done, the sooner we can move on.

“Certainly.” Tanya puts herself and her formidable computer skills at Gun Da Bin’s disposal.

In reply to Tanya Weaver (msg # 215):

Tanyas services ans Navigator are soon put to full use as Gun overseas the mapping of the planet, and Tanya helps him in making a system map. both are done within ten days, with all objects and their orbits mapped out accurately largely thanks to Tanyas Navigation, Kats accurate (but mundane) flying and Cyrils incredibly bored leadership.

The planet is 7400 miles in diameter, with a normal breathable atmosphere. It is covered by 50% water, and has considerable plant life. The climate is only slightly cooler than earth.

During your time doing the survey, two Labrysian patrols pass through.

“So much salad, and so little dressing,” Tanya mutters as she pours over a bio map of the planet.

Kat drinks a lot of coffee as they are lead by Cyrils so she can stay awake.

I gather these are friendly Labrysian patrols? ;-)

Why didn't we just get info from them?

OK, we'll gather some plant and soil samples to freeze, then get ready to look at 1740.

In reply to Cyril Zotmund (msg # 219):

The Labrysian patrols are friendly, but they just have minimal data for navigation through the system, which you used to jump into the system.

How long will you allocate to doing Biological and Geographical surveys?

If you wanted to roll for Guns Electrical Operations(Sensors), target of 16, 1 day per attempt but you need to jump when he succeeds, go for it. Otherwise you can wait 4 days for him to be pretty certain to jump without rolling.

We'll go with slow and sure... no rush required.

In reply to Cyril Zotmund (msg # 221):

"And do minimal Geographic and Biological surveys? Whatever we can do in 4 days?"

Yes, That's the plan... we do not need the large slug like creature though... frozen or not.

In reply to Cyril Zotmund (msg # 223):

The survey of 1740 starts out badly, with the long range sensors loosing a critical sensor board, but Duke is able to fix that and you find that 1740 as a single star and two small planetary belts, and little else. You cannot tell if these planets are suitable for anything at this point.

The Geographical survey is largely done from the air, with Illiam volunteering to fly the ships boat for that after dropping of the team for the biological survey.

The team for the biological survey manage to find a number of smaller creatures, mainly insects, on the planet. Listing Armstrong believes some of them are quite edible, almost like an amphibious version of Lobster being the creature of choice, though they have a nasty bite that Joan recovers from in a few days. The team only glimpses a slug-like creature, but does see several tunnels that they create. Attempts to shoot one only result in it retreating underground, after taking several hits from lasers and plasma weapons, and Meirs storm rifle. It would seem that it is effected by heat much less than projectile weapons, as only Meir was able to draw the green acidic blood from the creature, but you were not able to collect any more than a tiny sample. The slug was about 35 ft long and 14 ft in diameter with grey rock plates forming it's hide.

[OOC: They move so slowly there is little point going to combat...kind of like shooting the barn!]

OK, this planet may have some value ... any signs or indications of valuable minerals?

1740 is a concern, with no obvious gas giant, we may not be able to refuel there. What can we determine about 1739?

In reply to Cyril Zotmund (msg # 225):

Taking another 4 days to look?

Of Course....and we'll do a bit more looking around on the planet too.

“Maybe could I go on away mission?”

In reply to 'Captain' Ronovan Ga Det Hug (msg # 228):

"Have you been here before? Aren't you the guys those large predators like to eat?"

I would think you could go, with caution as PO Kyamoto points out.

In reply to Cyril Zotmund (msg # 230):

Even on the first day, Gun is able to detect three gas giants in the Tr-star system of 1739. Although no planetary belts are detected, navigating to there should be easy, as should any refuelling. At least one Gas Giant does have a moon. Further surveys confirm this.

The Geological survey does reveal useful mineral deposits, but not in any quantities greater than earth, despite an additional 20,000 square miles being surveyed. It is found the large creatures seem more abundant near deposits of Iron ore and other valuable minerals.

Kyamoto, however, score an impressive find when he detects a number of eggs of the large creatures. Having asked the short range fighters to provide cover this time, the fighters soon make short work of the creature despite it's resistance to heat weapons, and he is able to freeze three hatchlings and put it in the hold.

Oh Joy! Just what I want on a space flight... a metal eating monster ;-) Why are we bringing these back with us?

“Sir... I do not wish to be impertinent, but is it really ethical to treat these creatures in this manner?”

"Well, I suppose we would have to figure out if they have any intelligence above animal intelligence"

In reply to Katherine 'Kat' Steele (msg # 234):

"The hatchings are cryogenically frozen and therefore safe. Since they can be revived, it is also totally ethical. But the research that will likely be carried out on them may not be ethical, but is likely to save many more lives than just these three, so we are actually saving lives by doing this. And probably getting well paid to do so, but how is that morally different from any other medical service?"
This message was last edited by the player at 12:20, Tue 12 Dec 2017.

If it becomes a major issue, I will give one to Tanya to hug and care for... as to what value these will have? I am not sure there is any, but should we lose power or there is any danger of them thawing, they are to be ejected into space. That is an Order! And to be clear, they will not just be released, they will be ejected forcefully away from the ship.

In reply to Cyril Zotmund (msg # 236):

"Yes, Sir."

Tanya raises an eyebrow.  “Aye, sir.”

In reply to Tanya Weaver (msg # 238):

As you are getting ready to leave, the Sampson, a small hero class freighter employed by Kalishnakov for servicing Aquitaine, enters the system, and hails you as soon as it sees you.

"Glad we caught you. We found an extra pilot for the small fighters you asked for on Aegir. It seems hostilities are winding down at last with the Government forces."
This message was last edited by the GM at 12:18, Tue 12 Dec 2017.

Welcome Sampson; do you have a cryogenic storage capability? We have sample we would send back with you to give us more room aboard.

In reply to Cyril Zotmund (msg # 240):

There is a pause for a few minutes.

"Affirmative, we do.  But not for humans. What is the cargo?"

Plant and animal material from the planet below for study. We will send as much information as we can on what we think it us and where we found it.

In reply to Cyril Zotmund (msg # 242):

"Very well then. Please send full survey results for this system as well. I am told that there are interested parties should peace break out. We are getting a lot of Vilani immigrants seeking new lives before the Vilani government close the borders completely. Rumours of the Labrysian war worry their local governors."

WILCO


PO Da Bin, send a copy of all our Geophysical and Survey files on this world to SAMPSON as well.
This message was last edited by the player at 20:15, Tue 12 Dec 2017.

In reply to Cyril Zotmund (msg # 244):

The Sampsons ships boat departs when the vessel gets close, and dock easily with the stationary Dastavka. Pilot Sterran Fieche and his possessions are transferred, and large amounts of survey data are uploaded into a spare computer system on the ships boat. Lastly, the frozen specimens are transferred, though the captain becomes nervous when he reads Kyamotos notes regarding the creatures.

A scruffy-looking young man stands swiftly at attention.  With an irreverant smile he says, “Reporting for duty, sir.”

Kat walks over to the new guy "Hi, I am Kat, the pilot of the Dastavka" she holds out her hand to shake his.

Welcome aboard... hopefully you will just be bored flying recons...

“Charmed,” he says as he takes Kat by the hand.  His sincerity is obvious.

To the captain, he replies, “I hope not, sir... hoping to go out there and blow some stuff up.”

You needed to go to the war zone then... we hope we don't have to blow anything up.

“True, but I don’t think that life is for me.  At heart, I was born to roam.”  He smiles at Kat.
This message was last edited by the player at 20:05, Wed 13 Dec 2017.

Be careful where you roam.  He heads back to the cockpit.

In reply to Cyril Zotmund (msg # 252):

"We have mapped 2 systems, Captain. Which should I set course for?"

She grins at Sterren "Yes, be careful where you roam. The Captain is jealous."

In reply to Tanya Weaver (msg # 253):

1739, we don't see any fuel sources at 1740... perhaps we can learn more from 1739.

“Who can blame him?”  Sterren leaves to find his quarters and otherwise get squarred away.

In reply to Sterren Fleche (msg # 256):

Tanya enters the jump coordinates and Duke slips the ship into hyperspace. Vyborg slips away in the usual display of lights...

She looks at Cyril "So what is next luv?"

Exploring 1739 when we get here ... until then, I guess you'll do nicely

Kat looks at Cyril seriously and puts her hands on her hips "And just what have you not explored on me?"

I don't know, lets go see ... he smiles a naughty smile.

In reply to Cyril Zotmund (msg # 259):

The week in hyperspace passes uneventfully, well as far as the ships log is concerned, with Sterren familiarizing himself with the ship and its crew.

It will then take Gun 10 days to create a full system map. The three stars in the inner orbits seem to kill of any chance of a planet there, but there are three gas giants further out, and on the seventh day you detect that one of them does seem to have an inhabitable planet. It is estimated that it will take the Dastavka 3 days to map the planet properly, but at this time you are still over a million miles away.

Well lets refuel and hop on over there.

In reply to Cyril Zotmund (msg # 263):

The system survey has 3 more days work, but you put it on hold to go over to that particular Gas giant to refuel.

Suddenly, Gun jumps to alert.

"Sir, we got some sensor readings...coming in pretty close!"

Battle Stations ... Fire if Fired upon.  Sterren get to work, but don't fire unless they start it.


Gun -  OK, can you ID it at all ...

Kat takes over as the pilot and prepares the ship to accelerate to battle speed.

In reply to Katherine 'Kat' Steele (msg # 266):

"No transponder, sir. That usually means pirate..."

What about an enemy ship?

OOC: Am I already in my launched fighter, or am I still onboard?

In reply to Katherine 'Kat' Steele (msg # 268):

"Still below the planets horizon, but our survey gear picked up plenty to know if there was a transponder. Will be visible at 15,000 miles in a minute..."

[Ooc not launched until someone says otherwise.]

OOC- You were told to get in your fighter. When ready, you will be "released"  to do your thing.

Sterren RUNS to his fighter, gets strapped in, wipes the sweat from his hands and promptly informs the bridge he’s ready to launch.

In reply to Sterren Fleche (msg # 272):

The other pilots, Illiam in the ships boat and Marcus likewise call in.

Launch the fighters.  seal the ship for combat, if you haven't already.  OK Gun, waiting on your determination before we go hot.  In fact send them a query as to who they are and what they are doing.
This message was last edited by the player at 18:27, Sat 16 Dec 2017.

“Sir... thank you in advance for this opportunity to kick some ass, sir.”

DO NOT ATTACK UNLESS WE ARE FIRED ON ...

“Uh... aye, sir.  Of course not, sir.”

In reply to Sterren Fleche (msg # 277):

"They are not responding, Sir....Oh shit, MULTIPLE INCOMING...POINT DEFENCE NEEDED NOW."

The view screen tells the story as a cloud of missiles seemingly escorted by a modified Crockett come over the horizon.

[OOC: Kat, need a Dodge roll, piloting on 2+1 for combat reflexes.
All gunners, including Sterran, roll an attack to shoot down the missiles before responding.]

Firing at missiles. 17:38, Today: Sterren Fleche rolled 15 using 3d6 with rolls of 6,4,5.  Attack roll.
This message was last edited by the player at 23:01, Sat 16 Dec 2017.

FIRE! Lasers kill missiles!


Grumbles so much for trying not to shoot innocents.

In reply to Sterren Fleche (msg # 279):

In a blinding flurry of Beam fire, the missiles are all shot down, with Sterran counting at least 5 hits...

OOC: Do my weapons even have the capability of punching through the enemy ship’s DR?
This message was last edited by the player at 23:16, Sat 16 Dec 2017.

Kat makes a roll with the ship to avoid the missiles.

In reply to Katherine 'Kat' Steele (msg # 283):

Unfortunately the missiles are already dealt with. The quad beams from the front of the hostile ship slice through the thin armour of the Dastavka, tearing through the engine room wreaking havoc. The reactor starts overheating before it is ejected, with the hydrogen exploding mercifully in a conventional explosion rather than a nuclear one, and the computer reporting major issues with the hyperdrive as well, just before it all shuts down. The vid screen indicates you are falling in a shallow dive towards the planet, and controls are not responding.

Well crap ... emergency power Duke!

In reply to Cyril Zotmund (msg # 285):

Dukes voice replies over the intercom, almost shouting to be heard over the noise.

"Aye, sir, we are working on it, but we've been blown to crap here. The engine room is venting to space and we gotta suit up to work here."

You hear some swearing, then a few moments later the radios and video screen come back online, but the vessel is barely responding to Kat. It looks to be going down, but you hear William on the radio.

 "...and he looks to be done for. Are you guys alright!"

[Private to Sterren Fleche: You would have seen that the ships boat, being slower than the fighters, was too late to shoot down the missiles, and instead targeted the hostile ship. The hostile ship failed to dodge and was hit, and appears to be burning and plummeting towards the planet as well.
This message was last edited by the GM at 21:58, Sun 17 Dec 2017.

Not so much... we'll know more shortly.

Sterren checks his scanners for any hostiles he might have missed.  If he sees none, he moves closer to the Dastavka and assumes a protective flight posture.

In reply to Cyril Zotmund (msg # 287):

Need some Piloting(Aerospace) rolls, with variable penalties, as you are re-entering the atmosphere. Also, describe what you are going to try to do. You have minimal control, and are within the planets gravity field. Roll a couple, and I can work with it.

No other hostiles are seen at this time.
This message was last edited by the GM at 00:25, Mon 18 Dec 2017.

Knowing Kat is a better pilot Cyril just works to assist her (assuming she is alright).

Goals-
1. If we can, to get the ship flying (Vice gliding sort of) again
2. if we can't do one, we'll try to locate a reasonably level surface with no or very minimal tall vegetation and land.

Kat tries to take it down as soft as she can.

20:42, Today: Katherine 'Kat' Steele rolled 12 using 3d6 with rolls of 4,6,2.  Combat Piloting (Aerospace).
20:42, Today: Katherine 'Kat' Steele rolled 12 using 3d6 with rolls of 5,6,1.  Combat Piloting (Aerospace).
20:42, Today: Katherine 'Kat' Steele rolled 16 using 3d6 with rolls of 6,4,6.  Combat Piloting (Aerospace).

In reply to Katherine 'Kat' Steele (msg # 291):

Kat struggles to control the powerless ship as it re-enters the atmosphere, but does succeed in holding it together and slowing it enough that it does not burn up, assisted by the very thin atmosphere of the place and the lower than usual temperatures. It careers down downwards the planet, even as the attacking ship does something similar but in the opposite direction.

Below you is a winter planet, with large snow-covered trees and icy expanses but the river patterns indicate that they do thaw, at least occasionally. The Dastavka glides pretty well for a starship, and you are able to maintain a semblance of control, but you hear nothing from the engine room as a glacier is seen looming ahead, and Kat aims for it. The vessel lands roughly on it, ploughing through snow that is surprisingly shallow before coming to the trees on the far side, still a way more speed than you would like. There is a plenty of crunching as the first few trees are shawn off by the ships momentum, finally coming to rest about 50 metres past the treeline. Either snow obscures all external cameras, or they have stopped working, if they still exist!

Those escorting the vessel see it create a storm of snow before finally coming to rest amoung the trees, partially obscured from the air.

Good landing... we are still alive, no small feat given no power.  Let me see what Duke's situation is.
Cyril dons his space suit and head through the air lock to see what damage they have further back.

In reply to Fate (msg # 292):

There was a pause before you get word from the engine room.

"Could not have done much more damage here than the attack did. We are gonna need a new reactor before we can leave this rock...Miraculously, no one was killed that we know of. We may need some more parts for the Hyperdrive and maybe the maneuver drive too."

"Well, any landing you can walk away from is good. Now I hope we can take off" she says as she takes a deep sigh "I really need a drink now"

In reply to Katherine 'Kat' Steele (msg # 295):

Illiam, in the ships boat, lands nearby.

"Guys, you will want respirators outdoors here. The atmosphere is pretty thin. That other prick is miles away, nearly on the other side of the planet..."

Be good to know his condition, Illiam, we are going to need a reactor ... if his works, it's our only way outa here.

In reply to Cyril Zotmund (msg # 297):

"Should we take a group to check it sir?"

Yes, all three of you... there may be survivors who are hostile. Zapp 'em all.

In reply to Cyril Zotmund (msg # 299):

"Perhaps I should pick up some ground forces too then. Security types...and engineering types to assess their situation."

Contacting the Daskavka (which he hopes still contains human life) for instructions.  Land nearby?  Or try to locate the enemy and do some attack runs?
This message was last edited by the player at 16:08, Mon 18 Dec 2017.

In reply to Sterren Fleche (msg # 301):

We are all alive, but the ship is seriously damaged, you work with Illiam to protect the shuttle going to investigate the other ship.

Roger Illiam, have the shuttle land and we'll put a team together.

Duke, grab whom you will need to asses this ships reactor and power supplies for our use. Guns, we'll need a strong security crew, notify them to get ready asap. I'll lead it. Kat is in charge here.

Complying with orders to protect the shuttle.

We assemble a team quickly, armed with heavy and light weapons, but everyone is advised NOT to do heavy damage to the enemy ship, so we may be able to recover their reactor...

In reply to Cyril Zotmund (msg # 305):

Cool. Who is in the team?

Kat looks at Cyril "Your leaving me in charge? boy, your trusting" she says with a grin

In reply to Fate (msg # 306):

OK, Updated

Duke and his chosen team... I assume the Checkov sisters and Bill Gates.

Security- we'll leave Guns and Rodney Smith aboard to operate weapons and sensors. Meir Galinski, Jo Rodrigez, Ivan Andropov, Peter Gunshy, Sigorney Weaver, Mao Chin, 'Joan' Hirikuri, Tonkin and Sgt. Thornhammer go.

Kate, Tanya and Svebodne stay aboard.

We'll take one Medic and leave the rest aboard as well.
This message was last edited by the player at 03:00, Tue 19 Dec 2017.

In reply to Cyril Zotmund (msg # 308):

Crew roster in Diary thread. Armoury in Gear available thread.

In reply to Fate (msg # 309):

Updated above

In reply to Cyril Zotmund (msg # 310):

"Right. Cathy would be my other choice, actually, leaving Alexei to work on getting the maneuver drive up at least. You know we do not have enough power to operate the Beam weapons, right?"

In reply to Raymond 'Duke' Vurhund (msg # 311):

"I will gladly accompany you Captain on the away team."

In reply to Petty Officer Kyamoto (msg # 312):

Left to arm themselves, those departing take 8 Laser rifles, 4 with underslung grenade launchers, and 2 Storm Rifles, also with underslung launchers, as well as 4 Hand flamers and 10 Heavy Laser Pistols, 2 x LAWs and the following ammunition for the 25mm grenade launchers.

25mm Grenades 0.22 lb each for launchers.
3 x Plasma, 6d burn ex sur
20 x HE (frag), 4d+4 cr ex [1d+1, 5 yard frag]
20 x HEC (Concussion), 4d+4 cr ex
1 x EMP, HT-8(2), 2 yard + 1d-2 cr ex
2 x Flare radius 250 yards
8 x Shaped Charges, (5d+5)x3(10) cr inc + 2d cr ex [1d+1]

Two of them also take grav bikes.

Tanya, Gun, Hancock, Rodney, Jimmy Carter, Jeniffer and Peter Armstrong, Alexei, Ronovan, and Tom Hanks prepare to set up a security perimeter and repair the holes in the ship the best they can, with whatever weapons are left over. Tom manages to launch the APC, which was on the back of the Dastavka, as extra fire support, asking Rodney to man it's turrent. Tanya volunteers to do patrols on her Grav bike as well.

Eva Galansky (Nee Navis) asks to accompany Meir.

Kat will go down and help work on the engines.

In reply to Raymond 'Duke' Vurhund (msg # 311):

No, I didn't ... that's not good.  Lets leave Peter Gunshy and Sigorney Weaver back as well. the 5 of them should be able to hold the ship against a dismounted attack. I left Ronovan so there was no fuss with Meir.
This message was last edited by the player at 16:56, Tue 19 Dec 2017.

In reply to Cyril Zotmund (msg # 315):

The group staying behind begin preparing a perimeter, with the APC and Tanya doing patrols out a couple of miles around the vessel.

The first order of the day for those remaining is to locate the downed craft. The fighters can travel much faster than the ships boat in atmosphere, due to their streamlined shape, but an Electronics Operation (Sensors) roll will be needed to find the exact location.

So we are rolling for Illiam? wouldn't it be better if Sterren rolled for that?

In reply to Cyril Zotmund (msg # 317):

Sterran will need to roll for himself, as will Jerry in the other fighter.

Illiam can roll for the Sensors, or someone else can work them while he pilots. That would be your call.

I'm not in his Fighter...

17:41, Today: Sterren Fleche rolled 8 using 3d6 with rolls of 3,2,3.  Sensors.

In reply to Sterren Fleche (msg # 320):

Illiam is not in a fighter, but is flying the Ships Boat. Hence, you are in it as I understand...

OK... thought someone else was flying it... so lets do sensors with Sterren's hand off.

In reply to Cyril Zotmund (msg # 322):

I probably should have mentioned, Illiam was flying the Ships Boat, with Marcus on the turret, and Sterren and Jerry flying the fighters. Tom Hanks is doing patrols around the Dastavka in the 6 dTon AK APC, with Rodney on the Gatling Laser in its mini-turret, which was docked behind the cockpit until now. Most of the security can drive the tracked APC in the Ships boat, and shoot the heavy machine gun in its turret.

Have Given Sterren a sensor reading...leave it to him to pass on the information IC.

“Captain, I’ve detected another flying craft.  It’s approaching the crash site, ETA in approximately three hours.  I could intercept it in one hour.”

OK, Can we tell how close it is to that location or assumed location of the Crockett? Intercept but be as stealthy as you can until we know if it is another hostile or some third party out to help.

“It’s 6000 miles south.  Proceeding to intercept, as quietly as possible.”

In reply to Sterren Fleche (msg # 326):

It is heading to the approximate area of the crash site.

22:19, Today: Sterren Fleche rolled 13 using 3d6 with rolls of 1,6,6.  Stealth.

In reply to Sterren Fleche (msg # 328):

You proceed south to about 500 miles from the target. It has not changed course, but if they have half-reasonable sensors, you figure there is a good chance they would have seen you buy now. There is no transponder.

(-2 range modifier to targeting, -14 modifier to sensors, making it a basic skill roll for you and them if they have any sensors at all)

Illiam proceeds along to the anticipated crash site, escorted by Jerry in the other fighter. The fighters batteries are at half power now.

Sterren continues to close, but not on a direct intercept course.  The goal here is to find out if they’re hostile, not start anything.

He keeps repeating this to his trigger-happy hands.

In reply to Sterren Fleche (msg # 330):

As you continue to close, you come under fire from pulse lasers! Roll dodge...

01:54, Today: Sterren Fleche rolled 10 using 3d6 with rolls of 3,4,3.  Dodge.

In reply to Sterren Fleche (msg # 332):

Your dodge is 10, so you succeed in dodging, just! May need a new paint job later though!

What is the source of the laser fire?  I want to return fire ASAP.

In reply to Sterren Fleche (msg # 334):

It appears to be the vessel you are tracking. Roll attack to return fire...

While this is happening, whoever is on sensors on the ships boat notices a number of what appear to be stone-age villages.
This message was last edited by the GM at 09:39, Fri 22 Dec 2017.

OK, Grand ... hopefully they won't meddle.

OOC- are we also tracking what's going on with Sterren?

In reply to Cyril Zotmund (msg # 336):

You would only really know what he tells you over the comma. The ships boat has good sensors, so you pick up the other craft, but not the weapon fire or Sterrans dodge.

OOC- I believe we have two beam lasers and a missile launcher.


I will track the enemy ship and fire the lasers at it's cockpit if in range.

In reply to Cyril Zotmund (msg # 338):

It is well within range, but currently as both it and Illiam are staying low, it is below the horizon.

Kat checks to see if they have any power so they can at least shoot back if they need too.

20:47, Today: Sterren Fleche rolled 13 using 3d6 with rolls of 2,5,6.  Attack roll.

In reply to Sterren Fleche (msg # 341):

At such short range, your computer makes the shape of a ships boat loom large enough to see a man-sized object in your vid screen, despite it being a little less than 400 miles away.

You beam cuts into it multiple times. Roll 6 damage, 7d minus 2. It probably wont go well for them...they needed a good dodge roll, and did not get one!

Sorry, Kat, Ship Beam weapons take a LOT of power...you simply don't have enough without the main reactor. The AK APC is on guard though.

I’m rolling 7d-2 six times?

In reply to Sterren Fleche (msg # 343):

Yep, unless you want me to...

23:30, Today: Sterren Fleche rolled 23 using 7d6-2 with rolls of 4,5,1,4,5,5,1.  Dam6.
23:30, Today: Sterren Fleche rolled 20 using 7d6-2 with rolls of 6,3,3,3,3,1,3.  Dm5.
23:30, Today: Sterren Fleche rolled 22 using 7d6-2 with rolls of 3,4,5,3,6,1,2.  Dam4.
23:30, Today: Sterren Fleche rolled 31 using 7d6-2 with rolls of 6,3,3,6,6,3,6.  Dam3.
23:30, Today: Sterren Fleche rolled 21 using 7d6-2 with rolls of 2,2,6,1,5,5,2.  Dam2.
23:29, Today: Sterren Fleche rolled 21 using 7d6-2 with rolls of 5,5,3,1,2,4,3.  Dam1.

In reply to Sterren Fleche (msg # 345):

The hostile craft begins to dive after the second hit, but as the beam continues to carve into it, it breaks up midair, distributing debris over several crash sites below.

“Fleche to captain.  Received and returned fire; hostile destroyed.  I wasn’t damaged.”
This message was last edited by the player at 05:13, Sat 23 Dec 2017.

Good shooting ... I expect more are likely ... we'll try and get this done as quickly as we can. Dastavka should have spare batteries charged up and if need be we can recharge you off this ships little reactor.

“Should I fly to the Dastavka and assume a defensive flight posture?”