Andrew calls you into his office and closes the door. With him is a Terran Rear Admiral, commander of Terran exploratory forces on Chyrsolite. They wait for you to be seated, then it is he who speaks.

"When you came through Vilani space, one of the vessels that came through at a similar time was the Jaques Cartier. She is an 800 dTon exploratory vessel with a complement of about 70, 16 laboratories and a Survey unit to enable remote survey on new systems, as you have. She had a small hanger bay and was armed, but with no armour she would be vulnerable to any warship. However, with a thrust of just 1.21G and a giant spherical shape, she is vulnerable to landing on a planet with high gravity and being unable to get off again.

The Jaques Cartier was commissioned to find a route into Vilani space other than the Saris-Yenisai bridge, and to locate and fully survey rich colony worlds that could be used to service that route. They are sponsored by the Terran Military, but there are many in the Civilian government who would be strongly opposed, so the mission is kept quiet.

They last departed Sionnach for a system known only as 0532 in the Thalassa system on the 15th June 2170. It is now the 4th of August 2171, so it has been over a year since we have heard from them, and we are becoming concerned. We asked a month ago for Andrew to spare an exploratory vessel capable of finding them. Hopefully, they will be fine, in which case you should just get copies of their work and return to us. Otherwise, we really need to know what is happening with them."

Duke tapped the ash off the end of his cigar then bit down as he put it back into his mouth. He enjoyed the taste, and could focus on that instead of his natural aversion to military authority. He kept a glaring eye on the admiral from under his hat as he listened.

"You got a spec for the ship that I can go over? Might be that they have something about them that we can track

In reply to Raymond 'Duke' Vurhund (msg # 2):

"Just the usual stuff about the class, unfortunately."

Zheng He Survey, 320 M Solars, 800 dTons, 31 yd dia sphere
A substantial survey vessel.

(1.9G/Move:300, dDR:10, dHP:45, dTons of Cargo Space: 160.5),
Weapons: 10 Missile Launchers (2 in each turret), 3 Pulse Lasers and 2 Sandcasters,
120 dTon Hanger bay

Is there any way to try and come up with a way of tracking some engine signature. Maybe a scanning device for trace elements in the exhaust of the ship? Or the equivolent of energy if it uses that?


Is it viable at all?

My question is, why go toward 0532 if you are looking to connect Terran space with points in the Gemini or Cappella areas? Or did I misunderstand the Mission?

In reply to Raymond 'Duke' Vurhund (msg # 4):

Engines can be tracked for perhaps a few days at most. More likely, after a year, will be to look for signs of an encampment.

The mission is to connect back with Vilani space on the far side of the Empire, opening a potential back door, so to speak, in the Thalassa system or beyond. Likely they will have passed along the gap beyond Thalassa looking for another bridge if all went well.

OK, misunderstood then...Oh and I do want to keep three recon missiles as well a s a full load of regular missiles, we'll put the recon missiles in Duke's shop, off to one side.

In reply to Cyril Zotmund (msg # 7):

Understood. That will be fine. Anything else, or do you move off, to Chyrsolite?

Duke? Kat?

Aye Cap, we can keep the recon missiles in my shop. I'll see what I Can do about making them better too.

I'll grab a few spare parts too to so we can convert some of the regular ones if need be. But there's nothing else I need to pickup, i'm ready to go when you are he replied.

In reply to Raymond 'Duke' Vurhund (msg # 10):

Ok, Route?

Suggested route

1237 -> 1136 -> Tunguska -> Chrysolite if you want to visit security head office for any updates. This is optional, you can go from Tunguska straight to Thalassa -> Sionnach. Then where?

The security office is a must. The route is fine, we will do some inquiries in Sionnach. Then likely on to 0532, which is where they were thought to have gone.
This message was last edited by the player at 14:23, Mon 15 Oct 2018.

In reply to Cyril Zotmund (msg # 12):

It will take approximately 8 weeks to get to 0532.

On the way, you stop off at Chrysolyte, a leg that takes 30 days alone. Sabre rattling by various Vilani nobles has been continuing, and some are calling for a final solution to the Terran problem, as some have always done, but the current regional governor is building a smaller fleet of capable ships following the death of a certain admiral a few years ago. They quote a number of Nobles names, but none of them mean much to you. Essentially, relations have become worse, slowly, with accusations of piracy leveled at many Terrans, and counter claims falling on deaf ears.

0532 is a surveyed binary system with 2 gas giants and 2 planetary belts. The most habitable one has a very thin atmosphere.

I presume that Chrysolite has a small fleet of capable ships of it's own ... and that Andrew  has been contributing to their defense.

That said, we'll be off to Thalassa and thence to Sionnach.

In reply to Cyril Zotmund (msg # 14):

The main fleet is based at Chrysolyte, and dwarfs Andrews fleet. Joining the original fleet of a Heavy Cruiser, the Moscow, 2 destroyers and 4 corvettes is a newly completed Imposter class Carrier (converted from a captured Labrysian 15,000 dTon Assault ship), 2 'Friendship' class cruisers (converted from captured Labrysian cruisers, one still being completed) and 4 Destroyers, the last one of which is still being completed.

After Sionnach, then 0532 as mentioned previously?

[OOC: will be away on exercise till friday]

Yes, but want to ask some questions about the ship on Sionnach before moving on.
Also tell them we plan to go to 0532, thence to 0331 and 0230 looking for the Cartier.

"As we are going into unknown space, we need to make sure we have extra supplies and we should take things to trade or give away for good will"

Would have been good to have acquired such on Aegir too...didn't think of it there, with everything else going on.

In reply to Cyril Zotmund (msg # 18):

Sionnach is a bit of a backwater frontier planet. With an atmpshperic pressure of just 0.4 atm, a mask is required for breathing. Many of the 600 inhabitants are Nepalese or Peruvian, with a couple of Vegan families recently arrived, so English is not commonly spoken. A scientific institute has been set up to study ways of colonizing low atmosphere worlds, in particular looking for food crops that can grow in such conditions, but it is still very new. As such, food is not abundant, nor are touristy items. What items specifically were you wanting to trade, and how many tons or dTons of supplies did you want to load?

Would seem Many Nepalese and Peruvian animals and plants would do well here...  Quinoa, Alpaca and Llama etc.

We may acquire some nice wool products... and buy some quinoa if available at an affordable price.

In reply to Cyril Zotmund (msg # 20):

Unfortunately no, air pressure is too low even for them. But some of the variations tried are modified versions of such, though it is still early days. But Hydroponics farms are booming, so regular foods are available, and while there are only a few llamas around for breeding and genetic modification purposes, there is plenty of Quinoa around at good prices, for the frontier. Of course, a shipment of supplies also arrives in a timely fashion aboard one of Kalishnikov's freighters a day after your arrival, which you are pretty sure was no co-incidence. They have 30 dTons of supplies to sell to the colony...or for you if you can fit them. Aegir now apparently exports food supplies...

Well at 8d tons per week and the weeks we have been away, we could probably use much of it and buy some Quinoa as well...  we will leave some 6 d tons supplies un-purchased  for the natives too.

In reply to Cyril Zotmund (msg # 22):

Purchases are made, and you get ready to leave. It does not take much to punch into orbit, and Tanya soon sets a course for 0532, and the ship enters hyperspace effortlessly as usual.

One week later, when you exit to the binary star system the two gas giants make it hard to notice the smaller planets, one with life but nearly half the gravity of earth, and a thin atmosphere, and very little life as a result. You have used 8 tons, or 2/3 of a dton of supplies.

Gun Da Bin, give me a quick scan for anything like advanced life  or a crashed vessel.

In reply to Cyril Zotmund (msg # 24):

It takes the better part of a day to travel to the planet that has some life and scan it thoroughly.

"Sorry sir, nothing detected.

Whilst this system had been mapped, none further out have been, at least on our records. We will need to take some time to scan the net system in preparation to jump there though."

Note the link below:

link to a message in this game

I do know that Guns... But i wanted to be sure this wasn't the end of Jacques.

In reply to Cyril Zotmund (msg # 26):

"Of course, Sir. It does not appear to be here. Which system should we plan to jump to next?"

Good Question, Lets look at 0331.

In reply to Cyril Zotmund (msg # 28):

"Very good, sir. We will map that sector. Anything else here to do while we do that?"

Not that I can think of ... there would be no signs of the Jacques after so long to my knowledge.

In reply to Cyril Zotmund (msg # 30):

"Agreed, sir, unlikely. Normally I would say that a full system map might save us having to do a survey to jump back to this system next time though, but this system does have rudimentary maps. Of course, we might be able to improve on them."

If you have the assets to improve them and chart our next system, do so, but the next system has priority unless you find something to alter our plans.

Kat pilots the ship, listening in.

In reply to Cyril Zotmund (msg # 32):

"With your permission, sir, I would like to deploy the fighters and the ships boat and make use of their sensors to map this system."

OK, That makes some sense and exercises them as well. However they need to stay fairly close.

In reply to Cyril Zotmund (msg # 35):

Utilizing the small craft enable you to detect a number of inconsistencies in the system maps you have in the three days it takes you to get reliable readings of the next system.

Recalling all craft, Tanya lays in a path to the new system and you once again set off into hyperspace. A week later, give or take a few hours, you once again emerge back into normal space.

The new system has just two gas giants, with a small rather barren atmosphere-less moon orbiting one of them. Nothing else of note seems to be around.

OK, lets use the small craft/ recon missiles or whatever to ensure we don't miss anything here and start long range scanning of 0330. I also want to scan 0230 before we leave this system. Small craft stay closer, the recon missiles can look at the far side of the gas giants.

In reply to Cyril Zotmund (msg # 37):

"Understood, Sir. It will take a week to map this system with all the drones and small craft, 10 days otherwise, and a week to get sufficient information on 0330  and 0230 to jump safely, but once we jump to one system, the information on the other system will need to be updated over the course of a day or two before jumping to there. So, 14 days here, maybe 13 if we are very lucky, but that will increase the chance of errors. We will get started right away."

Understood, but the updates may give us a better shot at making a quick jump out of there if need be.

In reply to Cyril Zotmund (msg # 39):

It is the 14th of October by the time you arrive at 0330, having used 3 of the 10.25 dTons of supplies you left Sionnach with.

0330 was named Krypton by early earthen Astronomers, though you may be the first humans to have visited there. 4 gas giants orbit a single sun, though with a few hours of checking, you find a single separate planetary orbit as well. More in depth analysis of the planet (assuming you do so) indicates that it is early on the evolutionary scale, with life just forming at a bacterial level.

0230 was named Alizarin by Vilani astonomers, and the system is mundane, with just one small body, possibly a planet, orbiting the star.
This message was last edited by the GM at 06:05, Sat 03 Nov 2018.

We shall keep the given names and annotate what we see. We will not land on the proto-earth, but will check out the planet at Alizarin w/o landing. Assuming nothing of interest, we'll scan 0231 as our next target.

OOC - I assume we will not be moving past the Thallassa sub-sector?

In reply to Cyril Zotmund (msg # 41):

Assuming you take 10 days to map Krypton (making it unnecessary to scan ahead if you return here) as well as rescanning Alizarin, and then another week in hyperspace to jump to Alizarin, you would find that Alizarin is like a pre-historic version of earth.

It is the 01 Nov 2171 by the time you arrive in Alizarin, by which time you have used 4.7 dTon of supplies, or 57 tons.

Just 4300 miles in diameter, 57% of which is covered by water. The planet looks pleasantly hospitable, with similar atmosphere and even climate to earth. The small moon gives smaller tides, so the weather is milder, but there is abundant plant life, and probably considerable animal life as well.

You may continue moving past the subsector if you want. Note the extended map,

https://travellermap.com/?opti...amp;scale=115.359375

We will make Notes of this, but start looking toward 3230 and 3231, as that seems the likely path of the Jacques.

In reply to Cyril Zotmund (msg # 43):

OK. As before, a full system map for the system you are in plus a scan of the next system sufficient for an immediate jump will take 10 days. A full system map negates the need for having to rescan the system before returning to it in future, making it a much safer option if you ever need to retreat. I should continue to assume that doing this is the normal mode of operation, then?

Alternatively, simply scanning and jumping to the next system will normally take about 3 days of scanning, but must be repeated each time you re-enter the system.

It might be good to briefly discuss the normal procedures at this point.

A quick scan of 3230 indicates a single star system with 2 gas giants and no other obvious planetary belts. It would appear to be the most likely route given their orders.

                  Yes,  but 3221 might be wise to check out as well...   can you tell us what the colors and codes mean, if they are things we might know.

In reply to Cyril Zotmund (msg # 45):

3221 has 3 gas giants and a single planetary belt, and is a single star system. Don't read too much into the chart, not all details will be accurate, but it is a pretty good guide. There is a key on the upper right hand side with a legend, but much of the information you would not know from 2 parsecs away!

You have used approximately half your supplies...I will leave it up to your judgement as to when you need to restock, though Alizarin is probably the first planet since Sionnach that presents the opportunity.

OK, but since we have plotted everything carefully, we should be able to jump back to Thalassa in a matter of three weeks or so and resupply, it also allows us to send our findings to date back to Aegir by multiple paths.  And I think we can state that there is a passageway into Vilani controlled areas out here. All of that might be quite important for them to know.


OH, and it gives us a reason to do nothing to do for a week while you are away, be fore we resume in a freshly supplied status from known safe sources.
This message was last edited by the player at 03:24, Sun 04 Nov 2018.

In reply to Cyril Zotmund (msg # 47):

Sounds good. You can work out your plan then, and I will apply reality! Cheers...

So, do we have this plan now? I believe we just arrived at Alzarin...
This message was last edited by the GM at 21:49, Fri 09 Nov 2018.

I think we need to to go back via 0331, 0432 and thence to Sionnach. Thence to Thallassa to resupply and send information back to Andrew.

In reply to Cyril Zotmund (msg # 49):

It is a month later that you arrive at Thallassa on the 01 Dec 2171 you land, and stop by the Kalishnikov Enterprises office there. Downloading your starcharts, the information is of considerable interest, especially Alizarin, which sounds like it would be a suitable planet to survey further.

There are supplies stored there for the freighters, so it is next day, 02 Dec 2171, that you are refuelled and resupplied, ready to return. You would expect it to take a month to return, requiring 3 dTons of supplies and an additional month, so you could be ready to depart Alizarin again by about 03 Jan 2172, with about 7 dTons of supplies, if that is your plan.

Since all systems are surveyed, we can go fairly quickly.

4 jumps to Alizarin, 3 long and a short. ... the 7d tons of supplies has me confused a bit... so we have about 10 weeks of supplies?
Clearly going back to Thalassa is going to be an improbable resupply method, but if Kalishnakov is interested in Alizarin, perhaps he can place a resupply module there for us. 3230 and 3231 are our next goals (I think we have already scanned these?) so we will head to 3231 first. double check 3230 from there and go there next
This message was last edited by the player at 02:18, Sat 10 Nov 2018.

In reply to Cyril Zotmund (msg # 51):

You had 10.25 dTons of supplies, and use 0.6667 dTons per week.

The long range scans are only useful for an immediate jump, so they will have to be rescanned.

In order to facilitate a resupply base at Alizarin you should do a planetary survey, since vessels would unlikely have a dedicated survey unit that Dastavka has. But Kalishnikov is very busy on the other side of the cluster, so you should probably make a presentation to the Military...which would also benefit from such a survey. Perhaps the Jaques Cartier has done one.

We will certainly approach the Military with this concept and for any information they might have on the Jacques.

In reply to Cyril Zotmund (msg # 53):

As might be expected, the Military inform you that they have already given all information on the Jaques Cartier. They are interested in the location as an outpost if, and only if, it leads somewhere and you have done a planetary survey.

The return to Alizarin takes just over three weeks more due to the stops to refuel. It is 5 more weeks after leaving Thalassa before you arrive at 3231, and you have 6.9 dTons, or 83 tons of supplies left, arriving at the new system  on 06 Jan 2172.

There are three gas giants and a single planetary belt orbiting the lone star in this system. The atmosphere is very thin and significant portions of the atmosphere are covered by water. There are no signs of the Jaques Cartier as you arrive and scan system 3230. In depth check before you depart?

Yes, do the in depth check ...  We also did the in depth scan of Alizarin  for the military, We have already shown that there is a Bridge into Vilani Space; they want more than that?

In reply to Cyril Zotmund (msg # 55):

Each in depth check, or basic planetary survey, will take about 10 days as a minimum, moving the date to 04 Feb 2172 by the time you are ready to leave 3230. You have 4.4 dTons of supplies left.

Alzarin is basically a prehistoric version of earth, with large dinosaur like creatures wandering around. It is not hard to imagine it as a mecca for hunters, and also a good place for hunting for supplies. At least one large herbivore was found to be edible. Similar to triceratops, you got 3 tons (0.25 dTons) of meat from just one carcass!

At this point, you have not made it through to Vilani space, so as yet you have not yet proven that the bridge exists, though it is starting to look likely.

Edit: I noted that you had not scanned systems 3230 or 3231, so I had to add in extra time to do this, though you had indicated plans to do this.
This message was last edited by the GM at 01:40, Sun 11 Nov 2018.

I thought we had scanned those systems ... no issues... we'll do what we can to resupply from Alizarin so we can stay out longer.

In reply to Cyril Zotmund (msg # 57):

No problem. You only scanned them from a distance, rather than mapping them from within the system.

With lots of fresh water, lots of meat and some greens that you could find to be edible, I would say it would take a week to test water and some greens and hunt a few critters to refill supplies.

Would you have doe this before jumping to 3231, or after mapping that system?

Well let's see...it would take a week to jump there, a good week + to scan it and a week back...  we'd be down to perhaps a weeks supplies or so, bad if we find an issue, so we'll re-supply before jumping into 3231.

In reply to Cyril Zotmund (msg # 59):

Ok, in that case, you would be the ready to leave 3230 by the 11 Feb 2172, but with 8.5 dTons of supplies.

However, I have to stop things there. On 08 Feb 2172, as you are mapping 3230, a warp signature opens, and a Gashidda class patrol cruiser enters the system!
This message was last updated by the GM at 21:57, Tue 13 Nov 2018.

OK, Battle stations but lasers and missiles are trained in travel position.  Guns, send  Peace ... searching for a lost ship.

In reply to Cyril Zotmund (msg # 61):

The voice that replies is Terran!

"Carrick Teague, formerly of the Jaques Cartier. We may have a hostile tail..."

There are no other hyperspace signatures apparent...

You have the crew of Jacques aboard? Have you absconded with a Vilani Cruiser?

In reply to Cyril Zotmund (msg # 63):

"That is a long story. The Jaques Cartier was destroyed by a Vilani destroyer, and we were on a planet where we remained undetected for a while. But this patrol vessel eventually found us, so we had to capture it. We have some Vilani, or rather Genoean dissidents aboard with us as well, but the destroyer that destroyed the Jaques Cartier jumped into the system as we were getting to the jump point. They may be following us."

In reply to Carrick Teague (msg # 64):

"Captain, I am picking up an incoming hyperdrive signature..."

OK, We have company... Weapons free, this one needs to go quick if it is a Hostile ship  ... fighters away ...

In reply to Cyril Zotmund (msg # 66):

The fighters launch, with Tom Hanks, Jerry Maguire and PO Marcus flying.

"Sir, it looks like the other vessel is going to come out of hyperspace nearer to the Gashidda than we are...we are still 500,000 miles from the Gashidda, and we project they will come out of hyperspace 250,000 miles from her and 700,000 miles from us, approximately."

OK Let's close ...   on the radio - Carrike, they are coming in much closer to you ...

In reply to Cyril Zotmund (msg # 68):

It would appear as if he was not aware. The Gashidda immediately makes for your position at full speed, and you detect the sensors and weapons array coming online. It does not take long to close the gap to 150,000 miles, before the hyperspace bubble bursts. A Shamshir class Destroyer Escort emerges, weapons coming online.

"Terran Warship! I should have guessed. You are both outclassed. Surrender, and I will ensure you are treated fairly."

Via Comms  Hardly out classed, shut down your weapons and sensors, we will allow you to speak your piece and leave freely, we were just interrogating this Gashida. We search for a lost exploration ship.



Crew, on your toes, he is not likely to agree.  watch the Gashidda as well.

In reply to Cyril Zotmund (msg # 70):

"Huh. Arrogant Barbarians. I have destroyed one of your ships already. One more will ensure my promotion! Thanks you for your non-compliance."


Gun brings up the stats on the vessel as he launches a full sortie of missiles fro maximum range: 240,000 miles.

Shamshir Destroyer Escort, 1.2 B Solars, 1000 dTons
Usually used in fleets of 10,these vessels are the standard escorts for Imperial fleets.
(5G/Move:370, dDR:160, dHP:100, dTons of Cargo Space: 26.5),
Weapons:6x Pulse, 15x Missiles,
90 dTon Hanger Bay

Kill the Missiles; Fighters move to his Flanks and engage.  Kat, keep us moving away, as his missiles were fired at max range, then when we get a chance to get a bit closer we can return the missile fire

In reply to Cyril Zotmund (msg # 72):

Correction, the missiles were fired when they were 240,000 miles from the Gashidda, and as they close in, both the Gashidda and the missiles come closer to you. After a round, you are still 110,000 miles from the Gashidda, which is moving towards you, and the Warship is 230,000 miles behind it. The fighters will reach the Gashidda net round on their way towards the warship, but it becomes clear the missiles will run out of fuel before they reach the Gashidda.

The fighters respond.

"Sir, they do still have 6 pulse weapons, any one of which will make a mess of us. Better we add our missiles to a swarm from yourself and the Gashidda, and stay near the ships for point defence?"

Sensors note the Gashidda has armed their missiles and seem to be manning their turrets.

Exactly Marcus, Want you to stay clear but expand their defense to cover your few missiles, we'll let you know when we shoot. Sorry if I was not clear.

In reply to Cyril Zotmund (msg # 74):

"That is OK Sir. Happy to clarify."

It becomes clear as the Gashidda continues towards you that the first wave of missiles will not make it.

The Gashidda forms up with you and the 3 fighters at a range of about 200,000 miles, and you all begin heading away from the Vilani warship. The Gashidda is slower than the warship at just 40,000 miles per round, while you are likely just a little faster. Regardless, calculations indicate that the warship will not be able to hit you with her missiles at your current speed until she is within 120,000 miles, and it is gaining at 10,000 miles per round.

Carrike, are You able to Jump?

In reply to Cyril Zotmund (msg # 76):

"No sir. It took all of my fuel to get here without being hit. I was hoping they did not have jump tapes to this system, but it would appear I was wrong. I am out of fuel..."
This message was last edited by the GM at 09:37, Thu 15 Nov 2018.

In reply to Carrick Teague (msg # 77):

"Sir, we have enough on board, but there is no way we have enough time to transfer it. But the Gashidda has 3 pulse lasers in separate turrets, and we have 3 fighters, and 4 turrets with beams, so we have a good chance of dealing with their 15 missiles. But they have significant armour...we would be unlikely to last against them even with our triple beam turrets unless we get lucky with the 2 sandcasters. Combined, we can manage a missile swarm of 17, 18 with the ships boat. If the missiles are not enough, we could use cover of the sandcasters to move in and do precision attacks though. Even with a sandcaster hit, it is still possible for a Pulse laser to penetrate up to it's maximum range, though generally unlikely. It is risky..."
This message was last edited by the player at 09:36, Thu 15 Nov 2018.

In reply to PO Gun Da-bin (msg # 78):

It is risky Guns, but with his arrogance and presumption of superiority, we may be able to surprise him.  He is significantly less able to beat off our missile attack although it may take a while before we hit pay dirt.   we are near one to one lasers to missiles he can launch, so we have an very good chance of catching all his missiles; he is at 3 to each laser ... he can't afford to miss. We also can reload pretty quickly so we can send a second strike shortly after the first, although it won't be as big.

In reply to Cyril Zotmund (msg # 79):

"Actually, all of the tubes have 12 missiles in them that can be launched before reloading, though it would take 5 minute to reload once all 12 are used. It was only the eternal ones Duke fitted to the previous fighters that were single launch. But the guidance system can only handle 1 wave at a time. Your orders then sir?"

What is the range and are they closing on us... ?

In reply to Cyril Zotmund (msg # 81):

"The hostile vessel is about 200,000 miles away, and despite us moving at the Gashidda's maximum speed, it is closing at 10,000 miles per minute, sir."

[OOC: I am going with 1 minute rounds]

My Goal is to give him minimal time to engage our missiles, Let's try at about 180k miles ; at 8 g acceleration, they should be there fairly quickly ( OOC- sorry, but trying to figure out how far how fast in Gs is more math than I want.)

In reply to Cyril Zotmund (msg # 83):

Yeah, GURPS: IW simplifies it to say that things travel at 10,000 miles per G per round (yeah, yeah I know that is not physics at all, but that is how they simplify it, so I just run with it!), so the missiles will travel at 80,000 miles per round. The oncoming vessels are travelling at 50,000 miles per round, so that is a closing speed of 130,000 miles per round. Sucks to be the pursuer! Hence, the missiles will take 2 rounds to get there, so if you fired at 180 k miles, they will hit at 160k miles.

The first point defence roll is really not a good one! The point defence turrets each hit twice, destroying 12 missiles. Unfortunately, you launched 18. The vessel is crippled...that was a very anti-climatic fight!

Has it turned away? Give him the Surrender and live or we finish the job ...
And we should salvo again if he is still a bit arrogant.

In reply to Cyril Zotmund (msg # 85):

"Sir, it appears comms, weapons and engines are all down, including hyperdrive. He is not turning anywhere without a lot of repair work, if at all. They have several hull breaches and likely not so many of the original 56 crew are still alive, and one missile hit the bridge directly, so they may have a new commander...

Sir, it would appear that they are launching small craft. It seems they have 3 assault shuttles and a ships boat, all of which seem to be powering up."
This message was last edited by the player at 00:27, Sat 17 Nov 2018.

"Assault shuttles...one can replace ours! We only have space for an additional 7 persons."

[OOC: You have life support and accommodation for 69, but currently only 35 on board, I believe...]
This message was last updated by the GM at 00:40, Sat 17 Nov 2018.

OK, Marcus, take the fighters closer and inspect, Don't need a trap... but if it is salvageable we would be interested. You may inform the Vilani that we will will rescue all, but it will be crowded and resistance will be dealt with Harshly.


Duke, How are you at fixing shattered Vilani Destroyer escorts?

In reply to Cyril Zotmund (msg # 88):

"Sir, as the vessels clear the wreckage, the radios have come online. They have confirmed the commander was killed, and several other officers including the 2 IC. They are requesting rescue, as they do not expect any patrols coming this way for some time.

With the damage, I think Duke would have to be here a long time to fix that!"

[Private to Raymond 'Duke' Vurhund: The damage to the Destroyer is considerable, and it is most likely that some parts would need to be sourced in order to get the drive systems working again. With the robofac, you could do it in time...lots of time, with a lot of resources. You would need at least a month to have any chance of getting it going again, but probably closer to two or three realistically.]
This message was last edited by the player at 09:50, Sat 17 Nov 2018.

Perhaps, but if we could land it on the planet, we could work on it...  it might be a worthwhile task.  Acknowledge the rescue request.

Carricke, refuel that thing...  we'll accommodate the survivors as best we can... Duke, First, make a controlled area where we can separate and manage the survivors.  Guns, have they given us an approximate count? as soon as we have the survivors under control, we should refuel as well.

In reply to Cyril Zotmund (msg # 91):

After some time, it becomes clear that there are about 30 survivors, spread between the ships boat and the three Assault craft. Duke is able to put up some makeshift lockable doors that can act as prison doors, and remove all terminals from that section whilst Natalie makes it clear to the prisoners before they come aboard what happens to Vilani Military personnel who surrender and are returned to Vilani space. Given most of these are Geonee, and not overly favourable towards the Vilani anyway, it would seem only a few really are set on getting back.

The planet is harsh and inhospitable, however, with a strongly tainted atmosphere that lack both pressure and oxygen, and has very little water as well. It is suitable for refueling, however, and Carrick moves quickly to do so.

Samantha, Gloria and Mnwe are all on the Gashidda class vessel.
This message was last edited by the GM at 21:05, Sat 17 Nov 2018.

OOC... OK, Wrong world, was thinking we were still at Alizarin for whatever reason.

We will keep the Geonee separate from the Vilani and have our Geonee and Natalie interrogate them.
I also want to go aboard the Vilani DE and see if there is anything of intelligence value, Duke will come of course.
We will also inspect for hasty repairs, if not possible, it gets a shove into the star.

In reply to Cyril Zotmund (msg # 93):

Ok, given his extended absence, I will post on Dukes behalf.

The vessel had taken six hits from missiles, one in the bridge, two in the engine rooms, one in the nose (where sensors and 2 turrets were), one amidships, hitting fuel tanks and accommodation blocks and one just forward of the engine room, destroying the workshops and more fuel tanks. The hits in the engine room absolutely destroyed the maneuver drive, power plant and hyperspace drive, pulsing the entire ship with a massive electromagnetic pulse that caused most computer systems to explode. Fortunately, Vilani jump drives work off jump tapes, and these are kept under lock and key along with the computer backup drives in a safe that acts as a faraday cage, protecting all but those in use. You can access these drives, with a little work on the safe, and you could access a number of missiles from some of the intact turrets, as well as some food stores, but that is about all you can get without giving the Robofac months of work, even if you can get the designs of the parts you need off the backup drives.

In time, Duke is able to access the drives. They contain system details for the following system: 2631, 2731, 2831, 2927 (Union), 2932, 2933, 2934, 3029 (Clarmeer), 3030, 3031, 3128 (Beta Port), 3129 (Ceti Command), 3227 (Orgill) and 3231. There appears to be a local patrol base at Ceti Command, and you learn that dissidents are common on most of these planets, with Clarmeer the location where Jaques Cartier was destroyed. Logs seem to indicate that there are approximately 20 Gashidda class vessels based in Ceti Command, and 5 Shamshir class vessels, though temporarily 1 less of each now you suspect...

Logs also suggest that patrols pass through monthly, with notes that Shamsir class have been used recently due to increasingly sophisticated pirate vessels, though in some cases patrols of 5 Gashidda class vessels have been used instead, or on at least 1 occasion, accompanying a Shamshir! It would seem that though this sector is largely Geonee, they are not overly comfortable with their Vilani overlords. But the resentment seems to be contained, at least for now.

Discussions with Geonee crew and the survivors of the Jaques Cartier seem to suggest that numerous Terran illnesses are being spread around Geonee worlds to discourage the Geonee from working with or even communicating with Terrans, with limited success.

Positively wonderful, we'll remove all the tapes and anything else of value , Offer Carricke an assault cutter and some extra missiles if he needs them. Then we'll give the Shamshir a good shove toward the star. Any cutters we can't bring with us and that Carrike can't bring, go with the Shamshir.

We'll take enough missiles to bring us back up to full and Have Duke make sure they are reliable by our standards.

How Many Vilani do we have and of what ranks?
This message was last edited by the player at 21:47, Sat 17 Nov 2018.

In reply to Cyril Zotmund (msg # 95):

The missiles, like most Vilani missiles, are of good reliable design. In 1,000+ years, they have making them reliable down to a fine art!

You can only manage to take one assault craft. The other 2 and the ships boat (it seems to be of the mobile base variety) cannot be taken with you. You are told that this variety of boat was used to facilitate extended troop visits to suspect sites on planets.

You are able to fully load up both craft with missiles, and it does not take long to refuel both craft as well. But you have not yet finished the full survey of this system...

Prisoners are as follows:
7 officers, including 3 pilots, ships navigator, doctor and a secondary engineer
4 Petty officers, an IT tech, a Fusion plant tech, a Sergent and a Targeting tech
18 Crew, including a nurse, 4 gunners and 2 troops

The ships troops, the warfare officer and the Navigator, are all High Vilani, and seem to grate most about being taken prisoner. Most of the Techies are Geonee, as are the pilots and Gunners, and the Doctor, a Seurrat, seems only concerned with his people welfare.

OK, the two troop s make sense, Warfare Officer? The Targeting Tech?
The Navigator also makes sense to be Vilani.

We will treat them firmly but fairly and as well as we can. I might even speak High Vilani with them.

The others we will keep separate and try to figure out who really wants out, who feels they have to go back for family and those who are Vilani converts. The will be segregated accordingly.

Is the Nurse Female? any others? we want to keep them safe from the troops and Duke ;-)

In reply to Cyril Zotmund (msg # 97):

Warfare officer is a step above the Targeting tech, who basically keeps the targeting computers working and running. Warfare officer is one who directs strategies, analyzes opposition, etc.

The Nurse is female, and 3 of the crew (2 Cooks and a steward). The largely Geonee crew want to get back to their families, but do not care to much about the Vilani empire or crew. One of the troops is an Answerin, the Sergent an Anakundu, but the rest are Vilani or Geonee. As mentioned, only the few High Vilani are very unhappy about being defeated. The rest would be considered Low Vilani or Geonee and just want to get back to their friends and families. None had a particularly difficult life they want to escape from, being on one of the sectors bigger vessels.

[OOC: Think I have finished updating the intelligence reports and the associated ship details in Gear Available. It should now reflect what is known of the current situation, according to Chrysolite Military Intelligence and intelligence you have gathered.]

In reply to Fate (msg # 98):

OK, Got it except this warfare officer isn't ID'd in your Prisoner listing...  not sure it is important.

Assuming everyone is refueled and all we can make use if is aboard, we'll have the ships boat give the DE a shove in the direction of the star, sufficient to suck it in. We will then go back to Chrysolite to report ... I suspect our information is both more current and also more in detail than anything they have.  The Prisoners go to them for repatriation.

In reply to Cyril Zotmund (msg # 99):

He was cagey about his role, hence he was initially reported as simply an officer.

The small craft could feasibly be hidden in caves on the planet, though a full planetary survey would have a reasonable chance of revealing them. Otherwise, con you confirm that you send them to the star as well? 2 Assault shuttles and a Ships Boat (Mobile Base) are the ones in question.

Trip to Chrysolite will take 6 jumps, so about 7 weeks, including times for refuelling. With supplies available at Alizarin and Sionnarch, I will not worry about that...you have enough, even if you were to complete the survey of 3230, which would take another 4 days.

Without the survey, you would arrive back on the 01 Apr 2172. Please let me know if you complete the survey of 3230.

In reply to Fate (msg # 100):

So there is no scan of 3230 in the Vilani archives?  Odd, as they jumped in; but if not, we will finish the survey and send Carrike on with a copy of the data on flash memory.  He needs to be very aware of how he will look on arrival at Chrysolite...

OK, None of these small craft are jump capable? so we can hide them and hope to return, although that does prove the DE was here. That is likely going to be known as soon as these folks are repatriated.  Hell, we'll hide them, do a through search for left behind notes etc.  Take the memory drives with us. Leave notes claiming rights of salvage from a destroyed DE floating in space.

In reply to Cyril Zotmund (msg # 101):

Ok. Since you already posted that you were shoving the wreck into the star, I will say it is too late to change your mind on that.

Jump drives require a vessel of 100 dTon or more, so no smaller craft on either side has Jump capacity. On such a hostile planet, there are a number of caves etched out of the rocks, and it is not hard to find suitable caverns to park them in, with plenty of room. Whilst salvage notes are not likely to be considered, removing any equipment that identifies these items as belonging to the Vilani is a much easier proposition, and Duke is done in a day or so while the survey is completed.

Carrick will take some supplies and head off, leaving you with the prisoners. Three days later you finish your scans and depart, arriving back to Chrysolite on 05 Apr 2172 after rendezvousing with the Gashidda on Sionnach, where it had decided to wait for you.

The fleet there is growing with the recent addition of the massive 15,000 dTon warship that was made from the hulk of the captured Labrysian mothership, now fitted with Heavy Particle Cannon and new engines, complementing the three 10,000 dTon vessels also captured in the same war, and the four 2,600 dTon destroyers. There is now a new air of hope, and whilst the arrival of the Gashidda does draw some instant attention, it readily becomes apparent that it was captured.

Of course, that gives rise to the obvious question of how, and the hearing regarding the loss of the Jaques Cartier is far from a private affair, despite the attempts of various military brass to ensure such. The closure of Vilani space just a month ago, after the arrival of the last two vessels from Terra, another Zeng He class Abel Tasman and a new class of vessel, the Hardrada class vessel Jean Bart, all with weapons removed and full of colonists, along with two other traders forced from Vilani space, a Lightning class vessel and a Karl Marx Class ship, have done much to create a hostile atmosphere towards the Vilani. Hence, the news that the Jaques Cartier was destroyed by a Vilani patrol is not taken well, and angers many.

However, the Military was successful in keeping relatively quiet where this occurred. The fact that there was another bridge to Vilani space, poorly guarded if the data files taken from the Destroyer are accurate, and also full of dissidents, does provide an opportunity that seems too good to pass up. Alizarin, it seems, is just beyond their known worlds, and seems set to be a perfect location for setting up a military base of operations, and the data you have provided will facilitate that.

However, the most immediate situation is that of the remaining prisoners. The Military seeks to interrogate them before releasing them, wanting to charge them with war crimes against the peaceful Jaques Cartier, but even in a Terran war crimes trial, they are entitled to a Vilani defence lawyer. That would necessitate contacting the Vilani embassy to have them send one. The discussion continues...

[OOC: I will pause it here to give you guys time to either have your say, or to take a back step and do something else.]
This message was last edited by the GM at 05:12, Mon 19 Nov 2018.

I see no reason to back step ... The Vilani DE initiated combat in a non-Vilani system while by our own signal, we were interrogating. Tough Stuff ... We will advise the military of the whereabouts of the 2 assault cutters and the base ship so they can be moved to Alizarin and made use of... I am sure they are worth $$$ but we have no way of moving them, from what you say and they probably aren't worth the trip back to get them. We will see if we can swap the Gashidda for some other vessel that will allow Carrike and crew to get to Aegir with less probability of issues ... it might make a good ship for use at Chrysolite or even Alizarin.  Or maybe even more useful after a bit of AK updating.

Just thinking out loud I suppose.

In reply to Cyril Zotmund (msg # 103):

The military can make good use of the Gashidda as a pirate hunter, and they take it over. The trade routes to and from Aegir offer ample opportunity for the crew to travel wherever they want, but as the Jaques Cartier was a military vessel, they were employed by the Military and therefore are offered Military jobs first, either on the new Zheng He vessel (Abel Tasman) or on the Hardrada one (Jean Bart). The Karl Marx vessel, John Locke, is capable of transporting the small craft, and it is decided that she, escorted by the Gashidda with a new crew, will take a number of colonists to Alizarin, where she will empty her holds before going to recover the small craft, returning them to Alizarin to assist in building up the colony, before returning.

[OOC: There is the question of the two new vessels, which you can be reassigned to. Despite being Military run, both can take subcontractors, offering two new avenues for either the primary or secondary characters. Clearly Jean Bart specialized in commerce raiding, and is likely to be based at Alizarin. Abel Tasman will most likely be tasked with exploration of the Thalassa and Capella subsectors, while Dastavka, being faster and better armed than most exploratory vessels, will most likely be tasked with further exploration of worlds new the newly discovered Vilani space, or possibly aiding dissidents there. Wanting input in what folk want to be doing.]

Personally, Dastavka works for me... but having a bigger ship with crew spots for all, may provide more gaming opportunity for the others.

Of course it's down to Duke and I ... or so it seems.  I could run Gloria on another ship too...

The past while had been hectic and Raymond had survived yet another battle. Some jump ships and things were captured and he ultimately felt much better about things, than he had in the past.


"Well, these new ships seem pretty good. Gotta say, am fond of the Dastavka, but it seems with all the heat around here of late, we could use a bigger ship. If we weren't going to relocate to that bigger one, then it'd be worth sending somebody you trust to head things up over there, eh?

In reply to Raymond 'Duke' Vurhund (msg # 106):

The Military are well aware of the importance of Dukes point, and assure you they fully intend to find the most capable and loyal folk the can find to be in charge there.

[OOC: All players are allowed a second character, Duke, so there would be no problem if you wanted to play a second Military one for that role. But as things are happening more or less simultaneously with Dastavka, I may need to NPC them over an extended absence to keep things moving.]

Who do we have that is Active? Just Duke and I?

Samantha was Kat's second?
I have Gloria and Thornhammer
Carricke disappeared a year or so back if I recall...

Having answered the question on the Jacques Cartier, I presume we need further instructions from Kalishnakov. Although exploring further could be assumed.

In reply to Cyril Zotmund (msg # 108):

Messages from Kalishnikov are nothing new. It would seem he was not expecting you back so soon, and Military officers to whom you had been seconded are quick to seize the opportunity, asking for you to scout out further locations for bases in systems not mapped by the Vilani, as well as be around to check on the Jean Bart as it checks on the systems known to the Vilani, trying to gauge the level of dissent amoung the dissidents.

In view of the notes fro the Jaques Cartier regarding the Terran diseases plaguing some Imperial worlds, Jean Bart is being equipped as follows:

(3.5G/Move:3150, dDR:75, dHP:80, dTons of Cargo Space: 44), Wedge shape
Weapons:16x Beams, 6x Missiles, 2x Sandcasters, 2 x Ships boats (Military, See Below)
Facilities: 3 Workshops, 3 Sickbays, 1 Biological and Pharmacist Laboratory added to assist with dealing with diseases.
Life Support: 146, Crew: 140 (included 79 Troops and 10 Gunners, 7 IT/Intelligence Specialists, 13 Medical Specialists and 3 Scientists to use the Labs)

Ships Boat (Military), 35.5 M Solars, 30 dTons
(4G/Move:675, dDR:27, dHP:30, dTons of Cargo Space: 8.5)
Weapons: 1 Turret, 1 x Beam, 1 x Missile, 1 x Sandcaster, Workshop, Sickbay, Life Support and bunks for 20

Edit: Stores approximately 7 weeks of supplies, 6 Grav Bikes and 2 Grav Jeeps, as well as weapons, ammo and protective suits. Full holds do slow the vessel a little. 144 Missiles, 72 Sandcasters. Fuel processors take 7 hours to process enough fuel for a jump. Tank holds enough for 2 x 2 Parsec jumps.
This message was last edited by the GM at 06:12, Sat 24 Nov 2018.

So JEAN BART is where Gloria will end up as a troop leader/junior Officer?
Duke's new Character will be the Captain?

Understand DASTAVKA's new mission and will move out on that.

In reply to Cyril Zotmund (msg # 110):

Note: Items in the Jean Barts Armoury

100 x Nanoweave Body suit, internal skinsuit with Flexible Helmet, Cost: $2900, 10.5 lbs, DR 18/6*, pi/cut full protection

50 x Storm Rifle, 10mmCLR, 9d pi++, Acc:5, Range: 1300/5800, RoF: 3
    10 lbs, 12+1(3) shots, ST:10†, Bulk:-4, Rcl:3, $2700

100 x Laser Rifle, 6d(2) burn dam, Acc:12, 700/2100, ROF:10,
   8 lb, Dp/83 shots, ST: 7, Rcl 1

100 x Heavy Laser Pistol, 4d(2) burn dam, Acc:6, 300/900, ROF:10,
   3.3 lb, 2C/56 shots, ST: 6, Rcl 1

20 x Anti-Material Rifle, 15mm CL, 15d pi+, Acc 6+3, 2000/9000, ROF: 3
   32 lb, 20 shots, ST: 12, Rcl 4, Bulk -6 (Has 8x sights)

100 x LAW 84mm,
  Guns(LAW) [14], 6dx6, Acc: 3, 330/2300, 1 shot only, ST:10

50 x Underbarrel 25mm Grenade Launcher
  Guns(Grenade Launcher) [14], 4d pi++, Acc 4+2, 360/2200, ROF 1, 3 rnds

5 x Electromag Mortar, 64mm
 6dx3 pi++, Acc: 4, Range: 1,000/6,000, 50 lbs (Ammo 2.5 lbs each), ROF: 1, 40 shots/ E cell
 ST: 12M, bulk -10
Rounds
 100 x Shaped Charge ($100) (6d+6)x7 (10) cr inc + linked 8d cr ex [3d]
 100 x EMP ($500) Elec, HT-8(2) or knocked out (failure seconds), (8 yard range) +2d cr inc
 500 x HE ($50) 8dx2 +2 cr ex [3d]

Hand Grenades
100 x Plasma, 6dx4 burn ex sur, 1 lb, fuse 2
400 x HE (frag), 8d+8 x2 cr ex, /10 x range, [3d, 15 yard frag], 1 lb, fuse 2
400 x HEC (Concussion), 8d+8 x2 cr ex, 1 lb, fuse 2
200 x EMP, HT-8(2), 8 yard + 2d cr ex

25mm Grenades
200 x Plasma, 6d burn ex sur
300 x HE (frag), 4d+4 cr ex [1d+1, 5 yard frag]
300 x HEC (Concussion), 4d+4 cr ex
100 x EMP, HT-8(2), 2 yard + 1d-2 cr ex
100 x Flare radius 250 yards
100 x Shaped Charges, 5d+5 x3(10) cr inc + 2d cr ex [1d+1]

10,000 x 10mm CLR rounds, 200 D cells with 100 packs, 300 C Cells and 5,000 15mm CL rounds.

There are also 1000 limpit mines, and may be other items...but these would be standard issue.

Cyril suggests the following to prevent unknown surprises on the way to Alizarin and to allow these system to be used as a route as well.

Given that many systems between Sionach and Alizarin have not been surveyed, we will do those, resupply at Alizarin and go forth from there.
Sionach -> 0533->0532->0432->0332->0331->0231->Alizarin

In reply to Cyril Zotmund (msg # 112):

Ok, from that, systems 0432, 0332 and 0231 will need proper mapping. You have already mapped 0532 and 0331 from my records, and 0533, being beside Sionnach, has been mapped for security reasons. This will take an estimated 80 days, assuming no hiccups. Supplies are estimated at 97 days, so you should have about 2 wees up your sleeve unless you find somewhere to resupply. Sound right?

OK, sounds reasonable to me-
Sionach ->0432->0332->0231->Alizarin  We will pass along our encrypted plans & reports to Kalishnakov, provide a complete report on what we have discovered, in perhaps even more detail than what we gave the military, and move out. I'm sure he'll be interested in what we learned about the Vilani DE.

In reply to Cyril Zotmund (msg # 114):

There is little trouble getting data to Kalishnikovs office on Chrysolite. The office is not subtle, taking up a large building that backs onto the spaceport with considerable freight terminals and no small section of the shipyards. Not really surprising, considering the number of warships that were once there, and the number of fighters on the production lines there. Clearly the number of small moddular fighters in this sector is increasing at considerable speed. You count a batch of ten at various stages of production.

What the outbound trip to Alizarin lacked in combat it made up for in other things. Scanning 3 new systems, the first system you arrive in is simply 0432. A binary system with 5 gas giants and three planetary belts, you find a waterworld in one of the planetary belts. Well, waterworld is a bit of a stretch...despite the cool temperatures the low gravity, just 0.67G, would see all the water evaporate
is it were just water. Dissolved impurities give the water an eerie glow and taint the atmosphere, making it breathable for humans, although some life does seem to survive there...just. The insects there are as big as domestic cans, and seem to be the only life there.

Mapping the next system before jumping there you move on to 0332. A solitary star with two gas giants and a pitiful excuse for a planet orbiting around it. With just 0.38G, the atmosphere is barely detectable and no life is supported on the barren place, which resembles the moon of Terra.

Mapping the 0231 before jumping to it, you detect 5 Gas giants orbiting a single star. Jumping into the system, the planets seem about as devoid of life as in the previous system, though there are more of them. One has a similarly poor excuse for an atmosphere, but oddly, you find gasses coming from caves. Further investigation reveals that the entrances are sealed with ice, and it seems some kind of plant exists inside, though it soon dies after you enter and release the stored gasses.

You finally arrive at Alizarin on 17 June 2172. The system seems lifeless, but the planet hails you, and you note a small island seems to have been tamed. On landing, you wonder whether the people have become wild on the planet, or whether they are in fact taming the planet. A rough bunch, the bar is still a couple of packing crates with an open keg controlled by the 'bartender', but the spirit here is undeniable.

Duke glanced at Cyril and commented "Well, no better way to find out about the place than to ask the locals, eh?" he said as he strapped a pistol to his hip and donned his coat.

Lets see if we can get some favour with them by offering the bartender some of our whiskey he grinned and then struck a light to light the cigar in his mouth.

In reply to Raymond 'Duke' Vurhund (msg # 116):

Duke seems to fit right in, with cigar, broad rimmed hat and whiskey. The latter of which gains some attention.

"Must be your shout, hey mate" comes from a loud accented guys towards the back, and a number of his friends agree, one offering you a seat.

Duke, tilted his hat and then called out to the bartender Round of drinks for us all, if you would. Also I got a couple of bottles of this, if you let us drink one here, i'll give you two. (OOC: I presume that Duke has some kind of money - if not, I guess he could imply that the bottles of whisky might trade for a round or two)

In reply to Raymond 'Duke' Vurhund (msg # 118):

"Sure. Always good for a few good drinks."

[Private to Raymond 'Duke' Vurhund: Sure. Whiskey is a premium in these regions, but you have a lot of cash. Will say you paid $20 k for a crate of 100 bottles of Scotch whiskey you are half way through that you keep in your room. $500 bucks for rounds should cover it...outback bars are a rip off, but where you going to go?]

Cyril lets Duke do his things and slides to the end of the bar, such as it is... he figures these are the workers and looks about for whomever is in command of the place.
OOC - Did the get the 3 shuttles/assault craft yet?

In reply to Cyril Zotmund (msg # 120):

Whoever is in command is probably not at the bar, but rather over nearby where construction is occurring. A couple of new log buildings are being constructed, with a few ships boats (base variants) being used as the makeshift base.

The Assault shuttles and the other construction base have not yet been collected. You are told that the cargo vessel that was to collect them left last week with the Davy Jones escorting her. About 9 days ago, to be exact.

[Private to GM: 20K!!!!!! Holy fuck is this stuff stilled with the tears of virgins?

]

Duke nodded and then flicked out some cash and passed it over to the barman. "This should keep us going a while, eh? he offered gently. He figured he'd get them liquoured up a little before he started asking for maps and other such things.

In reply to Fate (msg # 121):

Hopefully they will be back before the Vilani start poking around... and you may wish to conceal your selves as best you can and provide shelters if they decide to just use brute Force and Ignorance as the DE Captain did.
This message was last edited by the player at 19:49, Sun 02 Dec 2018.

In reply to Cyril Zotmund (msg # 123):

Duke: The going price for good Brand name Whiskey is about $250 per bottle in these outback areas. Moonshine is cheaper...but could kill you! 100 Bottles for $20 k is actually a bulk discount, and given that it came from Terra, and the trade routes are now closed, it is a bit of a bargain!

The men arrived about 11 days ago aboard the escorted freighter John Locke, which departed 2 days later to pick up the small craft left after the DE was destroyed.

Cyril: Who are you saying this to?

In reply to Fate (msg # 124):

The leaders over near the construction.

In reply to Cyril Zotmund (msg # 125):

"Yes, we would like to construct some underground bunkers, but they will take time, and we will need to choose out location. In the meantime, a small spaceport, which cannot be easily hidden anyway, will be constructed here. The earth moving equipment is at a likely site for the bunkers, about 1 km away over towards the hills."

He points out a large rocky outcropping where some machinery can be seen working at the base.

"But we understand that the Vilani have not even mapped this region yet, so we should have plenty of warning about any incoming attack. We are to have a couple of fighter wings brought across to bolster defences anyway. These buildings will be for them, eventually."

I think they have been working on it ... that DE at 3220 jumped right in... so he had scans.

In reply to Cyril Zotmund (msg # 127):

"Yes, we saw plans of 3230 and 3231, but nothing beyond that. Who knows how long they have had the scans of those systems, and if we have a few fighters to stop their scouts getting scans of here, we stand a chance. They have not been scouting new systems in centuries, except for the last attack on Terra, so we have that in out favour!"

That is true, but be prepared, as things change ... I think JACQUES CARTIER said  there were indications they were starting to expand out of the Ceti region. I should no more n the next few months.

In reply to Cyril Zotmund (msg # 129):

"That would make a shift away from centuries old policy, and would therefore be of vital importance for Terra to know if that were true. Hopefully it is not..."

I understand that...

In reply to Cyril Zotmund (msg # 131):

"The Jean Bart passed through about 3-4 weeks ago. Where were you planning to go next?"

Really ?  Where were they headed?  I think we’ll start by going to 3231, then 3031 and look at 3030 closely, not sure we want to go there. From 3031 we’ll look at 2932, 2933, 2831 … consider 2934 and 2731. Supplies will be the major limiting factor.

Dastavka shoves off for 3231 and thence to 3031 where she holds up and looks at 3030 very carefully.

In reply to Cyril Zotmund (msg # 134):

Dastavka, for lack of more accurate information, arrives at 3231 with the aid of the Vilani charts, and finds that there are 3 gas giants and a planetoid, as per the charts, with a combined total of 7 moons, 2 around the planetoid.

The sole planet with any chance of supporting some life would be the planetoid, which is half covered by water despite the very thin atmosphere. But Dastavka does not wait around. Refueling quickly at the planet, she re-enters hyperspace, bound for 3031.

Arriving on the 30 June 2171, she begins immediately refueling and scanning 3030. Nothing comes up on her sensors...yet.

This system has 9 orbiting objects that could be called planets, but they are more distant from the star than Terra. The largest, some 16,000km in diameter, has enough mass to hold a thin atmosphere, despite being covered by about 80% water. It makes refueling easy, and it could support life, if it could cope with 2.2G gravity!

We scan the system carefully, adding to what the Vilani have. when able, we start to look at 3030 as well.

In reply to Cyril Zotmund (msg # 136):

It will take a mere day to see if there are any vessels not on planets in the system, but a thorough scan of the planet, which is not in the Vilani database, will take 10 days.

That is what we came to do, I believe.

In reply to Cyril Zotmund (msg # 138):

Understood. What precautions, if any, are taken to handle/avoid Vilani patrols?

We'll have to have some assets kept available to watch for them and the Fighters available to assist in dealing with them. Would we not get some warning if they appeared in 3030?

In reply to Cyril Zotmund (msg # 140):

You may get some warning if they appeared on the same side of the star as you, but it could also be masked, from 1 parsec away, by the planet or the star.

From what intelligence you have, the next Vilani patrol, assuming they kept to their schedules, was due to depart Clameer on about the 23 June 2172, arriving here pretty much any day now.

[OOC: unfortunately I need to see what Jean Bart does on the 22 June 2172 at Clameer first before I can say how it goes!]

Do we have a clue as to where they go, when they leave here?  Might be worth letting them do their thing and then come back .... depending on what shows up.

In reply to Cyril Zotmund (msg # 142):

Not really known. Speculated either Clameer > 3030 > 2932 > Nova Pacifica or Faith, or perhaps Clameer > 3031 > Nova Pacifica or Faith, but not really known for sure. They might go there one route, and back the other, perhaps even going from/to Nova Pacifica to/from Faith. But that is just speculation.

Faith and Nova Pacifica are known Vilani systems?

In reply to Cyril Zotmund (msg # 144):

Systems the Vilani know of, but have not colonized.

In reply to Fate (msg # 145):

So no one there to our knowledge?

In reply to Cyril Zotmund (msg # 146):

No, though the dissidents that came back with the survivors of the Jaques Cartier are not so sure they are deserted. But only the pirate or dissident vessel operators would know for sure. Trust is in short supply...but the Vilani still seem determined to keep patrolling there.
This message was last edited by the GM at 06:14, Wed 12 Dec 2018.

Interesting...  we'll go to 2932 (assuming the Vilani don't go there much) and avoid the patrol, we hope. We will be alert for a visit.

In reply to Cyril Zotmund (msg # 148):

Ok, departing late on the 30 Jun 2172 for 2932, you drop out of hyperspace  on 07 July 2172. The system has 4 gas giants and a large planetoid, all with at least one moon. The planetoid has a dense atmosphere and is covered by a substantial amount of water. There are no signs of life.

We refuel and then make ourselves scarce, but will scan the planetoid for anything of value and the rest of the system as well.  Meanwhile we'll stay on guard.   figure 10 days to scan it all? Then back to 3031 and finish scanning it (unless the Vilani have already, then we'll just review and update as needed).

Lost in Space?  accidentally all placed in low berth sleep?

In reply to Cyril Zotmund (msg # 150):

The scans of 2932 are interesting, but reveal no life. Despite this, the lone independent planet, 5,000 miles in diameter, has a dense atmosphere and is covered by 60% water, so it can and does support life, though not anything intelligent. There are nine other lifeless worlds, though one has considerable methane deposits and others show some promise for mining. With 4 gas giants here, it would seem a good place for hiding out.

Setting course for 3031, you enter hyperspace, dropping out on the 24th of July. As you know, this system has 9 orbiting objects that could be called planets, but they are more distant from the star than Terra. The largest, some 16,000km in diameter, has enough mass to hold a thin atmosphere, despite being covered by about 80% water. It makes refueling easy, and it could support life, if it could cope with 2.2G gravity!

After a filling in any missing details, we will head to Nova Pacifica. We will be alert for the Vilani patrol.

Do we have any information on this system in so far as what species in habits it and how friendly te might be?

In reply to Cyril Zotmund (msg # 153):

It will be the 3rd of August by the time you have properly mapped out this sector, and the planets, if you want to check the Vilani maps. Given that their charts only have the 4 biggest planets, that may not be a bad idea...

All the information you have is what the Vilani have in their systems, and they do not have any species here, though a Geonee dissident pirate vessel was reported in the area 2 years ago.

OK, on 4 August we'll look at going to Nova Pacifica. How are supplies holding out?

In reply to Cyril Zotmund (msg # 155):

By 04 August 2172 you will have used approximately 7 weeks supply, out of 12, meaning you will have 4 weeks left after arriving at Nova Pacifica on the 11 August 2171.

Hopefully we can resupply there... otherwise it's back to Alizarin I suppose.

In reply to Cyril Zotmund (msg # 157):

Nova Pacifica has 2 gas giants with nearly 4 moons and about 6 or 7 other large planetoids orbiting the single star. One moon does seem to have a lot of water, making it good for refueling, but life there is pretty barren.
This message was last edited by the GM at 04:46, Mon 21 Jan 2019.

So no apparent life or resupply locations?
If Not, we'll head back to Alizarin to resupply and relay our findings so far. -> 3031 -> 3231 -> Alizarin ... Supplies may be short when we get there.

In reply to Cyril Zotmund (msg # 159):

It is like a desert. There is atmosphere, and some life, but it is not prolific. Think Siani peninsula.

Edit: Though come to thin of it, with 80% water coverage, you might be better trying your hand at Fishing...the question is, do you want to try to find supplies there, or go back to what is known?
This message was last edited by the GM at 01:34, Tue 22 Jan 2019.

In reply to Fate (msg # 160):

Lets just go back to Alizarin... we can pass intell that way....

In reply to Cyril Zotmund (msg # 161):

Ok. No time has been allocated to finding any new information in this system, so you would only really be adding information on 3031, 2932 and 3231.

Route back?

>-3031>-3231>-Alizarin is most direct, and you have enough food, arriving on 02 Sep 2172.
This message was last edited by the GM at 05:55, Tue 22 Jan 2019.

I thought I had sent the route... which basically matches yours...  Understand we haven't scanned the system... thought we didn't have sufficient food to do so... if we have enough to do at least a hasty scan, we'll do that before leaving.

In reply to Cyril Zotmund (msg # 163):

A hasty scan would match what the Vilani have done, and hence what is in your database.

My bad, you did send the route, and I missed it.

Ok, no mishaps or incursions on that route. You arrive back to Alzarin on 02 Sep 2172, with barely a weeks worth of supplies. You restock and give all the information you have gathered.

[OOC: may need to pause to let Jean Bart catch up with the date...]

In reply to Fate (msg # 164):

OK, we'll do a quick over haul and clean the calc out of the boilers.

In reply to Cyril Zotmund (msg # 165):

Apparently, the Jean Bart had passed through this system on 13 August, heading for Nova Pacifica. They inform you that they had contacted dissidents, who had told them how to contact a small hidden community on Nova Pacifica, as well as how to contact dissidents on Beta Port and Faith, although they could not help a Terran vessel get into the system stealthily. There are apparently at least two dissident vessels in the area, one a small warship and the other a freighter used to smuggle goods back to the population on worlds currently controlled by the Vilani Commodore Managudeli. Measles, Chickenpox and Influenze are all identified as having been problems on Vilani controlled worlds, and Black plague is suspected as well. They are informed that Black plague was released on rebel regions on Ceti Command, and measles and influenza are to be found on Beta Port and outlying areas of Orgill.

Patrols are regular, and with recent ship losses, they have all available ships on regular patrols, with two escorted freighters traveling deeper into Vilani space to connect to the main freight lines.

Commodore Eleni Managudeli, the commander of the region based at Ceti Command, is still trying to get the region recognized as a Vilani governance. That means that at the moment, it is not. Rather, Vilani high command see's his work as more of a police work to keep local dissidents under control rather than worlds to be ruled. The Vilani border ends Nunashi or Lishu, as far as the Ziru Sirka is concerned, and as such, his 'military' is limited to what his family can purchase. Recent immunizations produced by the survivors of the Jaques Cartier have created a groundswell of folk who would like to defect to independence, but they lack the forces to deal with the patrols. Despite losses, there are rumors is purchasing a new and larger warship, perhaps a cruiser, to ensure loyalty and stop ship losses.
This message was last edited by the player at 10:12, Wed 23 Jan 2019.

Interesting, we did in fact just visit Nova Pacifica and found no obvious signs of life. I imagine their hide is quite hidden. If there are vaccines available, we will take some to share with those we meet.  I will also have my medical staff ensure everyone is up to date on their shots.

In reply to Cyril Zotmund (msg # 167):

Vaccines are available in small numbers, but can be manufactured by medics withing a couple of weeks on any planet with suitable life, such as Faith and Alizarin. Alizarin began manufacture of these vaccines  following the visit from the Jean Bart, so there is enough to cover your crew with a few excess.

If they are willing, we'll take the excess for just in case.

Our planned route is : Alizarin ->  3231 -> 3031 -> FAITH * ->  2731 -> 2631 ->  2633 -> 2631 -> FAITH for supplies
then  -> 2731 -> 2729  That allows you to skip through the ho-hum parts.

* Can faith provide supplies?

In reply to Cyril Zotmund (msg # 169):

Faith can supply supplies, though most are insectoid. Healthy, but perhaps an acquired taste...

What is standard procedure for

1) scanned systems, where Vilani scans seem complete.

2) scanned systems, where Vilani scans are incomplete?

3) Unscanned systems?

In reply to Cyril Zotmund (msg # 171):

Nova Pacifica has a great supply of seafood! Prawn-like things, bugs, shellfish, mainly. And the odd whale...

Ok, this will take us quite a few months. Since Dastavka can go 12 weeks before needing resupply, will go in 8 week posts, unless something comes up.

In reply to Fate (msg # 172):

OK, Seafood will be fine, although it too can get old. we'll try and keep a balance.

In reply to Cyril Zotmund (msg # 169):

It is the 4th of September before Dastavka departs Alzarin for Faith, passing through 3231 and 3031 where they refuelled, before arriving on 25 September at Faith.

The protocols for contacting the hidden base work well, and the Dastavka is directed to a place in a valley where tall trees give some cover.

We check on their need for vaccines and ask for as much information as they have on surrounding systems.

In reply to Cyril Zotmund (msg # 175):

On your arrival, you are met by a Geonee with a broad smile. He informs you that the vaccination program is going well, though they can always use more, but when you ask about other systems, his smile broadens.

"Now that you mention it, I have a message for you from Commander Doyle of the Jean Bart. He has requested all available ships report to him at Nova Pacifica by the 15th of October. They are planning to ambush the Vilani Patrol that has been plaguing the region."

He looks at you intently...
This message was last edited by the player at 03:57, Thu 31 Jan 2019.

I see, so we start off fighting the empire, I suppose we should assist. I'm not a warship, but can hold my own I suppose. is there a code we need?

We divert to Nova Pacifica

In reply to Cyril Zotmund (msg # 177):

"No, no code is required, though contact with the base on Nova Pacifica does have a certain procedure."

He runs through the procedure with you, which is quite simple. A certain signal on entry, then approaching a specific location.

You are able to resupply, if you choose, before setting out. You will arrive at Nova Pacifica on 03 Oct 2712, and should post there until you separate from the Jean Bart, unless posting something unique to Dastavka.

My thanks, we just supplied, so will not deplete your stores.

We conclude our business and make our way to Nova Pacifica, executing the appropriate approach.


[Private to GM: I presume I am the senior captain present?]

DASTAVKA gathers the new folks aboard and assigns quarters to them.  Medical folks report to Kyamoto.

We'll go to FAITH, then 2731, 2631, 2633 then return to 2631 and thence to FAITH. We'll leave a report of what we have found, then head up to  2731, 2729, 2728, 2726, 2724, 2924 and into 3123.

Understand our supply usage is much better and we should  only have used around half our supplies up at that point.  The Only systems I am scanning are the first three at this time. We'll make brief notes on the others for later, but plan on heading out with the supply mission being our first priority. We will consider resupply along the way as opportunity presents itself and adjust our scanning plans appropriately (if we find a very hospitable system, we'll scan it as a potential base).

Funds wise, how much do we potentially have? I know neither Kat nor I have spent much, so we should have a small sum saved up, assuming Credits are accepted.

I assume the 8 crew could handle something up to a Sharshuid of line/local size freighter?

In reply to Cyril Zotmund (msg # 180):

Funds wise, you have just enough to cover your wages. Kalishnikov was not anticipating trade with the Vilani due to the closed borders.

However, you are informed that the real reason for the colony on Faith is the illegal production of useful drugs. The following will be available, up to 3 dtons of each, free of charge to assist with the mission by the time you return. Each dTon contains approximately 3000 doses.

Kulikasu: The “physician’s friend,” this drug was discovered early in Vilani history and is presently used all over Imperial space. The drug is administered as an injection. LC 3, sale price per dTon $300 k.

Ushkiirga: This anti-bacterial agent is sometimes called the “ultimate antibiotic” by Terran physicians. It provides a +8 bonus to all HT rolls to resist infection or infectious disease. It is administered by injection. LC 3, sale price per dTon $250 k.

Sharaddun: This drug is often used by Vilani soldiers in combat, and has appeared on the Terran black market. The drug is administered as an injection, with each dose lasting (25 – HT)
minutes. LC 1, sale price per dTon $1 mill.

Urshaggim: Another “combat drug” often used by Vilani soldiers, this drug provides a +1 bonus to ST, DX, and HT for the duration of its effect. The drug is administered as an injection,
with each dose lasting (25 – HT) minutes. LC 1, sale price per dTon: $1 mill.

Of course, the LC3 drugs you could sell legally there without any serious complications. The illegal drugs...well, the higher sale price has a reason!

It would be 30th of October by the time you resupply and arrive at Faith. You are most welcome there, and they gladly show you what they have available when they learn of you mission. It takes another 4 days to survey 2731.

It takes another 65 days before you return to Faith, on the 8th of January 2173, with the following report.

System 2731 has a single star with 3 Gas Giants, around which are 4 planetary moons. The largest moon is 2000 miles in diameter, and none have either water nor atmosphere.

System 2631 has a single star with 4 Gas Giants and one planetary belt, with 7 other moons. The most habitable planet is the single planetary belt, but the planet there is a mere 1,000 miles in diameter, and lacks atmosphere or water.

System 2633 is the most interesting. It is a binary star system with 2 Gas Giants and 2 Planetary belts, all with their own moons. Whilst most lack atmosphere, the largest planet, at 8,000 miles in diameter, is a cool world totally covered by water, with raging storms and tides up to 100 m. The atmosphere is dense and very Oxygen rich, to the extent that breathing there without protection would result in Oxygen Intoxication.

Supplies: 72%, 64/88 tons, and use 2.5 t per week.
Missiles: 12 per launcher, 120 spares (4 dTons worth)
This message was last edited by the GM at 06:00, Thu 07 Feb 2019.

WE discuss things with Faith's leaders, we'll see what food items they have that aren't insectoid (Vegetables etc) and offer them some of the seafood we brought as cargo (it was 8 tons IIRC). Anything they don't want we'll keep as supplies. We'll load the drugs, but want a clear description of what each does (Sharaddun: was not so described).
We would also like to know of any negative effects on Terrans.

Do these folks know anything about the following Systems:  2731, 2729, 2728, 2726, 2724, 2924 and into 3123. 2729 is fairly close and I'd guess they know something... but then again, they could just have come via the Vilani corridor.

In reply to Cyril Zotmund (msg # 182):

They did all come through the Vilani systems, and have no information on the other systems. They are grateful for what information you have supplied.

A more comprehensive description of the drugs are given, but the effects specifically on Terrans are not known. I believe it was 8 dTons of supplies you took, or 96 tons. How many dTons of each? You have 2 dTons empty, and could get another 4 leaving the Missiles behind.

Kulikasu: The “physician’s friend,” this drug was discovered early in
Vilani history and is presently used all over Imperial space. The patient must
make a roll against HT-6 or fall unconscious until the drug wears off. While
under the influence of the drug, the patient loses the Slow Healing disad-
vantage and acquires Regeneration (Regular). The drug is administered as
an injection, with each dose lasting (25 – HT)/4 hours; multiple doses
extend the effect but also multiply the penalty to the HT roll to retain con-
sciousness. LC 3.

Ushkiirga: This anti-bacterial agent is sometimes called the “ultimate
antibiotic” by Terran physicians. It not only attacks bacterial infections
directly, but it also bolsters the Human immune system and improves
resistance even against viral diseases. It provides a +8 bonus to all HT rolls
to resist infection or infectious disease. It is administered by injection,
with each dose lasting (25 – HT)/4 hours; multiple doses extend the
effect. LC 3.

Sharaddun: This drug is often used by Vilani soldiers in combat, and has
appeared on the Terran black market. While under the influence of the drug,
the user acquires the Enhanced Time Sense advantage. At the end of the
drug’s period of effect, he must make a HT-4 roll or take 1d FP and 1d HP.
The drug is administered as an injection, with each dose lasting (25 – HT)
minutes; multiple doses extend the effect, but the fatigue and hit points
lost must be determined for each dose. LC 1.

Urshaggim: Another “combat drug” often used by Vilani soldiers, this drug
provides a +1 bonus to ST, DX, and HT for the duration of its effect. At the
end of the drug’s period of effect, the user must make a HT-4 roll (using his
unmodified HT) or take 1d HP. The drug is administered as an injection,
with each dose lasting (25 – HT) minutes; multiple doses extend the effect,
but the hit points lost must be determined for each dose. LC 1.

In reply to Fate (msg # 183):

The 8D Tons were as cargo... so we'll provide to the folks on faith... how much seafood would they like? Anything they don't take we transfer to our supplies, so we should clear our cargo hold. I am assuming we separate "Cargo" and supplies storage.

The LC 3 drugs are likely the most useful, but the LC 1 drugs bring in the cash we need for a HERO. I have no clue what the used Hero might set us back, but the LC 3 drugs are likely needed, in fact we could use some on board the ship.  Assuming we can clear at least 8dTons of free cargo space out, we'll do two d Tons of each. If we clear all the Cargo area, we will add another dTon of  each of the LC 1 drugs. That would be 3 d tons of each LC 1 drug and 2 dTons of each LC 3 drug.

In reply to Cyril Zotmund (msg # 184):

Right now you have

6 Grav Bikes (Some of them privately owned) (About 0.6 dtons)
4 dTon of Missiles (120 of them) as spares, in cargo hold, in addition to the 12 in each launcher.

9.25 dTons (96 tons) of Supplies can be carried. 12 tons of Supplies per dTon. 2.5 per week used.
   -5 dTon in hold
   -1.25 dtons crammed into living spaces
   -3 dTon in unused accommodation

Other options are

Options for cramming supplies:
0.5 dTon stuffed into turrets: This will delay weapon response times by a round.
2.5 dTons stuffed into every spare living space. HT roll would be required before action to ensure a good nights sleep. Half this to avoid this penalty.
0.2 dTon stuffed into the Sickbays
0.4 dTon stuffed into the Laboritories
0.4 dTon stuffed into the Survey Lab

You can leave whatever you choose, and take whatever you choose, with the only restriction being the 3 dTons of drugs available.

OK, Will they allow us to store missiles here? thinking about 60.m or maybe we should sell /trade them to the Dissidents?

Of the 8dTons or whatever of sea food we brought as cargo (Or is that being counted in supplies?) how much can we shed?
Leaving Grav Bikes does little for weight, but they likely use a lot of space. We can leave the 3 ships Grav- bikes here, I own one, Kat owns one I think and the 3rd one?? So at least three stay aboard.

Sick Bay, Labs and the Survey Lab are potentially useful, but we put use first food in there. should be gone in 4 weeks.
Living Spaces stay as is and are the next thing used. NOTHING clogs up the turrets.

I am trying to get 10 d Tons freed up.

In reply to Cyril Zotmund (msg # 186):

You can sell the missiles to the colony, but given they are giving you a couple of million solars worth of drugs, they would take a dim view of you asking for money for them. However, they are happy to store them here, and promise that if they are used, they will target Vilani warships! Leaving 60 missiles will free up 2 dTons.

You use about 0.2 dTons per week, and you will not be needing the Survey module for another week, so you can put 0.2 dTons in there. You can fit another 0.2 dTons in the sickbay. The the small craft can have another 2.8 dTons, but you cannot substitute replacement for the Combo Fighters because they do not have any replacements here. Still, with the clearing mentioned and the stuffing, that would give you a total of 9.25+2.8+2+0.4+0.2 = 14.65 dTons.

As mentioned, they will accept all supplies of whatever origin here, as they can move it all with the Hero anyway. So really the matter is up to you. What do you want to take? You mentioned the following:

2 dTon of Kulikasu, sale price $0.6 M (6000 doses)
2 dTon of Ushkiirga, sale price $0.5 M (6000 doses)
3 dTon of Sharaddun, sale price $3 M (9000 doses)
3 dTon of Urshaggim, sale price $3 M (9000 doses)
2 dTon of Missiles (60)
leaving
4.65 dTon of Supplies, which should last 156 days, without any reserves being left!

With an anticipated 7 days to jump into a system, and 10 days to properly map the system and chart the next system, that should allow for 8 systems to be passed through and mapped properly, avoiding charting and mapping on future runs. Not a lot in reserve, but enough?

OK, That seems the best plan, I'd like more supplies, but if this target planet is indeed "friendly", we should be able to refill our supplies there, hopefully.  Now space wise, how many of these Fusion plants can we carry? What about engines? Obviously a Hero would be very useful to carry things... but expensive. Stealing one would seem unwise.

In reply to Cyril Zotmund (msg # 188):

True. Though old beatup ones can sell for as little as 7 Million, new ones cost about $68 M. The Fusion plants they are after are 40 dTons and cost $120 M, with the plants for the Heros being 5.5 dTons and costing 16.5 Million, both new prices. They want 2 of each, for now. Clearly they are very expensive pieces of kit, often making up up to half the price of a ship!

But they will make the arrangements for the purchase. You are just 'subcontracted' to arrange transport.

OK, Now I can see how it could work.  We'll be off then ... wish us luck.

In reply to Cyril Zotmund (msg # 190):

The Dastavka loads up as follows:

2 dTon of Kulikasu, sale price $0.6 M (6000 doses)
2 dTon of Ushkiirga, sale price $0.5 M (6000 doses)
3 dTon of Sharaddun, sale price $3 M (9000 doses)
3 dTon of Urshaggim, sale price $3 M (9000 doses)
2 dTon of Missiles (60) (and 60 taken off)
leaving
4.65 dTon of Supplies, which should last 156 days.

Heading to system 2731, which has been mapped, they spend another 4 days there refueling and charting 2729, before jumping there. Arriving there on 27th Jan, you find a single star system with 3 Gas Giants and 8 moons shared around them, the most hospitable being a 6,000 mile diameter planet with a normal atmosphere, though the surface is covered by 90% water. Sensors indicate considerable biological activity on a microscopic level, which is odd, and possibly dangerous.

As you spend 10 days mapping out this system, you also manage to chart 2728, so you are ready to jump after refueling and mapping this system on the 7th of Feb 2173.

Current supplies: 3.85 dTons (19 weeks)

[Private to GM: 2 New players coming in, it seems. One as an Intelo, and the second I thin I will have captain a small scout, and allow you all to work together. Seems more interesting for folk if they have their own ship...]
This message was last edited by the GM at 04:44, Mon 11 Feb 2019.

In reply to Fate (msg # 191):

System 2728 is a binary system with 2 red stars and 4 gas giants around which orbit 7 moons. The most habitable planet is 5,000 miles in diameter and highly volcanic and has a thin atmosphere with a strong Sulphur content. Only 10% of the surface is covered by water, which is highly acidic due to the sulphur content. As if that was not enough, the thin atmosphere with two suns meant that the surface suffered more radiation than most planets. Only Labrysians could live comfortably on such a place, but it is a long way from home for them!

While you map out this system, you are also able to chart the next system. System 2726 seems similar, but a single star with four gas giants and two distinct planetary belts can be seen by the time you are ready to jump.

Current Date:     24 Feb 2173
Current supplies: 3.35 dTons (~16 weeks)

OK, We dub 2729 as the Pandora system, given the wealth of unknown biological critters.
2728 is dubbed Labrysian Sauna

We are ready to move on.

In reply to Cyril Zotmund (msg # 193):

You depart the Labrysian Sauna for system 2726, which you know to be a single star with four gas giants and two distinct planetary belts. It soon becomes apparent that one of the seven planet bodies is reasonably attractive, and though the atmosphere is very thin, it is not tainted in any way. Only 4000 miles in diameter, it is cold and most of the water has evaporated, with only 20% of the surface covered. As usually, while mapping this system, you are also able to chart 2724, another binary system with 3 gas giants and 4 moons.

Current Date:     12 Mar 2173
Current supplies: 2.85 dTons (~14 weeks)

So it becomes Chilly Willy in our logs.

In reply to Cyril Zotmund (msg # 195):

Departing Chilly Willy for 2724, the two stars loom large in the screen as you come out of hyperspace near one of the three gas giants, it's two moons orbiting lazily around it. One of the moons, a 5,000 mile diameter planet, is completely covered by water, with monster tides due to the gravitational pull of the other moon and the gas giant. The air is unbreathable, however, with excessive carbon dioxide in the air.

As usual, you also chart the next system, 2924, whilst there. That system has a solitary star with three gas giants, all of which have at least 2 moons.

Current Date:     29 Mar 2173
Current supplies: 2.35 dTons (~11 weeks)

Call it Twins for now... what sort of temperatures? Potentially a place to insert plants, which over time, would convert some of that atmosphere to Oxygen. Water is of course important as well... the wild gravitational variances might still make it uninhabitable.

In reply to Cyril Zotmund (msg # 197):

All the land is tidal, so any plants would have to be water plants, but temperatures are moderate. You might have to find some suitable plants though, to cope with the tides and Tsunamis that criss-cross the oceans.

We will make a note of it, the potential is there.

In reply to Cyril Zotmund (msg # 199):

Leaving the Twins you enter hyperspace yet again. The crew do the usual maintenance, manufacturing a few spare parts as needed but raw materials are dwindling, despite raiding the Vilani hulks back on Nova Pacifica. System 2924 is dominated by a solitary star with three gas giants about which orbit 8 moons. The ring of the biggest gas giant has four moons that seem to stay equidistant, with the largest moon 7,000 miles in diameter being bigger than earth! Despite the coverage of 80% of the planet by water, the once again huge 30 yard tides roving across the surface, the high gravity (approximately 1.2Gs) results in a dense atmosphere with dangerously high oxygen levels as the surface of the land is covered by dense jungle, with lower lying trees clearly coping quite well with the regular drowning they receive. A hunting trip here could well gain some supplies.

For once, you already have a chart of the next system, Dzosuiken. But this system is complex, and mapping it properly still takes 10 days. Mapping the planet takes an additional 3 days if you choose to do so, as it requires the Survey module on the Dastavka.

Current Date:     16 Apr 2173
Current supplies: 1.85 dTons (~9 weeks)
This message was last edited by the GM at 23:47, Tue 12 Feb 2019.

The Lure of supplies is strong and Cyril sends a select crew down to see what they can find.  We survey the planet carefully as we process fuel for the next jumps.  We call the system Eden as the planet is obviously a garden spot, but a bad choice or two could cause great problems.  An intell missile is sent around  the other planets to see what we may have missed.

In reply to Cyril Zotmund (msg # 201):

The missile heads off to investigate the other planets, all of which seem barren and lacking in any significant atmosphere or water bodies. It does not take long to realize that the high oxygen levels are actually dangerous, and respirators are needed to reduce the oxygen level breathed by mixing it with exhaled gasses. While the Dastaka does the planetary mapping, a hunting expedition is sent down to gain supplies. There are large ape-like creatures in the trees, as well as a number of giant marine animals that resemble dinosaurs of earth, both carnivorous as well as herbivorous. The hunting team manage to kill and butcher 3 large herbivorous to obtain 10 tons of supplies on the first day. On the second day, they manage to gather just 2 tons of vegetable supplies while Kyamoto tested the previous days takings. However, the Dastavka found an odd reading in the mountains on that day, so on the third day, they went to investigate. The readings indicated an unusual concentration of minerals, that may have been even a ship at one time, but is now very much inactive.

Current Date:     19 Apr 2173
Current supplies: 1.75 dTons (~8 weeks)

At this point I will ask you to designate exactly who is in this mission on the ships boat.

Ships Boat has a Pilot, a Medic, 4 gunners/security and some folks  (4?)to help butcher and pack food stuffs. Duke is currently the captain aboard the ships boat.

In reply to Cyril Zotmund (msg # 203):

Ok. The security folk would be Thornhammer, Tonkin, Sigorney and Hancock, unless you say otherwise, as they are best qualified with the APC. Illiam and Armstrong would be the Pilot and Medic, with Duke overseeing the mission. It might be relevant, so could you pick the 4 folks you are sending to help butcher?

Jennifer Armstrong  -Seurat - also Cook.
Ronny Redcoat - Security
Tom Hanks - Pilot
Eva Navis - Scout

In reply to Cyril Zotmund (msg # 205):

OK, thanks.

The signal is coming from a very old starship! A flattened sphere, perhaps a little bigger than the Dastavka, it appears to be of an unknown design, thoroughly overgrown in the jungle. It seems deserted.

OK, I'll have Gun Da Bin check it out closely... does it look like a Labrysian vessel?

 Duke can have a closer look and check for life ... Carefully, as we have seen many "Dead" things turn out to be not so dead.

In reply to Cyril Zotmund (msg # 207):

No. Inspection even reveals old Vilani writing. Estimates of age are around 1,000 years, predating Labrysian space flight by maybe 1,000 years! Inspection reveals that it is not only inactive, but the Fusion plants have shut down. There is plant growth even in the interior, with cracks in the outer hull allowing ingress of growth.

Due takes his time going through it. He can see where there were smaller craft, long gone. The engines appear to have been damaged in the landing, with one of them removed in what seems like a deliberate fashion (bolts undone, no damage, engine a few meters away) but it does seem like it had twin engines identical to a Hero class. There are also four reactors, also seeming like a Hero class in design, but most other things look foreign.

Inspecting the berths showed 50 Low berths, all empty and deactivated now, and not recently.

On close inspection, the bridge security computer seems like it is intact, but without power. Duke, of course, manages to remove it and plug it into the Ships boat's power and get it working.
This message was last edited by the GM at 21:17, Wed 13 Feb 2019.

In reply to Fate (msg # 208):

"Sir, these were Vilani kimashargur fleeing the Imperial crackdown 1100 years ago, or thereabouts. They survived the landing, and seemed to set up a colony here, but then the reactors shut down after 300 years, and I have got nothing more recent than 800 years ago!"

Not familiar with the Kimashagur... let me review our online data.


If you deem it safe, go ahead and reconnoiter, but be careful of wild survivors and animals that may have made it home. 1100 years is a long time, wonder if any part of it is still useable.

In reply to Cyril Zotmund (msg # 210):

"Might need to spend a day here to check everything, but yes, 1100 years is a long time. Generally, the outer hull seems to have taken the worst of it, though by the wear on the floors, it wold seem that the sickbay and workshop were well used for quite a while. But it seems to have been well ransacked now. Will see what I can find, and have security set up a perimeter."

Be cautious, we have no idea what creatures night brings.  There is no sign of any recent human visits?


Gun Da Bin, I want a very careful search for any possible human life that might remain ... or any relics they may have left. I suspect they may have moved up high to escape the large oxygen content of the atmosphere.
This message was last edited by the player at 02:17, Thu 14 Feb 2019.

In reply to Cyril Zotmund (msg # 212):

"Nothing in the last couple of hundred years, sir, that I have found yet. No large droppings, either. Though as I said, they seemed to survive long after the crash...the computer indicates a large number of them were Suerrat too."

In reply to Cyril Zotmund (msg # 212):

"Or at least the dense atmosphere. That makes sense, I will have a look."

It takes Gun a few hours of intense searching before he finally responds.

"Sir, we do seem to have some signs of primitive life forms on a mountain range nearby, about 100 miles from the crash site. Very little to go on, but thermal readings suggest primitive tribes of farmers. No advanced items visible though, but some caves detected that might be hiding something."

In reply to Raymond 'Duke' Vurhund (msg # 213):

If you can pull data from the computer, it may have some value, both historically and for current navigation.

In reply to PO Gun Da-bin (msg # 214):

Super job Gun Da Bin,  Duke did you monitor that? we may have found the remnants of the survivors.

In reply to Cyril Zotmund (msg # 215):

"Aye Sir. i will get what I can. Come back tomorrow..." he quips.

"You can take the ships boat, but I will want the APC to hang around. They have been clearing a perimeter with the Heavy Machine gun, and the hand flamers as per my instructions to clear a perimeter. I hope they don't start a bloody bushfire..." he adds, as an afterthought.

"Then again, it might be a good way of clearing the area." His voice trails off as he obviously continues work, forgetting until the last minute that his radio was on. Or leaving it on deliberately...

Roger That, You keep the APC and two security folks; send The ships boat over to the other site. Make sure Jennifer Armstrong and the Medic go with the ships boat. They are, or were seurrat, so Jennifer will likely be more welcome. Also send a Pilot and Thornhammer. Tell me who is senior aboard the Ships Boat... and I do not want to land too close to start, once we have established friendly relations, we can do that. Medic is to treat anyone within her ability and we'll evac serious cases as need requires.

In reply to Cyril Zotmund (msg # 218):

" I am more senior here, sir, and pilot of the ships boat. I will land about a mile away, to be close enough o give support, but far enough to not scare them. Will relay your orders, and make sure PO Hanson, who is also Suerrat, is with them. Pretty sure none of them have changed species any time since joining the Terrans. Sigorney and Tonkin can stay with Duke. Moving out in five" The radio cuts out.

It is about 5 minutes and 20 seconds before Gun's sees them moving, and he directs them to the location he has found, landing them near the ridge of the range just above the survivors. Guns notes on the sensors most of the heat signature seem to move towards what appears to be a cave before disappearing, and he directs the foot patrol there. Illiam informs you that the foot patrol will consist of the three Seurrats, Ronny and Eva, with Illiam, Hanks and Thornhammer staying behind in the ships boat.

Sounds Good, move if you need to; keep them in sight and covered.

In reply to Cyril Zotmund (msg # 220):

"I have them on sensors, sir. The ships boat, being so high, is in a good position. The group is moving slowly towards the entrance I last saw the heat signatures at...wait, they seem to have stopped about 50 yards short. I am picking up some of the heat signatures near where they disappeared... I am guessing they are talking, since they all stopped moving...."

In reply to PO Gun Da-bin (msg # 221):

"They have made contact sir. Seem to be an odd form of Seurrat..."

800 or so years alone would allow for several variations to occur to adapt to their surroundings.

In reply to Illiam Jones (msg # 222):

It is about an hour before Illiam calls back. Guns seems to think that there has not been much movement below, though a few more heat signatures have appeared, but remain some distance from your crew.

"That is true, Sir, it would seem that these are the descendants of the survivors, adapted for the difficult atmosphere here. The resemble a mix of Suerrat and Vilani, and whilst they understand much of the technology of their ancestors, they have not had the manufacturing base to support it. Their current technology level has slowly risen back to about medieval times. Naturally, fears of the Vilani, passed on from their ancestors, drives their distrust of all off-worlders. They would sooner just see us go, and expunge their existence from our databases."

Not surprising... did their ancestors mention terra? would they care to avail themselves of what limited tech we could leave them? We would also offer to establish a trade with them if they like, and keep it only among those who defy the Vilani.

In reply to Cyril Zotmund (msg # 225):

"No. They never heard of Terra. We had to explain that we were barbarians. That seemed to actually calm them. They would be interested in computers and technological databases, as we'll as improved medical and manufacturing goods. In return, they can farm various herbal drugs and pharmaceuticals. But they would appreciate the Vilani never learning of their existence. What do you plan on leaving them, sir?"

It is about another hour before you hear anything back from the away team. When you do, it is PO Hancock who is talking.

"Sir, I have spoken with them for a while now, explaining who we are and trying to explain the state of the Imperium. They now number a couple of thousand, though they took quite some losses when equipment started to break down after they first arrived until they adapted.They have tried to keep the equipment going, but have simply lacked the parts and equipment to do so, so they were forced to lower the technology level to a point that could be maintained. Fortunately, they had seeds for various Vilani drugs, and ironically they medical technology is not so far behind the Vilani, but manufacturing naturally is another matter. They have been handing down from generation to generation the knowledge of how to work on the ship, and it is kind of their dream to repair their ship and get it going again. As such, they would want parts for it...

At this point Duke cuts into the conversation.

"Are you kidding? They would need to rebuild the entire outer hull, replace the drives, ALL of them, as well as the life support system, reactors, sensors, computers, and probably damn near everything else. I mean, it would cost a fortune! About the same as building a new ship!"

PO Hancock, let them know that their ship is beyond rebuilding, we can start bring bits of technology to help them, and perhaps in time, we can find a ship for them, but what is their goal with the ship? It raises the chance of their being discovered and is unlikely to be large enough to carry them all at once. And where would they like to go?

We can leave a few weapons for defense against animals, and check on any power generation capability we have, our manufacturing capability is quite limited.

In reply to Cyril Zotmund (msg # 229):

"Ok, let me talk to them. Duke, keep your hat on. They have been here for a thousand years, they don't need it going tomorrow."

In reply to Cyril Zotmund (msg # 229):

"Uhh, quick check. At todays prices...the repair costs, in millions of solars: Hull $60, Fuel Tanks/Refiners $5, Jump Drive, $18, 2 x Hero Maneuver drives, $5.5 ea, 4 x Hero Fusion plants, $18 ea, Sensors and computers (Basic, $5, Full $57), Labs and survey, $32, Life support and accommodation $2.5, G-Carrier $1, Ships boat $17. Where the hell would they get that sort of money? They do understand money, right?"
This message was last updated by the GM at 02:44, Fri 15 Feb 2019.

There is some time before the next response.

"They want to get the ship going both to trade, and to seek out better worlds further from the Vilani. Naturally, they want to get their own ship going, both for the independence it offers and also for the symbolism: The Empire apparently banned all of these ships as they were designed for exploration and colonization, and as such they came to symbolize the kimashargur movement.

They have been doing some mining, and have been able to gather some trade goods should such an opportunity arise."

[00C: See the 'The World you Know' Thread for details. You can either purchase them from the planet and on sell them, using Speculative trade rules, or transport them and sell them for them, charging freight rates of $1000 per dTon (which they think they freight is worth) or as agreed...]
This message was last edited by the GM at 03:05, Fri 15 Feb 2019.

OK, PO Hancock, explain that it is not economically repairable... and out of date; BUT if they want to pour the huge sums of money into it, it can be done. Vastly less expensive vessels can be had far quicker to establish trade and generate money. Then if they want to rebuild the wreck, it's their business.  We will buy some supplies from them and purchase some items to trade.

I assume the gems are the most desirable trade items... minerals the next best ... Space & weight are quite limiting right now.







Production /Mth is ?
What amount do they want for the gems? Is $10 Million the going rate, or what they would ask of us?

In reply to Cyril Zotmund (msg # 233):

Those prices are the going rates, but you do not have 10 mill right now. Rates are modified by a merchant roll. But the element of symbolism to the dissidents is also part of the reason they want to rebuild it. You would have about 300,000 now  for wages to be paid soon

Not going into wages monies... very bad business

I haven't spent much of anything in many months ... probably years, neither has Kat... we may make a personal purchase for sale in Dishikinabu (Dzosuiken) when we get there.
Does the ship have any Contingency funds? Might put Natalie to work.

In reply to Cyril Zotmund (msg # 235):

Since neither you nor Kat have spent points on wealth, O would have to say you both spent most of your income on parties and personal hobbies during down time ashore, with the exception of this last trip. Assume you have about 3 moths wages each (I believe wages ate on your character sheet). For Contingency funds, you would have $1 mill, but it is strictly for repairs and any other uses will have to be justified to Kalashnikov, personally!

In reply to Fate (msg # 236):

I seriously doubt we either had the time or the ability to use up the cash like that ... I can't find the original pay scales, but IIRC , ships captain went up to something like $37-40k a month. We have gamed about 2 + years ... we should have some sizable reserves of cash.
I currently have 7 points saved up, but need 10 to buy up... haven't seen much in the way of CPs of late...
Cyril also has some independent wealth  (Independent Income 5) on his Char Sheet. Not trying to do a Donny Trump here, but we certainly should be building up significant cash reserves... there just isn't much to buy out here in the wilderness.
I believe early On Cyril stated that he was saving up to buy a small ship for his retired years.

Besides, Kat is brewing her own ;-)

I admit to buying decent quality booze, but have not been a heavy drinker at any time in this game.

In reply to Cyril Zotmund (msg # 237):

There is a bit of a conflict here with the system and reality. The book says that you should not have significantly more cash than your wealth permits, and actually instructs GM's to find ways to remove excess, citing expenditure during down time as a primary fund sink. Of course, in your situation, there would be little to spend it on, but taxes and other sundry expenses, which we gloss over for the sake of the game, would, as in real life, absorb a lot of funds. Your wage, I believe, was about 23 k per month, before taxes, of course.

As such, giving you about $150 k to spend seems fairly reasonably. After all, you would have wear and tear, dinner dates, etc. I am just trying not to get bogged down in details.

OK, That seems fair... I did have some cash in the safe... something like $190k to start... can we say that we have a Total of $250 K to use as we see fit for investment purposes. ... we'll write the rest off as expenses and such... we'll leave $100K in the safe and invest the rest.

Or we can just use the cash in the safe for future hopes and plans... Probably want something smaller than DASTAVKA , but with good equipment and sensors. Long term Goal. Shouldn't require much more than a 150-200 million credits ;-)

In reply to Cyril Zotmund (msg # 239):

That sound very reasonable. If you want to own your own starship one day, then you should start working towards wealth (millionaire 1 or 2). This will represent savings, investments, etc, building up to such a point. Basically, if you put points into it, I will work out a way to make it happen. it is the players way of saying 'this is important for my concept of player development'. If you don't, then I just assume you have some cash, and the rest seems to disappear (as real life cash has a terrible habit of doing in my experience if saving it is not a priority!). $250 k sounds fair then, between the two of you.

[Private to Cyril Zotmund: But you are right about CP as well, but since we have 2 new players, and Duke/Doyle were not really active for it, I did not want to hand out cp to everyone for that. But you should take 5 cp for involvement so far in developing contacts with the dissidents. Doyle actually started that well on his own, then kind of disappeared...]
This message was last edited by the GM at 08:52, Sun 17 Feb 2019.

OK, will carry on, trying to purchase some things to trade at our destination.



[Private to GM: OK, That give me 12 Points, lets put 10 in wealth to meet that goals needs.  Put the other 2 into tactics.]

In reply to Cyril Zotmund (msg # 241):

Ok, the items you can purchase are in the link link to a message in this game

Wealth will now accumulate to reach about $250 k generally, or about double that for short periods!

What items are you looking to purchase? I think you have about 2-3 dTons of space, if you fill up everywhere like when you left, and $250 k now.

OK, we we aren't rolling in $$$, what sort of price differential are they offering... for instance, the jewels...  going rate is $10 Mill/dTon, what do they want?

I am thinking $100k for jewels , the same for rare minerals and $50k for pharmaceuticals. I am assuming that these are drugs in some current demand? not passé stuff.

Also, the Production/Mth is ? Production per month?

In reply to Cyril Zotmund (msg # 243):

Production per month is how fast they can produce items, so you had the right idea!

I have posted the basics of the Speculative trade system. This world is classed as Agricultural, Non-industrial (Ag, Ni),

Trade Good available           Price, $ million/dTon     tons/dTon    Tons available Price Modifiers  Ideal Target Planet type
Gemstones                      $10                       0.5          2              -2               In
Wood/Wood Products             $0.002                    5            100            -4               Ex, In
Fruits/Nuts/Vegetables         $0.0024                   5            50             -2               In, Ex, Na
Special Minerals               $0.75                     8            50             0                In
Pharmaceuticals                $0.12                     6            30             -4               In
Meat/Fish                      $0.02                     8            50             -2               In, Ex, Na
Textiles/Treated Skins         $0.03                     4            10             -3               In

In = Industrial          Ag = Agricultural
Ex = Extreme             Ni = Non-Industrial
Na = Non Agricultural

Note that prices are in Millions of dollars per dTon. Loads less that 0.1 dTon are not worth doing the maths for!

Given that these are completely out of contact with anyone, they have no idea of demand for Pharmaceuticals...just pot luck (ie rolling the dice on each planet!)

Sorry, should have given all this before, but had a busy weekend.

OK, rolled
19:03, Today: Cyril Zotmund rolled 10 using 3d6 with rolls of 4,1,5.  Merchant . so made it by 3...

And i presume this is a poor planet...

In reply to Cyril Zotmund (msg # 245):

Yes, a poor planet.

You won the contest of skill by 2, so Base price is reduced by 10%. Next we roll on the Price table...

Rolled 13 -2 (poor) = 11, -any modifiers for item. What are you purchasing?

Edit: Based on above, you cant afford even 0.1 dTon of Gemstones. You could get 0.2 dTon of Special Minerals (Base price $150 k, 0 modifier) and 0.8 dTon of Pharmaceuticals (Base price $96 k, -4 modifier).

Based on the rolls above, the prices would be
Special Minerals $150 -10% = $135k, Roll of 11 on Price table = 100%, $135 k
Pharmaceuticals $96 -10% = $86.4 k, Roll of 11-4=7 on price table = 70%, $60.48 k

Based on a starting cash of $250, you could afford another 0.7 dTons of Pharmaceuticals if you wanted.
This message was last edited by the GM at 02:46, Mon 18 Feb 2019.

No, Lets see how this works out...
Do we have anyone wishing to travel on with us? Can we learn anything from their computers? Like what may be at the next systems?

In reply to Cyril Zotmund (msg # 247):

Their computers are 1100 years old, and show the next systems as uninhabited!

However, the slightly more modern charts you got from the dissidents on Nova Pacifica (Perhaps a year old at most!) indicate that the next system is actually inhabited by Vegans! Probably why the dissidents directed you to this system. There are no real industrial systems nearby, but the information in the charts presented in the link below can be found. (Note that under the settings, the Milleu can be set to Interstellar wars period, and should for an accuracy if the link does not do it automatically). Sukin and Nushmi are both rich: the former also has a Naval Base, the latter is being blockaded due to 'political differences', though dissidents implied they were much more supportive of a stricter Vilani culture that the Kimashargur worlds that dominate the region.

All worlds marked with Allegiance to Ziru Sirka in the following maps would be in your databases.

https://travellermap.com/?opti...015625&milieu=IW

https://travellermap.com/?opti...015625&milieu=IW

Reputedly, scouts had attacked Shululsish with a biological weapon in 2148, in response the the use of nuclear weapons against civilian cities on Terra. The planet lost about 90% of it's population, several billion, but the attack did help end the Third interstellar war by putting pressure on saarpuhii Erasharshi, which ultimately resulted in him being removed by political rivals and also saw the Imperial rulers agree not to use weapons of mass destruction against civilian targets. Again...

Edit: But passengers, now there is an interesting idea. 5 would be willing to travel. Assuming you made the basic purchases above of 1 dTon worth $195,480, they would be willing to pay $10,000 each (total of $50,000) to tae them to a Kimashargur system. That would be at least 2 jumps. They would be happy with even basic accommodation and food provided. Obviously, they would rely on you purchasing something off them to have the funds, and they would want at least $150,000 for the trip. To get supplies, of course.
This message was last edited by the GM at 06:58, Mon 18 Feb 2019.

OK, Finally found the price list... so modifying this post.

OK, So we purchase $195,400 worth of goods... You then give us $50k back for transportation to Kamuukshar or Dirramu?
The $150,000 for trade is on you ... bring something valuable. I cannot subsidize your supplies as well, but will otherwise agree to your terms. Do you want me wait and  to return you to this planet with your purchases, that will need to include reasonable freight costs for the return and fees for standing by. I will have our crew assist in getting a fair price for what you wish to sell.
We would also like to purchase some supplies for the ship, which should add a little more to your coffers.

BTW, what do you call this system & world? We would annotate it on our logs ... or do you prefer we give it a name and not mention our contact?
If we do that, we will need a simple code to identify ourselves.
This message was last edited by the player at 18:11, Mon 18 Feb 2019.

In reply to Cyril Zotmund (msg # 249):

"Yes, we will pay $50,000 for transport to Kamuukshar. If you have 1 dTon of space, we would also like to transport some Gemstones, in addition to the 0.5 dTon of supplies we would like to bring if we need to bring our own, if that would be possible. We are not sure if we need transport back: we would like to see if an old vessel can be purchased. If you could allow us one day once we arrive there to try to find an old vessel, we can tell you if we would like a ride back or not, and  discuss payments then if we need your services.

We call this planet Leikung, after the ship that brought us here. After such a time, I doubt the Ziru Sirka have any memory of us, so it should be safe to use that name. Perhaps the other Kimashargur will recognize it..."

[Private to Cyril Zotmund: You do have the space...just!]

In reply to Fate (msg # 250):

We will provide for food on the trip... you won't need supplies for that.  A one way trip should only cost $25,000 credits, but back again would also cost that much, which is why I asked if it was a two way trip.  We will have space for your 1d Ton of trade material. We also have some other dissidents aboard seeking to buy a ship as well, perhaps by working together, you can achieve a better price for the two of them.

In reply to Cyril Zotmund (msg # 251):

"That would be appreciated. We were not sure if we would need a rude back, but with no other vessels coming this way, we wanted to make sure that our offer was acceptable to you."

They proceed to load your purchases and their goods onto your vessel, loading 0.5 of a dTon of supplies in gratitude.

You load up, and with the next system already charted in your computer, you can jump to Dzosuiken without problem.

Do you jump to the star, adding an extra day but possibly avoiding the patrols (In which case I will get you to roll for Kat's stealth, target 13), or jump to the planet and use Fast-Talk or Diplomacy to give yourself a right to be here (in which case I will need the appropriate influence roll and your excuse!).

Personal Cash: $50,520
Ships' Cash: $300,000+ $25,000 for the trip

Current Date:     02 May 2173
Current supplies: 0.65 dTons (~4 weeks)

2 dTon of Kulikasu, sale price $0.6 M (6000 doses)
2 dTon of Ushkiirga, sale price $0.5 M (6000 doses)
3 dTon of Sharaddun, sale price $3 M (9000 doses)
3 dTon of Urshaggim, sale price $3 M (9000 doses)
2 dTon of Missiles (60)

0.2 dTon Special Minerals
0.8 dTon of Pharmaceuticals
1 dTon of Cargo (Gemstones)

Total Space, 14.85 dTons, as per link to a message in this game

[OOC: Hmmm, my maths was a bit off before it seems, giving you an extra 2 dTons. Think I forgot about the missiles. My bad, will assume you found even more creative ways of getting that extra 2 dTon of space on the way here!]

We'll jump to the star and avoid any patrols we can...  too many things to raise questions.

In reply to Cyril Zotmund (msg # 253):

You come out of hyperspace approaching the star. It is always unnerving to see a massive ball of gas seemingly so close, but Kat easily manages to manages to move in just a little closer, coming out of the star directly towards the planet.

There are four Gashidda class patrol vessels in orbit of the planet, moving lazily waiting for vessels coming out of hyperspace on the regular Vilani routes. There is some hesitation, as if it takes them some time to notice you. Once they do, the confusion seems to continue, as they remain on post.

"Ah, unknown vessel, are you Terran? Where did you come from?"

In High Vilani -We are Kalishnakov to stop here and trade.  We are told this is a fine & safe trading location by vilani traders we met.


Hopefully both confusing and intimidating to use High Vilani.


19:42, Today: Cyril Zotmund rolled 11 using 3d6 with rolls of 1,5,5.  Diplomacy. Skill is 12

In reply to Cyril Zotmund (msg # 255):

They switch from Low Vilani to High Vilani. Their tone is confused but respectful.

"You are what? Told to...never mind, barbarian. Proceed to the spaceport for inspection"
This message was last edited by the player at 10:33, Tue 19 Feb 2019.

We proceed to the spaceport... Natalie is our front person, I'll back her up.


Background question... do Bribes work? if so, how big? Do our dissidents have any suggestions?

In reply to Cyril Zotmund (msg # 257):

Please note the new post on the subject, which I have put into references since it is likely to be an ongoing question.

link to a message in this game

Now in relation to the dissidents, as I remember you only have 10 crew from the Jean Bart and a couple of advisors that fled the Clameer system with survivors of the Jaques Cartier. The latter suggest that since this is a Vegan planet, offering to source hard-to-get items, such as drugs that are useful for health, or re-programmable Terran computers, might just be very good way of enlisting the assistance of local customs officials.

Looking at the database, they note that though this is not listed as a Kimashargur world, the fact that it is populated by Vegans, who spread at about the time of the Kimashargur crackdown, suggest that these particular Vegans were probably very much Kimashargur in philosophy, and hence are no lovers of the Ziru Sirka.

They suggest looking for a more remote starport to 'accidentally' land at. After all, what do 'barbarians' know about such things?
This message was last edited by the GM at 05:09, Tue 19 Feb 2019.

Sounds Good... Guns direct Kat to a remote star port.  WE will use a small computer and as about sales of the pharmaceuticals to hopefully get any officials working with us.  The Dissidents will want to find a ship, and some reactors for sale.

In reply to Cyril Zotmund (msg # 259):

"Aye sir."

He spends a few minutes scanning, before responding.

"Sir, I have found a more remote starport, and there is a Lightning class ship there! Unarmed, by the look of it...Kat, there are the co-ordinates.

There appear to be turrets around that starport, though. It might be interred there."

That doesn't sound like a good place... let's find another

In reply to Cyril Zotmund (msg # 261):

"Right...."

There is a considerable pause as you transfer around nearly half the planet.

"Here seems to be a spot. Looks like a graveyard for old ships. Bit of a dustbowl, really, but then, the whole planet seems to be. Probably why Vegans like it, but we better wear filters for breathing."

Roger that ... any signs of people around?

In reply to Cyril Zotmund (msg # 263):

"Hard to say with the dust, but not a lot, that much is clear."

OK, Let's try it...

In reply to Cyril Zotmund (msg # 265):

Guns direct Kat, and she puts in down between a couple of old Hero class vessels. Outside, it looks like a ship graveyard...

Almost immediately, Guns reports an incoming ships boat, which signals you.

"Standby for customs inspection."

Standing by ...  I thought you had a class A star port?

In reply to Cyril Zotmund (msg # 267):

"We do. Apparently you were not directed to it, or did you disregard those directions?"

The ships boat approaches, and three vegans begin to descend the exit ramp.

I was just told to land and be inspected... which I have done.



OK, as Vegans, they are not likely stout Vilani sorts?  ... have some pharmaceuticals examples out  (say packages of about 25 of each type) and a small Terran computer carefully wiped and restored to like new.

In reply to Cyril Zotmund (msg # 269):

The three approach the entrance of the Dastavka, which Guns opens.

Security meet them at the entrance, including Mnwa Phwi and Hancock.

[OOC: Vegans do not like the Imperial rule at all, and were only brought to heel in the consolidation wars by the generous use of nuclear weapons, an experience they are not keen to re-experience.

Since you did not mention taking a shipment of computers from Chrysolite, where do you get the personal computer? The crew are reluctant to give up theirs...

Also, do you include the illegal drugs in those offered?]

I happen to have two personal computers ... we will move the Translation program to my Complexity 5 box and clean the Complexity 4 box for them to use... to assist in the inspection of course.
Only showing legit drugs to start ...

In reply to Cyril Zotmund (msg # 271):

Mnwi talks with them, and they understand pretty much immediately that you are Terran. As the patrol had called in a new species of barbarians, an entire new contact team was preparing to depart, and they are now cancelled.

Mnwi is informed, in surprising polite terms, that the Ziru Sirka is now at war with Terra, following repeated border incursions. His tone, however, is almost congratulatory! When Natalie came to offer 'samples' of what you were carrying, however, their tone mellowed somewhat. It was pointed out that 25 did not divide into three that well, and there was only one computer...

We can certainly provide 10 apiece... but this is the only computer we have that I can offer, I cannot steal someone else's computer. This one was mine. We do not wish to cause any issues. We came to trade, not fight.  I have passengers aboard who seek to do business here as well...  I will let them speak for themselves however.

In reply to Cyril Zotmund (msg # 273):

"Whilst we have not had contact with the Vilani for over a thousand years, we also do not seek it. You, however, are clearly not Vilani, and we do seek to trade with you, as discreetly as possible, it that is OK. Ironically, we seek an old ship, and it was I who asked the captain to land here where it seems we might be able to find one we can afford."

In reply to Leikung Colonist (msg # 274):

The Inspectors accept the offer of 10 Kalikasu and 10 Ushkiirga apeice, and the leader accepts your computer with interest, looking over it when the Leikung colonists arrive. They are a bit taken aback by the appearance of the newcomers.

"Uh, of course. In that case, welcome. The ships here are not spaceworthy, though you might be able to salvage enough parts to get one working, with perhaps a few Solars spent on some crucial items. Do you have any trade items?"
This message was last updated by the GM at 04:48, Thu 21 Feb 2019.

In reply to Fate (msg # 275):

"We do. But they are limited."

He shows them a small sample of the gemstones he has. The Inspectors are offered one each, in exchange for sending some ship dealers to the ship.

In reply to Leikung Colonist (msg # 276):

Turning back to Cyril, they speak.

"Once your passengers have a working ship, you really should move to the 'impound yard'. It is not as bad as it seems; rather, it is all for show when the Vilani inspectors from Dingir show up, which they do periodically. We do not stop any Terrans from leaving, but we must insist that, since we are now at war, if you do leave you do not fly through Vilani space. Vilani warships have been instructed to destroy or capture any Terrans vessels they encounter. However, we Vegans find you the best source of trade, since the Vilani do not seem to value our Solars and recently Terran vaccines and cures save many of our people.

You may have noticed you have some friends there. They are kind of stuck here since they do not have anywhere else to go. I am sure they would appreciate a chat."

The Impound Yard was the spaceport with all the turrets around It? We do not seek combat in any way... the Gashidda's around your planet are Vilani Crewed or Vegan? Don't want to hurt friends.  I believe you also make fusion reactors here and fine engines... We would like to acquire some of these if possible... and they could be transported in an old Hero, so there is no question of Terran acquisitions of protected materials. We should like to hold here for a short while so our passengers have support in their efforts. I believe we also have some vaccines aboard should they be of use.  Also some other Pharmaceuticals that you may not want here; we are told they have value elsewhere..


When we have the green light, I'll have Duke and any help he chooses go out and see what they can make space ready ... depending on Prices and Dissident arrangements, we will try to resurrect two of these ships, one for Leikung and one for the dissidents we brought. We'll also look about for another refurbishable Small ship for running small quantities of valuable things.

In reply to Cyril Zotmund (msg # 278):

They confirm that the impound yard is the spaceport with the turrets around it. They try to explain that they want you there as soon as possible not to impound you, but to make it look like they have impounded you. They would actually be more comfortable if you could provide a way that is not through Imperial space for the Lightning there to leave. The Gashiddas around the planet are crewed by dissidents, some Vegan, some Geonee, some Suerrat. They do not produce reactors here, but they do have sales agents, based at all active shipyards. The reactors are not controlled items, as they have many civilian uses. Similarly, you can access the market to sell all sorts of good in the active shipyards. Asking you not to stay too long in the graveyard, they leave politely.

With regards to your passengers, Duke is able to assist the Leikung colonists in finding a serviceable vessel. They estimate that one one the Heros can be made spaceworthy, if barely, with a months work and 8 million credits.

[Private to GM: From message #89, 90 of The First trip of Jean Bart thread, the prize crew you have aboard are not dissidents, but from the Jean Bart. The only dissidents you have aboard is Goran, from Clameer, who has stayed on to assist with dealings with dissidents from Chrysolyte, and those from Leikung.]

OK, I'll embark Duke and any other crew members... we'll go quietly to the impound yard.  Then Duke can use the ships Boat to go back to the wreck yard as needed.

What about the other dissidents? didn't they also want a Hero or the like?

Any other sorts of ships available at prices we might be able to  consider?


Who is on the Lightning and what/where do they seek to go?

In reply to Cyril Zotmund (msg # 280):

The impound yard is hardl what one might call secure. Apart from the four turrets, which do not appear functional on close inspection, the fence around has many impromptu entrances, with both locals and Terrans passing at will. The crew of the Lightning come to your ship as soon as you land, clearly glad to see other Terrans. They as just free traders, caught out by the war who chose to stay here rather than risk being captured or blown up, and they are very interested in the route you took to get here, and of course any potential trades. You also have various other dealers coming, and the Leikung residents generate a lot of interest with their gemstones.

As well as the Lightning, there are several Heros parked at the yard, and an Iken. None are for sale cheaply though.

It turns out that the impound yard is actually the site of 'The Market' on this planet, and it is not long before you have plenty of potential customers coming to see what goods you have for sale.

There is no trouble for Duke and the rest of the Engineering department, apart from the Checkov sisters who will perform some routine maintenance on Dastavka, from returning.

The occupants on Nova Pacifica did want a trader, but lacked the personnel to man it.

[Private to GM: Price for Gemstones here rolled 120%, or 12 million! Equal merchant...]
This message was last edited by the GM at 19:34, Thu 21 Feb 2019.

OK, so only the one ... We can steer the Lightening out as well. What sort of merchandise does he have?

In reply to Cyril Zotmund (msg # 282):

"We have sold everything. If you have cargo, we can transport it for the bargain price of $600 per parsec per dTon if you can provide your charts. Do you have goods that need to go somewhere?"

Are you looking for other buyers for your goods?
This message was last edited by the player at 20:08, Thu 21 Feb 2019.

In reply to Lightning Class Trader (msg # 283):

Natalie gets to work looking for buyers of the various goods you have aboard, and is surprisingly able to find buyers for all. After much discussion (it takes about 5 days) she has the opportunity to sell the following items:

$590 k for ~2 dTon of Kulikasu (5970 doses)
$445 k for ~2 dTon of Ushkiirga (5970 doses)
$3.3 M for 3 dTon of Sharaddun( 9000 doses)
$3.3 M for 3 dTon of Urshaggim (9000 doses)
$150 k for 0.2 dTon Special Minerals
$96 k for 0.8 dTon of Pharmaceuticals

Your friends from Liekung did very well with their gemstones, selling them for $12 million. They are entering into negotiations for the available ship, but they realized they will need Dukes expertise in getting it running...

So Kat and I made 246k on a 196k investment?

The ship made 7.635 Mill on it's cargo which was to be used to buy reactors and such?
Can we accomplish this too?

I can't stay too long and Duke goes with me... but for the 5 or 6 days we are here, he is available.

The Lightening will need to stand by... what are they willing to grant for our getting them out of this pickle?
$600 a dTon is a good price, but we aren't sure what we will need hauled, if anything. That said, we will show you a location where you may well do well in trade.

In reply to Cyril Zotmund (msg # 285):

The 7.63.. million is payment for moving the reactors, which have already been paid for. You need to transport 2 x 40 dTon reactors and 2 x 5.5 dTon reactors.

There may be other vessels available with some searching, but it may take time.

The Lightning would transport the reactors for $764,400, $127,400 less than the going rate for line freight and  $382,200 less than the going rate for this run normally! They have a hold capacity of 160 dTon.
This message was last edited by the GM at 22:45, Thu 21 Feb 2019.

In reply to Fate (msg # 286):
OK... so we will need the Lightening... how convenient ;-)

Each hex is a Parsec? So something like $600,600?
  [91 x 600] x 11 hexes/parsecs

That leaves them quite a bit of cash ... might indeed be able to buy a ship ... maybe an Iken set up for a very small merchant...
Hmmm...so  I see two different Hero's! One up armed obviously.
How about a seized Pirate vessel?  Could such a thing be found?
We could probably scrape up a crew out of  Dastavkas crew... assuming these only need 5 or 6 crew to operate.

IMPERIAL CIVILIAN VESSELS

Hero Freighter, 68 M Solars, 200 dTons
These are the tiny freighters that handle all the Vilani's odd jobs. Many can be bought second hand for reduced prices.
(1.5G/Move:370, dDR:10, dHP:30, dTons of Cargo Space: 87.5), Weapons:2x hardpoints

Common Imperial Dissident/Pirate Vessels

Hero Freighter, 68 M Solars, 200 dTons
These are the tiny freighters that handle all the Vilani's odd jobs. Many can be bought second hand for reduced prices.
(4.02G/Move:370, dDR:43, dHP:30, dTons of Cargo Space: 47.5), Weapons:3 Pulse, 4x Missiles, 2x Sandcaster

In reply to Cyril Zotmund (msg # 287):

Lol, those two are pretty much one and the same, only with different operators, and one up-armed, as you pointed out. However, the price for arming it is not zero, so the price for the second one is not so correct.

After going through the graveyard, Duke can finds another option.

Iken Cargo Courier: 7.5 M, 100 dTon Needle/Wedge
(2.74G/Move:1107, dDR:10, dHP: 30, dTons of Cargo Space: 51.5, SM:+8)
Crew:6, Life support and bunkage for 12

It has a smaller Hero reactor (Yes, the Hero has a smaller reactor than the courier half it's size!) and the engine from an assault craft (so seriously downsized, but available everywhere!). It's turrets have been stripped, but could have weapons installed at a later date. It has had all the armour taken off to run with such a small engine. There is room for an air raft, though no raft is currently there.

Duke reckons that it might take 5 weeks to get it up and running, including ordering in a brand new Maneuver drive for $3 Mill, a new fuel processor for $200 k and $4 Mill for new sensors. The fusion reactor he can manage to cobble together from all the parts here, though it may not be the most reliable. With such an unreliable reactor and no Workshop, it might be advisable to have the vessel accompanied! At least the Leikung operators will not be operating their vessel outside systems with support...though they are buying a lot of spares all the same!

His biggest problem is the ships computer. Though cheap, Terran computers are in very short supply here. Duke can, with your permission, take one targeting computer that is not being used, but that is about your only option. A jump 2 program is complexity 6 (G:ISW, P164).

OK, That ship sounds very much like what our dissident friends could use...  5 weeks is a long time.  How much is a new reactor... or at least a reliable one?
Can we beat it down a little bit? with other expenses, $7.5 mil is out of reach...  Unless that is the new price, which I doubt. Need to ensure their friends can continue to trade with them...

In reply to Cyril Zotmund (msg # 289):

A reliable reactor is, like $18 million new, $9 million for a reasonably good one. Dukes patch together job is probably worth $1.8 mill. New the whole ship would be worth about $51 mill. The $7.5 mill included the new items mentioned (which are most of the price!)

You could find a second hand drive for $1.6 mil, but the sensors here are all had it, and there are no second hand ones available. The graveyard are adamant that they want $300 k for the items he takes, claiming (with some justification!) that it is peanuts for a ship hull.

With the Lightning, taking stuff to Nova Pacifica via the route you have surveyed (They do not have survey gear to jump to uncharted systems) would be 14 parsecs, so $764,400. That would leave you $7.635-$0.764 = $6.81 mill. The second hand drive would be less reliable, but probably fine, and bring the total cost to $5.8 mill Solars.

Oh, and did I mention taxes? 10%, as usual, so $737 k. Ok, for the illegal items, the taxes are not so official. They are payments made to keep the law from looking too deeply into your transactions. That brings your expendable income down to $6,107 k.

OK, so we can get the ship with reasonably reliable gear for $5.8 Mil ... we end up with $6.107,000, so we can do the ship. We will need some supplies to get us to Leikung, where we can stock up more inexpensively.  Let's do it...  some of that left over cash is going to have to pay to keep us fed and on site.

In reply to Cyril Zotmund (msg # 291):

Ok, so Natalie and Duke take the $5.8 Mill, leaving you with just $307,000. Natalie goes to negotiate for the parts, and Duke takes the engineering team with him, along with the crew from the Jean Bart, as well as requesting at least 2 security, to go and rebuilt the 2 new ships, one for you and one for the Leikung colonists. 5 dTons of supplies can be had for $60,000, or you can get 2 dTons for $25,000.

The power supplies for Noav Pacifica arrive after a week, and the Lightning class trader is glad to load them up and fly back with them.

What do the rest of you do for the time you have here? There is a sizable spaceport not that far away with full accommodation, bar and all the set ups one might expect for a desert establishment.

Not interested in drinking, drugs or gambling.... may schmooze a little for information. Have a few select do the same. Otherwise maintenance and repairs.  We’ll try and put together as much of an intell brief as we can from Information obtained legitamally and sub file that which is likely not open source. I’ll walk through the ship building efforts at least weekly to see what progress is being made, aid as we can and try to make sure no problems arise.
I’ll have Natalie, and me as necessary try to establish good relations for future trade and things they would like to see... approved or not.

In reply to Cyril Zotmund (msg # 293):

OK. Security measures, if any, for both sites. Any standing orders?

Well DASTAVKA has a Guard at all times. both at the ramp and in the ship (OOD, guards and comms & power monitors.

I'm thinking Duke and the shuttle return each night.  For the Leikung folks ... welcome to sleep aboard.
As for the hulks we are rebuilding... remote monitors, several which watch each other and the ships.
They only send on alarm over a spread band width system.

In reply to Cyril Zotmund (msg # 295):

The ship graveyard, where they are being rebuilt, is about an hour and a half away in the ships boat, if it moves out out the atmosphere to get there.

Can we be more specific with numbers and shifts?

God, starting to feel like a 1st Sgt-

OODs- 4 on and 8 off
Kat
Illium
Tanya
Meir

Duke exempted for other duties
Natalie exempted for Comms oversight.

Comms Duty  6 on and 12 off, with Natalie in charge and on call, but not pulling shifts unless she has to.
Natalie
Gun Da Bin
Bill Gates
Eva Navis

Security Team- 4 people on four on & 8 off shifts, 2 POs and 2 listings per shift.

Jo Rodrigez, Rodney Smith, Peter Gunshy, Sigorney Weaver, Ivan Andropov, Mao Chin
Thronhammer, Tonkin, Ronovan, Ronny, Tom Hanks, Jerry Maquire

In reply to Cyril Zotmund (msg # 297):

Lol, sorry, but there is a reason.

There is a local Vehicle yard that tries to sell you some vehicles in a variety of conditions.

Mini-Bus, 35 K Solars, 4 dTons, 2F cell/600 miles
  (Wheeled (Road)/Move: 50, dDR: 1, dHP:9, Seats 24),
These small buses can transport 24 persons at lower speed. Designed to run in suburban areas to feed the larger mass transport system, these can be found in all small planets with breathable atmospheres. This one is definitely not new!

Car, 40 K Solars, 2 dTons, 1F cell/1380 miles
  (Wheeled (Road)/Move: 30, dDR: 0.4, dHP:6, Seats 4, Cargo: 0.75 dTon),
The cheapest form of personal transport available.

4x4 Car, 60 K Solars, 2 dTons, 4F cell/1300 miles
  (Wheeled (All Terrain)/Move: 28, dDR: 0.4, dHP:6, Seats 2, Cargo: 0.73 dTon),
This may well be new. It is a 2 seater ute that could mount a machine gun on the roof, or have 4 seater wagon version.

Tractor, 50 K Solars, 2 dTons, 1F cell/550 miles
  (Tracked/Move: 50, dDR: 1, dHP:7, Seats 1, Cargo: 1 dTon),
The Basic farm equipment, very common. Not New.

Exo-Spider, 400 K Solars, 4 dTons, 600 kW Fusion Reactor
  (Legs Propulsion unit/Move:16, dDR:7, dHP:11, dTons of Cargo Space: 2),
These crawling vehicles are used by explorers or those who need to be up close in hostile terrain. The base model does not come with sensors, though these are commonly added, along with labs, sickbays or bunks. This particular one seems to stand out as having a lot of extra modifications to add redundancy systems.

AT Truck, 200 K Solars, 5 dTons, 200 kW Fusion Reactor
  (Wheeled (All Terrain)/Move:40, dDR:4, dHP:10, dTons of Cargo Space: 2.8),
A versatile and cheap all terrain truck, these are often used as Troop carriers by the Vilani military, or as supply trucks by all armies, due to their versatile abilities. This one might almost be new!



The system is reasonably busy, with a ship coming or going about every second day. Most are either Heros, Ikens or Gashidda patrols, though there is a 2000 dTon branch freighter that comes twice a month, according to a schedule you obtain very readily from the main spaceport just 15 minutes away in the ships boat.

It is about the 2nd week when another vessel comes in to land beside Dastavka! It is an old Iken class, seemingly unremarkable though it is armed. Tanya is on duty, so it is she who comes to wake you, after alerting the security shift, Peter, Sigorney, Ronovan and Ronny to stay alert.
This message was last edited by the GM at 22:16, Sun 24 Feb 2019.

What about it Tanya? Does it appear threatening or to be Pirates?

In reply to Cyril Zotmund (msg # 299):

"No Sir, just landing close, so I wanted you to be informed. It is the first vessel landing in the impound yard, and therefore unusual activity for a Vilani.

Wait, there are three folk leaving and coming towards us, according to security. Plain clothes, but armed."

I'm up, get any available and awake guards ready, just in case and have Natalie join us.

I clear the bed and start dressing, Tanya likely doesn't care a lick anyway.
This message was last edited by the player at 22:59, Sun 24 Feb 2019.

In reply to Cyril Zotmund (msg # 301):

"Aye Sir." If she noticed, there is not indication as she turns and leaves.

By the time you get to the conference room, all the security are up and armed, though not in uniform. Waiting for you there are three humans, at least one of which you recognize as Terran. He flashes a scout badge as you approach, though it disappears as quickly as it appeared.

In reply to Tanya Weaver (msg # 302):

They rise to greet you as you enter.

"Good Afternoon. Well met, it is unusual to see an armed Terran in Vilani territory since the war started."

We came to trade, so far there have been no issues. May I see your credentials please, I can't read a flashed badge across the room.

In reply to Cyril Zotmund (msg # 304):

"Of course."

He pulls out his badge, as do the others after having a quick look around. They seem quite legitimate, from what you know of the scouts, which is actually quite a bit.

He continues...(unless you cut him off)

"I guess you have heard we are now officially at war. The war started on the 2nd of February 2173, with a massive raid against the  Terran colony on Procyon. The Terran naval station was attacked, before the Vilani fleet withdrew, though the damaged caused was unclear. Vilani news reports described the Naval station, shipyards and planetary defences as destroyed completely, as punishment for repeatedly breaking agreements to respect border controls. No ships have come through to confirm or deny these reports, adding weight to their claims.

On 24 th March 2173 Governor Ruki Khazuni Shugilamar's reserve fleet based at Kidashi attacked the Chrysolite's main fleet at Yenesei. The attack wing was based on the Imposter class carrier, supported by the cruisers Moscow, Friendship, Diplomat, 4 Surprise class destroyers, 2 Mandella class Destroyers and 4 Agrippa class corvettes and over 1,000 small fighters and over 100 Labrysian fighters, with slower defensive fleet defending the planet under the Kalishnikov, the Labrysian cruiser and 4 destroyers and 2 Crockett class vessels. The Vilani fleet, commanded by the second Erasharshi Carrier and 10 tankers in reserve, sent 10 Merishmirr Cruisers and 20 Kargash Cruisers escorted by 20 Shamshir Escorts and over 600 fighters, straight to attack the attack wing of the Terran fleet. As they closed, both sides shot down all missiles of the first salvo. However, the second salvo as they closed painted a different picture. Penetrating the defenses, the Merishmirr fleet was destroyed. The Vilani attempted to withdraw, but with only plasma cannons on the Kargash and the Shamshir escorts providing point defence, the next salvo was devastating, taking the rest of the Vilani attack force out of action, and destroying most of the ships even as the Terran beam fighters closed with lethal results on their missile armed opponents. Caught too close to the planet to activate the jump drive, the remaining ships, being the assault carrier and the Tankers, attempted to flee, with only 2 tankers making it far enough away to activate their jump drives. The attack cost the Vilani governor a lot more than the 130 Billion that the lost warships cost, but in fairness to him, the Carrier, 4 of the 5 Cruisers and 8 of the 10 destroyers were from the Labrysian war, either made with captured hulls or sent by Labrysian allies. Clearly lacking recent intelligence, they underestimated the forces they faced.

The Vilani have Terra in a bad situation. With Procyon defenceless, the entire 'outback sectors' are open. Fortunately, thanks to the Labrysian war and the resulting Allies, we were able to stop them doing the same to the cut of colonies. But we cannot attack them directly...they are clearly too strong still. Of course, a couple of Terran pirates are not helping, creating a lot o bad feeling amoung those who would otherwise support us, of which there are still quite a few. We have heard of Kimashargur on Girii, a remote sector coreward and leading from here, who oppose the war on Terra openly. Since they are in a different sector, they are under a different saarpuhii than Sharik Yamgila, the saarpuhii who declared war on Terra, and the saarpuhii of that sector is not currently so violently opposed. Of course, that may be because Sharik Yamgila is Anakundu, and many Vilani believe they are more violent than most Vilani, but the reasons are not so important. The important matter is that we do not give them reason to hate us any more than we have to. But these idiot pirates just don't seem to get this. You seem to be one of the larger armed vessels in Vilani space, so would you be able to either assist in pirate hunting, or to chart a way around the Vilani border to Girii so that we can actually send significant warships or Q-ships to help them deal with the pirates?"

Well I can do some of that... Giiri is the opposite direction from which I need to go...  but if things go OK here, perhaps we can divert and let the newly acquired Iken escort the Lightening back.
I was not aware that the Labrysians and the Vilani had even met, let alone been allies... Glad to hear the Vilani got handed their hat, but expect that will only bring retribution from a bigger fleet.
We did not come here through Vilani controlled space, and could probably use the same concept to get to Giiri without going through it to get to Giiri. It's a risky route to explore though.
How did you arrive here?




OOC - Any chance I would know or know any of these guys?

In reply to Cyril Zotmund (msg # 306):

"Allies? The Labrysians were our Allies. That Battle of Yenesei was the first time they met, and it was because of them that we had more ships than the Vilani were anticipating. But you are right, it was not a saarpuhii fleet, but one of their underlings or sarriiu. As I understand, Riga Khazuni Shugilamars, the sarriiu based at Kidashi had his eye on Yangila's position, and intended to demonstrate that her predecessor Kadur Erasharshi who nuked Terra had the right idea by making an example of the outer colonies. His opposition to Yangila combined with his very expensive defeat will likely see him and his nasty ideas removed, at least, even if Yangila does come with her main fleet. But consider that now she has hit Procyon, but not Nusku, there is still the much greater threat of the Terran main fleet still at large. With the defeat of Riga Khazuni Shugilamars fleet, Yangila will now have to decide whether it is worth the risk of bringing her main fleet, or simply building a defensive force to keep the Terrans out, and keep the two forces separate. Yangila's force consisted of a lot of older designs, designs built for conuest rather than piracy and rebellion control, but her fleet is smaller than her predecessors. The defeat at Yenesei will certainly mean there are a few less Vilani warships out there, and that helps!

We came here through Vilani space, posing as retired administrators from Shululsish. It is close enough to know something about the planet, but far enough away that almost no Vilani knows much about it. The cover works, so far.

You must have a good set of survey equipment if you went around Vilani space, then! That alternative route could be very useful to us. Do you mind if we take copies of your charts?"

[OOC: There is a chance you know them. I would guess 1 in 6, given the years you have now been out of the scouts. But these are clearly deep cover scouts and around a while, and using bought Ikens is a common practice for Terran scouts who want to be discreet.

Neither your Iken or the Hero or the Lightning are armed.]
This message was last edited by the player at 03:46, Mon 25 Feb 2019.

We have a reasonably decent survey capability, Natalie, could you get them the system data we have.

My charges have no defenses, so I really need to see them safely home. I could then undertake your request. I doubt you have any ships weapons to spare and we'd need quite a few. Do you have current system information we could use? May as well keep ourselves as up to date as possible.

Cyril returns all the credentials.

From all we can see here, this system is friendly to us, although cautiously so. It is a good source of power plants and such, but lacking in decent computers. I have not asked about any weapons, as I suspect that would be seen as arming the enemy. However, now that you have clearly stated a Pirate risk, perhaps we can ask.  I'll get word to my Chief Engineer and see what the response is.

A fair number of years ago, I was also in the Scouts, but retired and took up this work for Kalishnakov.


Odds of him knowing any of these men 6 on a D6, odds of knowing of them 5? on a D6-


10:06, Today: Cyril Zotmund rolled 1 using 1d6.  Knowledge of the scouts.  gee, that's pretty definitive.

In reply to Cyril Zotmund (msg # 308):

Natalie goes off to get the database as requested, though it is Tanya who returns with her and the database.

"Commander Zutmund! I thought you looked familiar! I was just an Able Seaman under your command, but Lord, that was a long time ago! Hells bells, that is incredible...in all the Vilani systems, to meet you here!

There is no hurry...the surveys will take a long time. I can give you what we have obtained, but you can buy more within the sectors. A lot of these are very remote with small populations, and low law enforcement. You could almost certainly buy weapons in some of these locations, especially as they are in a difference sector, and under an underking who opposes the war against Terra.

It has become clear to us that the Vilani are far from a united empire. They are constantly working against each other, often hiring mercenaries against their opposition. You may even find some there willing to use the weapons, for a price, against the locals here. If you can do that, it will not raise the spectre of Terra on two fronts. Illusion is everything in our work, as you know."

[Private to Cyril Zotmund: Lol, well, I did say 1 ion a D6, and you rolled a 1!

The systems he gives you are most of the identified systems in this page
https://travellermap.com/?opti...015625&milieu=IW]

It is a small Universe, isn't it ... You were working to get some engineering experience If I recall... Good to see you have done well in the service.  Natalie, please ask Duke to enquire about some weapons for at least the Iken. The Hero will have to acquire their own...
So you have not scouted Giiri then?




OOC - Same map you have given before? Green is Vilani and yellow Is Terra or just those not vilani?
This message was last edited by the player at 19:27, Mon 25 Feb 2019.

In reply to Cyril Zotmund (msg # 310):

"Thank you. Yes, I got my Engineering charge, but then wanted to get a command. Scouts offered command posts to engineers, due to the milti-tasking required in this line of work, so here I am!

Another vessel has scouted to Gima, and bought a whole lot of charts. I do not think we have had a vessel go to Girii though. There are a lot of pirates in those badlands between Gima and Girii, and unfortunately some of them are Terran. Most are small, but there are reports of a Karl Marx class of pirate, which is most unfortunate."

[Private to Cyril Zotmund: Slightly different map (different area, that is all) Not sure about the settings, but yellow on my map is Imperial Kimashargur, whilst blue is Terran, but not all is currently Terran. Red is Ziru Sirka.]