In reply to Fate (msg # 47):

Armed with this information, Hawthorne decides to return to Alizarin to ensure the information is not lost should something happen to his ship. Heading to 3031, then 3231, then Alizarin, he plans to resupply and refuel, before returning to Nova Pacifica to make contact with the dissidents there.

In reply to LCDR Hawthorne Doyle (msg # 48):

It is the 12th of August before the Jean Bart arrives at Alizarin. Here, you learn that the Dastavka is also in the area, and before departing to return on the 13th, you make sure all of the valuable intelligence you have gathered is passed on.

You arrive at 3231 on the 20th and 3031 on the 27th of August to refuel, before arriving at Nova Pacifica on the 04 September 2172. 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. However, when you give the signal as instructed, there is a response from a shallow section of water, a reef. You approach, and as you get closer, you find hidden beneath the waves a remarkable habitat dome, complete with docking minidomes! It takes some skill, but you manage to land, and align the exit with a docking pod.

So can we go check this place out?

In reply to Gloria Flake (msg # 50):

"Certainly. It would be very interesting to see what is hidden down here."

In reply to Gloria Flake (msg # 50):

As you exit the docking hatches and pass through the airlock domes into the proper domes, it is a sight to see. You are near the top of the structure, and from here you can see at least one other ship. The dome is a bit of a misnomer, and it is built into the side of an underwater mountain with an impressive array of seals along the ocean floor. Buildings are actually small vessels able to be sealed off in case the dome is breached, and a number of them seem to line the outer shell of the dome, much like the one you just exited.

There are not a lot of people here, but it is a veritable hive of activity. Your entrance, however, has caused considerable commotion, and some approaching you do have laser rifles drawn. Waiting for you at the entrance are five individuals, four with laser rifles and grenade launchers, and the fifth unarmed, who speaks to you in Low Vilani.

"Not our usual guests. What brings you here."

Speaking low Vilani back-
"The Captain has been sent out to find and support places such as yours with whatever we can supply. We do have some vaccines against the diseases the Vilani have spread in our name.  I am Patrol leader Flake, we come in peace."

Gloria has a side arm, but no rifle and no one else should have rifles or storm guns, just sidearms.
This message was last edited by the GM at 19:03, Thu 24 Jan 2019.

In reply to Gloria Flake (msg # 53):

"After what happened on Clameer, we suspected that may be the case. Glad to hear that it is. I am Boris, unofficial governor of this place. This is not a large facility, due to the regular patrols through here, but it has remained secure and secret. So far."

He indicates for you to walk with him to one of the larger buildings, what looks like a ships boat with some modifications.

"We will gladly accept your vaccines, but what we really need is to get rid of the patrols. We have learnt that since this is not an official part of the military, they will not be replaced if we can get rid of them. Patrols since the loss of the last Shamir have been increased to a single Shamir and 2 Gashiddas. If we can get rid of them, then, as we understand, Managudeli will not be able to get ships in to replace them. That will enable these distant colonies to thrive."

A Shamir was lost?  Hmmm , I wonder who zapped that, those are fairly tough to beat. I will certainly relay your concerns, but we don't want a war here with the Vilani ... not good to be in a war zone either.  but if they just disappear ... then it's hard to know whom to blame. Are the small 'pirate' vessels able to kill one of these ships?
This message was lightly edited by the GM at 20:02, Mon 28 Jan 2019.

He laughed.

"Good gracious, no. The 'pirate' vessel we have here would  be torn apart by missiles long before it got close enough for the Plasma Cannon to wreak the havoc needed for that to happen. I mean, if it caught it in an ambush at close range, it might stand a chance, but it would have little chance of dealing with the 15 missiles they launch. But all the 'pirates' in this sector are really dissidents. Us. And we did not kill it. It dissapeared chasing some of the dissidents that are aboard your vessel..." he says with a smile.

"I am sure they can tell you exactly what happened to it!"
This message was last edited by the GM at 20:03, Mon 28 Jan 2019.

Gloria tries to control a startled look Aboard our ship? I am quite sure it wasn't us ... I am not sure who it might have been.



[Private to GM: I am assuming that Gloria and most others do not know who did it ...  no reason to tell any more folks than necessary!]

In reply to Gloria Flake (msg # 57):

He laughs.

"Really? Our discussions with dissidents aboard your ship indicated that you were well aware of the actions of the Dastavka, who has also been reported in this area since then! Don't worry, we appreciate you not talking about what you know. Discretion is highly prized amoung us.

For us, this is pretty much a warzone already. The bastards have killed off nearly 10,000 Geonee who they do not consider as 'model citizens'. Managudeli is a murderous prick posing as a Vilani officer, but he lacks their integrity and their authority. Obviously, he is working on that, but recent ship losses have greatly undermined his position with Governor Sharik Yangila in Dingir, especially without obvious Terran support. We understand that Yangila is gathering the Military for an assault on Terra, so sending ships to deal with dissidents, especially those that lack Terran support, is not interesting for him. Is there a way we can convince your captain to be willing to assist us with the current patrols? It would send a strong message to dissidents in this sector, to say the least, and would not technically be an act of war is this is not officially Vilani space. This far out, as long as no ships escape, we can pretty much ensure that the only folk who know of Terran involvement are friendly."

You arrive at the building, which is indeed a ships boat, modified to be an office, and proceed to enter.

Well our ship is not likely to do well against a Shamshir and perhaps not even a Gashidda, our last ship was lost to a Gashidda. But we can let the others know of your desires and their likely affect.

In reply to Gloria Flake (msg # 59):

"But this is a warship, is it not? Shamirs are about the smallest actual Vilani warships, and you would eat the Gashiddas for desert."

Well, this is an exploration and merchant raider, not exceptionally well armed  or protected in fact., but enough to tackle a Gashidda with some careful planning. Mostly we aim to support you and others who seek to avoid the Vilani heel.
This message was last edited by the player at 17:54, Fri 25 Jan 2019.

In reply to Gloria Flake (msg # 61):

"Really? The guys described it as a raider when you were on faith..."

[OOC: This is the Jean Bart, a Hardrada class raider we are both talking about, right? Just trying to work out if it is a player mistake or the character underestimating her ship...]

In reply to Dissident (msg # 62):

Once the Jean Bart is docked, Doyle leaves the vessel and is directed to the 'guvnors' office, where Gloria and some of the other ships crew are talking with them. He only hears the tail end of the conversation, but he is quickly filled in by the locals as to the discussion.

"Of course we would like to help. But we need to be sure of a quick victory. Obviously, I should ask what vessels and weapons you have available as a start?"

In reply to LCDR Hawthorne Doyle (msg # 63):

"We have managed to put together a bounty hunter, and we have 5 ships boats, modified to add a turret of 3 missile launchers missiles to make them makeshift fighters. But that is about it as far as weapons go. The only downside to an underwater base is no place for weapons.

The patrol of 1 Shamir and 2 Gashiddas is due on the 22nd of October, and comes every 2 months. They usually land on the planet to refuel, after flying around the planet doing a sensor sweep. When they are refuelling is clearly the best time to ambush them."

Note the information you have regarding Vilani and Dissident bounty hunters is as follow:

Bounty Hunter, 173 M  Solars, 100 dTon Needle/Wedge
A modified Iken hull, with 2 Iken engines and a Hero engine as backup to give enough speed to outpace most fighters, The Bounty Hunter has 1 fixed forward firing Plasma and a light turret with 3 Beam weapons. Crewed by a Pilot/Commander, there are only 4 troops, 4 engineering and one other gunner, with a medic often amoung the troops. These would be the most powerful dissident vessels. They are designed to get up close and ambush, to make the most of their plasma, and are feared by Gashiddas, with good reason if the gunner and pilot are capable!

(6.61G/Move:3351, dDR:50, dHP: 47, dTons of Cargo Space: 1.75, SM:+8)
Weapons: 3x Beam in 1 turret, 1x Plasma, Crew:10.

In reply to Dissident (msg # 64):

"Are there any other ships in the area that we can call upon? Every bit of firepower would help."

In reply to LCDR Hawthorne Doyle (msg # 65):

"There is sometimes a Hero class trader that visits here and Faith, but I am not sure they would add much to that fight. Other than that, no. The Patrolling Vilani vessels destroy anything we get our hands on before we have a chance."

In reply to Dissident (msg # 66):

[Private to LCDR Hawthorne Doyle: Rolled Strategy, 6 under skill!]

"It is now the 4th of September, You say they are next due here on the 22nd of October, so that is 48 days away. Could we take one of your representatives over to Faith to ask them to send any vessels that arrive there prior to the 15th of October to come here to assist us?"
This message was last edited by the GM at 01:49, Thu 31 Jan 2019.

In reply to Fate (msg # 67):

He looks around for a bit, before one of those standing net to you with a weapon pipes up.

"I'll go sir. For a chance to stop these friggin' patrols, it is worth it."

The leader nods.

"You have your answer..."

In reply to Dissident (msg # 68):

"The we leave straight away...we should be back in two weeks. Unless you wish to send your bounty hunter and we see what we can do about improving your defenses..."

In reply to LCDR Hawthorne Doyle (msg # 69):

There is some discussion about your proposal, and a growing amount of excitement. Despite the dangers, it is like a shadow has lifted off the base. But they do not seem sure about sending out the Bounty Hunter, named Spear of Destiny.

Overall, there are about 50 personnel present, spread far and wide. The 5 ships boats fitted out as fighters is in poor condition, to say the least, and you wonder if they will even fly. But then, as long as they fire off a few salvos and then get their crew back, that will be all that is needed. There are 4 G-Carriers that have been converted to fishing vessels that seem to be constantly busy, and the Jean Bart's 2 ships boats are similarly recruited to provide for your crew.
This message was last edited by the player at 05:21, Thu 31 Jan 2019.

In reply to Dissident (msg # 70):

After some discussion, it is decided that the Jean Bart's technical expertise can be put to good use here, so the Spear of Destiny is sent out with representative for Faith.

It is 16 days before the Spear of Destiny returns. The Hero that is with it is unarmed, and therefore of little use, though they do bring parts for some of the ships boats that get them up and running, and a small number of missiles.

Hero Smuggler,
This Hero class has been fitted for luxury travel, with a G-Carrier instead of the normal raft and enough fuel for 4 parsecs worth of jumps. Its high speed makes it attractive, but not as attractive as the hidden 2 dTon compartments! It does not carry weapons so as to not arouse suspicion. Refitted with an Iken engine, it is quite fast!

200 dTon Close Structure, Armour: 10 dDr, HP: 30 dHP, Acceleration: 6.13G, Airspeed:740 mph, SM: 8, Crew:11, Nominal Cargo:13 dTons + 2 hidden
This message was last edited by the GM at 09:18, Thu 31 Jan 2019.

In reply to Fate (msg # 71):

Doyle thanks them for coming, and asks if it would be possible for them to find any other vessels such as the Spear of Destiny that might assist them.  Whilst they make no promises other than to try, they do set off with a hold full of medical supplies and vaccines, informing you that the last lot of vaccines have seen a dramatic reduction in new cases of measles and influenza, and the vaccines and cures for Black plague, alongside advice on controlling it, have seen that disease almost eliminated on Ceti Command, though Managudeli has claimed credit for this as he brought a few cures with him for more 'outstanding' citizens. But no-one was really fooled. Chickenpox continues to grow, but it's growth has slowed, and it is not often fatal.

In the meantime, Doyle continues preparations, such as finding out where the patrols fly into the system, and the best location for ambushing them. It is decided that it is best to put all craft together to offer cover from missiles, and to use precision attacks with the beam weapons.

Training with the Spear of Destiny for a week soon reveals that while the pilot (who attacks with the plasma) is capable, he lacks a good gunner. One of your own troops (a spare gunner, not one manning your turrets) is soon seen to be somewhat more skilled, and all agree that the swap is a good one. Another few days of practice and he is quite familiar with the peculiarities of the cobbled together ship. By which time it is the 2nd of October. The pilots flying the fighters will hang back, using missiles instead of beam weapons.

[Private to LCDR Hawthorne Doyle: Rolled an 8 for Tactics, 6 under skill! With a +2 intelligence bonus from the locals, that makes for a very nice roll to prepare successfully for an ambush!]