Once all the fighting has ceased, you land at Governor Inistrati's starport. Captain Maya commends you all for jobs well done, and asks if anyone objects to Mnwa being given the status of honorary Petty Officer, given his performance in the recent fight. The ships boat, operating in fire support, was damaged by ground fire, and the Dastavka was extensively damaged in the battle with the cruiser as well.

Paid for transport: 5 mill
Paid for leading to victory: 15 mill
Paid for Fighter: 20 mill
Paid for capture of enemy: 2 mill
You pay for 1 months wages for the crew: 352,800
Put aside to pay for fighter: 16 mill
Put into Ships fund reserve: 2 mill

You will be expected to pay tax of 10% of your Nett planetary earnings, but Duke has a way to spend some cash before you do that.

As ships Engineer, Duke analyzes what can be salvaged from the wreckage. There is a lot of armour that can be salvaged, but fewer other items, such as power supplies, computers and engines. He figures the best use of the parts, without spending a LOT of cash, would be to modify the ships boat to accommodate a heavily armoured custom APC. He comes up with some design changes for the ships boat, which include modifying the Dastavka to handle a larger ships boat. After a lengthy presentation for which he calls you all in, he proposes to increase the ships boat by 10 dTon, increasing the armour from 13 dDR to 36 dDR and increasing the Accommodation to include 30 bunks, as the ships complement has increased. He also proposes gathering parts from the damaged vehicles to create a heavily armoured and tracked APC, with life support and a Medi-bay for extended and subtle future planatary operations. Engine size and power plants have been increased to accommodate this without a loss of speed.

He is also looking at removing 130 bunks now they have transported the troops to increase the cargo hold space again. This change back was not included in the original agreement, and would still leave Dastavka room for 70 guests in very basic accommodation.

The cost of his modifications can be completed here for just 14,580,000.
This message was last edited by the GM at 02:33, Thu 08 Oct 2015.

A lot of money... how long?
I gather the scout in Orbit is not economically repairable... I want out of here ASAP.

In reply to Cyril Zotmund (msg # 2):

"It will take about about 4 days to repair the Dastavka and remove the seats, and an extra 3 days if we do the modifications at the same time. We should check the news feeds to see if anything has come up, too."

I would suggest that monitoring the news feeds is a constant and ongoing process, unless out of range or in the middle of combat (and even then...). I don't know if you've been keepin' up with current events, but we just...
This message was last edited by the player at 06:08, Thu 08 Oct 2015.

In reply to Carrick Teague (msg # 4):

Current Vilani News, relating to Dingir subsector or Terrans

-Various political discussions relating to piracy. Barbarians (Terrans) blamed.
-Plague outbreaks on Ishkur, Shulmik, Illike, Apishal, and Shulgi. Diseases are thought to originate on Terra.
-Several large corporation blame poor economic performance on rogue traders.
-Rebellion on Saris and Kidashi overthrow governments, Sagarasaar and Khulampi governments succeed in putting down respective rebellions. Administrator Sharik Yangila denies any involvement despite considerable supposed evidence to the contrary. All governors voted against the Administrators proposed tighter regulation of Terran ships in Vilani space recently.
This message was last edited by the GM at 07:05, Thu 08 Oct 2015.

So this was not a single incident, and Saris was one of the Planets we needed to go through if I remember correctly.... likely now a CR 6 location.

In reply to Cyril Zotmund (msg # 6):

"Yes, looks like it. Seems like Yangila is trying to load the regional court with supporters. Given what happened to her predecessor, that is not a silly move if she plans to move on Terra. Saris is the entry to the southern Terran systems...I wonder if things are completely over there?"
This message was last edited by the player at 15:02, Thu 08 Oct 2015.

You're not suggestting we get involved are you?

In reply to Cyril Zotmund (msg # 8):

"We may have a choice, but a massive arms factory trying to pass through the sector may not. We probably should not plan on landing there until we hear it has been resolved, unless we do get involved. I would not want to make that call until the Base has moved through there though."

OK, I was thinking that you were going to suggest we re-use all those bunks and deliver the 200 mercenaries to Saris...

In reply to Cyril Zotmund (msg # 10):

"I doubt that Inistrati would be welcoming of us taking his new security, and without permission from the right folk, we will only stir up more anti-terran feeling. I would consider it if asked, but not otherwise."

Kat sits back listening "Well, I guess we have to be careful not to be ugly Terran's but if they really get on us, we might have to move though here and keep going. I like the modifications to the ship.

In reply to Katherine 'Kat' Steele (msg # 12):

"In that case, this will probably be our last chance to make any serious mods. Of course I am in favour of improving our rides, but what about the rest of you? One week not too long Cyril, considering we have not heard about Meshan?"

I am much in favor of the extra armor, but nervous about the situation within Vilani Space. The Governor's repluse of the coup is not going to be popular in some places, and the mention of Terran assistaance is going to be a red flag to many in the Vilani ruling class. In a way, we have strengthened the position of those who feel Terrans are a problem in Vilani worlds..

In reply to Cyril Zotmund (msg # 14):

"Whilst I agree in part, we have also kept some order by helping to put down a rebellion. Whilst we should be OK here, once we get news of our deaths, we should grab our families and get out of Vilani space for a while. Of course, I have always been an advocate of that plan.

 The modifications provide the perfect pretext for waiting..."
This message was last edited by the player at 22:25, Fri 09 Oct 2015.

I'll grant that....

"I am fine with that. We could have it look like the families are moving materiel into the ship and just stay."

In reply to Katherine 'Kat' Steele (msg # 17):

"Except our families are on Gashidda. But stopping there to get supplies, I am cool with that."

We remember ... but as to how we gather them up... that is a question.

In reply to Cyril Zotmund (msg # 19):

"Once the announcement of our death is made, they should be free to leave...so we just take passengers! That is the plan, anyway."

Ah yes... but how to make sure they take passage with us... and are aware we are there...

In reply to Cyril Zotmund (msg # 21):

He smiles a strange alien smile you have not seen much of.

"That was what my earlier trip there was to ensure. With Natalie on the Gashidda looking after our merchandise, they can easily contact her just to be sure."

Will that work for Richard too?

In reply to Cyril Zotmund (msg # 23):

"Yes, I also gave them Richards family details to pass the message on to them. Because we serve in the same unit, they already knew each other, so this should work well that they should want to leave and grieve together."

Cyril smiles a wry smile... I see... well that should save me some grief and work all then.

In reply to Cyril Zotmund (msg # 25):

"If all goes according to plan a bit better than here, yes. We hope so."

In reply to Richard Thornhammer (msg # 26):

"Duke, given the only concern about doing the modifications was the time, I think we can go ahead and have them done. Keep an eye on the news, and I will get you to oversee the new land vehicle as well as all changes on the Dastavka. The rest of the crew can assist or work security, or we can ask about what other activities are here. Or short courses..."

In reply to Cptn Niki Maya (msg # 27):

"Aye Captain. I would like to keep the engineering crew busy, and the security detail to work in shifts to watch over the construction site and maintain security. I should have the APC ready for a test drive in a few days."

Kat looks at Duke "I will do what ever I can help. If you need something tested, let me know"

I'll get security set up around both spots.

In reply to Cyril Zotmund (msg # 30):

Duke sets the local workshop to work with the damaged Vilani vehicles and it does not take them long to construct the most heavily armoured APC they have ever seen, while the Dastavka gathers the remains of the destroyed cruiser and scout. The vehicle is basically a cut down tank chassis, it has 5 bunks and life support taken out of the Dastavka, as well as a state of the art medical sickbay. Armed with a gauss heavy machine gun, it is possibly the ultimate landbound long range scout, complete with life support. However, none of you have the skill to use it!

[OOC: Skills: Driving(Tracked), Gunner(Machine Gun)]

While the removal of the bunks is straightforward, extending the ships boat requires most of Duke attention. The hull, engines and power plant are extended, and the bay on the Dastavka modified accordingly. The extra armour plates from the cruiser are cut down to fit the lengthened ships boat, replacing the smaller plates that were there, and the vehicle bay fitted, complete with a ramp so the vehicle can exit quickly once the boat puts down.
This message was last edited by the GM at 12:38, Sun 11 Oct 2015.

Once the APC is built, Cyril will coordinate to get himself and his team memebers familiarized with it's guns and driving.
 Emphsis for us is on the guns, but being able to drive it in a pinch is important.

In reply to Cyril Zotmund (msg # 32):

After several days hunting some small local creatures that are in abundances on this planet, Marcus, Jo, Tanya, Sigorney, Mnwa, Peter and Rodney are competent with driving and/or shooting with the new vehicle. Moreover, Tanya and Sigorney have also learnt how to use the Electromagnetic Mortar Tanya has installed on her grav bike in place of the passenger seat, and Jo and Hancock have mastered the basics of acting as forward observers.

Duke, apart from learning the mechanics of the new vehicle, has ensured the modifications to the Dastavka and the ships boat have gone as planned.

A week has now passed, and you are ready to leave. Inistrati has kept his word, and the Dastavka has been repaired and you have been paid, including payment for the fighter which has been delivered. The fighter has been given a reconnaissance role, and monitors uninhabited areas of the planet. The new troops have been added to those on the planet, and a significant garrison has been placed in the second city.

May I assume Cyril also learns the basics of the APC and the Machine Gun?

In reply to Cyril Zotmund (msg # 34):

You are welcome to whenever you spend the points, indicating where you spend your time training. Skills would be Gunner(Machine guns) and driver(Tracked)

Cyril returns to his security duties on the ship, checking out computers, systems and weapons... making sure they are ready to depart.

In reply to Cyril Zotmund (msg # 36):

Current Vilani News, relating to Dingir subsector or Terrans

-Various political discussions relating to Terrans intensifies following an attack on a peaceful research establishment on Meshan.
-Plague outbreaks on Ishkur and Shulgi continue but are confined. Diseases are thought to originate on Terra after Terran specialists solve other outbreaks. Ishkur virus 'unlike anything we have ever seen before'.
-Administrator Sharik Yangila puts forward a vote to evict all Terrans from Vilani space. Motion passed by a single vote, due to several governors being absent. One months grace given to Terrans to comply.
-Martial Law on Saris and Kidashi following continuing restlessness.
This message was last edited by the GM at 12:52, Thu 15 Oct 2015.

In reply to Fate (msg # 37):

"Right. Lets get to Gashidda, then get out of Vilani space for now."

Once everyone is back aboard and Duke has tested all systems, you leave the planet for the jump point Tanya has identified. Kat gets into position and Duke activates the jump engine, and you jump out of Khulampi bound for Gashidda.

Saris promises to be an exciting place to refuel... This Sharik Yanglia is going to be a problem... I hate to see another war break out.


[Private to GM: Cyril is going to spend some time alone trying to work with his Psycokenisis abilities... he doesn't understand what it is, but he thinks he can cause dust bunnies to move sometimes, by thinking about them moving ... and at times, they behave as he imagines.]

In reply to Cyril Zotmund (msg # 39):

"We are not breaking any laws, and we still have a month to leave. But you are right about Yanglia. He has to know how antagonistic it will be to ban all traders. It does look like he is trying to pick a fight."

In reply to Cptn Niki Maya (msg # 40):

The Dastavka comes out of hyperspace a couple of hours later than anticipated. They are met as before, and piloted to a landing spot well away from the main building, where fuel is ordered and delivered.

Natalie is waiting in the terminal building, with a small crowd.

In reply to Fate (msg # 41):

"Captain, I have sold the merchandise for a nett profit of 11 million credits, and I have found a number of passengers for the trip to Saris. Forty three, in total. They promise to pay on arrival. Relatives of recently deceased, mainly."

In reply to Petty Officer Svebodne (msg # 42):

Mnwa whispers to Cyril, whisch would be more discreet than whispering to the Captain.

"I recognized about half of them, and know some others were coming, but I cannot vouch for all of them. Problem is, I am not sure which ones my friends wanted to send with us..."

Cyril nods .... We will have to be careful of those who try to run without paying their way, but otherwise, we should be fine. We'll watch over them on our flight to ensure nothing funny happens. AtSaris we can allow them to leave when we are paid.  Not sure how the captain will wish to handle any freeloaders.

Kat just watches, looking around. She will let the other handle the passengers but she will talk with some of them later.

In reply to Katherine 'Kat' Steele (msg # 45):

The taking on of passengers takes very little time. Less, in fact, than waiting for the refueling.

Before refuelling is complete, a Low Ranking Vilani officer with a squad of soldiers approachs and insists on boarding for a customs inspection.
This message had punctuation tweaked by the GM at 05:48, Mon 19 Oct 2015.

In reply to Fate (msg # 46):

"Cyril and Carrick, can you guys handle him? I need to oversee the refuelling and review the launch protocols with Tanya and Kat..."

Cyril assembles a squad of his own and meets the Vilani Officer.

Certainly, what do you need to see? ... we have nothing to hide.

In reply to Cyril Zotmund (msg # 48):

"We need to see all your passengers ODs, Weapons and licences. We also need to review your ships log."

Very well, Sigourney, Please have the Passengers have their documents ready.

Rod here will escort whomever you want to inspect documents, Lieutenant.

Weapons, Licenses and the Log will beup front and I assume you will be inspecting those? Come and I'll show you where they are. Then we can go look at the weapons.

On the intercom - Tanya, can you have our licenses and Logs ready for inspection please.

In reply to Cyril Zotmund (msg # 50):

They start with the IDs. The Terran IDs seem to attract the most attention, and they do not dwell on Hancocks handiwork. Several of you are questioned on your involvement in the last war, and what you are doing here. Your licences are very thoroughly chevked out as well, but found to be legitimate.

"You are aware you have just 22 more days to be out of Vilani space, right? We will also need to search the ship for contraband."

Yes, we hope to be clear of Vilani Space well before that... Contraband? Such as?...not to be contradictory, but are you searching for drugs or nuclear weapons? then I know where to take you ... you know Terrans do things less logically than the Vilani, so I hope to facilitate your efforts. We should be totally in compliance with all rules as of our arrival in Vilani Space.

In reply to Cyril Zotmund (msg # 52):

The officer seems alarmed when you mention nuclear weapons.

"Do you have any such weapons? Search the ship in detail!"

The troops break into pairs, and head throughout the ship...

No (I don't think we do...) I just used that as an example lieutenant... we are not a warship and have few missile launchers, so it would be very hard to use such ... and as the security Officer... I should know.

In reply to Cyril Zotmund (msg # 54):

"Right. We will see. All Terran ships seem well equipped for combat, so warship seems to be a loose term for you barbarians."

Yes, It's necessary as we have been set upon by pirates in Vilani Space ... the most recent time near Sirius where we were saved from a heavily armed Pirate by the arrival of a Gashidda class Cruiser from Markhashi. The Vilani crew we rescued from their Hero Class Merchant was not so lucky...their ship was blown apart. It was only due to our firepower that we were not also blown apart, as the Pirate didn't like what firepower we have. The Vilani Commander thanked us for our assistance to the Hero and aid in the pirate battle.

I will have personally assisted in finding accommodations for the passengers as an opportunity to vet their behaviors. Once the inspection team arrives, I will assist as per the Captain, however I can, but offering nothing more than is asked for.

"Come Lt I will escort you and if you have any questions, please let me know. " she doesn't speak Vilani while she walks around with them, hoping they will say something they don't want the barbarians to hear.

In reply to Katherine 'Kat' Steele (msg # 58):

The Patrol pokes around in all quarters, looking through the stores, accommodation ships boat and sick bay. They discuss in length where you have been in Vilani space, and what you have done.

Fortunately, Captain Maya had foreseen this possibility, and the ships log had been modified to say that you went from Shurrupak to Shulgilli (where you just collected fuel and took readings in the asteroid belt, according to the log), and then back to Enki Kalamma, before coming to Gashidda.

[OOC: You had been previously briefed about this, but you should make a IQ+2 (due to briefing) roll, plus any memory modifiers, to avoid a slip up. Also. +1 if you are not the main guide answering questions]

Cyril makes every effort to appease these guys and get them off the ship.



07:08, Today: Cyril Zotmund rolled 8 using 3d6 with rolls of 4,3,1.  IQ +2. Made by a good margin.

Kat walks along, saying only what she was told to say. She does it well as she walks along with the inspectors. She tries to pick up any thing they say in their language.

Today: Katherine 'Kat' Steele rolled 11 using 3d6 with rolls of 2,6,3.  IQ roll.[Private to GM: With the +2 she made it by 4]

When they seem finished, Cyril will have them all guided back to the exit. Is there anything else we can do for you Lieutenant?

In reply to Cyril Zotmund (msg # 62):

Carrick also keeps his story consistent with what was agreed upon.

In reply to Carrick Teague (msg # 63):

The Vilani inspectors do check everything they can find, but your documentation appears to be in order, your story's check out and the false documents made by Private Hancock hold up.

Still, the young officer is not convinced.

"We are sure you have been up to something. Either what happened on Meshan, or one of the plague outbreaks going on. Since you have good medical facilities, one of the local commanders wants to talk to you about helping with the plague on Ishkur. He will be along in a few minutes."

He orders the troops off, and they leave, saluting a young Naval officer as they do so.

The new passengers are now allowed back on the ship, having been asked to wait outside while they inspected, and the ship has now refueled.

Of course, we will do what we can... I think we may be traveling that way as we work to exit Vilani Space anyway.

In reply to Cyril Zotmund (msg # 65):

"Yes, but the hold up does not excite me..."

I see no reason for additional hold ups... we have their instructions to clear their space, so we will. if we can help within that schedule, I see no reason not to...

Kat looks at the Captain "We have to make sure we don't get dragged into something that delays our departure.  They might try to trick us or something. " she says after all the Vilani are gone.

In reply to Katherine 'Kat' Steele (msg # 68):

"Commander, we would be glad to help, but we have a deadline you have set to be clear of Vilani space. Unless that can be extended, I don't think your Hierarchy will allow us to assist."

In reply to Cptn Niki Maya (msg # 69):

The commander did not like you to start with. He likes you less now.

"Then perhaps I will send a couple of warships to ensure you deal with the problem your fellows created! If you have the disease, you will already have a cure, you just don't want to give it!"
This message was last edited by the player at 02:16, Sun 25 Oct 2015.

And if we don't have the disease? IF it were a Terran disease, doesn't mean we have come in contact or have a cure, Commander.Contrary to what you seem to think, we harbor no ill feelings toward the Vilani empire and have no desire to harm it.... Fr a merchant, harming your customers is to commit slow suicide.

In reply to Cyril Zotmund (msg # 71):

"Yes, but harming your enemies is the way to victory, and you seem better equipped for war than business. Two warships will escort you, with orders to shoot you if you try to leave. Now clean up your mess!"

He storm of without waiting for a reply. You are not sure if he is looking to kill you, or genuinely believes what he said.

Well... that's an intriguing turn of events....  when is the last time a medical Commander was able to command two warships to do much of anything besides piss in a bottle?

In reply to Cyril Zotmund (msg # 73):

"He was no medic, but rather an arrogant young upstart looking to make a mame for himself. That spells some trouble..."

In reply to Mnwa Phwi (msg # 74):

"Seems set in his position. Do we waste time trying to go over his head, or just try to do it or do a runner?"

We have two more Vilani  worlds to go through ... I'd think Running is off the table. PO Svebodne may give us some feel for who this guy was and how hard it would be to over rule his orders. I am curious as to whether he actually can send star ships with us......  That's not something a Commander does, more like an Admiral.

In reply to Cyril Zotmund (msg # 76):

"He is a fairly high ranking customs commander, a job carried out by a lesser section of the Navy. Still, he has a number of small patrol cruisers at his disposal, so he could send a couple of them"

There is a 3rd possibility... we could find several of our crew coming down with symptoms...Get ourselves quarantined and sent off.

In reply to Cyril Zotmund (msg # 78):

"Nice idea, but they would be more likely to lock us down there and confiscate our vessel. For safety, of course, so we could not spread it..."

Ah, exactly the wrong thing to do.... which explains why it has spread so. Shall we try  going over his head?

In reply to Cyril Zotmund (msg # 80):

"Their medical tech is not as advanced as ours. We can try going over his head, but with the regional administrator clearly disliking Terrans, the odds will be against us. Why don't you take Nat along if you want to try that?"

Natalie, do you think it would be a waste of time?

In reply to Cyril Zotmund (msg # 82):

"That depends on how far up the chain of command the order has come from, and why. May be worth finding out..."

[ooc, feel free to direct Nats  negotiations if you want to try that.]

Well lets see how far up we can go... that might be worth knowing as you say.


[Private to GM: Let's just do a die roll for success... and get everyone involved in going wher ever... my side trips seem to be killing the game for others. I'll roll under Cyril bu the reason will be Nat. 08:49, Today: Cyril Zotmund rolled 12 using 3d6 with rolls of 4,4,4.  Nat. Triple 4's worth anything ;-) ]
This message was last edited by the player at 15:50, Mon 26 Oct 2015.

In reply to Cyril Zotmund (msg # 84):

You head off together to the administration building.

After a lot of stonewalling, a old veteran general from the last Interstellar war pulls you aside and informs you that you are under investigation, and someone higher up wants you kept in Vilani space until the deadline passes. He is not sure why or who, but he doubts they have your interests at heart.

[Secret to Cyril Zotmund: I am not sure, but I think Carrack has had a RL issue come up. He has not logged in all week. Kat is about as regular as she ever was, so that seems cool.]

I thank the General and make our excuses... then report back to the ship.

Looks like run is becoming our only Option... can we clear this place without out getting blasted out of the sky?

In reply to Cyril Zotmund (msg # 86):

"Unlikely. It is easier to run from a couple of cruisers after jumping than to run from a fleet. But we will need fuel in Ishkur. Actually helping them is off the table?"

In reply to Cptn Niki Maya (msg # 87):

No, but once down, they are going to try and keep us down it seems.

Kat looks around "Any way we can take on extra fuel so we don't have to stop once/ From what you all have found out, we are screwed either way."

Unless Duke can make a jump 4 drive, we are under the gun...

In reply to Cyril Zotmund (msg # 90):

"I wish. We can refuel in the gas giant in Ishkur and run from there if we can loose the escorts with lucky jumping, and maybe meet the base in Saris to blast our way through, perhaps, but I doubt the base will outrun anything or sneak past them unnoticed..."

Well ... seems like we are in it deep... guess we need to assist them as we can and then fight our way out... which bodes ill for the Base... or we just sacrifice ourselves so they get through...

In reply to Cyril Zotmund (msg # 92):

"We should remember we are not currently sure whether the base is the reason for our troubles or not. Or even if they will be through before we get there...Unfortunately, Kat, our fuel tanks are not big enough to hold more hydrogen fuel, and it does not stack into our holds.

By the way, I have been informed that a number of our passengers wish to bring aboard weapons. Several members relocating wish to bring service gauss pistols, and some of the Vegans and Geonee wish to bring hunting rifles and large knives. Cyril?"
This message was last edited by the player at 13:39, Tue 27 Oct 2015.

They check them in and we lock them up ... no surprise SSD attacks.  I am surprised hat they could have such on a highly controlled planet like Gashidda?

In reply to Cyril Zotmund (msg # 94):

They do need licences for them, which they present. Who keeps the keys for the place where they are locked up?

I do... Unless the Captain wants them.

In reply to Cyril Zotmund (msg # 96):

"You keep them. Same for the armoury. Are they kept in the armoury or someplace else?"

That has depended on the situation, but normally I keep those locked in the ships safe.
This message was last edited by the player at 20:31, Tue 27 Oct 2015.

In reply to Cyril Zotmund (msg # 98):

"Right. but not the same safe I keep important documents and cash in, in case someone has a detonator...only I have key for that safe. So you habe a weapons safe...good idea."

In reply to Cptn Niki Maya (msg # 99):

I have a safe in my room ... I use that, it has my documents and some money as well. This key will be the only non-personal thing in it right now. Your safe and the ships safe are different safes, BUT your point about a detonator is well taken...  we can find a separate safe for those weapons I think ... Duke, You have a spare we can have up front?

In reply to Cyril Zotmund (msg # 100):

"I dont have a spare, but I can make one while we are in hyperspace with some spare ships armour from the workshop. In the meantime, the armoury is a safe place for them, or you can put your valuables in my safe and the guns in yours."

Well better yet, put your valuables in my safe and the guns in yours!

I'm reluctant to put their weapons in with ours ... can't cite why, but the thought bothers me a great deal... and I'll want them secured before we leave this landing spot.

In reply to Cyril Zotmund (msg # 102):

"Thanks but no thanks. The only weapons in my safe are mine. I would prefer to rig up a bag and hang them outside the ship." he jokes.
This message was last edited by the GM at 11:45, Wed 28 Oct 2015.

I've been thinking, is there any chance we can just pay for a fuel tanker to meet us in space, so we don't have to land on Ishkur?

Also, Cyril, perhaps we could ask Mnwa to carefully vet all of the passengers we've brought on board? I trust his judgment more than anyone's in the matter of identifying spies. I'd be happy to assist in any way I can.

I'm with Duke, lock the weapons to the hull.
This message was last edited by the player at 09:41, Wed 28 Oct 2015.

In reply to Carrick Teague (msg # 104):

Duke looks a little uncomfortable.

"Uhh, that was not a serious suggestion. Hell, if they blew while we were in hyperspace they could burst our hyperspace bubble and we could come out of hyperspace somewhere in between the two star systems. That might be quite a problem for our Navigator...if we are that worried about them, then perhaps I should strip them and re-assemble them at Saris?"

In reply to Raymond 'Duke' Vurhund (msg # 105):

"Yeah, I asked about tankerage at Ishkur. The only tanker in the system is controlled by the local garrison. I doubt they will want us skipping out if they think there is a chance we have a cure for their plague. Perhaps some other Terrans, but I doubt they would want the target painted on their backs either. Good thing about refuelling at a gas giant is that we will be very hard to spot while doing so..."

Even if we do refuel at Ishkur's gas giant, it's not going to require any hard thought as to where we went next.... we could easily have two patrol  ruisers there on or shortly after our arrival. Now if anyone can think of a way to attah a limpit two the two ruisers ... they could come out of hyperspace a bit early ... say 12-36 hours after jumping. They'd get back hereOK, but it would take some time. I haven't had time to review the last two races on our passenger list, has anyone else? That may tell us more...

Yeah, I was 'joking', too... without the joy. I really don't like all these weapons and unknown passengers in a sketchy situation.

In reply to Carrick Teague (msg # 108):

"Most Anakundu are fiercely loyal to the empire, since empire medicos found a drug that assists them in living much longer. Answerin just love to fight, and also often serve as Empire elite troops. The weapons are standard issue, the could well be intelligence agents, or just workers as they claim. But they pay a total of $110,000 together.

The ships are likely in orbit already, so attaching limpits here would be tricky. We could comply for now, attach the limpits at Ishkur, and do the runner from there...that might just give us enough time to refuel at Saris and keep going, assuming scouts have not already been sent to Saris to tell them to block us."
This message was last edited by the player at 22:20, Wed 28 Oct 2015.

"So if we can damage the 2 enemy ships, can we outrun any messages that are sent that we are to be stopped?"

In reply to Katherine 'Kat' Steele (msg # 110):

"Assuming the message has not already been sent, yes. But perhaps it is a risk worth taking."

Not getting a lot of good choices... these loyal Empire troops are a concern. Do we have enough low berths if needed...

In reply to Cyril Zotmund (msg # 112):

"No. none, in fact. But I can have them dropped out an airlock in hyperspace..."

He actually seems to like this option...

That could raise questions on arrival...  get Doc up here, maybe we can sedate them...

In reply to Cyril Zotmund (msg # 114):

"Sorry, been busy with Illiam. He should be flying again, though he still struggles. I can use human sedatives, but there is no guarantee they will effect non humans in the same way.

Sigh ... that could be an issue too... can we just refuse to transport them?

In reply to Cyril Zotmund (msg # 116):

"They are going to Saris, and we are being ordered to stop at Ishkur, so yes we could.  but maybe the cruisers will be reluctant to fire on us wiyh their own men aboard..."

Of course going to battle stations with 9 enemy soldiers on board could be exciting too... Your call, but I don't like it.

In reply to Cyril Zotmund (msg # 118):

"Mnwa, can you contain them until we are in hyperspace, then deal with them? You, Richard and your relatives...?"
This message was last updated by the player at 20:00, Thu 29 Oct 2015.

In reply to Mnwa Phwi (msg # 119):

"With a couple of grenades, flamers and pistols from the armoury, I am sure we can."

In reply to Mnwa Phwi (msg # 120):

"So we have a valid option: keep them as deterrants and deal with them and their weapons, or leave them here. Cyril, if you still want them gone, be my guest to boot them. I trust you with security."

Natalie? IF we boot them... and repercussions likely? ... you've talked with these folks more than wehave, all we know is they don't like us and suspect we have done evil things, but have no proof.

In reply to Cyril Zotmund (msg # 122):

"Hard to tell where the general distrust ends and the specific dislike of us begins. Then there is the greed factor...I saw the crew of an unarmed Hero get grilled for 2 days about a discrepancy in their logs just after the Meshan news broke. Apparently that guy had a lot of supporters here. Not taking them will raise suspension considerably..."

Well, I guess I lose ... Mnwa, get your guys to keep a close eye and ear on these Loyal Birds...and watch what you and yours say too, wouldn't want that loyalty issue to pop up either.

In reply to Cyril Zotmund (msg # 124):

"Cyril, we are on the same side: they will be the loosers. Once we enter hyperspace, can we find out what they know before 'neutralizing' them? My family and I have a lot of catching up to do."

You have never seen such a happy Vegan, which may well be a little offputting.
This message was last edited by the player at 06:24, Fri 30 Oct 2015.

You may of course talk to theses guys, but any force or interrogation may cause us problems on arrival.

In reply to Cyril Zotmund (msg # 126):

"If they are meant to be heading to Saris, who will know till we get there? And by then, we may have enough problems of our own..."

In reply to Mnwa Phwi (msg # 127):

"Guys, I just checked. Ishkur has 3 gas giants and an asteroid belt. The gas giant most suitable from refuelling is about 500 million miles from the planet, which would take one of those cruisers about 2 and a half to three days to travel, and it takes us just about 20 hours to refuel. Vilani jump with jump tapes generally have just one destination, so it probably does not occur to them we can jump to one of the gas giants.

Of course, going to Saris they will be smarter, but they have 5 gas giants there..."

Tanya, that's the best news I have heard so far... Natalie, what do you say we take PO Kyamoto along and see what sort of diplomacy we can conduct... I'd rather not leave under a storm cloud if possible... we might have to come back this way some day.

In reply to Cyril Zotmund (msg # 129):

"Sure, though if the plague is just an excuse, I am not sure how much they will listen."

That may also make us a bit wiser...

In reply to Cyril Zotmund (msg # 131):

The three of you head off for a day to the administration building. It is not hard to find an eyewitness to the Ishkur plague, and when he describes the symptoms, and Kyamoto believes that the symptoms are similar to rabies, but with a faster onset period of the insanity of just 3 minutes, but a longer period before the disease becomes fatal. Other differences include increased hallucinations, paranoia, agitations and pustule glands under fingernails, which seem to grow very fast, make scratching the most common form of transmission. PO Svebodne is able to present these details, and details of how vaccines are made, to alleviate much of the hard feelings.

You inquiries also lead to a General Hammond, a veteran army commander who does not seem particularly happy about decisions made by the current administration.

It comes out that Rear Admiral Polonini was given an army and fleet, headed by a massive Vilani Assault Carrier, an old design recently revived by Administrator
Sharik Yangila. Sharik was a very successful intelligence operative under the previous administration during the last war, and is unusual in that she is not actually a Vilani noble, but an Anakundu.

General Hammond believes that Sharik is gearing up for war, while talking about peace, and is creating scenarios to pick a fight while keeping the Vilani nobles on side. Polonini is part of this plan, and is a loose cannon, like his cousin at Meshan. He is sending him against the separated Terran colonies once things get burning, but for now he has just captured Saris, the gateway to those sectors, and he is illegally blocking any Terran ships from leaving, in order to capture as many as possible. He mentions that another Terran research vessel is already working on the plague on Ishkur. Hammond wishes you luck in dealing with it.
This message was last edited by the GM at 13:55, Sun 01 Nov 2015.

We acknowledge this information and comment that another war is among the worst possible things that could happen. We do mention that a Rabies vaccine is used in Terran worlds, and may be the key to halting the spread of this disease. It often takes several weeks for the vaccine to become effective in preventing infection.

Captain, we seem to have discovered some additional problems...  Cyril and the others relay what they have learned.
Ishakur is one issue, Saris is going to be another, more serious one if the have blocked off the gas giants.

In reply to Cyril Zotmund (msg # 133):

He responds by asking how the immunisation serum is made, and if you have any. Kyamoto answers his queries, and offers what he has.

He agrees that there is nothing to be gained from war, except for the personal promotion of Sharik, and he expresses some disgust that a war for this reason is despicable.

In reply to Cyril Zotmund (msg # 134):

"It sounds to me that they are actually the same problem. But we will not be the only ones...it is too far to go back to Sol now, for us or anyone else. We will have to jump to the most likely planet, and hope that the ships there will be enough to overcome the portion of the fleet at the gas giant. Polonini will have to divide his fleet into at least 6, with the strongest portion covering the planet, of course, so as long as the combined force of all the terrans is enough to overcome the section of the fleet at the gas giant we jump to, we should be able to make it. Anyone been there before?"

About our Saris bound Passengers ... be terrible if they introduced this disease to the fleet...

In reply to Cyril Zotmund (msg # 137):

"I like they way you think. How?"

Not sure ... but it would possibly prevent any sort of attack due to illness and healthy people not wanting to contract the disease. Since the cure is at Ishkur, they would likely have to redeploy... to a sick planet. That said, we best come up with a human prevention and cure too.

In reply to Cyril Zotmund (msg # 139):

"Most definitely. When playing with fire, we do not want to get burned either. It would be good to link up with the Terran research ship already working on it he mentioned, but that would mean jumping to the planet, and may necessitate fighting the Patrol cruisers once we get there to leave for Saris."

[OOC: Natalie rolled a natural 3 on the diplomacy roll, you could not have gotten a better result from that!!]

Kat makes sure the ship is ready for departure more then anything as the others work on how to deal with the locals. She just wants to get into space.

In reply to Katherine 'Kat' Steele (msg # 141):

"I agree Kat. I just want to get out of Vilani space now. Ready to leave, folks? Come up with ideas in hyperspace?"

Fine by me... do we have an escort?

In reply to Cyril Zotmund (msg # 143):

"I am sure one will be provided, wanted or not..."

In reply to Cptn Niki Maya (msg # 144):

As you launch, two Gashidda patrol cruisers form up beside you.

"We will be accompanying you to Ishkur. Please jump from the co-ordinates provided, to the co-ordinates provided."

They follow you as you leave orbit and approach the designated jump point.

In reply to Fate (msg # 145):

"OK, jump origin put in. I can still set any of the following jump destinations: Ishkur 1, planet. Ishkur 2, 3 and 4 are gas giants. There is also the Ishkur belt...destination, people?"

Oh Heavens, don't transpose any numbers whatever you do ... Cyril smiles

In reply to Cyril Zotmund (msg # 147):

"And miss the chance to kill some Vilani and rescue some Terrans at the planet? Never!"

Kat pilots the ship out "If we kill all the Vilani, I guess I will not need to practice that language again. Just let me know where you send us, 1, 2 3 or 4. Not that I care if we get to shoot" she might not shoot but loved the challenge of a fight in space.

So where are we jumping too, Captain?

In reply to Cyril Zotmund (msg # 150):


"I dont like the idea of leaving others behind, but the fight could be ugly. Still, if we are going to try your idea of spreading the virus in the Saris fleet, then we need to go to the planet to get it anyway, so I guess we head to the planet..."

Very well, Tanya, lets go find some trouble.   he smiles.

In reply to Cyril Zotmund (msg # 152):

Mnwa hands out weapons to those he trusts, and they prepare to put the 'passengers' under lock-down.

Tanya enters in the co-ordinates of the planet, and Kat makes it look all to easy as she manoeuvres the Dastavka into position. As Duke activates the Jump drive, the vessel enters hyperspace.

Mnwa heads off to deal with the Vilani passengers with a wicked grin.

In reply to Fate (msg # 153):

"My job is done here. Captain, permission to assist him?"

She grabs her flamer...

In reply to Tanya Weaver (msg # 154):

"Cyril is head of security, and since you wanted to talk to them first to find out what they know, Carrick in charge of communications. I will leave it in your hands."

Mnwa, Hold up... we are not doing anything except monitor and engage them in conversation... they may be perfectly innocent, although we both suspect otherwise. Tanya, can you verify their weapons are secured please... I'll double check with my folks as soon as we enter Hyper-spae...they are in the turrets until we get there.

In reply to Cyril Zotmund (msg # 156):

"Where are their weapons?"

[OOC: you are now in hyperspace...]

They best be locked up in the ships arms room, well away from everything else and the door as well.

In reply to Cyril Zotmund (msg # 158):

"Working on a separate secure box for them now...be done tomorrow."

Appreciate it Duke.

Kat loos at the Captain "So, how are we going to make sure that we don't catch anything?" she says as she is concerned about it. She has no fear in a fight maybe but disease is another issue.

In reply to Katherine 'Kat' Steele (msg # 161):

"Space suits are also disease proof, though a virus could still be carried on the outside of the suit, so setting up a low level flamer in the airlocks could solve that."

And you have some capability to make a vaccine? Perhaps a cure or or something to assist the body in fighting the virus?

In reply to Cyril Zotmund (msg # 163):

"Perhaps. We wont know that until we try."

Ummm... tough way to find out it didn't work, give it your best shot.

"I guess we need a sample first to see what can kill it. But if your all fine with the precautions, I trust you.

In reply to Cyril Zotmund (msg # 165):

"Well, a lab full of rats may improve the chances, but at the end of the day, human testing is the only way to know for sure. The team already there will be a great help I hope. The precautions are well documented standard procedures, but nothing is ever 100%. Especially when we wear bioplas suits..."

Bioplas is more susceptible?

In reply to Cyril Zotmund (msg # 168):

"Well, we don't think so, but it is biological in its nature, which is why it can repair itself, so it could technically be vulnerable to the right virus. We have just never found a virus it is vulnerable to."

You are making me nervous....

In reply to Cyril Zotmund (msg # 170):

"So Sorry. I am sure it will be fine."

Cyril shakes his head ... this is opening a can of worms methinks, Captain.

In reply to Cyril Zotmund (msg # 172):

"Kyamoto, is there any known virus that effects living creatures and the Bioplas material?"

In reply to Cptn Niki Maya (msg # 173):

"No. Living organisms are effected by very different virii than Bioplas amd other such materials. Sorry I raised the thought...I was just thinking aloud."

In reply to Petty Officer Kyamoto (msg # 174):

"Then lets worry about how to handle these Vilani now, and Kyamoto can worry about the virus when we leave hyperspace."

In reply to Cptn Niki Maya (msg # 175):

"We have them secured, sir. But they are not happy about it. What now?"

Their guns are locked up or they are? We keep an eye on things... let them know that we are going to a virus infected planet at the orders of the Vilani, so we are trying to keep the risk to them low... lets's put up some plastic and keep others away...make it look like a quarantine.

In reply to Cyril Zotmund (msg # 177):

"Will do. Make it look like it is for their own protection...

The guns are locked away separately. They are in one location, their guns in another."

"Well, a lot of ships require tat passengers have weapons locked up, we can say that is normal protocol. Tell them if we need them to be armed, we will allow them to have them, which of course, will not happen"

In reply to Katherine 'Kat' Steele (msg # 179):

"Ok, then, we will to convince them this is normal procedure for their own protection. Between Duke and Mnwa, I think we have them under control. Is there anything else we should do before we leave hyperspace?"

Do you wish to exit armed and ready?  I think it may be wise .. we can close up and be combat ready in case they feed us into a trap, and stand down as appropriate.

In reply to Cyril Zotmund (msg # 181):

"That sounds like a good plan. Make what preparations you feel are necessary. Anything else we should do before arriving?"
This message was last updated by the player at 03:21, Mon 09 Nov 2015.

"I like that idea Captain. Lets arm the ship just in case. What are they going to do"

In reply to Katherine 'Kat' Steele (msg # 183):

The crew prepares as the 168 hours approach. Right on cue, the Dastavka drops out of hyperspace.

The planet of Ishkur looms into view 520,000 miles away, and your eyes, not to mention your sensors, are drawn to several ships heading in your direction. A Gashidda class cruiser 400,000 miles away is pursuing a Lightning class vessel 385,000 miles away, whos IFF identifies itself as the MV James Brown, which turns towards you. Back at the planet and just launching, a metal sphere which comes up on your systems as the exploration vessel Jacques Cartier is heading towards you. You are haoled by several vessels at once.

[Private to Carrick Teague: This is a known ID of a smuggler who has been banned from entering Vilani space several times for smuggling pirated entertainment and medical units several times.]
This message was last edited by the GM at 06:28, Mon 09 Nov 2015.

In reply to Fate (msg # 184):

"Terran vessel, land on the planet at once."
This message was last edited by the player at 05:47, Mon 09 Nov 2015.

In reply to Vilani Patrol (msg # 185):

"Vilani Patrol, we have found a working immunisation. We need to depart now..."

In reply to Jaques Cartier (msg # 186):

"Negative, Jaques Cartier, we have orders that you are to wait with all terrans on the planet until further orders. Return or we will open fire."

In reply to Vilani Patrol (msg # 187):

"Vilani, you are in breach of Vilani law, and you know we have been ordered out of Vilani space. Further, you know we have no missiles for our launchers, so you would be firing on an unarmed vessel..."
This message was last edited by the GM at 06:35, Mon 09 Nov 2015.

Looks like we should have gone for a Gas Giant ... where are our two patrol cruisers? Captain ... what should we do?

In reply to Cyril Zotmund (msg # 189):

"Jumps take different times based on many factors. The other ships dont seem to have arrived yet."

In reply to Raymond 'Duke' Vurhund (msg # 190):

"If we fight them, we may have to fight our way through Saris. On the other hand, a few extra ships might make that more plausible, especially if they have decided that is the only way we are going to be able to leave...it looks like the plague problem has to some extent been resolved."
This message was last edited by the player at 08:33, Mon 09 Nov 2015.

So try to take out the Gashidda?

"Well, we certainly can't take on a concerted Vilani fleet. Be aware that the James Brown is coming up as a Vilani-flagged smuggler of non-harmful contraband. Banned more than once from Vilani space. How he got this far and 'roped in' to this enterprise is beyond me.

"By law, we should set down and comply. We are in Vilani space, afterall. But I, for one, do not trust Vilani forces and have not since my family was made destitute by their kangaroo courts. I say we side with the James Brown. Just my opinion. We're going to have another fight when the patrol cruisers finally drop out, though, right? So take my opinion with a grain of salt."
This message was last edited by the player at 01:09, Tue 10 Nov 2015.

... as an afterthought, "If we go that route, might want to let Mnwa and his guys deal with any loyalists aboard."

At least interrogate them... better we act quickly and kill them one at a time.All three at once would be grim .. Captain... I think we hold fire until closer and then zap the crap out of them.

In reply to Cyril Zotmund (msg # 195):

"Smugglers get throughout Vilani space, so how he got here would be clear enough...it is what he does best. He is caught behind Vilani lines like the rest of us, and it seems the local commander has decided to close the borders early to get himself some extra ships. We will only have another fight if we cant refuel and be gone before they get here...which may well be the case.

Let Mnwa have his way with the Vilani then?"

[Secret to Carrick Teague: My bad, it was the Lightning class that was the smuggler...]
This message was last edited by the player at 23:02, Mon 09 Nov 2015.

I doubt they know much, but perhaps a clue or two... what about the cruiser and the Lightening Class coming at us...

In reply to Cyril Zotmund (msg # 197):

"The Lightning class is the smuggler. The Cruiser is a standard patrol cruiser, arming missiles by the look of it. Scanners indicate the Lightning has 9 Beams and 3 sandcasters, while the Exploratory sphere has 3 Pulse lasers, 2 sandcasters and 10 empty missile tubes..."

"Captain, I like Mnwa. To be honest, though, this is one area I'm unsure of his judgment, not his passion. May I recommend someone objective oversee the interrogations, to be sure no innocents are killed? I'd recommend Illiam, except he might kill 'em all before Mnwa gets to 'em. Cyril is clearly needed in the present crisis."

Opening private channel to the Brown: "How are things, Brown? You appear to have your hands full. Are you already prepped for jump?"

Separate channel to the Vilani patrol cruiser: "Captain, you appear to have your hands full. Might we lend assistance in some way?"
This message was last edited by the player at 01:10, Tue 10 Nov 2015.

"So Captain, should I close at attack speed?" she said with a grin. She didn't trust the Vilani as far as she could throw them.

In reply to Carrick Teague (msg # 199):

"That is a good idea, Carrick. I would send Natalie,but I am concerned she will be seen as too soft. But she is our best negotiator.

I think so Kat. They are between us and the planet anyway, so we can feign compliance."

So I have permission to fire when in range? As for the interrogation, Natalie would be good... between she and Mnwa, they can play good cop-bad cop.

In reply to Cptn Niki Maya (msg # 201):

"Officer Teague!  So, are you here to help the Vilani break their own law, or to help innocent merchants trying to save lives? We just finished two jumps, so we have no fuel..."

In reply to Carrick Teague (msg # 199):

"This smuggler has been evading patrols for months, wreaking havoc on colony economics. Order him to heave too and face justice. Jaques Cartier, return at once!"

They launch a full salvo of 9 missiles.

How close are we to being in range to fire?

On the private channel with the James Brown, "We're here to help neither 'innocent merchants' nor the Vilani. We will lend assistance to fellow Terrans being abducted by hostile forces, but please be under no illusion that we believe you innocent of breaking Vilani laws. We're going to need to get the hell out of this system and we're better off doing it together. There will be two more patrol cruisers dropping out of hyperspace sometime soon. Let's act quick to reduce their numbers and get fueled up.

On open channel, "Unfortunately Captain, we have no formal authority over the Jacques Cartier. Perhaps if you would stop heaving missiles, they would heave to?"

You mentioned we were being hailed by multiple vessels. Is the James Brown hailing us? Anyone else in the neighborhood?

In reply to Carrick Teague (msg # 205):

The patrol cruiser and the Lightning are both about 250,000 miles away and closing, on parallel courses towards you but 35,000 miles apart. Both have hailed you. The James Brown just shot down the first wave of missiles, which clearly targeted the smuggler. A second wave has been launched, and both ships are exchanging fire and Sandcasters.
This message was last edited by the GM at 23:19, Wed 11 Nov 2015.

In reply to Fate (msg # 206):

The smuggler uses the same, hopefully secure channel.

"Understood. Get us back to a Terran court, and we will stand trial..."

You are not sure if it a challenge or a promise...

Private to James Brown, "Oh, we don't care about all that. Let's just have honesty between us. We're on our way."

[OOC: I meant to ask if the Cartier had hailed us, not the Brown. I'm getting my names confused.]
This message had punctuation tweaked by the player at 06:41, Tue 10 Nov 2015.

In reply to Carrick Teague (msg # 208):

"Great. So are we..."

[OOC:The sphere, Jaques Cartier, has not hailed you, but its communication with the Vilani was on an open channel]

Kat accelerates to attack speed and heads to cut off the Vilani ship.

In reply to Katherine 'Kat' Steele (msg # 210):

The Dastavka closes with the two dueling vessels as they exchange fire. The Lightning consistently shoots down the missiles, but is unable to penetrate the armour. They are now matched in speed as the range closes at 195,000 miles per minute, until just one minute later you are traveling towards the cruiser at 55,000 miles. Your beams can hit it, but will do half damage and reveal your intentions.

Kat, steer parallel at around 25K miles, we'll hold fire as long as we can or until they are in range.

Kat does as Cyril asks as she glances at the Captain in case she doesn't agree. "OK, so once we close, what next, what me to come up on the other side of the Vilani ship?"

Just want to be inside our lasers close range for best effect.

In reply to Cyril Zotmund (msg # 214):

Captain Maya seems happy to leave the tactics to the tactician, but does provide some clarification.

"Other side sounds good, in case he tries to run."

In reply to Cptn Niki Maya (msg # 215):

As they close, Kat swings the ship around to be running parallel to the cruiser, opposite the Lightning class, which has just shot down its 4th salvo. It is not doing so well against the pulse lasers, though, as the Patrol chips away at it when the sandcasters miss their mark. It is developing a number of holes...whilst they seem unable to penetrate the cruisers armour.

In reply to Fate (msg # 216):

"Dastavka! Land at once! You will not be warned again!"

They launch a fifth salvo of missiles.
This message was last edited by the player at 13:53, Thu 12 Nov 2015.

Carricke, Send him an as you wish....

Kat, Turn under him as if we are going to ward the planet, but keep us close.

Range?

On open channel: "Roger that. Complying with orders."

On closing of channel, "What's your end game, here, Cyril? Why not just take them down, now, before they damage the Brown any further?"
This message was last edited by the player at 19:47, Thu 12 Nov 2015.

No Game... I want a quick kill... as soon as we are in effective range, Fire... Ka, make sure all turrets bear.

[OOC: Oh, I understood that we were already within the range of full effect.]

OOC- I never got any confirmation... I'm trying to keep it moving, but don't want to make a mistake.

In reply to Cyril Zotmund (msg # 222):

[OOC: full damage range is up to 30,000 miles, half damage range up to 69,000 miles. Sorry, I missed what confirmation was wanted? The Cruiser is keeping the Lightning just beyond half damage range.]

The exchange between the Liightning and the cruiser was as before, with the Cruisers sandcasters absorbing most of the Lightnings fire.

However, when the dastavka opens up, the cruiser is not ready. Despite dodging some shots, the closer range is very telling, with beams raking the side and punching numerous holes. The cruiser is quickly disabled, and only hanging together by luck.

In reply to Fate (msg # 223):

"Thanks for your hep. Now to refuel...we may have to jup with unrefined fuel."
This message was last edited by the player at 02:09, Fri 13 Nov 2015.

Kat maneuver's as directed and then heads around to take down the cruiser.

Tell him There are two more inbound... Their help would be appreciated. Tanya, how close to their exit points can we get safely?

In reply to Cyril Zotmund (msg # 226):

"We have two refuelling ships boats and a number of empty missile launchers, so we can assist, but we still need a lot more fuel for you guys. Where do you want us?"

In reply to Jaques Cartier (msg # 227):

"I can get us to within about 50,000 miles of where they should exit hyperspace from, but there is a random element..."

On a channel with both the Brown and Cartier, "We expect two more patrol cruisers to exit hyperspace at any moment. It would be best to coordinate our actions. Who is captaining your ships and with whom am I speaking? Cartier, do you have any offensive capabilities at the moment?"
This message was last edited by the player at 07:28, Fri 13 Nov 2015.

In reply to Carrick Teague (msg # 229):

"This is Captain Jamshid Abdullah of the Jacques Cartier, an exploration vessel on the way to the outer colonies. We unloaded our missiles to travel through Vilani space, but we have 10 empty launchers it will take us about an hour to load once we get the weapons, as well as three pulse lasers and 2 loaded sandasters. We are on route to your position.
This message was last edited by the GM at 08:15, Fri 13 Nov 2015.

In reply to Jaques Cartier (msg # 230):

"Given the possibility of monitoring from the planet, this is Captain Benjamin Spock of the James Brown. We have considerably battle damage, but 8 Beams 2 missile launchers and 2 Sandcasters with slightly reduced ammo are all working."

Your database confirms this is the latest configuration of the Golden Hind, for whome the above alias is associated with. According to your database, his real name is Captain Andreas Morgado.

Carrick, let them know we have some spare missiles and a limited repair capability, but no time until these cruisers are out of the way.

Agreed.

Over comms to Vurhund: "Hey, Duke, what's the total time cost to move, say, 20 or 30 missiles to the Cartier assuming they're within close proximity and we decide to do that?"

Comming to the Brown and Cartier, "Captains, we're moving to a location close to where we believe the cruisers are most likely to jump out, to acquire as much element of surprise as possible. It would be preferable if you'd join us. Captain Abdullah, we'd be happy to share our expertise getting your ship patched up once this is over. Let's get through this engagement. Captain Spock, we're assessing our missile transfer time now. If you'll come up behind us, it would be appreciated. Outside of that, providing a distraction to our enemies during the upcoming action could be immensely helpful."

In reply to Carrick Teague (msg # 233):

"Perhaps half an hour. 10 minutes to load the ships boat, 10 minutes to unload it and 10 minutes transport time, max"

"Guys? I think we try. Having another weapon could be highly beneficial to the outcome. If we start loading now, while en route to our position of maximal attack potential, we can save some much needed time."

[OOC: On a side note, I'm assuming at this point we sent Natalie to oversee Mnwa and his folks putting the Vilani on lockdown. Would that be a correct assumption?]
This message was last edited by the player at 18:07, Fri 13 Nov 2015.

With the Captains permission, lets send them 20 of our missiles ASAP.

In reply to Cyril Zotmund (msg # 236):

"Happy to arm them. Load them up and send them."

[OOC Yes, Nat and Mnwa have the Vilani under control since the second day in hyperspace.]

Back on the channel with both ships, "Captain Abdullah, if you please, I'm forwarding coordinates to where we intend to await the Vilani. Please align your trajectory to bring you within a few kilometers of our location and prepare to receive 20 missiles on a transport to your ship within the next 20 minutes."

Off comms, "On that note, where should we direct the Brown to achieve maximal effect, do you think? Obviously splitting forces and trying to catch the enemy in a crossfire might be most beneficial, but I hate to leave the Brown stranded taking on a cruiser by itself, if it comes to that, considering the shape of their ship. Also, we shouldn't expect both cruisers to arrive simultaneously, right? If I'm wrong about that, concentrating our combined attention on one to bring down their numbers quickly while they're still trying to orient themselves might be most effective."
This message was last edited by the player at 21:57, Fri 13 Nov 2015.

In reply to Carrick Teague (msg # 238):

"Getting repairs underway, and forming up with you. Send the missiles to the Cartier"
This message was last edited by the player at 20:19, Fri 13 Nov 2015.

In reply to Carrick Teague (msg # 238):

"Actually, it is the Jaques Cartier who needs the missiles, but otherwise, I agree. If we focus on one ship and send all missiles to the other to keep them occupied, that should work. Because Vilani use jump tapes, they should arrive at about the same time."

Wouldn't it be nice if they collided... too much to hope for... Between Spock and us, we should be able to zap the first cruiser before it knows what is happening. Kat, pay attention, we may need to move quickly to avoid a collision or to stay close for our lasers to work well. Spock and we should both fire missiles at the second Cruiser at it shows... keep them busy while we finish the first one off.

[OOC: I keep getting my names confused. Sorry about that. I've updated that post.]

I'll relay the tactical plan with the two Captains, with special attention to identification of common target.
This message was last edited by the player at 21:59, Fri 13 Nov 2015.

First guy in is first target.

Unless, of course, they pop in 5 seconds apart and the first guy is far enough away to reduce effective damage by half. :)

Seriously, though, I've got the computer coded to trigger a notification the moment we lock on to a target, to transmit that target to the Brown.


[OOC: I assume that's alright. Fairly basic computer coding even 20 years ago. The plan is that all lock-on changes will be relayed to the Brown so they can be apprised instantly of our (possible) change in targets.]
This message was last edited by the player at 23:30, Fri 13 Nov 2015.

In reply to Carrick Teague (msg # 243):

An hour passes. The small refuelling ships boats from the Jaques Cartier skim water from the plane and deliver 48 fuel to the Lightming, though much of it in not refined.

You succeed in delivering the missiles to theJames Cartier, and they start loading them. After another hour passes, yhe pair a refuelling boats deliver a second lot of fuel to the Lightning, and all twenty missiles are loaded.

We could use fuel too... how dangerous to be fueling if one or both of these ships pop up... Tanya, isn't it odd that they are so far behind us? Could they have come in elsewhere?

In reply to Cyril Zotmund (msg # 245):

"Jumps can vary by as much as 18 more or less than the nominal 168 hours jumps take, usually depending on time gravity variations on the way. The later the better I think...

They could have jumped to one of the other planets, but I doubt it."hours
This message was last edited by the GM at 10:38, Sat 14 Nov 2015.

But if we all came from the same place, to the same place, Gravity should be the same, no?

Ha! At this rate, we could have all fueled and gotten the feck out of here. Of course, Schroedinger's Law breaks down and at the same time we're fueling and leaving, they'd show up in the middle of it.

I'll verify with Captain Spock that they're making repairs while we wait.
This message was last edited by the player at 03:53, Sat 14 Nov 2015.

In reply to Carrick Teague (msg # 248):

"Ah, but we did not leave from exactly where the tape told them to leave from, nor at exactly the same time. A passing lump of rock could have effected them, but not us because we left a minute or two earlier."

In reply to Tanya Weaver (msg # 249):

"It takes 19 hours for us to collect and process a full tank of fuel, and that long for standard Lightnings as well. We can of course, use unrefined fuel, but there are significant risks involved in doing that.Unrefined fuel can be collected in a couple of hours for a large starship, of just one hour for the ships boats."

[OOC: Jumping using unrefined fuels add an additional penalty of -2 to all jump rolls]
This message was last edited by the GM at 11:24, Sat 14 Nov 2015.

In reply to Carrick Teague (msg # 248):

"We are definitely making what repairs we can. Any help would be appreciated."
This message was last edited by the player at 10:34, Sat 14 Nov 2015.

We can't risk sending folks over just now...

"Understood, Captain. You'll get all the help you can stand, once this is over. We're going to need all hands on deck if and when those patrol cruisers come through."

In reply to Carrick Teague (msg # 253):

The captain understands.

After another two hours, you are all in position. The two ships boats have unloaded 32 dtons of unrefined fuel onto the Dastavka, and refuelled the Lightning with unrefined fuel as well. With the 30 dtons that was in your tanks at the end of the last jump, you would have just enough to jump now, though using unrefined fuel.

Suddenly, sensors light up, indicating an imminent jump arrival...7,000 miles from your positions. A second arrival is 32,000 miles to one side.

Heads up... but lets ID before shooting... If these are our boys, launch the missiles at the distant one and we'll laze this one into junk...

In reply to Cyril Zotmund (msg # 255):

"Roger that. We will stay with you so that our missiles all hit it together...missiles all loaded for 2 salvos"

In reply to Jaques Cartier (msg # 256):

"Moving into position beside you now. We still have damage, but we have sorted the worst of it."

Kat maneuver's the Dastavka into position. "OK, as soon as they show, I will go to attack speed to make us harder to hit."

In reply to Katherine 'Kat' Steele (msg # 258):

You do not have long to wait. Two Vilani Patrol cruisers come out of hyperspace at the locations you detected. Kat accelerates to close on the closest, while the Jaques Cartier and the James Brown launch a total of 12 missiles at the more distant one. James Brown and the Dastavka then open fire on the nearest one. Their combined fire destroys it before they can respond!

The second vessels crew scramble for the guns, and incredibly manage to shoot down all missiles! They immediately issue a distress call...
This message was last edited by the GM at 04:45, Sun 15 Nov 2015.

On open channel: "Vilani Patrol Cruiser, stand down and heave to, or be destroyed."
This message was last edited by the player at 04:53, Sun 15 Nov 2015.

In reply to Carrick Teague (msg # 260):

"Heaving too. You will never get away with this!"

"It's my thought that we have them send their ranking officers and security crew over on a transport to our ship's bay to be taken into custody. We can promise them and the other Vilani on board our ship safe passage to the planet surface. I don't think we have any desire for a protracted conflict trying to take their ship in close quarters combat and I don't think they have any desire to be destroyed. Seems like the best option for everyone."

In reply to Carrick Teague (msg # 262):

"Or we could steal their ship and send all of them to the planet! Oh, by the way, I can confirm our 'passengers' were there in order to ensure our surrender at Saris, if we got there. So we can send them with the crew..."

You are unsure of whether his suggestion is motivated by revenge, or simply to dump a few extra Vilani into a plague...
This message was last edited by the player at 08:02, Sun 15 Nov 2015.

"That's roughly what I'm suggesting, Mnwa. I don't want to have to destroy the ship, but I don't want our people getting killed trying to take it by hand. So, a compromise will probably be in order."

In reply to Carrick Teague (msg # 264):

"Oh, why not offer them the option of abandoning ship and being taken to the planet, or getting blown up? We have just destroyed 2 ships, after all..."

In reply to Mnwa Phwi (msg # 265):

By this time, both the Dastavka and the Lightning have closed to within 100 miles of the Cruiser.

In reply to Fate (msg # 266):

"Well now Captain. A Vilani warship breaking their own law, and a man of the law capturing a Vilani warship in a time of peace? This has been a very interesting day indeed...looks like I can get to sell my medicines on the planet after all!"

"I think we're saying the same thing, right? Or do you mean, their entire crew abandon ship? I worry that if they leave behind no one, there will be no reason they don't sabotage the ship on their way out the airlock. I'm simply suggesting we de-fang them. Plus, it would be nice if they don't leave the ship missing an air raft or life boat of some sort."

[OOC: We have the ability to refine the fuel we've taken on?]
This message was last edited by the player at 09:03, Sun 15 Nov 2015.

In reply to Carrick Teague (msg # 268):

"I think you and Mnwa are saying the same thing, with the difference being in the execution of details. I would be more concerned about them keeping a small squad of soldiers aboard to wreak havoc with our boarding parties without endangering their sailors. I am sure booby traps would be less dangerous than a small squad of special forces. But you are right, we should take some precautions against them setting traps and sabotaging their own vessel. Question is, is leaving a small number of then on board the appropriate precaution.

Carrick can you also contact the planet and ask them to send a number of ships boats to collect the crew? Gashidda cruisers have only one vessel aboard, an assault shuttle, which would be hard pressed carrying the 36 crew on board."

In reply to Lightning Class Trader (msg # 269):

"This is Captain Hasurid of the Likushan. We will take our vessel to the planet and land there. Your justice will meet you nonetheless, but we do not want our deaths added to your crimes, and neither should you."

The cruiser begins moving at 30,000 miles per minute towards the planet.

[OOC you are all capable of much more than that. Dastavka is capable of up to 112,500 miles per minute in space.]
This message was last edited by the player at 11:04, Sun 15 Nov 2015.

The Captain changed his mind and wants to risk death after a minute of waiting? Wild.

On a channel to the Likushan: "Captain Hasurid, you were ordered to heave to. If you do not comply, you will be fired upon. Brake your engines and stand down while we contact your planet to send life boats. We will not leave you in possession of a vessel with which to follow us. Your lives are your own to throw away if you wish. Killing corrupt Vilani is already marked against us, your deaths won't change much."

In reply to Carrick Teague (msg # 271):

The Cruiser delays response for what seems like a minute, though it was probably more like 15 seconds, before the engines turn off and the vessel continues drifting.

"Fine. We have powered down our engines and I am ordering the crew to board the transport shuttle, which can hold our complement for such a short trip. Know that you will be dead the moment you leave this system in this stolen vessel. You will forever be pirates in Vilani space."
This message was last edited by the player at 12:06, Sun 15 Nov 2015.

While I concur that more deaths are undesirable... I doubt we can man both ships and I am not sure a Gashidda Class Cruiser is an especially desirable ride without significant upgrades. An alternative is to have them land and evacuate the cruiser, then put a missile in it.
If we could man it and employ it's capabilities, we would have significantly more firepower. Duke would have weeks of work, if not months to bring it up to our standards.

"You know, I was thinking all those things and agree with your assessment, as well. What finally tipped me into thinking we should go ahead take it isn't the firepower, but the value in backup, distraction, and deception. Ever since we've arrived in Vilani space, I've found myself holding my breath the every time the Dastavka was on the ground or disarmed. Maybe that's just my past experience with the Vilani making me paranoid, but back at Gashidda, if they didn't make the mistake of leaving us in complete command of the Dastavka when we jumped, we would be out of options right now. There is no aid or backup plan if we lose this ship. We're so on our own and alone, until and unless we meet back up with the Base. Having another ship, even if smaller and less technically advanced, brings us considerable value outside of firepower. I'd rather have that ship to lose, than constantly put the Dastavka in extra-vulnerable situations."

[OOC: When they say 'transport shuttle', do they mean their own assault vehicle?]
This message was last edited by the player at 18:34, Sun 15 Nov 2015.

In reply to Carrick Teague (msg # 274):

"Updating the Jump computer would take about a day, and wold be necessary to jump from Saris. Changing the weapons loadout likewise, and could be done at the same time. The rest, less necessary, would take longer. They only have one small craft: the Assault Shuttle they have referred to as a transport shuttle. We may find some extra crew on the Lightning, but we have a number of passengers who could also fill in many roles...we only need 25 bodies to crew it properly as we do not need the 11 extra troops usually carried on board, and we have 31 passengers of unknown abilities. We should have one of the senior staff here crew her though."

"Captain? Cyril? Kat? If we do it, I'll throw my name in the hat to go over."

OK, That makes it more doable... Captain, your decision.

In reply to Cyril Zotmund (msg # 277):

"That is very noble of you, Carrick. I would also suggest taking Mnwa and men he trusts, as well as a medic and some engineers. But lets get the crew off first. Have you contacted the planet?"

Would it be better to put them n Our shuttle? with plenty of armed guards? We might want theirs at some point. I'll gather a boarding party... Keep our gunners here, just in case they change their mind.

In reply to Cyril Zotmund (msg # 279):

"Once our Shuttle lands on the planet where they will have more troops, it will be very vulnerable, wouldnt it? I would prefer a vessel from the planet take them..."

"No, I haven't Captain. I'll do so now, but what do we tell the captain of the Likushan if they try to board and leave via their assault shuttle?"

I'll raise a broad hail for any Ishkur Space Control center. I know they're aware of us up here thanks to that distress call the Likushan put out.

On open comms to Likushan: "You will stay put while we send for your retrieval."
This message was last edited by the player at 00:16, Mon 16 Nov 2015.

In reply to Carrick Teague (msg # 281):

On an open channel "This is Ishkur Control. Why should we be complicent in the capture of a Vilani warship by barbarian pirates?"
This message was last edited by the GM at 00:38, Mon 16 Nov 2015.

In reply to Ishkur Control (msg # 282):

Before you answer, the Jaques Cartier cuts in.

"Because these warships were acting illegally like pirates against those who developed an immunization for you, and against a trader hoping to bring you medical supplies."

In reply to Jaques Cartier (msg # 283):

"For a price, of course..."

They proceed to list off the supplies, totaling 63 tons for which they want 1.5 million credits, plus 12 tons of protective suits for which they want 3 million credits.

In reply to Lightning Class Trader (msg # 284):

"We do need those supplies, but you can keep the suits. We have a Hero class freighter caught her when hostilities started. Load it with those supplies and we will allow you to put the crew on board as well."

In reply to Ishkur Control (msg # 285):

"NO. If you are taking our shuttle as well, you must give us the suits too."

Ask Captain Spock what that stuff would be worth without our support ... we saved his ass, lets get these Vilani out of here ... and if they sabotage anything on their ship, the HERO is floating Space Trash. Their personal gear they can take... we'll inspect, but don't tell them that, just that we'll bring a Prize crew aboard ... They will get sufficient protective suits for their crew.

"I think we need to think about the Terrans who were manning that freighter. I personally don't think Spock would be wrong in denying them any supplies. They need to come to a price agreement first. But I think that negotiating point is separate from releasing the crew of that ship. I say, ask for a prisoner swap."
This message was last edited by the player at 01:46, Mon 16 Nov 2015.

The HERO is Terran Crewed?

"Probably 'was' is the operative word here. They said they captured it when 'hostilities started'. Perhaps I'm reading too much into it. Maybe they meant way back at the start of the IW. I suppose I could ask them?"

On comms to Ishkur Control: "What hostilities would that be, Control? When you folks started impounding Terran ships this last month?"
This message was last edited by the player at 01:59, Mon 16 Nov 2015.

"Guys, it might be their fault for starting this with us but as long as we are in their space, we need to be on our toes and get out of there space as quick as possible. I can speak and read some Vilani, so if you need me to Captain, I will go over to the captured ship"

Thanks Kat.. But I speak and read it too... we need you here. Who is your best back up?

In reply to Cyril Zotmund (msg # 292):

"The freighter is a Vilani freighter that was caught by the quarantine, and is not allowed to leave until the plague is resolved. It was never a Terran ship, at least not in the last 5 years."

To Control (open to all ships): "Understood, Control. Look, this is pretty simple. There are two points of contention. You want these supplies and Captain Spock is willing to sell them to you. You want the safe passage of the Vilani crew. We're willing to simply give them to you, safe and unharmed, along with several Vilani agents who mixed themselves in with our passengers. We're trying to do the right thing and not space them all. Come to an equitable deal with Captain Spock and let's get on with this, shall we? Do you wish to purchase the suits for your crew aboard the Cruiser or not?"

Off comms: "I agree with Kat. We are going to be in a bit of a hurry to get the hell out of this place. I think once we have command of the Likushan, we need to get fueled up, finish refining fuel, make whatever modifications we can make to the Vilani ship in that time, and jump. And while that's going on, we should probably have a meeting of the minds with our fellow Terran Captains out there regarding what they would like to do next. Unless we've changed our minds, our path is clear. We're linking up with the Base. But they may wish to join us and that may or may not be to our advantage."
This message was last edited by the player at 04:39, Mon 16 Nov 2015.

In reply to Carrick Teague (msg # 294):

After some discussion, Captain Spock and Ishkur Control do come to an agreement.

Ishkur Control will give you 1 million for your medical supplies, plus release 10 Terran smugglers caught 7 months ago in return for the use of the freighter to pick up the goods and all of your prisoners.

"Winner, winner, chicken dinner. Now let's be mighty careful about the prisoner swap."


[OOC: How this goes down is a matter of logistics. Something like, making sure we have our guns trained on their engines/weapons while the freighter approaches and discharges it's transport shuttle. Then while that shuttle has debarked from the Likushan and is waiting for our inspection of the ship and the supplies from the Brown to be delivered, the Cartier has missiles on the transport. That sort of thing. Just juggling how to apply the leverage during the swap.]

In reply to Carrick Teague (msg # 296):

As the Dastavka prepares a crew for the new ship, a Hero class freighter, VI019570, departs from Ishkur. It first insists on docking with the James Brown and exchanging the cargo for the promised credits. It then asks if it should dock with the Dastavka to take the Vilani from that vessel, or with the cruiser next.

In the meantime, the two ships boats go to the planet for another load of unrefined fuel.
This message was last edited by the GM at 06:50, Mon 16 Nov 2015.

In reply to Fate (msg # 297):

I say let them pick up from us, first.

No, We are going over to the Cruiser anyway, lets dump our unwelcome guests, less weapons then... We'll transport about half their crew across to the Hero, while we contain the remainder and inspect things... The first half crew will be the low ranking ones with very small amounts of gear we can check quickly Nothing but our Launch docks with Dastavka.

As you wish. Security is your domain. :)

I get the boarding party assembled... I ask Duke and one of his better guys to come along... Duke can come back but I want to have his expertise in reviewing the ships engines/power etc. The other person will become the engineering officer on the Cruiser.
We have Gunners and a signals person too... will take a separate computer todo our encryption and check our navigation on, a second to do a through search of the Cruiser's systems for trojans or other Malware.

I take a Pistol and a Flamer ... we take a few rifles, but are heavily armed with flamers and stun grenades.

Who's our strongest programmer? I'm fairly competent programming the comps and can handle updating the software after Duke updates what hardware he can.
This message was last edited by the player at 18:29, Mon 16 Nov 2015.

Well I am fairly strong in Computer Operations, Security and Computer security and electronic Warfare... I don't program, but I can do electronics Repair on most of the above at a fairly high level... considering 10 Avg; 1 above Avg and 12-13 strong...

Kat has some programing skills and has Electronic Repair along with Security.

In reply to Katherine 'Kat' Steele (msg # 304):

"Carrick definitely has the better Electronics skills, and his diplomacy is not too bad either. The Patrol Cruisers are missile boats until we refit it, so until then it's tactics will involve staying out of the way and launching salvos of missiles. Hence, I would prefer to put Carrick in charge of it until such time as we leave Vilani space, and we can reconsider.However, the ownership of the vessel can be argued to be shared between us and the James Brown, which may well add some of their own crew. As such, I am reluctant to release too many of our bridge officers. But let's get it done first. As you suggest, Cyril, prepare the crew and the Vilani amoung our passengers to board the ships boat, and transfer to the Patrol Cruiser. Carrick, please instruct the Hero to proceed directly to the patrol cruiser, but to dock only after our ships boat has unloaded their crew. Does that sound right to everyone?"

[Private to Carrick Teague: You will need to buy 3 merchant ranks to remain captain. It does not have to be all at once.]

[OOC: This will present a major chance to re-organize the crew, IFF you can get it out of Vilani space...They take 25 crew and 11 troops normally.]

I think that it's chances of exiting Vilani Space are high, If Duke does his magic on it. I dislike the heavy emphasis on Missiles and would want increased Lasers myself. But then I am a Terran trained Officer. I think Vilani expectations for Missiles are unreasonably high.

In reply to Cyril Zotmund (msg # 306):

"The Vilani have built and kept their empire for a thousand years with missile storms...I would not be so quick to rule them out in a major confrontation."

But they haven't done so well against the Terran laser storms... so while I do not rule them out, they are not an especially effective weapon ... when they do hit, they are very potent however.

In reply to Cyril Zotmund (msg # 308):

"Actually, historically, they have wiped out a number of Terran fleets, even nuking Terra itself. We have gone up against small effective 'civilian control' ships. The military is much scarier when used in concert force. Missiles are not good in small numbers, but once numbers get high enough, they will devastate fleets."

I suppose if launched in the hundreds or thousands that could be true... not a cheap way to go, but effective I suppose.

In reply to Cyril Zotmund (msg # 310):

" The Kargash Light Cruisers, at 2000 dTons, can move as fast as a fighter, but with 2 light missile arrays with 24 missiles each, they would make a nasty mess of us, to be sure."

Perhaps, although my gunners are very good and we haven't employed any ECM to speak of yet ... and that is a place where Terran ingenuity and willingness to think in new ways offer a great advantage.  Once said Kargash shoots it's wad, it is essentially a giant fighter.


OOC-Your world, so whatever you want, but historically guided missiles of various sorts have proven quite susceptible to various spoofs. The IJN relied heavily on their superior torpedoes, which they launched in large numbers, but they proved far less effective tan hoped. When they hit, they worked very well, but when the enemy expected them, they got very few hits. Early in the war, they did better ... so I expect a mass missile launch has been considered and countered ... especially if it is a thousand year old tactic ;-)

In reply to Cyril Zotmund (msg # 312):

"Granted, but since missles are controlled, ECM is not very effective. However, that does mean the guidance depends on sensors of the controlling vessel, which do decrease in effectiveness with range. Hence, Repulsors are effective, but ECM much less so. Vilami have had many years to develop secure controls. Terran ingenuity will be vital, to be sure, but as Mnwa can testify, we are not the first race to fight them."


[OOC That is true with the IJN, but given the technology differences, if they had been using modern torpedoes or Harpoons, it would have been very different. The missiles in GURPS Interstellar Wars are actually remote controlled, so they are only as good as the worst of the sensors or the operators. But other than clouds, the Vilani also use nukes...it will take some time to fully counter missile storms, but repulsors are a big part of it.]
This message was last edited by the player at 21:52, Tue 17 Nov 2015.

OOC -  Controlled like TOW Missiles?  In the '73 war, the Jordanians used US TOW Missiles against the Israeli's with pitiful results, while the Israeli TOWs wreaked havoc...  seems someone had the IR frequency for someone else's missiles... My source was a Jordanian Armor Officer ... he was very impressed with TOWs ...having had 3 tanks blown out from under him.
ECM is very powerful and very potent. There are many things that can be done to confuse or foul up command guided missiles too.It also includes a wider variety of things than just electronic boxes. I could go on, but lets not... it starts to get umm sensitive after a while.

In reply to Cyril Zotmund (msg # 314):

ooc- It just goes to show even with more gear, it is the troops that make the difference along with better electronics. It is why Israel is still around today.

And personally, I like the combined assault with missiles and lasers.

Oh yes ma'am... and something else too, if it's available... maybe a grav-gun... many different threats.

In reply to Cyril Zotmund (msg # 316):

Please keep everything IC here, else it gets confusing. Grav and gravity weapons do not exist (that you know of) in this universe.
This message was last edited by the GM at 11:55, Wed 18 Nov 2015.

In reply to Fate (msg # 317):

"So if I understand Correctly, Cyril and Duke will temporarily assist Carrick, Mnwa and a number of other crew in ensuring a smooth take-over of the ship. The James Brown will doubtless also send some crew to stake their claim as well, as they have every right to. The rest of us will set about refuelling and processing the fuel as soon as possible. Those leaving have the ships boat ready to depart?"

In reply to Cptn Niki Maya (msg # 318):

"I have put together a spare computer to function as a Jump computer for the new ship, as I doubt we will have jump tapes for beyond Saris. I will need some time to replace the old one, but I will get started as soon as possible. Ready to move out."

In reply to Cptn Niki Maya (msg # 318):

Well, Captain, they can stake their claim if they want to, but they wouldn't be around to help stake that claim if not for us. Just sayin'...

Any info worth relating coming in on the news feeds from Ishkur before and during all this?

In reply to Carrick Teague (msg # 320):

"That may be true, Carrick. But we also may not be around either. We are still likely to need each other."

Ishkur is blocking all channels, including news, and has been since you started fighting. I assume Carrick has relayed the instructions to the Hero to proceed directly from the James Brown to dock with the Cruiser, once the dastavkas boat has been and gone?
This message was last edited by the player at 13:21, Wed 18 Nov 2015.

Kat laughs "So lets just make sure we have controlling interest in the new ship. But lets get to refueling, I want to get out of here as soon as possible."

In reply to Katherine 'Kat' Steele (msg # 322):

"Agreed. Once our people are on board the cruiser, lets head to the Saris jump point and finish refining enough fuel for the double jump."

You want me back here before we jump?

In reply to Cyril Zotmund (msg # 324):

"Yes, you and Duke should be back for the jump."

In reply to Cptn Niki Maya (msg # 325):

The Dastavkas ships boat departs with both prisoners and troops. Mnwa, Richard, Tonkin and several other Vegans keep a tight rein on the prisoners, under Cyrils watchful eye. Duke, Bill, Julia and Cathy form the basis of the Engineering team under Carrick with Peter Armstrong providing medical oversight and Marcus and Illiam piloting the Ships boat.

You dock, and your troops are quick to ensure the security of the crew. Well, most of them. A couple of men are noted to be in engineering, and a small explosion indicates that something is destroyed. The two responsible then give themselves up, and you find the jump computer is far from operational, and the fuel refiner is damaged, also creating a small hole in the fuel tank. Other damage is minor. Duke and his team get to work.

The Captain apologizes for the actions of the two (he was among those who gave themselves up) as the rest of the team come aboard and the Dastavka's boat departs to make room for the Hero to dock.

We get the rest of them under control... I take the Captain aside   We appreciate your not fighting to the death, surrender is a bitter pill, I am sure and one likely to bring you trouble from the Vilani leadership... feel free to inflate the size of ships ... given the location, I doubt you can add any, but we did arm the other two fully, so the odds would have been really poor for your crew. I know not what we will find when we vacate Vilani space, but should you choose to bring your family and move there to avoid retribution, I will put in a positive word on your behalf.

Did the Brown report anything suspicious when they were docked with the Hero?
This message was last edited by the player at 17:37, Thu 19 Nov 2015.

We might also ask for a list of who they sent over and their job, just to make sure the Hero guys don't attempt a substitute or 12...

In reply to Cyril Zotmund (msg # 329):

The James Brown gives the following Crew List, with their positions on the James Brown:

Gloria Brown: Security Officer
Ferdinand Morgado: Chief Engineer
Tommy Footrot: Cargo specialist
Samantha Fox: First Aid Officer
Amanda Fox: Electronics specialist
Hugh Hefner: Customer relations officer
Kim Kardassian: General Crew

They reported that all persons and cargo were unloaded without any significant problems.

In reply to James Brown (msg # 330):

The captain scowls at your suggestion.

"Live with Barbarians? Nothing the Vilani leadership would propose after the destruction of two similar warships would be so harsh."

Good, I would hate to see you suffer for a wise decision. But you might be quite surprised at how civilized we barbarians can be.


[Private to GM: Gloria Flake... not Brown  ;-)  I sent you the Char sheet... might even be worth keeping her around.]

My attitude towards the former Captain is much less hospitable: Better to ask forgiveness than seek permission to... fry the jump engines and fuel refiner, right?

I'd like to keep Gloria on as Security Officer in partnership with Mnwa (instead of a single officer, I'd like them to work as a team). I know Mnwa and know he can work with anyone, working as partners, I'd hope they can resolve any human-vegan issues that come up (plus, this way, Mnwa can keep a watchful eye on the Brown's crew). Any push-back there from either of them?

I'd also like Morgado to "help" Duke with the repairs, so Duke can suss out the gentleman's competency level.

If the transfers have gone smooth, I'd like to recommend we move to a more remote and discrete location... such as the far side of one of those gas giants, and then perhaps Maya, Spock, and Abdullah can sit down together and pow-wow.
This message was last edited by the player at 22:19, Thu 19 Nov 2015.

In reply to Carrick Teague (msg # 333):

The transfer does go smoothly, but repairs will take some time. The nearest gas giant is 3 days travel away, but may buy you time as any new Vilani vessels are likely to jump to the planet.

The Hero moves away a bit and then, rather than returning to the planet, enters hyperspace!

[Secret to Cyril Zotmund: Oops, saw the char sheet and have not yet had a chance to go through it. Particular reason for the name?]
This message was last edited by the GM at 23:30, Thu 19 Nov 2015.

Tanya... where did they likely jump to? Gashidda?

In reply to Cyril Zotmund (msg # 335):

"Most likely, yes. Will be 2 weeks at least before they get back...we don't want to be here then."

Once we're underway, I'd like to spend some time scouring the computer systems for recordings (anything available or recoverably deleted). Ideally I'm looking for any sort of evidence that can be used to help vindicate our actions.

Kat does what she can to get ready for the refueling and the jump. She is anxious to be away from here.

In reply to Carrick Teague (msg # 337):

Since the transfer to the other planet is being done in normal space, all comms are working fine. You find orders to keep all terran vessels at Ishkur regardless of what claims they make about being able to leave. The orders come from the acting fleet commander at Saris.

In reply to Fate (msg # 339):

Over the next three days, as the ships travel to the nearest gas giant, Duke is able to repair the damage to the cruiser, replacing the Jump computer with a terran one. Fuel gathered is refined and transferred from the James Brown, and extra fuel is obtained at the gas giant to replace what was put into the cruiser.

The crew on thw cruiser seem to get used to their roles fairly well, including the members from the James Brown, though you are pretty sure Kim was transferred to get her off the Lightning. Duke nonetheless finds her a place to stay in his cabin, and keeping him happy may be the best use she has.

The cruiser is about 60 years old, and showing her age.

Since I have some time, I want to put together a presentation of the data (voiceover) followed by a quick message. It would be done in Vilani (maybe getting a native speaker to do it without accent), concerning propaganda and the coming propaganda to denounce the evidence.

"We're not your enemies. We're merchants. We want to bring to you the wondrous stuff of the galaxy in return for a fair price. No amount of propaganda about us in the past or the upcoming propaganda to denounce the evidence we're sharing here can change that fact. We've only ever defended ourselves and our right to be free."

Then I want to send this over to the Dastavka for approval from Maya before broadcasting to all of the ships in the region and towards Ishkur for anyone able to receive it.

In the meantime, I'd like the engineer to put together an assessment on what it would take/cost to refurbish the cruiser to present to the officers of the Dastavka, if that's a route we'd like to go.

While that's happening, I want to have a discussion with Captain Maya and officers concerning rebranding/refinishing the cruiser. I'd like to rename the ship, as well, offering up, "Hitsuji" as the new designation.
This message was last edited by the player at 07:42, Sat 21 Nov 2015.

In reply to Carrick Teague (msg # 341):

"Before anyone takes the ship for their own, we would like to discuss our payment for the vessel. They are worth 440 million solars new, so 220 million should be acceptable payment for us..."

In reply to Lightning Class Trader (msg # 342):

"This vessel is far from new. At sixty years old, it's value is no more that 220 solars total. You cannot expect more than 110 million solars even if you did half the work...but since we have just supplied a new Jump computer, that would drop to 100 million solars."
This message was last edited by the GM at 11:28, Sat 21 Nov 2015.