"We did get the message that they sent.  That is what triggered the police raid.  Neva had some connections and we got quick action."  Ken reached over and gave Lorain a hug.  "That was Dumaer, the guy that responded with the artifact.  It sounds like Lokhav must have had the Scout kidnapped when he showed up to sell you the other half of the artifact we have now.  Fortunately his girlfriend had a picture of the writing on it."  He frowned and sighed.  "Do you think they killed him?"

In reply to Ken Jenkins (msg # 526):

Lorain shook her head sadly.

"I don't know his name. It was just "the scout". It happened months ago, no one came and say they killed him but, ah, let's just say they only talked about him in the past tense. I get the feeling they picked me up by mistake, a miscommunication. They really wanted the artefact, you see. Kalamanaru questioned me about the digs on Qarant, I wasn't able to tell him all that much, and then he was gone. Maybe I was supposed to follow. I don't know."

In reply to Prof. Lorain Messandi (msg # 527):

He looked thoughtful at her information. "Yes. We searched his ship thoroughly when it left. It would make sense he wouldn't want you to on it at that time. The head of a smuggling ring like Kalamanru would never expose himself to risk travelling on a ship carrying contraband. Including people."

Ken sighed at the news of the almost certain demise of the scout.  He didn't know the man but had made enough of an acquaintance with his girlfriend to deeply regret the loss.  "Dumaer, if that is him was a double or even triple agent for just about every power around.  I think he was even providing information to Kalamanru in the middle of spying on him.  I'd rather not pass on the bad news to his girlfriend here on the planet."

He shook his head.  "We have at least a photo of the second artifact.  It must be considered important if Kalamanru wanted it.  I say we get you somewhere safe Lorain, like our ship and have you and Laskan try to decipher it.  In the meantime I think it might not hurt to pay a visit to Qarant and see what Kalamanru is after.  I'm guessing that he must think he is on the Trail of the Sky Raiders.  The society there was obviously influenced by them or even descended from them; they are the only ones around that spoke Vilani like the Sky Raiders."  Ken of course had several ulterior motives for bringing Lorain aboard but her safety was paramount in his mind.

In reply to Ken Jenkins (msg # 529):

"Yes. I would like to have a look. More to the point, I think we need to get to Qarant. Without the artefact you have, I think Kalamanaru is just stuck. They have located some promising ruins but haven't been able to narrow it down from there. Let's go."

She started heading down the tunnel to the ship. "Can I borrow your phone to call Dr. Laskan."

Ken nodded in agreement as Lorain spoke.  Everything she said reinforced what he already thought.  Turning with her he handed over his phone.  "We've already prepared for a flight to Qarant when we thought you might have been taken.  The ship can leave in minutes and we have a cover from the Institute as a supply ship.  We'll be able to enter the system without stirring up a lot of interest."  He was excited now not only that Lorain was back but that they might steal a march on the despised Kalamanru!

In reply to Ken Jenkins (msg # 531):

Speaking briefly into the phone to Dr. Laskan about the translation she then hung up. Keeping her voice from the police and emergency personnel present she said,

"Chanis said that he already analysed the artefact to the best of his ability. There's not much more he can do without a lot more analysis. I'm going to have to go downtown for a few hours, give a statement. And the authorities are not going to be happy with me leaving as I'll be the star witness at a kidnapping trial. But if Kalamanaru is able to translate the script on the rear of the piece you were bringing, then every day counts now. I'm afraid to say I'm less concerned about the kidnapping trial of some of Kalamanaru's underlings and more about if he discovers the Sky Raiders before we do.

"Images of the artefact would have been in my files. Prof. Lokhav, my assistant, would have copies as well. Is he all right? Is my father okay, as well?"

Ken motioned the others over to the side so they could all speak to Lorain.  His frown returned as she spoke.  It was a complicated situation and it seemed they had been drawn into a competition, even battle with Kalamanru and his underlings.  It was one he swore to win given his piratical ways and treatment of Lorain and her father.  That he supported the enemy of the League, the Hegemony only made it more important to stop him in his tracks.

"I at least would like to go with you Lorain.  I know the police can guard you but I don't want to let you out of my sight.  The rest of the crew can have the ship on five minute standby for when we return."  He took a deep breath as the topic of her assistant came up.  "Your father is just fine Lorain and is with us.  As for Lokhav, we have evidence that he was working for Kalamanru.  He had you set up the whole time and seemed to be screening events on Qarant away from you."

In reply to Ken Jenkins (msg # 533):

She frowned at the news. "Damn! Lokhav is with or working for Kalamanaru? He was originally from the Descarothe Hegemony, sure, but I never figured him to work for that bastard. I bet he was feeding that pirate information about dig sites that we tried to keep confidentlail. No wonder so many of them seemed to get raided by tomb robbers.

He might be able to decypher the script on the back of the artefact you found, based on the scans you took to show me. But without Laskan's help it will take him a while.

"OK. Let's go downtown now. We'll be back as soon as we can."

My only problem with bringing Lorain is we could be delivering her, the artifact & us right into K's lap ...

Ken frowned and nodded. "It seems Lohkav was a spy from the beginning.  Obviously Kalamanru has been playing the long game for some time.  If he can decipher things then it's all the more important that we get to Qarant right away.  Whatever is on the planet is obviously important and could be the key to what happened to them."  He looked to Blake;  "I think we have to risk Lorain at the very least and the artifact.  There may be other clues that could present themselves that might require information from the artifact and without Lorain to interpret and analyze we may not be able to recognize what is important."

He took a deep breath.  "Thomas, can you come with us?  I could use another pair of eyes and neither of us are helpful in getting the ship ready." Ken smiled at Lorain. "Let's get this over with."

Lorain pointed out, "you would be going anyways, right? Kalamanaru has the important part of the breast plate, the writing. As for me, I can make my own decisions."

"I don't think Lorain or the bauble would be any safer here, anyway. Once Kalamanaru figures out where they are, he will go after them. How much do you trust the people here? Especially after Lohkav?"

"It would be safer to have them with people we trust, us."

All too true.  Time to pre-flight this ship & move along.

In reply to Blake Renfield (msg # 539):

Neva nodded.  "I can make sure that the pre flight is done and systems up and running for take off if you want.  Ollie might want a change of pace."

Neva knew that Ollie had done most of it already because he was never far from instant take off.  It would be easy to finish it.

She looked over at Royce and gave him a small smile.  They both knew that she couldn't stay but it had been really good to see him again.

"Good, Neva," grinned Ollie, "Then you can show me if you remember what I taught you. Time to hit the road. My feet were starting to get itchy!"

In reply to Oliver Oliphant Oksasaellllozae (msg # 541):

Neva nodded to Ollie.  "Yes sir.  Right away sir.  So if we take off and don't crash right away that means I remembered right?"

Neva smiled as she waited for the rest of the group to decide what they were going to do as well as Ollie's response to her.

Lorain and whoever was accompanying her took a trip downtown. It took a few hours to give her statement at the main police HQ.

She was, of course, asked to not leave town, although this was for investigative purposes and not legally binding.

After, she was free to go. It was around midnight.

When they were done, Ken pulled Lorain aside.  "Let's get back to the ship then and depart.  It will mean leaving but they have no reason to keep you here and your testimony is not the only needed to convict these goons.  We can let Neva's friend know where you are going and hopefully be back in a month or so."

In reply to Ken Jenkins (msg # 544):

The starport offices were open 24/7. Exit visas were easy to arrange for the crew. Those for passengers might take some time, especially if (like Lorain) they were instructed not to travel.

OOC: An Admin roll by Linus might smooth the way, or Bribery, etc.

On the ship, Jothan was looking tired.

"I really want to come with you all, I do. But I've got more operations coming up, and I'm on medication. Plus, let's be honest, my last foray did not end well! Please, go on without me."

In reply to Dr. Jothan Messandi (msg # 546):

Lorain smiled and hugged her dad.

"Aw, dad! I see your point. It's strange that for once I'll be heading off for some expedition and you're staying home."

Linus stood watching.

"I understand, old friend. Your health has to come first. Lorain, I'll see if I can sweet-talk the starport into giving you a visa."

He headed out on a visa-hunt (strange place that required EXIT visas, now entry ones he could understand but... oh well, no doubt just another way to extort even more taxes!).

OOC: Die roll made...

In reply to Linus Spruance (msg # 548):

The officials looked a little strangely at Linus when he seemed unfamiliar with the concept of exit visas. Most planets that had starports had them, they were a key component of regulating interstellar passenger traffic. Even balkanised worlds might have nations that issued exit visas.

"Sorry, there's a temporary administrative hold on Professor Messandi. She's not allowed transit at this time and we cannot issue such documents." The customs agent looked sympathetic but firm.

"Actually, she's already dealt with that," said Linus. "She was a victim of crime and the police needed her to make a statement, she's just come back from doing that so word probably has not reached you yet."

He smiled sweetly, and got ready to put his hand in his pocket if that's what it took.