Lermontova nodded happily.

Blackfish reluctantly conceded: “I don’t have any specific information to provide regarding the lack of maintenance of a ancient civilian ship. Regarding the emergency measures, it was a total mess.” One glance exchanged with his colleague later - “withdraw that… it absolutely looked like a total mess.

Now, if you would excuse us, other duties are calling.”

"Good luck for your investigation!", concluded Lermontova.

Anzha accepted the hug and gave the appropriate approving looks for both the dress and the twirl.  "Unfortunately this is the best I could do," she said indicating her own dress.  "As for the ship, the media exaggerates incredibly.  She is a fine old girl, though the previous tenants mistreated her," she said looking at the ship remarkably fondly.

"I'm on duty tomorrow," she sort of white lied.  "And so, not too late.  Where are we going?" she asked Ivia.

 As Anzha left. Khor'ruhn pondered the higher ups using a yacht to transport himself and the others to who knew where. "I definitely don't have the right wardrobe to go on a yacht. My Steward training dictates this. Do I have the time and credits to get a proper kilt shirt and jacket? "
This message was last edited by the GM at 13:43, Wed 01 May.

The former captain reacted with a straight face but arms raised in the air: "We'll submit this idea to the Consul: THE Ultimate Fatal WoMD against the Aslan colonies: a company of Vargr in kilts, kilt jackets, vests, hose, flashes, sporrans, and sgian dubhs!"

He resumed, tapping his luggage: "Now... the interview with the conceited Engineers of the Pride is over; time to move, guys."

He called the Consul's yacht; a raft (with hood!) arrived, and Baris, Oscar, Bannacor and Khor'Rhun saluted one last time and left the ship for good.
This message was last edited by the player at 04:38, Fri 03 May.

With the discussion drawing to a natural close and no further questions coming from the crew of The Old Lady's Hope, Sven acknowledged the departure of the Pride of Tanar engineers. "Thank you again, Officer Blackfish and Engineer Lermontova. Your insights have been invaluable, and we appreciate the time you’ve taken out of your schedules to assist us. I understand you have other duties to attend to, so we'll let you get back to them. Safe travels and good luck with your ongoing responsibilities," Sven concluded the call with a respectful nod, signaling the end of the video link.

As the screen blanked, Sven's attention returned to the present surroundings. He watched as Baris Dahl and his companions made their farewells, their figures retreating from the ship's control room, each step echoing a chapter closing.

Anzha caught his attention, and he watched appreciatively as she elegantly moved across the room towards Beto and then departed for her evening plans. Her graceful exit briefly softened the otherwise tense atmosphere of ongoing mechanical repairs.

With the immediate activities concluded, he approached the new Captain himself to address potential ship business. "Beto, uh Captain? There are still many details to attend to, but with the repairs progressing and some of the crew transitioning out, what are the ship’s upcoming plans? I've received an inquiry about the ship itinerary and whether we'll be taking on new passengers once we're spaceworthy again."

Kho'ruhn raises an eyebrow. "Proper dress aboard a Yacht sir. Was thinking about the bagpipes, and a program to play them for ye as well. But I have yet to hear a Vargr play the pipes well. Or anyone really. How can ye tell anyway" he finishes with a shrug.
This message was last edited by the GM at 06:28, Fri 26 Apr.

"My rank is Commander. The repairs are progressing? That's news! Did you find a second-hand power plant?" - she raised an eyebrow.
"The plans, as far as I know, are to interview and recruit a new pilot. Yes, we'll be taking passengers, but we have to give them a time for departure, and we won't know it for sure until the repairs are completed."

Beto turned to the ship's doctor: "By the way, Nicodemus, Baris told me something about you having to do an medical errand at the other side of the planet? The sooner you do it, the sooner you'll be back"

Back to Sven: "Regarding the itinerary, I'm open to suggestions, given that we have to be on Trush on week 13 for our quarterly payment, and this breakdown delays my route plan".

Almost absently, Nicodemus responds, "I was about to mention that, in reference to passengers. There's some sort of epidemical vector beginning to engage this planet. Any passengers we take will need to be cleared before we take them off-planet. Technically, we should all be screened."
"I'll be heading to someplace called Blossom in Mysteriosa, or something like that, anyway. If I find reason to believe the sickness could spread off planet we'll end in quarantine. Making the payment might become problematic were that to occur."

Seriously? Didn't someone call Wade? Was the meeting with the Imperial Consul a distraction from critical tasks? Locating a replacement power plant should be a priority.

"Commander Beto", Sven began, offering a respectful nod. "Traditionally, the title 'Captain' is used in reference to the leader of a ship’s operations, irrespective of formal rank. It helps maintain clarity for the crew and external parties."

Perhaps she's still adjusting to her new role.

"For the power plant, my efforts until now have been directed towards complying with the High Judge's mandate to investigate the cause of the failure. That also allowed me to map out the needed supporting system repairs. Typically, the procurement of such critical hardware would be managed by the ship’s logistics officer or purser. I've provided contact information for a local resource to assist in expediting the search for a replacement plant. Should I shift my focus from the technical repair work to directly handling the procurement?"

"Other than incorporating the lab results, and writing the report for High Judge Sandstrom, the hands on portion of the investigation should be about complete. The scene has been recorded, samples have been collected and delivered for analysis, outside witnesses questioned. The lab results should sufficiently clarify the cause of the explosion and guide our cleaning procedures to prevent future issues. Debris removal is set to begin, and additional hands would certainly expedite this process."

"The initial plan was for the ship's crew to manage repairs under my guidance. Given recent departures, reassessing our capacity is crucial. We might need to consider contracting shipyard personnel to meet ship deadlines."

"Regarding the fuel, has there been progress with the offloading and storage? It’s crucial we inspect and possibly clean all tanks, especially to ensure the purity of fuel for the jump drives."
OOG: msg #141 shows Beto requesting the fuel offload and storage, but I have not seen anything about when that is or was to be done. Darn details.

Sven concluded with pertinent questions about the ship’s itinerary, his tone inquiring yet cautious, reflecting his newness to the crew.
"Regarding Week 13’s schedule, from when are you counting? What are the routing considerations aside from the mandatory stop at Trush? Are operations limited to League systems, or are Aslan territories on the table too? Is the focus solely on passengers and standard freight, or are trade opportunities being explored?"

Passengers and freight, with jump-on-jump, maximize fixed income. Taking time to research available cargo can increase profit. However, too tight of a schedule could mean missed deadlines from even minor delays. The details are important.
OOG: Player has access to the planned route, Sven does not. Though he might be able to locate it, if it was published on the datanet.

As Beto and Dr. Trask discussed Mysteriosa, Sven's attention was drawn when the province was mentioned, quickly connecting it to the incident he had witnessed the previous night.

Mysteriosa mentioned again? Hlem’s disease, and now potential epidemic threats? My gambling instincts tell me the odds are this isn’t just a coincidence.

Seeing an opportunity to discuss his concerns discreetly, Sven approached Dr. Trask with a casual demeanour, effectively masking the urgency of his inquiry to avoid drawing Beto’s attention. "Dr. Trask, might I have a moment? There’s a medical matter I’d like to consult with you privately, at your convenience." He subtly indicated a step away from Beto, ensuring their conversation would remain confidential.

Once they were sufficiently apart, Sven spoke in a measured tone, maintaining a low volume. "Doctor, considering the endemic nature of Hlem’s disease, propagated by insects in Mysteriosa, what do you think about the potential for an epidemic? Suppose local changes have expanded the vector range or interaction. It’s a concern, given the situation I encountered last night."

"I attended a woman who suddenly collapsed in a gambling house. Her medkit indicated a 90% probability of Hlem's disease. Symptoms were terminal, and she reportedly last visited Mysteriosa about six months ago. This suggests a lengthy dormant period, which complicates any standard quarantine approach. The emergency response team was led by Dr. Bin Larne from VIP Health Services, and I can provide you with a detailed account if you wish to review it."
OOG: The available records will show events from msg #53 until the ambulance drives away.

Nicodemus nods. Then he peers at Sven a moment before responding, "there was an incident, about a decade past now, on Bornonu in Yggsdrasil. The highest ranking officials were dieing of some unknown condition. Perfectly healthy men, and yes, the gender specificity was the first real clue. It caused brain lesions that turned the victims into psychopathological madmen before it killed them."
"Dr.Van Nuys and I managed to isolate the toxins, but couldn't convince anyone as to the source of the poisons. Once we tracked down the protein chains that led to the deaths, it became clear. Bornonuans had been using some of the native plants as foodstuffs. As a result,they had developed sensitivities to certain rare medications that were now killing the elite. No one was ever able to prove it, but it appeared there was an epidemic of illegal anagathics that proved to be what eventually killed them all. Dr. Van Nuys and I published our papers. The Bornonuans eventually either ran out or just stopped taking the anagathics when they decided we were right."
"Van Nuys is here. He was a little cagey when he called so I'll bet he's already found something he needs me to verify. If it's just like old times, as he said it would be, he's already irritated the locals and I'll have to do some of the digging myself. I'll look up Hlem's disease and add it to the medical database in case we run into it again."
"The important thing will be to leave as soon as we've finished. Whatever the condition is, it attacks vital systems and leaves them irrevocably damaged. We should attempt as little contact as possible before we get off planet."
This message was last edited by the player at 06:02, Thu 02 May.

Sven absorbed Dr. Trask's historical account, recognizing both similarities and distinct differences with the incident he had witnessed.

Bornonu and now Mysteriosa—brain lesions then, cerebral hemorrhage now—food and anagathics then, varied mysterious 'supplements' now. In Trask’s context, anagathics are illegal; here, it’s more about whether their use is ethical...perhaps hidden to appease Imperium interests?

After a brief pause, Sven continued, "The patient last night exhibited severe symptoms: high temperature, pulse, and blood pressure, with a scan showing a cerebral hemorrhage. Her medkit listed no anagathics, but her belongings contained various unregistered substances—powders, vials, plant products. These might be local pharmacopeia or less formally recognized items. The visual records include detailed labels and images of these substances."

Sven noticeably hesitated again before delving into less factual areas, "Aside from the medical perspective, my observations of Tanarian practices suggest a complex approach to health products. The line between legitimate medicinal goods and 'pharmafraud' is blurred, seemingly skewed towards profitability rather than efficacy. Such promotional materials might also cleverly disguise genuine products, targeting those 'in the know.' This local marketing strategy, veering towards entertainment, could obscure the true nature of products offered and complicate any medical or investigative approach here. If these products are involved, those you might irritate are the biggest businesses on the planet. Given Tanar's exports, off planet might not be enough. Knowledge is needed."

The domina's bodyguard could have been right—she was poisoned. Not by the other players, but by herself.

Dr. Trask again peers at Sven, as if examining the man, before he says, "a gambling house, and local flora prepared as if some sort of herbal medicine. Parallel to a previous incident, with differing details. A society building its culture around commerce, so that the most successful gain power. I wonder if the locals have discovered some native species with properties similar to Laranal. That could be most handy at the roulette wheel."
"And what factor would have the biggest impact on the specific symptoms? The nature of the foreign material. I'll put my medical computer to task with identifying the substances in the images, and ask Ewan about it when I get there. I should probably rent a vehicle. Last time van Nuys and I had to take samples on the remote estate of the "forest czar", I have no idea what that means, and after dropping us there the locals ran off, stranding us."
"Wouldn't want that to happen again."

OOG: I don't recognize Laranal, and search did not find anything useful. From context sounds like providing psi telekinesis. Or more exotic precognition.

Sven acknowledged the speculations but chose to focus on practical advice.
"As an added precaution, you might want to ensure the planetary datanet covers the region you're visiting, or consider taking a dedicated transceiver with adequate range. Having a reliable contact on the other end could be crucial."

"I'm less sure now if what I observed was genuinely Hlem's disease or something from the medkit's unknown classification. The protein chains from your hypothesis might mimic viral structures closely enough to confuse the diagnostics. Cooperation from Dr. Larne or VIP Health Services could provide more definitive answers."

Realizing his advice might be obvious to a seasoned professional like Dr. Trask, Sven decided to wrap up the conversation. "You have all the data I can provide at the moment. I need to return to ensuring our ship is technically prepared to depart when the time comes. However, I would appreciate any updates on your findings."

Sven glanced at his watch, a subtle reminder of the time pressures.
"Interviewing The Pride of Tanar crew took longer than expected. Tomorrow, I’ll continue with the repairs, though I must first verify my priorities and the resources available with the new Captain." He glanced back to see what Beto was doing, signaling his intent to move on.
This message was last edited by the player at 22:31, Fri 03 May.

OOC: You called Wade. Wade did not call back. NPCs (and PCs turned NPCs) don't do the adventure in my book: the PCs are the heroes. They get to do the tasks and roll dice :)

"Traditionally, the title 'Captain' is used in reference to the leader of a ship’s operations, irrespective of formal rank. It helps maintain clarity for the crew and external parties."
After saying that, Sven realized that people don't like being schooled, because the old lady's eyebrows furrowed.

"You are right, Mr Glanz. I'm the leader on this ship, and if I order the crew to call me Grand Mufti of Yerushalaym, they call me Grand Mufti; and if I tell YOU to call ME commander, so shall you do call me. Is it clear?!", she uttered as she pointed her index at Sven.

"Typically, the procurement of such critical hardware would be managed by the ship’s logistics officer or purser... Should I shift my focus from the technical repair work to directly handling the procurement?"

Beto spent some time going over tests results and charts on her tablet. She then sighed and took the posture of someone explaining the world to a 3-year old.
"Sven, as an engineer, I know a little about power plant - and so does Nicodemus. Nicodemus and me could go shopping a power plant, and I'll negotiate a price, and the plant would be installed. Then, there maybe some hidden default that renders the plant useless, this time during jump, and we'd all die because I didn't assign the job to the right person.

You're the power plant expert, and you scored better than me at the haggling games... by all means, please handle the friking procurement!"

"[investigation is nearly over]"
"Good."

"Debris removal is set to begin, and additional hands would certainly expedite this process... The initial plan was for the ship's crew to manage repairs under my guidance. Given recent departures, reassessing our capacity is crucial. We might need to consider contracting shipyard personnel to meet ship deadlines."

"The plan has not changed.". The commander showed the engineer a list, of which some names were struck. "Too bad Oscar left to pursue other opportunities - he was our chief mechanic. Besides you, only Charmichael, Daphne and myself are good at this kind of repairs - the rest of the crew will be on leave. So the three of us will do what you tell us, and we'll pay contractors if needed, but there's a limit on the number of people who can be crammed in the PP room?"

"Regarding the fuel, has there been progress with the offloading and storage?..."
"Yes, they came just while you were at the labs. All our tanks are now empty."

Sven concluded with pertinent questions about the ship’s itinerary.
Beto showed him her planned route and extremely tight schedule.

"This route is theoretical does not account for events like the one who stranded us here. No we're not limited to the League, but the last time we were on an Aslan world we ended up giving our reward to the poor non-Aslan... it's a story for another time. We cramped the crew into three 4-bunks rooms, and refitted the ship to create cabins, so you bet we want passengers! We'll take any freight that we could profit from, even some that is illegal on other worlds, provided we consider the benefits to risks ratio. You smuggled things during your terms in the Merchant Navy - or at least tried - so you know how it goes. Speculative trade is also on the table."

OOC: Not as a PC to do the actual work, but as a contact that might know who to call that is likely to have a power plant. Technically Sven passed on Wade's contact information. He did not make the call since his priority at that point (this morning) was the investigation.

At Beto's insistence on her preferred title, Sven adapted quickly, The Commander is quite particular about formalities—best to tread carefully. He responded with a measured tone, "Certainly, Commander."

The procurement assignment took Sven by surprise, Procurement? That’s unexpected. Some of my diverse skills must have … weighted … her decision matrix. Certainly not administrative or negotiation training. Regaining his composure, he responded, "Acknowledged, Commander. I had initially planned to only evaluate technical specifications before purchase. I’ll extend that to include full procurement. Priority 1."

Sven then considered the resources listed against the work required and the timeline. "To expedite repairs and minimize our planetside duration, I recommend bringing in a contractor or two. With your approval, I could approach the shipyard for equipment rental and possibly get their recommendations for contractors—this would also allow them to oversee the use of their equipment."

"The scope of repairs extends beyond the power plant compartment. The fuel tanks and processing systems require thorough inspection and decontamination, and the bridge's remote systems need verification. Implementing partially overlapping shifts would maximize the efficiency of our workforce, ensuring that tasks are completed swiftly without overcrowding the work areas."

And I can still closely monitor and direct the work.
This message was last edited by the player at 00:36, Sat 11 May.

OOC: I stand corrected. Beto did not contact Wade, as she planned to have Sven work on procurement.


"Excellent, Sven. Approved."

"Why does it?"
...
Beto recalled the skill matrix on her tab. "This needs skills other than mechanicals, I assume?"
This message was last edited by the player at 19:11, Tue 14 May.

Sven nodded at the contractor approval.

"The bridge controls interface with engineering. We need to ensure that readouts and controls accurately reflect the status of the power plant, and that the plant correctly responds to commands from the bridge after replacement."

"That is correct Commander. That task requires more electronics and computer specialization than mechanical skills."

"Now that the tanks are empty, I can open the inspection hatches and take a look. I could leave it until morning, but I'll admit I'm curious. The crew insisted I inspect the power plant compartment as soon as I arrived. Would you care to join me for a quick look from the hatch before going off-shift? This is more investigation than power plant-specific."

The commander looked the skills matrix up.

"Well we'll need Anzha, when she's back from her date (can you believe she's one of those kind? - never mind) for computing. And Electronics, that would be Carmichael... Yuri... yourself and me."


"I'd so much like to! But tell you what - an interview with a potential new pilot, named BODROV, is due to begin in 15 minutes. It would be appropriate to show him the bowels of the ship. And freshen up our engineers' knowledge."

Beto went to round up Carmichael and Nicodemus.

"Welcome aboard M. Bodrov. You're punctual, that's very well. Let me introduce to you Dr Nicodemus Trask, who is also our 4th officer, so you shall always obey doctor's orders!. Jared Charmichael, Marine and engineer. You know Sven Glanz already."
This message was last edited by the player at 13:55, Sun 19 May.

In reply to Beto Arark (msg # 253):

Danila looked at the old ship with an inscrutable expression. Okay, it's time for him to get out of here anyway, so he doesn't have much of a choice. Let's consider piloting this ship as a particularly hardcore test of his skills.
- My respects, madam. Gentlemen, - Danila made a slight bow to Beto and the introduced crew members.

OOC: I don’t remember exactly who said what to whom when, so forgive me if there is any incoherence.

The pilot's name is very familiar to Sven.

Bodrov? Danila? I guess I don't need to talk to him about taking on passengers.

He informed the Commander that he had recently met the pilot.

When Beto left to gather the others, Sven had a few minutes alone to get some things started that would take time to complete. He activated the interface on his tablet to instruct the agent program.

COMMS/agent>>>Activate Agent. Unload bandwidth-consuming resources. Load Savant, Machiavelli, and Geordi modules. Execute. … Savant, Machiavelli, Geordi, collaborate to identify available power plants for sale that are compatible with the Old Lady's Hope. Specifications: 6 d-tons, 90 power point rating, ideally used units. Preference for Florian manufacture, though not exclusively. Extra power capacity is a bonus, provided the size remains within current ship modification limits. Extend search planet-wide, not just near the spaceport. Consider remote facilities that might have recently upgraded and might sell off older units. Prioritize the fleet base and Spaceport shipyard as potential sources due to their likelihood of maintaining detailed records and adhering to rigorous maintenance protocols. Set notifications to Priority 4 for reviewable technical details or contactable sources. Given varied business hours across timezones, expect some responses by tomorrow morning. Immediate guidance needed should also trigger a Priority 4 alert. Execute.<<<END COMMS

Both the fleet base and the shipyard are likely operational around the clock. We might get some responses sooner. … Remote facilities, Mysteriosa, anagathics. If Tanarians really are working with anti-aging drugs, I wonder what the power requirements are for the processing?

With the agent program tasks initiated, Sven switched to the immediate item of inspecting the empty fuel tanks. He checked the ship’s locker, found a high-powered torch, and collected the appropriate tools needed to open the inspection hatches. With these in hand, he rejoined the others to meet Danila.


Sven gave a nod of recognition to Danila and said, "We meet again. Don't know if we'll get to see the sights this evening or not."

OOC: reference msg #172 and #173

Dr. Trask notes Sven's familiarity with Danila, and after a moment's hesitation asks, "have you been here long enough to encounter Hlem's disease? The usual response to these things is to ground anyone that's been exposed. Of course, it's possible there isn't a disease vector. I won't be sure till I ask."
"If you did observe one of the afflicted, I'll want any observations you might've made. Sven described a gruesome case he observed in the casino. If I'm fortunate enough, you've seen the same instance. Different people will observe different things, but data is data and the differences between these observations are as important as the similarities."
Turning to Beto, Nicodemus says, "which also means everyone that travels with us must be cleared of disease vectors before we depart. Any passengers we take should arrive early enough to get those examinations done."

- I see. No problem... A lot of work, uh?


- Of course, Doctor, I'm all yours. As soon as we settle the salary question with Commander Beto.

"Well, yes, though not quite what I meant. I should be ready to clock out for the evening shortly. Not clear yet though how much time your negotiations and orientation with the Commander will take."


Gruesome? Severe, sure, negative, definitely, but gruesome? Not to an external observer. Of course, what was happening internally qualifies.


Sven chuckled lightly, "No need to rush for poking and prodding. Closer to departure would be more appropriate. Besides, I don't think Nicodemus has created a protocol for that yet."