Jack enjoyed the short flight, the only regret being he still hadn't had a chance to fly the launch. He small-talked with Newell and made polite with Renet, offering them refreshments from the galley.

As the Captain addresses him, Jack nods thoughtfully. "Offhand, I can't think of anyone on the Express but I'll make a call and see if I can find anything out. I'll set the Chandler delivery for this afternoon as well."

OOC: I'm winging protocols here, if Jack does something obviously wrong, hope the Ref takes sympathy on my non-military ass and lets Jack be proper! ;) Also, Hayden I'm guessing you're reading the Big Jean thread so I don't really have to draw up a "report" right?

IC: Jack takes a small espresso with him to his astrogator's station, opening up a comm-link to the port office. "Gaither Down, this is Gypsy Moth, Pad 07E. Confirming Chandler delivery of requested supplies to our hold, 1600 hours today, 352-5741. Ping us back with any issues. Gypsy Moth out."

Jack sets the comm system to alert him via his hand-comp if Gaither or Chandler call the ship and sets an alarm for 1530 to remind himself of the delivery. He sips a little espresso and hails FRPC Express.

"FRPC Express this is Gypsy Moth, located on Gaither Pad 07E. Astrogator and ex-Pathfinder Jacques Keveloh requesting permission to speak with your First Officer. Over."

Danica meets Newell at the passenger airlock to let him in - exchanging pleasantries and making sure that he is comfortable before she hands him off to Jack and Hayden.  At that point, Dani headed towards the bridge to oversee the final checks for the short flight from the shipyard to the downport.  While there is only so much that one can learn about a ship without actually taking the controls, Danica has been around ship's crews enough to know: one, not to get in their way, but also ... two, what she is looking for in a ship and how it handles and where some of its quirks lie.

She watches the FRN formation for a time.  And she watches the launch docking with a keen interest.  Dani makes sure that Jack is present is definitely present for that sequence, if he is not already on the bridge overseeing other things.  She thanks the transfer crew for giving her a chance to take the controls while circling the planet, however brief that stint is.  And while, Danica doesn't get to really stretch the Gypsy Moth at all, it is still a great feeling for her to be behind the stick again.  Sometimes, she wonders if she missed her true calling and should have joined the Navy and not the Army all those many years ago.  When the clearance for the approach to the downport is given, Dani reluctantly gives up the helm controls and resumes her role as observer.  Dani watches the landing sequence with great interest, she definitely wants to see how the 400 dton ship does during landing.

Once they are docked on Pad 7, she thanks the Kurth and Sons crew - finalizing hand off and signing any documentation necessary.  She then escorts them off the ship.  Danica returns to the passenger lounge where the rest of the crew and passengers (presumably) are - introducing herself to Renet.  She nods to Hayden as he solicits input and help for the meetings concerning freight.  "Captain," she notes dutifully, "I am willing to meet with either RSS or Roycan, if you would prefer.  I know that you have other, more important, things to run down.  We will need to coordinate our efforts though.  It wouldn't do to double book cargo space."

Otherwise, Danica busies herself with preparations and deliveries for the ship and its stocks now that the Gypsy Moth is actually in port and not at the shipyard.

OOC: No worries!  Any protocol is just for "chrome" anyway. :)

IC: The port and the ship's agent confirm chandler delivery for 1600.  It goes off without a hitch, but you spend a couple hours (unless someone helps you) storing the 3,000kg of supplies.



The team leader on FRPS Express turns out to be Leigh Watkins.  You've seen her name on organizational charts and such before, but have never met her.  You have not heard any negative or eccentric rumors about her, but nothing glowing either.

She makes some chit-chat, inquires a bit, generalities only, about Gypsy Moth, laments that the Pathfinders couldn't get her, and offers, "We usually have an SDB sheepdog to jump point.  You're welcome to tag along if you like."
This message was last edited by the GM at 03:07, Mon 28 Feb 2011.

Jack small-talks in kind then smiles as he hears Watkins' reply. "Pathfinder Watkins, you've just made my captain's day. I'll make sure our pilot stays in touch with you regarding departure times and jump point vector. Let us know if we can be of service until then. Gypsy Moth out."

Jack sends both Hayden and Danica emails detailing the exchange with Express and the confirmation of tandem flight to the jump point, with SDB escort no less. He also puts an alarm in his hand-comp to try hailing them on the inbound run at Espiaux.

After a few hours going over the supply drop and squirreling things away it occurs to Jack that Gypsy Moth should send the captain of Express a bottle of wine or some such as a thank-you. He makes a note to find a good bottle before departure.

After a quick bite, Jack turns to continuing his vacc-suit inspections.
This message was last edited by the player at 05:35, Mon 28 Feb 2011.

"Great.  I expect they will need to end up in the 1500 to 2000 per ton range to compete with what I'm seeing for speculative cargos, but you never know." Hayden said.  He sent a copy of the spec cargos to everyone via his handcomp for review.

"I'm planning to talk directly to four or five of these suppliers.  But first we need to decide who that is going to be." Marks said.  He started a discussion about cargo (i.e. the OOC discussion), soliciting input from everyone and working to reach a consensus on what to purchase with ship's operating funds.

Thera will lend a hand with the supplies.

"Don't know anyone aboard the Express", Jim states to Hayden's suggestion having a pretty good idea of her last assignment roster, but he listens in on Jack's comm just to be sure.

When the discussion turns to cargo, Jim appears disinterested, stating, "Cargo's not my area Captain - get whatever."

But, he listens in regardless and checks his p-comm when Chinchilas are mentioned, piping up with some enthusiasm, "Hey, bet these guys would go over big back home."

[If he's aboard ship, Jim would help with the chandler delivery - after first watching Thera carry a load, of course.  With requisite, 'I'm not a cargo handler damn-it!' muttered somewhere along the line.  Otherwise, he'll just make a nuisance of himself in his boredom.]

Norman Zander at RSS answers his p-comm on the first ring.  On the vid he appears to be a ruddy man in his early thirties with a big nose.

"Hey there Mate.  I see your ship is listed as direct to Espiaux on 357; are you guys really jump two?  Great, give those Ozawa bastards some competition, eh.  Good on you."

"Anyway, I've got a couple lots you might be interested in.  Tools, both of em and both for Box 2.  Fifty tons in five containers in the one and one ten ton container in the other.  We can talk more specifics if you want."

"I also wanted to ask though, where'r you headed after Espiaux.  I've got a couple ATVs that need to get to Vauclain and also a lot or two for Svetlana I'm tryin to move.  And, hang on, I've also got one container coming in for Tupolev.  If you can undercut Ozawa I'd be happy to send it with you."

”Chinchillas huh?” Hayden says, his voice trailing off.  It was clear the he was considering it.

”What if we inquire about the Silver Streaked Marble first, followed by Chinchillas, Aluminum, then, Computer Components, Machine Tools, and lastly Spun Cotton.  Ten tons of each would give a good spread to mitigate risk.  Obviously we can’t afford ten tons of each at the estimated value, so we’ll be looking to get good concessions from each seller.  We can drop the Spun Cotton for freight, spending on what RSS or Roycan offer for rates.  For the Machine Tools and Computer Components, if we don’t get a good offer at Espiaux, we’ll double down and hold off selling them.  They will go to Svetlana with us.  There’s been a lot of news about the Crown Prince wanting to shift the economy away from Agriculture and build up Svetlana’s industries.  We might see a really good price, especially given that Alsace manufactured components and tools might be better received than their over-engineered Espiaux counterparts.”
This message was last edited by the player at 12:24, Tue 01 Mar 2011.

In reply to Hayden Marks (msg #13):

OOC: Danica is talking to Norman Zander at RSS about freight.  Anyone else want to talk to Fiona Huet at Roycan?  Those are the last two IC interactions for Day 352.  The rest of the day will be taken up with onloading supplies, getting moved onboard, and doing the collaborative market research outlined in the OOC Thread.  If no one objects, I'd also like to push further bar-hopping to Day 353 or later, OK?

On the schedule for 353 are interviews with: Syren Hathorn, Prisa Gadron, Dagala Aksina, and Tamara Padabig.

"Captain, I should let you know that the Pathfinders I ran into at the bar the other night mentioned that Svetlana may be seeing a lot of pirate activity. Seemed to think it was being funded out of Santander to justify that growing navy. While I agree with your thinking, I thought you should be aware of the possibility that Svetlana may not want to pay for parts, they might just want to take them."

Jack chuckled. "Sounds a bit melodramatic, now that I've said it out loud. Regardless, that's the scuttlebutt."

OOC - Jack will talk Fiona Huet if no one else wants to. Going once...

Danica loads RSS contact information from Hayden's comm and then opens a connection to the company.  She is little surprised by the immediate response, but even more surprised to be called 'Mate'.  Her eyes widen slightly; so, Dani is glad that she has her mirrorshades on.  However, she endeavors to maintain her composure, offering a pleasant rejoinder, "Good afternoon, sir.  Danica Moreau, First Officer of Blackfin's Gypsy Moth."  She nods to the affirmative, as Dani answers his question about the Moth's capabilities, "We are a Jump two capacity vessel.  Licensed and Bonded, Mr. Zander."  She politely ignores Norman's quip about Ozawa, glossing over it by offering only a faint smile.

Danica nods faithfully, about the proposed freight lots to Espiaux; all the while she is dutifully typing notes into her dataglove, which is linked to her p-comm.  She beckons to Hayden over to her location with a frantic, off-camera, hand gesture.  She displays a note to him:

  Norman Zander, RSS.
  Espiaux, 2 lots (tools) - 50 tons, 10 tons.
  Vauclain - 2(?) ATVs.
  Svetlana - 1-2(?) lots (unspecified).
  Tupolev - 1 lot (unspecified)
  Wants us to undercut standard Ozawa rates.  Interested?

She glances at Hayden and gestures with her thumb up and down, asking for a 'Yes' or 'No'.

Stalling for time, Danica tilts her head, as Zander asks about their plans after Espiaux.  She takes her time answering and hedges her bets, "Hmmm... Not sure, really.  Our captain is playing it quite close to the vest with respect to our route further out.  Cites the necessity to shakedown the ship and crew."  Danica gives Norman a slightly crooked smile and notes conspiratorially - her tone a bit more hushed as she pushes her face just a smidgen closer to the camera, "Though between you and me?  I think it is safe to say we are likely to go through Vauclain and not Svetlana after Espiaux."  An eyebrow raises above the mirrorshades, as Dani adds, "That's my gut feeling, anyways."

"How big is the lot going to Tupolev?" Hayden asks.  Freight wasn't exciting, but it was reliable.  And perhaps more importantly, it might be a good pretext to enter Hallowan space.

Danica gives Hayden a barely perceptible nod, acknowledging his question.  "Tell me more about your Tupolev lot, Mr. Zander.  It sounds urgent." she prompts innocently, "What and how much could you possibly need to send to the Halowon Empire?"

She notes off-hand, "I am sure that we could work out a mutually agreeable contract on it.  If the size is right, of course."  She tries not to sound too eager - it is simple freight after all, but also wants to keep her level of reasonably enthusiasm high and her demeanor friendly and open.  And Hayden has exhorted them to be on their best behavior...

In reply to Danica Moreau (msg #18):

Danica and Norman Zander

Zander replies with a grimace, "Sorry Mate, but it's only one farm combine, about ten tons mass."  He shrugs, "The shipper wants to try to get it there for about four thousand a ton."

"If you're going to Tupolev you can stop at Vauclain on the way.  I can pay twenty five thousand each for the two Modag make ten ton ATVs."
This message was last edited by the GM at 23:39, Wed 02 Mar 2011.

Fiona Huet answers her comm on the first ring also.  She has red-orange hair, a prominent nose, and appears to be in her late thirties or early forties.  She seems to like what she sees of Jack.  She begins her pitch, "Good afternoon sir.  My name is Fiona Huet.  I am a cargo broker for the firm Roycan Limited.  Have you heard of us?  Our mission is to provide cargo brokering and forwarding services to a wide range of customers with professionalism, reliability, and service.  We aim to be the largest cargo broker on Alsace within five years and we pride ourselves on our relationship with many of the largest shippers on planet.  We value each of our business partners and believe in building lasting business relationships."

Turning to specifics, "We are currently looking for carriers for consignments to Espiaux, St. Croix, Vauclain, and Tupolev."  She says with a hint of disappointment in her voice, as if displeased Jack won't be on Alsace for long, "I see your ship is listed for departure to Espiaux on 357.  I only have one carriage contract for Espiaux at the moment, but new orders come accross my desk every day.  The current order is for twenty tons of chemical solvents in two tank containers from Alsace to Box Two.  I'd like to offer 38,000 credits for the shipment, free in and out.*"

* = means the shipper, not you, pays for stevedoring costs (i.e. the cost of loading and unloading the ship.)

"Hello, Ms. Huet, Jacques Keveloh, Bridge Officer of the independent trading vessel Gypsy Moth. Very pleased to meet you."

Jack meets Fiona's apparent interest (flirtation?) with his own, giving her an attentive smile and a little twinkle in his eye. "Of course we've heard of Roycan, hence my call. And lasting relationships are certainly what we on Gypsy Moth are seeking as well."

"Yes, 357 is coming up quickly isn't it? I won't trouble you with why we can't help you with the St. Croix delivery, however the solvents to Espiaux are a possibility. Would you be willing to split the consignment? We may not have room for a second ten-ton tank."

"Also, what is it you would be shipping to Vauclain and Tupolev? Both of those destinations may be on our flight plan in the coming weeks..."
This message was last edited by the player at 00:42, Thu 03 Mar 2011.

In reply to Jacques Keveloh (msg #21):

She seems pleased Jack is reciprocating her interest.  She tilts her head to the side and says, "Please, call me Fiona.  I'm sorry, but I can't split the order for Espiaux.  Does that mean you won't be able to take it?"

She continues, "I doubt any of the other orders will still be on the market by the time you get back from Espiaux, but I do have one lot for Vauclain and two for Tupolev at the moment.  The consignment for Vauclain is forty tons of chemicals in tanks.  The shipper is offering 96,000 total for it, free in and out.  The first lot for Tupolev is thirty tons of spices in containers.  The shipper is looking for thirty nine hundred per ton.  the second order is a bit unusual.  It is five tons of engine repair parts.  The shipper is requesting expedited delivery.  He is offering 25,000 for the shipment if delivered by Day 30, 30,000 by Day 020, and 35,000 by Day 010."

She laughs and adds, "Sometimes we see some unusual requests from customers."

Hayden gives the nod to the combine delivery.  "Let him know the Captain spent a few years with Ozawa, and isn't quite ready to play in their backyard.  But th the combine we can deliver - 4095 a ton.. 900 less than standard Ozawa rates for 60 day deliveries."

"Our regrets to Roycan, but we'll contact them next time we are in port.  If one of our other cargos falls through, we will let them know." Hayden sends to Jack via handcomp.
This message was last edited by the player at 05:41, Fri 04 Mar 2011.

Danica gives Hayden a curt nod and returns her full attention to Norman.  A vague, if profession smile plays on her lips as she notes off-hand, "Mr. Zander, I believe that the Gypsy Moth's captain is well acquainted with Ozawa and their rates, having spent a number of years with them."  Her expression changes, as Danica purses her lips and notes in a slightly rueful tone, "That does make him reluctant to confront them directly at this time.  So, I'm afraid that we only have space for the combine to Tupolev."

She looks thoughtful for a moment, pausing to make sure that Zander doesn't balk, "We can take the combine to Tupolev for 4095 a ton.  I have it on good authority that's 900 per ton less than Ozawa's 60 day rate..."

An eyebrow raises above the line of her mirrorshades, "Do we have an accord, Mr. Zander?"

In reply to Danica Moreau (msg #24):

Zander seems to process Danica's words briefly.  He nods definitively, "Sure. I'll transmit the draft carriage contract to you today.  If you like it I'd like to get the item delivered onboard tomorrow (Day 353)."

He changes subjects, "How about the lots to Espiaux?  The bid on those is seventeen hundred per ton, free onboard.  Would you like to take both of them, sixty tons total?"

A smile creeps on to Danica's lips when Zander agrees to terms, "Wonderful.  You may send the contract to..." and she gives him the appropriate comm address.  Danica also sets a time for delivery, "Tomorrow would be perfect, Mr. Zander.  Would 1400 hrs be appropriate?"

When Norman revisits the topic of the 60 tons to Espiaux, Danica's expression sobers slightly and she bites her lower lip for a moment before she speaks. "I'm afraid that we don't have the space for those, Mr. Zander."  Dani notes off-hand, "The Captain wants to keep his options diversified, especially for this, the Moth's maiden voyage."  She gives Norman another slight smile as she adds, "Though you may not agree with it, I suspect that you can understand that reasoning."

In reply to Danica Moreau (msg #26):

Zander seems undaunted, "No need to explain, Mate.  But if your other deals fall through comm me."

He signs off.  About twenty minutes later the ship receives the draft carriage contract.  The particulars are:

10tons cargo - one farm combine
40,950Cr - payable within five days of loading
Free Onboard and Off - shipper pays all stevedoring charges
Cargo to be loaded Day 353
Delivery by Day 048/5742

To Hayden's experienced eye the contract appears to be normal in all pro forma respects.

Jack laughs with Fiona. "Believe me, if I could tell you some of the unusual requests I've seen in my years on starships... well, you'd blush."

Jack shoots a Hayden a quick look of assent and then tries to let her down gently. "Fiona, I'm sorry, my captain just told me he's booked the final lot for our Espiaux run. I should have called you sooner." Jack leans in slightly, conspiratorially. "But I'll make sure you're our first call when we're back in Alsace - I think we'd be a good fit when the timing is right."
This message was last edited by the player at 04:52, Sat 05 Mar 2011.

In reply to Jacques Keveloh (msg #28):

Fiona does indeed blush slightly and flirts, "Well, I'll just have to look forward to that then."

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

OOC: Unless I've overlooked something, this ends Day 352.