Danica shrugs slightly as she walks, but doesn't look at Jack.  "We're the bridge crew.  If Mr. Lafleur needs to speak with the Captain to make his mission or some purpose in life complete, then he can talk to me."  The edges of her mouth twitch slightly, a smile almost forming.  She had seen all kinds in the Free Republic Army.  Dani was pretty sure that she could deal with Lafleur.  If she couldn't handle this meeting, a whole week with these people was going to result in a number of things (and, probably, personnel) to be 'lost in transit' (and ugly proposition given they would be in j-space), which would not be a very auspicious start to the mission.

"Let's see what the 'demands' are..." Danica notes as the elevator doors closed to take them to the passenger lounge on the lower level.

Doc arrives shortly after 7 in the am - dressed in a casual suit.

He manages to move aboard with two awkward and noisy trips - one carrying armloads of specialty kits and a cooler along with a security helmet and military style combat looking boots swinging about his person.

His second trip is even more encumbered - as he sports a well loaded field backpack with all manner of survival gear bulging its pockets and strapped on; a large duffel; binocs and a technical looking container (specimen) hanging from his neck; a mesh covered animal style carrier under one arm; and, dragging a large suitcase style hardcase using the other, which has a chain saw swinging from the associated shoulder.  If this weren't awkward enough - a pair of long slender ski's required him to duck and weave while maneuvering to his quarters.

It also required his hovering personal drone to maintain a safe distance from him.

After basically just dumping everything in his quarters, and setting his drone to remain there as well, he grumbled his way to the lounge for morning coffee before greeting the rest of the crew.  As usual, imbibing the brew resulted in his transformation to a 'more' cheerful state.  On this particular day he was in exceptionally high spirits.

Not at all interested in the 'other' loading operations, he headed back to engineering to give everything a once over, and exchange pleasantries with the new-hires.  After a bit, he chimed Jack on the bridge to see what's going on.

He was in such good humor, he decided he was curious enough to bring himself to see what the 'hard-ass', as Jack described him, wanted - so he made his way to meet up with Jack and Danica.

In reply to Dr. Jim D. Jones (msg #8):

Girard Lafleur introduces himself cordially to Danica, Jack, and Dr. Jones.  Lafleur's eyes are lively and his smile warm.  His handshake is firm and he exudes a no-nonense air.

"Good morning, I would like to take a few moments to discuss procedures with you to make sure we're on the same page security wise.  As you can see, we'll have four guards on duty at any given time, two in the starboard hold and two on call.  We'll also be armed at all times and, as I'm sure you've noticed, we've set up our own sensors and cameras in the hold.  There are a few other things I'd like to ask of you and your crew to make this detail go smoothly.

First, if at all possible, could we have sandwiches and coffee or tea available 24/7?  Second, I'd like to ask that the ship's stewards refrain from disturbing our personel in their off time; they need their rest.  Third, I would like to ask that if any other ships close us within ten thousand kilometers, or behave in an unusual fashion, that you inform me immediately.  Fourth, I ask that I have unfettered access to the bridge to respond to unusual situations and also to keep an eye on my people.  Lastly, I must ask that the crew not enter the starboard hold at any time, for any reason, without my permission.  If there are any issues, please address them to me.

I understand, you have your ship to run, and we want to interfere with that as little as possible, and we have our job to do as well, and ask that you interfere with us as little as possible.  In the event anything untoward should happen, we will be responding to protect our shipment and we expect your crew to respond to protect the ship.  It would be best if we don't cross wires on that. Agreed?"

"Mr. Lafleur, let me be the first to officially welcome you and your team to Gypsy Moth."

Jack listens attentively as Lafleur states his litany of requests, pinging Dagala to report immediately to the passenger lounge so she can be a part of the conversation.

"Rest assured that we have your requirements at the top of our list. Our security chief, Ms. Aksina, will be here shortly so that she can briefed on your needs. Regarding your particular concerns..."

Jack begins tapping on his hand-comp, ostensibly in regards to Lafleur's requests but in reality creating a check-list of protocols to be sent to the ship's crew on a private channel. He maintains good eye contact with Lafleur, only glancing occasionally at his device.

"You will definitely have refreshments available 24/7, we'll see to that immediately. They will be available here in the passenger lounge and you can distribute them as you see fit. As far as disturbing your people, no worries there - we'll stay out of your way, except when ship's needs dictate otherwise. This will be aided by the fact that we'll need to restrict your team's access to their staterooms and starboard hold only. Of course, they will have access to the passenger lounge and amenities as well, but all other areas will be strictly off-limits." Jack smiles. "This must apply to you as well, Mr. Lafleur, excepting your request for bridge access.

"Unfortunately your protocol to remain armed at all times creates the possibility of tension on our ship, as we are confident in our ability to protect you and your cargo from outside interference. Therefore, the crew of Gypsy Moth will be carrying sidearms at all times. Understand, this is not meant as an offensive gesture but merely a stabilizing one, assuring everyone that we are all equally prepared for any, ah, untoward event.

"And certainly the bridge will inform you of any suspicious or hostile movement by other ships in normal space. You should know that I've secured clearance to travel in tandem to our jump point with the Pathfinder vessel Express and it is my understanding that a sturdy SDB will be accompanying her. Express is also jumping to Espiaux so we know a friendly will be relatively close by when we drop out of jump space.

"Now, regarding the bridge, certainly you may join the crew there at any time but no one will be allowed on the bridge without said crew being there - namely myself and our pilot Ms. Moreau but also the good Doctor here, our chief liaison Mr. Marks or our passenger relations specialist Ms. Santorini."

Jack gives the man an honest smile as he sends out his message to the crew. "Mr. Lafleur, we share the same interests - safe passage to Espiaux. We will provide you that. But can you tell me why you feel it's necessary to be on the bridge to keep an eye on your people? We can route security camera and audio feeds to your private stateroom, personal comm and so forth."

Jack's message to the ship's crew reads:

24/7 SNACKS FOR PSSNGRS
STAY AWAY FROM STRBD HOLD IF POSS
24/7 MOTH CREW PRESENCE
PSSNGRS RESTRICTD TO LOWER DECK
SUGGEST WEAR ARMOR 24/7
SIDEARMS MANDATORY 24/7
PASSCODES RESET EVERY 12 HRS
SHIPBOARD COMM CHANNEL RESET EVERY 12 HRS

Jim listened to the Lafleur with interest as well, one eyebrow arching higher at the man's requests, particularly of keeping an eye on his own personnel.  He couldn't help thinking with amusement that Lafleur forgot to ask for electronic keys to the ship and for everybody to report to him whenever they wanted to use the head...

Reading Jack's comm, and listening to his reply, Doc did have one small issue to raise.

"One addendum, I will not be armed. You seem a very cautious man, Mr. Lafleur," Jim refrained from using the word paranoid with some effort, "unless you've brought a qualified surgeon and portable infirmary below, it might be in your best interests if your people did not have standing orders to shoot me if I'm needed in the starboard hold?"

OOC: Jim not only lacks a sidearm and desire to use it - his best use of one would be to throw it (Athletics(coord)-1). ;)  He does carry a laser scalpel and possess other things he can throw - and his medical/mechanical/electronics skills, that 'might' be handy in improvised situations...

Lafleur nods politely, "Thank you.  Of course."



Lafleur holds up his hand in a conciliatory manner, "Of course, Mr. Keveloh.  I understand your caution.  I will make sure my personnel know the crew will be carrying sidearms."



Lafleur acknowledges, "Certainly.  I have no need to be on the bridge alone.  Will the bridge be manned twenty four hours a day, then?"

In response to Dr. Jones, Lafleur's face gets a pained expression, but he reiterates, "I'm sorry, Doctor, but I must ask you to refrain from entering the starboard hold without my permission, regardless of the circumstance."



OOC: OK, this isn't something I've stated is possible, but given the tech levels involved I'm sure it could be done fairly simply.  That ship's may route an external camera shot or montage to passenger staterooms is probably common.  There is a limit to what can be routed, though, as Gypsy Moth was built with security in mind.  If you route ship's camera and comm feeds to a passenger stateroom or passenger comm, though, then it either has to be:

1) no input by the user, i.e. Lafleur would not be able to switch between cameras or change comm channels he's monitoring.  That would only be controllable from the bridge.  This probably would not be acceptable to him.
2) User has input, meaning the link can receive information as well, making hacking a possibility.

So, is this something you want to suggest and which type of feed?

Jim understood this man was responsible for the security of what had been entrusted to his keep - but, that didn't trump medical concerns, in his doctor's eyes.  Nor legal ones.

"I'll need that documented then, Mr. Lafleur, with confirmation from each of your people - legally, I don't want to be accused of just letting men die.  Not on my watch."

Up to this point Danica has been quiet, watching the interchange between Lafleur and Jack and Jim.  She watches the security head very closely.  Then after a couple of minutes, she appears to come to a decision internally. The tilt of her head changes slightly, and her shoulders push back a little.

Danica gestures to Jones to back-off, "Stand down, Doctor.  Mr. Lafleur and I will make sure that the proper authorizations are filed.  I am sure that he meant no offense by his words - nor was he making any slight to your rather extensive medical experience."  Honestly, Danica is confident that it is Girard's loss, if he does not partake of the Moth's crews specialties - especially where his detail lacks such experience.  But, if that is the way the Security Chief wants it, then that is the way he gets it.

She turns back to face Girard squarely, "As Mr. Kevaloh has stated, since only the crew of the Moth resides on-board besides your security detail - the necessity for your detail to remain on alert and armed at all times requires similar vigilance on our part."  Unspoken is, of course, the fact that if the security detail isn't guarding against the crew of the Moth per se, then they know something that they aren't telling Danica and the others, which means they need to be on guard as well.  If the security detail is guarding against the Moth and her crew and any perceived attempt to steal the cargo, Danica is fully confident in fellow crewmates' professionalism; that worry is unfounded and it should be a non-issue.

"As for bridge access," Danica regards the man for a moment, "you have it.  There will be a crew member present there at all times - that is standard for our operating procedures.  Note, Mr. Lafleur, since you have designated yourself as strictly separate from the Moth's crew hierarchy and chain of command, you will not be granted extra access privileges of any kind to her computer - beyond those that are common to her passengers."  An eyebrow arches above the edge of her shades, and she makes the terms explicit, "You will not be given a separate logon or additional account access.  The presence of any of the Gypsy Moth's crew should give you the level of desired access to any communications or sensory feeds that you require on a timely basis."

"One last thing, Mr. Lafleur." Danica notes off-hand, "My crew requests permission to have access to the starboard hold before liftoff.  You and as much of your detail as you see fit may accompany us, of course.  We are going to be required to double-check the stowage of the cargo in that hold.  I am sorry, but we are not going to be allowed by our employers to trust a non-licensed, non-bonded group to secure their own cargo.  Especially if it is going to potentially jeopardize an entire cargo hold of the ship."  She watches Lafleur closely as she adds, "I'm sure that you can understand our position that we are merely trying to protect our investment, which is the ship itself."

In reply to Danica Moreau (msg #14):

In response to the issue of medical legality, Lafleur assures the doctor, "We have all signed waivers as conditions of our employment."

Regarding bridge access, Lafleur listens quietly, then nods his head politely, "Thank you Ms. Moreau, that is all I shall require."

On cargo stowage, Lafleur gesutres acceptance and says readily, "Of course.  Let me know when you are ready and we will escort one or two of you into the hold."

Throughout the discussion, Lafleur's demeanor remains polite and attentive.  Once he has responded to Danica's points, he comments, "Thank you for your straightforwardness and cooperation.  We will be ready to lift as soon as the the cargo stowage inspection is complete."

"Ok then," Jim responds in reference to the waivers and Danica's assurance she would see to the details, "and I was not offended.  Just being diligent in my duties."

None-the-less, he sounds less than pleased with this aspect of the arraignments.

"Would you at least consider having one of my own spare med-kits on hand near the hold, Mr. Lafleur.  It could save precious time - and you are free to inspect it and place it yourself."

OOC: No reason for the doc to go into the hold.  He can fetch a med-kit if Mr. Lafleur is agreeable.

Jack is simultaneously relieved when Danica finally speaks up and mildly annoyed that Aksina hasn't responded yet. This democratic leadership thing left a lot of gray areas... He can't help but smile as Danica puts a finer point on everything.

"As you can see, Mr. Lafleur, we do things differently on board the Gypsy Moth. But rest assured - we are serious and extremely effective when it comes to our work. I expect our common patron would want nothing less."

Jack begins leading the group toward the starboard hold. "I think Dr. Jones' med-kit would be an excellent addition to the cargo area. Regarding the security footage, our security chief, Ms. Aksina, will be your point person. Should she be unavailable you can go through Mr. Marks. If they are both unavailable come and see me."

OOC: Sorry, I must've missed where you called her.

As Danica, Jack, and Dr. Jones are finishing their conversation with Lafleur, Stern pings them from upper engineering, "Engineering is ready for liftoff."

"Roger that Engienering.  Thank you, Mr. Stern." Danica notes into her earbud microphone after tapping it to open the connection to Upper Engineering.  She then taps her dataglove and the comm connection moves to the shipwide.  Dani notes dutifully, her voice ringing out over the intercom, "Attention, we are at T minus forty-one minutes to scheduled lift-off.  Crew, please, complete all pre-flight checklists and final preparations."

"I'm afraid that I must take my leave here, gentlemen.  As primary pilot, I'd like to finish the rest of pre-flight checks personally." she notes to Jack, Jim and Girard.

She turns to Jack for a moment, "Make sure that Mr. Marks, Ms. Aksina or Mr. Stern assists you, Mr. Kevaloh."  Dani shifts her weight and moves slightly to include Lafleur once more, "And if Mr. Lafleur would like afterwards, please escort him to the bridge for a tour."  She extends a hand to the Dupont Security Chief and says politely with a slight incline of her head, "A pleasure, Mr. Lafleur.  We'll talk further after lift-off, if we don't get a chance to do so before."

"Very good, Ms. Moreau."

As the Doctor leaves to get his med-kit and Danica heads to the bridge, Jack escorts Lafleur to the hold, pinging Aksina and Hayden to join them for final pre-flight checks on their starboard cargo.

"Mr. Lafleur, certainly I can understand from a liability point of view why you would require 24/7 surveillance review of your team. But if there's a concern on your part regarding any of them, I would hope you'd share that concern. It does potentially affect everyone on the ship, after all."

In reply to Jacques Keveloh (msg #21):

Thera attends to last minute checks of the gunnery systems and, when she hears of the requirements, assists with preparing the 'ships troops' rations. With any time to spare she assists her fellow crewmates with their own preparations.

In reply to Jacques Keveloh (msg #21):

When Lafleur sees that the crew intends to bring three people (Jack, Aksina, Hayden)into the starboard hold, he signals for two more guards to join them.

In the hold, they don't try to interfere as Jack, Hayden, and Aksina check the tie downs.  Interestingly, they seem to instinctively treat Aksina more deferentially them the other two.  Some of the cargo points aren't aligned as efficiently as you would have done it, but nothing seems outright dangerous.

Jack gives Aksina the details regarding Lafleur's security needs and the protocol he outlined for him. I wonder if Aksina knows any of these fellows... Now there's a thought.

Once the med-kit is placed to everyone's liking, Jack thanks them all and joins Danica on the bridge. He is just in time to see Express lift off. He straps in and begins his own final checks - it was the first time they'd be flying the ship.

"Well," he says to Danica, an impish grin on his face. "I hope you're going to take us out in style."

In reply to Jacques Keveloh (msg #24):

Aksina shakes her head tersely no, "No sir, I don't know any of these."

The security detail decides the best place for the proferred medical kit is wherever the crew normally stores it.  Lafleur notes that the detail has their own.

Lafleur accompanies Jack to the bridge.  If a seat is available,he straps himself in.

"Gypsy Moth, Traffic Control, you are cleared lift pad Seven Echo vector two eight two until x-ray atmo, over."  With clearance to launch received, Gypsy Moth may finally begin her maiden voyage.

OOC: Quick administrative note, right now I have:

Bridge: Danica, Jack, Lafleur, Aksina(?)
Turret 1: Bertrand (unless he objects)
U Eng: Stern, Charpentier
L Eng: Gadron, Aksina(?)
Launch: Hayden(?)
Galley: Thera
Passenger Lounge: Agoste, Oettinger, Telford, Ziegler
Stbd Hold: Diehl, Fletcher, Gomez, Vaughn
Undefined: Dr. Jones

Is this correct?  Is it what you want?  Will this be more or less standard for the crew?

Do you want Aksina to stay on the bridge with Lafleur or return to lower engineering?  Does Hayden return to the launch after checking the cargo?

Also, Charpentier asks if Turret 4 (next to upper eng and containing a beam laser and sandcaster) is the one you want him to man should anything happen.

Danica is in her vacc suit when the others arrive back at the bridge; the helmet is tethered to the side of the seat, as are the gloves - both stowed to keep them out of the way, and yet be available for easy access in an emergency.  Dani is strapped into the pilot's console on the left side.  She looks quite comfortable even with the five point harness and the suit on.  Her movements are precise and Danica seems quite at home in the pilot's seat.  She has the main tower chatter on the speakers on the bridge; and immediately acknowledges the arrival of the others on the bridge with a slight, quiet nod and a smile, motioning for Lafleur to take the rear starboard seat on the bridge, if he is so inclined.  Danica is in the middle of requesting clearance within their approved flight window, "... BLF oh-oh-one, Gypsy Moth requesting clearance, out bound to Espiaux, please acknowledge.  Over."

Since neither Jack nor Hayden nor Dagala have pinged her about any potential problems, Danica presumes that the cargo check was uneventful.  The clock readout in the corner of the main tactical display sits next to a countdown timer - both of which acknowledge that liftoff time is fast approaching.

When Traffic Control gives them clearance, Danica nods to no one in particular, but makes sure that everyone in the bridge is in their seat and strapped in.  She glances at her console, noting the status of engineering and the various gunnery stations on-board.  "Roger that, Gaither Traffic Control." Danica responds on the Gaither Downport Authority Traffic Control channel.  She dutifully repeats the information, "This is the Gypsy Moth on pad Seven Echo, preparing for lift-off.  On vector, two-eight-two.  I repeat, two-eight-two.  And to be maintained until x-ray atmosphere.  Over."  As she repeats the routing vector, Danica's hands configure a tracking overlay which she pushes to one of the side screens - the one which appears to be matching both projected and actual courses.  She also pushes the calculations to Jack for double-checking.  "Thanks, boys." Danica intones happily, "Have a good one.  And we hope to see you again soon.  Gypsy Moth out.  Over."

Dani does not acknowledge Jack's style question directly, preferring to let her actions speak for her.  Well, that and a raised eyebrow and faint smile.

She then taps her comm ear piece, switching links to the ship-wide.  "All hands," she declares, "we have been given clearance from the Port Authority.  Take your seats and prepare for lift-off."  And by the time she finishes her announcement and has switched off the comm link, the low whine from the powerplant and the thruster plates has begun to ramp up as the Gypsy Moth begins a slow, but steady and graceful ascent into the sky.  Dani babies the controls as she takes it nice and easy, remaining relaxed - or at least as relaxed as an initial shakedown flight will allow.  The Moth's nose dips slightly, as the 400 dton spacecraft rotates slowly, eventually aligning to the proper outbound vector.  Then she really starts to gain speed and her wings shimmer with the atmospheric disturbance of ionized matter from the thrusters leaving a light glowing contrail behind them that rises up in a beautifully curved arc higher and higher into the Alsace sky.

Doc monitored the power board as well as keeping an eye on the other performance characteristics of their first launch in the 'Moth - enjoying Danica's smooth handling of the bird.

Jim always took advantage of his ground time, but, to him, planets always looked better leaving than arriving.

He would have liked to monitor traffic patterns as well, but his focus was on engineering, especially given this first experience with a new friend...

In reply to Dr. Jim D. Jones (msg #28):

Danica expertly lifts Gypsy Moth and maneuvers her to departure vector.  Despite their unfamiliarity with each other, it seems to the others that Danica was made to fly the Moth, and vice versa.

The ochres, purples, and turquoises of Alsace pass under Gypsy Moth's outstretched wings in a blur.  By the time the ship crosses over to Alsace's night side, the last wisps of atmosphere are fading from the ship's nose and wingtips.  The spiderweb and cluster view of electric lights from Alsace's minor settlements on the other side of the planet fom Aidensburg is breathtaking.

The sensor picture is only moderately busy, with the following contacts:

The giant, 1500ton, warships FRS Desaix and FRS Bellone proceed in their stately tandem orbit, seeminly oblivious to the smaller trader.  Thermal sensors show a cutter docked to Bellone's ventral docking station.

FRPS Express is 5,000km ahead of Gypsy Moth, accelerating outbound at 2G.  Approximately 2,000km off Express' starboard bow is FRS Gargoyle.

Abaft the port beam at just over 10,000km are two smaller contacts.  Their transponders identify them as Free Republic COACC 10ton Hellcat fighters, tail numbers 2067 and 2084.  They are heading away from the planet, but don't appear to be vectoring toward any planetary body or other contact you can see, meaning they are probably on a training exercise or routine patrol.

There is no other traffic on your scopes at this point.  All existing traffic is broadcasting on transponders, apparently accurately.

OOC: Unless the group says otherwise, I'll assume Gypsy Moth is also has her transpnder on and is transmitting her actual identity.

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

Inside the ship, the transit is also smooth so far.  The ship's new crewmembers are performing almost as well as Gypsy Moth herself, which is to say flawlessly.

Lafleur sits silently at the starboard, outboard bridge station.  He looks relaxed, with his elbows on the console and fingers steepled.  He periodically cycles his view from external sensors to the starboard hold and back again.

In the passenger lounge, Agoste and Zeigler have set their carbines aside and are engrossed in a computer game via their networked p-comms.  Telford, a big, roundish guard, is on the sofa with his head thrown back, apparently snoozing.  Only wiry, little Oettinger seems to have an excess of energy as he wanders aimlessly around the lounge, poking his head into the gym and laundry nook and generally looking like a space travel neophyte.

In the starboard hold Diehl and Fletcher are engaged in serious conversation, with their heads close together but bodies at an angle to each other rather than facing each other directly, in the forward, inboard part of the hold.  Gomez paces up and down the outboard side of the containers.  Vaughn occasionally glances at Fletcher and Diehl, but otherwise looks thoroughly bored as he meanders around the aft inboard part of the hold.

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

Fourteen minutes after exiting Alsace's atmosphere, Gypsy Moth passes the geosynchronous satellite orbit line, at about three planetary diameters.  Long considered an informal demarcation line by spacers, Gypsy Moth  and her crew are now truly in the black.

The extremely short wavelength terrestrial comm signals fade into nothingness as the Moth leaves the comm satellites behind.  The medium-sized ball of rock and dust behind you is the only inhabited planet in this system and as it dwindles in size and recedes in the visual sensor view, you are profoundly reminded how desolate space actually is.  At least in this system rescue is only a few hours away, and almost certainly friendly, if something goes wrong.  You reflect soberly that you won't have that luxury in some places you're going.

The comm crackles to life, a welcome link to humanity and a pleasant reminder that, for this transit at least, help is considerably closer than a few hours away.   "Gypsy Moth, this is Gargoyle.  Altering course to two three niner plus one three for vector to jump departure point.  Please allow your distance to increase to ten thousand or more and follow us to jump departure point if desired, over."

Jack notes aloud, for the others benefit, that the vector indicated is the one he and Express had previously agreed.
This message was last edited by the GM at 01:31, Wed 20 Apr 2011.

Danica kept her hands steady the main controls with only minor forays to move or reconfigure displays as their statuses evolved.  Unlike her hands which are rock steady, Dani's eyes are constantly on the move.  Her head shifts slightly, but continuously as her eyes track various displays and continue to take in the sundry amount of sensor information.  There is a fair bit of data streaming past Dani's displays, but she never seems in a hurry.  Dani verifies that everything appears to be in order, e.g. that there are no strange ships in sensor range and that their transponder is transmitting their ship code properly.

Once past the atmosphere and past the geo-synchronous orbit limit, the unofficial boundary of the Deep Black, Danica moves slightly in her seat, the creaking of her safety harness and her vacc suit being the primary tell-tale signs.

When the Gargoyle requests the agreed upon course correction and that the Moth fly in formation, Dani's hand goes to her comm display and she taps open line to the FRS ship- she knows that their astrogator is a little preoccupied.  "Roger that, Gargoyle," Dani intones dutifully, "Setting course to jump transition point at vector two-three-niner, plus one-three.  Moving to appropriate distance."  As the Moth settled onto the vector prescribed, the ship also began to slowly drift backwards relative to the Express and the Gargoyle, "Thanks for the escort, boys."  Dani sighed slightly, but tried not to let it show.  This formation actually required them to slow down, i.e to brake - since the Moth's velocity vector was already higher than either Free Republic service ships given her capabilities.

The Gypsy Moth settles into position. one that is equidistant from both ships; she is almost exactly ten-thousand klicks from both the Express and the Gargoyle.  And there she sat on her way to the jump transition point.

In reply to Danica Moreau (msg #30):

About six hours into the transit, Lafleur releases half the guards.  The four in the lounge go back to their staterooms, while Diehl and Vaughn go from the hold to the lounge.  Fletcher and Gomez remain in the hold.

Gypsy Moth arrives at the jump point without incident.  About that time, FPS Express flares on the ship's sensors as her jump capacitors dump massive amounts of energy into the scout's jump grid.  Then the diminutive scouts winks from existence, at least in these three dimensions.

Jacques allows himself a small, self-satisfied smile, apparently quite happy with his calculations.  He announces on the shipwide, "All hands, prepare for jump." and reports to Danica, "We're ready."

19:40, Today: Referee, on behalf of Jacques Keveloh, rolled 14 using 2d6+4. Astrogation Check.
19:41, Today: Prisa Gadron rolled 18 using 2d6+8. Jump Initiation.