Stanley, we have to buzz the greenways, feel the wind shriek by ...  Put some serious KM's on this bike !!  And shop for 200 rounds of ammo & a comfy flak jacket.

"That definitely looks genuine Lorain.  It's good that you pegged it right away.  We will get back out in space immediately.  Anyone else could have made the connection and be looking for more Sky Raider loot."  He smiled.  "I'll call when we get land and are clear."

Ken shares the information on from Lorain with the others.  "Lorain has spotted what is almost certainly a Sky Raiders artifact, a chest plate of sorts in a bar on Nomael.  It showed up in the background of a news report.  The Institute will pay our expenses and a fee to go fetch it.  I've loaded the information on the ship's computer."  He pauses; "We've had crummy luck so far but this job will at least keep us going for a bit longer and might lead to more.  We'll land, fuel up, take a quick look around for cargo and head back to space right away.  There's no telling if anyone else made the connection."

He is polite with the customs inspectors.  They have nothing to hide so he's perfectly composed.  Fortunately they don't inadvertently run afoul of any regulations and get off with a clean bill.

When Stanley approaches him he nods.  "A change of plans for sure Stanley.  We're fortunate to get the paying work what with the poor trade and the problems with the trading plan on Miryan."  Ken ponders for a moment.  "Yes, re-up the weapons permits and get ready.  I don't expect trouble here but you never know who we might bump into chasing down these artifacts."

"Blake put us in at the main downport.  Linus, can you arrange food and life support?  Olly handle fuel and whatever maintenance you can do on the inexpensive side." Ken goes ahead and puts out feelers for cargo and passengers.

When they land and things are under control he calls Lorain.  "It's good to hear from you Lorain.  You are looking good.  Do you have some time to meet over dinner before we head out?  We've got a few hours to fuel and get ready anyway."

"Ah, my far-eyed friend, I long for the day. Only yesterday I tried taking it for a short lap around our sadly empty cargo bay. I only needed two hands on the steering wheel, as well!"

He puts down his swords while picking up his bow, and hops back onto the 'Cycle. "Soon, I will be able to drive AND shoot down our enemies! Have you and friend-Thomas thought any further about this bow of mine?" he asks, referring to an earlier conversation about jury rigging modern ammo for his antique weapon. It seems the longer Stanley spends away from his homeland, the more tightly he clings to the weapons and traditions of his people.



When Stanley hears this, he eagerly flips down his ultra-expensive Data Display Visor over two of his eyes, pulls  out his portable keyboard, and starts typing. The typing gives way to smacking a few keys repeatedly. The smacking gets a little violent. "Computer, on?" he tries, apparently to no avail. He tries a few more verbal commands, equally unsuccessful.

Frustrated, he looks over at Linus, and then makes a startled leap back as his eyes finally find the data display. Attempting to regain his composure, he asks Linus (and the rest of the crew), "What do we know about Nomael? Do we know its population of Vargyrs and Miraynese?"

After the initial pow-wow, Stanley will file for the appropriate weapons permits --League permits, which will presumably be easier to get here with our University & Scout contacts, which will in turn hopefully make it easier to get permits on Nomael.

After Captain Jenkins gives out the assignments, Stanley politely reminds him, "Some of us were going to visit those esteemed gentlemen about our mutual friend? Get an update on his activities?"

Ken shook his head in response to Stanley's questions.  "I've never been to Nomael and beyond the very basics I have no idea.  We'll want to download as much as we can find about the place before we leave.  It's one Jump 2 trip away from here so we can be there in a week."

At the mention of the esteemed gentleman and the mutual friend Ken stiffened.  "Oh yes, I do remember Stanley.  Those gentlemen have been helpful in the past with your enterprise as well as keeping track of the former owner of this ship.  See if you can arrange a meeting and I'll be glad to go along.  We should take Neva as this is right up her alley."

"Sure thing..." says Linus, and gets online arranging for life support consumables to be delivered before calling around the catering suppliers to see what's fresh and cheap this time of year.
This message was last edited by the player at 14:53, Sat 21 Sept 2013.

Blake puts the ship down & deals with the port's paperwork.  He takes a serous look at who else is here & wanders about talking with whomever is available - news & stories, scouts & the war, piracy, supplies, etc.  He'll ask Mirial to do the same in the other direction & discuss their findings when they meet back up at the Scuttlebutt Bar & Grill ...

When he has a quiet moment, he checks the public information computer for antique/facsimile weapon shops for Stanley.

The library data on Nomael (Nomael/Jungleblut C767886-B) didn't tell an unusual story. It was a rich planet on the border with the Descarothe Hegemony, a Zhodani client state. There were no major bases or gas giant refuelling.

During the current tension, several League (aka Free Suns) naval squadrons were stationed there, having been transferred from the border of the Trelayn Domain (another Imperial client, but an oppressive one).

The population of Nomael was split roughly between 60% Solomani/Vilani and 40% Zhodani/Vlazhudmecta. Non-humans were less than 1% of the population; this total included several hundred thousand Vargr but no recorded native Mirayns (who were very rare off-world, the largerst offworld community was on Alzenei).

This ethnic division between Zhodani/Vlazhudmecta and Solomani/Vilani contributed to the rift that split the Free Suns from the Domain of Alntzar, the 4th political unit in the subsector. Most worlds in the Far Frontiers were settled 6000 years ago by Zhodani/Vlazhudmecta, and these ethnic groups formed the base of the sector's population. A massive wave of Solomani/Vilani settlers arrived around Year 200-300, part of the main wave of expansion during the early Imperium.

This part of the formerly larger Domain of Alntzar (a Zhodani client state) had a high percentage of Imperial settlers, and they recently split off to form the League of Suns ("Free Suns"), an Imperial client state. Client states settled by Imperials tended to favour the Imperium and those of Zhodani/Vlazhudmecta ethic origin tended to favour the Consulate, but not always.

Otherwise, via the vidcom, Thomas and Neva found their investments doing well. Linus discovered there had been a miscommunication. The money he received from his bar wasn't entirely from its sale; the building had burned down mysteriously and so this was a combination of insurance payout and the sale of the property. Either way, all funds went to the Institute. Blake found a weapon's shop dealing in antique reproductions for Stanley, but no one came up with any juicy rumours!

The weapons permits for Alzenei were easy to obtain. Nomael was a little more restrictive at Law Level 5 (all non-shotguns permitted). Blake's Scout contact was a bust, he'd be on assignment for a couple weeks but should be back by the time they returned from Nomael. (There was no entry visa requirement for Nomael as they were a League member but likely there would be a customs inspection upon arrival.)

On their date at their favourite restaurant, Lorain was very excited about the potential new find, but impressed upon Ken it was important they leave as soon as they could. After all, if they could find a clue via a random image scan, so could someone else!

Stanely examines the UWP Code and associated data very closely, once someone shows him how to load it onto his visor. "Hrm...less than 80% Mirayn Gravity, with air as thin as you all keep on the ship. So much land! And so many people! I hope they do not all patronize bars, or this will take forever..." He'll also download enough information on the Nomael legal code to keep a lawyer entertained for a trip in Jumpspace, and then look up (very slowly) photos of common Nomael clothing -- with so few aliens, he's hoping that he can get away with an outfit that covers his extra appendages and eyes without also sticking out like a sore thumb. He has a feeling that anonymity will be useful.

Maybe something in the Deep Hooded Cloak fashion range?

Looking at the Star Map, he comments once again, "I swear, give me a Jump-3 ship and a base on Mirayn and I would OWN the Free Suns. Why there isn't a fleet stationed there..."

Tangent: Just checked the picture of a Mirayn in Library Data again -- do I have a gorram tail?


As Captain Jenkins leaves for his Not A Date(tm) with Lorrain, Stanley will find Oskar and Neva and suggest, "Perhaps we should leave the rest of ship's duties to our more....law abiding crewmates, and go talk to our friends about Kalamanaru now? Or even just head to the meeting place early and...how do you say it in Basic, smell the wind for weather?"

Ken nodded in response to Lorain's urgings.  "We'll leave tomorrow once we restock and fuel up.  I need to give the crew a bit of time to blow off steam as well as pursue a couple of leads on Kalamanaru here in the starport.  We're tying to keep an eye on him as we don't want to be surprised if he tries to repo our ship or pull another fast one."  He smiles.  "You should publish an update to your father's book.  With the new information on the Sky Raiders you could get a lot of traction and raise the awareness of the Institute."

Duties done, a couple drinks internalized, he heads off to check out antique weapons.    Not sure what he's looking for, so winging it.  Is there any interest in exporting these things ??  Hmmm ...   Any other last minute items, comm him.

Olly spends some time playing one fuel supplier off against the other, looking to shave as much as he can off the bill.

When the departure date is announced, Walker goes looking for Ken.

"Ken, when we're between ports, could you teach me how to use a knife?  I've got this one, but I've never needed to learn to use it on anything smarter than a dead critter or a sapling that needed to be taken down.  I'm guessing that knowing how to use it could come in handy.  At least you don't need to show me how to care for it."

Neva decided that she'd try to see what she could find out anything before they had to leave again.  She looked up the law level restrictions before leaving the ship and took one of the weapons that was allowed.  She made sure that the guys knew she was going off the ship and decided that the first place to see what was happening would be to observe people in a bar.

There was always a bar handy.  After all what kind of starport would it be if they didn't have a bar?  That being decided, she took some money with her (but not all) and set out.

Both Olly's and Neva's information gathering didn't produce a lot of dirt on Kalamanru. He was a respected businessman, although there were rumours that he maintained contacts in Zhodani-allied Hegemony space. Although the crew knew from firsthand experience he was deeply involved in smuggling in and around the neutral World of Mirayn, it seemed the Free Suns government and police had so far declined to launch a public investigation of him or his interests, which all seemed legitimate.

Ken looks up from the computer screen as he tries to make arrangements in the port.  "Sure Thomas, I'd be glad to teach you what I can about knives.  Maybe you could work with me on the rifle basics in return."

While talking to Lorain, Ken asks if she'd heard anything more about Kalamaru.  As well he will suggest that they go out to a club after dinner.

23:03, Today: Ken Jenkins rolled 4 using 2d6. Pumping Lorain for... information.
This message was last edited by the player at 06:06, Thu 26 Sept 2013.

Do I need to roll for this? I assumed I didn't because it seemed like a trivial task.

Stanley takes his Grav Cycle out for a its first actual drive down real streets, possibly with Blake riding along with him.

He heads to the startown of Zlaptop on the outskirts of Zlzenei City (dropping Blake off first if need be), well-reputed to be one of the most cosmopolitan and alien-friendly places on the planet. He finds a biker hangout, and spends his shore leave talking 'cycles and smuggling with a handful of Vilani. He learns little beyond what he already knew: that Kalamanaru is a dangerous man at the heart of much corruption in various neutral worlds (like Mirayn).

Stanley is surprised to learn that Kalamanaru operates on both sides of the Zhodani/Imperial divide, and hopes that this information, at least, will be useful in taking the man down someday and installing a proper government on Mirayn. Though, if he were to be honest, these humans seemed to have strange ideas about what "proper governments" looked like.

From this thought, his conversations with his fellow bikers turned to intergalactic politics, and he passed quite some time with his new fellows gravely criticizing various politicians from the vantage point of their comfortable bar stools.

Back at the ship, he checks his messages one last time before crashing for the night, hoping for some word about the "trading scheme" he had organized.

In reply to Ken Jenkins (msg # 125):

"No problem.  Be glad to sit down and spend time on it."

In reply to Ken Jenkins (msg # 125):

"I don't know more about Kalamanru than what daddy told me.

"He's doing fine. Went on vacation, I think he earned it. Skiing, I don't think he wants to go anywhere warm for quite a while, if you know what I mean!

"So, with the way things were going with the ship, maybe it's time to settle down? I can get you work here on Alzenei, or in-system."

Ken extends his hand to shake.  "It's a deal then Thomas."

Ken nodded at her response on Kalamanru.  "He's well known but very little is actually known about his operations or history.  We're understandably worried about him attempting to repossess our ship." He smiled. "I'm glad your father has recovered and is doing well.  I have no desire to go back to Miryan and I only spent a few months there."

He considered her offer for a long time.  "I think we take this last mission before thinking about calling it quits Lorain.  I would like nothing more than to be nearby full time but I have a duty to the crew who have committed time and money to the enterprise." He reaches out and takes her hand.  "Maybe just a little longer."

In reply to Ken Jenkins (msg # 130):

"Of course! I wouldn't want you to leave your people in the lurch. You did the best you could, all of you, but with the economy the way it is it was just bad timing.

"I don't mind telling you, the finder's fee for this potential Sky Raider artefact will be pretty large. And I don't think any of your crew has blown through their money, so it's not like everyone will be out in the cold."

She decided to get the check. "Let's head back to my place? You got an early start in the morning, so it's your choice."

Ken nodded wryly.  "I'll be honest; my own pride is on the line as well. Most of us still have our own stake intact but no one wants to be a failure."  He considered for a moment.  "The finders fee could keep us going for another few months.  I think the crew will be willing to let me use the money for operations rather than split it up."

He objected to her taking the check but did not make a scene.  Ken rose with her and took her arm.  "Let's go to your place.  I'd like to spend the night with you.  I can sleep in Jump space."

149-1108

In the morning, Ken took the monorail from the Institute to the Starport. The university district was in the suburbs on the far side of Alzenei City, so he passed through the downtown core, then past the Startown of Alztop, the Scout Base and finally disembarking at Alz Atse Down.

This wasn't his first trip, of course, but from the monorail, Ken got another good look at the soaring towers of the capitol city. Massive government buildings were surrounded by parks and green belts, housing was spread out and low key. Lots of bodies of water and green belts, few if any ground roads. This city had been built for and using grav transport and the monorail system for decades if not centuries. Streams of grav vehicles swarmed through the skies.

Everyone else had a quiet night. The startown bars in Alztop yielded few leads for Neva. Although Stanley managed to glean some interesting information about Kalamanaru in his sojourn in the Alztop biker bars, who knew when it would prove useful? At Alz Atse Down, Olly managed to shave a few percent off the rate of fuel, although the Empress Victoria was equipped with fuel scoops and refining machinery, Starport fuel was always better quality and "frontier refuelling" by skimming from a gas giant or body of water always took time and added serious wear to any ship.

Liftoff was scheduled for 0900, flight plan for Nomael. Nomael was a colony world administered from Alzenei. It had a Rich classification but was economically depressed.

Ken had a smile on his face as he rode the monorail.  Things were going nicely with Lorain and if the ship didn't turn out well he could always find a job near her which would not be bad.  Still, it was time to focus on the ship, on their mission and on the eternal struggle to make their way in the universe.  Even if he had a back up Ken was not one to give up.

Reaching the ship he checked in with Ollie.  "How are we set for lift off Ollie?  I'd like to get off on schedule and make all haste for Nomael."
  He would call the rest of the crew together in a few minutes.

OOC: Not that it is a plot point but any luck with passengers, cargo or mail?

In reply to Ken Jenkins (msg # 134):

Conga lines of cargo bots snaked across the tarmac. A shuttle came in for landing, flaring as it slowed for touchdown.

There were a number of cargoes awaiting contract delivery from Alzenei. As well, several passengers were looking for transportation to Nomael. Cargo loading and passenger embarkation could be completed before 0900, although time would be tight.