The Institute for Systems Studies

Lorain's computer was locked, but Talia knew the password. "She had me get some files about a dig on Qarant a week ago. That and status reports on the new digs on Mirayn. It was all in her working files on the computer and in hard-copy file folders."

Indeed, the ship had transported personnel and supplies back and forth to a landing zone hacked out of the jungle on top of the Hill of the Ancient Guardians. The Mirayns stayed clear due to sonic fences, and there had been no clashes between native and archaeologists or their local staff.

"She was very disappointed. wanted to head the Mirayn digs herself. That was hers, she earned it! But as you know, the Institute promoted her to Assistant Director of the Archaeology Dept. and so she made the best of it. She didn't think Qarant was all that important and was a waste of time in researching the Sky Raiders.

"Huh. She liked to keep paper notes. There's her note pad. I guess she must have written the address to the restaurant down and taken the note with her."

On the desk by her keyboard was a blank pad of paper and a mechanical pencil. The area on her desk where Talia said Lorain kept her "working" files was mainly empty, only a few folders remained.

GM Note: You know much of this already, as you were contracted to help set up the 2 dig sites on Mirayn. One at the Hill of the Silent Guardians and the other at the city site (Tlaynsilak). You were not contracted to supply the Institute on Qarant for various political reasons.

Ken nodded and looked over Talia's shoulder as she accessed the computer.  "Neva, can you look through the file folders and see if anything jumps out at you.  Talia, what was going on with Qarant?  We hauled cargo and people to Mirayn but not to Qarant."  He took the pad and with the pencil tried to shade in with the pencil to see what might have impressed through to the current page.  "We'll also want to go through the working files on the computer and see what she was looking at most recently."

In reply to Ken Jenkins (msg # 2):

Neva chuckled at Ken doing the old shading trick on the pad.  "You beat me to it Ken.  You have good instincts.  Don't forget the second page too.  Depends on how hard she presses down when she rights.  The rest of the page might have more clues.  Yeah, I'll go look through her files."

Neva then looked over at Talia.  "Do you think the Institute promoted her to keep her away from the dig Talia?"

Neva started to search through the files, concentrating on Qarant first, and checks to see if there is anything to copy the files so they can look at them later.

Ken nodded as Neva spoke.  He glanced outside the window looking for activity even as he moved to stay out of sight and keep any lights from shining through to betray their presence. "Sounds like they were trying to keep her away if you ask me Neva."

In reply to Neva Alexovna Morozova (msg # 3):

"Maybe the Institute did want to keep her from Mirayn, but why? Nothing else was found aside from the artefacts. That we know of, I guess?"

"One thing is for sure. She was really mad about her time being diverted to non-Sky Raider sites because she earned that right. Sites like Qarant were a big waste of time, for her.

Even the crew was allowed to return to Mirayn, as long as they stayed in the Outback and didn't cross paths with the Antiquity Police. While Kalamanaru had pull on Mirayn, clearly, so did the Institute.

"Okay, I'm in her computer. I'll bring up the files on Mirayn and the Sky Raiders."
This message was last edited by the player at 05:49, Wed 16 Apr 2014.

The pad yielded a few curious notes. They were cryptic, none seemed to make sense.

"query Laskan?" "Dumaer? - Quarant" and "fake???"


Talia brought up the computer files on Mirayn. The notes for the Hill of the Silent Guardians was not particularly enlightening and further analysis merely confirmed Lorain's early hypothesis:

The vault had been laser-tunnelled sometime around -4100 Imperial. Originally, it had housed some kind of electronics, probably communications due to a long-gone array on the nearby mountains. Then re-purposed as a burial chamber. The skeletons were human but DNA analysis confirmed they were non-Vilani. They used Vialni script but not the language, as had many minor and Imperial client races of that time period.

In the Sky Raider files there is an additional note from Lorain about the DNA sequencing and genotyping of the Sky Raiders' origins: "A specialist is needed. Can we get Laskan?"

Overall, the Sky Raider files are extensive and well cross-referenced. Most of the entries are by Lorain. In fact, there are thousands of pages of data included, far more than can be easily read at this time.

Ken tears the pad with the impressions away, careful to keep from leaving fingerprints.  He holds it up for the others to see.  "A couple of names and a planet, Quarant, also the word fake.  Laskan must be the man she wanted to have check on the DNA analysis.  We should track him down.  I'm not sure who Dumaer might be though.  And fake?  Could that refer to questions about the object we found?  It is very crude."

He shook his head at the notes.  "If those are Sky Raider corpses in the tomb then that means that they were some kind of minor human race that had contact with the Vilani when they were expanding.  Maybe they were colonizing using tech they got from the Vilani themselves."

In reply to Ken Jenkins (msg # 7):

Neva listened and then looked at the others.  "How about copying the information since it is so much here.  We could take it back to the ship and read it in more detail.  If not, then I suggest you use the words Laskan and Quarant as a search to see what comes up under those names.  She must have a word process program in there.  If nothing else copy and paste and send it to our PDA or something."

Ken glanced about the room.  "I don't want to have any emails from Loraine's machine that are traceable to us.  The police are sure to check things here." He goes over to the computer and stars searching on Laskan, Quarant and Dumaer.  "Let's do the search and see what else comes up.  See if there is a way into Lorain's assistant's office from here.  He might know of something."

The interior door to Lokhav's adjoining office was locked. It was pretty clear the corridor door was probably also locked.

At that moment, the office door was opened by two uniformed Campus police, who then entered, hands on the butts of their revolvers. Having seen Institute security before, these officers seemed authentic. They were wearing Cloth patrol vests, along with equipment belts and radios.

"May we see some ID and ask why you are here?"

In reply to GM (msg # 10):

"Dr. McKenzie. I'm part of the Institute's academic staff, and I am on the allowed access list for this office. We're checking Dr. Messandi's files to see if there's any evidence the police might have missed. So far, nothing."

She handed over her ID to the officer, who began checking it in his hand-comp. She motioned for Ken and Neva to do the same.

Ken froze for a moment and then stayed quiet as Talia spoke to the police.  Keeping his hands in sight he reached for his ID and handed it to the cops. "I'm Ken Jenkins a close friend of Lorain's."

In reply to Ken Jenkins (msg # 12):

Neva nodded to the officers and slowly took out her ID and handed them over for the police to look at.  She didn't want sudden movements to spook the officials.  She also didn't say who she was since her name was on her IDs.  If asked she would say but sometimes the minimal approach was best.

In reply to Neva Alexovna Morozova (msg # 13):

The campus police checked their IDs against the list of people allowed to be on campus. Talia was authorised to have access to Lorain's office, and of course both Ken and Neva were associated to the Institute through the ship.

They thanked then and left. This was apparently a random patrol; security had been stepped up in the wake of Lorain's kidnapping.

In the mean time, the computer chugged through the search queries and backed up the files onto a holodiskette.

---

"Laskan": No results other than the brief note that a specialist in genetic anthropology would be helpful. There are no citations or references to his work.

"Dumaer": no references.

"Qarant": Qarant/Jungleblut, Far Frontiers-1833, E558260-7

http://www.joffrehorlor.com/Ro...m.php?SystemID=30597

Additional Notes: a recent Institute investigation mission to Qarant has determined that this World once hosted an indigenous culture, now extinct, of TL2. The Qarants were humanoid of unknown origin or antecedents and gradually died out 3000 years ago (@ -2000). Research on Qarant is greatly hampered by the fact the world is split between League and Hegemony zones under a treaty of co-dominion. Recent political events like the war hasn't helped matters any, although there is not yet any open conflict. The Institute researchers believe the most promising sites are all under Hegemony control, and strict security has kept them away. They believe that the Hegemony is starting to exploit the largest city belonging to Qarant's lost civilisation, and perhaps the oldest.

Library information on Qarant to be posted in Library Data thread.

After security had left, Neva read what had come up on her search.

"Ok.  I got this on a holodiskette but had mixed results.  Any other ideas on what to do for a search query?"

Neva motioned for the other two to come over and read what came up on their intitial search.

Ken frowned.  "I really think we need information on Laskan if we can.  That was her next step.  Then this Dumaer has me puzzled."

In reply to Neva Alexovna Morozova (msg # 15):

Talia looked over their shoulders.

"This search was just for Lorain's files. We can do searches for "Laskan" using other databases and directories, unless he's not on-planet. For all we know, he's some kind of Scout researcher or a fellow in the Spinward Marches, and we're all but cut off due to the war. But someone's got to have heard of him! Maybe Dr. Lokhav will have heard of him and/or Dumaer, this has to do with Qarant, which he was handling."

"We should definitely do more searching in other venues.  It sounds like this Laskan might have something to do with genetics and anthropology.  That might narrow our search a bit.  Dumaer seems to be associated with Qarant.  We might have our Scouts sniff around to see if anyone in the Scouts has heard of any of this."  He shook his head.  "What is Dr. Lokhav like?  Can we trust him?"

In reply to Ken Jenkins (msg # 18):

Neva started to do a search on the computer with alternate spellings for the name.  She knew that it had to be in there somewhere otherwise it would have been mentioned in the first place.  She also brought up the online calendar to see if it had any more clues.

"He was a relatively new assistant. Lorain didn't say much either way about him. Yes, I think he was an expert on the Qarant digs. He was hired just after her dad published Hoard of the Sky Raiders and next in line for the Assistant Director's post. It was given to Lorain instead, and he was made her assistant."

In reply to Neva Alexovna Morozova (msg # 19):

There was no record of Dr. Laskan in Lorain's files.

The Institute's data banks and Library Data for "Laskan" contain information on Dr. Chanis Laskan, a professor of genetic paleontology at the University of Regina. The doctor is a specialist in Vilani migration patterns though the Spinward Marches. Last information on him is dated 3 months prior, indicating he had left the University of Regina shortly before the war began (6 months ago) to take a position at the Institute for Systems Studies in the Far Frontiers Sector.

Dr. Delos Lokhav is a well-respected professor at the Institute, an expert in linguistic archaeology and pre-colonial history. Personal information is vague. There is contact information for him on-campus, and personal comm and email in the city directory.

In reply to GM (msg # 21):

Neva finally smiled up at the other two.  "Is this him Talia?"

Neva pointed out to the institutes record for Dr. Chanis Laskan.

"I have contact information for Dr. Lokhav Mark if you want to go and see him."

Ken nodded to Neva; "I definitely want to talk to Dr. Lokhav.  He may have some information that can tell us what Lorain was working on and what may have particularly drawn the kidnapping.  Of course it could be an attack of opportunity but I have to think that it's related to the artifact we found.  Why else would they have struck at us to steal it at the same time they kidnapped Lorain?"  Ken frowned; "Let's stay a bit vague about what we know with Lokhav until we have a better feel for him."

He takes a look at the contact information.  "Neva, is the door into his office locked?"

OOC: Is there an adjoining door or do we need to go back out into the hallway to look at Lokhav's office?

"Talia, these records show that Dr. Chanis Laskan is assigned to the Institute here.  Can you look into the records and see if there is contact information for him?  I'd be curious as to what Lorain was looking for from him."

In reply to Ken Jenkins (msg # 23):

The connecting door was locked.

In reply to Ken Jenkins (msg # 23):

Neva looked over at Ken and smiled.  "This door is currently locked.  Shall it remain so?"

Ken smiled; "If it's not alarmed see what you can do Neva."

In reply to Ken Jenkins (msg # 26):

The door doesn't seem to be alarmed.

GM Note: Neva may make a Streetwise check to try and pick the lock.

Tony

"Strange... nothing in the University directory on a Dr. Laskan. Nothing in the city directory. Maybe he never got here?"

She downloaded his picture from the TNS article about his transfer from Regina to Alzenei.

Ken frowned deeply.  "That's really odd Talia.  I hope we're not coming up with a conspiracy here.  Obviously Loraine heard of him but doesn't seem to have contacted him yet from reading her notes."  He thought for a moment;  "Could you come up with a way as a medical professional to need to contact him?  Then you could get in touch with the Institute and ask for him.  That might give you some idea if he really was expected and never showed up."  He takes a copy of the picture and looks at it. "We'll need to keep an eye out for him as well it seems."

"Yes, I think I can help. If he's on planet, he would need to have cleared customs and have all his medical data on immunisations and boosters up to date as part of a work visa. This isn't some tourist!

"I will call a friend in the ministry that came in handy when I was writing a paper on orrworld diseases and quarantine. It will need to be in the morning. We can establish if he's cleared customs and if we're lucky, maybe they'll have some contact information."

Back at the Ship

Meanwhile, night had fallen at the Starport.

Everyone disembarked from the air/raft. A watch was set (of the ship's cameras) and everyone went about armed, although the chance of someone gaining access to the ship while it was on a landing pad was slender at best.

In reply to GM (msg # 31):

He gestured to the pile of luggage, cases and boxes he'd packed along.

"Linus, old friend.

"I should like to set up my instruments and equipment in, er, the lounge, perhaps? Or if you have an unoccupied cabin?

"Then, I was wondering if we could have some dinner. Perhaps order in? But I would guess Starport catering is very expensive."

"I'll cook if you like. Anything in particular that you fancy?" asked Linus.

Blake lends a hand moving the prof's gear about & helping him set it up.

Ken sighed with frustration and then nodded.  "It'll have to do Talia.  I'm glad you're helping.  I'm really upset about the situation with Lorain and I can't help but get impatient.  For all we know the thugs are taking her off planet or even torturing her."  He controlled his strong emotions.  "I think you've got a good approach.  Obviously this guy had some bearing on what Lorain was investigating.  If we can find him perhaps we can figure out what she was on to and then what the kidnappers are after."

He looked back at their notes as Neva worked at the lock.  "Qarant... I wonder if she felt there was some link to that place.  It sounds like the civilization there may have been attacked by the Sky Raiders as well."

Institute for Systems Studies

The connecting door opened with a click as Neva let herself in. That is, with the help of her lockpick.

A few minutes looking revealed something very suspicious. The hard drive on his computer was wiped with a low-level format. There were no hard copy files for anything relating to the Sky Raiders, Qarant or Mirayn.

Talia nodded, frowning at Neva's apparent skill at working on the lock.

"I will visit the Starport tomorrow. You can show me around the ship, and I can see my friend."

"Why, anything would be capital!

"And thank you, Blake, for your assistance."

He began examining the work, mumbling to himself.

So professor, anything of interest from this 'treasure' we found ??  Blake will engage in any small talk while moving things about & setting up.  Camping stories, old safari stories, it doesn't matter.  He's trying to see if this guy would make a good scout or not.  Anyone willing to tramp around in the wilderness certainly has a good start ... at least to him.

Ken watched as Neva worked her magic on the lock.  He glanced back to Talia; "Definitely come by the starport then.  We're in berth 417A in the commercial sector since technically we are a registered freighter.  Just be careful as who knows which of us could be targeted."

He steps forward into the room with Neva, motioning Talia to follow. "Everything on Sky Raiders, Qarant or Miray wiped?"  Ken frowned.  "He could have had a grudge related to Lorain getting the position he probably felt was his by right."  He looked about; "Let's see if he's tidied up like he's not coming back if we can even tell Neva.  Talia, can you see if there is anything else in this guy's background that might provide further clues?  Did he study abroad or anything like that?  Then let's get out of here.  I'd like to try calling him once we clear to a safe place.  If he doesn't answer it makes things even more suspicious."

In reply to Ken Jenkins (msg # 40):

Neva tried to look nonchalant when the lock opened up.  She calmly put aware her tools and slowly opened up the door.  Hearing that Ken wanted to look to see if there was evidence of their subject taking flight.  THAT was something she knew about.  She had to do it before and with that in mind, she started to look around the place.

In reply to Neva Alexovna Morozova (msg # 41):

Oh yeah, this is not a pro job but she can tell Lokhav booked it. For one thing, there was space for personal pictures but they were all gone. She would be very surprised if Lokhav was planning on returning.

In reply to Ken Jenkins (msg # 40):

Talia looked in the door of the connecting office but didn't enter.

"Oh wow. Yes, I can ask around the Institute about his history. I know he was recently immigrated from the Hegemony because the one time I met him, he still had a thick accent.

"So yeah. Happy to vome by tomorrow."

Professor Messandi looked up, surprised. If nothing else his dedication and fcus on his work was very typical of the somewhat slightly-loony Scouts.

"Hm? Oh yes. I think I mentioned before the script on the back are of Vilani characgters. This is significant, if true, because I think this piece shows evidence of some real antiquity but the Vilani never migrated anywhere near here until the Third Imperium. And then, they would be speaking Anglic. The language itself is unknown.

"You know, Lorrain said that the Institute had hired a chap, a researcher to assist in decyphering the Sky Raiders script. Maybe I should contact him."

Neva came back into the other room with Talia and Ken, closing the door behind her and relocking it.   "I doubt he'll return.  He took all his pictures with him.  It's also neat enough that he wasn't being chased when he left.  He had time to do it carefully.  Not a professional job but still had put thought into it.  We should probably go now."

Only "slightly loony" ??  OK, the true loons are those X-boat drivers.  Anyone wanting to spend their days locked up in a traveling closet certainly goes to the front of the line in Blake's book.

No Vilani traders, scouts, explorers ??  Maybe pirates grabbed it along with some other stuff then bumped into the raiders ??  Did the Sky Raiders ever visit Vilani worlds back then ??  You mean you can't read this writing ??

Messandi smiled and poured them both some tea.

"Milk? Sugar? I take a bit of freshly-squeezed lemon, myself. Like the long-vanished "Anglish" did, or so I am told."

He finished, then answered Blake's questions. "Yes, there could have been individuals or companies exploring this far, anything's possible. Even a misjump! But there are no official First Imperium records, and definitely no mass migrations and the farthest Vilani colonies were in the Spinward Marches, 2 Sectors over. Some Vilani fled the takeover of the Second Imperium and disappeared somewhere in the Outrim Void, but this seems a little early for that and there's no proof they went further spinward.

"Unfortunately, I'm no linguist. Lorain took me to dinner with the linguist the Institute brought in to help with the Sky Raider language, Dr. Chanis Laskan. I don't know his number, but I do know the hotel he's staying at, courtesy of the Institute, while his accommodations are being prepared.

"We could try and find it tomorrow? I don't know the name, but I know where it is."

Ken's frown deepened.  "This is definitely a set up.  I'd say this guy was in things all along.  He bolted as part of the snatch on Lorain.  As her assistant he'd know just about everything she's doing."  He shook his head and thought a bit more.  "So he was dealing with Qarant... I wonder if that has anything to do with it.  I say we regard the guy as a suspect.  I still say we call him and if we get no answer mention our concerns about his safety to the police.  They can work that angle while we reconsider."

Sure, lets call the hotel & see what he knows.    Blake will look up the hotel.  Tea with lemon ??  OK, I'll give it a try.  He then speaks with the hotel answering service, a real person or some AI automated gizmo that leads you around in circles ??

Programmers Blake thinks.  Sometimes they need to to be walloped with polo mallets ...  Programmers ...  Polo mallets ...  Blake smiles, scouts are easily entertained it seems.

Meanwhile, Linus conjured up some pizza in the galley.

"Thank you, Linus!"

He tucked in to the pizza.

"I will try to find it online.

"But we might have to go there ourselves tomorrow for I don't quite recall the name. We just stopped by the lobby to pick Dr. Laskan up, then went to a fantastic restaurant near by for dinner. Oh yes, it was really quite good."

If Blake can weasel the hotel name out of the prof, he'll com a message to the captain & Neva.  Or if he narrow the locale down ...

What was the restaurant's name ??  And the menu included ??  Blake makes for a parking orbit with a nearby pizza & commences a refueling operation.

Linus, you have outdone yourself again !!  Blake then starts looking thru the new starport ship arrivals ...

Messandi looked regretful as he shook his head.

"I'm so sorry, my dear chap. I simply don't recall the name and it's not like I have need to stay in one downtown, do I? It's not too far from the restaurant, if you can take me there I can walk the distance and find it that way."

In reply to Blake Renfield (msg # 52):

At the Starport:

There were no ships or small craft scheduled to takeoff or land in the next hour. Then, a shuttle from the belt was due to arrive.

In reply to Ken Jenkins (msg # 48):

"Does seem rather suspicious. No doubt the police will want to talk to him as well. I guess I can give them a call, let them know that Lokhav might have had an ulterior motive.

"Shall we depart, then? I can't see there being much more to learn here.

Ken nodded and gave the place a scan for any remaining clues (such as erased writing on boards) as well as signs that they had been there.  "Let's definitely get out of here.  We'll walk you back to your car Talia and then head to the ship ourselves.  I don't want to see you hurt or dragged into this any more than necessary Talia."

He frowned. "We don't want to tip our hand that we've been snoopy in Lokhav's office or that we found anything here in Lorain's place.  I'm just a bit paranoid about the police right now.  Go ahead and call the police when you get home Talia.  In the meantime I'll Lokhav and see if he responds.  I doubt if he does but if so I'll let you know."

Belters, even more deranged than scouts.  Blake gives it a cursory look-over.

How close to your place was that restaurant ??  Blake looks for a city map, then centers it on the prof's place.  Hmmm, looking for some night life spots to impress a date on ... he thinks out loud.

In reply to Ken Jenkins (msg # 56):

As they were getting ready to leave, Ken tried Lokhav's comm.

To the surprise of no one, there was no answer.

Messandi took another slice.

"Ah, quite satisfying.

"A couple blocks from the restaurant. It was a nice restaurant downtown. One Lorain liked to go to. The Empress's... something? Blast, if it didn't happen 4000 years ago, my memory is rubbish."

In-between shark bites of pizza, Blake will twiddle with the computer & see what pops up.  Just for grins & giggles, he comms Team Neva with the news, maybe Talia would know this piece of local trivia.  Oh & you're missing (slurp slurp) out on some really nice pizza (slurp slurp).  IISS & the marines have a common chow time, eat fast or stuff it in your pockets for later ...

Ken shook his head. "No answer with Lokhav not that I expected any.  Let's get you to your car Tallia and Neva and I will head back."  He checks the corridor outside the door and then saunters out toward the street.

OOC: I assume Blake's call comes in to Neva.  We can certainly use the information on the other scientist.

In reply to Ken Jenkins (msg # 61):

Blake's call indeed comes in to Neva's comm.

GM Note: Blake can make a roll for a computer search at -1 due to low EDU. Post result in the OOC comments or include at the end of an IC post.

Neva's comm goes off and she gets a puzzled look on her face.

"Oh hey Blake.  What's up?  We are just getting ready to leave."

21:35, Today: Blake Renfield rolled 6 using 2d6-1 with rolls of 6,1. Blake - computer roll at -1.

Trying not to metagame here ...

Hi Neva, how's the city nightlife ??  I've been speaking with the Professor & he says a guy named Laskan met him at a local ritzy restaurant, not far from his place. Maybe Talia would know of such a place ?? Laskan was staying at a nearby hotel.  Not much to go on.  I'm not having much luck finding it with a computer search over here.
This message was last edited by the GM at 02:27, Fri 09 May 2014.

In reply to Blake Renfield (msg # 64):

Indeed, nothing was coming up on the computer search for any such restaurant in the metro Alzenei City area.

Talia followed them out of the building.

"I'll call my friend at the starport tomorrow morning. Then meet you at your ship? Say, 1030 local time."

OOC: Neva can roll Streetwise with a +3 (+2 for skill, +1 for INT) to cover any evidence they were in Lokhav's office.

In reply to Dr. Talia McKenzie (msg # 66):

Neva tried to leave the offices as much intact as she could.  It helped somewhat that she had only walked around in the other office and not touched anything.  She hoped it was enough.

While she walked out of the office she heard Blake's reply and stopped, putting a hand on Ken and Talia's arm.

"Really Blake?  That's interesting.  I'll ask Talia if she knows the name of the restaurant.  Hang on and let me ask.  I've found that computers here are a bit wonky.  You need to treat them nice or they don't like to work for you.  No comment on my results."

Blake could probably infer that she hadn't had much luck with computers either from her tone of voice.

She put Blake on hold and turned to Ken and Talia.  "Guess what.  The professor told Blake that he met a guy named Laskan at a ritzy restaurant not that far from his place.  Do you know of any such a place Talia?  Supposedly Laskan was staying at a nearby hotel."

In reply to Neva Alexovna Morozova (msg # 67):

Talia thought for a moment, then nodded her head.

"Laskan? Dr. Laskan? Yes, we had dinner with him and Lorain's father. The restaurant was "The Queen's Republic", downtown. I think that was where she said she was taking you to dinner tonight, Ken? Makes sense, it's one of her favourites."

In reply to Dr. Talia McKenzie (msg # 68):

Neva nodded to Talia and took Blake off of hold as she walked with them.

"Hey Blake.  You still there?  Sorry to take so long.  Dr. McKenzie knows the place.  She says it's The Queen's Republic.  He had dinner with the Prof and Laskan last night."

Do you need me to bring the air raft to get you ??

He then turns to the Prof & asks if he knows this place, The Queen's Republic ??

His face lit up in remembrance.

"Why yes! That's the one. If you get me there, I can walk back to the hotel from there. Good show."

In reply to Blake Renfield (msg # 70):

"Can take air/raft now."

Ollie stuffed another slice in his mouth.

"Thanks Blake.  Yeah come pick us up.  I think we need to get together and figure out what everybody knows.  Doesn't do to waste man hours on something that is already known.."

Neva then coordinated with Blake on a place to pick them up at.
This message was lightly edited by the player at 18:35, Sun 11 May 2014.

Ken nodded to Talia.  "Ok we'll see you at 1030.  Be careful and don't open the doors to anyone.  Don't go out if you can avoid it."  At the mention of Laskan Ken perks up.  "Laskan!  That's the guy that Lorain mentioned wanting to meet.  Ask Blake if he knows where the guy is staying.  We need to talk to him."

His frown suddenly deepened at the mention of the restaurant and Lorain.  "I'm worried about her.  These guys are ruthless and she's stubborn enough to get herself into real trouble."

How about a night on the town Ollie ??

Getting into her aircar, she spoke out the raised gull-wing door.

"That sounds fine, see you tomorrow at the ship."

She shut the door, then the aircar silently rose into the night sky, navigation lights blinking.

Ollie nodded.

"Yeah. I'll bring the carbine, just in case. That should be legal but the cops can still hassle us if they have a mind to."

He left to go get the air/raft ready to go.

Ken waved to Talia as she flew off and then turned to Neva.  "Let's get back to the ship.  I want to hear what Blake and the others discovered."  He headed back to the tram station to return to the star port.

Neva chuckled at Ken.  "Blake is coming to pick us up at (insert agreed upon destination) so you ask him then."

And we're off ...  Taking another semi-crooked flight path to the LZ for a pick-up ...

In reply to Blake Renfield (msg # 80):

The air/raft meandered down the air-lanes of Alzenei City. Night was lit by the navigation lights and glowing trim of thousands of other grav vehicles.

Beneath them sat glowing towers and domes and pyramids. Surrounding them were dark bands of greenways and parks, connecting the buildings were bright walkways.

Finally, they arrived at the Institute parking lot where they were told to meet Ken and Neva. For Ken and Meva, the roundabout route had meant something like a 45 minute wait. The evening was warm and peaceful, still, the sight of the air/raft dropping down was a welcome one!

Princess V's cab service.  Sorry for the delay.  Pile on in.

See anything Ollie ??  and then we're off ...

In reply to Blake Renfield (msg # 82):

Neva chuckled at Blake's humor.  "Why yes.  Thanks Princess."  Neva was still chuckling as she got into the raft and waited for the others to get in. After everybody got into the raft she couldn't wait any longer.  "So what did we miss?"

The Vargr looked around as they grounded.

"Naw, we're good. Everything looks quiet. Step lively, folks!"

The open-topped air/raft lifted off, spiralling up into the bottom-lit clouds. Warm night air rushed in their faces, like many post-petrochemical fusion-powered worlds, there was no unpleasant smell from vehicles or power plants.

Ollie put them on a heading towards Alz-Atse starport (Alzenei Down) to the NE of the city. It was a long and looping course, first north to Alznaad airport, then east to the Alz Atse itself, about 26km total.

Blake explains the professor's story.  But hey, if we found the restaurant, the hotel should be close by ...  Right ??  Shall we take a side trip ??

After some flight time, Ollie, think you can find us that restaurant ??  If not electronically, then with that marvelous Vargr nose of yours ??

Ollie banked them around a soaring glass tower, lit from within.

"I dunno. We don't know which direction to go, or how far. Could be anywhere in, what, a four block radius?"

Ken relaxed and chatted with Neva while they waited for Blake and Ollie.  He was well used to long, quiet waits from his time in the Marines and passed the time well.  His worry for Lorain was evident as he talked although he tried to hide it.

When the others arrived he greeted them and climbed aboard.  "Now this is the way to travel.  We should have taken the air raft instead of the train.  We would have avoided the attack by the thugs."  At mention of Laskan Ken perked up.  "We need to contact this Laskan.  Lorain was after him for something, probably related to the Sky Raiders.  Do you have a lead on where he is staying?"

Ollie grunted and shook his head in a so-so manner.

"Yes and no. Messandi had dinner with Laskan and his daughter a few days ago, after Laskan arrived in system. They went to his hotel, then walked to the restaurant "The Queen's Republic". But Messandi doesn't remember the exact hotel, and there are dozens within a few block radius of the restaurant. The good news is he thinks he can back-track if we take him there tomorrow.

"Cross our fingers, we can pick up Laskan's trail tomorrow.

"Well, we're almost back. There's the starport."

Off in the distance they could see Alz Atse starport's terminal buildings and hangars all lit up, surrounded by blast pits and landing pads. A few ground roads and the monorail connected to it but mainly traffic were air/rafts and grav-speeders. At the edge of the starport were more buildings, a few towering hotels and warehouses, then a dark band of park, lake and forest.

Ken listened carefully as Ollie spoke.  He grew more excited as they spoke of the opportunity to track down Laskan and find out what he might know.  "That really is great news Ollie.  We definitely have to track Laskan down tomorrow.  Is Dr. Messandi safe?  I'm a bit worried for his safety."  He turned to the others.  "Now why would Laskan not be on any of the Institute data lists?"

I would tend to say lets go now.  Time is of the essence.  And once off planet, we would need a psionic to find her ...

Now if Blake was the type to watch those triplezero seven IISS espionage holo thrillers, he would say something like, If Laskan is a professor, then I'm a long lost crown prince of the imperium ...

"Good idea Blake, sooner the better.  Can we get the professor going now?"

"I dunno. Call Linus on the ship? We should be back in ten minutes.

"But Messandi is safe. He's on the ship with a bunch of his gear, Linus made a late dinner."

The lights of the starport were getting closer. "Someone should call the ship, let them know we're gonna be back soon."

In reply to Oliver Oliphant Oksasaellllozae (msg # 93):

Neva listened to the conversation, not having much to say.  "The professor wouldn't appear on the roster if he was temporary.  Not all professors are professors.  Depends on who you heard calling him that.  If one person used the word professor, then it would probably stick with him.  A lot of kids wouldn't know the difference in the hierarchy of the employees.  They are just as likely to call a graduate assistant a professor as a full professor.  Plus they don't understand the difference between assistant professor, associate professor, or full professor.  People wouldn't think twice if somebody was introduced as a professor.  I doubt that any employee would contradict it.  If a person did enough research they could pull it off for quite awhile."

As Neva explained things he frowned and then slowly agreed.  "True, Neva, Laskan may never have been officially aligned with the Institute.  The press releases seemed to indicate that he would be involved but they could have been wrong."

Ken nodded to Ollie.  "I'll go ahead and see if Linus can roust Messandi.  It would be helpful to get Laskan sooner than later." He turns and switches on the radio.

[Comm]

"Linus, this is Ken.  We're headed back with a lot of good information based on our search.  We'd like to go looking for this Laskan as he may know more about why Lorain was snatched.  Can we get her father to help us find Laskan's hotel tonight?  We need to act fast before something happens to Lorain."

Ollie piloted the air/raft over the starport perimeter, heading for the ship.

[comm]

"I'll ask..." said Linus and hunted up the Professor to ask if he knew where Laskan had been staying.

The professor set down his wine glass.

"I don't know what the name of the hotel is. If you like, I can walk the route from the restaurant tonight."

On the bridge, Mariel recognised the approaching air/raft. She triggered the air/raft bay hatch to open, admitting them entrance.

"Ollie, you're cleared to land."
This message was last updated by the player at 20:09, Fri 23 May 2014.

In reply to Mariel Migaraa (msg # 99):

"Roger."

He carefully set the air/raft down in the berth.

"Everyone out."

Ken cut the comm channel as Linus replied and stared out into the lights of the city as they made their approach.  He was worried for his crew but even more so for Lorain.  Regrets and what-if's filled his mind in the few minutes until they docked but once they reached the ship he shook his head and took a deep breath.  "Good job Ollie, thanks for getting us.  That was far safer than getting beat up on the tram."

He headed forward and found Linus and Messandi.  "So, do you think we can head out and trace this hotel?  I'd like to do it sooner than later because time is critical."

In reply to Mariel Migaraa (msg # 99):

Walker sees the air raft come in with more people on it than left on it.  He steps down from his observation post, picks up his rifle, and heads towards the Cargo doors.  He takes up a position where he can observe the air raft com in, but keeps the rifle out of line of sight of the occupants.

The air/raft berth let out into the ship's lounge, where the elder Messandi was taking his late dinner. He seemed a little focussed on his research but conceded the wisdom of this.

"Oh, all right. I was hoping to get more investigation on the plaque done but I guess if it's true time is of the essence, we have little to waste.

"Laskan was brought to the Institute to assist with the Sky Raiders find. But he hadn't taken up his post or assigned an office or staff. I doubt he'd be in the Institute's directory as of yet."

In reply to Professor Jothan Messandi (msg # 103):

Seeing the offloading go without problems, Walker returned to his post, placing his rifle in it's sleeve, and taking a seat from the observation post.

Ken listened to the elder Messandi.  "In what way was Laskan supposed to help?  That in itself could be a clue."

Messandi got his coat.

"Uh... let me think. He's an archaeological linguist, specialising in ancient Vilani and Vilani-related languages and symbology systems. Lorain seemed to think he could help pinpoint the origin of the Sky Raiders. As you know, the population of the Far Frontiers is predominantly a Zhodani-influenced minor race. Solomani and Vilani are late comers dating from the early days of the 3rd Imperium. The presence of Vilani characters on items in the SKy Raider horde on Mirayn was a surprise. The hope was that Laskan could pin point the origin and determine if that was a signifier of actual Sky Raider culture or some other race the Sky Raiders preyed upon.

"Right, ah, let's get going?"

Ollie, are you sure we can lift-off immediately ??  If so, I'll have Mariel pre-flight the ship, just in case.

Blake tracks her down to begin a quiet pre-flight set-up & then confers with Walker about it.  Coming along or not ?? he asks Walker.  Either way, having the ship ready makes sense to me.  If we get Lorain back, I have a feeling we may not be staying here much longer.

"Are you up to it, old friend?" Linus asked the Professor.

"I'd better come along to keep an eye on you."

Ken nodded to Blake; "Good idea, let's be ready to boost by the time we are back.  Post a flight plan to at least get us out to the 100D limit and into a parking orbit for now.  We'll deal with the rest later.  We don't have much cargo and this might be our last hurrah but I'll be damned if I let them get away with Lorain."

He took a deep breath and looked around to the rest of the crew.  "Bring along what you can that is legal but will work as a weapon.  I've got my multi tool with a few blades at least.  We may need them if we are jumped again."  Ken looked over at Messandi; "Thank you professor, I appreciate your help in this and the willingness to face the risk involved.  We are going to get your daughter back!"

Ken frowned at Messandi's explanation of Laskan's work.  "There may be clues in the inscriptions then that Laskan can crack.  Maybe there is something in our artifact that might help.  Certainly Lorain thought it important."

In reply to Ken Jenkins (msg # 109):

Walker came in from his observation post.

"You want me?  I'll have to find a cane or something."

Ken looked with concern at Thomas;  "If you feel up to it Thomas; it is up to you."

Neva looked over at Thomas with a critical eye to see how he was.  "Don't be pulling punches.  You going to be ok?  I'd like you to join us but not if it's going to make you worse."

"That would be fine, my friend. You, me, Blake, Thomas, Ken and Neva. Nice to see you all again, by the way. Let's be off, then."
This message was last edited by the player at 06:23, Tue 27 May 2014.

In reply to Professor Jothan Messandi (msg # 113):

"Six in the air raft? Might be a little cozy, but 3 can fit in the front and back.

"I can have the engines warmed up by the time you return. Blake, if you'd like to stay, you can file the flight plan."

In reply to Oliver Oliphant Oksasaellllozae (msg # 114):

"You're probably right.  I'm not a very good fighter, and I'm still pretty tired from the last interaction that we had with the indigs here."

"Stay with Ollie if you want Thomas or come with us; there is room for you.  I'll leave it to your choice." Ken looks over at Ollie; "Go ahead and get her ready then Ollie."

"Okay, we'll be ready to go."

He nodded, leaving for the engine room.

Ken headed to the air raft.  He would let Thomas decide on whether he wanted to come along or not.  "Who wants to fly us there?  Do you have the address professor?"

Prof. Messandi took his place in the front passenger seat of the air/raft.

"The hotel address? No, I should say not. I recall we determined the name of the restaurant is "The Queen's Republic". Downtown. I'm sure once we're there I can backtrack to Laskan's hotel."

Ken shook his head; "Restaurant, yes... sorry.  Let's get going then as soon as everyone is aboard.  I'm sure that the place will be easy to find."

In the cockpit, Mariel began her preflight checks as copilot.

She also filed a preliminary flight plan through the starport's traffic control system. Mariel decided they may as well take 'er up to 100 diameters, the J-Line.

COMM

"Ken, should I put Mirayn as the destination? It's as good a place as any."

Starting the engine prechecks, Ollie frowned.

COMM

"Ken, I'm looking at the Jumpt engines. It's only been 12 hours or so since we came out of Jump. I started routine maintenance. But I would feel safest if we had another six hours, like the book says. I can cut some corners to save time, but that could cause problems further down the line."
This message was last edited by the GM at 19:22, Wed 28 May 2014.

In reply to Oliver Oliphant Oksasaellllozae (msg # 122):

Walker listens to Ollie, and makes up his mind.

"I'll help Ollie.  I'll stay ready to go if you need fire support, but I'm thinking that I'll be more useful here than out on the streets at this point."

COMM

"All right, then. Let's do what we can.

"This is just the routine after-Jump maintenance, maybe nothing's wrong. And it's not like the odds of a misjump are significantly increased, but the engines could be some minor damage if something's out of alignment.

"Meet me in Engineering, let's go from there."

In reply to Oliver Oliphant Oksasaellllozae (msg # 124):

"That settles that, then."  Holds 50 credits out.  "If you get a chance, could you grab me a case of a Stout, Porter or Bitters.  What I want is a [describes what is now an India Pale Ale, but may not be available on planet], if you can get it, but the others are fine, too."

Comm:
"On my way"
This message was last edited by the player at 20:44, Wed 28 May 2014.

Blake stands about, confused, here or there ...  If the air raft is filled, he stays, helping with the engines while Mariel does the piloting grunt work.  He personally shudders at the thought of a mis-jump.

Ken considered Mariel's question for a moment.  "Go ahead then with Mirayn then.  If anyone is paying attention it might make them wonder what we are up to.  Also we've a history of heading there so there should be no troubles."  He turned to Ollie.  "Go ahead and get the maintenance done Ollie.  If we have to get off planet we can finish the work in space before Jumping.  I'd rather not risk damage unless it is a real emergency."

He takes the bills from Thomas; "We'll get you a case or two of something like what you describe.  Be ready just in case we run into trouble but make sure that the ship stays secure Thomas."

Heading down to the air raft bay he climbs aboard after putting a nice folding pocket-style knife in his pocket. "Ok, all aboard if you are coming."

"Right. Come along, old friend," Linus turns to offer assistance to the Professor.

"Thanks" Walker says, over his shoulder.  "You got it.  I don't feel like being driven out of my house."

Neva squeezes into whatever seat is available for her.  "Ok.  I'm ready."

In reply to Neva Alexovna Morozova (msg # 130):

Jaxxon handed Neva one of the shotguns from the ship's locker.

"Here, this is legal here. As long as you don't wave it around!"

In reply to Jaxxon Zalvedes (msg # 131):

Neva took the shotgun and efficiently checked to see if it was loaded yet and to see what kind of condition it was in.  She then held out her hands for more ammo.

"Thanks.  You have any more ammo?  If there is one thing I've discovered since hanging with the guys, if I need to shoot I need more ammo.  Better ask now then in the middle of a fight."

In reply to Neva Alexovna Morozova (msg # 132):

He handed over a dozen rounds. "Good thinking. These should fit in the loops on top of the receiver and the buttstock."
This message was last updated by the player at 00:41, Fri 30 May 2014.

Ken nodded as Jaxxon handed Neva a shotgun.  "Good idea, we may need that Jaxxon.  Keep it handy but out of sight Neva."

The air/raft lifted off again from its berth at the front of the ship. It was getting later, and the night air was chilly so they put the soft top up and locked it in.

A short while later, they arrived downtown. It was 2300 local time. The streets were emptier but there were still many pedestrians about and a fair amount of grav vehicle traffic above. They stopped outside the restaurant and disembarked.

In reply to GM (msg # 135):

Messandi got his bearings, then looked back at the others.

"Right, that-away. I don't think I can find my way from above, I'll have to walk. Who's coming with me?"

"I shall, old friend," said Linus, climbing out of the air/raft.

Alighting the pavement, Jothan quickly got his bearings and began walking in a certain direction. The air/raft followed. It was clear he remembered the route as they found their destination in about ten minutes, three blocks distant.

It was the Hotel Qarvishivv, a fairly nice establishment. There was a main entrance off a landing area, wheeled vehicles being uncommon in the downtown.

In reply to GM (msg # 138):

"That's it. I recognise the facade. Early Third Expansion Wave."

H began heading towards the main entrance.

Ken scrambled out and walked with Linus and Messandi.  When the reached the hotel he called to the air raft.  "Go ahead and park, this is the place."  He headed inside just behind Linus and the Professor.

In reply to Ken Jenkins (msg # 140):

Neva got out shook her head at the men who were walking ahead of her.  She kept her eyes out for possible trouble headed their way.

Leaving Blake in the air/raft, they entered the hotel through the main entrance. The lobby was neat and fairly modern, if not spacious. There was a lounge and front desk. There were, of course, easy ways to register without going to the front desk, and most guests preferred this, but there was still someone manning the counter to provide service.

Linus went to the desk.

"Excuse me, but do you have a gentleman named Laskan staying with you? We are some of his colleagues... we think this was the hotel he said he was staying at."

In reply to Linus Spruance (msg # 143):

There was an actual person at the desk. He looked up and smiled. He replied, warmly, "I'm afraid we're generally unable to divulge if a guest is staying here or not. Do you have a room number?"
This message was last edited by the GM at 10:59, Thu 05 June 2014.

Linus smiled.

"The Professor here dined with him, what was it, last night? They went for a stroll before he headed off into his hotel, the Professor thinks this one. They were hoping to meet again, but the Professor has not got his comm number."

In reply to Linus Spruance (msg # 145):

The clerk seemed genuinely sympathetic.

"I see. I can't give out the room number, hotel policy (you understand). Perhaps if you wish to leave a message and contact information?"

Ken stepped up and smiled slightly.  "Excuse me Miss.  Could you connect us with his room on the house phone without divulging his room number?  It's really fairly urgent."

In reply to Ken Jenkins (msg # 147):

The female clerk (different from the male clerk) shook her head. "No, I'm sorry. Our policy is clear. Is there anything else I can help you with, then?"

"Please inform him that Professor Messandi wants to speak with him urgently. Here's the comm number."

Linus scribbles it down and passes it over.

If Blake had psionic powers, Great idea Linus !!

"Don't worry, sir. I will. He'll get it in the morning. It's getting late, you have a good night." She nodded and smiled, pointedly not asking if they wanted to wait. After all, it was almost midnight, local time.

Outside, Blake saw a security bot slowly moving around the side of the hotel It was scanning as it went, recording parked grav vehicles and the surrounding landscaping with various cameras and sensors. It would reach the parked air/raft in less than a minute.

Ken recognized the inevitible at the clerk's reception nodded to the rest of the team.  "Professor, did you or Lorain have a comm number to initially communication with Dr. Laskan?  We might use that directly."

He shook his head and chuckled.

"Lorain called, she made all the arrangements to bring him to the university. I should say that would be embarrassing, coming all this way when we could have just called him! No, I guess we'll need to wait for morning. At least we know where he is, with luck, he'll call."

A quiet lift-off & move nonchalantly elsewhere, trying to leave as little signature/recognition as possible.

Moving the bus, security bot roving about.

Ken shook his head ruefully.  "As urgent as the situation is it seemed worth the risk to come by and try to catch up with Laskan.  We gambled and lost.  We should try calling again in the morning if he doesn't answer, meantime we can head back to the ship or..." He smiles... "We could take a room and ask to be connected on the house phone to his room.  That might not work as well thought."

In reply to Blake Renfield (msg # 155):

Blake lifted off without problem. The bot was a standard TL12 security model. Grav-propelled, smooth rounded plastic chassis with a sensor cluster on top, two arms with manipulators, a spotlight on one shoulder and a snub pistol mounted on the other. It swivelled soundlessly in his direction but let him go without pursuing or scanning his vehicle ID chip.

Messandi looked dubious but willing to have a go. "Perhaps, if that's what you think. I volunteer to stay here, so that he can see a somewhat familiar face. I don't have my toiletries. Linus, care to stay with me? Blake has had to move the air/raft, we cold send him back to the ship to get my overnight bag?"

Ken shook his head. "I'd rather not risk you with a night off the ship Professor.  We can all come back in the morning and hope that Laskan will make contact.  Do you know if he's working on anything while he's waiting here?"

Thinking a little as he walked out, Jothan replied, "no, nothing yet. Lorrain spoke about getting him up to speed on the Mirayn dig. But he'd not yet been assigned office space or a lab at the Institute. I take it you tried to locate him first through the Institute's directory?"

Linus thought a moment.

"Hang on, the desk clerk more or less admitted that he is staying there by saying he'd make sure he got our message in the morning. We could try a com call from outside and just ask for him... see what happens then."

Jothan seemed amenable to this.

"If you think that would work, my friend. That would only take a few minutes."

The desk staff pointedly ignored the crew, but it was obvious they'd need to decide what to do very quickly. Either stay, if possible, or leave and come back in the morning.

Ken shook his head.  "There was no information on him in the Institute directory.  I'd guess that was because he's not officially part of the staff yet." He nodded at Linus' suggestion; "Definitely give him a call Linus.  Let's see if we can shake him loose.  It's late but things are urgent."

"Let's get outside so the staff do not see what we are doing," said Linus, heading out the door and around the corner.

The desk answered, "Hotel Qarvishivv, how may I help you?"

Putting on a slight accent, Linus said, "Good evening. Could you put me through to  Dr. Laskan, who is a guest at your establishment, please?"

"I'll do what I can. Do you have a room number?"

Linus suspected he was talking to the hotel's AI, which would typically handle calls at this time of night (if not all the time).

"I am sorry," Linus continued, maintaining the accent, "But he did not mention one, just that he was staying with you."

"We regret we are unable to complete your call. Would you like to leave a message?"

GM Note: Ha ha! Assume in the preceding dialogue the AI used "we" instead of "I" as a pronoun!
This message was last edited by the GM at 20:10, Thu 19 June 2014.

Ken nodded and followed Linus outside.  He stayed close, sweeping the area around them as he half listened to the call.

Linus left a message to call, thanked the AI and rang off.

The hotel AI took the message, thanked him, and closed the connection. Looking around, they noted the air/raft was hovering out on the street. Otherwise, there were no pedestrians or vehicles in sight.

Last call ...  as he brings it down.

Ken shook his head.  "Let's head back.  I'm sorry for getting everyone out of bed and all worked up but it seemed important to try as quickly as we could."
This message was last edited by the player at 04:34, Sun 22 June 2014.

In reply to Ken Jenkins (msg # 175):

Neva looked over at Ken and gave him a tired smile.  "It was a good idea and trying it as soon as possible is usually the best plan.  Sometimes it works and sometimes it doesn't.  Don't worry about it."

Sam had asked them to bring back some beer when the returned.

There were few places to get alcohol this time of night, although they could visit the duty-free at the Starport. The Startown of Alztop would definitely have places that were open at that hour. But Alztop was really something of a rough neighborhood.

I'm just the driver ...  The good stuff or rocket fuel ??

In reply to Blake Renfield (msg # 178):

Neva smiled at Blake.  "I've had enough rocket fuel for a bit.  How about reminding me what the good stuff tastes like."

Ken climbed into the air raft, frustration evident on his face.  "Thanks Neva, I'd like to find Lorain but we have to do this carefully.  We'll get a good start tomorrow with Laskan."  He looked around to see that the others were following.  "Let's get that case of beer in the starport where it is safe even if it is more expensive."

The starport Duty-Free parking area was on the roof of one end of the terminal. The lot was brightly lit and almost empty, with only a single air/raft parked near to one side.

Blake brings her down some meters away from the parked vehicle. He turns a curious eye on the other late night swillers ...  Then starts thinking about collecting some bunk time.

In reply to Blake Renfield (msg # 182):

Looking in through the glasssteel windows, they could see there was a robot behind the counter and one (human) client. Another robot was dressing the shelves.

Bartender instincts kicked in.

"Shall I get the beer?" offered Linus. "A case of something decent, right?"

Ken climbed out and glanced at the air raft.  He peered inside at the customer and then turned to Linus.  "Sure thing Linus, get a couple of cases to stock the ship as well.  I'll come inside with you."  He turned to the others; "Anyone else need anything while we're at it?"

After waiting a bit for an answer he headed inside with Linus.

The other customer, a well-dressed man, left. Those in the air/raft saw his exit and get into the flitter, which lifted off and disappeared.

Inside, they saw that some authentic Terran beers were on sale. There was an oatmeal stout, lemon-avocado lager and a "flaming Flemish lambic".

The robot behind the counter said, "I am beer-droid 5000. How may I help you?" It wore a warm synthetic smile.

Linus methodically pointed out some of the better brews, explaining to Ken the different flavours.

"What do you think people would care for?"

Ken looked from beers to the harder liquors.  "I'd prefer the stouts Linus.  As well can you recommend a good whiskey?  I'd like to stock up on a case to entertain guests and such."

"That is a good one," Linus said pointing to a scintillating bottle containing a rich golden liquid with bluish highlights. "It is called Lifewater."

"The Mayan Mocha stout and Peanut Butter Cup stouts are on sale. Cr10 for a case. May I also suggest the Chocolate Koffie stout? An authentic Terran flavour."

"All of those are good if you like flavoured stouts," said Linus, who didn't. He picked out a traditional Bavarian Blond brew for himself and added it to their selections.

Ken shook his head; "I prefer a more straightforward stout than something with the flavors.  Do you have something strong but more traditional?"

Beer-bot 5000 whirred and clicked in a "does not compute" fashion.

"These recipes are thousands of years old, from old Terra. They are as traditional as butter chicken and leechee nuts for Christmas, with a smooth full-bodied flavour. If there are other kinds of stout, they are lost to time!"
This message was last edited by the GM at 20:18, Wed 02 July 2014.

In reply to Beer-Bot 5000 (msg # 193):

Neva nudged Ken and grinned.  "Get a case of mocha and the koffie.  I'll pay for those but I'll let you guys schlup them."

In reply to Neva Alexovna Morozova (msg # 194):

The crew paid for the beer and was on their way without any trouble.

They settled in for the night on the ship. All security systems were armed, and a few of the crew (Olly, Jaxxon and Mariel) volunteered to mount a watch. One other volunteer would certainly be appreciated.

In reply to GM (msg # 195):

Neva nodded with a pleased look on her face when the beer was paid for.  When they got back and the watch shifts were decided, she volunteered to take a shift.  The more people on watch the faster it went.  Nothing was worse than to be stuck in long watch shifts when your mind could wonder off on other topics.

Blake takes a cold one & then collects some bunk time.  He sets the alarm for whenever next needed, whether standing watch or discussing heavy metal bands with Ollie.  Hot Black, they even vibrate your toenails.

182-1108

The next day dawned with blue skies overhead but on the western horizon was a massive bank of black clouds. All through the night there had been flashes of lightning and the rumble of thunder from that direction, as a massive cold front slammed into a warm temperature inversion over the Alezenei City basin.

Nothing more exciting than sitting in a multi ton lightning attractor ...  During a storm.  A new day, quick shower, oogle the instruments while munching breakfast.

In reply to Blake Renfield (msg # 199):

The weather report predicted a severe storm front was moving in. Winds were going to be up about 30km/h, gusting up to 55 km/h. Periodic heavy showers were expected throughout the day. Already, raindrops were spattering the lunge viewport.

My kind of flying weather !!

Ken thanked Neva for buying the beer and offered some of his own money as well.  When they returned to the ship he had a beer or two before turning in.

Up early in the morning Ken frowned at the weather.  After dressing and eating a bit he sought out Linus and Jothan. "Gents, have you heard from our friend at the hotel?  If not we should call him in a bit when he's likely to be awake."

In reply to Ken Jenkins (msg # 202):

As if on cue, Linus's comm showed an incoming call from the hotel.

"I think I'm about to..." said Linus, setting his comm to 'speaker' and answering it.

"Good morning, can I help you?"

"Ah, you left your number at the desk, correct? Is this Linus Spruance? Can I be of assistance to you?"

GM's Note: I assume you left a name. If not, there would be no callback.

"Hello, yes this is Linus. Is that Dr. Laskan?" said Linus.

In reply to Linus Spruance (msg # 206):

"Yes it is." Laskan waited for Linus to continue.

Ken started and made to say something before deliberately mastering his impatience to sit and listen to Linus' side of the conversation.

"I'm an associate of the Messandis, father and daughter," said Linus, feeling his way. "Would it be convenient for us to meet up?"
This message was last edited by the player at 09:37, Wed 09 July 2014.

In reply to Linus Spruance (msg # 209):

"Yes, I suppose. Although, the Institute did warn me about Lorain's disappearance. I have talked to the police already, but I'm afraid I was of no use to them. Is this regarding her?"

In reply to GM (msg # 210):

Jothan piped up, "Chanis! It's me, Jothan. We met a few days ago. I'm very worried about my daughter and hope she's safe, the police will make the best effort to return her swiftly. I would like to discuss her work. While she's away I believe she wouldn't want it to be on hold and, well, she feels you are a large part of her ongoing studies of the Sky Raiders and perhaps there is some way we can keep moving forward."

In reply to Professor Jothan Messandi (msg # 211):

"Jothan? Why, yes, I suppose in light of the situation it would be helpful to keep busy. It's about the most we can do, anyways. How about tomorrow, then?

"Mr. Spruance, would that be sufficient for you? Just not at the hotel, they have a wonderful restaurant but I am most glad to dine elsewhere to take a break."

"Yes, of course. We're based on our ship... I could cook if you like," said Linus.

In reply to Linus Spruance (msg # 213):

"My word! I just completed a three-month voyage! Granted, it was a nice ship, but I'd prefer to avoid seeing the inside of another ship for the time being, thank you."

"I quite understand - someplace in town, then? Do you know somewhere nice?" Linus looked round the others for suggestions.

In reply to Linus Spruance (msg # 215):

A quick search of the city directory, and a suggestion from Jothan, produced a suitable establishment. Private, not too expensive, a rooftop diner with an air/raft landing pad.

"That sounds wonderful! Thank you, Mr. Spruance, Jothan. I will be happy to meet you there, perhaps in an hour from now?"

Ken listened in to the conversation and nodded his agreement at the proposed meeting.

After readying the Air/Raft, Jaxxon cautioned them, "whoever is going might want to take the monorail. The forecast is for a storm, today or by tonight at the latest and high winds before then."

Ken glanced at Jaxxon and nodded.  "Good point Jaxxon although we'll be sure to carry at least some non-lethal weapons with us within the law level."  He turned to the others.  "Who wants to go and meet with Professor Laskan?"

In reply to Ken Jenkins (msg # 219):

"I still got some work to do on the engines."

"I'd better go, he's expecting me," said Linus.

In reply to Linus Spruance (msg # 221):

"Me as well, you think?"

Engines with Ollie, but I'll first prep the air raft for rough weather if needed. Convertible roof, etc I assume.

Ken nods; "Meet me at the air lock in five minutes.  We'll take the rail line into the town and a cab to the restaurant.  Dress for foul weather."  He heads to his stateroom to grab a jacket and hat and heads to the airlock.

It seemed that Ken, Linus and Jothan were the ones most eager to go, but others could join them.

As They lined up at the lock, the first drops of rain spattered on the ship's upper viewports.

Ken dressed in cloth armor underneath his clothing just to be safe.

OOC: We need something like pepper spray for a bit of nonlethal fighting.

In reply to Ken Jenkins (msg # 226):

They traveled to the terminal via the automatic pedway connected to the ship via the main lock.

There was a store in the starport that sold non-lethal stun-spray for Cr15-30.

Ken will stop off to buy several containers of the spray.  "Here everyone, take one of these just in case we are jumped again.  A non-lethal option is always a good one."

In reply to Ken Jenkins (msg # 228):

"Thank you, my friend. I will take one." He helped himself to canister.

Ken continued walking to the terminal. "Anyone else?"

Sureas Blake hustles along.  He will stash several in different pockets.

Ken moved on to the terminal and purchased tickets for the group.

Linus came along, escorting the Professor.

Entering the monorail via the terminal at the Starport, they made the downtown in around 20 minutes.

The diner was reached via a walkway and then escalator to the roof. They were shown to a table with a scholarly-looking man reading the menu and having a coffee.

In reply to GM (msg # 234):

Moving to the table, Jothan nodded in greeting.

"Dr. Chanis Laskan? Jothan Messandi. We met a few days ago with my daughter."

He sat down as handshakes were offered all around.

Ken approached the table and offered his hand; "Dr. Laskan?  A pleasure to meet you.  I am Ken Jenkins a friend of Lorain's."

Blake hangs back, eying the prof type.  Shaking hands he introduces himself as Officer Renfield, Imperial Scout Service, artifacts division. and leaves matters at that.  He takes a seat & scans the menu, searching for black coffee, or the local equivalent, while listening to the chit-chat.  He sends Ken a hidden, quick wink preparing to play the bad cop/good cop game -- if need be.

"I'm Linus Spruance, we spoke earlier. Thank you for agreeing to meet with us."

Linus took a seat and scanned the menu. The hot chocolate sounded good.

Neva made her way to engineering to see Ollie and check the list of repairs that needed to be done while the guys did their thing at the Starport.

In reply to Neva Alexovna Morozova (msg # 239):

Ollie led the work party to finish getting the ship to launch.

"Ok. We're probably ready to go now. But a few more hours of work and the engines will be in 100%."

In reply to Oliver Oliphant Oksasaellllozae (msg # 240):

"Lead on Ollie.  I'm here to learn this stuff and the only way I can learn it is for you to teach me.  I suppose there is a manual and such on this stuff that I should read too but that's for jump."

Chanis shook hands all around.

"Pleased to meet you all. Jothan, yes, such a pleasure to see you again. I've been waiting to order, so let's do that."

He waited until everyone had their orders punched into the holographic table-top.

"There."

"I'd like to do what I can to help further Lorain's research. I doubt there's much I can do to help in bringing her back, so this is the next best thing.

"Now, did I understand you have some new information to share? Or was I mistaken?"

Ken took a seat and ordered coffee and a plate of eggs and bacon.  After introductions were complete he looked about.  "We completed a mission for Lorain to find an artifact that excited her.  I wonder if this find somehow spurred her kidnapping."  He frowned and clenched his teeth for a moment.  "And her assistant was a traitor working for Kalamanaru." Ken controlled himself and pushed across photos of the artifact they found.  "This is what we recovered, front and back."

In reply to Ken Jenkins (msg # 243):

The food came.

As they ate, he took the photos and studied them.

"Hmm. Doesn't look too promising, but it could be possible to read this. As mentioned, some form of Vilani script but not the Vilani language. You know, I think I might be able to translate this if I were to see it in person, set up my equipment and take scans. Do you still have the artefact?

"Just to let you know, I've studied the Sky Raider language. From what I can see, this doesn't look like it."
This message was last edited by the GM at 10:11, Mon 21 July 2014.

Then what is it ??  If this is an ancients' artifact ...

Ken not only watches Laskan but the restaurant around them for signs of watchers or interested parties.  When Laskan finishes he leans forward.  "We do have it and I would be happy to have you study it.  Given what happened to Lorain I suggest you study it in a safe place, aboard our ship or where ever you feel comfortable.  There is a risk that you will be abducted or assaulted."

He frowned at Laskan's final words; "You can read their language?  Can you tell who they are and where they come from?"  He stops for a moment; "Not Sky Raiders language on the artifact? But... there were questions that it might be a fake."

A thought strikes Ken; "So if Kalamanaru has photos of the object, say taken from Lorain do you think he or perhaps Lorain's traitorous assistant can decipher what is said?"

"That's a good question, Blake. It's not of Ancients provenance. For one thing it's centuries, not hundreds of millennia old! It could be counterfeit, yes.

"Ken, I think I can translate it if I could scan it with the gear I have. The marks are otherwise far too fade to use the naked eye. Your ship would be perfect."
This message was last edited by the GM at 10:33, Thu 24 July 2014.

Ken takes a deep breath and smiles.  "We'd best grab a cab back to the ship then when everyone is done eating.  We can fill you in on the information we were able to find in Lorain's office if that helps as well.  Do you need to go back to your room to get your equipment?"

In reply to Ken Jenkins (msg # 248):

"I'd be delighted. We can go straightaway. Jothan says he HSS the right gear back last the ship, all I need is my computer which is here in my bag."

Ken's smile broadens and he looks around the table.  "Let's go then.  The sooner we find some clue the better; anything to help find Lorain." He rises and throws down credit notes to cover the bill and more.

Laskan paid the bill.

"The Institute is covering my expenses. I think this qualifies."

He gathered a large case with a shoulder strap.

"I think I'm ready. Oh my, looks like it's starting to rain?"

Ken smiled and collected his money back.  Even with the job for Lorain things were not so good that he couldn't watch every credit.  "Well thank you Doctor and thanks to the Institute."  He headed to the door and looked out into the weather.  Ken smiled and shook his head; "You'd think they'd manage the weather enough by now to make it just rain at night."

Looking about he stopped.  "Let's call a cab to get us to the train station.  It'll save a walk in the rain."

Blake dutifully brings up the rear, watching the prof.  He sighs, checks his watch as a means of checking for followers.

In reply to Ken Jenkins (msg # 252):

The rain began to pelt down. Much of the way to the monorail was covered but less than a minute in the open would have seen them soaked immediately.

A robot air taxi was summoned and quickly landed on the roof. "Where to? Please swipe your card." Asked the display on the inside of the front windscreen.

Ken swiped his card.  "The nearest monorail station please."

In reply to Ken Jenkins (msg # 255):

"Cr8 Please. Enjoy your trip."
A map lit up showing that they were about 2 blocks away from the monorail station.

Once everyone was strapped in the taxi lifted smoothly off from the roof parking lot and then zoomed over (and under) various walkways. Rain poured down, wipers beat back and forth. Soon, they arrived at the station.

Another reason why I like a ship's controlled environment. as Blake looks out the window.  So where did you get your academics from Professor Laskan ??  Reading old scripts is hardly standard university fare these days.

The rain pounded down.

"My degrees are both in paleolinguistics and genetic anthropology, from the University of New Calgary on Regina, a well-respected institution. I'm originally from a colony on the edge of the Outrim Void, Bowman Belt.

"Many people are interested in studying the Ancients but I was also fascinated in the spread of humaniti throughout the stars. Through all three Imperial periods and in pre-history. We can trace the expansion and development of humaniti through genetics and physical subtype, as well as language. Not just the major humans but minor humans as well.

"The Far Frontiers isn't considered to be a ripe area for study as the Solomani, Vilani and even Zhodani are relative newcomers to the area. Far Frontiers was settled by a minor human race 6000 years ago called the "Vlazhdumecta" originally from coreward, pushed towards the rim by the expanding Zhodani. Little evidence of other starfaring minor humans have been found in Far Frontiers until now, and the presence of Vilani-style script dating from 5000 years ago is extremely anomalous....

"Ok, here we are."
This message was last edited by the player at 21:06, Sat 26 July 2014.

The aircab pulled up on an unloading zone platform on the side of the station. The doors opened automatically. It looked like they'd need to cross an open space to get to the monorail station entrance.

Linus jumps out and waits for Jothan.

Ken paid the taxi fare and then settled back to listen to the professor speak of his studies.  "So what do you think of the Vlazhdumecta, professor?  Are they another Ancient transported race upraised with tech from the outside?  I'd guess they got theirs from the Zhodani, right?"

When they reached the station his further questions were cut off by the need to brave nature.  "I'd like to hear more about your theories on the Star Raiders and the use of a Vilani script Professor but we have to get into the station now. Let me go first."  He opened the door and headed out into the weather.  Ken looked around for signs of watchers or others before he would motion the others to come out.

In reply to Ken Jenkins (msg # 261):

"On second thought, let's just take the taxi to the starport. I can cover the fare."

This probably worked best with Laskan's grav-chair. "Sorry, I got this in a dig in the Andory system in Five Sisters.

"Now, where were we? Oh yes.

"The original settlers of Far Frontiers were the Vlazhdumecta. They seem to be a bona fide Minor Race, humans transplanted by the Ancients. As per the Solomani Hypothesis.

"The Zhodani encountered the Vlazhdumecta and, like the Vilani, absorbed a degree of culture, language and technology from the superior race. Vlazhdumecta used Zhodani technology to colonise a large area before war broke out with the Zhodani. Refugees fleeing from what's now the Zhodani Consulate settled hundreds of Worlds in the Far Frontiers. These worlds were unable to maintain a high enough level of technology and regressed to pre-starflight levels. That all happened 6000 years before present. "

They arrived back at Alz Atl starport.

A short while later, using the passenger transit tubes, they were back on the ship.

Ollie, still covered black grease from the drive room, is having a snack in the crew lounge as the intrepid and slightly wet party return on board the ship. Toasted sandwich in one hand and steaming mug of coffee in the other he greets the arrivals.

"Welcome to our imperial bazaar of uncountable antiquities," he announces, "and gaze your eyes upon their abundant greatness. (Well, one antiquity anyway)"
He takes a large and flamboyant bow with the snack and drink still in his hands resulting in the loss of half the contents of the mug.

"Damn! I'd just made that!" Ollie moans and looking around for a cloth. Finding a cloth nearby, he puts the toastie in his mouth, drops the cloth on the spill and pushes it around with his foot. Then quickly picks it up and throws it into the sink.

In reply to Oliver Oliphant Oksasaellllozae (msg # 264):

The party entered through the ship's lock from the pedway. Laskan was an older human in a floating grav-chair.

"Pleased to meet you! I'm Professor Laskan, late of the Imperial University of Regina. I'm glad to be here, and didn't expect to find a Vargr this far from the Extents."
This message was last updated by the player at 09:26, Fri 01 Aug 2014.

"Ha! I am certainly a novelty out here!" laughed Ollie. "What can I say? I guess I like to get around. Doesn't help me get laid though!"

"But you are a bit of a novelty yourself with that chair of yours!" said the Vargr coming around next to Laskan and giving him a good natured thump on the back. "Neither of us can get around here unnoticed".

In a quieter voice he continued, "So how about us having a look at this object of desire?"

In reply to Oliver Oliphant Oksasaellllozae (msg # 266):

Deeply amused, Laskan laughed heartily.

"Most people go out of their way to pretend my chair doesn't exist! It's a fair question, I got a TV, wet bar and hot tub in here. All I had to do was catch a degenerative nervous disorder while on an archaeological dig. A good trade all-around, I say. And it does get me laid. If you don't have it in the hips, you gotta have it in the lips! Just kidding, I, ah, can still perform with the men, just not walk.

"But let's get down to business. Where's the artefact?"

In reply to Prof. Chanis Laskan (msg # 267):

"Allow me to assist."

Jothan began unpacking Chanis' gear and setting it up (a scanner and computer) along with his own equipment.

"Let's have a look, shall we?"

He retrieved the artefact from the ship's safe in the Captain's cabin. It was a hexagonal plate.

It looked like a crude copy of the one they found in the Sky Raiders burial vault on Mirayn, at least the upper plate with the 4 knobs (planets?). But the more intact breast plate was a double set and the lower adjoining larger hexagonal plate was missing. Both were metal, the other one a solid gold alloy, the copy looked gold-plated at best. The intact set also had a gem in one of the knobs but this one's gem was missing.

Intact dual interlocking plate:




This copy was of the upper plate only.

Ken waved to Ollie as they came aboard.  "How is the maintenance going Ollie?  Are we fueled and ready to Jump?  If the professors can figure something out we might want to jump out right away."

He waves the others to follow as they examine the artifact.  "It looks crude but at least matches the other artifacts in design."

OOC: Did the guy we got it from say where he found it?

"It's as good as it ever going to be. The decks are swabbed and shiny," replied Ollie. "I have got Neva stripping down and cleaning an old power interlocker from our spares."

Ollie leans over Chani's shoulder as he is setting up his equipment. "It certainly is a mysterious and confounding contrivance, my friend," he loudly whispers. "Can you make anything of it yet? How long before we receive our enlightenment?"

In reply to Ken Jenkins (msg # 269):

The real estate agent said that during the assessment of the property, he'd noted the bar's wall decoration and tried to get a valuation on it. He'd been told by the previous owner it had been bought by a freelance Scout named "Dumaer". (This name showed up in Lorain's files) The agent had decided that the plate was worthless.

In reply to Oliver Oliphant Oksasaellllozae (msg # 270):

With Messandi's help, Laskan began his analysis. He bent over the viewer's eyepiece. "Very worn. But frequently an electron microscope can tease out the shape of the characters."

Eventually, shapes became clearer on the viewscreen as the scanning progressed. "Ok. I think I can make something out." Graphics from the enhancement program began overlaying the display, teasing out the shapes of possibly Vilani characters, but warped.

Eventually, words and phrases formed. They were in an unfamiliar language. But Laskan seemed to have a theory and he explained it, as the analysis chugged away.

"Definitely Vilani characters, not unlike those used by the Sky Raiders. Now, most scientists complete discount the possibility that Vilani-related humaniti could have penetrated space this far from the boundaries of the First Imprium. The farthest Vilani colonies were in the Spinward Marches, two sectors over. DNA and linguistic analysis bears this out. The humans in this part of the galaxy are clearly and definitely of Vlazhdumeca origin, and they are either a Zhodani offshoot or a Minor Human race that had heavily interbred with them as they expanded. If the Sky Raiders were from this sector then that would be their likely origin.

"However, studying the skeletal remains and the statues, I've come to a different conclusion. DNA and somatotype from the Sky Raider site on Mirayn point to another Minor Human race: the Loeskalth.

"The Loeskalth were a Minor Human race located on the fringes of the First Imperium. They absorbed a great deal of culture and technology from the Vilani, although they remained extremely warlike and aggressive. Because of this they were completely absorbed by the Vilani some 5400 years ago after they occupied the Loeskalth home sector of Gushemege, rimward of Corridor and trailing of Reft.

"I have no idea how they could have ended up here in Far Frontiers. This region is far too distant considering the starships of the time. But the Sky Raiders would seem to resemble the Loeskalth, behaviourally, and linguistically as well. I have no theory about how or why they got here, but I'm certain everything points to the Loeskalth."

He turned to the screen with the writing.

"Now I can confirm this artefact is not Loeskalth or Sky Raider in origin. That much is clear to me from the method of production, metallurgy and the strange dialect. But I'm an expert in many pre-Vilani and early Vilani languages and I think I can make a preliminary translation. It appears derived from early First Imperium Vilani, although the grammatical structure is quite unusual.

"Nevertheless, I think I can make a preliminary reading of the language. Let me make some notes on the display:"

The screen showed the words that he added, superimposed.

"...(word not certain)... and here between the banks of.... (river?)
Came the Far Wanderers... in their flight - War of the (lost ones?).
Landed they the (Ship?) of the (journey?). On the isle stands their temple;
There where first the voyagers from the (Great Void?) stepped upon the
new land. And from the (chaos?) they came, the first-comers, the way-
farers, seeking refuge from the struggle in the (Skies?)"

This message was last edited by the player at 19:25, Sat 02 Aug 2014.

Neva poked her head out of Engineering where she had been helping Ollie do the maintenance that he seemed to always want to do.  She had a smear of grease along one cheek but she smiled.  "Of course we're fueled and ready to Jump.  Do you think that Ollie would let you guys down on something so essential as that?  He joined you here didn't he?  That should be your answer."  She gave a humph sound but winked at the group to show that she hadn't taken offense.

She had heard Ollie do that sound before when he had been buried in the job and she couldn't resist using it now.

Neva looked at the new clues that they had obtained.  "Wow.  That's cool that we can still find today evidence of past humanity and have a chance of deciphering this stuff."

Ken smiles and claps Ollie on the shoulder.  "I can see that you have been busy.  The ship looks good.  My time as a marine aboard Navy ships has made me appreciate a crack and well maintained vessel."  He winked back at Neva and shook his head.  "I'm afraid that the time will come soon where the ship's performance will mean a difference between life and death.  You two are doing the most important work right now."

After a bit he turned his attention to Luskan.  "So these Loeskalth somehow made a trip of four or five sectors either across the Great Rift or around through Corridor and all the way here."  He shook his head again; "The genetic evidence is pretty clear so however they managed it must have been epic."  Ken thought for a moment longer, his fingers tapping on the table.  "If the Loeskalth were renowned for their warlike nature that would fit in with the behavior of the Sky Raiders.  They raided and attacked although they never seem to have settled anywhere or at least anywhere we've found. And then they disappeared without a trace except for the tomb on Miryan.  That's the continuing mystery."

Ken leaned over and stared at the artifact.  "So this talks about people fleeing war, maybe a war in the sky?  Could it be someone fleeing an attack by the Sky Raiders?  That makes no sense because this is in their general style and an old Vilani language.  Maybe someone influenced by the Sky Raiders?" He clenched his fist; "We need to find out about this Dumaer and where he got it.  Can anyone get into the Scouts records and find this guy?"

Maybe, means visiting a scout base.

Ken nods; "We need to find out where he got the artifact.  That will tell us where this place might be.  I don't know if it is related to what happened to Lorain but I have to believe that they took her when they found out about the artifact."

</quote>
After a bit he turned his attention to Laskan.  "So these Loeskalth somehow made a trip of four or five sectors either across the Great Rift or around through Corridor and all the way here."  He shook his head again; "The genetic evidence is pretty clear so however they managed it must have been epic."  Ken thought for a moment longer, his fingers tapping on the table.  "If the Loeskalth were renowned for their warlike nature that would fit in with the behavior of the Sky Raiders.  They raided and attacked although they never seem to have settled anywhere or at least anywhere we've found. And then they disappeared without a trace except for the tomb on Miryan.  That's the continuing mystery."</quote>

"No one could have crossed the Great Rift in those days, we can barely do it now and it just wasn't possible with the starships of the time. They were Jump-1, and not very reliable. But the alternative doesn't make sense either, for Vland itself was directly in their path if they were to go around the Rift. Perhaps they found some kind of secret route across or a way to skirt Vland.

"Their route would be starting in Gushmenge, then Vland, Corridor, Deneb, Spinward Marches, Foreven, Far Frontiers. That makes a trip of around six sectors!

"Now, the Loeskalth ceased expanding after colonising part of Gushmege due to the Great Rift on one side the First Imperium on the other. After, they turned almost completely to war on each other and the Vilani. They had probably neither the colony ships nor the merchant infrastructure to manage a long-range colonisation effort.

"What we may be looking at is the remnants of the Loeskalth battle fleets, but even that doesn't make much sense. They would start off strong but leave a clear trail for the Vilani to follow if they cared to. When they completed such a long journey they would be played out with no colony or base to rebuild their strength. Yet this sector was where they were most active. Somehow they revitalised their strength considerably.

"Look what happened to the Vlazhdumecta. They were far more widespread than the Loeskalth. They only fled 1 sector over, but that was the end of them. They were unable to rebuild their industrial infrastructure and ceased starfaring within a generation.



"The Mirayns were influenced by the Sky Raiders, they weren't even human. They carved their likenesses in their temples. Yes. This could be a legend about an attack by the Sky Raiders, perhaps fleeing them."



"You think that this artefact is indirectly related to Lorain's disappearance? If not directly?"

Ken listened quietly to Laskan as he laid out further information. "I don't know how the Loeskalth got this far, the Vilani certainly never did.  It's almost like they teleported across the intervening sectors."  He shrugged for he was a practical man and not an academic. "If we knew how they did it the knowledge might help track them down but right now the only real lead is this artifact if it does point to them."

He shook his head at the last question.  "Lorain was kidnapped when we showed up with this artifact.  I have to conclude that there is some linkage."

In reply to Ken Jenkins (msg # 278):

"If this is connected, then I will be glad to help. You say that a Scout of some kind sold it?"

He sat back in his chair, contemplating the words on the screen. Wondering what their true meaning was.

Blake looks at the artifact again, wondering ...  4 balls in a line ...  Could it be a planetary alinement of some sort ??  4 stars ??  He decides to consult the nav computer maps for some homework ...  If possible, having the computer move the stars & planets back x number of years ago.  Sorry, forgot how old this thing is.  Could be a long morning.

"We don't know for certain that this is connected but all the clues point to the move on Lorain being triggered by the appearance of the artifact.  Her assistant disappeared at the same time but the evidence points to him being a traitor."  Ken is obviously angry and concerned but holds in his emotions.  "We really need to find out where this thing was found to put it in some kind of context.  Maybe Kalamanaru is headed there to find whatever place this artifact points out."

Ollie takes seat and slumps in it dejectedly. "I was was hoping that trinket was going to be more obvious. No offense, Prof., my friend"

"Hrmph. It looks like that Dumaer guy is the best lead we have got at the moment," said Ollie. "Maybe me and Blake should sniff around the bars around the scout base and see if we can find him. Unless he is happens to be in the local directory."

"With Neva's help I was was able to do a lots more on the drive than I expected and we can go anytime we want, but we need a destination."

Ken shook his head.  "We have clues but no destination Ollie.  If you and Blake could get in contact with this Dumaer if he is around we might find where he found the artifact.  Then we might head to that planet guessing that Lorain might have been taken there."  He glanced at the others.  "Linus, what say some of us look around in the business district to sniff about Kalamanru?"

Duh, the local directory !!  A few verbal instructions later ...

Blake then turns back to finding star systems having a repeating 4 planet line-up.

In reply to Oliver Oliphant Oksasaellllozae (msg # 282):

Neva blushed a little at the praise that Ollie had just given.  She figured she had done a decent job since he hadn't made her redo it but this was the first time that she had heard him say so.

"Thanks Ollie."

Ken turns to Neva; "Wasn't Lokhav, Lorain's traitor assistant associated with the digs on Quarant?  Maybe this item refers to the digs there.  Let's see what we can find out about the digs.  Professor Messandi, can you get into the Institute system and see what they know about the digs?  Neva, maybe you could do a search of the planetary databases."

"Qarant? Qarant? Hmmm," muttered Ollie. "Something about Qarant..."

Suddenly he sat bolt upright and exclaimed, "Neva, didn't you say that Loren was suddenly interested Qarant?"

In reply to Oliver Oliphant Oksasaellllozae (msg # 287):

Neva nodded to Ken and quickly brought up some of the standard data on Qarant.

"We've run across that name a couple of times.  I always chuckle when I read it though.  Qarant is a planet in the Jungleblut subector of Far Frontiers sector.  Really?  Who came up with the name Jungleblut?"

Neva shook her head at the names and then continued. "It was declared closed to colonization pending investigation of archaeological sites by a League order.  At the time this info was done, there weren't any permanent inhabitants but archaelogical survey teams were maintained by League-sponosred Institute for Systems Studies and the Ministr of Science of the Descarothe Hegemony."

Neva mumbled a few more lines and then smiled.  "Ahhh.  it seems that our Professor Jothan Messandi was in the middle of some controversy.  The teams that were doing the survey  were investigatin the rise and fall of a human civilization which achieved TL 2 before disappearing about 2000 years ago.  Lots of teams had theories like plague, natural disasters, etc but Messandi thought that the culture was a victim of attack by the Sky Raiders.  Couldn't find any evidence to solidly establish any of those theories as true.  There is more stuff on it if you want to know."

link to a message in this game

In reply to Neva Alexovna Morozova (msg # 288):

Jothan chuckled.

"Yes! I still blame the Sky Raiders!"

In reply to Dr. Jothan Messandi (msg # 289):

Neva looked up at Messandi and grinned.  "At least your competitors couldn't prove their theories either.  Did you ever have any break ins or sabotaged occurrences?  Who were your most aggressive rivals."

In reply to Neva Alexovna Morozova (msg # 290):

"Although I didn't know it at the time, my sponsor was one of Jungleblut's most notorious crime kingpins. No one tried to interfere with us, either here on Alzenei or on Mirayn.

"Once I got to Mirayn I was a virtual prisoner. For security we had a crew of the toughest types around, mercenaries, I guess. Even after I was diagnosed with the brain parasite Kalamanru's men wouldn't let me go offworld or even to one of the cities for medical treatment. They seemed to think my impending death would provide "incentive" for me to work harder and faster, as if that's how good archaeology works!

"Kalamanaru's right-hand man Bren Pylory was in charge of day-to-day operations on Mirayn. His enforcer was Gildinkur. And Gildinkur was who the police suspect kidnapped Lorain. It's funny, when I was being fooled into thinking a rich backer wanted to fun my expedition to Mirayn, and after I was held there, I never knew someone like Kalamanaru was involved. But he showed up when we seemed to be getting close to the Sky Raiders during the excavation of the ancient city of Raynirjik. I guess he was getting eager for results, or didn't care if I saw his face because I'd soon be dead without treatment. Or both.

"By the way, I have a theory as to why the Mirayn civilisation completely collapsed after contact with the Sky Raiders. We had some preliminary evidence that there was a plague that has offworld DNA."

Hmmm, more than one scout has bought the farm by sticking his nose out the airlock for a breath of fresh air.  But in your case professor, we're talking about millennium afterwards.  Would it work both ways ??

Ken shook his head... "I do remember that Lorain wrote Qarant down on her pad.  And didn't Talia say that Lorain had asked for files about Qarant?  I just don't see how Qarant could have any bearing on the Sky Raiders.  Unless..." He paused; "Maybe there is something about the civilization on Qarant that was influenced by the Sky Raiders.  If that is the case there may be more clues about what happened to them." He turned to Messandi; "Professor, what more is known about the natives of Qarant?  Do they speak a Vilani tongue or are they similar to the other peoples of the area?"

He sighed.  "We did touch down on Qarant once to land supplies for the archeologists.  It was a pretty miserable place."

In reply to Ken Jenkins (msg # 293):

Jothan poured himself a cup of tea.

"I never studied Qarant. The digs there have been minimal before now as it is under Hegemony control, and travellers from the Free Suns are not welcome. It seems that the most promising sites are in the Hegemony zone. As Qarant is in the Hegemony sphere of control according to the treaty that allows Free Suns access, I suppose that's natural. My understanding is that the consensus were the natives were of Vlazhdumecta origin, like the other humans in the sector.

"Right now the main purpose of the expeditions to Qarant is to conclusively determine their racial origin and recover records or at least language. But they barely developed paper and gunpowder, let alone space flight or other technologies to preserve information for thousands of years."

"As for a disease, I developed some theories. Imperial Scouts, of course, are inoculated to  avoid cross-contamination but that doesn't always work. In this case, the Sky Raiders might have picked something up from the Mirayns; they were callous raiders, not careful explorers. However, these two events (the destruction of the Raynirjik civilisation and the Qarant civilisation) are millenniums apart.

"My theory is this: the Loeskalth learned from the technologically superior Vilani. They made quite an impression on the natives, it's possible when they left they released a plague themselves to prevent the Mirayns from using what they might have learned from them, and to cover their tracks? The coming of the Sky Raiders wasn't the advent of the plague, it was their leaving. No wonder the primitive Mirayns revere the Sky Raiders and want them to return! As well, it explains why there is no Loeskalth back-trail."
This message was last edited by the player at 20:07, Wed 06 Aug 2014.

Ken thinks.  "So far the only clue we have as to the next steps are Qarant.  There are digs there and this artifact seems to point to some kind of temple or such.  Dumaer is linked to Qarant as well so the evidence seems pretty firm that where ever this artifact points, it points to somewhere on Qarant."  He frowned before continuing. "If the site is in the Hegemony territory it will make things tough.  Does Kalamanaru have any links to the Hegemony?"

The mention of the disease bothered him as well.  "So perhaps the Sky Raiders inflicted a biological attack on the Mirayans?  That would fit with their aggressive behavior.  So you think there is no Sky Raider back trail because they wiped out their victims?"

Like Mariel and Ollie, Jaxxon had been an unwilling employee in Kalamanaru's criminal empire.

"Kalamanru with links to the Hegemony? You bet. I plotted many courses into the closest Hegemony Worlds. I wasn't supposed to know where we were Jumping, but it's hard to keep that secret from a trained navigator. These were smuggling trips. I can't say who we were meeting on the other end. Could be Hegemony government or civilians."

Ken replies; "So if Kalamanru has links to the Hegemony he could easily be working on the Qarant digs with their help.  So the question is, do we head to Qarant to look for Lorain?"

In reply to Ken Jenkins (msg # 297):

Mariel, the pilot, stopped by the common room.

"You boys and girls been busy! We could leave pretty soon of you want. Ollie and Neva have serviced the Jump drives and we're ready to go. It seems a little thin that Kalamanaru has Lorain, and on Quarant, but that seems to be our only lead. We know he's not above kidnapping experts and Gildinkur is his man so there's a strong connection."

"I remember one other thing Lorain said. Lokhav, her assistant, was from the Hegemony. He immigrated here five years ago when the current era of detente was established."

"I seems Qarant is our best lead," pondered Ollie. "But is there anything we should be doing here before we leave?"

"I hate to leave Loren's traitorous assistant wandering around here free to do whatever mischief he wants," he growled. "Or, leave Loren held captive somewhere on this planet while go sight-seeing."

"Bugger it!" Ollie prowls over to the ships computer and starts pulling up ship movements since Loren's kidnapping. He is sure someone has looked at this data before, but he needs to be doing something. "How would they have gotten off planet?" he wonders.

In reply to Oliver Oliphant Oksasaellllozae (msg # 300):

"Strictly speaking, all I need to do is file a flight plan.

"Ken had an idea to see if we can gain some idea of Kalamanru's business dealings. Linus has some contacts he can probably try.

"Blake wanted to check on ship traffic at the Starport (which is where we are). He also wanted to ask about Dumaer at the Scout Base, which makes sense.

"It could be that Dumaer lived here as well. There's a Scout bar here in the Starport, and if he's low rent (let's face it, detached Scout, sorry Blake) then he probably had a place in Alztop, the startown."

Sounds like we all some business to attend to.  I dislike being split up though ...

In reply to Blake Renfield (msg # 302):

Neva nodded at the group.  "Splitting up is what you have to do sometimes though.  Some people won't talk to larger crowds.  I can go and blend in to see what I can hear on the streets if you want."

"Yes, I have some business contacts who may have some information. They might have some business for us as well, no point in flying empty," said Linus.

Ken nodded, glad to see action taking place.  "Let's go in pairs for sure.  First let's file a flight plan to get out of here.  If we can get away with not filing it for Qarant or doing so in mid-flight to the Jump point let's do so.  Then we need to check the Scout bar and base, check the underworld to for clues to a kidnapping and check the business world.  I think we should find out more detail about the digs through the Institute if we can, maybe the names of some of the personnel there or even an introduction to ease things when we arrive."

He shook his head; "And Lorain's assistant is from the Hegemony...  damn..."

In reply to Ken Jenkins (msg # 305):

Jaxxon replied, "Alztop is where you got attacked on the monorail, right? I think if Neva is going there, she take theair/raft and at least another person if not more. If someone's got a shotgun, we should take that as wel."

Ken thinks for a moment.  "I'll go with Neva.  I can keep a shotgun stowed under a coat perhaps.  Ollie, do you want to go with Linus or Blake?"