295-1108

Saulente System, Inverness Subsector, Far Frontiers Sector

Saulente B986884-B Rich, Gas Giant

After months of circuitous of travel, the Inquisitor finally lay at orbit around Saulente (0704 C868755 B), an independent world in the Inverness Subsector (though nominally part of the Mnemnosyne Principality). The Inquisitor carries of crew of 19, plus 20 scientists and researchers and 8 Security personnel. The ship itself is a charter from the New Horizons line, a Free Suns company. Security personnel are provided by the Institute.

The crew was enjoying a little R&R before their final Jump. Though independent, Saulente was a major trading hub and stopover for traffic bound for the nearby Zhodani Consulate. There was no high port and the Inquisitor wasn't streamlined, so they were using the 2 modular cutters for space-surface transport.

At this time the crew of the Queen Victoria was deciding what to do, go down to the surface or stay on the ship.

GM Note: Please post what gear and weapons your character has brought along for this mission. It's ok to double up on expedition supplies and equipment, this effort is well-funded and organised so it's likely there will be overlap.
This message was last edited by the GM at 00:57, Tue 20 Sept 2016.

In reply to GM (msg # 1):

Lorraine asked, "Ken, do you and your crew wish to head down to Saulente? Or stay on the ship?"

In reply to Prof. Lorain Messandi (msg # 2):

"I can pilot anyone down to the surface if they require," added Hanno.

"I always like to have a look around," said Linus, who was noted for his curiousity about how people lived on other planets.

This message was deleted by the player at 00:39, Wed 14 Sept 2016.

Some fresh air would be nice.  I can take a shore-side visit.  He packs along an automatic pistol and an inertial locator.

In reply to Blake Renfield (msg # 6):

Ollie pulled out his pack of cards and headed out of the rec room.

"Shall we hit a few bars and pick up the word on the street?" he said. "The air may not be fresh, but the drinks will flow."

In reply to Oliver Oliphant Oksasaellllozae (msg # 7):

The expedition's scientific crew decided to come along for the trip to the wealthy trade world below.

There was Dr. Vledistart Mirost. Mirost was the 2nd best linguist at the Institute, behind Dr. Chanis Laskan (who they'd met and helped). As Dr. Laskan was confined to a wheelchair Dr. Mirost had been asked to accompany the exepdition.

Dr. Heinrich Chandragore was the Institute's top archaeological technologist. It had been his work that allowed for recovery of the data on the ancient hard drive they found in the Sky Raider battle-rider deep under the surface of Qarant. There was no one alive that knew more about the workings of Sky Raider technology.

Dr. Goezghae was a Vargr and geology and planetology expert, with a specialty in asteroid habitats (like what they expected the Sky Raider mother ship to be).

Dr. Lurushar GIlenkaar was a little more complicated. He was a cultural anthropologist who had studied the Sky Raiders. He also had experience in contacting the Neolithic tribespeople of Kelebru. Dr. Gilenkaar was there to study Sky Raider culture, whatever had been preserved.

Last was Dr. Talia McKenzie, an old friend of Lorrain's and a veteran of the Mirayn expedition. She would serve as the expedition's medical doctor, but also had published a PhD thesis on exobiology.

They filed onto the cutter for the trip to the surface.

In reply to GM (msg # 8):

"This is so exciting! I am so glad to be with all of you again."

They had travelled together (both Talia and the crew) for months on the Inquisitor but this was the first planetary leave they'd taken together. Plus, Talia had been busy with her research as team biologist.

In reply to Oliver Oliphant Oksasaellllozae (msg # 7):

Walker looked at Ollie.
"Well, unless you have something you want me to do while you're out being fleeced by the locals, I might as well go poke around.  Maybe they have some sort of kit that would be an upgrade for me."

The modular cutter dropped from the Inquisitor down into the atmosphere.


Saulente was an advanced and prosperous world on the frontier, although this was somewhat relative. Technology was available at low Imperial average (B), law was not too oppressive (4). A member of the Mnemosyne Principality in name only, it was virtually independent due to it's connections to the neighboring Zhodani Consulate.

The crew spent a few hours wandering the Starport and Startown before it was time to return. Everyone showed up on time.

Neva had stayed on the ship, finding a quiet place to reflect on her turn around life.  That didn't last long because she was ansy about something but couldn't put her finger on it.  So she decided to walk the ship, thinking on why she felt ansy.  It was tiring to travel around the ship but interesting and got her more familiar with the design.

The usual startown stuff, but Blake keeps an eye out for fellow scouts.

In reply to Blake Renfield (msg # 13):

Without much comment, Dr. Gilenkaar started looking through the wares of a Startown clothing shop close to the starport. "The prices here are reasonable. A little too Zhodani in style for my liking." He snorted, somewhat derisively.

In reply to GM (msg # 11):

"I'm going to get a drink. Anyone join me?"

At the startown entrance, Heinrich eyed the holo-neon signs that adorned the establishments crowded beyond the Starport grounds.

In reply to Dr. Heinrich Chandragora (msg # 15):

"Count me in." The scientist wasn't that social but seemed to be warming up the closer they got to their destination.

In reply to Dr. Vledistart Mirost (msg # 16):

"Me too!" exclaimed the female Vargr scientist.

Oh no, the nerd pack is about to make for the waterhole ...  This could be interesting is what Blake thinks.

In reply to Blake Renfield (msg # 18):

His fellow Scout, Hanno, suggested, "hey, let's you and me grab a beer. Not here in the tourist traps. The menus are all in Zhodani! No, I know a small spacers' bar. Off the main strip."

In reply to Hanno Sakawa (msg # 19):

Their cutter pilot, Jeri, agreed. "Sounds like a plan! Lexi, you in?" Jeri was new to the crew and really had only bonded with her usual gunner, Lexis.

In reply to Jeri Marrenda (msg # 20):

Like Jeri, Lexis was new to the Inquisitor's crew. She had signed up just before this assignment, and like most of the crew had not been briefed on their real mission to preserve secrecy. There were many who would pay good money for a lead. Especially Enari Kalamanaru!

"Hell ya! Been too long crammed into that can of spam."
This message was last updated by the player at 01:49, Sat 24 Sept 2016.

Lorrain turned to her friend, Talia, "whaddaya say, Tally? Head to the bar with our colleagues where we can pay for over-priced drins or go with the spacers?

In reply to Prof. Lorain Messandi (msg # 22):

"Come on! You know we're all a team, eh? Wherever Blake wants to go!"

Indeed, many months ago Talia had been part of the fateful expedition to Mirayn. They had been captured by Kalamanaru, lost Liisha, but found the tomb of the Sky Raiders.

Blake bows to Hanno and flourishes him arm ...  indicating that Hanno take the lead on this junket.  And how do you know of this gin joint Mr Hanno ??

In reply to Blake Renfield (msg # 24):

The other Scout squinted at the brightly lit main street.

"It's, ah, a block over. In an alley. Follow me."

He took a left into a street closed to vehicle traffic. It was thronged with people and lined with booths and kiosks selling food and souvenirs to tourists. As well, clothing and gear ripped off from Zhodani sources but produced locally. The fashions being worn were unfamiliar, definitely not Imperial-inspired.

In reply to Hanno Sakawa (msg # 25):

"Tally! Stay close." She looked around, taking in the sights, sounds and smells.

In reply to Prof. Lorain Messandi (msg # 26):

The club was definitely a Spacer's hangout. Its name was "The Space Hog", announced on a holographic marquee sign above the entry. Cover was 20 credits of local currency each. It was in a small converted warehouse with peeling plastic siding on the outside walls, foam insulated walls inside covered with space-themed artefacts (junk stripped off decommissioned ships, wrecked ships' boats, parts from old Vacc Suits).

It was moderately crowded. The bartender was a Vargr.

In reply to GM (msg # 27):

The Scout elbowed his way past a middle-aged waitress and bellied up to the bar.

"Soosh! How's it goin'?"

In reply to Hanno Sakawa (msg # 28):

The Vargr, a male wearing glasses, with dark-coloured fur under a Hawai'ian shirt and khaki pants, looked up.

"Hanno? Hey! good to see you. It's been a while. Grab a booth, I'll be by in a while.

"What'll you all have? First round is on me."

In reply to Soosh the Bartender (msg # 29):

Up on the ship, Neva decided this was a good time to familiarise herself with the ship. They'd been onboard for a couple months now but she knew keeping the layout fresh might be the difference between life and death.

The survey ship Inquisitor was a converted 800 dTon Broadsword-class "mercenary cruiser". Not a real cruiser in a military sense it was heavily armed for a civilian ship, with eight turrets mounting twin lasers. It was roughly spherical in shape and carried two modular cutters.

The decks were arranged as such:

Deck A: Main air lock and observatory.
Deck B: Gunnery deck and fire control.
Deck C: Bridge.
Deck D: Quarters.
Deck E: Quarters.
Deck F: Cargo Hold, Cutter Airlocks.
Deck G: laboratories, Computers.
Deck H: laboratories, Auxiliary Cargo.
Deck I: Main Drive Deck
Deck J: Lower Drive Deck

As the ship was a sphere the top and bottom decks were smaller, getting larger as you want towards the centre decks. The cutters were mated with wells that passed from the bottom of the ship almost to the top. The bottom Marshalling deck (Deck H) and one of the quarters decks (Deck G) were converted into lab space.

In reply to Soosh the Bartender (msg # 29):

"Uh, I guess if no one wants to order I'll get a pitcher of what's on tap for everyone."

She looked around to see if everyone was ok with that.

In reply to Prof. Lorain Messandi (msg # 31):

"On tap we have a fine oyster stout. A fine classic brew from Old Terra."

He started filling a plastic beer pitcher.

"Happy to try that," said Linus. Brewed Old Terra style, perhaps, but he doubted that it actually came from there!

classic rocket fuel. Blake murmurs.  Free is almost always good, so a scout toast Commence refueling operations !!  He sucks the glass to half empty, gives a snort, Got some air in the lines here Chief Scout. he says to Hanno.  Blake looks around, any other scouts here tonight ??

The group has a few rounds of beer.

The oyster stout is not literally from Terra, although the recipe is. It's a good brew, maybe a little on the fishy side?

It started getting on and the bar began to fill with patrons as the evening shift ended at the Starport.

In reply to GM (msg # 35):

Hanno drained his glass.

"Ok people, drink up! We got enough time to make the starport. It's not like they'll leave without us but let's not push our luck!"

He began peeling off credit bills to pay their tab.

Linus chipped in some credits.

As does Blake.

As did Talia. "I've got Lorrain and me."

The group makes it back to the Starport in time.

They are met by the group of scientists, who'd gone to a different bar.

After a head count it was established that everyone was present and accounted for.

The armed cutter lifted off and headed towards low orbit to RV with the Inquisitor.

In reply to GM (msg # 40):

The Vargr scientist looked over at Blake.

"So, did you have fun? Where were you guys? You just kinda took off."

Blake opens one eye to look at the scientist.  Why yes, thank you.  Hanno knew a good scouty hangout, so we checked in a for a few drinks.  Yourself ??  Find anything worth-while ??  Souvenirs ??  Blake then crashes for the flight up.

In reply to Blake Renfield (msg # 42):

She answered, "oh, we had a few drinks. A couple of the guys took off to look for souvenirs. We had a fun time. I see you want to sleep."

Well, scouts learn to sleep whenever the time allows it. What do you call a fun time ??  What is your specialty and what brings you out here in the great middle of nowhere ??  Yeah, Blake saw something about geology, but hey, always nice to know what makes people tick ...

In reply to Blake Renfield (msg # 44):

She laughed and responded, "my area of specialty is exo-geology, mainly nickle-iron asteroids of the type used to build asteroid starships like the Sky Raider mother ship. I guess an interesting rock is what I'd consider a fun time. So not very fun, I suppose!

"Oh, I see we're almost there!"
This message was last edited by the player at 10:05, Sun 16 Oct 2016.

The cutter was soon berthed in the Inquisitor, approaching the cutter bays from astern. The Inquisitor itself was docked at Saulente High Port.







They could see some more supplies being taken onboard the Inquisitor, as well as additional fuel to top up the collapsible fuel bladders installed in the cargo bays. The plan was to travel to the outer system under M-Drive power using a slingshot maneuver around the sun to gain speed. Once there use telescopes and sensors to locate the Sky Raider mother ship based on their calculations, and Jump ahead in its course.

Before Jumpspace insertion, ships usually deccelerated to zero velocity relative to the departure system because they ship maintained velocity and heading after Jump. But the mother ship was not stationary and was likely travelling at 0.54% C. They would need a running start to catch up. They would calculate their outward leg to be parallel to the mother ship's course and keep that velocity after Jumping. They would then accelerate to intercept, and after matching course commence exploration.
This message was last edited by the GM at 22:32, Sun 16 Oct 2016.

time to go back to work.    Blake will help with any departure preparations.

In reply to Blake Renfield (msg # 47):

Aside from the fuel there is extra food, ammunition, air and water. Nothing too unusual for a well-supplied expedition that expects to be out of communication for an extended period.

The usual stuff then.  Always useful to keep on the up and up in your specialty.  And the ship's status.  Blake will hook into the outside comm traffic to hear what the locals are talking about.  Anything incoming, prepping to depart, or just departing ??

In reply to Blake Renfield (msg # 49):

Traffic seems normal. There are no Zhodani or other foreign ships in-system at the moment. There are twenty or so merchantmen docked at the High Port of on the surface, waiting to take on cargo and passengers or unload. A couple freighters incoming from Consulate space and two more transiting on their way rimward into Memnosyne Principality space.

Ken had followed Blake, Tallia, Lorain and the other spacers to the scout bar down on the planet.  He'd said little being worried about the pending adventure and the risks of the unknown.  Still he'd unwound and laughed with the others, spinning a few tales of his time as a marine as the drinks relaxed everyone.

When they returned to the ship, Ken carefully inspected each crate as a regular security process.  He'd shown interest in the course that they would take, the velocity at half the speed of light impressing him despite his relative lack of scientific knowledge.

"Any last minute preparations to make Lorain?  I think we are as well prepared as we could hope."

In reply to Ken Jenkins (msg # 51):

"I can't think of anything off-hand. I'm just raring to go. I know the mothership's been out there for thousands of years in deep space, but somehow I almost can't wait!"

Ken examined the crates. There were more weapons and ammunition, as well as fresh foodstuffs, medical supplies, camping gear, some replacement parts. Nothing too suspicious that he could tell. No contraband. All weapons were in concordance with local laws.

The ship's captain was an ex-Scout named Cyrus Shagguurap. He personally supervised the loading and  checked each item off the manifest. "Good. Looks like it's all there. No, we are not going to open them all to satisfy your curiosity. Oh look, that case probably has a Zhodani space marine inside it! Ha ha ha!"

Crewmembers finished stowing the additional crates of supplies in the cargo hold. "All aboard!"

Ken smiled at Lorain and laughed with her.  "Visiting this ship is the culmination of decades of work and centuries of mystery.  It's a chance of a lifetime."

He laughed with the captain about the crates but specifically opened the one pointed out.  "Well then, we'll just have to check."

In reply to Ken Jenkins (msg # 56):

The Captain obviously felt condescended to.

"Right. Stay here, then, if you think my instructions are optional."

He signalled the Stevedore to unload the crate Ken was interested in on the dock. Ken was left with the crate in the loading bay with no way to open it as the airlock began to cycle closed.

In reply to Captain Shagguurap (msg # 57):

"Wait? What? What are you doing? You can't just leave him there!" exclaimed Lorrain as the airlock closed.

Ken shook his head;  "By space captain, can't you take a joke?"  He headed aboard.

In reply to Ken Jenkins (msg # 59):

The cargo lock clanged shut. Around Ken, the non-robot Stevedores looked confused as to what seemed to be happening.


A moment later, the cargo lock opened again. Lorrain and the Captain stood there. She looked furious, he looked embarrassed.

"Uh, sorry, Ken. I think I over-reacted." He looked embarrassedly over to Lorrain, who was looking very annoyed at him, then back at Ken. "I was going to send a Cutter for you, honest. Let's just forget this little mistake and get going, I don't want to fall further behind schedule. Really, we gotta go. Our launch window closes in ten minutes." He held out his hand to shake.

A robot Stevedore rolled over, grabbed the crate in metal tentacle arms, then wheeled it into the ship's cargo bay.

Linus rolled his eyes.

"Children, children," he muttered, mostly to himself.

Ken glanced at Lorain and then extended his hand to the captain.  "I'm sorry for the misunderstanding as well.  Let's boost then."  He headed aboard and noted the location of that crate.

Neva had finished her walk around, actually finished it a couple of times, and felt that she had a better grasp of the ship now.  When she heard the group arriving back to the ship she started down to welcome them.

She stayed out of the way when it became apparent that the captain was one of those "I have a time schedule to keep" type of people.  Something to keep in mind for the future.

Finally she walked out to where the others could see her and was quiet as she watched.

When Blake hears about the captain/Ken incident, he looks into what cargo was picked up here and where it was placed.  Something else to look into after jumping ...

Ken nodded to Blake and spoke quietly.  "Let's do a thorough check on our downtime of everything aboard."

Agreed.  Can you get the manifests ??  Or should we turn Neva loose ??

In reply to Blake Renfield (msg # 66):

Neva stepped forward when she heard her name.  "Turn me loose?  You make it sound like I'm a mad woman about to run amok on the ship."

Ken thought for a moment.  "It's his ship so asking for the manifest might be tricky, especially if coming from me.  We could have Neva perhaps ask under the pretext of organizing things.  I think she'd be the best suited to look for contraband in the cargo.  Given the magnitude of what we seek I don't trust anyone but our small group."  He turned to Neva; "Can you snoop around the cargo, particularly that last crate?  I'm just not entirely trusting our captain after that outburst."

Linus smiled. He'd never thought his service skills would be useful.

"The manifest will be in the system. I'll have a look around for it if you'd like."

The Navy might do things a bit differently, but the ship's office runs pretty much the same whatever the vessel.

Ahhh Linus, the ultimate secret weapon - those marvelous choco chip cookies ...

Once everything else has been discussed So Neva, how was your tour of this excellent vessel ??  After which he will bring her up to date on current affairs.

Neva chuckled.  This group always surprised her.  Linus most of all.

"This is a good ship.  I managed to sketch out the various locations.  I think I could probably find my away around it now even with lights off or, say, smoke filled.  So how was the drinks?  Watered down or extra strength?"

Ken chuckled as Linus spoke up.  "I'll leave it in your capable hands Neva and Linus." He headed up to the lounge to watch the preparations for departure.

The plan was to travel to the outer system using M-Drive, so it would be a while before they entered Jumpspace. This was to throw off pursuit, and so they could make some final observations using the ship's telescopic sensors (visible light, thermal and microwave) to fix the position of the Mothership in interstellar space.

Somewhat gruffly, the captain accepted Ken's hand, then dismissed the crew to their stations.

They were soon boosting for the outer system, a trip that would take days. The plan was to gain momentum in the general direction of travel for the mothership, and hopefully gather enough information to Jump before they reached the frozen outer system wastes of the Oort cloud.

Ahhh, days under M drive.  Sometime for snooping, I mean inventory verification ...

Ken spent the time in boost to the outer system working out, watching the scientific experts work and in general acting innocently as the others snooped.  he did speak to Lorain;  "What can we expect when we arrive at the Sky Raider's location?  Do you expect any organized opposition or activity?  I'd think after centuries of silence everything would be dead."

In reply to Ken Jenkins (msg # 75):

Lorrain thought about it for a moment. "It seems unlikely after all this time anyone is still alive.

"There is a Vilani asteroid colony that is still inhabited that dates back from this era, but it's been abandoned and resettled many times, and can rely on outside sources of fuel and parts.

"The truth is we're more worried about pirates, Zhodani, other thieves and of course Kalamanaru! If we find the mother-ship, others can as well. That's why we have you along."

Linus went off to find the ship's office. Preferably when nobody was around (likely at this time as they'd just left port, it is when you are a few days out up to when you depart that it's most active!). Then he'll have a poke around and pull up the manifest...

In reply to Linus Spruance (msg # 77):

On this ship the Captain was also the Purser, and kept the ship's files. His office was locked with a security passcode.

It looked like the ship had some kind of anti-hijacking program in place, which included passcodes to get into secure areas and strategically-placed surveillance CCTVs were in operation.

OK, that's physical areas, right? Linus looks for an accessible computer, to see what he can access that way...

Ken considered Lorain's words.  "I can't imagine the ship still operating after all those centuries.  That they've not reappeared after all that time then that's all the more sign that they are all dead."  He nodded in agreement with her last words.  "I agree that pirates and thieves, Zhodani trying to claim this ship or certainly Kalamanaru are the big threats.  He's been persistent enough.  I'd almost expect to find him waiting for us."  Ken smiled.  "And I appreciate your confidence Lorain.  Let's hope that we don't need to rely on violence or the threat of it."

In reply to Linus Spruance (msg # 79):

Linus found out he had "Guest" level access on the ship's network. He lacked the level of authority ("Crew") that would allow him to access ship's administration systems. This wasn't that surprising, as they were not crew on the Inquisitor. All standard parts of the anti-hijacking system.

Blake spends his own time poking and looking.  Anyone raises an eyebrow Scout service, you know.

Linus found his way down to the galley and poked his head around the door.

"Hi there. I'm Linus. Do you need a hand with anything? I used to run a bar and quite frankly I'm getting bored sitting around being a passenger."

In reply to Linus Spruance (msg # 83):

The head chef was a middle-aged woman with red hair. She smiled and nodded.

"Oh yeah! We could really use a professional bartender! I'm Cindy. I've seen you around. What's your name, hun?"

"Linus Spruance, Ma'am," said Linus, coming in.

"I know my way around a kitchen as well as being able to tend bar. Used to have my own place, served food and drinks both."

In reply to Linus Spruance (msg # 85):

"Fine, fine.

"If you like to cook, we can find a place for you in the kitchen.

"Otherwise, you can serve behind the bar. Are you familiar with the POS system? It's a standard tavern/restaurant computer setup."

"If it's standard it's probably something I can use," said Linus. "Let's have a look... As for what I do, whatever you need. If a bar tender is of more use..."

In reply to Linus Spruance (msg # 87):

"No, we haven't had a competent bartender here for a while. Things have really suffered!

"You know, you don't sound too confident with using the computer. I'll key in my ID and show you how to ring in sales. This may be a charter but the booze isn't free! After that I'll show you where we keep stuff behind the bar, and maybe you can help out in the kitchen as well."

Cindy keyed in her ID to the terminal by the bar, then started up the POS (Point Of Sales) system. This would track sales and inventory. She then explained a little of how things worked in the common lounge, but not that in depth as it was apparent Linus was experienced.
This message was last updated by the GM at 21:44, Wed 09 Nov 2016.

"Thanks," Linus watched what Cindy did.

"Ah yes. It's similar to the system I had in my bar, but from a different company, that's all. It's just getting used to what's where."

In reply to Linus Spruance (msg # 89):

"I see you're getting the hang of it. I'm going to set you up with temporary access so you can run the computer. In the meantime, get yourself more familiar with the system."

She left him at the terminal to go and create a low-level account for him to use. He knew he would have a minute of so at most to find the information he was looking before she logged in at her desk and logged him out!

Linus wasted no time in pulling up 'manifest' and e-mailing a copy to himself at his regular guest account. Then he went back to playing with the bar POS software.

In reply to Linus Spruance (msg # 91):

Linus didn't have a lot of time to copy what he thought were the correct files. Fortunately his experience in shipboard logistics and computers made the task easier than it might have been under pressing circumstances. He was done by the time Cindy logged herself in at the office terminal, logging herself out of the POS terminal.

Meanwhile, Neva tried to figure out if there were any good hiding places onboard. Mainly those big enough to hide personnel. The answer was: probably. For one, this ship was a commercial modification of a military design. Retrofitting usually left a few cubbyholes and irregular spaces. These would be hidden behind false walls and ceilings, reached through locked hatches and access panels. As well the new lab spaces had storage and isolation rooms that would be difficult, but not impossible, to get a look inside. Plus, the 800 ton ship had copious lockers, storage bays, different sets of crew quarters, even small craft to look through.

Blake stops by the quartermaster for permission to check on their cargo.  it will be a long term assignment during their jump and approach, confirming what is where, how much is in each container, diagnostic checks, fittings, calibrations, yada - yada - yada.  The science types got expensive and finicky gear, and yes, scouts are expected to know where all of their stuff is at all times.

In reply to Blake Renfield (msg # 93):

The ship's Quartermaster replied, "I guess so. It's a little late now. We're not going back if there's a problem! Your gear is stowed in hold 1B."

Linus, hoping he'd grabbed the right file to e-mail to his own account, settled down to master the bar system and see what they had in stock.

Ken meanwhile worked out and helped Lorain with preparations and planning while the experts did their sneakiness.

You got that right.  1 Beta huh, OK, thanks.  Nothing dangerous next door I hope.

Neva causally continued her walks around the ship, making mental notes on the best places for the cubbyholes.  She smiled as she thought about how many homeless could make their homes in those spaces left open on a ship.  Once she was back in her area she would pull up the schematics of the ship (if possible) and map out what she walked with what was said.

In reply to Blake Renfield (msg # 97):

"Define "dangerous"?" asked the Quartermaster.

In reply to Quartermater (msg # 99):

Walker ensconced himself in his quarters, and took a nap.  Not his ship, not his problem.  This was going to be a long trip.

Barks, bites, jabs, stabs, shoots, ex-spouses, special handling, radioactives, and anything on the haz-mat listings, for starters.

In reply to Blake Renfield (msg # 101):

"Ha ha! No, nothing like that. There are just a lot of supplies, plus there are dis-mountable fuel tanks in some of the other holds. I guess you wouldn't want to take a swim in liquid hydrogen.

"When are you going to take a look? The door requires authorisation. Part of standard anti-piracy protocols."

In reply to Neva Alexovna Morozova (msg # 98):

On her earlier wanderings, Neva discovered that the cargo holds, Bridge, Gunnery, Engineering and cutter berthing decks were off-limits to non-ship's crew. The entry points for these areas and other transit spaces were covered by CCTV (Closed Circuit TV) cameras. This was pretty standard anti-hijack protocol for a commercial vessel, but mainly typical of ones with passengers aboard. It did seem a little over the top for a chartered research/survey vessel.

This time around, it seemed like most places you could stash someone was in many of these areas! While Neva was treating the ship's crew with some suspicion the natural assumption was the other way around: threats would come from passengers like Neva and it was they they crew held in some degree of suspicion. Therefore it wasn't entirely surprising there were areas she was locked out of if the ship was operating a normal anti-piracy program.

In reply to Quartermaster (msg # 102):

Not getting an answer from Blake, the Quartermaster says to just let him know when Blake wants to visit the hold and he'll authorise it.

Meanwhile, the Inquisitor continued its boost to the outer system. This took a period of days and did not include the usual flip-over and deceleration. On the contrary they wanted to build up as much speed as possible along the rough direction of travel for the Sky Raider mothership.

Reaching the edge of the Saulente solar system the Inquisitor's navigator engaged the custom astronomy program supplied by the institute. This program was specifically written to use the ship's upgraded sensors (mainly passive EMS like visible light, IR and microwave telescopes but also neutrino and densitometer readings) to scan the sector of deep space where the mothership was expected to be located.

The mothership, of course, wasn't stationary either. It had been coasting, adrift, for millennia and was still travelling at around .005-.01C. At that speed there should be a faint but detectable "bow wave" as it plowed through the thin but still present clouds of interstellar gas (hydrogen and helium) and dust. This created a weak thermal and electromagnetic signature.

Overall, it was expected that they could be searching for several months before they got a hit. At that point they could be through Saulente's Oort Cloud and even the Kuiper Belt, perhaps entering interstellar space itself.

Blake answers that he will in and out depending on what the geek types want.  He will also be running his own checks on what, where, and how many.  Once he has the list from Linus, he will start the checking, speak with the science-types about what they need to see and test, and so on.

Blake will also speak to the captain/XO about bridge access.  He will want to also see the science findings, sensor results, and the navigation calculations to get there and return plus the local stellar/interstellar data.  Some of the science types may also want to review these findings, probably remotely via their data pads and such.

And yes, how does this bigger ship than a scout ship compare in flight characteristics ...  Blake may have some scout tender duty to compare it to.  Mariel may need this information too plus the above.

Lastly, Blake will review the vid footage concerning the craft they wandered thru.  Would it be possible to pilot it ??  If the prof's can translate any wording and numbers from the panels and controls, he will copy it to his and Mariel's data pads.
Also, what does the crew know about this mission ??  Forgot about that tidbit ...

Ken poked around as the ship cruised outward into the depths of the system.  He continued to work with Lorain but also hung about the survey instruments and assisted or at least watched.

In reply to Blake Renfield (msg # 105):

Ken helped out as best he could.

The Quartermaster gave Blake 24 hours access to the hold where the expedition's gear was stored. That is, he is allowed 1 standard Earth day to conduct his business, then his access is terminated.

The scientists didn't seem to need anything from the hold. At the moment they were relying on the ship's sensor array and the equipment they installed in the clear-domed astrophysics/astronomy lab. What was in the hold was supplies, weapons and equipment for exploration.

Blake was refused open access to the bridge except on a per-case basis as he has no business there. Tracking of the possible location for the mothership was being done from the ship's astrophysics/astronomy lab, located on the topmost/forward deck. The expedition scientists are not very excited about an amatuer (Blake) pokiing around! They are not rude but try to brush him off with (legitimate) claims they are too busy. Likewise, the ship's Navigator is not doing anything and won't until the mothership has been located.

Ships using Maneuver are actually using a kind of limited inertialess gravitic drive. As such they pretty much all handle the same in straight-line acceleration. He would be surprised if it exhibited any kind of agility, though. Either way no one lets him at the controls!

Studying the video of the Sky Raider vessel Blake thinks he could pilot a similar one if they came across one like it. Who knows, they might!

The crew, aside from the highest-ranking officers, wasn't told of the mission objective beforehand other than it was a scientific expedition.
This message was last edited by the GM at 20:30, Sat 26 Nov 2016.

Meanwhile, after the brief foray into hacking, Linus settles down to tend bar and makes a few speciality dishes. Of an evening, he engages the scientists in conversation about the sort of work they are doing (and have done in the past), he's always curious.

In reply to Linus Spruance (msg # 108):

The crew and passengers seem to appreciate Linus' efforts.

Although the expedition only had one dedicated astronomer/astrophysicist, Dr. Goezghae, all the other scientists also had skills to assist in this phase of the expedition. Thus the scientists were kept very busy.

Of the scientists, he saw the least of the female Vargr, Dr. Goezghae. She was the expedition's astrophysicist and astronomer. Until they located the mothership she would be very busy! Her specialty was astogeoloty, specifically asteroids, and was familiar with the construction of asteroid ships throughout the many thousands of years of history in Charted Space. Normally pleasant, she occasionally snapped at Linus but apologised, blaming overwork.

Dr. Heinrich Chandragora, a Solomani, was the next busiest. He was the expedition's technologist and expert in Sky Raider technology. Dr. Chandragora also had a grounding in gravitics and physics and aided Dr. Goezghae in using densitometer readings to detect the mammoth Sky Raider mothership's gravity signature. He was a well-established member of the Institute's faculty and a longtime associate of Lorrain. It was his work on Mirayn and using the data recovered from the Sky Raider craft on Qarant that led to most of the breakthroughs involving Sky Raider technology.

The expedition's anthropologist was Dr. Lurushar GIlenkaar. There was some allegation that he plagiarised some of the elder Dr. Messandi's work on the Sky Raiders. But those concerns were put aside due to need of his skills and experience, which are still the best in the Institute. His involvement was helping Dr. Mirost in develop a model for interpreting sensor data. He didn't have as much to do as the others but kept to his cabin.

Dr. Vledistart Mirost was a liguistic archaeologist. He mainly programmed the model for interpreting sensor data. The model was already complete before they left the Institute on Alzenei but needed adjustment and tweaking. As such he was quite busy.

The expedition member Linus interacted most with was Dr. Talia McKenzie, another Solomani. He knew her from their adventure together on Mirayn, and she was another old friend of Lorrain's.

Just another passenger Blake thinks to himself.  He checks out the expedition stuff, noting it on his data pad.

"Blake, do you need a hand going through the cargo hold?"

Ken and Blake go through the expedition supplies. Everything seemed to check out. The large case that Ken had almost held up departure to check out was there. It held electronic equipment in a padded case that was large enough to hide a man. But there was no room inside it.

Blake spends the time with Ken, So the captain really went-off on that Zhodani remark, huh.  I wonder if Ollie could make us a spy cam and recorder ...  Has your prof friend ever used this ship before ??

Blake casually takes the video and text recorders out, looks for a good view of the hatchway and carefully hides them.  He also connects the video to the text recorder - so when the text hears sounds, it also turns the video on.

Say Ken, can you give me a hand here, some nerf-herder crammed these battery packs in here ...  Prof Laskan will have a core-breach meltdown over it.

Blake then hides the other video recorder in a hidden but not quite so difficult spot and sets it to record at random times for 5 - 10 minutes.  He then pockets several storage crystals and gives some moore to Ken as well.

Ken shook his head.  "The whole over reaction to my comments got my hackles and up and made me a bit suspicious.  We may be paranoid but you never know." He shook his head again.  "I don't recall if Lorain has used this ship and captain but I can ask."

He stepped over to where Blake was working, his broad back hiding what was being done.  "Yea, old Laskan will blow us from here to Regina.  I'll get those batteries shifted before he finds out and makes our life miserable."

The cameras are planted.

While the ship accelerates out-system they show nothing unusual. No odd movements by the crew, passengers or stow-aways.

The scientific crew, however, has great news. By the time they reach their destination they believe they have a hit on the Sky Raider mother ship!

In reply to Ken Jenkins (msg # 114):

Lorrain seemed very excited as she briefed the group.

"We got pretty lucky! Well, we never would have known where to look without the data we brought back. Plus we had centuries of observations by the telescopes of the Institute to fill in the details. Turns out it had been tracked before as just another deep space object, then dismissed.

"We'll take a couple more days to refine our Jump coordinates and vector into the proper course for intercept. We're so close!"

Ken smiled and nodded.  "Outstanding!  It's a historic moment.  Does the craft lie in Zho space?"

In reply to Ken Jenkins (msg # 117):

"Not yet. It seems to be 4 light years away from Saulente, just over a parsec out. But give it a decade and it could be considered over the imaginary border of the Consulate as it goes through deep space.

"Ken, are all your people ready to go? We could be on the Sky Raider mothership in a week or so!" She sounded excited at this news.
This message was last updated by the player at 09:58, Sat 10 Dec 2016.

Ken nods. "The team is ready.  We'll practice and drill in Jump.  I doubt if anyone is left alive onboard but we need to be prepared.  This is really historic, the chance to go aboard the Sky Raider mother ship.  You'll be famous in academia and more publically."

In reply to Ken Jenkins (msg # 119):

She looked pleased but emphasised, "this is due in no small part to the work of my father. Without his sometimes questionable research we would never have found the tomb on Mirahn. If anyone should get credit it's certainly him."

Within a couple more days they had the information they needed.

Next was getting ready to Jump! There would be additional acceleration to match speed and course with the mother ship once they exited Jump space.

Who hah !!  Jump time !!

Ken nodded slowly.  "Certainly without your father's work none of us ever would have made it to Miryan.  The initial horde of Sky Raider artifacts would have languished undiscovered and you and I would never have met.  Even though his use of the evidence to reach conclusions was unorthodox to say the least his persistence brought us to this point."  He smiled. "Now we're taking the next step, the final step perhaps in this adventure to visit the source of all of these legends and confirm all the varied theories."

In reply to Ken Jenkins (msg # 123):

Jump....The place where she could relax for just a little bit.  She smiled at the thought and then wondered if this would be the final expedition.  She had mixed thoughts on that.

They did indeed take the next step. They Jumped ahead of schedule, as finding the probable location of their target took much less time than anticipated.

The Inquisitor entered Jumpspace on a precisely calculated bearing. In a week they would exit, maintaining their velocity and course along the Mothership's path. It would be far behind them, but travelling much faster. They would continue to accelerate along their present Realspace course, eventually matching speeds with the mothership, if all went well.

All they could do in the mean time was wait.

Ken continued to hone his mind and body during the period of Jump.  He also chatted frequently with Lorain as he wooed the brilliant and beautiful scientist.

While in jump, Neva set up a running and exercising routine.  It was always more fun to run on a pathway than around in circles so she mapped out some corridors that she could run and changed it if the crew got either spooked or protested.  She did try to appear non threatening by wearing casual gym clothes while she ran but also kept her eyes open for changes in the mood of the crew and her teammates.

Linus contented himself with tending bar and cooking a few of his favourite dishes.

Blake took after Neva's plan, but his loud thumping let everyone know what he was doing and that he was coming, even when out of sight.  Gradually the noisiness dropped in intensity.  Blake actually looked for a crew group that did the same, not caring if he was a tail-end Charlie.

While appreciating the attention of her friend, Lorrain seemed too distracted by the coming scientific achievement of her career to pay much attention to Ken. If he didn't make a move, she obviously wasn't going to. The problem was, Ken wasn't sure if she was interested in more than being friends.

Running in the ship was a challenge. Due to its spherical shape the decks were stacked on each other like a building. She really didn't find a good route that didn't require climbing up and down ladders. As well, the gunnery deck and bridge were off-limits, which restricted where she could roam somewhat.

Blake didn't discover anything unusual, and the crew were busy enough no one really made note of his comings and goings.

In reply to GM (msg # 130):

Lexi, one of the ship's cutter gunners, waylaid Blake on one of his runs.

"You seem like you got a lot of nervous energy. How about we grab a drink when you're done?"

Truelysays Blake as he slows down to let her catch up.  Fast walking to cool down.  Where does one find such 'nourishment' around here ?? Shower and meet you in ten (minutes ??). Sorry, Blake's my name.  And you would be ...  He looks at her face, ignoring her name tag.

In reply to Blake Renfield (msg # 133):

She replied, "there's a crew lounge. Your buddy Linus has been serving drinks and helping in the kitchen. Meals have been way better.

"It's Lexi, Blake. Still Lexi."

OOC: Not to beat you over the head but she hung out with you on Saulente. She was part of the cutter crew that ferried you down to the planet.
This message was last updated by the player at 22:51, Sat 17 Dec 2016.

Oh yeah, Say, weren't you part of the cutter bringing us in for some shore leave ??  Find anything exciting while you were dirt-side ??

In reply to Blake Renfield (msg # 135):

"Well, we did go to that Scout bar. So glad you remember! Meet me in ten, if you remember where the crew lounge is."

I'll find it.  Shower time ...

Ken didn't press things out of respect for Lorain's big moment.  He did continue to help her as he could and see that she at least ate and slept.

Showered and spruced up, Blake follows his nose to the most marvelous cookies in this part of the known galaxy ...

If he arrives early, some time with Linus, especially the special for this shift's meal.

Linus is indeed behind the bar.

"Hello, Blake. How have you been keeping?"

Mr Linus, I am bored out of my mind.  Not allowed on the bridge, not allowed in storage, reduced to running laps about the obstacles in this ship.  And yourself ??  Keeping in the midst of things I see.  Waiting for a date show up shortly, so what is tonight's specialty ??  Blake  consciously breathes in the food scents ...  Eating, the next best thing to flying ...  He takes in the lounge setting, idly looking about.  Blake will not keep Linus from his duties.

In reply to Blake Renfield (msg # 141):

Lexi joined Blake for dinner and drinks.

"So, where did you serve in the Scouts?" she asked.

Linus smiled.

"I prefer to keep busy. Tonight I have made roast bosk with suls and moonfruits - think meat and two veg. Bosk is a cattle-like quadruped, quite lean and very tasty. What would you like to drink?"

In reply to Linus Spruance (msg # 143):

She laughed. "Ha ha, surprise me! The supper sounds fantastic. Once we get on the mothership, it'll be rations and recycled water for months, I bet."

Neva finished her run and then changed into casual clothes.  She was ALMOST tempted to put on a dress since it had been so long since she wore one but being comfortable won out especially since her stomach reminded her that she had worked off a lot of calories.

Neva made her way to the lounge.  She stopped when she saw that she wouldn't be the only one there but continued as she saw Linus had been cooking.

"Ohhh.  What do we have here?  Smells good Linus.  Can I get some?"

That sounds very scrumptious, Linus.  And to wash it down ??  And Lexis wanders in to hear the menu.  Her ladyship has arrived.  With the orders done, Blake guides them to a wall edged table.  The old double I, double S, we fly everywhere.  I've been everywhere it seems, supply runs, base-side rescue service, surveys, even a couple trips in the eggs.  Eggs are IISS slang for Xboats, closets being another.

He raises his glass to touch hers, And yourself ??  Boats and guns sound like navy or marines. Blake outdoes himself, does not use the usual scout terms describing the IN, Navy.

In reply to Blake Renfield (msg # 146):

"Merchant Marine out of the Free Suns. I've been through most of Far Frontiers at one time or another." The ordering was less formal than at a restaurant. "I'll have the special, really, the evening shift meal, and whatever's on tap, please."

"I have some Cosian red wine which might go nicely with dinner, beforehand you might like some light ale or perhaps a traditional martini, shaken not stirred."

Linus was in his element, playing host.

Blake nods to Linus, accepting his menu and drink suggestions.  Merchants, you've seen some interesting stuff then ??  What brings you to this ship ??  Blake takes the light ale, Aaahhh yes, much better than the usual rocket fuel one gets while dirtside.  And yours ??

Seeing that Linus was busy with Blake and the women with him, Neva just picked a table and sat down so she could watch his table as well as Linus bar area.  She did love to watch people so it wasn't a bad thing.  She, of course, didn't stare at them but practiced her listening skills.  She sighed as she realized that the fitting back into society was a little harder than she had remembered.  Neva had made a lot of progress but sometimes she just didn't know how to take the next step.  Maybe by watching and listening she'd get a clue.

"Neva," Linus called, "Would you like a drink before dinner?"

In reply to Linus Spruance (msg # 151):

Neva looked up and over at Linus.  "Sure Linus.  Got any wine?  A glass of that would be nice.</blue>"

"Try this," said Linus, pouring a glass of a light red. "It comes from an island on a waterworld called Cos. I think it's the island not the world that is Cos, the label is a bit unclear. It is quite light and fruity, and I think it goes quite well with the roast bosk."

He brought the glass over to where Neva was sitting.

In reply to Linus Spruance (msg # 153):

"Thanks.  I like light reds so I'm sure it will be good.  Bosk?  Sounds good.  You really like doing this kind of thing don't you.  You're good at it."

Neva took the glass and sipped from it.  She smiled and nodded in approval.  "Yes it is very good.  Thanks Linus."

"You're very welcome, Neva. It was always my dream when in the Navy, to retire and open a starport bar, and I saved hard to make that happen. Unfortunately it seems that the black has crept into my bones so here I am wandering the starways again. Perhaps I need to find work in a passenger vessel rather than settling planetside."

Looking slightly embarassed at having talked so much about himself, Linus went back to the bar.

Rations and recycled water ... Blake muses.  Expeditions are such fun ...

Ken wandered in and smiled at the sight of his friends relaxing.  "Something smells good!  Are you working on your usual culinary masterpiece Linus?  We've never been disappointed yet you know." He stepped up to the bar.  "Could I have a beer for a start?  Also can you set aside something for Keira?  She's been too busy to really eat much in a regular fashion and I can bring her something at least."

"Hello, Ken," said Linus with a smile.

"Tonight we have roast bosk with suls and moonfruit. Of course there's plenty and enough for Keira."

He poured a beer and set it in front of Ken.

"That sounds great Linus.  I can barely exercise enough to keep from gaining weight with your great cooking." Ken took a deep drink of the beer and smiled.  "Ahhhh... that was good.  You should definitely start that star port bar.  I'd gladly invest."

Linus grins.

"I had a starport bar. I sold it to go on the first trip with Lorain and you lot.. as I was saying, the black has seeped into my bones, I don't think I can settle down on a planet any more."

The dinner was excellent, as usual. Lexi and Blake made small talk. She offered to escort him back to her cabin and spend the night shift, if he liked. Lorrain joined Ken and the others for a meal, as did her friend Talia (who'd also been with them during their adventure on Mirayn). With them was the Vargr scientist, Dr. Goezghae.

Overall, the mood of the crew and passengers of the ship was naturally of expectation and a little impatience for Jump to end. Still, there was a little apprehension as to what they'd find at the end of the journey.

They'd managed to shave weeks or even months off their intercept time once out of Jump by locking onto the Mothership's immense mass, much like that of a planet. After all planets were not stationary either, and so ships Jumping from World to World exited Jumpspace at 100 diameters but with the proper velocity. It seemed they could do the same with the Mothership!

Blake spends a quiet evening with Lexi ...

Neva couldn't help but get a bit more excited the closer they got to their stop.  Everybody seemed to be getting more excited.  It was also fun to watch Ken trying to score with Lorraine as well as Blake setting his sights on somebody.  One day perhaps she might get up enough courage to ask somebody out to lunch.

Ken laughed.  "Good point Linus!  I think that we'll have no lack of excitement for the time being between what is happening with the Sky Raiders and the bubbling problems along the frontier with Descarothe."

During the the dinner he chatted with Lorain and the others about the prospects for survivors aboard the enormous mother ship.  "So Lorain, do you think that anyone is likely to be left alive aboard the ship?  It's been thousands of years since they seem to have drifted off into open space."

If Blake ever hears Ken's idea - he will mention something about generation ships, but even that idea has to be pushing tech given the passage of time.  But what if they met the Ancients ??  Yeah, space opera.

"If they were set up as a generation ship they would have a much higher chance of surviving.  Still, if there were survivors they would have had to have lost their Jump capability perhaps due to damage as we've seen no sign of them for centuries."

In reply to Ken Jenkins (msg # 166):

The Vargr scientist decided to answer the question and Lorrain ceded the floor.

"We won't know until we arrive.

"Anything is possible. We just don't have enough data about the Sky Raider mothership's design. It was in continual operation for several centuries. This suggests a modular design and new generations certainly did grow up and were replaced in that time.

"Sublight starships are comparatively rare. We just don't have many examples. By the time a starfaring culture develops them they usually possess Jump drives, mainly through technology transfer via trade, conquest or being conquered.

"One relatively recent example is a colonising and exploration mission launched from Terra, or Earth as it was known then, in its post-spaceflight/pre-starship era several thousand years pre-Imperial. I believe three asteroid ram-ships were constructed and launched. They were neither fully "generation" ships but hybrids. The crew were born, lived, worked and then died for many generations while the colonists slept in stasis pods. These ships all arrived in an area of the Greater Rift that is active in star-forming and found a cluster of worlds, the Islands Clusters. Unable to penetrate the clouds of hot dust, gas and electromagnetic interference that surrounded them these colonies formed their own self-sustaining interstellar economy.

"After the colonists were unfrozen and settled onto planetary surfaces the crew, which had only known deep space for fifty generations, decided to stay aboard their vessels. These  sublight starships were then used to colonise the cluster and provide the main means of interstellar trade and transport between Worlds for thousands of years. What is fascinating is that they continued using the old starships, and building new but similar ones, for thousands of years. It was only the last couple centuries at most since Jump Drive was introduced.

"So yes, there are cases of sublight starships being habitable and operational for thousands of years! Of course these ships had a planetary infrastructure to use for maintenance and production of spare parts. Which is not the case here, right?

"As long as someone is alive, and they have the skills and materials to maintain life support, it's possible someone is alive. The mothership has not been in contact with any Worlds or outsiders for several millennia to take on supplies or manufactured goods through trade or warfare. That we know of. This fact alone argues against any living survivors."

Ken frowned.  "I hope we aren't boarding a huge, space-faring tomb.  It should be safer but I like to hope that the Sky Raiders with all their flaws and aggressions are still alive aboard the ship.  It would make for trouble but I would like to meet them."

In reply to Ken Jenkins (msg # 168):

Lorrain jumped in.

"A big tomb is probably what we're going to find. The records are unclear but it's obvious something caused a large breakaway faction to try and settle a sub-optimal world like Qarant. Our best guess is some kind of civil war.

"Living survivors would be a great anthropological find. New societies are not rare, here in the wilds, but finding one that originated so far to trailing and essentially preserved for millennia is fascinating to contemplate. There was rumours of a lost asteroid colony in the Outrim Void dating back to the Long Night. Allegedly, the inhabitants of that planetoid colony had degenerated into complete cannibalism as other food sources failed. This is utter rot. Without other food supply a population that relies on cannibalism and nothing else will soon both run out of members and die from malnutrition. But one fragmentary report from private explorers a few years about is all I read about, maybe the Imperial Scout Service did some kind of followup.

"Be that as it may there should be a great trove of artefacts. Not just looted valuables from maybe hundreds of Worlds but a glimpse of life as a Sky Raider. If we're really lucky there will be intact data banks."

Tomb ships Blake intoned, or death ships, the tales are always out there, especially for misjumps.  Cannibalism is a dead end, even hibernation is a dead end since those still awake will toss the sleepers out or eat them.  The very last ones in might survive though.  Blake says nothing about the stints working base rescue/salvage watches.  Sometimes between missions they are assigned as 'miscellaneous duty', yeah you get flight pay for being on call ...

In reply to Blake Renfield (msg # 170):

"Intact data would be nice.  Although you need to be careful what you ask for.  Some times we think we want to find out the information but do we really?"

Neva didn't think it would be good to meet up with survivors.  Like Blake had said, how did they survive?  Their ancestors had some dark secrets she was betting.  If there weren't any survivors, how did they die?  Once again the ancestors might have had some dark secrets.

Neva shook her head to clear her negative thinking and smiled as she took another drink.  She was sure that the smile didn't totally reach her eyes but that was ok.  She was sure nobody would notice.

In reply to Neva Alexovna Morozova (msg # 171):

Lorain looked at her watch. "Well, we'll know for sure in about 24 hours. We could exit Jump almost any time now, as Jumps last between 6-8 days and we are at the 6 day mark. But odds are it's another day."

In reply to Blake Renfield (msg # 170):

Talia laughed and sipped her coffee.

"If this is a death ship, it's going to be one of the bigger ones. The mothership is bigger than the biggest colony ships."

In reply to Blake Renfield (msg # 170):

Lexi swallowed the rest of her beer, then grinned. "Oh yeah? Tell me more, Blake. I've heard the legends as well. Ghost Ships from the Long Night, or unknown civilisations. Ships of no known design that just appear and then disappear."

Lexi, I can't speak for myself on those mysterious 'finds'.  But I know enough about salvage and rescue duty.  Successful rescues are the greatest, the others, well lets talk about some better.  Blake's face turns very mournful here, there's a dark side to a lot of jobs out there. Like what working on this ship is like ??  Cargo hauling, expedition start-ups and pick-ups afterwards ??

Ken grimaces. "A tomb ship would be horrible but no worse I guess than digging through any other archeological site."  A thought struck him.  "If this thing is full of artifacts from the raiding era it will be a treasure house as well.  Think of all the gold and loot in the tomb on Miryan.  This place will have thousands of times that amount of value.  We will find the ship and search it but how is it kept intact?  Surely the interstellar powers may fight over it let alone the scavengers like Kalamanuru."

"The act of finding the ship may lead to it's destruction."

In reply to Ken Jenkins (msg # 176):

One of the other specialists, "Lucky Jack" McIntyre, spoke up. "I guess that's the risk we need to take. We have provisions to stay six months, and we can stretch that to a year without too much problem. We'll recover what we can, study what we can. The closest government is the Memnosyne Principality. Much closer that the Zhodani. The Institute has good relations with them and they are an ally of the Free Suns. If they lay a claim to the ship that might discourage counter-claims."

"Lucky Jack" was a Belter from the Free Suns, contracted by the Institute for his expertise in asteroid mining. According to him, his nickname was simply because most asteroid miners were simply lucky to live long enough to retire! But he also found some solid strikes along the way, enough to get him out of the game with his skin intact.

In reply to 'Lucky Jack' McIntyre (msg # 177):

Jeri Marrenda was one of the cutter pilots, hired as crew so not directly employed by the Institute.

"Bear in mind the Zhodani are at war with a much bigger and powerful enemy. While they're fighting the Imperium they won't have the time or resources for a side adventure, even for something as tempting like this. They're very focused like that.

"And I've spent some time in the Consulate, on trade and transport runs. They're not thieves, they respect agreements. I doubt they would seize the mothership, even if they have the opportunity, especially if someone they have a treaty with like the Principality lays claim first.

"With the Zhodani, all bets are off with the Imperium, because of its size and technological superiority. Treachery, subterfuge, covert or overt force, they'll use everything they have. But they've coexisted and traded peacefully with the independent states here in Far Frontiers, even Imperial client states, for centuries without absorbing or destroying them.

"I'm Solomani, descended from Imperial settlers. The Zhodani are not my favourite people. But to give them credit they are an orderly and stable society, maybe too orderly and stable. They are not the types to simply take something simply because the opportunity arises."

They finished their supper.

"That was a good meal. Want to go back to your cabin and relax with a nightcap?"

She was in crew quarters, they wouldn't have a lot of privacy there.

Sure Lexi, I have a bottle for special occasions.  And clean glasses.    But first, a stop by Linus for the dessert special of the night, to go ...

Ken took in the responses.  "It will be up to the science team of course but we'd probably be best to spend that six months exploring.  The ship is probably big enough we could spend years if it is anything like the old generation ships sent out by the Terrans before the Interstellar Wars."  He considered the options.  "Perhaps we should send the ship back to the Memnosyne Principality after a few weeks, long enough to understand the broad strokes of what we are dealing.  The downside would be setting off a gold rush or being cut out of the loop entirely.  Perhaps the Institute might negotiate directly for special access.  Certainly if this thing is a giant tomb some respect should be paid to the dead."

Once we come out of jump and discover the findings ...  Blake just soaks up everything about this asteroid from the science profs.  This is the holy Grail of scouting ...