Ken couldn't help but smile in response to Neva's laugh.  It was good to see the solemn woman happy.  "I'll let you stick to the computer then Neva!"

In reply to Neva Alexovna Morozova (msg #378):

GM Note: Slight retcon, Lorain has not scanned-in the book.

Lorain showed Neva how to use the expedition's TL A computer, and the specialised software suite for scanning, recording and decoding documents. This was normally used for archaeology and forensic research of documents thousands or even tens of thousands of years old. If the document was even remotely intact, the system should be able to read it.

"Oh my, this is highly unusual. I've never seen this. Even if the pages are stuck together or the ink is washed off, it should be child's play for the system to decode it!"

The system had come up with an error. Even the most sophisticated molecular and other analysis the computer was capable of was unable to discover what was written in the middle pages. OOC: Imagine the most ridiculous and sophisticated CSI tests you've ever seen on TV multiply it by ten. But somehow, the book is completely defying any computer scan or analysis. That is, some property is interfering with interfering with even a photocopy. Maybe a photograph might work!

Neva stared at the screen and information and sighed.  "You won't be able to get it back.  It's been wiped.  I've seen it before.  I'm surprised that they used it here though.  Usually you don't see it except by intelligence agents or spies.  I will hazard a guess that the books were printed, or parts of them were printed, with the same process that covert ops uses.  It's to be proof against scanning or mechanical copying.  Basically if you get the pages wet it will completely destroy the writing.  Completely as in it can never be reconstructed.  The process is VERY expensive so not normally used by civvies."

"How bizarre... can we try drawing what remains?" asked Linus, whose experience of spies was limited to the odd thriller he'd read as a boy.

In reply to Linus Spruance (msg #382):

Neva thought about it for a bit.  "Back before the days of computers drawing was always used.  If you think of it as a puzzle perhaps it might help.  You only have a limited section to recreate and the further along the journey should help with that.  Like individual pieces to a puzzle or reverse engineering something.  I would take the picture of this  and then make copies so that we can draw in as we go without messing any more with the original."

Ken shook his head in amazement.  "What was that old drunkard doing with such a high end diary and what was he trying to hide?  This is damn strange.  There is more going on here than just an expedition to look for some pottery shards Lorain."

The structure of the paper prevented digital scanning, but they could still take pictures (film or digital). When that was done, they at least had copies, for what that was worth. (It would be possible to do at least a little more analysis using the properties of the light itself but it wouldn't be easy.)

GM Note: Let me know what you all are going to do over the next week. At least Liisha, Ken and Blake are starting a physical fitness routine?

I shall be scampering around ensuring all supplies are in order and other logistical/bookkeeping things. The dull but necessary donkeywork that ensures successful expeditions!

Neva will continue to take the digital pictures and then work on filling in the gaps.  She will also try to work on this thing called socializing (as in at least once a day have to start a conversation with a group member) and a endurance regimen, something she believes she might have lost during the undercover years.

OOC <<I'll check in regulary with the the group, and try to hang out near the bar.  Keeping my hears and eye's open for any issues.>>

Ken will help Linus and offer to work out with Neva.  He is doing his own strength routine as well.

Additionally he will be more than happy to work on socializing with her... :)

356-1107

After a week of killing time and working out, Kelso brought an intemised list of the necessary materials and personnel.

GM Note: See previous list.

Kelso, Hal Lewis (another guide) and Ross Carnam (the hovercraft company owner and chief pilot) met the group at the hotel in the afternoon of 356, a Forday. ("Thursday" in the Solomani calendar.)

Kelso was to the point.

"Supplies are more expensive because it's short notice. You think you can do better? Be my guest."

"I see us taking another few days at most. I want to get out of here before Holiday. It'll be a madhouse."

"Holiday" was the first day of the Imperial calendar year, in this case, 01-1110. Mirayn and the neighboring League had been settled by Imperials and they still kept the Imperial calendar.

In reply to Juan Kelso (msg #391):

Ross was the owner of the hovercraft firm that leased your GEVs, as well as the chief pilot. He grunted, "I'm confident we can navigate any river on Mirayn. As long as we don't push the machines too hard. Maintenance in the field is always a bitch, though. Not fun."

In reply to Ross Carnam (msg #392):

The second guide spoke up.

"Hullo, I'm Hal, Hal Lewis! Pleased to meet you all. The last guide couldn't make it."

"This should be an interesting trip. If we can stay out of the Spider-Viper traps! Very nasty."

Ken chose not to make an issue of the expense of the supplies and equipment.  "It's worth it to get out of here quickly Juan.  We definitely should leave before Holiday." Hearing the tales of the Spider-Vipers he decided not to ask more in case Hal was pulling their legs.

Not too long after, the last guide arrived. Accompanying her was Stanley.

"I'm Fatima Kelendrin." Fatima was a confident dark skinned woman with black hair tied in a pony tail. She was wearing durable clothing with many pockets.

Stanley said, "Fatima is a new guide, have not worked with her before. Come recommended by friend."

Ken will great Stanley with enthusiasm. "Good to have you along with us Stanley, we can use all the good people we can manage on this expedition." He will also extend a hand to the new guide. "A pleasure to meet you Fatima."

In reply to Ken Jenkins (msg #396):

Neva looked over at the new guide and nodded her head.  She was trying to work on her people skills but it was tough.  She was getting better...she thought.  She did manage to say hello to Stanley since she remembered him from before.  Yes, things were looking up.

The guides talked a little, went over the proposed route.

This was more a meeting so that the group could get a look at the hunters/guides, and vice-versa.

Lorain seemed to be satisfied with the hires.

As well, she agreed with the need to leave as soon as possible, or at least before Holiday.

Ken tried to puzzle out what he knew of Old Lin's map and the proposed route up the river valley.  He was looking for landmarks or villages that might match up.  He did not show the map to anyone else as of yet as he did not trust the new guides.

In reply to Ken Jenkins (msg #399):

It looked like Lin's map was an old survey map, about 30 years old and out of date. The lower areas were accurate, but the upper areas were pretty much terra incognita.

363-1107

It looked like they were ready to set out two days before Holiday. The human crew wasn't happy about missing the festivities. Surprisingly, so were the Gogs, as the natives liked any excuse to party and have a good time. Imperial, native, Solomani, even Zhodani holiday, it didn't matter to them.

In the early morning drizzle, the team and expedition personnel were assembled at the hovercraft port. Everyone was talking about the escalating situation in the Spinward Marches. They were several months behind the news, out here in the frontier beyond the Marches.

A ship had landed and relayed news that the League of Suns, a nearby Imperial client connected by X-Boat to Deneb, was now on alert. It was possible a state of war existed or would soon exist between the Imperium and Consulate. There were a couple pro-Zhodani states or client states nearby (the Domain of Alntzar and Descarothe Hegemony) but they were more than balanced by Imperial clients like the League of Suns and Duchy of Trelyn. It seemed unlikely the Zhodani would feel the need to invade the subsector directly if the fight was way over in the Marches.

GM Note: We can say that, barring minor adjustments, the supply/personnel list is acceptable. Ken and Liisha get SMGs, as well as add a case each of 20 smoke and 20 CS gas (Cr200 each) canisters.

Ken had enjoyed the last few nights in town by patrolling the bars with anyone else that felt like a bit of drinking.  During the days he works off the beer with vigorous exercise.  As they are ready to go he'll show up dressed and prepared.

<ooc> Can we get explosives?  Grenades especially. </ooc>

Given gog predilictions, I want to lay in a small amount of alcohol and 'party food' so that the expedition staff can celebrate Holiday in style...

In reply to Linus Spruance (msg # 402):

With some initial confusion, the expedition got ready to leave. Juan and Thomas quickly got everything sorted out and the hovercraft were quickly on their way.
This message was last edited by the GM at 10:03, Tue 19 June 2012.