345-1107
1000 Hours
Mirayn/Jungleblut
Startown Bar

Mirayn was a large planet, orbiting closest to the system's sun. It was cloaked in perpetual cloud. These clouds, of unusual composition, allowed in sufficient light to support a rich biosphere but deflected just enough to avoid overheating the planet. Abundant vegetation in the form of vast forests and swamps also regulated heat and the atmosphere to avoid a runaway greenhouse effect.

Outside the bar, the usual fine mist that permeated most of Mirayn most of the time showered gently down. At these latitudes it was cool and damp, the ever-present clouds a dark grey.

"So, will you help me?"

Lorain Messandi was a young woman with dark eyes, dark curly hair and eyeglasses. She was there at the head of an expedition from the Institute for System Studies on Alzenai (the League of Suns capitol), looking for her father... and the legendary Sky Raiders.

For the most part, the group that met regularly in Linus' bar was down on it's luck, desperate for a reason to get off Mirayn by any means necessary. Lorqain promised basically working passage on the Institute expedition and then passage on the lab ship, plus some credits (if any were left over in the budget).

She was looking for skilled personnel to help plan the expedition, plus provide security. Luckily, she ran into an old friend of her father's, and he knew some offworlders that needed a break. Both could help each other out.


GM Note: Please see the "Job Offer" handout in GM Reference. I am assuming that the PCs are going to be reacting more or less along those lines.

link to a message in this game
This message was last edited by the GM at 11:30, Fri 08 June 2012.

Linus served the group, but unusually brought a bottle for himself and perched at the end of the table.

"Look, Lorain... if you are dead set on this, I'm coming with you. I owe it to your father to keep you safe."

In reply to Linus Spruance (msg #2):

Thomas picked up his gin and tonic and sipped appreciatively.  Just having a drink with ice in it was a step up in this miserable place.  It reminded him of Congo, a jungle planet with not much to recommend it, aside from the pharmaceuticals they could grow there.

"Hush, Linus.  This is just a little hunting trip to see if we can find the girl's father.  I'm in, if for no other reason than to get a shot at getting off this mudball.  How long's your father been missing?  Do you have any idea of what direction he headed off in?  Where was he last seen?"
This message was last edited by the player at 21:57, Mon 05 Mar 2012.

Ken looked at the others and then back at the pretty if naive young woman.  He would have taken just about any job to get off planet and this one actually looked halfway decent.  Although the girl had never led a field expedition before she seemed reasonable and willing to take advice.  "We'd be glad to sign up Lorain.  Between the lot of us we can handle the security and logistics.  Have you made any other arrangements for travel and equipment?  Do you have any idea of where to head?"

<ooc> I don't recall a mention of her father being missing or did I miss it? </ooc>

In reply to Thomas Walker (msg #3):

"The search for my father's party was called off a year and a half ago. I've been in contact with them over the last year but the authorities refuse to re-open the case.

"He left from the city of Val Preszar, over in Momande. Val Preszar is called the "Gateway to the Outback" as that's where more expeditions and tours depart from. I have some idea as to where he might have gone, but I'd prefer not to share that information right now. My father had enemies who'd like to see him fail or worse, take credit for his discoveries, so I'm sorry for being so circumspect. I guess I'm rather like my father in that respect.

"Val Preszar is where we'll start our expedition. An advance party of some friends are already there and they've made preliminary arrangements."

"I've chartered a passenger hydrofoil to take us across to Momande. There's little air travel on this world. Something about atmospheric interference with radars and radio due to the charged particles hitting the planetary magnetic field. It's limited industrial and even agricultural development here on Mirayn."


OOC: Good point, it wasn't in the background but her father's disappearance is something that would definitely come up as a reason for the expedition. She worries about him and wouldn't be focused on proving his theories over rescuing him, or at least locating his body.
This message was last edited by the player at 18:41, Tue 06 Mar 2012.

Ken shakes his head sadly.  "I'm sorry to hear about your father Lorain.  I can also understand your secrecy.  I've read your father's book and followed a bit of the controversy.  And this place is full of vultures, thieves and vultures.  We'll be better off in Val Preszar."

"He called in here fleetingly, stopped in town just the one night and was keeping his cards close to his chest about what he was doing... something about rivals. He wasn't forthcoming and the bar was busy... I didn't have enough time to talk with him properly."

Linus got up and made a circuit, checking that all was in order and that the wait staff were keeping everyone supplied, before returning to the group's table.

"Anyone need a refill?"

In reply to Linus Spruance (msg #7):

"Thank you, but no.  I'm all set.  It seems to me that the trail has gone cold.  I just have one question, when do we leave?"
This message was last edited by the GM at 18:41, Tue 06 Mar 2012.

Ken smiled at Linus.  He'd spent enough time in the Marines to never pass up the offer of a drink.  "Another beer if you would Linus."

"If it's been a year and a half, the trail and everything else on it is likely stone cold."  He looked to the girl; "Best to go sooner than later."

Neva looked around at the table and wondered if she should have another drink or not. She didn't have much money and she had a tendency to keep what she could for she always seemed to lose it again.  Although it was a good thing to get along with ones shipmates at the beginning of any way.

"Another drink?  I'll take you up on that offer.  Just one more can't hurt me correct?"

Ken smiled at the tough street girl next to him.  Her gritty determination had allowed the rag tag group of off worlders to stay ahead of the law while they scrabbled to get off planet.  "Enjoy it now."

In reply to Ken Jenkins (msg #11):

She replied to the offer of a drink, "I'll have one for the road. Irish coffee."

"As for leaving, there is a transport of some kind down at the hoverport with some gear (more is available in Val Preszar). We can't even take a jet for long-distance travel, some kind crazy atmospheric effect."

"We take off in two hours. Enough time to pack."

Lorain looked around Linus's bar, the Bar Code. "Nice decor!"

"Thanks... Two hours? Yes, I can manage that... just about. I'll see what I can raid from the kitchen."

He got up to replenish drinks as requested.

In reply to Linus Spruance (msg #13):

She looked apologetic. "It's the best I could do in terms of booking. Otherwise, it'd be too expensive. We can meet back here, in an hour and a half, then take a cab down to the hoverport?"

In reply to Lorain Messandi (msg #12):

"OK, meet you at the port in no more than two hours?"

In reply to Lorain Messandi (msg #14):

Neva wondering what to do to while away the time.  She couldn't make one drink last that long but perhaps she'd just tag along with the others to see if they got into trouble or not.  Knowing some of them it was more of a question of "when" and not if.  Still it was better than trying to eek out an existence on your own when you were out of work.  Sometimes the jobs came too few and far between.

When the drinks arrived, Neva was quiet and sipped slowly.  She remembered coming into bars like this. Sometimes it was to bust somebody but sometimes it was just to tail them.  She thought is was a good job and at the time and considering where she was now it was.  She had forgotten one rule...keep your guard up.  She really wanted to trust people though.  Trust brought a contentment that meant you didn't constantly have to watch your own back.  She thought she had that once but as it turned out her trust had been misplaced and they set her up.  Now she was back in the same type of bars looking for whatever work she could get.  Perhaps this time her luck would change...stranger things had happened before.

In reply to Thomas Walker (msg #15):

She checked her notes on her hand computer.

"Sounds good. Meet you at slip, ah, 44A. Trans-Oceans Charters."

"Again, sorry for the short notice. I was running around like a madwoman. Organising things is a lot tougher than I realised! More expensive, too."
This message was last edited by the player at 22:11, Wed 07 Mar 2012.

In reply to Lorain Messandi (msg #17):

"No problem.  Slip 44A, Trans Ocean Charters."

Thomas shook her hand and headed back to the coffin hotel he rented.  Close and cramped, he was looking forward to the chance to be out in the bush.

Opening his locker, he found that nothing had been disturbed.  He grabbed his pack and stuffed his jacket into it, along with the rest of his kit, closing the door on the empty locker.  He slung his pack over one shoulder, heavy with ammunition and camping supplies.  At his coffin, he opened the hatch with his thumb print, and pulled out his gun case.  Unzipping it, he quickly ascertained that his weapons were still inside, and he closed it.  This he took in his right hand, and with his pack over his right shoulder, made his way to the hotel desk.

"I'll be checking out," he said to the man behind the counter.  The man grunted and said

"That will be $25Cr."  Thomas handed him the last of his cash, and headed out into the street, headed for the docks for Trans Ocean Charters.

Ken nodded back to Lorain.  "I'll be back here in about 90 minutes to meet for the trip down to the docks."  He chuckles at her comment about cost;  "Well, we can help you with the organization at least and leave you free to handle the science stuff."

Turning to Neva Ken smiled.  "Hey there, I'm Ken.  I've seen you around but never caught your name.  Can I buy the next drink and maybe a last dinner?  I've got so little kit up in the room it will take no time to pack."

In reply to Thomas Walker (msg #18):

Outside was a cold drizzle from the perpetually gray skies. A wheezing and rusty taxi picked him up, waited at the entrance to the moulding flea-bag in Startown where his meagre possessions were stored. After paying off François at the desk, they trundled down to the harbour and the hoverport.

They passed forests of cargo derricks clawing the gray skies, dilapidated warehouses, banks of grain elevators, rusting freighters tied off to wharves. Around them rose hills terraced for farming, most of the surrounding temperate evergreen rain forest having been cleared long ago.

Here at the seaport were the few "gogs" Thomas had seen on this world. They disliked the "freezing" northern continent of Grenven and possessed little land there. Grenven it was largely the sole province of the ruling landowning caste and agricultural combines. Still, they needed someone for the back-breaking work of loading and unloading the ships and watercraft that sailed the oceans of this massive worlds, so there were many 4-eyed gog Stevedors, dockworkers and longshoremen (although the foremen were almost exclusively human).

Finally, they reached the hoverport, which was new. Glass and steel terminal buildings dominated the shore side, massive concrete slips and rampways jutted out in the open. Hovercraft and hydrofoils of different sizes darted in and out.

Tied off at the designated slip was a large odd-looking hybrid aircraft in blue-and-white "TRANS-OCEAN CHARTERS" livery that looked a little like a seaplane.


This message was last edited by the GM at 00:34, Thu 08 Mar 2012.

In reply to GM (msg #20):

Thomas looked around, and found a waiting area for 44A.

This message was deleted by the player at 16:48, Thu 08 Mar 2012.

In reply to Ken Jenkins (msg #19):

Neva nodded to Ken and smiled.  "Hi.  I'm Neva.  How can I turn down a free dinner.  Yeah I don't have much either and was wondering what to do with my time until departure.  Thanks for saving me a headache in figuring out what to do."

Linus found that the next hour flew past in a whirlwind of activity, arranging with the senior barman to run the place in his absence, gathering together some personal kit for the trip and rummaging through the kitchen for supplies (to the disgust of his chef!).

He took one last look around the bar, savouring its dark purple walls decorated with seemingly abstract black and white lines, based on the archaic labelling system that was, or so a book had told him, an early attempt at machine-readable labels for stock-control purposes. The name 'bar code' had just stuck in his mind, so when he had finally mustered out of the Navy and set up his own place, it seem appropriate, pleasantly obscure yet capable of a quick explanation for the curious.

He headed off to catch his ride before he changed his mind and stayed. Still, he felt an obligation to his old friend, not so much to hare off looking for him but to keep his girl safe if she chose to do so.

In reply to Ken Jenkins (msg #19):

"Very good Neva, I always hate eating alone and if we're headed for the bush we'll not get a chance to eat too many good meals for a while."  He orders a pair of steak (or local analogue) dinners and a pitcher of beer.  "So, what brings you treasure seeking on Miryam?"

After dinner he heads up to his room (she can tag along if she likes) and gathers his gear.  Loading up in the cab he chatted with Neva on the ride over.  When they arrived Ken dismounted from the cab and looked about.  Picking up his gear he threw the pack over his shoulder and headed to the departure area.  He'd seen the natives before but never thought much of them as they were primitive and of not much consequence except as laborers.
This message was last edited by the GM at 18:32, Thu 08 Mar 2012.

In reply to Ken Jenkins (msg #25):

Neva enjoyed her steak and beer and ate it slowly as if savoring every single bite and chew of it.  She would have been happy with a burger and fries but this was more than acceptable.  During dinner she nodded at the appropriate times and when Ken asked about her reason for being there stopped to think on the answer.  Finally she settled on a shrug of the shoulders and the vague, "You know...in between jobs.  Things haven't been as steady as I'd like and thought I needed a change of pace."

She followed him up to his room and grabbed her stuff on the way out.  She looked around as the cab sped to their destination.  "Haven't been here long but I'm not too sure I'll miss it either."

As they all climbed out of the cab she picked up her belongings and followed Ken assessing him from the back and hid a smile.  She knew that she would be more friendly once she was in space.  Then she'd know that she had the job and could start to relax a bit.

1950 Hours Local
Light drizzle
Sunset/Twilight

It was late evening as people began arriving at the hoverport, an oasis of modernity (for TL7) in a rusting waterfront industrial district. Even so, algae and mold was starting to creep down walls from constant runoff, scrubbed at indifferently by Gog workers. Cargo lorries roared by.

4-armed, 4-eyed Gog porters unloaded scant bags from the cab at the terminal building. The passengers had to walk down the concrete wharf towards the giant cargo Ekranoplan tied off at slip 44. Piles of baggage and pallets of cargo awaited loading, teams of Gog stevedores working under human foremen to make their scheduled departure.

Lorain was waiting beside the boarding gangway, looking at her hand computer and checking items off. Water slapped against the docked Ekranoplan's hull. Out on the water, a cargo hovercraft roared by, motors echoing off the warehouses crowding the shoreline.
This message was last edited by the GM at 19:40, Thu 08 Mar 2012.

Liisha arrived at the hoverport, her OD field pack and gear in tow.  Linus had told her this was the place where they would meet, for pick up and transport to Momonde.  Finding a bench, she sat down to watch the Gog workers.  She hadn't had much interaction with them, but from what she could tell, they were still primitive and parochial, despite the presence of humans on Miryan.

Her gaze shifted from the Gogs to the passengers moving through the terminal.  Some looked to be equipped for an expedition, as she was.  Liisha's eyes darted between all of them, looking for Linus.
This message was last edited by the player at 19:33, Thu 08 Mar 2012.

Ken continued the conversation through dinner and on the cab ride over.  "Yea, most of us in this hell hole are here between jobs.  I'm mustered out of the marines and looking for a bit of excitement."  He shook his head.  "I'll be glad to shake the damp and mold and humidity off my boots as soon as we are done with the job."

He walked next to her down the concrete wharf, bumping casually against her now and then.  "Hey look, a big sea plane.  I heard that they use these weird seaplanes that fly just a few meters off of the waves.  They get some kind of boost from the ground effect."  He smiled down at her, casually admiring her pleasant form.

Walking up the gangway he nodded to their patron;  "We about loaded Lorain?  Need any help?"

Linus arrived, wearing servicable hunter's clothing and carrying a pack. He looked round curiously, he didn't spend much time at the docks as what fish was caught was brought to market in the centre of town.

Spotting Lorain, he walked in that direction.

As Linus pulled up, Lorain put away the hand comp and waved Ken and Neva over.

"No, thanks! I think they have it under control. Ah, there's Linus now. Linus said he had a friend coming? I got her a ticket, too. Ah, there's Thomas."

She also noticed Thomas waiting out of the rain in a passenger shelter, baggage piled on the wooden bench. "Over here, guys! I have your boarding passes. It's about a four and-a-half hour trip to Val Preszar. Might as well find your seats."

Lorain handed out boarding passes to the group.
This message was last edited by the player at 10:24, Fri 09 Mar 2012.

The light was starting to fade.

Along the concrete pier were moored boats, small seaplanes and various other Ekranoplans. Off to the side was a series of ramps for hovercraft and GEVs and one roared down into the water in a white spray.

The massive Ekranoplan moored beside them had stubby wings to generate the wing-in-ground effect and a huge tail which mounted the single engine, a huge multi-bladed turbofan.

Everyone checked their non-carry-on baggage. They would be served food on the trip but there were also food carts (human) nearby, cooking food for the many hungry travellers and those waiting for their departure. Smells wafted up and seabirds circled overhead.

People filed down the short gangway up to the front passenger door in the side of the Ekranoplan. 2 Stewardesses in blue uniform (complete with pillbox hats) stood at the top, taking tickets and directing passengers to their seats. Inside it looked much like a typical atmospheric airliner or Ground-Orbit Transfer Vehicle (shuttle) with 2 rows of seats along a centre aisle, in different sections (they were in the cheapest class) with overhead storage for carry-on luggage. Passengers (all human) milled about, finding their seats and stowing their possessions.

In reply to Lorain Messandi (msg #31):

Thomas crushes his cigar out on his boot, and comes over to where Lorain is handing out boarding passes.

"Thank you, Ms. Messandi."

He checks his back pack, but carries a 1.2 meter long leather case onto the ship with him.  If stopped, he opens the case for inspection and offers to be searched, and run through a metal detector, or for the case to be x-rayed.

He has no ammunition on him or in the case.

In reply to Lorain Messandi (msg #31):

Neva smiles at Lorain when she picks up her boarding pass.  "Thanks."  She looked like she might have said more but instead allowed herself to be pulled away by the boarding people and getting her gear stowed. Soon it was time for her to get on board and find her seat.

Neva could feel the spark of excitement start to unfurl inside of her as she settled down for the ride.

Liisha found Linus and Lorain and introduced herself to everyone.  There were plenty of ”Pleased to meet you,” and “looking forward to working with you,” for everyone, both statements uttered with genuine sincerity.  With the pleasantries fulfilled, Laagir took her ticket and found her seat.  Not knowing what the op temp of the expedition might be, she got as comfortable as she could, intent on napping for the duration of the trip.

OOC: Sorry, I didn’t want to be the person who slowed down getting to the good stuff with a round of Hi, I’m Liisha.. to everyone.  So from here on, Liisha has met all the PCs, unless the Ref needs something different.  Thanks!
This message was last edited by the player at 17:31, Fri 09 Mar 2012.

The lack of political turmoil meant there was little threat of terrorism. Piracy and hijacking was rare for this kind of transport (but not unheard of for watercraft).

Therefore there was no metal detector, X-Ray or pat-downs. Still, weapons were not allowed in the passenger cabin. (That means no belt sheaths, hip or shoulder holsters, shotguns slung casually over shoulders, etc.) Thomas' case was politely searched by the Stews and the rifle case put in cargo (they don't take "no" for an answer).


OOC:  no need to draw out the intro. We're not even technically at the start line of Val Preszar, yet!

In reply to GM (msg #36):

Thomas packs his hunting knife in his rifle case.

Ken settles next to Neva for the trip.

2030 Local Time
Crossing the Central Sea


Soon, the Ekranoplan cast off and the engine started. It was fairly loud but not too bad, being far above and behind the passenger cabin.

They taxied out into the harbour. Off to the side they could see the Planetary Militia base, with an even larger version of the Ekranoplan was moored among the coastal patrol hydrofoils. It was grey and had banks of jet engines in front of the stub wings, bristling with massive anti-shipping missile tubes behind, and turrets with auto-cannons seemingly everywhere. This was their equivalent of maybe a heavy bomber or naval cruiser, the pride of the fleet.



Soon they were past the base and accelerating towards the open ocean. It was a smooth ride and they quickly reached cruising speed of 600kph. White wavetops whipped by around 10m below the windows and the engine noise became fainter.

The "NO SMOKING" light winked out and the cabin filled with the smell of cigarettes and pipes (tobacco was a major cash crop on Mirayn). Stewardesses started coming down the centre aisle with drink and snack carts (peanuts and cobbleberries also being major cash crops). Dinner would soon be served (chicken or indigenous fish) followed by an in-flight movie (a romantic comedy that was released a year ago in the nearby League but relatively new here).


GM Note: Post about being "in transit" if you like, but no big deal. You'll make it to VP at about 0100 Local.
This message was last edited by the GM at 00:10, Sun 11 Mar 2012.

In reply to GM (msg #39):

Thomas partakes of the snacks and dinner, then pulls his hat down over his eyes and goes to sleep until it's time to depart the craft.

Ken chats with Neva and eats dinner.  He's not particularly interested in the movie.  If she watches it he'll nap and if not he'll chat further if she seems interested.

In reply to Ken Jenkins (msg #41):

Neva likes to spend the time chatting with Ken although she is careful not to reveal too much of her past.  She is still hesitant to reveal too much of herself but she had forgotten how nice it felt to just carry on a conversation with somebody without having to worry about the why they were talking to her.

About one hour into the flight she starts to yawn.  The food the warmth had filled her up and her body now was telling her to rest.

"I hope you don't mind Ken but I <yawn> need to rest a bit.  I've had a rough couple of days.  Don't take it personally but my body is telling me to sleep.  Can we pick up our conversation another time?

20 minutes later, Ken will find that Neva had slipped over against him when she fell asleep and was using his body as a pillow.

Ken enjoys the discussion with Neva.  When she slumps up against him during the sleep he sighs and wraps an arm around her.  Not long after he's gently snoring for the rest of the ride.

Liisha snags a couple of snacks for her cargo pockets, then sleeps through the meal and movie.

Linus never really liked travelling, so chimped down and waited to arrive at their destination.

0100 Hours Local
Val Presar Dockside

It was dark when the Ekranoplan glided up to the concrete slip.

The colonial city did not look very impressive in the dark. Unlike the capitol, there did not seem to be any skyscrapers and relatively little vehicle traffic or foot traffic, although there were a few streetlights.

When the cabin exit doors were opened, warm humid tropical air flooded in. The passengers filed out and flagged down the myriad of small motor and Gog-powered vehicles waiting for them. Gogs were pulling rickshaws and pedi-cabs, while humans drove a handful of taxis, vans and small pickup trucks. Common was a kind of small transport mating the front wheel and motor of a motor-scooter with a rear bench over 2 wheels.

Everyone reclaimed their baggage inside the shoddy 2-story brick terminal building. Rather than have people join the scrum to arrange transport (which involved a lot of haggling and negotiation) Lorain told everyone to wait on the benches in front.

"Wait here please. I had some transportation arranged to the hotel."


Lorain got her bearings, then walked away in the direction of some warehouses a block away, then she disappeared from sight around the corner.

By then all the other passengers had cleared out of the terminal and only a few vehicles and drivers (all Gogs) remained in front by the main entrance, smoking cigarettes and long Gog pipes under the lights and eyeing them. The Gogs were dressed in ragged shorts and vests/sleeveless shirts (other human clothing didn't fit) and wearing sandals or barefoot.

Time passed. After about ten minutes of seeing no fares, the dozen ragged-looking Gog drivers started drinking something fermented-smelling from concealed bottles, still checking out the stranded-seeming travellers.

The few street and building lights, some dim and others flickering, did little to dispel the moist tropcal gloom. Val Preszar didn't smell too badly, thank God, but there was a definite smell of vehicle exhaust and smoke from cooking fires.
This message was last edited by the GM at 17:41, Mon 19 Mar 2012.

In reply to GM (msg #46):

After a few minutes of standing around, Walker rubs his face.

"Linus, I want to go to the Men's room.  I'll be right back."

Walker does not simply leave the group, but stands waiting for a response.

In reply to GM (msg #46):

Neva nodded as Lorain told everybody to wait.  She stretched her legs and back while she had a chance and managed to stay relatively close to Ken. She looked around at the others who were in her group, finally being able to see them for the first time.

Ken shook his head as Lorain walked off.  "Hey, wait Lorain, it's not necessarily safe."

<ooc> Can Ken have headed after her right as she left? </ooc>

In reply to Ken Jenkins (msg #49):

As Lorain left, Ken jogged after her, and they both disappeared around the corner.

Thomas knew there was a W/C inside the dimly-lit, shabby terminal building.

"I don't like this... what's happened to Lorain?"

Linus looks worried. At least Ken went with her.

"OK, Thomas. There's one in the terminal. Be quick. I'm not happy hanging about here."

It just felt wrong, nothing he could put a finger on.

In reply to Linus Spruance (msg #51):

"No problem."

Walker disappeared into the building and quickly came back out again, zipping the case on his rifle, with his knife back in it's sheath.

In reply to Thomas Walker (msg #52):

Neva was starting to feel uncomfortable with everybody going and coming and yet no transportation.  When Ken moved away she moved back into the middle of the group more but left herself plenty of room to maneuver if need be.  She wasn't the best fighter by any means but she also wasn't afraid to mix it up if need be.  She switched her bags around so that it was balanced more and kept her eyes open.

Liisha looked around for an improvised weapon, anything that could be used as a club, cudgel, or a bottle or sharp piece of glass that could be turned into an improvised dagger.

Looking over at the Gogs, she nodded to the assembled group before saying "Evening."

Rule #21 - Be polite, be professional, but have a plan to kill everyone you meet.

In reply to Liisha Laagir (msg #54):

Bags over shoulder, Thomas walked nonchalantly back to the group after visiting the W/C. He wiped his hands on his clothing, there being no paper towels left.

The largest Gog perked up at Liisha's greeting. He bowed and advanced to a few metres away. The rest of the crowd stayed back with their pedicabs across the street, sitting and standing around the front stoop of a closed shop.

He was wearing threadbare but clean shorts, sandals, and a leather vest. No weapons were visible.

"Most pleasant evening. Have good trip? Does lady need ride? Go fast, cheap! Twenty Credits for all, anywhere in city."

"Thanks.  I'll let my friend know," Liisha said to the friendly Gog, trying to make clear that she wasn't in charge.  "Do you know of any place open this time of night for a meal?  A diner or breakfast place?" she asked.

In reply to Liisha Laagir (msg #56):

"Lady is most gracious. Please wait."

The big Gog turned and gargle-clicked at the layabouts behind him. Three of them immediately scattered off in different directions at a dead run.

Within a minute they heard a kind of jingle-jangle coming from down the street, and one of the runner Gogs came into the yellow glow of the streetlamp pushing a food cart, again at a dead run. He stopped with an almost audible "screech!" in front of the group.

Within seconds he deployed the cart, a little sheet-metal and aluminum affair with what smelled like an already lit charcoal burner. A bit of cooking oil from a squeeze bottle was squirted into a hot pan, vegetables were chopped and unidentified meat sliced into delicate strips with dizzying speed (using all four arms simultaneously, of course!) followed with a loud sizzle. Soon the street was filled with the smell of creditable-seeming stir-fry. Two Gog hands stirred sizzling meat and veggies, while another two uncovered metal pots with cooked rice and noodles.

The smell was delicious and the aroma filled the quiet avenue. "Five Credits each! Good food!" said the cook-Gog.

Within minutes a panting Gog rolled up with an ice-chest on wheels containing cold drinks (cans and bottles of soft drinks, water, fruit juices, cold coffee, iced tea, etc.), while a third cart held hot drinks (coffee, several types of teas). He also had the means to make fresh-squeezed fruit smoothies. The cold-drink Gog wore a machete in a belt-sheath. Prices were reasonable, Cr1 or Cr2 for all drinks, in the pidgin words of the cold-drink Gog.

The last-arriving Gog (with the hot drinks) seemed to be the oldest, being a little more creased and stooped, but still gamely trying to keep up. She(?) put a kettle on to boil. It was unclear if the Gog understood any Anglic.

Meanwhile, "Boss Gog" stood back, arms akimbo, looking satisfied at the speedy pace of events.
This message was last edited by the GM at 21:17, Tue 13 Mar 2012.

In reply to GM (msg #57):

Walker shrugged his shoulders.

"Might as well.  Don't know when the client's coming back."

He turned to the cart

"I'll take 4, with noodles" he said pointing at the stuff being fried.  Then he went over to the hot beverage cart.

"You make coffee?  Turkish?  Fine grind, boil three times?"

When the food cart vendor indicated that his order was ready, he pulled 5, 1-credit coins out of a pocket to pay.

In reply to Thomas Walker (msg #58):

"Boss Gog" translated with the hot drink Gog.

"Yes, can do. Sugar? Cream?" The "cream" appeared to be condensed milk from a can, the sugar was liquid sucrose in a plastic squeeze bottle.

Food-Gog cocked his head at the order. "Four servings on noddles. Twenty Credits."

In reply to GM (msg #59):

"No, 1 stir-fry, 4 fried dumplings, with noodles.  How much?"

In reply to Thomas Walker (msg #60):

The Food-Gog held up one four-fingered hand, plus another finger. "Five Credits, sirrr. Taste like cheekin."

He used his other two hands to to dump some noodles in the pan to fry, as well as dumplings. More sizzling ensued.

In reply to GM (msg #61):

Ahhh, the smell of food...that evil smell of food...that reminded her that her funds were short.  Luckily she had finished an excellent steak dinner before the flight.  Still though...~No Neva~ you can't get anything yet.  Wait for a payday.

Neva sighed to herself and turned her back on the food as if dismissing it.  She kept her eyes out for any sign of people she would know.

In reply to GM (msg #61):

"How much chicken have you eaten?  Never mind, it doesn't matter."

Walker lays 5 1-credit coins on the tray that serves as a counter.

"Black."

"I'll take a stir-fry and a coffee as well.  Coffee with sugar, no cream.  Thank you." Liisha said, forking over a few credits and a tip.

In reply to Liisha Laagir (msg #65):

With a smile, Food-Gog scooped up the coins and they disappeared as if they never existed. Even this far outside the Imperial Fringe, the rock-solid Imperial Credits was still the "coin of the realm" here, universally accepted, although there was a local Mirayn currency offered at a disadvantageous rate.

"Two Credits for hot drinks." Not surprisingly, Boss Gog did the talking.

Again the Big Gog translated, and Hot-Drink-Gog got to work pouring Turkish coffee for Thomas and a black coffee for Liisha. More stir-fry went into the pan as Thoms's order was scooped into a styrofoam container complete with plastic fork, napkin, tied together with a string. Neva's stomach growled audibly.

More Gogs pulling pedicabs stopped by and Gogs began drifting across the road to place their own orders. Soon there was a relaxed and friendly crowd around them, smoking, drinking and joking in the native Gog tongue as the tired workers enjoyed a late-night noshing. Although there was no daylight between human and Gog, it didn't seem like they were being surrounded or separated from their luggage.

Liisha grabbed an extra fork and walked over to Neva.

"Hi Neva, care for a bite?  There's no way I can eat all of it.  A girl's got to watch her figure you know.  A midnight snack is a delicious indulgence.  A midnight meal goes straight to the hips." Laagir said.

Linus watched the proceedings with interest, professional interest now that he was in the bar trade. He'd not considered that gogs might be so proficient at catering. Worth filing away for future reference.

In turn, he stepped up and ordered a stir-fry and a black coffee, sweet and as strong as they can make it.

0145 Hours Local Time
Val Preszar Hoverport Terminal



As soon as the money was down, it disappeared into Gog pockets. The food was good, coffee perfectly done. In the cutthroat world of street cuisine, there was little to compete on in a business way save for taste and convenience. The Gogs knew their business.

Things at the warehouse were taking a little longer than expected for Lorain and Ken at the warehouse, but things were mellow enough back with the rest of the group. There was little vehicular traffic this late in Val Preszar, and a couple of the half-dozen pedicabs took off, presumably heading for home.

Two sets of bright headlights swept over the group and suddenly, all the Gogs looked and then froze in alertness. A pair of white Jeeps marked "MIRAYN GENDARMERIE" with Gendarmerie crests on the hoods pulled up. Riding each were what appeared to be 2 military police, wearing clean khaki uniforms, shiny black combat boots. Three wore glossy white enameled helmets with "AP" stenciled on them, one wore a black peaked "policeman" cap. Leather "Sam Browne" pistol belts (with a thin shoulder strap under the left epaulette) held a Revolver on a lanyard in a flapped holster, billyclub and radio. A couple of Gogs unburdened by carts or pedicabs faded into the darkness of the terminal and surrounding buildings.

The largest of the APs (the one in the peaked cap) slid out from behind the wheel and alighted on the cracked concrete in a smooth and practiced maneuver that belied his considerable bulk, muscle under fat. The uniform wasn't just clean but starched and creased, and in a beefy hand he held a bullwhip. His name tag read "BONIFACE" and he wore the three chevrons of a Sergeant. Shoulder flashes read "Mirayn Gendarmerie" and "Antiquities Police" in brightly stitched thread.

Sergeant Boniface glided forward with an easy menace as the Gogs tried to edge away. The other 3 APs arranged themselves on either side of him, weapons not yet drawn. One kept an eye on the buildings, the others watched the Gogs. The biggest Gog, the one who'd been translating, stood his ground.

"Good evening, Ladies, Gentlemen. Are these filthy creatures bothering you?" The bullwhip's tail flicked down and forward, quiet, almost playful. The APs on either side of him immediately made sure they were out of the way should he draw back the whip to strike. It was possible the good Sergeant had taught them such care by simply letting the Devil take the hindmost.
This message was last edited by the GM at 19:31, Wed 14 Mar 2012.

"No, of course not, Officer," said Linus, stepping forwards. "Has there been trouble round here in the past?"

In reply to Liisha Laagir (msg #67):

Neva looks at Liisha and nods.  "Just a little bit if you don't mind.  Finished off a steak before we boarded.  Not too hungry but that food does smell good."

Neva chuckled at Liisha's comments about food going to her hips.  "Oh I don't think you have anything to worry about.  Food doesn't go to my hips that much but I feel like it does sometimes. Of course then I have to have something fattening just to shut up my guilty voice.  Have to show it who's in charge you know."

Neva grins as she accepts the extra fork.

In reply to GM (msg #69):

"No officer, there's not a problem.  We asked, because we were looking for food, it was a long trip.  Have you tried one of these?  They're pretty good.  And their coffee is good, too."

The Sergeant rankled a bit at being addressed as "Officer", although this was technically correct. Sweat shone in a blond buzzcut that was razor sharp, and a pencil-mustache above his lips. Unlike the others, Boniface didn't wear a helmet but a black peaked cap with shiny leather brim and gold badge.

"These stinking, lazy Gogs are always trouble. You have to be careful, they will rob you blind. Especially Stanley, here. He's a troublemaker. One day he'll upset the wrong people, mark my words." The big Gog stood still, eye-fucking Boniface four times over.

Boniface hesitated, then motioned to his men as he grudgingly coiled up the bullwhip but still held it in his hand, "go, help yourelves. The offworlder has so kindly offered to pay. That's fifteen Imperial Credits. We so graciously thank you for your generosity." Obviously, he deliberately misinterpreted what Thomas meant, but his hard eyes dared Thomas to call him on it.
This message was last edited by the GM at 19:30, Wed 14 Mar 2012.

"Excuse me Officer," Liisha said, putting her food down and stepping forward.

"I seem to recall that paying Gogs in Imperial Credits would violate an Acts related to Art and Historical Object Theft.  Now I'm sure a member of the Antiquities Police wouldn't suggest that someone violate the such Acts."  Liisha looked at the bully in uniform, her gaze unflinching.

"Certainly not in front of so many witnesses.  That would be the kind of thing that would have to be reported to your superior officer I'm quite sure." By now Liisha was looking around at the assembled group.  No doubt anything the Gog's said would be easily dismissed, but the presence of Linus, Neva, and Thomas would be a wrench in the works for any story Boniface tried to fabricate.  And everyone reports to someone.

"Clearly there's some confusion.  Perhaps you and your men should pay for your own coffee in the approved local currency.  To clear up any... misunderstanding." Laagir motioned to the coffee seller.

"In any event, as we've indicated, we have no need for your assistance.  Good-evening Sergeant." Liisha said in the voice of a seasoned Lieutenant dismissing an out of line NCO.
This message was last edited by the player at 19:44, Wed 14 Mar 2012.

Bonface held Liisha's gaze, trying to gauge how much sand she had.

Grunting, he clipped the bullwhip to his belt. Sgt. Boniface realised he was outmaneuvered but still had cards to play.

"Quite right, Madame. All right, all of you: please present your papers and step away from your bags. I see one of you has a rifle case, others may be armed. Let's see if you have the correct permits to carry them from the Starport. There's a fifty credit fine and we confiscate all unauthorised weapons. Or you can pay me a hundred credits now for each weapon, and I will write you a temporary permit."


GM Note: You don't have the right permits and the local Law Level is 7: all firearms are prohibited.

In reply to Sgt. Boniface (msg #75):

Walker frowned.  This had gone from a 15 credit bribe to two hundred, for himself alone.  But he laid his bag on the ground, and opened his case.

"Here you go.  I'm a tracker and a marksman for a living.  I spent time working with a circus on Aberdeen, as a trick shooter, for a while.  I also do contract work with police units."
This message was last edited by the player at 03:15, Thu 15 Mar 2012.

"I do not consent to any searches Officer."  Liisha said flatly.  "Now am I under arrest for something or am I free to go?"

In reply to Liisha Laagir (msg #77):

Sgt. Boniface smiled evilly at Liisha.

"Who says you get a say in consenting to be searched? We're the Antiquities Police, welcome to Mirayn. Search the bags, shoot them if they resist."

The tension shot up considerably as Boniface and another drew their revolvers while two began searching the bags.

Unexpectedly, "Boss Gog" (who Boniface addressed as "Stanley") cleared his throat and said in creditable Anglic, "according to the Mirayn Antiquities Act, permits to explore the Outback and carry defensive weaponry are Cr200, and cover the entire party and all weapons. Once you have the permits, your weapons will be returned."

Face reddening, Bonface spat out, "give one Gog an education, he thinks he's better than you. Fine. Turn over all firearms. I'll write up a receipt, you may claim it in one week or less. When you have the permits."

"I am a resident citizen, Officer. Rules pertaining to offworlders do not apply."

Linus continued to drink his coffee, savouring it. When he was done, he took out his hand computer and made a few notes.
This message was last edited by the player at 12:15, Fri 16 Mar 2012.

Liisha gave a subtle nod to the big Gog who had also stood up to Boniface.  It would have been nice to know about the permit requirements before they had arrived.  She made a mental note to talk with Lorain about hiring on 'Stanley' if he were available.  If Messandi didn't know the various regulations regarding expedition to the Outback, then they would need someone who did.

Liisha didn't resist the Antiquities Police search of her bags, but offered them no assistance in doing so.  It was dark and late.  If they missed something, that was their problem.

In reply to Linus Spruance (msg #79):

Two more Jeeps pulled up, with two more APs each. These were armed with revolvers as well and joined the group already there.

The Gogs were shooed away, as Boniface seemed to be focusing on the group. "Stanley" stood back, but didn't leave, standing across the street by his pedicab.

Sgt. Boniface snorted and gestured with his pistol. "You live here? You know then that the penalties are harsher for you."

All bags were efficiently searched, and AP's frisked them expertly, removing all firearms. All weapons and ammunition not allowed at Law Level 7 (basically, all firearms) are put aside. Careful records were kept. Boniface seemed disappointed they didn't find any contraband artwork.

The receipt seemed accurate and didn't show any fine for the prohibited weapons.

Linus grinned.

"That, Officer, is why I don't deal in antiquities - I run a bar!"

He made a few more notes, and looked round (yet again) for Lorain. Where had she got to? He started off towards the warehouses she'd vanished into...

In reply to Linus Spruance (msg #82):

Sgt. Boniface scowled unhappily at Linus's smile and made a dismissive gesture. Linus's ID checked out and he had no contraband art, so he was free to go.
This message was last edited by the GM at 21:42, Thu 15 Mar 2012.

In reply to Sgt. Boniface (msg #83):

Neva just waited for her turn to see what they would either charge her or let her go.  It never paid to buck the system when you didn't know it as well nor when you didn't have enough creds to get everybody out of the slam.  On the other hand it was interesting to see the dynamics of the group.  She would voice her opinion when it mattered to her but for now she would see how the group dynamics worked out before making a move.

Ken headed back from where ever he had been and hailed Linus as he was walking toward him.  "Hey Linus, Lorain is back behind me in that warehouse with a grad student loading gear.  I gave them a hand so they are almost done." He looked past the other man.  "What with the police jeeps?"

When the police left, Liisha walked over to the 'Boss-Gog', and extended her hand.  "I'm Liisha.  Thanks for that.  You seem to know lot about the antiquities laws.  Are they serious about not paying local help in Imperial Credits?  What’s the fine for something like that?” Liisha asked, trying to find out how much he might know about local laws.  She followed up with another quick question, not trying to put him on the spot, but eager to see if they could work out something mutually beneficial.  ”Any experience in the Outback?”

"Hi, Ken... we were beginning to get a bit worried... The police are being a bit anal about weapons permits, is all. That and a dose of racism regarding the poor gogs," said Linus.

Ken nodded.  "I was a bit worried also when Loraine went haring off into the dark.  This expedition is going to be more complicated than I expected."  He headed back to the others; "What is it with the weapons permits and the police?  Loraine mentioned something about that."

0200 Hours
Val Preszar Hoverport Terminal

Sgt. Boniface and the rest of the APs piled into their Jeeps and left.

The Gogs, save for Stanley, had already left. Late-morning, there was little sound save the loud chorus of Mirayn's night insects.

The Gog advanced and shook hands with Liisha. His voice was gravelly but possible to understand.

"Pleased to meet you, Liisha, I am Stanley. I studied Law off-world in order to become a solicitor. Regretfully, there are many people here opposed to Gogs becoming involved in their legal system."

"For now, I work as a porter because Gogs cannot become accredited guides. My tribe is coastal and I speak many of coastal languages, which is similar but not the same as those of the deep jungles."

"Mirayn derives much income from tourists and treasure-hunters. The trade is controlled by the government through laws and regulations. Enforcement is through the Antiquities Police, a special enforcement unit of the Gendarmerie, itself a branch of the Planetary Militia.

"All artifact finds and information on archaeological sites must be sold to the government at (relatively low) fixed rates, with fines and penalties under the Antiquities Act not to exceed twenty years in prison or two million Mirayn francs, about Cr100,000."

"There is much corruption in the government. Many in power have become rich from cozy arrangements with smuggling rings and tomb robber gangs. The currency laws serve to severely restrict economic contact between Gogs and outsiders. With no independent sources of wealth, Gogs are kept subservient and dependent."

With the police gone and everyone met up, Lorain and her grad student arrived soon afterwards and apologised for being late, sorting the gear took longer than she anticipated. They were driving a rusted pickup truck with smoking exhaust, loaded up with that same gear. The trip to the hotel was about a half kilometer, maybe a dozen blocks or so.

Although everyone could cram on the back, it wouldn't be comfortable or probably even safe. Stanley offered to give a couple people a lift to the hotel, free of charge.

In reply to Liisha Laagir (msg #86):

When there's a quiet moment, Walker makes a point out of speaking with Liisha.

"Thanks for keeping us out of trouble.  I had no idea there were laws against using Credits as currency, or that firearms were illegal.  I only stayed in the 'port district, and it's not like you want to wave my rifle around in civilized areas."

He pauses

"As much as you could call the 'port distric 'civilized.'"

In reply to GM (msg #91):

Neva looked at Stanley and volunteered to go with them.  "If you have room for me then I'll go with you Stanley.  Thanks for the offer."

Neva patiently waited for Stanley whomever else was going on.  "Stanley?  How long has this type of thing been going on?  I've been...out of touch...for awhile."

In reply to Thomas Walker (msg #92):

"The credits thing was something I remembered seeing at the starport.  Didn't realize we would have firearms trouble until Boniface brought it up.  I was mostly worried about the credit issue.  We have Stanley to thank for bringing up the permits."  Liisha said to Thomas.

"Half a klick? I'll walk," said Linus.

In reply to Linus Spruance (msg #95):

Stanley helped load Neva's luggage into the truck. He got the location of the hotel, the "Green Park Village". Lorain described the route to Linus as it was simple enough. Everyone else who was riding in the small truck would have to hang on. Lorain promised to go slow and it would be safe enough, even over the rough patched pavement of Val Preszar's streets.



Stanley confirmed he knew the location of the guest house. "As well, I agree that the good Sergeant was trying to set your friend up using an obscure regulation no one obeys or even thinks about. For what reason I do not know. Usually the government wants to encourage tourism and expeditions. Very unusual to harass potential treasure-hunters without cause. They will usually wait until after someone has found something of value to put out their hand."

All gear loaded, Lorain started the truck up after a little coaxing.

Ken loaded up his gear into the truck.  "Thanks for the information Stanley.  Are you available for hire as a porter then?  We're going on an expedition with Lorain over there into the back country and can use an experienced person to help us organize things and stay out of trouble."

"Do you mind if I ride with you also Stanley?"

In reply to Ken Jenkins (msg #97):

"Yes. I will contact you tomorrow."

He waited until they were settled, then pushed off, following the truck.

346-1107
0230 Hours

The streets were quiet and empty, occasionally lit by streetlights. Everyone in the truck and pedicab quickly arrived, Linus on foot a short time later.

The Green Park Village was a 3-story main building with separate garage and staff accommodation in behind, surrounded by a wall. A Gog guard carrying a bamboo-like staff let them through the gate and a tired-looking human clerk checked them in. They were on the 3rd floor, all in single rooms containing a bed with clean sheets, a screened-in window, and a ceiling fan (that worked). Washroom facilities were shared. The tiny rooms were stuffy but with the window open and fan on, not too bad.

As they were getting settled in, the lights died without warning. After a moment, a nearby petrol-fired generator kicked in and began putting away.

346-1107
1000 Hours

The electricity returned some time in the morning. Those who wanted to could sleep in late. There was hot water for showers. Breakfast was served in the main dining room: egg omelette, fantastic french bread, fresh local fruit, strong coffee.
This message was last edited by the GM at 11:31, Fri 08 June 2012.

Relishing being the guest rather than the host, Linus was up quite early.

"Nice spot you've found," he commented when he encountered Lorain.

"Ah, hot showers, good bread and strong coffee.  All the hallmarks of civilization," Liisha said as she entered for breakfast, her hair still damp.  "What's on the agenda for today?" she asked, pouring herself a cup before grabbing some fruit and french bread.

In reply to Liisha Laagir (msg #101):

Walker took a seat at the table with breakfast, and tea, and listened quietly.

Ken was up early having spent a good deal of time working on his physical therapy for his injured right arm.  Showing and shaving he headed down to the dining room.  He nodded to the others as he settled down to a hearty breakfast.

"Good morning everyone, I guess one of the first things on the list should be to get our fire arms back from the AP."

<ooc> I assume from reading that the AP did take all of our weapons in our luggage, right? </ooc>

"Thank you, Linus, nice of you to say! Mind if I join you for a cup of tea?"

Taking a wicker-backed seat Lorain joined them at the table, poured herself a cup of tea as well.

"I visited the Antiquities Police station at Government House."

"They have all your firearms, and will give them back without cost if you can show the correct exploration permits within a week. The permits are supposedly only Cr200, but we'll likely have to bribe several officials to get them. I hate the bureaucracy here. God knows how much that'll run us. Permits allow carrying most weapons in the Outback. In return we need one guide per vehicle, plus signed affidavits we will turn over all archaeological finds for a finder's fee."

She laid out some documents. The rewards were fixed, ranging from 200 Mirayn francs (Cr10) for minor finds to a million francs for major discoveries.

"I hired you to help organise the expedition, as well as provide security."

"As for other expedition costs, once you have the permits the usual procedure is to hire a lead guide and let them make the arrangements, like vehicle rentals, other personnel, petrol and supplies."

"Today, you should try and get the needed permits. Once we have those we'll be able to hire guides and, of course, get your weapons back."

She sighed and shook her head. "I can guess why you were harassed. The local officials were very keen on "partnering" with the Institute, because they believe we have a much better chance of striking it rich than the usual amateurs and even professional treasure-hunters. We're really here just to find my father and to prove his theories. It's clear they just want the location of the Sky-Raiders' city so they can pass it along to their friends in the smuggling ring. Everything will be efficiently looted and gone long before we can make any meaningful survey. That's why I don't care for the government strong-arming it's way onto this expedition."
This message was last edited by the player at 09:08, Tue 20 Mar 2012.

The morning was pleasant enough as they sat in the dining room. French doors opened from the dining room onto the rear patio. Behind the main building was a patio, a garden and shade trees all enclosed within the surrounding wall.

Still humid and warm but not the stifling heat of the day. The ever-present clouds threatened rain but held off, for now.

The day clerk (dressed in a light jacket and pants) walked over. He informed them politely, "pardon me, there's a native Mirayn here to see you. He says his name is Stanley. He's at the front gate, shall I see him in?"
This message was last edited by the GM at 09:14, Tue 20 Mar 2012.

"Ah yes. Lorain, Stanley was helpful last night, and seems a well-educated fellow. He'd make an excellent choice for lead native guide, if you want my advice. Shall I go and get the permits sorted out, while you attend to hiring and so on?" said Linus, finishing his breakfast and making ready to getup.

In reply to Linus Spruance (msg #106):

spreading some jam on some French bread, Lorain nodded in agreement.

"This Stanley seems like a good fellow. The natives are pretty much a non-factor in the eyes of the government."

"As for the permits, that sounds like a splendid idea, the real first step. You can use Imperial Credits with them, of course, just not involving commerce with the natives."

"We have a working budget of Cr200,000 for the expedition. That's for everything, including your salaries, of course. Food and lodging is already paid for, you do not need to budget for that. Permits, supplies, guides, those come out of the budget."

"OK, I'd best be off, then. I may be a while, I seem to recall it took most of a day to get my liquor licence, never mind the other permits needed to set up a bar!"

So Linus will be off to see about the necessary paperwork for mounting an expedition...

Stanley was shown in.

He agreed to act as a guide for a reasonable price (Cr75, the going rate for a porter). "It would be my pleasure, I'm guessing this could be eight weeks duration but we should plan for up to twenty-four weeks."

For her part, Lorain trusted Linus and gave him Cr5000 cash to obtain the needed permits, which in theory only should cost Cr200.

"Good luck!"

Taking a tuk-tuk (motorbike-pedicab hybrid) "taxi" to Government house, Linus waited patiently in line. The avaricious-looking clerk at the counter asked straight-up for a Cr500 bribe simply to see someone else who would then extract his own bribe, the first of many such distasteful steps.

He knew that was the way things worked on Mirayn, at least away from the Capitol, and even then he had to pay double the official amount due to bribes.


GM Note: Anyone else can join Linus, of course. A Tuk-Tuk will take 4 in a pinch. As for Linus, let me know how far he goes and if he wants to pay. These are thoroughly corrupt civil servants and won't budge on their asking price, nor do they fear for their jobs.
This message was last edited by the GM at 21:50, Tue 20 Mar 2012.

Ken finished his food and sipped the coffee.  "Thanks for straightening things out a bit with the AP Lorain.  Do you have any leads or preferences for a chief guide?  Do we have to pick some one from an approved government list?"

He thinks for a moment.  "I'm not sure I'm entirely comfortable letting the guide just go off and hire all the equipment and such.  He should have some input for sure but our lives are at stake and I'd like to keep an eye on what is bought.  As corrupt as things seem to be here we'd be best to keep close tabs on things."

"Stanley, do you think you can recruit trustworthy porters from amongst your people for us?  It will make things go more smoothly."

As Linus gets up to leave, Ken stands.  "I'll go with you Linus if you don't mind."  He follows along to the Government house.  At the blatant demand for a bride he frowns but whispers to Linus; "Best to pay and get this over with."
This message was last edited by the GM at 00:11, Wed 21 Mar 2012.

In reply to Ken Jenkins (msg #110):

Green Park Village

Before Ken left, Lorain made it clear she agreed with everything.

"We can pick our guide, thankfully. I agree, he can make recommendations but it would be best if you have final say on purchasing, not just leave it in his hands."

Stanley added, "I've worked with a few guides. If they're not available, other good ones can be recommended. All guides have to pay the bills and while they won't usually steal, many prefer to go through suppliers with whom they have a prior financial arrangement that is to their benefit, not yours. It sounds like you are already taking this into account."


Government House

The clerk took a drag on his cigarette but didn't blow smoke into their faces. This was a routine transaction, nothing personal. He was just the first of several who would be shaking them down for their credits. Pointedly, he had not asked for the bribe in Mirayn francs.

Added: Government House was a white Neo-colonial edifice, all that more prominent for being on a hill overlooking the seaside city. Wide front stairs led up to a column-flanked entry.

More columns lined the wide forum where they waited at the "service" counter at the Ministry of Antiquities. It was open up to the third floor, flanked by wide twin stairs leading up to a gallery and domed roof overhead. There was no air conditioning in the public areas but fans circled overhead and there was a nice breeze off the ocean. There were long lines at various counters, Gog cleaners pushed brooms outside and polished brass inside.



The following map is available in the Game Maps link in the menu bar, along with the planetary map:


This message was last edited by the GM at 06:19, Wed 21 Mar 2012.

"I'd be glad of the company, Ken," Linus says as they depart towards the government buildings in a tuk-tuk.

When they get there, he chats idly as they wait in line. When bribes are demanded, he pays them, counting out the requested sun meticulously and recording the name and role of the official along with the amount on his hand computer.

In a moment away from officialdom, he remarks to Ken, "Yes, it's best to just pay and get on, focus on achieving my objective. Now, if I happened to want to run for office or write a news story it might be a different game, but my objective is to arrange for the permits and get out with Lorain to search for her father. No more, no less."

To pass the time, he thinks through what he knows of local wildlife, trying to recall the Aiyankra...

With Linus being a local, Liisha bowed out of the trip.  An off-worlder with her Imperial high status accent tagging along would probably only increase the bribe amounts.  She settled for enjoying a lazy breakfast then walking down to the sea to find a place to sit and read for a bit.

In reply to Linus Spruance (msg #112):

Government House

This wasn't the end of the process, merely the first of many bribes before they received the correct clearance.

"See you later today, 2pm. Ask for Michel. He can help you out."


Green Park Village/Waterfront

It was a quick walk down to the waterfront. It was pleasant enough, if overcast, because of the offshore breeze from the Ulinya Sea. The beach stretched to the west and east for several kilometres.

Off to the east were the hovercraft docks, large concrete aprons and ramps where the vessels simply drove up and down directly to and from the water, plus cargo wharves for conventional frieghters. This close to the port was the "working" part of the beach. It held several small fishing boats pulled up on the sands by Gog fishermen, with scores more bobbing in the water. There were racks with nets and fishing gear hung to dry. The "swimming" part of the beach was further west, opposite the human section of town and nearest Government House, and she could see people relaxing for a warm, if sunless, day at the beach.
This message was last edited by the GM at 20:44, Wed 21 Mar 2012.

346-1107
1400-1630 Hours

After a couple hours and many credits, Linus and Ken had the required permits and rode a tuk-tuk back home. Total bribes had been Cr2800 for a nominally Cr200 permit!

Still, this allowed them to proceed with hiring a guide.

Stanley had left and returned with some leads, including a waterfront bar ("The Outback") that guides frequented, and a couple reputable agencies.

For her part, Lorain's companions returned from their side trip into the near jungle. "Sir Drew Kensing" (64859B) was a young noble from a prominent League family, his father provided the funding for this expedition. "Dr. Talia McKenzie" (7A9BB8) was a young and brilliant medical doctor who was now conducting field research for her PhD thesis in xenobiology ("Xenobiological Adaptation in Alien Ecosystems").
This message was last edited by the GM at 11:32, Fri 08 June 2012.

Ken nodded to Linus.  "It's a shame that things are so corrupt here.  They'll never progress beyond this ramshackle state until they can clean things up and bring in some discipline.  But, if we can get our permits I'll not complain."

At the completion of the process Ken let out a long, frustrated sigh.  "It's a good thing I'm not armed.  What I could do with a squad of Marines and a few flame throwers..." He laughed at the last but a glint in his eye said that he was more than a little serious...

Heading back Ken greeted the two members of Lorain's expedition and chatted them up a bit in order to size them up.  Over a well earned cold beer back in the hotel bar he talked about what he had heard.  "You know I overheard a tourist getting some travel permits remark that the APs busted an amateur treasure hunter for trying to smuggle a stone tablet out of Val Preszar, they got 15 years hard time and a stiff fine." He took a long drink of beer.  "These people are serious.  Lorain, do you expect interference from the government on our mission?"

In the afternoon, Liisha decided to get in a run and some calisthenics.  Who know what the Outback would hold, but she'd try to be in better shape for it.

In reply to Ken Jenkins (msg #116):

"To tell you the truth, I can't fathom what game they're playing. If they wanted to really stop us, they could just deny the permits. I would guess that maybe one hand doesn't know what the other is doing? Not so much a big conspiracy as a lot of people with their hands out, some backed off, some decided to up the pressure."

"It's getting too late today, I'll take the truck tomorrow morning to the Ministry and pick up your weapons. Hopefully the fines aren't going to be too much."

"Really, what is it with the people on this planet? I agree, they're not going to amount to much with such corruption, bleeding much-needed capital out of the system with a thousand cuts, stifling investment and development."
This message was last edited by the player at 07:52, Thu 22 Mar 2012.

Val Preszar Waterfront

It was good to exercise again, she felt she was a little out of shape due to the relative inaction. It was hot and humid so she was careful to keep hydrated. As she ran she passed by Gog fishermen pulling their nets out of the surf, rowing their fishing boats out, and then humans swimming in the surf and working on their tans (the cloud cover still let in a certain amount of UV).


Green Park Village Hotel

The hot afternoon waned into muggy evening. Cold beer, lemonade and gin-and-tonics were the perfect antidote to the heat.

Of Lorain's companions, Talia seemed smart and competent, Sir Drew more of an upper-class twit.

Talia mentioned, "someone we met who was just in from the Outback showed me some pottery he was going to sell to the government. It was primitive, definitely of native manufacture, but I'm no anthropologist. They were going to keep the location secret from the government so they could come back later for more digging, otherwise, it'd be cleaned out in days."

"Grave-robbing is practically a national past-time here with the cretinous locals, and I'm not referring to the Gogs," sniffed Sir Drew. "Compared to the people, the Gogs are actually quite nice and hard-working, if uncivilised. At the Imperial Club, I overheard a couple of merchants swapping stores about a big-time smuggler. I think his name was "Elmer Kalamanaru" or some-such. An off-worlder, I gathered, but practically a local celebrity."

Back with the necessary paperwork, Linus is glad to relax with a refreshing drink and make polite conversation with Lorain's other associates.

"At Government House I heard some fellows, seemed they were in the guide business, saying that there had been a slackening of exploration recently. Put it down to a local predator, six-legged beastie that hunts in pairs. Not that I have heard any reports about them attacking people recently... but such things might not have made the newsfeeds."

In reply to Linus Spruance (msg #120):

"I suspect one of those would make a fine trophy for someone's den."

Walker participates in the prep work with everyone else, and when he gets a moment, he gets up early enough to watch the locals bring in their haul of native fish.

Liisha returned to the hotel, showered and changed.  Downstairs she grabbed a drink and found the others to catch up on the day's events.

"Oh, gin and tonic.. my favorite!" Liisha said, pouring herself one with lots of lime.  She listened to Lorain and the others talk about the corruption and problem of stolen artifacts.  Laagir had little to add.  The local government seemed to need an overhaul, but that was beyond her pay grade.  She had always been in an enviable position to vote with her feet and leave any planet not to her liking.  As she wondered what could be done to enfranchise the Gogs, she quickly realized that she had consumed her drink a bit too quickly.  She switched over to lemonade and tried to clear her head.

"It is all too easy to get into a 'this is the price of doing business' mentality," said Linus, settling back and relishing not having to serve the drinks but being able to sit and chat.

"We, the locals, do really need to get our act together, though. Find a few fellows who understand the concepts of public service, get them to run for office and tell all the cosy civil servant types that they need to earn every credit honestly for services rendered, that they are already paid a fair wage to actually do their jobs..."

Ideas that had been gnawing at the back of his mind for a while, brought to the surface by talking with intelligent off-worlders.

"Did you hear any more of those six legged beasts Linus?  We'll have to watch out for them but it would be good to know of their habits."  He nods in agreement with the other man's comments about the local politics.  Ken was from the heart of the League of Suns and was used to clean and competent government, not this mess.

"Let's head over to that 'Outback' bar and see what we can find in terms of guides.  Given the way things are organized here I'd prefer to find some one off line rather than through an official agency."

Neva never did understand the concept of "down time" and "relaxation" except when it came to food.  Food was nourishment and you were suppose to have it to continue to go.  Therefore eating when you could always made sense.  Talking and keeping up a conversation when you were doing it was something she was told she needed to learn.  Evidently learning how to do such a thing required you to be around others and to take part in their conversation.  There's the rub.  If you're not comfortable around people it is a big step to get over.  Neva had a few big steps to get over.

She steeled herself up and took some big breaths and made her to where the others were.  She spotted them and put on what she hoped was a friendly smile as she walked up in time to hear "six legged beasts".

"Six legged beasts?  That would be interesting to see.  Although I would prefer it from a distance perhaps.  Hi everybody.  Sorry to be so late.  What's on the agenda?"

There, she had done it.  She had managed to string together a couple of sentences by the prescribed format.  That format being...pick something to talk about, introduce yourself, apologize if need be or if in doubt, and then end with a question that can invite others to respond in kind to you.  Did she get the order right?  Perhaps it was greet first.  Well it was said and done and oops.  She was still standing. Yes, have a seat if it looks like they wouldn't object.  That was the next step.

Neva pulled out a seat and gingerly sat down willing herself to try and merge in with the group.  Be part of a group and you might not stand out as much.  If you are going to be the mark at least you'll be with others of the same and therefore more chances you will be missed.

Evening, 2000 Hours

Green Park Village Hotel

Stanley excused himself to attend to his job, and Talia had some more writing in her room. Sir Drew hung around Lorain and ordered a bottle of expensive scotch, which he shared.

The hotel bartender brought Lorain a telephone, cord trailing back to the wall behind the bar. She made some calls while people talked and the light waned.

It started to rain lightly, a warm shower.

In reply to Neva Alexovna Morozova (msg #125):

Hanging up the phone, Lorain exclaimed, "it's confirmed, we've got the permits! I'll visit the Ministry of Antiquities in Government House tomorrow and with any luck, return your weapons."

"Tonight I believe Ken's going to the Outback bar to see if he can make contact with a guide. The one Stanley recommended won't be available until tomorrow."

In reply to Lorain Messandi (msg #127):

"I'd like to go with you to pick up my rifle, at least."

"I've got other things to do, so if you don't mind being bored then by all means, you're welcome to come along."

In reply to Lorain Messandi (msg #130):

"Not a problem.  I want to make sure that they didn't do anything to it."

In reply to Thomas Walker (msg #131):

"They would have no reason to do anything, although we couldn't stop it if we could! No use in dwelling on the myriad potential negatives, so let's continue to think positively."

"I think whoever's going is leaving now, you'll be able to catch up to them if you hurry."

She was using a hand computer to read some materials on the veranda. Through it she was able to the expedition's field computer, a ruggedised TL11 backpack-sized unit with advanced true-3D modeling and display, vast data storage and of course remote networking for hand computers, all with an internal fusion power supply. Now that he had the correct password, Linus's hand computer was able to network with it.

"If you're going to this Outback bar, could you do me a favour? Research suggests that the so-called "lost city" of Tlaynsilak is located somewhere in the Nahahnir river valley area. As this was the heart of Raynirjik civilisation, that's where my father was heading and so that's where we're heading. Hopefully we can locate him after all this time, and maybe he'll have uncovered proof of his theories. Or maybe we will ourselves."

"As of yet we don't, however, know anything specific about the area. If you come across any reliable information at all, please let me know!"

"As well, I've not had a chance to track down anything about my father's expedition. If there are guides there, maybe they'll know something. This is definitely "field research" of a sort, so as long as Linus keeps a record he may use expedition funds for whatever he needs."
This message was last edited by the player at 02:16, Wed 28 Mar 2012.

Ken nods to Lorain.  "We'll keep an eye and ear out for mention of this Tlaynsilak.  I'd expect there will be plenty of rumors about the place."

Turning to Neva he smiles to her;  "Neva, why not coming with us to the bar?  It'll be a good chance to meet some of the locals and evaluate what we can find for guides."

Following along with the others Ken escorts Neva in (if she follows and is willing).  Looking about he selects a couple of seats at the bar and orders a cold beer.  "What's your pleasure Neva?"  He drops a 20 credit bill with the payment for the drinks to the bar tender;  "We're looking for reliable, competent guides into the back country and some answers to questions.  Can you help us bar keep?"

<ooc> We'll spend a couple hundred credits on making friends over the course of the night.  We'll want to get as many rumors as possible and size up local guides and conditions. Tlaynsilak will come up later in the evening. </ooc>

In reply to Lorain Messandi (msg #127):

The Travellers headed to the Outback to see what they could learn, or possibly make some contacts.

The Outback was an authentic-looking watering hole, with dark native wood decor inside and out. Lighting was serviceable but tasteful. A sign on beside the door said "NO GOGS OR IRISHMEN ALLOWED" but entering through the front door they could see the bartender was a gog, and there were a couple of gogs sitting in a booth watching a colour TV above the bar. It was tuned to one of Val Preszar's three stations, showing highlights of a sports game with the sound turned low.

Cool air from a labouring A/C unit greeted them, as did the smells of fried food and cigarette smoke. There was a pay telephone in back and a dartboard, as well as a scarred billiards table (Cr0.25/game).

About a dozen outdoors-types were sitting and drinking the local ale, smoking and talking shop about expeditions to the Outback, recent and past. Some were eating short-order food, mainly seafood (fish and chips).

It was clear if they wanted information and/or to make contacts they'd have to spread around some credits.

OOC: Roughly how much are you planning on spending?

GM Note: May as well relocate this post here!
This message was last edited by the GM at 10:23, Wed 28 Mar 2012.

Liisha tagged along to help with the weapons.  Afterward, she followed along to the bar to scout out back country talent, or at least drink ale and shoot pool.

OOC: Liisha will play a few rounds of billiards with anyone who wants to have a go.  She won’t do any betting though… at least not at this point.

Neva looks over at the billiards and the darts.  it was a toss up of which she might try to play.  It had been ages since she had done either and she wasn't good at it.  An ex boyfriend tried to teach her the games but then gloated too much when he won all the time.  It was part of the reason she broke up with him....to be more accurate it was part of the reason she broke the cue stick across his back before breaking up with him.

Neva smiled and saw that Liisha was going for billiards.  "You any good at this game?  I haven't played in ages so would you mind if I hit a ball or two?"

In reply to Lorain Messandi (msg #132):

"All they have to do is bang the bag against a door jamb, and they can knock the scope out of alignment."  Walker grimaces. "I have, in the past, had to purchase a seat on a plane, so that I could bring the rifle aboard, and not checked it.  I need to purchase a better case for it, the last one was damaged getting here."

Linus found a seat at the bar, ordered a beer and attempted to strike up a conversation with the bar tender and with the rest of the 'bar furniture'...

He wants to talk about rumours and past expeditions that may have passed through here and the Sky Raiders story and... you get the picture.

"Nah, I'm average at best.  But it can still be fun.  Let's play," Liisha said, paying for a game and carefully lining up and placing the billiard balls on the table.  She selected a suitable pool cue and delicately rubbed the tip with chalk before blowing on it lightly.  Satisfied that she was ready, she turned to Neva.

"Want to shoot first?" she asked.

In reply to Liisha Laagir (msg #140):

Neva picked out her cue and was applying chalk on it when Liisha asked if she wanted to break.  "I'll let you break.  That way I won't embarrass myself if I miss the ball."

Neva smiled as she said it to show that she was semi joking.  She leaned on the cue as she looked around at the occupants of the bar.  "I was debating about pool or darts.  I thought that pool might be less dangerous.  It's been awhile for darts also and I wouldn't want this crowd to think I was aiming at them if I missed the board.'

Green Park Village

2030 Hours

Before they left, Lorain indicated, again, she didn't mind if Thomas (and Liisha or whoever) came along, and that any help with carting stuff would be appreciated.

She was willing to continue discussing it all night but what would happen the next morning at the Ministry was largely a matter of physics and bureaucracy and therefore largely out of anyone's control. "A new case is fine, just talk to Linus."

GM Note: Moving on. To clearify, getting the weapons will happen the next morning. It's currently evening and the Ministry is closed. I need to know if Thomas is going to the bar. If not, please put "Green Park Village" in the heading as above for clarification.

The Outback

2100 Hours

The travellers in the bar settled down to some serious schmoozing and playing pool.

They heard from the half-dozen guides much of what was already going around, about the APs and government control over the artifact trade, how easy it would be to land a starship almost anywhere on largely-unsettled Momande, outside of Val Preszar. Others mentioned the fearsome Aiyankras, each story more outlandish than the last. "I heard they get your credit information and order room service in your name..."

A name that came up was that of "Eleni Kalamanaru", a famous smuggler. His exploits were well known; some admired his ability to skillfully circumvent and defy corrupt officialdom while to others he was nothing more than a grave-robber and off-worlder to boot.

Green Park Village

"Not an issue right now.  The leather and sheepskin is usually enough when dirtside, it's only when it gets stowed for travel.  When we come back, I'll pick it up.  I would prefer to get one that's airtight, in the event that it winds up in an unpressurized cargo space."

The Outback

Ken will laugh with the jokes about the Aiyankras and continue to spread money about to lubricate people's memories.  He will pull Linus aside;  "What's a good amount of money to spread across this crowd?  I don't want to appear like a rich off world mark."

He will eventually bring up the "lost city" of Tlaynsilak that is supposed to be located in the Nahahnir river valley area. Also anything the locals might know about the Raynirjik civilization in general.  Lastly he will bring up Lorain's father's expedition and if anyone knows anything about it.

In reply to Ken Jenkins (msg #144):

The Outback

Ken bought a round for a group of guides who offered their boisterous if somewhat contradictory opinions. They didn't know where the "lost city" was exactly, but most of the Nahahnir river valley was largely unexplored so for all they knew anything could be there. It had been heavily urbanised during the heyday of the Sky Raiders several thousands of years ago.

They agreed the natives of the Nahahnir were considered particularly fierce and xenophobic. One hovercarft pilot said a friend's GEV had engine trouble and crashed in that area. The crew tried to make their way back to a point in the river where a boat could pick them up but they were attacked by a native warband. Almost everyone was killed or dragged off, alive, into the jungle. Never to be heard from again. There was only one survivor, the pilot's friend. Ken thought this wasn't the Messandi expedition as it was much larger than a single craft.)

"Raynirjik" and "Tlaynsilak" got responses along the lines of the Libraray Data.

Raynirjik is the aboriginal name of the planet-wide civilisation in the heyday the Sky Raiders, Tlaynsilak could either be the capitol or at least a major centre of power and technology. Tlaynsilak's actual location was still unknown but the Nahahnir river valley was as good a place as any as it had several city sites.

The guides were split on how advanced Raynirjik really was. Some agreed with the academics that Raynirjik only reached post-Iron Age (Middle Ages) technology but not starflight (TL 2 or 3 at most). Others argued nuclear weapons, asteroid bombardment and high energy weapons could easily eradicate most traces of a modern culture, leaving behind the remnants of earlier more durable civilisations. Orbital and aerial surveys of Mirayn were incomplete at best, who knew what secrets the jungle hid? There were rumours of sites that could be ancient nuclear strikes but those were just stories.

Messandi's expedition got something of a laugh and a shrug. No one knew much about the Messandi expedition other than it left over a year ago and disappeared without a trace. They'd kept their cards close to their chest about their route and destination. Nevertheless, Ken was advised to talk to "Old Lin", an alkie who hung around the bars in the area. Lin was probably homeless and possibly mentally ill, but he also claimed to have been on the Messandi expedition. Probably full of it but worth a laugh. He wasn't in that night but would be around every few days at most.

After that, they lost interest and moved onto other local topics.

The Outback


Ken listened carefully to the rumors and notes.  After they had wound their way through the various inhabitants of the bar Ken gathered the small group together.  "So, not too much more than what we already knew but this lead on 'Old Lin' sounds promising.  And unless this 'Lin' has different information we may be best off heading up the Nahahnir river valley."

The Outback

Liisha and Neva played a few frames of pool. The table's condition was serviceable, not great. An interested local, a middle aged man, asked if they wanted to have a 3-way game of 9-ball.

The bartender chatted with Linus a little. His name was "Soloman". It was impressive how effective he could be behind the bar with four hands! His four eyes were probably very well adapted to dim lighting, although this bar wasn't all that poorly lit.

"Something you might be interested in. This before my time."

With that, he grabbed a book from behind the bar. It was a copy of Hoard of the Sky Raiders, signed by Jothan Messandi. "Looks like your friend came through here."

The Outback

Ken leaned over and looked at the page in the book.  "Damn, I can see why the Prof thought that the Sky Raiders might have come from here.  That sure looks like a native person in a space suit with what is clearly a gun."  He shakes his head;  "What do you guys think?"

"Thank you," Linus said to the bar tender.

He looked at the book with interest, and angled it for Ken when he showed an interest.

"It's one of those pictures that's open to interpretation in many ways. I once encountered a wierd religious cult called, hmm, Danekenism or something like that, which believed that there was a god that went around in a spaceship visiting primitive cultures, and pointed to images like that one which apparently are common around the galaxy as evidence for their belief."

He took a thoughtful swig of his beer.

"It might well be the sort of thing that would catch the eye of someone who wanted to track down the truth about the Sky Raiders, though. 'In the hills behind Val Preszar'... wonder if someone can show us where this bas-relief is."

Ken nods in thanks to Linus as he looks over his shoulder.  "I'd say you're right that this might be a key.  The Professor may have gone looking for this on his final expedition."

The bartender says the bas-relief is one of the best-preserved and easiest to reach Raynirjik artifact from Val Preszar. It was part of a building complext excavated by archaeologists about 50 years ago in the hills about 10km outside the city. The site has been extensively researched and is considered safe to visit. (You would not be allowed weapons on such an excursion this close to the city.)

There's a bus that will take you directly there for 100 Mirayn francs (Cr5) each. It's about a 30-45 minute ride and they leave hourly.

Among the professional guides, there's a certain amount of cynicism and skepticism. If tourists want to pay them to see the ruins and investigate the "Sky Raiders", then they're glad to take their money and indulge their theories. Maybe might have been a star-spanning civilisation based on Mirayn thousands of years ago but it just seems (to them) that Gogs in the present are too passive and primitive to have gone a-Viking.


GM Note: Thomas and Liisha are (so far) accompanying Lorain to the Ministry to retrieve your weapons in the morning. Is a short side-trip to the ruins in order for the others while they're doing that? If so, when, and who?

Ken would be up for a short side trip followed by a visit to the agencies providing guides and hopefully meeting the guide that was recommended by Stanley.  We also need to track down this old man who was on the Lorain's father's expedition.

Sounds good to me.

Val walks over to Neva with a wink to Linus.  "Feel like a sight seeing trip Neva?"

In reply to Ken Jenkins (msg #154):

Neva smiles at Ken.  "Sure.  I was thinking of looking around and it's better to do it in numbers.  Thanks."

"We also need to track that old man down but they say he keeps showing back up at the 'Outback' bar."

The Outback

Before they left, the crew at the bar asked around about "Old Lin" but while the regulars recognised him, no one knew when he'd be back or how to get ahold of him.

They returned back home, then turned in for the night. It had cost about Cr120 for drinks and food. Lorain had told Linus that was fine, it was all "research".

It was a hot and humid night, difficult to get some rest in the non-air conditioned hotel despite the fans and screened-in windows.

They had breakfast the next morning, the usual excellent quality eggs, toast, baguettes, bacon, sausage, hash browned potatoes, coffee, tea, juice. After, they split into two groups: one to go fight it out with the bureaucrats in the Ministry of Antiquities at Government House and another to check out some ruins not too far from the city.

Government House

It took all morning for Lorain, Thomas and Liisha to regain their property. The going was slow and painstaking, but surprisingly they were not accosted for further bribes. More surprisingly, none of the seized weapons were damaged, everything was there as promised. To add an almost surreal element, Lorain received a curt almost-apology. Not wanting to push their luck further, they took the weapons and left.

Ruins Outside Val Preszar

The trip out to the local ruins was not all that unpleasant, winding through thickly-forested mountains. The bus was filled with (human) tourists from Mirayn's other continent of Grenven, and even off-world.

Finally, they arrived at a mountaintop where the jungle vegetation had been cleared away to reveal massive black stone blocks of an ancient temple complex. There was a parking lot, an air-conditioned museum containing artifacts that had been unearthed there, snack bar and gift shoppe. Many of the staff were humans, primarily the clerks, ticket takers and guides, while the Gogs seemed to be restricted to grounds-keepers and security (armed with poles and batons). There were a couple school buses in the parking lot.

The bas-relief in question was the centrepiece of the museum. It had been buried along with the temple and thus protected from the elements. Illustrated texts discussed differing theories about Raynirjik civilisation and the possible origins of the Sky Raiders.

Generally, the widest accepted theory was the Raynirjik had achieved TL 2-3 before a massive die-off due to plague. This  total collapse resulted in a 5,000-year period of cultural and technological decline and then stagnation that persisted until the present. Modern Gog tribal groups lacked legends of starfaring and indeed, any awareness of cosmology or astronomy in general. So far a total lack of any trace of modern infrastructure further argued against it. Most Raynirjik artifacts were also of TL 2-3.

On the other side was the bas-relief and legends of the "city of Golden Walls" (Tlaynsilak) built by the "people of the golden walls" (Raynirjik). There was also the possibility more was yet to be discovered in Momande's vast interior swamps. Eco-friendly bio-degradable materials would melt away after 5,000 years, leaving behind more primitive stone and metal artifacts for archaeologists to find. Basically, it was impossible to prove a negative; there was always some plausible explanation about what might (or might not) be lost in the mists of time and the Great Swamp.

It seemed it was a wash, overall. Still, they could wander the ruins, run their fingers over a concrete replica of the ancient carved tablet (which was behind a clear Lexan barrier) in the museum.

Linus quite enjoyed playing tourist, he was usually too busy to see the sights! If it wasn't for the concern over his old friend, this would be a welcome holiday.

He inquires about how the artefacts, particularly the bas-relief, were discovered in the first place, and by whom.

Ken will buy a print of the inscription for future reference as well as collecting a bit of reading material about the site and local archeology.  Otherwise he'll enjoy the outing.

"Linus, Neva, care for an ice cream cone?  The soft serve in the snack bar looks good and it's air conditioned."

In reply to Ken Jenkins (msg #159):

Neva took it all in with wonder and hoped that she didn't look like a total geekified tourist.  While they were walking, she had her hands in her pockets.  She had been an outsider for so long that she had forgotten how to interact with crew members and feel comfortable around them.  Trusting them?  Well that would take even longer she knew.  For now she would observe and try to take pointers and listen to what was being said.

A question.  A direct question.  That helps. Neva thought to herself.  Feeling a little more at ease as they kept walking Neva nodded to Ken and then forced herself to open her mouth and actually speak.  "Ice cream?  Sure.  That sounds...good.  I like ice cream.  I mean most people like ice cream right?"

Good girl.  That wasn't so bad.  Keep this up and you won't need to talk to yourself except at night...dark nights all alo.....  Neva shook her head to stop her own thoughts.  She didn't need to go down that road.  This one would be challenging enough but at least she had a berth and that was an improvement.

Ken nodded with a smile.  "Yea, ice cream is pretty universally liked."  The woman was quiet, it was apparent that she was deep in her own thoughts.  He decided to keep up the simple questions;  "Chocolate of vanilla?"

As Neva and Ken lingered by the ice cream stand, he queried Linus.  "Have you seen enough?  I've got a few photos and books about this area and the back country.  I'm sure it's all just trash but you never know."

In reply to Ken Jenkins (msg #161):

Neva had a moment of panic when Ken immediately asked her another question.  It was to be expected but still it came as a surprise.  "Umm...chocolate...no vanilla...no chocolate...wait...can they do both?"

Neva blushed but smiled and shrugged her shoulders.  "I like each equally well?  Unless they have caramel...that wins hands down.  The books being trash?  No book is trash.  There is always information to gain and gaining information is not trash.  The information had to come from someplace and even if it is speculation and most rumors have some thread of truth in them.  You should never overlook rumors and trash.  Literally trash.  You can learn a lot about people by looking through their....."

Neva stopped and realized she had or was about to let people know she had gone through trash before for clues about people.  She wasn't sure if she wanted to go down that lane so instead she went back to ice cream.  "So, you think they might have caramel ice cream?"

"Ice cream sounds good. Vanilla please," said Linus. "If you have what they have on sale here, Ken, that's probably as good as we'll get for now."

The snack bar offered many flavours and kinds of ice creams, including vanilla, chocolate, caramel, and of course jorrah-berry. Cr1 each.

In the heat and humidity, this was a refreshing treat!

Books for sale included Hoard of the Sky Raiders, of course. Most were more reputable or conventional materials for sale but the Sky Raider theory got a lot of play. It's likely that Lorain had better matierals on file in her computer to share, although not as populist and easy to read.

Some of the displays seemed to have unidentifiable lumps salvaged mainly from the temple site that chemical and metallurgical analysis confirmed contained artificial materials like plastics and metal alloys. Age was likely thousands of years old but not conclusive. There was no conclusive evidence they were of indigenous and/or Star Raider origin and a few scraps and shards were hardly conclusive proof of a star-spanning civilisation.

It was obvious that the guards were there to mainly keep away the local Gogs who camped out on the periphery of the site, hawking trinkets and souvenirs, badly-made copies of the books inside the gift shop (photocopied text inside official-looking covers) and various fried foods of unidentifiable origin, and unofficial guides. The guards didn't physically harass the locals as long as they stayed the boundary areas.

There was a short downpour, which they now knew happened several times a day.

Stuck for a few minutes at the shelter for the bus queue, they heard a couple of fellow travellers mocking the Gog grounds crew that were working nearby, seemingly oblivious to the cloudburst. The gist was hey'd been up the Nahahnir river recently on a tour, and all the natives they saw were the same; cowardly, shiftless and stupid but always eager to please humans and hawk some "ancient" artefact to off-worlders, as if they couldn't tell the difference.

In a few minutes the rain halted, again like normal. The bus soon arrived. There would be another departing on the hour for Val Preszar.

Ken ate his ice cream after buying some for his companions.  "Yea, we're done here Linus.  Let's head back." He turned to the silent woman;  "Ready to go Neva?"

As he heads to the bus stop he muses to the other two; "I think we should run the material we've gathered by Lorain just in case there is anything she can correlate to her own research."

In reply to Ken Jenkins (msg #165):

Neva took her caramel ice cream and slowly started to lick it.  She concentrated on that special treat and let her tongue run around the cone and was lost for a few minutes in its coolness. She looked up at ken when he finished his and thought it a shame that he had eaten it too fast to really enjoy  it.  "If you wouldn't mind Ken?  I...I would like to get one of the books.  Then I'd be ready to go back."

Ken nodded to Neva.  "Go ahead Neva.  There is time before the bus comes."

In reply to Ken Jenkins (msg #167):

The books from the gift shop ran around Cr15.

In reply to Ken Jenkins (msg #167):

Neva gave the group a smile and went back in to purchase her book.  It had been ages since she had purchased one and even if it was mostly nonsense it would still be hers.

She picked out the book from a couple that were there mostly because it had more pictures in it.  Oh she could read all right but with pictures it was more like she had been there or could even...perhaps if they got lucky...compare something to it.

She handed over her money and then rejoined the group with a big smile on her face.

"We can count this as 'research material' - how much have you all spent?" said Linus, getting out the wallet with the group funds in it.

In reply to Linus Spruance (msg #170):

Neva handed Linus over her receipt and smiled. "Here you go."

Ken handed his receipts over to Linus;  "I didn't spend much, the books were a bit pricey but small change in the big picture."  He glances over at the smiling Neva;  "What did you get Neva?"

<ooc> Waiting on the bus. </ooc>

In reply to Ken Jenkins (msg #172):

Neva blushed.  "Well it might seem silly to you all but I chose the one with more pictures in it.  I thought no matter what the stories were, perhaps the actual pictures of any so call finds might be more accurate.  Besides...it was more like a tourist thing to do and just because it might be more touristy, doesn't mean there isn't any validity to them."

Ken nods;  "Actually pictures will be more useful in a lot of ways as we try to match things up.  A picture is worth a thousand words after all."  He gives a friendly smile at this last.

"Come on, we might as well get back." Linus led the way to the bus, tucking the receipts away.

[OOC: How much did y'all spend on books? (Sorry, ice creams do not count as research material!)]

In reply to Linus Spruance (msg #175):

Neva nodded and felt a little pride in herself doing good.  That was a feeling that she hadn't felt in a long time and it was...nice.  She followed Linus on the way back to the ship, just finishing up the last of her ice cream.

<ooc:  only spent the 15 creds for the one book)

Ken hands over his receipts.  "I spent about 15 credits Linus."

Val Preszar

Back at the hotel, Thomas ensconced himself with a copy of Hoard of the Sky Raiders and commenced reading. Liisha continued her normal workout regimen.

Temple Ruins

As Linus was getting receipts sorted out the bus pulled up, windshield wipers thumping in the rain.

They boarded the bus for the trip back to the city, returning by 1100 hours.

By then, the rain stopped.

Green Park Village

Waiting for them at the hotel was Juan Kelso, the guide at the top of the list of recommendations that Stanley had given them.

Also there was Lorain, her friend Talia and the expedition's sponsor, Sir Kensing.


OOC: Everyone who wants may be present.
This message was last edited by the GM at 11:37, Sun 08 Apr 2012.

In reply to GM (msg #178):

Kelso's face barely cracked a smile. This minimal courtesy seemed like the most warm he ever got.

"Howdy,"

"My mate Stanley says you need a guide up the Nahahnir. That's the case, then I'm your man."

He wasn't asking, merely stating a fact.

"Talking with your boss, I would recommend 3 vehicles. A passenger and cargo hovercraft, and a scout GEV. A pilot for each, and other personnel. Rations for six months, salaries for three weeks in advance."
This message was last updated by the player at 04:21, Wed 11 Apr 2012.

In reply to Juan Kelso (msg #179):

Lorain waited a moment, looking at Thomas, Ken, Liisha, Linus and Neva for input. Seeing none she nodded to Kelso. Sir Kensing and Talia also had no objections.

"My companions seem to find that acceptable."

In reply to Lorain Messandi (msg #180):

Neva shrugged.  She wasn't sure what the going rates were but she didn't like this planet that much so if they could speed up the hiring and get it over with the better.

"I don't control the purse strings so no objections."

In reply to Lorain Messandi (msg #180):

He nodded curtly. His reply was brusque.

"Fine. I will be in touch as soon as I can ring up the suppliers."

With that, he finished his drink and made to depart.

<ooc> Give us a chance to interject...  Kelso posted at 21:21 and Lorain posted that no one responded at 21:26 </ooc>

Ken steps forward and extends his hand to Kelso.  "Pleased to meet you Mr, Kelso.  If Stanley recommended you then you come well spoken for."  He listens to the man's recommendations.  "Three vehicles should be good, pilots for each of course.  What other personnel do you recommend?  I'd think we'll need a few bearers or worker to dig what we might find."

"I'd like to be involved when you're hiring the vehicles.  We'll also need to buy equipment.  Before you go we should establish a list of what's needed.  We want to be careful what we buy so we can stretch our budget as far as possible."

In reply to Ken Jenkins (msg #183):

Looking like he was biting something sour, Kelso replied, "yes, yes. Guides, pilots, guards, technical personnel... happy to provide a list prior to any spending. Is your money. Fascinating that a soldier such as yourself would be versed in GEVs. I would have not guessed."

"Are we done? Please accept my apologies, time is short."

It was clear that Ken had been polite and reasonable, it was Kelso who was lacking in social skills regardless of his expertise.

Ken bit back his own tart response.  "I'm not an expert in GEV's or this planet but I've enough experience in command and tactics that I can do a decent job of understanding what is required.  Lorain hired us to see that things are done right and she accomplishes her mission.  We'll need to work closely with you to make sure we earn our keep."

"I'd like to understand exactly what you propose.  Some of us will need our own equipment and I don't want to duplicate what you are thinking of getting."  He shook his head; "When will you be ready to compare notes?  The party here will need some time to buy what we need."

In reply to Ken Jenkins (msg #185):

A measure of respect crept into Juan's expression, although he hid it well if it existed at all. Touching the brim of his hat he said, "well well. You're the boss. Give me two, three days. Have something for you then."

Linus got out his hand computer.

"If you experts want to talk about what you'll need, I can take notes," he offered.

Ken nodded in response to Kelso.  "In the meantime we can make sure each of us are prepared for the outback.  What kind of kit do you recommend we each have as a minimum?  Most of us have weapons but not all of us have water purifiers and things of that nature.  I do want to make sure we all have communicators."

In reply to Ken Jenkins (msg #188):

Looking like he didn't think this was the best use of his time, Kelso looked at Thomas and replied, "by all accounts, Mister Walker here is a hunter, as well, I trust he's up to this task."

One thing that Thomas had noted when picking up the group's confiscated armaments is that Linus didn't seem to have brought any ammunition for his shotgun.

In reply to Ken Jenkins (msg #188):

Neva listened and nodded.  "Who would get the better deal on buying the equipment though?  The experts or us?  They would try to fleece us for sure since we're outsiders while you guys (experts) probably have favored dealers that you might even get a part of the profits.  Which would be best for us though."

Neva said it as a matter of fact and not to belittle their working arrangements or the high costs that had been charged them so far.  It was what it was and she didn't have a problem with it, she just wondered which would give the better deal.

In reply to Neva Alexovna Morozova (msg #190):

Again, it seemed some nerve had been touched.

"Who will cut you a better deal on supplies and equipment is not my concern. I don't suggest cutting any corners to save a credit. I won't be, believe me."

Neva hadn't really said anything to deserve a curt response, but it seemed that helping them get a good price just wasn't something Juan saw as being his concern. Also, if Kelso had some kind of cozy arrangement with his suppliers he may not skimp on safety (it was his neck on the line, too) but protecting their bottom line wasn't in his interest.

In reply to Juan Kelso (msg #191):

Neva held up her hands in a "ok.  ok.  No my problem" gesture but had a small smile that was threatening to be seen.  She didn't think she deserved that tone but it did let them know how he felt about it and, therefore, it had served a purpose.

Ken nodded to Kelso;  "Fair enough.  If you need to get going to make your arrangements please do so Mr. Kelso.  We'll work with Walker to make sure our personal gear is up to snuff.  Call us later when you have lists and equipment prepared."

In reply to Ken Jenkins (msg #193):

"I won't (and can't) spend a credit without Mr. Spruance or Ms. Messandi's permission."

"Good day."

Ken nods to Kelso.  "And a good day to you Mr. Kelso."  He turns back to Lorain and the others as the guide walks out.  "He seems competent enough.  What do you all think?"

In reply to Ken Jenkins (msg #195):

After Kelso left, no one seemed to have an immediate opinion of the professional-seeming yet somewhat abrasive lead guide.

At that point, it was getting too late in the afternoon to follow up on suppliers and personnel, even if they had a list.

Again, it rained for a few minutes, pouring down from the heavy skies, then the warm shower stopped as if turned off by a spigot.

Ken suggests that they put together a list of common equipment and then head down to the bar again to see if they could find the old man.

In reply to Ken Jenkins (msg #197):

A list was put together, but it seemed the bases were already covered.

Going back to the bar, the old man didn't turn up and no one knew where he was. It was likely "Old Lin" would be in sometime soon. Later, as they were leaving, they noticed a well-dressed but shady-looking man talking with the bartender. He glanced towards them with disinterest, then finished his conversation with the bartender and settled his tab.

In reply to Juan Kelso (msg #194):

"Pleased to meet you, Mr. Kelso.  My name is Thomas Walker, and I have been a guide in the past, on other planets.  I am unfamiliar with the ecology and where to best shop for equipping a party such as ours.  May I join you as we gather the resources for a successful hunt?"

Ken didn't linger at the bar but headed back to the hotel for the night.

In reply to Ken Jenkins (msg #200):

"I'll catch up with you in a bit Ken.  Think I might go for another drink or two first."

Neva went to the bar and found a stool that she could sit on and ordered a drink.  Her posture suggested somebody who was used to drinking long hours at a time and was comfortable.  While she stared at her glass and nursed her drink, she started to listen to the various conversations around her to see if she could learn anything new.

This was acceptable to Kelso, and before he left he made sure to make arrangements to take Thomas around with him. He seemed, if not actually chummy, at least less inclined to treat a fellow hunter like a useless appendage.

At the bar, Neva relaxed, letting the patrons forget about her as she drank. As Ken left bartender made a call, and her experienced ears picked up a name she didn't recognise: "Bren Pylory". He seemed distressed about something, and his eyes followed Ken's back out the door. Hanging up he seemed, if anything, more nervous than before.

In reply to GM (msg #202):

Neva stayed in the bar a little longer until she felt that she couldn't hear anything more but also when her drink was empty.  She didn't hurry but sipped it so as not to be as noticeable and then she left. Her nerves were on edge but she kept her walk even and not rushed as she went back to the hotel.  She needed to talk to the group.

Neva casually walked to the hotel and when she got there she looked for Ken and the others.  She had her plan laid out in her mind.  If she spotted Ken before they got back to their hotel she would walk past him slowing down only far enough to whisper "meet me in the hotel room" and keep going.  If she didn't spot him before she got back to their room then she'd tell him what she had heard and they could plan something from that.  This was good.  She could interact again.  This was...strange but had a tinge of the familiar to it.  This was good.

Linus was sitting in the hotel lounge, a cup of coffee at his elbow, reading up on the Sky Raiders.

He looked up as Neva came in.

"Hi there. Good evening?"

In reply to Linus Spruance (msg #205):

Neva looked up and shrugged.  "_{Mixed.  Got name to check out.  Need to talk to group.  Has Ken checked in yet?  Might be in trouble...Can't talk here...need privacy.}"

Neva then blinked.  Did that sound as paranoid as it did to her?  Maybe it did...probably it did.  That didn't make it necessarily a bad thing.

"I'm not sure, Miss Morozova. I got a bit absorbed in my reading. He might have gone straight to his room but he's not come in here."

Linus put the book down and got up.

"You OK? You sound a shade spooked. Shall we go and check his room?"

In reply to Linus Spruance (msg #207):

Neva blinked.  "Yeah.  I'm ok.  Sorry for the spooky part.  Habits are hard to break.  But...ummmm....yeah, let's check out his room."

About that time Ken walked into the hotel lounge.  He had a sandwich in his hand and apparently had stopped for a snack on the way back.  He nodded to Linus and gave Neva a smile.  "Good evening.  How's it going?" He glanced at Linus' book; "I haven't managed to get through that yet."

In reply to Ken Jenkins (msg #209):

Neva looked at Ken and gave him a half smile and walked towards the elevator, stopping momentarily to say as she passed Ken.  "_{We need to talk}."  She then continued into the elevator and waited to see if anybody would join her.

While her paranoia level had gone down a notch, she had to wonder if Ken had noticed any tails and if he knew the name Bren Pylory.  She'd find out soon.

Ken worked to stay impassive as Neva passed him and whispered her request to talk.  He swiveled to watch her walk and then hurried to join her in the elevator.  "Let me head up with you Neva.  We can get a drink on the veranda now that it's cooler out."

"Do you need me, Miss Morozova?" asked Linus.

In reply to Linus Spruance (msg #212):

Neva looked at Linus and shrugged.  "It's about what I observed and might affect the mission...might not.  I have a name that I don't know so not sure if you would know it or not.  Your call."

Neva wouldn't say anything else until they got into their room, hoping that it wasn't bugged.
This message was last edited by the GM at 15:51, Fri 20 Apr 2012.

"On my way, then," said Linus, draining his cup of coffee and picking up his books and notes before joining them in the elevator.

Ken leaned over and held the elevator for Linus.  Once the door closed he stood quietly.  "Perhaps we might go out on the veranda and speak.  The night is fine and we are lest likely to disturb the others who might be listening and trying to perhaps... sleep."

In reply to Ken Jenkins (msg #215):

Neva nodded.  " Yeah.  That would be good.  Might be nothing...might be something."

"Sounds good. Do you want a nightcap? I dare say we can scare up some brandy."

Linus followed along, curious.

Ken nodded.  "Brandy and I have a few cigars Linus, if anyone wants one." He heads out to the balcony with the other two, stopping to help Linus scare up some brandy and glasses.

In reply to Ken Jenkins (msg #218):

Neva surprised herself when she spoke up and requested something else.  "If you have any munchies I'd rather have that."

Whoah girl.  You're jumping in with both feet now with this socializing thing aren't you?   Wouldn't he be proud of you.  Don't forget to write it down so he'll know.

Neva gave herself a mental pat on the back and words of encouragement and smiled.

Ken nods as Neva speaks more in the last few minutes than the last few days.  "Sure Neva, they've got a couple of bags of crisps and baked pretzels I can bring." Scooping up the food he headed to the muggy safety of the balcony.

In reply to Ken Jenkins (msg #220):

When both of the men return again Neva thanks them for the munchies.  it seems that her body has decided it likes to eat and wants more than she had anticipated.  She does refrain, barely, from wolfing it down and remembers that manners call for polite eating.

"I guess I'm just paranoid but when I stayed after you left Ken I observed some stuff.  First of all the bartender immediately put in a call to somebody and I know he was talking about us.  I don't think the bartender is just a go between though.  He didn't look too comfortable in squeeling on us and even looked scared.  Did you feel like you were being followed Ken?  Right before the phone call there was this man who left.  I mean he looked real suspicious.  Trust me on that one.  I've seen one or a thousand of them lately."

Neva stopped and thought for a minute and then remembered another thing.  "Oh yeah  When the bartender made that call I overhead a name.  Not sure if it means anything to you but he said Bren Pylory and when you were walking out Ken his eyes following you.  He even looked more nervous after he hung up on the phone than he did before...or did I already say that?"

There..she managed to get through the whole thing and still had chips to eat.  not bad at all.

She stopped and waited to see if they had any questions or comments and started t munch again on her chips.

"Speaking as a bar tender, we often get asked about people who've been in our bar. Bit unusual though to make calls..."

He checked the time.

"Maybe I'd better have a word with him, bar tender to bar tender so to speak. Find out what's going on."

He got up.

Liisha hadn't accompanied the others to the bar, it seemed prudent to have someone at the hotel.  She imposed on anyone she could find to for a drink however before finding a spot in the lobby to read.

In reply to Liisha Laagir (msg #223):

At the Hotel

Liisha found Thomas in the hotel lounge cum recreation room (it was a small hotel) reading a dog-eared copy of Hoard of the Sky Raiders.

Everyone else that remained there retired to the verandah to have drinks in the humid night air. Insects buzzed and night(birds?) called back and forth.

The Outback

It wasn't too long before last call when Linus arrived. A human bartender he recognised (not Darsh, from the night before) cleaned glasses behind the bar. He looked up when Linus entered, then tried to look busy.

OOC: everyone can be where they like, of course. Liisha's at the hotel while Linus is at the bar, but she or anyone else could come along and back Linus up.
This message was last edited by the GM at 12:05, Mon 23 Apr 2012.

Linus went and perched on a bar stool.

"Good evening," he said to the bar tender. "Whiskey on the rocks, please."

In reply to Linus Spruance (msg #225):

The bartender served Linus in an efficient manner, then went back to cleaning up behind the bar. Linus could tell this wasn't make-work, he really was entering the last part of the shift and had work to do, but could probably be more personable all the same.

"This is my first visit here," said Linus, pitching his voice so that the bar tender could hear as he worked. "On a bit of a trip. I usually run a bar in Capital City - place called the Bar Code if you know the bar scene there - but the daughter of an old friend wanted to come exploring, she's got a group of youngsters along, but an older head seemed... advisable, if you know what I mean..."

In reply to Linus Spruance (msg #227):

The Outback

The bartender looked up. He had a pale complexion, typical of this planet where the sun never shines, pale blue eyes, short dark hair and stubble. "Uh huh. Well, best o' luck to ya." He stationed himself close by and gave the impression that he was attentive for any orders but wasn't going out of his way to make conversation.
This message was last edited by the GM at 19:37, Tue 24 Apr 2012.

"By the way, has Bren Pylory been in? Someone asked me to look him up if I was ever this way..."

Take a swing of my whiskey.

"Find anything interesting in there?" Liisha asked?  She had never had much of an interest in archaeology or ancient history, but considering the work ahead of them, she wondered if she should start.  Of course it was likely that Thomas as a professional guide and Lorain, as a scientist were more up to the challenge.

In reply to Liisha Laagir (msg #230):

"Nothing that I can substantiate.  There's a lot of speculation in this book.  What I'm looking for is something that would give me an idea of which direction Lorraine's father went haring off in."

He closed the book, and rubbed his eyes.  Then he reached for his tea cup and took a sip.

"This would be easier for me if the trail weren't so cold.  If this were a police investigation, I'd say 'Follow The Money', but I don't even know where the money for this would be.  If we were in the bush, I'd be able to track him, if he wasn't too far ahead of us, if he left enough spoor for me to trail him."
This message was last edited by the GM at 19:53, Mon 23 Apr 2012.

Ken listens carefully to Neva.  "No, I didn't notice a tail on the way back but this Bren Pylory sounds damn suspicious.  I wonder if there are other parties that might want to beat us to whatever Lorain might be able to lead us to."

He thought for a moment;  "Did the bartender seem to focus on anyone else Neva or just on me?"

The bartender's smile froze for a second, then he moved on. "Bren... Pylory? Sorry, friend, can't say I know the name. Get you another? Getting close to last call."
This message was last edited by the GM at 19:36, Tue 24 Apr 2012.

"Well let's hope Lorain has some insight.  Maybe she's a chip off the old block and will naturally be drawn to follow the same leads as her father," Liisha said. People were a combination of nature and nurture - maybe Messandi thought process would be similar enough to lead them down whatever path her father had taken.  Laagir finished her drink as she contemplated the odds.

"Want anything to drink?  I need another," she asked Thomas.  "The veranda looks nice if you need a break," she offered, not sure how long Thomas had been studying the tome.

"Funny, I'm sure Joe said it was the Outback he drank in... no matter. Thanks anyway. Yes I'll have another, and something for yourself?"

Linus thought the fellow had recognised the name. Could mean anything, though. He had customers who didn't like other folks knowing where they drank or when, too.

In reply to Liisha Laagir (msg #234):

Not unexpectedly, Lorain was already out on the verandah, along with Talia. Sir Drew was there too, drinking his usual gin and tonic. He could put a lot away without showing the effects.

A fellow guest who fancied himself an amateur archaeologist had recognised her and was trying to draw her into a debate about her father's theories.

He asserted that every bit of scientific evidence pointed to the Miryan natives never having exceeded Tech Level, equivalent to Earth's Renaissance period.

Lorain agreed, saying it would take hard physical evidence (which she is looking for) to prove her father's theories. Nonetheless, there is a lot of anomalous if circumstantial evidence that points to Mirayn as being worth a closer look... such as the fact that people from the sky seem to play not part in native oral history or mythology, despite the planet being surrounded by other Sky Raider targets. It was as if some form of deliberate purge of knowledge about the Sky Raiders occurred.

In reply to Liisha Laagir (msg #234):

"My tea's gone cold.  I don't think I'll have another, however."

Thomas stood and finished off his cup of tea in one go.

"I'll join you on the verandah for a moment or two.  I've been getting up early to watch the fishing, so bedtime is early.  Plus when you're in the bush you wind up getting up with the dawn and to bed with the sun.  It's hard to reschedule yourself."

In reply to Thomas Walker (msg #237):

The Green Park Village

Thomas and Liisha repaired to the veranda, where they heard the ongoing conversation between Lorain and the unnamed guest about her father's theories.

The Outback

The bartender was still looking a little nervous but covered it up by pouring himself a rum and cola. "Sorry I can't help you. Thanks for the drink."

Ken nodded to Thomas and Liisha as the entered the veranda.  He was off to the side talking with Neva at the moment although he was monitoring the conversation with Lorain with some interest.

The Outback

Linus smiled. "No worries. Maybe he drinks elsewhere, or maybe he's just never told you his name."

He finished his drink and settled his tab.

"Goodnight, now. Take care..."

He headed out. Outside, he looked for a window to peer back in through, see what the bartender was doing.

Liisha listened intently the the stories, nursing her second drink.  She wondered at the level of effort that it would require to purge something akin to 'knowledge of off-worlders' from a developing society.  While such an effort could be undertaken, it seemed unlikely to completely succeed.  She recalled graffiti she had seen on Collace during her travels - Information wants to be free...

In reply to Linus Spruance (msg #240):

He saw the bartender pick up the phone, pause, look at the handset. Then he put it back in its cradle and busied himself with bar cleanup.

Interesting, very interesting... but not particularly informative.

Linus strolls back to the hotel, contemplating that as an investigator, he's a good barkeep!

That Evening

With nothing else to gain, Linus headed back to the hotel.

Lorain finished her conversation on the veranda. Everyone had a nightcap and watched small 6-legged lizards chase and eat Mirayan insects, then in turn were eaten by larger lizards. After, they were ready for bed.

The Next Few Days

The next couple days passed quickly.

The next morning and thereafter, Jan Kelso came by and picked up Thomas (and anyone else who wanted to accompany him). First was to arrange expedition GEVs, including a passenger hovercraft, scout hovercraft and cargo hovercraft. Once they had that nailed down they could get registered guides, which was one per vehicle.

Expedition Vehicles

Total Charter Fees: Cr52,000    Total Down Cr13,500

1 Passenger Hovercraft (capacity 16/3000 kg) Charter: Cr2,000/wk,  Cr6,000 Down
1 Cargo Hovercraft (capacity 4/6600 kg)      Charter: Cr2,000/wk,  Cr6,000 Down
1 Scout GEV (capacity 3/100 kg)              Charter: Cr500/wk,    Cr1,500 Down

Capacity is given as passengers/cargo. Charter is total Cost/Week to use the vehicle. Down indicates Credits that must be paid up front. (Bond is provided by the Institute and not included in your costs.)
This message was lightly edited by the GM at 10:23, Fri 27 Apr 2012.

Linus, as expedition bookkeeper, will go along with Jan Kelso & Thomas Walker - then decisions and bookings can be made on the spot!

In reply to GM (msg #244):

"Fuel is included in this quote?"
This message was last edited by the GM at 21:21, Fri 27 Apr 2012.

Ken will come along out of curiosity.  "Will the guides pilot the hovercraft?"

Kelso was to the point.

"Petrol not included, of course.

"One registered pilot and one guide per GEV. Plus support personnel.

"They don't come with the rental, either."

348-1107

1700-1900 Hours

Having completed the required task for the day, Kelso dropped the adventurers off at the hotel. Tomorrow the staffing would begin, and he had calls to make to guides, pilots, and various support personnel.

Dinner was excellent as usual and lasted until around 1900 hours.
This message was last edited by the GM at 11:32, Fri 08 June 2012.

Liisha found some time to work out and shower before dinner.  After a great meal, she found a glass and not surprisingly, something to drink, and headed out toward the veranda.  As or if the others joined, she spoke.

"Kelso seems brusque, but seems to know his trade.  Here's hoping to finding Lorain's father," she said with a toast of her glass (port, sweet wine, brandy... who knew.  After the drinks at dinner, she could hardly tell the difference).

Liisha enjoyed being at the hotel - good food, strong drink, and hot showers - what was not to like?  But like her time in the Army, she knew that real work was field work.  That's where all this was headed.  And that would be the real test.
This message was last edited by the player at 17:26, Sun 29 Apr 2012.

Ken eats dinner gratefully and joins the others on the veranda.  He joins Liisha's toast.  "Here, here.  And may we find him alive and in one piece."

As the conversation continued he sipped his own glass of whiskey.  "Kelso seems decent enough." He turns to his companions;  "Thomas, what do you think of the fellow?"

In reply to Ken Jenkins (msg #251):

"He seems straightforward enough.  I don't know where to go to comparison shop.  I didn't notice anything that indicated to me that they were skimming us."

In reply to Thomas Walker (msg #252):

Neva had went to dinner with the group (she did have to eat after all) and joined in the toast.  "_{Here's to finding him alive}."

When Thomas started talking about Kelso Neva piped up with "Don't think he is over charging any more than rest of them are and less than some others."

Ken nodded to Neva; "I'm sure he'll take a bit of a cut.  We may be able to handle some of the stuff ourselves and save a bit of money.  No need to get crazy though as cutting corners is sometimes the same as cutting your throat."

In reply to Ken Jenkins (msg #254):

Neva nodded.  "It is good to pay their prices.  They have to make a living and sometimes...sometimes that is all they get.  If you deprive them of their income they will put back up more defenses against us and then it will be harder to find out more information."

In reply to Neva Alexovna Morozova (msg #255):

Ken finishes his whiskey.  "I don't grudge him his profit.  We just need to be careful as our budget is fairly limited."

Green Park Village Hotel, Val Preszar

2000 Hours

The sun slipped down behind the ever-present clouds. There was a short burst of rain in the twilight hours, a regular occurrence. It was over in a half hour.

There was a call from Stanley. He said he had a friend who was a registered pilot. He just got back from guiding a tour and Stanley thought he would be a good fit for the team. Did they want to meet them at the Outback in a half hour? The man's name was Blake Renfield.

GM Notes: Anyone going to the bar tonight? This would be a great place to meet Blake.

Sounds like an idea. Ask Stanley to set it up. Who else wants to come?

In reply to Linus Spruance (msg #258):

Neva nodded.  "I can come.  Perhaps I should slip in a little later or earlier than you and sit off to one side so that I might hear or observe others as you talk?"

First impressions are always important, that’s what strikes you as odd.  It like this guy does not care.  Dirt and dust, not a clean spot on his person as he strides into the cantina.  Not old, but defiantly lots of miles.  And the eyes, they always seem like be looking, shifting.  Like, he’s looking for the fire extinguisher or an escape hatch.  Zippers and snaps, that’s what you zoom in on next, the leather and pockets on his jacket are equal in quantity, 50/50.
You wonder what he could be keeping in all those little zippers and snaps.

He walks up to your group, flags down the bar-keep. “Beer and catch of the day.” As he throws him some money.
He looks at you all.  “Names Blake, Blake Renfield.  Hear your looking for a pilot…..”
As he grabs a chair and sits down.

"Good evening, Mr Renfield," said Linus. "I'm Linus Spruance." He introduced the others.

"Stanley recommended you quite highly when we asked about a pilot for our expedition. Please can you tell us a little about your background and experience."

In reply to Linus Spruance (msg #261):

Before Neva could find a "safe" place to sit and observe she found herself being introduced to their potential pilot.  She nodded and gave him the once over that seemed to take all of him in at once.  She noticed that he seemed to prefer tons of pockets which she could certainly relate to.  What was more interesting was whether or not those pocket flaps were fastened or not.  She didn't say much but just watched and listened.  Two of her specialties.

The bartender shows up with the meal and the warm beer.
“Blake, please call me Blake.  Did a few in the scouts, then the same old story with a funny twist, Boy meets girl, boy falls for girl, boy quits job for girl. “

Takes a bite of the meal, and chases it with a swig of his drink.

“betcha wondering what happened next. She rolled me, took every credit I had, and took off.  Now I’m stuck here, till I can get back out into the black”

Taking another bite, “So, what’s your all deal….”

In reply to Blake Renfield (msg #263):

Neva shrugged.  "Starting over myself.  Been down on luck.  Finally woke up and remembered who I was.  Now trying to put my life back together."

2135 Hours

Stanley, their Gog friend, excused himself to go talk with the human bartender. He ordered a round of Mirayn beers. The bartender hesitated, then poured whatever was on tap into a tray of glasses, with a pitcher.

The decor of the Outback was run-down 70's tavern. A few neon signs, worn-out stools, scuffed booths, chugging Air Conditioner, B-and-W Televistion tuned to sports with the volume off. Tobacco was a big export for this continent, so the room was filled with cigar and cigarette smoke.

Ken slipped into the bar a bit behind the others.  Seeing the group talking to a stranger he surmised that it was the Scout that Lorain had arranged to join the party.  Ken had worked with the Scouts in the past on recon missions, the Scouts providing long range intelligence for Marine strike forces or operating covert ships for stealthy infiltrations.

"Hi, I'm Ken Jenkins.  I got stuck here when my money ran out before I was able to find anything worth selling."

"Me, I'm retired Navy, now running a bar in Capital City. A whiles back, an old friend, Jothan Messandi, a professor of antiquities, turned up, research the Sky Raiders. He stopped just the one night, then headed out here... Didn't hear any more from him. Then the other day his daughter turned up. She hasn't heard beans from her dad either, and has decided to go a-looking. I'm here to keep an eye on her, I think Jothan would want me to.. he cares for her deeply, if he's not been in touch, he may have got into difficulties," said Linus.

2230 Hours

Begging off due to work, Stanley made his apologies and departed.

The salaray on offer for Blake was Cr75 a week, standard pay for support personnel (guard, porter, etc.) on an expedition like this. Typically, he'd get 3 weeks up front.

After Linus, Ken and Neva had been there a while, an old man stumbled into the bar. Not just age but some kind of wasting disease ravaged his gaunt frame. He said, loudly, "I'm Lindon Green! Old Lin. Someone here wants to know about the Messandi's expedition... I was on it!"

No one looked up at this, other than the bartender, who quickly found something to do in the back room.
This message was last edited by the GM at 11:54, Fri 04 May 2012.

Not completely sure if this fellow was on the level or not, Linus waved.

"Over here. I'm the guy wanting to know about the Messandi expedition."

He got up and moved to another table, giving the impression that the others were casual acquaitances rather than part of the same group.

In reply to Linus Spruance (msg #269):

Neva noticed the barkeep moving towards the back which was typical of them and yet her nerves just wouldn't settle down.  She looked over at her comrades and muttered.  "<sub>The bartender just had to go into the back at this precise time.  Think he is contacting somebody again?  Think next time we should pick a different meeting place?"

Finishing his dinner, Blake gets up when Green walks in.
    “Well,  I’m in, but put me in a different vehicle then Green, if you plan to hire him, he stinks of death”
Blake go to walk out to the veranda,
    “going outside to smoke and get fresher air”, as he pulls a pipe and a tobacco pouch out of one of his pockets.

Blake also noticed that the bar-keep went into the back, thinking to himself “hm, lets go out around back to see what he’s up to”

Blake left to go have a smoke outside. It was muggy and raining in the darkness. Mirayn was often like that; perpetually overcast and frequently raining.

There was no one in the rear alley and while there was a streetlamp at the mouth, it was poorly lit. The rear door of the bar was closed, to keep in the air conditioning.

Inside, it wasn't clear if the bartender was using the phone, as there was one at the counter. However, there could be one in the back, too, no way to be certain.

Meanwhile, Lin helped himself to a glass of beer. He had a coughing fit.

"Damn jungle rot. Fungal infections. Antibiotics ain't workin' worth a damn 'gainst it."

He wiped his mouth on a handkerchief. Contrary to expectations, it wasn't spotted with blood. Sipping the beer, he continued.

"Anyways, I was on the Messandi expedition. Looking for Tlaynsilak, the City of Golden Walls. Got a map and diary. It's all yours... just 300 credits."

Linden looked at Linus, reddish watery eyes intent. His skin was ravaged by a some disease, blood vessels broken under the skin.

But... Linus had heard a hundred stories like this. For that matter, he'd been offered a dozen "treasure maps" to "Golden Citys" and the "Citadel of the Sky-Raiders". Some had looked real, very real indeed. It was the story that had led Neva to this Godforsaken jungle world where it always rained and the sun never shone in the sky.

"So... tell me about this expedition. How did you get caught up in it?" asked Linus.

Lin coughed some more.

"Mind if I wet my whistle a little, mate? There's a sport."

He poured himself another glass of beer from the pitcher on the table. It was now empty.

"Too bad. Well, I was hired offworld through an agency on Kokkelen. League of Suns. Met Messandi at Mirayn Starport with everyone else. His crew were all off-worlders. Everyone."
This message was last edited by the GM at 12:15, Sat 05 May 2012.

"Right, so you were the sole local with knowledge of the ground truth? What did they say they were after?"

Linus looked round for the bartender to order another pitcher of beer.

In reply to Linus Spruance (msg #275):

"I'm not a local. Like I said, no locals on the expedition. All off-worlders. Pilots, guides, everyone."

"Messandi was after what his book says. The Sky-Raiders. We headed up the Nahanir river. Long ways."

Neva figured enough time had gone by and when she didn't see the barkeep return, she quietly pushed back her chair and muttered something about needing some air.

She stepped outside and pulled her coat around her, pulling up her hood.  The coat was worn and had seen better days but it fit in this surroundings of dark of night.  She casually strolled towards the alley way in the rain.  She stopped she stopped when she saw a figure there and hunkered down in the typical street person huddle, keeping her eyes out on both the street and the alley.

"Sorry, got confused. So, why were you invited? And why are you still here?" Linus is, despite himself, getting absorbed in the tale.

In reply to Neva Alexovna Morozova (msg #277):

After only a few minutes in back, the bartender came out.

He poured a new pitcher for Linus and brought it over. Unhooking the aluminum keg, he took it in back, returning a short time later with another which he proceeded to hook up to the taps for draught beer.



"I don't have the money to get offworld. I'll be dead before I do," replied Lin as he coughed, then poured himself another.

Out back in the alley, Neva saw nothing untowards save Blake having a smoke.


GM Note: Sorry if this was unclear, the bartender has been out and about. He was in back about long enough to get a keg. I was just more concentrating on Lin's story to make it clear what he was doing!
This message was last edited by the GM at 23:11, Sat 05 May 2012.

In reply to GM (msg #279):

Neva stayed where she was even though her survival skills weren't screaming danger so far.  From her position she could see the door to the bar so when her group left she'd be able to see them and rejoin them if she didn't before that.  She also wanted to see what this new guy was about.  She did give him credit for coming out to watch the back alleyway so that moved him up her ladder a little bit.

Neva didn't know how long she would be in the alley but it wouldn't be the first time that she had stayed for hours outside in the rain.  As alley's go, this one wasn't half bad.  She could have lived quite nicely in it for a long time but that was in the past.

Ken pours another beer for Old Lin.  "So everyone on the expedition were off worlders?  Why didn't they use locals?  Were they trying to hide something?"

"As for that diary, what does it cover?  Is it your own notes?"

Lost in thought for a moment, Lin rubbed his mouth as he stared into the beer, then took another drink.

"I dunno why. Ah, I think Messandi was worried about the locals blabbing? Lots of problems with smugglers here. Corrupt government, too. Word gets out, the site gets stripped before you turn around."

"It's my diary. Notes, thoughts, sketches. A map of our route. Some theories on who was backing Messandi."
This message was last updated by the GM at 23:55, Sun 06 May 2012.

Ken glances at Linus and then back at the old man.  "Lin, how about 250 credits for the diary and we have Lorain give you passage offworld when the rest of us leave after our expedition?" He thinks for a moment;  "You should come and meet Lorain.  I'm sure she'd like to speak to one of the last people to hear from her father."

<ooc> Did we establish how Lin came to be here and not lost with the rest of the expedition? </ooc>

In reply to Ken Jenkins (msg #283):

He perked up at the offer, tapping on the table.

"Ahhh... yeah, that sounds like a great deal! Depends on where you're goin' of course. How about 250 now, then if you're not going my way, another 50 tomorrow.

"I'd sure like to meet Messandi's daughter. Talked a lot about her."

"So... 250 down, I'll let you have all my stuff now. I owe someone and they'll be happy to hear I got the money. See you tomorrow? Maybe here at 1500?"


OOC: He didn't mention how come he's not disappeared along with the rest of the expedition.

"OK," said Linus, dipping into party funds.

"Now then, Lin... what happened on the expedition? How did you end up here in Val Prezar?"

Outside in the Alley

Blake and Neva were in the dimly-lit alley. Nothing and no one of any interest presented themselves. The rear door was locked.

A warm light rain showered down, not altogether unpleasant.

Ken listened for the answer to Linus' question.  He wasn't entirely comfortable letting the old drunk off with their 250 credits.  "Why don't we go with you to recover the diary with you Lin?  I know Lorain would like to read something like that right away."

"I got sick. They had to leave me upriver. Never got over it, but got well enough for them to take me to a trading station. It's all in the book."


He coughed, but not for dramatic effect.

Ken listened for the answer to Linus' question.  He wasn't entirely comfortable letting the old drunk off with their 250 credits.  "Why don't we go with you to recover the diary with you Lin?  I know Lorain would like to read something like that right away."


"Let's see the colour of your credits first, chief."

(Linus has got the cash out already...)

In reply to Linus Spruance (msg #289):

OOC: Oh, right. Ha ha. You already had the money out.

Realising that Linus was holding up the requested money, Lin pulled out a weatherbeaten notebook, stained by water and jungle-rot. Not unlike his own weathered face.

"Oh, right. Ha ha. You already had the money out. Didn't notice. Here you go."

He riffled through the notes, put them in a pocket. "Thanks. You don't know how much this means to me."
This message was last updated by the GM at 04:35, Thu 10 May 2012.

Ken took the book with a nod and a glance at Linus.  "Well, hopefully the diary and talking to you will help us in our mission to track down Lorain's father."  Pouring more beer for the older man he continues;  "I'm sure Lorain is still up Lin.  Would you like to come back to the hotel with us?  We can put you up for the night and get you a good meal or two."

He looked undecided, then checked his watch.

"Sure, why not? If you pay for a tuk-tuk or pedicab home, I guess I have time."

Lin drank up in preparation to leaving.

"All right," said Linus, likewise finishing his drink.

Old Lin, Ken and Linus drank up, paid up and began to leave the bar. They mey Neva and Blake coming in from the alley, soggy from the warm rain.

Green Park Village Hotel

A short tuk-tuk ride later, they were back at the hotel. Lorain was somewhat skeptical to see the old man, although she didn't question the expense outright.

Ken ushered the old drunk into the large suite.  "Lorain, this is Lin.  He was a member of your father's expedition."

In reply to Ken Jenkins (msg #295):

Introductions out of the way, Lorain is initially skeptical, but Lin is able to describe her father in convincing enough detail.

He described their route in general terms, and indeed it sounded like Messandi's expedition had gone up the Nahananir river basin. They made frequent stops along the way to examine sites that held some archaeological interest. Messandi seemed to find some kind of evidence that somehow indicated they were on the right track. Lin figured the frequent stops also served to throw off possible pursuit by rivals or tomb-raiders.

Lorain got the map out to quiz him in detail, but Lin begged off.

"Look, Miss Messandi, wish I could go into more detail right now. Gotta go meet some people. I'll be here tomrorrow. Noon. We can go into detail then."

This being the first real lead the team had turned up, Lorain was reluctant to let him go until she'd pumped him for every scrap of information, and she'd barely scratched the surface.