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.