By the next morning, everyone's business has been completed (?) and they are back at the ship ready to deal with the day's new business.

Inderpal Kumar heads over back from the spa where she spent an enjoyable day and evening with Sharik, in order to see what will be needed of her today. She'll happily work if asked, but otherwise intends to engage in some more leisure time.

When the samples arrived with Valeska, Sylvester, and Serge, Sir Walter held up his hand before they were opened. "Would it not be better to open them in a sterile environment?" he inquired from Ms. Kirkonen.

Later that morning Khea awakes from her sleep. Rather soon for Aslan, it seems as if the long time working on a humanity schedule has taken its toll on her, but she is still more rested than on the ship.

She dresses herself, pockets her communicator and heads out to explore the spa further, glad that Aslan do not waste time with multiple meals each day.

"I had no intention of opening any of them here," Magda replies to Walter. "They are still 'on ice', and I don't know if any of them are frozen. I'll let the tab techs determine that."

Holding his hand up in understanding, he motioned to the samples. "We are in agreement then?" he asked, finishing up the last of the contract for the manufacture of the drugs that were found.

Most of the first day and into the second day, Reese will spend his time going over everyone's medical records, particularly those of Tescha and Dieter.

He's got a new medical baseline for Tescha, of course, but he's still looking for his medical records and anything Tescha can tell him that might not be in the records.

When the opportunity arises, he'll call Tescha to the medical bay for just a follow up consultation.

Same thing for Dieter. Get his medical records transferred to the ship, and do a basic medical examination to determine a baseline.


In between times, now that TAMI is hooked up to the ship and anyone can talk to her anywhere anywhere, he begins a conversation or three with her. He can't do a medical examination of her, even if he knew a lot about computers and electronics, but he can do an assessment of her mental state... a psychological profile.

At no point does he ever become alarmed by her answers, but he makes some keen observations, which he writes down on analog paper as well as making an electronic file. It's a precaution... of sorts. If at some point TAMI became paranoid or devious, she could very well erase the e-files, regardless of what encryption he put on them.


Later, when he's off ship, he'll have a face-to-face conversation with Sir Walter, Vonon, Jack, and Sylvester, not necessarily all at the same time, but whenever circumstances allow. He'll pretty much report his findings to all of them.

"TAMI was never meant to be self-aware. I'm not even sure she was intended to be an AI... at least as we define that today. At best. she could probably have been considered an Administrative Assistant, since that's what her function was--handle the day-to-day mundane operations of the facility."

"I wouldn't say that the people working there 'distrusted' her. I think it was more about overall security. If the enemy--and the Iltharans made a lot of them--ever found and invaded the base, the people didn't seem to have any doubts that the computer could be hacked. So, the less they put into the computer, the less information there was to be discovered."

"From what everyone's reported of the facility and what you found, the Iltharans seemed to have a rather nonchalant attitude about psionics and telepathy. On the other hand, it seems as if the only one who may have known TAMI was psionic was the facility's administrator and the person who created her. Considering that they were developing a wide range of psionic drugs, it may have been a precaution on his part to monitor anyone that took the drugs. I mean, if they didn't have test subject, how would they know if any of the drugs worked? And if they didn't have some way to monitor those test subjects, how would they have known they worked?"

"The bottom line here is that no one at the facility seemed to be concerned about having their mind read. TAMI has even said that she never did that. Then again, back at that time, she wasn't Self-aware, so I'm not really sure how much she 'remembers'. I think Sylvester may have to go through all those memory files and see what's there. Jack may have to help him because I have no idea how you'd store psionic memories."

"So, TAMI, being telepathic, picked up a lot of, for lack of a better term, sideband thoughts while the facility was in operation. Whether she stored any of this as memory, that's for Jack and Sylvester to determine. What it began doing, though, is modifying the engrams that comprised her brain. I don't know if she's organic or electronic or some sort of amalgam of the two. I suspect the latter, because, organically she could grow more neurons. That, coupled with a bit of sensory deprivation after the facility was abandoned, seems to be what eventually led to her developing self-awareness."

"I'm only guessing, mind you. Well, theorizing is perhaps a better word. The kickstarter event was probably when the planet was turned into a prison/colony. Suddenly there were new minds that she could sense and read... eagerly waiting for one of them to give her new commands that never came."

"She had no physical control over the facility that had been abandoned and shut down, so her only input was the mindscape of others. For reasons I don't understand, she wasn't able to contact them mentally. Maybe it was because she hadn't been trained to do so. Maybe it was because none of them were psionic and therefore not receptive. Maybe it was because she hadn't yet developed the ability or range to do so."

"Yes, yes, I know... you just take for granted that she IS a telepathic self-aware computer. Me, I want to know why."

"Anyway, the gist of all this is that now that she's been removed from the facility, she no longer has a purpose. I don't think there's anything she can do about running the ship on a day-to-day basis that the ship's computer can't already do. It's a question of sophistication. Our current programs are 100 times better than the Iltharan ones."

"So, if you're worried about her turning on you, which I don't think can ever happen, I suggest you find a purpose for her, and possibly make her a member of the crew. While Veronika isn't a person, legally, TAMI probably is."

"The reason I'm telling you this face to face is because I can't say how this information would affect TAMI. Better safe than sorry."

Sylvester listened to Reese's thoughts on TAMI, Jack, Serge, and anyone with skill could help. It could take a year or more to go through it all, most likely more.

=============== DAY TWO ===============


After the auction and everyone is rolling in credits now, what is everyone going to do?

Dieter: what is Dieter going to do?

Indy: what is Indy going to do?

Jack: He's probably playing with his new toy.

Khea: She slept in until 11:00, probably had something to eat, and is now doing what?

Pablo: If anyone else goes along with Sylvester and Valeska, he'll tag along, too. There's bound to be something there to entertain him.

Reese: Getting caught up on medical records, conversing with TAMI, and reporting off-ship to Walter, Jack and Sylvester about his findings regarding TAMI.

Sam: what is Sam going to do?

Serge: what is Serge going to do?

Sharik: what is Sharik going to do? And who is she going to do it with?

Sylvester: There's no pressing need for him to deal with the computers on the ship nor work with TAMI's memory files, but he can if he wants.

Tescha: He is probably going over the results of the auction, evaluating what sold, what didn't sell, what sold well, etc. This will give a better estimation of how to do the same with the rest of the items to be sold on Duncinae.

Valeska: If Sylvester is free, she wanted to return to the Arcade and play the rest of the games. It's sort of personal challenge for her now.

Vonon: Spa in the morning, tail end of the auction, then what?

Walter: Returns to TAS office and continues to look for business deals, cargo, freight, and mail. No passengers!


Sometime later in the afternoon, Sir Walter is contacted by Magda Kirkonen and her business lawyer Argyle Krumm with contracts to be signed... assuming Walter was still interested in contributing 1MCr to the research on the drugs. Even though the conversation was recorded by both sides, this is an official business agreement establishing a new company called Longshot Pharmaceuticals under joint ownership of Longshot Enterprises and ShogiSunStryker corporation.

It appears to be a standard business deal. Longshot Enterprises is contributing 1.000,000Cr and samples to be developed while ShogiSunStryker is contributing 1,000,000Cr and lab facilities to do pharmaceutical research.

Everything seems legit, and Walter can even have Veronika go over them. It's got all the standard clauses for a joint venture, including possible expansion of scope and parameters of the research.

Sylvester will take Val to the arcade and work with TAMI on the way to Duncinae. He will help Val play as many games as she can. If Pablo or Serge want to come along, or any one else for all that matters, are welcome to join them. Dieter?

When the drugs are done, Sylvester might think about some of the anti-aging pills. He's in his prime at 38, but who wants to be 50 in 12 years?
This message was last edited by the player at 17:16, Fri 20 Aug 2021.

Serge will tag along with Sly/Val/Pablo.

Inderpal Kumar heads over back from the spa where she spent an enjoyable day and evening with Sharik, in order to see what will be needed of her today. She'll happily work if asked, but otherwise intends to engage in some more leisure time. Possibly doing some serious shopping with her windfall. She wouldn't mind a new watch or three.

In reply to Serge Baklanov (msg # 12):

The arcade! Good choice! Sylvester isn't real good at the games, but he is a good loser.

We can all have some Napoleon Brandy and a Cuban cigar later! To celebrate!

Shopping sounds like a good idea too!!

Jack agrees here. Who wants to be 50?  And there are reverse aging drugs too. I can see where 15% of our monthly profits will be going to.

Sir Walter was at TAS working on a cargo when the video call was received. Pulling up the agreement, he send a copy to the other members of the board for review and to Veronica. With everything in place, the money was transmitted to  ShogiSunStryker to begin the joint venture.

"Anyone know where we're going next?" he asks universally as he plays a shooting game.

"Unless something's changed that we haven't been informed of yet, we're heading to the capitol, Duncinae, to unload the rest of the artifacts," Valeska explained to Sylvester.

"If your memory is getting that bad already, maybe we should put a priority on those anti-aging drugs! Although, if I recall correctly, there were some memory drugs in that list. Maybe they could help you."

"I promise, though, that I won't hold it against you if you forget my name one of these days, let alone my birthday."

In reply to Valeska Brandenberg (msg # 18):

"You have to tell me your birthday before I can forget it love! Sorry, I forgot the other auction!"

Khea is quite surprised when she checks her comm later that day and notices the transfer to her account.
So to celebrate she books the biggest spa package she can find, including fur trimming.

Only after she is done she is done she remembers to text the others. A nice suprise in the mornings. Do you have anything planned to celebrate?

Having spent the morning rather leisurely (she was pretty sure there was a massage, two meals, a swim, and plenty of ... lounging around) with Indy, Sharik decided that afternoon was going to be just as leisurely - though shopping meant that she might be able to mix business with pleasure.  Though she didn't stop Indy from bidding, Longshot Enterprises' corporate secretary kept herself out of any of the proceedings; she monitored them, of course, as one of the corporate liaisons for general logistics, it was her job.  But, primarily, that meant properly configuring her virtual personal agent to really keep her alerted of any abnormalities.  But satisfied with the proceedings (and more than satisfied with the prices being accumulated), Shar had mostly made it her mission to ensure that Indy was reasonably comfortable (and distracted) as to not do too much to attract any investigations into insider trading or market manipulation.  Besides, where the hell was she going to keep that large exotic sculpture or heavy Iltharan card table?

Shar sent a missive to Walter (and Vonon) to let him know that she was going to refresh the stock of luxuries; with Count Cromwell now indisposed, she presumed that the task would fall to her - that and her tastes were reasonably refined.  The cosmopolitan dilettante was noted for her serious attitude towards recreation.  And if that meant trying fifty different types of brandy and caviar combinations to determine the best one; well, then Sharik was willing to take of the team on that.  That missive also had her signature with respect to any paperwork required of her for the pharmaceutical venture.

She also asked Walter if he needed anything else while she was out, prompting him about any additional software or hardware needs that his personal assistant, Veronika, might require.  Sharik simply figured that two weeks into their relationship his needs might have changed, or at least been refined, and since she was already out and about it would be easy for her to acquire (within the limits of the local laws and tech, of course).  Higher tech requests would likely need to be satisfied at their next stop in Duncinae.

Shar actually wondered if Sue and Gabe were on the hunt for her (and/or Indy) again.  Obviously, the ship's registry would have popped up on any official channels; and she and the crew hadn't really taken any extra precautions (that she was aware of) to remain overly discreet or inconspicuous on their return.  But, as far as Sharik was concerned, everything that the Longshot was doing was on the up-and-up, contractually authorized and all that.

Sharik also let Sylvester and Reese (as well as Walter and Vonon) know that she was available to work with TAMI, if they desired; Reese's reported findings, filed in any official capacity, would have crossed the Corporate and Ship's Secretary's virtual desk eventually.  She made those unaware, aware of her professional credentials with respect to computerized and electronic systems [OOC: Sharik has Electronics (computer)/2, as well.] (as if her technophilic propensities were pretty much always on full display given the plethora of integrated wearable equipment that she always seemed to carry).  She only made the offer once, presuming that the boys would want their own time with the exotic Iltharan AI.  And she respected that.

Later in the afternoon, Shar intended to join up with the other crew (assuming that Indy is up for it, otherwise - it is retire to 'relax' at the spa suite for the dinner and the evening) and then karaoke.  The lithe dilettante would have already forwarded her choice for a good singing bar (with decent food and plenty of proper libations), having had her virtual agent configured to whittled down the search and then going over the preliminary results herself looking for quality 'keywords' to recommend any given place.  With fairly extensive experience and her serious attention to the Nouveau Riche nomenclature and culture around the subsector and frontier, Sharik is fairly confident with her recommendations.  However, she is willing to go with the consensus, as necessary.
This message was last edited by the player at 01:46, Mon 23 Aug 2021.

Sylvester lets Sharik know she is more than welcome to work with TAMI anytime she desires!
This message was last edited by the player at 15:15, Mon 23 Aug 2021.

Having failed to find any watches to her liking, Inderpal decides to join Sharik in her meeting with the rest of the crew and the karaoke in the evening. Might as well socialise with the others and learn more about them. That was what she had been taught as a diplomat after all.

Plus Sharik was great company in general.

+++Thank you for looking into restocking the supplies Ms. Kaagira. You cannot go wrong with updating the vids. I liked the Count but we have seen everyone of his vids at least a half dozen times, some new ones would be nice. Some fine china for the dining room might come in handy if we have any guests.+++ Sir Walter replied to Sharik's inquiry.

+++I will have to see if there are any items that I can use. Oh, can you get with the chandler and update the life support? I am sure that the filters need to be replaced. Tell you what, since it has been a while, a full cleaning of the system is in order.+++ he added

(Spend 100,000 on Life Support)

Sylvester and Valeska have fun on Karaoke night, Sylvester makes a fool out of himself singing a love song to her and he is so happy he doesn't care! He eats hardy and gets drunk too!

Sylvester breaks out the imitation chocolate chip cookies that night too, he knows Vonon loves them, and Serge!

Sam gets up when she wakes up, having not set the alarm, and enjoying the feeling of having no real plans. After using he Fresher She eventually ambles down to the kitchen for some coffee, and takes her time, savouring it, having a couple of cups, and idly scanning the news feeds, seeing if anyone else emerges, and if they fancy going out to waste some money on an extravagant brunch, and possibly some shopping for kit.

If no one turns up before shes finished, she amble sback to her cabin

In reply to Samantha Kilgore (msg # 27):

The next morning after karaoke Sam? Sylvester and possibly Val would be willing to go. Sylvester had been extremely drunk, but he does not get hangovers.
This message was last edited by the player at 15:32, Thu 26 Aug 2021.

Although karaoke was scheduled for 8pm, it actually started at 7 for the amateurs when there weren't too many people watching. It didn't start to get 'interesting' until about 10 after patrons had time to knock back a few drinks and no longer cared how bad their singing was. Also, their inhibitions were put on hold for a bit and they tried to put on a performance.

It lasted till 2am due to the number of participants.

"So Sam, what are you shopping for? Val and I can go with you if you're interested in company?" Sylvester has his arm around Val's waist, hand on her butt. "Move into my quarters Val, not so far to go then. If you wish, Vonon can marry us!"
This message was last edited by the player at 17:13, Sat 28 Aug 2021.

In reply to Sylvester Jinx (msg # 30):

In reply to Valeska Brandenberg (msg # 778):

"Only to you sweet one, I've been in space 20 plus years, never been married. Before it is too late, I want to settle down, and I chose you! As you've probably noticed, I snore belch and fart like everyone else! he grins at that. "But I want to spend the rest of my life with you. We'll take it slow since that is your choice. We'll have fun and get to know one another better."

Inderpal enjoys the karaoke night herself and does a rather good job at singing. She paces herself with the drinking and calls it a night at 11pm, returning to her room to get some sleep. She has some important work to do tomorrow. Shopping for luxuries should be done sober or else you'll be ripped off.

=============== DAY TWO ===============
===== SHARIK AND INDY (AND FRIENDS) AT KAARSTEN'S DISTRICT (Upscale Shopping) =====

Sharik always took shopping seriously.  When done right, it required extensive knowledge... supply chains, alternatives and comparisons, function (and multi-function) as well as price.  Though price was less of an object for the moment, her reputation was not for sale.  The auburn-haired socialite-cum-corporate secretary took her job seriously.  Shar knew that Walter was a better businessman, but she wasn't a bad organizer.  And she could be extremely detail-oriented when needed; one didn't remain active in any corporate operations division with being so.

And then there were the aesthetics.  When price was less of an object, then the real melding of function and form came to the fore.  Her overall body of knowledge meant that Sharik knew what she liked and why.  She could be a high-maintenance customer, more than willing to call out any salesperson trying to snowball her or pull the wool over her eyes.  Apparently, all of that knowledge rattling around in her head wasn't saved just for Trivial Pursuit™: Pax Imperium Tertius Edition.

All of this, needless to say, made Sharik's shopping escapades a bit time-consuming.  However, that didn't mean they were dull; somehow, the cosmopolitan socialite made the dizzying circuit of stores an adventure - a multi-day adventure, in this case.  The afternoon before karaoke, Sharik made sure that all of the requirements from Walter - be they personal items or shipboard were ordered and tracked.  Since all of the staterooms were getting upgrades, any electronics suites and their installation appointments were booked.  Of course, that meant demonstrations of much of display and sound equipment for the various theater venues.  Naturally, her own dataglove had plenty test materials; her video and audio archives were extensive.  So, between working with suppliers of caviar and champagne (with sampling of wares) as well as various electronics and clothing outfits, it was an active afternoon.  And somehow, all of selections for tailored crew uniforms and video saloons were extremely upscale with impeccable personnel and selections.  Sharik's virtual agent as well as her personal directory of addresses and recommendations was getting a workout, it seeemed.

Even more interesting, though perhaps not as surprising given her access to personnel files, as central admin for both the Longshot and Longshot Enterprises, Shar knew all of the required measurements for each of the new crew to ensure proper tailoring of their dress and work uniforms.  While any purveyor of bespoke materials always preferred in-person fittings, sometimes that was not possible.  She never smirked or batted an eye when ensuring that flourescent green was the required brightness.

In the middle of the afternoon, she texted Reese to see if any additional medical supplies were required - though as she recalled he'd restocked recently (that is, two weeks ago when they'd first been to Invermory).  Still, it never hurt to ask, since time had passed and at least one cryoberth patient had been dealt with in that time.

With all of the various and sundry item delieverables and deliveries scheduled, she was satisfied with the first day's work.

Karaoke was a welcome break.  Though she supposedly had no formal training, her singing was decent; it was obvious that Sharik had had some vocal training, which she claimed was part of her deportment and etiquette classes when younger.  Something about a three-day course on how to win friends and influence people when she was first investigating a corporate Ponzi scheme more than a decade ago.

===== SHARIK AND INDY (AND FRIENDS) AT HARMONIOUS WAIL (Karaoke Bar) =====

Sharik drank socially along side Indy, her own preferred libation seems to be Sylean brandy.  Shar made sure that everyone that joined them was enjoying themselves and took on a sort of de-facto hostess role having suggested the place - though not originally the idea for the evening.  Unsurprisingly, she knew much of the staff of the establishment by name (even those servers that haven't brought them anything), having vetted the venue beforehand.  Though she left with Indy around eleven, a corporate tab was left open (and monitored by her) for the others to partake on (well, up to a point - there would be no multi-million credit bottles of wine ordered) for any additional food and wine until close.

=============== (And into DAY THREE) ===============
===== SHARIK AND INDY AT BARSTOW'S ALLEY (More Upscale Shopping) =====

The next day of shopping was likely more luxurious in pace and a touch more personal.  There was still business to take care of - more electronics and software to order, as well as plenty more foodstuffs to partake of.  And more clothes and accessories.  But also, more personal perusal was involved.  Though she already had a number of analog chronometers of antique vintage in her possession, Shar had seen a few models of digital chronometers in one of the local outfits that had caught her eye.  Also, Sharik had some interesting fashion boutiques in mind and wanted to get a gift (or two or three) for Inderpal - with Ms. Kumar's blessing, of course.

And after seeing Val and Sly at karaoke the previous evening.  Sharik suspected that a gift for the two of them was in order as well.

Sylvester purchases a Security suite to make TAMI and the ship's computer hack proof. Plus his. He wasn't paranoid, just being secure. After that and a few other small purchases he was ready to head to Duncinae. He also purchased a Personal Trainer and software to improve some of his shipboard skills.

He bought sexy silk lingerie for Val and silk pajamas for himself and picked up 3 tailored Armani suits for business.
This message was last edited by the player at 16:14, Mon 30 Aug 2021.

Khea spends the 2nd day mostly doing shopping for miscellaneous things which remind her of home.
And she makes a mental note to pressure Vonon to finally get the low berths installed.

Sam mainly wants to shop for a few extra items to make her room a bit more personal, but also some professional kit.

ooc
sorry for delay in replying, Sylvester (can we call you Sly...?) Bank Holiday weekend got in the way
This message was last edited by the player at 08:35, Tue 31 Aug 2021.

In reply to Samantha Kilgore (msg # 36):

"Sly works. That's what Val calls me. Val and I will go along with you."
This message was last edited by the player at 16:38, Tue 31 Aug 2021.

"Really, Sly? I thought the sexy lingerie was for YOU!" Val says.

She'll go shopping, too. She's looking for a glow-in-the-dark black velvet Elvis painting. She still has no idea what an "Elvis" is, but finds the paintings kind of funny and quirky.

In reply to Valeska Brandenberg (msg # 38):

Sly winks, "it is my dear! You'll only be wearing it for me!" he smiles and gives her a soft kiss.
This message was last edited by the player at 13:04, Wed 01 Sept 2021.

===== SHARIK AND INDY AT BARSTOW'S ALLEY (More Upscale Shopping) =====

Ms. Kumar was happy to give her blessing to Sharik buying her clothes. She found a little black dress with a very low neckline and no back that would look perfect for some higher end parties. Along with a T-shirt dress that left little to the imagination...

She also found a black faux-leather watch that went perfectly with both. Now to see what Sharik would like...

In reply to Inderpal Kumar (msg # 40):

"We'll get you a few dresses and such for your regular wardrobe too Val, A tiny black and a tiny red dress, something to showcase your beauty! Some everyday clothes too, comfys."

Sam says to Val and Sly "SO lets go - you lead the way. I'm not really sure what I want, and I'm in no hurry to spend creds just because I got them - but some things for the walls would be good. SO lets start with that maybe. And just so you're warned, if you do too many PDAs - I'll get my stun stick." the last is said with a grin

In reply to Samantha Kilgore (msg # 42):

"We'll start with Val's Black velvet Elvis then. Something very rare I'd say."

In reply to Sylvester Jinx (msg # 43):

"Know a good place to start Sam? I'm not familiar with the planet too much, I've spent most of my time working on TAMI."

"Some redheads can wear red and it looks great on them, but I'm not one of them," Val answers. "Emerald green sets off my hair the best."

"You're a man. Attractive women look good to you in anything... even nothing! We're not as concerned about looking 'feminine' as you are. We're usually more into practical clothes like pantsuits, jumpsuits and jeans."

"Keep in mind that we're on a starship. It's just not practical to haul around an entire wardrobe."

"Yeah, unless you're really into a particular color, you don't want to paint the walls of your quarters pink! It'll drive you crazy after awhile. It's better to have neutral colors that you can then accessorize with brighter colors. That way, you can always change the accessories when you get tired of them."

"I was even thinking of putting a different picture on the back of the Elvis... in case I got tired of it."

"There are a couple of decor styles that I've always liked... I just wasn't sure I could live with them on a daily basis: art deco, retro future, and steampunk. They always look funk, but after a week in space... I just don't know."

In reply to Valeska Brandenberg (msg # 45):

"Ahhh, A green dress and a black dress, scratch the red. I think two is enough. I said comfys, sweat shirts and sweat pants for lounging, tight jeans to showcase that beautiful bum!. Vo gives us work clothes! The velvet painting might be custom had if all else fails, I think they were what they called 'Black Light' pictures, using Ultra Violet lighting"

"You like Jazz and 'Caribbean' music, Big Band? I like a little bit of everything, Classic, What they called Mo-Town from ancient Earth."

"Art Deco and Steampunk and Retro Future can all be nice if tasteful. Living with your choice is the problem."
This message was last edited by the player at 17:27, Fri 03 Sept 2021.

Sam shrugged at Sly "Your guess is as good as mine about this place. Lets hit the town and see what it has to offer"

Sly and Val explore, hand in hand, looking for a place where they could get a Black Velvet Elvis and a few nice clothes. Sly looks for an Art shop or an artist, so it could be painted if not bought off the shelf, he wanted to make Val happy. A happy Val was a happy Sly.
This message was last edited by the player at 13:06, Sun 05 Sept 2021.

Sam tags along, just happy to see where they end up

ooc
Away until Thursday at least, possibly back Wednesday

In reply to Samantha Kilgore (msg # 49):

"And please go to the really high end stores and some hats with psi shields" adds Jack

Sam gives Jack a look, then a sly smile crosses her face "Sure Jack". Tagging along with Sly and Val, she puts her arm through his onthe other side to Vals "Room for another?" She asks, then adds "You know, we could have some fun getting a PSi hat for Jack. I mean assuming we can find hats like that. But he has expressed no preference for the style of hat, so we have a lot of leeway with what we choose for him, you know...?"

"Hehehehehehe, one of those face masks with a nose and glasses even!"
This message was last edited by the player at 13:02, Wed 08 Sept 2021.

They go in the high end shops that Sam wants to check out right after Sly looks for Val's Elvis painting. If all else fails, he checks on having one reproduced for her, though an original would be preferred, the likelihood of finding one were slim to none.

After the search in the high end shop for Psi shields, they'll go to high end clothiers and tailors for form fitting clothes.

Sharik's taste in clothing was actually fairly conservative, just extremely fashionable - at least in certain circles of the Nouveau Riche of the sector that she is in.  Her dataglove was constantly updating her while on planet with the latest data dumps.  But Sharik isn't exactly a clothes hound; she simply knew all of the current trends.

Her main purchase was a cocktail dress in basic black ("Always in fashion."), with a high neck line that accentuated her lithe figure and with tasteful, cutouts in the front and back.  To accompany it, she got a fine tailored groat suede, large lapeled, bolero-style jacket, also in black which is tailored to cut around her smallish curves.  She accented with platinum hoop jewelry with some creamy jade which matched the flecks in her eyes as well as a broad black belt with platinum rings and ankle high black boots with just a touch of heel.  Everything seemed to match very well (somehow) with Sharik's personal electronics array as well as the new electronic purchases from the day before.

Shar proved more than willing to buy Indy whatever caught the young lady's fancy as they moved from saloon to bespoke tailor to jeweler and beyond.

For Indy, she also grabbed an elegant black and white striped A-line cocktail dress as well as a shimmering blue satin and silk tailored cheongsam-style dress with a gold dragon wrapping its way around the dress.  The cosmopolitan socialite obtained a complimentary cheongsam in green with a pattern of silver kirins dancing all over it for herself.  And not surprisingly, the black leather bolero jacket that she'd purchased at the earlier saloon could be worn with the green dress quite easily; both being tailored and quite complimentary as it turned out.

Sharik also made it a point of visiting more than one jewelry store during the afternoon.  At the last one - which did seem to be the most high quality, even if their selection seemed more limited, she bought two rings were designed to be cunningly intertwined.  One is in gold with small sapphires mounted on it while the other is in platinum with small emeralds.  The former she gives to Indy, while keeping the latter for herself.  Any other jewelry - especially earrings or necklaces - that compliment any of the ensembles the two have purchased are tested and considered.  Everything purchased matched well with Indy's eyes and complexion; Sharik had had plenty of experience buying things it seemed.  And all of the crew knew that she took her recreation extremely seriously.

The shopping took all day.  With catering (lunch, tea, snacks of all kinds) brought in wherever they happened to be, of course.  Nothing got in the way of the tailoring and clothes testing.  And one could hardly shop without sustenance...

"Do we need Psi shields for ourselves do you think Sam? Or is Jack just being paranoid? TAMI is psionic I think, but I'm not sure." as he asks he hugs Val a little closer, letting her know he was there for her.

Indy pays for Sharik's purchases during the day, because she could hardly have all the purchases paid for by the lovely lady.

In the afternoon, as they were eating some of their snacks, Indy raises a question.

"So, what are your ambitions in life?"

She is genuinely interested. Indy doesn't have any long-term plans at the moment. Considering her past setbacks and a near-death experience, she has learned not to look too far ahead, because anything could happen without warning in space.

In reply to Sylvester Jinx (msg # 55):

Sam shrugged "Depends, have you got any guilty secrets to hide from TAMI" she paused and then smiled "I'm sure we all have, the question is is she interested in us? Probably not, unless we're Psionic so I think Jacks just protecting himself on this. WHich is fair enough."

In reply to Samantha Kilgore (msg # 57):

     Vonon--heading away from the landing dock, himself--was still walking behind the small group, when he overheard Samantha's comments about TAMI,
(Vargr Hearing, don't ya know...)

     "Well..." Vonon pipes-up from a few steps behind, "I hadn't actually thought about it, in those terms, but you may be correct, Sam."

     "When I've talked with Tammy about her...other method of communication...I can't make heads or tails of the answers she gives me.  Too much technical jargon.  But I kinda get the impression that while she knows what it is that's she's doing, I don't think she knows how or why!  I asked her, once, if she could show me diagrams of the device that let's her...do what she does...and she said she had no files pertaining to that specific device."

     "But, like you just said, Sam--while she is capable of doing...that...at any time, to anybody, I think she only actively seeks that kind of communication with others who can respond the same way.  Whether that's a programmed behavioural protocol, or something self-determined, I'm not sure."

     "I'll have to remember to ask her, next time we talk."

===== SHARIK AND INDY AT BARSTOW'S ALLEY (More Upscale Shopping) =====

Sharik chuckled lightly when Indy asked her about her own ambitions.  She popped a grape into her mouth as she thought.  The auburn-haired socialite contemplated for a pregnant moment with a rather wistful smile touching her lips as she chewed.  Then she noted simply, "Ambitions are tricky, little things.  My ambition?  To engage in a grand venture that is really a grand adventure.  Hopefully with some good friends,"  And with that, she took Indy's hand and gave it a squeeze, letting the touch linger even as she disengaged.  And as her smile widened, the lithe dilettante added playfully, "... and have a lot of fun doing it..."

She took a sip of her mimosa even as she waved off a set of earrings that were being presented to them.  Leaning over to whisper in Indy's ear, "Those were too gaudy. Besides, the cut of the stones was ... unclean at best."  As Shar mulled over some mother of pearl and cloisonné brooches, she idly asked Indy, "Why do ask?  What type of ambitions do you have Ms. Kumar?"   That more mischievous bent to her expression returned, as she prompted her companion playfully - though still without making eye contact, "I know that you have been apprenticing with Sir Walter."  Then she turned to give Indy a sidelong glance, "Looking to supplant Sir Zeller?  Or are you going to start a rival corporation?"

Her demeanor turned more serious, "The Longshot is a real opportunity,  Her crew is admittedly a bit eclectic - a bit of an acquired taste,  and more than a little bit of a weirdness magnet.  But that is what makes Life™ worth living."  Her tone made it obvious that she'd cast her lot with that lot, and her demeanor softened, turning lighter again.

"I wonder what type of grav vehicles are around here." she mused casually, even though she knew that tech level wasn't quite up to snuff to produce really solid high-speed gravitics.  As an ex-grav cycle circuit racer, Sharik was a bit of an aficionado - some might say a snob - about such things.  But, that didn't mean that she ever minded window shopping; and repressive (or was that repressed) planets, like Invermory, sometimes created the most exotic items.

"Join us Captain, we're off shopping! Spending some of the windfall on ourselves! We even have two lovely ladies to keep us company! Imitation Chocolate chip cookies later too if you want them!"
This message was last edited by the player at 12:45, Mon 13 Sept 2021.

In reply to Sharik Kaagira (msg # 59):

Indy thinks for a second.

"Don't know what I want to do at the moment. Very much in a transition period and taking it as it comes. Being a Captain in my own right sounds fun though."

When the topic turned to grav vehicles, she looks curious.

"I wonder what you're planning to do with them?"

In reply to Sylvester Jinx (msg # 60):

     "Actually, I prefer Carob over Imitation chocolate." Vonon responds with his fanged smile, "Sometimes cheap imitation stuff can still have a little caffeine or theobromine in it.  Vargr stomachs don't react well to either one."

     "I appreciate the invitation to join all of you, Sylvester, but I have to go over to the Port Authority to clear up some paperwork." Vonon says that last word as if it tasted bad in his mouth,

     "Apparently, when we sold those Iltharan artifacts at the auction, we technically Imported them onto the planet, and they became subject to Import Taxes.  Also, because the authorities consider everything we offered for sale at the auction to have been imported, now the items that didn't sell are subject to Export Fees before we can load them back onto the ship!"

     "All of that should have been handled already, but somebody over at Port Authority is being obstinate!  I'm on my way to go bite a chunk out of some Bureaucrat's ass...!"

===== SHARIK AND INDY AT BARSTOW'S ALLEY (More Upscale Shopping) =====

Sharik simply shrugged and looked bemused when asked about what to do with a grav cycle.  "Well," the auburn-haired astrogator noted rather coyly, "I only intend to test drive them."  She got a touch more serious, "I'd have to been a pretty special machine for me to purchase.  I don't expect Invermory to have the ... requisite features required ..." which was her delicate way of saying they were unlikely to have all of the technological bells and whistles she expected, miniaturized inertial dampers of sufficient power to be one, to have in a high-quality machine, "... to be entire suitable.  No matter how much detailing the machine has."  But if a prototype knocked her socks off ... well, those were the types of surprises that Shar lived for.

"But," she noted with a playful smile, "it never hurts to look.  Besides, if the power plant resonates with the chassis just right..."  Another shrug and she let topic linger there in silence.  Sharik picked up a few seconds later as if nothing had happened in that reverie, "Besides, I wouldn't mind tinkering, if we have the space.  And we have the time..."  Another shrug, "Of course, any vehicle would have to be touring model with space for two and luggage; there really is no better way to travel and see the sites."  Her voice got a touch wistful and she seemed to be speaking from extensive experience.

Indy was well aware that Sharik had an artistic side as well.  She owned a pair of static gloves that allowed etching at the molecular level due to the precision fields generated by them.  Coupled with her magnifying PRIS goggles, she'd started a few exotic etching projects: the casings of a fair number of her personal electronics and such bore intricate, molecular level designs on their surfaces.

Sam says to V "Don't bite too hard, you might catch something." and carries on with Sly and Val

In reply to Samantha Kilgore (msg # 64):

"Get your rabies shot V!" Sly says as V walks away, big grin on his face!

"Remind me to buy a gross of Carob for V Val. Got to keep the Cpt. happy. Where shall we go ladies? After the Psi shield for Jack."

They go to upscale clothiers and such, Sylvester wants his new silk suits tailored, the ladies might want custom or tailored clothes too. He might shop for a weapon or two as well, get them shipped to the ship so they don't violate the law level. After all of this, he would use TAMI to shop online for high end gear for himself if he decided he needed something like some armor. He would have his suits be self cleaning cloth armor as well.
This message was last edited by the player at 16:34, Wed 15 Sept 2021.

(And made of Gel-cloth)

That too!

Indy thought about this for a second.

"I must admit that I've never actually been on a grav cycle before. Kind of scared of falling off one..."

Then she smiled, wanting to appear brave for Sharik.

"But I am certain that will not occur with you in control. Definitely not."

Sam will be looking for some work wear/armour type clothes with built in armour as well, but also will look at some more informal wear, and some party/cocktail type dresses

In reply to Samantha Kilgore (msg # 70):

Sly and Val will clothes shop with Sam, taking her advice on style and fit. Sam was hip.

When Sly and Val go shopping for a black velvet Elvis, they visit several of the big box stores, and though they all sell reproduction wall art, none of sell the item in question. Finally, after stopping in at an art store, they are directed to the Magnus Art Gallery.

As it turns out, Magnus, the gallery's director, explains, they are called Black Velvet Elvis paintings not because of who is depicted in the painting but because they were first painted three hundred or so years ago by someone named Ellerandria Visconti who signed her name on the paintings in short form as ElVis. They became a huge success at the time, and now they undergo a resurgence in popularity every so often.

You're in the middle of such a market right now. While he doesn't have any originals, he does have three BVEs by other more contemporary artists. One is a holographic ballerina that appears to move as you walk past the painting; the artist is Sharona Kantro. One is a 5 dogs playing poker by Star Mirandor. The third is a picture of Count Cromwell as Quentin Rayse from his last holovid; the artist is Dori Ambler.

They are all priced at 5,000Cr. Magnus expects they'll double in value within a year.

In reply to StarMaster (msg # 72):

OOC:  Oh!  Oh!  Oh!  We must get that one of Count Cromwell!  We'll hang it on the Bridge, with black crepe draped over the frame--just like the Navy does, when an Emperor dies!!
     (Vonon is a Big Fan of the Count's work....)

"What do you think Val? Count Cromwell, 5 Vargr playing poker, or the Ballerina?" he asks her opinion, he liked Cromwell and the Ballerina, he couldn't figure why someone would paint 5 funny looking Vargr playing cards.
This message was last edited by the player at 12:19, Sat 18 Sept 2021.

"What do you think about them Sam?" He continues to wait on Val's opinion.

Val considers the three paintings as if she knows what she's doing. She has no idea if the price on them is commensurate with their real value. Hell, for that matter, she doesn't know if Magnus is just feeding them a line or if what he said was true.

"Such diverse subject matter," she comments. "I suppose it's no different than one landscape that depicts mountains and another that shows flowers in a garden... and even another one that shows boats in a harbor."

"I suppose I'd be a fool not to get the Cromwell."

"Is it just me, or does one of those dogs look like Vonon? Do you think he plays poker?"

She studied them for a bit longer, noting that they weren't in frames. She didn't know if that was appropriate for a gallery or if it was just the style of black velvet paintings. She could see that the frame might dictate where you would hang the paintings, as it might not match the decor of the room.

Just what was the decor of a starship's interior? Modern industrial? Was that even a thing?

"I'll take all three of them!" she suddenly said. It's not like she didn't have the money.

"Can you recommend an art store where I can get them framed?" she asks Magnus.

Sly smiles, of course she can pay if she wants to, Just the testosterone he figured. "Excellent, I was going to get the Cromwell for the ship anyway whichever you chose, but you did it for me!" he kissed her.
This message was last edited by the player at 13:59, Tue 21 Sept 2021.

"Vo plays poker, maybe not the card game, but he plays poker. Can you frame them Magnus? Or do we need a specialty shop? Any other interesting art? I might be in the market too."
This message was last edited by the player at 14:54, Tue 21 Sept 2021.

Sam was about to reply when Val spoke up, and she nodded at points when she spoke.

"Yeah, it goes without saying we had to get the Count." When Sly asks for more pictures, she nods to the owner "me three" she adds

Sharik raised a mischievous eyebrow when Indy indicated that she'd not ridden a G/Bike before.  "Honey," the cosmopolitan socialite noted with an affected drawl, "You haven't lived until you tried it..."  And she winked at her companion.  Then her voice straightened out and she noted more seriously, "I mean, come on, Indy, where were you during Basic?  You can't join Courier branch and not get on a grav cycle at least once.  Even if you are destined for x-Boat duty..."  Shar seemed almost positively aghast.

Which, of course, meant that they spent much of the afternoon looking at grav vehicles.  Well, that and the clothing and accessories associated with it.  Sharik already had a high-tech set of riding leathers, of course.  But that didn't (and wouldn't, actually it couldn't) stop her from looking for more.  Again, she figured that Invermory was bound to have a number of interesting imported items to look at, at least.  She did buy a couple of personalized riding helmets for the two of them.  One had a small dragon motif embossed on it and the other had a kirin.  Both were decked out with integrated comms and integrated HUDs in the visors.

The commercialized gravitic technology was fine, though not exactly what Sharik was looking for with respect to overall efficiency and performance specifications.  And since the Longshot was going to Dulcinae in short order, the auburn-haired grav-cycling enthusiast knew she could wait.  But, the offerings were plentiful and Sharik was just interested enough to have to test drive a couple of options.  Besides, if it was Indy's first time, she'd need to be gentle anyways - so, extreme top end performance was less of a priority on any of their test drives.

And Sharik did know how to handle a grav cycle; so, once strapped in she took Indy for a tour of the outskirts of the dome.  Stopping at the dome proper a few hundred yards from an airlock and about twenty meters up, she hovered right up against the bulkhead and reached out to touch heavy plassteel.  The hum of the electric motor was barely audible, as noise just generally meant energy loss.  The visor on her helmet flipped into the open position with a touch.  "Not a bad way to site see, right?" Shar prompted her companion who was tucked in behind her on the touring bike.  The lithe dilettante's helmeted head turned to view the domed city from their high vantage point.

In reply to Sharik Kaagira (msg # 80):

OOC: Let's see...the Class of SDB that Longshot used to be was a Missile Boat...
     Maybe we could restore one of the old missile tubes to launch you and your gravbike out of, Shar'r...

     ^_^

Val, Sly and Sam Shopping


It's an ART GALLERY... there are, literally, hundreds of paintings there. If you're looking for an original Rembrandt, though, you're probably out of luck.

There's a painting Bokuda, van der Meer, Shance, Verrain, Devereaux, Jausin, Durwood, Gantry, Roth, Gritner, Valentine, Rourke, and many more.

There are landscapes, abstracts, portraits, still lifes, cubism, impressionist, surreal, art nouveau, pop, contemporary, modern, postmodern, and a few that defy labeling.

There are people, street scenes, animals, cityscapes, seascapes, flowers, geometric shapes, etc.

Ahhh so they're out to SEE as well, a real Gallery! Sly will look at the landscapes and the ones of people!

How much? I'm not rich yet! 25 credits for an original Hunter Biden?
This message was last edited by the player at 12:15, Fri 24 Sept 2021.

In reply to Sylvester Jinx (msg # 83):

OOC:  For 1 Week only, at this Gallery..."A Study in Fur"...Vargr nudes...

In reply to Vonon Ronkunu (msg # 84):

ROFLMAO!! Or Aslan!
This message was last edited by the player at 13:43, Sat 25 Sept 2021.

In reply to Sylvester Jinx (msg # 85):

Nudes perhaps, he isn't a stick in the mud. Family portraits from Old Terra. Aslan and Vargr art he'll check out too! He always asks Sam and Val their opinion. Sculpture.

In reply to Sharik Kaagira (msg # 80):

"It is definitely an unusual and interesting way to sight see, yes." Indy has gone into highly polite mode to try to hide the fact that she is seriously terrified at the experience, something that Sharik will notice from how tightly the former diplomat is gripping her waist.

She barely notices the sights around her, because of a real concern that she might end up meeting them directly at a high velocity. At least spaceships have windows to protect you from the environment!

===== SHARIK AND INDY TOURING THE DOME (from more Upscale Shopping) =====

With her visor up, Indy could see Sharik's eyes within the helmet; they danced a bit, with more than a touch of mischief.  Shar could hardly deny that she enjoyed having Indy hold her waist tightly.  The former grav-racer unhooked left boot for a moment from the peg on the bike and tapped it with her left hand.  "There are gravitic suspensors - magnetic cleats - that help to hold your boot to the pegs.  It is the same tech as the inertial dampers on the Longshot." she explained, her contralto made slightly tinny by the helmet integrated comms, "You don't have much to fear."

And she touched helmets with Indy, whispering not over the comm but simply face to face with them so close for the moment, "I'd never put you in danger on something like this, hon."  Sharik then tapped the second set of pegs, further back, on the touring bike with her left foot to make sure that her travelling companion was using them.  She'd shown her previously (as well as making her practice), that a simple twisting motion would release them.

But to allay some of Indy's apprehension, Sharik began a gradual descent towards the ground.  Remaining closer to Inver-firma, she urged the G/bike into an easy clip and took the scenic route back to the dealer.  She spoke at length with the salesperson and their manager, but didn't buy the thing.  The riding leathers for herself and Indy, however, were kept.  She justified them to her paramour with a simply, "You look mah-velous in them, dah-ling!"  Plus, Sharik really liked the smell of new (faux) leather, and these were well cut, cunningly designed, and did in fact look fetching on the both of them.

Shar made a mental note to give Indy some lessons on the G/bike - which meant, of course, eventually having to get one; simulations would only go so far.  But that was for another day...

"I am famished," the thin socialite declared, all of their bulkier purchases (i.e. pretty everything that wasn't jewelry or fashion accessory that they wanted to wear), en route to the Longshot for delivery, "What is your fancy this evening?  What kind of cuisine?"  Sharik looked thoughtful, then mused, "I wonder if there's a show or concert ... " wondering if Indy would prefer that or something else, like simply modeling their new purchases for each other...

He sees a sculpture called Thinking Man he kind of likes, a Rodin. Obviously a copy as it was small and appeared to be bronze! "How much is the sculpture? I like it. Val? Sam? You ladies like it?" There was also a self portrait of a man named Rembrandt that fascinated him. Another copy no doubt. He looked quite ancient in his collar and hat.
This message was last edited by the player at 12:26, Mon 27 Sept 2021.

"How much for the sculpture by Rodin of the Thinking Man and the Rembrandt copy?" he asked Magnus as he waited to find out about framing.

Sam ties to look at some sort of photographic type arc showing some sort of landscapes, something large enough to cover virtually the whole wall of her bunk space, prefereably showing a view with mountains. Shes not bothered who its by, just more interested in the right look

Sly asks Magnus, after everything is framed nicely and all, to be delivered to the Longshot.

At Sly's interest in The Thinker, Magnus informs him that it isn't a reproduction, nor is it a replica. It's an interpretation by Simone Devereaux, sculpted with a laser. It's half size of the original, so it's 3 feet high. Mostly because of its size, it's only priced at 12,000Cr.


Sam finds what she thought was a large scale triptych photograph of the Mountains of the Moon (whatever and wherever they are--it's what the painter called the piece), but, up close, she realizes it's a Realism painting of what might have been the original photograph. Even beyond that, it's a holographic painting--if you look at from the side, you can actually see further around the side of the mountains! Magnus explains that it's done with special paint that has enhanced reflective properties. To the best of his knowledge, the artist (Telo Svett) is the only one that paints that way. That uniqueness puts the price at 30,000Cr.

"I'll take The Thinker. What about the Rembrandt copy?"

"There was a time when a 5-credit painting was all I could have afforded," Val comments, "assuming it was a fingerpainting by a 5-year old!"

"It's not entirely a black-and-white painting, but the sky is more gray than blue, and you only got color along the bottom edge. I like the fact that the few trees aren't just 'happy little' blobs of paint that look like trees, but are actually delineated. That was the whole point of Impressionism... to give the impression of a tree, for example, and you still get that from a distance here, but there's fine detail up close."

"It certainly fooled me!"

Magnus informs Sly that the Rembrandt (titled Rembrandt's Eye) is neither a copy (as if it was meant to fool someone) nor a reproduction. He doesn't show art like that in his gallery. Those are things you'd find at Q-Mart. No, this is an original interpretation. He liked the artist, one Alexander Roth, and he liked the painting, which is why he chose to display it. As with all his art, it's one of a kind. He further points out that it is a known investigative forensic technique that you can get a reflection off of an eye, and that this painting includes that. If you look really close, you can see that Rembrandt's eye in the painting holds a 'reflection' of the painter as if he really was looking in a mirror.

It's worth 6,000Cr.

"Sold! I love it! What do you think Val, Beautiful landscape you got!"

In reply to Sharik Kaagira (msg # 88):

Indy is very glad to be back on solid ground. If she ever rides one of these things, she will keep herself at rather low altitude, that's for sure.

"What sort of shows do they have around here?" then pulled out her comm to take a look. Then she grinned. "Oooh, I like the sound of this one. Sum Girls. Mathematics and science meets burlesque."

She thought for a second.

"Or we could have our own private show..."

===== SHARIK AND INDY TOURING THE DOME (from more Upscale Shopping) =====

Sharik smiled lightly and gave a little chuckled at the description of Sum Girls.  "Does sound like fun," the Longshot's astrogator noted with enthusiasm, "grab some tickets..."  She looked thoughtful and sent her agent searching for nice restaurants in the theater district - ones that had a good reputation for excellent desserts.  "It'll give us a chance to model some of our new finery." the auburn-haired socialite noted, as they had just made purchases, "And try some more food... oh, here is an interesting, Galvani's Bakery and Bistro.  A Vilani-Solomani fusion place with a casual, people watching vibe..." and with that a reservation was made.

Shar leaned over and gave Indy a light peck on the cheek, "Besides we can cut out at intermission, if necessary."  Another crooked and slight mischievous smile touched her lips, "And I am always open to new ideas for that subsequently more private show..."  Sharik's wink told her companion that both options that'd been listed weren't mutually exclusive.

Her agent also returned from another search for boutiques nearby.  "Ah, let's hit M'Rak Salon." she chirped happily, pointing in direction to walk, "A few blocks from here.  I just booked us hair, manicure, and pedicure treatments..."  There would be just enough time for that and then changing back at the Spa, before a short taxi ride to bistro and show.

"Where to ladies? Dinner and a show? I'm buying. Could use some fine dining, you want to surprise us Sam? Pick a spot with your PA! We'll eat, and catch an opera or a Symphony."

Sam buys the painting.

In terms of fine dining, she says "Your guess is as good as mine"

ooc
unexpectedly no internet for a few days apologies

In reply to Samantha Kilgore (msg # 101):

Sly checks his device for fine dining and finds a place named The Beef Steak, a steak house and led the way. A nice salad, followed by steamed Broccoli and a thick juicy steak!
This message was last edited by the player at 17:53, Tue 05 Oct 2021.

Time to head for the ship after the symphony with two beautiful women, one his new mate, whether she knew it yet or not! ;-)

In reply to Sylvester Jinx (msg # 103):

Once back on the ship he asks Val if she wants a nightcap, then he hugs her lightly and kisses her softly on the lips. "Model that lingerie?" he says with a grin.

Having eaten well and enjoyed Sly and Vals company, Sam makes her excuses and heads to her bunk when they get back to the ship.

In reply to Samantha Kilgore (msg # 105):

Jack has been staying in his room, except to come out and eat. Sleeping or resting from the ordeal of deal making by his Officers evidently.

In reply to Jack Blackwood (msg # 106):

OOC:  What?  Jack isn't practicing TelePathetically communicating with Tammy? ^_^

OOC Naw... TAMI was too busy plotting with the other A.I.

In reply to Jack Blackwood (msg # 108):

Sylvester is going to work with his studies and TAMI to get Computer 4 and work on Life Support 1

In reply to Sylvester Jinx (msg # 109):

Serge will help Sly as much as he is able.

In reply to Serge Baklanov (msg # 110):

Glad to have Serge's help and will equally help him with anything I can too! Serge is the only friend Sly has other than Val. Though it is getting a lot better and closer to the rest of the crew, he's even making headway with Sam as a friend!

In reply to Sylvester Jinx (msg # 111):

Sylvester will work on integrating TAMI into the computer system. It shouldn't be hard, but it would take time. He took his meals and socialized with Val a lot too! He was ready for the trip to Duncinae for the other auction.

"Anyone want to help? I'll be integrating TAMI and teach her to communicate with the majority of us, we're not telepathic except Jack. Want to give TAMI a voice Vo?"
This message was last edited by the player at 19:51, Sun 17 Oct 2021.

     At Sylvester's question, Vonon suddenly goes very still--his ears go straight up, the fur on the back of his neck rises, and his tail stiffens.

     With a wide eyed look of concern, Vonon looks at Sylvester, and in a quiet voice asks...

     "Are you telling me that all this time -- ever since we brought all her components aboard Longshot -- all that time, Tammy hasn't had the capability of non-Telepathic communication?!  Sylvester ... I'm not Telepathic!!"

     "So who have I been talking with for these past several days?!!"

In reply to Vonon Ronkunu (msg # 113):

"Her, I meant do you want her linked in so she can ALWAYS be hooked in. I speak excellent Anglic, but it is not my first language, forgive me for not being clearer."
This message was last edited by the player at 10:31, Mon 18 Oct 2021.

In reply to Sharik Kaagira (msg # 99):

It's a very enjoyable show with just the right mix of sauciness and mathematics. Afterwards, the two of them decide to head back to their room and get some sleep. It's been a rather tiring day, Indy finds.
This message was last edited by the player at 22:04, Tue 19 Oct 2021.

+++Heads up, a new load of cargo will be arriving tomorrow around noon local time. Please load the robots in the secure cargo hold.+++ Sir Walter transmits to the crew.

Sharik returned the next morning to the Longshot to drop off a number of packages (and to sign for a number more).  The auburn-haired astrogator had a spring in her step and was humming a catchy little tune that she'd heard with Indy at the show - something about 'Bad Ass, Frellin' Fractals' which in the context of the show was extremely funny and raucous.  But, then any show about Curly Pi and her voyage through a number of divergent functions was bound to be hilarious - almost subversively so.

The rest of the evening was spent in more bubble baths and plenty of bubbly flowing back at the Salamander Spa.  It was a nice relaxing night.  At least, as far as Shar can remember.

Once back at the Longshot, Sharik busied herself with a few chores.  There were astrogation calculations and general flight diagnostics to run (and re-run), which she kicked off in the morning - even as she worked ensure that cargo lading was proceeding apace and as Sir Walter had ordered.  Shar offered to help out Sly and Serge with any TAMI testing and integration, if desired.  She didn't want to disrupt their flow, but if they needed another pair of eyes or hands, she was more than willing to chip in.

She did leave in Jinx's crew cubby in the main room a colorful tailored t-shirt that read, 'I'm with the Valuable One' and in Brandenberg's cubby was another complementary (if more tastefully tailored and) colored t-shirt that had 'I'm with the Sly One.'  The crystalline flutes and accompanying champagne she'd send later.

Sharik planned on retiring (with Indy, preferably) back at the Salamander for the bulk of the week, even if they were at the Longshot during the day.  The suite there was already paid for, and alterations to the ship meant that they had the time (and could avoid the construction and dust).  Plus, there were still a lot more massages to be had.
This message was last edited by the player at 01:42, Wed 20 Oct 2021.

In reply to Sharik Kaagira (msg # 117):

Thank you, VERY nice!

- Of course, your experience is welcome, Shar!

In reply to Serge Baklanov (msg # 119):

Right, good catch Serge! Of course she's welcome to assist. Anyone with computer skill is welcome to help. I might be the most qualified, but I definitely can't do it all, nor would I think of everything. I'm not the smartest.
This message was last edited by the player at 15:40, Wed 20 Oct 2021.

In reply to Sylvester Jinx (msg # 120):

Jack finally is seen outside of his room besides getting some food.

"Do we have another destination forthcoming? We'll need someplace with a tech to go over several of parts or members of the ship"

In reply to Sylvester Jinx (msg # 120):

Indy doesn't have any computer skill, so not sure she can help.

"We're going to Duncinae next, the other auction. Their TL is about the same as here, a little higher perhaps. 'With a tech to go over several parts or members of the ship,' what the heck are you talking about?"
This message was last edited by the player at 19:47, Fri 22 Oct 2021.

"TAMI" says Jack

In reply to Jack Blackwood (msg # 124):

OOC: Sylvester ... maybe you need to explain the concept of "Kill Self After Reading" security measures to Jack...
     We Keep The Telepathic Computer a Secret!!  ^_^

In reply to Jack Blackwood (msg # 124):

"No one knows about or touches TAMI but us Jack. So, what do you need high tech for again? High tech computer components? We could use a few. I'm TL16, remember Jack, I'm from Darrian."
This message was last edited by the player at 13:57, Sat 23 Oct 2021.

Eventually Khea also shows up at the Longshot with a huge hangover.

Sam was happy to let everyone else play with the new toy, and took the time to enjoy some time doing nothing much somewhere other than J Space. She went out each day, exploring the area, not really looking for anything in particular, but maybe a park or garden would be good, and eating out often. She told anyone who was interested her plans, and they were welcome to tag along. She had no plans to work whilst they had some R and R time.

Shar spent as much time with Indy as possible; though as the corporate secretary of Longshot Enterprises, it did mean that she had some administrative duties.  Indy was more than welcome to accompany her on any business, but Sharik only invited and never forced her.  And Shar was more than willing to give Indy as much space and time as her younger counterpart desired.

For her part, Shar worked on various functions around the Longshot, whether it was working with TAMI integration and testing, astrogation calculations, or their main core computer diagnostics (the latter of which she figured might as well be done during the long downtime as part of annual maintenance).

The auburn-haired socialite did engage Indy to help her design a more user-friendly interaction communications interface for the Iltharan AI as Sharik was well-aware that the Longshot's comms officer was much more experienced with her (and most of the rest of the crew) in that area.  Shar was pretty sure that giving TAMI more than a voice (so, some sort of visual/holographic avatar) would probably help both her and crew adjust to the new arrangements.

Indy engaged in some discussions with TAMI about what she would want in an avatar; it was best to let the computer choose their personal appearance rather than have something they did not want forced upon them.

She also consulted the crew for their opinions as to how TAMI's avatar should be displayed - a hologram, on a screen, or as some form of android.

In reply to Inderpal Kumar (msg # 130):

After a long day with Serge, Shar and TAMI, Sly goes to spend some time with Val, taking her to dinner in a nice restaurant ashore. Lobster and Crab and a good bottle of wine.

When she was informed of their next destination Khea can't hide that she is pleased by this
I half expected Vonon would drag us off to another rockball. Careful, I could get used to visit planets with actual atmospheres and higher technologies than calculcators.

In reply to Kheaiftouaw (msg # 132):

     "Woof!  We went to my homeworld of Rockport!" Vonon objects to Khea's assessment, "And the tech level there is higher than it is on this wet ball of moss!"

This message was deleted by the player at 05:15, Mon 01 Nov 2021.

After an evening on the town with Val, fine dining and a show, holding her hand they slowly walk back to the Longshot, staying away from the seedier parts of port seemed the intelligent thing to do. Back to work on TAMI in the morning, but now it was time for a nightcap and possibly some fun!

TAMI has all the personnel files for the scientists and others who worked at the secret Iltharan research facility.

With a little help from Sharik and Inderpal, TAMI puts together an image cobbled together from those photos. Sadly, she doesn't have much photographic or video images of Ilthara itself.

There is information on the three Iltharan species. The High Iltharans were tall and slender, typically around 6 1/2 feet tall and weighing about 175 pounds. No doubt this was due to the lighter gravity on Ilthar. They also had longer lifespans and didn't have the typical aging problems until in their eighties. They also seemed to have longer reproductive cycle... on the order of 9-12 months. They also had purple hair.

The second species was the Akakhad. Shorter than the High Iltharans and only slightly stockier. They had the same longevity and life cycle, with darker skin and white hair although Hight Iltharans could get that way after about 50 years.

Then there were the Tring. They were shorter and stockier, around 5'9" and generally weighing in the 220lb. range. They had the same longevity and life cycle, gray skin and green hair but no facial hair, and were primarily laborers due to stocky build and greater strength. It was unclear even to the Iltharans, who really didn't give a damn about species biology, why the Tring were... different.

See TAMI's Avatar picture in Game Map 0.

is that from UFO?? A blast from the past!

Sharik appeared to be entirely onboard (both literally and figuratively) with TAMI's chosen avatar; in fact, she seemed downright giddy at times.  As their new resident AI got more and more familiar with it, Shar's would give Indy an extra hug or peck on the cheek.  The possibilities seemed endless and the lithe astrogator was quite curious to see just how interactions with TAMI would change - and, though she was no sociologist or psychologist, just how differently TAMI herself might start viewing and interacting with others.

There was still plenty of time for sightseeing and posh meals in various parts of the dome (and plenty of bubble baths back at the Salamander) for the rest of the week.  All work and no play made for a dull layover.  And Sharik was not about dull; life was too short for that.

But, Shar didn't slack on her duties with respect to the flight plans, astrogation calculations, and loading/lading logistics as various portions of the cargo arrived at the Longshot.  Some of it was a bit tricky with the construction going on, but that simply required a little ingenuity to be applied.  Well, and may be just a touch of conversation; Shar was nothing if not a strange conversationalist, since she knew just a little bit about a great many things.

Indy herself assisted where she could, using her diplomatic skills to engage with TAMI in particular to get her as acclimatised as possible with the modern galaxy.

She also spent time with Sharik, but by the end of the week, she was starting to get a bored of Invermory and would not miss the place when they left. She didn't like to spend too long at any location, provided the facilities were good at wherever she was going next. And the ship did have good facilities.

Stepping out of the courtesy vehicle from TAS, Sir Walter tipped the driver 100 credits after his bags were loaded on the ship and waved good-bye. Making his way to the cargo holds, he did a quick look over to make sure that the new cargo was properly secured before heading to his quarters.

Spying some packages that Sharik had picked up, Walter opened one that was for himself and set it up. Placing the mirror on an open portion of the room, he started it up, letting it start to take his measurements and made his way through the various programs that came with it, finding one that was more in line with his rather conservative clothing style.

Satisfied with it, he looked over the three other packages, Looking at the total weight of the items, he left the stateroom to grab a grav cart to help him haul them to the new owners, dropping one in front of Kheaiftouaw's room and the other two in front of the Captains quarters with a card for each delivery.

Sylvester treated Val to the Salamander too, she deserved to be pampered! He treated her like a queen. Spa, Message the works! He treated himself to a little of the luxury too.
This message was last edited by the player at 11:06, Fri 05 Nov 2021.

In reply to Sylvester Jinx (msg # 141):


       ... And by the end of the day, Vonon is walking around with a big Handlebar Moustache hanging from the front of his muzzle, and the auburn-colored fur on the top of his head done up in a Pompadour, snapping his fingers and saying "Thank'ya vurry much!" in some kind of odd accent ...

In reply to Vonon Ronkunu (msg # 142):

Elvis Ronkunu
This message was last edited by the player at 12:45, Sat 06 Nov 2021.

Khea inspects the large package delivered to her. Sure, its not like getting a professional cut (she should have gotten one in the spa...) but better then trying to keep her fur straight all on her own.

Now she only needs to Vonon proof it...

After a day at the Spa with Val, spa, message, the works eating fish and mutton, and drinking a fine white wine. Sly asks/tells Val, "I want a son to carry on my name, we're getting older at 38, the window is shrinking. Will you be my wife and the mother of my child?" he asks her. "We are financially secure and we are in love. What could be better. Vonon would love to officiate a wedding! Sorry if it feels awkward."
This message was last edited by the player at 19:35, Wed 10 Nov 2021.

In reply to Sylvester Jinx (msg # 145):

OOC: You do realize that it is only because you're implying that Sly does this off-ship -- at a restaurant -- that is preventing me from writing that Vonon suddenly walks by to smack Sly on the back of his too-high-up head, and say something pithy, like ... "Get Over Yourself!  We're leaving, anyways! No time!"  ^_^

---

[Aboard Longshot, Docking Bay 1126, Invermory Downport]

     With Sir Walter's confirmation that all cargo is aboard, Vonon contacts Port Traffic Control to file an outbound flight plan for Longshot -- hopefully for later that day, but sometime tomorrow is equally acceptable.  Then he messages all Crew that Shore Leave is over, and to report aboard.

     Destination ... the planet Duncinae, Capitol World of the Confederacy.

In reply to Vonon Ronkunu (msg # 146):

- Finally! Let's get back to work!

Sylvester and Val head back to ship, glad to be outbound, sad it was ending. After getting aboard he went to engineering to get ready to go back to space, TAMI he would check on after.

Taking a break from his computer work, Walter headed to the bridge to speak to the Captain. "Captain Vonon, when we are in jump, can I have a moment of your time please?" he asked before taking a place on the back wall to watch things as they prepared to depart.

Sam has been happy pootling about during leave, but doesn't seem upset when its called to an end. Shore Leave always felt like killing time to her, as there was rarely any roots at the location for her to pull on. One days she'd retire and settle down, but for now, she preferred to be working towards that end.

Inderpal, in the middle of some time with Sharik, heads back with her to the ship. They've now got some serious work to do and they won't be able to spend as much alone time together.

But the capital should be very interesting, that's for sure.

Sharik chuffed lightly when the recall notice from Vonon came in on the crew channel.  She glanced at her dataglove and then flicked a set of bubbles from the bubble bath at Indy.  Pulling a towel from one of the racks nearby, she started get out of the tub.  The auburn-haired navigator sighed lightly, "The water was cooling off anyways..." as she wrapped the heacy terry cloth around her.  Another towel was run through and then wrapped around her hair.

She started to pack, musing lightly, "No rest for the wicked, eh?"  And Shar gave her companion a peck on the cheek as she passed by her to grab some toiletries from vanity to stow in her luggage.  Then she called down to the front desk to arrange transport back to the Longshot.

The time had passed quickly for Sharik, between the sightseeing and the errands the time just seemed to slip away.  Well, and the eating out and shows.  All the things that couldn't be done when in j-Space.  But she'd noticed Indy's funk, as her companion seemed to prefer the journey, the Travel, over the destination and seemed to long for the next planet on the horizon.

She paused from packing and sidled up close, placing her chin lightly on Indy's shoulder even as she stroked her arm.  "Do you tire of just Invermory or me as well, my dear?" Sharik asked, worried for her friend and lover.  She only wanted what was best for her.

In reply to Sharik Kaagira (msg # 152):

"Oh, just of Invermory."

Inderpal got out of the tub and grabbed a towel herself.

"You don't fancy one quick water fight before we go?" she asked wistfully, giving Sharik a quick kiss on the lips.
This message was last edited by the player at 19:03, Thu 18 Nov 2021.

Shar never needed to be asked twice (at least by Indy) get into the water.  The auburn-haired socialite from Gaargir had always enjoyed the water and despite not being the most physically gifted was quite an adept swimmer.  Her experience, she claimed, was from (mis)spending far too many afternoons in her formative years at the various lakes, rivers, and seas that dotted the planetary-wide nature preserve that was her homeworld.

Sharik chuckled lightly, feigning a touch of coy innocence.  "Why, Ms. Kumar..." the thin dilettante drawled mischievously, putting her hands to the terry cloth towel covering her breast in a show of mock modesty.  Then she was moving towards the tub, the towels around her hair and body falling to the tiled floor.  Discarded.  Her hand went out to pull Indy along into the tub with her.

Shar loved the water.  Besides she knew that they had plenty of time before the taxi arrived and they needed to be back at the Longshot.

With all the business on Invermory taken care of and everyone's leave winding down, Vonon's recall is not expected but a bit of a relief. You can only have fun for so long before it starts getting redundant and boring... especially if you aren't doing it right.

Back on the ship, everyone goes through the last minute checklists to make sure everything that was supposed to be done was done, nothing left pending, any last minute purchases made, and making sure the dog didn't get left behind this time.

Clearances have all been filed, departure time and vector assigned, and then the ship lifts off.

The time and distance to the jump point passes without incident, and the ship makes jump transition without any problems.

So, it's another week cut off from the rest of the universe. Any training you want to do can help pass the time.

((OOC: Everyone should make a least one post now so that I know you are still in the game!))

To the team: So you did forget Vonon once, didn't you?

Serge spent quite a long time studying the schematics of the ship, writing something down in his notebook.

“Captain,” he said to Vonon, “Considering that we will be arriving soon in a relatively high-tech system, are we planning to upgrade the ship? If we have any budget allocated for upgrades, I could do my bit and advise on the optimal configuration.”

TAMI continues to study the information in the ship's library. It's all available to her instantly, of course, but she she tries to make correlations between all the divergent facts, resolve any conflicting facts, and try to improve any system that she perceives as not working at maximum efficiency.

And, of course she'll talk to any of the crew that cares to make conversation with her. After all, she has a couple of hundred years to get caught up on!

       I wasn't forgotten!  I just didn't tell anyone that I was stepping outside the ship in order to "shake the bushes" (it's a "Vargr thing", you Humans wouldn't understand) and they lifted off without me.  See?  No Big Deal.  Simple Mistake. (and you guys gotta sleep sometime...)

---

       "Wha -- high tech??  Duncinae?!!" Vonon quips -- before starting to laugh,

      "Hurr-hurr-hurr-huh...  uhh ...  Oh.  You're serious ..."

     "*ahem* Well, uh, Serge ... sorry for laughing, there ... at your question ... but, um, I grew up in a slightly higher tech-environment than Duncinae, and, well ... never mind..."

     "In answer to your question ... No, we hadn't planned on doing any ship upgrades on Duncinae.  I mean, maybe some minor repairs and maintenance -- if needed -- but nothing more than that.  We'll want to wait until we land at a Port with a Tech Level of Twelve, or higher, before we start doing any major upgrades or system replacements, on this old beast."

In reply to Vonon Ronkunu (msg # 158):

"Well, okay, if not on Dulcinae, then maybe later. The question is - if there is the general intention and the dedicated budget?"

Sylvester worked on his skills when Val and TAMI weren't taking up his time!

Inderpal decides to spend her non-Sharik time learning a bit more about astrogation. She already knew a fair bit, but worth improving in case she had to take on more responsibilities. With this much wealth, they were a target for robbers...

Sir Walter flicked up his index finger to pause Serge's conversation. "I have a few thoughts on the matter and would like to run them by the Captain before committing the ship to that course of action." he said "As usual, expect a crew meeting while we are bored out of our gourds in jumpspace." he added, before typing a message out on his data pad.

One of the things Val and Sly work on during the week in jump is rearranging the quarters so that the two of them can have some privacy without disturbing the others.

She'll work on training better in Athletics (Dexterity), primarily for Zero-Gee maneuvering, and, more or less at the same time, Vacc Suit.

This was a weird ship, and she felt those skills would be needed before too long.

"This isn't exactly what I had in mind," Tescha explained to the others during one meeting or crew dinner. "I don't hold being shot against you, since you not only didn't do it, but didn't know anything about it."

"Being stuffed in a cryo chamber to keep from dying isn't exactly my idea of a good time. Sorting through all this Iltharan material almost makes up for it. But not quite."

"Not sure I'll leave the ship on Duncinae... it depends on what I find there. If not, then some place that has more potential."

"In the mean time, I'll join Valeska in training with a vacc suit. And I think I'll work on Sensors. Has to come in handy when I'm examining artifacts and relics, right?"

Looking up from her copy of Imperial Mechanics, when the exchange between Serge and Vonon (and Walter) occurred, Shar simply noted "Already starting to run potential solutions from Dulcinae to ... wherever."  She'd been starting those calculations a while back when the topic of where to go after the second auction had come up.  There'd been plenty of spare processing cycles on the Longshot's main core during the overhaul.  Even with the diagnostics being run.

---

Sharik intended to spend the week working on her skill in microgravity to supplement her extensive experience with personal life support suits.  She'd had plenty of action with her time in the Scout Service, logging hundreds of hours in HEV and boarding vacc suits.  Most of that time previously had been with gravity (artificial or otherwise) present.  So, now she figured a little zero-g action experience was in order.

To that end, she actually spent a fair bit of time in the week of j-Space in practicing yoga, working in particular on balance and coordination drills - and inviting any on the crew that wished to join her for the sessions.  And as much as Indy would allow, Shar would disable the inertial compensators in her suite to allow a bit of freefall practice.

Also, having thought about grav cycles again, Sharik began to the brush up on her mechanical engineering skills - the practical side and less about the theory.  She'd had the basic course in the IISS, but knew that she needed more experience if there was going to be tinkering in her future.

Hearing that Sharik was looking at jumps from Dulcinae, he nodded. "Ms. Kaagria, you may wish to plot a speed run from there to Concorde in the Caledon subsector, preferably using systems with gas giants." Sir Walter said.

Concorde! Nice choice! Nice pick Sir Walter!"

He goes back to upgrading and moving their quarters around a bit. He had a big smile on his face!

In reply to Walter Zeller (msg # 166):

- Concorde is nice, it's time to stock up on some high-tech trinkets, - Serge nodded.

"Of course, Sir Walter." Sharik noted casually, but then sat up a touch straighter. A simple gesture pushed the holographic display of the article she was reading on her dataglove to the background, while a summary readout of a data stream started to scrolling in the foreground.

The Longshot's astrogator cleared her throat, "I've run preliminary calculations on a most direct routes to Concorde...  First, the basics.  With the Longshot's jump capabilities..." and she was referring to the three parsec limit, "we are looking at a minumum of four jumps between Duncinae and Concorde." pausing for a moment to scan some additional data,  "The first of which will have to take us trailing coreward, either back through Invermory ..." which wasn't likely to be all that appetizing having just left there and she seemed to intentionally neglect a return to Coventry given the red zone around it, "... or through Cassandra."  Shar glanced at the Captain knowing that the mention of visiting his home system could bring ... complications.

She pushed a schematic of the Reaver's Deep sector, focusing in on the area of Duncinae and Concorde to highlight any potential routes.  "From either of those, we can get to Dakaar." she noted, pointing to the unallied system between both the Confederation and the Imperium, "but going through Cassandra affords us the possibilities of going though Luushakaan or Kaaniir instead if we desire." she paused to note, "Both are much lower tech worlds than Dakaar; so, we could keep a lower profile as we travel probably."

"After that second jump, it is either Germaine or Garrison." Sharik narrated, adding as an off-hand note, "Garrison is Imperium, Germaine only slightly Imperium leaning - primarily due to its location.  From either, it would then be onto the high-tech, Imperium world of Concorde."  And as per Zeller's request, "Gas Giants potentially available in all systems mentioned along the way."  Shar's tone made it readily apparent that all the routes mentioned were being loaded for calculations; so, she was presenting options and would refine the route data as decisions were made.

Shar stored the recording with the brief presentation and schematic, just for further reference if needed.  Routing was pretty basic stuff in her opinion ... but then she was the ship's astrogator and it was her job to know such things.

---

[OOC:  For a better visual of the planetary systems in question:  https://travellermap.com/?p=-3....15&options=9207 ]
This message was last edited by the player at 05:34, Fri 26 Nov 2021.

In reply to Sharik Kaagira (msg # 169):

- I have a contact on Garrison, - Serge said. - Just in case.

In reply to Sharik Kaagira (msg # 169):

A month in space?
Ugh, fine. Better now than later when the rec time has worn off

"Well, there's worse people I could spend a month with." Inderpal remarks as she sees the astrogator present the options and then smiles at Sharik in a subtly saucy work.

Plenty of time to do some learning, although by day 28, boredom would be a real issue.

Sharik chuffed lightly at Indy double entendre, responding with a slightly dopey, slightly mischievous smile that had a touch of 'cat-eating-the-canary' in it.  "That is a minimum of twenty-eight nominal days in j-Space," the thin astrogator noted, "Each refueling, even if at a gas giant will required a few days n-Space transit."  She glanced at Sir Walter, somewhat surprised that the man was proposing no speculative trade between here and there.  So, Shar voiced that open question, "Do we really intend to avoid planet fall in every intermediate system?  No trade at all?"

There was only a touch of incredulity in her voice - even if well aware that financially they didn't need to engage in trade for a while.  It was more the principal of the thing; they were all travelling for a reason.  The details might differ, but if anyone of them just wanted to retire - they'd have done so already.

Plus, she, like the rest of the crew, was well aware that they'd hit a floating corpse immediately after transition to n-Space upon arrival entering Invermory for the first time.  So, the universe had its own ideas about how quick or uneventful any given route or trip would be.

In reply to Sharik Kaagira (msg # 173):


       Wait ... what now?  Are you cutting doorways through the bulkheads?
      Are you cutting holes in my ship?!!!

---

       "But you only just joined us, old friend!  Plese do stay."



       Vonon heaved a dramatic sigh, and rolled his eyes upward,

      "Fine!" Vonon grumbles, "As long as we steer clear of Rockport, we should be able to stay under my Families radar.  We do have gas giants in Cassandra, you know.  And there are several gas mining operations -- the gas giants are were we get, not only our hydrogen fuels, but also many needed organic chemicals, and even most of our water.  We should be able to buy, or skim, what we need in the outer system."


       "Aw, hell no!" Vonon bursts out, "I'm not going anywhere near those corporate thugs!  I'd rather face my Mother!"






       "Well, normally I'd say avoid Garrison -- too Military oriented, for good Trade, I'd think -- but since Serge knows somebody, there, it might be worth while to drop by."

Yes, yes we are. We're cutting holes in walls though, not bulkheads. Bulkheads are structural.

     "You ... Wha-? ... Holes! ... Not structur--okay, fine!!  So I'm not a Naval Architect or a Structural Engineer!  But I know enough about sealed environments, to know that you can't go around punching holes through anything without affecting how that environment handles sudden pressure changes!"

     "Just make sure that Chief Engineer Kheaiftouaw signs off on those doors -- that you didn't bother to get approval for!" Vonon growls -- without realizing he's just correctly pronounced Khea's name for the first time ...

"How are our food supplies?" Inderpal asked, which would be an important calculation going forward. "Because that's going to be an important thing for crew morale. Fresh food really cheers people up."

She tried to recall who would keep track of that sort of thing. Probably Kheaiftouaw.

In reply to Inderpal Kumar (msg # 177):

The Steward would.

Sir Walter smiled inwardly, happy that he he did not have to deal with the headaches of being the Captain before turning back to Vonon. "Well Captain, if you wish, we can discuss the suggestion out in the open rather than in private, given that the cat is out of the bag. Funny how a old Solomani tech level 3 surface navy expression has made it across the universe." he said.
This message was last edited by the player at 16:17, Sun 28 Nov 2021.

In reply to Walter Zeller (msg # 179):

     "Huh?" and a blank stare, is Vonon's intellectual response to Sir Walter.

     "Uhhh ... I'm not that well versed in either surface navies or Solomani Folk Wisdom, Sir Walter -- so, what're you talking about?"

     "Although, I do know what a 'Cat' is -- assuming you're talking about the small domesticated feline creature that you Humans eat on certain holidays ...?"

Sir Walter started to chuckle at the comment. "Um, never mind about that." once he gained his composure. "I wanted to ask you what our plans are after we unload the artifacts at Dulcinae. If I might make a suggestion, given the age of the ship, maybe it is time to get it overhauled and fix some of the "features" it has, like a computer that is working at 2/3rds or so of its design. Veronika can get overhauled at the same time." he suggested

In reply to Walter Zeller (msg # 181):

     "Well, I've only been considering a few specific details, but pretty much, the general plan is to do exactly what you just said, Sir Walter, and incorporate Sharik's suggestion of going to the Imperial World of Concorde, to get that work done."

     Vonon turns towards Serge,

     "Sorry, Serge, but unless your buddy on Garrison is in a position to help us get our shipwork done, there really isn't any reason to go there.  The tech-base isn't any higher than we'll find on Duncinae, and Garrison has been under Martial Law since a popular revolt was put down, there, a few years ago.  The worlds a TAS Amber Zone, now."

     "But going to Concorde ..." Vonon goes back to addressing Walter, as well as anyone else bothering to listen, "I suppose that -- theoretically -- we could just head there on a best-time course, without taking any time to make any money.  I mean, at the moment, we could afford to do that.  But that just doesn't make any business sense -- right?"

     "I've been studying up on my Trading skills, so ... Sir Walter, check my reasoning on this plan -- Shar'r, help keep my facts straight, okay?"

     "So.  Duncinae is a Rich World, and that's why we're hoping to get good money for our Historical Artifacts, there.  But that only generates Credits -- we'll also need to fill the cargo holds."

     "I propose, since Duncinae is also an Agricultural Garden World, that after we sell all we can sell on Duncinae, we fill all available cargo space with agricultural products -- food, beverages, herbs and spices, -- everything that Duncinae's agricultural industry provides.  But we try not to focus on Luxury stuff -- which I know has a higher cost return -- instead, we focus on good-quality, mainstream food items, which will be easier to sell, in larger volume."

     "Am I doing okay, so far, Sir Walter?"

     "The reason we focus on foodstuffs is because from Duncinae we jump to Cassandra's Belt, and after that, to Luushakaan.  Both of those 'Ports are sealed-environment communities, with limited local agro-production -- we should get high-credits for good quality foods, in both places.  We sell half our cargo of Duncinaean food at Cassandra's Belt -- try to unload whatever luxury items we have there, 'cuz Luushakaan is a Poor world -- and then we top up the cargo holds with Cassandran metals and minerals."

     "At Luushakaan, I think our best bet will be to bring basic bulk food items, and sell them directly to Sternmetal Mining, which runs the planet.  We might make more money trying to sell to smaller vendors, but Sternmetal runs the Bureaucracy, and I'm just looking to make a quick sale, so..."

     "Sternmetal Mining on Luushakaan is exploiting big deposits of radioactives and other major metals, so we buy all of that, that we can.  And then, fellow Crewmates, and then ... we jump to Germaine! A resource-hungry Pre-Rich world with a massive workforce.  They may not be any kind of industrial power-planet, but they got billions of folks to keep employed and provided for.  We should make good money with a big cargo of radioactives, industrial metals, and other valuable minerals."

     "Then we pick up a mail contract -- just so we don't fly with empty holds -- and go to Concorde, where we spend all those Credits we made, on maintenance and repairs to the ship."

     "Did I miss any opportunities?" Vonon finishes, looking around at everyone.

"Did someone say 'radioactives'?" Pablo's ears perk up.

"Oh, you just mean shipping them so that our cargo hold will glow in the dark. I thought maybe we could, like... play with them?"

"Well, you never know! Pocket and tactical nukes have their place. I'm still on the fence about whether I want to get a thermonuclear hand grenade. You know... a Last Resort."

"Make sure you let me know if you're going to transport radioactive material so I can stock up on the various drugs and chemicals for neutralizing radiation poisoning," Reese advises you.

"We have some in the medical inventory, of course, but that's only for limited emergency situations. Remember, it's better to have it and not need it than to need it and not have it."

"That is very true, like the old saying, better 10 minutes early than 1 minute late!"

Serge read the ship's survey logs.

- Say, Pablo. Have you figured out why there is a delay? If not, I think I have just found a work for myself for the week in J-space...

Sharik looked thoughtful for a moment and then pushed another set of coordinates to star map schematic pulled up on the main display for the rest of the crew.  "There is one other possibility, though it is further out and directly Trailing..."  which meant that it would be deep in the Imperium.

"Delphi," she noted, and it was highlighted, "is a small water world, with an extremely limited population.  But it is at the cutting-edge for Imperial tech; rumor has that you can contract for pretty much any modification...  But as previously noted, it is seven jumps away for the Longshot."  She pushed tentative routes onto the map for visualization purposes, "But we can stick to gas giants all the way there as well..."

---

[OOC:  Delphi [TL-15/F, UWP: A94A100–F] is here on the TravellerMap:  https://travellermap.com/?p=-24.395!-66.746!7.05   N.B. you can have TravellerMap plot potential jump routes for you as well (the icon to the right of the search bar in the upper left corner of the map) ...  Just saying, it is kind of a fun (if not perfected) feature.]

Sylvester likes the idea of Delphi, He loved high tech!

"Not sure I'm going to stay aboard after Duncinae," Tescha adds to the mix. "I'll finish the auction of the relics on Duncinae, of course, but I think I'll look for transit to somewhere else."

"No hard feelings, but this isn't the ship for me."

"Oh, it's not so bad," Dieter adds. "I may hang around a bit longer. Still trying to work out what my PLANS are. While there's a certain appeal to finding a good woman and settling down and raising a family, I'm not sure I'm ready for the old ball-and-chain routine yet."

"Of course, that's when Real Life just jumps up and smacks you down!"

In reply to Dieter Lumper (msg # 190):

"Ball-and-chain? Why would settling down with a woman result in that? Don't be ridiculous."

Inderpal didn't want any relationship that resulted in her partner feeling constrained, except maybe in the fidelity department.

"What does Delphi have apart from loads of high-tech?"

By now Khea learned to ignore most of what the others, including talks about nuclear hand grenades.
Any high tech world is good for me and finally getting into imperial space is even better.

"You are correct Captain,  I was factoring in that we want to get it fixed as quickly as possible, given the level of this ships tech and her age. Something else to add into the equation would be Type A and B starports along the way, in case anything breaks down before we get there. It would not do us any good to go to Luushakaan, given its limited repair facilities. While you are not too keen on Dakaar, if we skip trading there, only going to refuel and then jump to Germaine, we can have good places to repair the ship if anything goes wrong." Sir Walter suggested.

"As for cargo, a priority for industrial items given that Cassandra and Concorde require much in the way of imports, given their lack of industrial capacity, other than in shipping. So it could be that we go from Duncinae to Cassandra-Dakaar-Germaine and finally to Concorde, stopping along the way to trade, except for Dakaar."

Unlike Khea, Shar reacted to Pablo's musing about nuclear armaments with a blanche and a light elbow to the side.  Her expression spoke in a sort of 'don't go looking for trouble...' face; for she knew quite well about her friend's propensities.  And while she respected his physical prowess and abilities, the thin socialite could do without him provoking any additional violence.  She didn't like the option of escalating to defcon one as the nuclear option often meant mutually assured destruction.

And Sharik had plenty to live for.  She chuckled and squeezed Indy's hand as the young lady promoted monogamy and long0term relationships, giving a hearty "Here. Here." in support.  Answering her partner's other question about her proposed alternate destination with a simple, "Water world ..."  Which to her meant, lots of swimming and lots of baths.  As a dilettante what more could you ask for?

"But," the auburn-haired astrogator noted, listening to Walter and Vonon hash out more and more details, "that will have to wait, it seems.  Methinks we go to Concorde first!"  Which didn't seem like a bad option, at all.  And closer.  If necessary, Shar would figure out a way to take Indy to Delphi some other time.  They had plenty of credits to book passage - if it really became a necessity.

But unlike Tescha, Sharik wasn't about to contemplate leaving the Longshot any time soon.  There was too much invested, financially and emotionally, at this point.

"We aren't putting any holes in walls, Vonon," Valeska explains. "It was just a euphemism for rearranging quarters allocations."

"All the walls and doors were rearranged on Invermory. Sly and I are just moving in together into the 10.10 double while Dieter moves into Sly's 10.4 room and Tescha moves into my 10.7 room."

"While Sly may be a ball-and-chain, he's MY ball-and-chain."
This message was last edited by the player at 10:23, Wed 01 Dec 2021.

ooc

Sam is still here, busy so not been able to post much

He smiled and hugged her, you will, I'm charming!

"Delphi at TL 15, or Concorde at TL 14? Either is better than here as far as getting upgrades. As long as we make money!"

In reply to Sylvester Jinx (msg # 198):

"I'm fine with making money, as long as I'm alive to spend it. What else does Concorde have apart from high-tech?"

In reply to Inderpal Kumar (msg # 199):

     "Concorde is a Trade Hub." Vonon responds to Inderpal -- recalling his own knowledge, as well as accessing the data that Sharik has provided, "Most of the trade going out of, and in to, the Imperium, is from the Principality of Caledonia, The Confederacy of Duncinae, The GrandDuchy of Marlheim, dozens of independent worlds, and even the Hierate.  Not the only Trade Hub, but a really big one."

     "For a whole lot of reasons -- especially from the POV of making money -- Concorde is the better destination.  From the POV of 'a nice place to visit', Concorde stands out there, as well."

     "Both worlds are 'Water Worlds' (more-or-less, for Concorde), but both have Tainted Atmosphere's.  Delphi has a Low Population (mainly the Port Workers), while Concorde has a long settlement history, hundreds of thousands of folks living there, cities (with all the 'entertainment' options associated therewith), and ... Concorde was originally settled by Aslan, and there is still a sizable Aslan population there ('Imperialized' Aslan, if that makes any difference)."

     "As a Trade Hub, Concorde has more established trade routes to several planets in the region.  Delphi has none.  And the trip to Delphi has us needing to pass through a bunch of Class C starports -- something which Sir Walter has expressed a desire to avoid.  The trip to Concorde -- especially if we go via planet Dakaar -- will be all Class A and Class B 'Ports."

     "I would rather go to planet Luushakaan -- even with its Class D Starport -- but that's only because I am certain that those money-grubbing, exploitative Yarfals at Dakaar will be more dangerous than a backworld mining colony.  Which is being operated by a respected Imperial MegaCorporation, I would point out!"

"A very comprehensive answer, Vonon. Thank you very much."

Inderpal waited to see what else people were going to say.

"I can't help wondering if we've acquired a reputation yet," Reese responds.

"And, if so, what sort of reputation is it?"

"That would dictate how we're perceived and treated on Dakaar. Would they not want to mess with us or would they want to take us apart to see what makes us tick?"

"And, other than the Starport, is there any other benefit to going there? Is it worth the risk?"

"When we hit Duncinae, we should check the newsnet to see if we're mentioned anywhere."

"I would hazard that we are somewhat in the middle of the reputation spectrum." Sir Walter said.  "So far, knock on wood, no one has started shooting at us when we announced out presence, nor have they rolled out the carpet for us, even when the Count was aboard. As for going to the starport on Dakkar, that was why the suggestion was to just tank up and get out of there. Given the odd set of drives that we have here, we can outrun most vessels if needed." he added.
This message was last edited by the player at 18:18, Sat 04 Dec 2021.

In reply to Walter Zeller (msg # 203):

"I don't understand, what is with Dakkar? Red Zone, Amber Zone or a pirate haven? What is it that everyone wants to avoid it like the plague?"

"Dakaar Corporation has a reputation for ruthlessness," Val explained. "It probably isn't as bad as Vonon makes it out to be. After all, it's a bureaucracy."

"Nothing gets done unless it's in triplicate. Every level of government, which covers just about everything, has its set-in-stone rules and regulations. If you ask for cheese but that's not in that bureaucrat's purview, the request gets passed up the chain until it reaches some authority that can make a decision, and then he passes it back down the proper chain. Thus, if you want a slice of cheese on your ham sandwich, it could take as long as a week to go through channels."

"On the other hand, if you do something that gets the attention of a major bureaucrat, he'll have the authority to do something immediately. Generally, though, you won't like it."

"Anyway, if you look at the world data, it says 'Military Base'. That'd be corporate mercenaries maintained to put down miners' revolts."

"Likewise, the 'Naval Base' is mostly armed merchants with maybe one or two Imperial gunboats. The Imperium isn't about to let its lanthanum supply get away."

"The trouble is... that lanthanum mine is going to run out sooner or later. Considering how long it's been running, I'd say sooner. It doesn't sound like the CEO is doing anything about it. Last I heard, it was Varik Durang, and he's been lining his pockets for years on graft."

"If you pick up a load of high tech equipment, though, you can sell it there for a premium. It's always in demand. Just don't expect a great profit since the import taxes are ridiculous. Not that they aren't justified to keep the place running, but, again, too much of it finds its way into bureaucratic pockets."

"The world's only half a gravity, but you need a respirator to breathe on the surface. Lots of water, too."

"Bottom line, it's not a bad place as long as you go in knowing what to expect."

Sly gives her a peck on the lips, "Thank you sweetheart! I honestly had no idea."

"Fine. Concord then" although Khea is obviously not happy about that.

     "Callin Dakaar Corp ruthless is being too polite about those back-stabbing, soul-crushing, murderous ... Tyrants!" Vonon snarls,

     "So -- if a planet run by blood-sucking Corporate Bureaucrats, who go around oppressing entire planetary populations into becoming their economic slaves, is your idea of a Good Time -- then, yeah, planet Dakaar isn't a Bad Place!"

And so the week passed. Before you knew it, the jump-exit signal sounded and five minutes later, the Long Shot dropped out of Jump-space.

In short order, communication signals bouncing around the system readily identified the nearby planet as Duncinae, and the ship's transponder did its usual handshake with the satellites and highport.

The ship came out at 103 diameters from Duncinae, as a precaution rather than an error. There weren't that many directions that ships could come from, so those vectors around the planet were designated 'space lanes'. Therefore, there's no way for NORMALLY for two ships to get in each other's way.

There are a few other vectors used for interplanetary travel, but Air-Space Control keeps it all sorted out.

There's nothing new on the newsnet that needs or grabs your attention. Since you're inbound from Invermory, there's no problem with customs or protocols.

Actual landing decisions don't have to be made until you're about 10 diameters out.

Serge began calculating the trajectory for entering low orbit.
- Captain, are we landing on the planet, or do we dock with the highport?

In reply to Serge Baklanov (msg # 210):

     Vonon ponders Serge's question for a moment, before answering.

     "Given our reason for coming here -- the auctioning of Iltharan Empire Artifacts -- I'm thinking it would be advantageous to arrange for a berth down on the planet.  But if we can't swing that, then the Highport it will have to be.  We can always shuttle down in Lucky Break, if we have to."

Sharik was in the navigator's seat when before the claxon sounded.  Given the vagaries of the jump-transition, she'd been on shift for a couple of hours.  As per tradition, there was no way that the auburn-haired astrogator of the Longshot was going to be absent for the transition back to n-Space.  In the darkened bridge she waited as the countdown ticked off.

She might have spent the previous week relaxing in zero-g and tinkering with various mechanical systems to shore up her knowledge and experience.  But, Sharik knew that she was on the payroll as the navigator.

Immediately following the bright flash of the transition, Shar started to push the external sensor readings to the navigation routines to recalibrate their position in n-Space.  It took a few moments for as both she and the computer got their bearings, but the thin dilettante had had enough practice and experience have them moving towards Duncinae proper in no time.

She let Indy - who was the comms officer, after all - handle the Port Authority, but made sure that the triple-checked positional and vector coordinates were pushed to her display for easy reference.  Then Sharik pushed the two tentative routes to the highport and downport onto the main tactical overlay for all of the bridge crew to see.  Once that was done, the preliminary set of post-jump transition checklists and diagnostics were started.

Inderpal called up the Port Authority and tried to see if they could get the downport, using her polished diplomatic skills in the process.

"So, we'll be grateful either way, but of course more grateful if we get the downport...

Once that was sorted, she was mostly done - unless something went wrong on the approach.

While it would be a pain in the ass to have to come to a dead stop before you transition into J-space, especially if you are being pursued, the main reason you want to be in motion is so that you have a vector when you come out of jump-space. It's those vectors that create the 'space lanes'.

Thus, when you come out of J-space, you are normally on course for your destination.

In the case of Duncinae, the Long Shot was on course for the planet, but not necessarily for the highport. That's because the variables make astrogation calculations too complex for that kind of precision. Sometimes, though, you get lucky.

Duncinae's highport, named Skyport, isn't in a geosynchronous orbit, but revolves around the world in a 30-hour orbit.

"This is Duncinae AirSpace Command, Long Shot. You are cleared for landing at Bay 17 at Macbeth Downport on standard approach vector Delta-7. Welcome to Duncinae."

On the last mile of your descent, the ship is guided in by half a dozen radio beacons.

The docking bay you land at is an external bay inside of a circular berm. You are automatically asked to indicate what services you will be making use of. If you use any of them, then there are people waiting at the bay to apply them.

Sylvester and Valeska were now, 'a thing' clearly. Spending the nights together, they were a couple. Sylvester did his work well, running Engineering and letting Khea take credit for it. She was good in her own right, but not as good as him.

As the ship started to close the distance to Duncinae, Sir Walter started to set up the cargo sale and helped facilitate the artifacts that were being put up for auction.

"Remember crew, if there is anything you want to buy, you are on your own. Oh, and Tescha, we need to make sure that everything that we found is not going anywhere else with us. If there are items that do not sell, get with a museum of your choice and make arraignments to donate them as a tax write off please." he said.

In reply to Walter Zeller (msg # 216):

Jack sits in the Aux. bridge coming out of Jump. Wondering what he might need here.

Sam was piloting when they emerged form J space. All the talk about trade had not really interested her, and was outside her knowledge, base so she left it to those who knew. She piloted in and helped the ship land and then closed it down before trying to decide on any plans

Inderpal monitored the communications as they made their approach and landing, while also confirming which services they were planning to use on touch down.

Standard starship services are refueling and a service umbilical that provides power (so your fusion reactor doesn't have to continue using fuel and can be shut down to be purged), water replenishment, air/oxygen replenishment, and waste purging. These are automatic unless you specific you don't want any or all of them.

Additional services you can sign up for include internal cleaning, vacc/suit cleaning and restock, superficial hull repairs and polishing, food restock. Although all those need to be contracted for separately, they are all performed by the same company (that has a contract with the starport).

Tescha was already checking the planetary data when Walter advised him about the Iltharan relics.

"Really? Are you saying we can't keep any souvenirs, Sir Walter?" Tescha asks. "Or are you saying we have to bid on them ourselves if we want them?"

"What about that molecular bonding tool? I'm sure we could get a private bid on it from any number of corporations, but I would suggest holding on to it until we get to a higher tech world. There, we can get more for it because it'll be more likely for them to figure out how it works."

His first search was for museums, status, importance, funding, and what they archived. His thought was to spread any of the items that didn't sell around to several of them. He had a high regard and respect for museums, and would hate to see any of them go under.

His next search was for recent artifact and relic purchases... at least, the ones that made it into the public domain. This was more about getting a feel for what was trending and what the market value for items was.

His third search was for auction houses and venues that might be able to handle the auction.

There were some computer programs out there... he even had a few... but they didn't have a soul... they couldn't feel what was right. Besides, the programs were only as good as the programmer and the database. He had yet to find one that could detect anomalies or ask questions; all they really did was crunch numbers.

"Sorry, I forgot about the item, Sounds like a good idea for having it checked out at another system Tescha. As for the other items, it would not do us any good to be accused of keeping them for ourselves. However, since there are items that we can not guarantee their safety, given their unknown qualities, like the molecular bonding tool, it would be better to keep them for further investigation and to get the best return for the company." Sir Walter said with a sly smile.

In reply to Walter Zeller (msg # 222):

     "Sounds like applying a distinction between Functional Tech and Historical Relic." Vonon adds to the conversation,

     "But, Hell Yes, keep that molecular bonding device, Tesha!  Who knows ... we might encounter some know-it-all Daryan, down the road, who thinks his superior intellect can figure the device out ..."

     Vonon's furry visage looks so innocent -- one might think that butter wouldn't melt in his mouth ...

Sylvester laughed at Vonon. "You say you want REAL chocolate next time? Okay, i'll take care of that!" he said with a grin.

Inderpal looked around their surroundings, taking things in.

"I don't know about you, but I could really do with going for a walk. I've been on this ship for far too long and a change of air would be very nice."

She turned to the others.

"After completion of any on-board duties of course."

"Yep. It's always a good idea to get off the ship whenever you can," Val says. "That helps alleviate getting cabin fever when you can't. Some people even get acclimatized to living in a small space to such an extent that they develop agoraphobia."

"Between the upgrades we made to the ship's security protocols and TAMI, I don't think we have to worry about a repeat of the Tescha incident back on Invermory."

"We no longer have Falco as authorized personnel, but I wouldn't put it past him to now another way in. That really wasn't the issue--it was the shadow-ninja intruder. I believe Sharik ran searches for M.O. that matched that... and came up with nothing. So, we still don't know what they wanted on the ship."

"It could have just been opportunity... looking for something valuable to steal. Didn't feel like it, though. Too high end for potentially minimal gain. While we didn't rule out sabotage, we didn't find any signs of it, but the intruder may have been driven off before he could complete his mission. Also, I'm pretty sure Tescha wasn't the target. He couldn't have known that Tescha would be aboard at just that moment. Besides, it would have been a helluva lot easier to kill Tescha elsewhere."

"So, the bottom line is that we still don't know why the intruder was on the ship, and we don't know who it was or who it may have been working for."

"Anyway, the ship is secure NOW. We can all take a walk if we want to. See the sights, go shopping, buy supplies, get drunk, or all of the above."

"Vonon, Sir Walter... either of you have a timeline yet for how long we're going to stay on Duncinae?"

In reply to Valeska Brandenberg (msg # 226):

"Want me to go along Val? Or you want to be with the girls when we land?" Sly asks Valeska, she needed her space too after all. Can't smother her.

The name of the world is Duncinae, but the capitol city on the planet is New Edinburgh. There is a single highport called Highpoint, but there are three downports: Macbeth, Macduff and Banquo. The other two are mainly agricultural freight loading stations.

It has one moon, Duncan (officially Duncan's Dilemma) where there's a Confederate Naval Base with associated Scout base.

The planet is smaller than Earth (the typical reference even though less than 1 in 10 million people have ever been to Earth), less dense (thus accounting for the lack of industrialization due to lack of mineral resources), and roughly 1/2 gravity. Indeed, walking around on the planet makes you feel good and energized, though it can cause problems when you get back on the ship.

Macbath downport is in the center of the city, and the streets all radiate out from the starport.

Of note in the starport is Mysterio's (an upscale nightclub and casino) and the Black Hole (yes, another one--noted for its exotic dancers and live music).

You should also make note of the IRS (Industrial Reclamation Shops). Electronics and other industrial products all have to be imported at a premium price, so the government as created a system for mitigating that somewhat. You see adds for the IRS all over the starport... informing you that if you have any unused or unwanted tech you can sell it at an IRS for 2-3 times what you paid for it.

As a corollary, while there are pawnshops, they are prohibited from dealing with tech. Jewelry, art, knickknscks, and generally non-metallic items are fine. Some metal can be sold in a pawnshop, but for the most part, you can get a better price at a metal salvage yard.

Food, customs, dress, etc. all seem to be fairly standard galactic norm, though tartan patterns and tam o' shanter caps are rather common. Women tend to wear more colorful caps while the men wear solid neutral colors (brown, tan, gray, black, etc.).


This information is all available via the newsfeed/interweb as you approach and by the time you land.

The size of the Long Shot is probably what directed it to an exterior berm, especially since no repairs were requested.

Sir Walter pondered it for a moment, "Unless something comes up, I was thinking that we will be here just long enough to deal with the auction, settle our accounts, and grab more cargo. Hopefully less than a week." he said.

After finalizing the checklists and starting all of the background astrogation and diagnostic calculations crunching, Sharik locked the session on her navigator's console on the bridge and pushed back her chair to stand.  Straightening the pleats on her jacket for a moment, the thin auburn-haired socialite sidled up next to Indy to show her willingness and readiness to engage in a  constitutional about the downport.

"I hear," Shar noted off-hand, glancing down at the results on her dataglove display, "that there is excellent food and entertainment areas nearby..."

Given the relatively strict weapon laws on Duncinae, she seemed to ready to hit the town in her jacket-covered jumpsuit as she'd already accessorized with some small jewelry pieces (nothing dangly, of course, since on-duty she would have had to potentially wear a helmet) and was always kitted out with her electronics suite and shades.

Sam decides to head off ship after touchdown for a look around

"I guess that leaves us Val, a walk and dinner?" he asked her.

Khea leaves the ship when it touches down but loiters around a bit to get acclimated with the gravity a bit.
I wonder how long we will be staying here, considering our last stops were not really planned she asks Sam when she's passing by.

"A good walk will do us good," Val replies to Sly.

"We've got a pretty big ship and there's lots of walking room, but it's not the same as being out here in the open air. The low gravity certainly puts a spring in our step!"

"So, anywhere in particularly you wan to go? Nothing comes to my mind at the moment. I was thinking we could just walk and see what we find."

In reply to Samantha Kilgore (msg # 231):

Jack heads off ship for a bit. Maybe a even some dinner. Checking the Legal warnings first... ALWAYS check the local Legal warnings first.

In reply to Valeska Brandenberg (msg # 234):

"Agreed a nice walk and dinner, then a evening of cuddling and holos maybe."

In reply to Sharik Kaagira (msg # 230):

"I know, Shar... but do you mind if I go for a walk on my own first? I've been on this ship a week and while you're lovely, I need some alone time."

Sensing that Sharik might be upset at that comment, Inderpal clarified.

"Not because of anything that you've done though."

Then she kissed Sharik on the cheek.
This message was last edited by the player at 22:13, Thu 16 Dec 2021.

Sharik gave Indy's hand a quick squeeze, even while playfully sticking out her tongue the young woman's statement about needing time alone for a bit.

"Of course," she intoned more seriously, then asked, "Dinner later?  Text me!"

Whistling an old Solomani ditty that she'd recently dug up from the archives of the on-board library, the lithe astrogator set of towards the luxury stores on the ship to inventory them and then headed into town to do some serious Retail Therapy™ - checking off items from the grocery list for both the ship and herself.

As she walked, Shar kept an eye out for anything that might be a nice gift for any of the rest of the crew (and especially Indy).

[Macbeth Downport, planet Duncinae]


       "Hey!  Living in sealed environments is safe and healthy!  That guff about "cabin fever" is just Old Rock Miners Tales ... don't believe stuff like that!" objects Vonon -- who was born and raised in an asteroid....





       "I'm of like mind with Sir Walter, on this." Vonon adds,

      "From past experience observing auctions back home, at Rockport, even if we could make arrangements to have the auction tomorrow, it makes for a higher profit if we allow the word to get around, some, before we actually hold the event.  We gotta give the locals time to get interested -- maybe drop some advertising about the finer pieces.  Generate some social buzz."

     "I'm thinking we plan on holding the auction in a week -- then stay another couple days for all the credit transfers to clear ... allow us to get everything packed and shipped to the new owners -- that kinda stuff.  So ... maybe closer to ... ten days?  No more than two weeks...?"

Inderpal herself walked into the town. Not planning to do any shopping at this stage, she instead soaked up the general ambience, got an idea of the local geography and considered what was going on in her life. Sharik in particular. It was still a fairly casual relationship... but she found herself seriously considering taking it to the next level. As in the legal kind of next level.

In reply to Inderpal Kumar (msg # 240):

Sly just wanted to spoil Val. He spent their spare time together doing what she liked mostly, not that it bothered him, he was easy to entertain. He did some shopping with her for luxuries they could share together too, sweets, alcohol, caviar and other fine extravagances!

One of the reasons she opted for the walk was to 'clear her head'. She certainly likes Sly--she has nothing to complain about. She doesn't need him to buy her anything as she has her own money.

She feels too much like the Lady and the Tiger, but she's not sure why. This is the closest she's come to a 'serious' relationship, so she's trying to figure out why. Does this one scare her?

Or is she just uncertain of where she's going? Up till now, she's always known what she was doing. There had never been any serious thought about the future because, in her line of work, it was never certain she was going to have a future.

If she took this next step, was she going to have one? And just what was it going to be? THAT, she thought, was what scared her--not knowing.

So, as they walked, she tried to imagine various futures that she and Sly could have. Was any one of them scarier than the others? Or a better choice than the others?

"At the moment, I'm not interested in going to a show, but that may change if we find something interesting showing," she says to Sly as they window shop.

"I've never been big on wardrobe, which is a good thing, I guess, since there's hardly enough room on the ship for a walk-in closet! I suppose I could replace a few things. It's a fine line between comfortable and worn out."

"We don't have to waste money to have a good time. I just want to be with you and I'm happy!" he holds her hand.

In reply to Sylvester Jinx (msg # 243):

     Vonon steps off the ship wearing (what he thinks is) local garb -- a powder-blue kilt, over which he's wearing a banana-yellow button-front shirt and his old black (ballistic) leather Patrol Jacket.  He's wearing his gun belt "sideways" -- buckled at his left hip, so that the empty pistol holster hangs down the front of the kilt, in place of a sporran.

     His legs are covered by nothing except his own auburn-colored fur, though his go-to black space boots cover his feet.

     Vonon had spent several minutes deciding whether-or-not to wear a raspberry-colored beret -- but finally decided that it would ruin the pompadour he'd had the automatic hair styler (a gift from Sir Walter) do up for him.

As Sylvester looked back toward the ship, Vo stepped off in his garish outfit, Sly laughed so hard he almost lost consciousness!

Sir Walter heard that the Captain was departing and headed towards the exit. Seeing the latest clothing that Vonon was wearing, he quickly threw on a pair of mirrored sunglasses to help mute the assault on his eyes. "I will be doing my usual deal making. Needless to say you can reach me at TAS. Is there anything needed for the ship?" he asked.

In reply to Walter Zeller (msg # 246):

     Vonon paused and thought over Sir Walter's question,

     "Hmmm ... anything needed for the ship ..." Vonon thought out loud, "That would be a toss-up between Personal Matter Transmitters or Escape Pods, I guess."

     Vonon dropped his lower jaw and let his tongue loll out the side, in a Vargr grin, then added,

     "Kidding!  Although -- I'm half-serious about wanting escape pods.  But that's something for a better shipyard..."

"Let us hope that it never comes to that but you bring up a good point. When we unload the cargo here, I will leave room in the launch so that some acceleration benches can be added to carry everyone in case of an emergency. That is three less tons of cargo the launch can carry but we can use it as a lifeboat, and to haul the crew if needed. How does that sound?" Sir Walter asked Vonon.

In reply to Walter Zeller (msg # 248):

"Sorry Val, Vo just looks so ridiculous in his 'stylish' clothes, I had to laugh. I love him, he is hilarious!"

Sharik hummed a light two-part invention from an ancient Solomani composer as she had her nails worked on at a local salon.  The lithe auburn-haired astrogator leafed through an online periodical as her manicurist filed and painted her fingernailsl; she found Indy both easy and hard to buy for - which meant that things were getting serious enough.  And which also meant that Sharik needed to start thinking about the next steps.  She'd known Indy for a few years now and had always enjoyed her company.

Shar could only hope that her fellow ex-scout felt similarly - but, honestly Sharik trusted inderpal to be honest with her and to say if there were problems.

Which meant that tonight's dinner might need some extra champagne on order.  This thought caused Shar to send an agent search to start combing for the availability of restaurants and their wine lists.  Glancing at the corner of her HUD display for the time, the thin cosmopolitan socialite noted that there was plenty of time to shop after her facial and hair were finished.  In the mean time, Sharik continued to savor her manicure while perusing all of the local directories and wares online.  In her mind, she began charting her course through the downtown area and what retails stores she really needed to hit before dinner...

Inderpal continued to go around the town, seeing if there was any museums or anything that might be worth visiting. You couldn't spend all your time in fancy restaurants and spas after all.

After a couple of hours, she sent a message to Sharik to check how things were with her.

Reviewing all of the options scrolling down her HUD, Sharik booked reservations at one of the local wineries.  As an agriculturally rich planet, Duncinae, had plenty of them.  So, she picked a well-rated one near one of the local nature preserves not too far from the downport.  It was easy enough to rent a grav vehicle for transport.

Indy's call came just in time, as Shar was getting ready to text her with the news about the car and the accommodations.  "Hon," the lithe astrogator drawled into her p-comm, "How do eight o'clock reservations sound?  Clifton's winery on the Hill.  It's supposed to have a spectacular view of Schabatt's Caldera and the Magrion Falls.  One of the largest waterfalls on the planet.  And the volcanic soil of the caldera is supposed to make some of the most amazing wine grapes..."  Which the winery had based its considerable reputation on.

"Anyways.  Ping me with your location and I will have the car swing by.  Then we can stop by the Longshot to change ..."  Having noted her companion's unease with her at the stick previously,  Sharik made sure that the grav limo rented would simply be their transport - and self-driving (with an impeccable record, of course).

"Sounds great." Inderpal happily accepted the proposed date and pinged over her location.

As for unease with Sharik at the stick, she was confident in her driving skills. She just didn't like unsupported heights like that.

OOC: A common fear of most people, I'd say. I'm fine with aircraft and tall buildings, provided I'm not too close to the edge.

In reply to Inderpal Kumar (msg # 253):

OOC - sounds like me. Can't climb a ladder for fear of heights, but I've flown Trans-Atlantic a dozen times!

Sly and Val visit the zoo and the gardens to see the beauty and what wild creatures they have on Duncinae. He'll take her to eat and get her a drink afterwards, waiting for departure from here after the auction. There was nothing Sly was interested in bidding on, he already got his, TAMI!

(Are you sure have TAMI? or does TAMI have you)

In reply to Jack Blackwood (msg # 256):

She has me! Bwahahahahahahahaha!

About thirty minutes after her confirmation, a long black grav-limo pulled up to the curb where Indy's location had been pegged.  The door opened and Sharik's crossed legs could be seen before her elfin, Asian-accented face appeared framed by part of the opening.  A bright smile appeared on her features as she gestured with her index finger to ship mate to come hither and get into the waiting car.

"C'mon, hon." Shar coo'ed lightly, beckoning, "Let's get you out of those clothes..."  They had to change after all.  And there were choices, as Shar had purchased some clothing on her shopping spree.  But she was actually thinking of some of the paired dresses that they'd gotten back on Invermory might be appropriate as well.  In any case, the limo was rented for the night and they'd be stopping by the Longshot anyways to freshen up before heading out.

Then it was off to sample wines, fresh local fare, and perhaps take a gondola ride overlooking the falls.  After that, who knew what was in store?

In reply to Sharik Kaagira (msg # 258):

"Fair enough," Inderpal replied, removing her uniform and stripping down to her underwear. Not the easiest of things to do in a confined space, but since Sharik had asked.

"So, what have you got?"

Sharik smiled as Indy got into the limo.  Her smile only broadened as her companion began to disrobe.  Having taken a moment to set and engage the auto-driving function for the car, the thin astrogator turned her full attention to Indy.

"Well," the auburn-haired astrogator sounded thoughtfully, as she gave the other occupant of the cramped quarters an extremely long, appraising look, "I did get a couple of outfits..." and she started to dig through the packages and boxes assembled.  "There's this... and these..." Shar noted casually, pulling out a pair of soft, suede and velour pants with a matching tunic and shawl, paired with some knee high leather boots.

"Or this," and she produced a sleek A-line cocktail dress with matching heels and wide leather belt.

Digging around some more, Sharik pulled out as set of matching jewelry (earrings, necklace and bracelet) that somehow went with both varied outfits and was a light golden yellow tourmaline to compliment Inderpal's darker skin tone.

Sharik herself was already in a dark, velveteen, form-fitting coverall, covered with a long flared jacket that seemed to be styled quite similarly to the cocktail dress.  In fact, the jacket when buttoned had a similar neckline and shape.  It felt like soft silken weave, but still sturdy somehow.  Sharik's own jewelry set, was a different color (to compliment her own lighter skin tone), though again similar enough to set offered to Indy that they were obviously 'related' and might even be interchangeable (of sorts).  All of the metal of the jewelry was either white gold or platinum with fine filigreed etchings.

Leaning over to give Indy a quick kiss, Sharik then rummaged through a different bag and pulled out some cosmetics to show her friend, "What do you think?  We should have about a half-hour at the Longshot before we need to leave to make our reservation..."  Which meant plenty of time to freshen up  ... or if nothing appealed to Indy yet, that there was still more time to shop...

"Oh, and are you thirsty?" Shar prompted, pointing to the corner of the passenger space that contained the wet bar.

Whereas on Invermory setting up the auction had been relatively straight forward, Tescha found things a bit more... tricky here on Duncinae. Finding an auction house was easy; finding one that he felt was suitable was not. It wasn't that he felt he was more discerning, but he felt the costs were outside the limits he was willing to pay. Rent the space + pay for an auctioneer + 10% commission. Normally that'd all be part of the commission... of 2-5% based on the estimated overall value of the pieces. He quickly discovered that there was no room for negotiating, and that was due to government regulations. Delving into those, since the subject came up, he discovered that in order to hold an auction on his own, he had to be licensed, both as an Auction House and as an Auctioneer.

He wasn't a dummy, though. He had his legal program start crawling the legal jargon of rules and regulations and laws and codes and mandates and decrees and charges and measures and legislation and statues (and the dozen other obscure terminology that the Duncinaean's thought were clever).

As it turned out, most of the 'rules' had been enacted to prevent unscrupulous activities by various groups who were using the 'auction house' license to bypass certain fees and taxes. Certain mandatory regulations had been imparted to keep fair trade going.

It wasn't until the end of the 2nd day that Tescha found the loophole he'd hope to find. He (and the ship) weren't going into business as an Auction House (he'd have to make sure Sir Walter knew that they couldn't come back here to do it again without violating that statute and have to pay substantial fines). As a one-shot transaction, they could essentially just have a yard sale (barn sale, estate sale, garage sale, tag sale, bake sale, etc.) and they could have it anywhere. While a 'barn sale' was meant to take place, in theory, in a barn, it could take place anywhere that was convenient for the individual. These types of 'sales' were often used as fund-raisers, and, as such, were housed in the place that was meant to benefit from the sales, like a gym or school parking lot, etc.

Once he got onto that track, it was almost child's play to find a suitable location by starting with wedding and wedding reception venues. He quickly ruled out churches and such, then schools, then civic centers and such (too much red tape), commercial arenas, stadiums and theaters. That reduced the list to only half a dozen locales, and half of them were outdoors. He finally settled on the Ancient and Benevolent Order of the Water Buffalo Lodge.

Next, he had to come up with a name. He couldn't call it an 'auction', so it'd have to be a 'best offer' art sale. Classic Iltharan Art Sale. Nope. Too highbrow sounding. Classic Iltharan Tchotchke Sale!

"That should do it. Anyone truly interested in Iltharan items will guess the tchotchke part is just a smoke screen," he commented to himself as he worked in his quarters. "I'll mention a few items just to be on the safe side."

"Now, book the venue for two days... good, no scheduled weddings, parties or lodge meetings. 500credits... +2% of the sales... minimum of 2,000 credits... for the benefit of the Lodge, rather than a rental charge... should get us the space."

The signed agreement came back within the hour, which was about the right amount of time for them to check out his and Sir Walter's credentials, not to mention the ship's reputation. Naturally they wanted to make sure we weren't going to be throwing a drunken orgy or an anarchist's meeting!

"Invitations next." He'd been acquiring a list of names of significant people in the 'art' and 'antiques' world, including anyone that had made a public purchase of such items in the past 6 months. He didn't need to include any government officials (who weren't already on the list). He figured they'd hear about it anyway.

He found it a bit tricky to convey just the right 'tone' to the invitations... interest the serious buyers while discouraging the lookie-loos. He did include a few news pundits and a small random selection of amateur collectors for verisimilitude.

Lastly, he forwarded the details to Sir Walter.
This message was last edited by the player at 17:02, Mon 24 Jan 2022.

Shore leave usually happened only after months at sea or, in their case, in space, but at least on a ship you could go out on deck for some fresh air now and then. That wasn't the case in Jump-space, though. It was more like being in a prison. There was nowhere else to go except around the ship. Not everyone could adapt to that.

Valeska wasn't quite sure  how or why she'd adapted to space travel so well, but she was still glad to get feet on the ground again, which is why she had dragged Sly on a walking tour of the city. Mostly, it was 'stretching her legs', but it was also a bit of sightseeing. Even sailors needed to go ashore occasionally, but the 'lure of the sea' always took them back before too long. Spacers were like that, too, especially those born in space. For them, a planet was nearly claustrophobic, completely different than the claustrophobia groundlings often got in a spaceship.

As their circumnavigating walk around the circularly laid out city got bigger and bigger, they stopped at a cafe for a drink or a meal, stepped into a shop for something quaint, or just did window shopping while admiring the various architectural styles and decor.

As evening approached, they could have gone back to the ship for the night, but there wasn't any real need to. They could have gone to a fancy hotel as well. Val thought that sort of thing was for business conferences or perhaps a vacation. Neither of those were applicable to their current situation. So, instead, she kept an eye out for a small or quaint bed-and-breakfast place. They found one about an hour before sunset--Windsong--that had a vacancy. It was owned and operated by a pair of elderly sisters named Edna and Ida Verell.

Val and Sly signed in for 2 nights, with the possibility of staying a few nights longer. Then, after settling in, asked Edna for a good restaurant.

Only four blocks away, the Sky Blue Roadhouse was an easy walk and looked to be a good choice. Given the area of the city, she expected the food to be excellent. Once they'd settled at a table and place an order (she was in the mood for a filet mignon), she leaned back and sighed.

"So, Sly, is there anything in particular you wanted to do tomorrow?" she asked.

"I was thinking of visiting a few museums and art galleries. Maybe going to the theater tomorrow night. But we could do something else if you wanted."

"Those sound like excellent ideas! I needed a break from my studies anyway on board ship, nothing like getting a little culture. I want a Rib Eye steak, 16oz., a baked potato with everything, and steamed Broccoli and some bread and wine to wash it down! The Bed and Breakfast was a wonderful idea, small and quaint place and keeps the local economy moving."

[Nathaniel Lab/Office]
Nathaniel is organizing the last of the paper work on the recent breakthrough. Filing the reports and his own notes for easy reference later. He is interrupted by a text message from a coworker, "FYI Nat. Know you did some Iltharan digging work in the past." Attached is a copy of an invitation titled "Classic Iltharan Tchotchke Sale!".

"Trinkets?", he mutters. Curious, he opens the invitation for a look. Scanning past the opening verbiage, he stops at the sample items mentioned. "~Those are no baubles! … I wonder if there are any Iltharan documents or data storage/files?~" Knowing how the general processes work on Dunciane by now, he's been here 4 years, he takes a moment to track the sale back to the ship "Longshot", "~most recently out of Invermory.  Captain, one Vonon Ronkunu, a Varga, with crew … what? Shar? I haven't heard from her in awhile. Bounces around a lot. I could comm her, never know what ship hours she is running then there are parties to organize or attend. Or shopping~."

Turning on video recording, "MESSAGE>>>Hey little Shar. I see you came in on the Longshot. Are you taking up my gambling hobby now? Been busy cleaning up some paper work, so did not notice your name in the arrivals until just now. When someone forwarded an invitation about Iltharan "Tchotchke". Since when have you been playing with that? Not really your usual style of accessories.

You *were* going to comm me while you were in port right? Latest family information from home, mom says, your mom complains, you do not send update vids often enough. Comm me between parties and shopping to setup an in person meet.<<<MESSAGE", he routes it to Sharik through the Longshot.
This message was last edited by the player at 00:08, Sat 15 Jan 2022.

In reply to Sharik Kaagira (msg # 260):

Inderpal took the cocktail dress and held it up to the light.

"I'll put the dress on and the cosmetics in a minute. Generally not a good idea to do the latter in particular while moving, unless you like unusual lipstick application."

She glanced over at the wet bar as she lay back in a strapless black bra and matching panties.

"I feel like champagne. Do we have any of that?"

She was enjoying being a tease with Sharik and she was sure that Sharik was enjoying it too.

Once Sharik had poured out the glasses, she raised hers.

"To shopping - and more shopping!"

Sharik chuckled when Indy spoke about applying makeup in a moving vehicle, simply nodding and letting her eyes do the the wandering over her companion's scantily clad form.

Grabbing a bottle of bubbly and two champagne flutes in one hand from the wet bar, Sharik unbuttoned her jacket-dress to reveal that there was naught more than small halter top hidden beneath the low-cut neckline and wide lapels.  Shrugging off the jacket and tossing to the side, the thin astrogator snuggled up next to her fellow comms officer and began to fraternize.  She started by popping the cork from the champagne bottle and pouring it into the two flutes.  "Cheers... to retail therapy." she quipped happily.

Offering Indy one of the glasses, even as she nuzzled the woman's neck.  Pausing for a moment, to take a sip from her own glass, Shar winked and then gave her paramour a long kiss before settling in next to her.  "You look absolutely ravishing, as always." she sighed with delight, her free hand (now that the bottle was put down) reached out to hold Indy's.  They had at least twenty minutes before arriving at the Longshot.

---

Nathaniel's voicemail was received and processed, Shar's virtual agent; the display on her dataglove's display flashing a muted alert.  Recognizing both the ident and voice print, the software had its own canned - though personalized by its owner apparently- greeting/response prepared and ready to transmit.  "~Nathaniel, Dah-ling.  Can't come to the phone right now.  But I'd never neglect you.  Be in touch with you soon, Gnat...~"  Her tone quality lapsing into an exaggerated display of her mother's colonial, frontier accent was more than enough to authenticate it was the Gaargir native.  Plus, even though the 'G' in Gnat was silent, it was there.  Oh, yes, it was definitely there.

[Nathaniel Lab/Office]
Going back to the invitation information, and the too well preserved complete sets, Nat checks further. Not a lot of detail is provided, so he cross references back to the crew and passengers registered with the Longshot. Another name jumps out. "~Vonon Ronkunu? I know that name. The liason from the system patrol. CSP. Family involved with administration and legal in the belt. Interested in robotics. And oceans. I probably told him more than he really wanted to know about Archaeology and research in general after a few drinks. What's he doing here? Left the CSP it seems. I told him a little about Iltharan 'leavings', but that would not likely be enough to set up something like that invitation shows~".

He feeds the names linked with the arrival of the Longshot through his science 'who's who' database, using the keyword "Iltharan" to narrow it down. One name matches for filters. "~Tescha? Teshcha what? first name Tescha? … Just 'Tescha' huh. Human. I wonder which culture/ancestry uses just a single label even for public id? Lets see … born on Casendra' s belt … Author, books, … "Recovering Drexilthar through the Ruins of Traneer III", "Duncinae's Lost Colony on Luushakaan", and "A Guide to Yarhfahl's Iltharan Ruins". All around the subsector. 12 years Archaeology … 8 years Iltharan ruins. Looks like he started at Yarhfahl after I left Ildrissar. He might know of me after the Humming prize, but I don't know him. I have not been doing enough Archaeology since then to bother keeping up with the details. The summaries are enough. Definitely knows enough, and how to, record everything, and provide all the provenances. If he was involved at the time. For a 'normal' dig. A sale for baubles is unlikely to be from a normal dig.~"
This message was last edited by the player at 06:26, Thu 20 Jan 2022.

Indy and Sharik arrived back at the Longshot. Before getting out of the vehicle, Inderpal made sure that she was wearing the cocktail dress properly. She could hardly walk on board ship half-naked, could she?

She checked in with the others present to see if any messages or other updates had come in that might affect her plans.

[Nathaniel Lab/Office]
"~So this "Tescha" is likely the one to talk to about details/history of the tchotchke. Not that I would be interested in try to match the *best offer*. Curious yes, buy not. Of course someone here might ask me to do a sanity check validation, to make sure it's all kosher. Speaking of which, I saw a noble title in personel for Longshot. … One Sir Walter Zeller.~".

Feeding that name into the the search engine for Nobility, filtered to, at least initially, limit to Reavers Deep, he gets a hit. "~Hmmm. From Outpost … Knight … been doing 'merchant' work … plus the stuff related to the title. Nothing real noteworthy, or any flags. Take him as the data says, unless someone doing a real security/background check can show different. A point or 2 in favour of it be legit.~".

Nat scans the basic bios for the other sophonts on the Longshot, then "~A varied bunch, varied backgrounds. spacer, patrol, scout, navy, scholar, marines, diplomat, army, and some that are a bit vauge, For Humaniti, Aslan, Vargar. And the Longshot itself. Basic specs looks as patched together as the crew. Based on an SDB? With bolted on jump shuttle? That does not seem like it should work that well long term, but the age of the hull, or hulls, says it has/does. Somebody did some very good work merging those systems.

Anyway, time to drop a message to `Mr. Space Patrol`.~" He routes a message to Vonon Ronkunu, via the Longshot. "MESSAGE>>> Hello Vonon, from a Robotics student. Track down any important crooks lately? How's your family doing? That looks like quite the bunch of mess-mates you have here. Let's set a time to at least grab some Kafe, and catch up. <<<MESSAGE"

Her mirrorshades pushed up onto the crown of her head, Sharik popped out of the limo following Indy closely.  After idly brushing one of the pleats of her long coat, the thin astrogator walked hand-in-hand with the comely comms officer back to the Longshot.  The door to the automated car closed behind them, but vehicle remained stationary waiting for them to return.  Behind them a robotic valet, which was really no more than chic-looking hover drone, carried the day's purchases (well, and Indy's previous outfit) for them back to the ship.

Once on-board, Shar checked her messages like Indy, but also started a few more ship board diagnostics before heading back to their quarters to freshen her make-up, braid her hair, and otherwise get ready for the rest of the evening.

Within twenty minutes, she was loitering by the cargo ramp and typing out a quick message while she waited.  "++Gnat. On Duncinae for a week or so; trading with crew on the Longshot, heading Coreward after.  Things are looking up!  Dinner plans tomorrow? - Shark++"  Sharik sent along the ship's registry ident for her friend to look up, if they so desired - but that wouldn't really be necessary just for dinner.  The lithe dilettante hummed the harmony line from an old two-part invention that she dimly recalled as she tapped away.

In reply to Sharik Kaagira (msg # 270):

After their meal, Val and Sly found a show that sounded good and a concert, Mozart! Sly loved the music of ancient Terra.

[Nathaniel Lab/Office]
Message sent, Nat goes back to the cleanup work while thinking about the Iltharan items listed "~What combination of circumstances and conditions could have kept everything in such good¦original condition for this long? Nothing exposed to the elements¦weathering would have lasted so well. So some sort of sealed or controlled environment.

Modern sensor¦dating techniques should be able to narrow down when, and which world they were manufactured on to within a couple of decades. Surface analysis should give a good picture of the environments they were exposed to over time. Even the gravity field, at least over longer time periods can be inferred from the sag¦relaxation of any materials that are not "perfectly" rigid. Similar from the surface and aging caused by various forms of light¦radiation.

So an intact ship in space, maybe an intact and sealed room or building. A warehouse? Probably not, there would be more repeats or sets. Really the same for cargo in a ship. Likely in micro or maybe low gravity. Away from Ionizing¦UV radiation that would materially alter the surface over time. Materials used for general construction from the late Iltharan worlds are very good, but not perfect. Unless, waaaay out there, they were in some sort of ancients 'stasis', which would be way bigger news than the artifacts.

I wonder if I can get the raw data, and just how good it is for the collection and previous analysis¦provenience? Worth a shot, nothing ventured. I can present as a representative, no cancel that, as an authenticator, for an interested party, that currently wishes to stay anonymous. In fact, "I" don't even know who wants the outside opinion. A bit of side work for my current position.~"

Putting the cleanup work aside again, he composes an introduction.

"TEXT>>>My name is Nathaniel Harken. I am a scholar with a background that includes Iltharan archaeology. Credentials attached. I have been contacted by a local party to provide an independent analysis of the provenance for the items that will be available for purchase. I expect that you will not be able to provide a physical sample to allow direct testing at this time. Please provide a copy of your existing provenance details, and the raw data that it is derived from.

For a more personal reference, both Vonon Ronkunu and Sharik Kaagira from the Longshot crew complement are familiar with me and most of my background.<<<TEXT""

After proof reading, he appends the signature block, credentials, and contact information, then sends the package to Sir Walter Zeller via the Longshot.

OOG: Although I am not sure the invitations Nat is using as source material were sent out yet. Tescha's post said he was forwarding details to Sir Walter. Not sure if that meant CC'ing or sending only to Sir Walter, with him to approve before sending, or to have Sir Walter do the sending, so that it comes from a "better" source. One more likely to be taken seriously.

Also, for the 'quality' of the message content: Advocate 3, Art (Write 1), Science (Archaeology) 1. Archaeology skill rank is a bit low, but Nathaniel was available locally, and this is more about making sure that all of the i's are dotted, t's crossed for the authentication documents. Doing a sanity check. Electronics (computer) 2 could tie into that as well. Not that (currently as least) there is a real patron, but that is the scenario that Nat is basing it on. I also figure that, in his current position, he will have access to a pretty wide range of expert software. Even TL11 would give DM+1 to existing skills, which should be good for Science (any) 1.

If provided the data, does it directly show that the items came from Coventry? As hinted in the thought stream, it could be possible to 'infer' Conventry based on a match to the gravity. Or even the details of the atmosphere it was in. Either directly from the environment sensor data during acquisition, or traces found on the surfaces during later analysis. Forensics at various levels.
This message was last edited by the player at 05:15, Mon 24 Jan 2022.

[Nathaniel Lab/Office]
Shortly after sending the Introduction message, while second guessing himself about what he should or should not have included, Nathaniel gets a follow up text from Sharik.
"~Week plus. Longshot crew and "trading". Coreward. Life good¦improving¦interesting. No plans.

Trading? Is the Iltharan `Tchotchke` trade goods? With the price volatility of artifacts, that would be high risk speculation. Something else to talk about. Tomorrow. Ok, confirm~"

"TEXT>>>Dinner works for me. It's my turf, but you will have entertainment options mapped and indexed by now. You set time and location. I'll be there. With big curiosity appetite.

Knew about Longshot. That is how I discovered you were here. I got notice about the Iltharan artifacts that you are trading. Remember the dig on Ildrissar?<<<TEXT"

"A Mozart Rap concert was not what I was expecting," Val commented to Sly as they headed to a an all-nite bistro after the show.

"I want to say it wasn't that bad, but my brain is still numb. Next time, we should pay more attention to the details given. I think the Thrashing Metal Rap Band & Orchestra was a clue. I'm going to have to look up what the definition of 'orchestra' is because I'm not sure what they had qualifies. Then again, here on Duncinae, there might be a more twisted legal definition. Like, they can't call themselves a quartet if there are 10 of them."

At the Nite Owl bistro, there were apparently other show-goers stopping in for a nightcap, including the theater crowd.

Val ordered just a raspberry pastry and an Irish coffee.

In reply to Valeska Brandenberg (msg # 274):

"hehehehehehe, I need to read the fine print in future! Sorry about that."

Presumably, Walter approved Tescha's 'auction' plan and the invitations were sent out. Upon receiving Nat's message forwarded to him from Walter, Tescha immediately did his research on Nathaniel Harken. He also texted a query to Sharik and Vonon to confirm prior connections.

He'd heard of Harken, but their paths had never crossed as they each always seemed to be involved in a different area or direction.

He then contacted Nat.

"Greetings, Mr. Harken. I'm Tescha. I'm in charge of the Iltharan art sale for the Long Shot. I'm amenable to meeting to discuss the items, and you can come by the ship to view them if you'd prefer."

Tescha, of course, had an ulterior motive. He had an offer to delve into a new site on Ranald. He had nothing against the crew of the Long Shot, and he knew it wasn't their fault, but he'd almost died on the ship after getting shot! So, it not only gave him a rather creepy feeling, but he was still having bad dreams about it.

If it worked out, Harken could take his place on the ship. That way, everybody wins.

Sitting at TAS, his usual hangout when planetside, Sir Walgter read through Tescha's analysis of the auction rules and was happy to find that there was a loophole that be exploited. It brought a smile to his larcenous heart. Totally legal and above the law. If he does ever come back to Duncinae, he suspects that there will be a limit as to how much could be sold using that trick.

Tracking through the local merchant listings, he started planing the sale of cargo and what to pick up along with ordering three acceleration benches for the launch to be added, it will have to wait for the cargo to be unloaded but he could have one of the pilots take the cargo direct to the merchant and then get them installed.

Flipping on the camera built into the laptop, he sent a message to Vonon. +++Can you have someone take the launch to Duncinae Industrial Trading? The cargo will be going to them and when it is unloaded, it needs to go to Teliks Aviation over at Hanger Bay 138. They will be installing the three acceleration benches. It should only take about 4 hours for both.+++ he said.

"TEXT>>>My name is Nathaniel Harken. I am a scholar with a background that includes Iltharan archaeology. Credentials attached. I have been contacted by a local party to provide an independent analysis of the provenance for the items that will be available for purchase. I expect that you will not be able to provide a physical sample to allow direct testing at this time. Please provide a copy of your existing provenance details, and the raw data that it is derived from.

For a more personal reference, both Vonon Ronkunu and Sharik Kaagira from the Longshot crew complement are familiar with me and most of my background.<<<TEXT"

Looking at the message, Sir Walter was a bit surprised since he was not expecting it to ruin his breakfast when he got around to checking his posts. Shaking his head, he popped open another message to send.

+++Vonon, Sharik, and Tescha, there is some "Scholar" by the name of Nathaniel Harken that is asking questions about the artifacts. He is looking for the raw data and provenance details. We may want to set up a chat here at TAS, maybe with Serge as backup in case it's a bigger problem as I have no idea who he is.+++