As the Dastavka exits hyperspace, a wing of small fighters move to greet you and confirm your ID.

Scanners reveal construction proceeding at quite a rate. One of the old Cruiser hulls is being refitted as a space station to bolster defences, and the system seems a hive of construction.

As you approach, you are asked to move directly to Kalishnikovs cruiser to dock. You are told he wants to see you urgently. All of you. Specifically including any new passengers.

"Ok, what have I done now!?"

Roger, Wilco.

In reply to Cyril Zotmund (msg # 3):

You move close to the main Base, the name "Fabrika" marked across the side. There are clear extensions, and more work is continuing. In fact, there is a lot of work going on. A large shell of a Labrysian cruiser is next to it, and it seems to be teeming with welding lights and small construction barges. Also docked in the hanger bay is a Labrysian Scout.

Docking is rather straightforward, and you are all ushered to the main office in the massive construction. Unusually, you are not asked to wait as Andrew is waiting for you, along with a Colonial advisor from Chrysolite with a very concerned look on his face. There is also a Labrysian rebel captain there as well. Andrew greets you as you arrive.

"It is good to see you, and we also look forward to finding out about what you found, but for now we will have to be satisfied with downloads form your ships computers, and any other computers you might have that have interesting data.

While you were away. a fleet of 10 vessels raided the Labrysian Government Research colony. Led by the Midway, seven cargo vessels modified to carriers and two destroyers jumped to some of the Gas Giants near the Research Colony in 1340, where they were able to take advantage of of the dispersed forces to destroy 2 Cruisers, 4 Destroyers and 2 Frigates. They then refuelled and jumped to the Labrysian colony at 1239, known as Hibernia. The details are sketchy, but they attempted to launch all fighters and withdraw, as before, and the fighters were able to deal with the enemy fighters, but there were several new warships there, notably a high speed battlecruiser capable of 6G acceleration. It caught up with the fleet, destroying the the Destroyers, several modified carriers and the Midway. But not without losses. Spies have revealed they lost the modified Frigate, the modified destroyer and the battlecruiser, and a number of survivors were able to make it back to the planet, after destroying what was left of the Midway to avoid it falling into enemy hands. 5 modified cargo vessels escaped back to Aegir.

Spies tell us that there are about 80 humans hiding with rebels on the planet. You dee, Hibernia's colony is breathable by the Labrysians, and this planet was colonised shortly before the religious government took control of the home world, and many who did not want to be taken over hid in the remote locations of this desert world, and apparently remain in hiding there still. These survivors have more advanced beam weapons than the government forces have, so it is not simply a matter of rescuing them. We also need to find out if the Labrysian government troops learned anything from the wreckage, such as how to make missiles or more advanced beam weapons.

Unfortunately, jumping directly into the system will be far too easy to detect. Rather, you jump to 1237, and then jump to the star of 1239 to remain undetected, then moving under normal power to the gas giant and then to the planet. Dastavka, with jump 2 drives and 6G engines, is one of the few ships capable of doing that. We would need to fix the life support system for Dastavka so that once you reach there, the Labrysians aboard will stay there and you will take on the human passengers, 30 of which will have to stay on the ships boat for the trip back. Once you have them aboard, destroy any computers and advanced technology you cannot bring back with you. You should not take any fighters, as we understand some of the fighters, short range missile fighters like yours, were lost, and recovering them intact would be good.

To assist you, in exactly 30 days we will launch an assault on the system with what forces we can spare. This should provide sufficient distraction. The ships that will launch the strike will hit the nearest Gas Giant, and from there fly to the planet. This should give you plenty of time to move in on the opposite side of the planet to their massive starbase. Any questions?"

Yes ... move on their Starbase ... and drop troops, shoot missiles? what are we to do there. Also Meir Galinski here just came from Aquataine ... a planet colonized by a Human colony ship and recently terrorized by the Labrysians of the Government. There are several hundred other colonists there... the planet is largely water and quite habitable. Meir can give you a lot of back ground. He probably shouldn't be risked on this mission.

In reply to Cyril Zotmund (msg # 5):

"The decoy attack will move on the starbase. You need to land on the planet, preferably unnoticed, and find where our survivors are, and get them out, leaving the Labrysian agents you have aboard on the planet.

I quickly read through your report as you were coming here. It is true that Meir is a valuable asset, and we would not risk loosing him unless the need was great. Unfortunately, we actually do not have any scouts that are trained to work without modern equipment, which would give their position away. Meir, if you are trained as such, could we ask you to assist with this? This mission is an attempt to avoid our technology falling into the hands of those that attacked your colony.

We will load up a number of personal and equipment into a transport, and send them a number of fighters with spare missiles to Aquitain defend themselves against rogue attacks, but our defences in this sector are our first line of defence unless the Labrysian Government develops or steals Jump 2 technology."

"So when do we need to leave? Are we going to take any weapons to the Labrysians that are there?" she said as she looked around. She wondered what Meir thought of all this.

In reply to Katherine 'Kat' Steele (msg # 7):

"The Labrysian contingent is tasked with taking a shipment of weapons to the rebels there. Deliver them, they will deliver the goods. Your ship is being loaded and a switch for the life support systems for 4 bunk rooms where the Labrysians are now, to enable you to alternate. Supplies are being loaded as well as missiles to arm the fighters. You should have enough missiles to re-arm 20 fighters."

Without depleting our own stores I hope? We have used quite a few as it is.

In reply to Cyril Zotmund (msg # 9):

"New store are being loaded as we speak, as well as missiles. We are taking off the fighters so you can pick up some from the destroyed carrier, as well as loading supplies onto your ships boat."

Yes Sir, I understood that part.

In reply to Cyril Zotmund (msg # 11):

"Excellent. Anything else unclear?"

Are there any more of those extra fast hulls that may have been completed?

"What has this got to do with me?"

In reply to Meir Galinski (msg # 14):

"Fair question Meir. Directly, this is none of your business. However, indirectly, g]allowing the Government Labrysians access to more advanced technology is likely to make it more likely that they can break through our lines and effect your colony, always adversely as you are aware. Hence, using your unique skills to help avoid that, while at the same time learning more about your enemy, will enable you to combat them better, and that information gathering is exactly what scouting is all about, making this very much your business.

To answer your question, Cyril, three new craft were destroyed in the battle that cost us the Midway, including a modified Cruiser that cost us the Midway. Whilst they are surely modifying more, hopefully they will not be ready in time to meet you. That is just another reason to get this mission done as soon as possible. If they are there, our main distraction force can hopefully deal with them. We will be sending my flagship and the Tsushima Straights, along with the newly completed Mirotvortzev, with over 130 fighters. Any excess fighters that are flying once you leave the planet can make their way to the Mirotvortzev."

But this is a suppression mission, not an invasion? Should the insurgents gain the upper hand, how soon could we reinforce them? Loosing the location would certainly hurt government plans.

In reply to Cyril Zotmund (msg # 16):

"Actually, this is an extraction mission. The landing of Labrysian agents is just a pleasant side effect. Please do not loose sight of that. If the distraction is very effective, we may be able to make it something more...it would be a strategic location to hold, that is true."
This message was last updated by the GM at 10:59, Mon 13 Mar 2017.

OK... It was sounding like we expected bigger things from it... we do all we can. Obviously we'll need to land, as our shuttle is already full

"And I am just to fly us in and get us out."

In reply to Cyril Zotmund (msg # 18):

"The shuttle will be empty by the time you get there, but how you do this is up to you."

"I'm struggling to see how my primarily land based skills are of any real use. Sure, I can run communications, but other than that I can't see I'd be much use unless there's a significant period of ground activity."

In reply to Meir Galinski (msg # 21):

"I understand. If everything goes perfectly well, you will probably be right. My concern is that it will not be that simple. Both the humans and Labrysian rebels have lacked air and space superiority for a very long time. The same measures they have taken to hide from Government forces will also make it difficult for you to find them. We do not want to have to use modern active sensors or communications that will risk giving away their position, so you may need to land a force and find them the old fashioned way, something I am told you are an expert in."

"Is the atmosphere breathable to humans as well?"
"What additional equipment are you offering?"

"You should only need a filter respirator, but I can supply you with one of our fully kitted bioplas space suits, and a couple of weapons of choice. Anything else?"
This message was last updated by the GM at 10:58, Mon 13 Mar 2017.

"Light ground vehicles might be useful, something like quad bikes."
"May need to land somewhere out of the way and travel."

In reply to Meir Galinski (msg # 25):

"We have a couple of grav bikes we can offer. They are small enough to avoid most detection. That work for you?"

"Not really, no."
Something more...primitive was more his speed.

In reply to Meir Galinski (msg # 27):

"Well, you have the tracked APC, and we have a couple of small experimental scout quad bikes with very low signatures and our patented micro-Fusion power plants, the smallest of its kind. We have put 40mm Electomagnetic Grenade launchers on them, but they are otherwise unarmoured. Single person bikes that can carry a little cargo, they are small versions of the scout cars that are so popular with the military."
This message was last updated by the GM at 21:46, Sat 11 Mar 2017.

"They sound ideal. Maps covering the entire planet, best you've got available will also be needed, along with any information on where the humans might be hiding, and what their condition is."
He'd also need manuals for the bikes to study along the way, but he was fairly certainly they would come as part of the package.
"Medical supplies, food and water, adequate life support to handle so many people..." he continued, ticking off on his fingers a number of additional items which had probably already been thought of.

In reply to Meir Galinski (msg # 29):

"Ok, then. I will have the two prototypes put aboard as well. Will be a bit tight for a bit, as we will of course load 10t of supplies onto the Dastavka as well. Just a but larger than a person  at 6ft long by 4 ft wide (SM +1), they move at 100 mph (Move 50) but offer no protection for the rider. Capable of carrying quarter of a ton, they have more of a problem with space than power.

What maps we have will be provided, including details of previous rebel sites that may still be active, so naturally do not let them fall into the wrong hands. The planet is a desert planet, with low gravity at 0.68G and hot thin atmosphere with a sulphur taint, hence the need for filter respirators.

That cover all questions?"

Those we can think of at the moment...

In reply to Cyril Zotmund (msg # 31):

"Right. In that case, I will not delay you any further. Your vessel should be ready and loaded by the time you return to it. Godspeed, and good luck."

He departs the room, with various people vying for his time as he does so.
This message was last updated by the GM at 03:46, Sun 12 Mar 2017.

That would be a record turn around... we've hardly been here and hour and a half.
This message was last edited by the player at 15:44, Sun 12 Mar 2017.

In reply to Cyril Zotmund (msg # 33):

"Yes Sir, that is what we are working on. We started as soon as you docked. Actually, it will be a 3 hour turn around, so we are counting on you not rushing back too quickly..." he says with a nervous smile.

Kat sighs "So much for some relaxing.

Meir didn't see much point in hanging around anywhere off the ship, there were too many people about for his liking. Besides, he really wanted to begin familiarising himself with the new equipment being brought aboard as soon as possible.

In reply to Meir Galinski (msg # 36):

By the time you return to the Dastavka, the crew are busy slotting provisions and gear aboard. In the main living room, two small quad bikes sit, much to the amusement of the technicians. At only 4 ft wide, they can fit through only the wider double doorways, but can be driven down some corridors, but this will almost require some crew being confined to either their quarters or their posts. It is going to be a rather squashy ride until you manage to eat your way through supplies!

He didn't intend to ride anywhere unless there was at least a dozen metres or more available. Sitting on a bike and getting a feel for where the controls were would do for the time being. The same for all the other equipment, including the new environmental suit he'd found in his quarters, and if possible, a little dry firing and immediate action drills for all the different rifles aboard the ship.

Cyril detours to see if there is any decent wine available and to check for some good quality single malt scotch or other good whiskey.

In reply to Cyril Zotmund (msg # 39):

The rifles have a training mode, which reduces to power to just a strong torch power.

There are 4 bottles of fine Scotch Whiskey available at the bar, and when he checks, he has another 6 he is willing to sell you.

That sounds good... it may be a while before we get back...and no wine of any quality?

In reply to Cyril Zotmund (msg # 41):

You can find a crate of very nice wine, half white and half red, but the price is astronomical: $10,000!

Supposedly shipped from Vilani space...

Cough, Hack, Wheeze ...  That is almost two weeks pay! ...  a bit out of my price range... doubt even Kalishnakov drinks that!

Anything else?

In reply to Cyril Zotmund (msg # 43):

He keeps it for entertaining visiting Dignitaries. There is a cheaper stuff produced in Chrysolite...they clearly need to import some decent wine makers though. The Beer is reasonable quality, and Kalishnikov brought an expert with Vodka who is working from Tunguska producing a fine drop.

Vodka ... Yuck... That's like drinking Gin.  We'll get some for Kat ... guess I just drink whiskey this trip...

Beer and wine would be nice change. But no Vodka! ITs horrible.

Yes, just like Gin!


Would i know you dislike Vodka? otherwise you get several bottles!

In reply to Cyril Zotmund (msg # 47):

Beer is $150 per slab, next most expensive wine is from Chrysolite, worth $1,000 per box of six, and Vodka is $100 per bottle. Even cheaper wine is available, but the barkeep recommends against it.

No idea of what a slab of beer is...
assuming  inflation and all... $1,000 per case of six may be OK... I assume, given the six to a case, these are 1.5 liter bottles?
I'll get Kat say 4 bottles of Vodka.... that's as close to jet fuel as i wish to get.


So whipping Aussie slang on us now ... in pints? Half Liters? if so, we'll get four.
This message was last edited by the player at 17:20, Tue 14 Mar 2017.

In reply to Cyril Zotmund (msg # 49):

Oh, sorry. Thought the world knew a slab was 24 cans of beer!

Bottles are 1 ltr bottles for both wine and vodka...in fact very similar bottles (not a lot of bottle manufacturers here!).