The launch of a new vessel is forever an exciting prospect, and this is no exception. The small Ball Courier was amoung the smallest of vessels, lightly armed and not really armoured, but for the enterprising it was a start. Freedom. Their own ship to wander the stars.

AK Ball Courier, 40.703 M Solars, 100 dTon Sphere, (17 yd dia)
(4G/Move:370, dDR:10, dHP: 30, dTons of Cargo Space: 46.5, SM:+8)
Weapons: 1x Pulse, 1x Missile, 1x Sandcaster, Crew:4, Endurance: 20 Weeks, consume approx 0.03 dTons/week
10 Bunks in one room, 1 Stateroom, 1 Sickbay, 1 Workshop, No Low Berths.
Freezer space: 20 dTons
Bridge is a large Cockpit, such as shuttles have.
Life Support:11, Jump Range: 2 Parsecs

Modular Small Craft: 1 (Raft)

AK Modular Raft, 3 M Solars, 6 dTons
(2G/Move 2411, dDr:10, dHP:15, dTons of Cargo space: 4, Range in air: 16,000 miles)

Planet: Aegir (Fueled)
Date: 25 Jan 2176

Aegir is water world, Ag.

Trade Good available           Price, $ million/dTon     tons/dTon    dTons available Price Modifiers  Ideal Target Planet type

Fruits/Nuts/Vegetables         $0.0024                   5            55             -2               In, Ex, Na
Special Minerals               $0.75                     8            50.3           0                In
Pharmaceuticals                $0.12                     6            32             -4               In
Fish                           $0.02                     8            56             -2               In, Ex, Na
Textiles/Treated Skins         $0.03                     4            13             -3               In
Protective suits               $400                      2            10             -2               Ex
Grav Units/Parts               $160                      4            15             -2               Ni
Grav Vehicles                  $250                      3            20             -2               Ni
Computers                      $250                      5            8              -2

In = Industrial          Ag = Agricultural             Po = Poor
Na = Non Agricultural    Ni = Non-Industrial           Ri = Rich
Ex = Extreme (Extreme worlds are any worlds where Suits and artificial atmospheres are required)

Known planets nearby:

(1140) Labrysian Homeworld, Garden Planet, Atmosphere: Standard(Sulphur Taint), Normal and Normal, 1.06G Gravity Off limits to traders due to treaty.

(1239) 4 Gas Giants, Labrysian Colony (Gov), Garden Planet, Atmosphere: Standard(Sulphur Taint), Hot and Thin, 0.68G Gravity, Po

(1340) 3 Gas Giants, Garden Moon at the first with Labrysian Research colony (Gov), Atmosphere: Standard, Very Cold and Very Thin, 0.5G Gravity, Na

(1439) 5 Gas Giants, 3 Moonworlds, Aquitaine, 74% Water, Generation ship Colony, Pop: 600, Garden Planet, Atmosphere: Standard, Cool and Dense, 1.07G Gravity, Ag, Ni

(1440) 4 Star system, 3 GG, 2 Asteroid Belts, Atmosphere: None. Ex, Na, In

(1540) Binary system, 1 Gas Giant, 1 Garden Planet, Atmosphere: Standard, Cold and Thin, 0.84G Gravity, Ag
(1401) Main Labrysian Rebel Colony on Garden Moon on first Gas Giant, 3 Gas Giants
  Atmosphere: Standard, Sulphur Taint, 0.88G Gravity, details known only from information given by Rebels. In
This message was last edited by the GM at 13:09, Tue 11 June 2019.

So the AK version of a Hero?

Obviously to be called the Akhero!
This message was last edited by the player at 23:42, Mon 03 June 2019.

Josef walked up the ramp of the diminutive starship. His starship. The Spring Solstice, a 100-ton AK Ball class tramp merchant. He had spent almost all of his money on the craft, in the hopes of making it big on his own. While his dad left him a hefty inheritance, Josef wanted to make so much more of it. And the little starship was the first step. Someday he hoped to own a whole fleet of ships, carving out a merchant empire amongst the colonies and the Imperium.

He walks through the ship getting a feel for the layout. He had seen it on the 3-D holovid, but actually being inside of it was much more real. He first wandered into the cavernous cargo hold. Or at least cavernous for the ship as it took up almost half of the vessel. Beyond that lay the drives and power plant that would move them from solar system to solar system. Even though he had a degree in starship engineering, even now the full mechanics of how a jump drive worked were beyond him. He left that for the astrophysicists and such.

Turning towards the bow of the ship, his steps echo off of the deserted corridors as he heads past the crew quarters and up to the bridge. Deserted for now as the crew would arrive tomorrow. He had hired each for 20 kCr a month, plus 10% share of profits. He knew Kalishnakov offered more base pay, but he hoped the profit sharing would motivate the crew to perform above and beyond the average crew.

And considering that he needed to make money to pay the crew, Josef headed back to his quarters to pull up offerings for the planet, and to find information on possible destinations. Scrolling through the freight available, Josef decides to put as much as he can into his hold.

But that is only half of what he needs to do. Before buying anything, he needs to see where he can sell, so he scans through all the systems within two parsecs of Aegir, looking for those with the highest potential. Heavily industrialized systems generally have less farmland and thus he can demand higher prices for food stuffs. So he searches for those and any that have no farming capability at all.

Once he has gathered this information, he heads out to make some deals.

After examining the planets that are within range of his ship, Josef decides to try the one with 4 stars (1440). He has little knowledge of what any of these planets hold, so their shakedown cruise would entail a lot of knowledge gathering to determine what were good stops within the area and if he can set up any supply chains between some of the planets.

He makes notes in his PDA of the companies that are offering freight, and then heads off to the fishmonger to make a deal on their current inventory and talk about setting up a contract for the future.

In reply to Josef Barenski (msg # 4):

In reply to Josef Barenski (msg # 4):

It is not particularly hard to find fish for sale. The local markets bring up a curious variety of seafoods, with many vendors representing numerous boats at sea working.

Freight at this time is very limited. A number of Labrysian vessels ply the routes, but only a handful of Terran vessels can be found. There are some in other areas of the outback, but few.

Note the the following details made available to you:

John Locke:   (Karl Marx Class)
               Aegir - Chrysolite Run
Loch Ard:     (Lightning Class)
Bounty:       (Lightning Class) Used to do merchant cargoes to and from Terra.
               Tunguska, Thalassa, Wallach, Chrysolite, Yenesei, Sionnach
Buffalo Bill:(Lightning Class) Recent arrival fleeing Vilani crackdown
              Aegir, 1739, 1836, 1437
Sampson:     (Hero Class) Recent arrival fleeing Vilani crackdown,
               Works the Labrysian cluster.
Yamamato:    (Hero Class) Recent arrival fleeing Vilani crackdown,
               Aegir-Aquitaine Labrysian
               Works the Labrysian cluster.
Tennis:      (Ball class Freighter)
               Chyrsolite to Aegir, then to 1739, 1836, 1437 then back to Chrysolite.

Marble, Bearing: Two AK Ball Couriers to work as messengers across the AK empire, may also take high value freight.

The Labrysian fleet of scouts patrol in pairs. Route followed is
Darsei > 1540 > 1740 > 1739 > 1738 > 1538 > 1437 > 1337 > 1237 >
Aegir > Dirac > Darsei
They leave once per week, and take about 13 weeks for the run.

Labrysian Merchant Vessels

Labrysian Light Freighter x10 (8 internal Trading, 2 unknown routes. Colonization?)
Labrysian Freighter x4        (3 Internal Trading, 1 with Chrysolite)
Labrysian Fuel Tanker x3      (2 based at Capella(1440), 1 at Hibernia)

Make a Merchant roll to negotiate better (or worse) prices...

See link to a message in this game
for how it works if you have not already done so. Prices given are always market prices.

OOC: Rolled 15 under my effective merchant skill, if Charisma matters. Otherwise, 12 under.

07:52, Today: Josef Barenski rolled 7 using 3d6 with rolls of 1,3,3.  Merchant Roll (Skill 19, Charisma 3).

In reply to Josef Barenski (msg # 6):

[OOC: Actually, Merchant is IQ+3 = 18, unless I am missing something? Charisma...well, you are primarily trying to influence others to accept your price, so I think I will allow it to assist Merchant in negotiating a price, so 14 under.]

You successfully negotiate the price of fish down to $18,000 per dTon, for a 10 dTon lot.

Finalizing the deal with the fishmonger, Josef sends his ship's berth information and 180 kCr payment to purchase a 10 dTon lot of fish. Next he turns his attention to looking at textiles, tapestries, cloth, and textured skins to find items that are unique to this world and that he could get a good price for elsewhere.


OOC: 15:44, Today: Josef Barenski rolled 15 using 3d6 with rolls of 6,5,4.  Merchant Roll to buy Textiles/Treated skins.

Made it by +3 (+6 w/ Charisma)

In reply to Josef Barenski (msg # 8):

The Negotiations for the treated shark skins manages to reduce the price after some haggling to $27,000. The Fishmonger tells you the fish is ready to be picked up at the starbase. It should be transported frozen.

Cargos            Amount (dTons) Price paid ($ k/dTon)
Fish              10 dTons       $180



Current Funds: ??
Planet: Aegir (Fueled)
Date: 25 Jan 2176

With a price better suited to his needs, Josef puts in an order to buy as many of the sharkskins that he can, up to 30 dTons. He also schedules a load time for the fish for the morrow, when the crew should show up.

Before purchasing anything else, Josef pulls up prices to rent, or buy, refrigerated containers for the fish.

In reply to Josef Barenski (msg # 10):

There are 13 dTons available of treated Sharkskins, worth $351 k. Installing a Freezer section of the hold wold cost $1000 + $100/dTon of space, and reduce cargo capacity by 1 dTon. Otherwise, Freezer containers have a capacity of 4 dTons each and a size of 5 dTons, and cost $3,000 each.

Cargos            Amount (dTons) Price paid ($ k/dTon)
Fish              10 dTons       $180
Sharkskins        13 dTons       $351


Current Funds: ?? - $531
Planet: Aegir (Fueled)
Date: 25 Jan 2176

Josef looks at the different options for freezers on his ship, and after running numbers through his head, decides on setting 20 dtons of cargo space into freezer storage. Spending $3000, he contracts out the upgrade.

With his hold half-filled, he looks through the offerings before deciding to pursue the pharmaceuticals.


15:29, Today: Josef Barenski rolled 6 using 3d6 with rolls of 1,1,4.  Merchant Roll. To buy Pharmaceuticals. Made it by +12

In reply to Josef Barenski (msg # 12):

You manage to negotiate the price of various pharmaceuticals down to $108 k / dTon for a 12 dTon shipment.

Cargos            Amount (dTons) Price paid ($ k/dTon)
Fish              10 dTons       $180
Sharkskins        13 dTons       $351

Unfrozen space: 13.5/26.5
Freezer space: 10/20 dTons
Current Funds: $9,300 k - $200 k (Personal) - $534 k - $80 k (wages) = $8,486 k left over.
Planet: Aegir (Fueled)
Date: 25 Jan 2176

Note, newly hired crew paid 1 month in advance for hiring, since there is no wages insurance!

Buying up all 12 tons of pharmaceuticals, Josef shells out almost $1.3M for the load. With 35 tons of his cargo space eaten up with cargo, one ton for the refrigerated section, and a ton allocated for supplies, Josef realizes he only has 9 tons left. He negotiates with the vendor selling the fruit, seeds, and nuts, to see if he can get a better price.

While heading to the merchant, he sends out a request, purchasing one ton of supplies for the crew and the voyage.


OOC: 17:25, Today: Josef Barenski rolled 14 using 3d6 with rolls of 4,5,5.  Merchant Roll to buy nuts,fruits, seeds, etc. Made it by +4


Unfrozen space: 25.5/26.5
Freezer space: 10/20 dTons
Current Funds: $9,300 k - $200 k (Personal) - $534 k - $80 k (wages) - $1,296k (pharma) - $12k (supplies) = $7,178 k left over.
Planet: Aegir (Fueled)
Date: 25 Jan 2176

In reply to Josef Barenski (msg # 14):

The fruit has a limited shelf life, but can be frozen. He offers it for $2,180 if you will take 9 tons.

The supplies are sent to the ship rather promptly. As if they had done this before...

Sealing the deal on the fruit, Josef purchases it. His business dealings completed, he heads back to the ship to supervise the loading of the freight.

On the morrow, the crew should arrive and they'll head off. They'll spend several hours in system getting everyone familiarized with the ship before heading to the jump point to jump to 1440.

Unfrozen space: 25.5/26.5
Freezer space: 19/20 dTons
Current Funds: $9,300 k - $200 k (Personal) - $534 k - $80 k (wages) - $1,296k (pharma) - $12k (supplies) - $2180 = $7,175,820 left over.
Planet: Aegir (Fueled)
Date: 25 Jan 2176

Freight Handling 14, if necessary.

In reply to Josef Barenski (msg # 16):

You manage to get the goods aboard, snap freezing it in order to ensure it will arrive in good condition. Fresh fruit in asteroid belts always demands a premium, and snap frozen is second best!

The crew begin to arrive the night before with Engineering's Caroline Horne arriving the night before. Kat had been around, and growing up in the colonies near Terra saw her develop a curiosity that led her to the outback sectors, where you found her looking for work. She avoided the bigger companies, as she reckoned it was no different from a government job in the way they ran things. She got there early and started to set up her workshop.

Jessica was next. Probably a little OCD, but you appreciated that in a navigator. She had her own ideas about how nav. computers should be set up, and she arrived early to make sure it was so.

Feel free to come up with some background stories for your allies. I may need to modify them, either for colour or accuracy.

Officer Caroline Horne, Engineering
Officer Jessica Lang, Navigator
Officer Deangelo Malone, Pilot
Officer Kenny Stafford, Gunner/Cargo Master

Given clearance and launching from the planet, you are able to take your time reaching the jump point for 1440, before engaging the hyperspace drive.

Given this is their first jump, I will get you to roll the 4 rolls to enter Hyperspace:

Navigation (Space): to identify the jump point accurately.
Piloting (High Performance Spacecraft): To get there.
Navigation (Hyperspace): To get the jump right.
Mechanic (Jump Drive): To activate it.


Unfrozen space: 25.5/26.5
Freezer space: 19/20 dTons
Current Funds: $7,175,820
Planet: Aegir (Fueled)
Date: 25 Jan 2176

After Josef had finished supervising the loading of his cargo, he headed to his quarters to make sure his books were all up to date, and to study the data he had on the planets around them. He felt comfortable that he had made wise choices for this first trip, but only time would tell if he had.

When each crew member arrived, he brought them up to speed on the situation, let them find their bunk space, get their gear stored, and configure their workspace to their needs. Once everyone was present, he laid out the course they were taking and let them go about checking their stations before lifting off.

Standing on the bridge, he watches Jessica and Deangelo go through their procedures as they guided the little craft to the jump point. When they got closer, Josef headed to his stateroom to strap in while the ship transitioned to jump.


All checks passed
09:49, Today: Josef Barenski rolled 8 using 3d6 with rolls of 4,2,2.  Mechanic (Jump Drive), Caroline, Skill 16.
09:48, Today: Josef Barenski rolled 11 using 3d6 with rolls of 2,4,5.  Navigation (Hyperspace), Jessica Skill 16.
09:48, Today: Josef Barenski rolled 8 using 3d6 with rolls of 4,3,1.  Pilot (HPS) Deangelo Skill 16.
09:47, Today: Josef Barenski rolled 8 using 3d6 with rolls of 3,4,1.  Navigation Space, Jessica, Skill 16.

In reply to Josef Barenski (msg # 18):

The hyperspace jump was smooth, as usual, though being in a new ship, folk often strapped themselves in for the first time. The small craft handled well, a credit to it's builders, despite the low cost. The week in hyperspace would pass quickly.

[OOC: Feel free to practice a skill or something similar when in hyperspace. Each jump takes a week regardless of distance.]

Approximately a week later, the hyperspace alarm goes off, indicating an exit from hyperspace was likely soon.

When you do, you you find a system with 4 stars and massive asteroid belts, fueled by three gas giants.

Once the transition to hyperspace has been completed, Josef relaxes. He knows all too well that it is the trip from the planet to a jump point that is the most dangerous leg of any journey. Once in hyperspace, there is little to do beyond standard ship routines.

For their first journey, Josef socializes a bit with the crew. He had known all of them from his time as a starship designer, but this was the first time they had all flown together. They share old stories and tales. When he is not out amongst the crew, Josef spends his time getting the books together. He hadn't realized the amount of bookkeeping was required to run a starship, and he hoped his inexperience wouldn't be a hindrance, but they were still a small operation so their ledgers were quite simple.

When the alarm sounded for the transition out of hyperspace, Josef and the crew armed themselves on the chance that their might be trouble waiting. But all they had to worry about were the four bright stars in the center of the system and setting a path to the largest settlement here.

OOC: Working on accounting during trip. Current plans are to head towards the largest settlement / spaceport in this system to begin the process of selling his cargo.

In reply to Josef Barenski (msg # 20):

Long before you enter the asteroid belt, you are met by a patrol of four fighters. Labrysian fighters are twice the size of Vilani or standard Terran ones, and the flight was a little imposing, yet at the same time comforting. Their computers interrogate yours and identify you as friendly, though new.

"Welcome, new Terran trader. The Asteroid belts are a little tricky. Please follow the lead fighter, and we will try to destroy any small troublesome rocks."

They break off, with the lead one going in front of you with a surprising burst of speed (8G!) and the others forming a triangle slightly behind you, two above and to the sides and the third below you. Flashes from their plasma cannons indicates that they do indeed fire at stray rocks whilst the lead fighter leads you on an intricate path through the belt.

After two hours, though it seems much longer, you arrive at a particularly massive asteroid about 900 miles in diameter that has been tunneled into. Directed to dive into a massive canyon and then to land in a large cave structure, you manage to do so. Suits will clearly be needed here.

[OOC: Frozen food is preferred over dehydrated supplies if people have the option, so unless you direct otherwise, people will eat frozen foods first.]

Unfrozen space: 25.5/26.5
Freezer space: 18.7/20 dTons
Current Funds: $7,175,820
Planet: Aegir (Fueled)
Date: 02 Feb 2176
This message was last edited by the GM at 13:11, Tue 11 June 2019.

Josef watches the flight into the asteroids with a mixture of awe and comfort. The fighters that are escorting them are obviously not hostile, and they know the path well, so the trip is without difficulty.

Once Deangelo has set the craft down in the cavernous hangar, he let's the crew take shore leave while he sets about negotiating trade deals. He looks for buyers in this order: fruits/nuts, fish, pharmaceuticals, and lastly, shark skins.

In reply to Josef Barenski (msg # 22):

There is interest inall of the above...Merchant rolls please. 1 each...

Given the higher rolls on fruits and fish, I guess another ship has come by recently with food stuffs :)

Merchant 18, Charisma 3
15:25, Today: Josef Barenski rolled 9 using 3d6 with rolls of 3,1,5.  Merchant roll, sell shark skins.
15:25, Today: Josef Barenski rolled 10 using 3d6 with rolls of 6,1,3.  Merchant Roll, sell pharmaceuticals.
15:25, Today: Josef Barenski rolled 15 using 3d6 with rolls of 4,6,5.  Merchant Roll, sell fish.
15:24, Today: Josef Barenski rolled 15 using 3d6 with rolls of 4,5,6.  Merchant Roll, sell fruits, nuts, etc.

In reply to Josef Barenski (msg # 24):

You find the following offers, per dTon:
Sharkskins: $36 k
Pharmaceuticals: $132 k
Frozen Fruit: $3,960
Frozen Fish: $22 k

The general market looks like:
System: 1440

Trade Good available           Price, $ thousand/dTon     tons/dTon    dTons available Price Modifiers  Ideal Target Planet type

Fruits/Nuts/Vegetables         $2.64                     5             1             +2               In, Ex, Na
Special Minerals               $750                      8            20              0                In
Pharmaceuticals                $120                      6             1              0               In
Fish                           $22                       8             0             +2               In, Ex, Na
Textiles/Treated Skins         $33                       4             0             +2               In
Protective suits               $520                      2             1             +4               Ex
Grav Units/Parts               $160                      4            10              0               Ni
Heavy Metals                   $14,000                  25           200             -3
Industrial Metals              $60                      25         1,000             -2

In = Industrial          Ag = Agricultural             Po = Poor
Na = Non Agricultural    Ni = Non-Industrial           Ri = Rich
Ex = Extreme (Extreme worlds are any worlds where Suits and artificial atmospheres are required)
This message was last edited by the GM at 14:08, Thu 13 June 2019.

Selling off all his cargo, Josef transfers the credits to the ship's fund before looking at the markets. Everything on the market is either something that he just delivered, or out of his price range, so he doesn't see anything to purchase.

While not the most profitable, Josef checks in with the shippers to see if there is a cargo that he can deliver to either Aquitane, or the Labyrian research station at 1340.

In reply to Fate (msg # 25):

Your sales come to $2.30368 M Solars, with the crew requesting to keep some of the frozen fruit for their own supplies.

Heavy and Industrial metals always seems to sell well on Aegir, feeding the local industries. Aquitane has less manufacturing but still some, and has similar needs, and produces considerable foodstuffs. The Labrysian research station on 1340 has very little in the was of foods and, like 1440, could be considered an extreme world.

Unfrozen space: 0/26.5
Freezer space: 0.7/20 dTons
Current Funds: $9,479,500
Date: 06 Feb 2176

Reviewing the cargo available, Josef decides that a return run to Aquitane would be his best choice. Before making any purchases, he gives a $20000 bonus to each crew member for their successful first voyage.

He decides to first pursue the Grav Units, buying as many as he can purchase. After that, he'll fill the rest of his hold with industrial metals, even storing them in cold storage.


Unfrozen space: 0/26.5
Freezer space: 0.7/20 dTons
Current Funds: $9,479,500 - $80,000 (bonus) = $9,399,500
Date: 06 Feb 2176


10:38, Today: Josef Barenski rolled 8 using 3d6 with rolls of 1,4,3.  Merchant, Grav
10:38, Today: Josef Barenski rolled 12 using 3d6 with rolls of 3,3,6.  Merchant, Industrial Metals.
Units.
This message was last edited by the player at 15:43, Thu 13 June 2019.

In reply to Josef Barenski (msg # 28):

Despite your negotiating skills, you were unable to secure a better price for the goods. You purchase 10 dTon of Grav Units for $1.6 mill, and 35.5 dTon of Industrial metals for 2.13 mill.

10 dTon of Grav Units
35.5 dTon of Industrial metals

Unfrozen space: 26.5/26.5
Freezer space: 19.7/20 dTons
Current Funds: $5,669,500
Date: 06 Feb 2176

Josef settles up accounts at the starport, paying his berthing fees, buying refined fuel for his ship, and making sure the cargo is secured in the hold. Once the books are in order and the crew has had some down time in the port, Josef is ready to head out again. With the crew reassembled and the ship ready, they take off, headed for Aquitane.

Unfrozen space: 26.5/26.5
Freezer space: 19.7/20 dTons
Current Funds: $5,669,500 - $20,000 (port fees) - $14,000 (refined fuel) = $5,635,500
Date: 06 Feb 2176

In reply to Josef Barenski (msg # 30):

[OOC: I include unrefined fuel in the $20,000 starport fees, plus $4000 berthing fee, $500 admin fee and waste removal fee, as well as taxes on all of the above. I had actually already taken it out with the purchases...but I can leave if for you to do next time if you prefer.]

Aquitaine is a large world with a dense Atmosphere. First settled by an Israeli generation vessel, it was recently discovered in the Labrysian civil war when a Labrysian Government vessel attacked them. Since then, many Labrysian rebels, as the faction which sided with Terrans became known as have visited and done much to restore some reasonable relations between the two races.

It is a very fertile planet with growing industry and a mixed population. 70% of the planets surface is covered by oceans.

Unfrozen space: 26.5/26.5
Freezer space: 19.4/20 dTons
Current Funds: $5,669,500
Date: 14 Feb 2176

09:29, Today: Josef Barenski rolled 15 using 3d6 with rolls of 5,6,4.  Mechanic (Jump Drive), Caroline, Skill 16.
09:29, Today: Josef Barenski rolled 11 using 3d6 with rolls of 3,2,6.  Navigation (Hyperspace), Jessica Skill 16.
09:28, Today: Josef Barenski rolled 15 using 3d6 with rolls of 4,6,5.  Pilot (HPS) Deangelo Skill 16.
09:28, Today: Josef Barenski rolled 5 using 3d6 with rolls of 1,3,1.  Navigation Space, Jessica, Skill 16.

In reply to Josef Barenski (msg # 32):

The crew is becoming familiar with the ship now, and the jump routines in particular. They seem to be able to navigate their way around the sphere with ease, and as long as there are no mitigating factors, can be assumed to be able to operate the jump sequence without rolling, since they can take all the time they need.

The Spring Solstice makes the jump to Aquitane without incidence, and once they touch down in Aquitane, Josef will go about selling his cargo, and looking for new loads. He will also start putting feelers out for loads beyond the ones listed in the starport registry.


12:03, Today: Josef Barenski rolled 12 using 3d6 with rolls of 1,6,5.  Merchant Industrial Metals Selling.
12:03, Today: Josef Barenski rolled 9 using 3d6 with rolls of 3,1,5.  Merchant, Grav Units Selling.

In reply to Josef Barenski (msg # 34):

I will get onto the pricing tonight, but a streetwise roll will help to find irregular items.

In reply to Fate (msg # 35):

The local market is reasonable, though not super strong. The offer 75k per dTon of Industrial metals, or $2.6625 Mil and $192k per dTon of Grav units or $1.92 mil.

Josef sells off the goods he had picked up, and then looks around for outbound cargoes. He also checks with a few friends who might have better deals that he could pick up.


Unfrozen space: 0/26.5
Freezer space: 0/20 dTons
Current Funds: $5,669,500 + $2,662,500 (metals) + $1,920,000 (grav) = $10,251,000



10:21, Today: Josef Barenski rolled 8 using 3d6 with rolls of 4,1,3.  Streetwise (IQ 15-5 = 10).

In reply to Josef Barenski (msg # 37):

You find 19 dTon of fresh produce that must be Frozen to be delivered to Dirac (1401), for $19,000. There are also up to 26.5 dTons of grains (not requiring freezing) that should be the same location for $21,200.

Away from the market, a Labrysian asks if you can deliver 5 dTons to Dirac for $40,000, no questions asked, and preferably not inspected. He will pay 10% now and the rest on delivery.

Unfrozen space: 0/26.5
Freezer space: 0/20 dTons
Current Funds: $10,251,000
Date: 14 Feb 2176
Aquitaine

With not much choice, Josef takes the grain and produce, filling up his hold. This leaves no room for the other cargo that he had inquired about.

Once the good have been delivered and stored properly, the crew head out to Dirac.

In reply to Josef Barenski (msg # 39):

The goods are loaded, and the small vessel readied to set out. The trip to the research colony on the moon of the inner gas giant at Dirac is somewhat of a sight to behold. Landing on the moon, the sight of the Gas Giant rising and crossing the sky at right angles to the sun is very unusual.

The cargo is unloaded, and you are paid, approximately $30500 once fuel and other fees are paid. Being a research colony, there is not a lot produced. However, there is some discussion with some of the lead research organizations about some other work.

The Free Labrysian governance is interested in expansion. They are interested in finding new lands, but they lack experience and their technology is limited. They are willing to fund a loan for you yo upgrade your starship, adding s Survey module, if you will seek out new systems for them. They will pay for any habitable system $300,000 if it is inhabitable, or $150,000 if it is not. To qualify, systems must be charted first, them mapped, with a Basic Planetary survey. Full planetary surveys (either Geological and Biological) of inhabitable systems will be paid $1,000,000, or $2,000,000 for both, but are optional. They Labrysians offer a long term loan of $50 million.

A Survey Module needs a crew of 4 and costs $30 million, and can be fitted at Aegir. Upgrading Sensors from level 1 to level 6 (+20 to sensor skill rolls) will cost $23 million, including fusion plant upgrade. Increasing the number of staterooms would also be advisable, and adding a second or third modular craft may not be a bad idea.

Unfrozen space: 0/26.5
Freezer space: 0/20 dTons
Current Funds: $10,246,000
Date: 21 Feb 2176
Aquitaine

While Josef had intended to try and make his money dealing with cargo and supplying the various systems, the offer from the Labrysian government is too tempting to refuse. Going out and exploring new worlds would be profitable based on what the government is offering, but it would also potentially allow him to find unique goods that could be traded, and to make his name known in circles outside of the merchant world.

Agreeing to the terms, Josef decides to refit his ship with a survey module; add 8 staterooms total (removing the bunkroom), of which two of the staterooms are double-sized; upgrading the sensor suite. Once he has the cost, both monetary and space wise, for all of those changes, he'll look at adding a second launch.


Is the Ball-class streamlined? Also, Josef can do some of the engineering work on the redesign on his own (Engineer (Starship) - 17)

In reply to Josef Barenski (msg # 41):

The changes to sensors and accommodation are taken to the shipyards. The recommend leaving bunkrooms in in case of passengers, as you will need to hire at least 2 more specialists to operate the survey gear, but preferably another 4.

Solstice: 93.9M, 100 dTon Sphere
(2.7G/Move:370, dDR:10, dHP: 30, dTons of Cargo Space: 21.5, SM:+8)
Weapons: 1xPulse, 1xMissile, 1xSandcaster,  Crew:8, Endurance: 24 Weeks,
Life Support:20, Staterooms: 10, Bunkrooms 10, Low Berths: 0, Modular Small Craft: 1

Upgrade Cost: $53.2 Million

Unfrozen space: 0/1.5
Freezer space: 0/20 dTons
Current Funds: $10,246,000 + $50,000,000 loan
Date: 21 Feb 2176
Aquitaine

Josef signs off on the redesign of the ship, and while it is in the docks, he starts recruiting for science staff. He wants four people trained in at least one of geology, biology, physics, and biochemistry.

In reply to Josef Barenski (msg # 43):

Ok, but he lacks Laboratories for any of these. Each Lab costs $1 mill and takes up 2 dTon of spaces, and uses some power.

I thought the Survey module added the required lab space, but if not, add 4 lab spaces.

In reply to Josef Barenski (msg # 45):

Survey module adds the space for astrophysics lab and the appropriate labs for that, so it would cover physics and geology as it pertains to survey from orbit, but the other labs would need to be added separately.

Of course, that also enables them to be used concurrently, so additional scientistc could be embarked. Any change to the ships boat? For modular boats available, please see 'Gear Available' thread.


Solstice: 97.9M, 100 dTon Sphere
(2.34G/Move:370, dDR:10, dHP: 30, dTons of Cargo Space: 13.5, SM:+8)
Weapons: 1xPulse, 1xMissile, 1xSandcaster,  Crew:12, Endurance: 17 Weeks,
Life Support:20, Low Berths: 0, Modular Small Craft: 1

Upgrade Cost: $57.2 Million

Unfrzen space: 3.5 dTons
Freezer space: 0/10 dTons
Current Funds: $60,246,000 including loan
Date: 21 Feb 2176
Dirac

Not enough money left for an additional ship's boat, and I think I'm tight on space.

For scientist, I would have 4 senior scientist (staterooms) and 4 junior scientists (bunkroom), covering the four disciplines with each having additional scientific skills.

The four ship crew and I would serve as security team when they go down to a planet for further research.

Do I have to provide gear/equipment for the scientists?

How many people can fit in the ship's boat?

Can you update the money? I believe it is at $60,246,000 -$57,200,00 = $3,046,000

In reply to Josef Barenski (msg # 47):

The gear is in the laboratories, and can be considered in the cost. You will have to return to Aegir for the survey module, and if you wish to recruit human scientists, otherwise Labrysian Scientists can be recruited. They require some sulphur in their atmosphere, so some sudividing would be desirable.

Current small craft:
AK Modular Raft, 3 M Solars, 6 dTons
This is a cheaper version of the raft, with batteries that permit basic take-off and landing for small craft with a maximum space for cargo. The batteries mean reduced maintenance costs for the life of the craft, but make them unsuitable as life boats or interstellar transports, and their sensors are not spacecraft quality despite being 1/3 of their cost. But they are cheaper.
(2G/Move 2411, dDr:10, dHP:15, dTons of Cargo space: 4, Range in air: 16,000 miles)

This has life support for 2. You might be able to get a 2nd hand version of one of the following (2nd Hand is half price, but -1 HT, as they are older. These have fusion reactors, so no range limitations. Prices below are trade in prices for second hand, guides only. Subject to a merchant roll.)

AK Modular APC, 1.8 M Solars, 6 dTons
The same size as the small fighters, this is actually a small spacecraft with life support for 5, a sickbay and heavy armour. Capable of supporting small insertions for long periods of time, it has limited cargo space.
(2.02G/Move:1607, dDR:49, dHP:22, dTons of Cargo Space: 0.6, ASig: -2, SM:+4, Air Speed 3214 mph),
Weapons:1x Gatling Laser

AK Modular Speeder, 1.25 M Solars, 6 dTons
This is more of an enclosed Air raft to be used in the 6 dTon flattened sphere bays as an auxiliary cargo boat with life support for the two crew. The new one has a patented mini-fusion reactor.
(2G/Move 1270, dDr:12, dHP:16, dTons of Cargo space: 3.5)

AK Modular Miniminer, 2.3 M Solars, 6 dTons
Designed based on the AK APC for mining asteroids, this small spacecraft with life support for 2, has heavy armour for resisting rocks, and a Gatling laser for the smaller rocks. It has increased cargo space of 1.4 dTons, but smaller engines. At the front are robotic mining arms used for gathering items. It can collect 1.2 tons/day, but this needs to be refined to achieve trade densities. Unrefined product has a density of 25 t/dTon and is 75% waste.
Trade Items able to be collected by Miniminers: Industrial Metals, Radioactives, Light Metals
(1.19G/Move:1270 empty, dDR:50, dHP:22, dTons of Cargo Space: 1.4, ASig: -2, SM:+4, Air Speed 2541 mph),
Weapons:1x Gatling Laser

If you carry folk standing in a cargo bay with breathers, you can probably fit about 30 per dTon of space. But very uncomfortable...

Unfrozen space: 3.5 dTons
Freezer space: 0/10 dTons
Current Funds: $3,046 M including loan.
Date: 21 Feb 2176
Dirac

Assuming the AK Modular Speeder can transition from space to planet side and back, Josef will add one of those to the ship. He'll also have eight chairs installed in part of the cargo bay of the Speeder to ferry scientists and supplies to and from a planet.

With the changes on his ship decided on, Josef will check with the Labrysian government to determine what other survey craft they have dispatched, and if they know the path(s) they took.

Having that information, they'll head over to Aegir to add a Survey Module and hire up to eight scientists. He had thought about hiring some Labrysian ones, but the different atmospheric requirements was more than he could handle on his tiny ship.

In reply to Josef Barenski (msg # 49):

The speeder works just fine for planetary transitions, but unlike the APC, is neither armed nor with a sickbay, and only has life support for 2. The APC has the most life support...

You sell your raft and move to Aegir to finish the upgrades.

Vessels have been dispatched to 1622, but found it very risky with their lower quality survey modules, so many have traveled throughout the known Terrans worlds to check for their suitability to be settled.

Solstice: 97.9M, 100 dTon Sphere
(2.34G/Move:370, dDR:10, dHP: 30, dTons of Cargo Space: 13.5, SM:+8)
Weapons: 1xPulse, 1xMissile, 1xSandcaster,  Crew:12, Endurance: 17 Weeks,
Life Support:20, Low Berths: 0, Modular Small Craft: 1
Survey Module (Astronomy Cartography, Geology(Orbital)),
4x Laboratories (Geology, Biology, Physics, Biochemistry),
1x Workshops, 1x Sickbays

Scientists to work the various areas can be employed for $800 + ($400 x Skill level), so for a minimum skilled scientist (Skill 12) $5600 per month, or $6400 with skill 14. Higher skilled scientists have reputations that significantly increase their costs.

Unfrozen space: 3.5 dTons
Freezer space: 0/10 dTons
Current Funds: $4,546 M including loan, but new modular vehicle not purchased.
Date: 21 Mar 2176
Aegir
This message was last edited by the GM at 12:17, Fri 28 June 2019.

I'll go ahead and get the APC, if it can make planetary transitions, and hire 8 skilled (14) scientists.

In reply to Josef Barenski (msg # 51):

It takes time to find skilled men and women and a suitable APC, but you do find one, and it is about the end of the month before you are ready to depart.

Solstice 100 dTon Sphere
(2.34G/Move:370, dDR:10, dHP: 30, dTons of Cargo Space: 13.5, SM:+8)
Weapons: 1xPulse, 1xMissile, 1xSandcaster,  Crew:12, Endurance: 17 Weeks,
Life Support:20, Low Berths: 0, Modular Small Craft: 1
Survey Module (Astronomy Cartography, Geology(Orbital)),
4x Laboratories (Geology, Biology, Physics, Biochemistry),
1x Workshop, 1x Sickbay

AK Modular APC, 1.8 M Solars, 6 dTons
(2.02G/Move:1607, dDR:49, dHP:22, dTons of Cargo Space: 0.6, ASig: -2, SM:+4, Air Speed 3214 mph, HT: 9),
Weapons:1x Gatling Laser, Life Support 5, Sickbay

Unfrozen space: 0/3.5 dTons
Freezer space: 0/10 dTons
Current Funds: $1,115 M
Wages $131,200 per month, Wages just paid
Date: 28 Mar 2176
Aegir

Looking at the game map, there are several unexplored systems upwards of Aegir and Labrysian. Are these truly unexplored, or just not updated.

In reply to Josef Barenski (msg # 53):

Probably the only unexplored system in the Capella region is 0938. Coreward (Upward, marking on the map edges) is largely explored. Rimward (Downward) of Dirac (1401, in the Aldebaran System (You may need to change the period to the Golden Age to see the names) is completely unexplored. The Abel Tasman set out to explore Thalassa in 2174...since that timeline is still dated at Apr 2175, I can't say for sure how far they get by the time they reach the same time period as yourself.

While the recruiting of the scientists, and the refitting of the Solstice was happening, Josef had been researching possible routes of explorations. Settling on Aldebaran 1401 (Darsei) as their first stop, he'll then proceed as follows for the initial phase of the investigation: 1401 -> 1202 -> 1303 -> 1304 -> 1404 -> 1204

In reply to Josef Barenski (msg # 55):

Ok. Now there are a couple of ways we can do this.

Fastest way: You give me a route and a set of conditions, and I post results until either the end of the route or a planet that meets the conditions. Conditions may be: Planet that is habitable, planet with life or where supplies can be gathered, something dangerous (Will always stop for that or if a roll is needed), etc.

Slower way: I just go one system at a time.

Preferences?

Slower way

In reply to Josef Barenski (msg # 57):

Ok. I will post this assuming you purchase supplies, but with a freezer, purchasing fresh fruit and vegetables is also an option. We can purchase them retrospectively, but please let me know what you are getting in that regard.

Dirac (1401) is the main colony of the Labrysian Free colonies, and the seat of their power. From there, distant charts sufficient for an initial jump are given, and you jump to 1202.

System 1202 is a single star world with 2 Gas Giants and a planet in the 'goldilocks' zone. It lives up to its reputation. 6,000 miles in diameter, it is teeming with life, though you do not find anything intelligent.

Full system map will take 10 days, and a full planetary map an additional 2 days. If you take 14 days, you can also use the APC to conduct a biological survey of two small regions as well as chart your net system, if you want. A security person can go with them to hunt for supplies...

Unfrozen space: 0/3.5 dTons
Freezer space: -/10 dTons
Current Funds: $1,115 M
Wages $131,200 per month, Wages just paid
Date: 13 Apr 2176
1202

Josef takes Dr. Litt (Geology), Caleb (Biology), and Dr. Philip (Biochemistry), along with Jessica and himself down to the planet to get samples and do research while the rest of the crew complete the planetary and system survey from orbit.

In reply to Josef Barenski (msg # 59):

Navigator and Pilot are two who will be needed to assist with the orbital survey. Kenny would be the other suggestion, as cargo master may be busy handling live specimens, and gunner may be useful to capture dead ones.

Also, while the surveys are being done, what are your intentions?

Even after the first day, you can see large herds of heavy creatures, a bit like a cross between a Rhino and a Bison, with much smaller groups of large predators that resemble carnivorous elephants. There are also large flocks of birds with 4m wingspans that seem to eat some of the numerous berries that can be found high up in the tree-tops, with what look like 6m wingspan bats hunting them. In the water, too and numerous fish of many sizes.

Kenny will go in place of Jessica, and while the scientists are doing their surveys and research, Josef and Kenny will go out and try to document some of the wildlife, maybe capture (dead or alive) a member of the different species found to evaluate them for purposes of nourishment, transportation, and other uses that colonists might avail of them.

They'll go with their biosuits on, until a air survey can determine the hazardnous of the atmosphere.

In reply to Josef Barenski (msg # 61):

You wisely all don biosuits until test indicate that the air is quite safe to breath. Collecting specimens, the biologists and biochemists are soon busy analyzing the sample you bring back. It would seem that the herbivores are in fact quite safe to eat, though large and bad tempered, not so safe to hunt! However, there are other smaller herivores, some in quite large numbers, that are safe to hunt and breed, and not flying or burrowing, but rather resemble oversized meercats that are safe to keep. They are quite timid, but you manage to entice some to be friendly. As long as the flying predators, which seem to love eating them, are kept at bay.

High tree canopies help with this, and are the most natural protection these creatures have, aside from their vast numbers. Indeed, in the jungles where they may be found, there seem to be several layers. Possibly most concerning are the massive, 45ft long pythons you see...one tries to eat the APC while you are out hunting, but fortunately it is armed, and the scientists manage to kill it!

Josef is quite pleased with what he has found on this planet, and while it may lack a sulfur content in its atmosphere, it is one he believes would be highly suitable for human colonization, even counting in the massive snakes on the planet. He thanks the stars that he had changed his mind and bought the APC and not the speeder, as the speeder would not have fared as well.

Speaking of which, once the snake is dead, Josef sees if anyone knows how to cut the snakeskin to be used for a variety of other items, such as boots, belts, etc. If no one else knows how to, he'll take out a knife and try the best he can. While doing this, he has Caleb determine if the meat is edible.

Letting the scientists finish their surveys, he and Kevin gather what edibles they can to not only restock the ship, but also to provide variety to the crew diet.


19:55, Today: Josef Barenski rolled 17 using 3d6 with rolls of 5,6,6.  Leather working (if needed, DX-4=7).

In reply to Josef Barenski (msg # 63):

Fortunately for Josef, the Biologist and Biochemist are fascinated by this, and would be delighted in cutting it up, as well as treating it. The leather is rather heavy, due to the massive size of the snake, but there is plenty of it. 1 ton of usable leather can be obtained from the creature, and though the meat is not so edible (it needs to be cooked to boot-leather toughness to sterilize some of the biological hazards within), it does serve as an excellent bait/distraction for other predators in the region.

[OOC: We did not decide what to stock the ship with on departure from Aegir. Should I just go with 2.5 dTon of fish and 7.5 dTon of Fruit, nuts and vegetables, all put into the Freezer?

Just to compare Fresh Produce (25% meat/Fish and 75% Fruit/nuts/vegetables) with Supplies, 10 dTons of both.
                Cost (k)  Weight/dTon Replacement in 'wild' Used per week
Supplies        $120      12          Need to be processed  0.05 dTons
Frozen Produce   $68      5.75        Taken if safe         0.1 dTons

Once we work this out, we can discuss what you gather here. Remember, you did not know what planets you would find when you left Aegir!
]
This message was last edited by the GM at 01:57, Sun 30 June 2019.

Given he only has enough salary to last 10 months, he would have started out with 8 months of supplies, planning on being back at the end of that. I don't know what this translates into dTon of space needed, but he would want about a 50/50 mix of frozen produce and dried items to save space.

Whatever space is freed after the two weeks here, he'll take the snakeskin first and then stock fresh supplies from the planet.

While they are working on the surface, he'll have Melania and Leslee determine good sites for a colony to be set up at. These he will mark in his journal for possible use by human settlers.

In reply to Josef Barenski (msg # 65):

That makes good sense. 8 months is about 35 weeks, so rounding up 4 dTons of fresh produce for about $27 k. You manage for find another 2d6 tons (You can roll) of fresh produce while the others are doing their research. The snakeskin is about 0.2 dTon, and would be classifies loosely as Textiles.

Unfrozen space: 0.2/3.5 dTons Textiles
Freezer space: 3.8/10 dTons (0.1 dTon per week)
Current Funds: $1,087,800
Wages $131,200 per month, Wages just paid
Date: 13 Apr 2176
1202

While the others wrap up the surveys, Josef will gather a lot of fruits, grains, and produce he can find that are unique to the planet, and are edible by humans. He'll collect about .5 dTon of them to take back to Aegir and see what the population there thinks of them.

After all the surveys wrap up, and everything is secured they'll head out to the next system that was in their plans.

We headed out on 28 Mar 1202, correct?

In reply to Josef Barenski (msg # 67):

You headed out on 18 Mar 2176. You are currently on planet 1202 in the Aldebaran system, a system pretty much unknown to Terra. You are probably the first Terrans in that system. Next system is?

Next system would be 1303

In reply to Josef Barenski (msg # 69):

System 1303 is a binary system with a single gas giant with two moons orbiting outside of three planets in the goldilocks zone, all with a moon. However, the planets are disappointing. The most attractive one is 8,000 miles in diameter, with just 10% surface ice and a very thin, cold atmosphere.


Unfrozen space: 0.2/3.5 dTons Textiles
Freezer space: 3.5/10 dTons (0.1 dTon per week)
Current Funds: $1,087,800
Wages $131,200 per month, Wages just paid
Date: 30 Apr 2176
1303
This message was last edited by the GM at 09:09, Wed 03 July 2019.

Josef will order that all three planets have planetary scans done, and that the system scan also be performed. While these planets may be useless for colonization, he wants to know if there are veins of ore, or native fauna and flora that would make it a more attractive planet.

In reply to Josef Barenski (msg # 71):

These scans will take another week for all three planets. They indicate that these planets are moderately rich in minerals, though not excessively so.

The Biological survey indicates just mosses and lichens, and microbiological life forms are present. Nothing complex or suitable even for supplies.


Unfrozen space: 0.2/3.5 dTons Textiles (Giant snake skin)
Freezer space: 4.4/10 dTons (0.1 dTon per week)
Current Funds: $1,087,800
Wages $131,200 per month, Wages just paid
Date: 07 May 2176
1303

A little disappointed in the system, Josef still takes meticulous notes on his findings. The planets don't seem to be good candidates for Labyrian or Human colonization, and once they have been scanned, the crew set course for the next system (1303).

In reply to Josef Barenski (msg # 73):

You are in 1303...

1304 then

In reply to Josef Barenski (msg # 75):

System 1304 is a single star system with a single gas giant with three moons orbiting it and three planets orbiting outside of it. The planets are barren. The most attractive one is 5,000 miles in diameter, with just no surface ice and barely a trace of atmosphere.

Unfrozen space: 0.2/3.5 dTons Textiles
Freezer space: 3.25/10 dTons (0.1 dTon per week)
Current Funds: $1,087,800
Wages $131,200 per month, Wages just paid
Date: 24 May 2176
1304

The crew has gotten the routine down and Josef just has to let them know they are in system and they get to work. While the planets are uninteresting, Josef has them scanned for mineral resources, along with all the moons of the gas giant.

Once the system has been thoroughly logged, Josef sets course for the next system he had planned.

1401 -> 1202 -> 1303 -> 1304 -> 1404 -> 1204

In reply to Josef Barenski (msg # 77):

System 1404 is a single star system with three gas giants with 2, 4 and 3 moons orbiting them. Most of the moons are barren. The most attractive one is 7,000 miles in diameter, with just 30% surface and good atmosphere, though there is excess Sulphur in it due to considerable volcanic activity. It seems like earth was well before the days of the dinosaurs...warm, with considerable volcanic activity which is probably why there is not so much surface water yet.

Unfrozen space: 0.2/3.5 dTons Textiles
Freezer space: 3/10 dTons (0.1 dTon per week)
Current Funds: $1,087,800
Wages $131,200 per month, Wages just paid
Date: 10 June 2176
1404

Josef follows the normal routine when it comes to surveying the system and planets, but takes extra time on the one with the sulphourous atmosphere. He doesn't know whether or not that amount of sulfur is within tolerance to the Labrysan, but it is the most likely candidate, to date, for Labrysan expansion.

Once the survey is complete, he moves onto the next system on his planned route and adds on a couple of additional systems on this sweep.

1401 -> 1202 -> 1303 -> 1304 -> 1404 -> 1204 -> 1105 -> 1005

In reply to Josef Barenski (msg # 79):

System 1204 is a single star system with no gas giants but with 2 planets, with 2 and 1 moons orbiting them and one more distant planet in an elliptical orbit. Most of the moons are barren. The most attractive planet is 7,000 miles in diameter, with just 10% surface liquid and good atmosphere, but the seas are methane and the atmosphere is filled with the same, making it unbreathable.

Unfrozen space: 0.2/3.5 dTons Textiles
Freezer space: 2.7/10 dTons (0.1 dTon per week)
Current Funds: $1,087,800
Wages $131,200 per month, Wages just paid
Date: 01 July 2176
1204

If you want, we can go the faster method now.

Josef and company will survey every system, planet, and moon of the system, looking for existing life, habitable planets, and resource rich planets. If he finds anything unusual, he may stop and do further exploration. He'll go for the planets listed below, until early September, at which point he'll head back to Labrysan space to turn in his findings.

His path 1105 -> 1005 -> 0806 -> 0807 -> 0707 -> 0606 -> 0506.

Is 0706 a black hole or something? If it is not, then he'll explore it after 0506

In reply to Josef Barenski (msg # 81):

System 1105 is a single star system with one gas giants and 4 moons and 4 other planets in more distant elliptical orbits, one also with a small moon. Again, most of the moons are barren. The most attractive planet is 6,000 miles in diameter, with just 60% surface water and a thin atmosphere. Unfortunately, toxic dust whip up by the severe winds that whip around the world make the air unsafe to breath without a filter, and similarly pollute the water.

System 1005 is a single star system with one gas giants and 3 moons and 3 other planets in more distant elliptical orbits. Again, most of the moons are barren. The most attractive planet is a moon of the Gas Giant 8,000 miles in diameter, with just 30% surface water and a thin atmosphere that once again is sulphur tainted, and suitable for Labrysian habitation. There is also quite some volcanic activity.

System 0806 is a binary star system with no gas giants or near planets, but there are 4 planets in elliptical orbits and 2 with 1 moon orbiting them. Most of the moons are barren. The most attractive planet is 7,000 miles in diameter, with just 30% surface liquid and a dense atmosphere, remarkably with considerable life. Some of this life is clearly advanced...in the time you are mapping the system, a starship unlike any you have ever seen takes off, and departs the system! It is actually bigger than you. While you feel you have been seen, no attempt at contact is made.

Unfrozen space: 0.2/3.5 dTons Textiles
Freezer space: 1.9/10 dTons (0.1 dTon per week)
Current Funds: $1,087,800
Wages $131,200 per month, Wages just paid
Date: 21 Sep 2176
0806

Josef will log all the information and make a notation to return to examine this planet further with a contact specialist. But with it nearing the end of September, he needs to take what information he has back to the Labrysan's to collect payment and fund his crew and ship for further ventures.

In reply to Josef Barenski (msg # 83):

It takes just 4 weeks to return to Darsei, the Free Labrsian home of Governance. Can you provide a list of planets you are offering them maps to?

Unfrozen space: 0.2/3.5 dTons Textiles
Freezer space: 1.5/10 dTons (0.1 dTon per week)
Current Funds: $169,400
Wages $131,200, paid until end of Oct
Date: 18 Oct 2176
Darsei

Every planet and moon of every system visited. Josef will be fair in his dealings.

In reply to Josef Barenski (msg # 85):

So you find 6 planets not suitable for Labrysian habitation, though one of them does have local inhabitants at least, so they decide to pay you $300 k for that planet. There are also 2 planets suitable for habitation, which excites a lot of folk, so they agree to pay you 5 x $150 k + 3 x $300 k = $1.65 million solars. They also offer to fill your freezer with food as a bonus, and it does not take long for news to get around of the contact you have made.

Unfrozen space: 0.2/3.5 dTons Textiles
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Date: 19 Oct 2176
Darsei

If the offer is still good for the exploration, Josef lets the Labrysan know that he will continue his survey, and also offer to transport a contact team to the unknown planet for them.

Whether or not he accepts their offer, he'll head to Aegir to sell his exotic snakeskin, and also to pass information on these planets to the Terran government.

In reply to Josef Barenski (msg # 87):

The offer for continued exploration is definitely still available. They consider the payment to you as some of the best spent cash in recent years. The decide to send a full diplomatic team to the new race in one of their own vessels, though they do offer places for human diplomats should you bring any back from Aegir. They intend to leave in 5 weeks, giving you just enough time to get there and back.

Moving quickly to Aegir, you are able to find buyers for your massive snake skin willing to pay $20,000 for it. You also find buyers willing to pay you $200,000 for maps of new inhabitable systems and $100,000 for maps of new uninhabitable systems. For the maps so far, they will pay $1,000,000, plus an additional $200,000 for contact with an advanced species. They do expect you will transfer a contact team back for the last payment, however.

Unfrozen space: 0.2/3.5 dTons Textiles
Freezer space: 9.8/10 dTons (0.1 dTon per week)
Current Funds: $1,819,400
Wages $131,200, paid until end of Oct
Date: 19 Oct 2176
Aegir

Josef will sell his maps to the Terrans, and, depending on the size of the team, agrees to carry a contact team back to 0806. If the team is large enough to have to leave some of his scientists in port, he'll carry the contact team back to the planet, drop them off, and then come get his scientists. Otherwise, he'll just carry the team with them.

He plots out his next course of explorations as follows, 0809 -> 1009 -> 0911 -> 0712 -> 0813 -> 0715 -> 0916 -> 0816 -> 0616 -> 0515 -> 0414 -> 0413

In reply to Josef Barenski (msg # 89):

I presume also selling the snake skin?

The contact team consists of 6 individuals, and can be carried with the scientists. Were you planning on taking up the Labrysian offer of putting the Terran contact team with the Labrysian contact team, or did you want to bypass them and take the Terrans straight there?

It will take 6 weeks to return to 0806 regardless.

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Current Funds: $3,039,400
Wages $131,200, paid until end of Oct
Date: 01 Dec 2176
0806

Yes, selling the snakeskin, and I'll just take the Terrans straight to the planet.

In reply to Josef Barenski (msg # 91):

Despite the Labrysian offer? They advise you that it ma offend the Labrysians to 'go around them' so to speak.

In that case, I'll take the Terran delegation to the Labrysan's.

In reply to Josef Barenski (msg # 93):

Sounds reasonable. They depart together in the Labrysian vessel, and you accompany them as far as 0806.

On arrival there, they move towards the planet and make radio contact. You move away

0807 is a Binary system with a single Gas Giant with 4 moons, and 1 more distant planets in slow elliptical orbits. There is a large moon that is 7,000 miles in diameter that has captured a thin atmosphere from the Gas Giant that has captured significant amounts of Sulphur in it's thin atmosphere. Though the surface is covered by about 50% frozen water, the planet could, in theory support Labrysian life, though there does not appear to be any life there.

You also chart 0809, another binary system with 2 gas giants as you are unable to jump directly to 1009.

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Freezer space: 8.9/10 dTons (0.1 dTon per week)
Current Funds: $3,039,400
Wages $131,200, paid until end of Oct
Date: 21 Dec 2176
0807

The Solstice will do a full scan of the system, and additional scans of the potentially habitable moon before moving on to the next system in the chain.

In reply to Josef Barenski (msg # 95):

There is a smaller moon that has a trace atmosphere, but it is smaller at just 4,500 miles in diameter, and has no life. It takes another week to map both worlds, before moving on.

System 0809 is a binary system with 2 planets in the goldilocks zone and 2 Gas Giants outside of them. There is one inner planet that is extremely hot, a moon on the most habitable planet and 2 moons on the inner gas giant.

The most habitable planet is also about 7,000 miles in diameter with a thin atmosphere and about 70% surface water. Unfortunately its atmosphere requires a filter to be worn due to the amount of microorganisms in the air...massive pollen clouds seem to rove across the planet supporting huge savannahs of grasses, and floating grasses form unusual floating islands. These same pollen clouds seem capable of growing everywhere, even in lungs, so great care must be taken not to inhale them.

The other planet in this zone may have had life, but now lacks atmosphere.

Unfrozen space: 0.0/3.5 dTons
Freezer space: 8.5/10 dTons (0.1 dTon per week)
Current Funds: $3,039,400
Wages $131,200, paid until end of Oct
Date: 18 Jan 2177
0809
This message was last edited by the GM at 08:01, Tue 04 Feb 2020.