Procyon is a hive of Terran activity. Numerous small scouts jump to and from Sirius on scouting missions. Once a week, a patrol of Terran warships patrol the sector as well. Of course, they are not the only ones regularly patrolling that sector.

Traders jump in all directions, carrying wares to the remote Terran colonies as well as too and from Vilani space via Sirius. Most trade ships are small 200 dTon Heros or 400 dTon Lightnings, but there area bewildering variety of others ships as well.

[Secret to Cyril Zotmund: You notice one familiar Lightning belonging to one of the most ruthless pirates just as it jumped to the Sirius system. When you mentioned it to the next patrol, however, they did not find it.]

Significantly, a slow 6000 dTon cylindrical vessel owned and operated as a mobile base by Andrew Kalishnikov Pty. Ltd. is escorted by a smaller, slimmer and faster 1500 dTon research vessel, the 'Yuri', the owner uses as his flagship. The base is used to manufacture vehicle parts, weapons and, more recently, bioplas suits for sale to remote colonies. These have recently jumped here from the Hephaiston system. It is unusual for them to be so close to the front, but you sense that something unusual is being planned.

Captain Maya went yesterday to the Yuri to plan what was thought to be the next trading trip into Vilani space. She has only returned now, and calls the officers to her office as the crew finish unloading the last goods into the Dastavka's hold.

"Ladies and Gentlemen. We have a more unusual mission. We will be leaving Terran space for a very long time, but we will not be alone. Andrew Kalishnikov has decided to move the base, escorted by the Yuri, to the remote Terran colonies in the Capella Subsystem. We will be working as scouts, but our first mission will be to jump to the Vilani systems beyond Sirius and arrange to have fuel tankers with at least 600 dTons of fuel waiting to refulel the base when she jumps into the system in exactly 5 weeks. That may sound like a long time, but each jump takes about a week, and we will have at least 3 jumps to make, so we cant waste time. We need to decide to try to sell our goods to get the fuel from Shulimik or Markhashi. The former is more developed, the latter is not so strict but poorer. We can discuss this as we prepare to jump to Sirius, so let me know if you have any business that needs taking care of before you leave."
This message was last edited by the GM at 09:53, Sat 13 June 2015.

"Captain, I'm all set for departure, but could you give us just a bit more information?"

Carrick raises his eyebrows and hands, palms up, as if to provide suggestions, "As in what's a 'very long time' or why in the galaxy Mr. Kalishnikov wants to put his base ship at risk so far from Terran space?"
This message was last edited by the player at 14:29, Tue 09 June 2015.

In reply to Carrick Teague (msg # 2):

"Well, technically, he is actually moving from one part of Terran space to another, but this part of Terran space is cut of from Terra by a large chunk of Vilani space. He is pretty sure he will make a lot more money there, precisely because they are cut off. He just has to get there...It takes a couple of months travel through Vilani space to get back, so we probably won't be back to Terra for a few years."
This message was last edited by the player at 14:41, Tue 09 June 2015.

"Somehow I doubt that technicality is going to mean a whole lot if we get in trouble out there."

A smile. A nod. "And I hope that he's not the only one to be making a lot of money on this adventure of a few years."

In reply to Carrick Teague (msg # 4):

"Yes Sir, that is why most of us are here, I think. If he can pull it off, I think we all stand to get pretty rich. Now, anyone have some business to take care of before we jump? Navigator, I will thank you for preparing the Jump Co-ordinates..."

Has anyone made any inquiries about how the Vilani might see our producing weapons and the like, so close to their holdings? ...just asking. I am sure we don't wish to appear as a threat to them. The settlers certainly need some defenses against pirates but nothing that looks like a second front to the Vilani.

We also noted that a pirate that has raided ships in the Sirius system before just jumped out toward that star system. It is a Lightning class vessel, about 100 dTons bigger than ours, but similarly armed and armoured. The captain is well known for capturing merchant vessels and stealing their fuel, often leaving them stranded. Regrettably the Bastard was also a very capable Scout Service ship Captain of considerable ability.

In reply to Cyril Zotmund (msg # 6):

"The pirate will be of considerable concern. I will get back to you regarding getting his vessels' signature.

As far as the Vilani are concerned, certain corporations will undoubtedly be opposed to us, but technically we are at peace, and willing to sell weapons to the Vilani as well, so there should not be any issue at the high Bureaucracy level. That said, we would do well to keep a low profile, and avoid jumping on their toes by going through major systems if we can help it."

Kat was leaning back in her chair, smoking as everyone talked. "I guess I should stock up on smokes, I don't want to go cold turkey out there, I would not be so pleasant. But the real question Captain is how well protected is this ship? I could pirates wanting it and what about various Vilani groups that might want a weapons factory. And what if they, the Vilani, just try and take it in there space? How long will we be in their space?" she said with a curious look, not rally caring but it sounded like a good challenge.

In reply to Katherine 'Kat' Steele (msg # 8):

"Both the Base and the Yuri are very well defended, with an experimental new Repulsor weapon in the base. He is an arms dealer, after all. It can handle a rogue patrol, but a full military strike would get nasty...but they have nukes. But it will be at least 2-3 months in transit, so we cant afford a major incident."

"Well, Captain, I think I better send off some messages to family and friends. If there's nothing else, I'll get to it."

In reply to Carrick Teague (msg # 10):

"Go for it Carrick. No secret regarding our destination, so let them know. Invite them, even! We will stop by Procyon for some smokes and supplies before we go."

"I should be good to go whenever. There might be a few I want to pick up; I'll have to check. You want me to go prep the boat?

In reply to Fate (msg # 11):

Carrick was already headed out the door when he heard the words, "...invite them, even!"

He stopped himself with a hand on the hatch frame. Turning his head back:

"Captain? We have room for a couple of crew members? My parents are quite experienced hands and I'm sure they'd rather go with us than wait years to see me again."

In reply to Carrick Teague (msg # 13):

"Not on this vessel, but the Base has been looking for people to travel for the last few months, and still is. As I said before, they will not be leaving for another 4 weeks."

In reply to Cptn Niki Maya (msg # 14):

Grinning lopsidely, "Well, that would be ideal, then. Close, but not too close, if you know what I mean. I'll be sure to let them know to apply."

Exits.

In reply to Illiam Jones (msg # 12):

"Thanks Illiam, if you would prepare the Ships Boat for immediate departure for a quick trip to the planet, so we can get underway as soon as possible, that would be appreciated."

[Private to Illiam Jones: Please roll Piloting (Aerospace) twice, once to land and once to take off, with the ships boat. Target is Skill level +2, due to familiarity of the system.]

[Private to Katherine 'Kat' Steele: Please provide 1 Piloting (HPS) roll, for the jump process, when you do so.]

[Private to Raymond 'Duke' Vurhund: Please provide a Mechanic (Jumpdrive) roll for the jump, when you all do so.]
This message was last edited by the GM at 10:26, Wed 10 June 2015.

Illiam nods to the captain and leaves.

[Private to GM: 10:19, Today: Secret Roll: Illiam Jones rolled 11 using 3d6 with rolls of 2,4,5.
10:19, Today: Secret Roll: Illiam Jones rolled 10 using 3d6 with rolls of 3,5,2. Piloting (areospace) 19+2. ]

In reply to Illiam Jones (msg # 17):

The ships boat departs for Procyon spaceport without mishap. Those who wanted to be on it are, and nearly 2 Tons of smokes are purchased! The vessel has plenty of supplies, but another dTon are purchased.


Calls are made, and numerous familiy members are made aware of the Base's recruitment program, with links provided to make it even easier for family members to apply. Some promise to do so, and some, such as several of Carrick's friends/families, have already even applied, and been accepted!

The shuttle back is brief, and within just 10 hours, the vessel is ready for departure. Tanya does all the navigation checks and plots the course, before Niki's clear Japanese accent rings out.

"Kat, take us out."
This message was last edited by the GM at 22:37, Wed 10 June 2015.

Cyril takes the Opportunity to stop by Scout docks and talk shop, making sure they hear of the Pirate in route to Sirius.
He picks up any news or tid-bits he can and says his farewells, telling hem where they are off to.

[Private to GM: If Allowed, he will acquire a few decoys of the Dastavka ... Say 3 or 4; basically an aluminumized Mylar inflatable with a small rocket that visually and on Radar looks like the real ship until you close to within a kilometer. It does show a typical heat profile to a thermal viewer as well. It has only the most perfunctory of programs to allow it to move like a space ship (straight, turn, etc) for up to 10 minutes. These are about 20-25 pounds and perhaps 20 inches in diameter by 36 inches long compressed and are opened by a small tube of compressed gas in space (you'd need a LOT more gas on a planet, but it would work); they are ejected out of an air lock and inflated remotely. These can easily be colored to whatever the ship represented looks like. The Joys of computerized engineering ... might just get them from Kalishnikov Industries if available.]

Kat plots the course as directed by the captain. "Aye Captain, lets get out of here" She then takes the ship out as quick as she can. She does look at what other ship are in the area as she fly out.[Private to Fate: Today: Katherine 'Kat' Steele rolled 12 using 3d6 with rolls of 5,4,3. piloting Made by 6]

Cyril does what he can to monitor anyone showing interest in their moves and in misdirecting or confusing their sensors.

In reply to Cyril Zotmund (msg # 19):

Cyrils old scouting friends are happy to meet him. They already know of Kalishnikovs plans...he has canvassed them for volunteers to join him!

[Private to Cyril Zotmund: By crossreferencing the time you saw them leave with system logs you can work out their current alias. There was some mention about the crew of that vessel askimg about both you and the plans of Kalishnikov P/L. The current scouts agree to jump a day after you to see if the can catch him. Unfortunately, decoys are not widely available due to their cost $60 k, required complexity and the ease with which they can be detected at ranges of 100 km +, using the gravity sensors that make up part of all jump capable ships sensor suites. They also need to be custom made, a process needing at least a week. The base can bring it when it comes...]

The Dastavka navigates to the jump point and enters hyperspace successfully. It will be about a week before it emerges in the Sirius system.

When we get back to the ship... Captain, may I have a word?

[Private to Cptn Niki Maya: I spoke with my old Scout buddies;  There was some mention about the crew of that pirate vessel asking about both Dastavka and the plans of Kalishnikov P/L. ]

Probably need not be said, but Carrick is on top of sensor readings and interacting with space traffic control around Procyon prior to the jump and, of course, just monitoring during jump. It might be nice to know which typical shift officers are on duty when Carrick is not, but that might be a meta-irrelevant detail.

Any anomalies during jump or on arrival into Jumpspace? I suppose, once in Jumpspace, if all is normal with our Jump "bubble", there's not much to look out for.

In reply to Carrick Teague (msg # 24):

The jump to hyperspace is routine, and with nothing to detect normally in hyperspace, there is usually only one officer (selected according to a roster, ie I roll randomly if it becomes important) and 2-3 listings on the bridge for the first 5 days, leaving the rest of you with some time to yourselves.

In reply to Fate (msg # 25):

About 3 days into the jump, Niki calls all the officers into her stateroom.

"Gentlemen, it would seem that Cyrils past hunting pirates has caught up with all of us. A lightning class vessel of similar capabilities to ours jumped to the Sirius system 2 days ahead of us, after asking about our plans. We don't know what they know, but we do know that the patrols in the Sirius system are regular from both sides. Indeed, the Scouts plan to send a patrol a few days after us. As such, we really need to keep on our toes. If they attack merchants in that sector, it could result is a large scale Vilani Military operation of the kind e really don't like. Remember, we are at peace with the Vilani...they are not enemies, for now. Hence, if we can hand these Terran pirates over Vilani authorities, we should do so.

You should also remember that the Vilani are far from Homogenous. The local governor of one planet can be friendly, the local governor of the next can be out to kill us. Which broings me to my next point; where we go for fuel and trade can have a very large impact on the success of our mission. We have 3 real options after Sirius, and I want your advise. Should we go for a poorer colony, where we will have more difficulty finding buyers for our goods, but less difficulty in actually trading due to lower controls, of a richer colony with much more stringent controls but more cash to be able to pay for them?"
This message was last updated by the player at 20:27, Thu 11 June 2015.

In reply to Fate (msg # 25):

I have several questions concerning our options:

Can we jump again immediately in-system; what sort of lag exists between dropping out of Jumpspace and reentering Jumpspace besides navigational calculations? What about fuel, how far can we go with our current fuel supply?

Can we track another ship as it jumps to determine its destination? If so, what if we're not there to monitor the jump? Are there any signatures that can guide us in this regard?

In reply to Cptn Niki Maya (msg # 26):

"If the scouts will be just days behind us, would it not be better to hand them over to Terrans for fair trial? Assuming we are not immediately caught in a fire-fight when we drop out, are there any thoughts towards a non-violent solution?

"Also, do we have any research into the disposition of the various populations of these trade planets? It would be nice to know if others have visited a given planet and provided their reports. I mean, I know we have our stats for many of these planets, I'm just saying it would be nice to not take a shot in the dark on our reception."
This message was last edited by the player at 22:23, Thu 11 June 2015.

In reply to Carrick Teague (msg # 28):

"The Vilani are as likely to give pirates a fair trial as Terrans are. Many of the populations are not great fans of the Empire, but the administration will most likely be quite loyal. What specifically did you want to know about them?

We do have enough fuel for one more jump, but getting into position will take time and make us vulnerable to fire. Usually they can detect where we are jumping too and follow if they see us jump, but detection after the jump becomes pretty inaccurate."
This message was last edited by the player at 23:31, Thu 11 June 2015.

In reply to Cptn Niki Maya (msg # 26):

I missed some of those options then... from what I know, we basically have to go: Sirius -> Markhasha  Small world with a Class C star port, CR2
or -> IILIKE a better world for habitability and bigger star port, but CR 6

then ->Shuruppak -   Class C  CR 3  no atmosphere
Then -> Enki Kalamma Class C  CR 6  no atmosphere
Then -> Gashidda Class A star port, CR 6, decent atmosphere
Then -> Ishkur  Class B star port, CR 6, decent atmosphere
Then ->  Saris  Class B star port, CR 6, little if any atmosphere-
Then -> Yenisei (Terran) Class C  CR 2  no atmosphere
from there we can go to ->  ->Chrysolite: 52 k Te colonists, Class B starbase, Trade type: Ni, WTN: 3.5, CR: 5, Atmosphere: Standard, Warm and Thin
or
->   Thallasa 58 k Te colonists; a bit less repressive, CR4, Class C star base with a cold dense atmosphere.

Only Yensei or Sionnach looks to be a favorable business environment and Yensai has no atmosphere. None seem perfect for a major endeavor. Tunguska and Sionnach look to offer ready access to other planets that might be better and we could establish a company operation, but nothing exists there now that we are aware of.

Kat sits back with a smoke as she sips a drink form a glass. "OK, I say we go for the big score. Do we have any information on if there are any conflicts on those worlds?  That will always raise the cost of weapons"

In reply to Cptn Niki Maya (msg # 29):

"Misunderstanding, Captain. I meant, if they jump, can we follow and for how long?

"As for the question of disposition, I meant that specifically as it relates to our success in trade, not in adjudication of crime.

"And speaking of trials, I'm just saying, I wouldn't trust a Vilani court."

Which do you consider the big score Kat?

Kat looks at Cyril "Where we can make the most. But the question is do we have any information of any conflicts?  The need for weapons will be higher there"

In reply to Cyril Zotmund (msg # 33):

"You didn't mention Shulimik. Do you consider that not an option?"

In reply to Carrick Teague (msg # 32):

"The planets with lower control have more demand for weapons, and a greater chance to sell them. The empire ensures there are no conflicts within their borders, sorry Kat.

I would not trust a Vilani court if I were on trial either, but I do not intend to be in one.

Unfortunately, they do not sell refined fuel at any of the low cr planets. I doubt that we will be travelling past the Vilani Naval base at Gidashi,  rather a longer route may be safer.

Basically, Carrick, if a vessel is not seen jumping, we can't track it with current technology."
This message was last updated by the player at 02:22, Fri 12 June 2015.

I stepped over it as it didn't seem to offer much on our trip, but it is an excellent trading location. Were it a bit closer to where we want to go, or if w could jump a bit further, it would be a fine place to head out from.

In reply to Cyril Zotmund (msg # 37):

"Unless I'm mistaken, our goal is to trade at either Shulimik or Markhashi to procure fuel boats to rendezvous here, in Sirius, for refueling the base."

In reply to Carrick Teague (msg # 38):

"Correct"

Then that would be the place to do it... I seem to have missed that point.

In reply to Cptn Niki Maya (msg # 39):

"Captain, what sort of Jump drive does the base (name?) have? Is it Jump-2 or Jump-3?"

In reply to Carrick Teague (msg # 41):

"I have heard rumours of research into Jump-3 drives, but never more than that. The Base, as it is known as, has a Jump-2 drive.

So we still have the question of where to sell vehicles and weapons, and where to organize the fuel tankers from. We have just enough time that they may be separate places."
This message was last edited by the player at 03:54, Fri 12 June 2015.

I suppose I'll ask the obvious question: Knowing trouble is likely, any precautions we can take prior to jump emergence to give us a tactical advantage, Cyril?

"While I would prefer to trade on Shulimik, Markhashi has the trade type we're interested in: extreme and non-industrial. I just am unsure about their ability to buy everything, or even 'enough', of what we have to offer."

We can make the jump at full battle stations, but beyond that there is not much we can do.

As to where we go next, I say we take the higher risk for the weather system.

In reply to Carrick Teague (msg # 44):

"Fair concern. In that case, we can try Markhashi first, then move on to Shulmik, hopefully after selling the weapons, and order the fuel from there. Does that sound like a reasonable compromise to you all?"

In reply to Illiam Jones (msg # 45):

Providing a wry smile, "Jones, considering the window of dropping out of Jump is about 34 hours wide, we'd have to camp out at our battle stations, replete with sleep sets, food, and pirate repellent.

"Seriously, I think with the drills you keep putting us through, we'll be able to man those stations quickly enough with the end-of-Jump alarms."
This message was last edited by the player at 13:31, Fri 12 June 2015.

Hey you asked. Speaking of, ten solars say we come out early.


I guess that will probably work.
This message was last edited by the player at 13:43, Fri 12 June 2015.

"Captain, they're pirates. I get it. I suppose tossing them to the Vilani doesn't rank up there with shooting puppies. But I suppose I oughtta ask an obvious question: Is there a possibility for there to be a reward out for the capture/elimination of this pirate (name?) by either the Imperium or Terra? Because if so and if it's significant enough, I wouldn't mind waiting a few days to collect."

In reply to Carrick Teague (msg # 49):

"Terran reward is minor, as there is a lack of evidence. Need to check with the Vilani, though. Worth the check when we get to a Vilani starbase."

In reply to Carrick Teague (msg # 43):

As Illiam Says, not much we can do other than be ready to fight if need be... They would be exceedingly lucky to be able to predeict where we emerge ... remember it's somewhere within a sphere roughly 100,000 Kilometers in diameter.  We could exit on the opposite side of that star!

Carrick shrugs his shoulders and spreads his hands out amiably, "Well, then, I guess everything was and is a rather foregone conclusion. We," and here he begins to tick off on his fingers,

" show up in Sirius," - tick
" fight and/or capture a pirate," - tick
" assuming we survive and the pirate survives, turn him over to the Vilani," - tick
" then go to Mirkhashi and sell as much as we can for as much as we can," - tick
" then go to Shulimik and try to procure fuel for The Base." - tick

"Not much in the way of a dilemma here, I'd say. Thanks for the update Captain."

Laughing    Well we aren't sure they are waiting for us, they may be waiting for the main ship. We will have to play  it by ear... although being prepared is a very good idea.

"Weeeell, that would be a plan looking for a derailment. Balance those scales and you're looking at a 400 dTon ship vs a 6000 dTon Base ship + the 1500 dTon Yuri. Assuming piracy has a prerequisite for some intellectual capacity, I'd suspect that scenario not to be the case."

Carrick glances sideways at Cyril, "Unless you know something about this guy I don't... exotic or advanced tech? allies?"
This message was last edited by the GM at 09:58, Sat 13 June 2015.

Big ego... Ship size is not everything. He has made his small ship into pretty much an armed merchant ship with a cargo hold...much as we have. The Factory ship, while large, is not especially well armored or armed. He could take that most likely. The Yuri is a different case, but unless Yuri jumps first and is waiting, it may not get to be a factor for some time... That was our task if I understand all this right... Captain?

In reply to Cyril Zotmund (msg # 55):

"Hah. I have seen the blueprint for that Base. With armour that can laugh off most beam weapons and a Repulsor and a Light missile battery, it is pretty much a match for any Vilani capital ship, let alone a patrol cruiser or small merchantman. The Base has 18 beam weapons and a number of fighters, whilst we have just 6 and one smal fighter. No, we do not have to defend the base against pirates.

I am just concerned he might piss of the Vilani enough that they bring in a battle-fleet. We should try to avoid that, very much.

But Carrick, I was unsure whether to go to Shulimik or to just try to do all the trading at Makhashi, but you have answered that question."

"Aye, it might be a smaller ship but they'll be kitted out for their main purpose. Wouldn't be successful pirates if they weren't, I reckon.

Not to mention, they'll not likely be wantin' to blow our dear employer's ship out of the black.

Either way we'll get a good lookin first. This baby will hold up for a while under some gunnning if it even comes to that. And we got some good folk here to make sure we don't get blown into nothin'



He contributed, having entered late. He was wearing his usual hat, leathery worn and brown that complimented his 'rough around the edges'  look. An easy grin was on his face, as he looked around at his friends while occasionally causing the cigar to glow hot before a puff of smoke released into the room.


"Sorry for being late captain, was just making sure our baby's engine held up."






Hey all, sorry for being late, i think i've finally managed to fix up my character and should be go to contribute more regularly. I'd have posted sooner but didn't want to talk liberties while the GM was going over my sheet.


I'll post an update to my character details soon but for now:
- a very friendly guy, makes efforts to be around people and ensure that everyone gets on well.
- will often help out anyone that seems to be struggling/in need/ asking for help
- takes pains to make sure you and the crew are okay.




This message was last edited by the player at 21:52, Fri 12 June 2015.

Kat just sat and listens till she had a point to make"If I were a pirate I would try to take the ship by depriving it of fuel. Once we arrange for the fuel, we have to make sure we protect it, that is really what the base ship needs. With out it, they are dead in space. So when we get the fuel, we need to protect where it is going" she says with a grin as she sips her drink.

In reply to Katherine 'Kat' Steele (msg # 58):

"I'm not sure what sort of protection a (fleet of?) fuel freighter(s?) would have, but I certainly concur, escorting it wouldn't be a bad plan."

In reply to Raymond 'Duke' Vurhund (msg # 57):

Don't sweat it, and welcome.

In reply to Carrick Teague (msg # 59):

"That would require them knowing we will need a refuelling ship. Maybe he knows enough to know the Bases capacity, maybe not. But you guys are right, we cant take the risk...once we find someone, we will have to keep watch over them.

All right guys, lets prepare for our exit. Lets be ready to exit hot. If you are placing your bets on when we come out, do so soon!"
This message was last edited by the GM at 08:21, Sat 13 June 2015.

"For what it's worth, Captain, I suggest putting our funds in an escrow account so payment won't be complete until we have delivery. To get paid, I'm sure our providers will secure their fuel during transit. Our only real job is to confirm delivery and then release the funds from escrow. But being responsible agents, should they fail to put together the required ships and Jump out timely, we need to know immediately for a fallback plan--we don't want Kalishnakov delayed any further than necessary. In short, escorting the tankers is all about due diligence, I think."

Carrick stands to leave and tosses out to Illiam, "Sure. I'll see your 10."
This message was last edited by the player at 19:04, Sat 13 June 2015.

In reply to Carrick Teague (msg # 62):

A good six hours early, at 162 hours, the hyperdrive signals arrival. As the sensors come online, you detect 2 ships nearby. The larger vessel seems to be chasing the smaller one in your general direction, but it is still about 55,000 miles from its prey, which in turn is 94,000 miles from you.

Just as the IFF identification comes up, an explosion on the smaller vessel, a Vilami trader, indicates it has been hit! The larger vessel, which identifies as the Dastavka, hails you.

"Nice timing. Welcome to the Dark Side..."

In reply to Fate (msg # 63):

A general call goes out from the small vessel.

"Mayday. Mayday. Under attack from pirate ship Dastavka. Please assist."
This message was last updated by the player at 09:22, Sun 14 June 2015.

In reply to Hero Class Trader (msg # 64):

"Illium, take the ships boat rather than the fighter. It is more robust, and standby to pick up survivors in case they take that ship apart before we get there. The Vilani on that vessel are our only change of clearing our name...

Kat, get us over there as soon as possible. If we have similar weapons, they will not be able to afford to shoot at both of us.

Cyril, should we try to land a boarding party, or just blast them? We have enough Lasers to render their missiles little more than target practice for point defence, so we should assume they have the same."
This message was last edited by the player at 09:31, Sun 14 June 2015.

In reply to Hero Class Trader (msg # 64):

On private band:

"Hailing merchant ship under pirate attack: Hailing merchant ship under attack: We are en route to provide assistance. Take whatever evasive actions you can, but get to us quickly. This is the real Dastavka. I repeat, this is the real Dastavka."

On public band:

"Hailing ship masquerading as Dastavka: Hailing ship masquerading as Dastavka: Stand off your weapons! I repeat, stand off your weapons! Whatever you need, we can work this out with no lives lost. Refuse to negotiate and we'll rid you from the 'verse! I repeat, a deal can be made to your benefit."

To the Captain

"I'm attempting to stall them, Captain. Anything to slow them down from further attacks on that merchant vessel until we can arrive. I hope that's alright."
This message was last edited by the player at 14:33, Sun 14 June 2015.

Cyril is busy in his control center, working with Jo his assistant.
Let's send one missile there way as soon as we get in range... They shoot it down most likely, but it's one less laser on the Trader. Lasers are awfully far out yet... but be ready to light them up ... expect the sand casters ...

"Aye Captian, I will get us here as quick as possible." she pushes the speed up to max and makes sure she maneuvers so that the small ship is not in their line of fire at the larger one.

"Well, looks like we have trouble... always bloody trouble..." he said, taking a momentary pause over the comms to toke on his cigar.


He liked to work in close proximity to his team, some thought that he micromanged too closely but in reality he just enjoyed being the centre of the operation. It was good to be able to see where people were at and keep an eye on everything, while it was in motion. He didn't like the long-touch form of command that many people seemed to enjoy int he past.

"Okay girls and boys, lets make sure that these engines are running smoothly..." he said with his usual easy manner.

Jo, can you give me a rough distance between the pirate and the Merchant?
We aren't closing very quickly ...I'd like to fire a bunch of Laser shots to cause him to throw sand and lose tracking on the missile perhaps. If he throws sand up, launch three more missiles ... hopefully he'll have trouble spotting those until they are close.

Cyril works his sensors carefully to ensure he keeps tabs on both ships, their actions and any unusual signatures... he also maintains an eye on the 720º around the ship. [360º horizontally to the ship and 360º vertically to the ship...ie all around.]

In reply to Cyril Zotmund (msg # 70):

The small vessel, already traveling in your direction, closes quickly. It is now just 48,000 miles from you (range 5) with the larger vessel just 33,000 miles behind it, or 79,000 miles from you (ie your missiles would arrive there after one round, but out of Laser range!).

The missile you launched last round was shot down easily, as were the missiles launched by both vessels. The larger vessel appears to have 4 lasers and 4 missiles, and possibly 4 sandcasters. The smaller vessel has half that, and manages to dodge any serious damage this round!
This message was last edited by the GM at 21:52, Sun 14 June 2015.

In reply to Cyril Zotmund (msg # 70):

"Heh, you still have not worked out what we want? Observe, and you will see..."

In reply to Lightning Class Trader (msg # 72):

On the public channel, the Vilani trader responds.

"This is trader Shitbox, there seem to be two Dastavka vessels; one is attacking, and one has status unknown. Repeat, and Vilani patrols, please assist..."

In reply to Hero Class Trader (msg # 73):

"This is Markhashi Patrol Cruiser Voyeur; Terran vessels stand down or be destroyed. Cease fire on our trader, or it will be considered an act of war."

You had not detected the vessel until it transmitted, as it was in the asteroid field. However, it is at least 250,000 miles away...behind the ships in front of you (so they are traveling away from the patrol).

In reply to Vilani Patrol (msg # 74):

"So now, are you Terran, or a Vilani toady? Which is worse, Vilani or Pirate?"

Hold our fire Jo... the Little trader is likely to attract the missiles ... As soon as the Lightening gets within range we shoot him up ...


Captain, we plan to shoot the Lightening as soon as it is within range. Can you contact the Cruiser and the little guy and see if we can stop this ... hopefully this isn't a really big trap with all three being Pirates.
This message was last edited by the player at 22:13, Sun 14 June 2015.

"Markhashi Patrol Voyeur: you will not arrive in time to prevent the pirate ship from destroying the Shitbox(really?). We must provide assistance. Please acknowledge that you understand: the Terrans aboard the real Dastavka are moving to protect the Vilani trader from Terran pirates and will disengage upon your arrival. I repeat, there is no time, we must act now."

In reply to Carrick Teague (msg # 77):

"Understood, Dastavka, but just how will we know who is shooting whom? The Trader had better survive, or her crew at least, to bear testament to that..."

Kat continues to close as quickly as she can while keeping the trader out of the line of fire. "Captain, should we have the trader break 90% to one side so we can then also turn in the same direction so we can there more on a parallel course?  At this point, we will over shoot them at some point"

Screaming into a closed channel, "Open your eyes, damn you! We're not the ones giving chase and shooting at the Vilani merchant, we're the ones shooting back!"

Opening the channel again, "Voyeur, follow your sensors if you please. You'll see one Terran ship giving chase and firing upon the Trader and another closing from the opposite direction. If you're able to track us, I hope it will be clear when the sand disperses which has undertaken a villainous endeavor and which is trying to correct for that."

In reply to Carrick Teague (msg # 80):

"Time will tell. From here I just see 2 terran ships and  a Vilani trader firing."

Carricke, Suggest that the Lightening Class Trader is the Pirate ... a well trained and cunning captain too ... some of us think we know of him.

Jo, Kill any missiles closing in... do what you can to protect the trader...


Captain...do we piss off the Vilani Patrol Boat or just defend? A nice Light Particle Gun would be handy about now. It's close to shooting time...


Wonder if maybe we should be prepared to jump just in case.
This message was last edited by the player at 02:16, Mon 15 June 2015.

Carrick makes sure that all sensors and video is being recorded for posterity.

"Voyeur, I'm being told to advise you that we believe we know who is captaining the pirate ship and that if we don't survive this encounter, understand that he is a crafty and skillful son-of-a-bitch."

In reply to Carrick Teague (msg # 84):

The vessels continue to close, with both traders again exchanging shots. Fortune holds for the Vilani vessel, as the manage to dodge another volley of laser fire. Both vessels again launch missiles, and with the trader now a mere 6,000 miles from you (range 0) the pirate vessel is just 12,000 (range 1) from your position.

In reply to Fate (msg # 85):

"Bugger the patrol. Weapons, hit that pirate with everything we have. Illium, get the ships boat and anything else we have got ready to pick up survivors if they get hit. Use tje missiles on the ships boat to add to the traders volleys, and its weapon to help shoot down any missiles. I'll be damned if I will sit here while someone pretending to be me practices piracy..."

Done!

Cyril leaves Jo one turret to shoot at missiles with, then fires all remaining Lasers at the Pirate... followed by a salvo of 9 missiles ..he keeps the Lasers pounding at the pirate. He'll use sand casters if need be.

All rolls made, some better than others.No modifiers applied.

21:41, Today: Cyril Zotmund rolled 13 using 3d6 with rolls of 3,6,4. Jo- Beam weapons on defense.

21:41, Today: Cyril Zotmund rolled 9 using 3d6 with rolls of 3,1,5. Sand casters.

21:40, Today: Cyril Zotmund rolled 12 using 3d6 with rolls of 3,6,3. Missiles.

21:40, Today: Cyril Zotmund rolled 14 using 3d6 with rolls of 4,6,4. Beam Weapons.
This message was last edited by the player at 04:43, Mon 15 June 2015.

Opening a channel to both the Shitbox and Voyeur, "Shitbox, begin a looping 180 degree turn to begin looping back towards the Markhashi patrol. We will match your direction change so we don't overshoot you and the pirate. This will bring us closer to the Voyeur more quickly, as well."

Do we know what the agility of these vehicles are? I could give better (more specific) directions regarding radius of turn (identifying radial and tangential acceleration), accordingly. Or is that math unimportant here?
This message was last edited by the player at 05:04, Mon 15 June 2015.

In reply to Carrick Teague (msg # 88):

"Aye Captain. I will take Armstrong in the Speeder and head towards the trader. He speaks some Vilani."

They suit up and prepare to launch.

"Shitbox, correction, make that turn, sharp, now!"
This message was last edited by the player at 13:14, Mon 15 June 2015.

Rod, Jo Good Shooting, I think we've winged him pretty well... hopefully some of the missiles will get in now... lets keep after his missile shots at the trader and hit him again with the beam weapons.


11:20, Today: Cyril Zotmund rolled 12 using 3d6 with rolls of 3,3,6. Rod shooting Beams.

11:19, Today: Cyril Zotmund rolled 11 using 3d6 with rolls of 1,4,6. Jo Shooting Beams.
This message was last edited by the player at 18:21, Mon 15 June 2015.

In reply to Cptn Niki Maya (msg # 86):

Yes mam. I will as soon as ready. Illiam moves from the fighter to the launch and runs a quick systems check.

"Okay, folks.. I want you all keeping this as smooth as possible, we'll be closing in with the pirate and firing weapons. Make sure nothing goes wrong! - Also, repair crews make sure you're ready if we get hit."

He said, striding around keeping himself busy.




Leadership:
20:54, Today: Raymond 'Duke' Vurhund rolled 10 using 3d6 with rolls of 6,3,1. leadership.

// pass by 3

In reply to Raymond 'Duke' Vurhund (msg # 93):

Damage control crews standby as the ships close within 10,000 miles of each other, with the Hero class vering sharply to their starboard side, and the Pirate following. The Dastavka comes up underneath it nicely...

The Lightnings gunners, finally closing on their prey, hit the Hero with all four beams, knocking out both drives, the bridge and the turret.

But before you can analyze the result of the damage, your own gunners return the favour. With interest. The triple beams cut massive swathes out of the Lightnings hull, ripping open first the cargo bay, then the jump drive, manoeuvre drive before hitting the power supply. Laser beams in fusion power plants are not good. The resulting explosion ripped apart the vessel into several pieces.

As the dust scatters, you realize you are the only operational vessel for 200,000 miles.

[OOC: Will need a sensors roll to determine any life signs from either vessel]

In reply to Fate (msg # 94):

"What the hell just happened? Trader, can you hear me?"

You realize from that distance, with you all so close and the explosion from the Pirate, the Vilani patrols sensors will have a very hard time picking up who is who.

In reply to Fate (msg # 94):

Open channel to Shitbox: "Shitbox! Can anyone read me?!?! Can anyone read me!?!?"

Electronics (Sensors): 17:13, Today: Carrick Teague rolled 13 using 3d6 with rolls of 4,5,4.

Open channel to Voyeur: "Voyeur, the pirate vessel has been destroyed, but just moments too late. The trader vessel has also been fatally damaged. We're attempting to locate survivors now."
This message was last edited by the player at 21:16, Mon 15 June 2015.

In reply to Carrick Teague (msg # 96):

Sensors indicate three life signs in the rear of the Hero class, and 2 from the Lighting class pirate vessel.

"Captain, we have three survivors from the trader! And I should mention, though one wonders if it matters, two lives are detected among the debris of the pirate ship, as well. Interrogation seems very much in order. On the flip-side, their survival brings about a voice of opposition to their true identity... someone has to say it."

I sense the same... I'll have several Armed Guards ready to take the launch over to the Lightening...

Cyril passes the word for 4 men to suit up and take weapons, in order to recover the Pirates.

In reply to Cyril Zotmund (msg # 99):

"Speeder ready to depart. Destination?"

Jo, Rod, kill those missiles...

In reply to Cyril Zotmund (msg # 99):

"Gun crew already suited and ready to go, as we wear our suits into combat in case someone does to us what we just did to them. Should we board the speeder, or the ships boat?"

The missiles, not being controlled, detonate harmlessly but spectacularly in space.
This message was last edited by the player at 22:45, Mon 15 June 2015.

Ships Boat is in route to the Trader ... when it comes back, I assume it will go to the Pirate.

Cyril heads to his cabin to change into his Space Bio-suit and to arm himself, He puts the helmet on as well, so he is ready to either go board the prate or meet any one boarding his ship.

"Well, that was a quick battle. We need survivors form the trader so they can clear us. I don't want to get blamed for pirating when we haven't done it" she mutters as she brings the ship around towards the damaged trader.

In reply to Katherine 'Kat' Steele (msg # 105):

"Agreed. Get the first shuttle over to the Traders, now. We can worry about the pirates later."

Captain, I can take the speeder to the Pirates if you want... but then you need to cover me on the guns...

"Cyril, the ships boat is faster, I would take that. We need to get there as soon as possible."

In reply to Katherine 'Kat' Steele (msg # 108):

Illiam with Armstrong makes a quick trip to the remains of the trader while the speeder loads the armed gunners, one of whom mans the gatling laser turret, and anyone else to head to the Pirate ship.

The trader is in remarkably better condition than the pirates, though still decompressed.

[Secret to Illiam Jones: Please roll a piloting roll to avoid debrii.]

On the trader, several members seem to be trying to help some of their comrades. It seems that the few rounds they had before being destroyed were enough for a number of them to get their suits on, but several were killed in the destruction of the ship. nonetheless, it is clear that there may be more people who can be saved that was first thought.

Svebodne manages to manoeuvre the speeder through the rather larger cloud of debrii to find the pirate survivors. They seem to be rather scared, and do not put a fight. This is not a good system to be left in!
This message was last updated by the GM at 02:35, Tue 16 June 2015.

In reply to Fate (msg # 109):

The Vilani patrol cruiser is about the same size as the pirate vessel. It is an older Gishidda class vessel.

"Pilot of the boats picking up survivors from both vessels, please deliver them to our airlock directly. We have medical teams standing by. Please do not touch the rest of the debrii until we can ascertain what happened. Dastavka, we are sending over a customs team to inspect your vessel. Please standby."

They launch a small assault craft these vessels usually use for customs teams.
This message was last edited by the player at 02:46, Tue 16 June 2015.

OK, Petty Officer Svebodne, we go to the Voyeur... let me do the Talking please.


OOC - Does Cyril recognize either of these two?
This message was last edited by the player at 02:48, Tue 16 June 2015.

In reply to Cyril Zotmund (msg # 111):

"Aye Sir. Do you know Vilani?"

[OOC: She is actually the main trader for the vessel, and has high Diplomacy and language skills. You could culturally get away with using her as your 'interpreter', as you probably would have before.

Neither of the pirates are recognized. They don't seem to be terribly wealthy...]

In reply to Petty Officer Svebodne (msg # 112):

Yes, Fairly well in fact ... But I forget that you are fluent too ... I'll let you interpret and they don't need to know that I speak their language.

In reply to Cyril Zotmund (msg # 113):

The two craft, one piloted by Petty Officer Svebodne and the other by Illiam Jones, pull up to the Voyeur airlocks and begin to unload casualties. The ships boat, with Vilani on board, had 5 casualties and the body of the remaining 3 crewman, with Armstrong making a valiant effort to keep some of them alive.

They survivors included the captain, though he was badly injured. Once the situation had been confirmed by the Vilani, the demeanor of the Captain became much friendlier. Towards you, at least. The remaining pirates were cared for, but perhaps only to gather information from them later by means you did not want to think about.

The customs inspection also became much less rigorous once the Patrol vessel confirmed your version of events. Captain Maya and any of her senior offices who wished invited to travel back with the inspection vessel meet with the Patrol Captain, Kandashi Bulganni, to express his thanks in saving some of the traders. The ships boat was released to leave, though the shuttle was invited to stay to transport back any crew members who chose to visit.

In reply to Fate (msg # 114):

"Too good a diplomatic opportunity to pass up. Anyone want to come for the ride?"

I will if you Captain, and P/O Svebodne might be a good one to come along too ...she is a fine interpreter.

In reply to Cyril Zotmund (msg # 116):

"Given you and PO Svebodne are already there, then you can just wait there, and sent the Speeder back with the troops..."
This message was last edited by the player at 22:06, Tue 16 June 2015.

"Captain, I would like to go if that is OK." says Kat as she gets up. She would not mind seeing what one of their ships looks like.

Speeder is in route.

"I'll stay on the ship, keeping an eye on things, Captain."

In reply to Carrick Teague (msg # 120):

Captain Maya, accompanied by Kat Steele, suit up and board the Vilani shuttle to join Illiam, Cyril and PO Svebodne on the Voyeur.

The Vilani are polite, and respectful, and the Captains English is surprisingly good.

"Captain, we believe that is not the first victim those pirates have struck. We suspect their IFF has been replicating us attacking Terran vessels as well as mimicing Terran ships attacking Vilani traders. I believe I may be able to get a promotion if I recieve the credit for taking the pirate out of commission. What would convince you to give me such credit?"
This message was last edited by the player at 22:25, Wed 17 June 2015.

In reply to Fate (msg # 121):

Natalie leans over and whispers to Niki

"There is the matter of getting fuel here without raising questions, and selling our stock..."

Cyril leans in too  We'd like to inspect the Pirate hull... we will of course share any intelligence we find. Things of value should be returned to their original owner if it can determine whom that is... otherwise shared equally.
This message was last edited by the player at 01:40, Wed 17 June 2015.

Kat grins "Personally, getting credit doesn't do me much good. I am more interested in what they might have but the final decision of course is up to the Captain. I am just the pilot." As she does speak some of their language, she listens for anything the other crew might say.
This message was last edited by the player at 01:28, Wed 17 June 2015.

In reply to Katherine 'Kat' Steele (msg # 124):

"By claiming they defeated the pirates, they also become responsible for salvage. But I will what I can get. As for looking around, I am sure we van work something out with a little flattery..."

She grins cheekily at Kat. Then, switching to Vilani, she speaks to the other captain.

"Well, sir, we need to sell some goods and get 600 dTons of fuel here in about 4 weeks, preferably without questions. Other than that, we would feel that allowing the crews to investigate the wreckage together, sharing anything we find, would assist in building trust between our two empires."
This message was last updated by the player at 22:24, Wed 17 June 2015.

In reply to Fate (msg # 125):

Captain Bulganni considers for a few minutes.

"We noticed a number of weapons in your hold. I would find your term easier to accept if those weapons were to be sold to the garrison on Markhashi. We can accept those terms if you can agree to this. We would even be open to sharing a dTon of salvage as a sign of good faith. How could you refuse?"

He smiles, as if trying to charm you into agreeing.

In reply to Vilani Commander (msg # 126):

Captain Maya considers for a minute. Organizing supplies of weapons to an under-supplied garrison would only strengthen his position when the next promotion came calling. But they did need a buyer, and this way they were not smuggling in goods.

"We can sell both the Weapons and the vehicles and Bio-suits to the Garrison, or the governor at Markhashi for the going rates, if we get to chose what salvage we collect, up to 20 dTon. After we have both analyzed the wreckage together, of course. In addition to the fuel tanker being here, escorted by us. Oh, and some of the crew would like to look around this wonderful vessel of yours. We do not often get to see inside a warship."

In reply to Cptn Niki Maya (msg # 127):

The captain agrees to those terms, and allows you to analyze the wreckage with his crew. It takes a full day to finish negotiations and conduct a basic salvage analysis.

A sensor sweep from the shuttle shows the following items:

5 dTons of Manufactured Goods (Generally worth around $50 k/dTon)
2 dTons of Sporting Gear (Generally worth around $50 k/dTon)
5 dTons of Games Consoles (Generally worth around $50 k/dTon)
13 dTons of Industrial metals (Generally worth around $75 k/dTon)
10 dTons of Radioactives (Generally worth around $100 k/dTon, but requiring special handling techniques)
15 Missiles (0.5 dTon)
35 Sandcaster cannisters (1.17 dTons)

The surviving crew of the trader are insisting that anything left of their ship be collected by the Patrol vessel to be sold to try to purchase a new vessel. The Lightning has basically no functioning electronics left...the EMP pulse from the fusion power system blowing up has knocked it all out. Even fine metalwork that was not part of circuitry seems to have melted. The air rafts in the Lightning were  near the engines and just forward of the power plant, so there is not much left of them either except melted metal, though the crew of the Shitbox did manage to get their air raft working again!

Anyone wanting to find anything else of value should make a Sensors roll, and tell me what you are looking for.

Cyril is interested in the ships safe, the Captains safe and any other locations which might have documents and Valuable.


08:23, Today: Cyril Zotmund rolled 6 using 3d6 with rolls of 2,3,1. Sensors Operation.

After the Captain departed, Carrick has been doing sensor sweeps continuously of both surrounding space and the wreckage in particular. He's been looking for anything "odd" or unexpected. He's concerned that things are not entirely as they appear and is trying to find evidence to that effect.


12:27, Thu 18 June 2015: Carrick Teague rolled 11 using 3d6 (4,1,6).

In reply to Carrick Teague (msg # 130):

Kats tour of the Vilani warship reveals the following facts:

This is a 400 dTon Gishidda class vessel, about 120 years old and in a very questionable state of repair. It has 5 turrets, with 3 Pulse lasers, 3 Sandcasters and 9 Missile racks. generally capable of about 4G, you notice that almost everyone shares a stateroom; there are no Low berths or Bunk rooms. It also has nearly as much cargo space as the Dastavka, though considerably more armour, and the only vehicle it has is the 20 dTon assault shuttle some of you came over on.

Cyril does locate the Captains safe from the bridge of the pirate vessel. There are a number of documents inside, including several false identities for the vessel to enable them to trade in Terran and Vilani space. Captain Bulganni is most interested in that information. There are also a number of documents that belonged to several other merchants and traders that were missing, some for over two years, and a small number of Vilani and Terran cash, amounting to $15,000. There was also a flash drive, protected by the steel safe as a massive Faraday cage. On it was a list of anticipated departures from Procyon, including yours, the Yuri and the Base.

Carricks scans of the area indicate that many battles have been fought here. There is considerable debris spread throughout the asteroid field that is nearby. A larger Vilani patrol does come by, having heard the earlier distress calls but having been much further away. Captain Bulganni explains the situation, and provides them with a report, and then they leave.

There is little of great value to us, other than the good will generated. The $15k is a surprisingly small amount for operating such a large ship. A quick check of any useful weapons (thinking more small arms than Ship Weapons) in the Arms room, if it is intact...

Is the shitbox repairable?

In reply to Cyril Zotmund (msg # 132):

Given the debris and the destroyed goods in it, it would be a safe assumption that most of the cash had been invested in goods or put in a secure account somewhere. No smart pirate captain would have all his cash with him!

The armoury is partly intact, but most weapons are gone. Sensors indicate that there are remains of weapons near many of the bodies, but the EMP fried the powerpacks so badly as to destroy the weapons as well. All were lasers or gauss weapons. A few gauss rounds could be recovered, but the clips would need repairing or replacing.

The injured Shitbox may be repairable at a shipyard, though given its age, it may be cheaper to get a new one. But since towing a hulk through hyperspace is not possible, its crew will definitely be looking for a new assignment.
This message was last edited by the GM at 20:28, Thu 18 June 2015.

OK, we pass on the weapons and ammo... one more look around to see if there is some other place information or money might  be stashed (or account numbers)...

So shitbox can't be patched on site... too bad. Might have been worth something, anyway.

In reply to Cyril Zotmund (msg # 134):

There was an encrypted file on the flash drive, but generally these need a lot of time and a strong computer with high level decryption software to access
 Even with the account numbers, the banks would not hand over cash without ID...you would have to go through the courts to access it.

In reply to Fate (msg # 135):

Perhaps, but at least we would know where it was ... right now, no one does, to our knowledge anyway.

Kat walks along with who ever is giving her the tour of the Vilani ship, asking questions they would not seem as threating, such as how is it to serve on such a ship. She practices her Vilani to see if they speak high or low. The ship might be old but she looks to see how well it is maintained.

In reply to Katherine 'Kat' Steele (msg # 137):

The fake IDs should be sufficient to track any accounts. A Terran patrol would be most interested, as you would know from you scouting days.

Despite numerous mistakes, the commander who is showing Kat around is a little impressed she knows High Vilani, and he makes a point of using it exclusively. Some of the listings seem to speak it no better than Kat, and he seems to be making a point of it. Indeed, some of the listings are not as happy to be there as the officers...

The vessel seems to be maintained well, but there as cases where parts are missing, and ammunition is low. They quickly grab the spare ammunition that is salvaged, but some of the turrets still lack missiles.

We ask to make copies of the fake IDs... so the Terran Government can take action too...

In reply to Cyril Zotmund (msg # 139):

The Vilani is happy to provide that. He is also willing to share any alias that they have against those IDs, in return for news about prosecuting any accomplices. Of course, you will not be able to provide that news, but the Terran scout vessel that was scheduled to arrive a day after you can. When it gets here.

It seems a little delayed, but it does arrive about a day and a half after you, and they initiate discussions upon arrival, learning a summarized version of what has transpired.

I cheerfully pump them full of all I know anyway. and ask if they have any further news.

In reply to Cyril Zotmund (msg # 141):

Not much news in the extra day since you left. They go through all the fake IDs, before informing you that there was a $50 k bounty for the pirates on that vessel. They ask who was responsible for neutralizing the pirates, and also if they could have a copy of the false IDs and the flash drive.

We neutralized them... we are giving the Vilani Credit however... the Captain figures he'll get a promotion and we think we'll get no trouble from them around here. Copies of the IDs are no problem... the flash drive ... I'll have to see if we got a copy... I don't have it. I expect they are still cooking up the story as to how all this occurred. We would appreciate the reward money however ;-)

In reply to Cyril Zotmund (msg # 143):

The scout is willing to pay you if they can verify your role from your ships computers. Assuming you let them, they transfer the fund, then congratulate Captain Bulganni on his success on the public channel. You are also able to find your copy of the flash card, which they would appreciate making a copy of. They also caution you that the regional administration are trying to close the borders to Terran traders.

Assuming Captain Maya's approval, I will make sure they get a copy of the Flash Drive. My comment would be that these pirates are why the Vilani would want to close their borders. We will ask for Papers/a recommendation for our safe passage in recognition of our assistance to Vilani Traders.

I am assuming the Reward Funds are ear marked for ship wide distribution.

I will RECOMMEND that we try to load the following:
13 dTons of Industrial metals (Generally worth around $75 k/dTon)
10 dTons of Radioactives (Generally worth around $100 k/dTon, but requiring special handling techniques)

Not sure if we have room/weight allowance.
This message was last edited by the player at 17:29, Fri 19 June 2015.

In reply to Cyril Zotmund (msg # 145):

Captain Maya is all for helping the scouts deal with the pirates. The funds are marked for general ship funds, and transferred to the ships account. Captain Bulganni sets about writing up documentation providing you with authority to carry weapons in Vilani space on the condition that you actively seek out pirate vessels and assist any Vilani vessels in trouble, though his authority is limited to the Dingir Subsector. He agrees that these pirates are one reason why some Vilani want to close the border; they other significant reason he is aware of are the new diseases that the terrans seem to be introducing to the Vilani population. Most of you are aware of some of these, as after the capture of Nuski, a number of plagues troubled the population. It was a suprise to learn that Terran medical technology is actually better than Vilani technology, though Vilani Pharmaceuticals were more effective and varied.

You can load just 10 dTons of Radioactives. The crew loading them have some disagreement with how they should be loaded to avoid contaminating other goods, though eventually they think they have got it right. You can add to that just 10 dTons of Industrial metals.

By midday on the 19th, you are ready to jump to Markhashi. The Scout and Captain Bulganni bid you good day, with the Vilani vessel collecting everything of value left from the two vessels, and the scout continuing their patrol.

Tanya successfully lays in the route to the Jump point, and the route through hyperspace.

[OOC: can I have a pioting roll from Kat, and a mechanic (Jump) roll from Duke please.]

As she walks with the officer, she also tries to get any information about what is happening in the area.

She practices her Vilani as much as she can so she can get better at it.


(ooc- Katherine 'Kat' Steele rolled 14 using 3d6 with rolls of 6,5,3. Piloting.)

In reply to Katherine 'Kat' Steele (msg # 147):

I'm not sure where we are in time. On the one hand, Kat is still talking to an officer, on the other hand, Fate is talking about days later when Terran patrols have already come and gone.

I will say this, when Cyril returns with that flash drive, Carrick would like a crack at decrypting it using his decryption software and hacking skills while harnessing the ship computer's processing power.
This message was last edited by the player at 04:03, Sat 20 June 2015.

In reply to Carrick Teague (msg # 148):

Yeah, I am pretty sure Kat got stuck AFK last few days, and is catching up. Well, has caught up really. Once we jump, she can continue talking  with them at the Starbase on Markhashi...

In reply to Fate (msg # 149):

No worries at all. I just know in some ways we're moving pretty quick and time is jumping about a bit because people haven't said all that they want to say before the scene moves on. In fact, I was doing much the same. I wanted to do something when everyone returned to the ship, but the return sort of got glossed over. So, I just thought I'd speak up.

In reply to Carrick Teague (msg # 150):

Oh. sorry. I tend to have a hard time working out when to pause for people to jump in with actions, and when to move on.

Though the time in Jump space is the perfect time for attempting a decryption...

In reply to Fate (msg # 151):

Will this be a Computer (Operation) skill roll to work with the decryption software? A Computer (Hacking) skill roll to hack the encrypted data directly? A Computer (Programming) skill to write decryption algorithms? What roll do I make? Or would I make different rolls for different approaches to cracking this nut?
This message was last edited by the player at 06:29, Sat 20 June 2015.

In reply to Carrick Teague (msg # 148):

Cyril will certainly share a copy with Carrick ... he'd like to know what it says as well. He is saving the original, so it doesn't become corrupted.

In reply to Cyril Zotmund (msg # 153):

Good point, Cyril. Thanks for being gracious with my presumption.

Not a problem ... I looked to see if I had any skill that might work and didn't think computer security would apply any more than computer operations. But if I can assist in any way, let me know.

In reply to Carrick Teague (msg # 154):

It would be a decryption roll, with a high difficulty level. You should try a Computer Programming roll to write the decryption program for it, and a Decryption roll for the decryption programming that will actually do the hacking.

Cyril makes a Computer Programming effort to assist Carrik.


09:14, Today: Cyril Zotmund rolled 8 using 3d6 with rolls of 5,2,1. Programming TL 10.  Made it by 3.

In reply to Cyril Zotmund (msg # 157):

As the ship enters hyperspace headed for the Markhashi system, Cyril and Carrik lock down the targeting computers with a new decryption program they are writing, in order to try to get what information is secured on the flash drive. Kat is looking over the video recordings she took aboard the Patrol Cruiser.

After the first day in hyperspace, they succeed in writing a program that can access the files. Now they just need to get the decryption programming right...

[OOC: Need one of you to roll a decryption -6 roll to get an algorithm that will be capable of cracking it. 1 Retry per day...]
This message was last edited by the GM at 10:04, Sun 21 June 2015.

In reply to Fate (msg # 158):

My first Cryptography roll:

08:55, Sun 21 June 2015: Carrick Teague rolled 11 using 3d6 ((2,6,3)).

How many rolls should I make?

Having no such skill, Cyril just assists Carrick as he can ...

OOC- he said one try per day at skill -6; I can try, but would only succeed on a 3... Default -6 is a tough roll!!

[OOC - Right, I'm just curious how many days we're going to have a crack at this. We lost one day writing the program, and we know there are about 7 days in a jump, this is ostensibly 6 days of decryption work (or 6 rolls), however, if we jump out early, we may only have 5 days. We were unsuccessful on our first day. I'm curious if I have four or five more rolls to make. I'll go ahead with another now. It might be sufficient.]

12:13, Sun 21 June 2015: Carrick Teague rolled 6 using 3d6 ((2,3,1)).
This message was last edited by the player at 16:14, Sun 21 June 2015.

I suspect that second attempt was the one. I went ahead and "rolled ahead" for the next four days and they weren't nearly as good:



16:10, Today: Carrick Teague rolled 11 using 3d6 with rolls of 5,5,1. Cryptography.

16:10, Today: Carrick Teague rolled 13 using 3d6 with rolls of 4,4,5.

16:10, Today: Carrick Teague rolled 9 using 3d6 with rolls of 6,2,1.

16:10, Today: Carrick Teague rolled 11 using 3d6 with rolls of 3,6,2.

In reply to Carrick Teague (msg # 162):

On the third day in hyperspace, Carrick finally gets the break he is looking for. A series of digits reveals enough of a pattern that he can plug it into the program, and a spreadsheet file drops out.

The spreadsheet contains a list of starbases in Vilani territory that, given the right contacts (also included in the spreadsheet) one can bypass customs and repair/refuel their vessel. The price and type of bribes to pay is also included.

The spreadsheet also contains a number of bank accounts, some Terran, and some, using the fake ids that were with the flashcard, are Vilani. There seem to be about 12 million in various currencies in total. Of course, now that these ids used to create the accounts are known to be fake ids for a pirate, they are likely to be useless.

Crap... assuming the Vilani can break this code too... we have just closed down a bunch of possibly useful contacts.

In reply to Cyril Zotmund (msg # 164):

"Perhaps. But breaking codes requires creative thinking and complicated programming, something the Vilani have had drilled out of them and their computers. It may be possible we can use this to recruit the before the Vilani catch them."

But nothing else? Nothing on the subject of the Yuri or the Base?

In reply to Carrick Teague (msg # 166):

Not on the flashcard. There probably was on one of the computers, but they got fried...

Kat is sitting around having a drink as she smokes. "Well, I would say they probably have someone to break the code so we should decide which one is the most important we might think is and go for that one first if we can" she sips her drink "Oh, just so you know, I found out form the Vilani.  The the Sirius system is patrolled from three systems. There is a fleet of Cruisers operating from Illike, supported by 2 fleets of destroyers. Shulimik operates 2 fleets of Giddasha Patrol Cruisers like the one we were on, and Markhasi has just one fleet of Giddashi cruisers. Other than that, there is nothing in this system. Not even fuel they said. Which means when we bring fuel here, we need to be careful."

Once the code is broken, Cyril saves the program and the decoded spreadsheet of a free Flash drive and reloads the computers with the targeting software, running several verification checks to see that they are ready if needed.

In reply to Cyril Zotmund (msg # 169):

The reloaded programs seem to be functioning normally.

Cyril makes a copy of the decryption program, which is quite large when compared to the very small now decoded spreadsheet.

You notice that some high ranking officials in the Vilani garrison on Markhashi are on the list.

I will take a moment to point this out to Captain Maya ...

Perhaps by warning them, we can earn some perks.

In reply to Cyril Zotmund (msg # 171):

"Or better yet, get them to make the list 'disappear'..."

Good thought ... and maybe the false IDs for a cut... then at least the Vilani accounts would be obtainable.

"Forgive my obtuseness. Warn whom? Get whom to make the list 'disappear'? Get a cut from whom?

The Vilani Officials on the encrypted list, Carrick ... they will likely get it from the ship captain... they give him his reward and palm the flash drive.

In reply to Cyril Zotmund (msg # 175):

"They may well make the false IDs disappear, but they will want to know how much was in there to start with. I think we will likely have to include Captain Bulganni in the list of those getting a cut. Remember, Vilani computers are hard wired...they will not be used to high level encryption as it generally is not needed, since making copies of important data can be made impossible by hardwiring the security into the computer. Hence, we should not assume they have the ability to decode this."

OK,I'll follow your lead on this ... Do you think they have published the False IDs already?

In reply to Cyril Zotmund (msg # 177):

"Yeah, more than likely. I would not count on getting anything from them."

Phooey... could have used a Million or two...

"You never know what we might get from them. So we should try but we need to be careful. If they find out we have the same list, they might what it to disappear."

In reply to Katherine 'Kat' Steele (msg # 180):

"Yes, the Vilani have a penchant for wanting inconvenient things to disappear...like Meshan. Care is good advice, Kat. Better yet, don't let them know we have deciphered it..."

Duke came in strolling,  with his cigar burning hot, through a plume of smoke. An easy grin was on his face as he looked around the people

"Well, you're right Kat, we might get something but best not to hold our breath for it"

He took a seat in the room and continued to smoke.

"what's the plan then?"

In reply to Raymond 'Duke' Vurhund (msg # 182):

"From my part, dock, sell what we can, organize the fuel tanker with Captain Bulganni, and see what we can find out about patrols and colonies around here. Anyone have anything to add to that?"

"Rightio Cap'n. I'll have a quick look around too see if i can find anything that we can use too. The ship is flying pretty well but good ot have some spares knocking around.
he added.




<orange><small>

to GM:
[Private to GM: Heya, i'd like to try a couple of things.

Scrounging/looking aorund for something that might be useful for the ship, equipment or some of our stock - and specificially his battle suit

In addition, i'd lik eDuke to be working on an enhancement to his pistol (a gyroscopic gizmo or another) that allows a bonus to accuracy for a pistol, without having to aim. Something like - if you fire from the hip you get an acc bonus +1/+2/+x up to its full accuracy or something.  This essentially was an idea from gunslinger for a single weapon (worth 5pts) but as it doesn't give the other bonuses, for the 1 pistol it's probably worth 1/2 pts if you bought it as an advantage]

I'll look about, but can't think of much we might need.

When Docked, Cyril goes out and looks around as best he can, avoiding crowds ... he evaluates the spaceport to see how close to a B Grade port it is and looks for dealers in the merchandise they have. He also looks for equipment they might like to acquire.

[Private to GM: 10:22, Today: Cyril Zotmund rolled 6 using 3d6 with rolls of 2,2,2. Intel Analysis.      By 6
10:23, Today: Cyril Zotmund rolled 10 using 3d6 with rolls of 4,1,5. Merchant. by 2]
This message was last edited by the player at 17:30, Tue 23 June 2015.

Raymond headed out with a single intention. He wanted to find some good deals. A few parts here and there wouldn't hurt and if the fuel came up it'd be something he'd definintely look into - but he was most definitely not the best person for that job.

He wondered idly whether he'd be able to grab a couple of things while puffing a little .


[Private to GM: He'll look for tech stuff, repair items, stuff for battlesuit, fuel and a couple of toys for his kids :D]

In reply to Raymond 'Duke' Vurhund (msg # 187):

The Davstavka comes out of Hyperspace right on 168 hrs. The starbase is spartan, a long way frm a class B one, and there are few supplies around., but there are plenty of buyers for whatever manufactured goods and grav vehicles you have, not to mention the bio suits and medical supplies.

Captain Maya and PO Svebodne are soon met by Captain Bulganni, and they head off with him.

Marhashi is a cold, barren rock, with just 1 fifth the gravity of earth, and barely 1,000 people. It is very much a caste system in the way it is managed, and you can only speak with the upper caste, which number only about 100 individuals. Because it is so small, this planet reminds you of a family business, and it really is not much more than that. You get the impression that there is very few real secrets among the families that run it.

"Friendly place, this is...

Not sure i'd like to be stuck here though" he said to the others as they entered.

Only if you are the owner... But there is a reason folks live here.

"Right you are Zotmund" he said with a slight sigh. People gotta work and people gotta live. Maybe it wasn't as bad as he thought but he, like Cyril, was used to never being too long in one place, he supposed.

Kat walks around with the others "Ya, getting stuck here is like getting stuck in a small town and your the out of towner. So I wonder what they do here for fun?"

Procreate probably...

"Doesn't sound like there are enough people for that. I wonder what the male to female ratio is?" she says with a curious tone.

"Some probably aint all too concerned with that.

Ratio? Not sure about that, can't imagine it's too good though, if those are the sorts of things you consider he added with a chuckle.

In reply to Raymond 'Duke' Vurhund (msg # 195):

There seem to be about the same number of men as women. The colony is domed due to the planets lack of atmosphere and has negilable manufacturing, though the mines ensure there are a lot of transports coming and going. Entertainment seems to be in the form of a couple of very seedy bars, where not everything available is on the menu.

In reply to Raymond 'Duke' Vurhund (msg # 195):

Now that is an unsettling thought Duke...

"Well, you all want to go to a bar and see what we can hear? I figure there is usually a lot of gossip there"

I'll pass Kat... not my kind of place... I don't like crowds.

"I guess I love a good party. I don't mind a crowd." she says with a grin. Plus it was a good place to get info and maybe hear something.

In reply to Katherine 'Kat' Steele (msg # 200):

The first bar you come across is a vegan bar. These now familiar aliens apparently have different tastes to humanoids, though you dont really understand everything that is going on there. The bar goes quiet as you enter, with most large eyes turning in your direction.

In reply to Kat (msg # 201):

Your friend wanders in behind you. Eyes noticably widen, as he pats you on the back, then walks past you to order a couple of drinks.

"[Language unknown: Esome eve taof il islar...]"

The bar starts to return to normal, except that it seems every second eye is still on you.

"seems like you're getting all the attention here kat" he said with a chuckle as they walked into the bar.

"i'll stay for a drink or two, but i have to go find some parts for the ship after that"


He looked at Armstrong with a quizzical glance as the man spoke

In reply to Raymond 'Duke' Vurhund (msg # 203):

"Ah, sorry, not a lot of humans drink at Vegan bars. Not many know what to order, to be honest. But I think this one will suits Kat's tastes. maybe yours too. It's name can be translated 'morning dew' and though they find it mildly intoxicating, it is just refreshing to most humans. Vegans find alcohol poisonous, so they don't drink it at all. Not all their drinks are so comparable with human physiology, however, though I am not aware of any that will actually kill you..."

"Well you only live once, eh kitty?" he said, gesturing Armstrong to get them a drink




Can i make a check to see if i recall tany vegan drinks being deadly to humans?

Kat walks up to the bar with the men "I suppose that is true Armstrong. So this is what?" she asks as she takes a sip.

She looks at Duke "Ya, its good to have you here"

Cyril continues to look around... checks on what's available in the shops/stores/mega-marts, looks in a bar or two... and heads away from any gatherings.

In reply to Cyril Zotmund (msg # 207):

Kat finds the drink to be much colder than it feels in her hand. The taste is something like a strong peppermint, with something else she cant identify.

Armstrong orders a third drink and passes his drink to Duke. He finds it similar to the way Kat describes it.

Cyril, upon exiting the tube airlock from the spaceport dome, finds the shops and bars similar to any small Terran mining colony. Almost. Apart from the numerous species, such as Suerrat and Vegan, he notices that some humans are more well off than others. Careful observation reveals that the humans closer to the central climate control tower, manned primarily by Suerrat, are more well off, though fewer in number.. Captain Niki and PO Svebodne both went with Captain Bulganni to one of the finest buildings. The main trade building is beside the bar near the spaceport tube entrance seems to connect the tube to these finer structures, but few other shops of significance can be found. There are few armed guards to be seen outside of the garrison, which has it's own dome and climate control, attached to the main dome by several airlocks.

The bars seem to be largely segregated according to worker types and species, and there are a few X-rated ones.
This message was last edited by the GM at 10:15, Thu 25 June 2015.

I look into the one beside the Main Building & Spaceport.  Likely where any exchanges of note take place.

Over the radio: Hey, if you guys happen to find any new and unusual strategy games or brain twisters or the like, pick it up for me. I'll pay you back.

"No problem, we'll keep an eye out for you" he responded.

Kat takes another sip "Well, this is good. Maybe we can get some to go." she says as she continues to look around.

In reply to Katherine 'Kat' Steele (msg # 212):

Kat is apporached by a couple of miners.

"[Language unknown: M acnd at Eveonspro kordayare is li io poof Deromehis hasanysti. Miwehi n ol ut fiai?]"

In reply to Cyril Zotmund (msg # 209):

Cyril heads to the Trade Centre. It is a fairly simple affair, with a number of offices. Four, to be exact, one with a single well dressed representative, and the rest closed.

"Welcome to Markhasi mineral mine. What can we sell you?"

Kat looks at the miners [Private to group Low Vilani: I am from Terra. What about you?"]

I am not sure anything, sir... I think we may be selling you things... but tell me what sorts of minerals you have.

"Armstrong, what'd he say?" he said, looking at the miners then to cat.




body language roll?

00:14, Today: Raymond 'Duke' Vurhund rolled 9 using 3d6 with rolls of 1,2,6. body language?

In reply to Cyril Zotmund (msg # 216):

"[Language unknown: Lo, wa ome p stavirhas lo Adplckhepe paulunla no voramewil man, ast miec ev te lo but roofut ol ant t hehece leeeom. Iou m poio esadat maart ivng il whecch ckieev. Olsi p arerwh weck etpe anyherion ec foitti th u n fifisthi, secaar at ivhecemeus iouwilicaredwil.]"

Mostly so, but then we might find some smaller supplies of interest just between us... gems? do they occur here?

In reply to Raymond 'Duke' Vurhund (msg # 217):

The Vegan miners are clearly curious.

"[Language unknown: Ha nd chac ilstte reca m osetut u Herwhiive? Bear pa mibut tharomill ear esskorlin?]"

Armstrong answers Duke

"They just want to know where we are from, and about Terran society. It is a bit of an enigma to them."

Kat grins at the miners [Private to group Low Vilani: For the most part, no we don't have castes and we elect our leaders. And you can be born poor and become rich just like if you take chances and they fail, you could end up poor. ]  [Private to GM: OK, I am not sure how it is in this game but I am figuring Terra is basically like the US or Europe, they elect leaders and such.  And the Vegan are more like India, where what ever Caste you are born too, you are stuck in. ]

In reply to Katherine 'Kat' Steele (msg # 221):

They respond "[Language unknown: Mi nt hatentate. i e al prent ma ur ilter Wiacle the Stadie hou ceceom ulse icetadhaofsa ss ateandoulble inalatng at Dintiomen paofur?]"

[Private to Katherine 'Kat' Steele: It is, by the way. The can also vote, but that concept is not understood by all Vilani]

"armstrong, lets have a translation here" he said minorly frustrated at being unable to understand the other language.

He looks at Kat "nice drink eh?... cool..."

In reply to Raymond 'Duke' Vurhund (msg # 223):

"Ah, they are just discussing the differences between Vilani and Terran culture. Sorry, sir, I am not a good translator."

"Terrans are a bit more forward thinking... but they both take bullets as easily as the next. I don't know much outside of that." he said with a wry chuckle

Kat grins at the miners [Private to group Low Vilani: "Unfortunately I don't know about that. I have just come to the sector. But on world it would be possible. And we can vote for who ever we want"]

In reply to Katherine 'Kat' Steele (msg # 226):

The evening passes and some look around, some find some basic parts, and some make new acquaintances. Captain Niki and PO Svebodnoe return to the ship late that evening to report how their negotiations went.

In summary, they have sold the following items:

5 Grav Jeeps for $3.2 mill
2 Air Rafts for 1.568 mill
1 dTon of Protective suits for 0.784 mill
2 dTon of hand weapons sold for 0.432 mill
10 dTon of radioactives for 1.08 mill

They have arranged for a delivery of 500 dTons of refined fuel to be escorted to Sirius, leaving on the 7th of February, in 11 days, for the cost of $1.4 mill.

They have also arranged that the base can pass through here without leaving any documentation, for the fee of half a million solars to create some phantom trade transactions.

They have also found 10 dTons of Vegan handicrafts for $100,000 solars, but nothing else of note. Apparently, all mined goods are on consignment.

Docking fee is $30,000 per week or part thereof and Tax will be 10 percent of your profits after all transactions are finalized. You will need to pay $1,005,360 solars if you purchase the handicrafts, or $1,025,360 solars if you don't.

The Vilani had not decrypted the flash drive, indeed, they had only started trying as the patrol ship had no decryption computers, but when PO Svebodnoe subtly informed a few individuals that their names were on the drive as cooperating with Terran traders and pirates, they assured us it would disappear.
This message was last edited by the GM at 03:46, Sun 28 June 2015.

The quizzical expression on his face finds an explanation in, "So, I'm a little confused. You're saying we owe a million either way, but one way we end up with 10 dTons of handicrafts and we owe a little less? Is there any market for the handicrafts or should we just jettison them to space after we launch? Does this mean we've made a profit of 1.6 million with arms/ammunition and grav bikes still to sell?

"Also, you're saying we still need to go to Shulimik for another 100 dTons of fuel?"
This message was last edited by the player at 02:17, Sun 28 June 2015.

Kat drinks with the miners for a while and then heads back to the ship.

In reply to Carrick Teague (msg # 228):

"The Vegan Handicrafts are worth about $100,000, and we may be able to sell them at a profit. But yes, because we sold the 10 dTon of radioactives we got from the pirate, we still have 10 Grav bikes and 10 dTon of Industrial metals in the hold.

Even if we buy the handicrafts, we will get about 4 mill solars, but out of that we have to repay about 3 million for the goods, which we took from the company on consignment. But yes, that will leave us with about $1 mill solars profit, and some goods in the hold to boot."

"Well, I'm saying, after payment to the Vilani and repayment to the company, we're already at ~1.5 - 1.6 mil in profit. *And* we have the goods in our hold still to sell. I did somehow miss that we'd sold off the weapons. So, we're left with the Grav Bikes and some metals, you say?

"But I still don't get it. How do we make out better buying the handicrafts?"

In reply to Carrick Teague (msg # 231):

"We buy handicraft, and it reduces our profit. Less profit, less tax...but we only get about 1 mill profit the way I count it. Did you include the the half million solars to pave the way for the base's quiet arrival?"
This message was last edited by the player at 09:48, Sun 28 June 2015.

In reply to Petty Officer Svebodne (msg # 232):

"I don't think we can go somewhere else for fuel and then have time to get back to escort the tanker. Perhaps we can offer a payment to the local patrol boat to escort it, and we go elsewhere to try to get the extra fuel? But that will risk the 'privacy' of our visit, which is currently nice and quiet."

So the only issue is that we are short 100 tons of fuel? Is the fuel available? Then it is just a case of moving it.

After kat left the bar, The engineer decided he'd head deeper into the station and have a look for some things... he stoked the stubble on his chin as he contemplated what would be most useful.

"Oh, I see, the amount owed doesn't include the $100,000 of crafts. Got it. And I did miss the payoff in my estimations. Still, a million in profit, plus more to trade is nice. Maybe we just keep some of the bikes on as ship equipment? As for fuel, are there any other options to acquire the additional 100 dton?"

In reply to Carrick Teague (msg # 236):

Duke is able to find an old military computerized weapon rig. The weapon has long gone, but the targeting computer and HUD remains, though it will have to be modified for the weapon. They want about $1450 solars for it. The software uses High Vilani to communicate...

[Secret to Raymond 'Duke' Vurhund: This is a dedicated computer with targeting software, B/20 hrs, 0.5 lbs, Complexity 4 and +2 to skill. A HUD is required to use it, and software must be customized for the weapon.]

Other options for the additional 100 dTon could be to wait here and hope a fuel tanker jumps in, but that would be unlikely given there is one based here.Or resort to piracy...

Captain Niki thinks that the base can manage with that much fuel, however, by pulling on some of their reserves. As long as they have somewhere they can hole up for a week or so after they jump from Sirius.

Keeping the bikes is an option, though we may get more on consignment.

And I think one of them is mine (Personal), but it maybe stored elsewhere....

In reply to Cyril Zotmund (msg # 238):

Yes, these are brand new ones, still in boxes. Yours is stored elsewhere...

OK, so we are headed back to Sirius then?

In reply to Cyril Zotmund (msg # 240):

"Well, that is my question: do you want to look around here for the rest of the time, of try to hire a patrol boat to escort the fuel and we head elsewhere, and meet them in Sirius?"

Given the level of excitement here, why don't we escort the fuel to Sirius and see what we learn when the boss arrives. We might then go to Shulmik while he goes quietly to Markhashi...

"I vote we move to Shulimik, now. Trade the rest of our goods, if possible, get the remainder fuel and refuel ourselves. Also, let's see if we can pick up some more goods for other low-CR planets along the route. Thoughts?"

Certainly an option, does the list give us any contacts to ease our arrival process?

In reply to Cyril Zotmund (msg # 244):

"Shulimik is a rich colony on a Garden world. Likely the Pirates have targeted them too often, but no contacts come up on that world. Still, with a large hunting tourist industry, the laws regarding weapons are not so stringently enforced...and they may be interested in our handicrafts."

I'm easy enough ... your wish is our command.

In reply to Cptn Niki Maya (msg # 245):

She smirks.

"You know I am no dictator, Cyril. Anyone else up for a hunt while PO Svebodne sorts out the trade on Shulmik?"

Sure, but what is to hunt? ... just want to be sure I know whom the hunted is, and whom the hunter is... big game tends to breed bigger predators.

In reply to Cyril Zotmund (msg # 248):

"I have seen a brochure advertising hunting trips for large reptiles there, so perhaps dinosaurs? They sound carnivorous..."

And not to inviting to eat... reptiles don't appeal much to my taste buds.

In reply to Cyril Zotmund (msg # 250):

"True, but given their appetite, there must also be some big herbivores..."

No Doubt, but likely also dinosaurs too, if that where the planet is in development.

In reply to Cyril Zotmund (msg # 252):

"Yeah, well, if you are scared, best we wait here then."

Not scared, just not inclined to hunt for sport... hunt for food I can see... hunt to put horns on the wall is ... senseless to me. And as I said, eating reptiles, especially since it would be a few hundred kilo's of reptile meat, just doesn't appeal to me at all.

Duke had headed back to the ship, slightly dissatisfied with his findings - he needed to get more parts for HELGA (his suit) and the ship. He'd heard that they were still 100dTons short of fuel and it was concerning but for now, his pistol beckoned.


Comm: "Cap'n there any word on the extra fuel we need? I've been scrounging around for parts for our baby and sadly there's not much around this place.


OOC:

will try to modify his pistol for +2 to skill (targetting)

In reply to Raymond 'Duke' Vurhund (msg # 255):

"The Vilani generally only sell by the tanker, so if we were to get another tanker, it would cost another 1.4 mill, at least. Shulimik probably has one, as would most colonies, though hiring it without having the paperwork of which vessel it is for will probably be more of a problem. Of course, solars resolve a lot of complications...it would probably cost about another 2 million total, and we can talk to the company about re-imbursement."
This message was last edited by the player at 09:11, Thu 02 July 2015.

Perhaps we should look into acquiring our own tanker...

In reply to Cyril Zotmund (msg # 257):

"I know the Base has 2 small tankers of 200 dTon capacity each as part of it's small craft complement, but they have just Jump-1 drives. Hence, they can draw on that fuel to get to Markhashi. But to get a big tanker like the Vilani one we are hiring, that will cost big nearly 300 million for an old second hand one, and twice that for a new one. We don't want to piss the Vilani off too much just yet by stealing their ships..."

Well no ... but if it were a pirate support ship or ... many things happen, it might be a useful goal.

In reply to Cyril Zotmund (msg # 259):

"Huh, yeah, but it is not likely we will find one. Apart from Carrick, anyone else want to head to Shulimak? Or do we just wait here until it is time to leave with the escort?"

Let me just point out that we would be flying without much in our holds, if we don't go to Shulimik. That's not exactly an economically efficient choice, in my opinion. And our own low fuel has not been addressed, as far as I've heard.

In reply to Carrick Teague (msg # 261):

"Ah, my bad. I took care of our fuel as well in negotiations, but forgot to mention that. We are fully fueled up, so that will not be the issue."

Of course. Never mind that, then. So, then, the issue is what? Stealth vs. trading?

In reply to Carrick Teague (msg # 263):

"Exactly. The greater our chances of trading, the greater our chances of being turned around at the border because the ships are armed, and with bay weapons too, and nukes, if they do a thorough inspection. Hence a thorough inspection is the last thing we want."

And nukes are easily detectable as they radiate at some level... so perhaps we just go meet the big ship and do our trading in or next jump.

As you say. Full steam ahead.

In reply to Carrick Teague (msg # 266):

Over the next week, as you wait for the time to escort the tanker, PO Svebodne finds some more goods for sale. 11 dTons of Light Metal alloy for $88,000 in excess of their quota become available, as well as more supplies.

Other than that, you find the various races here chaff under Vilani rule, and even the governing Vilani family would like to do things differently. But for now, the status quo remains, seemingly unchangeable.
This message was last edited by the GM at 10:22, Sat 04 July 2015.

Well, I think we'll take what we can reasonably sell for a decent profit en route.

The Vilani Empire has lasted for a very long time for a reason. Status quo becomes a momentum all of its own.

In reply to Carrick Teague (msg # 268):

After loading up to bring your total supplies to 288 tons, you add another 11 dTons of Light metals to your holds, pretty much filling them up.

Armed with the permission documents from Markhashi to escort and armed factory vessel to that location, you jump to Sirius about a day early with the fully laden tanker. With your own holds full you cannot even manage 3 G, but the tanker is even slower. Pirates for once do not dog your steps, and you move to where you expect the Base to arrive.

On cue, it does. Andrew does not have a tardy reputation, and this is no exception. Several smaller vessels and the Yuri  are escorting it. You recognize the larger vessel as a Karl Marx class vessel, introduced as the Adam Smith, and the two smaller vessels as the Ariel and the Loch Ard. The three ships are carrying 1400 colonists between them, and have asked to travel with the Yuri and the Base.

With the fuel from the onboard tankers and the Vilani tanker, the vessels are able to refuel in a couple of hours and jump to Markhashi without meeting any further complications. The Base offers to buy the metals from your hold for the nominal price of $860,000.

You currently have $734,640 in your ships account after again refuelling at Markhashi, and 10 dTons of Industrial Metals, 11 dTons of light Metals and 10 dTons of Vegan handicrafts in your hold. By the time you return to Markhashi, you have 21 dTons of supplies.  Andrew plans to spend a few days here to buy unrefined fuel, which all ships will refine before moving on to Shuruppak.

Captain Maya accepts his offer, and your transport moved to goods over to the massive factory vessel. However, he does take this opportunity to invite the captain and discuss his future steps. You wonder what they could be when your transport returns and unloads a Grav Tank into your hold, but at least you know why he wanted the metals!

You now have $1,594,640 solars, a Grav Tank, 3 Grav Jeeps and 20 Grav bikes in your hold, in addition to 21 dTons of supplies and 10 dTons of Vegan Handcrafts.
This message was last edited by the GM at 10:59, Sat 04 July 2015.

In reply to Fate (msg # 269):

Niki calls all officers into the briefing room.

"Guys, we have been given our next delivery.

The Mershan colony was a Terran colony in Vilani space before the last war. At the outbreak of war, the colony was attacked, and though defenseless, rather than sending troops to occupy the colony, they simply Nuked the starport. Tanya was there, and she can tell you that the colony was not set up to survive independently, and many died in the ensuing months.

The data on the flash card you found indicated that there is a surviving Terran group on the planet. However, there is a problem. The Vilani do not know about them, and they have sent research teams to the planet to try to learn what they can about what was there. If the colonist attack them, the will be discovered. If they are left to their own devices, they will probably be found. We need to make it look like a pirate attack to get rid of them. Once we have done so, we need to deliver to them the Grav Vehicles, including the Tank, and our Speeder, and collect payment, before rejoining the fleet at Formalhaut. Andrew will plan to keep moving to there in order to ensure suspicion does not fall on him. He has given us a false IFF ID for the mission, but it will not stand any scrutiny, so lets ensure there is none! Questions?"

Hmmm.wonder if we could re-create our Lightening Class pirate's IFF signal? I suspect that might confuse them a bit later and would certainly scare any knowing survey party.

In reply to Cyril Zotmund (msg # 271):

"On investigation, that would draw attention to us, the vessel present at their destruction several weeks before this event...but we have found another pirates IFF to emulate. Pirates, by the way, don't use tanks, so we will not be able to use them either. The fighter and ships boat are good though."
This message was last edited by the player at 10:33, Mon 06 July 2015.

Good point... glad to hear we have some deception working for us.

In reply to Cyril Zotmund (msg # 273):

With no more questions and the goods transferred, Captain Maya has everyone prepare for the next jump, to Shuruppak. This system reminds you of Sirius in that it is primarily an Asteroid belt, but there is a rather large mining colony on the largest Asteroid.

The Vilani here are definitely not the upper class, and you doubt is High Vilani is spoken here much at all. Some of the workers are prisoners, but with the desolation, the only security is a couple of Gashidda Patrol cruisers.

One of them hails you as you approach, asking what you want. Once they are told that you simply want fuel, and perhaps to sell some Vegan Handicrafts, you are directed to the Starport on the largest Asteroid. There do not appear to be any prisoners on this Asteroid.

[OOC: With some people away, I rolled the jump rolls.

20:36, Today: Fate, on behalf of Tanya Weaver, rolled 12 using 3d6 with rolls of 5,4,3. Navigation, Space (18).
20:37, Today: Fate, on behalf of Katherine 'Kat' Steele, rolled 11 using 3d6 with rolls of 4,6,1. Piloting (18).
20:38, Today: Fate, on behalf of Tanya Weaver, rolled 9 using 3d6 with rolls of 1,3,5. Navigation (Jumpspace) (18).
20:39, Today: Fate, on behalf of Raymond 'Duke' Vurhund, rolled 12 using 3d6 with rolls of 5,5,2. Mechanic (Jump drive) (16).

Kat, could I have another piloting roll to land safely, avoiding the flying chunks of rock.]

In reply to Fate (msg # 274):

"This system could well be interested in our Handicrafts, but it will take several days to try to sell them. Should we try?"

Perhaps so, do we know what they mine and where it's wanted? Also it is a mid station on this route and may have information on the comings and goings of ships of interest to us.

In reply to Cyril Zotmund (msg # 276):

"Apparently, they mine a lot of minerals that go into Vitamin supplements and other pharmaceuticals, as well as various metals. We could get some to ask about ships passing through, but they may not be able to keep track of all of them due to all the blind spots created by the asteroids."

It was just a thought....

I think it could be good to sell the crafts here. Any of their minerals worth and available for buying? It could be good to take supplements.

In reply to Carrick Teague (msg # 279):

"It was a good idea, Cyril. It may yet give some useful information. I will send out PO Svebodne to start trade negotiations then to see what they have and will buy. That will take a few days."
This message was last edited by the player at 23:00, Tue 07 July 2015.

I'd be happy to go with her if she'd like the company...

In reply to Cyril Zotmund (msg # 281):

"Heh, I have gone with her before, and it is pretty boring, contacting potential customer after potential customer. But you are welcome to it. I will be checking out the management..."

I could go with you and check out what I can of the security...

In reply to Cyril Zotmund (msg # 283):

"That might be more interesting..."

[OOC: Saivre Faire (merchants, or military at -2) would be appropriate for working out the real civilian command structure here]

OK, I'll go with you and practice my diplomacy ...


OOC- Savoir Faire? who Me?

I'd be glad to join you, Captain, scoutin' the place out.

In reply to Carrick Teague (msg # 286):

Shuruppak spaceport is on a rather large asteroid, with defensive guns mounted to ward off large incoming chunks of rock, which activate with disturbing regularity. As such, the place has a constant siege feel about it, and you actually feel safer the deeper you go underground. As such, there is not much view to speak of from most accommodation quarters.

There is a moderate security presence, but it is not as strong as you might think. You realize that many of the prisoners are political prisoners, and are effectively rendered inert by their distance away from large population centres. As such, other that strong restrictions on movements, there are few other restrictions in this system.
This message was last edited by the GM at 04:49, Mon 13 July 2015.

Cyril looks among the faces for anyone he might know...


[Private to GM: 07:27, Today: Cyril Zotmund rolled 7 using 3d6 with rolls of 4,1,2. Savoir-Faire .That should do the trick! ]

In reply to Cyril Zotmund (msg # 288):

The only face that Cyril can find is a captain of one of the Patrol Cruisers, obviously the one docked, who recognizes him from his former pirate hunting days and invites him for a drink.

Cyril will take the Opportunity, and bring an appropriate gift (Wine, Whiskey or whatever)
This message was last edited by the player at 17:13, Wed 08 July 2015.

In reply to Cyril Zotmund (msg # 290):

Cyril and the Patrol Captain head off to a nice restaurant for a business lunch on the second day...

[OOC: will handle it in PM]
This message was last edited by the GM at 15:32, Wed 08 July 2015.

[OOC: Where is the Captain heading? I'm assuming Carrick is accompanying her.]


12:47, Wed 08 July 2015: Carrick Teague rolled 16 using 3d6 ((5,5,6)) [Failed].

In reply to Carrick Teague (msg # 292):

Captain Maya heads off to the Starport Headquarters to discuss plans and to pay the vessel fees and refueling fees. Carrick tries to assist her and asks the administrator why he does not use High Vilani, offending him, but she manages to smooth things over, and even uses it to ask about the administration of the starport.

The Starport is run by administrators offworld, who see this as little more than a place to remove dissidents, both by sending them for slave labour, and also by sending them as administrators. As such, most people do not want to be here, but they stay so as to not bring shame on their families. Those that do not care about that are sentenced to stay here. Only the head of security, a young Vilani aged just 28, sees this posting as a step forward in his career. It is therefore not surprising to find that security records are kept haphazardly, and have gaps. Captain Maya suspects that is why Andrew is using this route...

In reply to Fate (msg # 293):

After quite a few days, PO Svebodne returns with her summary of trade options.

-Can sell 10 dTon Handicrafts for $170,000. Purchase value $100,000.
-Can buy 6 dTon Pharmaceuticals for $288,000. Nominal value $720,000

Service fees $30,000
Fuel (Unrefined only) $2,400. Need 10 hours to refine it.
Taxes: 0 (net loss this visit).
Arrival Funds: $1,594,640

Funds after transactions: $1,444,240

The service fees and fuel will not be optional, but she needs your approval for the trades transactions.

Absolutely. Good work, Svebodne!

In reply to Carrick Teague (msg # 295):

"Great. I will get those trades underway, starting with the fuel. By the time the rest have finished, the fuel should be processed and we should be good to go."

In reply to Petty Officer Svebodne (msg # 296):

"If everyone is finished here, let's make preparations for the jump to Mershan."

[OOC: Reminder; need 1 roll from each of the following:
1. Navigation(Space) to plot the proper start point and the path to that point. (Tanya)
2. Piloting(Usually High Performance Spacecraft) to get the ship to that point. (Kat)
3. Navigation(Hyperspace) to plot the course through Jumpspace. (Tanya)
4. Mechanic(Jump Drive) to properly activate the jump drive at the jump point. (Duke)

Rolls don't need to be in any specific order, and any rolls unmade in 24 hrs I will make on the players behalf. You can put a private line to me with the roll, and just a public line for the results, assuming a success...]
This message was last edited by the player at 13:14, Sun 12 July 2015.

In reply to Cptn Niki Maya (msg # 297):

Tanya plots the path to the jump point through the asteroid belt to clear space easily, even managing to make it look confusing for the onlookers. From there, she plots the path to Mershan.

[Private to GM:
23:09, Today: Fate, on behalf of Tanya Weaver, rolled 14 using 3d6 with rolls of 2,6,6. Navigation (Space).
23:10, Today: Fate, on behalf of Tanya Weaver, rolled 9 using 3d6 with rolls of 1,5,3. Navigation (Hyperspace).
]
This message was last updated by the GM at 13:12, Sun 12 July 2015.

In reply to Tanya Weaver (msg # 298):

Duke manages the Jump drive with his usual expert efficiency.

[Private to GM: 23:10, Today: Fate, on behalf of Raymond 'Duke' Vurhund, rolled 8 using 3d6 with rolls of 4,2,2. Mechanic (Jump drive). ]

Kat waits for the plot and then pilots the ship in the designated direction. She then does the jump.

(ooc-Today: Katherine 'Kat' Steele rolled 11 using 3d6 with rolls of 6,4,1. piloting. )

In reply to Katherine 'Kat' Steele (msg # 300):

The Dastavka enters hyperspace, all going apparently according to plan.

In reply to Fate (msg # 301):

Next day, the first day in hyperspace, Captain Maya calls all officers and gun crews to the briefing room.

"Guys, it has been brought to my attention that the Vilani survey team is headed by the same commander that nuked the colony in the last Interstellar war 15 years ago. Hence, we should not feel bad ensuring there are no survivors, or any survivors that do exist are blaming the pirates because they did not get a good look at our ship. The IFF we are copying is for a larger ship, so any thorough scan will reveal the difference. This is basically a jump in. blast the survey, drop the goods to the hidden base, then get out. Quick, before the next patrol arrives. I am guessing we have about 5 days max to be out again. Comments?"
This message was lightly edited by the player at 07:16, Mon 13 July 2015.

In reply to Cptn Niki Maya (msg # 302):

"I know the locations of the Vilani jump points from the system. They use tapes, so it is unlikely they will have changed, but there are 4 of them. We need to make any ship headed there a priority."

What size is the colony, now? And what are their long term plans for survival? Surely they don't plan to take on the Vilani with just a tank and speeder? The last was asked with a wry smile.
This message was last edited by the player at 08:20, Mon 13 July 2015.

In reply to Carrick Teague (msg # 304):

"Hell no. They are relying on stealth. The colony is very small at the moment, perhaps a hundred well hidden individuals. The Vilani believe there is no colony at the moment, and it is imperative it stays that way. If they are found, they will likely be claimed as a Vilani colony, or worse."
This message was last edited by the player at 10:54, Mon 13 July 2015.

I'm just saying. I know our job is to protect the colony this time, what's to prevent a different surveyor showing up a month from now with the same problem facing them? Or worse, a more serious investigation of a missing survey ship?

Well if we can surprise them, tjey shouldn't have time to dfeend or  scan us... but I was not aware that we were to blast their ship to oblivion... That could trigger a war or  get the few remaining colonists blamed for the loss of the Vilani ship ... not sure this is a smart move.

In reply to Cyril Zotmund (msg # 307):

"Our IFF is that of a pirate ship, and we are to act as such. Pirates rarely like to leave survivors, because that is how they get caught. But the pirate we are emulating, which according to intelligence has been seen in the area, should get blamed for this. That is the plan, anyway, according to Terran intelligence, who is paying us for this mission. Whether we blast the ship to oblivion of simply capture it is up to us, but travelling through Vilani space with one of their captured starships seems like painting a target on ourselves. Unless someone has a brilliant idea...

Unfortunately, we will land in system some distance from the planet, so if they are awake or in orbit, they will get the chance to scan us.Hence, no ships logs should survive. People can, but no recordings of scanning us."

In reply to Cptn Niki Maya (msg # 308):

"And that bastard who nuked Meshan should not survive either!"

I'd say we're looking at pretty much the same scenario as with Sirius. We jump and take names later.

Of course, I suppose I should ask: Is there any reason we can't broadcast as ourselves so as to close distance under the flag of legitimate traders in-system as a jump stop on our longer route? Maybe even feign a request for help?

If we're ever "found out", it's not like our IFF beacon would withstand scrutiny anyway and we've got witnesses back at Markhashi to spread the word that pirates have masqueraded as us once already. Seems to be a plague of identity theft.

Again, the smile.

"Captain, I am fine with the plan. If we capture the ship. are we prepared to kill everyone on it? Also, if we take the goods, could they be traced? I am thinking it might be better to just blow it out of space"

In reply to Carrick Teague (msg # 310):

"The problem with using our IFF is that if there are any survivors, then it points to us. The scans will only show a discrepancy when compared with ship databases. The vessel here unlikely has access to that database, so if they are neutralized, the IFF and visual memories are all they will have to go on. Of course, they may get a visual of the vessel, but the Dastavka looks like a lightning class anyway.

We will need to be prepared to kill anyone who sees our face or can ID us though."

If I'm understanding correctly, I'm not sure that logic is sound.

If we broadcast as pirates and they record us, the evidence of our IFF and our visual lines will be in conflict. So if we attack as pirates, they can't be allowed to escape. If we broadcast as ourselves, they can't be allowed to escape. So broadcasting pirate signals seems irrelevant. As for survivors, are we allowing survivors?
This message was last edited by the player at 03:02, Tue 14 July 2015.

In reply to Carrick Teague (msg # 313):

"Not quite. If we stay off the comms, then the only broadcast will be the IFF. Any survivors that have no further evidence of who we are will go by the IFF. We can allow some survivors who would know the IFF signal to survive to tell that it was pirates, it takes some of the heat of us. But how can we leave a survivor but no ship?"

You mean survivors that somehow don't keep any evidence of the attack during their evacuation of their destroyed ship, right? Survivors that will also be unable to identify us or to know that we're delivering equipment to the planet. Seems a very specific set of circumstances where we would benefit from broadcasting as pirates. Whereas, if we broadcast as friendlies, we might prevent a prepared defense.

I'm suggesting that we're balancing the scenario of: survivors aboard a ship/pod with low-enough sensor capability that prevents them from knowing what we're doing and we are certain that they haven't kept any recordings or other evidence of our attack vs. a non-threatening approach that might give us the element of surprise, we only have to ensure that there are no survivors.
This message was last edited by the player at 03:28, Tue 14 July 2015.

In reply to Carrick Teague (msg # 315):

"Kill em all. I like the idea. How then would we blame pirates, though?"
This message was last edited by the GM at 12:35, Tue 14 July 2015.

Well, an investigation into the missing ship will most likely be conducted and the most obvious reason piracy will be blamed will be if the investigators discover evidence of the attack. I would think our main goal should be in manufacturing subtle evidence, because no worthy pirate would leave behind obvious evidence. We destroy the ship and crew, take all salvageable goods and fuel and leave some trace of "ourselves" that would lead an investigator to blame pirates even if it takes a bit of effort for them to come to that conclusion.

Let me point out one more obvious thing, just so it's said: This mission is a lot more dangerous than simple piracy or blasting bad guys. We're putting faith in the people of Mershan to not break to torture or bribery. If they're discovered and captured, we're putting our trust in them... 100+ people... to a man... to not give us up. So, we really need to think hard about identifying ourselves to anyone, even the people of the Mershan colony. I'm not saying we kill anyone on Mershan, but the less they know about us, the better. Kalashnikov is already identifiable as a partner in this trade. By doing this, we're putting our faith in Kalishnikov to protect our identities. But he's capturable, too.

In reply to Carrick Teague (msg # 317):

"Whilst it is true Kalishnikov can be captured, the fact that we work for him will put the blame squarely back on him. I know him well enough not to worry about that: we will have bigger problems if he is captured and tortured. However, that is a good point about the people of Mershan. The IFF we have is for the Lightning class merchant Doughboy, so perhaps a quick paint job whilst we are in hyperspace is called for. It is dangerous work, but I think it can be done. I will have a look at their crew dossiers as well, so we can take names that fit.

With regards to the Vilani surveyors, we really want any investigators to come to the conclusion of piracy without the need for a thorough investigation, as that will put the hidden base at risk again, and if they are found, that may well bring the finger of blame back to us, as you mention. Any ideas in that regards? A survivor in space would do that nicely...or a survivor on the planet that came down sufficient distance from the Terran base. I am open to other ideas, but relying on an investigation is full of risk."

You seem dead set on going in as the Doughboy. If that's to be the case, I think it's imperative we do everything to maximize the subterfuge. So, yeah, I think re-painting the ship is absolutely called for.

What else can we do? For instance, what about our "silhouette"? How similar are we in shape to the Doughboy? How much smaller? Is there anything we can do to camouflage the lines of our hull to more closely mimic the pirate's ship?

[OOC: What other scanning problems might we face that could possibly be masked?]
This message was last edited by the player at 15:42, Tue 14 July 2015.

In reply to Carrick Teague (msg # 319):

"I am dead set on trying to avoid an investigation of either us or the planet. Terran intelligence suggested this approach, so unless I hear a better one, I will run with it. Killing everyone may work, but as you pointed out, there are still those on the planet who could testify it was us. Using the IFF of another vessel will avoid that possible problem.

We are similar to the Lightning class in shape and layout, but a bit smaller and not as flat, meaning that we would be about half as long or wide, but a little taller when landed on the ground. Not much I can think of that we can do about that."
This message was last updated by the player at 13:26, Wed 15 July 2015.

Kat looks at the Captain "Could we add some false ship parts? As well as painting the ship. I do think we should hide our ID as much as possible."

Might want to wear our combat suits with helmets so we are protected from the environment and anyone identifying us visually. Perhaps put  the <other ships name on our uniforms.

In reply to Cyril Zotmund (msg # 322):

"Both good ideas. Duke, can we make it happen before we exit hyperspace?"
This message was last updated by the player at 03:18, Wed 15 July 2015.

In reply to Cptn Niki Maya (msg # 323):

"Well, yeah. As long as we are careful and don't penetrate the hyperspace bubble. I got some old crates we could make a dummy turret with. If someone else can paint the names on armour and on the ships boat and fighter, and the shuttle can do with a new paint job as well."

In reply to Raymond 'Duke' Vurhund (msg # 324):

"What do we do if they have more than one ship? How close do they have to ne to get enough information from the scanners that we are not a Lightning class ship?"

I've not asked this, because the answer seemed obvious, but--is the Doughboy a known pirate? As in, would we expect the surveyor ship to see an IFF for the Doughboy and immediately be concerned because they know the designation is one belonging to a pirate ship?
This message was last edited by the player at 16:40, Wed 15 July 2015.

In reply to Carrick Teague (msg # 326):

"Actually, that is a good point. The Doughboy is known to Terran Intelligence as a pirate, but not to all Terrans vessels. Hence, we do not know if Vilani Intelligence know him as a pirate, but even if they do, the surveying team may not. Of course, the commander who nuked Meshan may well be a bit paranoid as far as all Terran ships are concerned, and perhaps with good reason."