"Laying down a covering field of autofire... now that's smoooooth," the Army Vespexer replied. "Once you get used to drinking rotgut, you kind of lose your taste for the finer things in life. Destroys your taste buds."

"An army marches on its stomach which doesn't much care about how it tasted getting there."

"Shoot'em up's fine, but I wanna ride that bull! Hell, I wanna break that bull! Almost like it's a personal challenge! Don't worry--I'll pay for it!"

Seafood it is then to start with. All you can eat buffet miniature jumbo shrimpshish. About the only thing locally produced--the seafood. Fishing with a grav sled and grenades could be interesting, too."

"The last time I went looking for FUN, I wound up in intensive care!" Viridian tosses back to Rayjay.

"I think you and I have different definitions of 'fun' and 'trouble', Rayjay! The sad part is... I don't even remember her name. Oh, I'm sure it'll be on the EMT report... if I ever get back to Sheebah. I'm sure she's the Queen of Sheebah by now anyway with ten kids and a hundred grand kids. Just hope none of them are mine!"

"I'm sure they don't sell anything poisonous," Viridian added to Rejji's comment. "Not intentionally, anyway."

"Of course, since nothing's really illegal here... except death and taxes... assassination by blowfish is probably an option."
This message was last edited by the player at 23:01, Sun 09 Apr 2023.

Kira leans back in her chair and nods. "So, let's start with some fine local seafood at Crusty's and then maybe take a shot at that mechanical bull at the Crimson Bull. Sounds like good fun to see who can last the longest on that beast. I'm game if y'all are. And hey, maybe we can even find some trouble along the way. Wouldn't be a proper shore leave without a little bit of excitement, now would it? Oh, and fair warning, I'm pretty darn good at riding things, so y'all better bring your A-game!"

The three of you head to Crusty's, which seems to be wall-to-wall fish tanks. The designs of some of them are very creative, not a few of which are meant to accommodate the creature it's intended to support.

The menu splits the 32 edible native seafood into mild, spicy and atomic categories... apparently representing both the intensity of the flavor and 'proper' method of preparing it.

OOC: Feel free to make up your own names for things...

In reply to Rayjaynul Brown (msg # 120):

It did not take long for Rayjaynul to find Ghent and Zouth pouring over the available cargo and ship credits; they were still at the stage of trying to piece together the crew for the next month, and Ghent was already negotiating with the port authorities to get better prices. Ghent had pretty much ignored any duties that were above 10%, which left several larger number items out of the running, leaving a lot of cargo room going empty.

“Too bad they don’t have more spice, we could have tried to smuggle in some illegal stuff and out from under their security sniffers,” Ghent had said out loud, just as Rayj came in.
This message was last edited by the player at 22:57, Sun 09 Apr 2023.

Kira excitedly peruses the menu, her eyes lighting up at the variety of bizarre and unusual dishes. She decides to sample a bit of everything, ordering the tender Xylophibian eel coils with a zesty, ambrosial glaze from the mild section. From the spicy category, she chooses the sizzling Nebulaxian tentacle snaps, which are deep-fried and served with a side of crispy kelp. Finally, she can't resist the challenge of the Vorlaxian Supernova Quarkstinger – a whole quarkstinger , infused with a sauce so hot it's rumored to make even the most fearsome pirates weep.
This message was undeleted by the player at 02:19, Mon 10 Apr 2023.

The cargoes listed weren't meant as 'convenient' lots, but what would actually fit in the ships' cargo holds.

Shuffling the NPC crews around is something that should be done off-screen/behind the scenes. This isn't really one of those minutiae role-playing games where that should be role-played out, though it can, of course. In this case, I think it just drags the game out too much.




It takes a bit of convincing for Ghent to work the Cargomaster into an advantageous contact with 'favored trade' status agreements and assurances that the Vultan will return to Palindrome. In the end, he's willing to knock 10% off those high tariff cargoes. 'First time buyer' discounts and things like that.

Zhouth was clearly alarmed by that suggestion, and promptly waved his hands side to side as he exclaimed, "No, no, no! No illegal stuff like smuggling!" He calmed slightly as he continued with the explanation, "The Vultan and its operations have to stay completely above-board. Mission specification and all that. A little flirt with the legally gray here and there, maybe, only when there's really good reason to risk reputation for it."

Then he added with a smile, "If our subordinate ships get into slightly-dodgy things when we're not around to supervise, well, that's another matter. But right now we are, so image first."

"Looks like we're the odd men out," Taliesa said to Collyn as they exited the ship. "We're part of that first group of recruits they needed to fly the ship. I'm not quite sure what that makes our status, but we still fill a few niches."

"So you and Donio up for a little shore leave? Doesn't seem to be much to do for entertainment here... everyone seems to hunker down in their little cubicle and vej out on vids."

"Want to see what we can stir up?"

In reply to Kira Cerise O'Neill (msg # 127):

Viridian wasn't as thrilled with the seafood as Kira, but sampled the grilled fillets of the three large sea creature species not on display.

"This brobdingnagian is rather tasty, especially with the triple shimshi sauce," he pointed out to Kira and Rejji. "Not too keen on the gwhael... don't think the bickery marinade does it justice. Maybe it just needs ketchup!"

"Woah! The atomic tachysaur's way too strong for me! You actually like stuff that strong?"

As he ate, he read the various data displays that explained the various dishes, fishes and plants grown locally.

"I'll be sure to catch up wit' ya t'ree before too long, certainly wouldn't want to miss a bull ridin' competition 'tween t'e two of ya." He said with a hearty chuckle, not sure which would put on the greater show before excusing himself in turn.

Before walking in on a legally questionable meeting between Ghent and Zhouth it would seem. "Not sure 'ow t'e two are related, but good to 'ear. Take it ya two 'ave been pourin' over t'ose cargos on offer? Any catch ya eye?" Rayjay asked as he entered the shared space, clearly in agreement on the spice front if nothing else.

Ingrid is delighted by Teddy's offer, smiling brightly at her fiancée. "Sure, I'd be glad to have a nice meal. Unless you'd like me to make you something." She too a moment to regard her reflection in a some nearby metal. "Although I should change first, I don't think they'd let me in to a swanky restaurant looking like this."

OOC: TOO MANY NUMBERS!!!  Just tell me how much money we have left after we pay everyone 1 Months Pay, plus all those bonuses.
     I'm suggesting that we then divide the remainder between 3 equal Ship Accounts and "Treasure" money that we gotta hand over to Oleb.


     "Y'know," Varca says "it occurs to me that any cargo we pick up along the way, if we can't sell it for a profit, we can always turn it over to Drinax as 'booty'.  At least we'll re-coup a percentage of what we spent--and I believe that our 'contract' calls for the valuation of everything that we hand over, to be made in accordance with local values.  Some of this stuff would sell at higher prices, back home."


     Varca heads into Dirt.  He's looking for weapons, but not just a gunshop--he's looking for a custom Weaponsmith.  But he does walk into the first weapon shop he runs across.

     "I'm looking for some Snub rounds.  Specifically, I'm after Ball, Frangible, Tranq and Explosive rounds.  Got any?  Also, there's an extra hundred for you if you can tell me where to find someone who either carries, or can manufacture, a couple of dozen crossbows--maybe more.  Modern crossbows..."


     Varca will, ultimately, end up at Tarlton's Hole, sitting in a dark corner, where--after they refused to serve him a glass of milk with a double-shot of vodka--he will occasionally pop open his faceplate to sip at a whisky ("...with no bloody 'E'...").


     "Kazgar!  Dragon's Teeth, man!  I'd forgotten all about you!" Varca exclaims, "My apologies, I'm glad you made it aboard.  So, what, have you been sleeping in a powered down cryotube?  No, no no, we must do better for the soon-to-be Chief Engineering Administrator of the Asim Starport!"

     "Come, let's get you better settled." since this happens aboard Vultan, which is one of the few locations where he does not always wear his helmet, he is not wearing it now.  So, he taps a small button on the left forearm of his Suit,

     "Varca to Ingrid.  I found a stowaway, and now he's a passenger.  We need to find a proper bunk for Tuan Kazgar--he's going home with us to run the Starport on Asim."


     Everyone aboard Vultan (PC & NPC) should be getting paid for the (primary) Job they fill.


     The three Captains can deal with that...except Varca insists that Redthane's former XO be assigned to Vultan as Theo's new XO.


     We could/should replace our everyday dishes & linens with stuff that's monogrammed with Vultan's name & icon.

     Wild Idea: This is a Pirate Port, right?  How about Aaron & Ghent go out and look for a deal on a "recovered" AutoDoc?  We can replace the steel table and Medkit, down in the Coldsleep Cabin, with an actual AutoDoc--hopefully at least of TL11.  (if we can find one on the cheap)
     Just make sure there's nobody still in it, please...

In reply to Ingrid Gustavdottir Sigar (msg # 133):

"Take your time dear, we have all night!" he said with a grin, lightly pinching her bottom with a giggle. "Tarleton's Hole sounds good, best whisky on the planet, smooth they say. Maybe we can work on setting a date for our upcoming nuptials?"
This message was last edited by the player at 16:35, Wed 12 Apr 2023.

TMI?


=============================================================================

After eating at Crusty's, Kira, Rejji and Viridian head to the Crimson Bull to ride the mechanical bull. Since no one's posted doing this, you can just write up the result you want, or continue role-playing it out. The TN is 10 for the 'mild' setting, TN 12 for 'wild' setting. It requires an effect of 2 to ride it for 1 minute.

About half of the NPCs show up there as well, try their skill and luck, but none make the minute.

=============================================================================

Varca goes looking for a weapons dealer and finds Deadshot business. He has the snub rounds Varca is looking for... at twice the cost.

When he asks about crossbows, he's introduced to Torvol Jenks, another customer.

It's impossible to hide the elation and joy in Torvol's eyes.

"There was this order, you see, for composite crossbows... some sort of fad wilderness club on Asim," Torvol explains, "but then the fad passed, the club never formed, and there's been no renewed interest. So, I've been sitting on all these crossbows and bolts for... awhile. Paying the warehouse fee is killing me!"

"I can let you have the whole lot at half-price just to take them off my hands!"

=============================================================================

After doing his shopping, Varca heads for Tarlton's Hole.

"Whiskey Man, he is a friend, he's nearly with me all the time.
He always joins me when I drink and we get on just fine."

Although better quality than what he's used to drinking, Varca just finds the local whiskey a bit off.

"Mind if I join you?" Pelgryl, Theodore's new XO, says, stepping up to the table.

"Quite an operation you've got going. The scale isn't very big yet, but it's easy to see where it could go. Redthane never had those kind of aspirations. Sometimes that's enough though."

=============================================================================

Someone needs to decide what cargo is being purchased and post it.

That should also cover what money remain. Although not exactly sure how this was being done, Zhouth had already budgeted for 3 months of operating expenses, so that's already covered.

Any of the Vultan PC and NPC crew collecting their monthly salary... make sure you add it to your character sheet.

=============================================================================

Somewhat strangely, the rest of the NPC crew behave themselves while on shore leave. A few drunks, some new tattoos, souvenirs, and food and drugs for the jumps is all you see.

=============================================================================

Taliesa, Donio, and Collyn manage to get into a fight at Vex... not quite a bar but close enough. It's just really off the beaten path. Generally, only 'scum' go there, but you never know... They somehow manage to get arrested! After paying the 5,000Cr damages and the 1,000Cr fine, they are released. The Vex owner bans you from the place.

=============================================================================

Teddy and Ingrid spend the evening at Tarlton's eating dinner. It's as much the atmosphere, ambience and not-Vultan locale as the different cuisine that makes the place appealing. Ingrid may like cooking and doing those domestic things, but it's always nice NOT doing them, too.

Since this seems to be one of her fields of expertise, she is asked to purchase a double set of everyday dishes and such. No point in wasting the 'good stuff' on the crew.

=============================================================================

Since no one has jumped on a post about acquiring an autodoc for the ship, this can be dealt with off-screen/behind-the-scene. Finding one is difficult but purchasing it is easy. It'd normally cost twice the standard here on Palindrome, but because it's a second-hand, 'used', preowned autodoc, you can get it for normal cost.

Once Aaron and Ingrid go over it, though, the Tech-15 knowledge, resources and equipment are able to fine tune it from years of abuse and neglect until it's as good as new.

=============================================================================

Pelgryl is Captain McFarlane's new XO.

Apparently Ghent hired a new comms officer for the Torsk. Someone named Uhura.

=============================================================================

Before long, it's time to leave Palindrome. The three-ship fleet does a synchronized jump, but even if you calculate the astrogation coordinates out to ten thousand places, the vagaries of space won't allow super-precise re-emergence, but the ships won't collide with each other.

You exit Jump-space to an immediate alert.

The Way Station refueling facility is Jump-1 from Palindrome and Jump-2 from Borite. Since your ships didn't need to refuel there, they didn't plot a course too close. The alert is the presence of another ship in the area. Sensors quickly locate it refueling at Way Station. It's the Subsidized Merchant SM Haul Ass.

Vultan carries its own extra fuel and just transfers fuel from its auxiliary tanks to  the main fuel tanks.

Mercifuge is in the same situation.

Only the Janal Torsk needs to get refueled by the Mercifuge. But, the Mercifuge is designed for that, so after docking together, the fuel transfer is made without incident.

After a collective sigh of relief, the fleet jumps out of Way Station for Borite.

=============================================================================

Anticipating a potential encounter when you emerge in real space again, you are almost disappointed that no other ships are detected in the system. The wet garden world has no starport but you can set down near any community to refuel from the sea and deal with the inhabitants.

The first thing that happens is Varca uses the Vultan's sensors to access the satellites in orbit around the planet. After the download to the Vultan's computer, there has been no Oghman raid since you were last here. The Oghman warlords have to work themselves into a minor frenzy to go raid, mainly because there's not always a lot to gain.

Not surprisingly, there's no record of the Vultan having ever been here before. The mask program is function as it is supposed to.

He then uses long-range sensors to determine that the old abandoned station is in orbit around the gas giant Threnjar. It'll still be years before it spirals down into  the planet on its own.

Setting down to refuel, Varca begins his Plan. He trades his crossbow cargo for foodstuffs. The Borites are more than happy to give Varca as much food as they can since it means less for the Oghmen.

Next, he introduces the concepts of advanced 'primitive' agricultural techniques--things that were invented and developed before technology. They use some, but the Oghman raids have kept it to being less than it could be.

It may take visiting several communities, but you can half fill the now-empty cargo holds of the ships with foodstuffs.

=============================================================================

When refueling is done, it's liftoff, transit, and jump-2 to Torpol.

This message was deleted by the player at 13:21, Fri 14 Apr 2023.

Rayjay would certainly support Ghent's recommendations to accept most of the 0-10% taxed cargo, save maybe for the bobble heads.

In reply to Rayjaynul Brown (msg # 138):

Teddy invites Pelgryl to sit with them and makes small talk to get to know the man a little, discuss what is expected of him and other such things, he seemed a competent man.

"We'll make friends at the Palace if we bring some of this along rather than selling it all on the way. Not that we can't sell some of it, but keep a few crates in the back?" Zhouth observed as the exchanges were being made.

In reply to Zhouth (msg # 140):

     "Agro-products are always welcome at Drinaxi markets." Varca agrees, "What the Palacers don't use will be passed on to the Vespexer Bunkers, down on the surface."
This message was last updated by the player at 20:58, Fri 14 Apr 2023.

“Well, cargo wise we have everything 15% and under for a grand total of 4,020,960 credits if my sheet is correct, thanks to my negotiatin’… I just don’t know if we have that much to spend.”
This message was last edited by the player at 22:13, Fri 14 Apr 2023.

Back on Palindrome at the Crimson Bull...


After eating way too much seafood, the little group headed to the Crimson Bull. Apparently because he had the least experience in these things, they others let him go first.

Once the operation and rules were explained, Vridian paid his 10Cr for a ticket to ride, chose the mild setting, and climbed on.

19:07, Today: Viridian Starfire rolled 11 using 2d6+1 ((6,4)).

22 seconds later he was on the mat!

"And you think this is fun?" he said as he got up.

Ingrid squeaked when Teddy pinches her rear. "Teddddy!" she responded, giggiling. "It sounds lovely, I'll get ready to go."

She enjoyed the dinner, the chance to dress up and relax a bit, away from the clatter of the engine room. She chatted happily with her future husband, both about shipboard life and about small aspects of the Sword Worlds, as Teddy was the only other crew member who really knew her homeworld. "By the time this is all over, we'll sampled half the cuisine in the galaxy" she joked. It was a welcome respite before the hard work of preparing for another jump.

Back on Palindrome at the Crimson Bull...


"Not bad for an amateur," Rejji chides Viridian. "Let me show you how it's done!"

He buys his ticket, climbs on Crimson, and selects Wild.

01:19, Today: Rejji Harrasyn rolled 12 using 2d6+3 ((5,4)).)). First ride.

"Almost got it!" Rejji exclaims as the bull manages to shake him off just before the bell. He does manage to land on his feet, though.

01:20, Today: Rejji Harrasyn rolled 14 using 2d6+3 ((6,5)). Second ride!

“Sometimes I think life is just a rodeo,
the trick is to ride and make it to the bell.”

"Oh, yeah! Okay, so I didn't break it," he comments to the accolades from the bar's other patrons. "Proved my point and had fun doing it!"

"Just goes to show you that even on a dirt ball like Palindrome you can find something to do to entertain yourself."

In reply to Ghent Bel-Andis (msg # 142):

"'opefully, t'ough t'at beggars to question, 'o exactly is t'e Master of Finance, and 'ow much does t'e vessel 'ave for cargo." Rayjay said seconding Ghent's conclusion.