In reply to StarMaster (msg # 10):

     So, as soon as our involvement in the Trial is finished, a select few are ordered aboard Vultan for a trip to Drinax.  Mercifuge & Janal Torsk will need a few extra Crew for the trip to Asim, so, a few hands are hired to fill the vacancies--including the hiring of Capt. Brazen Braddock to command Janal Torsk for the trip to Asim.

     The next month's payroll, as well as a disbursement of Crew Shares, is promised to both Crews--just as soon as Vultan joins them at Asim in two weeks, give-or-take.

     Any remaining cargo--unless it is specifically destined for Asim--is loaded aboard Vultan, as is a lockbox containing credstiks totaling around 3 MegaCredits.

     Just prior to departure, Varca again calls all the crews together in the massive cargo space aboard Mercifuge,

     "Shut It and Lissen Up!" Varca uses his suits vocoder to amplify his voice.

     Dropping the volume, Varca waves everyone to silence.

     "Aw-right.  Today, Vultan leaves for Drinax.  We got some friends there who'll help us get our good friend Kazgar, there, appointed the new Starport Administrator--so we gotta go to Drinax.  Alla you, however, will proceed to planet Asim and wait for us, there.  Each ship captain should have enough credits to pay basic docking fees for a couple weeks."

     "Captain Braddock will command Janal Torsk while Captain Grunge will keep running Mercifuge.  Also!  Captain Grunge will be in over-all command of alla you space rats!  Grunge..." Varca looks down from the cargo pod he's standing on, at the Vargr-who-was-Krrsh,

     "I have complete confidence that you'll keep all these idiots in line--I give you permission to discipline them however you want--just don't shoot 'em! That's my schtick.  Do not let anybody get outta control on Asim, hear me?  Not yet."

     "You all hear me?  Go ahead and have fun on Asim--the place is a little backward, even for an Agro-World--but they make acceptable booze and they have night clubs and restaurants and hotels where you can...take a nap...if you catch my meaning."

     "But the planet is also under Drinaxi Military Control!  That means military cops in power armor with plasma guns, hear me?  So, don't go starting any riots or busting up any starport bars."

     "Right.  Vultan lifts in twenty!  See all you bastids on Asim in two weeks!"

Overly the last two weeks Rayjay mostly kept at his physical fitness routine, even though he appeared to not be improving at all, as well as familiarizing himself with the power and comms systems aboard. After all one can't simply will a turret to fire, one must have power to rotate and charge it as well, not to mention communication is critical within such situations, both between the rest of the deck crew but especially engineering as well.

When they finally arrived at their destination though, Rayjay mostly just listened into the conversation rather than add anything unconstructive. Better to leave talking the many faces of the crew to get things rolling, even if one of those faces was a Vespexer. The thought of which just made Rayjay chuckle.

Zhouth had had several projects on the go during the last few weeks - alongside his usual obsessive cataloguing of every detail, that is - even if there had been a very slight reduction of his workload by way of someone else acting as temporary XO. Analyzing the statue, organizing (and reorganizing) the ship's stores, some sort of technical study with Ingrid, assisting Aaron with medical fabrication, and (very reluctantly) further acclimatizing himself to the Drinaxi boarding suit and its potential EVA applications.

When it came to Varca's big speech? Well, he was there, but as usual he appeared to simply be standing by and taking notes on his comm.

     Varca had to sit there...in a crowded room...a room full of People...he had to give Testimony... he had to Talk...to breathe the Air...in a room full of Outsiders...with his Helmet REMOVED!!!
     Each time, upon his return to Vultan, Varca spent hours in a disinfectant-laced steam bath...just breathing deeply...

^_^
This message was last updated by the player at 02:21, Thu 20 Apr 2023.

In reply to Varca Lexand (msg # 14):

     On the walk over to Vultan, after the pre-launch meeting, Varca catches up with Ingrid--who is, of course, walking with Teddy,

     "Hey Ingrid!  Need to ask a question..." Varca says, "We haven't used it much, but the Repair Log says that Vultan's Holographic Hull system is not yet fully repaired--but I'm asking if it works at all?  Even partially..?"

     "See, I kinda wanna use it when we arrive back at Drinax, so I'm wondering if any of the spares we pulled of that other Harrier could be used to further repairs on the Holo-Hull?  I'd like to gussy-up the Old Bird, give her back the plumage she wore, back in the day, for when we arrive at Drinax..."

OOC: and if, for some reason the Holo-Hull isn't operational, can it be made operational by the time we arrive at Drinax?  Hmmm, StarMaster...?

Ingrid looked thoughtful. "It's advanced technology, particularly compared to back home, but I'll take a look and see if I can make it work. Seems like hard work, but it could be fun."

After the three days of pomp, circumstance, trial, and bureaucratic meetings and appearances, most of which require Captain-Baron McFarlane and his fiance, the bounty is dutifully paid, all other business is dealt with, and departure is just 20 minutes away.

Departure vectors are granted, the three ships lift off and cruise to the jump limit, and then there's the 'uneventful' week in J-Space.

Training and 'vacation' can only go so far, however, before something has to give. It's a relatively small ship with a few too many people stuffed into it. Only one actual fight occurs, but it's a welcome relief when the Jump-Exit time is announced and the bell and countdown are sounded.

Because the planet Drinax is within the Goldilocks zone and that lies wholly within the star's jump-shadow, exiting J-space puts you several hours out from Drinax as well as at a 4-minute time lag for comms.


AY-OOGAH! AY-OOGAH!

That's not it. That's the IMMINENT COLLISION alert! Although not as close as the alarm might lead you to believe, the collision is avoided. Anyone wanting to claim that minor victory means you were on duty in the Pilot's Seat at that moment.

At his assigned and preferred duty station, Varca quickly sorts out the electronic status of the ships in the system. It takes a few minutes to process it all due to the time lag from out-lying ships.


The near-collision was with the Type-Y yacht Starlight Voyager under the command of Captain Rachando. Yes, THAT Rachando.

Sensors indicate the yacht is in need of serious maintenance.

"Oh, there you are! How do you like my new ship?" Rachando says once comms have been established.

"Yes, yes, yes! Might I request a tight-beam comm? It's a bit embarrassing so I'd rather not broadcast it all over the space-waves."


In short order, the Vultan's sensors register the following transponders in the system:

Abraxas (unmanned Orbital Defense Platform #1)
Sagacious (unmanned Orbital Defense Platform #2)
Ney Blade (unmanned Orbital Defense Platform #3)
Furioso (unmanned Orbital Defense Platform #4)

Kestrel a.k.a. High-D highport


STAR GUARD:

Indefatigable: 200-ton Far Trader wasn't in system at the time; functions as an SDB

Marathon: 100-ton jump capable Scout; only one of six currently in system

22 sublight ships out in the outer system looking for something, clearly not on patrol or maneuvers; a Red Alert identifies the target as an Aslan mining ship... details unknown.

What he's not detecting are the three 400-ton ships that have been bought outright over the years. However, his Fleet Command Codes (as well as public record) reveal that Accommodator has gone to Pournelle, Brightstar has gone to Hilfer, and Chance's R has gone to Asim... all on some 'goodwill' tour of the Triad Alliance.

CIVILIAN

Faxan Dalkar: 400-ton Type-R Subsidized Merchant
Rainy Daze: 200-ton Independent Fast Trader
Ravona Trey: 200-ton K-Class Safari Ship
This message was last edited by the GM at 20:44, Fri 21 Apr 2023.

Kira, in the pilot's seat, frowns and quickly turns off the collision alert.

"Who's the guy now?" she wonders aloud.
This message was last edited by the GM at 23:28, Thu 20 Apr 2023.

"He's a merchant-trader on the Floating Palace," Viridian replies. "Arrived around 5 years  ago and has been wheedling fine art treasures from Oleb."

"Wouldn't surprise me to learn the latest sale is what precipitated the current events. Something had to give."

"Nor is it any secret that he wheels and deals on the side out of his little shop in the Bazaar. Want something that may be borderline legal, he's the one to see."

"Always remember, though, that he's got the King's Ear... in case he tries to sell it to you."

On station...

#2 Captain: Teddy
#3 Sensors/Gunnery: Viridian
#4 Pilot: Kira
#5 Astrogation: Collyn
#6 Comms: Ghent
#7 Engineering: Ingrid

Medical: Aaron (#16)
Sensors/EW Port: Varca
Sensors/EW Starboard: Zhouth

Gunnery: Rayjaynul (#13)
Security #1: Donio (in 2-3 corner)
Security #2: Rejji (just outside Bridge)
Security #3: Taliesa (just outside Bridge)

In reply to StarMaster (msg # 20):

     Varca has met Rachando, even had dealings with the man.  So, even though Ghent is sitting the Comm Station up on the Bridge, Varca uses the gear in Portside Countermeasures to quickly establish a secure lasercomm link with Starlight Voyager--and Rachando. (OOC: still keeping the Bridge in the circuit, of course)

     "Rachando!  You pilfering purveyor of pricy plunder!" Varca starts, hotly, "What in the Name of The Dragon are you doing out here in that clunker?  And how did you...?  Wait..."

     "Rachando...were you out here waiting for us?!"

Somewhat taken aback by the unexpectedly largish audience, as well as addressing Varca rather than McFarlane now, Rachando asks: "Are you sure you want this many ears listening to talk about a... coup?"

"Yes, yes, I know that's the favorite pastime of Palacers, but it's always been along the lines of 'if I was King' and quickly turned to art or fashion or cuisine or further inbreeding. At no point was the 'C' word ever used. It's just not part of Palace life. You know what I'm saying."

"I first noticed the change about a month ago. Heard the word, sounded incongruous, fluke. But it kept getting used more and more often. Started getting less abstract... like secret meetings to determine viable options."

"A week ago, it started looking like it was going to boil over. Still simmering. Your arrival may set it all in motion."

"So, yes, I've been waiting.. sort of... out here for you. Apologies for the near-collision. Ship needs some work."

"Pretty much the entire population has chosen a faction to support, though most still maintain some sort of neutrality. I suspect that's probably due to the indecisiveness of wishy-washy everyday Palace life."

"King Oleb is supported by Princess Rao and his hawk warriors."

"Princess Rao is supported by the King and Lady Hil."

"Prince Harrick has the support of Lord Admiral Wrax, the Star Guard, Scholar Voha, and probably some of the Hawk Warriors."

"Then there's Ser-Duke Nerado Murgel Fintavian Llangward Zith II. Seems to have come out of nowhere. Charismatic; has a lot of followers."

"Supposedly thirteenth in line for the throne, Third Star Earl Kerzentian Voloron Jacinto Transion has been one of Oleb's staunchest supporters, but now he's screaming for the King's head. I have no idea what brought that on."

"Even the Aslan outcast Kasiyl seems to have proponents that'd rather see Drinax become an Aslan state than get bombarded again. Hell, even I can see the upside to that."

"Chieftain Galx also now wants to sit on the throne. Something about not treating her people fairly."

"Thao Poloc used to be your typical bored and indifferent backwater Imperial Ambassador. Not so much now. I think he sees a title in it for him if he can bring Drinax into the Imperium. I don't understand how he can't see that'd lead to war."

"GeDeCo also seems to have an iron in the fire in First Starport Administrator Masyn Starbolt, though I'm not really sure what iron that is or what fire it is either."

"And there you have it. It's not like I've been spying on everyone--it's hardly been necessary... just taking notes. Not that I wouldn't have... under the circumstances."

"That's insane!" Aaron comments over the comms. "So, Drinax is just another Banana Republic... without the bananas."

"Now that it's taken a step forward again, everyone wants a piece of the action. I know we support the Princess, but good luck with this one!"

Rayjay listens in as usual, not at all surprised with how divided the Palacers always were, but to have the Lord Admiral and King at odds, that was as ill a portent as could be found. Clearly something would have to be done about it, though what precisely remained to be seen, but Rayjay was almost certain the Captain would wind up having to play King Maker at some point. 'Poor bastard, and poor us.'

Zhouth's voice was carefully measured and quiet as he spoke over private comm to the other sensor suite. "Varca? Do you see what I do about that 'Aslan mining ship', and if so, please don't outburst about it just yet?"


Then, in his more typical way of speaking, he broke into the ship-to-ship discussion with, "Excuse me, Mister Rachando - I don't know if you have any Drinaxi titles, so apologies if I missed them - but is Prince Harrick actually saying that he wants his father and sister out?"

"It's no secret that the Prince has gotten a bit more mellow since the accident that nearly killed him 10  years ago," Rachando answers. "Those 10 years of medical stasis and extensive treatments, all under the pacifistic influence of Scholar Voha, changed him. He's not like his father any more. He's the Gardener of Worlds, not the Architect of Empire... i.e. his sister. He's the one that put together the Alliance, yo know, though I can't imagine Rao didn't have her hand in it somewhere.""

"So, does he want them out of the  political arena? Sure. That way, he can do things the way he wants."

"It also seems likely that he just doesn't have the energy to fight a battle on two fronts any more."

"This is all Palace gossip, mind you. Not the same as the Wondrous Purveyor of Bedroom Protocols is pregnant again by the 17th Earl of Sustainable Gravitic Engineering. But the coup is real. The moment you dock at High-D (OOC: unofficial shorthand for Highport Drinax) or the Palace, you'll ignite the powderkeg. Not that the Palace can't do without a few more people."

By the time the conversation with Rachando, a personal comm message from 3rd Sub-Overbaron Wellington Ambrose McFarlane for Captain-Baron Theodore McFarlane arrives.

Teddy sank in his seat. He then opens the private circuit with just Varca, Zhouth, and Ingrid and tells them, "My father just informed me we should not land at the palace, we'd be taken hostage." He clicked the switch again back to the circuit with Rachando. "Would you care to come aboard Mr Rachando, we can talk in more privacy and comfort, if you wish."

About a minute after that, another comm comes in from Mama Omnira Chandice-Kenice Harrasyn for Rejji Tarone Harrasyn.

"Oh, boy," Viridian ssid when all the ramifications finally sank in.

"Sure you don't want to be King, Teddy? Or maybe just Grand High Poobah. You can toss your hat into the ring now and we go in like gang busters! Oleb can go into exile on Asim or somewhere?"

"How about you, Kira? Want to at least be Queen for a Day? Nobody knows you--you'd be the Wild Card--that Pirate Queen Varca was prattling on about."

"And, no, don't look at me! I've spent my entire life hiding under any rock I could find! I'm not about to crawl out now!"

The communication (speed of light limit) time lag from Drinax finally seemed to be catching up to the Vultan as another private message came in from 8th Kellidar Rachard Larent Brown, Rayjaynul's father, for Rayjay.

In reply to Theodore McFarlane (msg # 28):


     Varca looks over the sensor feed that Zhouth sends him and ... frowns.  Varca quickly re-runs the scans from the equipment in the portside countermeasures suite--verifying Zhouths data.

     Responding on the same private comm circuit, Varca says to Zhouth, "I'll agree that this makes the specifics of what we were told pretty suspect, Zhouth--especially given what Rachando has just told us about the current social and political environment around here, right now.  But ... their presence in the region isn't unusual.  Again, I gotta say that their presence here at this time could be suspect, but otherwise it's not all that startling.  Drinax has had contact, off-and-on, for decades."

     "Maybe--just maybe--it's a little leftover bias from all your years working for The Imperium...?"

---

     "That is an excellent idea, Captain." Varca responds to Teddy, "I'm sure that all of us have a billion questions for Trader Rachando.  And we definitely need to pause, gather as much intel as we can, and then figure out the best course of action.  Perhaps, while we maneuver to dock with Rachando, you might send a secure email to your Father, asking him for more details.  I will do the same with my contact in the Star Guard."

     "And we need to inform the Throne that we are in-system.  It could be misinterpreted by lots of folks--His Imperial Majesty specifically--if we are seen to be pausing upon our arrival, rather than heading straight in to report to The King.  I think we should send an encrypted email to Princess Rao for instructions.  Thoughts, anyone?"

Rayjay couldn't help but chuckle as he got his father's message. Despite the years having passed since his mother went her own separate way, his father worked fairly hard on adopting her accent, the sound of which filled the old gunner's heart with pride. "Take it everyone else from Drinax got a message from t'eir kin?" Rayjay asked with an amused tone.

Zhouth spends a couple of moments communicating with Varca over the private channel before making another public (such as it is) statement. "We probably shouldn't worry too much about being misinterpreted. Not because we don't mind being misinterpreted, but if things are really this bad then anything we do will be misinterpreted by everyone anyway, so just do what we need to, you know?"
This message was last edited by the player at 00:03, Sat 22 Apr 2023.

"I haven't the foggiest what you're all nattering on about," exclaims Kira. "But yeah sure, sign me up for Pirate Queen!"