View RPoL: On The Side Of The Angels - Kaya Wilden by Editor-in-Chief (group 0)

Editor-in-Chief

GM, 1068 posts

Thu 15 Apr 2021
at 18:17

msg #1

Kaya Wilden

Control your own destiny or someone else will
                                                 - Jack Welch

If everything seems under control, you aren't going fast enough
                                                 -Mario Andretti

Editor-in-Chief

GM, 1069 posts

Thu 15 Apr 2021
at 18:30

msg #2

Kaya Wilden

"So you're some kinda super brain, huh?"

Major Nyda O'Bannon is staring at the projected screen that contains your life story Kaya and frowning. When she first tried to log onto your file, she frowned and cursed because of all the security protocols she had to leap through. Now she's frowning...maybe she just always frowns. Was she frowning when you walked into the room?

You call up the picture of her. A short, stocky woman in a crisp naval blue uniform, clean except for the coffee stain on the hem of her right sleeve. And she seemed to be frowning. At least she wasn't smiling.

So yes. She is a frowner.

Major O'Bannon turns the screen off. She sits back and stares at you for a moment. You've only met four other people since you enrolled in the academy who knew you were an Ace. They had varying reactions. O'Bannon is the first to look at you with such overt disapproval.

But she's got the jack sockets in her shoulder and base of her neck showing she's an AI pilot. So it probably comes as no surprise she would disappove.

"So tell me..." she finally says in a thin, dispassionate voice, the frown still not fading. "Why fly for the navy? Someone like you...you could probably make a lotta cash flying for a corp. Why'd you go through the academy?"

Welcome to it Kaya.

So you just recently graduated. For the past little while you've been cooling your heels at a naval base on a moon called Iomede Lesser. This morning, you got orders from General Ogadi that you should report to O'Bannon. Ogadi sponsored you into the academy. You've met him twice in person. Once when you were recruited and once when he handed you your insignia at the graduation ceremony.

Ogadi's orders were sparse, as has been most of his communications. O'Bannon has full knowledge of who and what you are. You can speak openly to her, which makes her the fifth such person in the Navy you would be able to.

I decided to just jump right in. Let me know if there are questions or concerns. Thanks

Kaya Wilden

player, 2 posts

Fri 16 Apr 2021
at 01:03

msg #3

Kaya Wilden

Kaya remained at attention and kept her gaze just above the major's right shoulder, not directly looking at her but at the wall just behind her, a skill pretty much everyone in the armed forces developed quite fast to deal with angry - or annoyed - superiors: it gave the appearance of paying attention without being confrontational.

The young woman decided to take the opening remark as a statement and not a question, so simply didn't answer. Since there probably weren't any right answer anyway, it was for the better. The other questions though... There was no way to avoid answering them. She considered answering some platitude about wanting to serve the Empire or something like that, but it wouldn't be particularly convincing: it already wasn't to her - much - so making anyone else believe it would be a stretch.

Instead, she decided to answer with some truth. Not the whole truth, but a truth nonetheless, “Ma'am, assuming a corp would have paid for flight lessons, half the sector would know what I am after a month, ma'am.” Alright, maybe it wasn't the truth but a "simple" concern, but it was a valid one nonetheless. Corps were good at keeping secrets, but only when that suited them.

Hopefully, O'Bannon wouldn't want to dig deeper into her answer and would instead decide to take care of business. Which, Kaya hoped, meant new orders for her. Meaningful orders that wouldn't keep her frozen on the ground.

Editor-in-Chief

GM, 1075 posts

Sat 17 Apr 2021
at 05:22

msg #4

If You Wanna Make An Omelet, You Have To Break Some Eggs

In reply to Kaya Wilden (msg # 3):

O'Bannon gives you a measured look and then looks at a screen on her desk.

"Fine. Let's get to it then."

She taps a few times on the screen she was looking at. A holo screen appears before you. The Little Giant system displays. It's a nothing system. Named for the gas giant which, comparatively speaking, isn't all that giant. The giant has eight moons. There's two other rocks in the system, both just big enough to be called planets, and both just stone without atmo. Most of the populace lives on one of the Little Giant's...or LG as they like to call it...moons.

The screen changes. A man's face and bio pops up. Wexler 'Wheezey' Wineburger. Small time smuggler. He's done two light sentences on Horfa, the prison planet on this side of the Empire. Most of his rap sheet is fairly pedestrian. He seems to have a penchant for smuggling eggs. Hen eggs. Ostrich eggs. Caviar. Just...eggs.

"Mr. Wineburger is running a small ring selling black market produce. Specifically he's selling quail eggs. You ever seen 'em? Quail eggs? They're these little, tiny eggs. 'bout this big..." She makes a small circle with a forefinger and thumb. "Where the hell he gets 'em from I have no idea. Quail aren't domesticated in Little Giant. Or anywhere far as I know.

"That's beside the point. We don't really care where he's getting his contraband from. What we care about is..."

The screen shifts. A woman's face is now visible. A young woman. Maybe just twenty. Pretty but not gorgeous. Hazel colored eyes. Blonde hair tied neatly into a bun. "...her. Georgia Millstock. Daughter of Redley Millstock. You know the name I trust."

The Millstocks are the majority shareholders of FarFlung Technologies. They made a name in terrforming tech but have since moved on to agricultural management. They own or manage half the bread basket worlds on this side of the Imperial core. Your breakfast was probably grown on one of their farms.

"Georgia is the youngest of Redley's children. By all accounts, she was a well bred, stable little society girl. Kept a low profile. Smiled at everyone during the balls. Typical rich bitch.

"Then a year ago she gets kidnapped." You vaguely remember the news about it. She supposedly disappeared at some kind of charity event. "The Milstocks killed the news stories. Everyone assumed they had their private security forces on the job.

"But a month ago, this young lady shows up as a crew member on Wineburger's vessel. In fact, the only crew member. Wineburger usually flies solo."

O'Bannon gives you an amused look. "He uses a lotta AI. So that makes it possible ya see." She smiles at you as she makes her little dig.

The screen changes. Security footage from what looks like a spaceport. Wheezy and a woman who looks like Georgia are walking through a security checkpoint. The screen freezes and zooms in on Georgia's face.

"This is from the Terminal 2 gate footage at the Vanilla space port...they named all the moons of Little Giant after ice cream flavors for some stupid ass reason. Analysis of the footage indicates a 64.9% liklihood that this is Georgia Millstock."

O'Bannon taps the screen. You hear the chirp as your personal comm receives a download of all the information you've just seen.

"So what's all this got to do with you? Here's what this has to do with you.

"You'll be given an Archer class boat. I'm giving you a small team to act as crew and back up."

She reaches into a drawer and takes out a small pin. A crescent moon with a sideways pointing sword. A captain's insignia.

"You are to follow Mr. Wineburger. Do not directly engage. At first. We need to know first of all if that is really her. And second, what is she doing with him. If she's being held hostage, you are to extract her. But don't get caught doing it. If she dies during the extraction, we don't want any indication the Navy was involved.

"If she's there of her free will, watch but do not engage. Just report and keep an eye on her until further orders.

"Questions?"

The info she sent you has bio on your new crew. We'll get to that. But let's focus on your mission for now. Let me know if there are any questions and we will proceed.

Thanks

Kaya Wilden

player, 3 posts

Sun 18 Apr 2021
at 12:09

msg #5

Kaya Wilden

Kaya was quite relieved that O'Bannon had dropped the personal questions: at least that way she wouldn't have had to decide to tell the truth or lie, both options being unpalatable for various reasons. The young woman listened attentively to the Major's briefing, but she had some troubles understanding what this was all about. Granted, a smuggler might be of interest to the navy. But an egg smuggler? Not only she had trouble imagining that eggs would be something to be smuggled - at least for cooking purposes - but she couldn't imagine why the navy would care about stuff like that.

The next part of the briefing, pertaining to the Millstocks, explained it of course, in between the disparaging remarks. At least she wasn't the only target of those, so she supposed it was an O'Bannon special and didn't have much to do with her specifically, which was something she supposed. Though thinking a bit more about it, she was puzzled.

Not that she wished anything bad to happen to Georgia - even though she had to admit a pang of envy - but... Why would the navy involve itself in this problem? Sure, if the ones doing the kidnapping were pirates or foreign forces, the navy would be called upon. But a small time smuggler? It didn't really make any sense. Unless it was some kind of political move and considering who was involved, that seemed very likely she supposed.

The only question that remained was to know why she was involved. Granted, while not a Marine, she was good with a lot of weapons but that was mostly her genes doing the talking. She was very decent in hand to hand combat, but there were many better at it than she was and she definitely was not special forces. Not that she couldn't be with the proper training, but she didn't have the proper training. Only the basics of it: she was a pilot, nothing else. But... Maybe the point was to tell her that she wasn't going to be "just" a pilot...

Or maybe it was all just an excuse to give her a ship. It was something she was really excited about of course for at least two reasons: not only she would finally be piloting something, but it was an independent command which, assuming she didn't mess up, was going to do wonders for her career. And she supposed that was the whole point. Or at least part of it.

For now though, Kaya decided she didn't care about anything else but the pin in O'Bannon's hands. Yes, her ship would be a small one, pretty much the smallest hyper-capable ship in the whole navy in fact. But small as it was, it was hyper-capable, and being in command of one of those was prestigious, even though she was nothing more than a 'mere' Lieutenant.

As O'Bannon asked her if she had any questions, Kaya's gaze went with some difficulty from the pin to its original place on the wall behind O'Bannon. Questions? Well, yes, she had a ton of questions. Starting with how by the stars she was supposed to determine if Georgia Millstock had been kidnapped or somehow coerced. She could only hope someone in her crew would know a lot more than she did about those kind of operations...

Since her questions where about the how, the why or the who and not the what however, she simply answered “Ma'am, no Ma'am.”

Editor-in-Chief

GM, 1078 posts

Mon 19 Apr 2021
at 05:07

msg #6

Kaya Wilden

In reply to Kaya Wilden (msg # 5):

O'Bannon blinks but finally shrugs. A few more taps and the screen changes again.

A woman's face pops up on the screen. Short brown hair. Green eyes. A scar across her nose.
A few years older than you. AI ports obvious on her shoulder.

The screen gives her name and bio. Perri Von Helmon. Pilot second class. Your co-pilot. Four years flying experience, two in the Kinimin system revolution that ended last year.

The screen flips.

An man this time. Maybe as old as Perri. He has a haggard look about him. His eyes look bloodshot. Dark skin and darker hair. Aarav Shashidar Engineer second class. Looks like he and Perri know each other. They served on the same command during Kinimin. But Aarav was transferred out eight months prior to the end of the war.

Another man. Older. Thick neck and graying brown hair. He's the only one thus far smiling. Rokzi Polovich. Special Forces Sargent. Combat experience for the last eighteen years. He's obviously the muscle on your ship.

One more rolls up. Another woman. She looks small. Delicate. Yamahato Rei. Or would that be Rei Yamahato? Some people of Asian descent still list their family name first. A nurse. She doesn't have any combat experience. In fact she's listed as a contractor. Medic.

O'Bannon downloads the information to your personal comm.

"Your crew. Any questions on them?"

Kaya Wilden

player, 4 posts

Mon 19 Apr 2021
at 18:50

msg #7

Kaya Wilden

Kaya studied attentively the faces of all of those who were to be her crew. Of those, the one she studied the most was the co-pilot. The presence of one was to be expected…and while she really hoped everything would work fine between the two of them she didn't hope Von Helmon would have a lot of respect for her: all Kaya had working for her was her rank. Her co-pilot had the best part of four years on her and combat experience… and they would both know it. Well, no one said being in command was going to be easy: and this would likely just be the first time she'd have to prove herself.

The engineer concerned her, but for another reason entirely: the haggard air, the bloodshot eyes… Had she been given one of the navy's problem children as her engineer? And he was familiar with Von Helmon… Well, she supposed she had to see the upside of it: if she convinced one, she'd probably convince both. Unless they hated each others guts, which would be an entirely different problem.

She was however extremely glad to see the next entry. Not that she was too trusting of the smile, but he was Special Forces. Which meant he would likely know how they would be able to proceed for a lot of things that had her stumped and he had a lot of experience to top it off. Hopefully he wasn't an ass, because if there was someone she was going to have to rely on, no matter what happened, it would be him.

The last one surprised her though. A medic? For as small a crew as they were? That was surprising. Especially a civilian one. Was she there for when - or if… - they got Georgia Millstock back?

This time, asked if she asked questions, she nodded. “Yes Ma'am. Why a civilian nurse? And how were they all chosen?” She wasn't expecting the best of the best, but… Kaya really hoped it wasn't a rehabilitation cruise for any of them.

Editor-in-Chief

GM, 1084 posts

Mon 19 Apr 2021
at 23:41

msg #8

Kaya Wilden

In reply to Kaya Wilden (msg # 7):

O'Bannon glances at Rei's picture and then shuts off the screen.

"We're short on medical staff. And the orders about you require you have a medic on your crew roster. So we found you the best one we could.

"As for the others...Perri and Aarav were assigned from HQ. I tacked on Rokzi. I've worked with him before. Good man. And you'll need someone with know how when it comes to certain parts of your job. Also...no offense...but you don't seem the type who'd be able to fight her way out of a paper sack if the sack were made out of cheese and you were a rat. Just don't back down with him. Once you get Rockzi on your side, he's on your side."

She gives you a once over and then shrugs. "You probably need somebody on your side. Anyway. Your ship's in dry dock. Your crew will assemble tomorrow oh-eight-hundred standard time in Deck D briefing room. You can round them up then. I want your ship outta my hangar by ten hundred tomorrow.

"Questions?"

Wanted to give Kaya a chance to do anything she wanted to do on base. If there's nothing, I will move us to the briefing room.

And yes, you can go inspect the ship. Feel free to narrate that yourself if you like.
Thanks.

Kaya Wilden

player, 5 posts

Tue 20 Apr 2021
at 19:47

msg #9

Kaya Wilden

Kaya wasn't sure she liked the bit about the medic being needed for her. Not that it didn't make sense of course, but she wasn't fond of being reminded of her likely future.

She really hoped that 'by HQ' what O'Bannon truly meant - even if she didn't know it - was 'by Ogadi'. As for Rokzi, she was relieved to hear he had been picked for his skills. Not so much that he'd try to push, but that was to be expected she supposed. For a moment, she considered mentioning that was in fact able to hold her own in a fight - thanks to her genes if nothing else - but... There was a point where skills trumped genes.

This time again, she nodded when asked if she had questions, “Is the ship in dry dock following a refit or some repairs?” Because if that was the case, the first things she'd have to do was to make sure that nothing was going to come loose before they went too far. After all, no matter how a ship was tested before it was released to its crew following its completion or even some repairs, there was always things to fix. Or so she had heard anyway...

Once she had her answer, Kaya saluted then left to go see her ship. The first thing she did once out of the office though was to place her command pin where it belonged. Then, trying not to smile too much, she went to her ship.

She spent the next hours both going over it and studying the materials she had been given about her mission and her crew: she wanted to be at the briefing knowing everything there was to know down to the smallest details without having to look anything up. First impressions were going to matter, which was also why she paid very close attention to her appearance before she stepped into the briefing room at 1000 sharp.

Editor-in-Chief

GM, 1087 posts

Tue 20 Apr 2021
at 23:26

msg #10

Kaya Wilden

In reply to Kaya Wilden (msg # 9):

"Refit. Since we have two pilots with different...methodoligies...we needed to make sure you both had adequate control functionality. You'll see but there's a co-pilot chair as well as a pilot. And the two have different layouts."

You confirm exactly that. When you get aboard, you find the two control centers. Yours is set up for your style. You'll need to make some adjustments. But the controls are fairly modular.

Perri's chair is more the standard AI aug block. Ports for her to patch in. Multi display screens. Not a lot of manual controls. Well. She flies by electric impulses after all.

As you're studying her board, you hear a voice behind you.

"Hey. Who the hell are you?"

Turning, you see Aarav standing in the doorway. He's wearing standard issue coveralls. There's a couple of stains of fresh grease on them.

He doesn't seem to recognize you. Maybe, even though you've seen his picture, he hasn't seen yours?

The tired look is gone from his eyes. But they're still bloodshot.

He has a wrench in one hand you can see he's tightening a grip on.

Kaya Wilden

player, 6 posts

Thu 22 Apr 2021
at 11:01

msg #11

Kaya Wilden

As she studied the pilot and co-pilot stations, Kaya could only agree that a refit made sense. She'd have to thoroughly test her own station though: she wasn't worried about the co-pilot one, but she seriously doubted the engineers had had many people available to test hers. If something was wrong, she wanted to be made aware as soon as possible, preferably while they could still do something about it.

As she was interrupted by a voice behind her, she turned around to see who it was, only to find Aarav. She studied him for a couple of seconds, noting his bloodshot eyes - but without any obvious exhaustion this time - and the way he gripped his wrench. She supposed he had been working on the ship, either as part of the refit or simply to make sure that everything worked as intended before they left for their mission.

For all answer to his question, she tapped her shiny new captain's pin on her right breast: it would explain all there was to know, and doing more would just embarrass the both of them. It wouldn't have mattered all that much to her, but Aarav might have resented it and that wasn't exactly the right way to start a working relationship.

After that, she asked a couple of questions of her own. “Is she ready? What's your opinion on her?”

Editor-in-Chief

GM, 1090 posts

Thu 22 Apr 2021
at 23:00

msg #12

Kaya Wilden

In reply to Kaya Wilden (msg # 11):

He seems to peer at the button, and it seems to take a moment for him to register what it means. He makes eye contact again, an eyebrow raised. "You're the captain? Huh."

He shuffles the wrench to the other hand and gives you a rather sloppy salute. He then looks around the bridge, scratching the side of his cheek. "Ready? More or less. I'm not a huge fan of these Archer models. They tend to get wonky at the high end range of thrust. Ventilation systems a bit of a mess too."

He thinks a moment and then shrugs, gesturing at the pilot seats. "Kinda curious what that's all about. I've not seen two seperate set ups like that before. That one," he points at your comm seat, "Is like some kinda low end rumble seat. Who flies AI-less anymore?"

He shrugs again. "I guess should ask your name. Sorry. Not the most social guy."

Kaya Wilden

player, 7 posts

Fri 23 Apr 2021
at 18:52

msg #13

Kaya Wilden

“I am.” Kaya confirmed, then nodded to acknowledge the sloppy salute. It was a far cry for perfect, but since he was wearing coveralls she wasn't going to ask for more.

She listened attentively to his opinion, noting that she would have to test that "high-end range of thrust" issue. As for the ventilation system, well, there wasn't much she was going to be able to do. Something to keep in mind, but nothing she would be able to do about it. “Kaya Wilden.” She answered his second question. “As for flying 'AI-less',” she smiled, “We'll have time to see about that, same as with introductions tomorrow.”

“You came here straight from Kinimin?”
This message was last edited by the player at 18:52, Fri 23 Apr 2021.

Editor-in-Chief

GM, 1094 posts

Sat 24 Apr 2021
at 02:47

msg #14

Kaya Wilden

In reply to Kaya Wilden (msg # 13):

He frowns slightly. "You read my file huh?"

He shrugs. Aarav shifts his weight to the back of his feet. He seems more relaxed.

"Nah. Well yeah. But no, as in not like you mean." Another shrug. This one likes to shrug. "I had a med leave. By the time I was cleared, war was over."

That wasn't in his file. It just said he had been transferred out. Now that you think about it, it was kind of vague on the details concerning that "transfer".

"What about you? Where'd they haul you in from?"

Kaya Wilden

player, 8 posts

Sun 25 Apr 2021
at 13:38

msg #15

Kaya Wilden

Kaya simply nodded but didn't comment on either the file reading she had done - which was still very limited - or the medical leave, which wasn't any of her business...as long as he was back at 100%. Which she could only assume he was, otherwise he wouldn't have been here in the first place. or so she hoped anyway.

“They didn't have to look very far for me: I've been here for a few months since I graduated from the academy.” Not something she was too fond of saying obviously, but it wasn't like that part of her file was any kind of secret. It was in fact rather public. Still, she really didn't want him to distrust her, she added “So I'll be counting on you to point anything about the ship that one can't learn from test runs or simulators. Stuff like the high range of thrust thing or the ventilation system and whatnot.”

Editor-in-Chief

GM, 1098 posts

Mon 26 Apr 2021
at 04:19

msg #16

Kaya Wilden

In reply to Kaya Wilden (msg # 15):

He frowns. Obviously the 'just out of academy' doesn't impress him.

But he doesn't say anything about it. He just shrugs and gestures with the wrench behind him.

"You want the tour? I'm going over the engineering diagnostics now. I don't tend to trust dock crews. They tell you everything's 100%, usually around their break time."

He points at your comm seat. "I'm not real familiar with that set up. It's kinda...ancient. No disrespect intended. But I thought some Grandpa was gonna come aboard and use it. You not AI compaitible?"

As he asks, there's a blip from the command chair. A glance confirms someone just cycled the airlock. Checking the camera shows it's Rokzi. He's got a couple of duffels and what looks like a couple of gun cases. He walks in and looks around the airlock like he's not sure about it.

He stares at the camera and must notice it's live. He waves. "Anyone there? Permission to come aboard?...though I'm supposed ta come aboard."

Kaya Wilden

player, 9 posts

Mon 26 Apr 2021
at 18:44

msg #17

Kaya Wilden

Kaya merely smiled at his frown, but didn't explain more than that: there were things she was really confident of as far as ship command went, but her piloting skills weren't one of them. While saying it was the only thing she was confident about would be exaggerated, it was definitely the one she was the most confident about.

“Sure.” The young lieutenant nodded when he asked about a tour. She had intended to make one at some point before the briefing, and she supposed it made more sense, not less, to do so with the ship's engineer. She briefly hesitated when he asked his question about her chair, then shook her head. “It's more complicated than that.” Before she could elaborate on it though, her chair beeped, signaling someone in the airlock.

“I'm supposed to meet everyone at the briefing tomorrow, not right now…” Kaya grumbled, then pushed a button, “Permission granted.” She answered Rokzi, before adding, “Though for next time, the ship not being considered active duty just yet you don't need permission to come aboard.” She released the button, “I better go see what this is all about… Hopefully we'll go on that tour just after I've seen him.” She grumbled, then headed to the airlock.

Editor-in-Chief

GM, 1104 posts

Tue 27 Apr 2021
at 00:55

msg #18

Kaya Wilden

In reply to Kaya Wilden (msg # 17):

"Come back to engineering when you're ready," Aarav says as you pass him by. "Just head towards the back of the ship."

Rokzi has more bags than the ones you saw on camera before. He's stacking them up just inside the airlock door.

He looks up when you open the shipside lock door and grins.

"Hey there. Name's Rokzi. I'm on this boat. You know if the captain's on-"

He stops, apparently seeing your insignia. He frowns, but only for a moment, and then gives you a fairly crisp salute.

"Sorry ma'am. No one told me who my new CO was. Nice to meetcha."

Kaya Wilden

player, 10 posts

Tue 27 Apr 2021
at 19:19

msg #19

Kaya Wilden

“Welcome aboard.” Kaya's smile was a bit strained as she returned the salute. “Not expecting a still wet behind the ears, milk dripping nose, baby faced lieutenant as your new captain?” She cocked an eyebrow for a second, but continued before he could embarrass them both by disagreeing to what was quite close to the truth… or worse, agree. “It's alright, I guess I should expect to have to deal with it for quite some time.” After all, with prolong treatments she'd keep that face for a while…

“I'm not expecting you to be wowed by me right now. All I'm asking is that you give me a chance to prove myself before you decide I'm useless.” She looked Rokzi up and down for a second, before adding, “By the same token, I'll leave you a chance to prove that you're not barely sentient muscles like so many people seem to think of those of your profession.” After all, he would have to prove himself to her too, and she wasn't going to let him think otherwise, much less that he could walk all over her. Especially since she would have to rely on him a lot considering the mission.

“Just do me the courtesy of assuming I know what I'm talking about as far as the ship is concerned and I'll rely on you to advise me for…well, pretty much everything else. If you think I'm making a mistake, overlooking something or missing something, I expect you to tell and teach me. Preferably before I make something we'll all regret, and in private when possible. And I promise to listen.” After all, she might not agree. Though she didn't see that happen much where his area of expertise was concerned. He had loads of experience after all, and she would be foolish to not use it and make the most of it. Plus, it was important that he knew that too. “Deal?”

After his nod, she waved at the bags, “So, what's all this?”

Editor-in-Chief

GM, 1106 posts

Wed 28 Apr 2021
at 00:11

msg #20

Kaya Wilden

In reply to Kaya Wilden (msg # 19):

"Wow. Defensive much? But yes ma'am. Deal." He laughs. It's a big booming kind of laugh, which fits him perfectly.

He looks at all the gear you're pointing to.

"Mostly it's armaments. Got me a Oh Four Eighteen K Kibitzer special. Call her Mildred after the nun that used to kick my ass in high school.

"This one is a Multidirectional V N One Oh Two. Call this one the Cheek Spreader cos once I activate it, that's what everyone might as well do.

"And these boxes here are my assault armor. No name for it yet. But maybe this trip.

"There's a whole bunch a' other shoot 'em up stuff. Oh. And I brought a change of underwear."

He grins at you and then leans close, his voice dropping to a whisper. "And I frowned cos...well. You just don't look like I imagined an Ace would look."

He stands up and smiles. "They told me quite a bit about you Cap'n."

Kaya Wilden

player, 11 posts

Wed 28 Apr 2021
at 21:43

msg #21

Kaya Wilden

“Yeah, well.” Kaya shrugged, obviously unrepentent: it might not have been completely necessary, but at least now they both knew where they stood. Or at least, she hoped she had managed to convey her desires well enough, withouth sounding too insecure. Or hardass. Or bitchy. Or… Well… Hmm. Anyway.

She listened a bit distractedly while he explained everything, but squinted hard when he mentioned her being an Ace. “But they still managed to forget to mention what I looked like, I wonder why.” After a couple of seconds, she shook her head, “I suppose I shouldn't be surprised… You'll have to tell me how you thought an Ace should look like.”

Before he could answer though, she continued, “But right now, I'm more interested in this.” She pointed at the bags. “I don't suppose your weapons, much less your armour could pass as anything else than fleet issue, am I wrong?” She cocked an eyebrow, then added, “Well, given this mission's parameters…” She shook her head, “You'll need armour and weapons that don't scream 'marine', but more… I don't know… Smuggler's bodyguard or something along those lines. What do you need to get that by tomorrow morning at the latest? More importantly, what do you need to get me one set too? Should I com' Major O'Bannon's office or are you authorized to get all of that on your captain's orders?”

Not that she couldn't find the procedure if she wanted, but it would take her a bit of time. More worrisome, it would likely then take quite a bit of time to go through all the proper channel. Considering Rokzi's experience though, she was betting he knew people. And ways to get what he needed faster than if she were to do it…especially if he did so without having to worry it'd get him in hot waters with his CO.
This message was last edited by the player at 23:10, Wed 28 Apr 2021.

Editor-in-Chief

GM, 1110 posts

Thu 29 Apr 2021
at 21:29

msg #22

Kaya Wilden

In reply to Kaya Wilden (msg # 21):

Rokzi does open his mouth to answer your first question, but shuts it when you continue speaking. He at least seems smart enough to knw when to shut up.

He frowns when you mention O'Bannon. "Uhm. I don't think she'd go out of her way to help me. But if we're going for the more covert angle...yeah. I got it covered."

He waggles his eyebrows. "I got friends at depo. They'll hook us up. Just sign the req forms they send you. Do you...uh...you got a side arm? I mean...an actual good one? Not the piece of crap U82 they standard issue. You want me to get you a couple of decent pieces while I'm down there?"

Aarav looks up when you head into engineering. It might give you a moment's pause. He's pulled off two access panels and appears to have pulled out most of the wiring and some of the circuit boards.

"Oh yeah. You ready for your tour?" He seems to have lost the wrench. He stands up, wiping some lubricant off his fingers and onto a towel. Looks like he was oiling up some part of balancer core.

"By the way...Am I supposed to be servicing all those drones too?"

At your puzzled look, he indicates one of the hatches on the side of the engine room. It opens onto a small drone bay. There's just enough room to get from the door to the control desk and torpedo tube used to launch drones out of the ship. The rest of the space is jammed up with drones. All kinds of types too. Most are about the size of your forearm, but there are a couple the size of your chest and a bucket of what appears to be ones about as long as your finger.

Ships like yours usually has a few drones at most. The inventory og Aarav found lists 84 of them.

Kaya Wilden

player, 12 posts

Fri 30 Apr 2021
at 17:18

msg #23

Kaya Wilden

Kaya didn't comment about O'Bannon helping or not, but filed the information away for later: maybe it was just that Rokzi didn't know the Major was the one who had assigned him there but there could many different reasons for him to think so. Though none of them truly mattered at the moment. Shaking her head, she answered his first question. “I don't have a good side arm no.” As a matter of fact, she didn't have a side arm at all, nevermind a good one. “I'd want a side arm, a riffle - better to have it and not need it rather than the other way around - and an armour, all of which must not give away that we're fleet. As for the specifics…” She shrugged, “Take what you think is best considering what you know of me. I'm pretty good with two swords by the way.” Dual sword training was after all an excellent way to train Aces to master their own body. For a normal human, it was pretty much never a good idea - unless the goal was just to show off - but for an Ace it was another thing entirely even though it was mostly just used to improve coordination, spatial awareness, reflexes and so on and not for active combat.

She concluded by nodding, “I'll read the forms and sign them when they get sent. Just don't go overboard, we're not going into a war. I've sent you my biometrics to fit all that.” After all, as much as she didn't like it she had small girly hands which meant a lot of weapons - particularly in the side arm category - wouldn't fit her. She had the power for them, that wasn't the issue: she just didn't have the grip for them. And of course while she was pretty tall for a girl, she was much thinner than probably any marine, which meant armour would need to be fitted carefully. Not that she expected him to get her a custom one of course: not only those were far too much for what she needed, but there was no way they were going to pass as anything but fleet.

Plus, now that she though about it, those were made with implants in mind…which she didn't have. Maybe she'd have to look at some point if there was a special Ace model in the files…

“That's what I'm here for.” Kaya considered the opened panels doubtfully, but didn't say anything about it right then. She'd trust him to have everything back in order by the time they were to leave the next day. As she looked at the drones, she frowned, “Hmm… Unless those are Polovich's, I'd say yes, they'd be yours to take care of, but obviously it's less urgent than the ship.”

She glanced at the inventory then asked, obviously puzzled, “What are they for anyway? I'd have expected half a dozen at most, not,” she looked at the total and cocked a surprise eyebrow, “84?”

Editor-in-Chief

GM, 1113 posts

Sat 1 May 2021
at 03:11

msg #24

Kaya Wilden

In reply to Kaya Wilden (msg # 23):

Aarav frowns when he hears he's in charge of them, but doesn't complain. Out loud.

He scratches the back of his head and glances around the stacks and stacks of drones.

"Honestly...I'm only familiar with about half these models. Most of them are standard. Scientific. Bomb planters. Remote controlled surgical strike models. The other half...I'm gonna have to read through the manuals. It's gonna take me a little while. So go easy on me with the drones until I can get up to speed. 'kay?"

He takes you back to the engines and points at two large tubes, each running the side of the ship. "And that's the problem children right there. Fuel injection system has a design flaw. They say it doesn't, but everyone knows it is. Supposedly they're gonna have a new system on the new models. But that's just cos. Not cos anything's wrong with the current one."

He laughs.

"At high speeds, the injection system gets wonky. It doesn't regulate as well. So you're speed won't remain even. Makes the ship shake. It can really play hell with the gunner in the turret. Also wouldn't recommend trying to get too fancy on the maneuvers. The rattling can get so bad the nav program can't compensate...Oh. Yeah. You don't use one." He seems to have forgotten you aren't AI.

"And before you ask...no. I can't fix it. Not unless I gut the injection system and half the intake system and reinstall it with parts I'd have to make fit."

He shrugs. "Anyway. The Archers do handle well at low speed. They're really designed for travel in asteroid belts. So they can corner on a playing card. At low speed."

He wipes his mouth and looks at you. "Any questions Cap'n?"

Kaya Wilden

player, 13 posts

Sun 2 May 2021
at 17:33

msg #25

Kaya Wilden

Kaya nodded, “I'm sure we'll have some time to figure it all out.” Bomb planters though? What was that all about? “I've no idea why they're here though, our mission parameters shouldn't call for most - if any - of them…” After a second she shook her head - it was a puzzle for another time - and followed Aarav for the small tour.

As she considered the fuel injection system, the young lieutenant frowned and it was pretty obvious she wasn't all that happy about what she was hearing. “No, I don't suppose I can ask you to rebuild it.” Not that she didn't want to but they simply didn't have the time…assuming they'd even have gotten the authorization for it which she seriously doubted.

“I can't say I'm too fond of a ship that only works well at low speed…” And that was quite the understatement. “I mean, low speed maneuvering is nice and all, but it's rarely what truly matters in most circumstances…” And depending on what happened with the smuggler, they might have to give chase. She certainly hoped not, but…

“Well, it is what it is. We'll have to learn to do with what we have and not what we wished we had.” And since she was already pretty glad to have something, she wasn't going to complain too hard. “Does this 'rattling' diminish our stealth? I'll ask Major O'Bannon to give us a couple of slots in the obstacle course over at they yard for tomorrow, I trust you'll have everything ready by then?” Not that she was aiming for any kind of record - of even performance - even though she was certainly going to try - she was a pilot after all… - but she needed to see what the problems were before they left for the mission. And maybe look for something she could do to compensate.

Editor-in-Chief

GM, 1117 posts

Mon 3 May 2021
at 02:33

msg #26

Kaya Wilden

In reply to Kaya Wilden (msg # 25):

Aarav shrugs, looking around. "Yeah. I'm mostly just doing maintenance at the moment. Stuff the dock monkeys won't really do. I only have a couple more hours of work to go."

O'Bannon's office sends you a 10 Hundred slot for the obstacle course. Considering you're supposed to have your official meet and greet staff meeting at 9 hundred, you'll have a busy monrning.

Of course, you've met half your crew already.

Maybe you should bring doughnuts?

Anything you want to do before 9 00?

Kaya Wilden

player, 14 posts

Wed 5 May 2021
at 14:34

msg #27

Kaya Wilden

O'Bannon said the briefing was at 08:00? Were you trying to get Kaya in trouble by making her be late at her own briefing?
Or it got delayed and it's 0900?

“Alright. I'll see you tomorrow then.” Kaya left him with a nod without saying more: considering his experience, he most likely knew much better than she did how best to spend his time the night before a deployment.

When it came, Kaya considered the message from O'Bannon's office with a slight grimace. Two hours to take care of the briefing, board the ship and get all the way to the obstacle course… Well, she'd have to make sure the "meet & greet" didn't take long. After a few seconds to ponder the situation, Kaya shrugged: it was as it was, and there was nothing she could do to change it. She'd just have to do her best.

When she exited the ship, she headed straight for the nearest simulator: she hated those - in no small part because she always did a lot better in "real life" than in simulations - but she needed to have an idea of how an Archer-class ship handled, and the best way to do that, short of piloting one, was to get some simulation time. And while she was confident in her skills, she wanted to look and be ready - and above all, not embarass herself - when she flew one for the first time. In front of her first crew. And no doubt, some other discreet observers…

A couple of hours later, she studied the files of her crew and ship and approved the requests that came from the depo after a quick read to at least know what had been picked, ordered a collation to be delivered for 0800 in the briefing room - it wouldn't do for the CO to bring croissants after all, but to make sure that her crew had food and drinks available certainly would - prepared her bag then went to bed.

Kaya woke up an hour before the briefing, took care of whatever messages she had received during the night then went to enjoy a nice long shower and got dressed, paying close attention to make sure that everything was were it should be. Not that there was much that could go wrong considering that she had very few distinctions besides her pilot wings and the captain's pin, but still.

After a last look at her room to make sure that she had left nothing that wouldn't go to storage, she called a bot to bring her pack to the ship, her ship, then headed to the briefing room, making sure she'd have at least 5 minutes for the last couple of meters: she wanted to enter the room at precisely 0800…while still make sure she'd have a cushion to handle any surprise on the way.

Editor-in-Chief

GM, 1122 posts

Wed 5 May 2021
at 21:57

msg #28

Kaya Wilden

In reply to Kaya Wilden (msg # 27):

Sorry. Had 9 on the brain when I wrote that. It's at 8

Rokzi didn't go too wild at the depo. At least in terms of number of items. Some of what he requested you have never heard of. But none of it seems ordinary. They're also all 'decomm'd'. He's basically picking up decommissioned stock. Maybe he's trying to be thrifty?

Other than usual messsages you would expect after picking up a ship and a crew, there's nothing that seems out of the ordinary. The only odd ball message concerns Rei.

It's from Command. Since she's a civie, there are certain protocols you'll have to keep in mind, like making sure she doesn't have access to high security comm channels. But there is also a medical order. She is apparently a diabetic. That wasn't listed on the chart O'Bannon gave you on her.

Rei's a non-conform when it comes to biotech. Her body will try to reject any and all prosthetics or nanos introduced. So she has to handle her blood sugar the old fashioned way. You'll need to make sure she is keeping her blood sugar in check. A civie dying on a military tug is always a bad thing.

One problem with simulators is that they tend to sugar coat performance issues. But you can get an idea of what Aarav is talking about. The Archer sim does shake at higher speeds. It's not awful in the simulator. But that means it's probably at the distracting level in real life. The obstacle course run should give you a better idea.

Aarav and Rokzi are sitting at one end of the long table in the briefing room. Rokzi is smiling at Rei, who's seated halfway down, apparently chatting her up. Aarav looks like he's pretending he's not there.

Rei stands when you walk in and nods her head. "You're Captain Wilden? Hi. Rei. I'll be handling your medical."

"Which is good," Rokzi scratches the side of his face. "I tend ta get hurt a lot."

As you're about to respond to Rei, Perri walks in behind you. She checks the clock, showing there's still two minutes until the briefing starts. She glances around the room, stopping at Aarav. The two frown at each other. Perri nods at you, Rei, and Rokzi, before heading to the other end of the table.

"So," she says as she starts to take her seat. "Anyone laid eyes on the captain yet?"

Kaya Wilden

player, 15 posts

Thu 6 May 2021
at 16:16

msg #29

Kaya Wilden

No worries :)

“Indeed.” Kaya answered Rei's two questions. She briefly considered talking more about the medical aspect of things but since some of it was private, and the rest would have to wait for the last member of her crew, she simply stopped there for the time being. Plus, she still had no idea how she was expected to "make sure Rei kept her blood sugar in check".

When Péri asked if anyone had seen the captain, she was briefly, but intensely, tempted to say no and prompt her copilot to share what she expected. However while the answer would likely have been entertaining, despite her young age and inexperience Kaya wasn't about to make Peri the victim of a bad joke, especially considering that none of the other had gone through it.

Plus, considering the look her copilot and her engineer had exchanged... Well... So instead, she simply answered with a “That would be me.” Kaya walked to the front, giving some time for Peri to get over her surprise.

“Major O'Bannon scheduled a slot for us at the yard's obstacle course at 1000 so we'll keep it short for the time being. We'll have plenty of time later on to go over everything that needs to be addressed.” She paused to quickly look at everyone. “I am Lieutenant Wilden and I'll be your captain. Pilot second-class Von Helmon will be the copilot, Engineer second-class Shashidar is our engineer, Sergent Polovich will be in charge of ground operations and finally Ms Yamahato is the ship's doctor. We have been assigned to the Archer-class Gryffin.”

She paused for a second, then resumed, “Our first mission is to find Georgia Millstock who was allegedly kidnapped a year ago.” She displayed an image of the woman, “I say allegedly because she has resurfaced in the system of Little Giant, apparently free.” Georgia's picture was replaced by the footage from the Terminal 2 gate in the Vanilla space port. “The man's name is Wexler Wineburger. He is a small time smuggler, apparently with a specialization in eggs. Quail eggs at the moment to be precise. Don't ask, I don't know.” She shrugged, “Anyway, we are to first assess Ms. Millstock's situation both to confirm her identity and determine if she is still held hostage or if something else is going on.”

“If we do determine that she is still hostage, we are to rescue her,” Her gaze turned to Rokzi, “and do so without giving any indication that Fleet is involved. At least until she is returned to her family anyway. If however she appears to follow Mr. Wineburger on her own free will we are to report and follow until further orders.” And who knew where that could take them all.

“Questions?”

Editor-in-Chief

GM, 1126 posts

Thu 6 May 2021
at 20:06

msg #30

Kaya Wilden

In reply to Kaya Wilden (msg # 29):

Peri is indeed shocked. But she glances at the insignia and seems to pick up that no one else is all that shocked. She wipes her incredulous look off her face. But you notice her glancing at your neck. The spot an AI port should be.

But she says nothing.

When you explain the mission, everyone looks at you. No one says anything for a moment.

Than Aarav says, "Eggs..."

Rokzi, whose balanced his chin on one fist, elbow on the table, elaborates. "Quail eggs."

"What's a quail?"

Peri glances towards Aarav but looks away. She simply says, "Small bird from Old Earth. They populate them in reserves so rich people who don't like to sweat can hunt something."

She shrugs. She glances at Rei, frowns, but doesn't say anything. Peri looks back at you. "Are we Special Ops now? This sounds like a Spec Ops mission."

"Does it matter?" Rokzi stands up. "Orders are orders. Anything else for now? Or can I give that new turret a spineroo?"

No one says anything Unless you have something to add. Moving on...

The test course runs the length of a mined out section of this system's asteroid belt. The control station for the course has sent you a flight path and a couple of questions.

Good Afternoon Captain Wilden.

You are confirmed for 10 00 run.

You have the course reserved until 1 00. Film and analysis will be provided.

How many runs through the course do you want?

How many of those runs do you want with drones?

Do you want any drones to return fire?

A run will take you about 15 minutes.

You can do just a vanilla run around the course.

You can have drones released into the course kind of like a shooting range.

The drones can 'return fire'. The fire is non lethal light beams. More or less like laser tag for space ships. Except your fire is real.

Let me know how many runs you want to do and how many of each type-vanilla, plain drone, and friendly fire drones.

QUestions? Thanks

Kaya Wilden

player, 16 posts

Fri 7 May 2021
at 16:45

msg #31

Kaya Wilden

Kaya had stayed behind after the briefing: she wanted to allow anyone to talk to her privately before boarding, to leave the crew alone for the time being to share their impressions of their new CO - even though she'd have loved hearing about it - and maybe more importantly... because she was damn hungry and wanted to take advantage of the snacks she had ordered.

“Thank you Control.” The young lieutenant transmitted. “We'll go with four for now: no drones on the first two, dummy drones on the third, not sure yet on the fourth. If needed and time permitting we'll repeat the third, and go full drones on the fifth.” Which would mostly depend on how much adjustments they'd need to make after the first three runs, but time might be an issue: after all, four runs left them with an average of 40 minutes between each of them, while five would lower that to 25. It could be enough, but only if there wasn't any tweaks they'd have to make that would required any time. “I'll let you know as soon as we finish the third.”

To her crew, she explained, “Alright, first two runs we'll just recon the course. I'll pilot solo on the first and you'll do the second one Peri, solo too.” After all, she needed both Peri to show that she could pilot by herself if need be, and to get a feel of the ship so that she'd be better able to help Kaya. And for Kaya, it was a way to show that she was perfectly comfortable with leaving the ship in her copilot's hands. That wasn't 100% true of course - no pilot was comfortable in a ship she wasn't piloting herself - but, well...
Peri would no doubt try to impress Kaya or even show that she was better, but that was fine. Plus, while Peri would have the advantage of going second, Kaya had taken some time on the simulator so all in all it should be relatively fair. “Just testing things out so that we can both get a feel of the ship.”

“On the third, we'll pilot as we should,” which meant her as a pilot, Peri as co-pilot tagging boggies, handling navigation, coms and so on, “While Rokzi will try to destroy the drones running around.” Which should allow him both to calibrate the turret to his preferences and get used to the way she handled the ship, while Peri and herself would work out the way they wanted things to run. Or to be precise, she showed Peri how she flew and what she expected of her since she knew pretty well what to expect from AI pilots. “If there's more to calibrate, we'll repeat that run, but on the last we'll go the whole way.”

She paused, for a second, “Now, obviously we're a new crew, on a ship none of us really know, so I'm not expecting any kind of record. I'd be disappointed if we didn't get on the score board though.” Though to be fair, as long as they avoided figuring in the "Epic Fails" column, it'd be good enough, considering...but that wasn't how you motivated your crew.

“Aarav, I expect you to monitor the ship on every run and make the tweaks needed,” it'd be mostly software of course, but that was still a big part of the ship, so... “but talk to me before you change an important setting. And keep any tweaks you'd make on the second run on a separate profile.” After all, it might be important at some point to load settings that would match Peri's style, but for the most part they'd go with the settings that matched her best...which could either be pretty much the same...or very different. She wasn't too sure yet. Of course hardware tweaks would have to stay so Peri would have to work with those, but software ones could be loaded pretty fast and Kaya didn't mind making her copilot's life a bit easier.

“Understood?” She asked everyone, “Questions?”
This message was last edited by the player at 21:18, Sun 09 May 2021.

Editor-in-Chief

GM, 1131 posts

Sat 8 May 2021
at 23:48

msg #32

Kaya Wilden

In reply to Kaya Wilden (msg # 31):

The only one who comes back after the briefing is Rei.

She nods to you when she slips inside the door and helps herself to a sweet-soy danish.

"I know we don't have long." Glancing at the clock, she nibbles on her danish and continues. "But I wanted to make sure we were on the same page. My real job here is to monitor your vitals. I'm supposed to send a report to O'Bannon and Ogadi monthly detailing the state of your health and provide brain scans. So at least once a month, I'll need a couple of hours of your time to run tests. Besides that, I'll do medic duty.

"Any other orders you have for me?"

"We're good to boil."

On your comm screen, you can see Aarav at the Engine Ops (EO) board. "Good to boil" is the usual slang for an engine warmed up and ready to go.

Rokzi is on another split screen. He's seated up in the turret, studying the various display screens. He mutters the traditional, "Gunnery Ho," signifying his readiness although he won't actually do anything yet.

"Nav comm up. Word in from Course Control. Proceed when you're ready."

Peri hasn't said much. Only the usual chatter about systems. She's been keeping up on her tasks. If this is how she performs nomrally, you won't have complaints. How she flies is another question. But as nav and communications, she's on top of things.

The "vanilla" course isn't quite vanilla. It is also random. Course Control activates various beacons scattered throughout the asteroid field. You have to pilot the ship past the beacons in a certain order. Some of the course will be pedestrian. Some will require tight cornering. Since it's vanilla, the speed you take it is up to you.

Okay. Something we're going to make up on the fly here. Here's my proposal:

In-system speed (ISS) is how fast you travel within a system. Far Light (FL) speed is for traveling between systems. Standard Sol Time (SST) is how the Empire measures time. It's based on the old Earth calendar.

FL speed just has one setting: very frickin' fast. You can get between systems usually in a SST week. Using it in system is overkill. No one has been able, AI or Ace, to time it so you can pop across a system using FL speed. By the time you engage it, FL pretty much has you well outside the system. It's just that fast.

ISS has five 'speeds' or modes, one to five.

One is more or less neutral. It's what you use for docking or tooling around a space station.

Two is used for breaking orbits and entering orbits.

Three to five is where your job grade comes in.

Three is the work horse speed. It's going the speed limit and probably where most of your day to day piloting will occur. Ship control is easier. But dodging torpedoes becomes a lot more interesting.

Four is for dog fights. It's faster, harder to manage. But it's where you can out maneuver torpedos or enemy fighters. Both of whom will usually be going at fours themselves.

Five is designed for crossing the system quickly. Where you can cross Earth's system at a speed three in a SST week, you can cross Earth's system in a little over two days at a five. You can use it in dog fighting. But obviously, you really need to be on top of it to do so.

Let me know what you think about that, and we'll move on to how to handle piloting.

Thanks

Kaya Wilden

player, 17 posts

Sun 9 May 2021
at 21:18

msg #33

Kaya Wilden

ISS, SST and FL work fine with me, no problem :)
I snipped the part about Kaya's piloting from the previous post to put it at the end of this one.

Kaya nodded at Rei's explanation, grimacing at times particularly when the brain scans where mentioned: she obviously didn't like being reminded that at some point her brain would start leaking from her ears... “I can manage to have a couple of hours a month to devote to you. I suppose you'd want one soon to establish a sort of baseline?” The young lieutenant paused while she considered the issue, then shrugged, “I guess we'll have the time when we're en route to Little Giant let me know when you have everything worked out and we'll deal with that.”

“Other than that, well, besides the fact that I'll expect you to take care of every medical needs on the ship - not that I don't think you wouldn't, but some things are better said than assumed - there's just one thing: I'm apparently supposed to 'make sure you monitor you blood sugar because a civilian dying on a fleet ship would look bad'. Now, not only I find the idea that you wouldn't do it silly, but on top of that you're the expert, not me and I don't think you need me to hover over you when you do it.”

She paused, frowning, then added, “That being said, maybe it'd be a good thing if someone on the ship could do it for you in case of an emergency, and know what to do in case of an anomaly. And unless you're comfortable asking someone else, I suppose that would have to be me. Other than that...” She shrugged, “Can you send me a small message once a day to tell me you've taken care of your 'monitoring duties'? I'm perfectly fine if it's a preprogrammed message...” She briefly glanced around though.

Kaya was at least reassured that Peri knew what she was doing as far as being a co-pilot was concerned. It remained to be seen how she'd handle the ship solo, but hopefully that would never really matter in anything but routine operations.

The fact that the course had random elements was not an unpleasant surprise: it made sense, and knowing what the course was beforehand would have made things dull. On the other hand, it sort of made grading more difficult, but she supposed Control had a system in place for those things.

Considering the ship, she was looking forward for the tight corners segments of the course, and the fact that it was also the part where good and bad pilots would be separated didn't diminish the feeling at all. As for the more 'pedestrian' segments... Well... On those she'd have to push the ship and see how it handled. Though she doubted she'd have the opportunity to go as far as ISS5. But hopefully, it would handle fine at ISS4, because that would be the most important one...

And despite what she had said, Kaya had every intention on her first run to impress her crew: she was going to push the ship and test things out to see how it reacted since it was an important thing to do, but more than anything, she needed them to know that she wasn't a hack, she needed to build their confidence in her. She wasn't going to take serious risks, but where she could shave half a second, she would.

She didn't want them to see her as one of the fleet's best pilots as she held no illusions that she was...but she wanted them to realize that she had the potential to be there one day. If she survived that long anyway...

Editor-in-Chief

GM, 1134 posts

Mon 10 May 2021
at 21:06

msg #34

Kaya Wilden

In reply to Kaya Wilden (msg # 33):

Rei seems to be surpressing a frown when you mention her blood sugar. But she shrugs.

"Yeah. That sounds fair.

"We'll set up a time right after we get underway for Little Giant then. I'll get my baselines and show you how to handle an insulin injection. Also where it is. Probably wouldn't be a bad idea to make sure you know how to run the Auto Doc just in case I'm down for the count."

Good. Then here is how we will proceed.

Usually, I will assume you pull off whatever maneuver. You're you after all. However, because it would get dull if you did everything flawlessly, at times (especially during dog fights) I'll call for tests.

Here's how I'm proposing we handle the tests. I will set a target number for the maneuver. You will not know what it is. The number will range from 2 to 11. I'll give you a description of the situation and you'll have to guess the number based on that. Usually the higher the Target value, the tougher the maneuver. Usually.

You will roll a d6. You'll then decide on a speed you're going to pull the maneuver at (1 to 5). That obviously gives you the range of 2 to 11.

After you come up with that number, you being you can adjust that final number up or down by 2. That's the Ace advantage.

You are trying to hit the target number exactly. You do that, you pull it off flawlessly.

If you go over or under, you'll still pull it off. But the wider the variance, the less perfect that maneuver is. The only way you'll fail is if you really bomb it or if there's some factor you've overlooked.

You being you, you will have the option of asking clarifying questions before you roll the die. But you only get one posts worth of questions and once you post a die roll, no questions are allowed.

I'd like to test run this system as we go through the test course runs. Just to see if it works for both of us. Like I said, it's mostly just to help inject a little bit of chaos into the actiony sequences.

Let me know if there are questions.

So let's start...

You pull Gryffin up in line with the starting beacon. You're about a click away from the field. It's enough distance to let you get a good head of speed. Of course, running fast into an asteroid field isn't what a lot of people call wise. But what do they know?

Peri toggles her main screen. "I've got confirm from course control. Lock on the first beacon in 5...4...3...2....1...Go!"

"We're boiling," Aarav says as the engines hit 60% and start to climb.

The first beacon is a click inside the field. It's an easy peasy shot. You have to weave around two large rocks and avoid a handful of small ones. But nothing problematic. As you round the last large rock, the beacon comes up on the display.

"Lock on second beacon...It's behind us."

Control is being sneaky. The second beacon is almost back where you entered the field. You'll either have to try to pull of a hard turn here or do a 360 around the large rock the first beacon is orbiting.

To give you a top down visual (and sorry, I suck at maps)


                     R                  RRR
                                      RRRRRR
                                      RRRRRRR
                                       RRRR      b1
                                                      G

                          R              R          R      RRRR
                                                          RRRRRR
                                                           RRRR

                                     R          R   R         R   R

                                           RRRRRRRRRRRR      R
                                          RRRRRRRRRRRRRR
                                          RRRRRRRRRRRRRR
                                            RRRRRRRRRR
                                             RRRRRRRRRR

                               R              R           R   R   R

      R         R        R         R            R       R

                  R           R           R                 R

                          R  b2                R                    R

The R's are asteroids. The grouped ones are the bigger rocks.

G is Gryffin

b1 and b2 are the beacons. You are coming at b1 right now in a north west direction.

If you go around the big rock b1 is orbiting, it's safer, but you'll give up some time on your course run.

A hard turn would require a test.

Let me know if there are questions. Thanks

Kaya Wilden

player, 18 posts

Tue 11 May 2021
at 21:17

msg #35

Kaya Wilden

Sure, I can work with that, we can tweak it as necessary if needed anyway.
When you say "adjust up or down by 2", is it {-2, +2}, or {-2, -1, 0, +1, +2}?

As soon as Peri gave the "go", Kaya got "in the zone" and pushed the engine. Not quite to redlight them - that wasn't the goal yet - but simply because she wasn't the type to take the slow road when she could go fast.

Reaching the first beacon wasn't much of a problem and mostly allowed her to confirm the sensations she had had from the simulator but the location of the second beacon represented a challenge. Thing was, she loved challenges. Maybe she loved nothing more than challenges.

Quickly, she started to go through her options, and she saw two...or three. The first, safest one, would be to just adjust course to go around one of the large rocks. It would be easy, but also quite boring. The second option would be to go for a sharp turn around the beacon itself. It'd be much tighter, harder to pull off, but also much faster.

She saw a third option though: cut the propulsion entirely, pivot the ship on attitude thrusters to do a precise 180°, then punch it. In principle, it was a simple plan, but the execution of it was something else entirely as she'd need to time things out very precisely to cancel the ship's inertia just right to get them in the correct direction.

The two possible issues were that she'd effectively have to stop before going forward again which might be a loss of time. On the other hand, if the engines responded just right, it wouldn't take much more time than a sharp turn and more importantly, it would make the rest of the navigation easier which hopefully would allow her to more than make up for lost time. The biggest problem was to know if the engines and thrusters could handle something like that...which she quickly checked to make sure.

Is the 180° thing even possible? If it's not, Kaya will just go for the hard turn.
At any rate I guess that's where I ask the questions? And that asking "on a scale of 2 to 11, how difficult is it?" is a no-no :D
Not sure what to ask though. Except maybe what would be the most difficult part of the hard turn? Something like getting the ship in the right direction to go for the second beacon or are there small rocks that could be in the way?

Editor-in-Chief

GM, 1140 posts

Tue 11 May 2021
at 21:39

msg #36

Kaya Wilden

In reply to Kaya Wilden (msg # 35):

I may have accidentally edited your last post. Think I corrected it, but let me know if anything changed. Sorry about that.

You can select any number in the -2 to 2 range {-2, -1, 0, 1, 2}

You can swing around that rock in a gentle 180. That would be a standard move and not require any kind of test.

A "hard turn" is the 180 degree option. Flipping the Gryffin around right where you are now. I would think it is possible. Well. In a sci fi universe it would be possible.

You'd be "braking hard" by firing reverse engines, "spinning the ship" by firing a side facing engine at the same time, and then when you're in position, throwing the engines into forward. Basically, the Hollywood stunt driver's version of making a U turn. Except in space at near light speed.

So the hard part of a Hard Turn is flipping the ship around. You have to keep the ship from veering too far as it flips or you might slam into an asteroid nearby. Or the beacon.

Once you've flipped the ship, you're just driving again.

I would say this is a dog fighting style maneuver. So Kaya has probably done something similar in flight school. She knows how to do and has probably done it a few times in a simulator.

Clear as mud?

Kaya Wilden

player, 19 posts

Thu 13 May 2021
at 06:47

msg #37

Kaya Wilden

I think everything's there. And if something's missing I don't know what it was so it's probably alright.

As for the rest, it's clear! So I'm going to assume it'd be a manoeuvrer in the 8-9 range, more likely 8 than 9: complex with possibilities to mess up, but rather straightforward, known & practised, and without any real complications to expect.
So let's roll the die: 2
So assuming it's an 8, I'd go with speed 4, adding the Ace's +2 for a total of 8. If it's a 9, I'd just go with speed 5 but I'm not sure I can do that though: I know the real target number only when all's said and done I assume. Or I know the number before I adjust by +2/-2?

Editor-in-Chief

GM, 1142 posts

Thu 13 May 2021
at 20:06

msg #38

Kaya Wilden

In reply to Kaya Wilden (msg # 37):

What fun would it be knowing the number before you input your adjustment?

I would not recommend going with speed 5. Too fast to control for such a tight maneuver. Remember, unless you realllllllllly bomb one of these tests, you're going to pull off the maneuvr. Just not perfectly.

Since we're using this one as a test, I will tell you: the target number I set on this was a 7. My reasoning was this:

               Kaya has trained on this maneuver.

               Kaya has not pulled off a hard turn maneuver in this ship before.

               You are in an asteroid field, but it is a monitored obstacle course.

               The beacon and one rock are close enough to cause you some issues, but
               neither is large enough to damage the ship terribly much.

Those are the factors I considered for the difficulty. I considered making it a 6 honestly. But decided to bump it up one due to the beacon complicating things.

Since you bring up Speed 5, if you did use it, I would have to adjust the test number on the fly. Probably upwards to a 11 or 12. Speed 5 is that fast. Unless you are trying to flee or are really desperate, I would recommend avoiding speed 5.

Let's just go say you went with the 8.

The Gryffin lurches a bit too hard on the port side as you flip it around. The side thruster that broke your spin has a bit more kick to it than you thought. You can see Peri looks up when you brake, frowning. Looks like the same thought is going through her mind.

Or she thinks you did that badly.

You send the ship forward, weaving around the intervening rocks and see beacon 2 ahead.

Peri studies her screens. "Got a lock on beacon 3. Damn. It's all the way at the other end of the field."

Next situation then.

You are near the outer edge of the field. Beacon 3 is on the far side of the field.

There are two options, at least that I can see. You may come up with another one on your own.

First, the safe bet. You can climb above or below the asteroid field and fly over/under it, then dive down into the field and hit beacon 3. No test required. It will eat up time.

Second, the fun option. Turn and Burn. You head back through the field, ducking and weaving your way around the rocks in the way. This is akin to driving at autobahn speeds in downtown Calcutta. Well maybe not Calcutta, but someplace very congested.

Again, you may ask any questions you like, except what the test number is.

Kaya Wilden

player, 20 posts

Fri 14 May 2021
at 16:16

msg #39

Kaya Wilden

Yeah, noted for the speed 5, I should have had that in mind anyway.
So a 7, hmm. Understood. Well, I'll probably under/over-estimate most of the first manoeuvrers anyway while I build a reference, so it's not too surprising.

When the Gryffin lurched, Kaya frowned slightly. She considered asking Aarav to adjust the settings on the spot, but that would be iffy at best. While she briefly wondered what Peri's own frown meant, she didn't think too much about it: there'd be time to talk about it later if needed.

When the third beacon was revealed, Kaya didn't even consider going over the asteroid field and skipping the hard part: not only she found the idea mildly offensive, but it would utterly defeat the purpose of the exercise.

“Got it,” she answered Peri while she started her run through the rocks.

So for the next one, a few questions:
Are the obstacles (mostly the rocks) visible / known well enough, or is it mostly a case of "evade one rock, see the next one, adjust trajectory to avoid the next one" and so on?
A smiliar question would be "is it possible to plan the route ahead, or is it one rock at a time?"
Are the rocks (mostly) static relative to each others or are they moving?
In simulation runs on similar courses, would it be (usually) done at ISS3 or 4 for a ship of roughly the same performances?

Editor-in-Chief

GM, 1145 posts

Sat 15 May 2021
at 04:55

msg #40

Kaya Wilden

In reply to Kaya Wilden (msg # 39):

This course would be well charted. You would have access to the chart on your comm. And I could even see Kaya having flown this course before. There might be variables if you were running with drones, but since you aren't, you can assume a decent familiarity from the scanners and prior knowledge.

Since you are you, yes you could probably plan a route on the fly. If you stated you were doing that, I would probably adjust the test number downwards.

It is an asteroid field. Small ones may have some movement, but mostly everything is just floating there.

I would say 3 or 4 sounds about right. Probably more towards the 3. I would say 4 is more about dog fighting. But Kaya would be well trained on both speeds.

What else?

Kaya Wilden

player, 21 posts

Sat 15 May 2021
at 14:28

msg #41

Kaya Wilden

Alright, so: 6 + ISS4 - 2 = 8
I'd put the whole thing in the 7 to 9 range. It's more difficult than the "simple" flip-over, but on the other hand Kaya can plan the route to the third beacon and adjust her trajectory accordingly, and there's no real danger, so a 9 would likely be too much. I would hesitate between the 7 and the 8, and might probably lean towards the 7, but I can't get there: I would need to go to ISS3, but then the difficulty would likely be lower too, so that wouldn't solve the problem. So... Well, 8 it is.
I suppose I could say that Kaya is not planning anything to increase the difficulty but it's not how she works so...

As she went around the first couple of rocks, Kaya was already planning the rest of her route to reach the third beacon, hoping that any time she might lose at the beginning would be more than compensated by the time she'd win later on.

Plus, the faster she went, the more impressive it'd look...if she didn't mess up on the way.

Editor-in-Chief

GM, 1151 posts

Mon 17 May 2021
at 03:12

msg #42

Kaya Wilden

In reply to Kaya Wilden (msg # 41):

You nailed this one. It was an 8

The Gryffin slips over and around the various rocks like a well made shirt sliding on to your skin.

You hear Rokzi whistle in an appreciative manner over the comm.

"Beacon 3 tagged. Getting vibes on beacon 4..."</orange>

Beacons 4 to 7 are fairly pedestrian. You've flown similar turns during the early training days back at the academy.

Peri shakes her head as you are about to tag 7. <Brown>"Okay. This is messed up. Beacons 8 and 9 are live. And they're on a timer. We have 2 minutes to clear both."

You glance at the course map Peri feeds you. Beacon 8 is hidden in the middle of a clump of rocks in various sizes. Beacon 9 isn't too far away from where you are now. The trick is going to be sliding into the area beacon 8 is in, tagging it, and slipping back out to get to beacon 9. There's also a small rock not far from beacon 8 which is going to make that turn back towards 9 tricky, to put it mildly.


Another crappy flat map


r         R          RR                  r   r     r    R
                   RRRRRR         r                              R
   r   r            RRRR               b8       R  r       RR          r    r
                                          r   R          RRRRRR
      r   R       r           r       rR         r        RRRRR

r                 r   R  R         RR       r                r
                                RRRRRRRR
                                  RRRRR     R    r      R
                                   RRR

      R      b9

r    r        r        RRR                 b7
                     RRRRRRR
                      RRRRR                              G

Kaya Wilden

player, 22 posts

Mon 17 May 2021
at 18:35

msg #43

Kaya Wilden

Cool :)
Oh and maps are pretty good actually.

While she was aware of the whistle, Kaya didn't react to it much: she was focused on her piloting for the time being, there'd be time later on to appreciate it. For now though, she frowned as she considered the next two beacons, particularly the eighth with its accompanying rock.

After a second, she decided to pivot the ship in such a way that she was going to negotiate the turn not on the ecliptic plane, but perpendicular to it: this was space after all, manoeuvring at 360° was not only possible but quite expected. It wouldn't allow her to dodge the rock entirely, but it should make it easier, particularly if she went near it on the way in, not on the way out to the ninth beacon.

I hope anyway.
So, question: does the switch of plane help? Does it allow Kaya to completely ignore the rock or not so much?
Are there any other difficulties besides the rock?
By default, without taking the plane thing, how does it compare to the one at beacon 1?

Editor-in-Chief

GM, 1156 posts

Tue 18 May 2021
at 19:15

msg #44

Kaya Wilden

In reply to Kaya Wilden (msg # 43):

Beacon 8 is kind of wedged into a little alcove of rocks. Think of it like a catcher's glove and the beacon is inside.

Going in from a different plane does alleviate some of the pressure, yes.

The issue isn't getting inside the little alcove. For Kaya, it would be as difficult as a nasty parallel parking job. The real issue is the turn back to beacon 9. Doing it carefully will eat up a lot of time. You would probably have to cut down to ISS 1 or 2 to hit beacon 8 and then reaccelerate to zip back over to beacon 9.

I would need to know the order and speeds you handle things.

How fast will you approach each beacon?

How slow will you go when you go inside beacon 8's alcove?

I will assume you take the easiest route in entering the alcove.

Any other tricks/questions you want to try/ask?

Thanks

Kaya Wilden

player, 23 posts

Wed 19 May 2021
at 19:26

msg #45

Kaya Wilden

Hmm, that's where it gets a bit confusing: adjusting the speed affects both the TN and my "roll" to the point where I could get some really counter-intuitive results.
Well, the die fucked me anyway: low roll plus low speed = no way to meet the TN...
So I'm going to go with 2 + ISS2 + 2 = 6

Instead of privileging the easy approach to beacon 7, with a hard turn towards beacon 8, Kaya decided to take the opposite direction: she was going to take the "harder" approach to the seventh beacon, but do it slow: she wanted to position herself in the best possible way to be able to have a clear shot to beacon eight without having to slow down past beacon seven.

Editor-in-Chief

GM, 1159 posts

Thu 20 May 2021
at 21:00

msg #46

Kaya Wilden

In reply to Kaya Wilden (msg # 45):

Figuring the speed is part of the equation. I think I will only use this system sparingly. At more 'dramatic' moments as it were.

I do want to try it on at least one combat run. But we'll finish the piloting portion here.

The TN was a 9. But you specified taking it slow, so I actually adjusted down to a 7. You ended up being not too far off.

You take Gryffin down a peg on speed before you enter the little grotto of asteroids and tag beacon 8. You think you hear Peri sigh, but can't be sure.

The straight shot to beacon 9 is smooth as greasy waxed floors.

You head out of the course, returning to the starting line for Peri's run.

The prelim results of your run flash up.

Damage to ship: 1.8%

Your Run Time: 5:58

Average Run Time: 7:05

The analytics aren't ready yet, but you suspect you picked up some time by taking that beacon 7 to 8 run slow.

Peri is jacking into her comm chair. "Very respectable," she tells you.

She starts to run through a rather quick flight check. Very quick.

Aarav sends you the damage report. It's fairly minor. The usual dents and dings on the hull from small rocks. To be expected in an asteroid field.

There was a little bit of stress on the exhaust manifolds. That's not uncommon when you're switching between ISS's on such short notice. Gases build up unexpectedly. Put strain on the system. Damage to exhaust manifolds is the common cold of fighter ships. So you would expect to see some stress showing in a damage report.

The 1.2% here seems a tad high. You would have expected more like .6 or .7%.

Peri thumbs her comm. "Boil!"

Before you know what's going on she's taken off into the course.

They've changed up the beacon sites for her. You see them pop up on your screen, now that you're playing navigator. Beacon 1 and 2 are milk runs. Beacon 3 is a climb straight up the side of one of the larger rocks in the belt. Peri handles that pretty well.

She blasts through beacon 4 and 5. Five is pretty easy. Four was pretty tight on the turn. Proximity alert flashed yellow for the entire time of the turn. She got you too close to the rock.

You see beacon 6 coming up. As you start to confirm for her...

She's coming in too fast. To make the turn to Beacon 7, she'll have to do a hard left at the edge of the rock nearest beacon 6. But she's going in so fast, the hard turn is going to be very tricky. If she doesn't hit it, Gryffin will probably spin sideways into a small rock.

Peri seems to guess you might be worried. "It'll be fine. I got this."

Kaya Wilden

player, 24 posts

Sun 23 May 2021
at 19:57

msg #47

Kaya Wilden

“Not too shabby.” Kaya nodded distractedly as she studied the numbers. Not so much of her own performance - even though she was pleased to be more than a minute below average - but those handed over by Aarav. No damage, or at least no damage other than what was expected, was a good thing of course though she hadn't been too worried about that, but she was frowning at the exhausts stats.

In the end, she nodded, “Alright, we'll go for run two, then we'll pause for a moment while we analyse those numbers. I want to know if it's a piloting issue or something related to the ship itself.”

Though, as she saw how Peri started her run, she was wondering who was the more aggressive of the two... It certainly didn't appear like it would tell her anything about piloting styles impacting or not the exhausts' stress at any rate.

Still, while she wasn't particularly fond of the position, she performed the basic duties of a navigator, merely pointing out the beacons to Peri as she had done to her. She tried not to wince visibly on the fourth beacon, wondering if it had been a voluntary but aggressive move, or if she had tried to make the most of a mistake.

By the time they reached the sixth one, she was strongly leaning for the former however. She was briefly tempted, seriously, to take control back and avoid the accident she was seeing coming, but in the end she decided not to: she had to trust her crew. She needed them to know she trusted them. Still... “If you scratch the paint, you're on painting duty at our next stop.” She commented, trying to appear unconcerned.

Despite that, she had the hands near the controls: if at any point it seemed that there was no way Perri was going to be able to prevent the collision, she was going to take back control and try to make sure the Gryffin wouldn't need anything more important than said paint job.

Editor-in-Chief

GM, 1163 posts

Mon 24 May 2021
at 02:10

msg #48

Kaya Wilden

In reply to Kaya Wilden (msg # 47):

Peri starts to bank...

You watch on the screen, realizing a microsecond before she misses the turn that she's going to miss the turn...

Since you're taking control, another test.

Peri is hitting this at ISS4. She was trying to make what was essentially a 70 degree angle but didn't start counter thrusting in time, nor did she use enough thrust. The Gryffin is going to drift wide and turn, colliding with the rock along it's back end. Visiual would be:

The back end of G-the Gryffin-is swinging to the left.

Solutions I can see might be:

-Gun it. But to do so, you'll have to cut the counter thrusters. This would shoot you forward but you'd be going at a breakneck speed. You'll have to dodge anything that might be in your way until you can get it under control.

-Apply pressure at the other point of the fulcrum. In other words, start thrusters near the top, probably around the second G down. Try to swing your nose to the right. If you gun it hard enough, you should flip around and the tail end would miss the rock. Barely.

In this case, I'm going to say you don't really have time to change speeds. So you're stuck with the ISS4.

There is another option:

-Let it hit. The rock will probably do some hull damage. But it shouldn't be enough to cause decompression.

If you can think up another solution, go for it. Unless you chose letting it hit, make a test or ask a question. Thanks.

Kaya Wilden

player, 25 posts

Mon 24 May 2021
at 20:44

msg #49

Kaya Wilden

Alright, well, Kaya will try to go for the second option (the idea being that barrelling through the range full speed might be even more dangerous and I don't believe in escaping one bad situation by creating an even worse for the future to deal with...), with the caveat that she'd rather scratch the paint rather than take too many risks.

As for the roll: 3 + ISS 4 + 2 = 9

That was the difficulty I was estimating, so hopefully I'm not too far off.

Editor-in-Chief

GM, 1167 posts

Mon 24 May 2021
at 20:56

msg #50

Kaya Wilden

In reply to Kaya Wilden (msg # 49):

It was a 7. Normally, I would call it a 4, but the split second decision and emergency situation did ramp it up. I did say 'swing your nose to the right' when I meant 'to the left'. But same idea.

You hit the starboard thruster hard. Gryffin groans in a way it shouldn't, but the ship moves. There is a brief thud. A distant sound like someone slammed a door hard at some other end of the ship. The proximity alert blares only for a moment. Then the ship is clear.

"Minor impact...it dinged us. Nothing a little buffing won't fix," Aarav chimes in.

Peri swivels around in her chair. "I had that!" She shuts her mouth and spins back around, and starts going for the next beacon.

She takes the rest of the course in an easy fashion. Gunning it early on had gotten her some time. But beacon 6 and the safety-first rest of the run cost her. She clocks in at 6:58.

Kaya Wilden

player, 26 posts

Tue 25 May 2021
at 20:44

msg #51

Kaya Wilden

Damn, I really tend to overestimate the difficulty of things... And to make matters worse, I had that 7, snif.
My poor ship :'(

Kaya answered Aarav's report with a grumble, then harshly said “Focus!” to Perri when she turned in her direction. For the time being though, she didn't say anything else, and let her copilot finish her run, pointing the beacons in order...while trying to think of how she was going to handle that.

As it turned out, Perri was competent, but she wasn't aggressive: she was reckless. Which, she supposed, could explain some of the bad blood between her and Aarav: if there was someone who liked a ship being damaged even less than her captain, it would be its engineers. And if Peri had an history of this...

When Perri finished her run, Kaya stood from her chair and went to pick a drink, giving time both to Peri to unwind, and to Aarav to compile the data he needed. When she came back on the bridge a couple of minutes later, she looked Peri straight, “First, you'll do well to remember that this is my ship. Even if you had it, you do not complain if I take command.” She paused there, wanting to make sure the point landed strongly suspecting that she'd have to draw a line in the sand as far as Peri was concerned. “And among other things, it means that until and unless proven otherwise, I'm a better pilot than you are. Which in turn means that...”

“Second, no, you didn't 'have it'. You were missing the turn. Had I waited even a fraction of second more, we'd have impacted that rock. More than we actually did anyway. And if you're not convinced, play this through on the simulator, starting from the moment I took command. Even knowing what you know, four times out of five you're going to crash if you follow through with your first intention.”

The young lieutenant squinted, “In fact, you'll run those simulations when we're en route to Little Giant. If you do better than that, I'll admit I may have misjudged it.” Even if she was Peri's CO, she had to offer an olive branch after all. Plus, they both knew that it would be vastly easier on the simulator now but she was banking on Peri admitting to herself at least that considering how difficult it was even then, it very likely would have gone much worse had Kaya not taken controls back.

And she was pretty sure she wasn't going to hear anything about it any more: Peri might be reckless at the controls in some circumstances, but she still had to be not only good but a decent officer overall. Once she cooled down anyway. The question would be to know if she managed to do better but wouldn't say anything, or if she'd crash and burn and apologize. Kaya would have to check on those simulations: if nothing else, it would tell her more about her copilot not just as a pilot but as an officer.

“Alright Aarav, talk to me.” She finally instructed her engineer.

Editor-in-Chief

GM, 1172 posts

Tue 25 May 2021
at 22:08

msg #52

Kaya Wilden

In reply to Kaya Wilden (msg # 51):

Peri listens to you with a tight lipped face. But she takes a deep breath when you're done and nods. "Understood. And yeah. I know. I got stupid. I'll do the sims."

She sounds somewhat sincere. Maybe. You can't quite tell.

Aarav sends you a diagnostic. The damage isn't extensive. "We're doing a combat run, right?" he asks over the intercom. "Why not let Peri and Rokzi prep for that and, if you don't mind, come down here to the engine room. Might be easier to show you than try to explain."

Peri waits until you hang up the intercom and glances at you. "That's his way of saying he wants to talk to you alone. I'll prep us for the next run."

She hails Rokzi and starts to run through the flight check.

Aarav is studying a vid screen. He doesn't say anything as you walk up, just points at the screen.

The screen seems to show the interior of some part of the engine. A tank of some kind. It seems to be filled with a translucent gas. The pressure inside the tank seems to suddenly contract and the gas shoots out when a valve opens at the rear of the tank.

"Computer. Freeze. Rewind 10. And..." He glances at you, pointing to an area of the screen> "Watch. Computer, resume play."

As you watch, when the pressure changes and the gas expels, part of the wall seems to bulge outwards. It's just for a moment. But it definitely does.

"That's not the exhaust manifold. Well it is. But it's for that side thruster you ramped up to avoid that rock. Not the main engine"

He sighs. "And..no. It's not supposed to do that.

"I didn't wanna say anything. Especially over the intercom. But...I had thought this when I did my inspection yesterday. Now I'm much more certain. The thrusters aren't the original engines. The main engine is. It's hard to yank out the main power core and replace it without making it obvious. But the thrusters caan be taken off and new ones welded on. And I think...about 90% sure...someone did that on the Gryffin.

"Problem is...well. Anything related to an engine is tough to replace. They're very finicky. It has to be calibrated perfectly when the new part is plugged in. The thrusters on us were calibrated...just not perfectly.

"I checked the registration on this ship. It was built two years ago. It wasn't commissioned. It was serving as troop transport in neutral zones. It didn't see any action and all it's repair logs are clean outside of the usual maintenance and some dings here and there.

"I didn't see any reason why someone would replace the thrusters. More to the point, I didn't see any evidence anyone did replace the thrusters. It's not on any of the repair logs."

He shrugs. "Not my place to wonder why all that is. Tag. You're it.

"Anyway. What this means for you and Peri driving. Whenever you guys need to use the side thrusters. Until I can figure out a patch, don't gun it hard for longer than a few seconds. You're fine using 'em. Just try to avoid slamming on 'em for long periods of time. If that manifold blows, we'll lose the thruster completely." He scratches his jaw and shrugs. "But I think it'll hold for a while. The fact it bent back into shape means the plastimetal in the walls is still malleable. We're still flyable. Just nurse the side thrusters when you can. And when you can't, don't lean on them any longer than you need to."

Questions?

Kaya Wilden

player, 27 posts

Thu 27 May 2021
at 20:22

msg #53

Kaya Wilden

Kaya nodded with a slight approving smile when Peri admitted she'd been stupid. She sure hoped she was sincere and wanted to make her copilot aware that she wasn't a bitch, but even if she actully weren't sincere… Well, it didn't matter all that much. When Aarav mentioned talking to her privately, she glanced at Peri then shrugged, “Well, I better go see what it is then.”

The young lieutenant listened attentively to what her engineer had to say, watching the recording - and wincing when the wall bulged outward - before finally rubbing her lips pensively. “If we ignore the problems you've noted,” she started to ask, “which I really hope you'll manage to fix…” She paused for a second there, an eyebrow cocked, obviously hoping for his confirmation, “what would those new thrusters change for the ship? I assume they'd be supposed to perform exactly as the normal ones would? Could the switch have been intended to change our signature?”

After a couple of seconds, she frowned, “Finally, could that defect have been added intentionally or is it something that was only noticed today because we went through more…extreme…maneuvers than would have been tested?”

Editor-in-Chief

GM, 1176 posts

Fri 28 May 2021
at 00:55

msg #54

Kaya Wilden

In reply to Kaya Wilden (msg # 53):

Aarav frowns and scratches the back of his neck. "So..."

He lets that hang in the air a moment and then pushes forward.

"Fixing it is going to be a thing. The best fix is to patch on new thrusters. But that's a good chunk of change. And I haven't seen anything about an upgrade budget yet. So I'm guessing that means they didn't give you one."

They didn't.

"Which would bring us to second best solution which is recalibrating those thrusters. That would dry dock us a couple of weeks.

"I'd also have to repatch part of those manifold walls. Not as expensive as new thrusters obviously. But still not in the usual maintenance budget.

"For now...I can play around with the fuel mix. Try to find a good range of inert gases to help take some of the pressure off. You'd lose maybe a tenth of a click of speed, but it would still keep us within the defined ISS speed levels.

"Ignoring it is an option. If this were a normal cargo ship, I wouldn't sweat it too much. But us being us...the big concern is loss of side to side movement. Going forwards and backwards isn't an issue. It would be turning port or starboard that would be an issue. Once that wall blows," he taps the vide screen. "That thruster has given up the ghost. It has to be replaced then. The more stress we put on that wall, the sooner that will happen.

"As to it being added intentionally...you'd have to tell me. They didn't tell me about it. And they deleted it from the inspection and repair history. But they didn't really try to hide it either. When I fired them up for a test the other day, I noticed the thrusters resonance image didn't match the main engines, which is what made me wonder. If they wanted to hide it, all they had to do was a better job of recalibrating the thrusters. I probably wouldn't have known until it was too late."

Kaya Wilden

player, 28 posts

Fri 28 May 2021
at 15:44

msg #55

Kaya Wilden

“Dealing with it is not that difficult, we'll prefer roll plus pitch over yaw.” Kaya didn't seem all that concerned: it would mostly use the main thrusters for that, but they were more powerful than the side ones so it was usually more efficient anyway. “Still, once we're done here try to find the best mix of gases to alleviate the problem, more options are always good.”

Her eyes on the monitor, but not really seeing it, she stayed pensive for a moment, “So basically, it was done in such a way that we wouldn't notice it before taking possession of the ship, but would hardly miss it later on, right? Which means,” she shook her head, pinched the bridge of her nose, and sighed, “Which means this is likely all a test.”

She squinted, “Alright, send me the plans you have and what you'd need for each one both in terms of budget, facilities, personal and so on, as well as risks, drawbacks and such. I'll think about it, thanks.” If this was a test, then it meant that she could find ways to deal with this, not just ignore it. Well, ignore it would be a way to do it but… No, she was betting it was a way to tell her to be creative, work out solutions on her own and judge how she'd done it. To what end exactly she didn't know, but… they were going to be dealing with smugglers, right? Well… They wouldn't complain if they made a donation for Fleet's benefit, right?

Back on the bridge, she said to Perri, “Alright, there's a small defect on the lateral thrusters. Nothing too serious, but we should avoid to use it for heavy maneuvering: better use roll & pitch over yaw.” She paused for a second, wondering what kind of other tests were waiting for her. Peri seemed one. Would every members of her crew be one, on top of the ship and the mission?

Shaking her head, she focused on the problem at hand. “Everything set for our third run?”

Editor-in-Chief

GM, 1182 posts

Mon 31 May 2021
at 00:43

msg #56

Kaya Wilden

In reply to Kaya Wilden (msg # 55):

Rokzi buzzes you back. "Ready to jam."

Peri nods. "Control is signalling we can proceed when we are ready. They will start drone release after we enter the field. Two waves." She studies her screen, then glances at you.

"They want to confirm that this run should be unarmed drones, right? You wanted to save the armed drones for the next run?"

Rei signals you. "Should I remain in quarters for the combat runs?"

Aarav signals you. "Ready to boil."

Kaya Wilden

player, 29 posts

Mon 31 May 2021
at 20:26

msg #57

Kaya Wilden

“Alright.” Kaya nodded to acknowledge Rokzi's answer as she sat in her chair and transferred command of the ship back to herself. “That's confirmed yes. Let's try to calibrate everything before we try to chew too much at once.”

When she heard Rei's message, the young lieutenant actually turned in her direction, obviously taking a moment to think about it, “Right now it doesn't matter much, if you want to watch and see how we do it, be my guest. It might come in handy down the road anyway for you to know how it works.” She frowned for a second, “We'll have to make sure you know the whole procedure in case we do go in combat and what to do in those situations though.”

She turned back towards the front, “Alright, let them know we're ready and set the countdown.” She signaled Peri, focusing on her commands.

This time however, she was less focused on time and instead was going to focus more on giving the best shots she could to Rokzi while evading as much enemy fire as she could of course. Or avoid giving the drones good positions from which they could easily fire on them since they wouldn't fire at all this time anyway.

Editor-in-Chief

GM, 1184 posts

Mon 31 May 2021
at 23:06

msg #58

Kaya Wilden

In reply to Kaya Wilden (msg # 57):

The run starts pretty clean. Then again, they aren't firing at you.

Gryffin handles better. It would be nice if you could lean on those side thrusters a bit more, but it's not too large a handicap. How Peri's AI will adapt is an unknown. Until they recognize a compenent as damaged, they tend to have trouble adjusting to not using it. Peri will have to make up that difference herself.

Rokzi is a pleasant surprise in the turret. He's obviously too used to running with an AI pilot. The ship moves in predictable ways with an AI, at least for a gunner. But Gryffin moves as a much different animal with you at the helm.

His accuracy is decent to start with. It improves as the course continues to run and he gets used to you. You'll have to wait for the final analytics, but you're guessing he's running at about a class 4 turret grade. Sixty to seventy percent of his shots are connecting. While he gets a couple of single shot kills, he's taking two to three shots to kill on most of them. Even with drones that is well above the norm.

Peri proves to be a decent nav and birddog. Maybe she's trying to make up for her earlier actions, but she's pretty focused and on point right now.

There's only two drones left when her head snaps up. "Hold on. Drone 8 is-"

Before she can tell you, you see it. Drone 8 has turned and starts opening fire. Drone 9 peels off.

"I thought this was a non-combat run."

"That's what we ordered! Nine is trying to swing wide and come up behind us. Weapons systems on the drone are activating."

Gryffin shakes slightly.

"Sonuvabitch! We're taking some hull damage."

"Control is signaling. They have lost connection to the drones! They ain't flying them!"

Another test it seems.

How about them apples?

You have two drones who have live weapon systems. Here's a map


    r       RR                r               r
          RRRRR        r                                      r    r
          RRRRR                       r
            RR                R

r                  D8

                                G       r     RRR
                                            RRRRRRR
                                            RRRRRRR      D9
r            r                                RRRR

Drone 8 had turned as is coming at you. You are currently heading towards 8.

Drone 9 has swung around that large rock, probably trying to come up behind you.

I am assuming you are at dogfighting speed, ISS3.

How do you want to handle? If you are going to keep going at Drone 8, I will need you to make a test just to establish how much you leave yourself open to Drone 9 coming up behind you.

If you want to change course, you pass that automatically. But if you want to give Rokzi the best field of fire, I will need a test.

If you want to do something else, you can of course do so. Make a test if you feel the need. You can call for tests at any time.

Questions?

Kaya Wilden

player, 30 posts

Tue 1 Jun 2021
at 19:32

msg #59

Kaya Wilden

Alright so, the idea is not so much to change course, but to manoeuvrer to not be in the same position. Basically, it's a sort of roll, getting "altitude" while doing so. It would point in the same direction but not in the same position (so weapons would miss, sort of like rolling around the line of fire) all along, which would allow the gunner to keep the target in his sights easily.
The manoeuvrer in itself is not that hard I think, the harder part being to do it fast enough that the drones would miss, while keeping the ship stable to give Aarav the best shot at the target, and there are no rocks in the vicinity to make that harder, right?

I don't think there are too many interesting questions to ask, so I'm just going to roll. I'm going to assume it's a 5 or 6, and since I often overestimate the difficulty I'll go with a 5: 3 + 3 - 1 = 5. Though of course this time it'll be a 6?

Despite the chatter around her, Kaya stayed focus on her piloting. Not that she wasn't cursing a few superior officers in the privacy of her own mind, but that was something else. Plus, it wasn't like complaining was going to achieve anything.

Instead, without missing a beat, she started rolling around the probable firing targets of the drones hoping she would both avoid their fire by taking both by surprise with her unexpected fast manoeuvrer while allowing Aarav to keep the eighth drone in his own line of fire.

Editor-in-Chief

GM, 1188 posts

Tue 1 Jun 2021
at 22:01

msg #60

Kaya Wilden

In reply to Kaya Wilden (msg # 59):

No, I think you nailed it this time. I would call that move a 5 in this situation.

You spin the ship. Rokzi obliterates 8 and 9 in quick order.

Peri looks at you. "Control is saying the drones had some kind of malfunction. They want to postpone the next combat run so they can check the drones they had slotted.

"They wanna know if we can come back tomorrow."

Kaya Wilden

player, 31 posts

Thu 3 Jun 2021
at 14:27

msg #61

Kaya Wilden

Kaya snorted, still intently focused on her piloting distractingly answering “If you believe this was an accident, I've got some very nice things to sell you.” All more imaginary than the others of course.

“And no, we can't come back tomorrow. Places to be, people to see and all that.” Kaya shook her head. “Let's finish this. And we'll go through the next run as planned when we have Aarav's green light, and deal with the drones as if they were armed and dangerous. For real, not just for show, because they very well might be able to draw blood.”

Editor-in-Chief

GM, 1192 posts

Thu 3 Jun 2021
at 19:15

msg #62

Kaya Wilden

In reply to Kaya Wilden (msg # 61):

There's a moment of silence. Then Rockzi chimes in.

"So...what you're saying is I can go all out. Right?"

Peri relays your response to Command. After a few minutes she looks back at you. "The advise against it. But they're prepping the drones. They want five minutes."

Aarav announces he's ready to boil.

It takes ten minutes, but the run starts.

Command tells you they are releasing the drones in three waves of five after you enter the field.

The run starts.

This run, I am giving you a map showing starting positions. You tell me if you want to go after the drones and in what order, wait for them to come to you, or what have you.


R      r             r                        D1                   D2       RR
            r              RR          r                                  RRRRRR
                                                                            RR

r   r        r    r             RR
           r                  RRRRR                                             D3
                               RRR

RR           r                               Gryf       r            RR
RRR   r            r                                        r      RRRRR
RR                           r                                     RRRRR          r
        D4                                                           RR     r

                r               RRR              r                     r
  r                           RRRRRR                        r
                               RRRR

                  D5

Just need to know your basic strategy here. YOu don't need to get too detailed unless you want to.

Thanks.

Kaya Wilden

player, 32 posts

Fri 4 Jun 2021
at 11:03

msg #63

Kaya Wilden

“I'd be disappointed if you didn't.” Kaya answered Rokzi, then “I'm sure they do.” to Peri. But Kaya didn't believe in coincidences: this had to be another test, and she simply couldn't refuse to participate. Or, well, she could, but it would tell exactly the wrong things about her.

When the run started, Kaya quickly studied the field then gunned it. “Alright, keep an eye on the drones and warn me if they do something unexpected. Or if the next wave starts early.”

Alright, so strategy. Assuming the plan is seen from above, D3 is 'east', D1 is north, etc.
Kaya will try to avoid to have to face more than two drones at once. She'll gun it to the big rock east, then go around it from east of the rock to south but instead of continuing east she'll go below to directly exit north. She plans to avoid D3 that way and find D2 close by and D1 not too far away easier, in good positions for Rokzi to take them down.
She'll then swing around the rock north west of the ship's starting position and do more or less the same with D4 and D5, then deal with the lone D3, possibly when before that when it gets close with the same flip front/back she did on the first run but this time not to go to a different beacon but to allow Rokzi to shoot the drone.
She'll try to finish the first wave near a big rock, which offers more tactical opportunities and not in the middle.

Editor-in-Chief

GM, 1200 posts

Sun 6 Jun 2021
at 21:21

msg #64

Kaya Wilden

In reply to Kaya Wilden (msg # 63):

So as I am understanding it (the - and / are flight path)


R      r             r                        D1                   D2       RR
            r              RR          r                                  RRRRRR
                                                                            RR

r   r        r    r            RR
           r                  RRRRR           //////////////////////////////// D3
                               RRR
                                                                          -
RR           r                               Gryf -     r            RR   -
RRR   r            r                               -        r      RRRRR  -
RR                           r                       -              RRRRR -        r
        D4                                            - ----------   RR   - r
                                                                   -------
                r               RRR              r                     r
  r                           RRRRRR                        r
                               RRRR

                  D5

Understanding that the other drones are moving towards you location.

Sound strategy. Make a test for me. You'll succeed (unless you really bomb it). But I just need to figure out how much of an advantage you give Rokzi.

Let's say for the rest of the combat, you give me a test after I post the last test results until all the drones are dispatched. You can change the strategy at any time, but if you don't say anything, I will assume you keep on the same path/strategy.

Thanks

Kaya Wilden

player, 33 posts

Mon 7 Jun 2021
at 16:42

msg #65

Kaya Wilden

Almost (I'll try to draw what I'm thinking about directly next time, should be clearer than trying to explain):

R      r             r                        D1                   D2       RR
            r              RR          r                                  RRRRRR
                                                                            RR

r   r        r    r            RR
           r                  RRRRR           /////////////////////////        D3
                               RRR                                    |
                                                                      |
RR           r                               Gryf -     r            R|
RRR   r            r                               -        r      RRR|R
RR                           r                       -              RR|RR          r
        D4                                            - ----------   R|     r
                                                                   ---|
                r               RRR              r                     r
  r                           RRRRRR                        r
                               RRRR

                  D5

With the | being 'under' the rock (or 'above', same thing). The idea being to give the drones the impression that she was going to go the route you put, but instead takes them by surprise by taking that one, which would among other things, leave D3 behind her and trying to catch up all along (and when it gets close, she flips for Rokzi to shoot it with the main gun).
And indeed, of course assuming the drones move to the ship's position…or at least where they think the Gryffin is if none of them see it (I'm assuming they communicate with each other).

So I'm going to assume that the first roll is for the turn above / under the big rock to avoid D3 and get Rokzi a good shot at D1 & D2. There a heavy maneuver involved there, it's not overly complex but the timing is important since Kaya can't start too early nor can she finish too late since it'd render the whole point moot.

I'm going to call it a 7. Roll: 4 + ISS3 (dogfighting) + 0 = 7

Editor-in-Chief

GM, 1201 posts

Mon 7 Jun 2021
at 18:47

msg #66

Kaya Wilden

In reply to Kaya Wilden (msg # 65):

Gotcha. Thanks. That helps.

You climb up the asteroid and flip around, coming on drone 3's backwash. Drones 1 and 2 have passed by already, almost meeting up with 4 and 5.

Rokzi cracks down on 3. It takes him a couple of shots, but that seems to mostly be because you were overturned to one side. A quick correction lines him upcorrectly.

Drones 4 and 5 hurtle towards you.

Peri shakes her head. "Not sure what 1 and 2 are up to. They went straight. They aren't swinging around."

Updated map


R      r             r                                                     RR
            r              RR          r                                  RRRRRR
                                                                            RR

r   r        r    r             RR
           r                  RRRRR        Gryg
                               RRR

RR           r                                          r            RR
RRR   r            r       D4                                r      RRRRR
RR                           r                                     RRRRR          r
                                                D5                   RR     r

                r               RRR              r                     r
  r                           RRRRRR                        r
            D1   D2            RRRR

Kaya Wilden

player, 34 posts

Wed 9 Jun 2021
at 14:16

msg #67

Kaya Wilden

“Either they slipped their leash, or they're going to hide in the field to ambush us when we go after them. Don't lose them.”

While she said that, Kaya went around the nearby big rock in order to pursue the two fleeing drones. Soon after she left the rock behind though, she killed thrust to coast on her inertia while she turned the ship around - carefully avoiding the side thrusters - to point its nose towards the pursuing drones and allow Rokzi to shoot them both. Or at least Drone 5 since Drone 4 might be busy doing its own turn around the rock.

She wasn't going to wait for, confident that she could evade - and shoot - a lone drone running after her, and more worried about the other two drones.

I've added the path I'm expecting the drones to go for.

R      r             r                                                     RR
            r              RR          r                                  RRRRRR
                                                                            RR
                               -----
r   r        r    r           / RR  ---
           r                 |RRRRR    ----Gryg
                             / RRR       \
                            /    -/       ---
RR           r             X   -/            \          r            RR
RRR   r            r       D4-/               --             r      RRRRR
RR                           r                  \                  RRRRR          r
                                                D5                   RR     r

r RRR r r
r RRRRRR r
D1 D2 RRRR

Roll: 4 + ISS3 - 1 = 6

Editor-in-Chief

GM, 1205 posts

Thu 10 Jun 2021
at 04:52

msg #68

Kaya Wilden

In reply to Kaya Wilden (msg # 67):

Rokzi comes on the com. "Keep the turret side up! Got a sweet shot comin'."

As you round the big rock, Rokzi is able to swivel the turret and make a rather 'sweet shot' indeed, blowing 4 apart as it tries to duck around the rock.

5 is flying more or less as you calculated. Rokzi picks it off quickly.

Peri shakes her head. "Got a bead on 1. But 2's off the grid. Not sure what happened. Scanning..."

I've added the path I'm expecting the drones to go for.

R      r             r                                                     RR
            r              RR          r                                  RRRRRR
                                                                            RR

r   r        r    r                        RR
           r                             RRRRR
                                          RRR
                                 Gryf
    D1
RR           r                       r
RRR   r            r                    r                           RR
RR                                                                 RRRRR
                           r                                      RRRRR          r
                                                                    RR     r

                r               RRR              r                     r
  r                           RRRRRR                        r
            D1   D2            RRRR

Kaya Wilden

player, 35 posts

Thu 10 Jun 2021
at 20:20

msg #69

Kaya Wilden

“I guess drone 1 is the bait and drone 2 the hunter.” For a second, Kaya considered her options. “Alright, buckle your seatbelts.” As soon as she said that, Kaya pushed the ship to ISS4 expecting to make the drones jobs more difficult.

She didn't go straight after the first drone though, instead she went up diagonally: she wanted to keep it in sight, get closer, but also change her perspective and maybe surprise both drones. It might allow Peri to spot Drone 2, but she was betting that if drone 1 was indeed bait, it would have to either give up that plan, or keep a now non-optimal trajectory which may allow her to run it down while giving Peri a better idea of where drone 2 was.

In both cases, it would be an advantage for her. Unless something unexpected happened of course.

So, when Kaya was dodging around the rocks in the first run at ISS4, the difficulty was 8. Considering the added difficulty of having to chase drone 1 while making sure she doesn't open herself for a shot from drone 2, I'll suppose this is a difficulty 9 segment.
5 + ISS4 + 0 = 9

Editor-in-Chief

GM, 1210 posts

Fri 11 Jun 2021
at 01:51

msg #70

Kaya Wilden

In reply to Kaya Wilden (msg # 69):

Close. It was a 10. Because you called it right. It's a bait and hunter

You move quickly but cautiously, which turns out to be the good call. D2 was hiding from sensors by tucking itself into a nook on one of the larger rocks. It peels off and comes screaming at you once you pass it.

But you prepped and Rokzi is a decent shot. You pick off 2 and then 1 in quick order.

Peri turns back at you. "That drone...drone 2...doing that. That's pretty high level programming. Especially for a disposable drone. Are we sure someone wasn't guiding it?"

Kaya Wilden

player, 36 posts

Fri 11 Jun 2021
at 16:21

msg #71

Kaya Wilden

“Good.” Kaya commented when Rokzi smoked Drone #1.

“I wouldn't be surprised if that were the case.” she answered Peri's question. “We're being tested after all.” She supposed some people wanted to know, or confirm, what an Ace could do, among other things…and she really didn't want to look bad.

“Where's the second wave?” After a second, she added, “Take into account that we might have more than five drones in this wave.” In fact, she wouldn't be all that surprised if the ten drones were to be released at once, or at least the third wave released early while they were busy facing the second one.

Editor-in-Chief

GM, 1214 posts

Sat 12 Jun 2021
at 03:29

msg #72

Kaya Wilden

In reply to Kaya Wilden (msg # 71):

I think we both have the mechanic down. Before we proceed, any thoughts/comments on it? I can ditch it if it's too cumbersome. Just wanted to give you something besides the usual text since this game has a combat type element.

Thanks

Kaya Wilden

player, 37 posts

Sun 13 Jun 2021
at 20:24

msg #73

Kaya Wilden

It's cool. I was a bit concerned at the beginning but it works so all's well. Though while I wouldn't call it 'too cumbersome' it certainly slows things down quite a bit (at least when I need to ask some questions to clarify). As long as we only use it for special occasions though it should be alright.

But other than that, I'm satisfied :)

Editor-in-Chief

GM, 1219 posts

Mon 14 Jun 2021
at 01:41

msg #74

Kaya Wilden

In reply to Kaya Wilden (msg # 73):

Yeah, I was only thinking about using it for important scenes. Most of the time, we'll narrate it out.

Great. Thanks. Let's move along

You finish off the last wave. By the end, if there was any question someone was controlling the drones, it's been answered. The last wave moved in very sophisticated patterns. Either it was a very advanced AI...and who would waste one of those on a drone that's going to get blown up?..or it was a pilot.

What seems odd is that, particularly at the end, the drones didn't move like an AI pilot. The movements were sometimes, but only sometimes, too fluid. Not enough for you to think an Ace was behind it. As far as you know, you're the only one. But it definitely felt...more organic?

Peri looks back at you. "Analysis report in."

You open it on your comm screen.

Overall, you're in the upper 70th percentile. Peri's tantrum cost you some points. But she performed by the book during her combat run. So points got made up there.

There are some comments on your runs. A little erratic, especially in your targeting turns. Gunner was not given enough of a lead in.

There's one comment at the bottom.

Satisfactory. Could be improved

Kaya Wilden

player, 38 posts

Wed 16 Jun 2021
at 10:51

msg #75

Kaya Wilden

Kaya considered the evaluation for a time, squinting, obviously not particularly happy and deliberately not looking at anyone else around her. Namely Peri. After a few seconds, she growled, “'Erratic'. Sure, I'll send a memo to both gunner and target when I'm turning to make sure they're prepared. Idiots.” Oh sure, it was harder on Rokzi. On the other hand, it also meant that the target didn't know what was she was going to do, which she was pretty sure was a good thing.

Rokzi might have troubles keeping up at the moment of course, but she believed he'd get used to it which would improve his performances quite a bit. That meant they'd have to go through quite a few simulation runs, but she'd survive. Maybe she should ask Aarav to build a model based on the previous runs though, it would allow Rokzi to practice by himself at least to begin with.

When she reached the last line, she snorted but didn't comment on it. She did however grumble under her breath and if looks could kill, her screen would have been reduced to molten slag.

Shaking her head, the young captain opened a com channel to the range's control. “Thanks for the runs Control, Gryffin's leaving the range. See you around.” She took the ship on a slow course away from the asteroid field, then glanced at Peri, “Alright, time to get going. Plot us a course for Little Giant and get us on the way please.”

Opening an internal com', she added, “We're done for today, we'll debrief in an hour. Is that enough time for you Aarav?” After all he'd need to compile some data. And an hour would allow her to get that check-up done and out of the way.

Editor-in-Chief

GM, 1222 posts

Fri 18 Jun 2021
at 04:11

msg #76

Kaya Wilden

In reply to Kaya Wilden (msg # 75):

Forty two minutes later, Aarav sends you a report. It's mostly what you already knew. The side thruster issue. The overall issue with the engine.

Can work with what we have he adds at the end. but we need to consider what to do about the side thrusters. Particularly if we're going to be in real combat

An hour later, the crew gathers on the bridge. They all look at you, waiting for the captain to start.

Kaya Wilden

player, 39 posts

Fri 18 Jun 2021
at 19:10

msg #77

Kaya Wilden

“Alright. Before we delve into the details of the runs, a few overall comments: while the mission is probably genuine, we are being tested beyond what could be expected. As some of you have noticed, the drones in the last two runs haven't exactly behaved as they'd have had they been controlled by a standard AI for example.” She looked at Aarav, “In fact, when you have the opportunity, try to see if there's a correlation between their behaviour and data from my own simulations. I'll give you access to the required files for that.”

“Another such test likely concerns our side thrusters.” She signals to Aarav to explain the problem. “In most circumstances, I'd say we're ignoring the problem and just don't use the side thrusters until we get the ship back to a yard. With things as they are however, I fully expect that we're supposed to be doing something about it. Or at least, that we are going to be judged on how we deal or ignore the problem. Or at least, I'm going to be.”

She paused to let everyone consider the question, then continued “Given where we're going to be operating, and what we're likely going to have to pretend to be, I would wager that we're sort of expected to replace, or at least fix, the thrusters by ourselves. So keep you eyes open for opportunities regarding that, share ideas if you have any and don't hesitate to mention anything that you think unusual and might be a test. Because while I know for sure I'm being tested,” and probably simply by the composition of the crew, “you can be pretty sure you are too.”

She fielded whatever questions there were on the topic before they went over the results of the tests themselves.

Editor-in-Chief

GM, 1226 posts

Sat 19 Jun 2021
at 00:40

msg #78

Kaya Wilden

In reply to Kaya Wilden (msg # 77):

Aarav runs everyone through the side thrusters.

When you take questions, there's only one taker. Peri cocks her head. "So...what exactly makes you so special that you get tested? Not trying to be rude Captain. Especially since I fucked up so bad. But...is there something we should know about? You're obviously not an ordinary pilot."

Kaya Wilden

player, 40 posts

Mon 21 Jun 2021
at 17:29

msg #79

Kaya Wilden

Kaya watched Peri for a moment without saying anything as she considered how to answer that question. As her copilot had said, it was obvious to everyone that she wasn't an 'ordinary' pilot. While she might not now what it meant, it wouldn't be the case of everyone. Plus, half her crew already knew. There was also another thing to take into account: if she told them, they would know not to ask questions…

“I'm not. And the answer is classified. So before I answer, I need you to state - aloud, for the record - that you understand it is and are aware of the penalties for talking about that, yada, yada.” She waited for Aarav and Peri to say they did, then continued. “I'm what's called an 'Ace'. I do not need to use an AI to pilot, it's 100% me. In fact, an AI would just mess things up. If you want more details on why and how and other assorted questions, Ms. Yamahato will be the one most able to answer.”

“What it means is that my flying profile is unconventional, as everyone has found out from the little exercises we've just been through.”

Editor-in-Chief

GM, 1233 posts

Mon 21 Jun 2021
at 22:40

msg #80

Kaya Wilden

In reply to Kaya Wilden (msg # 79):

Aarav and especially Peri look at you like maybe you started speaking from a mouth you were hiding in the back of your head.

"An ace? Wasn't that like...from my grandma's days?"

Aarav chuckles. "If so, the captain wears her age well." He looks at you. "I need to figure out what this means for the ship. But it's just one less AI I'll have to debug."

Peri frowns, but it seems more of a thoughful one than a scowl. "So are the big wigs thinkin' about restarting the Ace program? And you're the guinea pig? Or I guess we're the guinea pigs?"

Kaya Wilden

player, 41 posts

Tue 22 Jun 2021
at 18:27

msg #81

Kaya Wilden

“I guess no one really knows what it means to the ship.” Kaya shrugged, “Whatever data there is is likely way out of date nowadays.” Which probably explained how they got that time at the range despite asking very late.

“I can't say what they're thinking. As far as I know I'm the only one, but there are more than one possible explanation.” She shrugged, “But yes, that makes me, and you, guinea pigs. Among other things.” She smiled wryly, “You'll get used to it.”

“As for why they're restarting it, your guess is as good as mine.” Not that she had that many of them... And few she liked.

Editor-in-Chief

GM, 1236 posts

Wed 23 Jun 2021
at 03:23

msg #82

Kaya Wilden

In reply to Kaya Wilden (msg # 81):

Rokzi and Rei are both quiet. It seems your Q&A has come to a close.

Anything you want to do before we start out on your five year mission to bravely go where someone something something?

Kaya Wilden

player, 42 posts

Thu 24 Jun 2021
at 15:01

msg #83

Kaya Wilden

Kaya waited a few seconds to make sure that there were no more questions, then nodded. “Alright. Aarav, work on that report regarding the side thrusters for possible solutions, associated costs, requirements, etc. Before you look at the drones we fought however, I'd like to know what kind of drones we have with us.” She looked at Rokzi, “See if you can identify some of them, I wouldn't be surprised if a number of them where more up your alley than ours. And we'll have to talk about some exercise agenda.” If nothing else for him to show her the toys he had acquired, but also simply because she needed to exercise, and combat was one of the main ways she did so, if nothing else because it helped her a lot master herself.

“Peri, don't forget those simulations.” She added mildly: her copilot might say she had fucked up, but even if she was genuinely believing it, going through the simulations anyway wouldn't hurt. If nothing else, it might help her identify what to do the next time.

“Dismissed.”

I'm good to go :)

Editor-in-Chief

GM, 1239 posts

Thu 24 Jun 2021
at 20:40

msg #84

Kaya Wilden

In reply to Kaya Wilden (msg # 83):

The cruise to Little Giant will take about two days standard time. The trip is uneventful. Boring. Aarav sends you lots of reports. He seems to like generating reports. Anyway, he gives you an inventory for the drones.

There are subspecialized drones but broadly speaking, they fall in three catagories:

>Defensive Drones. These are designed to pop out the back of the ship and draw fire their way. Mostly designed for torpedo attacks. There are 12 of those.

There are a handful which will project a false image. They're designed to foul up autolock firing systems by sending out code that make them appear to be duplicates of the Gryffin. Aarav has programmed 3 of them to mimic your ship. There are 2 more unprogrammed. Aarav notes he thought it best to leave some blanks in case you wanted to imprint those decoys onto another ship.

>Offensive. There are 20 drones which will function more or less like smart torpedoes. They don't have the speed of a torpedo, but they can be set ahead of time like snares. Pirates love these kind of drones as they will set them up in asteroid fields as mines to hijack cargo ships.

>Mining. The bulk are mining drones. Roughly 50 of them. Most ships carry a few mining drones as they are handy for doing some Extra Vehicular repair work. But 50 is excessive. None of them are powerful enough to open a crater in a moon. But they can drill tunnels fairly effectively, though the tunnels won't run too deep.

Peri runs her sims. She glowers a bit, but she does seem to understand what she did wrong. She's a capable enough pilot. But she does seem to have a bit of temper.

Rei gives you the medical. It's nothing fancy, but she seems interested in drawing blood.

"One things we want to monitor is your hormone output. Fluctuations in certain hormones can be an indicator of some of the symptoms from Ace syndrome cropping up."

She provides you a log showing her insulin shots.

Rokzi spends his time cleaning and maintaining his equipment.

You hop out into the Little Giant system.


Crappy Map time!

X indicates an asteroid field.

Nouns are for a planet

M is for a moon.

ST is the star



M

Cerebus

                                      ST
                    Calliope   M
               M

                                                        M1     M2
                                                                               M3
                                                M4
                                                               Little Giant
                                                       M5

                                                              M6        M7

                                                                                    M8

                XXXXXXXXXXX
                 XXXXXXXXX
             XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

There's a small system control base on Cerebus. They buzz you as you get within range.

Gryffin. This is Little Giant System Control. Please state your purpose in visiting.

It is standard to log incoming and outgoing traffic. Most systems ask a new arrivals purpose as part of standard protocol

Kaya Wilden

player, 43 posts

Fri 25 Jun 2021
at 18:58

msg #85

Kaya Wilden

I forgot to ask: is the ship clearly identified as a Fleet one or is it a model that could, if it wanted, pretend to be a civilian ship?
What about its transponder? Are there multiple settings or is it blocked on its fleet identity?

“Hello Control,” Kaya answered the communication, “We're here for a business meeting at the Vanilla Spaceport.” Even though it was more spying than meeting, and the people in question didn't expect them - hopefully - but she wasn't going to overburden the Control crew with that many details now, was she?

Editor-in-Chief

GM, 1242 posts

Sat 26 Jun 2021
at 03:41

msg #86

Kaya Wilden

In reply to Kaya Wilden (msg # 85):

Yeah, we never did talk about that did we?

I will leave it up to you as to whether it has a military call sign or if it's pretending to be a civilian.

You do not have multiple settings on the transponder. It's either military or it's civie. Pick your poison. If you go with the civie option, you will have a handheld transponder you can plug into the comm link that will signal your real ID.

But it will be up to you to keep track of that handheld transponder. Just saying.

Let me know what you decide. Thanks

You hear laughter at the other end. Ha! Vanilla spaceport. That's a good one. You are clear for travel to Market Pig. That's the one you want. Have a better one.

Rokzi, who's loitering on the bridge, laughs. "They named the moons after the old nursery rhymes. Market Pig is the main export hub. Everyone calls it Vanilla cos it's the least weird."

Peri looks over at him. "Market Pig was a nursery rhyme?"

"Sure. This little pig went to market. This little pig stayed home. Let's see..."

He lays down the pistol he's been cleaning.

"There's Market Pig. Home Pig. Roast Beef. None. Wee Wee. Hey, don't look at me like that. I didn't name damn moons.

"Then we got Little Red. Wolf. And Grandma. The eight moons of Little Giant. Sounds like fun, huh?"

Market Pig/Vanilla is an orbital station. The moon itself is a cratered rock. Farming domes dot the surface. There's also a couple of mining operations working underground.

Station control instructs you to dock at Berth 229. It's out in the cheap seats of the dockyard. You are almost at the tail end of the station arm that serves as a docking berth. It'll be a good ten minute walk from here to the station proper.

The station is busy. Most of the docked ships look to be mercantile. Peri is checking the local news feed. "We hit harvest time. Lots of the agro set ups moon side are delivering crops. How do we proceed?"

Kaya Wilden

player, 44 posts

Sun 27 Jun 2021
at 18:45

msg #87

Kaya Wilden

Hmm, I think it'd make more sense if we stayed fleet. After all even though it's a scout ship, the Gryffin still feels more military - or at least much better armed - than a civilian ship would.
We'll just run silent when needed, dock at military facilities, etc.
It's obviously not a ship of the line though, so maybe it's registered as a courier or something along those lines?

Kaya didn't answer straight away, looking a bit baffled for a moment. “Understood Control, thanks.” She finally transmitted.

As they approached, she studied the feeds attentively, nodded when Peri shared what she had learned about the current situation. Instead of answering Peri's question though, she turned to Rokzi, “Alright, the next part is your area of expertise. What do you recommend?” She wasn't going to ask him what to do - a CO should never do that after all - but she had no intention of going against his 'recommendations' either.

Editor-in-Chief

GM, 1248 posts

Sun 27 Jun 2021
at 22:18

msg #88

Kaya Wilden

In reply to Kaya Wilden (msg # 87):

Let's go with military courier than. Your official call sign will be MSNC Gryffin 202-64.

Rokzi leans back in his chair, putting his hands behind his head, and staring up at the ceiling. "Well. First I'd say we find out if our target's here-"

"They are." Peri is looking at her screen. "Pulled up the station's docking logs. Wineberg's vessel The Calico is berthed at 172. They're in the midyards, closer to the station. Crew lists one other member. Just the name 'Georgia'."

Rokzi shrugs. "Well then. That simplifies things.

"We need to set up surveillance. Then we decide whether we wanna sneak aboard their ship when they're both out. Just to see what there is to see. Or if we wanna tail 'em around the station. Or all of the above.

"We can also try to hack their systems. But if he's any decent of a smuggler, he's got the ship's computer. And then he's got his real system which is running parallel to it. Most smugglers use a secondary AI that disconnects itself from the shipboard computer at the first sign of suspicious activity. Once they do that, only thing you can do is go in and manually try to download a copy."

Aarav is nodding. "I've had to work on a couple of those. They are a pain."

Rokzi grins. "Anyway. That's my recommendation coach. Whatcha wanna do?"

Kaya Wilden

player, 45 posts

Mon 28 Jun 2021
at 16:08

msg #89

Kaya Wilden

For a while, Kaya tapped the armchair with her fingers, thinking about what exactly she wanted to do. It had all seemed so simple - or at least simpler... - a couple of days ago, but now she had to admit she didn't see how she was even supposed to achieve her objectives. Well... No other way than one step at the time she supposed.

“Alright. If they're still here, odds are they're waiting for something. Might be related to the current harvest. Peri try to find out if you can narrow it down. I'd say keep an eye on egg related stuff but...” She grimaced slightly, mumbled something about how she can't believe that's a thing then louder added “I don't believe it'd be related, but you never know I guess.”

“Aarav, try to identify opportunities for the thruster. I doubt we'll be able to do anything about it anytime soon but you never know, it could pay to be prepared. In the meantime,” She stood up, looking at Rokzi “I guess you get to make me a spy or something.” Thankfully she hadn't been in the fleet so long that it was obvious to anyone seeing her, “Let's go have a look at their ship, maybe put up some surveillance on it while we're at it. We'll decide on the next step once we know more.”

Before she stepped out of the ship, she looked at Peri, “You have the ship. Keep me posted if you have anything.”

Editor-in-Chief

GM, 1252 posts

Mon 28 Jun 2021
at 21:10

msg #90

Kaya Wilden

In reply to Kaya Wilden (msg # 89):

Rei looks up. "Anything I can do?"

You and Rokzi find the Calico's berth easily enough. It's not a ship that's hard to miss.

As a model, it's fairly pedestrian. Looks like an old Yarro class ore miner someone refitted to make long distance hauls in. Lots of indie traders scarf up and refit old models like that. There's some interesting looking thrusters set on the back. But you aren't expert enough to know how interesting they are just by sight.

It's the paint job that's so eye catching. Wheezy painted it in calico cat colors. Mostly white with blotches of a tan orange and greyish black. It's...

"Interesting. Well. At least it'll be easy to keep a visual on it."

You and Rokzi are loitering near a currently vacant service area, about three berths up and on the opposite side of the port arm from The Calico.

The two of you have been watching it for about fifteen minutes. Rokzi scratches his chin.

"Details like this involve a lotta hurry up and wait. But if we can lay our hands on a couple of port worker's overalls, we can try to pass ourselves off as station something or other. See if they'll let us on board. You wanna play safe and boring? Or go crazy and make a play?"

Kaya Wilden

player, 46 posts

Wed 30 Jun 2021
at 14:36

msg #91

Kaya Wilden

“There is indeed.” Kaya nodded to answer Rei's question. “I'd like you to be familiar with battle procedures, where to find your suit, how to put it on, etc. And if that's something you'd like, I suppose we could look at qualifying you for EVAs.” If they ever needed the doctor for that things would be looking pretty grim, but you never knew. It was always a good thing to know how to do when one spent time in space at any rate, and if they did need the doctor to go EVA, it would only help everyone if she did know what she was doing. Or at least had idea of the things-one-should-never-do-in-EVA.

Despite what she had thought, Kaya was still feeling a bit uncomfortable in her civilian clothes, now much more used to her uniform than anything else. Worse… She looked like a kid and definitely not the navy captain she was.

Instead of answering straight away to Rokzi's question, she instructed him to get some pictures of the ship's thrusters and send that to Aarav. “I want to know roughly what this ship is capable of. Oh and by the way… We should pretend I'm just a grunt and you take the lead in public.” She grimaced, “No one would believe I'm the captain after all.” She waved at herself as if to prove her point. “Plus it might be advantageous if they don't know what I can do.”

“Let's take it safe and boring for now.” After all, while she supposed she could appear to be a "hot-blooded pilot", what she did was calculated. Most of the time anyway, but she wasn't reckless. “We'll always have some time later on for crazy. Plus, if we pretend to be station workers, we won't be able to pretend to be anything else later on. Such as navy officers using their courier missions to run an…independent business…on the side for example. It's not completely unrealistic, right?”

Editor-in-Chief

GM, 1256 posts

Thu 1 Jul 2021
at 23:39

msg #92

Kaya Wilden

In reply to Kaya Wilden (msg # 91):

Rei nods. "Will do."

Rokzi giggles. "First time a CO told me to pretend to take the lead. Alright then."

He sends off the pictures. "That'll give Mr. Engineer something to do. Oh ho. What have we here?"

What you have here is Wheezy and Georgia. They look exactly like their vids. The two come out of the Calico's airlock, Wheezy securing it behind them. They seem to be talking casually. They then head towards the station.

Rokzi follows them with their eyes. "Follow? Or take advantage of an empty ship to snoop?"

Kaya Wilden

player, 47 posts

Fri 2 Jul 2021
at 14:59

msg #93

Kaya Wilden

“Hmm.” Kaya considered the question, “Can we do both? Do you have a small drone or something that could follow them while we...or at least you...try to get ourselves in the ship?”

“If you don't, let's follow them and take advantage from the fact that they're likely not on their guards. Or at least too suspicious.” She didn't know if that was the best option obviously but... Not deciding anything was the worst thing a CO could do, so...

Plus, she wasn't comfortable trying to get in the ship while they ignored pretty much everything else, starting from possible passengers - no matter what the manifest said - to the guards schedule or even how long Wheezy and Georgia would be away: if they came back and found them 'snooping'...

Editor-in-Chief

GM, 1259 posts

Sat 3 Jul 2021
at 02:16

msg #94

Kaya Wilden

In reply to Kaya Wilden (msg # 93):

Rokzi glances around. "I mean...we could try a drone. But between the crowd and station security, I imagine it would get spotted. Also, I didn't bring one with me. Did you?"

The drones on the Gryffin are more little satellites. You don't have any indoor models. I will assume based on your post you follow

The two of them walk down the bay towards the entry to the station proper. They seem to be talking in a friendly enough way. But they aren't staying too close to each other. They keep a distance like you and Rokzi keep a distance.

Past the bay checkpoint, the station opens up into the services ring. This is an interior ring of the station that mostly provides shops for crews. Bars. Brothels. Barbers. Pretzel shops. All the typical joints aiming to seperate a crew member who's been aboard a ship for a month from their paycheck.

Wheezy and Georgia stop and seem to discuss something. They then seperate.

"I don't think they made us," Rokzi mumbles. "Maybe they're out running errands and decided to split up. You wanna split or both hang on the same one? And which one?"

Kaya Wilden

player, 48 posts

Sun 4 Jul 2021
at 04:08

msg #95

Kaya Wilden

“No.” Kaya shook her head. “I just thought you might have some special-forces-drones-to-spy-on-people, you know. Our drones are a touch too big to be able to fly around unnoticed.”

As they walked, Kaya paid more attention to Georgia than Wheezy, and she had to admit that...there was no doubt in her mind she was there because she wanted to. She might have a good reason for it, blackmail or something, but in that short amount of time there had been too many opportunities for her to get to safety to think anything else.

When the two separated, it didn't take her long to take her decision. “Let's follow her, she's the one we're interested in. And if they're doing something they'd rather keep discreet, she'll probably be the one doing it anyway.” After all, while he was 'only' a small time smuggler, Wheezy was still a known criminal and that had to draw attention so if she were in his boots, she'd send Georgia look for the stuff he didn't want to anyone to know. And even if that were not the case, following her might tell them more about what she was doing exactly... “And no, no splitting unless we can't help it.”

Editor-in-Chief

GM, 1262 posts

Mon 5 Jul 2021
at 03:15

msg #96

Kaya Wilden

In reply to Kaya Wilden (msg # 95):

"Aye aye mon capitan."

Georgia goes around the curve of this ring, glancing at the store fronts every so often as she passes. If she's made you, she's really good at looking nonchalant.

She finally stops in front a tattoo parlor. Georgia stares at the signage a moment, and then looks both ways, including at you.

"Just keep walking past her," Rokzi mumbles. The two of you stroll past her.

Rokzi points at a Rumian tea house on the other side of the wing with outdoor seating. The two of you take a seat, Rokzi ordering a non-narcotic black tea from the bot.

Georgia is just standing where she was. She hasn't gone back to looking around. She's just watching the tattoo shop.

You get your drinks. You're both about halfway through when a man walks out of the parlor. He's covered head to toe with tats, some of them holographic, which hasn't been in style for at least a hundred years.

He walks up to Georgia and the two of them talk a moment. Georgia nods at something the man says and then points at one of his tattoos. They head into the shop.

Rokzi frowns. "She didn't have a tat on her body."

You don't recall seeing any.

"You wanna wait? Or you want to get a tattoo? A flaming skull might make perk your butt up."

Kaya Wilden

player, 49 posts

Mon 5 Jul 2021
at 19:20

msg #97

Kaya Wilden

Kaya frowned: first because she was pretty sure her butt was 'perky' enough. Had it been about curves... Well, maybe. She did have some, but she was ready to concede that it wasn't much. Perky though... Second, and more importantly... “We might play pretend,” She growled, “But I'm still your captain.” It was obvious she wasn't particularly angry, but still felt it was inappropriate, particularly considering that no one was listening in.

“I don't want a tattoo no. Definitely not a permanent one, much less one of those holographic monstrosities. But...” She squinted, “You might try to persuade me to get one, and if they do one of those temporary ones I may agree to it.”

Editor-in-Chief

GM, 1265 posts

Mon 5 Jul 2021
at 22:30

msg #98

Kaya Wilden

In reply to Kaya Wilden (msg # 97):

Rokzi listens to you with a bit of a bemused smirk. "If I thought you weren't the captain, I wouldn't be following your orders. But I'll watch my comments about butts. Sorry ma'am."

He looks back at the shop. <blue>"I don't think this is the kinda place that does temps. Oh-foty-twelve symbol on the door lintel there?"

You can see what he's referring to. 04012. The numbers run down the side of the doorframe in a rather stylized format.

"That's an old Marine unit. The Oh-forty-twelves got disbanded about eighteen years ago for a planned mutiny during the Exelion Uprising. Lot of 'em settled in this sector.

"The grunts of the platoon weren't really involved in the plan. But lot of 'em still have loyalty to their group. Brothers-in-Arms bullshit. Most of 'em are harmless though.

"Still..." He studies the shop. "Kinda interesting that our girl ended up here on her shoreleave, huh?"

Kaya Wilden

player, 50 posts

Tue 6 Jul 2021
at 19:39

msg #99

Kaya Wilden

Kaya shrugged, obviously not particularly disturbed but feeling she had to say something about it. “I don't mind if you want to talk about 'perky butts', as long as its not my own, or of any of the crew for that matter. At least where I can hear. Plus, if I were your subordinate it would be even more inappropriate for you to talk about that don't you think?”

When Rokzi mentioned the 04012, she squinted, “So, the youngest child of one of the richest family in the Empire, kidnapped by an egg smuggler is meeting with an old member of a unit disbanded for mutiny. Either that's the beginning of a bad joke, or...”

The young captain rubbed her chin for a moment, thoughtful, “What do we know of the Milstocks political opinions?”

Editor-in-Chief

GM, 1271 posts

Wed 7 Jul 2021
at 01:12

msg #100

Kaya Wilden

In reply to Kaya Wilden (msg # 99):

Rokzi shrugs. "They're rich. So I'm guessing they're all for whatever makes them richer."

He rubs his chin and looks across the table to you. "You think she's maybe gone radical? Poor little rich girl thinks it's all terribly unfair and wants to strike a blow against the corporate oppressors?"

He considers, and then adds, "There is another angle. I mean...Wheezy is a smuggler after all. Maybe this is just a smuggling job."

Rokzi sits back. "Either way...she seems to be cool with it. Are we supposed to stop her from being a crook?"

Kaya Wilden

player, 51 posts

Thu 8 Jul 2021
at 15:34

msg #101

Kaya Wilden

“It's a possibility. Maybe it started as a kidnapping and evolved into, well, whatever this is.” Kaya shrugged, “Or if we want to be even more Paranoid, maybe she's here with the blessing of her family with the reasoning that they're closely monitored but a kidnapped daughter could be sent as an emissary for something.”

She paused, frowning into her tea. “We're supposed to rescue her if she's in need of rescuing. Which I think we can agree she doesn't need. Or want.” The young captain sniffed. “Which means we're supposed to report and monitor.”

“But,” She grimaced slightly, “its a bit early for the former. And we can't exactly monitor from where we are.”

Squinting, obviously having just had an idea, she asked, “Is there somewhere we can requisition some stuff? Surveillance equipment for example?”

Editor-in-Chief

GM, 1274 posts

Thu 8 Jul 2021
at 22:50

msg #102

Kaya Wilden

In reply to Kaya Wilden (msg # 101):

Rokzi thinks. "Should be able to. If there's another naval cruiser in dock, we can try to sponge from them. Or I can put in a request through station HQ. But that would take a couple of days to get here.

"There is...uh...a less 'official' channel we can go through." He glances over at you. "There's always a black market. And spy cams or tracking bugs are pretty common. Illegal as hell. But then again we are spying on a citizen without a warrant.

"There's the added bonus we might find someone in the life who knows a little somethin' somethin' about our Oh-Forty-Twelve friends there. We got any discretionary spending we can do here?"

It didn't come up during the briefing. But you do have a budget for 'incidentals'.

Kaya Wilden

player, 52 posts

Fri 9 Jul 2021
at 18:21

msg #103

Kaya Wilden

“We could...” Kaya answered to the first - fleet - options, though it was obvious she wasn't really convinced it would be a good idea. If nothing else, while she had all the right orders, she was pretty sure her superiors wouldn't like it if she were to wave them around.

“No, no, no.” She waved a finger in front of Rokzi. “We are absolutely not spying on a private citizen. We are gathering intel in order to mount an efficient rescue operation. No spying is to be had anywhere.”

“We do have some budget of course. Though there's no telling how far it's supposed to get us. But even if we can buy what we want...” She seemed doubtful, “How are we going to find it? It's not like anyone's going to advertise they have that lying around, and unless you know someone around here...”

Editor-in-Chief

GM, 1278 posts

Sat 10 Jul 2021
at 06:26

msg #104

Kaya Wilden

In reply to Kaya Wilden (msg # 103):

Rokzi laughs. "Lemme teach you somethin' they don't cover in the military college. Covert logistics. C'mon. We can pick up on the runaway princess later. We know where she's gonna end up. Back at her ship."

Without waiting for you to respond, he gets up and walks away from the cafe, glancing around the shops. "Whether you're talking about pirates or smugglers, there's three kinds of criminals. The first group are the small timers. They fly so low under the radar, the Navy considers it to be inefficent to drop the credits to go after 'em. Our friend Wheezy probably fits that bill. Egg smugglin' and all."

He stops and gives what looks to be a sex boutique a once over before moving on.

"The other two types are the ones who keep to a set territory or schedule and the ones the Navy doesn't blow up. A good criminal isn't going to stay around in the same sector for very long. They know the Navy will get their face on a scanner sooner or later. So they blow as soon as they can to keep the heat off.

"But of course they still gotta sell all the stuff they stole. Right? And it's just not possible to keep contacts in every single sector. That'd be a nightmare trying to keep up with what fence is in jail and isn't.

"There's where the Shade Stalls come in. Here we are..."

He stops outside a bagel shop. "You don't have to know names. You have to know signs. See that Help Wanted sign in the window there? When was the last time you ever saw a shop advertise for employees by putting a sign in their window? Most shops that needed to hire a warm body would list the opening on the station's service net, right? So why'd they put the sign in the window?

"They aren't asking for help. They're offering to help.

"They've also got synthetic black roses growing in a pot by the door. Black roses are the symbol for Cartella Luz Negra. The Black Lights. It's a shade stall backed by a crime family." He shrugs. "Wanna go in?"

Kaya Wilden

player, 53 posts

Sun 11 Jul 2021
at 14:56

msg #105

Kaya Wilden

“I see.” Kaya commented when Roksi finished. For a moment it was all she said, but after a few seconds she finally added “Well, if this whole fleet thing doesn't work, I'll be ready ady for a life of crime.” Though of course it wouldn't be her first steps was there, would it be? Though small thfets hardly counted she supposed.

“Sure let's.” For a second she thought about asking him how he knew all that but in the end decided not to. Instead, she asked, “So, if you know all this, in fact, if a lot of people know this... How come authorities don't do anything about it? The whole 'we monitor what we know of to stop the worst of it because it's better than what we wouldn't know about'?

Editor-in-Chief

GM, 1280 posts

Sun 11 Jul 2021
at 23:57

msg #106

Kaya Wilden

In reply to Kaya Wilden (msg # 105):

"That's part of the reason I guess. My personal theory though is the Navy'd be slitting their own throat. Can't tell you how many war zones I been in where I couldn't get an ammo requisition filled. But I could go down to the Shade Stalls and load up."

He glances over at you as the two of you approach the store. "There are sectors where Shade Stalls aren't just the shadow economy. They are the economy. For example, miners in the Bastille belt can't get water or air filters from the local govies. They have to trade with the Shade Stalls for something so basic. Okay. Follow my lead and keep an eye on my 6, will ya?"

He adds this last as you arrive at the door to the bagel shop. Rokzi winks at you and then throws open the door, marching in like he owns the place.

A bored looking teenage girl stands behind the counter. A vend-bot is cicling the otherwise empty bagel shop, wiping tables.

"Welcome to Bagels Imperial. What can I get you?" the teen squeezes out in a monotone voice.

"We're here about the help wanted ad."

The teen suddenly looks a lot less bored. She studies the two of you carefully, giving you the same intensity you'd give a nav comm during a combat simulation.

The teen leans back a bit. You notice the vend-bot has stopped doing anything.

"You want a garlic or a poppy seed bagel?"

Rokzi purses his lip and then says, "Garlic."

The teen slumps back. The vend-bot goes back to wiping tables.

She gestures at a hallway you thought would lead to the bathroom. "Head on back."

Rokzi nods, smiling and starts to head that way.

The hall does go back to the bathrooms and then beyond. There's a door marked Employees Only> You can hear voices behind it.

Rokzi opens the door and gestures for you go to first.

Past the door is a stairwell leading down. It opens into a large area, probably an old parts warehouse on the next floor down of the station.

Tables like the walls. People are seated before the tables, each looking like some elder selling junk at a yard sale.

A lot of buyers are milling around, looking over goods, arguing with vendors.

Rokzi studies the area. "This is the place. You got creds on you, right?

"We just want the spy drones, right?"

Kaya Wilden

player, 54 posts

Mon 12 Jul 2021
at 20:09

msg #107

Kaya Wilden

“At least.” Kaya rubbed her chin for an instant, pensive, “I suppose listening equipment and maybe a tracker for their ship might be quite useful. Ultimately though,” She shrugged, “I expect all of that to be quite expensive so it'll depend on our budget.”

“If it can help, take into account that we have someone who could probably rig us some stuff, particularly drone related, as long as he has the parts.”

Editor-in-Chief

GM, 1288 posts

Sun 18 Jul 2021
at 19:55

msg #108

Kaya Wilden

In reply to Kaya Wilden (msg # 107):

"Yeah. Aarav probably could. But it might take him a couple of days. How long is The Calico in berth for?"

The two of you start looking at stalls.

There is a large amount of goods around. And almost none of it is organized to any extent. A box of real figs is sitting next to a RV-Q10 sniper scope. A set of Fleshet steel knives is perched on top of a fish tank filled with four Neon Tetras.

After a half hour you find the following possibilities:


-A search drone, palm sized, that can broadcast audio on a secure channel.

 It does not have a camera.  (2)

-A camera no bigger than the top of your thumb inside a clear plastic ball.

 Rokzi says it used to be used by infiltration teams.  They'd roll the balls
 in under any laser alarms to see what was on the other side. (2)

-A tracking kit.

 Contains 3 microchip bugs.  You can plant them on the targets.

 Central tracking device can track all three bugs simultaneously with
 a range of about 1 KM (1)

-An old ship ident beacon.

 Basically it was a black box that all ships used to have installed.

 It would broadcast a signal on a secure naval channel that would identify it
 to passing cruisers.  They were way too easy to counterfiet though, so
 no one uses them. (2)

There is equipment that's more tailored to what you need. But...yikes!...that's expensive.

Here's how this will work.

You have (3) units of credits to spend here. The numbers listed after each item description are the cost as is.

You can ask Rokzi for more info or his opinion on each of the options.

You can try to barter the merchant down on any item, though there is a base cost of (1). You get nothing for free.

Let me know what catches your eye, if anything. Or if you want to keep looking.

Thanks

Kaya Wilden

player, 55 posts

Mon 19 Jul 2021
at 19:25

msg #109

Kaya Wilden

“I suppose, and I don't know.” Kaya shrugged, “Until we know what they're looking for... We can suppose they're waiting for something at the harvest festival, but that doesn't say much.”

While she browsed, Kaya was careful not to look too interested in anything as he really didn't want the seller to inflate his price for what she really needed. On the other hand, what she really needed was too expensive in the first place, so it wasn't like it would change much.

In the end, she was pretty set on the tracking kit and the beacon. The latter wouldn't help immediately, but if they needed to follow the Calico at some point, it would come in very handy.

Since she was reasonably hopeful she could negotiate its price down though - who else would want such an antique, right? - she kept browsing in case there was something she had missed that could change everything, but at the same time she wasn't too worried if she didn't find anything: she didn't have to use most of her funds right there and then after all.

It might in fact, come to bit her in the ass later on if she did. On the other hand... Maybe she could find something in much need of repair, hand it to Aarav and hope he'd be able to repair it. Then either it came handy for them, or they could resell it for more than they had paid.

Editor-in-Chief

GM, 1291 posts

Tue 20 Jul 2021
at 00:35

msg #110

Kaya Wilden

In reply to Kaya Wilden (msg # 109):

Persistence pays off...kinda.

You manage to come across an old spider drone in one of the crates. They were used to do hull work on ships that had to spend time in ultra-high radiation areas.

The drone can walk on the outside of a ship. But better, it emits a signal back to it's monitor that indicates what the background radiation level is. These drones haven't been used in decades. So long in fact, the bands they transmit on are no longer in use. And even if they are used, all that will show is a signal showing a radiation level.

The drone also has a decent long range signal.

The drawback here is the price. It's just outside your budget.

It costs (5). You'll really have to work to haggle this one down.

But it it doable. I just need you to give me a pitch. And I'll adjucate based on how strong of a pitch you give the seller.

Same thing if you're gonna haggle on the beacon/tracker combo.

Thanks

Kaya Wilden

player, 56 posts

Tue 20 Jul 2021
at 21:13

msg #111

Kaya Wilden

Kaya looked the drone over, clearly interested but not really convinced it would be that much of a good choice. If nothing else, it was way overpriced at the very least compared to what she could afford. But if she could get it... Well, it cost her nothing to try.

Going to the merchant, she said, “I'm interesting in that tracking kit.” She pointed to it. It wasn't a very strong start, but it would hopefully put him in the right mood: she was buying something. Hopefully that would show she was a genuine buyer and not there to just make the seller lose his time.

After a pause, she added, “There are two more things I'm interested in, but...” She shook her head, “I suppose you priced them a long time ago and never revisited it?” It was after all a very possible explanation considering where she had found the spider drone.

“I have a friend interested in antiques, particularly related to ships, and I'm sure he'd be interested in that sqwaker and the drone over there. But,” she snorted, “I don't like said friend that much. To say nothing of the fact that I'll need to have someone look both over, remove the dust and all that. Takes time and skill, which is expensive.”

“And let's be honest,” she cocked an eyebrow, “While it may not be the price you want, I doubt you're going to get any better. Right now, they're taking room in your stock that could very likely be better used with something else.”

“But I suppose you know your market better than I do, so if you feel I'm wrong...” She shrugged, obviously not prepared to haggle all day, and apparently willing to let it go.

Editor-in-Chief

GM, 1294 posts

Wed 21 Jul 2021
at 04:23

msg #112

Kaya Wilden

In reply to Kaya Wilden (msg # 111):

The merchant stares at the drone, and then back at you. "So you have a friend you don't like that much. But you're gonna buy them a drone. And get it cleaned up and restored. But you don't like them that much. Right?"

He gives you a measured look. "So level with me. You got a sucker you think you can pawn this off on? I already know this ain't an antique piece. I might be willin' to go down. A little. But you'd have to let me buy you dinner first."

Kaya Wilden

player, 57 posts

Thu 22 Jul 2021
at 21:34

msg #113

Kaya Wilden

Kaya simply smiled when the merchant asked his first questions: he'd be convinced he was right, and that was the best way to do it. His...request...had her squinting though. She really didn't want to have that kind of involvement with anyone. On the other hand, a dinner didn't cost her much and if he made assumption out of it, well... That was his problem.

On top of that, it might allow her to get the items she wanted at a price she was ready to pay, and more importantly, that guy had to have some information about whatever was going on - or was about to go on - in the underbelly of the station. Information that she could find really interesting.

And not only short term regarding their current mission, but if, for some reason, fleet wanted to keep assigning her to those kind of missions...she supposed it would make a lot of sense if she started to create...well, maybe not a network considering how transient it would be if she were to believe Rokzi, but maybe some reputation. Or got to know how things worked and all that.

“Not first.” Clearly implying that she may agree to dinner, but not before they closed the deal...in a way that would of course please her. “And,” she added sort of suspiciously “I didn't get here on a cruise ship. My outfit options are...limited.” More like she sort of had none in fact.

Editor-in-Chief

GM, 1299 posts

Thu 22 Jul 2021
at 23:07

msg #114

Kaya Wilden

In reply to Kaya Wilden (msg # 113):

He slowly grins. "Doesn't matter the options. It's how you carry what ya got, right?

"Name's Chester. Alright. Business first. I'll give you the lot for...hmmm..."

He holds up four fingers.

"But here's the second part of the deal. My ex is in port. Real bitch on wheels. I'd like to make her chew her nails off. A nice lookin', classy lady on my arm who laughs at everything I say would be just the ticket. You play along with me on that tonight, I'd be willin' to go down to.."

He holds up two fingers.

"Just dinner and the acting. I won't expect nothin' else."

Kaya Wilden

player, 58 posts

Fri 23 Jul 2021
at 17:57

msg #115

Kaya Wilden

“Hmm.” Kaya didn't seem all that impressed: the idea of annoying someone she had nothing against wasn't particularly pleasing. On the other hand, if the woman wasn't a bitch, she wouldn't react much, would she? To be honest, it wasn't a part of life Kaya had a lot of experience with, but it seemed to her that was how it would happen.

“I suppose I can do that.” Still... She wasn't going to look like she had just gotten out of the hold of a ship after a two weeks trip while pulling that stunt. “I'm not sure your ex is going to be very impressed by me as I am right now. And playing classy in this...” she waved at herself to indicate her clothes. “I'm going to need something better.”

She frowned, then after a couple of seconds asked, “Where can I find better clothes? On a budget?”

Editor-in-Chief

GM, 1303 posts

Sat 24 Jul 2021
at 00:18

msg #116

Kaya Wilden

In reply to Kaya Wilden (msg # 115):

He laughs and gestures at his overalls. "You're askin' me?"

Rokzi leans over. "Ca-uh...Ms. Wilden. Maybe you can ask Rei? She's kinda girly. And I helped her move on several suitcases. I bet she can fix you up."

Chester slaps his hands together. "If we're agreed...meet me at stall 102-K at 1730. Look the best you can. Once we're done with din din, we can complete the sale."

Kaya Wilden

player, 59 posts

Sat 24 Jul 2021
at 20:16

msg #117

Kaya Wilden

Kaya squinted hard as she considered Rokzi. Not because of him almost saying a word that shall not be said in company, but because... Well, yes, Rei was indeed feminine...a lot. And she wasn't sure at all she wanted that kind of help considering that she certainly wasn't.

She already hadn't been all that feminine at all when she arrived at the academy, and the behaviour of some of the cadets - particularly some noble ones - had been more than convincing enough to make sure she didn't appear feminine. Or a tempting seduction target, which had been a tremendous incentive to improve in all domains but had resulted in many bruised egos. With all the consequences that entailed, particularly when said egos belonged to noble sons who thought the world their oyster. Whatever an oyster was. Anyway, she now was...maybe not the farthest thing away from being feminine one could imagine but...

After a moment, she looked back at Chester. “We're agreed. Call me Kaya. And...” She considered the merchant, “I hope you'll get something better than that yourself.” While she wasn't fond of deliberately embarrassing someone - unless they had asked for it anyway - she had no intention of being the one embarrassed.

Editor-in-Chief

GM, 1307 posts

Mon 26 Jul 2021
at 02:30

msg #118

Kaya Wilden

In reply to Kaya Wilden (msg # 117):

Chester puffs out his chest. "Only the best! I promise. See you then."

Rokzi waits until you are clear and mutters, "Bit surprised you went along with that. Figured you woulda told him suck exhaust pipes"

Kaya Wilden

player, 60 posts

Mon 26 Jul 2021
at 19:02

msg #119

Kaya Wilden

“It won't kill me. And he's been polite about it contrary to too many of our mighty noble scions that I could name.” Before she had kicked their ass anyway, at least past the first couple of years. Kaya shrugged, “Plus, not only we're going to be able to buy things we couldn't have afforded otherwise,” that she could only hope would be useful in the future, if maybe not immediately “But I figure he could be a decent source of information.”

“Alright, back to the ship I guess. Rei will need some time I suppose.” She looked around curiously on the way out, then shook her head, “Anyway, if fleet sends us on more of those...special...missions, it wouldn't hurt to get to know more about the underbelly of, well...” she waved around.

She didn't seem all that eager to get back to the ship though even mumbling something about the crew “not being allowed to laugh and who'd better not even think about it.”
This message was last edited by the player at 17:52, Tue 27 July 2021.

Editor-in-Chief

GM, 1310 posts

Tue 27 Jul 2021
at 04:27

msg #120

Kaya Wilden

In reply to Kaya Wilden (msg # 119):

Rokzi makes it a point to study the ceiling on your way back to the ship.

Rei nods when you make the request. "I'll probably need to le-alter the dress a little. But we should have time. You want to pick something? Or you want me to?"

Kaya Wilden

player, 61 posts

Tue 27 Jul 2021
at 20:19

msg #121

Kaya Wilden

For a moment, it looked like Rei had just asked Kaya to take her pick between pest and cholera. In the end though, she answered, “I suppose you'd better pick. But, I want to see it before we settle on something.” After all, there were a lot of things she'd likely refuse to wear.

As she lifted a hand to her bun though, she considered letting her hair free on that occasion: she had always refused to cut them both to not let the others win, but also because...well, vanity she supposed. Maybe more simply one of the few things she didn't have to sacrifice to the fleet.

Granted, she'd be completely lost if asked to do anything else than a bun, but she supposed Rei would be perfectly able to deal with that...even though it'd be quite embarrassing...

Editor-in-Chief

GM, 1315 posts

Wed 28 Jul 2021
at 00:00

msg #122

Kaya Wilden

In reply to Kaya Wilden (msg # 121):

Rei laughs. "Don't worry. We'll keep it wholesome and comfortable."

She studies your face. "A little make up...a little...might not be a bad idea either. Why don't you go run and take a shower and come back here? I'll lay out a couple of outfits and we'll get your hair into a comfortable style."

Kaya Wilden

player, 62 posts

Thu 29 Jul 2021
at 15:11

msg #123

Kaya Wilden

When Rei mentioned make-up, Kaya squinted, her mouth already opened to protest. Before she could say anything, the nurse added a little so she decided to keep her mouth closed. For now at least. Though a small grunt may have escaped her lips.

Resigned, she went to take the suggested shower before coming back to see - with some trepidation - what Rei had prepared for her.

Editor-in-Chief

GM, 1316 posts

Fri 30 Jul 2021
at 02:35

msg #124

Kaya Wilden

In reply to Kaya Wilden (msg # 123):

There are three combinations on the bed for you to chose from. Thankfully none of them are frilly or overly girly.

There's a light blue sundress made of a breezy synthcot.

A plain tan blouse with some dress pants. The pants seem a little tight.

And there's a skirt laid next to the pants. Kind of a light gold color. Seems to be an alternative to the pants.

Rei makes you sit down in a chair and she waves some brushes over your face. Then pokes at your lips with a tube of gloss.

She redoes your bun into a braid, and then just lets it hang loose, brushing it out. "You have pretty hair. Just let it hang loose like this. I can trim up some of the split ends."

We'll end dress up here in just a sec. Kinda curious what Kaya will pick though

Kaya Wilden

player, 63 posts

Fri 30 Jul 2021
at 22:17

msg #125

Kaya Wilden

When she first looked at Rei's selection, it was quite obvious that Kaya wasn't particularly impressed, much less eager to slip into one of those outfits and that she merely tolerated the make-up and was in fact often glancing at the nearest reflective surface to try and see what exactly was being done to her face.

It was however pretty obvious that Rei's compliment of the young captain's hair had hit: while she stoically nodded, the way she grabbed her braid made it clear that it meant something to her.

Maybe it had nothing to do with it, or maybe it was exactly because of this compliment that she then half-heartedly pointed at the dress, “Let's try this then.”

Editor-in-Chief

GM, 1322 posts

Fri 30 Jul 2021
at 22:44

msg #126

Kaya Wilden

The dress is...roomy. There's not a good word for it. It's not oversized. But it's looser fitting than you would have thought. And there's a bit of flow to it. This must be what they mean when they say something is breezy.

You study the results of Rei's work in the mirror. The sun dress isn't bad. Rei didn't put too much goop on your face. If you're honest, she smoothed out some of your worry lines and you look a few years younger.

Rei finishes your hair and it looks good.

You wouldn't say you are a fashion model. But you look...pretty? Maybe?

"You look good," Rei nods, evidently satisfied at her efforts. "See? Was that so terrible?"

Kaya Wilden

player, 64 posts

Sun 1 Aug 2021
at 19:06

msg #127

Kaya Wilden

Kaya cupped her less than impressive breasts for a second, with a short glance at Rei's and a brief grumble, obviously not particularly pleased with how "roomy" it was. Not that she was usually unhappy about that particular aspect of her body considering how unpleasant it could have otherwise made some aspects of her life, but like many women she was a bit touchy about it...

Obviously not used to walk in a dress and rubbing her legs together from time to time, she headed to the mirror and studied herself for a minute, briefly tempted to touch her face but stopping in time to avoid making a mess of the make-up.

“I guess.” She finally answered Rei. “Not so terrible not.” Much lower she added, “Yet. I hope no one I know sees me...” Thankfully that was highly unlikely.

Shaking herself, she turned to Rei, “Thanks anyway. That Chester had better deliver...”

Editor-in-Chief

GM, 1325 posts

Mon 2 Aug 2021
at 01:25

msg #128

Kaya Wilden

In reply to Kaya Wilden (msg # 127):

Rokzi and Peri are on the bridge. They both blink when you walk in. Rokzi purses his lips to whistles and then thinks better of it.

"I...uhm...Have a good time on your date," Peri says. She then taps her comm.

"I hacked Calico's flight log. Nothing too weird. But he does make a lot of trips over to one of Calliope's moons. From what I can tell, there's nothing on there outside of a mining station."

Rokzi cocks an eyebrow. "You want me birddogging you in case of trouble? Or you want me to keep an eye on the Calico?"

Kaya Wilden

player, 65 posts

Mon 2 Aug 2021
at 20:26

msg #129

Kaya Wilden

Kaya squinted suspiciously at Rokzi, obviously daring him to say - or worse, do - something. She had a brief shiver when Peri called that a date, but she supposed she couldn't deny that the word was fitting, even if it was just a pretend one. “I'm not going there to have a good time... As for Calliope's moons? I'll try to see if I can find what's there.”

The young captain studied her co-pilot for a second, then glanced at Rokzi when he asked if he should accompany her. “No, it wouldn't make sense for you to hover over a 'subordinate' on a date.” The odds that someone would notice were low but not zero. Plus, no one had any reason to suspect anything, right? And if Chester wanted to be a bad boy... Well, he'd have a nasty surprise.

She shook her head, “Instead, I want you and Peri to try and see what you can learn about the presence of the 04012 in the system. It might be nothing, but with Georgia checking one of their stores...” She shrugged.

“Alright, I better get going.” She started to walk away but paused, and looking over her head added, “Oh tell Aarav to get up to date on ship ident beacons and spider drones. We'll get one of each soon.” As she walked away, she muttered, _{“I hope...”}

Editor-in-Chief

GM, 1328 posts

Mon 2 Aug 2021
at 23:55

msg #130

Kaya Wilden

In reply to Kaya Wilden (msg # 129):

Chester is wearing his best overalls outside the bar. Well. It is better than overalls. Pants and a clean shirt. His jacket has an old stain on one elbow. But the inside of the bar is dim. No one will probably notice.

"Now you are a good lookin' woman! Ha ha! I can taste the jealousy now."

He holds the door for you and motions you to proceed.

The bar isn't packed to the gills, but it's full. There's a terrible sounding jazz-tech band thump-thumping away on the stage. Chester guides you to a table on the other side of the room.

"See that woman in the silvery dress thing ahead? That's Bernadine. I'm gonna pretend to see her for the first time. Play along. Oh. Your name's Deedee. That's her sister's name. Just ta twist the knife a bit. Oh! Hey Bernadine! Long time no see!"

Bernadine and her friends glance over and glare. And then stare. At you.

Chester stops by the table, placing one hand in his pocket and one on your hip. "Didn't know you were on station. This your new crew? Nice ta meet you folks. Oh hey Fred. Didn't see you there. How's things Bernie?"

Bernadine is frowning, studying you. She mutters, "Fine. An' you?"

Chester gives his best shit eatting grin. "Just dandy. This here's Deedee. Say hello Deedee."

Kaya Wilden

player, 66 posts

Tue 3 Aug 2021
at 19:22

msg #131

Kaya Wilden

Kaya grumbled a bit but nodded to acknowledge the compliment, while taking a moment to study Chester's attire and deciding that in the dim of the bar it would be enough.

When he pointed Bernadine, she studied the woman, cocking an inquisitive eyebrow when he announced that her own name would be "Deedee". It seemed a bit childish to her, but if that was how he wanted to play it, she didn't really mind so she simply shrugged.

When he placed an hand on his hip however, she put her own on top of it - as if to get closer to him - but pinched the back of his hand with a smile. Not hard enough that he'd jump away, but enough that he would feel the pain and would understand that she wasn't going to tolerate much as far as that was concerned.

Then, while he greeted Bernadine and her friends, she ostensibly studied the woman, then looked back at Chester with some surprise, as if asking "that was your previous girlfriend?" and she seemed...almost disappointed. Not in Bernadine, but in Chester, making it seem that not only the other woman wasn't worth Chester but she wasn't even worthy of being judged herself.

Then, to finish the first impression with a bang, she smiled at Bernadine's friends, “Hello guys.” Then looked at Bernadine and nodded seriously, “Ma'am.” Oh it would look polite, deferential even, but which ex wanted to be called "Ma'am" by the current girlfriend?

... Or at least that was what she hoped: Kaya wouldn't be the last to admit that she only had the vaguest ideas of how those sort of things worked.

Editor-in-Chief

GM, 1330 posts

Tue 3 Aug 2021
at 23:31

msg #132

Kaya Wilden

In reply to Kaya Wilden (msg # 131):

Nice

Bernadine starts to say something but stops at the "Ma'am".

The others at the table have various reaction. One guy chokes, trying not to do a spit take. A couple of others study the food on their plate. Bernadine pinches her lips together.

Chester restrains himself from crowing.

"Well. We'll let you folks get back to your dinner. Nice to meet you. Bernadine. You take care of yourself now."

He grins and gestures you towards the table he reserved in the back. You can feel Bernadine's eyes follow you.

Chester leans closer and mutters, "Nice. You earned yourself a discount for that. Thanks."

The menu isn't spectacular. It's a step up from a dive, a step down from a nice family restaurant. But the fries are pretty good. They seem to be made with at least 20% real potatoes.

Chester sips his Fuzzy Navel and sighs contentedly. "After dinner, we'll walk out. I'll ask you to hold my hand on the way out. But that'll be it for the close contact. Once we get around the corner, we can finish the trade."

He chuckles. "Shame ya gotta get a putz like me on your resume. But I'm sure you gotta lotta fellas linin' up. Your captain seemed kinda interested. Ah youth. Anyway. You guys new to this sector? Haven't seen you before."

Kaya Wilden

player, 67 posts

Fri 6 Aug 2021
at 18:10

msg #133

Kaya Wilden

Kaya nodded as they left the table, but didn't add anything else: she didn't really feel like it would be needed, and it wasn't like she was trying to start a catfight, right?

Compared to the sort of stuff Kaya had eaten at the Academy - or at least, part of it - she didn't refuse to eat or anything, instead enjoyed what she could, namely the fries. She considered Chester for a moment, then muttered, “I suppose I'll survive holding hands for a minute.”

“And I dare say that it would take more than that to get yourself on my 'resume'.” She tapped her lips, “As a footnote maybe?” She frowned when he mentioned her "captain", briefly wondering what it was about but quickly deciding that he had just mistaken Rokzi's protectiveness for desire. Nonchalantly, she then answered his question, “We're just a courier, we go where we're told to.”

“Maybe we'll stay around for a bit though, I don't know: I'm not in the secrets of the gods after all. That being said...” She laid back in her chair, taking a second to look around, “If we do stay for some time... I wouldn't mind knowing more about the system. The kind of things they don't put on the tourist information office's brochure.” She cocked an eyebrow, “The important places, the players or where one could find, let's say, opportunities to put some butter on the bread?”

Before he could answer, she lifted a hand, “I'm not asking for anything too precise, much less for you to betray any confidence. What an interested local would know will be plenty.”

Editor-in-Chief

GM, 1335 posts

Fri 6 Aug 2021
at 23:59

msg #134

Kaya Wilden

In reply to Kaya Wilden (msg # 133):

Chester laughs. "In other words, you wanna pump me for information. That's fine. Are you lookin' for sidework? Or is your courier gig not really your main gig?

"Either way...yeah. Little Giant's got somethin' goin' on. We're on the spin side of a bunch of agrisystems. So lots of food haulers pull through. Some legit..." He waves his hand. "Others not so much.

"I was in that side of the business until about five years ago. Then things gotta little too cutthroat for me. Lots of folks left about that time.

"So if you're lookin' to get into that side of things, my advice is don't. The folks runnin' the show don't like to share."

Kaya Wilden

player, 68 posts

Sat 7 Aug 2021
at 04:20

msg #135

Kaya Wilden

“I'm not sure I would say it like that.” Kaya protested with an amused smile. “And we are couriers, it's just...” She shrugged, “We're not really satisfied by the pittance our lords and masters think we're worth paying for, so if we can find ways to...complement...that, we're not going to be examining too closely the legality of the thing. Laws are only made by and for the nobles anyway, so...” She shrugged.

“Though while 'legality' doesn't matter all that much, 'ethics' are another thing.” She frowned, “So things being cutthroat-y is not exactly good news. What happened five years ago? A new syndicate took control and they refuse to share or something? Independents are...convinced...to fall in line or be disappeared?”

Editor-in-Chief

GM, 1341 posts

Mon 9 Aug 2021
at 02:45

msg #136

Kaya Wilden

In reply to Kaya Wilden (msg # 135):

Chester looks a bit more serious. He seems to consider, and then glances around to see who can hear. He leans a bit closer, lowering his voice.

"There's a bit a' of a gang war goin' down. Things used to be under the thumb of the Dolby family. Lots of other syndicates around yeah. But the Dolbys ran the smuggling show. You had to pay respects to them to get anything moved through.

"Then...about five years ago...the 04012s made a move. Lots of talk about what started it. And some say the Oh-Forties got someone backin' 'em. But the upshot is everything's all messed up. The Dolbys locked their jaws and aren't lettin' go. The 04012s are tryin' to convince them otherwise." He shakes his head and goes back to his sandwich. "Lots a' people gottin' caught in the crossfire. They either left the quadrant or their spirts did.

"My advice?" He pops a fry in his moth. "Find another quad to do business in."

Kaya Wilden

player, 69 posts

Mon 9 Aug 2021
at 22:56

msg #137

Kaya Wilden

“I see.” Kaya grimaced, sipping a bit of water to give herself some time to think. “The 04012s, uh? Considering their...origin...I can guess the kind of methods they're likely to use. And conducting crime with military precision...” She shook her head. “I guess we'll indeed have to keep our...extracurricular...activities for another place and time.”

After a moment, the young woman simply shrugged and focused on her meal for some time. “Oh by the way, I've noticed a couple of ships heading towards Calliope's moons. And not the mining type. Is there something interesting going over there that's not on the maps, or is it something related to the 'Oh-Forties'?”

Editor-in-Chief

GM, 1344 posts

Tue 10 Aug 2021
at 00:21

msg #138

Kaya Wilden

In reply to Kaya Wilden (msg # 137):

He chuckles. "That moon's got a lot of old mining shafts that were long played out. And the moon's crust is lots of iron. Lead. Scanners from orbit can't poke through it.

"So if you wanted to do a bit a' business without the navy or Station comm keepin' an eye on ya, doin' the deal in one of those shafts is your best bet. That moon's more or less a motel for smugglin'."

Kaya Wilden

player, 70 posts

Tue 10 Aug 2021
at 20:59

msg #139

Kaya Wilden

“Oh?” Kaya cocked an eyebrow, “That's witty.” Though she didn't think the powers that be ignored what was going on over there: while she of course hadn't learned about that place by "seeing" ships go there, she had no doubt that the traffic couldn't be completely ignored by the authorities. And they of course had to know what was going on over there. The question was why they let it be: was it a case of better the devil you know and all that, or because some highly placed people made sure no one was going to trouble that particular operation.

“Interesting.” She smiled, pensively tapping her lips for a moment. “And if I was curious, how would I go about getting an invitation to go there?” She frowned, “Unless that place is ran by the 'Oh-Forties'?”

Editor-in-Chief

GM, 1346 posts

Tue 10 Aug 2021
at 22:16

msg #140

Kaya Wilden

In reply to Kaya Wilden (msg # 139):

Chester shakes his head, looking serious. "They only wish they ran the show. No. That's kinda ground zero with all the fightin'.

"The whole moon's covered in those shafts. No one knows 'em all. Well. A couple of guys claim to know the whole layout. But they're probably lying. Maybe.

"Anyway. You'd get an invite by doin' a deal with someone. They'd give you coordinates for the meeting. You go there. Hope you don't run into one of the two factions or worse. Both of 'em at the same time.

"I said these were dangerous times. That's why. The only place in the sector to make a trade without the Navy eyeballin' ya is basically going into a gang warzone. Get it now?"

He studies you a moment. "You're gonna go there. Ain'tcha?"

Kaya Wilden

player, 71 posts

Thu 12 Aug 2021
at 23:57

msg #141

Kaya Wilden

“A gang warzone, eh? ” Kaya pondered the question for a moment: the more she heard about it, the more it seemed that her quary was having close relationships with the Oh-Forties: she doubted they'd have risked going to that particular place otherwise.

“As for me going there,” She laughed, “That will depend on the captain obviously.” And while she had an actual warship, it would likely create more problems than anything.

It was however pretty obvious that she was thinking about it. On the other hand, she didn't need to go all the way: maybe she could take advantage of her ship's stealth to find out what was happening over there.

Editor-in-Chief

GM, 1350 posts

Sun 15 Aug 2021
at 16:50

msg #142

Kaya Wilden

In reply to Kaya Wilden (msg # 141):

The two of you wrap up dinner. Chester is grinning like a game show contestant who just got the new air-ground shuttle as he strolls hand in hand with you past his ex's table and outside.

The two of you duck into a side street. Chester hands you a shipping manifest. He's had the items moved to The Gryffin while you were on your date.

"You seemed the type to keep her word. Let's transfer the creds...shave one off the top. You're worth it. Alright love. Pleasure doin' business with ya."

He gives you a sideways look. "Look. I don't wanna tell you you're business. But really do think about gettin' sideways in this. Take care a' yourself. No one else is gonna do it for you."

Kaya Wilden

player, 72 posts

Sun 15 Aug 2021
at 20:51

msg #143

Kaya Wilden

Kaya nodded, “Thanks.” Even if what she had "bought" ended up being subpar, or not terribly useful for what she needed, the young captain was already pretty sure that she had come up way on top thanks to the information she had obtained. Nothing revolutionary, but important information nonetheless. That emphasized how important it was going to be to tread lightly.

“And I will.” She smiled, “I don't think we're going to take risks we don't need to.” Though of course, considering their "business"... “Even then, we'll be careful. Take care.”

She then went back to her ship, to hear what the rest of her crew had managed to learn, and share with them what she herself had obtained.

Editor-in-Chief

GM, 1353 posts

Thu 19 Aug 2021
at 19:55

msg #144

Kaya Wilden

In reply to Kaya Wilden (msg # 143):

Peri and Rokzi's research mostly confirms what Chester told you.

"The 040112s have been on watch list for the local naval captains for a few years now."

Rokzi pulls up a few old reports. "Here's the thing though. None of them are high priority. They're mostly just general warnings." He pulls up a different set of reports. "What's interesting is that the posts on the Dolbys are the exact opposite. Check here. There's execution warrants on seven members of the organization. Four others were carried out over the past two years. That's eleven total warrants in two years. Not a single execution warrant on any of the 040112s."

Peri shrugs. "I get that's..what would you call it?..'disparate' treatment. But is it all that surprising? Aren't these 0401 guys ex-military?"

"Exactly." Rokzi gives you a measured look. "Cap'n. This smells like acid rain on a picnic. If the Navy is playing favorites...to the point they're issuing execution warrants like they're goin' out of style...us getting crossways with the 040112 sounds like a baaaaad idea. Is there more to the mission than what we've been told?"

Kaya Wilden

player, 73 posts

Fri 20 Aug 2021
at 07:39

msg #145

Kaya Wilden

Kaya sighed, “Certainly. But if that's what you're asking, I don't know anything more than you do, and there weren't any sealed orders to read once in system or anything.” After a second, she shrugged, “But I wouldn't be surprised if we weren't somehow supposed to be doing something about all of this. Either by finding what is going on exactly, or making a mess and allowing the powers that be to trigger a full-fledged investigation on what is going on in the system. I'm pretty sure it's part of the test, and that we're meant to find a way to succeed but if we don't… At least Fleet will have something.” She paused for a moment, thoughtful, “Still, I'd rather avoid the second option and not just because it'd mean we didn't succeed: we'd need to 'disappear' or have an 'unfortunate accident' before an investigation is triggered after all.”

“For now I'll send a report, and see what the orders are. Who knows, maybe we won't have to worry about it.” The way she said that made it pretty clear she wasn't believing it for a second though. “While we wait to hear about HQ, we'll attach the spider to the Calico as soon as Aarav is done with it and see if we can find an opportunity to bug Millstock and Wineburger. Peri, look at that beacon we got and see what magic you can work on it.” Her copilot had mentioned hacking into local databases after all, so she likely was the person to see for things like that.

Absent-mindedly, the young captain rhythmically tapped her fingers on the table for a minute while she considered everything. “In the meantime…” She seemed to hesitate, “A good way to learn more would be to contact the Dolbys.” Which would not only be difficult as they were likely a bit paranoid at the moment especially where fleet was concerned, but negotiations with crime families hadn't exactly been an academy course…

She cocked an eyebrow at Rokzi.

Editor-in-Chief

GM, 1357 posts

Sat 21 Aug 2021
at 06:23

msg #146

Kaya Wilden

In reply to Kaya Wilden (msg # 145):

Rokzi groans. "So by contacting the Dolbys, you mean me. 'kay. I'll ask around an' see what I can do." He considers a moment.

"Ya know...I'll throw this out there. Best way to get some attention from them is to put out the word that we're sellin' something they want. And since we're Naval...what if I put out the word that we're sellin' guns. If they're in a gang war, they need ammo and firepower. Any problems with that? Otherwise, I'll just be tryin' to catch a break."

Aarav finishes the spider that evening.

Peri says the beacon should be ready by the morning. "This thing's code is ancient. I've gotta update it to make it usable."

Kaya Wilden

player, 74 posts

Sun 22 Aug 2021
at 19:53

msg #147

Kaya Wilden

“Hmm.” Kaya thought about that for a moment, then shook her head. “Hold off on actually contacting anyone for now. I think we will have to, but I want to have the right orders for that. We should get a better picture of what is going on before we do much of anything that could land us on the local navy's radar. Or the 'Oh-Forties'.”

“As for selling guns...” She grimaced, “I don't see a problem saying we'd sell some to them. I see however a problem in us not having anything of the sort to sell when they'll ask for any kind of proof we can deliver.” She paused for a second, “I was in fact thinking about being a bit more...straightforward...than that. Though it would make initial contact a bit...difficult.”

“On top of that, I'd like to first get the bugs I got us on Winburger and Millstock. It might not help all that much,” she shrugged, “But at this point being able to know where they are going could be particularly important in helping us get the full picture.”

In the afternoon, Kaya wrote a confidential report for Major O'Bannon.

Subject: Initial Mission Report
To: Major Nyda O'Bannon, C.O. Naval Base Iomede Lesser
From: Lieutenant Kaya Wilden, C.O. Gryffin
Location: Vanilla Station (aka Market Pig), Little Giant

Initial monitoring of the target, Goergia Millstock, leads me to think she is not accompanying Wineburger under duress as on at least one occasion, she was left alone and did not chose to find the local authorities. She did instead get in contact with a former member of the disbanded military unit identified as '04012' owning a local tattoo shop.

Preliminary investigations show that former members of that unit are currently engaged in the system in a turf war with the local crime family known as the "Dolbys". Of particular concern is the fact that the local fleet seems to be involved in the conflict by targetting heavily the Dolbys - seven ongoing execution warrants with four more served in the last two years - whereas members of the 04012 only get simple warnings. There might be perfectly legitimate reasons for that of course, but the numbers make it unlikely. See attached reports in annex #1.

Wineburger seems to be looking - or expecting - something here. He has visited a known spot for illegal operations multiple times since he's arrived in the system, but his behaviour leads me to believe he has yet to find what he's looking for, with no way to guarantee that at this point however.

As instructed, I am currently taking steps to make sure we will be able to follow the Calico should it leave the station or the system, and I intend to monitor the situation both regarding Wineburger-Millstock and the 04012 while we wait for updated orders on those two points.

Lieutenant Kaya Wilden.

She edited her report a few times, then proceeded to send it - duly encoded for O'Bannon's eyes only - towards Iomede Lesser.

“Alright Aarav. Anything we can do to help you getting that spider attached to the Calico or can you deal with that from here?” She asked her engineer when he informed her he was done fixing the drone.

When Peri informed her that she would need more time, Kaya nodded, “It's alright, no rush. Hopefully we won't need it just yet.”

Editor-in-Chief

GM, 1358 posts

Mon 23 Aug 2021
at 01:57

msg #148

Kaya Wilden

In reply to Kaya Wilden (msg # 147):

Aarav glances up from his workbench. "Get me a better lab? Yeah. I know. It'll happen when it does." He sits back. "It's mostly ready. But I can't say it won't be buggy. This is old hardware. But I should be able to get it out the airlock in the next couple of hours."

He cocks his head. "You did clear this with station security right? If they see a spider crawling along the station's hull, they'll send someone out to scuttle it."

You hear back rather quickly.

Continue investigation. New objective: Determine link between Millstock and 040112.

That's pretty much it. O'Bannon isn't a texter it seems.

Kaya Wilden

player, 75 posts

Mon 23 Aug 2021
at 10:05

msg #149

Kaya Wilden

Kaya didn't bother answering to Aarav's "request", then shrugged, “As long as it transmits its position from time to time, I don't really care if it's buggy. I'd rather have it in position now than tomorrow, but if you think a bit more time would allow you to solve that, we're likely not in that much of a hurry.”

In answer to his question, she shook her head, “And no, I didn't clear this with anyone. And considering what we know, I'm not going to: the fewer know of our true goal here, the best it'll be.” After all, she'd bet that there were people in station security who were on the 04012's payroll. “Which is why I'm asking what you'd need to make it happen.” Before he could answer though, Kaya added, “I'll think of something.”

There was bound to be some traffic on the outside of the station right? Scooters for deliveries for example, small shuttles and the like. If they could find one that would go from around them to near the Calico, they'd have the perfect delivery mechanism. And if there wasn't one, maybe the could make it happen.

Kaya looked at O'Bannon's answer for a minute, tiredly rubbing the edge of her nose. With a sigh, she went to find Rokzi and Peri. “Alright, new orders: we are to find what is the link between Millstock and the 04012.”

“I see two possibilities: we get in contact with the 04012 ourselves and hope to learn more that way, or we enroll the Dolbys. Opinions?”

Editor-in-Chief

GM, 1362 posts

Mon 23 Aug 2021
at 21:44

msg #150

Kaya Wilden

In reply to Kaya Wilden (msg # 149):

Aarav frowns in thought and then shrugs. "I'll get it set up to walk. We'll let it walk...and then see what happens. Maybe they won't notice."

Rokzi chuckles. "Well color me shocked."

"What color exactly is "shocked"?"

"Kinda pink with some hints of brown."

Peri rolls her eyes. "Anyway. Why go to the Dolbys if we're trying to figure out the connection with the 040112s?"

"The Dolbys will know as much about what's going on as they can. So they should know something. And they'd be willing to spill if they think we can make trouble for the 040112s. Which could be in itself a problem." Rokzi shrugs. "The Oh-Fours may not like us nosing around their business. No. They definitely will not like us nosing around their business. Particularly if Millstock means somethin' to 'em."

He thinks a moment. "I'd say there is a third option. Naval Intel. They have to have some informants on both sides. I'm also curious about this whole executioneer gig they've got goin' on for one side. At least that's what it seems like. We might try closer to home first."

"Yeah. But if they were gonna share intel, wouldn't the General have already done so?" Peri shakes her head. "This whole set up smells funny."

"That I agree with." Rokzi shrugs. "My opinion is we ask Navy Intelligence with the Dolbys as a second choice."

Peri thinks about it and then finally nods. "I can't disagree with the logic."

Editor-in-Chief

GM, 1365 posts

Tue 24 Aug 2021
at 20:48

msg #151

Kaya Wilden

Kaya Wilden:

“Hmm.” Kaya didn't sound convinced. “While Fleet Intelligence likely knows the most on the subject, I see two problems with going there. Or even three. One, we would be sort of stepping on their toes, they're unlikely to like that. Two, there's no way they don't know what is happening.” After all, if they had learned all that in a day, people who actually had the skills and knowledge for that particular job had to know a lot more. “And if they haven't done anything...”

She paused, pensive, “Its entirely possible I suppose that it's just a high ranking officer who's messing with the reports, but...” She grimaced, “We have no way to know who we can trust.”

“Three...” She clearly hesitated for a bit there, “I'm not sure our orders are supposed to be revealed to anyone.” Maybe she was being a bit paranoid, but some kind of game was being played with her, her ship and her crew, and she wasn't sure what the rules were...

Peri and Rokzi exchange glances. You aren't quite sure what they're saying. They may not know either.

Rokzi massages the back of his neck. "Fair points. Okay. Then I say we try the Dolbys. You want me to go grab intel on them so we can figure out the best approach?"

Peri raises a hand. "I'd like to go walkies if that's okay. Anything I can do outside the ship?"

Aarav messages you. The spider is ready. He can deploy on your mark.

Kaya Wilden

player, 76 posts

Thu 26 Aug 2021
at 16:22

msg #152

Kaya Wilden

“Yes please.” Kaya answered Rokzi, before turning to Peri. “Sure.” She nodded, “As long as one of us is on board.” She grimaced slightly, “We may have to revisit that policy at some point, but for now let's try to keep it at that way.”

“As for what you can do...” Kaya tilted her head to the side for a moment before nodding, “Try to see if you can find a way from us to the Calico that the spider can take without being seen.” Hacking the stations sensors even for something as innocuous as that might not be possible, but at the moment it was an option.

As for her, she was going to sleep while she could: the day had been long and somewhat intense, and who knew what the next day would bring.

Editor-in-Chief

GM, 1368 posts

Thu 26 Aug 2021
at 22:44

msg #153

Kaya Wilden

In reply to Kaya Wilden (msg # 152):

Peri grins. "You mind if I EVAC to search? Nothing beats a visual inspection! I'll just say I'm taking pictures of the system off glare."

Some photographers swear that the best stellar photos are taken outside ships or stations. Off Glare crowds like to get into vacc suits and troll around outside. As long as she doesn't venture near security points, no one would think much about it. And since the whole point is to avoid security points, her excuse makes some sense.

Rokzi and Peri disembark, leaving you to comm the bridge.

It's a couple of hours into it when Rei pokes her head in. "Hey. It's time for our check up." She grins, referring to your daily ritual of watching her take her insulin while you let her gather her readings.

"How's your first mission going?" she asks, attaching an electrode to your inner wrist.

Kaya Wilden

player, 77 posts

Fri 27 Aug 2021
at 10:55

msg #154

Kaya Wilden

“Oh, sure.” Kaya easily agreed, “And if you find a way, coordinate with Aarav to get the spider in position. The sooner it's there, the better.”

Kaya who had been dozing off, opened her eyes and turned her head to look at Rei. She rolled the sleeve of her tunic to give the nurse easy access to her wrist as she turned back to her screens to make sure she hadn't missed anything. “Weirdly. It wasn't quite what I was expecting.” Sure, retrospectively, it sort of made sense that she wasn't some kind of third shift copilot on a big ship - it'd be impossible to keep the secret that way after all - but even then…

For a moment, she considered Rei, hesitating a bit about what she could say: she had little doubt after all that Rei was…maybe not spying on her, but would report pretty much everything she said or did. In the end though, she still decided to add, “I know some kind of game is being played here, same as in the obstacle course, and I don't know the goal much less the rules.” Alright, maybe she knew the goal, or at least one of them; namely determine her worth. “It's annoying. Particularly considering that what's happening here is definitely not a game.”

After all, even if it had nothing to do with a worst case scenario such as an insurrection or anything like that, the 04012's activities couldn't be good. “I can't say there are no advantages,” She was after all in command of her own ship, and with a mission that had nothing to do with routine. “But…” She shrugged.

Editor-in-Chief

GM, 1374 posts

Sun 29 Aug 2021
at 02:39

msg #155

Kaya Wilden

In reply to Kaya Wilden (msg # 154):

Rei finishes placing the electrodes and turns on the hand held monitor. It's become the routine that after she sets it up to take your vitals, she takes her insulin while you wait for the monitor to finish.

She pricks the tip of her finger and puts it in another monitor. "Damn. Knew I shouldn' had that caramel..."

She sighs and takes out the small case she carries in her pocket. She keeps two full doses of insulin in them. The process is simple. Determine her glucose level and then press one of the dose capsules to her arm. Her glucose monitor sends a signal to the capsule to calibrate the amount needed. The capsule auto injects.

"Well. If it helps you any..." She flinches a little as the capsule injects her. She always flinches when she does this. "I can tell you what my orders are. In regards to you."

She smiles as she rolls her sleeve down. The monitor on you beeps. She starts to look at it. "Healthy as usual. We'll need to do a coordination test. Haven't done one in a couple of days."

As you stand to start this part of the test she sits back in Peri's chair. "Well? You wanna know?"

Kaya Wilden

player, 78 posts

Sun 29 Aug 2021
at 21:45

msg #156

Kaya Wilden

Kaya stood up and started doing her exercises, grumbling “I certainly hope my brain isn't going to start leaking through my ears just yet.” It was said half as a joke, half with that particular tone of someone who knew herself condemned and was trying to pretend that she was fine with it.

All the same, Kaya couldn't help but think that she'd have to get some real exercise done with Rokzi: she certainly didn't want to get rusty, and she knew she had more to draw out of her genes than what she already had. Plus, she still had to show him that she knew what she was doing in a fight. He might be too experienced for her to win, but she fully intended to make him work for it. And maybe score a few points before he started taking her seriously.

Soon enough she focused back on Rei's question. “I'm not sure it'd change anything since you're unlikely to tell me any secret orders you'd have, but sure, why not. I can imagine most of them anyway.”

Editor-in-Chief

GM, 1377 posts

Mon 30 Aug 2021
at 01:55

msg #157

Kaya Wilden

In reply to Kaya Wilden (msg # 156):

Rei chuckled. "Thank you. It's been bugging me.

"As far as secret orders...I was actually told to tell you everything if you asked. Kinda why I prompted. I'd rather get this out of the way.

"So my orders are...first. Monitor you to determine if you start showing signs of the syndrome. You know what I mean. Second, keep logs of your vitals so if you do start showing syndrome symptoms, we can look for indicators that might show us what happened. What started it. If there are any flags we can detect."

She taps the scanner. "So you know. This doesn't just keep tabs on your blood pressure and white blood cell count. It also does a mini map of your DNA. We're looking at the genetic level as well."

Rei is quiet a moment. "Three is to monitor your abilities in non combat situations. There is interest if the Aces can be used for other things besides piloting.

"That may be why you got weird orders. They're testing you to see how you handle them in terms of..." She hunts for a term. "...your....Aceness."

Kaya Wilden

player, 79 posts

Mon 30 Aug 2021
at 19:00

msg #158

Kaya Wilden

“Hmm. Nothing too surprising I suppose.” Kaya shrugged. “Though I'm not sure my wrist's cells' DNA is gonna tell much of anything.” But she wasn't going to offer some brain cells obviously, she needed those. And soon wouldn't have too many of them on top of that. Well not too soon she hoped.

“As for my non combat abilities…” the young lieutenant sniffed, “I may be faster and more agile, able to process faster and more accurately data, and with a better coordination that anyone else, it doesn't help me to take the right decisions. Which is what matters the most. After all, any AI can do pattern recognition easily. Except in piloting, it doesn't matter if it takes a minute or five.”

“But, as I said,” she shrugged, “it got me a ship, I'm not going to complain. So test away I guess. I'm going to have a spar with Rokzi if you want to take some measures. I know you have some already but… Well… I may not have given my all at the Academy.” She hadn't wanted to make too many waves after all, and being underestimated had paid quite a few times. Plus as a pilot her melee or hand-to-hand fighting skills didn't really matter so it wasn't like it had really hurt her scores.

“Maybe I'll manage to surprise Rokzi in the first couple of bouts…” No one would expect someone looking like she did to be all that dangerous in combat after all. It was much less true when implants were taking into account, but Rokzi knew she didn't have those. Of course he knew she was an Ace, but he might not understand other than superficially what that meant outside of piloting and could very well see her as nothing more than a young female with nothing else than some basic training.

And even if he knew she had to have better reflexes… He probably didn't know how much she had had to train in multiple combat styles to develop her skills, her muscles, or even her mind. “Until he adapts anyway. He'll win most of them afterwards, he's likely too experienced for anything else to happen.” She shrugged.

Editor-in-Chief

GM, 1381 posts

Mon 30 Aug 2021
at 21:57

msg #159

Kaya Wilden

In reply to Kaya Wilden (msg # 158):

Rei shrugs as well. "Well. That's my orders. I've felt iffy about not sharing them. Especially since they said I should share them but only if you asked. And...done."

She motions for you to stop your movements and starts to retrieve the electrodes.

"And do let me know if I can do anything. I'm spending my time doing research and reading romance novels. And I hate romance novels."

Rokzi comes back sooner than you expected.

"We're being watched," he ways without any preamble. Marching over to Peri's comm, he punches up a holo of the outside cameras. He stops it and spreads it out to show a guy in station maintenance uniform.

"This guy has been outside our ship for at least the last six hours. Hold on..."

He dials back the camera and hunts around until you see the same maintenace guy, in almost excalty the same position. He's behind a mound of engine parts, acting like he's inventorying them. In another clip, he's sweeping around them.

"Nobody's that dedicated to their job. That they'd stay in place six freakin' hours." He looks at you. "You wanna ignore him? Or you want me or us to go have a talk with him?"

Kaya Wilden

player, 80 posts

Mon 30 Aug 2021
at 22:30

msg #160

Kaya Wilden

“Yeah, well, that was probably the weirdest part about your orders.” Kaya shrugged, “And dont worry about it.” Secret orders were part of Fleet's DNA after all. In fact... “I wouldn't be surprised if the other three had some kind of secret orders of their own.” Kaya shrugged, apparently unconcerned.

“As for doing anything, besides the EVA certification I mentioned before unless you're an expert in criminology, Intel gathering or some kind of ninja...” She cocked an eyebrow to check, “Not much at the moment I'm afraid. That being said...” Kaya tapped her lips thoughtfully, “It wouldn't hurt if you told me what you can do besides Medic things. Like hobbies, current or present, electives you picked in school, things like that. Who knows what might be useful at some point.”

As Rokzi arrived with his news, Kaya frowned. “Six hours could be because we were marked after our visit in the 'market'. Or because we're a military ship and someone wants to know if we're new players in that game they're playing...”

After a brief hesitation, she shook her head, “Let's not spook him just yet. We'll ask Peri to see if that guy has a rapsheet that might tell us who sent him. That being said...” She frowned, pensive.

“Do you think he's bad at his job or not really trying and wants us to go to him?” She shook her head, “Doesn't matter for now. We're going to order some food and have it delivered. You'll wait for it in front of the hatch and we'll see if he comes to you to talk, hand you a chip or something.”

“On second thought... She turned to Rei, “If you want to help? It'll be less spooky if you're the one waiting and Rokzi is supposed to be an officer here it wouldn't make too much sense for him to be the one waiting. He'll be able to cover you from the ship to make sure nothing happens but I really doubt that'd be necessary. If he asks, just pretend you're a comms specialist,” it'd be weird to have a dedicated Medic on a ship like the Gryffin after all, “We're just a courrier, and that's all. Though you'll need a work uniform for that.” She turned to Rokzi, “Can you give her some tips for stuff like that - such as don't oversell it - while I order the food? Any allergies I should know about?”

Editor-in-Chief

GM, 1386 posts

Wed 1 Sep 2021
at 00:03

msg #161

Kaya Wilden

In reply to Kaya Wilden (msg # 160):

Rokzi laughs. "None for me."

Rei is a little stunned but shakes her head. "I don't like pizza but I'll eat it."

"How can you not like pizza?"

"It's what I grew up on. Long story. But order whatever."

Rokzi escorts her out.

As they prepare, Aarav buzzes up. "Peri's got the spider in position. I'm about to lock it remotely. You want me to have it start transmitting right away? Or set it to transmit later?"

Kaya Wilden

player, 81 posts

Wed 1 Sep 2021
at 17:38

msg #162

Kaya Wilden

“No pizza then.” Kaya shrugged, then displayed the station services on her console. “Great. Wait a bit on the transmission. I'd rather do it when the ship is empty or when they're undocking worst case. Any kind of warning would have likely disappeared by the time they come back that way.” she answered Aarav when he reported Peri's progress. “I'm ordering dinner, anything I should avoid for Peri or you?”

After a couple of minutes, she settled on a small Indian restaurant and ordered an assortment of dishes for the five of them, to be delivered asap to the the Gryffin.

Editor-in-Chief

GM, 1390 posts

Thu 2 Sep 2021
at 20:42

msg #163

Kaya Wilden

In reply to Kaya Wilden (msg # 162):

The delivery bot is on the way.

Rei goes out to make the exchange.

Suddenly...

Pick a number 1 to 10 please

Kaya Wilden

player, 82 posts

Thu 2 Sep 2021
at 20:51

msg #164

Kaya Wilden

Let's say 7

While she waited for the bot to arrive, Kaya kept an eye on the "janitor", while dealing with some of the paperwork associated with commanding a ship on an independent mission.

Editor-in-Chief

GM, 1392 posts

Sat 4 Sep 2021
at 02:22

msg #165

Kaya Wilden

In reply to Kaya Wilden (msg # 164):

7?

Ha

Ha ha

Bwah ha ha

BWAH HA HAH HA HA HA BWAH HA HA!

Through the camera, you can see the janitor glancing Rei's way. He seems to be humming to himself.

"He's mic'd," Rokzi beeps in from the comm by the airlock door. "Must be checkin' for orders. He...

"Hold up a minute..."

You've patched into camera feeds from the docking bay. You and Rokzi can see vid of the delivery bot chugging down the aisle way towards the Gryffin

But coming up behind it, moving rather quickly for a personnel transporter, is a personnel transporter. There's an actual driver, which is rare...those things are usually bot driven...and two guys are seated in the back.

They all have crew cuts. They all have broad shoulders. They're all wearing sun visors that hide the top part of their face.

The transport weaves around the delivery bot and suddenly bursts into a speed those transports aren't supposed to be able to hit. The two guys in back are ducking down, like they're picking something up off the floor.

"Shit!"

Orders?

Kaya Wilden

player, 83 posts

Sun 5 Sep 2021
at 21:46

msg #166

Kaya Wilden

Hmpf

“Rei, get back inside. Rokzi, don't fire first, I'll get armed and come.” Kaya ran to the armoury, where she armed herself with a pistol and a stunner, as well as a communicator.

She quickly checked it was working with Rokzi, asking him for a situation report, while on another channel she sent to Peri, “Four hostiles incoming on the ship, check your surroundings and stay safe.”

I suppose there's another way to get out of the ship but still be in the station, not too far from where Rokzi is currently?

Editor-in-Chief

GM, 1396 posts

Mon 6 Sep 2021
at 01:55

msg #167

Kaya Wilden

In reply to Kaya Wilden (msg # 166):

I think there would be an airlock door, which Rokzi would be beside and Rei outside of, and a secondary airlock by the loading bay door.

Rei gets inside as the transport comes into view.

The guys in the transport don't even look your way. Instead the fire on your watcher.

He tries to dive for cover but you see his head come open in a spectacular spray of gore.

The transport speeds past. Rokzi thumbs his comm. "We got maybe two minutes before station security comes out. Want me to scope the body?

Kaya Wilden

player, 84 posts

Mon 6 Sep 2021
at 21:00

msg #168

Kaya Wilden

Yep, makes sense. Not what I was expecting though :o

“What the!?” Kaya froze for a second, as she really hadn't expected that to happen. Soon enough though, she answered Rokzi, “Yeah, drop the weapons and go check that guy out to make sure he's dead. That's for the official stuff. Un-officially, he was communicating with somebody: grab his coms and anything of interest, you know where the cams are so don't let them catch you. Get back in before security arrives but don't look in a hurry about it.”

To Peri, she sent, “We're clear, we weren't the target. I don't see how that could be a diversion, but still be careful.” After a moment, she added to Rei this time, “Stay put, nothing you can do for that guy and no one needs to know we have a medic on board. Just grab the food when it arrives, shouldn't be long.”

After that, Kaya stored her weapons quickly, then went back to the bridge: there was going to be an investigation, and she wanted to check regulations about that kind of stuff. More particularly, regulations surrounding courier ships that could allow her to refuse to answer most questions - especially regarding the ship's crew - without raising any warning. Or as few of them as possible.

Editor-in-Chief

GM, 1402 posts

Tue 7 Sep 2021
at 01:31

msg #169

Kaya Wilden

In reply to Kaya Wilden (msg # 168):

A quick scroll through Naval and system law indicates you don't have many options here.

First, the investigation will fall under the jurisdiction of the local starport authorities. And they can question you about the incident.

They cannot force you to disclose anything about your orders, messages being carried, or any other information that might compromise mission or naval security.

The authorities can submit a request through official channels to compel your testimony. And the Navy rulebook is very clear. You cannot claim exemption just because you don't want to answer questions. If you can answer them, you are expected to.

Rei isn't saying much. She's just laying out the various packets of food. Aarav comes up, scratching his head like he just woke up from a nap. "Hey. Dinner ready?"

Rokzi barks a laugh as he comes in, slapping Aarav on the shoulder as he passes. "Yep. Chow's on. Peri just signaled. She'll be through the lock in about five. Told us not to wait." He dumps an ear piece and a handcom on the railing.

"Earl Tofestry. That's the name on his station ID anyway. A local. He had a Oh seventeen six firearm on him. Didn't touch that. His wallet had some nudie pictures of a brunette and some sex farm tokens. Nothing else."

Aarav raises an eyebrow. "I feel like I missed something. Rei?"

Rei rushes past him into the hall. "Just gotta go to the bathroom."

Aarav blinks and looks at the stuff on the railing. "So seriously. What did I miss?"

Kaya Wilden

player, 85 posts

Tue 7 Sep 2021
at 21:18

msg #170

Kaya Wilden

Kaya followed Rei with her eyes for a second while she answered Aarav. “Someone kept eyes on us. Others just gunned him down on the dock.” She shook her head then nodded to Rokzi.

“We'll ask Peri to try and find out who that guy was. Might tell us who he was working for. Aarav,” She pointed at the ear piece and handcom, “I want you and Peri to find out everything you can about this.”

She started to grab some food, “I'll have the recordings available for station security when they ask for them. Shouldn't take too long I suppose. Hopefully it should prevent too many questions aimed our way.”

“That being said,” She added after a moment, rubbing her chin pensively, “This should give us a good reason to contact Fleet Intelligence and see what they have to say about all of this.” It could at the very least allow her to determine how extensive the rot was.

Editor-in-Chief

GM, 1404 posts

Wed 8 Sep 2021
at 02:43

msg #171

Kaya Wilden

In reply to Kaya Wilden (msg # 170):

Station Security shows up about five minutes later.

They gather around the crime scene for a while. A transport arrives and the body is loaded on to it.

And then they all leave. No one comes over to your ship.

About forty minutes later, a janitorial crew arrives and starts to clean up the scene.

Rokzi wipes up some masala gravy with a soy-naan and pops it in his mouth. "Wow. Someone spent some money in the right places."

Kaya Wilden

player, 86 posts

Wed 8 Sep 2021
at 14:57

msg #172

Kaya Wilden

Kaya was visibly surprised by the absence of any kind of investigation. “That's... I mean, no investigation is one thing, and I guess we can get a pretty good idea for whom that guy was working. But...” She tilted her head to the side, “They're not even going to pretend for us? Surely, anyone in our position would expect to at least be asked a few questions and would be curious about why no one has done so, right? ”

She looked around the table, then pinched the edge of her nose. “That's sloppy. And it speaks of either confidence or arrogance.” She frowned, “And it also somewhat forces our hand, we have to ask questions now. Doing otherwise would be suspicious.”

She smiled wryly as an idea struck her, “It almost makes me want to consider if its not a third party trying to force us to do something and hope we'll somehow get somewhere. Or trigger something...”

She sighed and shook her head, “Alright, I'll give it an hour or so before I contact station security first, then Fleet Intelligence. Hopefully we'll know a bit more by then.”

“But since we're going to draw attention to us, one way or the other, we'll need to take some precautions. First, we'll consider the station hostile. That means no one goes anywhere alone, and only if necessary. Second for anyone outside of this ship, Peri will be the Captain. Aarav and Rokzi, there's no need to change anything for you I think. Rei...” Kaya paused, pensive, “We can't have you as a Medic, a courrier doesn't have one. Making you a VIP would just make you a target. Instead we'll say you're a junior NCO in charge of the coms. Aarav, Rokzi, I'm counting on you to make sure she can at least pretend to be exactly that for a couple of minutes if need be. I don't mean the physical, she'll just be an egghead who got a terrible post for some reason. Probably pissed of a young noble who was courting her or something. No one would blink at that.”

“As for me...” Kaya tapped the table with her chopsticks for a moment, “I could pretend to be a VIP, but...” She grimaced, “I'd probably be a terrible one. Worse, I wouldn't be able to ask questions.” And as she glanced at Rokzi, she supposed that he would object to her being a target.

“I could pretend to be some kind of spook, but I don't have any particular clearance, passphrases or anything so that wouldn't be terribly convincing. Maybe a Junior Security Officer trying to do things by the book and all that? That would allow me to ask questions without raising any eyebrows without being thought of as too much of a risk I think.” And she was confident she could pretend to be that. She wasn't a jarhead, but she had gone through basic training and knew how they worked. Plus, it wouldn't prevent any kind of incident regarding both her and Rokzi's behaviour.

“Any opinion before I warn the powers that be?” Which hopefully would incite them to make sure that the official records matched what she was going to say... “Oh and Rei, while it's not something you were likely expecting... Make sure you have what you need and are ready to handle traumas. The bullet kind. Or laser, plasma, whatever. I'm pretty sure at this point that we can expect to be shot at before we're done.”

Editor-in-Chief

GM, 1407 posts

Thu 9 Sep 2021
at 21:29

msg #173

Kaya Wilden

In reply to Kaya Wilden (msg # 172):

Peri shakes her head. "This just looks like corruption in station security. Fleet Intel needs to know that."

"They probably already do. With the amount of traffic that goes through here, it's more likely to say there's no way Fleet Intel couldn't know. Which begs a few questions."

Rokzi glances at you. "I don't think you should say anything. If they aren't scared to do something like that right in front of our ship, that makes me think they think they don't have to worry about us."

"Wait. Do you mean you think someone from Fleet Intel is covering for them?"

Rokzi nods at Peri. "That's exactly what I'm wonderin'." Rokzi turns to you.

"Captain. I think we gotta be careful here. If someone in Fleet Intel is in someone's pocket..."

Aarav scoffs. "Could that be why we're really here?" He looks around the room. "What if the Major is tryin' to knock the hornet's nest and we're the brick?"

Kaya Wilden

player, 87 posts

Fri 10 Sep 2021
at 14:07

msg #174

Kaya Wilden

“Two birds with one stone.” Kaya answered with a slight shrug. A couple of seconds later, she amended, “Though I guess it'd be better to say 'multiple' and not just two. Milstock was probably a convenient excuse to get us involved, but I don't doubt the Major wouldn't mind to know what's her deal.”

“Anyway,” she looked at Rokzi, “We know that saying something is a bad idea because we know something is going on in the system and at least part of the Fleet, possibly even Fleet Intelligence, is involved. But someone who doesn't know would ask questions. So if we don't ask questions, someone will at some point wonder why we didn't.”

“Plus,” The young lieutenant grimaced slightly, “We're here to investigate what's going on here which means we have to ask questions. The answers we get, or don't get will be an important key to get to the bottom of this. I'll ask questions, and someone will probably try to convince me to not ask questions. Depending on how it's done, we'll have found a possible ally or a possible culprit. No matter what, it'll get us somewhere and at least doing it like that gives us a good reason to poke our nose in that business. It may not be liked, but it wouldn't be suspicious. At least at first, but we have to take advantage of it.”

Editor-in-Chief

GM, 1409 posts

Sat 11 Sep 2021
at 01:46

msg #175

Kaya Wilden

In reply to Kaya Wilden (msg # 174):

Aarav cocks an eyebrow. "So...we ask questions to make them think we don't know that they might know?"

"Yeah. If we act like we don't know, they'll think we don't know. Even though we know. But if we act like we don't care, they might think we know that they know."

Peri cocks her head. "So as long as we act like we care, which we do, they'll think we don't know. Even though we do know."

Rei raises a hand. "I'm sorry. Can we use like a whiteboard or something to chart this out?"

"Annnnnyhoo," Rokzi sighs. "Bluffing is probably our best bet. So? We still proceed as we were gonna? Peri works dead guy's comm link. Me and Aarav give Rei the short course on comm station. And you talk to Intel?"

Kaya Wilden

player, 88 posts

Sun 12 Sep 2021
at 00:14

msg #176

Kaya Wilden

Kaya rubbed her eyes as she watched her crew mess around, then nodded when Rokzi asked if the plan was still a go. “Yep. But I don't want to look in a hurry, after all, so I'll wait a bit before I go talk to Fleet Intel. Let's let Aarav have a moment with Rei first, I'm sure he'll want to rest for a bit afterwards.”

“In the meantime, you and I are going to spar a bit.” Now more than before it was important: she needed him to know what she could do. She wasn't just a pilot, she could hold her own in a fight, and Rokzi needed to be aware of this: she wouldn't be dead weight that he'd have to sit on and he could instead count on her to at least cover his six.

Editor-in-Chief

GM, 1414 posts

Mon 13 Sep 2021
at 03:43

msg #177

Kaya Wilden

In reply to Kaya Wilden (msg # 176):

The place with the most room for a spar is the hallway.

Rokzi takes off his jacket. "How real we goin' here? I'm assumin' it's bare fist. Full contact? Or are we pullin' punches?"

Kaya Wilden

player, 89 posts

Mon 13 Sep 2021
at 20:01

msg #178

Kaya Wilden

“Well, I don't want to put in my report that we can continue the investigation for the time being because we can't get out of bed, so let's not hurt each other.” Though it would mostly be on him: his implants gave him more power than she had, and he had the skills to make sure he'd manage to score at some point - not too fast she hoped. As for her, while she was good, she wasn't that good, and even if she was fast and managed to score, it'd likely lack the necessary power to truly hurt him.

“Alright, ready?” As soon as he said so, Kaya went for the strike mustering all the speed she could, fully intending to take him by surprise and at least score the first point.

Editor-in-Chief

GM, 1416 posts

Tue 14 Sep 2021
at 01:32

msg #179

Kaya Wilden

In reply to Kaya Wilden (msg # 178):

It's a nice try. But Rokzi sidesteps easily enough. He brings his foot around, stopping just short of swiping your legs out from under you.

He smiles and backs up. "Ready," he says.

I will give you the choice. We can handle the spar in one of three ways:

I can just narrate it in a single post.

You can pick a number one through ten. I will determine the results of the spar based on that. Simple and straightforward.

You can use your "Kaya senses". That is you can try to bring the Ace Training into the matter. If so, pick a number one to ten and you will see what happens next.

Your call

Kaya Wilden

player, 90 posts

Tue 14 Sep 2021
at 17:53

msg #180

Kaya Wilden

Oh I don't mind if you just narrate it, it's not all that important.

Kaya looked quite a bit put out that her initial gambit had failed and grumbled under her breath. “Fine…”

And she revised her objective down: she was going to try to not get humiliated too badly… At least that would hopefully be more in reach of her skillset compared to his…

Editor-in-Chief

GM, 1420 posts

Tue 14 Sep 2021
at 22:45

msg #181

Kaya Wilden

In reply to Kaya Wilden (msg # 180):

Okie doke. Did not want to assume

The sparring starts about what you expected. Rokzi just has too large a leg up both in terms of reach, weight, and most importantly experience.

But you feel like you do not embarrass yourself. Towards the end...maybe you're just getting used to him and his moves...you manage to land a couple of decent hits.

As you bend at the waist after the last round, getting your breath back, he hands you a water bottle. "Not bad. You got potential. But you shouldn't hold back at the start. You got a lot better at the end. Like a whole lot better. Were you just rusty or somethin'?"

Kaya Wilden

player, 91 posts

Thu 16 Sep 2021
at 18:54

msg #182

Kaya Wilden

Kaya grabbed the bottle, quickly draining half of it. She didn't answer straight away though. “Not particularly rusty no.” She finally said.

For a time, it seemed it was all she'd say on the topic, before finally continuing, “I just never fought all that seriously in training, enough to look decent and get the grades I wanted, but…” She shrugged, “First, I didn't want to out myself as an Ace, and it becomes obvious pretty fast that I'm faster, more precise, but lack the raw power implants bring to the table. And I don't have the finances to hire a private instructor.”

“Second…” She looked away, “It has paid, heavily for…people…to underestimate what I could really do.”

Editor-in-Chief

GM, 1426 posts

Thu 16 Sep 2021
at 20:38

msg #183

Kaya Wilden

In reply to Kaya Wilden (msg # 182):

He barks a laugh. "I get what you're sayin'. And that's true in terms of combat classes and stuff. Trust you won't hide it when push comes to shove."

Rokzi thinks about it. "Probably wouldn't be a bad idea to give me more info on what an Ace can and can't do. All I know is the stories. So no idea if what I think I know is right.
If that makes sense."

You can respond or summarize as you wish.

Let me know what you want to do next. Thanks

Kaya Wilden

player, 92 posts

Fri 17 Sep 2021
at 12:28

msg #184

Kaya Wilden

“There are two parts, two…well, I guess you could call that 'packages', to what makes an Ace. The first one is an improvement on most of the body. Not so much in terms of efficiency as in resilience: can take more abuse, can do more extreme things with little to no damage and even then with better healing. Not to the point of regrowing organs, but there are records of broken spines reconnecting successfully.”

“Resilience, and capacity to improve. Raw strength won't reach what the best implants can, but with enough work it can get close. More importantly, coordination, control in general can go way beyond what someone with implants can hope to achieve though the most important part is that it's purely the body: there are no implants in the control loop, no lag, as little as it is.”

“The second package is purely neurological. To keep it simple, everything goes faster: information is acquired, analysed and acted upon much faster.” She shrugged, “An AI is still better in terms of pure pattern recognition, there's no beating that. But I get very close to what an AI can do when computing orbital mechanics for example. The AI is still faster, but an AI pilot needs to tell it what it wants, the AI needs to compute it, then send it to the pilot which in turn needs to understand, or at least integrate, the result. It happens really fast of course, but it still takes time. And when the pilot starts making whatever changes are needed, I'm already done, and thinking about something else. Or multiple different things since multitasking is also vastly improved.”

“It also translates to faster reflexes. You can take me by surprise in a fight, but I'll react fast enough to most anything that you'll think I was in fact expecting it all along. It might not be enough for me to get out of whatever you're planning, but odds are I'll at least minimise the consequences. You wouldn't beat me in a gun duel: you'll act first, but I'll be done long before you've fired. Purely it terms of shooting, I'm easily a qualified sniper.” Though there was much more to being a sniper than pure shooting of course, things she had neither the time nor the desire to learn.

“In hand to hand, or melee combat, you can beat me for multiple reasons: the most important reason being skills of course. You don't really need to think about what you're doing, which somewhat negates any speed advantage I can have there. And then, you can gradually force me into situations where even though I know and see what's coming, I simply cannot get out of the way fast enough because I do not have the skill, or experience, to recognize what's happening before it's starting. Well that and while implants are straight up functioning at 100% capacity - after the controlling issues have been managed - I need to train my body a lot, like an athlete would, to get close.”

“A lot of people, relatively anyway, have one of the two packages. The body one alone is quite good even though it… well, it's like putting a civilian in a fighter: they'll stay at parking speed or they'll just crash. Their brains are just unable to process things fast enough to take full advantage of what they have. The only real advantage they have is that they're more resilient than normal, but that's pretty much all. And they can't get implants, their bodies reject them. So they might be athletes and will shine really bright - at least in the divisions were enhancements of any time are banned - but you won't find any of them in the Marines.”

“Those who only have the neurological package…” She shook her head, “Their bodies cannot keep up, most of them die before they're even born. As for those that do, they never last long.”

She paused, pensive, then shrugged, “All that to say that being an Ace doesn't replace skills. In fact, if you compare newbies, be it marines or pilots, the implanted ones will always be much better than the Ace. Simply because it takes a lot of time and effort for an Ace to train to the level where an implanted just needs to switch her implants on: an AI pilot can have a superficial knowledge of orbital mechanics - the AI will do the job just fine - but an Ace needs to know and understand everything about them, down to the 12^th decimal.” She grumbled a bit at that, “Let's just say that for two years I didn't even have to pretend to be terrible.”

The young lieutenant grimaced, then continued “But, with training, the ceiling is much higher for an Ace than it is for an implanted. At least as far as pilots go, and all depending on the efforts invested by both. Though of course there's the little problem or brains leaking through the ears at some point.” She added dryly. “As a Marine, I'm not sure.”

She shook her head, “Aces were designed as Pilots, and I don't think anyone wants to 'waste' one as a marine. Since we learn very fast however, I suspect that with enough training, serious training anyway,” she rolled her eyes, “I could quickly at least draw with you. At first because I would know you and would have learned to recognise whatever you were planning on doing as soon as you do, and know how best to avoid that. Which is why you noticed that I had improved a lot at the end: it was just that. I knew what you were trying to do, and I knew how best to avoid that and then take advantage of it. It wouldn't help me as much against someone with an entirely different fighting style, but by then, my reflexes and speed would have improved enough that it'd be near impossible to counter me, much less catch me.”

She tapped her lips for a couple of seconds, “So the easy way for you to win is short term to use your experience to push me to take increasingly worse choices because there aren't any good one that I have the ability to take: making sure that I can only dodge a hit by exposing myself to another one which in turn… and so on. Two things that would work anytime is to simply not allow me to notice anything. And I don't mean where you're fast enough. I mean where I simply cannot see or hear something coming before it affects me: if I hear a shot before the bullet reaches me, I can still move. Not much obviously, I'm not faster than a bullet! But maybe enough to get my head and heart out of the way. The second and likely easier solution is to simply put your hands on me and bring it to a pure power contest. You'll win everytime. Well you or pretty much anyone else. As long as they have implants anyway since I'm still stronger than I look. Though of course, both require that you don't make any mistake, at any time, so the longer it lasts, the better it's likely to be for me. Not because I have more stamina than you - I mean I do, but everything I do is more taxing than it is to you thanks to your implants so it balances out - but because as soon as you do make a mistake, I'll recognise it and I'll have the time to do something about it. It might not be enough for me to win, or even get out of that sticky situation. It could do nothing at all, but it could force you to make even more mistakes.”

After a quick shower, Kaya sent a message to Major O'Bannon.

Subject: Mission Report #2
To: Major Nyda O'Bannon, C.O. Naval Base Iomede Lesser
From: Lieutenant Kaya Wilden, C.O. Gryffin
Location: Vanilla Station (aka Market Pig), Little Giant

An unknown party has decided to keep an eye on the Gryffin. Before we could do anything about it however, the individual assigned to it was gunned down by three armed men in a hit & run. We have collected the individual's communication device before his body was collected and will try to learn more about him and his affiliation.

It has become clear however that something is very wrong in the station, and likely the system, as no one has come to perform an investigation into the incident. Neither station security, the local Fleet HQ, nor Fleet Intelligence have contacted us either to investigate or at least talk to us, which raises quite a few uncomfortable questions which are likely related to our own investigation.

As such, I have decided to pretend that to the outside world, Lieutenant 2^nd class Von Helmon will be the ship's captain while I'll be a junior security officer, both to give me more room for action as to avoid drawing attention to the Ace program. The presence of a medic on a courier ship likely to raise questions too, Ms. Yamahato will be introduced as a Communication's NCO, sergent Polovich and Engineer 2^nd Class Shashidar coaching her on the position.

With the likely involvement of military personal of a significant rank however, having the corresponding access privileges, I request that records of the Gryffin's current crew available to queries reflect those decisions. I also request that you place such records, including our personal files, under surveillance and let us know who accessed them since we've arrived in the system as well as in the future.

Lieutenant Kaya Wylden

Editor-in-Chief

GM, 1431 posts

Sat 18 Sep 2021
at 02:12

msg #185

Kaya Wilden

In reply to Kaya Wilden (msg # 184):

You don't have to wait long for O'Bannon's response.

Understood. Will forward you tracking inforamtion on personnel files.

Change in Mission Priorities: Determine Georgia Redley's purpose on board The Calico. Determine her connection, if any, to the 040112s.

After that determination is made, you are to extract her, whether willingly or unwillingly. Once you have obtained her, report for coordinates for drop off.

Peri looks up when you enter the bridge and waves a hand to the dead guy's comm unit.

"He was one of the Dolbys. That's what Rokzi thinks after listening to the audio. The guy was watching us for them. No idea why they tuned into us. But he apparently was supposed to make contact with us for whatever reason once he was given word to do so."

Kaya Wilden

player, 93 posts

Sat 18 Sep 2021
at 23:23

msg #186

Kaya Wilden

As she read O'Bannon's answer, Kaya tiredly pinched the edge of her nose, strongly considering stopping send any message to the Major: maybe that way her mission wouldn't change so much... Still, she could only adapt and make the best of it. Not that they changed all that much, but they now encompassed a lot more than previously. Except for the need to extract Georgia one way or the other... Well, one thing at a time.

Plus, it wasn't like she didn't need to care about what was happening in the system: it just wasn't her main priority anymore...

“Makes sense. They have to know we're not from the system, so they have to take a chance with us: odds are we're not related to what is happening here, so if they contact us fast enough, they might convince us to bring word outside.”

“If I wanted to talk to them, have you identified a contact to send a message to?”

Editor-in-Chief

GM, 1434 posts

Mon 20 Sep 2021
at 02:44

msg #187

Kaya Wilden

In reply to Kaya Wilden (msg # 186):

Peri gestures at the comm.

"There's a contact list inside. There's one marked "Boss Lady". There's another that says "Big Jesso"." She shrugs. "The number he was talking to tracks as a temp ID. One of those that station maintenance assigns to suits that are heading out EVAC. I'm guessing we need to contact either Boss Lady or Big Jesso."

Kaya Wilden

player, 94 posts

Mon 20 Sep 2021
at 19:49

msg #188

Kaya Wilden

ote“And I suppose said temp number is not available anymore?” Kaya asked without really expecting an answer: it was likely that the line had been deactivated as soon as the body had hit the floor.

The young lieutenant considered the comm for a moment, then shrugged and grabbed it. “I'm listening.” She sent the message to both Boss Lady and Big Jesso, then handed the device back to Peri: they were likely going to talk it out among themselves before they decided to answer anyway. “Monitor that for me please. I'm going to call Station Security now.”

She went to sit on her chair - she wasn't planning on making it a vidcall, so it wasn't an issue - then called Station Security. “Hi. There's been a murder in front of our ship. We've seen station security come and go but no one talked to us. It's... We have footage of what happened to help the investigation.”

Editor-in-Chief

GM, 1438 posts

Tue 21 Sep 2021
at 00:09

msg #189

Kaya Wilden

In reply to Kaya Wilden (msg # 188):

The cop at the other end of the line takes your information. "Yeah. We got vid from the maintenance cameras. So thanks. If you want to send it over, we'll catalouge it. Your ship didn't take any damage, did it? That's good. No need to come in for a statement. We have the perps in custody. Thanks."

Kaya Wilden

player, 95 posts

Tue 21 Sep 2021
at 18:50

msg #190

Kaya Wilden

“Oh woh, that was quick.” Kaya exclaimed...not believing it at all. “The ship wasn't touched no, you wouldn't have had to look for the, er, perps if it had.”

“So, to whom shall I send the footage then?” If nothing else, that would get her a name. Not that she knew what she'd do with it, but who knew.

Editor-in-Chief

GM, 1441 posts

Tue 21 Sep 2021
at 22:55

msg #191

Kaya Wilden

In reply to Kaya Wilden (msg # 190):

He tells you to send it to the general mailbox for station security. But he does say a Captain Revisbee is handling the case.

Aarav leads Rei up to the bridge.

"We need to let her sit down in front of the comm's board. So she has a chance to at least learn the layout."

In other words, he wants you to shoo so he can run Rei through the ops.

Peri taps her board. "We got a message in. It came from what looks like another throw away number. It just says Jaxon's Bar and Grill 8:30 PM"

Kaya Wilden

player, 96 posts

Thu 23 Sep 2021
at 18:44

msg #192

Kaya Wilden

“Alright,” Kaya answered as she quickly reviewed the feeds to make sure nothing she didn't want to send figured on them, stopping them before Rokzi went to check the body, “You'll have those momentarily.” She also shared the name with Peri, to see if she could find anything.

When Aarav brought Rei to the bridge, the young pilot looked over her shoulder then nodded, “Sure.” She made sure to lock her session then stood and stretched. “I go do some reading.”

Before she got far though, she was interrupted by Peri, “Or that I suppose.” She wasn't too fond of going to that bar, but on the other hand if she wanted to learn anything... “Thanks. And remember to get some sleep.” She told Peri, before going to find Rokzi.

“We have a meeting at 8:30PM, some place called 'Jaxon's Bar'.” she informed him. “I'd say we need to do some shopping since I don't have many casual outfits and I'm guessing going there in uniform wouldn't be a good idea. And we don't want Station Security or Fleet Intelligence to notice... Plus, we still have to look for Georgia...”

What time is it?

Editor-in-Chief

GM, 1447 posts

Fri 24 Sep 2021
at 21:46

msg #193

Kaya Wilden

In reply to Kaya Wilden (msg # 192):

We'll say 6. You have two and a half hours.

You want to roleplay the shopping? Or just handwave it through?

Kaya Wilden

player, 97 posts

Sat 25 Sep 2021
at 18:48

msg #194

Kaya Wilden

We can totally handwave that.

The goal is just to get some casual clothes to be able to not have always the same thing and switch outfits when necessary, plus some 'craft' lessons about avoiding surveillance and all that.

Editor-in-Chief

GM, 1450 posts

Mon 27 Sep 2021
at 02:09

msg #195

Kaya Wilden

In reply to Kaya Wilden (msg # 194):

Figured. But did not want to assume. Moving us on.

Jaxon's is on the lowest level of the station. It's below maintenance and engines. That's how low it is.

Locals seem to like it. At least the ones who spend so much money on drink they need some place that sells it cheap.

Rokzi studies the door. Two guys are getting tossed out by a bouncer.

"I'm guessing that whoever sent the message either knows what we look like or are keeping an eye out for non-regulars. Probably the former. How do you wanna play this? Go in together? Seperate?"

Kaya Wilden

player, 98 posts

Mon 27 Sep 2021
at 12:26

msg #196

Kaya Wilden

“Charming.” Kaya commented as she watched the guys being tossed out. Not that she was shocked about it of course: she hadn't exactly grown up in the best parts of town herself after all.

“Should something happen you'd need to be inside to do anything about it. And since whoever we're meeting will know we're together, there'd be little point to staying apart.” She didn't seem worried about it though, “At the moment it's in no one's interest to do anything to us so we should be perfectly safe.”

After all, one side wanted…no, needed their help. And to the other, the risks of making them disappear - or even have an 'accident' - and trigger a real investigation were still much too high compared to what they knew of the Gryffin's crew's position.

“Let's see what we can learn.” Kaya entered the establishment confidently. She sat at a table, ordering a beverage she had no intention of really drinking - though she took the glass to her lips from time to time - and waited for someone to come to them while looking at the local news on her comm'.

Editor-in-Chief

GM, 1453 posts

Tue 28 Sep 2021
at 03:00

msg #197

Kaya Wilden

In reply to Kaya Wilden (msg # 196):

Rokzi orders a scotch. He shrugs. "Might as well get a good slug in if I can, right?"

The waitress comes back with your drinks. "You guys from The Gryffin?"

"Sure are toots."

She nods towards a hallway at the back and walks away.

Rokzi downs his scotch.

The hallway leads past the bathrooms and entrance to what, from the smells, might be a kitchen. Or a waste disposal. Hard to tell.

Past that is a door marked Private.

A big guy who's name is probably "Goon" is standing there. He studies the two of you, looking Rokzi over carefully. He then reaches out and presses the door release.

Past the door is a small office. A fat woman is seated behind a cheap plastic desk. She's wearing a much too tight jump suit and smoking a cigar. A real one from the stench. There's a pistal on the desk in front of her as well as a hard copy of Chef's Secrets magazine.

She nods towards two chairs on the other side of the desk.

"Like to nod, these people," Rokzi mutters as he sits.

The woman stubs her cigar out on in an ashtray.

"So to whom do I have the honor of speaking? Me? You can call me Big Sally Dolby. I'm like the fuckin' grandmother ya never had."

She busts out in a loud booming laugh at her own statement and then looks back at you, waiting for your response.

Kaya Wilden

player, 99 posts

Tue 28 Sep 2021
at 18:21

msg #198

Kaya Wilden

Kaya creased her nose, obviously not terribly fond of the cigar's stench. With no particular reaction to the booming laugh - she didn't take as anything else but posturing, and she had known far worse coming from the Academy's instructors - she answered the question “I'm Lieutenant Wilden, this is Sargent Polovich.”

Having said that, Kaya leaned back in her chair: she wasn't going to say more for the time being. The less she said, the less she could mess up, but for the most part the ball was in the woman's side. While she doubted it was a trap, it would be much better for her to say what she wanted. Sure, it was a jump in the dark, but she was the one who would have to do it, if for no other reason that she needed this to work far much than Kaya did.

Plus, that way Sally might say things she wouldn't have said otherwise.

Editor-in-Chief

GM, 1458 posts

Wed 29 Sep 2021
at 00:34

msg #199

Kaya Wilden

In reply to Kaya Wilden (msg # 198):

Sally nods. She reaches under the desk and pulls out a small data cube. Fiddling with the sides, she sets it on the desk between you.

An audio file comes up.

Who the hell is this commander?

How the hell should I know? Stots figures them for Military Intel

That doesn't make any sense. If they were Intel, we'd know. Is Furjen holding out on us?

How the hell would we know? All I can tell ya is the Gryffin came outta system from HQ. The crew list is a buncha court martials waiting to happen. And this commander is fresh outta academy. It's too screwy not to be some kinda set up.

You have no idea who Stots is. Furjen is probably Lil Furgen. You saw her name on the list of Military Intel personnel on board the station that Peri came up with.

None of the voices speaking are familiar to you.

So let's send 'em a message. The Dolds got someone bird doggin' 'em, right? Nix him. Make it flashy. Let's see if that gets a reaction.

Sally reaches over and thumps the cube. The audio file stops playing.

She grins at you. "So? Did it get a reaction? Musta if you messaged us."

Sally sits back, folding her arms and aping your posture. "Your turn for sharing time. What brings you to our little slice a' heaven?"

Kaya Wilden

player, 100 posts

Thu 30 Sep 2021
at 14:40

msg #200

Kaya Wilden

“'Court martials waiting to happen', eh?” Kaya grinned as she looked at Rokzi, an eyebrow cocked. Before long she turned to Sally without waiting for an answer. “I'm not sure I would call that a reaction. More like an opportunity.”

The young lieutenant crossed her legs at the knee, hands folded on her lap while she considered the question. “We're here on a matter related to the 040112, and I'm not going to give you more details than that. Furgen might feel free to share Fleet information, but I'm not.”

“Note that I say related. Not about. Your current troubles with that group don't figure, one way or the other, in our orders. Not even the involvement of Fleet officers.” She paused for a while, looking straight at the woman on the other side of the desk. Once it was clear that the message was understood, she continued, “That being said, the way we reach our objective is…flexible. Should you help us, and should we, on the way, learn everything there is to know about the 040112 and the current situation within the Fleet… Well, I can make sure it reaches the right hands. The kind that can and will do something about it.”

“I would however warn you to not try to manipulate us. We are apparently the only ones who both care enough and would be in a position to warn who needs to be and be taken seriously. I'm positive you want to make sure that our communications back to our superiors will only mention local informants.” She wasn't going to forget that the Dolbys were a criminal organization after all. And while a purge would likely ignore them… Well… It wouldn't take much to make them targets too.

“That being said,” she smiled, “we might be…convinced…to get more involved ourselves. With the right incentives.” She had a ship to fix after all…
This message was last edited by the player at 19:35, Thu 30 Sept 2021.

Editor-in-Chief

GM, 1462 posts

Thu 30 Sep 2021
at 20:19

msg #201

Kaya Wilden

In reply to Kaya Wilden (msg # 200):

Sally guffaws again. "So basically...we help you out and you'll put in a good word for us. Gee. That's swell."

She stops grinning. "Corruption in the ranks isn't anything new, now is it? I only care about it when it's pointing a gun at me. And better to deal with a crooked cop than a pure one. But..."

She shrugs. "I'll admit I'm not in a good position here. Beggars can't be choosers.

"So here's my big problem. The 040112s are gettin' too many favors from your side. My people get arrested...well. Die while resist being arrested. But the Oh-four-on-ones can do what they want. So gettin' someone to clean house on your side would help. But that's only part of the issue.

"The real trouble is the Oh-Fours backer. How much do you know about them?"

Kaya Wilden

player, 101 posts

Fri 1 Oct 2021
at 13:40

msg #202

Kaya Wilden

Kaya didn't react much through Sally's speech: she wasn't going to say that she wasn't corrupted since it wasn't going to bring her any point apparently. Though of course she wasn't a cop in the first place. Plus… No, she might not be a paragon of virtue, but she wasn't corrupted.

“The house cleaning will happen…if we have the necessary information. That much I can promise. As for what we know… For clarity's sake,” she answered the question, “Let's assume I know nothing.” Not only it would prevent revealing anything to Sally about how informed they were, but not knowing what they did know, she wouldn't want to risk hiding things: if they caught her doing it… Well, she had a lot more to lose than they did.

And more trivially, it would also ensure that they wouldn't miss something that the Dolbys thought obvious but that they had missed for one reason or another. She was however concerned that the backer was going to make their mission regarding Georgia a lot more complicated than she had hoped it would be…

Editor-in-Chief

GM, 1465 posts

Sat 2 Oct 2021
at 01:53

msg #203

Kaya Wilden

In reply to Kaya Wilden (msg # 202):

Sally sighs. Again.

"Shit. I was hopin' one of us knew somethin'."

She studies you and then sits up in her seat. "We know the 04s got contacts in navy and station security. And not the cheap kind. They also have gotten their hands on some real nice equipment. A U19 Attack Drone. Butterfly Ammo."

Rokzi grunts, utter surprise forcing words out of him. "How in the hell..."

You can understand his astonishment. Butterfly Ammo are the cutting edge where smart ammo is concerned. They don't even issue it to ground troops in the Marines.

You have no idea what a U19 is. But judging from Rokzi's reaction, it can't be good.

Sally is nodding. "What the hell is right. We was figurin' they were buyin' it from the Navy. And were kinda hopin' you guys were investigating. But judging from that reaction, doesn't seem to be the case."

She taps the desk with one, thick finger. "But one thing we do know: the 04s got a backer. Someone with deep pockets. Buying off primo officials. Comin' up with gear that my best smugglers couldn't lay their hands on. And it all happened almost over night."

Rokzi raises an eyebrow. "When? About when did things suddenly change?"

Sally takes a long pause. "...'bout a year ago. Why? That mean somethin'?"

Kaya Wilden

player, 102 posts

Sat 2 Oct 2021
at 18:09

msg #204

Kaya Wilden

“I see.” For the most part anyway, but she didn't need to know what a U19 bot was exactly to know that an attack drone had no business being in the hands of a criminal organization. Particularly one spawned from a dismissed military unit.

As for that "backer" thing… It looked like she had been right. Sort of anyway. But first things first. “If you want me to do anything about all that, I'll need proofs. The smoking gun kind would obviously be better, but recordings, witness accounts, manifests and the like would work almost as well for what you want I suppose.” It wouldn't be enough to convict anyone of course, but it would be more than enough to get an investigation going. “I need to build a file damning enough that no one can simply sweep it under the rug.”

“I'll also want everything you have about their businesses, their contacts and the like. I'm guessing they're using smugglers to get all that stuff to them? Then I'll particularly want everything you have on those affiliated with them.” And hopefully, the one she was actually interested in would figure in that. “Who knows, we might be able to get some of those proofs ourselves: the Gryffin has teeth after all. Besides that, everything you can get me can help. And we have…ways…to make sense of all that, even beyond what any AI you have access to could achieve, so don't be stingy there.” After all, she certainly wasn't going to beat an AI at pattern recognition, as she had explained Rokzi a few hours earlier. But that was on the condition that nothing was missing from the data, because when filling in the blanks or making intuitive leaps was required, she was much better. No questions asked. Assuming she had the time to go over the necessary documents anyway.

“And maybe it means something to us. Which, if it does… Well, that's really not good news for anyone, and it makes it all the more important that you not try to play games with us. I do not care about your activities, we're not here for those. Be straight with us and I'll be sure that no…unnecessary…details reach people who'd feel like it's not something they can ignore. Just don't rub my nose in it.” There was a limit to what she could ignore after all… She paused to make sure the point was well understood, then asked, “What do you know of the tattoo shop owned by the 040112?”

Editor-in-Chief

GM, 1470 posts

Mon 4 Oct 2021
at 03:37

msg #205

Kaya Wilden

In reply to Kaya Wilden (msg # 204):

Sally is quiet a moment, digesting all that.

She finally stabs a comm button on her desk. "Bol? Prep those data downloads on the Oh Fours, will ya?"

She shrugs. "Information is a weapon. I like to make sure my weapons are loaded.

"And that shop up on Level 4? That's owned by Wilby Puckett."

Rokzi cocks an eyebrow. "The Wilby Puckett?"

"Sure as shit not anyone else."

Rokzi glances at you. "Puckett was one of the COs for the Oh Fours when they were a marine unit. He's one of two of 'em who wasn't court martialed."

"If you guys had been a little more through in your court martials, we wouldn't be havin' these problems now ya know.

"Anyway. You can pick up the intel we got as a data cube from the bartender." Sally grins at you. "Pleasure doin' business. I'll be in touch."

Outside the door, Rokzi motions that there are listening devices in the hall. The two of you get up to the bar. The bartender, who you guess is Bol, nods. "We're gettin' your to go order ready. Wanna drink while you wait?"

He goes to get your drinks and Rokzi motions you should be clear at the moment. "Whaddya think? Daddy's little girl is fundin' terrorists? You think Daddy might be involved too?"

Kaya Wilden

player, 103 posts

Mon 4 Oct 2021
at 16:37

msg #206

Kaya Wilden

This time Kaya took the offered drink and emptied it rather fast. With a sigh, she nodded, “Even if…that girl…had the money for it,” Which might be a possibility, she had seen some outrageous things where noble scions and money were concerned, so she wasn't going to reject that hypothesis like that, “Her father would know how it's spent, assuming he'd want to check, and if he were not involved he'd look for any kind of hints he could find about her whereabouts. Not only he didn't stop it, or felt the need to share that information, but…”

Kaya tiredly rubbed her eyes. “If it were random stuff, money would be enough. U19 drones,” whatever those were exactly, “And butterfly ammo however?” She shook her head, “That takes access and connections, not something she'd have on her own. I suppose it's possible that someone else is using her to point fingers in another direction, but that's unlikely.” Though it would still be something they'd need to keep an eye on of course, even though it wasn't really their mission here. “We'll assume she's an agent of her father for the time being.”

“We'll see what the data package has to say about all of this, but I'd say we have a pretty good guess as to what's her relationship with the 040112s.” The young lieutenant looked at the ceiling for a moment, “So technically - before our orders change once more anyway - all we'd need to do right now is find out what's her purpose on board her ship. Bug the driver and vehicle somehow?”

Editor-in-Chief

GM, 1473 posts

Tue 5 Oct 2021
at 02:05

msg #207

Kaya Wilden

In reply to Kaya Wilden (msg # 206):

Rokzi shrugs. "I thought that's why Aarov and Peri planted that drone? Or is it just for tracking purposes?"

He motions for a refill on his drink. "Ya know...maybe we should consider alternate avenues. Maybe the one we should bug isn't Daddy's lil' girl but her captain. Kinda wonder how much he knows about all this."

He waits until the bartender has freshend your drinks and moved away again. "I mean...this "Wheezy" guy...if you think about it, he's got the most to lose here. He's either gettin' paid real pretty. Or he has no clue what's goin' down. Whichever it is, buggin' him might be easier."

Kaya Wilden

player, 104 posts

Tue 5 Oct 2021
at 11:36

msg #208

Kaya Wilden

Kaya shook her head, “The spider is just a tracker for the ship. It doesn't tell us anything of what's happening inside, only where it is. Peri would have told me if she had done more, like hacking the ship itself, but maybe she forgot in the dock's excitement.”

“And yeah, that's what I meant by bugging the driver. I doubt we could talk to him and convince him to pretend it's business as usual one way or the other though. At least for the time being. The thing is,” She grimaced, “The bugs I got are only for tracking, not listening right? Which means we'd have to either hack his com' or find what we need.”

“It looks like the Dolbys know a thing or two about bugs, but I'm not sure I want to ask them for that right now…”

Editor-in-Chief

GM, 1476 posts

Wed 6 Oct 2021
at 01:37

msg #209

Kaya Wilden

In reply to Kaya Wilden (msg # 208):

"I wouldn't trust a bug they gave us. Just as likely to work on us as it would be to work for us."

Rokzi finishes his drink as the bartender comes back and deposits a data cube in front of you.

The two of you finish and leave. Unless you wanted to do something else here

You walk down the service hall to the elevator. Rokzi scratches his chin.

"I think our best bet is to tail this Wheezy guy and slip a bug on him when he's distracted. Or..."

He considers a moment. "What about buyin' us some quail eggs? He's the guy to buy 'em from, right?"

Kaya Wilden

player, 105 posts

Wed 6 Oct 2021
at 19:34

msg #210

Kaya Wilden

“Which, considering that they're our best chance of having a bug in the first place, is sort of a problem isn't it?” Kaya remarked about Rokzi's trust issue.

Outside the bar, Kaya nodded, “Distracted is good. Though,” She squinted suspiciously, “I'm not playing girlfriend again.” Not that the first time had been a problem, but one could only get lucky so much.

“Buying eggs is a possibility, I suppose.” The young lieutenant didn't sound particularly convinced however, “But we need good reasons to both want some and know to go to him.”

“And before that,” She grimaced, “I need to go shake the Fleet Intelligence tree a bit.”

Editor-in-Chief

GM, 1480 posts

Sat 9 Oct 2021
at 01:28

msg #211

Kaya Wilden

In reply to Kaya Wilden (msg # 210):

Rokzi considers. "I might be able to think of a couple of ways to approach him in either fer-instance. Lemme nose around a bit. I'll get back to you in a couple of hours."

You may approach Fleet Intelligence as you wish.

If you need me to give you a lead in, let me know. But otherwise I will let you drive this bit. Thanks

Kaya Wilden

player, 106 posts

Sun 10 Oct 2021
at 18:44

msg #212

Kaya Wilden

Kaya hesitated about how to go to look for Fleet Intelligence. Or, more precisely, what to wear. It would be relatively normal, maybe even expected, for her to go in her formal uniform, but if she did so, she would be expected to wear all her ribbons. Not that she had many obviously, but pretending to be someone she wasn't would imply putting decorations she didn't have, which would be a crime.

On the other hand, going in a working uniform, while maybe not exactly expected, would be much easier. Sure, she would have to "forget" her wings and her white collar, indicating a ship captain, but it would be much less of a problem as far as fleet regulations went.

Maybe more interestingly, the only people who would know something was missing, would be those who had checked the Gryffin's crew composition before she asked for it to be changed in the records. And there were little reasons to check for normal operations, so it might give her a hint as to who was involved and who wasn't.

Her decision taken, Kaya changed into a regular uniform, then headed for the local Fleet's headquarters where she asked to speak to someone in Fleet Intelligence about station operations.

Editor-in-Chief

GM, 1482 posts

Mon 11 Oct 2021
at 01:09

msg #213

Kaya Wilden

In reply to Kaya Wilden (msg # 212):

The Naval HQ on the station takes up one floor, the third from the top.

The desk sergeant checks your ID and retinal scan.

"Head to conference room 26. Follow the yellow line to the blue line. Blue line to the red line. It'll be on your left."

Funny how everything in the military is the same everywhere.

You find the conference room. It's a small one. Four people inside would be cozy.

Another truism to the military: hurry up and wait. You spend forty eight minutes studying the stains on the wall before the door opens.

An older woman with a lieutenant's insignia on her lapel comes in. You exchange salutes and she takes the chair across from you.

"I'm Lt. Sadako, Fleet Intel. You wanted to see someone Captain Wilden?"

Kaya Wilden

player, 107 posts

Mon 11 Oct 2021
at 22:05

msg #214

Kaya Wilden

Kaya was...annoyed. Not that she didn't understand some things took time, but the forty plus minutes she had spent waiting for spooks to decide who was going to receive her could have been used for more useful purposes. Like studying the intel the Dolbies had given them.

Still, with things as they were, she stood and saluted the incoming lieutenant, then sat down at the same time as she did. “Captain?” She asked, looking confused, “I'm not our ship's captain.” She shook her head. “I'm the security officer. What made you think I was Gryffin's Captain?”

Editor-in-Chief

GM, 1485 posts

Tue 12 Oct 2021
at 04:08

msg #215

Kaya Wilden

In reply to Kaya Wilden (msg # 214):

Sadako frowns slightly and taps on her hand comm screen. Her frown gets deeper.

"Sorry. I was just asked to come down and talk to the captain of the Gryffin. Since you'd been waiting, I hurried down without checking myself. They must have gotten you mixed up. I see where you're just an officer.

"Anyway. What's going on?"

Kaya Wilden

player, 108 posts

Tue 12 Oct 2021
at 09:12

msg #216

Kaya Wilden

“Uh.” Was all Kaya "said" regarding the "mix-up". It seemed that Sadako was innocent - or a very good actor - but she couldn't exactly come out and ask who had told her to come. Or at least not just like that.

So instead, she answered the question. “There's been an... Incident... At the dock. A small group of people have gunned down someone in front of our ship.” Kaya paused for a moment, “Now, I would normally leave station security to do its job without bothering much with it, but two things have me concerned.”

“First, station security's answer has been... Mild, I would say. As if it was nothing out of the ordinary, which doesn't match what I know of the station. Granted,” She shrugged, “I wouldn't worry too much about it in most circumstances. It might a culture thing or whatever. But reviewing the tapes, I've noticed that the targeted individual had been surveilling our ship. Which, as you can imagine, makes it my problem.”

And hopefully, gave her entirely valid reasons to stick her nose in the issue. “Is there anything you can tell me?”

Editor-in-Chief

GM, 1489 posts

Wed 13 Oct 2021
at 05:21

msg #217

Kaya Wilden

In reply to Kaya Wilden (msg # 216):

Sadako seems to like to frown. She shakes her head. "I mostly deal with...off station issues. So I'm not familiar with the incident. But I'm not terribly shocked about station security having a 'mild' response. Most of the inspectors are on someone's payroll.

"I'll have to check into it further. Do you have any vid or other evidence?"

She takes a statement from you. Your impression is...as you thought before...Sadako is either someone who's not involved or a fantastic actress.

As you leave, you notice a private who is on maintenance duty. He is watching you head back towards the entrance.

The two of you make eye contact. He then puts down the box of light tubes he's been replacing in the main hall and walks down a side hallway. He seems rather pointed about it.

Kaya Wilden

player, 109 posts

Thu 14 Oct 2021
at 15:03

msg #218

Kaya Wilden

“That's…weird.” Kaya commented as Sadako explained she dealt mostly with off-station issues. After a brief hesitation where she considered not saying anything, the young lieutenant added “I explained I wanted to talk to someone about a station matter. Why would you be sent to talk to me then?” If Sadako was smart enough, that would raise a few warning bells which hopefully, would prevent her from making a mistake like investigate what was happening without taking precautions.

Having done what she could, she then had the vid transferred and stood: none of that might lead to anything, but all she could do right then - as far as Fleet Intelligence was concerned anyway - was wait and see. Still, before she left, she said “I'd appreciate if you let kept me apprised. And don't hesitate to contact the Gryffin if you need anything.” She concluded, slightly emphasizing her last word. Then with a nod, she exited the room.

The private doing maintenance had her squinting suspiciously: that was awfully fast to get any kind of response… She carefully headed to the side hallway - eyeing the box of light tubes on the way in case she wasn't supposed to follow but take whatever was there - then went to see what the private had to say… or to whom he was leading her. Careful she wouldn't suffer some kind of accident on the way…

Editor-in-Chief

GM, 1492 posts

Fri 15 Oct 2021
at 03:34

msg #219

Kaya Wilden

In reply to Kaya Wilden (msg # 218):

Sadako seems thoughtful by the end of the meeting. But it's clear she has no answers.

There's nothing in the box.

The Private heads to a door at the end of the hall. What looks like a storeroom.

Without glancing back at you, he punches in a code to open the door and steps inside, leaving the door open.

You don't see any heavies lurking in there.

Once you step through the private turns, holding a finger to his lips. He takes out a small hand comm and pushes something on the screen, then studies it. He slips it back into his pocket.

"Jennings. SI10."

SI10 is the internal investigations unit in military intel.

Jennings waves a hand. "Keep your voice down, but we can talk safely, and briefly, in here. You came because of the shooting in front of your ship, right? Have you had contact with either the 0410s or the Dolbys?"

Kaya Wilden

player, 110 posts

Fri 15 Oct 2021
at 15:39

msg #220

Kaya Wilden

“I did. Come about that incident on the dock yes.” Kaya answered non-committally: she could also say she was from SI10 after all. In fact, it would be a very good way to try to get her to tell everything she knew.

“Why would the SI10,” she paused very briefly, showing that she had her doubts about "Jennings" - which she had no doubt wasn't his real name - was even in that unit, “be interested in that?”

Editor-in-Chief

GM, 1498 posts

Sat 16 Oct 2021
at 07:55

msg #221

Kaya Wilden

In reply to Kaya Wilden (msg # 220):

"We're more interested in what's going on here at the base. This has been an ongoing investigation. Why are you interested in it? You've made a report to station security. Coming here is a bit of a step up."

Kaya Wilden

player, 111 posts

Sun 17 Oct 2021
at 16:30

msg #222

Kaya Wilden

“I've heard that everyone is in someone's pocket.” Kaya 'helpfully' shared with the man, then shrugged. “As for why I'm interested, it's pretty simple: someone obviously tasked with keeping watch on my ship was gunned down.”

“Had station security given me the feeling that they did care about it, I would have left that in their hands. But, maybe because of that being in someone's pocket business, they haven't.” She shrugged once again, “So I came to see if there were things that I should know about the whole situation.”

Editor-in-Chief

GM, 1500 posts

Mon 18 Oct 2021
at 03:21

msg #223

Kaya Wilden

In reply to Kaya Wilden (msg # 222):

Jennings considers a moment. "Let's just say everyone being in someone's pocket is a good way to put it. I'm in the Navy's pocket myself. Hope you're there too."

He checks his hand comm again. "My guess is your visit here is going to get people interested in you. Or maybe more so than they were. You and your crew watch your backs."

He hesitates and then adds, "You met with Sadako, right? She's on the up and up. But watch out for Furgen. And anyone from the Burgen. That's all I can say. You head out first."

The Burgen is a Naval boat. A patrol vessel if you recall correctly. You think you saw it on a list of boats docked here at the station.

Kaya Wilden

player, 112 posts

Mon 18 Oct 2021
at 18:44

msg #224

Kaya Wilden

“I see.” Was all Kaya commented on thje subject for a moment. “It certainly got your interest at any rate. We'll be careful.” Though obviously, since they had been sent there to stomp on the ant hill, and somping carefully was easier said than done...

“I was seen by Sadako yes.” The young lieutenant appeared unsure, “Which is a bit odd apparently, since I said I was coming for station related stuff and she apparently doesn't deal with that. I guess there was a mix-up somewhere.” Though of course, Kaya didn't believe anything of the sort and was instead pretty sure it hadf been deliberate. As for why... Well, maybe that was something for Jennings to find out. If he was genuine anyway. “Not sure why she thought I was the Gryffin's captain either.”

“I suppose I'll keep an eye on the Burgen then.” She didn't seem reassured by that though: if SI10 had gone so far as to identify Furgen and the Burgen... Why had nothing been done? Proof or no proof, a compromised ship had to be dealt with quickly... Unless politics had invited themselves to the party or someone was fishing for bigger game...

Erk, what a mess. “Well, good luck to you then.” Kaya nodded, then exited the room, intent on going back to her ship.

Editor-in-Chief

GM, 1506 posts

Wed 20 Oct 2021
at 01:07

msg #225

Kaya Wilden

In reply to Kaya Wilden (msg # 224):

I swear I did not realize the rhyme. I promise. I really didn't.

But now I'm invested. So Furgen and Burgen it is.

If they have someone following you, the tail is good. You don't spot anything on the way back.

Peri signals you. We got movement on the drone. It's not much. The Calypso just redocked on the other side of the port. Near the high payload area. Our guy might be picking up a shipment.

It's a reasonable conclusion. If he is getting in some contraband...eggs...it would be easier to upgrade his berth fee than take a chance of carting illegal cargo across the station from one deck to another.

You're almost on board, when you hear a sharp whistle behind you. Rokzi comes trotting over, a big shit eating grin plastered across his face.

"May have a lead on a cover," he waits until you're both inside. "Apparently Wheezy's biggest customers are...ready for this...restaurants. No duh, right? But that's who's buyin' most of his...uhm...eggs. Anyway. A new chain opened in two systems over. They're still new to the game, so they probably don't have Wheezy's name yet. We pose as them. We set up a buy. He shows up with Georgia. Bingo Bango. We make the snatch. How's that sound?"

Kaya Wilden

player, 113 posts

Fri 22 Oct 2021
at 00:45

msg #226

Kaya Wilden

I didn't say anything! Though I did think about it :P

“Understood.” Kaya answered Peri. While interesting, and definitely something she'd like to know more about, the likelihood that the Calypso would leave the system just like that was low: there'd likely be some kind of big even before that.

When she heard Rokzi's whistle, she turned around to wait for him, then thought about what he had just learned and proposed. “I see two or three problems with that. The first one is that they're likely to take precautions. Such as checking that we do have the means to buy what we're asking for, which we don't. Not an insurmountable problem, but still.”

“The second one is that this would be Wheezy's business. Georgia could very likely not be involved at all, having better things to do than sell quail eggs, so we wouldn't be able to grab her. Even though,” she shrugged, “It might be a good idea to share some of what we know with him, but I seriously doubt he does know absolutely nothing about it.”

“Last but not least...” Kaya grimaced, “I'm not sure what we know would satisfy our boss. We have suspicions, we are reasonably sure we know what's the nature of the relationship, but most, if not all, of it is circumstantial at best. And if what we think is happening is true, it's a much bigger deal than we thought originally, which means we must have...maybe not the smoking-gun kind of proof but close enough.”

“Though... I can start by asking if what we have is enough of course. I'm just araid it won't be...”

Editor-in-Chief

GM, 1508 posts

Fri 22 Oct 2021
at 04:14

msg #227

Kaya Wilden

In reply to Kaya Wilden (msg # 226):

Rokzi considers your points. "I'd have to counter...

"First, we can fake an ID. Peri and I can set up a fake cred screen. It wouldn't be good enough to get a ship loan, no. But it should be good enough for a smuggler who only runs off market agro products.

"Second, Georgia is Wheezy's crew. His only crew. His boat ain't spectacular, but he can't run it solo. Even if she's not on board, there may be something in there. That evidence you're wantin'.

"Which of course brings us to point three." He shrugs. "It's your call of course. But we are on the clock. The longer we're here, the deeper we're gonna get caught up in this whole...whatever it is that's goin' on with the Oh Fours, the Dolbys, Station Security, and bad eggs in the Navy's own basket."

Rokzi waits a moment and then continues. "Sometimes in these special ops missions, you gotta ping the hull to hear if the ship's hollow inside. What I'm thinkin' is this. We set up a fake buy. And then we raid our own fake buy. Happens with smugglers all the time. Or..."

He scratches his chin. "We say we wanna meet up for a sample. Imply we wanna start up a long term relationship, but need to know he can deliver the goods. Eggs. Whatever. Smugglers love those kinda relationships cos it means they got a buyer in the pocket. He should come for it. We use that opportunity to get someone on board and snoop around."

Kaya Wilden

player, 114 posts

Fri 22 Oct 2021
at 17:47

msg #228

Kaya Wilden

“Hmm.” Kaya rubbed her chin. It was obvious she didn't really like it. “I was planning on asking Peri and/or Aarav to visit the Calypso while we had their attention, but...”

She sighed, “That's fair I suppose. I will still inform the Major of what we've learned, and transmit to her the information we obtained and our conclusions up to this point. In the meantime, go ahead with the plan, at least the cred screen thing.”

“We'll decide on if we go for the sample thing or raiding the fake buy when we're ready to go ahead.” She frowned, “Because something that we'll need to set up, is a way to get them from the meeting point back to the Gryffin. And while you do that, I'll look at our options to evade pursuit.” After she had sent yet another report to the Major anyway...

Editor-in-Chief

GM, 1513 posts

Sun 24 Oct 2021
at 01:09

msg #229

Kaya Wilden

In reply to Kaya Wilden (msg # 228):

"It will depend on what plan we go with eventually. But I'll give you a couple of what if scenarios. We can hammer it out from there."

Quick question: do you have any interest in dealing with finances in this game? In other words, do you want to play around with how much budget you get, etc?

I am guessing not. But one never knows. Let me know please. Thanks

Aarav pings you shortly after you've sent the report to O'Bannon.

"The drone sent back some scans of Calypso's interior. The ship is littered with little hidey holes. It's weird. Usually smugglers have one big hold or maybe two or three medium sized ones. This guy has like a hundred, most about as long as my arm and maybe slightly wider. And they are all over the ship. I don't know if it's more impressive or ridiculous."

Kaya Wilden

player, 115 posts

Sun 24 Oct 2021
at 20:43

msg #230

Kaya Wilden

We can if you really want to, but I don't mind handwaving that at all. Or saying that Peri took some electives in the Academy about finances and is the one dealing with that...

“That works for me.” Kaya nodded at Rokzi.

In the report she sent to O'Bannon figured what they had learned since the previous one - a few hours before - but containing some important new information. About Furgen and the Burgen of course, about her conversation with the SI10 agent (for whom she asked for confirmation that he had been genuine), but most notably, about the fact that they now knew the identity of the 0410's member that Georgia had met with: one of their leaders.

Combined with the gear they were getting, it painted a pretty grim picture about their relations and goals. She of course sent a copy of the cube given by the Dolbys - without naming names for now - and asked if they should make it a priority to grab Georgia as soon as possible.

With Aarav's report, Kaya rubbed her chin pensively. “So not really intended for weapons. Are they at room temperature or refrigerated? It could be a decent way to ship eggs I suppose but...” She shook her head, “So much effort to smuggle eggs?”

Editor-in-Chief

GM, 1516 posts

Sun 24 Oct 2021
at 22:39

msg #231

Kaya Wilden

In reply to Kaya Wilden (msg # 230):

Personally, no. This doesn't seem like a Traveller merchant type game. But didn't want to assume.

Let's assume you have enough for crew cost and ship maintenance. I will let you know if there is money in the budget for a particular purchase. Thanks

Aarav chirps back. "Well...yeah. Eggs are delicate after all. Any real agro product requires special shipping. And genuine agro is always a money maker. How much did you pay for your last real omelet? Have you ever had a real milkshake?"

Of course not on the milkshake. You could pay a month's rent on what real dairy cost.

"There's one other thing that kinda puzzles me. The Calypso doesn't have a lot of armament. I mean...he's got the turrets that were installed when the ship was built. But that's it. No missles. No lasers. He's running really light for a smuggler."

You manage to get a full period's sleep after that. There don't seem to be any emergencies at the moment.

There's also no response from O'Banon. Then again, she could have had her own sleep cycle just now.

Rokzi and Peri send you a copy of the fake cred screen. You may not have much experience with these yourself. It looks good at least.

Rokzi sits down with you about the alternatives.

"There will be some variables of course. Biggest one bein' where Wheezy is gonna wanna met with us. But here's what I can lay out.

"If we go for the raid option...that might actually be the easier of the two scenarios. We can extract Georgia as part of the raid. Hell. We can even just take his ship. Peri can fly it. I think that would be our best bet actually. Taking both Georgia and the Calypso. We can set down on some asteroid and take some time goin' over everything. Then hightail it out of the system.

"Sneakin' folks on board might be safer in the long run. But it will be trickier in the short run. We'll have to stall Wheezy for a decent amount of time. Peri an' Aarav would need at least an hour. Maybe three. And it will be harder to do here at port. I took a walk by the Calypso while I was out. I think they've got some eyes on the ship. Looked like station security. But I can't be sure unless I approach the ship and see what reaction that sets off.

"Best scenario in my opinion: lure Wheezy out to the far edge of the system. Hijack him an' the Calypso. Either take them to a rock in Little Giant or head into the next sector. Do a through scope of the ship, Georgia, and Wheezy. We can make it look like we work for the Dolbys are are pumpin' them for info.

"That's my recommendation."

Kaya Wilden

player, 116 posts

Tue 26 Oct 2021
at 19:46

msg #232

Kaya Wilden

“While there were many noble scions at at the Academy,” and from Kaya's tone, it was obvious she didn't think highly of those, “I was most definitely not one of them. I don't think I've ever had a real omelet.” And she didn't even bother mentioning the milkshake.

“Anyway, who would want to attack an egg smuggler of all things?” Kaya sniffed, “ It might be valuable, but you'd have to have the resources to store the eggs to prevent them from going bad, and I'm quite sure your run of the mill fence won't know what to do with those: cargo you can't sell is worse than worthless. Which...” She rubbed her chin for a moment, “Well, it could be a pretty neat cover for something worse, no?”

“I guess we'll know more about that in the near future.”

“I see.” Was all Kaya said for a moment, while she considered the options. “I haven't heard from Major O'Bannon. Which, I suppose, means 'you handle it, and if it goes wrong you're the only one that'll get blamed'” She shrugged, obviously not that annoyed.

“I'm loathe to tip our hands like that,” she finally grimaced, “But we'd have to at some point anyway.” She sighed, then shrugged, “Well, it is what it is. Let's go with your plan for now, we'll still have time to adjust should anything happen before we're committed.”

“I'll work with Peri to identify a spot, and a likely time, where we could have our little chat with Wheezy undisturbed. I suspect none of the options will be all that palatable though: too close and we will have the navy on our ass, too far and Wheezy is likely to get mighty suspicious. That being said...”

The young officer cocked her head to the side. “He might not be an expert astro-navigator. We might be able to find a spot where it looks relatively covered, but where orbital mechanics would make it difficult to bring the nearest ship in a hurry. In the meantime, try to find a compelling reason to get there, whatever there ends up being. I don't see why a potential buyer wouldn't want to meet in the station...”

Editor-in-Chief

GM, 1520 posts

Thu 28 Oct 2021
at 20:05

msg #233

Kaya Wilden

In reply to Kaya Wilden (msg # 232):

Rokzi nods. "Understood. You pick some options with Peri and we can work from there."

The map of the system floats overhead. Peri grabs the edge of the hologram and turns it like it was a paper chart. She swipes and blows up part of the map.

"I looked at the patrol routes Naval ships like to use. Given that, I think we have three best case locations.

"First is here," She points at an asteroid floating in the leeward portion of the sector. "This is known as Eye Rock. It's the site of an old smuggler's camp that the navy shut down years ago. So it's well know among the smugglers. Naval patrols used to bird dog the spot, but over the past two years they've visited less and less. Now it looks like they're only swinging by every two weeks.

"This," She swipes the chart towards the spin side of the sector. Another patch of asteroids. "This is called The Gulch." She runs a finger along a line of asteroids. "The composition of the rocks make scanning the area difficulty. The Navy does swing by fairly regularly, but they're pretty scheduled about it. There's usually a window of two days between passes. We'll have two open windows this coming week. There's a lot of places to hide here. And we should have the most privacy here as long as we make that window. Smugglers don't seem to like this area.

"Lastly, this moon off Calliope." You recall Chester talked about this moon. He made it sound like Hotel Smuggler. "Smugglers seem to love the place. Good reasons behind it. The moon's crust makes it scan proof. There's lots of craters and caves underground that a whole flotilla of ships could hide in. And most of the smugglers around here know the layout like they know their retina scan. Wheezy will know the area better then we probably do. Yeah, there's a high likelihood of other smugglers around. But we should be able to find a quiet little corner all to ourselves."

Kaya Wilden

player, 117 posts

Sun 31 Oct 2021
at 19:20

msg #234

Kaya Wilden

Kaya listened attentively while Peri presented the options she was considering. When she was done, instead of answering straight away, she looked around the map to see if anything besides those three options caught her eyes, then focused on those. “As far as Wheezy is concerned, Calliope is probably the option he is most likely to agree to: we know he's been there a few times already.”

“But it's the worst for us I think. First, because like you said there might be other smugglers around, which introduced a variable we cannot control. Let's put it to the side for now.” Her finger slid to the Gulch, “I'd love the Gulch. Like you say it's private, a couple of shots won't disturb anything, and it's likely that coms would be disturbed too. But Wheezy probably won't agree to it.”

“The Eye Rock...” She grimaced slightly, “It's a compromise. I'm not too fond of it, but if we plan it right we should be able to prevent anyone from seeing - or hearing - anything.”

She took a moment to think about it. “We'll propose the Gulch as a first option, maybe we can find some way to make it more palatable to Wheezy such as make it look like the Eye Rock is going to be visited by a couple of Dolbys' interests or something.” She didn't seem all that convinced, “But I think we'll have to assume it'll be the Eye Rock.”

Editor-in-Chief

GM, 1528 posts

Mon 1 Nov 2021
at 02:12

msg #235

Kaya Wilden

In reply to Kaya Wilden (msg # 234):

Peri purses her lips, seeming to consider. "I can take another look if ya want..."

And she can. Give me an idea of what Kaya might want (and "a perfect place for the meet" is not an option). We can see if there is a more suitable location. Peri might not be all that up on military tactics after all.

If not, Rokzi can make the pitch to Wheezy, unless you wanted to.

Thanks

Kaya Wilden

player, 118 posts

Wed 3 Nov 2021
at 00:52

msg #236

Kaya Wilden

Hmm, the next best thing to perfect then? :D

Kaya considered Peri's offer for a second. “I'm not sure there'd be anything that would truly work better than your three options.”

She shook her head, “We have two objectives and one constraint to keep in mind: the first objective is to retrieve Georgia. For that, pretty much anything would work, it's not really a limiting factor. The second objective is to do so without raising any alarm, at least in the short term. If we can get information out of either Georgia or Wheezy before anyone notices there's something wrong, we - as in Fleet - could act before the other side takes matter in their own hands.”

“Incidentally, it would lessen the risks we run after the encounter. Even with our orders, I'd rather not be declared renegate in the system or something.” Maybe they could pretend to go in one direction then disappear and go to their meeting point, but...

“And the constraint is that whatever place we pick is acceptable for Wheezy. Which is the only thing the Gulch doesn't really have as it is: radio signal will be messed up, we could discharge our main gun a couple of times without drawing attention,” It wasn't particularly big after all, “There's no way Wheezy is half the pilot we are so he wouldn't be able to get away and surveillance is pretty much impossible.”

“If we find something along those lines that Wheezy would accept, then great. But...” She shook her head, “I think we'd be better served by trying to engineer a way for him to agree to meet us there. Or even better, for him to suggest it, but...” that didn't sound too likely.

Though of course, Pero could work on the former while Kaya and Rokzi tried to find a solution for the Gulch.

Editor-in-Chief

GM, 1534 posts

Wed 3 Nov 2021
at 02:14

msg #237

Kaya Wilden

In reply to Kaya Wilden (msg # 236):

Peri considers a second and then says, "So it sounds like our main concern is having a window of opportunity to nab them before anyone notices. And we have to make sure Wheezy is comfortable with it."

She considers a moment. "I'm not too up on smuggler etiquette. So I'm not sure what I can recommend on the Wheezy-preference point. We may need to see what locale he pitches. But...if we wanna be the ones to pitch..."

She flips the holo around and spins through it. Finally she stops on an area that looks like it's in the system rim.

"I considered this. But tossed it on grounds of distance. Didn't think he'd wanna got so far away from Little Giant. It's an old research station that was set up when they first explored the system. Got hit by a chunk of rock a couple of decades back and no one's repaired it. Already been picked clean, and from Navy records smugglers will use it as a rendezvous point with smugglers from the next sector. But there hasn't been a lot of that going on since the whole Oh Four-Dolby war got started.

"The Navy keeps an eye on the rim. But...there's a window of opportunity. If he's been smuggling in this system a while, he should know it. And if we say we're from the next sector over, it makes it sound logical we'd want to meet there. Halfway for both parties kinda thing."

She points at it on the chart. "Station LG2. If not here, I'd say try to make the Gulch work."

Kaya Wilden

player, 119 posts

Thu 4 Nov 2021
at 18:54

msg #238

Kaya Wilden

“That sounds good.” Kaya nodded. “At least that way we have a better chance of disabling both of them without making any waves.”

“And,” She added after a moment, “It also gives us the opportunity to keep them to switch our plans to simply talk to them while Aarav and you board their shop and snoop around.”

And of course, at least they could easily come up with a justification for choosing ths Station. “Alright, send anything you can find of LG2 to Rokzi and me, and we'll see if we can work with that.”

Editor-in-Chief

GM, 1539 posts

Fri 5 Nov 2021
at 00:38

msg #239

Kaya Wilden

In reply to Kaya Wilden (msg # 238):

The "map" of LG2, such as it is, isn't much to speak of. When Peri said it had been hit by a hunk of rock, she meant it got pounded.

There are a few walls left standing. Some furniture that was bolted to the floor and didn't get hurled out into space. That's it above ground.

"Below we got three rooms. None of 'em have any atmo, though looks like we can pressurize this one..." Rokzi points at one room at the bottom of a set of stairs.

"Course, we don't necessarily need to meet 'em at the base. We just land, have 'em come aboard, and stall 'em. Aarav and Peri can get aboard them in the meantime. Let's see...I would guess he'd probably wanna park his ship either here or here..."

Rockzi points out two areas that he thinks would be optimal for avoiding detection from any passing ships. You would agree with his analysis.

He sits back in his chair and folds his arms behind his head. "I think it'd be best to get out to the station, get that room set up for the meet, and hold it there. That way they don't get a peek at the Gryffin. But your call boss lady."

Kaya Wilden

player, 120 posts

Fri 5 Nov 2021
at 19:31

msg #240

Kaya Wilden

Kaya studied the map for a moment, then smiled, “I like that one. And if we prepare things right, it'd be easy to make it look like we're here to meet others besides Wheezy. If we set things right, I could pretend to be some kind of arrogant black market dealer or something. Not a noble obviously,” she snorted, “There's no way that'd fly with Georgia after all.”

“Maybe I can have them for tea or something before we discuss business. That'd give Aarav and Peri time to work on their side. Assuming,” She cocked an eyebrow, “You can play the efficient majordomo?”

Editor-in-Chief

GM, 1542 posts

Sat 6 Nov 2021
at 03:18

msg #241

Kaya Wilden

In reply to Kaya Wilden (msg # 240):

Rokzi cocks an eyebrow. "What ho, m'lady? Do you doubt my couthness?"

He laughs. "I will mind my Ps and Qs."

He looks back at the map. "Okay. Let's talk particulars..."

Give me kind of a game plan please. It can be as general or as detailed as you like. Let me know if you need maps or other information.

Thanks

Kaya Wilden

player, 121 posts

Sun 7 Nov 2021
at 22:38

msg #242

Kaya Wilden

“Alright, first things first: we need to acquire what we need to set up the mood. Clothes, a table, two chairs, and a tea set. Plus whatever Aarav will need to make one of the rooms liveable.”

“We'll need all of this before we leave for the station, so we'll need to start with that.” Kaya rubbed her jaw pensively, “Everything else can happen while we're in flight, either when we make it appear we're leaving for some other system, or on the way to the station. Namely, we'll need to work on our fake identities. Not because we'll talk much about it, but to have a good idea of what we'd want and how we'd react to anything in particular.”

“Though of course,” she shrugged, “That won't be too necessary if we just grab the two of them, but it gives us more options. In fact...” She frowned, “Maybe we could construe some kind of situation where we'd keep Georgia hostage and release Wheezy. It'd be interesting to see what happens.” After a second or two she shook her head, “Well, we'll see that later.”

“Other than that, we need to have a look at the station itself, to decide where we'll park out of view and plan how we're going to proceed. We won't need much if all we do is talking but even then. I think we'll need some surveillance on the corridors leading from wherever the Callypso will dock and our room, to make sure that there's only the two of them.”

“We need to plan on how to make things easy for Aarav and Peri to get in the ship without drawing attention, but also have contingencies in case the Callypso brings more than just those two.”

“Do you have anything that could knock people down, such as gas or something?”

Editor-in-Chief

GM, 1546 posts

Sun 7 Nov 2021
at 23:07

msg #243

Kaya Wilden

In reply to Kaya Wilden (msg # 242):

"IF we're serving tea, we could just poison the cups. No. Wheezy will probably have a bio sensor on anything we offer him food wise. And it doesn't look like they'll be able to dock. The station's dock was one of the things that got destroyed. Everyone is going to have to suit up to get into the room. So Wheezy and Georgia will be wearing suits.

"Gas would work on us too. We can't keep our helmets on if we want them to take theirs off. I think for the grab, we'll need to rely on brute force. But unless Wheezy's been taking some lessons, I think you and I can cover the two of 'em.

"Probably best to ask Rei to shop for the tea stuff. I doubt either one of us has that kinda sensibility."

He considers.

"What if we take a quick cruise out to the station first? Just eyeball it, fit it out if we got the stuff, and then come back? "

Kaya Wilden

player, 122 posts

Wed 10 Nov 2021
at 00:50

msg #244

Kaya Wilden

“Recon is definitely a good idea.” Kaya readily agreed. And if we move a bit, it'll look less surprising next time. Plus, it would give O'Bannon some time to answer the ith instructions, though at this point either the major had fallen into a coma or she really had decided to not answer.

“As for Rei...” She frowned for a moment, “We'll see when we come back, too risky to leave her here.”

Editor-in-Chief

GM, 1551 posts

Wed 10 Nov 2021
at 01:41

msg #245

Kaya Wilden

Editor-in-Chief

GM, 1552 posts

Wed 10 Nov 2021
at 01:49

msg #246

Kaya Wilden

The flight out takes about two hours. It's fairly straightforward.

The station, or what's left of it, isn't much to look at. Rokzi was right. There's nothing left of the structure that can hold atmo.

"We can touch down to the southeast or that big open field to the east," Peri says, pointing. "Whichever patch we take, The Calypso will have to take the other area."

You and Rokzi suit up. In the northwest corner of the old base is a set of stairs heading down. Must have been the station's shielded lab rooms.

The main security door is warped. It will have to be replaced. But once it's back up, the area would serve as a make shift air lock. The underground area can hold atmo once it's pumped in.

There are three rooms off the security door. One of them is so filled with junk, it's impassable. The other one is an old greenhouse. The long withered plants have mummified. Frankly the room's a bit creepy.

The last one is also closest to the security door. It's got a couple of old slabs built into the floor which you guess served as lab tables. Otherwise, it's bare.

Rokzi points back at the security door. "Bet me an' Aarav can get that functional in a couple of hours. We plunk a mini life support off the Gryffin in here. Use it to atmo up the area. You can serve tea off one of the slabs." He grins at you through the fasce mask on his suit. "We can cover it with a nice table cloth so it doesn't look so morgue like."

Kaya Wilden

player, 123 posts

Thu 11 Nov 2021
at 20:28

msg #247

Kaya Wilden

“Alright.” Kaya nodded, “Then start working on that door with Aarav, the sooner we know if we need something else the better it'll be.”

In the meantime, Kaya started to study the data the Dolbys had handed to her: she wanted to learn more about the possible "benefactor" of the 0401s, mostly to see of she could link Georgia to them that way, and get an idea on what exactly they were planning.

Editor-in-Chief

GM, 1557 posts

Fri 12 Nov 2021
at 04:31

msg #248

Kaya Wilden

In reply to Kaya Wilden (msg # 247):

Aarav studies the door. "Should be an easy fix..."

You open the data cube.

Part of the exercise is sifting out the rumors from the facts. The Dolbys have very little in terms of hard evidence. But they do make some interesting points.

The 0401s began escalating the conflict shortly before the time Georgia came up missing from home. There's some overlap. But you can see where the Oh Fours definitely stepped up their game after Georgia started showing up on Little Giant.

It looks like the Oh Fours have three main avenues for weapons.

One is definitely through the Navy. The armaments they've shown up with, as well as the support they seem to be getting from Naval personnel, it's just too damning.

The second avenue seems to come from legitimate weapon buys. Licensed weapon dealers docking at Little Giant get their holds bought clean all from Dolby related front men.

The last avenue is of course smuggling. It seems like the Oh Fours have been having a lot of meets with smugglers from outside the system. Judging from the evidence, it looks like this is the main conduit for their parts and battle armor. Buying that from the Navy directly would be a huge gamble. The Navy is particularly tight on security with battle armor suits.

The shadiest part of all this is the inflow of money. The Dolbys tried every avenue...and it's almost impressive all the effort they put into this...to find where the source for all these funds came from. There's clear evidence in the data cube that the Oh Fours had nowhere near this level of credits before all this started. The only real clue they've been able to find is an account at a now defunct Spacer's Loan shop. The Dolbys found where it had been used to funnel a hundred thousand credits to the Oh Fours from an account labeled "Will O Roe"

Kaya Wilden

player, 124 posts

Sun 14 Nov 2021
at 20:22

msg #249

Kaya Wilden

“The Navy is leaking like a sieve...” Kaya growled at some point, “Not only on the intelligence side, but also for logistics... I don't know how high this goes, but it has to be pretty far.”

“And there are no hard evidences in there, but...” She shook her head, “There's no way Georgia is not related to all this. And through her, that means Redley Milstock is playing a dangerous game.”

“Anyone knows what 'Will O Roe' could mean, in the context of a bank account name?” She asked at some point, though not waiting for an answer before she started to dig into that herself.

Editor-in-Chief

GM, 1560 posts

Mon 15 Nov 2021
at 03:24

msg #250

Kaya Wilden

In reply to Kaya Wilden (msg # 249):

There's a silence on the intercom.

Then Peri pipes in, "Uhmmm...someone's name?"

Rokzi sighs. "Sounds like some kinda code name. Pretty bad choice too. Like the "Will O" is meant to be Willow or somethin'."

"And the "Rohee"?"

There's a silence. "A last name?"

"That's what I said."

"Maybe Willow Rohee? Anyone by that name?"

And yes, they are mispronouncing the name. Apparently not on purpose. Neither of them seem to have seen a word like it before.

Kaya Wilden

player, 125 posts

Tue 16 Nov 2021
at 22:17

msg #251

Kaya Wilden

“Or an anagram.” Even though Kaya couldn't find anything that would make any sort of sense. “It's 'Roe' though, not 'Rohee'. R.O.E. And I doubt that's for Rules of Engagement.”

Kaya looked in the files for anything that could match, but she didn't lose much time doing so: if it were that simple, the Dolbys would already have found it. Instead, she tried to match the name - or some of its variations - to Georgia and the Milstock family: that was a connection the Dolbys didn't know anything about, so would have been unable to make.

Not that she was too hopeful it would lead to anything...

Editor-in-Chief

GM, 1565 posts

Wed 17 Nov 2021
at 02:31

msg #252

Kaya Wilden

In reply to Kaya Wilden (msg # 251):

You get no real hits on the word with Georgia or Milstock. If it shows up at all, it shows up as part of a larger word or as a column on spreadsheets marked "Return on Equity".

The only other reference is a dictionary reference. It seems like it is an archaic term for fish eggs.

Kaya Wilden

player, 126 posts

Thu 18 Nov 2021
at 20:42

msg #253

Kaya Wilden

“Eggs again.” Kaya grumbled, obviously annoyed. And it wasn't even like she ignored that Georgia was linked to that. Or strongly suspected. Which made that particular avenue rather useless: with the resources she had, there was no way she'd find anything of import as far as that was concerned.

So instead, she dropped the subject to focus on something else instead: not where the money was coming, not how Georgia was involved, but what the goal of the entire thing was... And how soon it was going to happen.

Editor-in-Chief

GM, 1567 posts

Fri 19 Nov 2021
at 03:02

msg #254

Kaya Wilden

In reply to Kaya Wilden (msg # 253):

Sounds good. But wasn't sure if you meant that as a declaration and we need to get things moving or if Kaya was trying to research that topic in some way. Sorry. Just let me know. Thanks

Kaya Wilden

player, 127 posts

Fri 19 Nov 2021
at 13:14

msg #255

Kaya Wilden

Kaya is indeed trying to find something about that in the data she has. She's not expecting to find anything conclusive, but maybe preliminary steps that the 401s could have taken in anticipation of whatever they have planned.

As for what that is, she's expecting it goes beyond the scope of "simple" criminal activities. She's not going to call that a coup just yet, but… she would definitely not be surprised if that's what's planned. At least locally.

Editor-in-Chief

GM, 1574 posts

Sun 28 Nov 2021
at 23:43

msg #256

Kaya Wilden

In reply to Kaya Wilden (msg # 255):

Gotcha. Bearing that in mind...

You apply your big brain to the puzzle pieces.

The armaments the Oh Forties have amassed wouldn't be enough to take over the Little Giant system. Not with the Naval base here. And even if it was, there wouldn't be much hope in holding on to the system. It's too open. And since it sits near a hub of trade lines, there is no way the Empire would allow it to remain in hostile hands for long. If the Oh Forties are planning a coup, they are either really stupid or have more support than is obvious here.

Something strikes you as odd as well. While they have anti-ship armaments in their inventory, there really isn't anything that could take out a Naval cruiser. They seem to be focused on arms that could put a hole in something the Gryffin's size and hull thickness.

Another thing: if they want to stage a coup, why try to take out the Dolbys? As you look at it, it's more or less a waste of resources. The Dolbys are smugglers. They don't care who's in charge. They'll smuggle regardless. The Dolbys might even welcome a coup as smugglers do good business during war time.

This push seems to be about taking control of the smuggling routes through Little Giant. But why you can't quite tell. While Little Giant sits near a trade hub, it's not a trade hub itself. It would make more sense for the Oh Forties to take over smuggling in the next system over if they were looking to get rich quick.

You don't have enough information in front of you at the moment. All you can really do is rule out the idea of this being part of a coup attempt.

Kaya Wilden

player, 128 posts

Tue 30 Nov 2021
at 10:21

msg #257

Kaya Wilden

Kaya mumbled, “Alright, so, not a coup.” Which was… Well, it made sense obviously, and was "good" in the sense that a coup would have meant one hell of a mess. And would have required way more support than she was seeing. Which wasn't to say that whatever was planned was good obviously, especially considering that she had no idea what they were planning.

No, it was obvious she'd need help from a smuggler to try and make sense of it all. The only thing she could see was that the 040's were preparing for an increase in value in the smuggling business in the system: the resources engaged in dealing with the Dolbys didn't make sense otherwise, it would have been too much for too little. But for Little Giant to get more value, either it had to become a trade hub itself, not merely being situated near one.

Which meant that either Little Giant had to increase its value somehow, by finding some kind of high demand resource for example, or the surrounding trade hubs had to lose theirs. Both much easier said than done.

Worse, none of that explained Fleet's involvement. Not that she had any illusions about its integrity - the nobles had none after all - but still… They weren't even pretending that nothing was going on, and that was puzzling: it wasn't a coup, the officers involved would have, at some point, to answer some rather pointed questions. Unless they disappeared anyway, but even then…

No, she was missing something, and until she knew what she wouldn't be able to answer that question. Oh, they'd probably get that answer by asking Georgia or Wheezy, but she'd rather know beforehand. Which meant she'd have to ask Chester: he might not know, but she hoped he'd be able to make some good educated guesses.

“ETA on the door fix?”

Editor-in-Chief

GM, 1580 posts

Wed 1 Dec 2021
at 01:15

msg #258

Kaya Wilden

In reply to Kaya Wilden (msg # 257):

Aarav squawks on the comm. "We're doing a pressure test now. It's looking good."

"Hey Cap'n," Rokzi patches in. "You want us to put in a couple of cameras? Shouldn't take more than a half hour. And might be worth somethin' down the road."

Kaya Wilden

player, 129 posts

Wed 1 Dec 2021
at 22:54

msg #259

Kaya Wilden

“Hmm.” Kaya briefly hesitated before agreeing. “Sure, go for it.” After all, while not necessarily useful, it might be. And it wasn't like it would cost them much of anything either in time or resources.

“And while you're at it, make sure there's a place in the room where we can discretly stash EVA suits and a couple of weapons.” After all, those could come really handy in the...discussion...she was planning on having with Georgia and Wheezy.

Editor-in-Chief

GM, 1583 posts

Fri 3 Dec 2021
at 02:08

msg #260

Kaya Wilden

In reply to Kaya Wilden (msg # 259):

"Consider it done."

"That means you're gonna do it all, right?"

"Less mouth and more blow torch there Aarav."

Anything else you want to do as set up? Or we good to move to the next step: settign up the meet?

Thanks.

Kaya Wilden

player, 130 posts

Sat 4 Dec 2021
at 01:57

msg #261

Kaya Wilden

Nothing I can think of here.
Though before setting up the meet, Kaya will try to talk to Chester again, to ask him if he'd be able to make some sense of everything.

But it's back to the station in case case anyway.

Editor-in-Chief

GM, 1586 posts

Sun 5 Dec 2021
at 00:03

msg #262

Kaya Wilden

In reply to Kaya Wilden (msg # 261):

Chester huh?

Let's do that then.

Peri parks Gryffin into station berth five hours later. You're on the other side of the station than you were on before. Closer actually to that tattoo parlor.

A quick scan of the berthing log shows that Calico is still present. Same berth.

Chester answers your comm call, an obviously puzzled expression on his old face.

"Well it's not that I'm not glad ta see ya again. Jus' surprised. Didja fall in love with me after all?"

Kaya Wilden

player, 131 posts

Mon 6 Dec 2021
at 23:29

msg #263

Kaya Wilden

“You wish.” Kaya answered with a snort. “Plus, I'm half expecting uou to be back with your ex by now.” After all, if he didn't still think about her, why would he have gone so far as messing with her like that?

“No, I'd like to talk business.” She added before he could say anything else, hoping that he'd understand the need to be discreet...and meet somewhere they wouldn't be heard.

Editor-in-Chief

GM, 1591 posts

Tue 7 Dec 2021
at 00:11

msg #264

Kaya Wilden

In reply to Kaya Wilden (msg # 263):

"Your loss." He grins. "Why don'tcha come by Smacky's Pretzels on Deck C. In...gimme a couple of hours. Tell 'em you wanna meet someone in the side room."

Smacky's Pretzels is more or less a stall with three small tables set up in front of it. A bored looking woman with forearms thicker than Rockzi's stares at you from behind the counter.

"You wanna pretzel?"

When you mention the side room, she stops and packages up a pretzel into a small disposaplasti tray. She plunks in two small containers of Yum-Chez sauce and mustard before shoving it across the counter at you.

"Twelve cred."

After you pay, she nods towards the back of the stall. "Go 'round there. An' take your pretzel."

Behind the stall is a service bot. The bot squeaks at you, then zooms it's camera on the pretzel tray. It squawks again, and a portion of the wall behind the stall opens up.

Behind it is a longish room. One side has been partitioned into three small booths, with a lot of space between them. A long curtain closes off each booth. The curtain at the far end of the room slides open.

When you reach there, you see Chester reclined in the booth, drinking a Fizz-Bang soda. He nods at you and gestures to the other side of the booth.

"Sassie makes good pretzels. You should gnosh on it.

"So. Business? What kinda business?"

Kaya Wilden

player, 132 posts

Tue 7 Dec 2021
at 21:04

msg #265

Kaya Wilden

“Hmm, hmm.” Kaya nodded, with a finger lifted while she enjoyed her pretzel dunked in Yum-Chez sauce. She wiped her lips with a slight sigh, then said, “Business yes. I assume no one can listen to what I'm saying here?”

Once she got the confirmation, she jumped straight into it. “So, as you see, I didn't move somewhere else like you advised. In fact, I haven't been terribly truthful the first time.” She smiled, at that, obviously unrepentant. “Both of which are related to one simple fact: I'm Lieutenant Kaya Wilden, ISS Gryffin's captain, I'll spare you the organization chart. Now, my orders have nothing to with you, and I personally don't care one bit about your activities.” She paused briefly, cocked her head to the side, and added, “And, you don't figure anywhere in my preliminary reports, something I don't see a reason to change.”

“But, I'm here on a matter related to the 401s.” She ate a pretzel to let Chester digest that, but resumed before he could say anything. “I've gathered some information regarding their recent activities, and acquisitions, but I'm at a bit of a loss regarding their end goal. I'm hoping you can shed some light on this.”

“They're aiming at taking control of all illegal shipments, if not market, away from their competitors. To do so, they've received a huge amount of resources, and I stress the huge, amount that the current trade level in this system doesn't justify. The only thing that would as far as I know, was if the system somehow became a regional trade hub.” She cocked an eyebrow, “Heard anything about that?”

For a moment then, she seemed to focus on her pretzels, apparently unconcerned by Chester's possible reaction. Not that she didn't pay attention to him - she did, if nothing else to gauge his reaction - but she clearly wasn't worried about herself.

Editor-in-Chief

GM, 1595 posts

Wed 8 Dec 2021
at 02:47

msg #266

Kaya Wilden

In reply to Kaya Wilden (msg # 265):

Chester's eyes do go wide for a moment when you reveal your ID. But he shakes his head, stares into his beer, and mumbles, "Why are all the good ones gay or military?"

He seems to be listening to the rest, maybe despondent. Maybe in thought.

He is quiet a bit as you take your second chomp on the pretzel. He sighs.

"I can only give ya my two creds worth. I gotta a theory. And it's only based on what I seen, heard, and all my years trompin' around. So take it for what it's worth.

"First off, ya know why there's a naval base in Little Giant? I mean...look at us. This is kind a' podunk system. Outside of some mining, we ain't got much goin' on, right? So how'd we rate a whole base?"

Now that he's pointed it out, there is something to what he's saying. Your big brain starts to run through the variables.

Laid out, Little Giant sits on the outer edge of a six system cluster


                          Little Giant

         Coltus                             Mekel
                        Prothus
                                         New Altan
                                                          High White

Most trade follows the obvious route, with ships running from Coltus to High White. Prothus is the trade hub in this case, with Coltus being more of a shipping hub for the systems farther out towards the rim. There are naval bases on both Coltus and Prothus, with an additional one located out in High White.

So Chester's point is fairly valid. There's no real reason why Little Giant would rate it's own naval base. Either the bases in Coltus or Prothus could cover this area. Both New Altan and Mekel are more economically advanced. And neither of them gets a naval base.

So why does Little Giant rate a base?

You want to take a guess at it? Or you want me to throw it out there? YOu haven't had many clues up until now. But you might get it.

Kaya Wilden

player, 133 posts

Sun 12 Dec 2021
at 23:40

msg #267

Kaya Wilden

Well, I've no idea :o

Kaya snorted disdainfully at Chester's comment, “Maybe I'm both?”

She nodded after his warning about how much faith he had in his opinion, then squinted when he asked her his question. “The base is nothing new, it's been around for a while, so it can't have anything to do with the 401s.”

“Coltus or Prothus bases should be more than enough for any normal operations.” She pensively tapped her fingers on the table for a moment, before adding, “So I can only think of three reasons: history, some kind of secret operations, or the 401s aren't the first group who's been sent here and the base is supposed to keep an eye on those things.”
This message was last edited by the player at 16:13, Tue 14 Dec 2021.

Editor-in-Chief

GM, 1601 posts

Mon 13 Dec 2021
at 03:48

msg #268

Kaya Wilden

In reply to Kaya Wilden (msg # 267):

"You're actually not far off about the last one. It's about taxes."

He grins and taps his comm a few times. A holo of the star cluster pops up. He points at Prothus.

"Goods from High White, Mekel, and New Altan have to pass through Prothus by the Count's orders. That's so his people can tax the goods 'fore they ship 'em over to Colthus."

You study the map. There's a rift between the three outer worlds and the next closest system. Really, to get in and out of this territory, a ship has to pass through Coltus. Or have a very, very large fuel tank.

So it makes sense that smuggling to get around the tariffs would flow through a direction other than the official one. Hence...Little Giant.

Chester nods, seeing that you've gotten it. "And that's why Little Giant's got us a naval base. Cos there's all kinds a' smugglin' to get around the Count's tariff collections.

"I don't know that the Forty-Oners are goin' to the trouble to take over the smugglin' routes. Cos you navy folks are all over Little Giant. But if someone could bring all the smugglin' under one thumb..."

He shrugs. "Usually it's about money, revenge, or a woman. You'd think with the Forty-Oners it'd be abotu revenge...but me. I think money always trumps revenge."

Kaya Wilden

player, 134 posts

Mon 13 Dec 2021
at 23:18

msg #269

Kaya Wilden

“Hmm. I suppose that makes sense.” The way she said that though, it was pretty obvious that Kaya wasn't convinced. Or more precisely, she didn't think it explained everything. “I mean, sure, ok. As far as the 401s are concerned, I can see it.”

“But... They're not alone in that.” She frowned pensively for a while, before she seemed to have had an idea. Switching her com' on she said, “Peri, what can you find about any relation...” she squinted at Chester, grumbled a bit, before adding, “commercial or political between the father of our quarry and Prothus' Count?”

After all, Redley Millstock was spending a lot of money. Alright, it was nothing for him, but it was still more than any smuggling going on in the system would earn in quite some time. And even if that hadn't been the case, he had much better avenues to get more money. No, for him the goal was elsewhere. Was he trying to weaken the Count? Buy himself the title or pass some new law that the Count was pushing against or something? And it might explain what the hell she and her ship were doing in the middle in that mess.

Even then, it didn't cover everyone. “And what about the local Fleet helping them? I mean short term, ok, they can fill their pockets and all that. But long term?” She shook her head, “Heads will roll.” Maybe literally in that case.

Editor-in-Chief

GM, 1606 posts

Tue 14 Dec 2021
at 02:25

msg #270

Kaya Wilden

In reply to Kaya Wilden (msg # 269):

"Heads only roll if they get bent down to the choppin' block. Has the Navy done anything about it thus far?"

Chester grins and shrugs. "I gotta jet. 'fraid that's all I can tell ya. But if I hear something, I'll send you a comm."

Peri buzzes back sooner than you would have thought. "I hit like an info glut. Don't know if it's relevant, but figured I'd reach out.

"Looks like Millstock and the Count have a running feud. Millstock and his company file complaints about the tariff process in the Count's territories on a montly basis. They've gone to Imperial Court on a dozen occasions. None of the cases have gotten to trial though. I'd have to dig to see why. But...ya know. He's a count. He probably owns the judge.

"I can read through the news stories if you like. But legal stuff is all Quizikian to me. It's gotta suck for Millstock considering how much business he's got comin' out of High White and Mekel."

Kaya Wilden

player, 135 posts

Tue 14 Dec 2021
at 16:38

msg #271

Kaya Wilden

“Well, I'm here, aren't I?” Kaya asked, an eyebrow cocked, “Plus, I know for a fact that I'm not the only one interested in this.” When he bid his goodbye, she nodded to Chester, “Thanks for your help, hopefully that was enough.” Plus… Well, her mission wasn't to get to the bottom of all this: it was to grab Georgia. No, rather, it was to "rescue Georgia from an infamous smuggler". Though of course, the question was to know why…and how much O'Bannon had known about it all beforehand. Politics…

She didn't leave straight away though, instead finishing her pretzel while thinking about it all. She was going to have to send a new report to O'Bannon, but after that… Did she need to keep investigating? Well, she'd have to see what O'Bannon had to say about it all.

“Figures.” She answered Peri when she contacted her. “Well, I guess we now have a pretty good idea of what's going on here, thanks.” Even though it sounded really risky from Millstock to do that, but… He was rich: he likely thought he could get away with that even with his hand caught in the proverbial cookie jar. “Alright, I'm on my way back. I'll have a report to send, then we'll work on the last leg of our mission.”

Back to the Gryffin, Kaya sent a new report. She wasn't expecting to get any more answers than previously, but it still was something she'd need to do considering the last developments.

Subject: Mission Report #3
To: Major Nyda O'Bannon, C.O. Naval Base Iomede Lesser
From: Lieutenant Kaya Wilden, C.O. ISS Gryffin
Location: Vanilla Station (aka Market Pig), Little Giant

Data obtained from the Dolby family leads us to think the 040012s current goal is to obtain a monopoly on the system's smuggling operations by removing the concurrence, helped in that by local officers Fleet officers be to warn them of possible dangers or to tweak local law enforcement in their favour, and funds and gear obtained through Georgia Millstock. See attached documents #1 through 17.

Our current plan is to lead Wheezy and Georgia to a disaffected station known in the past to host smuggling drops off under the pretence of buying some of Wheezy's goods and secure them both at that meeting. Unless tasked to get to the bottom of it all, we will then proceed to Iomede Lesser with all due haste.

Lieutenant Kaya Wylden

Her report checked, encoded and sent, Kaya went to find Rokzi. “Alright, let's go over our plan, then write our initial communication to Wheezy.”

Editor-in-Chief

GM, 1612 posts

Fri 17 Dec 2021
at 02:49

msg #272

Kaya Wilden

In reply to Kaya Wilden (msg # 271):

Surprisingly, you don't have to wait long for O'Bannon's answer.

Understood

Bring Georgia in with all due haste and safely. All other considerations are secondary.

You are authorized to take any offensive actions necessary to complete the mission, regardless of the identity of the opposition.

She included an official communique with the authorization on that last part. You can now open fire on anyone getting in your way.

Did you want to write up the communication to Wheezy? If not, we can assume Rokzi does it

Thanks

Kaya Wilden

player, 136 posts

Sat 18 Dec 2021
at 02:42

msg #273

Kaya Wilden

Might as well see what Rokzi has, Kaya may make a few changes here and there but we'll see.

“_{Well, would you look at that, answers...}” Kaya grumbled something about easy questions leading to answers, when she'd rather have those for hard questions instead. Since there wasn't anything she could do about it though... The young lieutenant wasn't so sure she liked the idea of having to leave the system guns blazing. Not that she minded shooting obviously, it was the getting shot at bit that she took exception to. And considering that she had one of the smallest military vessel in the system... Well... She'd rather avoid that entirely if she could.

“Alright, we've got the green-light to proceed.” Kaya looked at Rokzi, but before that turned to Peri, “Can you make sure we can send this through a relay or something, and get the answer the same way? If we can manage to completely prevent anyone from figuring out what happened it'd be for the best.”

Then she turned to Rokzi, “Alright, what have you got?”

Editor-in-Chief

GM, 1615 posts

Sat 18 Dec 2021
at 05:18

msg #274

Kaya Wilden

In reply to Kaya Wilden (msg # 273):

There's the standard salutations you'd expect from a business letter.

Greetings Mr. Wineberg,

I was given your name by Anton Ovitz at the Palace Grill and Lounge.

I am with Wildstar Holdings. We are a new company based in High White. Within the next standard year, we are looking at opening fine dining halls across the Lancaster systems. Part of our focus is fresh, real ingredients. Of particular interest to us is fresh, real dairy. Butter. Cream. Milk. Eggs.

Mr. Ovitz stated you had many contacts among the agro communities in the systems and might be able to arrange some introductions. We have a strong backing

Here he inserted a link to the fake business profile he and Peri came up with.

and are eager to establish a trustworthy supply network. I would like an opportunity to discuss this with you, as you seem well connected within this community.

Please contact me at your first available opportunity. Of course, you may bill me for your time as a consultant.

Sincerely,

Rokzi wipes his nose. "I was thinkin' of signing it Roth Wellingham. I think that's kind of a not-on-the-up-an'-up-business-guy type name.

"We can't make it too sleazy. And we can't make it too transparent. I think he'll get the meaning pretty good."

Kaya Wilden

player, 137 posts

Tue 21 Dec 2021
at 00:27

msg #275

Kaya Wilden

“Hmm.” Kaya read it a second time, then nodded, “Looks good. However... Roth?” She grimaced a bit, obviously not a huge fan of the name. It could serve she supposed, but... She didn't see herself answering at such a name.

Oh well. “It'll do.” She shook her head, then grimaced. “Alright, before we send that, I guess I have to grab Rei and go do some shopping for some tea, a tea set, and whatever clothes a Roth Wellingham would wear to such a meeting.” She didn't seem eager for it though, while it wasn't clear if she was the shopping or the clothes she objected to. Probably both...

“I'll want us to undock a few hours before we send this, so while I take care of that, see with Peri that she has a way to send it on a timer without it being traced back to us, please.” She paused for a second, “Ideally we'd still want to be able to get an answer, but... Hmm... If we don't allow Wheezy to answer, he wouldn't be able to argue against our choice of meet up location.”

Editor-in-Chief

GM, 1619 posts

Tue 21 Dec 2021
at 03:55

msg #276

Kaya Wilden

In reply to Kaya Wilden (msg # 275):

Rokzi chuckles. "He'll smell money. I doubt he'll argue about the locale.

"Just shop for fancy. He'll balk if you don't look high end. Pick me up a good dress shirt too if you don't mind. Wouldn't hurt if your "bodyguard" looked legit as well."

Rei holds up a business jacket. "This is in budget. And if your guy squints just right, he could mistake it for high end. I doubt the girl will though. She'll know high end."

You look over the jacket, blouse, and pants Rei picked out for you. They look decent to you, but Rei would probably know this better than you.

"You sure we can't go just a few hundred creds higher?"

Kaya Wilden

player, 138 posts

Tue 21 Dec 2021
at 23:38

msg #277

Kaya Wilden

Kaya shook her head, “We do not have the budget for it.” As for her... As a lieutenant fresh out of the Academy, she didn't earn a lot - even though as a ship's captain that had probably increased...or would on her next pay - and most of what she did earn went to her family.

“Instead of dressing me up...” The young lieutenant cocked an eyebrow, “Could you make it look like I'm someone like Georgia who's pretending to dress down?”

Editor-in-Chief

GM, 1621 posts

Wed 22 Dec 2021
at 03:08

msg #278

Kaya Wilden

In reply to Kaya Wilden (msg # 277):

Rei considers that and then leans in, peering closely at you.

"That is doable. But the best way we can do that is to girl you up a bit. A skin treatment at the least. And your hair. That would probably cost less than the outfit. C'mon. Let's go to the spa."

She looks at you "If you want to look like someone who's slumming it, you need to look like you've been pampered at some point. No disrespect, but you don't really fit that image.

"Have you ever had your nails done?"

Kaya Wilden

player, 139 posts

Thu 23 Dec 2021
at 03:23

msg #279

Kaya Wilden

“I haven't bitten my nails in some time, does that count?” Answered Kaya while looking at said nails doubtfully. She shook her head, “I haven't been 'girled up', ever. Be it skin, nails or hair.” She shook her head, “Even if I had had any interest for it, I simply didn't have the money for anything like that.” After all, the only reason she didn't sound like a hillbilly was that she had taken pains to rectify that at the Academy. And once she graduated and had some money to her name... Well, spa days were in short supply in a Fleet base, assuming she had wanted it or even just thought about it. Which she hadn't.

“So basically, I can't pretend to be 'high end', and I can't pretend to be one who's slumming it.” She sighed tiredly, “_{Why couldn't I have been given a nice simple patrol gig or something?} Well,” she continued after a moment, “Let's keep it simple and go with the jacket then: it doesn't matter if Georgia will notice something once she's in front of me. When she is, we'll just grab her at that point. I'm guessing the guns will tell her perfectly clearly that something's wrong.”

Editor-in-Chief

GM, 1624 posts

Fri 24 Dec 2021
at 02:34

msg #280

Kaya Wilden

In reply to Kaya Wilden (msg # 279):

Done and done

As the two of you are returning to the ship, Rokzi buzzes you.

"Not sure if this is an issh or not. But a cruiser is pullin' in on the other side of the station. It's not regular scheduled and it arrived unannounced. 's The Reliable. Old Lady Hobard's boat."

Loxanna Hobard. She's one of those born-and-bred naval captains who came up the ranks during the war. She lectured at the academy a couple of times while you were there. Tough. Competent. Good record.

"Just to throw this out there. Rumors are she and O'Bannon are not on good terms. Blood enemies is the term I think," Peri adds over the comm.

Kaya Wilden

player, 140 posts

Sat 25 Dec 2021
at 00:41

msg #281

Kaya Wilden

Kaya groaned, “Of course they are.” The young lieutenant rubbed her eyes tiredly for a few seconds, not stopping her walk to her ship, before she picked up the communication. “Alright, let's get ready to depart, we'll leave as soon as Rei and I are back on board. Assuming Aarav is good to go?”

“Peri, once you've insured our message to Wheezy will be delivered in a few hours, take care of the formalities please. Just... Try to not make it look like we're in a hurry if you can.” Kaya grimaced, “I'd like to avoid adding Fleet Politics to our nobles - and their ilks - politics if we can. We'll be there in five.”

Back on board, Kaya took Peri and Rokzy in private. “Just so you know, and in order to avoid any unfortunate delay, our latest orders give us the authorisation to open fire on anyone, and I stress the anyone, who would try to prevent us from accomplishing our mission.” She let them digest that for a couple of seconds, then added, “We're firmly on the side of the law in this so anyone trying to prevent us from meeting our objectives would at best unknowingly help criminals, so we will be ethically and lawfully in our rights to do so, should it be required.”

“That being said,” She shrugged, “I still hope we'll be able to leave the system with no one the wiser.”
This message was lightly edited by the player at 00:42, Sat 25 Dec 2021.

Editor-in-Chief

GM, 1626 posts

Mon 27 Dec 2021
at 03:11

msg #282

Kaya Wilden

In reply to Kaya Wilden (msg # 281):

Peri just blinks at you, with an obviously surprised look on her face.

Rokzi gives a low whistle and laughs. "Well. It wouldn't be a mission without some drama. But hey. What could go wrong?"

Peri signals you that undocking protocols have been issued by station's tower. The message to Wheezy has been set up on a time delay. He'll get it three hours after you undock.

As you watch Little Giant disappear on the screen, you can feel Gryffin moving into in-system drive speed.

You are just outside the rendevous when Wheezy pings you back.

Meeting sounds delightful. I'll bring along some samples.

Looking forward to doing business with you.

We are going to hold it for there for the rest of this week. I will start us up again a week from today (as well as Ailith).

Thanks

Kaya Wilden

player, 141 posts

Wed 29 Dec 2021
at 20:45

msg #283

Kaya Wilden

“Alright, Wheezy has accepted our meeting offer.” Kaya reported, “Now, let's give everyone the impression we're leaving the system before stealthily going to wait for him.” Kaya ordered.

While they did just that, Kaya looked at the system and what was happening: Hobard's presence in the system might just be a coincidence but that was doubtful. Someone like her wasn't sent to random, uninteresting, systems, right? Was she spearheading something? Or was she the Duke's answer to what was happening locally? If such was the case, she'd likely fall on the 401s but hopefully she'd be too late to find Georgia.

Which she wasn't likely to like much, but... That was going to have to be a problem for another time.

Editor-in-Chief

GM, 1630 posts

Tue 4 Jan 2022
at 03:31

msg #284

Kaya Wilden

In reply to Kaya Wilden (msg # 283):

Peri files a course with Station Command heading towards rimward. Once Gryffin gets into the asteroid belt, it's easier to turn without detection. She has you at the rendevous, setting the ship down nice and snug.

The crew gathers by the airlock. They look at you, expecting you to go over the plan once more before they move into action.

Hint hint

Kaya Wilden

player, 142 posts

Tue 4 Jan 2022
at 21:16

msg #285

Kaya Wilden

“Alright.” Kaya looked at her crew for a moment. “Rokzi and myself will take position in the station, dressed as possible customers interested in Wheezy's products. The goal is to meet both him and Georgia, and capture the latter.” She paused briefly, “Preferably both, it might shed some light on what happened up to now and the longer it takes for anyone to realize Georgia has disappeared, the better it is.”

“Peri, I want you to make sure they don't get a good look of the ship before they dock so keep the station between the two ships. If they identify the Gryffin as a courrier, it's fine, but I'd rather avoid them noticing that it's more than that. I'll also want you to monitor our immediate surroundings: we might have to leave in a hurry, so keep a set of possible extraction routes updated at all times.”

“Rei,” she turned towards the nurse, “We'll capture the both of them by stunning them. I'll want you to check them up - both to make sure they're okay and that they don't have any nasty surprise for us in one form or another - then I'll want you to keep them sedated for the duration of the trip back to Iomedae.” She grimaced, slightly, “Not only the Gryffin isn't exactly made to hold prisoners, but I'd rather not be the one to reveal to them we're Fleet.” she wanted that to be O'Bannon's decision, not hers. And it might make it easier to make them talk if they though they had been captured by competitors or something.

“Now, if all goes well, we might look at capturing the Callipso, in which case I'll want you,” she looked at Peri, “And Aarav to board it if you can, then fly it back to Iomedae with us. Or if it looks like it'd give the game away, we'll stash the ship somewhere near an asteroid and let someone else grab it at a later time.”

“Now, if for whatever reason, Wheezy meets with us alone and Georgia stays in the ship and we can't convince her to come in, you'll have to disable the ship: engines and communications. But,” she didn't seem particularly pleased, “Take great care to not shoot something you shouldn't: I'd rather hear Georgia raised the alarm than having her dead.” She could probably outrun or outmanoeuvre any pursuing ship after all, but resurrecting the dead not so much.

“Which reminds me,” she turned to Aarav, “We may as well use the drones we have both to keep an eye on the Callipso while you're staying on the other side of the station and disable critical components should we need to without giving the game away. I'll want you two to coordinate that. After which, Rokzi and I will board and capture her.”

The young lieutenant paused for a moment, before asking “Are there any questions?”

Editor-in-Chief

GM, 1636 posts

Wed 5 Jan 2022
at 01:47

msg #286

Kaya Wilden

In reply to Kaya Wilden (msg # 285):

Rokzi shakes his head, seeming to speak for the group.

"Nope. That about covers it. You head the lady. Let's move like we gotta purpose."

Two hours later, Peri pings you. "Got Calypso on sight. They should be bere in two hours. Gonna patch the comm board to your headset Captain. When he signals, you'll hear it at your end."

An hour and a half later, you get pinged. <darkgreen> Roth Wellingham? Wheezy reaching out. We still on for those drinks?</darkgrreen>

Kaya Wilden

player, 143 posts

Wed 5 Jan 2022
at 16:27

msg #287

Kaya Wilden

“Fantastic,” answered Kaya, “I'll have the tea ready.”

As soon as she closed the com, she rolled her eyes, then shook her head. “Alright, best stash our gear away for the time being. Though make sure it's easily reachable.” After all, if Peri had to disable the Callipso it might further damage the station and she'd rather not suck vacuum.

“And I'll make that tea.” She then grumbled. Not that she expected anyone to actually drink it - unless Georgia wasn't around and she thought she could convince her to come in - but it didn't cost her much and if it could help sell the whole thing it'd be silly to not do it.

Editor-in-Chief

GM, 1639 posts

Fri 7 Jan 2022
at 02:14

msg #288

Kaya Wilden

In reply to Kaya Wilden (msg # 287):

Peri pings you with a text, keeping audio off since it could be picked up.

Calpyso landing

You get a vid feed from Gryffin's cameras.

The Calypso snuggles into the crater you figured they would park in. After a few minutes, a single person gets out. As they stride across the surface, scanners confirm their identity.

Georgia's coming to meet you. It seems Wheezy has stayed on board the Calypso

Kaya Wilden

player, 144 posts

Sun 9 Jan 2022
at 21:56

msg #289

Kaya Wilden

When she noticed that the one meeting her would be Georgia, Kaya had a bit of a 'wut?' moment while she glanced at Rokzi. Quickly though, she mumbled, “Makes sense though, no one is supposed to know who she really is I guess, no reason to want her specifically.”

“Well,” she shrugged, “that works out pretty well for us.” And, once they captured Georgia, Wheezy might try to flee but his first reflex probably wouldn't be to call anyone else.

“Let's see what she has to say.”

Editor-in-Chief

GM, 1644 posts

Mon 10 Jan 2022
at 04:28

msg #290

Kaya Wilden

In reply to Kaya Wilden (msg # 289):

Rokzi is frowning. "Yeah. But...does it make sense?"

He shrugs. "Whatever. Like you said. Makes the snatch easy. I'll cue Aarav and Peri to proceed with takin' Calypso. Or are we holdin' off on that?"

In about ten minutes, the outside door whirrs open. Georgia comes into the make shift air lock and then inside. She pulls off her helmet and takes a big gulp of air.

The only hint she's been slumming it is are some additional frown lines at the edges of her eyes and corners of her mouth. Otherwise, she has good skin, the same bouncy, curly chestnut hair, and perfect teeth.

She smiles at the two of you and nods. "Hi! Which one of you is Roth?

"Also, just so we are on the same page, my suit contains four pounds of DV10. So if this is any kind of a double cross or a sting, I'll blow myself, you, and a half mile of this asteroid right the fuck up.

"Now then. You ready to see some eggs?"

Kaya Wilden

player, 145 posts

Thu 13 Jan 2022
at 15:15

msg #291

Kaya Wilden

“I don't see why not, but let's be cautious, no need to rush.” After all, Wheezy was - at best - a secondary objective.

“My, my, you're a spicy one.” Kaya cocked a sardonic eyebrow. “I am Roth. Why don't you sit down darling, and call Wheezy?” She snorted disdainfully. “Tea will be ready in a minute and I'm not in the habit of talking business with the…” She paused briefly as she studied Georgia, “What are you anyway? His…apprentice?” Though the way she said it, it was pretty clear she was implying a whole other type of relationship between the two.

Which, obviously, wasn't something particularly nice to say, but Kaya was hoping it would distract Georgia by making her focus on "Roth" and give an opportunity to Rokzi to stun the girl. Not that she was expecting Georgia to not be bluffing about that whole 'blowing myself up', not with her identity, but there was no point taking unnecessary risks.

Editor-in-Chief

GM, 1648 posts

Fri 14 Jan 2022
at 03:04

msg #292

Kaya Wilden

In reply to Kaya Wilden (msg # 291):

Georgia smiles and nods, taking the seat.

She pulls out a small case, opening it as she speaks. Inside are several eggs of various sizes.

"Gracious no. I am Wheezy. Think of it like a stage name. You don't really want to use your real name selling contraband, now do you?"

She slides the open case across the table and reaches for the tea cup.

"Now all my inventory is real. Off the farm. I can offer fresh product less than a week old or, if you want to cheap it a bit, stuff that's been in Hi-Store for about a month. That's on everything except the ostrich. I don't have a sample here, but I can get you one if you want to see. No one ever does."

She sips the tea. "Interesting leaves. Who's your supplier?"

Kaya Wilden

player, 146 posts

Sun 16 Jan 2022
at 21:45

msg #293

Kaya Wilden

Kaya waved her hand, as if to mean 'if you say so' regarding the use of one's true name when smuggling: she could hardly be expected to know anything about that after all.

She then nodded while she listened to the given explanation, cocking an eyebrow when ostrich eggs were mentioned. Before she commented on it though, she answered the question she was asked, “I believe those come from Heindal & Jerkins, they're a small company in High White.” which likely didn't exist, since she had just picked two names of officer candidates that had shared the same benches as she had at the Academy, albeit a year in advance of her.

“Why would no one want to see ostrich eggs?” She sounded surprised. “I certainly wouldn't mind seeing one if nothing else. Exoticism is what we are looking for after all, and few things look as exotic as a giant egg wouldn't you say?”

“Why,” She rubbed her chin pensively, “we could make a show of it, prepare the egg in front of the client...”

Though the only thing she truly hoped for, was that it would distract Georgia enough that Rokzi would be able to stun her...

Editor-in-Chief

GM, 1655 posts

Mon 17 Jan 2022
at 02:45

msg #294

Kaya Wilden

In reply to Kaya Wilden (msg # 293):

Georgia cocks an eyebrow. "Have you ever seen an ostrich egg? They are literally as big as your head. But if you want to see one, I can have one sent over from my ship. Hold on."

She taps the comm unit built into the her suit. After a moment, she frowns.

"Huh. My crew isn't responding. Well. Probably interference from the belt."

She smiles back at you. "Would you like to try tasting some of them? I have a portastove here. I make a mean omelet."

Kaya Wilden

player, 147 posts

Tue 18 Jan 2022
at 19:18

msg #295

Kaya Wilden

“I can't say that I have no.” Kaya shrugged, as if to say 'I wouldn't have asked otherwise, would I?' It wouldn't be that much of an exaggeration to say she hadn't ever seen any kind of eggs in the first place after all, so something as exotic as an ostrich egg?

Hearing that Georgia hadn't been able to comm' her crew, i.e. Wheezy, Kaya frowned. It was entirely possible that it had been because the Callipso had been disabled by Aarav and Peri, but she'd have expected to hear something. She glanced at Rokzi and in a rather standoffish manner said “Try to contact ours, and take care of the problem.” Which, she hoped, he would finally understand. What was taking him so long? Was he trying to see if there was some truth to Georgia's bluff?

Well, at least if there was he'd now have the opportunity to tell her about it. In the meantime, Kaya focused back on Georgia, “It might give some ideas to our chefs. What would be the biggest difference, in terms of preparation, between a real egg and the lower-end products?” Not that she cared all that much, figuring she wasn't going to see real eggs much after that day, but a distracted Georgia was good. “I'm happy to hear that those pounds of DV-something didn't prevent you from bringing the condiments for an omelet.” She added a tad tartly.

Editor-in-Chief

GM, 1659 posts

Wed 19 Jan 2022
at 01:11

msg #296

Kaya Wilden

In reply to Kaya Wilden (msg # 295):

Rokzi gives his best I'm-just-a-paid-goon-doin'-what-his-boss-tells-him nod and heads to the door.

Georgia watches him a moment and then smiles, not seeming to mind your jab at all.

"One can't be too careful. Now your best eggs are..."

She then goes into a spiel about the different kinds of eggs. Hen. Quail. Turtle. Fish. You get more information about it than you ever would have thought possible.

She quickly sets a small plate in front of you. On it sits a tidy looking and rather delicious smelling omelet. At least you think it's an omelet. The one's you've had before tend to be fungal based and so are usually gray. THis one is yellow.

Very yellow.

"Go on. Give it a taste."

From behind her head, Rokzi flips you a few signs. No response. Going out.

Kaya Wilden

player, 148 posts

Thu 20 Jan 2022
at 23:19

msg #297

Kaya Wilden

Kaya looked distracted, two her attention drawn in two opposite directions. She really wanted to taste that omelet - it looked super tasty after all - but she was concerned by Rokzi's news: Georgia not being able to communicate with Wheezy was one thing. One thing she had in fact fully expected to happen because of her in fact. But her not being able to communicate with the Gryfin? That was definitely neither expected nor welcome.

With a frown, she nodded to Rokzi. “It looks like we can't communicate with our ship either.” And she sounded thoroughly annoyed by that. Not something she even had to act. “Maybe the belt like you said.” Which seemed quite unlikely to her, “But if it's not... I'd appreciate you not taking a hasty decision.”

“In the meantime...” She turned to the omelet: if she didn't eat it now... When was she ever going to eat one? It wasn't even like she could dream of reaching admiralty levels where such things would be available. First because she wasn't related in any way, shape or form to a noble house, second because even if she were, by the time she'd have been in the service long enough her brain would have long since leaked through her ears.

Editor-in-Chief

GM, 1662 posts

Fri 21 Jan 2022
at 01:58

msg #298

Kaya Wilden

In reply to Kaya Wilden (msg # 297):

This was made with real butter, real cheese, and real eggs.

It tastes like all your birthdays are happening at one time in your mouth, or at least all the good ones. If this is how ancient humans ate, it's worth wondering why anyone would want to go into space. Seriously. You've never had something that tastes this good.

Rokzi points at his chin. You think that means you've got something on yours.

Georgia is grinning. "I'm not making any hasty decisions. But I'm hoping you are. Told you I make a good omlet.

"So. Whatcha thinkin'? Wanna try a quail egg sandwich on real wheat muffins?"

Your suit comm signals, as obviously does Rokzi's. Gryffin's alarms are going off on board. These are silent signals. Georgia doesn't know, or at least seem to know you're getting a signal

Kaya Wilden

player, 149 posts

Tue 25 Jan 2022
at 23:44

msg #299

Kaya Wilden

Kaya was getting seriously annoyed: here she was, eating the best thing in the galaxy, and she couldn't even enjoy it in peace because something - or more likely, someone - was busy trying to dismantle her ship or something. Or at the vert least, was messing with it, and that wasn't something she could leave alone.

Not that she didn't trust Peri or Aarav, but she was the Captain. It was her responsibility and no one else's. And for the first time in a long while, she was regretting not having one of those implants: it would have at least allowed her to learn more, and certainly do more than without.

Even then, Georgia's question about muffins was almost literally painful and distracted her for a couple of seconds. “I hope so, if they're as fantastic as that omelet.” She winced, “But we've lost contact with our ship too, which means something's seriously wrong and I'd rather know what as soon as possible without being caught with my pants around my ankles. So to speak.”

She stood then, and walked to the place where she had stashed her suit. She didn't do so in a hurry, both because she didn't want to panic Georgia - no matter how little she believed that bit about blowing herself up - but also because it might all have been a plot on their side, and she wanted Georgia to give an opportunity for the girl - though their ages weren't far apart of course - to give the game away. It might be good, it might be bad, but more information would allows her to act one way or the other.

Editor-in-Chief

GM, 1670 posts

Wed 26 Jan 2022
at 03:11

msg #300

Kaya Wilden

The smile is wiped from Georgia's face. She puts a hand on her waist...you guess the trigger for the bomb or whatever is there, and turns so her back is to the wall.

But then she watches you and Rokzi with a puzzled look. She tries her comm again.

"Shit!" she mumbles. Then a light starts flashing on the collar of her suit.

"GEORGIA!"

She bolts out of the chair, snapping up her helmet, jamming it on like a seasoned pro before pushing past the two of you towards your makeshift lock door.

Rokzi grabs his helmet and holds up his comm. He's patched it into a camera he or Aarav must have set up outside.

You can see Gryffin. Lights from helmet lamps are shining over the hull. Three of them, right around where the air lock would be.

"Someone's set off a signal jammer. I think it's on the whole rock. Shit. Someone's makin' some kinda play. But for us or Wheezy?"

Kaya Wilden

player, 150 posts

Thu 27 Jan 2022
at 21:40

msg #301

Kaya Wilden

Kaya growled, definitely not pleased to have visitors. “I doubt anyone would come at us like that. And the only reason to go at Wheezy is if someone knows about the 040012s.” She grimaced, “And someone who knows about that must know that there's no way he's paying out of his own pocket at the very least.”

The young lieutenant shook her head, “Which means, whoever this is, they're after Georgia. And my bet on that... Well... There's only one newcomer i can think of who'd go I guns blazing like that... And who'd have a jammer powerful enough for the Gryffin.”

“Can you stun her through the suit?” Kaya cocked an eyebrow, “And tell me why you didn't stun her while she was busy making that omelet?” Granted, it would have annoyed Kaya... But much less than failing her mission...

Editor-in-Chief

GM, 1676 posts

Fri 28 Jan 2022
at 04:24

msg #302

Kaya Wilden

In reply to Kaya Wilden (msg # 301):

Rokzi finishes latching on his helmet and looks back at you. "I didn't stun her cos you didn't give me the signal. Also, if she is packin' explosives in her suit, a stun might trigger 'em. We don't know how set set the charges up."

As he opens the door, you can see Georgia running up the stairs from the base.

Rokzi adds, "Didja find it weird that she yelled out her own name before she took off?

"What's my objective here Cap? You want me to chase her down? Go get the pickers off Gryffin? Or somethin' else?"

Kaya Wilden

player, 151 posts

Mon 31 Jan 2022
at 22:17

msg #303

Kaya Wilden

Kaya growled, obviously not particularly happy “I could hardly tell you to do it aloud. And no implant remember?”. Though she supposed that if he had stunned her before she gave the explicit order, she'd have been annoyed too. “Nervermind for now. We should have decided on a signal or something, but I doubt there are any charges: Georgia is a rich kid slumming it. If things go bad, she'll go to daddy, she's certainly not going to blow herself up for money she never had a lack of.”

“Yeah, that one was weird...” She admitted about Georgia yelling her own name. “For now, we have to secure the Griffin, everything else is secondary.” If nothing else, because without her ship they weren't going to be able to do much of anything. “We know where she's going, and hopefully she'll be smart enough to...” She let her sentence hang there, then shook her head, “Griffin first, the rest second.”

After a second, Kaya asked “Do you have a better plan than jump and shoot it out?” Small arms tactics weren't exactly her forte after all...

Editor-in-Chief

GM, 1680 posts

Tue 1 Feb 2022
at 01:29

msg #304

Kaya Wilden

In reply to Kaya Wilden (msg # 303):

The two of you go topside.

A third ship is hovering over the asteroid. It's not a naval cruiser.

"That...looks like a station security cruiser..."

You would agree with Rokzi's assessment. The ship is one of the small in system cruisers Little Giant kept aboard the station. The cruiser has two shuttles, both of which seem to be deployed down here to the surface. One is parked near Calypso, the other near Gryffin.

"They're not navy. Look at their suits."

The suits aren't matching for one. From what you can tell, it's a hodge podge of various colors and types. If they were navy, they'd all have suits like your regular ones.

Another thing you notice is they don't seem to be moving as a unit. The guys who are trying to get into Calypso seem to be moving randomly. They aren't in sync with each other.

"I don't think they're Oh-Forties either. They'd be more precise in how they're doing it. Look. That guy's supposed to be on lookout and he's not even paying any attention over this way."

Gryffin's airlock has been forced. You can see two guys standing outside it, paying more attention to what's going on in the airlock than they are towards anything else.

Rokzi shakes his head. "Hard to say how many are inside. But I can sniper those two at the door easy enough. You want me to pick 'em off once you get closer? Then you can rush in and I'll follow along? Or we can rush 'em?"

It might also be able to hack into Gryffin's mainframe from outside the ship. But with this jammer going on, you need to get over to the hull.

Those are my ideas. You can go about it as you like. Let me know if you want more info.

Thanks

Kaya Wilden

player, 152 posts

Tue 1 Feb 2022
at 19:03

msg #305

Kaya Wilden

Kaya squinted as she studied the security cruiser, almost growling, obviously having plans for that ship. The blowy kind of plans. After a couple of seconds, she nodded. “It's fine. You snipe them, I'll rush in and deal with whatever Aarav and Peri have left.” And she definitely didn't sound like taking prisoners was going to be very high on her priority list.

“We'll adjust as needed.” She glanced back at the cruiser, “I'm assuming the jammer is in there, so... I'm not going to blow that straight up, we'll have to see what's happening on Georgia's side.”

Editor-in-Chief

GM, 1684 posts

Wed 2 Feb 2022
at 01:38

msg #306

Kaya Wilden

In reply to Kaya Wilden (msg # 305):

"Copy that." He points towards one of Gryffin's struts. "Looks like you should be able to make it over there easy peasy. Once I see you in position, I'll take 'em out. Don't worry about any shots from my end when you rush the air lock. I'll be sure to miss ya."

A quick scan of the terrain shows it is the best path to get close to the air lock. You get in position and, right on cue, one of the guard's helmet's suddenly perforates.

As that guard starts to pinwheel his arms and deal with his face getting pulled out through the blast hole from the decompression, the other guard seems to startle and glance around, crouching over. You rush the now empty airlock bay. Punching in the code, you open the lock doors and step inside.

Gryffin compresses the lock as you scan the room beyond. No one's in the suit room past the airlock. The universe is giving you small favors today it seems. Slipping through once the lock finishes cycling, you step into your ship.

You can hear voices. Sounds like two from up near the bridge. And one...maybe two from down towards the hold.

One of the bridge voices is definitely Rei's.

Kaya Wilden

player, 153 posts

Fri 4 Feb 2022
at 22:00

msg #307

Kaya Wilden

Kaya didn't stop long to consider where to go first, and she headed to the bridge. Had Rei been elsewhere, she might have hesitated, but as things stood they were pretty simple: Rei was a civilian, and the first thing she needed to take back - or secure at any rate - was the bridge.

Knowing her ship like the back of her hands - she hadn't spent that long on it of course, but the Griffin was hardly a carrier - the young lieutenant quickly progressed towards her destination, only pausing in a few places to make sure that there were no silent ones waiting in a corner.

But when she reached the bridge, her plan was rather simple: she fully intended to take down the invaders, and do so hard. She might consider taking those in the hold prisoner, but those in the bridge were out of luck. A weapon in each hand, she stepped in, took a fraction of a second to assess the situation, fully intending to open up simultaneously on both targets before they even had the time to register she was there.

Editor-in-Chief

GM, 1690 posts

Sun 6 Feb 2022
at 01:17

msg #308

Kaya Wilden

In reply to Kaya Wilden (msg # 307):

You step out, guns ablazin'.

Or gun ablazin'. Your super brain recognizes Rei as one of the two on the bridge and doesn't shoot at her. She is sitting in your chair, hands bound with a wire tie to one of the arms.

The other person...yeah. You definitely shoot her.

She looks shocked as you step out. But then you hit her in the face and she's no longer capable of making an expression.

Rei blinks, staring at the brain goo that's splashed all over her shoulder, and then back at you.

"Welcome aboard Captain."

The sound of shot carried of course. The guys in the hold are probably on their way here.

But, using your big brain, you can map out that Rokzi should be entering behind them. So that problem should take care of itself.

Assuming Rokzi's as good as he thinks he is.

Kaya Wilden

player, 154 posts

Mon 7 Feb 2022
at 22:27

msg #309

Kaya Wilden

After a quick check to make sure they were alone, Kaya paused to assess Rei. First to make sure the nurse was unharmed, but she paused on the evidence of her violent entry now splattered all over her.

She grimaced, “Uh, sorry about that.” She'd have to take the time to talk to Rei at some point though, to make sure she was okay. But for now, she wasn't going to spend too much time thinking about it. If nothing else because it would bring into focus the little fact that this was the first life she took.

With the guys in the back probably rushing to the bridge, Kaya considered her options. Talking to the wanna be hijackers was one, but she didn't want one of them to have the good idea to remember he could use hostages.

So instead, she simply waited for them to come to her. Still, that didn't mean she couldn't take precautions. She pointed Rei towards a corner of the bridge not visible for the other side, “Stand there for now, you'll be safe.”

She prepared herself, while she sent a message to Rokzi, “Bridge is secure, I have Rei with me, likely two hostiles incoming.”

Editor-in-Chief

GM, 1693 posts

Tue 8 Feb 2022
at 02:10

msg #310

Kaya Wilden

In reply to Kaya Wilden (msg # 309):

Rokzi doesn't respond. Then you hear two sharp pows from down the hallway.

"Not so incoming anymore. What's next Cap?"

Kaya Wilden

player, 155 posts

Sun 13 Feb 2022
at 23:55

msg #311

Kaya Wilden

“Good. Make sure we don't have any other unwelcome guests.” Kaya answered curtly, then activated the intercom, “Peri, Arav, report if you can.” While they emerged from wherever they had been holed up, Kaya gently, but firmly, made Rei stand up so that she could sit on her chair.

There, she took stock of the situation: the current one obviously, but she also took a peek at how it had happened exactly. Granted, Peri wasn't the pilot she herself was, but that didn't mean she had been sleeping on the job...

Editor-in-Chief

GM, 1703 posts

Mon 14 Feb 2022
at 22:59

msg #312

Kaya Wilden

In reply to Kaya Wilden (msg # 311):

Remember Peri and Arav went over to the Calypso to take it over.

They weren't aboard when the cruiser showed up.

Kaya Wilden

player, 156 posts

Fri 18 Feb 2022
at 00:08

msg #313

Kaya Wilden

I obviously, totally did not forget that, how could I?
...
I'll edit the previous post ASAP to just be Kaya assessing the current situation with the Callypso and the patrol ship.

She's likely to go toward the Callypso (her crew and targets are there after all), unless she has to take down the patrol ship first for some reason).

Editor-in-Chief

GM, 1708 posts

Fri 18 Feb 2022
at 04:03

msg #314

Kaya Wilden

In reply to Kaya Wilden (msg # 313):

That's fine. I'll go ahead and give you some info in the meantime...

Gryffin's comms are jammed. But long range sensors are working just fine. Go fig.

A quick scan pings four people on the ground outside Calypso. You can't get a decent visual. And you can't pick up their suit IDs to see if they might be Peri or Arav. But you at least know there are four of them out there.

You can't see inside Calypso. Wheezy has it shielded pretty hard. But you can tell the engines seem to be powered down.

The cruiser isn't as well shielded. It's not much weapon wise. Pretty comparable to Gryffin actually. You're pinging 20 more bodies on board it. Seems whoever this is came with a full contention of mercs. Man to man, they have you outgunned.

Rokzi peeks over your shoulder. "Y'know...we do have all those drones we haven't really played with yet..."

Kaya Wilden

player, 157 posts

Sun 20 Feb 2022
at 20:20

msg #315

Kaya Wilden

“We do.” Kaya nodded. “But I'm not sure how useful they're going to be.” She tapped her lips for a second, grunting as she wiped a bit of bloody remains out of her console. “And the clock is ticking...”

At some point, she shook her head and without taking her eyes away from the enemy ship, she asked, “Alright, we want Peri and Aarav back, Georgia with them. What do you need to make that happen?” This was after all his area of expertise more than hers. No matter what this was exactly.

“Im thinking the jamming is not a bad thing for us, except that I can't talk to Aarav or Peri, but if you need it removed, I can just blow that ship out of space.” She frowned as she had just thought of something. “Though... Wait...”

She started to type on her console: communications were jammed, that was for sure. But... She had something on the Callypso that wasn't using standard communication channels: the maintenance spider. Could she try and connect to it, either to get some idea of what was happening over there or hopefully even better, to serve as a relay for Aarav and Peri?

Worst case scenario, maybe she could use a drone as a relay, establishing laser communications with it once it was parked near where Aarav and Peri had to be?

Editor-in-Chief

GM, 1712 posts

Mon 21 Feb 2022
at 03:53

msg #316

Kaya Wilden

In reply to Kaya Wilden (msg # 315):

It seems you can patch into the drone. It's still clinging to Callypso's hull, but it is patched into the interior cam system.

Flipping through the channels, you get the gist of what's going on inside the other ship.

There are three mercs onboard. Four outside.

The four outside seem to have apprehended Georgia.

Two of the ones inside are guarding Arav and Peri. Peri looks injured.

The last merc is standing in front of what looks like some rather hefty bulkhead door. Looks like he's trying to figure out how to open it.

Over your shoulder, Rokzi chuckles. "Thought you said you didn't know how these drones were gonna be useful...

"They'll take Georgia aboard in a moment. They'll probably signal the cruiser that Callypso is secured. Then they'll signal us, expectin' their folks to squawk back.

"Good news is the fact they don't seem to be aware we've already taken back Gryffin means these guys are at best talented amateurs. If they were good, they'd have someone trackin' everyone's suit cams to keep an eye on what's going on down here.

"From what I see, we got two big problems. Three kinda.

"First, if we power up our weapons, the cruiser's gonna pick it up. If you don't take 'em out in one shot, we're gonna be stuck at the bottom of the gravity well...yeah. I know. This rock don't have gravity. But you get what I'm sayin'....and they have the overhead advantage.

"Second, once they secure Callypso odds are they're gonna lift it off. We gotta keep that from happenin'.

"We are outmanned down here. That'd be number three. But..." He scratches the back of his head and then shrugs. "Meh. I can take 'em. But I could use a distraction.

"Your call Cap."

Kaya Wilden

player, 158 posts

Mon 21 Feb 2022
at 21:43

msg #317

Kaya Wilden

Kaya looked thoroughly - and visibly - offended when Rokzi expressed his concerns about her not being able to take the opposing ship down in one shot, without letting it shoot in return. Despite that, she didn't address that particular point. After all, even though she didn't doubt she could, the best risks were those uou didn't take.

“Im not an expert at that sort of things, but I can deploy an offensive drone and have it crawl to the patrol ship. Near their main weapon would be good enough I suppose.” She frowned as she considered the video. “I don't really need to blow them up.” Though... She didn't like Peri being wounded.

“As for your diversión, I can send a decoy drone around the Callypso, make it look like an incoming shuttle or something.” She cocked an eyebrow, “Would that work for what you have in mind?”

Editor-in-Chief

GM, 1717 posts

Mon 21 Feb 2022
at 23:51

msg #318

Kaya Wilden

In reply to Kaya Wilden (msg # 317):

He grins and gives you a thumbs up. "Suitin' up and headin' out."

He rushes off the bridge.

Rei blinks and looks back at you. "Anything I can do? Should I suit up and get ready to go check on the wounded?"

Arav has set up a drone module. You can quickly find the drones you need inside it. You just need to activate them and guide them.

You can set them out on auto if you like. Or you can operate either one, or both, manually.

Your call.

Kaya Wilden

player, 159 posts

Tue 22 Feb 2022
at 20:46

msg #319

Kaya Wilden

“Alright.” As Rokzi left to prepare, Kaya continued to speak to him through the coms, “Primary objective will be to rescue our crew members. Secondary objective the capture of Georgia, and the third one the capture of the Callypso. Capturing that shop and placing Peri in command might be easier than evacuating everyone back to the Gryffin, but we'll reassess when needed. You're obviously free to engage as and when needed, but if you can afford to disable without killing.”

Those instructions given - more for the record than because they were really needed - Kaya proceeded to answer Rei's question. “It can't hurt.” It likely wouldn't be needed - she wasn't going to send Rei free-floating between ships in a combat situation! - but one didn't plan only for the more likely options. “See if you can determine Peri's state from here, you might have to give instructions to Rokzi on how to handle it instead of going there yourself.”

While she talked, the young lieutenant had checked the drones, and decided that while she could multi-task - and would have to in fact - controlling two drones at once while still being ready to react at a moment's notice with the Gryffin would likely be too much. So instead, she programmed a quick route for the drone, then sent to Rokzi, “Decoy is ready to go on a preprogrammed route. I'm sending its route to you, execute when ready. Laser com' should follow you just fine until then.”

As for the attack drone, she took control of it directly, mainly because she wanted to react quickly if it looked like it had been made and still score a hit. Plus while approach wouldn't be difficult, close range maneuvering would likely be asking too much of the drone. Sinc she wanted to place it just right to disable as much of the ship as she could without straight up blowing it up - that wasn't really needed after all, and she didn't doubt some people would want to ask questions - she had to take direct control.

Plus that way she'd already be focusing on the only thing - at the moment anyway - that could threaten her ship, which would prevent any delay in reaction.

Editor-in-Chief

GM, 1719 posts

Wed 23 Feb 2022
at 03:05

msg #320

Kaya Wilden

In reply to Kaya Wilden (msg # 319):

Let's go with the drone you're controlling then

Monitoring the situation around Callypso with one eye, you prime the attack droid and get it ready to launch.

The jamming signal the cruiser is broadcasting should interfere with their ability to detect the drone's launch sensor-wise. Visual confirmation of a drone floating through space towards their ship is another matter.

Looking at the layout of their ship, you can see three routes you could send the drone through to minimize visual exposure. First, going straight up it's ass more or less. Bringing the drone up like you were going to send it into one of the cruiser's thruster tubes. Then have it leap up and run up the hull to the garbage chute. The drone can enter through there.

You could have the drone skim the surface of the asteroid and then launch up into space at a distance. You'd bring the drone up and over the cruiser, letting it land on top. Most crew would be busy watching the surface. An ariel attack as it were might get through.

The last is just to gun it. Have the drone fly straight for the cruiser, weaving about in a random pattern to try to avoid camera eyes.

Those are just ideas. The first problem you have is getting the drone near the cruiser without anyone looking out the window (or through a bulkhead camera) and saying "Oh. There's a drone out there."

Kaya Wilden

player, 160 posts

Sat 26 Feb 2022
at 01:05

msg #321

Kaya Wilden

After a brief deliberation, Kaya decided to first send the drone away, both from the ship, but also her target and the asteroid. While there wasn't any bright multidirecational source of light in the vicinity, there were still some and one might reflect on the drone just right to allow someone to see it.

It was unlikely, but not really a risk she could afford. Or maybe more precisely, not a risk she had to take. But if, instead, she sent the drone away... An unlit drone, against the vast expanse of space? And coming from a direction where no one had any reason to expect anything?

Still, in order to reduce the risks even more, she had the drone maneuver well away from the cruiser then coast purely on its inertia: it would have to be slow if she wanted to be able to satoo it before it impacted without lightning every sensor in the vicinity, but it shouldn't be a problem.

More than that, while it was coasting towards its target's engines, she'd be able to take stock of the overall situation before she took back control to stop the drone and tuck it against the ship's engines.

Editor-in-Chief

GM, 1724 posts

Sun 27 Feb 2022
at 03:26

msg #322

Kaya Wilden

In reply to Kaya Wilden (msg # 321):

All highly logical

Arav did good work on prepping the drone control system. It's easier to use then steering Gryffin.

You soon have the drone locked onto the cruiser, not far from where it's fuel lines should run under the hull.

On the ground, the auto drone initiates it's routine. You watch as Rokzi takes out the outside guards in fairly quick order. The man may be a lot of things, but he is good.

You estimate he should board Calypso in four minutes.

Kaya Wilden

player, 161 posts

Sun 27 Feb 2022
at 22:04

msg #323

Kaya Wilden

Once sure that her attack drone was on the right path, Kaya took a minute to assess the situation surrounding Rokzi: she was in a sort of over-watch position, so it was on her to warn him should his situation change somehow. Well, his, or the situation inside the Callypso.

She aimed a com' laser his way, “Attack drone is on his way, everything looks good on my side.” she added any news she had to share, while making sure the Gryffin would be ready to go into action at a moment's notice.

Which also include Rei. She asked through the inter-com' “Rei, how are you doing?”

Editor-in-Chief

GM, 1729 posts

Tue 1 Mar 2022
at 03:55

msg #324

Kaya Wilden

In reply to Kaya Wilden (msg # 323):

"I'm goin' in." Rokzi moves to the airlock and boards Callypso

Rei pings you back. She's already suited up and outside, just starting the trip over to Callpyso

"I'll move as fast as I can. Don't have a weapon, so...let me know if I should not board before I get there."

You would have figured her for taking about eight minutes to make the trip. But she's moving pretty nimbly. Must have more Vacc Suit experience than you thought. She should arrive in four minutes. You think Rokzi should be done, assuming the mercs on board Callpyso were as good as the ones outside it.

The drone on the cruiser sends you a scan of the hull in it's vicinity. It's by a gas line. It's also by a comm line and exhaust vent. You can try to monkey with any of the three. Or you can just start trying to rip through the hull. That might take some doing.

Kaya Wilden

player, 162 posts

Tue 1 Mar 2022
at 23:13

msg #325

Kaya Wilden

Kaya only barely managed to not curse Rei. She certainly hadn't intended the nurse to go now, much less floating around with no protection during an ongoing firefight.

But...there was nothing she could do. In fact, the only thing she could do that wouldn't expose Rei even more was to do exactly nothing. As such, “Will do.” Was the only thing she sent back. Hoping Rokzi took care of everything on the Callypso's side, including bomb threats. Genuine or otherwise.

Before she focused on the internal footage from the Callypso though, Kaya took a moment to give the attack drone its final navigation orders. Since she didn't really plan on destroying the cruiser - she would if she had to, but for now she'd plan for less destructive options - and just wanted to make sure it would be able to fire - accurately at least - she ordered the drone between the exhaust and the comm line. No communication to warn anyone of what had happened - which reduced the odds of being chased - and messed up exhausts which meant no pursuit and misalignment of the guns sounded perfect to her.

With the drone in place, Kaya went back to monitor Rokzi's progress.

Editor-in-Chief

GM, 1732 posts

Wed 2 Mar 2022
at 04:10

msg #326

Kaya Wilden

In reply to Kaya Wilden (msg # 325):

By the time you switch back, Rokzi seems to have started engagement.

The captured Georgia was added to the prisoner queue with Peri and Arav. One man stands guard on them right now.

Rokzi is in a firefight with two others in what you guess is Calypso's main corridor. There's one body on the floor already, showing Rokzi took first blood.

As you watch, Rokzi wings another of the mercs.

The man on guard over the prisoners goes over to the room door and peeks down the hall. Georgia takes the opportunity to stand up. She sneaks up behind him and kicks him in the nuts as he turns around. They start wrestling over his gun.

Arav seems to shout something and launches at them, trying to grab the gun himself. Peri tries to stand, but she must be hurt worse than you thought. She wobbles as she gets erect and starts to tumble over.

Georgia, the guard, and Arav all seem to have a hand on the gun. There's a flash as it discharges, and...

The camera goes dark. The shot seems to have hit the camera. What else, or who else, it might have hit, you have no idea.

Kaya Wilden

player, 164 posts

Mon 7 Mar 2022
at 23:15

msg #327

Kaya Wilden

If she had been the kind of girl to bite her nails, Kaya would likely have done so while she watched Rokzi's assault - or was it counter-assault? - the Callypso, to say nothing of when the gun discharged.

Still, trying to keep her voice as neutral as she could, she contacted Rei, “There's been a gun fired in the hold where the prisoners are. You might have more than Peri to fix.”

After that, as nail-biting as it was, there was only one thing she could do: wait, and trust her crew. Or, in this case, Rokzi. It had been hammered into their heads in the Academy - the first and only preoccupation of a pilot, to say nothing of the Captain, was to the ship. At the time, it had sounded so obvious, but right now, with not only her mission in jeopardy but also her crew members, it was a lot harder to convince herself that it was the right thing to do. And the fact that she knew it was didn't make things much easier...

Editor-in-Chief

GM, 1740 posts

Tue 8 Mar 2022
at 02:54

msg #328

Kaya Wilden

In reply to Kaya Wilden (msg # 327):

As if I am just going to let Kaya sit around and snack on bon bons...

The drone chimes. The cruiser is getting an incoming transmission.

Hey Snuggles! How's the smash an' grab goin'? Our ETA is 22 minutes.

Butterbear! Who loves him some butterbear? This guy!

It's goin'. We had ta jam things ground wise, so ground crew's a bit overdue on check in. Was about to shout down to 'em.

Tell the client we'll have the freezer pop for 'em like we said we would. Not thinkin' anyone involved's a problem.

Copy that Snuggles.

Then after a moment.

Hey Snuggles...

...Yeah?..

Guess what kinda thong I'm wearin'...

Kaya Wilden

player, 165 posts

Sat 12 Mar 2022
at 02:24

msg #329

Kaya Wilden

Kaya squinted as she listened to the communications. So they were after Wheezy, didn't know anything about Georgia, much less what the Gryffin was. Well... That certainly made things easier. First, she didn't want anyone to know she had been a part of this if she could afford it. Second, they could be considered pirates, so she had the law on her side. Well, more or less. She could make a case for it. And if that didn't work... They were actively jamming a fleet ship, it would be enough.

What convinced her to really do something was the news that they were going to get some support in something like twenty two minutes, and she needed to be able to manoeuvrer to go help her crew.

So without losing any time, Kaya prepared things on her side. She checked that the drone was in position, she checked that the Gryffin's main weapon was locked on the perfect position to at least disable the enemy cruiser if not outright destroy it.

When she was sure she had everything, she triggered the drone's destruction/attack. A second or two later, enough to let shock set in, but not enough that they'd have a chance to do anything about it, she pulled full power out of her reactor and fired the main battery.

Editor-in-Chief

GM, 1747 posts

Sun 13 Mar 2022
at 02:13

msg #330

Kaya Wilden

In reply to Kaya Wilden (msg # 329):

The drone syncs and does it's bit. You open fire a moment later.

Gryffin's battery slices into the side of the cruiser like a knife through a thick pat of Nutruspread. The comms suddenly shriek into life and sensors come back on line. You're seeing damage reports on the cruiser, effected areas lighting up.

Scrogers! Damnit! What's goin' on on that tub? Scrogers?

If you're dead, fuck you! We're returning firee!

Sensors are showing you cut their lines on the aft side. They can't immediately return fire. But if they turn the cruiser around, they can shoot off the turrent on the other side, which isn't damaged.

Which is what they seem to be aiming to do as the cruiser starts to rumble around. The exhaust system is damaged, but it's not going to hamper a short term maneuver like this. At least not immediately.

"Cap'n!" Rokzi's voice buzzes in. "Calypso secured. Peri's down. Aarav's winged. What's the sitch? We got full comm here."

Kaya Wilden

player, 166 posts

Sun 13 Mar 2022
at 21:17

msg #331

Kaya Wilden

Kaya just ignored 'Snuggles', she had nothing to say to a wannabee pirate. Instead, now free to manoeuvrer, she did so in order to prevent the cruiser from getting the Gryffin into its sights, while she continued firing. She didn't really care to destroy that ship - she wasn't there for that after all - but she was going to disable it and make damn sure it wasn't going to be a danger for her or her crew.

Which didn't prevent her from answer Rokzi. “Rei is on her way, you should see her in a minute or so.” She paused, focusing on her 'fight' for a second, before she continued, “I'm taking down that cruiser. We have less than twenty minutes before they get reinforcements.”

“Can you get everyone to the Gryffin or will you need to convince Wheezy to play nice?” With Peri down, those were the only two options she saw, and she didn't much like either of those...

Editor-in-Chief

GM, 1750 posts

Mon 14 Mar 2022
at 01:40

msg #332

Kaya Wilden

In reply to Kaya Wilden (msg # 331):

Pick a number 1 to 10 please

You open fire on the cruiser...

Rokzi squawks back. "Copy. No sign of Wheezy. There's some thick bulk head we can't get open closing off the hold. He could be hiding in there.

"Aarav says he's still able enough to fly this rig. You want us to just fly Calypso outta here?"

Kaya Wilden

player, 167 posts

Tue 15 Mar 2022
at 08:31

msg #333

Kaya Wilden

Let's go with 7.

“If it's easier than moving everyone to the Griffin.” Was Kaya's only answer for a little while, as she focused on dodging around the cruiser to prevent it from shooting her like a fish in a barrel. “So you know why the Georgia we met yelled for another Georgia when we saw the Callypso being boarded?”

Zhe wasn't going to ask him about her bomb though, he knew what he was doing.

Editor-in-Chief

GM, 1757 posts

Wed 16 Mar 2022
at 01:05

msg #334

Kaya Wilden

In reply to Kaya Wilden (msg # 333):

Just to make sure we are on the same page, The Gryffin is still grounded. You haven't lifted off yet, just firing up at the cruiser, right?

You manage to light up the forward section of the cruiser as it comes around. Sensors are indicating you've taken out part of their shields, their comm, and best of all they'll have trouble navigating.

"Hurry up Rei! We gotta book!"

"Almost there!" Rei sounds breathless. You don't have the time to check the video feed, but she must be running across the surface.

You do see where Calypso is cutting on it's engines.

"No answer on the double Georgia question yet. Once we get airborne, I'll dig around. Gotta go Cap. Aarav is makin' me do stuff."

The cruiser starts to try a new tactic. It seems to be pulling it's nose up, exposing it's underside. You can see why. The bottom of it's hull is armored pretty thick. Almost abnormally so.

Kaya Wilden

player, 168 posts

Mon 21 Mar 2022
at 11:02

msg #335

Kaya Wilden

Oh, I thought we were at rest orbiting the "station". Well, time to go then!

While Aarav made his report, Kaya proceeded to lift off herself since she wasn't waiting on anybody. “Roger that.”

When she noticed the cruiser's maneuvers, Kaya shook her head, mumbling while doing so. “It might be smart if I was stationary... Or...” and she grin, “if I didn't have drones.” She proceeded to launch a couple of them - in case the cruiser somehow managed to shoot one down - and aimed them at the remaining propulsion capabilities it had: she really didn't want to the Callypso to become a target itself.

And since it wanted to show her its belly, Kaya didn't mind: she was going to shoot everything else. Destroying the cruiser wasn't her goal: safely getting away with both ships was.

Editor-in-Chief

GM, 1761 posts

Wed 23 Mar 2022
at 02:30

msg #336

Kaya Wilden

In reply to Kaya Wilden (msg # 335):

Callypso has warmed up. It's waiting on Rei, who is struggling through the air lock now.

You start ascent, launching the two drones at the same time.

They wick upwards. The cruiser seems too busy dealing with damage alerts to give them much attention. Not a good call on their part. The drones lock in and in a moment, the cruiser is dead in the drift.

Callypso starts to ascend.

Snugger booger! We're burnin' fumes and haulin' ass over to ya! Hang tight!

That's about all we can do...

The incoming is maybe ten minutes out. But it's picking up speed.

Boss. We following you? Rokzi chimes in, not asking for coordinates in case anyone is eavesdropping.

Kaya Wilden

player, 169 posts

Wed 23 Mar 2022
at 14:28

msg #337

Kaya Wilden

Kaya briefly smiled, satisfied, when the enemy cruiser became dead in the water briefly wondering if that would count as a capital kill on her part. Well no matter, it wasn't like it had been much of a challenge and she had better things to focus on.

She blinked doubtfully when she heard the incoming communications, then shook her head, more worried with the enemy's reinforcements ETA than what they were saying.

“For now,” she answered Rokzi, “and have Aarav send me the specs of that tub then I'll send you a course.” After all, no matter what she'd prefer, she might have to peel back to take care of the enemy cruiser.

Still, not really wanting to do so, she started to work on a set of courses that would take them out of the system without putting anyone in position to intercept her two ships. From among those, as soon as she got the specs from Aarav she picked the best and made the necessary adjustments.

Editor-in-Chief

GM, 1767 posts

Thu 24 Mar 2022
at 01:43

msg #338

Kaya Wilden

In reply to Kaya Wilden (msg # 337):

Aarav downloads Calypso's stats. It's a bit surprising.

Wheezy apparently values speed over weaponry. Callypso is rigged hard enough in the engines to outrun most naval interceptors. Most pirates know better than to lean too heavily on the "Exit Stage Right" strategy, but Wheezy seems to, at least from the way his boat is built out. He has enough fire power to make a diversion and enough engine to get the hell out quick.

You note a few oddities on the schematics, but don't have the time to really dig into them. Dead spaces that aren't defined on the "official" schematics. Probably his hidden holds for contraband eggs and what not. He's also got a surprising amount of scientific equipment on board. But again...not a lot of time to study it too closely right now.

The quickest route out of the system is to head towards Mekel. But that is the direction Snooger Booger is coming from.

You could bolt in the direction of Prothus. Only trouble there is you'd have to go through the asteroid field to get there.

Lastly, you can head the long way out of the system towards Coltus. But you'll have to pass by the naval station that way. Little Giant Traffic Control will ping the two of you for sure.

Which way you wanna go?

Kaya Wilden

player, 170 posts

Thu 24 Mar 2022
at 22:43

msg #339

Kaya Wilden

So I've got in mind that the way home is through Coltus but I can't find anything about it. Do you confirm?

Kaya rejected the Mekel route without having to think long about it. She had ideas about how she could sucker punch the incoming cruiser, but she couldn't risk the Callypso catching a stray bullet. Or missile.

She wasn't fond either of the Coltus route. Sure, it was the most direct, but there was no way they wouldn't be asked questions, possibly of the pointed kind. Or on the wrong side of capital weapons. And considering their latest fleet visitor from out-system... It sounded like a good recipe for getting boarded and screw up the mission on the home stretch.

On the other hand, going through a dense asteroid field... “Aarav, through the asteroid field seems to be the only viable option. If we take it slow and I lead you in, do you think you can do it?”

Taking it slow would be risky, but she could always send a couple of decoy drones on the Coltus route for the incoming cruiser to pursue. Assuming they weren't going to just stop to assist their colleagues.

Editor-in-Chief

GM, 1773 posts

Sat 26 Mar 2022
at 02:58

msg #340

Kaya Wilden

In reply to Kaya Wilden (msg # 339):

When you say "home" you mean the direction of O'Bannon's naval base/your home base?

You probably would have come through Coltus, yes.

"Copy. If we go slow, yeah I'll make it work. Rokzi's helping Rei get outta her suit, but once he's back I'll have him do nav. We'll limp along but we'll get through."

Asteroid field ho?

If so, pick me 2 numbers, both of them between 1 and 10

Thanks

Kaya Wilden

player, 171 posts

Sat 26 Mar 2022
at 22:33

msg #341

Kaya Wilden

Let's say 3 and 9

“Alright, let's go then.” Through the beginning of the trip to the asteroid field, Kaya had both ships accelerate quickly in such a way that their exhausts would be pointed away from the incoming cruiser to reduce risks of detection, coupling that with sending two decoy drones away, one pretending to be the Calypso - which should be relatively easy now that she had its specs - and the other being a random cargo, bot headed towards Coltus.

“You know, maybe you should mention on the internal com' that you're about to head into an asteroid field, and since you're not a pilot there might be some breakage. It might get Wheezy out of wherever he's hiding.” Before they went in the asteroid field, Kaya went in front the Calypso and slowly tried to pick the easiest route for Aarav to manoeuvrer through.

Editor-in-Chief

GM, 1776 posts

Mon 28 Mar 2022
at 04:18

msg #342

Kaya Wilden

In reply to Kaya Wilden (msg # 341):

Wow. I rolled a 2 and an 8. This trip will be almost boring.

Almost

You slowly feel your way through the field. Aarav isn't graceful by any stretch. You flinch as Calypso scrapes against a couple of smaller rocks. But it's hull maintains integrity.

You should see our boy Aarav here. He looks like he's about to give birth.

Do you ever shut up?

Nope. Hey Boss Lady. I scoured this boat. Ya know. As well as I could.

Wheezy's either hiding in one of his holds, he's not on board, or he's in that room we can't get into. Rei's stablizied Georgia. But she's sayin' something weird. Hold on.

Uh...Kaya? Hey. It's Rei. So Georgia has marks on her that makes me think she's had a recent brain tap. She's had something uploaded into her memory.

They can do that?

What century are you living in?

Sensors are showing the field opens up soon. In another few minutes you should both be through.

Kaya Wilden

player, 172 posts

Mon 28 Mar 2022
at 07:21

msg #343

Kaya Wilden

Ha, I'm psychic! Almost.
And in this instance, boring is good...

“Almost there Aarav.” Kaya informed her engineer in a steady voice. Not quite distracted, but...Well, alright, she was distracted but she could afford to. More than Aarav, the brief contact with a rock eliciting a grimace from her.

“Understood Rei.” Kaya took a moment to mull that over, “Is she still Georgia underneath, or is Georgia elsewhere?” Though at least... “Considering her reaction when she noticed the assault, we can safely assume there is someone else on board.”

After another brief pause, she added, “Once we're clear of the field, we'll free float on our way to the jump point. We'll need to find that other person before we jump, and determine what is going on. I'd rather know we need to stay in the system before we're in Prothus.” But she'd rather avoid destroying any door, internal or not. Which meant she'd likely need Aarav to do it.

Editor-in-Chief

GM, 1780 posts

Tue 29 Mar 2022
at 01:21

msg #344

Kaya Wilden

In reply to Kaya Wilden (msg # 343):

Rei is quiet for a bit then pipes in. "I would assume we are looking at a personality swap, yeah. But without hooking her up to a DCX or something similar, it's hard to say for sure."

A Deep Cortex Examination Chamber is fairly high end medical equipment. You don't have one on board. You'd doubt there's even one on the Naval station at Little Giant. You'd have to fly over to High White or maybe New Atlan to find one. There should be one near home base. But that's then and this is now.

Aarav chimes in. "I can do a sweep of all the little hidey holes. But it's kinda hard to do while flying this bucket. Can we land somewhere and let me do it then? I can try to get through that door as well."

Rokzi chimes in. "Might be best to jump first, then find somewhere to park. I'm a little leery of waitin' around locally for those guys to come after us."

Kaya Wilden

player, 173 posts

Tue 29 Mar 2022
at 18:14

msg #345

Kaya Wilden

“Those guys are crazy.” Kaya commented, though she kept her questions to herself. Like... How the hell did that work? One was a woman, the other a man, and there was no conflict between personality and perception? That couldn't be healthy. Not that she cared much, but still...

The lack of a DCEC didn't bother her all that much: she'd hand over the body and the mind, and leave others to deal with thst. Well, ok, she'd likely end up being the one having to take care of the mess, but one could hope.

“You could just do it in transit you know. Point in the right direction and don't touch anything, you're neither going to slow nor deviate.” This was space after all. Still, there li'ely were advantages and in doing so docked somewhere. “I'm not sure I like Georgia roaming around unsupervised for that long myself. But fine, we'll jump to Prothus and dock somewhere.”

Editor-in-Chief

GM, 1786 posts

Thu 31 Mar 2022
at 02:39

msg #346

Kaya Wilden

In reply to Kaya Wilden (msg # 345):

Prothus is a much more expansive system than Little Giant.

The noble who runs the system, Count von Isek, keeps a small personal navy who handles most of the law and order. He has to of course respect Naval command. But it's an unspoken rule that nobles have the right to handle the law enforcement in their own territories. The Navy usually keeps an eye on activity but will only step in if things get out of hand or something obvious happens in front of them.

There is a small naval outpost on an ice moon on the outer rim of the system. There are also two space ports: one for the industrial world in the system and one at the Count's capital.

There are also several small nooks like asteroids or moons you can just park on.

Where do you want to dock?

Kaya Wilden

player, 174 posts

Thu 31 Mar 2022
at 07:24

msg #347

Kaya Wilden

Kaya considered her options for a moment. She wasn't terribly fond of the idea of going to the fleet outpost considering their activities and rather... Grey... Status. And Fleet politics.

The capital might not be much of a better option. Of the three, the industrial world's poet would have had her preference, but even then, she'd much prefer simply latch on an asteroid out of view. There was however one thing that may decide things for her.

“Rei, how are your patients? Beside that DCEC, do you need access to medical facilities?”

So if the answer is yes or maybe or it'd be better, industrial world it is. Otherwise a random rock will do just fine.

Editor-in-Chief

GM, 1789 posts

Fri 1 Apr 2022
at 02:25

msg #348

Kaya Wilden

In reply to Kaya Wilden (msg # 347):

"I have Peri stabilized. The med bay on Callypso is actually pretty advanced. Surprisingly so. I have her in a coma now while the doc finishes repairing the gun wound.

"Georgia...There's not much I can do with a med bay. Or the typical hospital. We really need to get her to a DCEC."

Random rock then?

Kaya Wilden

player, 175 posts

Fri 1 Apr 2022
at 07:03

msg #349

Kaya Wilden

“Copy that.” Kaya answered shortly. “But the DCEC is useless with one of the two, right?” and even if it wasn't... She didn't feel she absolutely needed to take that risk, it'd be much better to report to HQ first.

Unless their personality grafts were regressing or something anyway. “Alright Aarav, random rock it is for now. I'll send you the coordinates... Now.”

Editor-in-Chief

GM, 1792 posts

Sat 2 Apr 2022
at 01:52

msg #350

Kaya Wilden

In reply to Kaya Wilden (msg # 349):

It's a small moon. Very small. If there was some kid living here, cleaning out the volcano with a broomstick, it wouldn't surprise you.

The two ships touch down easily enough.

Staying on Gryffin? Or heading over there?

Kaya Wilden

player, 176 posts

Sat 2 Apr 2022
at 15:12

msg #351

Kaya Wilden

As soon as the Gryffin touched down, Kaya headed to the Callypso. She didn't like leaving the ship alone once more, but she didn't have much of a choice here. At least this time she set an alarm to be warned should anything approach, and made sure she'd receive any communications directly.

Once in the smuggler's ship, the young lieutenant briefly looked around, then went to look for Rei. “So, how urgently would you say we need to get Georgia to a DCEC?” Because if she could just drop the problem on O'Bannon's lap, she wasn't going to hesitate.

If however the whole thing was unstable... “And what would we need to actually undo whatever it is they did?”
This message was last edited by the player at 07:11, Mon 04 Apr 2022.

Editor-in-Chief

GM, 1796 posts

Mon 4 Apr 2022
at 00:55

msg #352

Kaya Wilden

In reply to Kaya Wilden (msg # 351):

Sorry. I may not be understanding the question. And I may not have been clear earlier. Sorry if that's the case.

It's unknown what mechanism was used to brain tap Georgia. Whatever it was, no one has seen it yet. But there is an area of the ship they can't get into/haven't had a chance to try yet.

The DCEC is more or less a diagnostic tool. Like an MRI or a CT Scanner. Only one would be needed to check on Georgia's condition.

In this situation, you guys either need to find the mechanism used to do whatever was done on Georgia or you need to take her to someplace with a DCEC unit.

Make more sense?

Let me know if that changes anything for Kaya's question.

Thanks.

Kaya Wilden

player, 177 posts

Mon 4 Apr 2022
at 07:07

msg #353

Kaya Wilden

Oh, I thought it was more to actually do / undo whatever they did (hence the need to have the two of them) more than a diagnostic.

I've updated my previous answer.

Editor-in-Chief

GM, 1801 posts

Tue 5 Apr 2022
at 02:08

msg #354

Kaya Wilden

In reply to Kaya Wilden (msg # 353):

That was my bad. I should have been clearer. Sorry about that.

Whatever dohickey did it to her should, theoretically, be able to undo it.

Theoretically.

Mwha ha ha ha

Rei considers. "I think she's stable right now. Her body at least. I don't see any signs of long term damage to the brain. So that's good.

"There's some oddities in her genetic markers. But that could just be the med bay. Honestly ship med bays usually get readings related to genomes wrong.

"I'd have to say it depends on what exactly has been done to her. If we can find whatever equipment they used, that would help."

Rokzi grins. "It's gotta be in that section we can't access. The security on that lock is tight. I mean naval command tight."

"So we cut into it."

Rokzi shakes his head at Aarav. "Didja see that door? It's triple thick Codnium-"

"I saw the door. Yeah." Aarav waves the concern off. He looks at you.

"We can't go through the door. But we can go through the floor. Or the ceiling. The ship specs show they're both regular hulling.

"If I cut up through the floor, I'm going to have to come up through some of the comm lines. I can patch them up after. But if we need to take off in a hurry, we'll need to communicate through our suit channels.

"Going through the ceiling is an option. But that room is top deck. I'd have to go outside in a suit and cut through the hull hull. IF there's anything loose in that room..."

"Out into the wild black yonder."

Kaya Wilden

player, 178 posts

Tue 5 Apr 2022
at 13:33

msg #355

Kaya Wilden

“I wouldn't be surprised if her family played around with their genome.” Kaya snorted as she answered about Georgia's weird genetic markers. Not that she was one to talk obviously...

She didn't need to think too much about Aarav's options though. “The floor. If someone's in there, I'd rather not get them to breathe vacuum.” Not unless she decided it so, and she legally wasn't supposed to take that kind of decisions. “I certainly don't want to have to deal with the paperwork if it happens.” Plus, if Wheezy was in there, he might be needed in good shape to solve whatever had happened.

“Rokzi, stay by the door until Aarav is ready to breach, and when he is, call me. I'll stay here but I want you with him to stun anything that moves. Let's try not to break anything that isn't already broken...”

Editor-in-Chief

GM, 1803 posts

Wed 6 Apr 2022
at 01:35

msg #356

Kaya Wilden

In reply to Kaya Wilden (msg # 355):

"Roger dodger."

You don't have to wait long. Just short of an hour later, Rokzi pings you.

"We're almost in. There's some kind of jammer at work in the room. So I'll secure and Aarav will pop the door open. See ya in a few."

Rei looks at you as you click off the comm. "I better come too."

The door certainly looks as formidable as you've heard. Banks don't have vaults this thick.

Rei studies it. "That seems...I dunno. Pricey."

Before you can say anything there's a clicking sound. The door slowly...sllllooooooowllly... props open. Aarav is pushing on it as hard as he can and finally gets it open wide enough you can slip through.

He shakes his head as you start to enter. "This is fucked up."

The room inside is circular. Wider across than perhaps you thought, though the tubes along the wall belie that fact.

All along the walls are long tubes, like cryo chambers, filled with a grayish-blue kind of liquid. In each one floats a naked Georgia, at some point in her development. An old woman. A young woman. A babe. A fetus.

Across from the door is a large console. On the other side of that is an appartus made of three connected tubes.

The central one's door is open.

The one to the right contains a naked Wheezy.

The left one has Georgia. At least her head and chest.

Rei is just staring at it all, blinking.

Rokzi wriggles his eyebrows. "Looks like Wheezy ain't just smugglin' eggs. He's smugglin' Georgias."

Rei shakes her head. "It's a clone farm. I've heard of them. But to see one..."

Cloning outside of organ factories or universities is illegal. Highly illegal. Highly, highly illegal. Has been ever since civil wars ago when clone armies laid waste to whole solar systems.

This is now a potentially much bigger issue than a smuggler's war on Little Giant.

Kaya Wilden

player, 179 posts

Wed 6 Apr 2022
at 07:38

msg #357

Kaya Wilden

Kaya looked around, nodding when Aarav mentioned how fucked up this was. She'd have said so herself if he hadn't... Or hadn't been in charge, and swearing in front of one's subordinate wasn't something to do.

She looked around some more, then turned to Rokzi, “I assume you've had some training at some point about criminal investigations?” She clocked an eyebrow, but didn't leave him the time to answer, “Record all of this. Aarav, Rei, try to see what you can find of the logs but don't touch anything else.”

She pinched the edge of her nose, “This is going to make some waves, and I'd rather not give anyone the opportunity to distract everyone by attacking us over what we've done. So. Do not fuck this up.”

Shaking her head, she added, “I need to send a report to HQ. I'll be on the Gryffin.” She couldn't stay too long after all. “Send me some photos in the meantime, and Rokzi stay with your suit's coms.”

Editor-in-Chief

GM, 1806 posts

Thu 7 Apr 2022
at 22:00

msg #358

Kaya Wilden

In reply to Kaya Wilden (msg # 357):

They...and you...get to work.

A few hours later, Rokzi pings you.

"Okay. So we have kind of a rough idea of what's goin' on. Well. Sorta. This is more messed up than we thought.

"The Georgia we met with? It wasn't Georgia. It was Wheezy. There's a log here showin' that he likes to upload himself into a Georgia clone every so often. And not just when he...she...whatever...has a deal goin' down. There's some vids. I'll leave it to your imagination.

"Anyhoo...

"We don't know what happened to Georgia. The real Georgia. Rei seems to think she was shot the hell up and what's left of her was bein' kept alive. Now are you ready for the really fucked up part?

"Wheezy wasn't the only one swappin' bodies. Georgia did it too. Can't blame her. Her body isn't in great shakes. But she seems to only do it every so often. And it's not a Wheezy body either.

"I don't know who it is right now. The machine logs just say she's inside someone coded as Wilden."

See message 213.

Kaya Wilden

player, 180 posts

Fri 8 Apr 2022
at 23:36

msg #359

Kaya Wilden

“Great. Just... Great. You're telling me Georgia is running around in a body that, for a reason that obviously can only be a coincidence, shares my name, and who may or may not pretend to be a Captain?” Kaya tiredly rubbed her forehead for a moment while she took all that in.

“Which means, among other things, that we do not have her. So our mission is incomplete.” She sighed. “Can't go back in right now though, I need to report all that.” If nothing else because she couldn't afford to run two ships with half a crew. “Send me all the data you have, I'll send that to O'Bannon...” Though she was pretty sure she was going to be told to go back in and find Georgia, no matter which body she currently was in.

Grumbling through it all, Kaya wrote a report detailing the events of the research station as well as their findings aboard the Callypso, finishing with the state of her crew. She concluded by requesting a crew to take charge of the Callypso as well as updated orders in light of everything.

Editor-in-Chief

GM, 1811 posts

Mon 11 Apr 2022
at 02:19

msg #360

Kaya Wilden

In reply to Kaya Wilden (msg # 359):

Rokzi grins as you get upset.

"Weeeelllll...I may have some good news. Sorta.

"First, that..." he jerks a thumb at the half Georgia in the tube. "Is the real Georgia. Her mind may not be home. But she's the real deal.

"The other bit? The part about her bein' in a Wilden? That's not you obviously. But I recalled somethin'. When I was pulling the research on the naval intel officers cos they seemed hooked in with the Oh-Forties? The department secretary is named Cassandra Wilden.

"I'm guessin' she's not your cousin." He wraggles his eyebrows. "You know what they say. Don't piss off the secretary. Cos they're the ones who really control the whole shebang. We've been wondering where the Oh-Forties have their in. You think it might be Georgia inside Cassandra's body?"

Kaya Wilden

player, 181 posts

Mon 11 Apr 2022
at 20:41

msg #361

Kaya Wilden

“Uh.” Kaya groaned: she was really going to get an headache. “I don't suppose I can convince you to...forget...you told me that last bit until after we've reached HQ?”

Because she was pretty sure that if she reported things as they were, she'd be ordered to go back and find Georgia's mind. Which... Well, there were a few challenges. But what could she realistically do. “Alright.” She sighed, “I'll send that report. I suppose you had better think of a way to go snatch ourselves a fleet secretary without being hounded to death. Or in fact, being able to dock anywhere in that system as we are.” After all, since she hadn't destroyed that Custom Cruiser, well...

Subject: Mission Report #3
To: Major Nyda O'Bannon, C.O. Naval Base Iomede Lesser
From: Lieutenant Kaya Wilden, C.O. ISS Gryffin
Location: In space, Prothus

Major,
Over the last day we have captured Wheezy's ship, the Callypso. During that operation, I was forced to engage and disable a local Custom Cruiser who tried to both capture that ship and mine. I'm attaching the logs of the engagement.

While the Gryffin didn't suffer any damage, Lt. Von Helmon was injured defending the Callypso and is currently recovering in that ship's medbay and should be able to make a full recovery.

The situation however is complex: we found in the ship a cloning farm, both of which Georgia and Wheezy have used extensively. At the moment in fact, Wheezy is in a Georgia body, the real Georgia is very heavily wounded, but her mind is actually stored in someone named Cassandra Wilden acting as a Fleet secretary for the Naval Intel department in Little Giant. I'm attaching all documents pertaining to our preliminary findings.

With Lt. Von Helmon out of commission for the time being however, my resources are stretched too thin: we cannot both secure the Callypso and get back in Little Giant to capture Georgia.

Another possibly important point: Loxanna Hobard is in Little Giant as we speak.

Please advise.

Lt. Kaya Wilden

Editor-in-Chief

GM, 1815 posts

Tue 12 Apr 2022
at 03:16

msg #362

Kaya Wilden

In reply to Kaya Wilden (msg # 361):

Your report disappears on the military net. Now you just have to wait for a response.

Rei pings you. "Peri's up. Unless you need her, I'm going to put her under for a couple of hours. Give the fleshgraft a chance to bind. But she is able to get back to duty if you need her."

Aarav follows up a bit later. I've finished an inventory of Callypso. He really is running guns light. But that's because he's souped this thing up. It's fast and pretty agile. I'd kind of like to ask if we can take some of this stuff.

Rokzi is the last. "Hey boss lady. That cruiser that showed up and attacked us. Any thoughts on that? Why it showed up just then?"

Kaya Wilden

player, 182 posts

Tue 12 Apr 2022
at 19:03

msg #363

Kaya Wilden

“I'm waiting for news from HQ, we can afford doing without Peri for a couple of hours more, don't worry about it.” And hopefully, Kaya hadn't just cursed herself with that answer to Rei.

“Well...” She edged next. “We still have to take care of some propulsion issues, don't we?” Still, until she heard back from HQ, it would be too risky. “Let's wait to see what HQ has to say. Though you could always take the preliminary steps to speed things up if it's something we want to do.” After a short pause, she added, “Though I'd also want you to do a quick check up of the Griffin. As... One sided as it was... Well, it was still combat.” And she hadn't done any hard maneuvering, but procedure was procedure, so...

The young lieutenant didn't answer straight away to Rokzi's question, taking a minute to think about it. “They weren't after us. In fact, they obviously had no idea who or what we are. In their coms, they mentioned a client wanting a freezer. You don't move two Customs Cruisers if you don't have deep pockets, and certainly not for eggs. Someone was after the same thing we were, and that someone was pretty well informed.” Could that someone be Georgia? She knew what was in the 'freezer' and likely where Wheezy was going to go. But even if she had had a falling out with Wheezy, would she take that kind of risks?
This message was last edited by the player at 19:05, Tue 12 Apr 2022.

Editor-in-Chief

GM, 1818 posts

Wed 13 Apr 2022
at 01:54

msg #364

Kaya Wilden

In reply to Kaya Wilden (msg # 363):

Aarav laughs and turns a holoscreen towards you. It's Gryffin with a couple of yellow areas blinking.

"Only problem is that side thruster. It held on, but I probably need to patch it a bit tighter. Should be alright for now. Unless we have to do something really weird."

Rokzi nods. "Just what I was thinkin'. Doesn't make sense to me though it'd be Georgia in Wilden's body though. I mean...couldn't she just wait for Wheezy to come back?"

He tilts his head. "And if she's workin' for the Oh-Forties, I doubt it'd be them either. Again, they have access to her already. If they wanted to boost her, they coulda done it well before now.

"Which leaves...the Dolbys. They were a might too accomodating now that I think about it."

Kaya Wilden

player, 183 posts

Wed 13 Apr 2022
at 14:21

msg #365

Kaya Wilden

“Yes.” Kaya nodded, looking at the displayed images, “But our meet with a smuggler ended up with me shooting up a cruiser and fleeing from another, so who knows what happens next.”

“I'm not going to pretend to even begin to understand what's going through Georgia or Wheezy's minds.” And the day she did, she was going to be really concerned about her mental health. “The Dolbys are a likely culprit yes, but there could be others. The local Duke for example. Granted,” She shrugged, “It's unlikely. But let's not ignore options because we settled on one too soon.”

Editor-in-Chief

GM, 1822 posts

Thu 14 Apr 2022
at 21:44

msg #366

Kaya Wilden

In reply to Kaya Wilden (msg # 365):

Rokzi opens his mouth to reply but your comm signals. O'Bannon got back to you.

Get out of there. Orders came through for your ship's arrest claiming Gryffin was taken by pirates.

I am working on rescinding the order. Will reach back out when you can come home

Kaya Wilden

player, 184 posts

Fri 15 Apr 2022
at 14:56

msg #367

Kaya Wilden

“Well...” Kaya cocked an eyebrow. “I guess we'll put a hold on that.” She added Aarav to the conversation. “The Gryffin has apparently been reported as captured by pirates,” She relayed to both men, “with orders for her capture. Major O'Bannon is working on rescinding those, but that'll take some time.” Especially if her long time rival, who happened to be in Little Giant made things difficult.

“Aarav, can you modify one of the defensive drones to cover both Gryffin and Callypso and make us look like the rock we're attached on?” They should be safe enough as no one should know they were in the System, and considering where they were presently finding them at all would be next to impossible, but it paid to be prudent.

Speaking of... “Did you check the Callypso for tracking systems?”

Editor-in-Chief

GM, 1827 posts

Tue 19 Apr 2022
at 02:20

msg #368

Kaya Wilden

In reply to Kaya Wilden (msg # 367):

Aarav nods at your last question but then says, "Let me do it one more time to be sure."

Rokzi glances at you. "Speakin' a' drones...maybe we send one out on a course to exit the system. And rig it broadcast our comm frequency and a false radioactive trail. Make it look like we tried runnin'."

Peri pings you. "Sorry Cap'n. Just got the OK from Rei. What do you need me to do?"

Kaya Wilden

player, 185 posts

Tue 19 Apr 2022
at 19:14

msg #369

Kaya Wilden

“Please.” Kaya confirmed her desire to have Aarav check for trackers one more time: one couldn't be too prudent about those things, especially when being wanted as pirates.

She rejected Rokzi's suggestion though. “It's too risky. I'm a pilot, believe me, I'd love to do something else than sit on that pebble. But right now, no one can be sure we even came in this system, much less what our goal would be. We're sitting on a random rock,” which was exactly that, since she had pretty much randomly chosen among a bunch of other rocks that had fit her needs, “emitting next to nothing. Someone would have to be on us to see us. And space is big, we'd have to be really unlucky for this to happen.”

“But a probe, real trail or not, would increase the odds of finding us. First, because no matter what, it would prove we're in the system, or were at the very least. Second, orbital mechanics can only be tweaked in so many ways: sure, it wouldn't be enough to pinpoint us with any kind of accuracy, but it could be enough to really diminish the volume to look into. It's better if we sit tight and do nothing.”

“But, we can always place a drone some distance away, to be ready to 'flee' should someone get a bit too close to us for comfort.” And depending on the kind of ship that 'found' the drone, they could lead it - and everyone with it - on a futile chase for a while.

“But I suppose a bit of action can't hurt. Let's spar for a bit.” It wasn't like some exercise wasn't going to do her a lot of good either after all...

On the way, she answered Peri's ping. “Glad to hear you're okay. Take control of the Callypso for now. We're going to sit tight for a while - hopefully - but we should be ready to leave in a hurry at any time. You can always review what happened and see if we missed anything.”

Editor-in-Chief

GM, 1831 posts

Wed 20 Apr 2022
at 02:39

msg #370

Kaya Wilden

In reply to Kaya Wilden (msg # 369):

Rokzi nods, not seeming to be willing to argue the point. The two of you spar in the hallway

Rei pings you. "Hey Captain. Georgia...I mean Wheezy in Georgia's body is stablized. I can bring him...her...back awake if you want."

Kaya Wilden

player, 186 posts

Sat 23 Apr 2022
at 15:06

msg #371

Kaya Wilden

“_{This is so fucked up.}” Kaya grumbled once more. Shaking her head, she answered Rei.

Activating her com', she answered the nurse. “Do it. I'm taking a quick shower and I'll come over. Maybe we can finally get some answers.”

Editor-in-Chief

GM, 1837 posts

Sun 24 Apr 2022
at 01:34

msg #372

Kaya Wilden

In reply to Kaya Wilden (msg # 371):

Feeling all squeaky clean, you head over to talk to Wheezy/Georgia.

He/she is seated on the med drone platform, knees tucked up to her/his chin, wearing the patient gown. Rei sits nearby checking out the readings on the autodoc. Rokzi is standing close by, keeping an eye on things.

Georgia/Wheezy looks up at you. "So no chance I can get a deposit on those eggs, can I?"

Kaya Wilden

player, 187 posts

Sun 24 Apr 2022
at 21:08

msg #373

Kaya Wilden

In her casual uniform, Kaya considered Wheezy for a moment. “That's unlikely indeed. Even though I must say it was by far the best omelet I've ever eaten.”

The young lieutenant looked around, grabbed a stool and sat on it. “Now, as you see, I'm Fleet and you probably don't recognize the patches which should tell you they're not from anywhere around here. Which is both good news and bad news for you. Good news in that I don't care about your smuggling. Truth be told, I'm curious about your setup in that other room, but ultimately?” She shrugged, “It doesn't matter all that much to me, or my superior.” Bigger fish and all that.

She let a few seconds go before she added the obvious, “But. The bad news is that I could flush you through the airlock, crash the Callypso into the nearest planet or any other unpleasant option and no one would ask me any pointed question.” Alright, maybe she was stretching it a bit, but Wheezy was likely not in a state to pay too much attention to the details. “I have no orders regarding you at this point.”

“I think by now I have a relatively good picture of what's happening. There are a few things I'm curious about though.” Like how the hell had that cloning farm been financed? Or how had Georgia ended in her current state? All that to evade some taxes on her fathers products? It seemed a bit far-fetched...

But... “I'm hoping you can fill in the blanks for me and maybe I can make sure my next orders don't include you and your ship going to kiss a Gas Giant's atmosphere. Who knows, your ship is intact - you're welcome - with a decent pilot it could go anywhere.” Better add a carrot in there after all. And it didn't hurt that it was mostly truthful. The cloning farm probably wasn't going to go anywhere, but other than that... “So tell me. Georgia. The 04012. That cloning farm.”

Before he could begin to answer, she lifted a hand. “And please, note that I'm not bluffing. I do know quite a bit so I strongly suggest you be truthful and as complete as you can. At this point I think it's your best bet to get out of this mess in one piece.”

Editor-in-Chief

GM, 1841 posts

Mon 25 Apr 2022
at 02:35

msg #374

Kaya Wilden

In reply to Kaya Wilden (msg # 373):

Wheezy/Georgia sighs. "Well. If you guys captured me, and I've been out, then I've missed check in. So we're all dead anyway.

"You might think it doesn't matter to you. But oh yeah. It does. If you're really Fleet that is."

She/he moves and hangs their legs over the side of the bed, stretching their shoulders a bit at the same time.

"It's kind of a long story. But the short version is this.

"You guys paid for it all. The Fleet did."

They shrug. "Well. Georgia's Dad did too. But it was really you guys. The Oh Fours are hooked up with some bigwig in the Fleet. I don't know who. My job is just to keep Georgia in public view so her Dad thinks she's still in one piece. And you guys can put the screws on him.

"All I can really tell you is this. The Oh Fours and whoever on your side are planning something. And no. I don't know what. I just know they need Georgia's Dad to build them something. And that they need to take control of Little Giant and the neighboring sectors.

"That's the short version anyway."

Kaya Wilden

player, 188 posts

Tue 26 Apr 2022
at 07:24

msg #375

Kaya Wilden

“I'm going to need the long version of it at some point. As in soon.” Kaya grunted while she considered all that. “And yes, we really are Fleet. Just not from this sector.”

“For now, you're saying that the Millstock are effectively ransomed? When were you supposed to check in? It hasn't been that long.” After a slight pause, she added, “Oh and why Cassandra Wilden and who knows about her?”

Editor-in-Chief

GM, 1845 posts

Tue 26 Apr 2022
at 19:23

msg #376

Kaya Wilden

In reply to Kaya Wilden (msg # 375):

"I have to check in with Georgia...ya know. The real one...every five hours when I fly off solo. We're past that, aren't we?

"You know about Wilden, huh?" He/she shrugs. "That also kinda falls in the territory of stuff I'm not supposed to know about. I had to help Georgia imprint on the body, so that's the only reason I know the name. I guess cos that lady was the secretary for the base commander? I dunno. Seems like if you want to take over a military base, you buy off the clerks. They're the ones who really run the show after all."

Kaya Wilden

player, 189 posts

Wed 27 Apr 2022
at 07:10

msg #377

Kaya Wilden

“Yes, it's been more than five hours.” Kaya frowned as she answered. “I'm confused though: if it's with Georgia that you had to check in, why would not do have everyone killed? Isn't she your ally in all this? Or is she working against her father?” Which would sort of make sense, but still...

“Take over a military base, eh?” Probably more figuratively than literally, but... That didn't sound too good. “So to sum up. Someone, you don't know who, in the Fleet is working with the 04012 to do something in the sector, they're blackmailing the Milstock family with Georgia who is in fact working for the enemy by impersonating a clerk at the military base?”

“That's not very helpful.”

Editor-in-Chief

GM, 1849 posts

Thu 28 Apr 2022
at 23:22

msg #378

Kaya Wilden

In reply to Kaya Wilden (msg # 377):

Wheezy smiles. "Well...I might know something more. But...I'm not going to tell you for free.

"I want to be able to slip back to my body. You drop me off at the Coltus station base and let me disappear into the crowd. Right before I go, I'll give what you need to know.

"And don't give me "I can't do that." If you take me back to Fleet HQ I'm a dead man. But so are all of you. This will get hushed up in the most expedient manner.

"Negotiate with me. It's worth your time."

Kaya Wilden

player, 190 posts

Mon 2 May 2022
at 19:45

msg #379

Kaya Wilden

“You're not going to tell me for free?” Kaya cocked an eyebrow. “Were you still too out of it to understand what I meant by 'I could throw you out and have you suck vacuum and no one would mind'? You're at my mercy. If terms had to be dictated, it would be from me to you, not the other way around.”

“You want to negotiate, eh?” She shook her head, more baffled than anything else. “Well, how's that: you tell us everything, and I'll consider letting you go. Not sure it'll happen at Coltus though, apparently we've been captured by pirates at the moment so docking there would be inconvenient.” She rolled her eyes.

“Oh and just so you know: I don't like to negotiate.” She sniffed, “But keep in mind that one, you're alive, two we've patched you up...or this body anyway...and three, you haven't been subjected to 'enhanced interrogation techniques'. But if you feel like you can't trust me, well...”

Editor-in-Chief

GM, 1857 posts

Tue 3 May 2022
at 03:40

msg #380

Kaya Wilden

In reply to Kaya Wilden (msg # 379):

Wheezy laughs. "You can throw me out the airlock, sure. But then you just get jack and squat in terms of intel. I'll be dead in a few seconds. How long will it take you to die if you don't know what I know?

"You want to torture me, fine. You'll be doing it to Georgia. Not me. This is her body after all.

"Look. I'm not trying to be a dickhead here. But I'm not gonna cough up everything I know and trust good ol' Naval command will take it into account when they pass my sentence. You know and I know once I go into Naval command, I'm not comin' back out.

"I'm not bein' unreasonable here. I'll spill the legume-protein capsules. But I want some kinda assurance you'll let me walk after. That's all."

Kaya Wilden

player, 191 posts

Tue 3 May 2022
at 18:37

msg #381

Kaya Wilden

“You don't want to trust me, a naval officer, but expect me to trust you, a notorious criminal?” Kaya asked to clarify. “Doesn't that sound a bit too outrageous to you?”

The young lieutenant shook her head. “You'll tell me everything you know. If I think it's both complete, useful and with at least some corroborating evidence, I'll free you. In this body or another, with your ship or not, I haven't decided yet.”

“If you decide you don't like it,” She squinted, “Well, you'll take your chances with my superiors. And,” She added after second, “That was me being done 'negotiating'.”

Editor-in-Chief

GM, 1861 posts

Wed 4 May 2022
at 01:39

msg #382

Kaya Wilden

In reply to Kaya Wilden (msg # 381):

Wheezy has to think it over for a few breaths. Perhaps when your patience is just about to run out, or when he/she thinks your patience is about to run out, "Fine. We're both floating in the same tub anyway.

"Georgia...you know. The real Georgia. She's been playing secretary at the naval post at Little Giant. She does that so she can intercept communications. Slip fake orders into the comm stream. Things like that.

"I used to think she was runnin' the show. Just hanging out with me to keep a cover of sorts on. And put pressure on her dad to keep frontin' money for the Oh Forties.

"But that wasn't all of it. She was also using the position to pass messages between the Oh Forties and their backer. Someone really high up in your food chain.

"Anyway. One time somethin' went wrong with the clone she was in. I had to run up to naval command to get her. While I was getting her out, I saw part of the communique she had gotten just when her body started freakin' out. Orders from the Oh Forties backer.

"It's Hossingworth."

Rokzi blinks, his jaw dropping a bit. "General Hossingworth?"

Hossingworth is one of the twelve generals that make up the Navy High Command Council. He's about three ranks over O'Bannon. A very big deal.

Wheezy sits back, crossing his/her arms over her/his chest. "The same. And I know where there's proof. How's that for deal makin'?"

Kaya Wilden

player, 192 posts

Wed 4 May 2022
at 22:38

msg #383

Kaya Wilden

Is that the same rank as General Ogadi, the guy who sponsored Kaya to the Academy?

Kaya tilted her head to the side. “Well...” She smirked, “I'd say it'd be enough to space you and wash our hands of it all.”

She smiled toothily, letting the man...the girl...the smuggler stew on that for a bit. “Where's that proof? And, before that, what kind of proof are we talking about? The kind where we barely see Georgia has been in contact with him, or the kind where he orders the 04012 to do some illegal stuff?” Not that she hoped for the latter, but there were still quite a few options in between.

Editor-in-Chief

GM, 1863 posts

Fri 6 May 2022
at 03:34

msg #384

Kaya Wilden

In reply to Kaya Wilden (msg # 383):

Good question. Yeah, I think they would be peers

Wheezy seems unfazed. He/she either is cocky or certain.

"I downloaded a copy of the transmission and it's source code into a data cube. No, I don't have it on me and it's not on my ship. It'd be stupid to keep it where it could easily be gotten to.

"The message talked about moving funds around to pay for some fuel shipments to Oh Forty cruisers. It should be enough to justify an accounting review of navy fuel requisitions. And that should at least net a bunch of the little fish involved who can be turned on to the bigger fish. So yeah. I think it's proof that would be worth somethin'.

"So you can flush me out the airlock and wash your hands of it. But you won't be washing your precious little navy, dainty hands of all that corruption without my evidence."

Kaya Wilden

player, 193 posts

Fri 6 May 2022
at 19:12

msg #385

Kaya Wilden

“Hmm, hmm.” Kaya didn't sound too pleased by it all. “And I suppose, you'll want us to leave you somewhere safe-ish, then you'll tell us how and where to get that data cube, but it'll be up to us to get it while hoping you didn't somehow erase it in the meantime?”

Not that there were all that many options though. “I'll think about it.” After all, right there and then they all had to wait to hear more from O'Bannon.

And...she was going to share with her what she had learned: there were after all limits to the initiatives she could take...

Editor-in-Chief

GM, 1869 posts

Sun 8 May 2022
at 01:43

msg #386

Kaya Wilden

In reply to Kaya Wilden (msg # 385):

Just to be clear: you are sending O'Bannon a report with what Wheezy just told you, right?

Kaya Wilden

player, 194 posts

Sun 8 May 2022
at 21:21

msg #387

Kaya Wilden

Yep, encrypting it with the best cypher she has available of course, but she feels this is way too high profile to allow her to proceed without getting direct orders.

As for the transmission, if there's a risk, we can use a drone to relay it or something.

Editor-in-Chief

GM, 1872 posts

Sun 8 May 2022
at 23:17

msg #388

Kaya Wilden

In reply to Kaya Wilden (msg # 387):

Oh there's always a risk. Always.

O'Bannon doesn't respond for half a day. When it comes in, it simply says

My comm was hacked. They may not be able to break the cypher. May be matter of time.
Run.

Make it to Naval Command on New Altan. I will neet you there.

Kaya Wilden

player, 195 posts

Mon 9 May 2022
at 21:56

msg #389

Kaya Wilden

Kaya growled. “Great.” Good thing she hadn't given the exact coordinates of the place they were in, but that was a meagre silver lining...

Still, she didn't rush ahead: even if O'Bannon's comms had been deciphered already, the thing that could hurt her the most at the moment was rush ahead without planning. So first things first, she opened a channel to her crew members. “I'm told the Major's comms have been hacked, and our presence in the system may go from suspicion to fact. Peri, get the Callypso ready. Rei, how long is needed to get Wheezy back in his body?”

Then, while she listened to the answers, Kaya began to plot a route - with options and fallbacks - to reach New Altan.

Editor-in-Chief

GM, 1874 posts

Tue 10 May 2022
at 01:08

msg #390

Kaya Wilden

In reply to Kaya Wilden (msg # 389):

Peri: "Aarav is finishing his tune up. We can be mobile in a half hour."

Rei: "The swap should take two hours. But we can do it en route."

There are three routes.

The "main route". That is, sticking to the usual ship paths through the Little Giant system. They're the quickest. But of course there's the greatest chance of being spotted. You'd have to cross Little Giant into Mekel and then slip down to New Altus.

You can slip back into the asteroid field. That would let you parallel the "main route", but do it from the inside a wall of rock that would make picking you up on sensors a Herculean task. You'd go through the asteroids into Mekel and then come out halfway into that system before heading through regular routes to Newe Altus. It's also the slowest route. You'd be bringing two ships on low speed through an asteroid field after all.

You're pretty close to the leap off to Prothus. You could head into that system and then cut back into New Altus. There's not a lot of cover in either of those systems. And you don't have much intel about what traffic is heading through them. But it's possible that anyone looking for you would focus on Little Giant and not necessarily think you headed to Protus. It would then be a matter of passing through Protus and most of New Altean until you hit the naval base.

Kaya Wilden

player, 196 posts

Tue 10 May 2022
at 22:46

msg #391

Kaya Wilden

“Noted.” Kaya answered both. “Peri, I'm thinking of going through the asteroid field. It's the slowest, but if someone picks us up there, they deserve the win. Then from Mekel to New Althus we can run it, we should both have the engines for it.”

“My question however, is, can you and the Callypso do it?”

Editor-in-Chief

GM, 1877 posts

Tue 10 May 2022
at 23:30

msg #392

Kaya Wilden

In reply to Kaya Wilden (msg # 391):

Peri is quiet a moment. You can see on your share link that she is studying Callypso's system report prior to giving a final yea.

"I can drive us, yes, as long as we're slow and steady. If we need to burn fuel and gun it, I would want to stay as close to the edge of the field as we can. Callypso has a lot more under the hood than Gryffin. It's almost too much if we have run hot in an asteroid field."

What she is saying does make sense. You already know Wheezy decked out Callypso for escape. And Aarav has confirmed that it can outrun Gryffin. If Callypso had to be shifted into high gear in an asteroid field, even you might have trouble keeping up.

Rokzi pings you. "What about me? You want me to stick on Callypso? Or man the guns on Gryffin?"

Kaya Wilden

player, 197 posts

Thu 12 May 2022
at 07:40

msg #393

Kaya Wilden

“Alright.” Kaya decided, “Asteroid field it is. And well try to make sure we do not need to gun it.”

It didn't take her long either to answer Rokzi's question. “Stay on the Callipso for now: I'd rather have you on the guns, but I don't want Rei and Peri alone with Wheezy. We'll see if we can dock briefly for a transfer, but for now keep an eye on him.”

“Aarav you'll be with me: we may need to use the drones and you're the best person for it.” at least regarding the decoys.

Editor-in-Chief

GM, 1883 posts

Sun 15 May 2022
at 00:45

msg #394

Kaya Wilden

In reply to Kaya Wilden (msg # 393):

Alrightie. Been a while since I had you pick a number. So pick me two numbers, one to ten. Thanks

Kaya Wilden

player, 198 posts

Tue 17 May 2022
at 15:26

msg #395

Kaya Wilden

Hmm, let's say a 4 and an 8.
I'm bound to fail spectacularly at some point... Will this be the time?

Editor-in-Chief

GM, 1890 posts

Wed 18 May 2022
at 00:36

msg #396

Kaya Wilden

In reply to Kaya Wilden (msg # 395):

MWAH HA HA HA HAH HA HA HAH! You've fallen for my trap!

The Gryffin and Callypso lift off and set out into the field.

You begin running the numbers through that big brain of yours. If you were flying just one ship, this would be a bowl of Yumpers Brand Choco Pudding. But running the calcs for two ships turns out to be a bit more of a strain than you thought.

It happens fairly early on in the process. You are swinging Gryffin around a large rock, Callypso close behind. You are worrying about Peri taking the turn when the proximity sensor buzzes. Because of the curvature of the rock you're floating past, sensors didn't pick up an outcropping jutting off the rock.

You move to compensate, but as fast as you are, Gryffin is only so fast. The ship shakes and there's a loud grinding noise that echoes through the hallways.

"Captain!" Aarav chimes in. "We've got a hull rupture near the power plant. Complete stop! We need to hang dead before the rupture crosses into the fuel lines!"

You can either use that 8 now, or you can save it and chose another number between 1 and 10.

I will tell you since this is a bit of an easier test: you have to be within three of the target number. The closer the better obviously. But you have the leeway of being within three on this particular test.

Kaya Wilden

player, 199 posts

Sun 22 May 2022
at 19:15

msg #397

Kaya Wilden

Hmm, sorry, I don't quite get for what part of all this is the test?
To stop without ripping the ship in two?

Editor-in-Chief

GM, 1898 posts

Mon 23 May 2022
at 01:47

msg #398

Kaya Wilden

In reply to Kaya Wilden (msg # 397):

Sorry. Yes. To minimize the amount of damage to the hull. Just seeing how little you damage the hull

Kaya Wilden

player, 200 posts

Mon 23 May 2022
at 20:21

msg #399

Kaya Wilden

Hmm, OK.
So, in most cases the maneuver wouldn't be all that difficult, but I don't really want to break the ship in two which has to increase it quite a bit.
Which means I'll keep my 8.

Editor-in-Chief

GM, 1902 posts

Tue 24 May 2022
at 01:39

msg #400

Kaya Wilden

In reply to Kaya Wilden (msg # 399):

Damn. I was hoping to make you lose that 8...

Just kidding.

You throw the back burners on at what you calculate to be the right level. There's more shaking, but you come to a stop.

"We got a big dent and a small hole. Hull is auto patching it, but auto patch is auto patch."

Aarav is correct. Hulls have safety sealant that will clog up small holes. But they are only stop gap measures. An auto patch should hold up for travel. But if there's more stress on the ship, those patches can tear.

"Lemme look at the damage reports...To give it a fight worthy patch, I'm gonna need to go outside. I need about a half hour to work on it. Can we come to for a half hour?"

Kaya Wilden

player, 201 posts

Tue 24 May 2022
at 20:50

msg #401

Kaya Wilden

“It's not like we have much of a choice.” Kaya growled. “At least we can be pretty sure no one is going to come look for us in there.”

The young lieutenant informed Peri of the latest developments, then asked Aarav. “Say, we have all those drones to mine asteroids, and we happen to have a bunch of those nearby. How long would it take to actually fix the damage?”

Editor-in-Chief

GM, 1905 posts

Wed 25 May 2022
at 00:41

msg #402

Kaya Wilden

In reply to Kaya Wilden (msg # 401):

"Longer if I use the drones actually. I'd have to modify them first. The tear doesn't seem too bad. I should be able to patch it within twenty minutes of getting outside."

Peri pings you. We've come to a stop as well. Been trying to pick up any signals from comms or newslines. But this field is playing hell with long range sensors and comm.

Cap'n. Rokzi's turns to ping now. I'm going through Georgia's room right now. And I don't mean her underwear drawer. She's got some data cubes here that are written in code. YOu mind if I try to hack 'em?"
This message was last edited by the GM at 03:39, Sat 28 May 2022.

Kaya Wilden

player, 202 posts

Sat 28 May 2022
at 01:59

msg #403

Kaya Wilden

Kaya sighed, then answered Aarav “Well, do your best.”

To Peri, she then said, “I hope so. At least we can be reasonably sure no one will notice us in here.” Especially with the reactors idling...

She did hesitate a bit regarding Rokzi's question though. “We have to assume she put some kind of protections on those cubes.” But on the other hand... “Do what you can. But check with Peri if she knows anything that can help.”

Editor-in-Chief

GM, 1911 posts

Sat 28 May 2022
at 03:44

msg #404

Kaya Wilden

In reply to Kaya Wilden (msg # 403):

"Will do."

Aarav goes topside. You can hear his grav boots clanging around on the hull.

O'Bannon gets you a message.

On a secure channel now. Bringing a cruiser to our rendezvous point. Can you still make?

Before you can consider your answer, Peri pings in.

Picking up some sensor activity outside the field but close. Looks like someone is scanning the field as they pass along outside. Should we do anything?

Kaya Wilden

player, 203 posts

Sun 29 May 2022
at 22:42

msg #405

Kaya Wilden

About to answer O'Bannon, Kaya interrupted herself as Peri's report came in. “No.” She answered instead her subordinate. “Even if they get something, they'd have to get closer to investigate and in the absence of corroborating evidence would likely think whatever they got was a sensor ghost.” Plus, with their emissions already reduced as much as they could, there wasn't much more to do.

Well, except waiting before answering the major anyway. “So let's not give them any opportunity to get that evidence.” That and... “Aarav, we have a visitor nearby, don't do anything that would make it easier for them to notice us for the time being please.”

Not that she liked it much, but 'slow and steady wins the race' and all that.

Editor-in-Chief

GM, 1914 posts

Mon 30 May 2022
at 02:34

msg #406

Kaya Wilden

In reply to Kaya Wilden (msg # 405):

The minutes seem to creep by like hours.

They creep.

And the creeeeep.

Aaaaaaaannnnnd creeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeep...

Peri pings you. "Their sensors seem to have moved on. They're still close, but they aren't paying attention to this neck of the field."

"Can I finish up now?" Aarav has been standing on the hull all this time.

"I got about 10 more minutes worth of work."

"Are we going to wait them out? Until they move on? Or do we want to make a run for it?"

Kaya Wilden

player, 204 posts

Mon 30 May 2022
at 22:00

msg #407

Kaya Wilden

“Five them five minutes then go for it.” Kaya answered Aarav. She probably should have told him to get back in but he probably knew better than she did what to do in cases like those. After all while she was certified on EVAs, she wasn't supposed to perform any so it hadn't really been an important part of her curriculum.

“For now we'll wait for Aarav to complete the fix and test it, then we'll see.” She told Peri. “I'd rather not have to run with a reactor that could give at any time though. Plus, it increases the odds of us getting into a shooting run, and I'd rather avoid that if at all possible.” Among other things because it likely wouldn't be bad guys that she'd have to shoot at...

“Is Wheezy back in his own body?”

Editor-in-Chief

GM, 1918 posts

Tue 31 May 2022
at 02:35

msg #408

Kaya Wilden

In reply to Kaya Wilden (msg # 407):

C'mon. Run for it. Go on. All the cool captains are doing it.

Rei squawks back. "Wheezy is Wheezy again. Not much of an improvement.

"You want to interrogate him?"

Kaya Wilden

player, 205 posts

Thu 2 Jun 2022
at 21:16

msg #409

Kaya Wilden

Well, myabe Kaya isn't a cool captain... But she'll be alive!

Kaya blinked a few times while she thought about Rei's question: did she want to interrogate him? She wasn't trained for things like that, and neither was Rokzi, so it seemed to her that there was little point going another round. “Not particularly no.”

“But,” she added a second later, “I want him and Rokzi on the Gryffin.” Not that she cared much about having Wheezy on her ship, but she needed Rokzi to man the guns in case shit hit the fan. And she wasn't going to leave Wheezy, on his ship, with only Rei to keep an eye on him while Peri was piloting.

“As soon as we can arrange that anyway.” Because right now she had other priorities. Like fix the mess... Which didn't prevent her from asking questions. “Did the procedure reveal anything of note?”
This message was last edited by the player at 21:16, Thu 02 June 2022.

Editor-in-Chief

GM, 1927 posts

Sat 4 Jun 2022
at 03:30

msg #410

Kaya Wilden

In reply to Kaya Wilden (msg # 409):

Once Aarav is done, you should be able to get a ramp over to connect Calypso and Gryffin. Rokzi can just walk Wheezy over.

Rei pings back. "About Wheezy...no. He's done this body hopping quite a few times. It's starting to effect his genetic markers. But that's common in people who body swap repeatedly.

"But...there are some interesting records on the equipment. This device takes a genetic snapshot of you when you use it. There are eighty four separate snapshots. I don't mean eighty-four of Wheezy and Georgia's bodies either. I mean eighty four different people.

"They don't label names on them or anything. Just numeric tags. But this machine has been used by a lot of different people."

Kaya Wilden

player, 206 posts

Tue 7 Jun 2022
at 21:11

msg #411

Kaya Wilden

“Eighty four? That's... A lot...” A lot more than Kaya would have expected, and proof that whatever was going on had a much larger scale than just Wheezy and Georgia. “There aren't names, but do you have dates at least? And can you forward the genetic profiles? There's not much we can do about it, but Major O'Bannon might.” It was something she needed to share at least.

Speaking of... “Aarav, when you're done, would you be able to modify one of the drones to send a message? It might not be noticed if we did it, but should it be I'd rather it'd point to the belt we left behind than to us...”

Editor-in-Chief

GM, 1932 posts

Tue 7 Jun 2022
at 21:53

msg #412

Kaya Wilden

In reply to Kaya Wilden (msg # 411):

Rei pings back. "I'll get them all downloaded. And yeah. The data will have a date and timeline for all transfers. I'll code each profile by number of times used and the dates they were scanned."

Just to make sure I am on the same page: you plan on using the drone to deliver the message to O'Bannon?

Kaya Wilden

player, 207 posts

Wed 8 Jun 2022
at 19:41

msg #413

Kaya Wilden

Not to physically deliver the message: I doubt it'd be faster than us, and it probably can't go to another system, right?
But to serve as a relay for the communication. That way should someone notice it, they'd have to dig into the belt which would take them a while - or wait for us to come out - while we're quite far away.

“Perfect, thanks.” About to close the channel, Kaya paused. “Oh and did you do your own check-up with all this?” It wasn't something to forget after all, but with all that had happened...

Editor-in-Chief

GM, 1934 posts

Thu 9 Jun 2022
at 21:47

msg #414

Kaya Wilden

In reply to Kaya Wilden (msg # 413):

Rei blinks at the other end of the comm. "Me? Oh soy fudge! I completely forgot-"

She then falls over unconcious.

Just kidding

Rei blinks. "Oh crap. Glad you reminded me. I'll have the auto doc synthesize some insulin and take it now. Thanks."

Gotcha on the drone. Glad I asked.

Aarav finishes the patch. He then comes back in and gets to work on the drone.

Poor Aarav. You aren't paying him enough

He pings you in a couple of hours. "Drone ready."

It takes another hour to get the drone in place.

You have your fake IP address...I mean...alternate comm link in place.

Whatcha gonna do now?

Kaya Wilden

player, 208 posts

Fri 10 Jun 2022
at 19:51

msg #415

Kaya Wilden

Because he's getting paid!?

Kaya didn't comment on Rei's oversight as it didn't particularly surprise her considering all that had happened and Rei's inexperience.

While Aarav worked, she prepared her message to O'Bannon then spent a couple of hours working out or taking care of the numerous administrative tasks that were waiting for her, particularly considering the damage to her ship.

“Ha, thanks. Well done. Take a shower and go rest for a bit, hopefully I won't break anything else...”

After which she sent her communication to the drone on a delayed timer - better be safe than sorry - then opened her comms to Peri. “Alright, we're good to go. Everything green on your side?”

The report to O'Bannon was rather simple and to the point. “We're on our way, had to hide for a few hours. The Gryffin suffered a bit of damage from an internal defect but it's been patched up. In the meantime, we've found that the cloning facility on board the Callypso has been used way more than just by Georgia or Wheezy. I'm attaching the corresponding timestamps, ID codes and genetic profiles.”

Editor-in-Chief

GM, 1939 posts

Sun 12 Jun 2022
at 03:16

msg #416

Kaya Wilden

In reply to Kaya Wilden (msg # 415):

You are continuing through the asteroid field, right?

Kaya Wilden

player, 209 posts

Tue 14 Jun 2022
at 20:05

msg #417

Kaya Wilden

Yes, being careful not to blow anything else (or again), unless Aaeav would advise against it?

Editor-in-Chief

GM, 1946 posts

Wed 15 Jun 2022
at 02:54

msg #418

Kaya Wilden

In reply to Kaya Wilden (msg # 417):

He has no qualms. Or none that he's venting at the moment.

Just asking so I know where to kill you-I mean, so I know where you'll be headed.

You resume your tiptoe through they asteroids.

Peri is getting better at slow speeds if nothing else. You are concerned initially as she seems more comfortable with running at high speeds. But she's not doing too bad a job considering the situation and she's on a ship she hasn't trained on.

That's about your only relief from the mind numbing anxiety of limping through an asteroid field. You could teach a class on starship braking by the time your exit point comes into range.

Which of course is where things start to go wrong.

Peri chimes in. "Captain. We're getting sensor pings towards our rear. Someone's coming up the field behind us and scanning."

You near a thinner part of the field. The chances a sensor bounce will pick up one of the two ships is high.

Trying to swerve back into the deeper parts of the field is an option. But it's going to take time. You can't just float on in there. Too many small rocks that are still big enough to hurt.

You may be able to gun for it. There is a window where you can get a quick exit from the field. They'll see you as soon as you bounce. But then you could maneuver freely. And run freely.

Rokzi pings in. "Sensors are showing a small naval cruiser. Womac class."

Womac's are inner system scouts. They can be fast, but they aren't built to cross outside a system. Both Callypso and Gryffin would be faster. Probably.

Kaya Wilden

player, 210 posts

Thu 16 Jun 2022
at 21:07

msg #419

Kaya Wilden

Kaya pensively rubbed her lips while she considered her options. The first one she quickly rejected was to trap the cruiser and blow it up. First because it was a fleet cruiser, not a customs's one so it wasn't going to go down peacefully. Second, and more importantly, they weren't exactly the bad guys here. Oh, given no other options, she would do it, but she had other options.

Not many, but some. She could simply gun it and leave the cruiser in her dust. Since there still was quite a few asteroid between her and it, she'd likely get enough of a head start to easily leave it behind. The problem was that while she no doubt would outrun that cruiser, she wasn't going to outrun any communication it would send ahead which would likely mess her day up even more than it already was.

She could also just go back a bit, latch on an asteroid, and clench her butt cheeks, hoping it wouldn't detect them. Which wasn't a terribly good plan as those things were measured, but she didn't like relying on hope. Or luck or fate or however one wanted to call it.

Which left her, as her last option, to be smart. Something she much preferred - and was thankfully quite good at it if she said so herself - even though it would be all that simple, and would rely on some assumption she was going to make.

There was a 'debate' in the fleet, akin to the egg and chicken one - speaking of, maybe she should ask Wheezy, he might have insights into that one - which basically was about knowing if the fleet gave fast offensive ships to aggressive officers, or if fast offensive ships turned their captains into aggressive officers.

What no one really questioned - Kaya included - was that the two sort of went together. Which meant, the captain behind was likely an aggressive one...one who wouldn't want to share the "glory" of the capture if he could be reasonably sure to get it. Aggressive didn't mean stupid after all. But tactics, orbital mechanics, even enginery were all good an important aspects when aiming for victory in space, but psychology was also a factor.

Kaya opened her coms. “Alright, here's the plan. We're going to push out of the asteroid field then cut our reactors and cost for some time. While we do that, I'll jettison a decoy drone and send it on its way somewhere else.” Somewhere both plausible otherwise it wouldn't look suspicious and not on her own path since that'd be perfectly silly.

“It'll be tweaked in such a way as to make it look like it's leaking energy following a collision or something.” That would ensure the captain back there would have little doubt it would be able to catch up to its prey at some point...even though that was going to require waking Aarav up, but, well... At least he had slept some...which was more than she could say.

And hopefully, by the time he realized his mistake, she'd be long gone and too far for a signal from him to be the death sentence it would have otherwise been. “Sounds good?”

Editor-in-Chief

GM, 1948 posts

Fri 17 Jun 2022
at 02:53

msg #420

Kaya Wilden

In reply to Kaya Wilden (msg # 419):

Interesting play.

Pick a number between 1 and 10 please

Kaya Wilden

player, 211 posts

Fri 17 Jun 2022
at 21:09

msg #421

Kaya Wilden

Let's go with 7 then.

Editor-in-Chief

GM, 1953 posts

Sat 18 Jun 2022
at 02:42

msg #422

Kaya Wilden

In reply to Kaya Wilden (msg # 421):

Well...you can't win 'em all

Aarav finishes the quick work up of the drone and you send it off.

It dives below the ship and shoots out.

It gets about a length away and hits a small rock, resulting in a rather brilliant explosion.

"Oh hell. That got their attention."

You didn't need Peri to tell you that. Your scanners are showing the cruiser's sensor sweeps washing over the field.

By your estimate...you have about 40 to 47.3 seconds until they ping either the Gryffin or Calypso.

Kaya Wilden

player, 212 posts

Sun 19 Jun 2022
at 21:09

msg #423

Kaya Wilden

Grumble, grumble.

Kaya watched the result of the explosion for a couple of second, her ears redenning visibly.“Well,nothing to do but sprint then.” And pray she had muddled the waters enough that there wouldn't be too much stuff between her and her destination.

“At least it soon won't be necessary to keep radio silence.” She grumbled to herself, though obviously annoyed.

Editor-in-Chief

GM, 1957 posts

Tue 21 Jun 2022
at 23:37

msg #424

Kaya Wilden

In reply to Kaya Wilden (msg # 423):

I thought it was a good plan. But the universe just wasn't with you on this one.

Gunning it? Both ships?

Kaya Wilden

player, 213 posts

Wed 22 Jun 2022
at 20:57

msg #425

Kaya Wilden

Yes. Though maybe positioned in such a way that only one ship is visible on sensors. It won't achieve much, but could make them slow down a bit for fear of an ambush or something.

Plus, they'd have to worry about the explosion wondering what that was about...

Editor-in-Chief

GM, 1963 posts

Thu 23 Jun 2022
at 22:32

msg #426

Kaya Wilden

In reply to Kaya Wilden (msg # 425):

Good point on the explosion. That will buy you a couple of seconds. Alrightie then.

You give the order and you and Peri begin to accelerate.

As you shoot clear of the field, your board lights up. The cruiser's sensors automatically tag both you and Calypso

"Going into full burn," Peri says and then does so.

You are already doing so yourself...

Okay. Let's play chase.

Give me three numbers, 1 to 10. We'll start with that and work our way through.

Thanks

Kaya Wilden

player, 214 posts

Sat 25 Jun 2022
at 23:16

msg #427

Kaya Wilden

Bleh.
Let's say 2, 5 and 9 then.

Editor-in-Chief

GM, 1967 posts

Mon 27 Jun 2022
at 03:18

msg #428

Kaya Wilden

In reply to Kaya Wilden (msg # 427):

You punch it. The naval cruiser has started to power up as both you and Peri launch off.

You're able to get a decent lead. Not as great as you would have liked. Maybe if you try some maneuvering...

You can pick one of the numbers and modify up or down by 2. Or leave them as is. Your call.

Thanks

Kaya Wilden

player, 215 posts

Tue 28 Jun 2022
at 19:00

msg #429

Kaya Wilden

Hmm, let's go with 5+2 then.

Editor-in-Chief

GM, 1972 posts

Wed 29 Jun 2022
at 02:05

msg #430

Kaya Wilden

In reply to Kaya Wilden (msg # 429):

You're no fun

Your big brain is already charting out a course for both you and Calypso.

If you continue burning at the rate both ships are, you'll keep a decent lead. But if someone faster joins the chase, you may have trouble.

You could send Peri ahead. Calypso is built for speed after all. If you try to decoy this cruiser and then switch back, you might be able to get him to spin wide. You could cut short and catch back up to Peri in a few clicks. It would take some work on your part, but nothing out of your wheel house.

Of course, you could just open fire on the sucker.

Going to just run for it? Or try something to shake him off in case you pick up another tail?

Kaya Wilden

player, 216 posts

Sun 3 Jul 2022
at 20:16

msg #431

Kaya Wilden

Kaya briefly hesitated. She didn't feel like trying to dupe the chasing ship one more time would work too well, but she did t really want to open fire on it.

On the other... Even if she did fire... Did it need to be on the cruiser? With a grin, Kaya typed a couple of instructions in, designating two big nearby rocks as targets for a couple of offensive drones, while she transmitted to Rokzi. “Shoot the rocks as we pass. Make a mess.”

Not only it would make it harder to track them - once they stopped shooting - but it would also force the chasing ship to slow down... Or change trajectories.

One way or the other, it should allow her to increase her lead enough to allow her to ignore it going forward.

Editor-in-Chief

GM, 1980 posts

Mon 4 Jul 2022
at 00:54

msg #432

Kaya Wilden

In reply to Kaya Wilden (msg # 431):

You're a smarty every day

Rokzi earns his keep by blowing chunks out of two nice size rocks. They scatter debris in the wake and the cruiser has to execute a hard turn to avoid an impact.

By the time he completes the turn, you're gone.

But you catch the wave he's sending out. Confirming contact with you and listing the course you're on.

He's beaming it in all directions. You aren't going to be able to jam it.

Kaya Wilden

player, 217 posts

Tue 5 Jul 2022
at 22:08

msg #433

Kaya Wilden

Kaya grumbled about some people not appreciating her gifts, but didn't lose time to determine what would be the best option: to rush towards where they were going, or if it'd be a better idea to just go some other way as soon as they disappeared from the cruiser's sensors to take everyone else by surprise.

While she did that, she checked to see if she had received a new communication from O'Bannon. She doubted it would solve anything, but who knew, she might get a pleasant surprise for a change...

Editor-in-Chief

GM, 1982 posts

Tue 5 Jul 2022
at 23:53

msg #434

Kaya Wilden

In reply to Kaya Wilden (msg # 433):

You check the boards. Nothing from O'Bannon.

It's as if the Universe just wants you to suffer.

You barrel through the void on your way to the meet up. Peri pings you about three hours out, but you can guess what she's calling about. You're getting the same feedback from long range sensors.

There's a sizable ship presence in New Altan.

It is a naval hub. So that's not anything out of the ordinary.

It's how they're stationed. Like naval command has ordered them to form a perimeter around the system to keep anything from getting in.

Let me run something by you.

One thing I would like is to give you more control during the astrogation parts of our story. I feel like it's gotten a little too Chose-You-Own-Adventure. But I wasn't able to find an adequate system that handled it well, so I went with what we are doing now.

I may have stumbled on something that would give you more control during this situations. Would you be interested in trying it out? Or just stick with what we are doing?

Hope that made sense. Let me know if there are questions. Thanks

Kaya Wilden

player, 218 posts

Thu 7 Jul 2022
at 17:24

msg #435

Kaya Wilden

“I see those.” Kaya answered Peri. The young captain tapped her lips for a couple of seconds, then asked Aarav, “Say Aarav, we can use drones to make them look like pretty much any ship we want.” Within reasons anyway. “But can we use one to alter our own signature?”

“I'm thinking of sending a couple of drones ahead looking like our two ships, while we follow them a bit after pretending to be on their tail. Would that work?”

Sure we can try it. It doesn't commit us to anything after all

Editor-in-Chief

GM, 1986 posts

Fri 8 Jul 2022
at 00:48

msg #436

Kaya Wilden

In reply to Kaya Wilden (msg # 435):

Okie doke. I will get the material together this weekend.

But let's use what we have for the mo. Give me three numbers, 1 to 10 please. Decent plan by the way.

Thanks

Kaya Wilden

player, 219 posts

Fri 8 Jul 2022
at 23:59

msg #437

Kaya Wilden

Let's say 4, 7 and 10 then.

Editor-in-Chief

GM, 1991 posts

Sat 9 Jul 2022
at 15:36

msg #438

Kaya Wilden

In reply to Kaya Wilden (msg # 437):

Okay. We're going to take this step by step.

The 4 is for how well Aarav altered the signature on the drones.

The 7 is for how well you pass yourself off as pursuers.

The 10 is for how attentive the naval ships are.

One of the numbers you chose is almost spot on for the target number I rolled. The other two numbers are off the mark by at least a factor 2. The wider the difference between the number you chose and my target number, the more likely something will go wrong with your plan.

You may modify one of these numbers upwards or downwards by 2.

You may modify one of the other numbers upwards or downwards by 1.

I will give you a blurb about how each step in the plan begins then ask you to decide if you want to adjust your number. I will consider your reply post as well and may adjust the target number in your favor depending on what you do.

I think you will understand as we go.

Let's start with Aarav altering the drones.

Aarav listens to the order and squawks back. "Alright. Let me see what I can get done in ten minutes."

He comms back in nine minutes. "That actually went better than I thought. Downloaded a copy of ours and Callypso's codes into comm units and slapped them onto two shield drones. Prgrammed the drones to project a shield that's roughly the shape of one of the two ships.

"When sensors ping on them, they should pick up the general shape of the shield as well as the code signals. So from long range it will look like us. It should hold up in the medium sensor range, at least for a little bit. Once we're in short range, they're gonna know. No way around it as they can get us on visual at that point.

"If someone runs a scan on the drone's exhaust trail, they'll figure it out regardless of the range. No way I can fake an exhaust trail. But if we stay close enough to the drones, a scan shouldn't be able to tell who's exhaust is whose until we're about mid of mid range on their sensors.

"This is kinda the best I can do on the fly Cap'n."

So that's what Aarav has done thus far.

You may either take it as is, or ask him to tweak one aspect of it. Keep in mind you have a little bit of time but not a huge amount. That cruiser you gave the slip to will be following you.

You are at the edge of the fleet's long range sensors. At some point, someone will notice you hanging around there. So either you will have to retreat for more extensive modifications or you can get one tweak where you are now.

Once you decide on all that, tell me if you are modifying the 4. You can adjust it upwards or downwards by 1, 2, or not at all.

Questions?

Kaya Wilden

player, 220 posts

Tue 12 Jul 2022
at 18:26

msg #439

Kaya Wilden

I must say, I'm not fond of that 10 for how attentive the others are...
I guess I'll take it as it is then.

“Alright.” Kaya pondered the question for a couple of seconds, then nodded, “Well, it is what it is.” She wasn't going to tell him how to do his job after all, much less do it for him. So if that was the best he could do, she'd have to manage with it. “Good job.”

“I suppose we can always pretend to fire on the fleeing 'ships' to mess the sensors some more.” It wouldn't change all that much, but it might be enough to buy them a couple of seconds. And those could make all the difference in the world.

Editor-in-Chief

GM, 1995 posts

Wed 13 Jul 2022
at 00:16

msg #440

Kaya Wilden

The drones launch.

How close do you want me to follow them? And remember, this boat only has minimal weapons. So we're not going to look very menacing if we open fire with blast lasers.

Peri has a point. Calypso is built for speed, not battle. Rokzi should be able to avoid hitting the drones, and making it look like a close call. But he won't have what a naval cruiser would have to fire on it.

You of course do. But you're more or less solo. So you'll have to steer and fire, making the shots look like near misses all on your own.

Hope that made sense.

We are now at part 2. How well you pass yourself off. Your number is a 7 unmodified. You may adjust it up or down by 2, 1, or not at all. Your choice.

Let me know if you have any questions or have a specific plan for how you'll handle the "pursuit" of the drones.

Thanks

Kaya Wilden

player, 221 posts

Sun 17 Jul 2022
at 22:18

msg #441

Kaya Wilden

Rokzi is with us, the Callypso only has Peri and Rei. It's not ideal, but with a smuggler on the ship, I prefer it like that...

“It's alright. Just make it look like you're boxing them in and are perfectly ready to leave the fighting to the ships in front of us.” Some Captain were after all quite loathe to take much of a risk. And some captains in her position could even claim all the credits as they had let the prey to the slaughter.

“Aarav, make the drones dance a bit please to make it look genuine...but send the trajectory changes to my console a couple of seconds before they happen.” Which wouldn't be ideal, but would allow her to know where the drones were going to be in advance, thus make sure she didn't miss by a lot.

Well, I feel like a 7 should be about right for this, so I'm not going to change it. Or at least it could as well be a 6 or an 8 depending on unforeseen circumstances, so... Might as well stay a 7.

Editor-in-Chief

GM, 2002 posts

Tue 19 Jul 2022
at 00:40

msg #442

Kaya Wilden

In reply to Kaya Wilden (msg # 441):

Oops. Forgot Rokzi had switched ships. Sorry about that.

Aarav sets the drones up on a two second delay, so the course corrections he inputs run by your eyes before the drones react.

It goes well at first. You're able to deftly maneuver and Rokzi is able to make his shots look like near misses.

It would go swimmingly if not for one thing: however good an engineer Aarav is, he's not a terribly great pilot.

You see the problem immediately, but by then it's too late. Aarav has made one of the drones fly too close to the other one. They actually nudge one another, sending off sparks and burning out some surface circuits on the nudged one.

That one starts to fly erratically.

"Sorry," squawks Aarav.

"You want me to blow that one up?" asks Rokzi.

Kaya Wilden

player, 222 posts

Sat 23 Jul 2022
at 00:31

msg #443

Kaya Wilden

Kaya sighed. Apparently nothing was going to be going right in that debacle. “Yeah.”

“Peri, get ready to run, at this point it's pretty much our only option.”

Editor-in-Chief

GM, 2009 posts

Sun 24 Jul 2022
at 02:40

msg #444

Kaya Wilden

In reply to Kaya Wilden (msg # 443):

Good call. The 10 is waaaaaayyyy off

Peri squawks back, "Ready to burn. We just gonna try to power through?

In looking at the system chart, you could make a run for the base. Since Calypso can outrun Gryffin, at least it should make it there.

The question is how much barrage are you going to get through.

As you get ready to burn, squawk comes in on the military channels.

"This is Commander O'Bannon. I want all vessels in the blockade to stand down!"

"This is the Gunsel Captain Remmick. No can do Commander. General Totsbee ordered us to take out any ship coming into the system."

"Totsbee has been stripped of his rank."

"Pardon? I've gotten no such notification..."

You get a text. This is O'Bannon. I'm bluffing. Gun for it. If you can get to the moon on the third planet, you'll be safe

That's on the other side of the system. The naval base is closer.

Assuming you are going for it?

Kaya Wilden

player, 223 posts

Sun 24 Jul 2022
at 21:44

msg #445

Kaya Wilden

Kaya's eyebrow rose noticeably. Taking down the Griffin and the Callypso, sure, she could understand if they thought they had been captured by pirates. Even though they would likely try to capture first. But take down any ship entering the System? That was way beyond that. Just the collateral damage would be a nightmare. Not that it helped them much.

When she got O'Bannon's communication, Kaya briefly hesitated. Why the third planet and not the naval base? There was only one reason however, and it wasn't particularly good if O'Bannon's couldn't even ensure their security in her own base.

Kaya took an instant to check that no one would reasonably be able to reach the Callypso in time, then ordered. “Alright Peri, gun it. Get straight to the third planet's moon as fast as you can, we'll follow.” Not only she had their only civilian aboard, but she also had pretty much all the proofs they had found. Sure, she had Wheezy who still had things to tell, but at least she was armed and could force the fastest 'enemy' ships to stay a reasonable distance away if they didn't want to take too many risks.

As for her, she didn't lose time either, but she didn't quite aim straight for the third moon: with the Griffin a bit slower, she wanted to take advantage of the system's geography to make things harder for anyone following her, if nothing else by keeping her options open.

Editor-in-Chief

GM, 2015 posts

Mon 25 Jul 2022
at 01:22

msg #446

Kaya Wilden

In reply to Kaya Wilden (msg # 445):

Just to make sure I am on the same page: Is Gryffin going to try to throw pursuers by leading them on a merry chase around the system?

Kaya Wilden

player, 224 posts

Tue 26 Jul 2022
at 21:59

msg #447

Kaya Wilden

More than throw pursuers, it's more like keeping my options open. That's good for me obviously, but it also forces the other ships to cover those options, so they can't all go after either the Callypso or the Gryffin in case I pull a fast one, slingshotting around a planet in a completely different direction or something for example.

Something I might just do anyway if possible, it's a good way to increase speed a lot, but the end goal is the same as the Callypso, the moon of the third planet.

Editor-in-Chief

GM, 2022 posts

Sun 31 Jul 2022
at 23:32

msg #448

Kaya Wilden

This message was last edited by the GM at 03:25, Tue 02 Aug 2022.

Editor-in-Chief

GM, 2023 posts

Sun 31 Jul 2022
at 23:33

msg #449

Kaya Wilden

Okie doke.

Above is a system map. Yeah, it's bad. But let's go with it.

Give me an idea of what route you want to take. I know Peri is just going in a straight line to 3.

How about you?

Kaya Wilden

player, 225 posts

Sun 31 Jul 2022
at 23:41

msg #450

Kaya Wilden

Not that I absolutely want to criticize the map, but...there are two planets 3s :o

Which one is the target?

Editor-in-Chief

GM, 2027 posts

Tue 2 Aug 2022
at 02:53

msg #451

Kaya Wilden

In reply to Kaya Wilden (msg # 450):

Is there no end to your list of complaints?

Sorry about that. Trying to do too much too fast.

Planet 3 is, of course, the farthest one away from you. That brownish looking one at the bottom right.

Will get a corrected map up in a bit. My apologies.

Kaya Wilden

player, 226 posts

Tue 2 Aug 2022
at 22:23

msg #452

Kaya Wilden

No worries!

And just so you don't feel alone, here are two possible trajectories for Kaya:

The goal is leave her options open, use the gravity wells to speed up while forcing the 'enemy' to prepare for all possibilities.
Going around the star should also make things more difficult for sensors.
The orange path is if she'll be able to rush to planet 3 from the star, the red one is in case it looks difficult. She could 'surf' on the planet's atmosphere (if it has one and Aarav doesn't yell too much about 'it wasn't made to do this' or other 'you're burning the ship to a crisp').

Editor-in-Chief

GM, 2032 posts

Wed 3 Aug 2022
at 04:03

msg #453

Kaya Wilden

In reply to Kaya Wilden (msg # 452):

Hey hey hey! No one said you could do something with my map that I can't! You techie types and your fancy what-nots. Grump grump. Old guy mutter.

That looks good. Let's do this in stages then. And let's try out this new system.

You now have a dice pool of 8d6. Roll them and post the individual die results here. Not one lump sum.

You will have four possible decision points. They are:

From "You" to Planet 1: Acceleration and staying ahead of the fleet.

From 1 to the Star: Again, a matter of outflying the nearest fleet pursuers.

The Fork between the Orange and Red Paths: There may or may not be a need for the dice here. But what we will be dealing with is the circumstances as they exist that will make you chose the orange pill or the red pill-er. I mean path. Not pill. Path.

From Star to around Planet 2: If you chose the red path, obviously the chase will continue that way or

From Star to Plaent 3: if the chase continues that way.

Clear as mud? Wait! It gets more confusing!

At each one of those junctures, you will pick two die results. Add the numbers together. And that's your result for how well you did.

But because you're you, you get a bonus four points. You may add a bonus of up to four points between each of the four junctures.

So for example, if you rolled a 1, 1, 2, 2, 3, 4, 4, 6 you could decide to use the 6 and one of the 2s for your first test. You can then add a bonus of +3 to the result for a total of of 11.

On your next roll, you could use the 3 and a 4. But you can only add a bonus of +1 on this roll because you used up three of your bonus points for the last roll.

I will be posting my die results up front.

So for the You to Planet 1 phase I got a 6. You'll roll your die pool and then assign out your first two numbers.

Questions?

Kaya Wilden

player, 227 posts

Fri 5 Aug 2022
at 23:28

msg #454

Kaya Wilden

That was just a two minute work on Paint, I fear for you if you think it's fancy :p

So, for the roll:
01:16, Today: Kaya Wilden rolled 23 using 8d6 with rolls of 4,2,5,6,1,1,2,2
That's underwhelming...

I assume the higher the better? For this step I'm going to pick 4 and 2. No adjustment.
Obviously it's a tie so not great, but I'm in front so that's alright and the idea is that I want to keep them focused on the Gryffin, which would leave the Callypso mostly free to get to its destination. So technically, the Gryffin could go somewhere else and lie low for a bit.

And just as importantly, I want to keep the big dice for a clutch moment.

Editor-in-Chief

GM, 2039 posts

Sat 6 Aug 2022
at 02:49

msg #455

Kaya Wilden

In reply to Kaya Wilden (msg # 454):

You have to remember that I'm a technophobe. Which is why I'm gaming on line.

Why are you rolling your eyes?

Anyhoo...

Your plan to keep them trained on you works. Almost too well.

The larger cruisers in the armada aren't as nimble as Gryffin. But the fighters accompanying them are. And faster. But the element of surprise you has given you the lead at the moment.

You come up to the first planet, doing the calculations in your head to make the sling shot around it...

On to stage 2 then. Planet 1 to the Star.

And...got an 8 this time.

Whatcha gonna do big talker? Huh?

Whatcha gonna do?

Kaya Wilden

player, 228 posts

Sun 7 Aug 2022
at 23:57

msg #456

Kaya Wilden

I realise as I write this that I assumed there was an atmosphere on the planets.... It's not that much of a stretch considering that most have one (only Mercury doesn't have one for us for example), but it would change things a bit if that were not the case. Even Pluto (if you count it as a planet) has one.

Kaya squinted, focusing on her screens showing the fighters following her. Her gaze soon turned to the incoming planet however, and she grinned. Sure, fighters were faster. But there were a few manoeuvres they definitely were not designed to handle. Such as skipping on a planet's atmosphere.

Not only they didn't have the heat resistant underside that allowed it in the first place, most of them didn't have the aerodynamics for it. It might be a stretch to say that the Gryffin had been designed for that in mind, but it most definitely was capable of it...and Kaya fully intended to take advantage of it.

Oh, it wouldn't prevent the fighters from following obviously, but they would have to take a much larger orbit than she did, which meant more distance to travel for one, and less gravity assisted acceleration.

I'll take the 6 and the 5 on that one.
It's risky considering that at best I get a 4 on the next roll without adjustment, but hopefully it's enough to get me ahead enough for it to not matter too much.

Editor-in-Chief

GM, 2046 posts

Tue 9 Aug 2022
at 02:59

msg #457

Kaya Wilden

In reply to Kaya Wilden (msg # 456):

See, if I was a jerk GM, I'd say oh no atmo here big talker. No atmo at all. But I'm a great guy. So...sure. There's an atmo.

See how great a guy I am?

You hopscotch over the top of the planet's atmo as the fighters peel upwards to avoid burning up.

Gryffin comes around the bend so to speak...

You check Peri's position. She's gunning it for the third planet. But she's not as far ahead as you might like.

First, good move. I'll give you a +2 bonus on your next maneuver for it.

So are you gunning it right behind Peri for World 3? Or taking the scenic route around Planet 2?

Kaya Wilden

player, 229 posts

Thu 11 Aug 2022
at 20:26

msg #458

Kaya Wilden

I see, I see! I'll sing your praises all night long.

As she checked Peri's progression, Kaya frowned, then grumbled: if she went straight for the goal, she might risk all ships converging on the same spot and making things even harder for everyone. So instead of doing that, she decided to go around on a loop of the star. It would make things more complicated for her, but hopefully it'd ensure Peri was going to be alright.

Before she did that however, she sent a couple of attack drones in the direction of the ships in the best position to catch up with the Callypso: she obviously wasn't hoping they were going to take down any of the pursuers, but slowing them down even a little would be more than enough.

Then, she went on her run around the star, but she started by going straight down towards it, hoping to make things as difficult as possible for her own pursuers before she curved around.

Editor-in-Chief

GM, 2050 posts

Fri 12 Aug 2022
at 02:43

msg #459

Kaya Wilden

In reply to Kaya Wilden (msg # 458):

You and your drones. Also, I want you to say "Peri's Progression" five times fast.

I'll give you an extra +1 for the drone maneuver. So a total of +3 to use on this one as you see fit.

And I got an 11. Just kidding. I got a 2. You using any of your dice to beat me?

The drones seem to throw the fleet into incredible confusion! They weren't expecting that!

Do pick two and post your final result. I need to know how much you beat that 2 by.

Thanks

Kaya Wilden

player, 230 posts

Sat 13 Aug 2022
at 00:57

msg #460

Kaya Wilden

Hmm, I'll use the 2, 2, with the +3, that's a total of 7.

I need to keep a bit of security if it's not enough so not adding the +4 yet. That'll be for the next one if necessary.

Editor-in-Chief

GM, 2056 posts

Sun 14 Aug 2022
at 03:30

msg #461

Kaya Wilden

In reply to Kaya Wilden (msg # 460):

Makes sense

One of the fleet commanders starts roaring over the comm channels and soon has the fleet barreling after you, sending some of the fighters after Callypso. You feel pretty confident that Peri can outrun them.

But now, you need to pay attention to you.

You swing Gryffin around the gas giant Planet 2 and start to gun for your final destination, several of the system's battleships firing on your wake.

If you weren't you, you would have missed it. One of the damn cruisers actually must have figured out what you were going to do. It's coming down your 3 o'clock.

You need to punch it...

Which you should be able to do with ease. I got a 7.

Anything special you want to do here? Or shall we move to the moon of Planet 3?

Kaya Wilden

player, 231 posts

Fri 19 Aug 2022
at 01:44

msg #462

Kaya Wilden

Well, at most I have a (1+1+4), so...

Kaya cursed the cruiser's captain, low but with feelings. She was almost there, but he - or she - had decided to make things difficult to her. Well, more difficult than they already were anyway.

On top of that, considering their respective trajectories, she didn't have all that many options but rush and pray. Except, maybe... An offensive drone wouldn't help all that much, but she still had a few defensive drones. Well, technically, she still had all those designed to draw enemy fire to themselves - which she fired away, now was not the time to be stingy - as well as two Aarav had pre-programmed to mimic the Gryffin.

Before she fired those two away though, she briefly pushed her ship as fast as it could go...then turned everything off while she fired the decoys and a couple of offensive drones she detonated pretty fast. She wouldn't be able to avoid anything obviously, but the defensive drones would be there for it, and the cruiser's captain would - hopefully - think she was one of the two mimics...while the detonations from the offensive drones would make enough of a mess to make it almost impossible to identify which was which.

Editor-in-Chief

GM, 2065 posts

Fri 19 Aug 2022
at 03:23

msg #463

Kaya Wilden

In reply to Kaya Wilden (msg # 462):

A 6 vs my 7 isn't that bad. You aren't going to get away scot free. But let's see how your last minute Hail Mary pans out, shall we...

You thumb on control releasing the drones.

The board lights up. The cruiser on an intercept course are throwing their scanners open and wide. Whether that's good for you or bad for you, you aren't sure yet.

It's going to come down to how skillful their sensor tech is and how well you pull off the fake out with the drones...

The way I'm reading it, there are five parts to this maneuver. The sudden acceleration. Firing off the drones. Piloting the drones in enough of a pattern to make them appear realistic. Destroying the drones at the right time. And playing possum.

You have a total of 19 points. Assign a score of 1 to 6 on each one of the parts of the maneuver until you've spent all your 19 points.

Acceleration
Firing off the drones
Piloting the drones
Destroying the drones
Playing Possum

Whatever score you assign is the number my die roll of 1d6 has to beat.

If you get 3 out of 5 of them, you'll pull off the move.

Questions?

Kaya Wilden

player, 232 posts

Mon 29 Aug 2022
at 17:52

msg #464

Kaya Wilden

One question yes: do you need to beat the scores I assign, or a draw is enough

Editor-in-Chief

GM, 2085 posts

Tue 30 Aug 2022
at 03:44

msg #465

Kaya Wilden

In reply to Kaya Wilden (msg # 464):

I have to beat your scores. Draws go to player

Kaya Wilden

player, 233 posts

Tue 30 Aug 2022
at 20:30

msg #466

Kaya Wilden

Hmm, in that case I'll go with (in order), 4, 4, 4, 3, 4.

Editor-in-Chief

GM, 2089 posts

Wed 31 Aug 2022
at 02:38

msg #467

Kaya Wilden

In reply to Kaya Wilden (msg # 466):

Hmmm

You flip open the switch to launch the drones, readying it, while punching in your accel at the same time.

That proves to be a bit of a mistake as Gryffin shutters.

"There was an air pocket in the secondary fuel line! It's clear now..." Aarav informs you. But the knowledge doesn't do anything about the cruiser which is suddenly on your ass.

You thrum the accel but the cruiser is right behind you.

Maybe because you hit a hitch, that big brain of yours kicks into overdrive. You launch the drones, commending yourself on a near perfect flight. Deftly, you swing the drones around. With that cruiser so close, it's not likely that they're going to buy the destroyed drones as a decoy. But you're in too far to change escape pods now.

You blow the drones...just as the cruiser on your tail passes them. The ships behind it seem to get thrown for a moment. But not that one right behind you.

But just as it looks like you're going to eat cruiser fire, Rokzi pulls off a shot just over their bough. The cruiser has to think about that one a moment. You don't have to think about it. You gun it.

Peri is landing on the moon as you start to get it's atmo readings. Nothing there to breath, but you didn't come for the sunshine anyway.

As you start your descent, a command comes through naval channels.

All hands stand down. Order for the pursuit and capture of the Gryffin and Calypso is hereby rescinded. Repeat. Rescinded. All commanders are to return to naval station for further orders.

You get a ping. O'Bannon.

That went better than I thought it would. All hands accounted for?

And that is a good point to pause the game. Please feel free to post Kaya's reaction. We'll move to the wrap up of your first official mission when I get back.

Thanks

Editor-in-Chief

GM, 2090 posts

Wed 31 Aug 2022
at 02:39

msg #468

Kaya Wilden

Oh. By the way. My rolls were

6, 1, 2, 5, 3

Kaya Wilden

player, 234 posts

Wed 7 Sep 2022
at 21:25

msg #469

Kaya Wilden

Kaya cursed, mumbling low “Was this ship built by the lowest bidder or something?” Though she patted the console in front of her: it wouldn't do to have the ship angry at her... And all things considered, it did bring them home. Well, they were almost there anyway.

“Uh...” Kaya exhaled when the order was given, though she still paid attention to make sure that no over-eager captain or officer was going to pretend to not have heard it and shoot them. That'd be a pretty stupid way to go down... Once reassured, she leaned back in her seat.

After a minute or so, she answered O'Bannon, “Yes sir, we're all in one piece. The Gryffin will need to spend some time in the docks though. Most everything important we've found is on the Callypso.”

Editor-in-Chief

GM, 2095 posts

Thu 8 Sep 2022
at 23:51

msg #470

Kaya Wilden

Naval Station Equator is basically a large hollow tube. The docks run along the inside of the tube, space for command, services, and quarters built into the wall of the tube itself.

You are sitting in a conference room two days later. Out the window you can see Gryffin in it's berth. Engineers in EVA suits are scrambling over the hull, like microbes across a nice, clean surface. Aarav should be down there in the thick of them, overseeing things.

O'Bannon finishes the last of her cold coffee and glances out the window as well.

"You like your ship?" she asks nonchalantly.

After listening to your reply, she glances back at Gryffin. "First, let's talk about your crew. What did you think of each of them? I want your analysis of them."

Kaya Wilden

player, 235 posts

Sun 11 Sep 2022
at 20:25

msg #471

Kaya Wilden

Kaya nodded, not just because one didn't tell one's CO that they didn't like their ship. She did add however, “It would have been better without the engine problem though, made things a bit touch and go here and there.”

“Everyone performed adequately, I didn't have any issue with any of them.” Was Kaya's answer. She took a couple of seconds to think about it, then added, “But if she is to stay around, it would be good if Rei was taught about some procedures. Or EVAs.”

Editor-in-Chief

GM, 2105 posts

Fri 16 Sep 2022
at 02:34

msg #472

Kaya Wilden

In reply to Kaya Wilden (msg # 471):

O'Bannon nods. "She's your crew now. Train her however you want. Just not for combat. But I doubt you thought she was capable of that.

"Alright." She smirks and settles back into her chair. <green>"So. Let me hear it. What did you think about the mission? You have permission to speak freely."

Kaya Wilden

player, 236 posts

Sat 17 Sep 2022
at 22:57

msg #473

Kaya Wilden

“Uh. Alright.” Kaya agreed, though obviously a bit doubtfully. Rei was, after all, only a civilian, and training on the job was not exactly the best thing to do. Even though, granted, they were stuck for the time being.

“Well...” Kaya edged, then grumbled “_{I doubt I have made a lot of friends in the local fleet...}” Though at least she hadn't humiliated anyone. Or not that much anyway. But she doubted any of the captains involved in trying to capture the Gryffin - or shoot her down - were particularly pleased with her. Especially if they had learned she was a nobody barely out of the Academy. Not that she didn't enjoy messing with nobles, but still...

More seriously, or at least, really intending to answer the question and not grumbling, Kaya answered. “I can't say it was anywhere close to what I was expecting. There were times where... Hmmm... If we were to do something like that again, we'd need to have access to the guidelines for how we're supposed to act, what we can ignore, the...uh...rules we can...bend. Things like that.”

She paused, thoughtful, before adding. “Oh, and a budget. And some kind of, uh, alternate identity with the right documents. But it was, hmm, interesting?” After a brief hesitation, she added, “I'm not terribly comfortable finding myself in the middle of political feuds though...” The possible betrayal of a General was bad enough, but political infighting...

Editor-in-Chief

GM, 2108 posts

Sat 17 Sep 2022
at 23:15

msg #474

Kaya Wilden

In reply to Kaya Wilden (msg # 473):

O'Bannon throws back her head and cackles. "Don't like politics huh? Boy. Did you pick the wrong profession!"

She guffaws a few more times and then wipes a tear off her cheek with the side of her hand.

"You aren't gonna get a cruiser command anytime soon. Unless war breaks out...well. A big war breaks out...that is only going to the people from the right bloodlines. And you know what I mean. And the fact that Aces are still given the cross eye doesn't help."

She shrugs. "It's unfair. And it's a waste of a good resource. But it is the galaxy we spin in.

"However. There may be a way around that.

"You need to prove yourself. In ways that they can't ignore. The problem you'll have is finding those opportunities. I hate to tell you this Commander Wilden. But because of who you are and where you come from, you've gonna have shovel more shit than most in coming out of the Academy would."

There's a bright flash outside the window. One of the engineering techs is using a laser to remove some armor off a ship's hull.

O'Bannon watches that a moment and then continues. "But you probably already knew that. So what can I do? I can't give you the shovel I'd like to give ya. I can give you the best one I can. But that's not saying much.

"What I can do is give you the best shit there is. The stuff that no one really wants to touch. There's something to be said for being the one who cleans up the messes no one else wants to touch Kaya. The people who need to notice will notice things like that. The minds you can change will change.

"So I'm afraid the missions you're going to get aren't gonna be what you thought they were. At least for a bit. But it's what we got to work with.

"I can't promise that it will lead somewhere. But it is the best shot you got at getting on the comm chair of a cruiser. Which is where you should be. You understand what I'm saying?

"These kind of missions don't come with guidelines. Sorry. The alternate IDs are easy enough. Budget...well. We'll see what we can do.

"For now, get Gryffin into shape. I gave orders for that issue with your side engine to get sorted out. Even if they have to do a full refit. So that should get fixed at least.

"Enjoy a couple of days R&R. You'll be shipping out in a week or so."

Anything else you want to ask her/do here? If not, I will skip us to the start of your next rousing, two fisted adventure. Which will not involve eggs or body swaps.

Kaya Wilden

player, 237 posts

Sun 18 Sep 2022
at 19:47

msg #475

Kaya Wilden

Kaya grumbled under her breath for a while, obviously not terribly happy. “I'm perfectly aware I don't have the right blood in my veins. And since I don't doubt you saw all of my Academy file, you know that I will not bow in front of them.” She had after all been in quite a few fights about that very thing. It might have been better had she accepted to be bought, or accepted being the girlfriend - or trophy - of anyone of them, but she had refused to bend the knee. Most of them were nothing than ambulatory inflated egos.

“I'm all for proving myself, ram their uselessness through their throats and make them choke on it.” She deflated and sighed, “but that doesn't mean I don't know how impossible it all is. The rules favour them, and if it looks like I'm going to win, they'll just change them.” Plus, did it really matter? She had only join the Fleet to allow her sister to get the care she needed and she knew perfectly well she herself wasn't going to be around for long: she was an Ace after all, and an active one at that.

At the end, she nodded. Not just because there wasn't anything else she could do either, but she had to admit that she rather enjoyed that sort of things. As unprepared as she had been. Speaking of... “Can I have access to someone who could teach me a bit about all that cloak and dagger stuff? It wasn't exactly a focus of mine at the Academy.”

We should be able to jump ahead.
Though while Kaya will transmit the R&R permissions to her crew, she'll plan a few EVA trainings for Rei.
She herself will spend most of the week - probably every waking moment in fact - looking after her ship, training for combat (for real, not just to get the passable grades), and read/learn about covert ops. Maybe talk with people whose job it actually is.

Editor-in-Chief

GM, 2112 posts

Mon 19 Sep 2022
at 03:28

msg #476

Kaya Wilden

In reply to Kaya Wilden (msg # 475):

O'Bannon listens to your grumbling/rebel spiel with an amused look. When you make your request for a "cloak and dagger" guy, she frowns. "You got one. Didn't you figure out Rokzi used to be special ops?"

You train. Rei trains. Everyone holds hands. Tears are shed, but their tears of happiness.

I will start the next mission tomorrow. Need to jigger something.

Thanks!

Kaya Wilden

player, 238 posts

Mon 19 Sep 2022
at 22:54

msg #477

Kaya Wilden

“I knew he was Spec-Ops, not Covert-Ops.” Which wasn't exactly the same thing. Sure, there was obviously some overlap but Spec-Ops operations where the in-and-out kind while Covert-Ops could stay on site for some time.

Or so she assumed anyway, she couldn't really say she had paid all that much attention to those kind of things as it had never been in doubt that she'd be a pilot, nothing else.

Knowing that he was, in fact, Covert-Ops though, changed things a bit, notably because she could afford to wait to ask any questions she had for when they were on their way to their next objective.

Editor-in-Chief

GM, 2116 posts

Tue 20 Sep 2022
at 01:19

msg #478

Kaya Wilden

In reply to Kaya Wilden (msg # 477):

Your R&R is cut short by a day. O'Bannon beams you a tele, ordering you to head out with your crew to Mokryy system.

You aren't overly familiar with Mokryy. It's seventeen systems away.

A quick review of the Naval Almanac shows it as a dull system. Four planets, two of which are mostly nothing but radioactive rock. The smallest planet was terraformed. Mostly. Chertovski Vlazhnyy or CherVlaz serves as the population center for the system. Apparently what it lacks in dampness it makes up for in humidity. The terrain is mostly jungle like.

There's the obligatory asteroid belt on one end. The Gal'Ka belt. Mostly mined out four generations ago. The Navy has a small base on the outmost largest asteroid. It's not much of a base. It really just services the two Strekoza class cruisers that patrol the area. Strekozas aren't exactly high end. Gryffin isn't much smaller than them.

The only redeeming feature in this backwater is the ice planet Mokryy. It's water is 84% potable. It serves as the "well" for most of the surrounding systems that lack a clean water source.

Morkryy, both the system and the planet, are part of the personal fief granted to Boyar Andrev Kuchovich. Some ancestor of his scouted the system. And his grandfather served in some war with distinction. So the Kuchovichs have a decent reputation.

It's suprising, as technically the Kuchovich fief is "independent". That is, it was never granted them by the Throne. They held the system they had scouted out and kept it, mostly by keeping to themselves and never shying away from serving in whatever war the Emperor had declared at the moment. From the historical records and news sources, the Kuchovichs are loyal.

There's also not a lot of pirate activity in the region. The water trade is lucrative, but as water tanks tend to easily rupture when the transport ship takes fire, it is tough to actually hijack a cargo of water. There's more of a problem with smuggling than piracy. But from what you can tell, the Kuchovich security team does a good job of keeping the smugglers in line.

So...why you're going there?

Your cover is that you are to meet with Lord Andrev and negotiate for him to allow the naval post to expand it's dockyards. That the navy is looking to add two more cruisers to the armada there.

In actuality, you are on recon. The commander of the naval post requested an inspection due to some concerns that a couple of corporations in the system are building up private armies in anticipation of a coporate war. The commander, Major Li Ho-Shu will have more details.

If there are indications of a corporate war brewing, you are to determine the cause and, if possible, end the altercation. You may proceed as you see fit, but bear in mind that the local lord is quite loyal and has a good reputation with the Imperials. We need to handle this with as little political fallout as possible. Hence sending in a small, tactical team that Command can deny knowledge of.

Your contact for the operation with be Li. I have worked with him before and you can have a reasonable amount of trust in him.

Report to me once you have determined whether there is a problem and what the cause is

Kaya Wilden

player, 239 posts

Fri 23 Sep 2022
at 19:12

msg #479

Kaya Wilden

Kaya blinked in surprised almost as soon as the first words left O'Bannon's mouth. She was supposed to negotiate something? Even if no one was expecting her to actually succeed - though she'd bet her hierarchy would be 'disappointed' if she didn't - she was still supposed to look like she was doing just that. Which, well...

As for her actual mission? Finding out the cause of a probably corporate war - when she knew nothing of corporations or business - would be challenging enough, but actually stopping it? She'd be lucky if she didn't trigger it for one reason or another... Maybe she ought to remind someone that Aces were good at piloting ships first and foremost...

Granted, she could analyse things as well - or almost as well anyway - as an AI...but she needed to know what she was seeing actually meant which certainly wasn't the case at this time. She could only hope that Major Li had a pretty good idea of what was going on and only an external team to take care of the problem.

One could hope.

Still, since no one was asking for her opinion, there was only one thing she could do. “Understood.” She asked a couple of clarifying questions after that, then once dismissed exited O'Bannon's office and commed Aarav. “I assume the Gryffin is ready to go or about to be?” Though... Maybe she should unleash Rokzi on the base's stores beforehand...

Editor-in-Chief

GM, 2127 posts

Sun 25 Sep 2022
at 01:17

msg #480

Kaya Wilden

In reply to Kaya Wilden (msg # 479):

Yep. Gryffin is good to go and I'm moving us along a bit. So you are already moving. About two days out from the Morkyy system.

You have some time. So if there was a briefing you wanted to do with the crew or research you wanted to do, you have/had time to do so. Let me know what you want to do on the travel time out to Morkyy.

Kaya Wilden

player, 240 posts

Mon 26 Sep 2022
at 17:19

msg #481

Kaya Wilden

Sure, no problem.

Well, during the trip - besides familiarizing Rei with standard emergency procedures - Kaya will focus on learning more about the Morkyy System obviously, but with two main goals:
- Lean more about the local corporations, their history and relations
- The local lord and the relations he has with them

Editor-in-Chief

GM, 2129 posts

Tue 27 Sep 2022
at 02:51

msg #482

Kaya Wilden

In reply to Kaya Wilden (msg # 481):

Lord Andrev Kuchovich is technically a baron. On paper a low ranking noble with only this single system to his house's name. But he seems to have a lot of clout with the neighboring systems. You come across several news vids of him being seen with counts and even a marquess, nobles someone of his rank would usually only see at a distance.

There are four main corporations running out of Morkeyy.

The first is HK Enterprises, which is just the corporate arm of House Kuchovich. They retain the water rights and own large tracts of CherVlaz. Besides water, they specialize in various agri-products from the jungle planet, including fungi, herbal medicines, and chlorophyll production.

Sun-Tze Banking House has two primary sources of income. First, they are a Resettlement Lender. People who want to go colonize another world often take out "Reset Loans" from banks like Sun-Tze. The finance the relocation of their family to the new colony and the purchase of some of the land/property at the colony. Usually the loan is taken out by great, great, great grandma and grandpa. And their descendants pay off the debt six or seven generations later. Sun-Tze seems to have financed most of private settlement of this system. In other words, what parts of CherVlaz HK Enterprises doesn't own, is mortgaged to Sun-Tze Banking House.

The other main income stream for Sun-Tze is a high port between Zhestkiy and Nervnyy. The last two corporations on the list rely on that high port. Both rent space on it for their corporate headquarters for example.

The other two corporations are Eskel Survey Committee, or ESC, and DriveCore Corporation. ESC and DriveCore are both mining ventures operating on Zhestkiy and Nervnyy. They are also probably the ones who are snapping at each other.

From what you can see, it is not a case that one of the mining corps owns one planet and the other corp owns the other. Oh no. They both have claims on both planets. And the claim map for them is confusing even for you. At first blush, just from the survey maps of Zhestkiy and Nervnyy, claim jumping between the two corporations is a common occurrence.

ESC and DriveCore both set up shop in the system about fifty years ago, really with the space of a month of each other.

House Kuchovich runs a claims court for the system. But just on the high level view presented in news vids, it screams corrupt court. You glance through a couple of case files that are online and the rulings in both cases seems suspect. Your gut tells you the winning side outbid the other for the verdict.

Overall, Baron Kuchovich has little to do with the corps, at least from the information youc an find. Incidents that threaten HK Enterprise commerce are dealt with ruthlessly by House Kuchovich's private army. But other incidents...their response is nebulous.

It appears the Baron may be letting them fight it out amongst themselves because it's easier to cash in on the conflict that way.

Kaya Wilden

player, 241 posts

Tue 27 Sep 2022
at 18:36

msg #483

Kaya Wilden

“Lovely noble specimen.” Kaya tiredly pinched the edge of her nose as she reclined in her chair. “No wonder he's in good standing with the imperial nobles, he'd fit right in.”

And to make matters worse, she, a mere lieutenant barely out of diapers, who has absolutely zero relations with any noble, was going to have to negotiate with him for the Fleet. Not that she was unhappy to not have any relationship with a noble - she was quite proud of it in fact - but it would likely be felt like an insult: a young noble lieutenant might have been accepted, but as it was...

Not only Kuchovich would likely feel insulted which was going to make her official objective difficult, but if he wanted to let the corps fight one another, he certainly wasn't going to make her unofficial objective easy either.

The young lieutenant sighed while she considered the local information, some crazy scenarios running through her head, then she comm'd Peri. “Try to find everything you can about Kuchovich and the corporations in the local system.” She refrained from sharing her suspicions for now as she didn't want to risk 'tainting' Peri's opinion for now. “Particularly his speeches - official or otherwise.” Anything she could learn before she stepped in that minefield would be good and would probably lay to rest some of her most outlandish scenarios.

Editor-in-Chief

GM, 2134 posts

Wed 28 Sep 2022
at 02:56

msg #484

Kaya Wilden

In reply to Kaya Wilden (msg # 483):

Peri reports shortly before dinner.

She found less and more than you did.

Sun-Tze doesn't come up much in her report. It seems like she saw "banking house" and called it a day. Her information consists of about four lines, all of which you had found yourself. Current head of the House Mei-Lynn. It has offices on both CherVlaz and the highport. Etc.

Her research on ESC and DriveCore dealt more with the corporate structure then you did. Looking back, you got distracted trying to read that claims map.

Interestingly, the current CEO of ESC is the grandson of the founder of DriveCore. The Grez family founded DriveCore but were kicked out by a hostile shareholders takeover fifteen years ago. It wasn't a violent takeover. In fact, it was all nice and legal. But many of the Grez family members died off within four years of the takeover happening. Bray Grez, the grandson and only member of his generation, took the position of CEO at ESC three years ago. Seems it was a bit of a middle finger towards DriveCore.

Peri shined when it came to researching Kuchovich though. She followed his military career closely. You'd guess she has a crush on him.

But it's actually easy to see why. Vids of the man show he's relatively good looking. Not model handsome by any stretch. But he's tall with a military man's physique. Very blue eyes. Not bad to look at.

He's definitely not an embarrassment as a soldier. Though he was in the Infantry, dealing more with planet side ops, he was a capable commander.

He dated a member of the Sun-Tze family. A woman named Pei Lyng. But she's married to someone in the DriveCore group now. He's been linked to a few local celebrities. But there is no Baroness at the moment.

Surprisingly, he's charitable. It seems he puts a lot of focus into a side project called HK's Life Resources, or HLR. HLR is a non-profit that offers counseling services to the residents of the system. From therapy to addiction treatment centers to fairly well regarded mental hospitals, HLR provides quite a buffet of mental health resources to his fief. It doesn't look like he does lip service to it either. He seems very involved in this project.

Peri concludes. "I've found a number of speeches he's given. Most of them are for corporate dinners or at the university graduation ceremonies. In fact, the public library channels have a lot on file. Was there a particular kind of speech you want to hear?"

Kaya Wilden

player, 242 posts

Thu 29 Sep 2022
at 20:09

msg #485

Kaya Wilden

Kaya wasn't exactly pleased that Peri seemed to have some sort of crush on the man, but on the other hand, if she were to be honest she's be willing to admit that it brought some sort of balance considering her less than charitable views about any of them. Not that she was terribly willing of course.

“I'm looking for patterns. The words he uses most for example. Positive or negative? Fearful of the future or hopeful? What does he condemn and what does he praise? The kind of words he uses when talking about corporations, the Empire, his neighbours, stuff like that. Major differences depending on who the speech is addressed to, or with what we know of his actions, stuff like that.” Kaya shrugged, “It doesn't give any definitive information, but it can help give us an idea of who he is.” Or who he wants to pretend to be. “Oh and evolutions in time to.”

Editor-in-Chief

GM, 2135 posts

Fri 30 Sep 2022
at 01:33

msg #486

Kaya Wilden

In reply to Kaya Wilden (msg # 485):

"You mean you wanna semantic analysis, lookin' for reoccurin' phrases an' word patterns indicative of tendencies and belief systems, right?"

Rokzi has strolled into the mess, holding his empty coffee cup. He refills it.

Peri watches him a moment, then glances at you. "Is that what you want?"

She toddles off to go perform one.

Rokzi sips his coffee, grimaces, and then grins. "Any chance of us getting some decent fake coffee beans? I won't ask for real ones."

Kaya Wilden

player, 243 posts

Sun 2 Oct 2022
at 21:37

msg #487

Kaya Wilden

Kaya nodded, pointing at Rokzi. “Yes, that. I doubt it'll tell us all that much, or anything but what he wants to project but who knows.”

“If anything,” she commented about coffee, “we'd be the ones making gifts, not receiving any. Plus,” she cocked an eyebrow, “You're the one responsible for logistics.” She sniffed, “You shouldn't have been only focused on the armoury.”

After a second, and more seriously, she asked, “What do we know about Major Li Ho-Shu?”

Editor-in-Chief

GM, 2144 posts

Mon 3 Oct 2022
at 02:16

msg #488

Kaya Wilden

In reply to Kaya Wilden (msg # 487):

Rokzi nods absently when you throw the logistics bomb and looks at the ceiling, apparently straining to place the name.

"Not someone I've ever worked with directly. But a buddy in my last unit did. I think. If I recall, he said Ho-Shu wasn't the brightest o' holograms. She was one of those who was always tryin' their best but things never quite worked out for. I dunno if she's no competent or just prone to bad luck. But if she's CO of a place like Morkky...well. It kinda speaks volumes, don't it?"

He shrugs and sips more faux coffee. "They seem ta be stickin' on political-op details. At least this one sounds like one. I'm guessin' we're fact finding first?"

Kaya Wilden

player, 244 posts

Mon 3 Oct 2022
at 21:17

msg #489

Kaya Wilden

“Bad luck, uh?” Kaya snorted. “Willing but not competent, I'm willing to believe even though a klutz would have been shown the door. But bad luck? No way. It's just another way to say 'refused to open her legs to some noble asshole and pays the price of not knowing what an honour it was'.”

She grimaced, obviously not terribly pleased about the politics thing. “And for the foreseeable future.” She sighed, clearly not particularly enthused. “We're to assess the local situation, determine if there's any truth to the rumours about an incoming corporate war and prevent it if necessary.”

“All the while being in the enviable position of Fleet denying knowing anything about our extracurricular activities, since we're here to negotiate with Kuchovich, not stick our nose where it doesn't belong.” Which didn't seem to bother her all that much though.

Editor-in-Chief

GM, 2146 posts

Tue 4 Oct 2022
at 00:23

msg #490

Kaya Wilden

In reply to Kaya Wilden (msg # 489):

He barks a laugh. "Welcome to the world o' Special Ops. We exist to be thrown away."

Rokzi shrugs. "Yeah. Ho-Shu could be in that situation. I've seen it before. But the buddy I mentioned wasn't the type ta care if it had two legs or three legs. We shall see.

"So what's our first move here? Talkin' to Commander Ho-Shu? Or dropping by this baron guy's place?"

Kaya Wilden

player, 245 posts

Tue 4 Oct 2022
at 18:42

msg #491

Kaya Wilden

Kaya rubbed her chin pensively for a moment. “I'll go talk to Ho-Shu first. It wouldn't do to drop unannounced at Kuchovich's place after all. Plus, the longer it takes to set that up, the better for us.” And not just because she had no idea how she was supposed to be negotiating with him.

About to say something else, she paused, frowned, then looked away, obviously thinking. “You know... I wonder if Ho-Shu might not be pretending to be incompetent...”

The young lieutenant thought about that for a second, then shook her head. “Ha well, anyway. While I'm talking to her, see if you can find some of your old buddies, get the pulse of the place and so on. I'll ask Peri to snoop around in the local infosphere.”

Editor-in-Chief

GM, 2153 posts

Tue 4 Oct 2022
at 23:59

msg #492

Kaya Wilden

In reply to Kaya Wilden (msg # 491):

Thirteen hours later, you're getting instructions for Morkyy Traffic Command about the approach plan to use entering the system. Fifteen hours later, you push into the system.

Naval System HQ responds back to your ping. Roger Gryffin. Please delay arrival for 09 20. We are pending for an open berth.

Peri glances over from her comm. "Did they really just ask us to wait until they get an open berth?"

Rokzi looks back at her. "You musta never been outside the core worlds. Farther out you go, the more podunk the Naval HQs get. I've been to systems that had to share an HQ, and that HQ only had one berth."

You check. Sure enough, Morkky HQ has only two docking berths.

Rokzi looks back at you. "We are in luck. I know a guy who retired from the Corps. He's runnin' a bar on the high port between Nervnyy and Zhest-whatever. Am I good to jump ship and grab a shuttle over there so I can do my diggin'? I'll get more talk outta him face to face than I will over a comm line."

Kaya Wilden

player, 246 posts

Thu 6 Oct 2022
at 17:50

msg #493

Kaya Wilden

Kaya didn't hesitate long. “Sure. We ought to have at least a few days before people want to get rid of us. We might as well take advantage of that.”

“I'll go talk to Major Ho-Shu, which means Peri you'll stay here. Try to see what you can find in the local infosphere but try to not be too obvious about it. In fact, see if you can find arguments for me to 'negotiate' with the baron.” She air-quoted the word there. “The longer I can pretend, the better it'll be.”

“In the meantime...” Kaya looked back for a second. “I guess I'll see if Aarav and Rei want to walk a bit in the station while it's safe enough.” Not that she expected much of anything from either of them as far as information gathering went, but both might see thing she'd never think about so who knew.

Editor-in-Chief

GM, 2163 posts

Fri 7 Oct 2022
at 00:06

msg #494

Kaya Wilden

In reply to Kaya Wilden (msg # 493):

Rokzi nods. "I can take Rei and Aarav with me then."

Peri considers a moment. "You just want me to find points you could use for fake negotiating with this baron over expansion of the naval fleet, right? Sorry. Just want to make sure I'm on the same page."

Morkyy Naval HQ is...small. They weren't kidding. Maybe you really should try to negotiate for expansion of the naval presence.

The two berths are barely large enough for Gryffin. If a naval battleship ever had to enter the area, it'd have to dock two systems over.

The dock crew consist of three people, two of whom see about retirement age. They get to work once you pull in and secure the airlock connection. But you kind of hope there isn't a lot of heavy lifting. One of them seems in danger of breaking a hip if there is.

You walk past the "lounge", which is really a few vending machines and a card table with mismatched chairs, and Command Central, which isn't as large as Gryffin's comm deck, to Ho-Shu's office.

The door opens and you are greeted by paperwork. Lots of paper fluttering through the air.

A woman is kneeling on the floor, like she just tumbled over. The insignia on her shoulder indicates she's the commander. The name patch confirms Ho-Shu.

She looks up at you, blinking. "Oh. Are you Commander Wilden?"

The paperwork finishes fluttering to the floor.

Kaya Wilden

player, 247 posts

Sun 9 Oct 2022
at 21:26

msg #495

Kaya Wilden

“Except that I'm pretty sure the negotiations aren't supposed to be fake in the first place,” answered Kaya to Peri, “Yes.”

“_{Talk about being sent to the... what was it? Bonnies? Bunnies? Uh...}” Muttered Kaya as she walked the towards the Major's office.

As she thought about that, she was understandably a bit distracted and the situation in the office threw her for a loop for a moment. Falling back to military protocol, she saluted. “Lieutenant Kaya Wilden, aye.”

She briefly glanced at the papers settling on the ground, then knelt and proceeded to gather them. After a brief hesitation, she quickly read the headlines she could see without appearing to. Probably not important but since she was sent to snoop around...

Editor-in-Chief

GM, 2173 posts

Mon 10 Oct 2022
at 03:03

msg #496

Kaya Wilden

In reply to Kaya Wilden (msg # 495):

Most of the paperwork seems to be the usual rigamorale. Payroll. Invoices for fuel supply. One document quickly catches your attention.

...continued build up of mercenary forces noted on high port. Confirmed local brokers are recruiting...

Ho-Shu takes the papers from you before you get much further. She sets the pile on a desk and coughs, then returns your salute. "Major Li Ho-Shu. Welcome aboard."

She relaxes, indicting you should relax as well.

"O'Bannon notified me. Thank you for coming. Have a seat."

There's not much room to pull chairs out. Now that you are paying attention to something other than papers, you realize how small this room really is.

Ho-Shu takes her own seat and calls up a holo of the system. "You may know some of this already. But to give you the basics. We have three posts in the system actually. HQ here. A station on the high port to keep order. And a station on CherVlaz. Those two stations are mostly just for local police functionality. The Baron has his own internal security force on CharVlaz. And Sun Tze keeps a private security force on the high port. So we are mostly..." She hesitates then shrugs. "...mostly we're for show. Most of what I deal with are smugglers and the occasional pirate trying to jack a water shipment.

"But lately we've gotten signs that the two big mining corps are about to tie into it."

She sighs. "Sorry. I shoulda asked if you wanted some coffee or tea. You want some?

"Anyway. If a corporate war breaks out, I'm not sure the Baron will do anything about it. Apparently the charters of both companies allow for "defense against armed agression"."

She laughs. "Honestly it's a big mess."

Kaya Wilden

player, 248 posts

Mon 10 Oct 2022
at 21:00

msg #497

Kaya Wilden

'Thank you for coming', she says. As if Kaya had a choice... “I wouldn't mind a cup of tea, thanks.” Though Kaya was going to pay very close attention to the delivery of it, fully planning on jumping out of the way should another incident happen.

“If it weren't about to be a big mess, I suppose Fleet wouldn't care.” The young lieutenant shrugged, more fatalistic than anything else. “I supposed they're concerned about collateral damage.” After all, if two corporations wanted to fight it out... Though she supposed it would be bad PR.

“From what I've learned the two corporations have never been in the friendliest of terms with each other, but do you have any idea what could have sparked that? Or at least an idea of when exactly tensions have started to boil over?” She asked then.

Editor-in-Chief

GM, 2178 posts

Tue 11 Oct 2022
at 01:49

msg #498

Kaya Wilden

In reply to Kaya Wilden (msg # 497):

Ho-Shu manages to set the cup of tea down without any major mishaps. It tastes terrible though.

She nods at your last question and turns her head, gesturing with her chin to a stack of documents on a side table. The stack would come up to your chin.

"Claim jumping. We and the Baron have to spend a lot of time dealing with reports being filed by both sides claiming the other side has trespassed or is illegally mining on their claim. It's gotten to where we get two or three a week.

"The volume really blew up about eighteen months ago. All of a sudden this huge glut of them came in. The land court that the Baron runs got inundated. They still haven't been able to catch up. And now with the inflow of new claims, cases are getting hung up and unresolved."

She sighs. "It's always been a problem. The Baron's grandfather divided up both planets into lots and auctioned off each lot. DriveCorp and ESC both bid on the lots kinda at random. they were both trying to snatch up more than the other company could. A few smaller companies or independents got some of the land. But all of those are mostly driven off or bought out by now.

"The Baron's been trying to renegotiate the property lines with both companies. But neither one wants to give up their claims until a survey of both planets is finished. Which no one can do because survey crews are turned away from wherever they land as potential claim jumpers.

"It's really a mess."

Kaya Wilden

player, 249 posts

Tue 11 Oct 2022
at 20:08

msg #499

Kaya Wilden

Bad tea was better than tea spilled everywhere, but that didn't mean much to Kaya. Not that she was a 'gourmet' of course, but there were still limits she didn't want to cross which was why she barely did much more than dip her lips in while she listened to Ho-Shu explain the situation.

“I see.” Kaya rubbed her eyes tiredly. “You should make it expensive to file those reports, even if that wouldn't reduce the volume you'd get, you could hire people to deal with it...”

Not that it was really feasible just like that but since the only two 'victims' of such a ploy would be the two corporations... Not that it was the problem she was here to solve. “You said it started eighteen months ago. Was there a change of leadership in one of the corporations, something found on a lot, anything that could explain it all?”

Editor-in-Chief

GM, 2183 posts

Thu 13 Oct 2022
at 20:33

msg #500

Kaya Wilden

In reply to Kaya Wilden (msg # 499):

Ho-Shu laughs at the idea of pricing the reports. "If only I could..."

She considers your last question and then grins sheepishly. "Honestly, I don't keep up too much with the corporate gossip. The people I deal with haven't changed. And I haven't heard of any of the big wigs on either side getting replaced or stepping down or what not. Sorry."

She seems to think a moment. "One of my people at the policing station on the high port usually keeps up with that stuff. I'll ask her. Her name's Molly Tallwell."

Kaya Wilden

player, 250 posts

Sat 15 Oct 2022
at 01:25

msg #501

Kaya Wilden

“Works for me.” Kaya nodded. “That being said... I'm here to 'negotiate with the baron about the expansion of the fleet's station'. Do you know if such talks have been held before, or what his position is likely to be?”

She could imagine arguments to go either way, and a big question being who'd pay. The baron might see more fleet presence as a way to secure his position in the presence of potentially hostile corporations, or think that it'd weaken him. Or make him look weak anyway.

And of course, there was the possibility that he had actually engineered the whole corporation war in the first place, to put both of them in their place. In which case... Well, she had no idea.

Politics. Erk.

Editor-in-Chief

GM, 2189 posts

Sat 15 Oct 2022
at 01:28

msg #502

Kaya Wilden

In reply to Kaya Wilden (msg # 501):

Ho-Shu sighs. "Yeah. The Baron. Right."

She shrugs. "I've talked to his aides about it a time or two, yes. And him directly once. The aides didn't seem all that warm to the idea. It seemed he was a bit more receptive. But he wanted to know what the cost would run. And what the exact jurisdiction would be."

She glances at the piles of paper on her desk. "He has his own private army ya know."

Kaya Wilden

player, 251 posts

Mon 17 Oct 2022
at 19:33

msg #503

Kaya Wilden

“I assumed he did.” Kaya nodded. But an army was not a fleet. “I suppose that if his aids are against it, but he'd leaned in favour, that's the best for me.” Since it would mean plenty of time to work on her real mission.

“Anyway, speaking about costs...” Kaya cocked an eyebrow, “I'm going to suppose it'd be the biggest deciding factor. You wouldn't happen to have an idea about that, would you?”

Editor-in-Chief

GM, 2198 posts

Tue 18 Oct 2022
at 02:47

msg #504

Kaya Wilden

In reply to Kaya Wilden (msg # 503):

"To expand the fleet presence?"

She turns and rummages through a couple of the piles of paper. She presents you two.

"This one is for the minimum expansion. A bigger base with four docking bays. Two more cruisers. Our manpower goes up to two squads."

The other paper is much more...grandiose. It's basically a Level 4 HQ command. Level 4 command posts usually cover seven to nine systems. To your knowledge, this area is already under the control of a Level 3 base in the White Gulch system. But that is six systems away.

Kaya Wilden

player, 252 posts

Tue 18 Oct 2022
at 19:41

msg #505

Kaya Wilden

As she took the offered papers, Kaya would readily admit that it was more than she had been expecting. By a substantial margin at that. Maybe things like that were the reasons the Major still had a position of some importance in the Fleet. After all, while nothing much at first glance, she was still the Fleet representative in the System.

“I see, thank you.” She glanced at the papers in her hands. “I'll have to study that. Though...” She paused briefly as she studied the second paper. “I'm not sure how I could justify this one, especially in a System that's not really Imperial.”

“Unless the presence of such a command post would divert some trade routes here?”

Editor-in-Chief

GM, 2205 posts

Wed 19 Oct 2022
at 03:03

msg #506

Kaya Wilden

In reply to Kaya Wilden (msg # 505):

Ho-Shu laughs.

"No. Nothing like that. The Baron has a tight grip on the water trade. The companies control the mining export. There's really not much else here in this system to attract attention."

Let me know if there is anything else you wanted to ask her. If not, where would Ms. Wilden like to go/do next please?

Thanks
This message was last edited by the GM at 03:04, Wed 19 Oct 2022.

Kaya Wilden

player, 253 posts

Thu 20 Oct 2022
at 14:45

msg #507

Kaya Wilden

My question was more in the sense that it might make trade routes shorter. If they're not used because security is lacking, having a bigger base would bring that security, hence making shorter routes viable.

“I see. I'll have to study that then, thanks.” Before she left, Kaya asked, “Is there a procedure to contact the baron? Should I go through you?” After all, that one was her 'official' mission, so she didn't see a point to make anyone suspicious by not following protocol.

Once she had her answer, Kaya went back to her ship, where she shared with Peri what she had learned - logging everything so that Rokzi could get it when he came back - then asked her if she had found anything of note that may have happened eighteen to twenty-four months ago that could explain the increase in litigations.

Editor-in-Chief

GM, 2209 posts

Thu 20 Oct 2022
at 22:47

msg #508

Kaya Wilden

In reply to Kaya Wilden (msg # 507):

Gotcha. Sorry about the misunderstanding. But it wouldn't change the answer much. The trouble is that this system doesn't have much worth trading outside the water and mining. And even those two commodities aren't exclusive in this neck of the wood. There's just not enough worth trading per se.

Ho-Shu nods. "You can send a line over to his secretary Vlad Protsk. I'll send one to him letting him know you'll reach out and copy you on it. He can set you up an appointment."

Peri looks up from her screen when you come back. She's spooning Faux Yo brand articial yogurt supplement into her maw while she works on the research you assigned her.

"Two years or so ago?"

She frowns. Then moves somethings around on her screen. "I'm still kinda diving through everything. But I did see one weird speech the Baron gave. It was about...here it is. Nineteen months ago. He was speaking at some occasion over on the high port. It was like some banquet that all the big shots in the system were at. Including the three corporate heads."

The holo pops up into the air before you. The Baron stands behind a podium. Handsome enough and well groomed for the occasion.

...our system...and it is our system...has seen a lot of growth over the past decade. A lot of that growth was driven by the people in this room today.

It's only by working together that we made that happen. Together. There was no single one of us that did that. Which should serve as a reminder. We must not let anything divide us. It only takes one bad officer to bring a military operation down.

Peri stops the playback. "When I first came across it, I just sorta rolled my eyes. Typical sounding politicain rhetoric, right? But I can't find many speeches he gave where he talks about all that together-we-are-strong bullshit. Usually, his speeches are nowhere near as touchy feely.

"The computer's semantics program also flagged this one. He's got some unusual speech patterns in this one. It's the words he's stressing. He doesn't seem to usually do that."

Kaya Wilden

player, 254 posts

Fri 21 Oct 2022
at 20:23

msg #509

Kaya Wilden

“Well,” Kaya finally said, a minute or so after having listened to the recording, “I'm happy to say I'm nowhere near enough of a politician to even begin to suspect why that speech might have been sparked that new conflict.”

“Unless he wants to somehow take back everything for himself or something?” As soon as she said that, she shook her head, “I don't see how that would ever work, much less why both corporations would be at each other's throat and not at his...”

Kaya rubbed the edge of her nose. “I guess I'll need to find someone able to decrypt that for us. Speaking of, any news of the other three?”

Editor-in-Chief

GM, 2213 posts

Sun 23 Oct 2022
at 01:41

msg #510

Kaya Wilden

In reply to Kaya Wilden (msg # 509):

Peri points at your comm board. There's a message from Rokzi waiting for you.

Hey boss lady. We're here. Started making the rounds.

Not finding much at the moment. The naval partrol officers stationed here are both planet side. There was some incident. I'd like to head down there and stick my nose into it. Just to see if it gives us any clues. Unless you want me to stay clear for now. I'll proceed down to the planet at 0720 if I don't hear from you.

Rei and Aarav are shopping for supplies. Aarav should be able to keep an eye on Rei.

Lemme know. Thanks

You check the clock. Still an hour and forty minutes before 0720.

Kaya Wilden

player, 255 posts

Sun 23 Oct 2022
at 22:12

msg #511

Kaya Wilden

Kaya tapped the back of her chair with her fingers while she thought about those news. Finally, she answered. [Go, I'll join Aarav and Rei. Let me know if you're nose is headed anywhere dangerous before it's there though.]

“Alright, I guess I'm joining Aarav and Rei then.” she then said Peri. “Let me know if you find anything important.”

Editor-in-Chief

GM, 2220 posts

Mon 24 Oct 2022
at 03:14

msg #512

Kaya Wilden

In reply to Kaya Wilden (msg # 511):

Peri salutes.

A patrol boat is scheduled to swing by in a couple of hours. You can pick up a ride on it if you like. Or you can take Gryffin over and dock it there.

Let me know how you're getting there. Thanks

Kaya Wilden

player, 256 posts

Mon 24 Oct 2022
at 21:25

msg #513

Kaya Wilden

Patrol boat works fine. More secure to leave the Geyffin where it is for now. That being said... I assume it'd be more...considerate, to not hog one of the two slots?

In which case we'll likely just move the ship. Its not like I absolutely need to leave it where it is right now, right?

Editor-in-Chief

GM, 2225 posts

Tue 25 Oct 2022
at 03:00

msg #514

Kaya Wilden

In reply to Kaya Wilden (msg # 513):

Correct on both accounts. They would like to free up a berth and you do not need to stay around if you don't want to. Peri can park Gryffin nearby and wait for you to call her to come get you.

You pass the time perusing old entertainment vids in the post's lounge. Nothing you haven't seen six thousand times. But the ending of My Monkey's Name is Alvin still manages to choke you up a little. Poor Alvin. The AI that was running that monkey's brain should have won an award for that movie.

The patrol boat is designed for a three man crew, but it's only manned by one guy. He's chatty. You know all about his four sisters by the time you dock at the high port.

It seems the money that should have gone into the Naval HQ went into the high port. But since it was paid for by the Sun-Tze house, you suppose you can't complain too much. At least it wasn't your tax dollars getting misspent.

The port is basically two rings connected by spokes at the 3 o'clock, 6, and 9 o'clock positions. One ring serves as the traffic hub for the system. The other ring houses each of the three big corporation's HQs.

Rei and Aarav are waiting for you when you step into the station. They nod.

"We've got the supplies shopped for. Rokzi said he'll ping you when he's planet side and give you an update.

"What should we do now?"

Kaya Wilden

player, 257 posts

Tue 25 Oct 2022
at 21:38

msg #515

Kaya Wilden

“Well,” Kaya began as she looked around, “I'm here to stretch my legs a bit, more than anything else. I doubt I'm going to learn much of anything by simply running around this station after all. Though...” She tapped her lips pensively, “I wonder what Sun-Tze has to say about the whole situation... Might want to look into that...”

“Anyway, have you already eaten? Might as well, since we're here. I won't stay too long to give Peri the opportunity to come herself but that'd be a start.” She looked around, “Have you noticed some place you'd recommend?”

Editor-in-Chief

GM, 2228 posts

Wed 26 Oct 2022
at 02:35

msg #516

Kaya Wilden

In reply to Kaya Wilden (msg # 515):

Rei laughs. "Way ahead of you. We already asked around about food."

Aarav suddenly breaks into a grin. He never grins. Ever. "They apparently sell real vegetables here. Real ones! You ever had an actual egg plant?

"There's a Sybellian cafe on the top level everyone says is good and cheap. You mind spicy food?"

This "eggplant" seems to be a vegetable and not contain any eggs. It's soft on the inside and crispy on the outside, covered in a reddish sauce that is pretty spicy. There's also a potato dish which is rather soothing.

Rei is frowning as she looks around. "Have you noticed how there's not advertisements around?"

It's not as odd an observation as it sounds. Most space ports are plastered with ads for local shops, system businesses, anyone who wants to make money off the space trade. And everyone wants to make money off the space trade.

Aarav sips his tea and nods. "All the stores are actually owned by Sun Tze Corp. I noticed on all the stalls we hit they bear the Sun Tze logo. Prices were actually pretty reasonable for a monopoly though."

Kaya Wilden

player, 258 posts

Fri 28 Oct 2022
at 01:30

msg #517

Kaya Wilden

“If the prices are too high, they'll have no one to sell anything to after all. And what's the point spending money to advertise when no matter what you'll be the one making the sell in the end?” After a second, she sighed, “Real food twice in a row though, we're spoiled.” even if the name was both silly and misleading.

“Anyway,” She continued more seriously, “have you picked up anything about the possible corpo-war that's brewing? Anything weird...anything else weird or things you've heard in passing?”

Editor-in-Chief

GM, 2232 posts

Fri 28 Oct 2022
at 02:57

msg #518

Kaya Wilden

In reply to Kaya Wilden (msg # 517):

Aarav glances around as if making sure he's not overheard and then leans closer.

It's cute the way he's trying to be all cloak and dagger.

"There's a lot of mercenaries around. Rokzi buddied up to a couple of 'em. Seems like there's a lot of word out that both of the mining corps are hiring. And they're drawing in from a ways away. One of the guys Rokzi talked to came from twenty sectors over."

Rei picks up her tea cup. "The mercs didn't sound like they knew much about the why. Only that someone was hiring. Now there might be a way to get some more info if-"

Aarav sighs. "Even Rokzi thought that plan was a little risky."

"Yes. But it's what the Captain thinks." She looks back at you. "So the corporate types steer clear of the rank and file on this port. The executives and management don't frequent places like this much. But...there's a couple of bars up on the office level of the station. One for each of the two corps. And apparently a lot of management hang out there. So I was thinking...what if a couple of good looking women went up there and tried to chat up some management types."

Kaya Wilden

player, 259 posts

Sat 29 Oct 2022
at 01:20

msg #519

Kaya Wilden

“Mercenaries make sense I suppose.” And would make her task harder: if she managed to somehow stop the brewing war, they might decide that now that they were in the system, they may as well get their credits' worth...

Surprisingly - or not... - Kaya didn't seem particularly eager to go with Rei's plan. “I... Even if I have the last word, it doesn't mean I'm not going to listen to the experts. Which, in this case, is Rokzi.” The young lieutenant shook her head, “There are so many ways this could go wrong...”

“Playing the client to a smuggler is one thing, but this...” Kaya shook her head, “'Chat up' is not exactly something I do. I might consider pretending to be mercenaries,” at least it would be a little bit more familiar, “even though we wouldn't be able to pretend for too long, but 'good looking woman looking for some good time' is so not me it'd be obvious from the next System over.” And, it would likely end badly should one of those management types decided to be frisky. Namely with said management type on the ground with a nose to rebuild.

“I'm not going to say we're not going to do that at some point,” with her luck, it was almost guaranteed it was coming... “but we need more background information on the whole situation before we commit to something like that. Do you have any idea what's Sun Tze's stance on all this?”

Editor-in-Chief

GM, 2238 posts

Sat 29 Oct 2022
at 05:38

msg #520

Kaya Wilden

In reply to Kaya Wilden (msg # 519):

Rei frowns, but doesn't argue the point. But she and Aarav look at each other when you ask your question about Sun-Tze.

"Uhmm...no. We haven't really been asking around about them. Should we have?"

You get a ping on your personal comm at that point. Rokzi.

Boss Lady. Planet side. Looks like there was a claim jumping going on. I listened in to the interrogations. It's a big he-said-she-said situation. I'll give you more deets when I get back to the station.

The naval cops are pretty much running on fumes. I doubt there is any one up at the station HQ right now. They all seem to be planet side.

But it makes me curious. Who's minding the store up there right now? If you're on board the station at the mo, can you potter around and see if you can tell who's keeping security going?

Kaya Wilden

player, 260 posts

Mon 31 Oct 2022
at 01:38

msg #521

Kaya Wilden

Kaya shook her head. “Not particularly no, but you might have witnessed an altercation between members of the other two corps with Sun-Tze standing on the side, or bashing everyone equally and with prejudice, that sort of things.”

She may have added some more, but was interrupted by Rokzi's communication. Hearing that, Kaya rubbed the edge of her nose. “Let's hope this is not yet the trigger...” In answer to Rokzi, she said, “The Gryffin is not at the Fleet HQ, there was no need to hog the dock. I'll ask Peri.” If nothing else, she would have seen shuttle movements.

“Peri, have you seen any movement from what could be Naval cops going on the planet?” Frowning, she added to Rokzi, “Do you think it could be a diversion?” It would be an entirely different matter than a corpo war, on a whole other level, but...

I'm not sure which station he's talking about though. The Fleet one, where we were docked previously? I thought it wasn't big enough to have much in the way of security forces.
I'll assume it's what it is considering he mentions HQ, but feel free to switch that accordingly if needed.

Editor-in-Chief

GM, 2242 posts

Mon 31 Oct 2022
at 02:27

msg #522

Kaya Wilden

In reply to Kaya Wilden (msg # 521):

Sorry. My bad. Turns out typing up posts that late after a day with no sleep leads to confusing posts on my part. Who knew?

For this storyline:

"Station", "Port", and "High Port" will mean the Sun Tze space port hanging between the two mining worlds. It has a naval station on it that serves as a police force for the Port and mining planets. That was what I mean when I said "Station HQ". I will refer to it as the "Police Dept" going forward. Just remember: "Cops" = Naval personnel assigned to the Police Dept.

I will use "Naval HQ" to refer to the station that Ho-Shu is on.

So Rokzi is saying that he thinks all the Cops are planetside and no one is in the Police Dept. right now.

Clear as mud?

Peri pings back rather quickly.

"Yes Ma'am. Looks like there are four naval shuttles planetside right now. But as far as a diversion, I don't think so. From the flight logs, it looks like those shuttles are usually getting called down planetside. If it's a diversion, it's a long running one."

Rokzi pings in again. Yeah. That's what I mean by the cops are running on fumes. Sounds like they spend more time planetside than they do on the Port.

From what I'm getting told, there might be no personnel in the Police Dept. And that's kind of the norm these days.

Kaya Wilden

player, 261 posts

Tue 1 Nov 2022
at 02:59

msg #523

Kaya Wilden

No worries, it's clearer now

“Alright.” Kaya grimaced slightly. “Well, obviously they're understaffed considering the situation, but there's not much we can do about this. And while they're likely the ones most likely to be willing to tell us anything, we can't really appear too interested.”

“Rokzi, see if you can make nice with a few of them down there. Offer your help as a concerned subject or whatever you think best.” That might be an in, and a way to poke their nose into the whole problem with a reasonable explanation. At least for a start.

“Peri, try to see what you can find about the Police Dept. Staff, purview, reports, news, etc. Are they being wilfully underfunded, was it enough in the past but nothing has been done since things have begun heating up, that sort of things.”

Editor-in-Chief

GM, 2255 posts

Wed 2 Nov 2022
at 02:33

msg #524

Kaya Wilden

In reply to Kaya Wilden (msg # 523):

"Oh I can already answer that one. This whole system operates on a microcredit.

"I ran numbers against the other systems nearby. This system gets about a tenth of the budget the neighboring systems do."

Rokzi pings in. I'm getting some feedback which makes me think this system serves like a punishment posting. Couple things some of the Cops have said in passing make me think they got assigned here cos a former CO didn't like 'em.

Aarav scratches his chin. "I've had a post like that. My CO before that one hated my guts. So I got dumped into this system that was short of engineers. I was the only one for the whole system. It was terrible."

Kaya Wilden

player, 262 posts

Thu 3 Nov 2022
at 22:46

msg #525

Kaya Wilden

“Great.” Kaya sighed, “So on top of everything else, the guys who are supposed to prevent everything to go pear-shaped are not only underfunded, but very likely as unmotivated as it's possible to be.”

On the other hand... “They should be pretty receptive to your help,” she said to Rokzi, “that's something. And I'm sure you could manage to let them know you have contacts who could have them transferred somewhere better if they take the right initiatives.” That should at least motivate a few of them while hopefully giving her an in.

Editor-in-Chief

GM, 2258 posts

Fri 4 Nov 2022
at 00:53

msg #526

Kaya Wilden

In reply to Kaya Wilden (msg # 525):

I'll do what I can. But should I focus on that instead of the whole corporate war thing?"

Aarav shrugs. "So, what's our next move then?"

Kaya Wilden

player, 263 posts

Sat 5 Nov 2022
at 02:03

msg #527

Kaya Wilden

“For now anyway. You're there, let's see where that takes you. Plus,” she added after a second, “they might know things about the corporate war that they haven't bothered relaying up, figuring it would be ignored.”

“As for now...” Kaya sighed, “I'd best see about contacting the Baron's secretary, to keep that pretence of negotiating alive. As for you, keep looking for whatever intel you can find. But,” she turned to Rei, “without taking any undue risks.”

Editor-in-Chief

GM, 2265 posts

Mon 7 Nov 2022
at 04:01

msg #528

Kaya Wilden

In reply to Kaya Wilden (msg # 527):

Rei shrugs and doesn't offer any objections.

You shoot off a request to the Baron's secretary. Surprisingly, you get a prompt response.

Perhaps more surprisingly, it's a positive response.

The Baron suggests you join him for lunch tomorrow at his residence on the main planet. Can you make it for that time?

Kaya Wilden

player, 264 posts

Mon 7 Nov 2022
at 21:38

msg #529

Kaya Wilden

Kaya checked to see what tomorrow's lunch meant in terms of delays, considering the current rotation of the planet and how long it would take her to get there, before nodding. “That will work for me yes.”

“Will it be an informal affair?” She didn't really have to wonder what she ought to wear to something like that: it would be her uniform. But... But if that lunch was a formal thing, she would need to get a dress uniform, and that was something she would need to plan for.

Hopefully it wouldn't and her service uniform would be good enough. Though...she might have to look at getting a dress uniform anyway, or at least know where she could get one in a hurry should the need arise.

Editor-in-Chief

GM, 2270 posts

Tue 8 Nov 2022
at 05:39

msg #530

Kaya Wilden

In reply to Kaya Wilden (msg # 529):

Informal lunch with just you and him and a couple of aides. Please bring an aide with you if needed.

I'll let you tell me if you need anyone along for the ride or not. Then we will go to lunch with the Baron.

Thanks

Kaya Wilden

player, 265 posts

Tue 8 Nov 2022
at 21:18

msg #531

Kaya Wilden

“Alright, I'll be there, thank you.”

With whom remained to be seen. Peri, despite her likely desire to do so was out since it would take both pilots away from the ship, which was a big no-no. In a more formal setting, Rei might have been an option, but she doubted it would be appropriate for an informal one. And Aarav wouldn't be terribly useful and would feel like it on top of it.

Which, realistically, only left Rokzi, whom she contacted. “Rokzi, lunch tomorrow at the Baron's. Informal. I want you there.” Not that he would serve as an aide, but who knew what he could notice considering his background?

In the meantime though, Kaya was going to study the files she had been given by Ho-Shu: she had no intention of coming up blank when asked questions about the station, why it would be a good idea to enlarge it or how much it would cost! It might be nothing more than a pretext to get her there, but that didn't mean she didn't have to take it seriously.

And hopefully even if she succeeded, it wasn't going to be seen as something she ought to do regularly...
This message was last edited by the player at 21:30, Tue 08 Nov 2022.

Editor-in-Chief

GM, 2274 posts

Wed 9 Nov 2022
at 03:35

msg #532

Kaya Wilden

In reply to Kaya Wilden (msg # 531):

The information from Ho-Shu makes it obvious why upselling the naval presence in this system would be difficult.

The Baron's army does serve as a police force on the major colonized world and in his personal holdings. And up until all this turmoil, the Naval HQs size and staffing were mostly adequate. It probably needs an additional five soldiers assigned here. Maybe one more intersystem fighter. But the manpower allocated to the system has been surprisingly adequate.

But now that the tensions between the mining companies are escalating, the resources which had always been adequate have become strained to the point of snapping. To address the current tensions, you would estimate another squad and small company of intersystem fighter craft would be needed. If war actually breaks out...

It occurs to you that you could pitch for the larger presence to address the war scenario, and then maybe use the "five soldiers/one fighter" as a fall back or middle ground compromise position. Ho-Shu would end up with what she actually needed.

That is assuming the war doesn't break out...

Rokzi arrives home when you are sleeping. He leaves you a note asking if he can debrief on the way to the lunch as he's exhausted. When you see him shortly before you are both to board the shuttle over, you can see some dark circles under his eyes.

Rokzi did clean up and is wearing his dress grays. You both get on the shuttle and, making sure no one can overhear you, he begins his report.

"Things are all kinds a' messed up down there. And, speaking frankly, the naval troops they got here aren't really the ones I would pick to handle it by themselves.

"So we had two incidents just yesterday. One was a claim jumping. One of the ESC mining drones landed on one a' DriveCore's holdings and starts drilling. ESC claimed it was a problem with the nav program in the drone. But apparently that's a kinda common thing. Drones landing on the wrong claim an' drillin' all of a sudden. Happens on both sides and both sides blame the tech. But it kinda seemed to me that both sides know when they said it is was a bullshit excuse. So they think when the other side uses it, it's a bullshit excuse.

"There's other kinds of claim jumping going on apparently. The drone stuff is just the most common.

"The other incident got a bit bloody. One of ESC's supply convoys got raided. DriveCore claims it was probably one of the independent mining concerns on the planet. ESC called bullshit on 'em. The raid was pretty precise. They stole parts for mining machines and rations. It was a quick, in an' out job. Seemed kinda professional. I'm thinking it was done by a mercenary crew. Two guys got hurt. One of 'em's in ICU. Not expected to make it."

Pausing here for questions, etc.

Kaya Wilden

player, 266 posts

Wed 9 Nov 2022
at 21:26

msg #533

Kaya Wilden

Kaya didn't say much of anything for maybe a minute after Rokzi was done with his report. “The second incident is definitely not good. Claim jumping is one thing,” which, truth be told, she found utterly silly, “but now injuries and likely a fatality?” She shook her head with a grimace. “This will very likely blow up in short order.” And she had no idea how to stop it. Even if she found the reasons for the whole thing, some wouldn't care and would avenge their ’buddies’.

“But nothing we can do right now. About those drones getting lost though… Do you think it could have been a third party hacking the drone to trigger it all? At least in the beginning? Get them riled up, then at some point they'll start doing it themselves and you can just disappear.” The young lieutenant tapped her lips. “At least if I needed to do get those two corps to butt head it might be something I'd look at.” Assuming she had the knowledge about it anyway.

And the best about it, which made it the worst as far as she was concerned, was that by the time it took a life of its own any proof would have been long erased.

Editor-in-Chief

GM, 2279 posts

Thu 10 Nov 2022
at 22:23

msg #534

Kaya Wilden

In reply to Kaya Wilden (msg # 533):

Rokzi grins. "You read my mind. I was wonderin' about a third party hack myself.

"Only way to tell though is to get our hands on one of the drones. Or find someway to get the records from the corporate office on 'em." He scratches his nose. "The drone got seized as evidence. An' should be at the Police Station. Jus' sayin'."

Kaya Wilden

player, 267 posts

Fri 11 Nov 2022
at 15:46

msg #535

Kaya Wilden

“Alright, for the drone, see if you can steer the Police into asking us to lend a couple of independent experts to have a look at it.” Kaya suggested. “It'd be a bit sloppy if they were still doing it - assuming that’s what’s happening - but maybe they feel like they really have to keep the pressure and we don’t lose anything by having Aarav and Peri have a look.”

“Records from the corporate offices will be harder to get to.” Kaya scowled, “I guess we’ll have to have a look at Rei’s idea.” Which really didn't seem to please Kaya at all.

“But if it’s really what's happening,” Kaya warned, “we’ll have to fly under the radar. And since we don’t know if that third party is Sun-Tze or the Baron, it makes things a bit more difficult.” Oh, she would bet on the Baron, but at that point it was more prejudice than anything: the speech Peri had found was hardly conclusive after all. “We’ll have to play it close to the vest for now.”

Editor-in-Chief

GM, 2282 posts

Sun 13 Nov 2022
at 03:53

msg #536

Kaya Wilden

In reply to Kaya Wilden (msg # 535):

Rokzi nods. "I'll call the cops when we get back and get that ball rollin'. You want me to see if we got other alternatives ta Rei's plan?"

The interior lights of the shuttle flicker. The captain turns on the Now Docking sign. The steward comes by to make sure your seats are in an upright position. He wishes you a buh-bye as you disembark.

The entry hall to the Baron's manor is impressive. Suits of armor, from old Earth metal plate mail to a decommissioned X-19 Reaver-class exoskeleton line the walls. Holos of the Baron's predecessors flicker against the ceiling.

A woman in the livery of the Baron's private army greets you. "Are you Commander Wilden? I'm Usco Pollokov. One of the Baron's assistants. Please come this way."

You stop at a check point. Guards scan the two of you and take any weapons you may have. "Just a precaution. I'm sure you can understand. Your gear will be returned to you after your meeting."

She then shows you to an atrium. It's built onto the side of the satellite and provides a rather beautiful view of CherVlaz, the terraformed planet of the system.

In the middle of the atrium is a small table set with a light lunch. Standing by it is the Baron. He's just like the video you've seen. Tall and broad. Athletic. Obviously a soldier by the way he stands. Mildly handsome, though not apparently the type to worry about something like that.

He nods at the two of you come closer. "Greetings. I am Baron Kuchovich. Please call me Andre. Please sit." He gestures at the table. "My schedule is rather tight. So if it's all the same to you, I'd like to skip the formalities. How can I help you?"

Kaya Wilden

player, 268 posts

Sun 13 Nov 2022
at 23:45

msg #537

Kaya Wilden

“I certainly wouldn't mind having to walk around the station in whatever clothes Rei envisions.” Kaya replied tartly.

With a nod, the young lieutenant followed the assistant to the atrium, a bit surprised this was to be the place of the lunch. Nobles... As said noble asked her to be direct, she nodded. “I'm Lieutenant Kaya Wilden, and this is Sergent Rokzi Polovich. As for going straight to the matter at hand, that's fine by me.”

Not like she enjoyed small-talk after all. Especially what nobles thought wazs small-talk. She sat, then explained the reason of their presence. “We are here to talk about a resizing of the Fleet's dockyards. It's...” she shook her head, “dreadfully undersized as it is.”

For now, she stopped there, leaving him the opportunity to comment on this. It might help her formulate her arguments, but more than that she didn't want to come out too strong.

Editor-in-Chief

GM, 2288 posts

Mon 14 Nov 2022
at 02:34

msg #538

Kaya Wilden

In reply to Kaya Wilden (msg # 537):

He keeps a neutral face as he passes you the bread basket. It's real bread. Or at least you think it's real.

"Ah. This again. Captain Ho-Shu has brought it up before. I'll tell you the same thing I told her.

"I'm willing to let the past be the past. And I'm willing to lease more territory to the Navy, who can build upon it as they like. But I am not willing to allow the Navy to have a say in how I run my territory. Particularly how I rule on CharVlaz or Morkyy."

Rokzi glances at you. He doesn't understand what the Baron is talking about either.

Andrev continues, either missing or ignoring the look Rokzi shot you. He insted starts to cut up his meat. "If the Navy is willing to make some guarantees regarding my independence, we can come to some kind of accord. If not..."

He shrugs.

"This dish is a local specialty. Meat in a light cream sauce over noodles. Please enjoy."

Kaya Wilden

player, 269 posts

Mon 14 Nov 2022
at 23:35

msg #539

Kaya Wilden

One thing that almost made all those weird missions worth doing was the real food Kaya got to eat. Sometahing she had never been able to do before...and something she feared getting accustomed to. But of course, that came with having to do some less than enjoyable things.

Like discovering that she was missing some apparently important information while trying to negotiate something she was ill formed to to do. “I'm sorry, I must be missing some context here.”

“I haven't been informed Fleet wanted to have a say in local matters. Beyond their normal tasks that is.” But maybe that was the point? Some other faction wanted to be involved, O'Bannon wanted to buff up the shipyard without any commitment on that, effectively preventing that other faction from reaching its goal?

But maybe she was getting paranoid.

“What kind of guarantees are you looking for?” She asked after a moment, almost as much to give herself some time to eat as because the question was an important one.

Editor-in-Chief

GM, 2294 posts

Tue 15 Nov 2022
at 02:44

msg #540

Kaya Wilden

In reply to Kaya Wilden (msg # 539):

The Baron smirks and chuckles. "Sorry. Not trying to be ugly. But it's just like Naval command to send someone out to talk to me without giving them all the details."

He gestures with his hand and servants start to clear the empty plates. One offers you coffee...real coffee...and some kind of soft looking desert.

"I want a clear division between what I handle and what the Navy handles. Internal matters are mine. That includes citizen complaints, cargo ship escort, and the like. More than willing to let the Navy deal with out of system issues like pirate raids. Though of course, I will fire on any pirates that come near my people or my tankers."

He nods at the tart. "You ever had bananas? This is banana pudding. You'll love it."

He picks up his coffee mug. "Captain Ho-Shu keeps telling me the Navy should be responsible for escort of my water tankers. And that the Navy should assume police duties on my settled world. I disagree."

Kaya Wilden

player, 270 posts

Tue 15 Nov 2022
at 22:45

msg #541

Kaya Wilden

Kaya shrugged with a wry smile. “I suppose I'll get used to it.”

“Can't say that I have no.” She then answered about bananas. She spent a moment to think about all that, then shrugged fatalistically. “I'm afraid I will have to contact my hierarchy before I can say much more on the subject.”

“If nothing else,” she added with a grimace, “because any agreement we'd come to would need to be ratified by my superiors, and if it'd be something they wouldn't agree to it'd just be a loss of time for everyone involved.” And, more importantly... it gave her time to look at her real mission while she 'waited for instructions'.

Editor-in-Chief

GM, 2300 posts

Wed 16 Nov 2022
at 23:01

msg #542

Kaya Wilden

In reply to Kaya Wilden (msg # 541):

The Baron nods. "Thanks for not trying to talk me into something then. You wouldn't be able to. And the loss of my time would just get me upset.

"Come talk to me again when you've heard from your superiors then. Unless there was somethign else you needed to talk to me about?"

Kaya Wilden

player, 271 posts

Thu 17 Nov 2022
at 18:37

msg #543

Kaya Wilden

“Anything else would have hardly been productive.” Kaya shrugged, obviously not thinking much of it. If nothing else, she wouldn’t have had the arguments to convince him, even if she had wanted to.

“I will contact you again as soon as I know more.” She readily agreed then, then smiled wryly, “I hope you won’t take it out on me if I end up trying to convince you to let the Fleet do its thing.” Not wanting to talk too much about that, she asked, “As far as anything else, I’ve heard there’s some troubles between two local corporations? Is it something I should worry about?”

Editor-in-Chief

GM, 2309 posts

Fri 18 Nov 2022
at 04:08

msg #544

Kaya Wilden

In reply to Kaya Wilden (msg # 543):

The Baron smiles back wryly. "We all have jobs to do. Whether we think there's a point in them or not."

The smile falls off when you ask about the corporate tensions. "It's a headache and the answer is...I don't know. Since I've already told Captain Ho-Shu, I'll tell you. I've mobilized my troops. If hostilities break out, I'm not going to let it affect my people or my trade. If they want to kill each other on that side of the star, let 'em."

He has an odd look when he says this. Like he's curious to see how you'll react.

Kaya Wilden

player, 272 posts

Sat 19 Nov 2022
at 00:04

msg #545

Kaya Wilden

Kaya didn’t seem particularly concerned. “Not only I’m a simple Lieutenant, but I hardly know everything there is to know about the current situation so I’m not really fit to have an opinion on the subject, am I?”

Kaya shook her head, not waiting for an answer, “But if there’s something we can do to help prevent things from going too far, don’t hesitate to tell me and I’ll see what I can do while I’m waiting for Fleet’s 'clarifications'.” While it wouldn’t do to tell him she was going to look into it, it was another thing to leave the initiative to him. If, and what, he requested would tell her a lot.

Hopefully anyway. She gave him a chance to say something on the subject, before nodding. “So if you don’t mind, I’ll go contact my superiors to clarify their instructions.”

Editor-in-Chief

GM, 2314 posts

Sun 20 Nov 2022
at 04:40

msg #546

Kaya Wilden

In reply to Kaya Wilden (msg # 545):

He says nothing for a moment, then shrugs, standing up with you. "I'll wait to hear back from you then. Good day Lieutenant."

Rokzi waits until you're back in the shuttle. "So whaddya think Boss?"

Kaya Wilden

player, 273 posts

Sun 20 Nov 2022
at 23:47

msg #547

Kaya Wilden

“Besides the fact that we're apparently once again in the middle of some Fleet politics?” Kaya shook her head. “His answers seem to be the right ones. Concerns for the safety of his subjects and all that. But wouldn't he take pre-emptive steps to ensure the situation doesn't worsen if he really wanted to protect them?”

“I'm not going to say he doesn't care at all,” Even though he would hardly be the first one, “But I don't think he intends to step in before things have blown up. The why remains to be seen.”

“If, or when, he comes to us for help on this will tell us quite a bit, but... Let's see what we can find by ourselves while I wait for 'updated' orders.” Which she wasn't sure she wanted, but she hadn't exactly join the fleet to get what she wanted had she? “Did you get anything else?”

Editor-in-Chief

GM, 2317 posts

Mon 21 Nov 2022
at 00:38

msg #548

Kaya Wilden

In reply to Kaya Wilden (msg # 547):

Rokzi frowns. "Not much more than you really. I am really curious why he hasn't done anything up till now."

He seems thoughtful a moment. "So now I guess we gotta figure out what to do now. You wanted me to keep pushin' on the cops, right? Or you want me to do somethin' else now?"

Kaya Wilden

player, 274 posts

Mon 21 Nov 2022
at 19:44

msg #549

Kaya Wilden

“Hmm.” Kaya didn’t sound too convinced. “I think we need to focus on those drones for now. So I guess, yes. The sooner you can 'convince' the local cops to request our help on the matter, the sooner Aarav and Peri can get their hands on it.”

“In the meantime,” she really grimaced there, “I’ll work with Rei to see if we can come up with a reasonable plan to get some information from the corps’s executives.”

Editor-in-Chief

GM, 2320 posts

Tue 22 Nov 2022
at 00:26

msg #550

Kaya Wilden

In reply to Kaya Wilden (msg # 549):

"On it."

You find the rest of your crew eating a communal meal. Not something they've been prone to do. Aarav cooked apparently. Mushrooms and squash curry.

Rei washes dishes afterwards. "So how do you want to try to go about this?"

Kaya Wilden

player, 275 posts

Fri 25 Nov 2022
at 19:25

msg #551

Kaya Wilden

“I don’t?” Kaya rubbed the side of her neck tiredly, “The only outfit I’m comfortable in, is the uniform. I’m more likely to glare at anyone looking for too long, and smash someone’s privates if he even considered doing more than that.”

She looked up for a second, then sighed, long and hard. “So even before we consider the other risks, I’m not even sure we could come up with a plan that would work…” The young lieutenant looked at Rei, waiting to see if she had anything to say to that.

Editor-in-Chief

GM, 2328 posts

Sun 27 Nov 2022
at 04:53

msg #552

Kaya Wilden

In reply to Kaya Wilden (msg # 551):

Rei considers. "Well. Could Peri and I do it? I mean...Peri is kinda butch. But she might be able to pull it off a little easier.

"Or maybe we could try a different tactic. What exactly do we need to do here? Get info from the corporate office?"

Kaya Wilden

player, 276 posts

Sun 27 Nov 2022
at 20:42

msg #553

Kaya Wilden

“At the moment,” Kaya answered, “we are...suspecting...that an...unidentified...third party is poking the two corps into a war by hacking their drones to 'accidentally' get turned around and land in the other's lands.”

“Note that we don't have anything to back that but it feels right to Rokzi and me.” She paused, tapping her lips pensively for a moment, before shaking her head. “Even if that's the case, it's likely that someone has been paid in both corps to incite things. Probably not too high in the hierarchy, someone who's disgruntled for one reason or another. Didn't get a promotion, wants to stick it to a stupid boss, things like that.”

“So,” she continued after a longer pause, “what we'd need is to find something that could point us in the right direction. People who could have done just that.”

Editor-in-Chief

GM, 2333 posts

Mon 28 Nov 2022
at 03:21

msg #554

Kaya Wilden

In reply to Kaya Wilden (msg # 553):

The others are quiet a bit.

Rei taps a finger against the table top. "If we can find internal incident reports from both corps on some of the incidents, we can cross reference the names involved maybe."

Peri considers. "I can try to hack into the corporate databases. But from what I saw, the security is real tight. I can either try to ram through the security barriers, grab what I can, and get out before they put a tracker on us. Or we can try to tap into a connectivity node. That'd be a lot safer. But I imagine we'd have to sneak into their corporate offices to do it."

Aarav cocks his head to one side. "On an unrelated note, I'd like to take a look at those drones. Do we have access to them yet?"

Kaya Wilden

player, 277 posts

Tue 29 Nov 2022
at 23:43

msg #555

Kaya Wilden

“Rokzi is working on that as we speak. Hopefully he'll convince the local police to ask for our expertise on the subject. Much better for them to ask than for us to offer.”

Turning to Peri she added, “Let's try to stay discreet for now. It'll keep our options open for one, and I'd rather not have anyone guarded against us just yet. I assume we'd need to do it twice, once for each corp?” That was asking for trouble, but well...

“Would there be one of those connectivity node outside of their HQ in the station? A local office or something?” She glanced at Rei, “I may consider an infiltration here for one of the two corps, but doing it twice... I don't want anyone to add two and two and get to right answer. Best muck things up as much as we can.”

Editor-in-Chief

GM, 2338 posts

Wed 30 Nov 2022
at 03:56

msg #556

Kaya Wilden

In reply to Kaya Wilden (msg # 555):

Peri considers. "I didn't think about an outside office. Hmmm."

She turns and starts working on her console. After a few minutes, she turns back.

"I think I can give us one better. Both corps have offices planet side. Both below on Zhestkiy and one on the populated planet, CherVlaz. We could hit one corp on Zhestkiy and one on CherVlaz. Less chance of them tying it back to us."

Kaya Wilden

player, 278 posts

Wed 30 Nov 2022
at 18:17

msg #557

Kaya Wilden

Kaya nodded. “Sounds good.” She considered the information for a second or two, then continued, “We could go stealthy on Zhestkiy and more...well, 'social engineering' on CherVlaz.” Even though that didn't seem to please her too much. “the timing may draw some suspicion, but if we use two different means it may throw them off.”

“Peri, would you need to be on site for this, or can we plug a relay or something?”

Editor-in-Chief

GM, 2345 posts

Fri 2 Dec 2022
at 01:30

msg #558

Kaya Wilden

In reply to Kaya Wilden (msg # 557):

Peri ponders that question as well, then finally shakes her head.

"No. I think it would be better to run it as a relay. If we want to pull as much intel as we can, quick as we can, the processing speed of the ship's onboard will be a lot better than a hand held computer at the scene."

She meets your eyes. "But do I need to be the one running the computer here? I'd like to do the field work on at least one of the locations."

Kaya Wilden

player, 279 posts

Sat 3 Dec 2022
at 02:40

msg #559

Kaya Wilden

“I don't have a problem with that, in principle.” Kaya answered Peri with a shrug, “but this is Rokzi's domain of expertise. He will have to be the one you need to convince.”

“For now, let's see what we can find on both locations. Then we'll come up with a tentative plan for both. So. What do we know about both locations?”

Editor-in-Chief

GM, 2350 posts

Sun 4 Dec 2022
at 06:07

msg #560

Kaya Wilden

In reply to Kaya Wilden (msg # 559):

You and Peri move through data feeds.

Both corps have offices on the two locations. You really have four choices, not two. Each corporation has an office on the two locations: planet side near their mine and on the homeworld of CherVlaz

I'm going to give you the information for each "world" in seperate posts so as to lessen confusion and allow for questions.

First, let's deal with the planet side mining offices...

ESC has it's planet side office on Nervnyy. It seems to serve as a focal point for the miners planet side, acting as both a company store and a trading post to purchase ore and materials the miners collect. It's a large compound type operation, with about seventeen seperate buildings including a canteen, exchange, a bunker and field hospital, and a command post. It looks well manned.

DriveCorp seems to take the opposite approach. It's main planet side office is on Zhestkiy. A smaller affair, it seems to serve mostly as an admin for the corporation's planet side space port. There's a building to handle the traffic control and a building to handle audits on shipments coming in to the port and out of the port. Other than the port itself, which is more or less a couple of landing fields, that's it.

Both offices are connected to the main corporate computer from what you can tell.

Kaya Wilden

player, 280 posts

Sun 4 Dec 2022
at 22:13

msg #561

Kaya Wilden

“It sounds to me that the ESC’s planet-side offices would be the easiest to hit. It would be easier to disappear in the crowd, maybe by pretending to be mercenaries or something.” Kaya commented, “On the other hand, if we manage to go to the DriveCorp’s one without raising any red flag, there’s likely to be less security.”

“Could we, I don’t know, pretend to be an audit team or something like that?” She asked Peri, “Or would you need access to the computers first to add our authorizations for that?”

Editor-in-Chief

GM, 2354 posts

Mon 5 Dec 2022
at 03:55

msg #562

Kaya Wilden

In reply to Kaya Wilden (msg # 561):

Peri shrugs. "That's kind a' more a Rokzi question. I guess we can fake some IDs. But I'm not really sure how good a job I can do. I didn't do so hot in the espionage courses at the Academy."

The CherVlaz offices for both corps are located a block from each other. They're both in office complexes, ESC on the third floor and DriveCorp on the fifteenth. Both seem to serve identical functions: personnel. It's where they recruit miners, handle payroll, all the usual.

The only real difference in the offices are the sizes. ESC's office occupies half the floor it's on. DriveCorp takes the entire floor and it seems part of the floor above it.

Kaya Wilden

player, 281 posts

Sat 10 Dec 2022
at 21:25

msg #563

Kaya Wilden

Kaya nodded. “For now, let's assume we're going to go to ESC's side office on Nervnyy and for DriverCorp we'll do it on Chervaz.” Kaya looked at Peri, “Try to find whatever information you can on those two places, I'll com' Rokzi to see where he's at with the local and ask him to come for a chat when he can.”

“In the meantime, Arrav, try to look at the drones both corps are using for their claims. Hopefully that should give you an idea of how they might have been hacked.” Assuming it was what was happening of course...

Editor-in-Chief

GM, 2366 posts

Sun 11 Dec 2022
at 00:48

msg #564

Kaya Wilden

In reply to Kaya Wilden (msg # 563):

Rokzi buzzes back. It's kinda weird. The cops want us to get involved. But they're acting like they can't allow us to get involved. They're real strict about it. I think we're going to have to proceed without their tacit knowledge, if that makes sense.

On the way back

Peri shoots you a Welcome to Nervnyy holo. It looks like some kind of brochure ESC puts out so new miners can find their way around the Nervnyy compoud.

There seem to be two points in the Nervnyy compound that might be good access points. One is at the trading post. There's a node there where the post uploads it's transaction records to the corporate office. The issue is it's in the middle of the trading floor. A wide open space where all the miners bring their ore to sell.

The other option is the compound command post. It's in a smaller building set off in the back of the compound. But it screams High Security.

Let's get back to Chervaz when it's time to head there if you don't mind.

Aarav heads to the station to look at the drones.

Will let you prep and talk to Rokzi/ask questions. Thanks

Kaya Wilden

player, 282 posts

Sun 11 Dec 2022
at 21:53

msg #565

Kaya Wilden

“Alright,” Kaya answered Rokzi, “Aarav is looking into the drones. Maybe he'll find a way to get what we need remotely by piggybacking or something. We'll reassess when he knows more.”

When the sergeant came back, Kaya gave him some time to get a shower and a meal, then summed-up their conclusions and open questions. Once Peri was done presenting what she had learned of the ESC compound, Kaya nodded. “Sounds like the command post would be way too risky.” She tapped her lips pensively for a couple of seconds before asking, “How close would miners typically get to the node in the trading hall? Maybe not to register a trade, but to renew a licence or other administrative task?”

Editor-in-Chief

GM, 2370 posts

Mon 12 Dec 2022
at 02:02

msg #566

Kaya Wilden

In reply to Kaya Wilden (msg # 565):

Peri checks through some screens. "It seems like the trading hall is just used for that...trading. Any registry or license issues have to be handled at the command post.

"Hold on...." She opens up a vid holo. It's the trading floor in full business mode. It's packed with traders and miners, each standing near tables and arguing or discussing trades.

"This is on kind of a promotional video. This is what it looks like during normal business hours. The hall shuts down for a six hour window to allow for janitorial crews to come in. That window may be our best bet."

"Sorry. I disagree." Rokzi shakes his head and points at the paused vid. "That moment...when it's in full swing...that's our best bet. Everyone's gonna be paying too much attention to what they got goin' on. No one will be paying mind to that central terminal. And if there are cameras watching everything...and I'm sure there are gonna be cameras watchin' everything...their security will have a lot more to pay attention to than if that hall is empty."

Peri cocks an eyebrow. "Okay. But that also means the hall will be full of witnesses and security personnel when it's open for trade."

Rokzi shrugs. "You're assuming they won't be there when it's just the janitorial crew. And even in the off hours, you'll have witnesses. The janitorial crew. And they'll be much more likely to spot us if the room is packed. Hiding in a crowd is the best kinda hiding."

"But there's going to be operators near the terminal during business hours..."

"And what if they shut the terminal off during the cleaning crew? Or that's when they do the upload to corporate HQ?"

"We don't know that's when they do it."

"We don't know that's when they don't either. I'm tellin' ya. During normal business hours may sound counter-intuitive. But it's our best bet."

Peri crosses her arms. "Sometimes counter-intuitive means "too dangerous". I say we go during the downtime."

They both look at you for a decision.

Kaya Wilden

player, 283 posts

Mon 12 Dec 2022
at 20:55

msg #567

Kaya Wilden

“Hmm.” Kaya took a second to think about it, then shrugged, “Well, it's Rokzi's domain, so it'd be stupid to not listen to his opinion.”

“Plus,” she added after a second, “it would likely be easier to have you both pretend to be miners than janitors who likely know each others anyway.”

Editor-in-Chief

GM, 2374 posts

Wed 14 Dec 2022
at 03:04

msg #568

Kaya Wilden

In reply to Kaya Wilden (msg # 567):

Rokzi throws a shit eatting grin at Peri, who just rolls her eyes. "Okay. We go for that. So what's the play then? Me and him are miners?"

Rokzi pulls up the vid of the trading hall. He points at the terminal. "How long will it take you to slap the patch on and download?"

Peri considers. "Part of that's gonna depend on the traffic. But I'd say I'd need at least two minutes. Long as ten."

Rokzi nods. He looks at you. "My suggestion is me an' Peri get up close. I'll run interference and watch her back. You," he points to a spot near the front door. "Will be our back up. You need to keep a line a' sight on me. If you see me signal, you'll trigger some kind of distraction. Doesn't have to be anything fancy. Just something that will make everyone in the hall look over. I can handle the extraction from there. But hopefully we won't need that. Sound okay?"

Peri frowns a little. "Someone's gotta be here to run the computer download."

Rei holds up a hand. "I can do that at least."

Kaya Wilden

player, 284 posts

Fri 16 Dec 2022
at 22:33

msg #569

Kaya Wilden

“Well...” Kaya looked at Rei, “I'll have to remind you that I can't force you to do it, that nothing will happen to you should you decide not to participate... Yada, yada.” Lower she mumbled with a frown, “_{Might need to have you sign a waiver or something in fact...}”

She then turned to Rokzi. “Because,” she grimaced, “There's one little problem with your plan: both Peri and I cannot be away from the ship at the same time. Regulations: a ship on active duty should always be ready to maneuver at a moment's notice, which can only happen with a pilot on board. Technically, a ship's captain is never supposed to be away from her ship but considering our...situation...there's some leeway in that. Anyway, that means if Peri handles the download and you run interference, if you want a distraction of some sort it'll be up to either Aarav or Rei.”

“And since Aarav is a bit busy at the moment...” Kaya turned to Rei once more. “Assuming you'd be fine with this, otherwise Aarav will just have to manage.”

Editor-in-Chief

GM, 2381 posts

Sat 17 Dec 2022
at 03:59

msg #570

Kaya Wilden

In reply to Kaya Wilden (msg # 569):

Rei perks up. "Consider it done."

Peri frowns but says nothing. Rokzi just shrugs. "Works for me. I'll get prepped."

Aarav pings you an hour later.

"I've looked over these drones. They were altered yes. But not hacked. Someone did it manually. Switched out the circuit board on both of them with a board that contained the programming. I can tell cos the registry codes on both boards show they were made within a day of each other at the same factory. These drones are two different makes from two different manufacturers, neither of which is local to this system."

So for the caper, as an option, did you want to try roleplaying Rei for the operation? Just to vary things up a bit.

Kaya Wilden

player, 285 posts

Sat 17 Dec 2022
at 21:59

msg #571

Kaya Wilden

Hmm, sure, I suppose we can do that.

“Manually?” That was clearly not an answer Kaya had been expecting. “That... Uh, well, alright. So, I guess we'll have to find two things: people who have direct access to the drones in both corporations, and where the boards are coming from.”

She grimaced slightly, “Is it out of system?”

Editor-in-Chief

GM, 2383 posts

Sun 18 Dec 2022
at 04:39

msg #572

Kaya Wilden

In reply to Kaya Wilden (msg # 571):

"Just the drones are made out of system. The boards are made locally. From what I can gather it's a small shop on CherVlaz. I'll hunt down the address.

"As far as who had access to them in each corp...you'd have to get that from their internal records."

"Which we'll get when we download everything. Not a problem." Peri adds.

Rokzi comes back. "Alright. We got two options for a distraction.

"First, we can fill a cart with low grade ore...we can just pick some up on the cheap. I'll rig a speaker at the bottom of the ore. If Rei tips the cart over, it'll trigger the speaker and it'll make a much louder sound then it should. Rei, you'd have ta make a big production outta getting it all cleaned up. But the speaker should pass security checks. And it'll give you something to work with.

"Other distraction option I can come up with is a small explosive charge. This one's riskier, but it'll have more of an impact. I can mix up the charge into two components. Rei, you'll need to plant both of them at one location without anyone seeing you. You then walk away and wait for me to signal. If I don't signal, you just walk outta there. No harm done. If I do signal, you use a remote trigger to set off the charge. It won't be big enough to cause any injury. But security will definitely make that a priority. The miners should stampede for the door. That'll cause a log jam. We mill into the crowd and get out with everyone else.

"Whaddya think?"

Kaya Wilden

player, 286 posts

Wed 28 Dec 2022
at 21:16

msg #573

Kaya Wilden

“Alright.” Kaya nodded to Aarav. “Definitely something to look into. Especially when this one was bought: if it was recent enough, we might be able to mess with some of the boards to track them or something.”

“I’m…not enthused by the second idea. If nothing else because leaving the building doesn’t mean being out: you’d still be on another planet, with plenty of possibilities for security to find you. Or even to request an identity check which you wouldn’t really be able to pass.”

But… “But,” she turned towards Rei, “do you think you could manage the first one? Maybe make the cart fall and shove someone else to the ground and either make it look like you’re sure he’s hurt or that it was his fault - which would work best if you find an obnoxious guy - and cry that you’re going to get fired because you’re so clumsy and whatnot.”

Kaya grinned wryly, “Or anything else you can think of?”

Editor-in-Chief

GM, 2389 posts

Thu 29 Dec 2022
at 03:11

msg #574

Kaya Wilden

In reply to Kaya Wilden (msg # 573):

Rei nods, slowly but firmly. "I'll make it work."

Rokzi nods back at her then looks over at Peri. "Alright. I'll get the cart rigged up. Peri, you get your viruses ready. Once we get to the computer, you'll give me the signal you're starting. From there, I'll keep an eye out. If I see something that looks like trouble...Rei? I'll give you a signal. And you swing into it with your cart.

"If I don't signal ya, everything's hunky dory and you clear out when you see us clear out.

"Sound good?"

Unless Kaya has anything she wants to say, we can switch you to Rei for this next bit.

You may roleplay Rei however you wish. She is a young doctor. Average in competence. Definitely not combat trained, but that doesn't mean she's a pushover. She is diabetic, but that shouldn't come into play here. I pictured her as more of a girly type. But whether she really is a girly girl or not, she's definitely more feminine than Kaya and Peri. Just sayin'.

This bit shouldn't take too long. Because how could things go wrong here? Right? It's all going to go just swell.

Kaya Wilden

player, 287 posts

Tue 10 Jan 2023
at 01:44

msg #575

Kaya Wilden

All will go according to plan? That's awesome, already love it.
And Kaya has nothing more to say, we're good to go.

Editor-in-Chief

GM, 2410 posts

Tue 10 Jan 2023
at 02:26

msg #576

Kaya Wilden

In reply to Kaya Wilden (msg # 575):

Rei, Rokzi sets you up with the "cart". A hover-mover with a push bar. It's stacked with bits of ore he picked up from somewhere.

"You just hit this switch here," he indicates a switch under the push bar, "And the cart will dump over. The speakers will amplify the sound. So all eyes will be on you. Try to act like you're embarassed. Or angry. Just something showy.

"Only word of warning: the speaker's gonna be obvious if someone looks inside the empty bin. So make sure you get some of the ore shoveled back inside before anyone shows up."

He points at a shovel stuck to the side of the cart.

"If you see me throw my hands up like this," Rokzi does so in a 'whaddya mean" kind of gesture. Large movements. Showy. "That's your cue.

"But if you see us in some kinda trouble...like I can't hold up my hands, I'd say go ahead an' do it. Use your best judgement.

"Capice?"

Questions?

Kaya Wilden

player, 288 posts

Sun 15 Jan 2023
at 21:28

msg #577

Kaya Wilden

Rei nodded seriously, checking out the switch to make sure she would be able to get to it without having to look for it. She was feeling a bit jittery but trying not to show it too much.

“Understood.” She noticed once more. “What should we do if we get separated?”

Editor-in-Chief

GM, 2419 posts

Mon 16 Jan 2023
at 02:52

msg #578

Kaya Wilden

In reply to Kaya Wilden (msg # 577):

Rokzi nods. "Your priorities are one, dump that cart if I signal and two, get back to the ship. Don't worry about me an' Peri. You get back to the ship.

"If you do get into any trouble, don't fight 'em. Just go with 'em. Here's some fake documents. Look 'em over, but they're in your name. The only difference is that they say you've been a free lance prospector two systems over. And you just came here a month ago. And you've been working on the smaller a' Nervnyy's moon. That's why you're taking a shuttle to bring ore down.

"If they dig too deep, the story won't hold up. But it should buy us enough time. If you do get pinched, sit tight. Say as little as possible. Deny everything. We'll come get you.

"Understood?"

If there's no other questions, let's procceed

The three of you leave Gryffin and head for the surface in a shuttle. Rokzi goes over the map with you one more time, but you feel pretty confident you got the lay of the land. It's a pretty straightforward layout. The landing field where shuttles land every hour is next to the commissary and trading hall. The company apparently doesn't want miners wandering all over the base, so it's easy to get from one to the other and back again.

You see Rokzi and Peri head towards the hall. Rokzi doesn't glance your way. You see Peri shoot you a look out of the corner of her eye, but she moves ahead quickly.

Per the plan, you should follow and be in position within the next half hour.

Questions?

Kaya Wilden

player, 289 posts

Sun 22 Jan 2023
at 22:42

msg #579

Kaya Wilden

No other questions!

“I can do that.” Rei assured the sergeant: how hard would it be to keep her mouth shut after all? Still... Best not mess up and have to see for herself, right?

Which meant finding a way to occupy herself for the next, hmm, twenty minutes or so before she had to follow in the hall. Without unnecessarily draw attention to herself. But...

Rei looked around for a second or two. Maybe she ought to be able to do two things at once? So instead of trying to be stealthy, she leaned against the cart, looking bored, with her comlink in hand. From time to time she looked around as if waiting for someone, grumbled and looked back at her device.

Hopefully everyone would assume she was just waiting for someone - and getting annoyed they were getting late - and wouldn't question her. And should someone try to come to her 'help'... Well... Maybe they'd be the one to cause the cart to dump its load on the ground?

Editor-in-Chief

GM, 2438 posts

Tue 24 Jan 2023
at 03:45

msg #580

Kaya Wilden

In reply to Kaya Wilden (msg # 579):

There are a large number of miners who are doing the same. So you do blend in.

Except.

You're the best looking one on the field. Really. Not just your ego tripping here. Compared to most of the folks here, you're hot.

Which means...

"Wellllllll...hey beautiful. Where'd you pull in from?"

A man in dust covered overalls saunters up, pulling a cart of his own behind him. He gives you a big, toothy grin and inches closer.

"What you sellin'? I might know someone's who buying."

14 minutes to go

Kaya Wilden

player, 290 posts

Tue 24 Jan 2023
at 20:35

msg #581

Kaya Wilden

To say that Rei had been counting on exactly that would have been… Oh, alright, she had. But whatever happened to him would be his fault, not hers!

A bit annoyed without having to force it much - who’d ask him to say that to her? - Rei answered “Right now, I’m not selling anything, that’s the problem.” She looked once more at her com’ with a grunt. “As for buying…” She blinked, genuinely unsure of what he was implying. “Over there?” She pointed at the hall.

Editor-in-Chief

GM, 2441 posts

Wed 25 Jan 2023
at 03:20

msg #582

Kaya Wilden

In reply to Kaya Wilden (msg # 581):

He seems to completely misunderstand you.

He follows your finger and scratches his chin.

"Well...there's gonna be a lotta people around. But if you wanna do the transaction in public like...I guess I'd be okay with that."

Kaya Wilden

player, 291 posts

Sun 29 Jan 2023
at 21:57

msg #583

Kaya Wilden

Rei watched the guy for a moment, obviously unsure: clearly, if misunderstanding there was, it wasn't just on one side as she had no idea what he way saying, much less implying. Was she having a stroke or something? She had checked her blood sugar before leaving the ship so it shouldn't be that but...

For now, she shook her head, “This” she pointed at her cart “is what I'm supposed to be selling, over there.” pointing once more at the hall. “But my boss, _{damn him} is more than late. _{Probably passed out drunk under a table somewhere}, and I've never done this so I have to wait.”

She scowled.

Editor-in-Chief

GM, 2448 posts

Mon 30 Jan 2023
at 00:07

msg #584

Kaya Wilden

In reply to Kaya Wilden (msg # 583):

He frowns and scratches his cheek. "Oh. Well then. Never mind.

"If you're hear ta sell, go in that door there."

He points to a large entrance, which you already know prospectors with ore are supposed to use.

"Well. Best a' luck. Uh...ya mind if I ask your name?"

Kaya Wilden

player, 292 posts

Mon 6 Feb 2023
at 23:10

msg #585

Kaya Wilden

Rei was pretty sure she hadn't understood something. Obviously, the miner had expected to buy something from her, which was most definitely not some dumb rocks. Drugs maybe? Well, she didn't have any, so…

“Yes, I know that's the door, but…” she grunted, “I have to wait for my stupid boss. _{Or I will for a bit more anyway.}” she shook her head. “I'm Rei.”

“Hmm… Is there someone I should, uh, talk to? Once inside, I mean?”
This message was last edited by the player at 09:22, Tue 07 Feb 2023.

Editor-in-Chief

GM, 2464 posts

Tue 7 Feb 2023
at 01:29

msg #586

Kaya Wilden

In reply to Kaya Wilden (msg # 585):

He chuckles. "Sides me? Still not ta late to give my your comm line...

"But they'll have someone at the door ta check ya in. You just go where they tell ya."

He gives you a friendly wave and walks off.

I know it's been a bit. You have any questions about Rei, her cover ID, or anything to do with Rokzi's plan (which of course will work out splendidly without any hang ups what so ever) before we continue?

Thanks

Kaya Wilden

player, 293 posts

Tue 7 Feb 2023
at 23:10

msg #587

Kaya Wilden

All's good, I went over it yesterday :)
I might still have missed a few things, but, well…

“Alright,” said Rei. “Thanks.” she added after a while, though she wasn't quite sure what she was thanking him for.

After a few more minutes, her heart rate increasing noticeably, Rei decided that she might as well go in. Hopefully she was going to get a good opportunity to do what was required of her. What she had promised she could do…

Editor-in-Chief

GM, 2469 posts

Wed 8 Feb 2023
at 02:53

msg #588

Kaya Wilden

In reply to Kaya Wilden (msg # 587):

Then here we go...

You push the cart to the entrance. A bored looking asks your name, yawns as you say it, and scans the cart Ident-tag. He waves you through, not once having looked at you.

The hall is already filled. Prospectors mostly. You see guards posted around the perimeter. Most of the guards talk amongst themselves. A few fraternize with the prospectors.

At tables, buyers are finishing setting up their "stalls". The trading day is about to begin.

You can see the central table Rokzi and Peri plan to hit. No sign of them yet.

"Hey. Numb Butt. I said next!"

You're snapped back by a rude voice to your right, shouting at Numb Butt. Whoever that is.

Glancing, you can see one of the buyers whose set up his booth. He's staring at you with a hostile look.

"You gonna just stand there, lookin' pretty? Or you gonna do business?"

It's obvious he's talking to you.

Kaya Wilden

player, 294 posts

Thu 9 Feb 2023
at 23:58

msg #589

Kaya Wilden

Just after she stepped in the building, Rei paused for the moment, both to get her bearings and to try and see if she could spot Rokzi and Peri. Which apparently, displeased one of the buyers for some reason.

Had she needed to go through with the plan there and then, she likely would have gone to him, but as it were, she simply frowned as she considered the man. “I'm here to sell this,” she pointed at her cart, “yes. But I'm not going to sell it to a rude guy like you.”

She sniffed, then made to get away from where she was.

Editor-in-Chief

GM, 2475 posts

Sat 11 Feb 2023
at 03:18

msg #590

Kaya Wilden

In reply to Kaya Wilden (msg # 589):

"Oh. So sorry. Didn't mean to offend your sophistacted pallette missy."

He rolls his eyes then points at the ore in your cart. "That's a mid grade aluminum ore right? Don't bother denying it. I can tell from here. No one else here is gonna give you a halfway decent price. I'm about the only one who's gonna be willing to give you a third a' the way decent price. So stop arguing and get over here."

You spot Rokzi and Peri. They are moving into position.

Kaya Wilden

player, 295 posts

Mon 13 Feb 2023
at 00:07

msg #591

Kaya Wilden

With Peri and Rokzi getting into position, Rei paused, looking like the man’s words made her reconsider. She still sounded doubtful when she pointed out, “Why would no one else give me a decent price?”

She looked to hesitate, glancing towards the entrance, before adding quite unsure, “I was only supposed to bring this here for my boss, he’s the one who’s supposed to be dealing with that…”

Which might sound like blood in the water, but… As long as he paid attention to her and she didn’t rush it to allow her crew-mates to get into position, there were only advantages. It wasn’t like she was really trying to sell anything after all.

Editor-in-Chief

GM, 2483 posts

Mon 13 Feb 2023
at 04:08

msg #592

Kaya Wilden

In reply to Kaya Wilden (msg # 591):

He groans, rolling his eyes like he can't believe you're that stupid.

Rokzi and Peri are talking to someone. A couple of propecters pushing their own cart suddenly get in your line of sight. You can't see Rokzi and Peri.

"Well numb nuts. When's your boss gettin' here?"

Kaya Wilden

player, 296 posts

Sun 19 Feb 2023
at 22:54

msg #593

Kaya Wilden

“If I knew, I wouldn’t be here. Hmpf.” Rei looked around, not particularly please to see - or not see as the case might be - that she had lost track of Peri and Rokzi.

Should she go now? Should she wait a bit? After a bit of hesitation, she decided to go: worst case scenario it would be too soon and they’d abort. Better than too late to achieve anything…

Still, cautious to do it properly, she looked around to find something - or someone - that could explain why her cart suddenly vomited all of its content on the ground.

Editor-in-Chief

GM, 2495 posts

Mon 20 Feb 2023
at 04:15

msg #594

Kaya Wilden

In reply to Kaya Wilden (msg # 593):

Just to make sure...you are turning the cart over right? Not just looking for someone to blame it on before you do?

Thanks

Kaya Wilden

player, 297 posts

Mon 20 Feb 2023
at 22:40

msg #595

Kaya Wilden

Well actually no, Rei does indeed look around to check what she could accused of turning the cart over, especially considering the constraint that she need to prevent anyone form seeing what’s at the bottom of it.

Editor-in-Chief

GM, 2501 posts

Tue 21 Feb 2023
at 02:42

msg #596

Kaya Wilden

In reply to Kaya Wilden (msg # 595):

Okay. So you are NOT turning over the cart right now. Just looking around for someone to accuse of tripping the cart over then?

There seem to be three candidates.

You can rile up that guy who's been busting your chops. If you poke him enough, he'll probably storm over. Or you could just invite him over to inspect the cart. Maybe tell him it's broken or you're too dainty to push it over to him.

There's a group of prospectors pushing through the door behind you. They'll probably pass around you. Just randomly picking a guy and accusing him would probably work as people are too busy in their own conversations to pay you much mind.

Or you can see a couple of techs walking this way. They should pass close by to you. Maybe you'll get a better result if you accuse company personnel of tipping over your precious cart?

Kaya Wilden

player, 298 posts

Fri 24 Feb 2023
at 00:18

msg #597

Kaya Wilden

Indeed, look first, then drop the cart

Briefly, Rei considered her options. The merchant one she ignored pretty quickly: she didn’t want him angry at her even before she turned the cart over after all.

Of the other two options, she assumed that both were relatively equal in terms of actually doing it reasonably well in such a way that she wouldn’t be caught having been the one doing it, but the goal was to draw attention. And considering that she didn’t exactly have friends among the locals, she didn’t want to alienate a group of them. Who knew, they might be well liked and she’d find herself alone with everyone ignoring her cart. Most definitely not the result she was hoping for.

So instead, Rei picked the company technicians: among a rather…rough…crowd such as that one, it ought to give good results, and if she did it right, she might get a lot of prospectors taking that opportunity to…hmm…well, express themselves.

So as the technician approached, she pretended to cave in regarding the buyer’s demands. “Oh, alright.” But as she started pushing the cart in his direction, she discreetly put her foot in front of a back wheel, preventing it from rolling forward. “What the?” she pushed some more, looking baffled.

Then, when the technicians were close, she began to go around the cart to see if there was something in the front blocking her, stumbling on the man, ricocheting on the cart…and turning it over.

Editor-in-Chief

GM, 2503 posts

Fri 24 Feb 2023
at 02:36

msg #598

Kaya Wilden

In reply to Kaya Wilden (msg # 597):

Just because I'm a right royal b, pick a number between 1 and 5

Kaya Wilden

player, 299 posts

Sat 25 Feb 2023
at 00:30

msg #599

Kaya Wilden

Uh… 4?

Editor-in-Chief

GM, 2508 posts

Sat 25 Feb 2023
at 04:01

msg #600

Kaya Wilden

In reply to Kaya Wilden (msg # 599):

BWAH HA HA HA HA!

You put your plan into effect. You fake the stuck wheel with the skill of a stage actress...one of the good ones. Not one of the B-Vid ones. Your sashay around the side of the cart is probably a thing of beauty.

And as the first tech comes into view, you manage the stumble...

And his friend tries to catch you.

"Whoa. You alright?"

But he doesn't quite grab you. In fact, he inadvertantly trips you, and your fake fall becomes a real one.

You stumble back against the cart and

WHOOOOOOOOMMMMMMMMMM

It turns over. Rokzi wasn't kidding about that speaker. It's so loud the clear plastic in the windows overhead vibrates.

You landed on cart, which has turned over onto one side. And your right knee hurts something fierce.

Kaya Wilden

player, 300 posts

Sun 26 Feb 2023
at 21:24

msg #601

Kaya Wilden

On the plus side, Rei’s performance was going to be very convincing and not at all forced. On the most definitely minus side, that hurt like hell! A bit stunned by the way events had unfolded, Rei stayed on top of the cart for a couple of seconds clearly not quite sure where everything was, then grabbed her knee with a whine. Knees were thankfully pretty robust so at least nothing should be broken, but that did nothing as far as alleviating the pain went.

Then, suddenly, Rei shot up, looking panicked “Oh, crap!” Without losing any time, she began to shovel what she could back into the cart, though massaging her knee from time to time with a perfectly genuine wince. “My boss is going to kill me.” She whined, her eyes a bit wet without even glancing at her surroundings. Not that she had anything to fear from a fictional boss obviously, but… She most definitely wasn’t overstating how much that had hurt.

In fact, if it were up to her she would have just stayed lying where she was on top of the cart, but Rokzi had warned her: she had to at least put some of the ore back in the cart to hide the other stuff that was in there that she’d have troubles explaining. The rest, including looking around to assess the situation, could come later.

At least no one would be able to say she hadn’t made as much of a mess as possible…

Editor-in-Chief

GM, 2510 posts

Mon 27 Feb 2023
at 03:19

msg #602

Kaya Wilden

In reply to Kaya Wilden (msg # 601):

I wish you'd tell my knee that knees are strong. It doesn't agree

You begin shoveling ore chunks into the cart. The tech who knocked you over stumbles forward.

"I am so sorry! Are you alright? Your knee okay?"

The other tech sighs and leans over to look at you. "Miss. If you'd like, I can take you to the medic station. My associate here can clean up your cart."

Kaya Wilden

player, 301 posts

Tue 28 Feb 2023
at 22:11

msg #603

Kaya Wilden

It’s not me saying it, it’s Rei!
And it’s not her fault if the Avatar took your bending!

Rei winced, rubbing her knee between two handfuls of ore. “I think so.” At least she would be as soon as she’d be relatively sure the speaker was hidden from view once more. And once she’d have made sure her knee was really fine. Preferably under a layer or two of fresh ice too.

“Don’t worry about it. Once all this is back where it belongs. I’d rather not give my boss any reason to fire me…” She cringed a bit, then shook her head. While doing so, she took the opportunity to look for Peri and Rokzi. Because she realized just then that she had forgotten to ask another question: what was she supposed to be doing with the cart now?
This message was last edited by the GM at 03:31, Wed 01 Mar 2023.

Editor-in-Chief

GM, 2514 posts

Wed 1 Mar 2023
at 03:36

msg #604

Kaya Wilden

In reply to Kaya Wilden (msg # 603):

May a flying Appa fall on your head.

And I was wondering what you were going to do with the cart. Looking forward to your answer.

The second tech studies your leg and then kneels down. "Let me take a look at it at least. What if it damaged your suit? Better you find out about a tear in your lining here then when you try to go airborne in your ship..."

He's referring to your uniform which doubles as a radiation suit

He points at your calf. "Yeah. See? Looks like you got a tear right there. C'mon. I'll take you to the Quartermaster and see if we can get you some new pants. It's the least we can do."

Kaya Wilden

player, 302 posts

Sun 5 Mar 2023
at 21:51

msg #605

Kaya Wilden

“Uh…” Rei glanced at her calf, but she still didn’t look too convinced. Oh, it was certainly important, but…still…

She glanced at her cart. At least the speaker should be hidden by then, but she didn’t really want to leave it where it was for anyone to find. “Alright I guess, but…” she pointed at her cart, “I’ll have to bring that with me, I can’t leave it alone, my boss would kill me.”

In fact, she looked around, trying to see if she could spot Rokzi. She hadn’t heard about another commotion so she assumed things had gone fine on their side, but she’d feel much better if she could find him.

Editor-in-Chief

GM, 2523 posts

Mon 6 Mar 2023
at 23:41

msg #606

Kaya Wilden

In reply to Kaya Wilden (msg # 605):

He frowns at your answer. Like you just said something he wasn't expecting you to say.

"Your boss? Why would-"

"Hey Jacksey!" The one who'd knocked you over and was shoveling ore back into your cart gestures behind the two of you. All you can see are more miners, buyers, security people, no Rokzi or Peri of course, a rather put out looking squat woman with yellow mustard stains all over her jumper which probably got there through circumstances that would make an amusing story if only you had time to hear it. Alas. You do not.

The second tech frowns and glares at you. Then shoves something into your hands.

"Get out. Now."

Then he and the other one walk away quickly.

And you're left holding...a data stick.

This century's version of a thumb drive
This message was last edited by the GM at 23:42, Mon 06 Mar 2023.

Kaya Wilden

player, 303 posts

Tue 7 Mar 2023
at 19:50

msg #607

Kaya Wilden

“What?” Rei blinked in clear surprise, with a bit of a whiplash at the sudden change of behaviour of the tech she was talking to.

She glanced briefly at the data stick in her hand, clearly a bit lost: either she had missed a big part of the briefing - which she was pretty confident hadn’t happened - or this was completely new. Looking around for a moment, she decided she was going to wonder about it outside so she went back to her cart and started to push it back towards the exit, trying to not put too much weight on her injured knee.

“_{What the hell happened?}” she muttered as she looked around, wondering how and why that stick had ended in her hands.

Editor-in-Chief

GM, 2528 posts

Wed 8 Mar 2023
at 02:52

msg #608

Kaya Wilden

In reply to Kaya Wilden (msg # 607):

"HALT!"

Several beefy looking security personnel come running out of the crowd right at you!

And then past you!

They barrel through the crowd, knocking over prospectors without the slightest show of remorse and seem to be chasing someone.

Huh. Seems they might be chasing those two technicians you were just talking to.

Well isn't that kind of a crazy coincidence?

Oh well. Has nothing to do with you. You resume your leisurely stroll towards the exit...good thing you don't have to rush with that ankle of yours.

You hear some shouts behind you. Maybe those security guys caught those techs. Who knows?

Hey! Maybe you have time to stop for a soda!

Kaya Wilden

player, 304 posts

Thu 9 Mar 2023
at 19:46

msg #609

Kaya Wilden

Rei froze, her heart threatening to escape her chest. It took her a couple of seconds to breathe again when it finally registered that the guards hadn’t been after her. But considering that they were - apparently - after the technicians, from whom she had obtained a data stick which - and she was going to go out on a limb - was likely closely related to the guards’ presence…

Well, it didn’t take long for Rei to decide that the farther away she was from there, the better. Had her knee not hurt that bad, she may even have done so at a jog. But between it and that damn, now worse than useless, cart the best she could achieve was highly unlikely to draw suspicions.

While she did consider briefly to stop for a soda, she considered longer to take something quite a bit stronger than that, but in the end compromised with a coffee…while she tried to call Rokzi or Peri’s ’links.

Editor-in-Chief

GM, 2532 posts

Fri 10 Mar 2023
at 00:00

msg #610

Kaya Wilden

In reply to Kaya Wilden (msg # 609):

You punch out your half caf-double decaf-with a twist of soy lemon order on the vending machine and check your comm line as the machine fills the cup.

Your call isn't going through. It seems like signals are being scrambled.

Kaya Wilden

player, 305 posts

Sun 12 Mar 2023
at 15:02

msg #611

Kaya Wilden

Rei hesitated for a moment while drinking her coffee. What should she do right now?

Pretty soon however, she came to the conclusion that the best she could do was to get out to not complicate even more the situation for Rokzi and Peri. To that end, she simply stashed her cart not too far from nearby bathrooms, went in there for a couple of minutes - taking advantage of her presence in there to use them for what they were made for.

When she exited, she left her cart where it was and headed towards the shuttles to take one back to orbit.

Editor-in-Chief

GM, 2539 posts

Mon 13 Mar 2023
at 01:35

msg #612

Kaya Wilden

In reply to Kaya Wilden (msg # 611):

What a great plan.

Wouldn't it be great if it was that easy?

There are all kinds of guards around the doors right now. The prospectors and buyers are all clumped up in small groups, talking amongst themselves.

It seems no one is being allowed outside.

Kaya Wilden

player, 306 posts

Mon 13 Mar 2023
at 23:08

msg #613

Kaya Wilden

I certainly wouldn't have complained!

“Uh oh...” Muttered Rei.

The guards were - for some reason - more likely looking for the technicians and their accomplices than for her, but considering that she was the one with the data stick...

Gripped by indecision, Rei spent a moment to look around. Well, first things first, she discreetly tucked the data stick into her bra. Not the best hiding spot ever, but she refused to even consider putting it in other places.

Now... She might go wait with everyone else, but odds were the guards were going to check rather thoroughly everyone's IDs. Which was kind of a problem since Rokzi had told her hers wouldn't fool anything but a cursory inspection.

On the other hand, she didn't really know the place enough to formulate a plan. In fact... Well...

Her decision taken, Rei began to walk around, almost as a touris, trying to not look like anyone but a bored worker waiting for the all green to be given while looking for a way to get out of ghere.

Maybe she could find a good hiding spot for that data stick while she was at it... Put it in the mail? Was mail even available around there?

Editor-in-Chief

GM, 2542 posts

Tue 14 Mar 2023
at 02:09

msg #614

Kaya Wilden

In reply to Kaya Wilden (msg # 613):

Mail huh?

Pick a number 1 to 5 please

Kaya Wilden

player, 307 posts

Tue 14 Mar 2023
at 11:40

msg #615

Kaya Wilden

1 then.

Editor-in-Chief

GM, 2547 posts

Thu 16 Mar 2023
at 01:55

msg #616

Kaya Wilden

In reply to Kaya Wilden (msg # 615):

Sadly, there's no bin marked Mail.

But you do see a large tray labeled Outbound. There seem to be some packages with addresses off planet. So it's possible you could throw it in there.

Now, if you only had an envelope. Of course there isn't one just laying there, saying use me please!

You do see a couple of desks, one to the left and one straight ahead. They might have some envelopes or a labeler you can use to make up a quick package. But...you need to pick one. Security is starting to corral people.

Kaya Wilden

player, 308 posts

Tue 21 Mar 2023
at 00:08

msg #617

Kaya Wilden

After a quick glance at the outgoing envelopes, Rei wondered if she couldn’t simply stick the stick in one of the packages without making it obvious. She decided to first take a look at the desk on the left though: if she found an envelope, she could send it somewhere safe-ish like the navy station or something without having to worry about intercepting some other parcel. But if she didn’t… Well, she was going to have to take that chance.

Editor-in-Chief

GM, 2555 posts

Tue 21 Mar 2023
at 02:24

msg #618

Kaya Wilden

In reply to Kaya Wilden (msg # 617):

There are no envelopes. Envelopes haven't been in use in fourteen centuries. Get with the program.

But there is a box. One end is open and it's lacking a shipping label. The box is about the size of your palm.

It's perfect....almost too perfect...

No. It really just a palm sized box without a label. Nothing sinister about it.

Kaya Wilden

player, 309 posts

Sun 26 Mar 2023
at 21:44

msg #619

Kaya Wilden

Rei briefly hesitated: for all she knew, she would be able to bring back the stick just fine with no one being the wiser and putting it in the box would on the contrary ensure that it wasn't going to reach its destination.

But... Well, she didn't know what that damn stick was and she definitely didn't want to risk it being found in her. Who knew what would happen then? No, it was much better putting it in the box and ship it away.

Her decision taken, Rei put the stick in the box and closed it, then grabbed a shipping label to send it to the customs office at the navy station. She was merely guessing that such a thing existed, but worst case scenario it would be sent to the station for the people there to worry about finding said office. And hopefully, it wouldn't raise the suspicions a parcel addressed to the major would.

Editor-in-Chief

GM, 2568 posts

Mon 27 Mar 2023
at 02:52

msg #620

Kaya Wilden

In reply to Kaya Wilden (msg # 619):

You seal the box as a security officer suddenly shouts nearby, "Everyone over here! Line up! You can leave once you've been searched!"

They search you. But the guards who do so don't look at you again once they're done. One of them just waves you through the door.

What does Rei do now? I also need to know how she goes about doing so. If that makes sense.

Thanks

Kaya Wilden

player, 310 posts

Sun 2 Apr 2023
at 20:47

msg #621

Kaya Wilden

Not having done anything wrong - obviously! - Rei didn’t mind lining up too much. She wasn’t going to pretend she enjoyed the search all that much, but… Ah well, it was done and over. Still, while she waited, she looked around to see if she could spot Peri or Rokzi.

Oh, she knew what she was supposed to be doing if they got separated - which seemed to be the case… - but that didn’t mean she wouldn’t prefer being with them even though the next part wasn’t supposed to be the most difficult one. Hopefully. Had she jinxed herself?

Uh… Well… Once through the door, Rei began to look for a ship she could get on to go back in orbit.

Editor-in-Chief

GM, 2577 posts

Sun 2 Apr 2023
at 21:49

msg #622

Kaya Wilden

In reply to Kaya Wilden (msg # 621):

We've accomplished what we need to accomplish. Let's get you back in Kaya's headspace now

Kaya, you get a signal. It's Rokzi.

...had some trouble...fine now. Heading...heard from Rei?

Kaya Wilden

player, 311 posts

Mon 3 Apr 2023
at 19:15

msg #623

Kaya Wilden

“Understood.” Calmly replied Kaya.

Before adding a second later in a deceptively calm tone. “And am I supposed to understand from your question that you have, somehow, managed to lose Rei?”

Editor-in-Chief

GM, 2583 posts

Wed 5 Apr 2023
at 01:19

msg #624

Kaya Wilden

In reply to Kaya Wilden (msg # 623):

...complication...security came down...not on us...lost sight of her...crowd...think she's...shuttle...hear me?...tracker...

Oh that's right. Rokzi tagged Rei with a tracker which she didn't know about. You flip it on. You are getting a signal, though not a strong one. She seems to be on a shuttle which is headed for...the high port.

Kaya Wilden

player, 312 posts

Wed 5 Apr 2023
at 20:41

msg #625

Kaya Wilden

“You're breaking up.” Kaya growled while she checked on Rei's tracker.

“She is headed to the High Port indeed.” The young lieutenant confirmed soon enough. “Are you getting her on the way or do I need to do it?”

Editor-in-Chief

GM, 2587 posts

Thu 6 Apr 2023
at 20:27

msg #626

Kaya Wilden

In reply to Kaya Wilden (msg # 625):

...it...interfering...you can...

Rokzi's signal is now officially lost. As you check the transmission bands, you can see someone is pumping feedback onto all channels. It seems whatever went down at the planet has caused at least one of the companies to start jamming transmissions planet side.

Kaya Wilden

player, 313 posts

Sun 9 Apr 2023
at 23:06

msg #627

Kaya Wilden

Kaya frowned unhappily. She considered for a moment broadcasting a rather heated message about how jamming a warship's communications was an act if war - or piracy in this case probably - but decided not to do that...for now anyway. Not that she wasn't annoyed, but she wouldn't know if she hadn't been in communication with someone on the ground, something she didn't want to draw attention to.

So in the end, she 'simply' elected to head to the High Port to pick up Rei. And then... Well, she supposed she'd have to start by debriefing the nurse...

Editor-in-Chief

GM, 2591 posts

Mon 10 Apr 2023
at 02:39

msg #628

Kaya Wilden

In reply to Kaya Wilden (msg # 627):

As you approach the high port, Rokzi's comm line clears.

Can ya hear me now boss lady? Anyway. There was a complication. Not on our end though. Seems like security clamped down on the hall. They were looking for someone and I don't think it was us. I saw them hustle a couple of tech looking guys out a side door. And they seemed to be searching everyone.

I've been able to confirm Rei got off planet safely. Sending you her tracking tag now.

Only concern I've got is from the chatter I'm hearing from the security here on the shuttle. Sounds like we're gonna get searched again once we get off onto the high port. I'm gonna ditch this comm. But Rei might not know what's goin' on. And if they find either her comm or the tracker...

You can see Rei's signal. Laying it over a schematic of the high port looks like she's...in an office in the section housing ESC corporate staff.

You have no idea what she would be doing there.

Kaya Wilden

player, 314 posts

Mon 10 Apr 2023
at 21:40

msg #629

Kaya Wilden

“I see her in the ESC corporate staff’s housing.” Kaya grumbled. “Try to learn what the 'someone' they are looking for did if you can. And who it is, I’d like to have a word. I’m on my way to the high port too, maybe I’ll manage to communicate with her if she has her comm’s still.”

In fact, she didn’t lose anymore time doing just that. “Rei, can you hear me? Cough once if you can’t speak right now.” Kaya was really hoping she’d be able to talk to her because as it was… she couldn’t leave the ship until Peri was on board…

Editor-in-Chief

GM, 2594 posts

Tue 11 Apr 2023
at 03:02

msg #630

Kaya Wilden

In reply to Kaya Wilden (msg # 629):

On it

There is a pause. Rei coughs once.

Kaya Wilden

player, 315 posts

Tue 11 Apr 2023
at 21:30

msg #631

Kaya Wilden

“Alright. I may tell you things you already know, but... Well, bear with me.” Kaya said to Rei, “Rokzi and Peri are on their way to the High Port, they're not too far behind you and apparently things went fine on their side. The something that happened on the outpost was completely unrelated to you all from what I'm told. That's the good news.”

“The bad news is that they're going to search you all once again. Which wouldn't be much of a problem except that they're going to find your comm' and we'd rather avoid that. Oh and you have a tracker too that you'll have to ditch too.” Kaya relayed the location of said tracker, “Do you think you can ditch them without being seen, or should we find another option?”

“One cough for you can, two for the 'other option'.”

Editor-in-Chief

GM, 2598 posts

Thu 13 Apr 2023
at 03:01

msg #632

Kaya Wilden

In reply to Kaya Wilden (msg # 631):

Two coughs.

Wow. That's maybe my most insightful post yet!

Kaya Wilden

player, 316 posts

Fri 14 Apr 2023
at 01:06

msg #633

Kaya Wilden

I am in awe. So much eloquence!

“Alright. Just to be clear, that plan involve us coming to help, right?” Kaya asked: she didn't think it likely, but for one reason or another Rei might have another idea.

While she kept an ear on Rei, Kaya opened her com' to Rokzi. “I've contacted Rei, she apparently can't talk right now and can't discreetly remove her com' and tracker. What's your ETA to the High Port?”

Editor-in-Chief

GM, 2606 posts

Mon 17 Apr 2023
at 03:24

msg #634

Kaya Wilden

In reply to Kaya Wilden (msg # 633):

One cough. Which you guess means "yes".

Rokzi buzzes back. We're about to dock. I'm gonna have Peri try to hack their security and see if she can set off the fire alarm. I'm gonna try to get duck in during the confusion.

Anything you can do to add to the confusion would be appreciated.

Kaya Wilden

player, 317 posts

Thu 20 Apr 2023
at 23:24

msg #635

Kaya Wilden

ssrrss“I would have preferred not to, but…” Kaya sighed, “I know something I can do. Tell me when you want it. It won’t do much of anything for random guards, but at least their HQ should have their own worries. Just let me know when you want me to step on the anthill, I can do it anytime.”

While she flew closer to the planet, as if she was aiming there at a leisure pace but in such a way that she was going to find herself within the volume of space currently jammed, Kaya reopened her communication to Rei. “Alright Rei, Rokzi will be with you shortly. It’ll become lively soon enough, but don’t worry, that’s just us.”
This message was last edited by the player at 00:49, Fri 21 Apr 2023.

Editor-in-Chief

GM, 2612 posts

Fri 21 Apr 2023
at 01:57

msg #636

Kaya Wilden

In reply to Kaya Wilden (msg # 635):

It takes an hour.

Rokzi buzzes you. Go Chief

Yes. Do go. Whatcha gonna do? Huh? Whatcha gonna don?

Kaya Wilden

player, 318 posts

Mon 24 Apr 2023
at 20:53

msg #637

Kaya Wilden

“Alright, here goes nothing.” Was what Kaya transmitted, before she acted.

As if she had just noticed the jamming, she widely changed direction going to full military power. Which included all her weapons systems, sensors - which she used to swipe the entire area around her very…noisily - but more than that…it also included the targeting arrays. And as pretty much the only thing that could jam the area was the station, it was what she targeted and locked, seemingly ready to start poking holes at it.

“If whatever alarms they have to tell them they’re being locked doesn’t draw their attention…” Well, she had another thing to do, but she would need to get out of the jamming first.

Editor-in-Chief

GM, 2616 posts

Tue 25 Apr 2023
at 01:00

msg #638

Kaya Wilden

In reply to Kaya Wilden (msg # 637):

Oooohhhh! Saucy...

You get a response.

Gryffin...scans are showing you have locked your weapons on Station Y29-7. This is a violation of the Barony's neutral status and an act of war. You are being targeted by System Defense Arrays as we speak. Power down and prepare to be boarded.

Rokzi whistles low on the secure line. Wow...You don't do things half way, do ya?

Goin' in after our girl. I'll ping you as soon as I can

Your scanners show four separate defense satellites have you targeted. And it looks like two of the Baron's personal armada have changed course to come intercept you.

Kaya Wilden

player, 319 posts

Tue 25 Apr 2023
at 08:27

msg #639

Kaya Wilden

“You are at least right on one thing: this is either an act of war. Or of piracy I suppose. But you're being widely mistaken here about who's committing it.” Kaya answered the communication while adjusting her course to open up the range with the satellites, and updated her targets. At least as importantly, she made sure her telemetry was securely transmitted to both local and remote HQs now that she had left the jamming area.

“I will neither power down nor let you board anything. Locking weapons is at best a really unfriendly act, but nothing more. You however have jammed an Imperial Fleet vessel. It is an act of war. You will cease, and you will power down your weapons systems and prepare a full accounting as to what kind of brain-dead scheme that was. Know that my telemetry has been - and is being - transmitted and will support my claims.”

“If you get within range, I will use any means necessary, up to and including blowing your ships up. Do not test me on this, you do not have what it takes.”

Editor-in-Chief

GM, 2623 posts

Thu 27 Apr 2023
at 00:57

msg #640

Kaya Wilden

In reply to Kaya Wilden (msg # 639):

There's a pause. A new voice comes on.

Gryffin. The jamming was not on our end. You should already know that.

You WILL power down. And you WILL accept boarding.

Otherwise, I'm fine with going to war.

You have 15 seconds to decide

On your secure channel.

Got her. But still need to get out of the offices. Heading that way now

Kaya Wilden

player, 320 posts

Sun 27 Aug 2023
at 19:34

msg #641

Kaya Wilden

Next time, I’ll post, then say 'sorry, I’m still here'…
I’ll answer for Ailith tomorrow, just wanted to have at least one post up.
And…sorry…

“Sec.” Kaya answered. Then transmitted to Rokzi. “Alright. At least that’s one thing that went right.” Now she just had to find a way to get away from that mess…

Coming back on the coms with the locals, she said, “Confirmed, I’m standing down.” She switched her targeting systems off. “I cannot have you board my ship though, I’m sure you can understand that. Best I can offer is give control to my second and surrender myself at the station while you sort out that mess.”

“Let’s not forget that my ship was jammed. I was merely acting to defend myself in the face of a possible pirate action.”

Editor-in-Chief

GM, 2788 posts

Mon 28 Aug 2023
at 01:36

msg #642

Kaya Wilden

In reply to Kaya Wilden (msg # 641):

No worries. RL happens. And welcome back.

I do have to pull my notes on your games though to remember where we were. I'll answer Kaya's post tomorrow

Thanks

Editor-in-Chief

GM, 2791 posts

Tue 29 Aug 2023
at 03:19

msg #643

Kaya Wilden

In reply to Kaya Wilden (msg # 641):

There's a squawk on your comm and then...

"Stand down and turn over authority to your second. Follow our coordinates exactly. Come in with all shields and weapons powered down.

"You step off your ship, hands in the air. Then we'll talk."

The coordinates are bringing you into a berth on the high port.

I am assuming you are flying in and docking. But let me know if you are taking any steps before you land.

Thanks

Kaya Wilden

player, 321 posts

Tue 23 Apr 2024
at 16:58

msg #644

Kaya Wilden

You assume right, just that she’s going to wait a bit for Peri to take control.

“On my way.” Kaya answered, “Make sure my second gets access to wherever you want me to dock as I can’t leave the ship until she has taken control.” The young lieutenant cut the connection, followed the instruction she had been given and set the autopilot for the high port, then leaned back into her chair with a sigh, rubbing the edge of her nose.

“_{Well, that’s one fine mess for sure…}” But… Try as she might, she couldn’t think of any other way to protect Rei, and that was the most important. At least while her defence was obviously pure bullshit, it stayed within the realm of 'it might be true', so hopefully that would be enough.

Assuming she could sell it… For now though, she left the command chair and went around to make sure that there wasn’t anything obvious that would give the game away if a local officer came onboard to 'talk'. After all, she could refuse being boarded and searched, but if she also refused a simple 'visit', that would be way too suspicious and she didn’t need that at the moment.

Editor-in-Chief

GM, 3016 posts

Fri 26 Apr 2024
at 01:44

msg #645

Kaya Wilden

Welcome back! I saw your note in the other game.

Hope things are going well.

I need to remind myself where we were in both your games. So I will update this weekend.

Glad to have you back. Thanks

Editor-in-Chief

GM, 3018 posts

Mon 29 Apr 2024
at 04:17

msg #646

Kaya Wilden

Sorry for the delay. I had to travel this weekend and was away from my notes. I will look over them tomorrow and update.

Thanks for your patience

Kaya Wilden

player, 322 posts

Mon 29 Apr 2024
at 19:16

msg #647

Kaya Wilden

Hey,

No worries, there's no rush! Take however long you need!

Editor-in-Chief

GM, 3022 posts

Tue 30 Apr 2024
at 03:14

msg #648

Kaya Wilden

Okay. I think I'm back up to speed. Just need to ask one clarifying question.

They wanted Kaya to step out of the ship. Were you (Kaya) going to leave Perri in charge of the Gryffin and head out to the dock?

Or are you going to wait and see if they come aboard?

Thanks

Kaya Wilden

player, 323 posts

Tue 30 Apr 2024
at 14:56

msg #649

Kaya Wilden

Kaya will exit the ship as soon as Perri is on board: she wants to show good faith as it’s the only chance she has to put everything under the rug.

Oh and she’ll ask Perri and Rokzi to go over everything Rei found. They might as well keep busy in the meantime after all…

Editor-in-Chief

GM, 3023 posts

Wed 1 May 2024
at 02:30

msg #650

Kaya Wilden

Got it. Thanks

You watch your crew board and then quickly move to the airlock after giving Peri and Rokzi their orders.

Outside are a few soldiers of the Baron's military. An officer is waiting for you with arms crossed. She nods when you step onto the dock and gestures at a door at the far end.

"You're presence is being requested. The Baron happens to be aboard. He wants to talk to you directly."

I'll let you decide if you want to go or try to make a stink. Looks like I need to update your game's cast list. Will get on that.

Kaya Wilden

player, 324 posts

Wed 1 May 2024
at 16:26

msg #651

Kaya Wilden

Nope, no stink! Hopefully not even not yet at that!

Well, at least they weren’t putting her in handcuffs, that was something. Not that Kaya was terribly happy about the whole thing, but hopefully she’d be able to normalize things soon enough.

“Sure.” The young lieutenant agreed with a nod. Not like she could do anything else even if she had wanted to after all. “Do you know what happened with that whole jamming?” she asked as they began to walk to wherever the Baron was.

Editor-in-Chief

GM, 3025 posts

Fri 3 May 2024
at 03:28

msg #652

Kaya Wilden

The officer just says, "We're looking into it."

She says it in such a way as to make it sound like they know what the jamming is about, but have been ordered not to say anything about it.

You're lead to an elevator and taken to the top most floor of the station. This must be the bureaucratic core. The people you pass all look like the Baron's soldiers or his paper pushers. They all seem to be too preoccupied to pay much attention to you.

You're lead down a long hall to a conference room. It's one of the bigger conference rooms. A large window overlooking the system. A nice, big shiny table made of what might be actual polished wood.

Your escorts motion you in, but don't follow. The door swooshes shut behind you.

The Baron is seated at the table. He's the only other one here. At least that you can tell.

He doesn't look up. Instead, he's studying a data cube's read out. He stops and turns it off, then sits back in his chair, placing his hands behind his head, and offering you a big grin.

"So. We meet again. Care to tell me what's going on?"

Kaya Wilden

player, 325 posts

Fri 3 May 2024
at 22:10

msg #653

Kaya Wilden

“Baron.” Kaya nodded politely. “I must say I would like to know myself.” She shrugged. “I was in my office going over my paperwork,” she grimaced at that: of course she hadn’t been doing that, but… She did so far too often for her liking, “when alarms went off. I jumped to my chair to find out that I was being jammed. I locked and target painted the culprit, before finding out that it was this very station.”

“The rest, you know.” she shrugged…then frowned. “I obviously unlocked the station and stood down, as this had to be a mistake: I doubt you’re trying to start a war with the Empire after all. Still, I would like to know what I’m supposed to be putting in my report to explain the whole incident.”