A hint of a smile appeared on Muwakkil's lips as he regarded his communicator. "My dear, dear Asa, unfortunately, I'm not at liberty to discuss the amount. But you know I would never lowball you, as I have too much respect for you and your team. I do, however, have contacts among Neoptra's service crews. There are people who owe me favors. If you want maintenance to be performed well, on time and without a flagrant markup, I have the person for you, just let me know.
This message was last edited by the GM at 08:28, Thu 04 Aug 2022.

Aisha perked up at the sound of Firstcome history. She leaned toward Muwakkil.

"What's the statuette of? Is it well known?"
This message had punctuation tweaked by the GM at 11:00, Thu 04 Aug 2022.

"Ah, Miss Singh, I knew you would be interested," Muwakkil replied with a slight chuckle and a twinkle in his eye (or was it just light reflecting off his spectacles?) "However, I can divulge more detailed information only if and when Captain Javedani formally accepts the job." The man spread his hands as if to show that he was completely helpless in the matter.

'A reliable service crew would indeed be a blessing, oh Muwakkil, may your coffers never be empty. I will discuss the matter with my crew. Excuse me for a moment."

Asa turned to the rest of the crew. "What say you, friends? It's a decent price and I would be inclined to accept."

"Make it three days of shore leave and I'm in," replied Kira with a wry smile. "Can't say that Sadaal is my favorite destination, what with all the religious nutters, but I do enjoy their fancy masks."

"Well, I don't know that we have any other pressing engagements, and I feel like this is a good relationship to keep. If the money is good, I'm all for it," Adhan said. "And if his techs can figure out the sensor glitches, I'll make an offering the the Deckhand every day for an entire cycle."
This message was last edited by the GM at 11:02, Sun 07 Aug 2022.

"Yes, of course," Muwakkil replied to Asa's request. "I'll go have a quick chat with the owner of this fine establishment." With that he stood up and left the alcove, making sure to take the box with the artifact with him.

"I'm in, captain," Farah said, concise as always. "Your call."

Asa waited until Muwakkil had left. "His offer is 15,000 birr, and the promise of a good maintenance crew sweetens the deal. As Kira said, Sadaal is not a good place to be, but I trust we can handle it."

She turned to Aisha and smiled. "What are your thoughts, little sparrow?"
This message was last edited by the player at 16:43, Thu 04 Aug 2022.

Discussing the matter until Muwakkil returned, Asa nodded at the merchant.

"We have considered your offer and are happy to accept it. May the Merchant give us his blessings and bring us all success. If you would care to elaborate on the details, that would be pleasing!"
This message was last edited by the player at 00:43, Sun 07 Aug 2022.

"Praise the Icons, I'm happy to hear that," Muwakkil replied as he retook his seat. "From what I was able to gather, the statuette in question represents the Demiurge, an aspect of the Traveler worshiped on Menkar. Here, let me show you." The merchant placed his communicator on the table, tapped an icon on the screen, and a hologram appeared above the device. "The figurine is roughly six inches high, and, as you can see, it's made of dark stone." The statuette was indeed almost black, but it was nevertheless possible to make out some details. It was a man in classical Firstcome attire, head slightly bowed, a sphere held in his hands. "I believe this represents a planet," Muwakkil commented, pointing at the orb, "but I'm no expert on the subject. I'm certain Miss Singh here would be able to tell you more."


Muwakkil tapped his communicator's screen once again, picked the device up and with a swiping motion sent the image to Asa. "Here's the picture, you can share it with the rest of the crew if you like. The statuette is currently in the possession of one Baltazar Shammas, the owner of an antique shop in one of the alleys near the Spring Plaza. Look him up on the network. He will be waiting for you tomorrow at the end of the morning watch. Tell him that you're looking for a suitable gift for a Sadaalian friend, he'll recognize it as a passcode of sorts."

"As soon as you reach the Sadaal system with the cargo, you will need to contact Captain Darya Sudebar, she's to be your liaison. Tell her that Muwakkil Naser sent you, she will inform you on how to proceed. Here is her contact information." As Asa's communicator chimed once again, Muwakkil looked around the table. "Do you have any questions, my friends?"
This message was last edited by the GM at 08:13, Mon 08 Aug 2022.

"I pray to the Icons that this Captain Sudebar will not be difficult to find," said Asa. "It is a big place. And if you can send me the details of the maintenance crew for our humble ship, I would appreciate it. Apart from that, nothing from me."

Kira took another hearty swig of her wine as she listened to the conversation.

"Any navigational details we should know about? Increased pirate presence, naval deployment, mysteriously missing ships along the way?"

She didn't expect the merchant to be forthcoming but felt she had to ask.

Aisha stared hard at the holo, trying to incorporate every part of it into her memory.

"The Demiurge! A fascinating part of Menkari culture.. the orb may represent Menkar itself? I'll have to check the literature."

Aisha's face had taken on a preoccupied expression and she start to stand, before glancing at the others and rapidly sitting down again.

"Uh, when we're finished of course!"

Asa swiped the picture of the statuette to the other crew members as the meeting continued. She smiled at Aisha's fascinated interest.

Adhan looked over the image briefly - enough to recognize the statuette if he saw it again - but his mind was already going over the route. There are always good opportunities at Aiwaz, but the crowds will be high as well. Then Errai...maybe some honey? Depends on how full the hold is...

"I'm sure Captain Sudebar will not be difficult to locate, once you're in the system," Muwakkil said with an amused smile. "After all, she's as interested in completing this deal as you and me, if not more. Contact her when you clear the Sadaal portal, and she'll set up a rendezvous point." He manipulated his communicator once again. "And here is the maintenance contact in the Neoptra. Call him tomorrow morning, tell him Muwakkil Naser sent you."

The man then turned to Kira, a somewhat puzzled expression on his face. "I'm no navigator, but my gut feeling is that it's a very well-traveled route. I don't believe I've ever heard of corsairs harassing ships on it. But then, what do I know? Always be prepared, that's my motto!"

"Well, if that is all, I must take my leave. May the Traveler watch over you, my friends. And do not worry about the dinner, it's on me." With that the man stood up from the table. "Until we meet again!"

"Captain, if we are done for today, I would ask leave to visit the orphanage," Farah said as Muwakkil left the table. "Or is there something else you need me for tonight?"

Asa smiled at Farah. "Well, I guess you'll want your share for the last trip?"

She took out her transactor and started tapping rapidly on it. "We earned 17,000 birr. Minus the 8,790 birr for the ship we pay each segment, and the normal maintenance fee of around 800 birr. That leaves 7410 birr for shares. Two shares each for the ship owners, Kira and me, at 2,117 birr each, and then one share each for Aisha, Adham, and Farah at 1,058 birr each. Seems fair?"

With a quick flick of her finger, she transferred the sums to each crew member's transactor. Four little 'dings' could be heard.

"Kira, don't spend it all at once!" she grinned at the pilot.
This message was last edited by the player at 14:10, Mon 08 Aug 2022.

> "Kira, don't spend it all at once!"

"Yes, definitely," Adhan echoed in a mock-serious tone. "And whatever you do, don't have any FUN while you're on Coriolis. Myself, I'm going to purchase some dry bread and flat water, take it back to the ship, and eat it slowly while meditating on how I can become a better person."

> "Myself, I'm going to purchase some dry bread and flat water, take it back to the ship, and eat it slowly while meditating on how I can become a better person."

Farah slapped Adhan on the back as she left the table, hard enough to make him wince a bit. "And don't forget to pray. A lot," she added, copying the man's mock serious tone, then turned to Asa. "Thank you, Captain. When you figure out the location for tomorrow, send me the coordinates, and I'll be there. Have a good night, everyone."
This message was last edited by the player at 16:26, Mon 08 Aug 2022.

"Ow," Adhan said, sincerely. "I'll certainly pray for thicker skin!" He winked.

Kira smiled, scoffing at Asa's admonishment and stood up. "While this is a nice place for a civilized dinner, I feel the need to consume many shots of dubious liquids, dance in smoky back rooms, and possibly end up in bed with an attractive stranger! Let's meet up for brunch tomorrow at Fudaila’s cantina about noon, yes?"
This message was last edited by the player at 21:23, Mon 08 Aug 2022.

Asa shook her head. I swear, it's like herding a flock of sheep sometimes.

"My dear Kira," she said. "We're supposed to meet this Baltazar Shammas at the end of the morning watch tomorrow. Noon might be a bit... late."

"Oh right, sorry!" grinned Kira. "Uhm, how 'bout you send me a message half an hour or so beforehand and I'll come find ya." She sketched a quick bow to the group and sauntered out.

As the others left the restaurant, Asa headed towards the Dome of the Icons, to offer prayer and give thanks for their success.
This message was last edited by the player at 22:02, Mon 08 Aug 2022.

As she left the Pomegranate Garden, Asa felt the fatigue set in. It was a long trip and a long day. Too tired to walk or even take the tube, she hailed a hovertaxi and told the driver to take her to the Icon Plaza. She almost fell asleep in the comfort of the back seat, but the jolt of the taxi touching down on the plaza brought her back to her senses. She paid the driver and got out, taking in the sights and sounds of the place.

Despite the late hour the plaza was crowded since it was the eighth day of the novena, an off day. The Dome stretched over a hundred meters into the air, huge spotlights reflecting off the massive glass front. Asa couldn't help marveling at the temple's interior as she entered the towering edifice. The dome was suspended high above the exquisite mosaic floor, anchored with thick steel cables, the light playing beautifully across the numerous glass surfaces. There was a low murmur of voices as people communed with the Icons, yet the place was almost unnaturally quiet given the sheer number of supplicants. Asa located one of the temple's novices and asked him for a simple prayer rug, then headed for the actual shrine. It was a humble nine-sided temple in burned clay, only a few meters high, just below the central tower. Unable to get too close, she found a suitable spot on the floor, spread the rug, went down to her knees and prayed.

When she left the Dome, she briefly entertained the thought of visiting her parents, but the lateness of the hour and her weariness made her reconsider. She could probably do it the next day. Instead she used her communicator to locate the closest luxury hotel, which wasn't a problem given that she was in the center of the Core. She was definitely looking forward to sleeping in a nice soft bed instead of her cabin aboard the ship.

Once she found a place to her liking, she had a bite to eat at the hotel's restaurant, then went up to her room. She went out like a candle as soon as her head touched the pillows. Her sleep was deep and dreamless.

* * *

Her interest piqued by their next assignment, Aisha immediately thought of visiting the Foundation's Infotheca in the Core, Coriolis' de facto repository of knowledge. But she quickly realized that it was already late in the evening, and it was an off day. Tomorrow would be the last day of the novena and the Infotheca would probably be closed. She would have to wait for the 1st of incense before pursuing that line of thought.

Her second idea was a lot more feasible. She took the Ring Line to the Spring Plaza, and half an hour later she entered the Da'Bar, a Dabaran-themed bar frequented by culture nerds and history aficionados much like herself. Seeing a couple of acquaintances, she ordered a drink and came over to join them, set on learning anything she could about Menkari culture and Firstcome history, the Demiurge, Portal Builders and maybe Saadal to boot.

It turned out that her colleagues weren't definite experts on Menkar and the Predecessors, but it seemed that a couple of drinks made anyone enough of an expert to shamelessly talk about anything for prolonged periods of time. The information she managed to gather wasn't anything out of the ordinary, but it helped clarify some things.

Aisha knew, of course, that Menkar was a planet that had attracted many explorers and archeologists over the cycles because of numerous Portal Builder finds in the system. It was the home of the second monolith, an almost exact twin to the gargantuan structure on Kua. Over sixty cycles ago, in an unfortunate turn of events, the Menkar monolith had suddenly tilted to a new position, killing thousands as their house fell from the structure to the jungle far below. The reason for the shift still remained unknown, although there were people that had linked in to the arrival of the Zenith in the Third Horizon.

What she didn't know was that the Menkar system was home to the so-called empty portal, a portal that no one had ever returned from. Scientists came to Menkar in hopes of learning more about the portals from observing the unpredictable fields in the system. There were a bunch of theories about the existence of a fourth horizon on the other side of this empty portal, but any attempts to confirm the theories had so far fallen flat.

One of the men at the table, not overly coherent after overindulging his love for strong drink, told her the story of the so-called hounds of Tirides. They were mythical beasts that had the nasty habit of appearing out of thin air. According to one story, they had supposedly managed to massacre an entire blossoming colony on Menkar, leaving a single raving-mad survivor. Aisha had heard the story before and recalled that it was the reason for the tradition of building round houses in some of the outer systems - it was said that the hounds materialized out of corners.

Getting information on the Demiurge turned out to be a more difficult feat. Her drinking companions knew little of Firstcome religious practices on Menkar, and although they had heard of the Traveler's local incarnation, they didn't know anything on the topic that Aisha didn't already know. Also, her attempts to find any logical connection between Menkar and Sadaal were met with blank stares and shrugged shoulders.

Feeling the effects of the previous sleepless night catching up to her, Aisha finally bid her colleagues farewell and headed back to the ship. She was definitely looking forward to visiting Baltazar's antique shop the next day.

* * *

Adhan's plan was to take a walk along the Promenade to the Ozone Plaza and browse around a bit before calling it a day and returning to the ship. There was nothing in particular he was looking for, but he enjoyed finding new ways to keep his computer fresh and up-to-date. He purchased an indie database program, found an update for another piece of software and finished it off with a couple of additional memory chips. You know what they say, you can never have too much memory.

On the way back he bought some fresh fruit and snacks at the Spice Plaza before heading back to the Star. He was the first one there, so he put on some nice music and sat down in the mess hall with his newly bought stuff to tinker with his computer. After a couple of hours, still alone and happy with the updates to his machine, he took a shower and went to his cabin. Already in bed, he heard Aisha come aboard, but was too groggy to come out and greet her.

Sleep came quickly.
This message was last edited by the GM at 21:43, Wed 10 Aug 2022.