The six weeks for the retrofit on the cargo bay pass swiftly.
Once complete, the White Elephant (or whatever you decide to name her) is retrofitted. The landing bay is obvious as the clam door for it is twice the size of the other clam doors, and they do not open with ramps, as the others do, and instead fold back up and above to allow the landing bay more room to have a ship enter or land. The final price of the ship is 912 Megacredits.
For a parasite craft, there are options of :
1) Pinnace. 40 Tons. A new pinnace is like your old one, and costs 8.7 Megacredits, a used one costs 5 Megacredits. Cargo Capacity 21 tons.
2) Modular Cutter. 50 Tons. A new cutter costs 10 Megacredits, a used one costs 6 Megacredits. Cargo Capacity 30 tons. A Modular Cutter can have it's cargo module removed and a passenger module put in, or a specialized module put in, at any starbase, allowing it to be utilized for different missions.
3) Ship's Boat. 30 Tons. A new Ship's Boat costs 8 Megacredits, a used one costs 4.5 Megacredits. Cargo Capacity 11 Tons. A Ship's Boat has more passenger space and less cargo space, but is faster than a Pinnace or Cutter.
4) Slow Boat. 30 Tons. A Slow Boat is a slower version of a Ship's Boat, trading speed for cargo capacity. A new Slow Boat costs 6.8 Megacredits new, and 4.25 Megacredits used. Cargo Capacity 19 tons.
5) Slow Pinnace. 40 Tons. Like a Slow Boat, a Slow Pinnace trades speed for cargo. A new Slow Pinnace costs 7.25 Megacredits, while a used one costs 4.5 Megacredits.
6) Custom Designed Ship. You can have a ship custom built, but it will take 6 months to receive it.
Crew Requirements
Captain (1) Leadership or Tactics
Pilot (1) Pilot
Astrogator (1) Astrogation
Engineer (6) Engineer
Maintenance (1) Mechanics
Medic (1) Medic
Gunner (4) Gunnery
Steward (2) Steward
1,308,171,250 (Total Funds)
- 912,000,000 (Ship Cost)
= 396,171,250 (Remaining Funds)
So, you have 396.171 Megacredits remaining.
"We have the credits left over to purchase any of these auxiliary boats," says the little droyne. "I think the most useful for a general-use profile is the modular cutter. Even if we only purchase a single module now, we can easily purchase more modules in time. Perhaps a scientific/exploratory module, for instance."
"We should purchase an autodoc. The top of the line can restore life to a recently dead person. Excellent insurance. An advanced cargo robot and several AI crew robots as well.
"We may want to consider an air/raft for in-atmosphere travel as well. We'll also need all the toolkits we can find, rescue bubbles, vacc suits and environment suits if we're going to bill ourselves as extraordinary problem solvers."
"I also propose a one-time pay-out to the owners. One megacredit each to use for whatever gear or gear we wish, the rest to be deposited in individual accounts."
"Well that is a very generous offer Moya but I think I'll decline the extra megacred, I don't even know what to do with the money I have right now."
"Personally, I have a lot of gear I wish to purchase. But really, does it make a difference if our operating budget is 329 million credits or 323 million credits? We're rich; we should be able to buy some of the best equipment."
Crew Qualifications
Captain (1) : Glitch(1), Elrick(1), Moyas(1)
Pilot (1) : Dev(2), Glitch(0), Elrick(1), Moyas(0)
Astrogator (1) : Dev(1), Moyas(0)
Engineer (6) : Dev(1), Glitch(2), Moyas(0), Warren(1)
Maintenance (1) : Dev(3), Glitch(1), Moyas(0)
Medic (1) : Warren(2)
Gunner (4) : Glitch(2)
Steward (2) : Glitch(0), Elrick(1), Moyas(0)
Dev : Pilot
Glitch : Engineer
Elrick : Steward
Moyas : Captain
Warren : Medic
Crew or Bots to be hired :
Astrogator : 1
Engineer : 5
Maintenance : 1
Gunner : 4
Steward : 1
Note : Your ship has a Core/60 and a Backup/25(30 for Jump) computer system. This allows the ship to run up to 60 bandwidth of programs on the primary computer, and 25 (30 jump) on the backup computer.
Programs require the following bandwidths :
Auto-Repair 1/2 (10/20)
Anti-Hijack 1/2/3 (2/5/10)
Evade 1/2/3 (10/15/25)
Fire Control 1/2 (5/10)
Intellect (10)
Jump Control 1/2/3/4/5 (5/10/15/20/25)
Library (0)
Manuever 0 (0)
Virtual Crew 0/1/2 (5/10/15)
Virtual Gunner 0/1 (5/10)
For example, if you had the Auto-Repair system running at level 2 that would take 20 bandwidth, the anti-hijack would take 10 at level 3, and Intellect another 10. That would be 40 of 60 on the main computer. If you wanted to run a Virtual Crew with a 2 skill in remote operation to operate the repair drones, that would count for an engineer or a maintenance crew member and take another 15 bandwidth. Another virtual crew at level 1 could handle steward duties. You could run 4 virtual gunners to handle all four turrets for 40 bandwidth. Your total bandwidth can't be more than 85 (or 90, if you run the jump control on the backup computer). This would allow you to save some space/crew by using the computer to automate certain routine functions (basically dedicating several virtual crew positions to the computer). For example, a virtual crew position could be used for the astrogator. The virtual crew cannot handle positions that require the ability to manipulate things (thus you can't use a virtual crew for a medic). Fire control and Virtual Gunner systems can work together. Numbers in parenthesis are the bandwidth required.
Droids
Astro-Mech Droid : Hits (18) Speed (5m) TL (15) Cost (3 Mcr)
Skills : Astrogation 3, Deception 1, Electronics (computers) 3, Engineer (power) 3, Mechanic 3, Melee 0, Pilot (spacecraft) 1
Attacks : Stunstick (2D Stun)
Traits : Armour (+6)
Programming : Very Advanced
Note : Specialties can be switched out for other specialties at time of purchase.
Protocol Droid : Hits (20) Speed (5m) TL (15) Cost (1.5 Mcr)
Skills : Admin 0, Advocate 0, Diplomat 2, Gambler 0, Language (most of them) 3, Persuade 1, Steward 1
Attacks : None
Traits : Armour (+3)
Programming : Very Advanced
Sanitation Droid : Hits (24) Speed (5m) TL (13) Cost (87,500)
Skills : Profession (domestic hygienist) 3, Steward 2
Attacks : None
Traits : Armour (+2)
Programming : Advanced
Security Drone : Hits (26) Speed (6m) TL (12) Cost (212,500)
Skills : Gun Combat (energy) 1, Melee (bludgeon) 1, Recon 2, Tactics (military) 1
Attacks : Stunner (2D+3 Stun), Stunstick (2D Stun)
Traits : Alarm, Armour (+6)
Programming : Basic (security)
Note that the sanitation droid, while having a steward 2, is not something most people want to deal with, it's basically a glorified Rumba with four arms for picking up garbage. You will want a dedicated human or protocol droid as one steward position.
Moyasmedsev regards his little oytrip with large unblinking eyes. "The thought of leaving so many critical positions in the hands of robots does not leave me feeling secure," he says. "Sophonts can be traitorous, but robots can be reprogrammed. Or break down. I suggest that we do both."
"As I see it, we should purchase an astromech droid, one protocol droid, one sanitation droid and one or two security drones. The astromech droid can act as a back up astrogator or engineer in an emergency."
In addition to that, we would need to hire five engineers, four gunners and an astrogator."
Moyasmedsev fixes the lucky ship merchant with an unblinking gaze. "We will require them all. Six Astromech droids, a sanitation droid and a protocol droid. But! you spring for the gourmet food preparation unit. Here's cr19,587,500."
engineers and mechanics is what I was thinking
You find a group of 4 engineers that want to work together, and have experience working with each other. They've all just mustered out of the Imperial Navy.
Commander Rob Halmuck is the oldest of the 4 at 32. He's been in charge of an engineering room on a destroyer, and second in command on a cruiser. He's a massive individual with a scarred face from an explosion in combat in the engineering section. Despite his size, he's quick on his feet and smart as a whip. He's an expert Jumptech, with ratings in Manuevertech and Lifetech. He's also rated as a small craft pilot and gunner.
Spacehand Kellie McIntyre is a non-com who never quite seemed to live up to her potential for promotion. She's a tall blonde with tats visible on most of her body. She's a rated mechanic and expert with Remote Ops. She's also a rated grav flyer.
Sublieutenant Ne'Sara'Vath is an imposing 7 foot tall Aslan with muscles on muscles, and a dour expression. She's an accomplished Powertech, and is rated as an Astrogator, a Steward, and a Mechanic. However, she owns an Air Raft that must come with the group if she's to join the ship's crew.
Spacehand Salthazar was, apparently, never serious enough to be promoted, but also seemed to like his spot as low dog on the pecking order just fine. The fervently happy-go-lucky Vargr engineer never seemed to specialize, and is a rated Lifetech, Powertech, Mechanic, and Comptech. He's also rated for winged atmospheric aircraft. However, he has an old light fighter he won in a high stakes game of Poker that he insists must be brought along, as he's not selling his 'lucky fighter' (nor his lucky rabbits foot, his lucky shirt, his lucky socks, nor his lucky shorts).
Ne'Sara'Vath's Hurakan class air/raft is settled into the cargo bay (taking up 3 tons), and Salthazar's Argent Class Light Strike Fighter is also settled in the cargo bay (taking up 15 tons). The Vargr was disappointed it couldn't fit in the landing bay with the Cutter, but is happy to have it anyway.
This leaves the ship with 264 tons of available cargo space.
McIntyre and Ne'Sara'Vath are willing to share a cabin, and with obvious reluctance, Halmuck agrees to split a cabin with Salthazar, but demands a good pair of noise cancelling earphones be supplied by the employers.
With each of the owners taking a stateroom, and Moyas and Elrick splitting a room, that leaves 6 staterooms for passengers, plus 4 High staterooms (for rich passengers), and 2 luxury staterooms (for really rich passengers).
The ship still has that 'new ship smell', which means metallic and plastic and actinic chemical smell. It will take a year for it to fade completely. However, some tweaks to life support and the scrubbers can relieve some of the issues.
Maintenance Cost : 76,061 Credits per month
Lifesupport Cost (Crew + No Passengers) : 12,000
Lifesupport Cost (Per Single Occupancy Room) : +1,000
Lifesupport Cost (Per Double Occupancy Room) : +3,000
Sallary :
Engineers : 4,000 per Engineer (16,000 total)
Elrick (Steward) : 2,000
Moyas (Captain) : 6,000 (same as Pilot)
Total Cost per Month : 100,061 Credits (Minimum, plus additional lifesupport as needed)
Ushra is my choice...it's going in the right direction and should have decent facilities
Maintenance Cost : 76,061 Credits per month
Lifesupport Cost (Crew + No Passengers) : 12,000
Lifesupport Cost (Per Single Occupancy Room) : +1,000
Lifesupport Cost (Per Double Occupancy Room) : +3,000
Lifesupport Cost (Luxury Cabins, always applies, used or not) : +10,000
Sallary :
Engineers : 4,000 per Engineer (16,000 total)
Elrick (Steward) : 2,000
Moyas (Captain) : 6,000 (same as Pilot)Total Cost per Month : 110,061 Credits (Minimum, plus additional lifesupport as needed)
High Passengers :
The Atwill Family, CWO (Retired) George Atwill, and GS (Retired) Ellianna Atwill (both mid 30's), along with their twins Adrick & Alecia (Early Teens). George is a former Chief Warrant Officer in the Navy, and Ellianna was a Gunnery Sergeant with the Adawi Defense Force. George lists his relevant skills as small craft pilot and 'shooting stuff'. Ellianna doesn't list skills but mutters something about being a boarding specialist. The children obviously have no skills listed, but both are highly educated and Alecia has a notation on her ident that she's already a member of the ITS (Imperial Tabulae Sententia), an official organization with the brightest and most talented minds in the Imperium in it (Warren was one of the original members when it was created 20 years before he was on the Verdant Dawn). Total Ticket Price : 90,000 (45,000 + 50% 45,000 + 2x 25% 45,000)
Dame Danasfara, an Aslan Noble with fur that's nearly completely white, has booked passage on your ship. She has several retainers who she has bought tickets for at medium, not high, passage (see below). She's demanded a free upgrade to Luxury, since the Luxury suites were not booked. Her personal servant, Sera Martha Taggart, will stay in the suite with her. Neither list any skills on the passenger form. Total Ticket Price : 67,500 (45,000 + 50% 45,000)
Arthur Mahoney, a Human with a clean cut look and tailored clothes, has booked High passage on your ship. He's polite and well spoken, with no trace of an accent. His ticket was paid for by the Imperial Government. He lists no special skills. Total Ticket Price : 45,000
Shander Poole & 'Skip', two elderly males, Shander a human, and 'Skip' a Vargr, book passage. Each wants their own cabin, but they want to be next to each other, as they are travelling together. 'Skip's papers do list him as Skip, and seem legit, even though that's not a proper Vargr name. Shander has a scar that runs through his eye, which is obviously cybernetic and a replacement, and from his forehead down the face and runs under his collar toward his chest. For skills, Shander lists 'drinking'. Skip lists 'getting drunks back to their cabin'. Total Ticket Price : 90,000
Lecia Malvoise, a pregnant woman in an (obviously re-tailored) Imperial Scout uniform, has booked passage. She doesn't talk much, and lists 'sensor operator' under skills on the passenger form. She does make a special request of Elrick for the ship to not serve anything pickled, as the smell of pickled dishes makes her throw up. Total Ticket Price : 45,000
Middle Passengers :
Terrence Walcott, an unaccompanied minor, has a ticket for a middle passage. He doesn't talk much, but he's polite and his clothes are quite well tailored and obviously expensive. He lists no skills. Total Ticket Price : 34,000
Kandice Sells, an attractive woman in her 20's, is travelling on a TAS ticket. She lists 'computer programmer' on her skills entry. Her clothing is tasteful, but obviously mass produced. Total Ticket Price : 34,000
Walter Morsa, a human in his late 40's or mid 50's, is the Major Domo of the Aslan Noble's entourage. He has a middle cabin to himself, and lists nothing under skills. Total Ticket Price : 34,000
Alex Sonas, Rostler Vayne, and Trey Shore, are all members of the Noble's Entourage. They are introduced as 'driver', 'gofer' and 'pilot'. However, they all three look like they stepped down off a force recon marine recruitment poster and changed into expensive suits. They list no skills, and share a single cabin, sleeping in shifts. Total Ticket Price : 68,000 (34,000 + 2x 50% 34,000)
Everyone but Mahoney and Walcott put sealed cases into your armory. Poole and Skip's cases are almost as many and varied as the Noble's entourage's cases.
As Moyas (and anyone with him) are listing the passage's with the local broker service, a human male with a smile and dark black hair approaches them, handing out a small holo-card. "Afternoon, I am Elias Saans, with the Traveller's Aid Society. I understand you are opening a new shipping service? If you have time, please stop by the TAS offices. We're always looking for independent captains and services to work with for our members."
As Glitch is entering the docking bay the Red Dusk is connected to, a woman in her 20's steps out from behind the stanchion she'd been leaning against and smiles. "Hello! I've been waiting for someone to come back, or leave." She holds out her hand. "Chief Petty Officer Marlena Morsh, recently.. retired. I saw your ad about work, and I understand you've already filled the positions. However, I was hoping I could work for passage? You can stick me in a corner of the hold, or on a bench out of the way, or heck, in a crawlspace if you like. All I want is passage and food." She smiles, obviously trying hard to be personable. "I'm a damn good mechanic, I know zero-G like nobody else, I'm a good navigator, and I've even done some steward work for a Commodore before."
Dev spends his time onboard checking the systems and getting used to the ship. It is a beautiful design and he wants to make sure he does her a good service by piloting her well. He keeps away from most of the passengers, but the scout interests him and he takes the opportunity to speak with her.
"Greetings and welcome. It's nice to see another scout onboard! If there is anything I can do you just let me know. I've been out of the service for a while and would love a chance to see how things are being run now if that is ok with you?"
Having not really spoken to people in some time, he feels very awkward.
“You want to talk to Moyas,” Elrick says to the TAS man, “and you're in luck because this is him right here,” Elrick gives Moyas a firm pat-on-the-back, “captain I can take care of everything here, you can go talk space ship business that's beyond me with this fine gentleman here.”
The woman smiles at Dev. "Good morning, Loise Malvoise, temporarily on leave." She makes a motion to her stomach. "For obvious reasons. If you want to talk about things that aren't classified, I'm perfectly fine doing so during the voyage."
The man turns to Moyas expectantly. "I see, well, Captain, if you'd like to talk over a drink? I think the station is still on morning rotation, I know a shop nearby that has very good Loca fruit juice."
Warren gives Lecia Malvoise about a half an hour to settle in and then visits her cabin. When she answers the door he introduces himself. Hello! I am Dr. Warren Connery the ship's doctor. Hopefully you won't have any need of me but If you have any concerns don't hesitate to see me, no matter how minor you feel it is. You can ask any of the crew where I am at any time and they will let me know. Is there anything you need at this time or anything I should be aware of?"
The woman smiles at Dev. "Good morning, Loise Malvoise, temporarily on leave." She makes a motion to her stomach. "For obvious reasons. If you want to talk about things that aren't classified, I'm perfectly fine doing so during the voyage."
Lecia smiles. "Yes Doctor, please shoot anyone who opens pickles, or brine'd vegetables, or pickled beats, or anything else that's pickled. If I smell it, I'll throw up, and I promise to aim for something nice and new and shiny."
Warren smiles at Lecia's reply and says "That would be anywhere on the ship. You can't fail to hit something new and shiny onboard, unless you hit me. I will try to make sure nothing pickled is opened. Is there anything... out of the ordinary you currently crave?"
Dev nods and smiles at the pregnant woman.
"I understand completely. I had to sign those same papers. I was more interested in the basic stuff. What was your basic training like? "
He suggests they retire to the lounge where she can be comfortable and they can chat in relative comfort.
The woman shakes her head. "No, it's a normal pregnancy. Seven months, so shouldn't be anything you need to worry about. I'll be with my in-laws long before it's due." She smiles. "And as to cravings, I already have a crate of Ishkan Sardines, and a case of Orange Soda packed away."
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"Oh, that's fine then." She takes a seat in the lounge, and begins telling stories about the Academy. Dev finds the tail very similar to his own experiences, including traditions on pranks played, training exercises that stick out in ones memory, and such.
Dev enjoys the talk with the young scout and feels more connected to this time knowing that many of the traditions he remembers from his time are still practiced. With a promise to chat again (if she wants), Dev excuses himself and returns to the bridge to prepare the ship for flight.
Jenni smiles at Marlena. "I'll talk to the captain," she says, "But I don't see that it will be an issue. C'mon, we'll go find him."
Jenni leads Marlena to Moyas and introduces her. "This is Marlena. She wants to trade service for passage. If space is a problem, and she doesn't mind, she can bunk with me. Personally, I think that we can use an extra hand, especially one who claims to be as good a mechanic as she says she is."
Dev overhears Jenni and Moyas talking about taking on another crew member.
"Well how good is she? Did you test her at all? Here, let me go talk to her and see if she is really as good as she says, or is scamming us for a free ride!"
Dev heads down to the lounge and spots the woman.
"So I am told you want to work your way as a mechanic. So tell me, what kind of work have you done before this?"
Dev starts out with general mechanical questions and if she passes that, he gets more and more technical until he is either happy with her answers, or proves she is a fake.
Moyasmedsev regards Elias Saans, the TAS man with his large jet-black eyes. "Agreed. I have some practice with human meals, though I am still more used to Vargr fare."
Once seated in the cafe, Moyasmedsev produces Red Dusk's specifications. "The newest ship in the sector," he proudly states, "though we'll be en route to the Domain of Deneb shortly. How can I help you, Mister Saans?"
Dev & Jenni interview the mechanic. She shrugs at the question. "Well, I just mustered out of the Guard after 8 years. I did a tour as an engine tech on a destroyer on border patrol along the Vargr Border. Had to do everything from routine maintenance to battle repair when dealing with pirates. After that, I got bumped up to the same position on a Carrier, and did repairs on everything from fighters to shuttles to carrier systems." After a brief quizzing, Dev is quickly reminded that his own repair skills are in short supply compared to Jenni, and apparently the potential work for passage.
"A very nice ship, Captain. I represent the Traveller's Aid Society. I'm not sure how much information you have about us. Our organization has invested over the centuries as a non-profit, and we attempt to aid travellers wherever they may need assistance, both those who are members and those who are not. Those who pay for membership buy a lifelong membership for 1 million credits, and are issued a free , fully transferrable, ticket every month. In order to make those tickets cost effective, we partner with both major passenger lines and small independent operators. We would like your ship to become a partner. Partnership would entitle you to use the TAS emblem in your advertising, on your ship, and to all the benefits of being a TAS partner. The primary benefit is of course, the good will you'd receive at most space stations. We maintain good relations with every B class or higher space station in Imperial space, and many A class or higher stations outside the Emperium. Most stations provide a discount on docking fees to TAS Partners, a minimum of 10%, although some offer a full waving of docking fees, it just depends on the station. Additionally, Partnership would allow you to avail yourselves of the TAS Legal Network should an issue with a passenger develop. If that passenger is a TAS member, then there would be no charge for the services, otherwise you'd pay a discounted rate for the legal assistance. Finally, you'd have access to the TAS Partner Network. This allows you to communicate with other TAS Partners, find out about systems that are off the beaten path, discuss specific political situations on Emperial planets, and basically have access to a network of Partners who may be able to provide input on any situation which a ship such as yours may need input on." He lays out the benefits. "In return, you'd need to allocate, based on your size, 2 tickets per trip for TAS members. If those tickets were not used within 4 hours of departure, you'd be able to sell those tickets normally. Each ticket is for one and only one passenger, and each ticket would be for a middle level accommodation only, although we'd expect you to give a discount on high and luxury accommodations equivalent to a middle passage for anyone carrying a TAS ticket. You'd also be expected to render reasonable aid to other Partners when able, such as picking up their passengers if they are unable to deliver them as booked, for example. You'd be compensated either by the partner, or if that isn't possible, by TAS."
”Your offer is reasonable,” says Moyasmedsev. ”I will put it to my crew, but I feel certain they will agree.”
”However, your arrangement benefits older craft more than new ones. Red Dusk is small, but very new and fast. I presume there will be a greater demand for our services than many older vessels. How does the Society address the unequal demand for better ships when all appear to receive the same benefits?”
"Your ship being newer, will not need assistance as often, and therefor will not avail itself of the assistance options as often. Also, most TAS members know that youth is not a guarantee of safety. It's more likely for a new ship to have an unknown issue than a ship whose design has been around for centuries. Finally, we have centuries of data on this, and we've found that newer captains, and newer owners, like yourselves, tend to avail themselves of our services significantly more than ships that have owners and captains who are well seasoned and have been doing this for decades. We carefully balance our requirements by ship size, crew experience, and ship type."
"I understand," says Moyasmedsev in the clipped and precise tones of someone who has learned the language secondhand. "Red Dusk will be ready for passengers in a week's time. I'll put your contract to my crew today."
He takes his leave of the TAS officer and puts a meeting on the crew calendar for that night.
"Well you sure sound like you know what you are talking about. As far as I am concerned, welcome aboard!!"
The new crewman bunks down with one of the hired crew, sharing a cabin with them, taking an alternate shift so they aren't in the room at the same time.
The TAS man nods and shakes Moyas' hand, saying he looks forward to hearing back positively.