About 20 minutes later, once everyone neck-deep into checking out their individual stations and/or relevant ship-board features, a car pulls up outside, and Otis and Irina emerge, escorting an old Dwarven woman up the ramp.
Entering the ship, Otis scans in and presents himself on the bridge, followed shortly by the others.
"Hey, cap'n, I'm Otis, chief engineer." The middle aged man holds out his hand. "This here's Irina, the medic," he says, gesturing toward a much younger woman.
"And this," Otis says grandly, gesturing toward the Dwarven "woman," "Is our fearless handler, Morgrym, in disguise!"
Tamrat smiles widely, ”That I am, my friend. He reaches into his pocket and produces a glassy oblong object. ”This is Khafash, my camera drone. When the action starts, you’ll see more of her.”
”This is Khafash, my camera drone. When the action starts, you’ll see more of her.”
I'm quite fond of language and linguistics...
The names that adorn you, they could be Ignan, but perhaps Kelish? I suspect there are similarities.
Tamrat's smile fades a bit to a slight grin, "They are efreeti. The tongues of the genie carry great influence in Kelish, and the tongue of flame is no exception."
He turns to Otis and says, "I believe I am the captain you ordered. It is an honor to meet the illustrious Morgrym. May this be the first of many fortuitous meetings."
Looking at Morgrym (why did they think a change of clothes would make others think it was someone else?) and the camera, whose name Sharlavaka filed away before moving on, the Vesk turned to address the Dwarf. "Greetings once more. You have a new task for us?"
"Hrm. Yes. First, though, let me get these damnable gym socks out of my tunic." Morgrym pulls the wig off and divests himself of enough of his "disguise" to look more like his old self.
"Short trip for you, this time around. There's a single yttrium mine on Firehelm III, our sister planet about 1 Astro-Unit out. We've lost communication with the mine. Could be a simple tech problem, but with the Azlanti lurking about, we need an expeditionary force with some kick to go sort it out. That'll be you."
"In case any of you don't know the system well, Firehelm III is covered in permafrost; average daily surface temperature temperature is -67 c, and since old Firehelm is so dim, there's very little natural light."
Idly turning up the heat his armour put at when the Dwarf mentioned the temperatures they could be faced with. He did not like the cold much. And he was still confused by the socks.
"Darkvision is not a problem." Well, not for the Vesk anyway. Sharlavaka considered for a moment. "History of communication issues? Any defences worth note?"
"Ain't space cold, but closer 'n' people cin take fer a minute 'r two. Everybody otta carry a batt'ry fer their suits. In case. Other critters like that kinda cold. Anyt'in' native, 'r otherwise, we should worry 'bout? Otta make sum ice claws fer our boots, too, while we travel . . .." He is obviously talking to the older dwarf at first, but he seems to have drifted off into his own head well before his mouth stops making noises.
Gesturing to a battery at his belt, Sharlavaka added, "Can recharge batteries while walking. Have some spares, too, if needed." He looked at his claws after a moment, wondering how they would work on ice.
James is listening, and starts to access the ship systems... Looking up the system being discussed and voyage time.
"History of communication issues? Any defences worth note?"
"Well, communication is sparse as it is, but they were expected to make contact with a sales agent three standard days ago. As far as "defenses", well, very few. The miners have some hand lasers, and picks and axes, of course."
"Anyt'in' native, 'r otherwise, we should worry 'bout?"
"Well, aside from the obvious concern of an invasion beachhead, there are the usual nasty cold-weather buggers. Remorhaz, white dragons and the like. Nasty little things called "razor storms", too. Lots of flying mineral debris, tends to damage environment suits if one's not careful. Probably best to take some spare breathing and warming equipment with you, if you have to spend any length of time on the surface."
James is listening, and starts to access the ship systems... Looking up the system being discussed and voyage time.
Easy enough question. The system is your own, it's only two planets over. That's part of the fear. If the Azlanti manage to create a beachhead there, it could be easier for them to attack Zothune in larger numbers at unawares.
Travel time at your current orbital locations shouldn't take more than a couple days; since there's no Drift beacon, it's easier done in real-space.
The elf finally arrives back from the computer core, thankful that his mask is perfectly capable of hiding his expression. He's not exactly sure why the android was 'thinking' of him, but suffice to say, he'd prefer having something to distract himself and deal with that later. Like their handler who apparently has some 'unusual' hobbies. Taking up position at his console he takes care to listen well to their current assignment, but has little to add as of now.
Tamrat takes his seat at the captain's chair. He smiles for a moment, thinking to himself, "You know, I think this will be the beginning of something lucrative."
He settles down before thinking, "Damnation, this is an uncomfortable chair."
"Dragons will probably need ship-based weapons to deal with." Sharlavaka wasn't sure about the other problems, but intended to read about them on the way there. "Should acquire some Mobile Hotelier tents, in case we cannot return to the ship."
Still, it was good that armour would save them from the cold. Even the light stuff Esh used should protect him from the cold.
Otis turns to James. "Well, we should head down to main engineering and run through the preflights. Good to have you aboard, kid."
Irina heads down to medical. On the new ship, the med and bio sections are more separated than in the previous vessel, allowing a little more privacy to the medic AND to Esh.
Morgrym gets all "gussied up" again in his disguise, and heads down the ramp on his own. You're free to embark at any time.
Morgrym gets all "gussied up" again in his disguise, and heads down the ramp on his own. You're free to embark at any time.
Morgrym shakes his head and sighs. "You know the rules by now, Isis. We pay you on completion of job. Your equipment, and what you do with it, are your business. Keeps it simpler, and keeps Gardathir from wasting time with an accounting department."
Hearing the android's request brought back the memory of the, if he was honest, childishly cute method of confession. Which was all the more reason yo leave him embarrassed about the whole situation, if not for himself then for her. He could only politely decline while he considered the matter further on his own time.
With a sigh, he allowed the computer core's processing mesh with his own mind's thoughts in lieu of a proper distraction. "Captain, shall we make a brief trip planetside to purchase last minute provisions and supplies if needed?"
"Rate of pay for job?" Sharalvaka asked as he placed an order for Next Hour Delivery with Mwangi.zot for a tent, looking slightly wistful as his account whittled down.
"Rate of pay for job?" Sharalvaka asked as he placed an order for Next Hour Delivery with Mwangi.zot for a tent, looking slightly wistful as his account whittled down.
That's what I meant about "talking price"--payment for the job.
Otis turns to James. "Well, we should head down to main engineering and run through the preflights. Good to have you aboard, kid."
Thanks, Otis... it was great to bump into you. Glad I could help out. James follows the older man.
Bit of an eclectic bunch, not that I'm Mr. Corporate, or anything. You didn't tell me about the Medic.
"Ah got uh hot'lier tent, so dependin' on how many we take out'n'bout, won't need but t'ree more. Maybe less. Really oughtta have t'ree 'r four extra batt'ries apiece, jest 'n case. Got t'ose lain' 'round anywhere?"
Isis can lend 3-4 capacity 20 batteries.
The elf swiftly makes to intercept Sharlavka's order, adjusting it to include two tents as well as using several various promo codes which results in free shipping. To not annoy the Vesk for the increased order the additional costs are covered by his own funds.
Around his head a clear spindle stone orbits, funneling ambient arcane energy and converting it into nutrients for his body. He doesn't even give rations a thought.
"Rate of pay for job?"
Morgrym turns at the bottom of the ramp and looked up as it closed.
"They're saying you'll get 2,000 Ȼ apiece for this run, but you know how sketchy funding can be. That said, I'm sure you'll find ways to supplement your income. You always do."
And with that, the handler is sashaying "her" way across the landing pad.
”Seems that production services won’t be available to reach us. Ah, the joys of field reporting.”
Bit of an eclectic bunch, not that I'm Mr. Corporate, or anything. You didn't tell me about the Medic.
"That's Irina, a close personal friend of mine. If you take my meaning."
The elf dosn't waste much time in storing his tent away before plugging himself back into the ship's computer. Sure, his wireless connection was good, but there was just something about directly interfacing yourself. "I have a good read of our systems, all are within normal parameters."
"Look out guys, I'm going to try some maneuvers, get a feel for the ship." Isis does some turns and a barrel loop. "She doesn't handle like the Revenge. Bummer."
Sharlavaka looked at the notification of the change - and Esh's paying for said change - and wondered how on earth the Technomancer had done that. He'd have to have a talk with the company about there online security. Maybe wrangle some vouchers.
It was nice to find out that Otis and Irina were friends. He'd never been sure of there relationship. Were they family? Lovers? It was hard to tell with mammals and all their odd courtship shenanigans. Then again, it got confusing remembering which gender was which. How they could work anything out when the females were the same size and colour was beyond Sharlavaka.
Not that gender mattered especially, but it did get tiring remember who was what.
Making sure his magboots were connected to the deck plates, he went about making sure everything was secure and perhaps getting something to eat.
Isis flips some switches. "Plotting course for Firehelm III. The Exsilium should be fine on auto for a few days. 'Alexa, alert my comm if you detect any anomalies.'"
"Silly 'droid, playin' like this." As he's shaking his head, Thalin reconsiders. "Nah, prob'ly best ta push her 'fore he needs ta."
The dwarf roams the ship for a few minutes, all it takes to go down every corridor and look in the doors, anyway, leaving the other quarters alone, of course. Hunh. Not bad, really. Listed me as a weapons officer, right? Ought to take the time to learn the systems, then. What's where. Twin Laser, both turret and forward. Laser Net in the turret and a missile array forward. Built for a straight up fight, then. Coilgun aft is mostly a deterrent, I guess.
He reaches up to his throat and clicks his mic open. "Hey, Sharlavkie! Sharloski? How do ya say that? Whutever. When the blades git brown, ya wanna have t' turrit 'r t' rest?"
"That's Irina, a close personal friend of mine. If you take my meaning."
I figured, but the way she looks at you... I'm happy for you, Otis. When were done here, I can show you what I've been working on.
When he next goes to his station on the bridge Esh finds a small gift, box shaped, wrapped in white paper with a green ribbon sitting on his chair.
Upon unwrapping it and opening the box, he finds a can of metal polish and a soft white rag, and a note. “Your arm will shine like your eyes. I still want to cook for you. I’m a good cook. Don’t you ever eat?” It’s signed “<3 <3 <3 Isis” with a smiley face dotting the second “i”.
SV
He sighs, but decides he can't exactly turn down free maintenance supplies even if he did prefer the efficiency of using his own magic to clean when necessary. It makes sense to him that she would wonder if he still ate conventionally, he never did take his meals together with the crew. The mask he wore wasn't advanced enough to allow eating while worn, and as of now he doesn't require it at all.
"What in Calistria's name even sparked this?" He shook his head, placing the items away before he returned to his work. A token gesture of appreciation could be warranted later regardless of what he thought of this.
Returning to the main assembly... as James approaches, you notice he is followed by a small four-legged drone, which seems to heel - though its wide stance seems more arachnid that canine, presently.
Hey everyone, new guy here... Do I stay on ship, or do we all go planet-side? Just looking to be useful.
He offers an uncertain grin as he takes an empty seat on the bridge and places a clamshell briefcase into the work area beside the main panels.
The drone, in turn stalks slowly around the bridge, before it settles in beside him.
Nearby, the entity known as Flubber begins to skirt around the strange robot as if it were pet cautiously investigating who dared to intrude upon it's home. The elf pays it little mind, and dosn't even turn to face the human as he speaks.
"Depends on the situation. The ship AI, while not sapient, should be enough to take care of things without us all here. Otis or Irene might choose to stay behind."
"Technical assistance would be helpful on missions," Sharlavaka added. "Assume you can also fight?" Either with the drone, on his own or both, for preference.
I wasn't looking to be left behind, just asking how you handle things... here.
Technical assistance is my specialty, of course... he gulps.
Why are we fighting? Surely there is always a peaceful resolution, if we just look for one. I'm a data specialist.
But, I can lend support in a fight if it comes to that.
"I beleive the dwarves were opposed to being 'peacefully enslaved' as part of the initial negotiations with the Azlanti Empire." Esh intones dryly.
Sorry, never been much of a history buff. But, I can imagine they didn't... I mean, they were... Ahh... I'm sure they didn't like it one bit.
Like I said, I'm all about the data. He ends his words, flustered.
"Pure speculation regardless." He admits, having pulled the explanation out of thin air. "Yet one that makes sense. The Azlanti don't negotiate for peace. They're simply willing to consider your terms of surrender. They have more then enough firepower that if they wished, they could have this system in a matter of weeks if not days."
"TERMS? There weren't no terms! No chance fer an honest worker ta make uh livin' 'n' make t'ings better fer his childr'n as uh SLAVE. We're fightin' ta stay free 'n' their fightin' ta subjugate us inta nuthin'. Process THAT."
He hummed monotonously in affirmation to Thalin's claims, continuing with his work.
James thinks a bit... focus on the mission.
When was the last time contact was made? Has anyone heard from them, since? Other agencies, contractors, corporate entities.
Are there regularly scheduled planet visits, deliveries or pickups?
Are they equipped with a passive beacon or heartbeat, if so when did that stop?
Most importantly, planet side main systems... what tier are they... and where can I access the latest map of the surrounding mine region and mining operation schematics?
We need data. Remembering to breathe, he pauses.
A bit calmer. It's a lot... but, people's lives are on the line.