Tam watches the scene play back.
"Wow. Nice," he says with obvious admiration.
"So he hopped a commuter shuttle from Galador's spaceport and booked passage on an Imperial starliner. Lots of security on those, but since we know his destination, maybe we can get around that..."
He taps the screen on the table he was looking at, and the current image is replaced with what looks like a dark map with various points lit up.
"..Now where in the heck is the Bautaum system...?"
Aananda looks over his shoulder, and realizing that she can't make head nor tail of what she's looking at adds map reading to her mental checklist of things she needs to learn.
"Aaaaah....well I guess that makes sense, now doesn't it?" Tam asks of nobody in particular as the screen shifts, then he taps part of it and it zooms in to show the Bautaum star system.
"What makes sense? What do you think he's going there for?"
"It looks like the Bautaum system is an abandoned mining venture in Handor space - the domain of the Bronze dragons. The system has no habitable planets, but lots of mineral resources. Says here that the mining facilities closed down a few centuries ago once all the worthwhile materiel was removed. However..."
He pulls up some text info and starts to scroll through it.
"...It's been opened to private ventures for a while now. Anybody who wants to take on the risks of space mining might still be able to find a major score there. That also means that the place has a pretty 'rough and tumble' lifestyle associated with it."
"I guess he's looking for a cheap source of raw materials that nobody's going to ask many questions about. Of course, that means he needs to line up a manufacturer if he's still trying to bring back new toys for his new boss."
"That or he has some sort of black market contact there."
"So, how easy is it to get there? And how much time do we have beforehand? And can I get these materials?" She held up a list she'd been compiling on the datapad. "I at least want the stuff for the comm device. Line of sight is way too limiting. But it would be really helpful if I could have a chance to make those personal transport items as well...but I understand if we can't get the materials. I only need a very small amount, but you did say they were controlled and hard to obtain."
"That or he has some sort of black market contact there."
"I suppose that's possible. I could definitely see that folks like that setting up shop in this system, since everybody tends to keep to their own business."
"So, how easy is it to get there? And how much time do we have beforehand? And can I get these materials?" She held up a list she'd been compiling on the datapad. "I at least want the stuff for the comm device. Line of sight is way too limiting. But it would be really helpful if I could have a chance to make those personal transport items as well...but I understand if we can't get the materials. I only need a very small amount, but you did say they were controlled and hard to obtain."
[Blink, Blink]
Tam looks at the datapad, then back at Aananda, then back at the datapad....
"That or he has some sort of black market contact there.""I suppose that's possible. I could definitely see that folks like that setting up shop in this system, since everybody tends to keep to their own business."
"Yes. An ideal location for that sort of thing. And I have to suppose that the sort of things he's looking for is not easy to obtain. Or at least not easy to obtain in quantity. Not without raising a lot of questions."
"So, how easy is it to get there? And how much time do we have beforehand? And can I get these materials?" She held up a list she'd been compiling on the datapad. "I at least want the stuff for the comm device. Line of sight is way too limiting. But it would be really helpful if I could have a chance to make those personal transport items as well...but I understand if we can't get the materials. I only need a very small amount, but you did say they were controlled and hard to obtain."[Blink, Blink]
Tam looks at the datapad, then back at Aananda, then back at the datapad....
"What? I told you. I can make it better. And a whole lot smaller. And the comm devices...well, that's pretty much a walk in the park now that I have all this other useful information. It's really speeded up what I can do...saved at least months of research." ^.^
"Though, assuming he's trustworthy, I probably should talk to the doctor, make sure I'm taking all the appropriate precautions. Some of those materials might be problematic otherwise. I just have to make sure I know how to handle them properly so I don't put the babies at risk."
Tam taps the datapad against his forehead, then smiles.
"We should have the parts and facilities you need here for the comm devices. As far as the Starcaster materials, that would require a field trip to meet somebody I know in the 'market'."
"Considering that our dear doctor may be doing the same thing, it might not be a bad idea to talk with him and see if he's heard anything. News like that travels fast."
Tam taps the datapad against his forehead, then smiles.
"We should have the parts and facilities you need here for the comm devices. As far as the Starcaster materials, that would require a field trip to meet somebody I know in the 'market'."
"Considering that our dear doctor may be doing the same thing, it might not be a bad idea to talk with him and see if he's heard anything. News like that travels fast."
"Great. I knew after what you said that the starcaster materials were a long shot. But a long-range working comm is definitely in order before we leave this ship. So, when should we go talk to the doctor?"
"And when are we planning on heading out after our quarry? And how are we planning to travel?"
"If you want to talk to Zeppler, we can probably arrange it now (or shortly, at any rate)."
"As to travel, we probably need to go by ship, as I'm not personally familiar with that stretch of space. I'm hesitant about taking the Harbinger there, since I don't want to put her 'on the radar'. Especially since this is where I was hoping to have Ryleh set up shop as our remote eyes and ears. But I need to have a few...discussions...with some folks first to make sure that's safe too."
He hands the datapad back to Aananda.
"Okay. I guess you have a few arrangements to make. So, one more question. How can we help?"
"Well, now would probably be a good time to get acquainted with Imperial society and culture - at least enough to get by in public. Luckily, with new worlds getting added all the time, there's always a number of new recruits all over the place, so you won't draw much attention if you've got the basics under your belt."
"Well, now would probably be a good time to get acquainted with Imperial society and culture - at least enough to get by in public. Luckily, with new worlds getting added all the time, there's always a number of new recruits all over the place, so you won't draw much attention if you've got the basics under your belt."
"Well, since we are in a library, I'm guessing that there's plenty of reading material on the subject. And you already know that I'm a fast reader." :)
Meanwhile, Ryo stands up to stretch. As he looks around, he notices Ryleh is gone, but doesn't think about it too much. She probably had to find the little dragon's room or something...
He settles down in front of the plants again, glancing between the leaves and the datapad, the petals and the screens...
Now he had to figure something he could bring back for Razzy, Ruji, and Ormarr...
Tam arranges quarters for Ryleh and Ryo, then sets everybody up with access to the cultural, historical and technological databases onboard the Harbinger. Over the next week, the trio are able to get a crash course on the Dragon Empire - enough to be able to portray wide-eyed new arrivals to the Imperial fold. As a cover story, they are given forged identity cards claiming they are citizens of the newly conquered world of Taravan, out to find work in the Empire.
Aananda meets with Dr. Zeppler, and is given a clean bill of health. If she is to be working with any exotic magical materials, however, he instructs her to use a lead-lined utility apron or worksuit (both of which are readily available here).
After several days of rather heated debate with Fivain, Tam manages to convince her that Ryleh can stay onboard the Harbinger as a 'special consultant' - her remote viewing abilities could help out not just the mission to find the Silver dragon, but to also help out the Order while they do so.
Ryo is able to score a copy of the Imperial Zoological database for Ormarr , some swanky portable cooking appliances for Razzy to go nuts with, and some toys for Ruji to embrace his inner 'kitten'.
Aananda is doubly happy when she and Tam can finally go to their own quarters, both for being able to actually having some 'alone time'...and the fact that it has an attached workshop she can work in ^.^
The week passes without too much incident (other than the small explosion in the garage/shop level Aananda caused, and Ryo accidently setting his robes on fire from psychic feedback). ^_^
The scout vessel Prism is provisioned and ready to go. While not nearly as spacious as the Harbinger Ascendent, she's got enough room to walk about a bit, so the trip shouldn't be too bad for the travelers.
After the requisite 'goodbyes' to Ryleh, the three board and take off. The Harbinger dominates the view outside the smaller craft as Tam signals the all clear. Fivain wishes them good hunting, and without much more preamble, the massive vessel winks out of existence, leaving them all alone in the dark...
The Prism's Starcaster begins the calculations for the jump to Bautaum, and a short while later signals that all is ready.
"Alright guys, everything's set. Are we ready to do this?"
"Alright guys, everything's set. Are we ready to do this?"
"About as ready as we're going to be."
"It's okay, Ryo. Breathe. It's like a great big hovercar."
Tam fires up the Starcaster, and the Prism disappears...
In an instant, the view changes. The stars are not so numerous in the sky, though this is probably because many of them are being blocked by the veritable swarm of rocks floating ahead of the ship.
"Welcome to the Bautaum system folks. Galactic strip-mining at its finest..." Tam says wryly as he engages the ship's drive and starts to approach the debris field...
"Wow. This is amazing. So much earth just floating there....just out of reach. How frustrating."
"Well, most pilots would like this stuff to be more than just out of reach - which is why a place like this attracts the 'rougher' side of society," Tam replies with a smile. "Fortunately, a nimble little ship like the Prism can get through this without a problem."
"It looks like our destination is nestled a bit farther in-system," he says as he looks at the HUD. "We should be there in a few minutes."
"I know we don't want it to hit the ship, silly. But it would also be nice if I could get a hold on some of it mentally since then it would be easier to steer it out of the way. Oh well. It's too far so no good complaining about it." ^.^
She watched with fascination as they flew further into this strange new place.
"Hey now, have some faith in my piloting skills" he says with a chuckle as he shakes his head. "Ahhh, and here we are....check it out."
The debris field thins out as they head toward the center of the system. In the distance, sunlight glints off something floating in space that is obviously manufactured, though it's still just a bit too far to make out any details.
As they close the distance, they begin to make out a structure even more massive than the Harbinger. It is shaped roughly like a double ring, with large perpendicular 'arms' coming off of the larger, outer ring, with the inner ring has smaller 'arms' mirroring its larger counterpart. Moving around this structure are a myriad of ships of various sizes. None that they see are as big as the Harbinger, but most are bigger than the Prism. Several are either attached to the various arms, or are maneuvering toward or away from them as you close in.
A rather bored sounding voice erupts from the console:
"This is Harvester Station to Outrunner-Class scout. Please transmit identification credentials. Repeat - please transmit identification credentials now."
"Acknowledged, Harvester Station. Transmission commencing....now. Standing by for verification," Tam replies to the voice, pressing a few buttons on the console as he brings the Prism to a stop.
"Now we wait a few minutes to get clearance to dock, and we should be good."
"so many machines...." she whispered, eyes wide.
"Outrunner, you are cleared to dock. Proceed to Pylon 7, Berth 3. Repeat - Pylon 7, Berth 3. Welcome to the Bautaum System...don't get any bugs on ya."
"Bugs?" she asked once the comm channel was closed. "What does that mean?"
"Acknowledged, Harvester Station - Pylon 7, Berth 3. Thanks for the warning," Tam replies, looking oddly at the speaker as he fires up the engines and the Prism makes its way to one of the upper pylons on the inner ring.
"Bugs?" she asked once the comm channel was closed. "What does that mean?"
"I'm not sure. Maybe somebody brought some unwanted stowaways with them or something. Hopefully he was just being 'cute'."
The ship closes in on what looks like a large cylindrical door in the side of the pylon, then starts to turn to its side, lining up to its own airlock. After a few moments, a loud mechanical 'clunking' sound is heard through the ship as it shakes briefly. Then the console displays a message:
[DOCKING SUCCESSFUL - SAFE TO DISEMBARK]
Tam powers down most of the systems, and brings the security system online.
"Alrighty - time to grab our things and go shopping!" as the airlock releases and opens.