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After cataloging the weapons, ammunition, armor, and other materials, Thak joins the rest of the team in bringing everything back to the settlement and distributing it.
As they unload, he calls to Yoro. “It’s starting to look like an armory in here. At least the settlers will be ready to defend themselves if more Azlanti show up.”
When the work is finished, the quiet gives him time to remember that his friend Cedona is captured and on her way to an Azlanti prison — or is already there. It weighs on Thak’s mind. We have to bring her home. We must not fail her.
He looks at the members of the team he’s become a part of. What a crazy bunch we are. We come here to meet a friend and end up fighting off an interplanetary invasion.
He shakes his head and wonders how so much could go “wrong” while going so “right.”
A piercing yap from between his feet brings him back to the moment. “Okay, okay... yes, let's go play, Cubber. Today let’s work on your new weapon-stealing skills. That’s a trick I definitely want you to develop.”
Duncan thanks all the settlers and states his intention to go with the visitors to rescue Cedona. "That ship what brought the Zants here and took Cedona'll be back, sure as stars give off light. Be ready. I'll represent us colonists on the mission and I'll be back. Luck all aroond!"
Duncan congratulates Neap on some excellent images. "We understan' if ya don't want ta help us bust Cedona out o' the Zant prison. The colony can use someone like you until you can hitch a ride back ta Absalom Station or wherever yer going next. Best o' luck."
He advises Madelon, "I'd notify the Pact Worlds 'bout this Azlanti incursion. They may be willing to send some people to help ya fight 'em off if or when they return ta claim what they think they have tak'n."
When Madelon offers the credits and a way to convert them into useful stuff, Duncan sits down with a digital catalog and begins to make up a wish list.
The bitter relief was something that still had yet to let go of her. She had spent too long healing the injuries from the initial arrival of the Azlanti, that she missed out on kicking their overly superior green backsides out of the colony. Even now, she could move, and every day was getting better thanks to those little blue vitamins that had started being distributed when the newcomers arrived. Now those, those were helpful.
Healed to almost a hundred percent, she was also definitely sure that she did not want to let go of this grudge without some sort of payback. Able enough to get out and about now, she had heard that Cedona still had not returned. It turned out that the greenies had taken her somewhere, and the newcomers were planning on going after her. That was entirely something that she could get behind. Cedona meant a lot to everyone here.
She wanted a part of that.
The newcomers were not hard to find, especially that Vesk, "Taili" or something like, and it was to that one that she went. Duncan was said to be helping them out, and he was a good sort, too.
"Hey big guy, they say you an'the others are gonna be chasin' after Cedona", she said by way of introduction, catching him during one of his morning practice sessions. It seemed like the guy was minorly known back near Absalom. "Call me Augrok. If you got space for another, I want in."
_____________________________________
Duncan accepts Augrok's offer to help with the rescue attempt. "I have nothin' but respect for yer abilities. Good to have a medic an' a fighter. Since you're denied the satisfaction of givin' them Zants what fer, this'll give ya a chance fer payback."
Yoromishtali stops his morning practice to listen to the woman introduce herself. He grins and extends his right hand in the Pact World manner. "Yoromishtali is my name and I'm originally from the Veskarium, but live on Absalom Station now. Producing martial art videos, comparing different styles, weapons, that sort of thing. Not lucrative at all, but money is only one aspect of life. Don't tell AbadarCorp I said that," he adds in a mock whisper.
"Please, call me Yoro as many of the others do. I'm sure we can find a place for you. I hope the colony won't suffer by your departure."
Madelon and Aibretta come to each of you, and ask you to gather near Aibretta's shop. As the sun goes down, Aibretta produces a bottle of good Pact Worlds whiskey, produced in small batches in certain corners of Akiton. The bottle is passed to each of you, and Aibretta tells you each to take a good sip. Any of you who might normally enjoy an occasional intoxicant can clearly see that this is the "good stuff."
Madelon addresses all of you. "Aibretta has told me that there are only a few more fit and trim items on your ship, and a couple of tests she wants to run. I think we'll have you ready to head out by the afternoon tomorrow. Are you all on board with Augrok joining you on this rescue attempt? I know her to be both honorable and a formidable warrior. I think she will add some flexibility to your operation."
Duncan makes himself available to help with the ship.
"Tomorrow afternoon?" Yoromishtali exclaims. "One more home-cooked dinner then." He looks wistfully at the Aibretta's bottle.
He looks at the others then back to Madelon, "As I told Augrok earlier, if the colony can spare her, she's welcome to join as far as I'm concerned. Honorable and formidable...that's a combination for success."
Your final night at the colony you all receive the following transmission, sent to your ship:
“My name is Major Deepadra Evosco
of the Stewards. I don’t know for
certain whether you will have a chance
to receive this message, or if the
Azlanti invaders we believe to be in
Nakondis’s orbit intercepted you. If you
are listening, then you truly are as
resourceful as we have been
told that you are, and I have
no qualms about relaying the
following information. We
recently received a troubling
transmission from the Pact
Worlds colony Nakondis. It
was sent from an android
named Cedona, with whom
I believe you are acquainted. She
informed us she had salvaged what she believed to be an
experimental starship drive from an ancient wreck she
discovered on the colony world, and that a ship from the
Azlanti Star Empire had suddenly appeared in the colony’s
atmosphere. We have received no further transmissions
from the colony, leading us to assume her worst fears were
true: that the Azlanti ship intended to attack the colony in
order to lay claim to the device."
She continues, “Our records show you were contracted by AbadarCorp
to carry supplies to Nakondis, which leaves you as the
only Pact Worlds ship with a chance of knowing the exact
situation. We are requesting your aid in a matter regarding
the system-wide security of the Pact Worlds. If the Azlanti
have indeed retrieved this experimental drive, we want
you to enter the Azlanti Star Empire and attempt to either
recover or destroy that drive. None of our ships are close
enough to intervene in this situation in a timely fashion.
We’re willing to deputize you to operate in the Star Empire
on our behalf for this mission—you come recommended by
someone that we hold in very high esteem.'
“We know that we are asking a lot from you with this request,
and rest assured, you will be very well rewarded for your
efforts when you return. If Cedona is still alive, I recommend
you rendezvous with her as soon as possible. She will no doubt have far more information on the current situation than we can provide you. Beyond that, I can only hope you accept our offer, and wish you good luck if you do. Evosco out.”
You are also sent a data file with just about everything the Stewards know about the Azlanti Star Empire. Even a cursory read of it reveals that Cedona is truly in danger by being a captive of theirs.
Augrok was setting her items into what the quarters were, the several large, hard cases that were standard for colonists stacked neatly atop one another. She was relaxed and dressed in "colonist casual", which was clothing that was more rugged than it was fashionable, often surplus, always in colors that were quite drab. It was often said that it was a coin toss between what was more durable, the clothing or the colonist wearing it.
It was a short trip between Aibretta's shop, and she had stepped away from the gathering to move her things, taking a break to take a last look around. The chime of the communication caught her attention. Not sure what to do about it, a return to the gathering was in order.
The message from the Stewards is encouraging but Duncan puts off reading the file until the ship is underway.
Duncan is up early and eats a hearty breakfast and says his farewells to the colonists, promising to risk his life to save her.
"Well the Stewards are giving us the legal protection I was looking for in case AbadarCorp comes after us and themselves a bit of deniability in case the Azlanti Empire protests." He skims the file and says, "Yeah, I'll study that later."
He sighs deeply. "A prison break. I have no experience -- well I guess we did one the other day." He grins and shakes his head. "Well this will be much harder than that."
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Thak looks up from Cubber’s disarm training to see Yoro and Duncan speaking with one of the colonists. He felt sad to see Neap go, but he understood completely.
Whatever comes next isn’t for everyone… gods, I’m not even sure it’s for Cubber and me, but it’s what we need to do.
He reaches an arm out, and Cubber enthusiastically leaps up and dashes onto Thak’s shoulder.
“I’m Thak, and this is Cubber. Welcome to our team.”
Thak offers a warm handshake and manages to not wince too hard as Cubber welcomes the new team member with a couple of staccato yaps.
———
Thak listens to the Steward’s message and lets the words sink in.
Darn right they’re asking a lot, but there’s a lot at stake. Cedona… this drive technology…
“And plausible deniability,” he says softly before he realizes he’s speaking out loud.
They can’t go into Azlanti territory without risking an incident. But us -- even as ‘deputies’ -- we could easily go and be expendable if things go to rot on the clamshell.
Thak looks at the group. “Cubber and I are in. This goes beyond anything I’ve ever done, but we’ve been doing some crazy things lately so breaking into a prison almost seems normal.”
The outset of the trip was spent observing the dynamic between the group and adjusting to it. Appreciably, there were a few heads that she could bounce ideas off of, and the Brenneri— Thak– was quicker on the uptake than she was. Maintaining her gear was a habit that she fell back into with some brief misgiving, but payback made for great motivation. Her grin was wry as she looked up from the diagnostic tool that she was reviewing.
"Here's to gettin' a little strange, then." A brief bark of a snort and a laugh punctuated that comment in that colonist drawl that spoke of numerous influences. "If they're tryin' to deputize us, they tryin' to offer us any source for materiel?"
|
It's a mix of emotions as they all return to Abrietta's, with Sevens spending a good amount of time going over their options - breaking into a prison is, by a wide margin, likely to be a terrible idea. But doing nothing to help Cedona left them feeling deeply uncomfortable, what with all that Cedona had done for them.
It really wasn't a difficult choice after all.
Collecting their small pile of possesions and giving Chiaiese and Neap their best heartfelt goodbyes and with as much confidence as they can fake join Duncan, Thak and Yoro.
"I will not need much space, and can keep the ship up and running."
"Prisons're better at keepin' folks in than out. Doesn't mean we can squox-trot in and out, but lots o' folk need ta get inta the place ta deliver supplies and the like. Let's take suits o' the Azlantian armor ta make it easier ta disguise ourselves, if it comes ta that."
Duncan finds a suit of armor that fits him and tinkers with the helmet radios to make them have an adjustable frequency so they can communicate to themselves without the Azlanti overhearing.
As you leave orbit from Nakondis, you recall you a couple of aces up your sleeves as you begin to plot a course into Azlanti space.
The first is the transponder codes that Aibretta wisely recorded from either of the two ships that arrived at Nakondis (the first to drop off the soldiers and their pre-fab barracks, the second a courier ship that took Cedona and this mysterious drive away. These codes should identify your ship as Azlanti, at least as long as a ship doesn't get visual confirmation.
Your second ace is that the Azlanti officer's datapad had information about where Cedona was being taken, and even included a course for the courier ship.
During your time in the drift, you're able to read what the steward's sent regarding intelligence on the Azlanti. There is disappointingly little. You do know of a disappearance of a Pact Worlds vessel some 50 years ago after entering Azlanti space. You also learned about a brief conflict with the vesk over a colony called Najin-Korozayas.
Before leaving, Yoromishtali entrusts his latest video to Chiaiese, asking her to post it to the Infosphere once she returns to Absalom Station. "I'm leaving a copy with Neap so the colonists can study what we did too."
During the drift passage, Yoromishtali practices martial arts, runs simulators for the ship's weapons, works on his video editing skills, works the scavenged ship's hull into the rough semblance of a doshko tooth, and studies Azlanti phrases he thinks may be useful in a prison. Numbers, basic signs and computer terms like "No entry" and "Cancel." He makes a point to talk to everyone at least once a day to build camaraderie and trust.
Duncan spends most of his time practicing with his new curve sword. He will also try to come up with a headsets that allow everyone to hear communications on the Azlanti frequency based on his analysis of the helmet communicators of the armor sets collected. He'll give anyone the option to send a message on that frequency that is intended to be heard by the Azlanti, but otherwise, communications on the headsets will be for the Pact World team's ears only.
Augrok is spending the time to look over the suits of Azlanti armor that were stowed on the ship, patching and tuning for those that planned to be part of the deception in getting into the prison. Some training was done with Yoro, and other time was spent getting herself up to speed now that she was healed. Cubber was good company at times, and other times, she spent hanging in the company of Sevens. The rest of the time, she spent looking out at the Drift, watching worlds pass by.
Coordinating with Duncan to integrate the gear, the work gets done. Nostalgic work, but it felt good to be doing something that was more than just follow-up for common planet exposure. "There a plan for all o'us not lookin' like one of the Greenies?"
____________________________________
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Claiming a small corner for themselves, Sevens spends much of the time in drift learning about the ship and keeping up with its maintenance in-between helping Duncan and Augrok to finish and finetune their psuedo-Azlanti communicators.
When not working with the communicators or keeping the ship operating comfortably, Sevens spends as much time with their companions as they can to make up for lost time liberating Madelon's Landing.
"There a plan for all o'us not lookin' like one of the Greenies?"
____________________________________
[dice=Engineering]1d20+5
"One idea is fer us ta claim we have another prisoner from Nakondis. We could all wear the armor 'cept one who could wear unlocked manacles for show. It's an old trick, but if they fall fer it, it'd git us inside where we could try to locate Cedona."
"One idea is fer us ta claim we have another prisoner from Nakondis. We could all wear the armor 'cept one who could wear unlocked manacles for show. It's an old trick, but if they fall fer it, it'd git us inside where we could try to locate Cedona.""There a plan for all o'us not lookin' like one of the Greenies?"
____________________________________
[dice=Engineering]1d20+5
Following the flight path used by the courier ship (as plotted out on the Azlanti officer's datapad), you exit the drift near the Nys system.
In short order, you are approached by an Azlanti vessel. Your transponder squawks out the signal, and the the vessel turns away.
After a few more hours of flying casually, another vessel approaches. This one hails you.
The view screen flickers on to
reveal a four-armed figure dressed in bright
yellow robes with red accents and covered
by a dark blue cloak. She gives a slight bow, with all four
hands making a gesture in front of her conical hat.
You are greeted in Azlanti:
“Good hunting, illustri! I hope your travels have proven
fruitful to you and the Star Empire. Would you care to see
some items from home after your long journey away—why,
that’s interesting...”
She seems to realize something and then presses a button
on her console. She suddenly folds her four hands together in
front of herself, appearing far more enthusiastic and friendly,
and continues in polished Common.
“Why, hello, travelers! Welcome to the Azlanti Star Empire!
Would you be interested in buying a few goods for your
continuing journey?”
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”Who is the ship’s captain?”
Thak spends time practicing Cubber’s surprising new love of grabbing weapons out of an enemy’s hand. Knowing that they’re headed into Azlanti territory, he also begins practicing their language.
———————
When the trading vessel approaches and changes its hail, a look of worry flickers across Thak’s face.
That’s troubling… but maybe we can find out what let them onto us and fix it.
He reaches for the coms. “Greetings, trader. We would be happy to make your acquaintance and view your wares.”
Duncan tenses as he listens to the message. After Thak agrees to engage with the ship that appears to be a trader, he nods, but checks that he has his weapons handy watches the console for any indications of a trap.
The woman transmits a list of goods that she has for sale. "As you can see, these are valuable items that you may desire. They are priced fairly, and I have these items readily available aboard my vessel."
She pauses for a moment to let you look over the list of items. After a few seconds, she adds the following, "It's not often I encounter ships like yours in this part of space. It's rather unusual to see a Pact Worlds-style ship here."
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“You do indeed offer an interesting selection of items. And you’re right, our ship hails from the Pact Worlds.”
Thak briefly mutes the comms and turns toward everyone.
“I’m getting nothing suspicious from her, and she’s obviously familiar with the Azlanti and this region of space. Perhaps she could give us some advice or insight to help make our ship a little less… noticeable.”
He looks around the team.
“What do you think? At the very least, we should dock with her ship and view her wares. Maybe she’ll be more amenable after a purchase. I can contribute 500 credits toward some gear.”
Duncan nods his assent to Thak's suggestions. He does not have much to spend, but information about the Azlanti is more valuable than any of the gear on offer.
At the mention of something interesting happening, Augrok meandered out into the doorway to see wwhat might have been available to purchase. There had been a bit of tinkering with their gear, not having been a fan of what the Azlanti armor represented. Finding and fabricating some visors that worked was the current plan, though. There was that one suit from the officer, but the drawback to that was that they would be expected to speak, whoever wore it.
"I've got some spare credits too, let's see what's on offer."
Yoromishtali sits at the turret controls and relaxes when Thak says he's not getting anything suspicious concerning the trader. He takes his hands off the controls and crosses his arms. Trader...that's a good ruse. You can go many places under the banner of trade. Maybe we should have posed as traders.
"Yeah, inspecting her merchandise sounds good. Maybe she has some entertainment depicting Azlanti culture."
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Thak turns the comms on and smiles.
Cubber, demonstrating every bit of the legendary squox lack of impulse control, chooses that moment to dash up Thak’s arm and attempt to perch on his head.
“We would indeed — ow — like to see your wares. You’re — stop — welcome to dock with our ship and join us aboard — CUBBER DOWN! — if you are comfortable doing so.”
Thak finally gets Cubber under control and gives a patient smile toward the vid unit.
“Will you join us?”
"I will indeed join you. Stand by for docking instructions."
After a successful docking maneuver, you find that your ship is connected to the other vessel via airlocks. Just a moment after you dock, the airlock on the other ship opens. Looking through the window, you see the alien woman you have been talking with waiting. There is a second being behind her, and it appears that this person is in charge of a rather large cart that has the items for sale on it.
Duncan stands with his weapons ready in a spot where he can have some cover in the unlikely case this is a clever Azlanti ambush.
The alien's mannerisms are formal. She makes a point of showing his wares (all arrayed on the cart). She is careful to make sure the price on each item is plainly seen so there are no misunderstandings.
She does remain mysterious, though after a while she does let her guard down. Finally, she asks a pointed question to the crew.
"As you all seem like honest starfarers, I must ask you if you understand that Pact World vessels will be attacked on sight should a positive visual identification be made. I can only assume that you must have some sort of transponder codes that tricked the patrol vessel that came this way not long ago. I am concerned that if they return and are able to make a visual scan of you, you'll be blasted into a cloud of space debris. I may have some contacts if you are interested in making modifications to your ship to avoid such a mishap."
"Sounds like somethin' we need to do," Duncan says to his comrades. "Sounds like Brigh's lookin' out fer us... an' Cedona."
Yoromishtali keeps his hands at his sides as he looks at the wares while quietly admiring the quality of the stones. "Do you sell any entertainment? Video dramas or comedies, maybe music for example?"
After the ship is brought up, "A little delay changing the ship's appearance will be well spent if it prevents us from being attacked at first sight," Yoromishtali adds with a nod to Duncan. "What do you think Captain?" he turns his attention to Thak.
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"A little delay changing the ship's appearance will be well spent if it prevents us from being attacked at first sight,” Yoromishtali adds with a nod to Duncan. "What do you think Captain?” he turns his attention to Thak.
Thak seems lost in thought for a moment, then realizes Yoro was talking to him. ’Captain’… wow. It’s going to take a while to get used to that. Step up your game, old boy…
He nods to Yoro, with a sideways smile creeping onto his face. “Not getting vaporized is a positive step in any voyage. The benefits definitely outweigh any brief delay.”
Turning to the merchant, Thak nods. “We’d be most interested in such modifications. How may we compensate you for your guidance?”
Watching the interaction with her arms crossed and observing the interactions, Augrok was a bit curious about the wares that were on offer. There were a few choice items that she preferred, but it had yet to shake out how things would mesh with everyone when they were in a fight— and there would be fights. So she was trying to keep an open mind while preparing for a broad range of possibilities.
"Here is my suggestion to you: visit a nearby 'free station' known as Outpost Zed. There you can buy additional gear, as well as search for information about this star system. On Outpost Zed, you will find a smuggler and technician by the name of Talmrin who specializes in modifying ships for infiltrating the Star Empire."
The alien sends the coordinates for this outpost.
"As far as compensation, there is no need to concern yourself. I'm sure you'll keep me in mind if there are certain goods you find yourself in need off."
"Yer assistance is much appreciated. You have given us a fightin' chance ta prevent a tragedy an' right a terrible wrong!"
Outpost Zed is located in the Nys system on the periphery of Azlanti space. It appears to have once been a mining platform, perhaps many years ago.
While the others talked, Augrok was looking over the wares, and kept coming back to the Clear Aeon Stone with a thoughtful expression. Admittedly, she had to keep pulling out her comm to read the info points for the item, but considering where they were and what they could encounter, that item could save a lot of discomfort in the long run. Food and water were one of the things that needed to be established anywhere, and one of the three necessities. So before the merchant departed, she spoke up.
"Everyone, just a recommendation from my profession and my role here, one of these clear stones can do a lot for us in our situation now and in the future. Proper nutrition and hydration is often a make or break condition." Indicating her desire to purchase one, she figured that they could set it into something so the orbiting might not be so annoying.