GM Tarondor's Secrets of the Ancients - Traveller

Game Master Tarondor

In my background I set up my Great Aunt as the step-mother to Vlen for the combo of close but not close relations and to make ages be very flexible, as written I'm assuming Vlen is a least 8 years older than Nic if not more.

That can have been your understanding, but it's not necessarily correct.... It's not correct. Not at all. But you don't know that.

Ben will move over to the great aunt and great uncle and nods to them, "Hello, I was a friend of Vlen. It is tragic that we meet under these circumstances. I am sorry for the loss to your family."

Tomas Backett looks Ben over. "Thank you. How did you know Vlen?"

His sister, Esme (Nick's great aunt) peers at him with watery eyes. "Uncle Vlen certainly did know a lot of people, didn't he? He was always galavanting here and there and popping in at odd times. Since I was a little girl."

As the social currents are only dimly perceived by Nic's less than agile brain, still the absence of Zirelle ways on him. Zirelle could tell me what's really going on here but without her... He frets a bit more about Zirelle's abrupt departure even though she gave the codes that indicate she's really okay.

[ooc] I really hate when important characters disappear and no one seems to notice at all.

She’s not gone. Zirelle is still here (although she’ll leave the campaign shortly.) She’s just an NPC for now.

After Ben talks to his relations Nic goes over to his great aunt and great uncle as well saying, "Hello, it's been too many years since we laid eyes on each other, in person. How are you? Aside from a recent blow out, I'm fine from that, it's been routine for me."

After an exchange of other pleasantries Nic asks very quietly, "I don't want to pry too much but clearly Vlen Beckett was a complicated man, so what is that umh well-dressed relative issue about?" Nic tries not to step too much on any toes, literal or figurative.

”Sharks, coming to the chum,” says Hans. ”They’re not Backetts. They get nothing!”

Esme tuts. ”They’re relatives, dear.” She regards Nick. ”You see Marisa? She’s your second cousin once removed. We may be closer to Uncle Vlen, but we’re the country cousins and she’s the city mouse. Smart suits and smarter lawyers, I’m guessing. Still, I’m guessing that only the will can say who gets what.”

”If there -is- a will,” says Hans.

______________________________________________________________________

The cretin, Porter Sajan, seemed eager to try to leave the room.

He did not, however, succeed.
A voice rings out, and EVERYONE can hear it:

"OR WHAT!?!?"

"I almost feel that you, some useless peon on a useless world, were acting as though you might give ME, a dignitary from a real world, directives. I know that's preposterous, and I know you must only seem that insipid, but it gnaws at me. Like a giant bucktooth rabbit on an equally useless world, it GUH-naws at me. Like that can't really just have happened, it's not like you have half the value in half the Universe that Beckett did, right? So, stay put a$$hat, let us know what makes you so important. We sure as he!!! don't know yet. Let me know why I don't call in an air stike from the Confederation to obliterate this useless dungheap ... it's not like you all have Beckett to protect you anymore."

Erryll smiles a genuinely somewhat regretful smile at Ben, but Erryll was Erryll, and he had kind of had enough.

Before Erryll finishes his first shout, Parad’s big bodyguard steps between him and Erryll, getting right into Erryll’s personal space and towering over the delicate fashion model. His hand has gone to his waistband where he clearly has a pistol, but he hasn’t drawn it.

A second bodyguard pokes his head in the door, shoving Porter Sajan out of the line of fire.

Parad leans in and speaks low. ”Who am I? I’m Yusul f!@#ing Parad. Show some f@#*ing respect for the Backetts and and the people of this town or Morgan here’s going tie you into little knots and dump your f++#ing body in the swamp.”

”Vlen Backett owes me 1 million credits and I’m getting my f+~!ing money back, y’understand?”

He leans back away from Morgan and Erryll and all eyes focus on the tableau.

About that time, another ship can be heard landing outside.

Before Erryll finishes his first shout, Parad’s big bodyguard steps between him and Erryll, getting right into Erryll’s personal space and towering over the delicate fashion model. His hand has gone to his waistband where he clearly has a pistol, but he hasn’t drawn it.

A second bodyguard pokes his head in the door, shoving Porter Sajan out of the line of fire.

Parad leans in and speaks low. ”Who am I? I’m Yusul f*%*ing Parad. Show some f#%%ing respect for the Backetts and and the people of this town or Morgan here’s going tie you into little knots and dump your f#&%ing body in the swamp.”

”Vlen Backett owes me 1 million credits and I’m getting my f*$+ing money back, y’understand?”

He leans back away from Morgan and Erryll and all eyes focus on the tableau.

About that time, another ship can be heard landing outside.

Erryll could, as one could imagine, quite care less. He'd been brought back to life several times, and one man's silly slug shooter wasn't really a concern ... he ignores Morgana or whatever the name of the little 'w'itch is in front of him, and speaks again to the commoner who seemed to have amassed somewhat of a fortune.

"Morgana's knots or whatever it was aren't really my concern, but I know you know that ... a million credits however, is quite another matter. Given that it is very unlikely the late Mr Backett will be reconciling the debt, I will endevour to help my friend do so on behalf of the estate."

"Please also understand that your friend should quickly choose to move away from me and return to your side, or this is a memory I will erase, completely, another day."

"We ran in similar circles for a while. Sadly, I had not seen him a while before he was attacked. Had he written you to discuss his trips? It seems like he always had an interesting tale." Ben says.

Erryll could, as one could imagine, quite care less. He'd been brought back to life several times, and one man's silly slug shooter wasn't really a concern ... he ignores Morgana or whatever the name of the little 'w'itch is in front of him, and speaks again to the commoner who seemed to have amassed somewhat of a fortune.

"Morgana's knots or whatever it was aren't really my concern, but I know you know that ... a million credits however, is quite another matter. Given that it is very unlikely the late Mr Backett will be reconciling the debt, I will endevour to help my friend do so on behalf of the estate."

"Please also understand that your friend should quickly choose to move away from me and return to your side, or this is a memory I will erase, completely, another day."

Yusul Parad clearly has no idea what this dandy fellow before him is talking about, but he understands a business offer with keen clarity.

"Yeah. Well. That's alright then. That's whaddyacall... that's a thing of honor. Paying off a friend's debts. Alright Mister... I didn't catch your name... I respect that. Respect, it's a two-way street. Enjoy your wake, here and we'll talk later."

"Morgan, s'alright. Go have a drink."

Morgan eyes Erryll for another half second, then steps back and walks toward the bar, ordering a club soda. Several of the locals look deeply relieved that this confrontation ended as it did.

____________________________________________________________________

"We ran in similar circles for a while. Sadly, I had not seen him a while before he was attacked. Had he written you to discuss his trips? It seems like he always had an interesting tale." Ben says.

"Oh Uncle Vlen never wrote," says Great-Aunt Esme. "He just... showed up. Do you know that we call him 'uncle Vlen', but no one is sure how old he is. Old Nairal Backett is my actual uncle and he's nearly 100 standard years old and he remembers being introduced to 'old Great-Uncle Vlen' when he was a child. There was speculation that Vlen used anagathic drugs but where he obtained them is a mystery."

Hans clucks his tongue, disinterested in family history. "He's got a lodge out in the woods. I went there once when I was twelve or thirteen. He's got all sorts of souvenirs from his travels. I bet some of that is real valuable."

____________________________________________________________________

About this time, the door to the hall opens and four people enter, dressed identically in green robes and shaved heads. They nod and move about the room together talking to people, three of them chanting softly whenever the fourth speaks.

____________________________________________________________________

Malaxius, Linc and Nick, what are you doing? There are plenty of people to talk to: The Backetts, the Jocells, the Parads, the townsfolk and now this new group of four.

Ben looks over at them and then whispers to Great-Aunt Esme, "Who are they?"

Nic is shocked at his great aunt's recital of Vlen's history. At an opportune moment he hesitantly says, "Aunt Esme I thought you were Vlen's step-mother, either I got the story wrong or the wrong story. If the latter why so much uhm, misdirection?"

Nic waits as the situation develops, not sure of anything anymore.

The old woman shrugs at Ben. "I haven't the foggiest. Some strange friends of Uncle Vlen's, perhaps? He always did go in for the oddest people..Why not go ask them? They seem to be in a talking mood."

To Nic, she smiles. "Oh no, dear. I'm old but I'm not so old as all that. I'm guessing that Vlen was at least 150 years old, but nobody really knew. For all we know he could be twice that. How long have anagathics been around? But where he gets such things the Stars only know. My guess is that he's super-rich, but uses his wealth only for the anti-aging drugs. Likely a war profiteer, the old rogue!"

C'mon guys. Go talk to people!

Without a strong connection to the deceased, Malaxius carries a dutifully solemn expression during the whole ceremony. When the conflict with the debt arrises, he whispers to Nic:
"I've got mad respect for anyone who can actually read legal texts without falling asleep. But havn't you some legal eagles on your contact- list? Maybe they can give advice on how to get things "unstuck"here"
When the lodge in the wood gets mentioned, he suddenly seems interested:"these ...souvenirs you mention...could you describe them?"

Ben smiles at the aunt and says, "I think I will. Until we talk again."

He will then find his way towards the new group and approach them with a smile and an outstretched hand, "Good day, I am Benjamin Farn. An old friend of Vlen's. I could not help but notice your stylish matching outfits and so I thought I would come and introduce myself. And you all are?"

"these ...souvenirs you mention...could you describe them?"

Hans shrugs. "I was a kid. Like, paintings and statues and weird art. You know, foreign stuff. Oh, I think he had a stuffed lambdragon head mounted on the wall, too. Oh, and lots of weapons. He has a whole collection over the mantle."

He will then find his way towards the new group and approach them with a smile and an outstretched hand, "Good day, I am Benjamin Farn. An old friend of Vlen's. I could not help but notice your stylish matching outfits and so I thought I would come and introduce myself. And you all are?"

A short-haired and severe looking woman says "We are the Brotherhood of Humaniti." While she speaks, all the others hum a deep mantra as background accompaniment. "Initiate Zuu, the man you know as 'Vlen Backett', was a member of our order. He left us some years ago, taking with him a priceless relic, but as part of his initiation, he left all his worldly goods to the Brotherhood. We are here to collect what is owed us."

With his great-aunts revelation Nic sees that there was much more to Vlen then he ever imagined further confirmed with more debt-collectors arrival. With that he replies to Mal comment, "Not so much contacts but Regina quickly taught me that in worlds with strict laws, hire a professonal. Looks like I may have to. Vlen appears to have been something of a welcher."

Nic continuing his discussion with his great-aunt, he says, "Hm, well that's interesting, I'm I related to Vlen Beckett at all? This is all so mysterious."

At this point Nic, having seen the nobles go off and investigate or inflame the situation, is nervously content to see how that plays out.

"Intriguing. Is it often that someone would join your order and then leave?" Ben asked as he started to see why everyone kept talking about how interesting the reading of the Will would be.

"No, it is not," says the woman, still to the weird, chanting accompaniment of her brethren. "Mr. Backett was a liar and a cheat. He somehow found our private monastery and applied for membership in the Brotherhood. We have a copy of his oath of membership, which bears Backett’s signature and identity imprint. He left the order after two weeks. He took with him our most sacred relic relic, the Scepter of Ur."

"He may have been a charlatan, but his oath was very real and legally binding."

"I have no ties to the Will that I know of, but out of curiousity if he created a later legally binding document how will that be decided? Has any court had such a dispute before?" Ben asks.

She shrugs. "I am no lawyer, but brother Urumqi here is barred throughout the subsector."

"Since the contract was made on one world and the property exists on another," says Brother Urumqi as the chanting suddenly ceases, "Imperial law applies. Section 62-494(B) of the Imperial Code of Civil Law states that where two mutually exclusive contracts exist, the earlier contract prevails."

Anyone else talking to anyone else?

"I see, and do you plan to set up a place for your brotherhood here or do you plan to liquidate solid assets and return to your home?" Ben asks as he takes a drink of something and wishes it was stronger.

Brother Urumqi smiles gently and says "That depends on the assets. But the Brotherhood would most likely sell them to further our mission of keeping humans safe in the universe.

__________________________________________________________

At that point, another ship can be seen and heard arriving outside. A human woman in a tight-fitting black jumpsuit emerges from the small shuttle. Her close-cropped hair is in striking contrast to her dramatic good looks. She enters, speaks briefly with Porter Sajan and goes to stand by Vlen's casket, weeping.

"Mrs. Arisa Backett," announces Sajan. "Wife of Vlen Backett."

A shocked murmur is heard from the Backetts. The Brotherhood begin to murmur among themselves.

Did Ben ever hear of Vlen being married before?

Nope! Never did. But then, he didn't know Vlen had promised all his worldly goods to some cult, either.

Ben will wander towards the woman and give her his winning smile. "Hello, I am Benjamin Farn, an old friend of your departed husband. It had been sometime since we talked, but he is sorely missed."

Nic dimly tries to work through the endless relationships, and claims being made, then gives up and pulls his comp, with is primitive A.I. calls up a genealogy and a social relationships app. He puts in the tentative relations as described by his great-aunt. Nairal Backett as Great Aunt Esme's uncle, and Marisa as a second cousin once removed, with maybe Vlen Backett as the Great Uncle of Nairal. Tie in with any legally accessible databases, to fill in any blanks if possible.

With the social relationship graph put in the other information about Yusul Parad, Brothehood of Humaniti, the names Zuu, Scepter of Ur (as an item), Urumqi (lawyer) check credential if on file, and an Arisa Backett, any info, especially a marriage record. Add list of claims so far.

After retreating to his familiar ground of using tech to fend off the too often confusing world of people, Nc will consult with his guide for any advice he has to offer in the morass of twisted debts, greed, and betrayal.

Electronic(Computer) 0, EDU +1: 2d6 + 1 ⇒ (6, 6) + 1 = 13 Just to use standard apps, for relations mapping.

HANS and NICHOLAS

Hans Backett approaches Nicholas as the engineer is poking at his computer.

"Hey. Hey. I got a sweet deal for you. I've got a cargo of rare furs. Five tons, worth at least CR10000 a ton at any decent port. You give me that will and the cargo is yours."

THE LAST SHIP

Yet another ship lands, this one disgorging a single male human traveller who enters the wake, looking around.

This is my friend Halle, who will be playing Ryan Bakke. Halle, no weapons or armor on this trip. It's in a locker back at the Highport.

PORTER SAJAN and the BROTHERHOOD OF HUMANITI

The Brotherhood has cornered Porter Sajan and is demanding that Vlen be buried in accordance with the Brotherhood's traditions.

"He may be apostate, but he is still a sworn Brother," says Aail, while the other monks harmonize behind her, giving a strange weight to her words. "A sample of his DNA must be taken for interment in the monastery archive, so in future millennia all believers will be part of the Ur-Humaniti to come."

"Uh... I think..." begins Sajan.

"And furthermore, the ceremony must take place according to the Scripture. There is a clear precedent to follow, taking approximately six hours. Most of that, of course, is the ritual denunciation."

"The what?"

"The Denunciation. All races, persons, governments, creeds,groups, species or thoughts that deny the essential unity of all Humaniti must be denounced. And they must be denounced in detail."

Sajan looks over at you, the Travellers, uncertain of what to do and seeking some help.

"Oh, uhm hi." Nic is clearly startled by Hans' interruption. "Uhm, I don't think I have anything to do with the will, if there is a will. At this point I'm so confused that I'm not sure I'm related to Vlen Backett at all. Heck, I'm not even sure he is Vlen Backett, for all I know some guy spaced the real Vlen a century or more ago and stole his identity, not easy but it's clear with this guy, anything is possible." Nic then realizes he is being bribed and continues, "That's a generous offer but I don't think I can help you or myself for that matter. I was just in the right place at the wrong time to take the body back. But I wish I knew more but I did not really know him at all."

Nic tries to continue with what he is doing and adds Hans to the list of people to find more about.

Benjamin will approach the Sanjan and speak with a friendly smile, "That sounds like an amazing ceremony that I would dearly love to see one day, when I am more enlightened then I am now, and it is certainly something that you all should do in your mourning for your beloved lost companion. But I am sure you will understand that the rest of us might opt for a different ceremony as we not part of your enlightened cohort. Something I am sure you could spend an excellent hour or two expanding upon during your Denunciations."

Soc+Persuade: 2d6 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (1, 4) + 2 + 1 = 8

PORTER SAJAN and the BROTHERHOOD OF HUMANITI

The Brotherhood has cornered Porter Sajan and is demanding that Vlen be buried in accordance with the Brotherhood's traditions.

"He may be apostate, but he is still a sworn Brother," says Aail, while the other monks harmonize behind her, giving a strange weight to her words. "A sample of his DNA must be taken for interment in the monastery archive, so in future millennia all believers will be part of the Ur-Humaniti to come."

"Uh... I think..." begins Sajan.

"And furthermore, the ceremony must take place according to the Scripture. There is a clear precedent to follow, taking approximately six hours. Most of that, of course, is the ritual denunciation."

"The what?"

"The Denunciation. All races, persons, governments, creeds,groups, species or thoughts that deny the essential unity of all Humaniti must be denounced. And they must be denounced in detail."

Sajan looks over at you, the Travellers, uncertain of what to do and seeking some help.

"Lord Sajan!"

"I'm not sure I took the time to make myself as clear as I should have earlier ... but now seems like a significantly better time."

"My documents show that I am a doctor, of reknown throughout the Imperium. My documents show that I am a Lord of the Darien Confederation, which is also recognized throughout known space. This ancient beggar woman though, huh, seems like all she has are a bunch of urchins who hum rather badly when she says 'Fraternal Order of Unwashed Sisters'. We both know that you or I could comm the Highport at any moment and summon a host of solicitors who can order these cultists to be chained and sent to the Duke on Regina. Please, say the word, I can tell they are bothering you trying to get you to falsely endorse their claim."

Ryan mills about at the back of the crowd. He's not really dressed for a funeral, wearing a set of well worn, but clean, dark-green coveralls and a navy blue nomex jacket. At 6'1' and 15 stones, he's big but not the biggest guy there. His auburn hair is on the long side, slightly unruly, and about 2 weeks past needing a cut. However, his beard looks like it was just trimmed for the event.

He's not sure how this funeral is supposed to proceed so he puts his hands into jacket to keep from fidgeting. As he waits he is slowly intrigued by all the drama unfolding and slowly realizes he really didn't understand who Vlen was at all. However, when he hears Arissa Backett introduced he decides it would be proper to offer his sympathy.

He waits politely for an opening, " Mrs. Backett. Vlen probably never mentioned me, but if he did he would have called me Rooster. Your husband gave me chance when he really didn't have to and it made all the difference in the world for me. I just wanted to offer you my condolences for your loss. If there is anything I can do, let me know. I owe Vlen that much.

"Oh, uhm hi." Nic is clearly startled by Hans' interruption. "Uhm, I don't think I have anything to do with the will, if there is a will. At this point I'm so confused that I'm not sure I'm related to Vlen Backett at all. Heck, I'm not even sure he is Vlen Backett, for all I know some guy spaced the real Vlen a century or more ago and stole his identity, not easy but it's clear with this guy, anything is possible." Nic then realizes he is being bribed and continues, "That's a generous offer but I don't think I can help you or myself for that matter. I was just in the right place at the wrong time to take the body back. But I wish I knew more but I did not really know him at all."

Nic tries to continue with what he is doing and adds Hans to the list of people to find more about.

Hans frowns darkly as Nicholas denies him the Will he assumes you have. "Well, I suppose we'll find out tomorrow. Be careful. The jungles of Alell can be very dangerous to offworlders."

Ryan mills about at the back of the crowd. He's not really dressed for a funeral, wearing a set of well worn, but clean, dark-green coveralls and a navy blue nomex jacket. At 6'1' and 15 stones, he's big but not the biggest guy there. His auburn hair is on the long side, slightly unruly, and about 2 weeks past needing a cut. However, his beard looks like it was just trimmed for the event.

He's not sure how this funeral is supposed to proceed so he puts his hands into jacket to keep from fidgeting. As he waits he is slowly intrigued by all the drama unfolding and slowly realizes he really didn't understand who Vlen was at all. However, when he hears Arissa Backett introduced he decides it would be proper to offer his sympathy.

He waits politely for an opening, " Mrs. Backett. Vlen probably never mentioned me, but if he did he would have called me Rooster. Your husband gave me chance when he really didn't have to and it made all the difference in the world for me. I just wanted to offer you my condolences for your loss. If there is anything I can do, let me know. I owe Vlen that much.

Nicholas and Lincoln recognize this newcomer as their old friend Rooster, whom they knew as a Belter with a reputation for being lucky and a dead shot with a blaster.

Arissa Backett holds out her hand to Rooster with elegant manners. "Rooster. Delighted. Yes, Vlen did have a generous heart. He could gain and lose a fortune on the turn of card, but he never turned away a soul in need."

She smiles sadly and touches Ryan's arm. "No, I'm afraid he never mentioned that particular name to me, but he met so many people in his travels and when we were together we had so many things and places to talk about. Do you mind if I ask where you met Vlen? He traveled to so many places, I've never been able to piece it all together."

Benjamin will approach the Sanjan and speak with a friendly smile, "That sounds like an amazing ceremony that I would dearly love to see one day, when I am more enlightened then I am now, and it is certainly something that you all should do in your mourning for your beloved lost companion. But I am sure you will understand that the rest of us might opt for a different ceremony as we not part of your enlightened cohort. Something I am sure you could spend an excellent hour or two expanding upon during your Denunciations."

"Unacceptable," says Sister Aail. "Vlen Backett was a full member of the Brotherhood and..."

"And a citizen of Alell," interjects Porter Sajan, buoyed by Benjamin's support. "And tomorrow morning, we will hold a traditional Alell burial service. If you like, you may stay afterwards and conduct your own ritual. I've no objection to you obtaining any of Mr. Backett's DNA, but his family might. You'll have to discuss it with them. I intend to obtain a sample tonight and if the Backetts agree I will release it to you tomorrow. If not, well, the courts can sort it out."

"Lord Sajan!"

"I'm not sure I took the time to make myself as clear as I should have earlier ... but now seems like a significantly better time."

"My documents show that I am a doctor, of reknown throughout the Imperium. My documents show that I am a Lord of the Darien Confederation, which is also recognized throughout known space. This ancient beggar woman though, huh, seems like all she has are a bunch of urchins who hum rather badly when she says 'Fraternal Order of Unwashed Sisters'. We both know that you or I could comm the Highport at any moment and summon a host of solicitors who can order these cultists to be chained and sent to the Duke on Regina. Please, say the word, I can tell they are bothering you trying to get you to falsely endorse their claim."

The chanting of the monks turns angry, and they glare at Erryll but do not cease their singing. Meanwhile Sister Aail turns a wondering gaze on Erryll. After a moment she says "Darrien? That tiny spot on the map at the ass end of civilization? Phaw! Four comets and a leaky asteroid, I say. In any case, His Grace is well-known to uphold the law and our claim is quite legitimate, I assure you. We will prevail."

Ryan Bakke wrote:

She smiles sadly and touches Ryan's arm. "No, I'm afraid he never mentioned that particular name to me, but he met so many people in his travels and when we were together we had so many things and places to talk about. Do you mind if I ask where you met Vlen? He traveled to so many places, I've never been able to piece it all together."

Ryan, AKA Rooster, meets her eye and returns a smile, You know, I can't say. So many ports blur together, but it was on the edge of Imperial space, I remember that. I was in a tight spot and needed a job. He hooked me up, introduced me to Captain Tay of the Free Trader SUN TAN over there. He gives a jerk of his thumb to indicate another man mixing in the crowd.

During his short conversation with Vlen's wife he notices Nicholas and Lincoln. He gives them both a short nod of acknowledgement, but doesn't break away from Mrs. Backett just yet. He risks a lean in a little closer, Vlen never mentioned this Brotherhood connection, not that it's any of my business. They seem a pushy lot with ill-timing. His tone is meant to be conciliatory and he is interested in her view of the unfolding dramatics. But he's not hoping for too much from a grieving widow.

Gang, I sense a distinct lack of direction. Unless anyone has anything they wish to accomplish with this group of claimants on Uncle Vlen's estate, we'll move onto the next morning. Speak now or hold your peace.

Ben is ready to move on.

Ready

At a good moment, when Rooster finishes his talk with the widow, goes over to greet him. "Hey glad to see you Rooster it's been a while." then more quietly he says, "Bit of a situation here, Rooster, things started weird and now are getting weirder, I now have little to no idea what's going on and I worried how it's going to fall out. I'm not even sure I'm related to Vlen at all. I'm not sure who he really is at all either. We'll talk later in a more private place?"

I did make a good roll on my attempt at putting together a relationship web from what Nic thinks he knows and any accessible info from the datahubs. Did it give me anything the Nic didn't know or wasn't sure of before?

Ready to move on.

Ryan shakes Nicholas’ hand and gives a quick grin for the solemn occasion. Good to see you too. Been a bit. Saw Lincoln wandering around also. You two still working together since that shuttle party?

At Nicholas’ suggestion to talk elsewhere in private, Ryan gives him a nod. Roger that. A catchup would be cool. This place is has more drama than my high school’s theater group.

let’s move on

The next morning, everyone gathers for Vlen Backett’s funeral. Despite the protests of the Brotherhood of Humaniti, he is buried in accordance with the local traditions of Alell. The body is taken from the village hall to a green field within the mister precincts, where it is buried in an unmarked grave. The original settlers of Alell used the remains of their dead to cultivate ‘safe’ crops, when they did not know which plants in the jungle were edible. The tradition remains to this day – Backett’s corpse will be allowed to slowly decay and feed the village green.

At the ceremony, Sajan gives a brief eulogy of Vlen Backett.

"What can be said of Vlen Backett? He was a mystery to his dying day. Everyone standing here knew him but we saw only one small part of him. None of us knew the whole and I do not think anyone ever did. Vlen went beyond the confines of our little world. He traveled further than anyone I have ever known and saw things we cannot imagine. He had friends and comrades on 100 worlds and propped up the bar in 1,000 starports. He was not always a good man, or a wise man, but he was always... surprising."

"Vlen was a stranger in strange stars and he brought a little of that strangeness back to enrich our lives. Goodbye, Vlen. Life here in Vaca Goya will be much duller without you."

After the funeral, Sajan gathers the Backetts, Jocells, Arisa, the Parads and the Brotherhood of Humaniti, along with each of you and meets with you all in his house.

"To the matter at hand," he says. "The will. I have not found one. I have searched Vlen's house and property and uncovered no will, but I believe one exists. He intimated as much, without ever saying so. Can Anyone suggest where it might be found?"

Ryan wore the same clothes to the funeral having only owned four different sets of coveralls for all occasions over the last eight years as a belter.
His cold temp nomex jacket was meant for wear under a vacc-suit for prolonged space walks, not formal wear. And he knew it. So he stayed towards the back during the ceremony, embarrassed for not able to show his respects in proper clothing.

As the ceremony ended and the mourners meandered about before going there own ways, Ryan bumped into Captain Tay of the SUN TAN.

"That's it Rooster. Port ops gave us a lift time tomorrow morning. You coming, or going?

Ryan reached out and took his Captain's hand and shook it. "You've been good to me, boss. Can't thank you enough. Johnathan will fleet up nicely to captain the SUN TAN. He doesn't need me around. I am going to hang here for a bit before finding a new contract. I'll clear out my rack later tonight and say good bye to the crew. "

Captain Tay wished him luck before blending back into the crowd. Ryan watched the back of the captain disappear and turned to find Sajan making eye contact as he approached.

"Sir," he offered politely.

The invitation to the house came as bit of a surprise. But the announcement that Vlen's will was lost dove tailed rather nicely with the fact the man had been murdered. Holy crap, what a mess.
, he thought. Then he worried his open-ended offer to help Vlen's wife may have been the reason behind the invite.

New guy, here. Limited information. He will just watch the crowd and follow Lincoln and Nickolas lead.

"Our taxi driver said he went to the forest for an extended time. Perhaps he went somewhere and stored his will and other valuables there." Ben says.