Zaeta helps make sure the living get to the shuttle, and then she takes her sword and goes to drag the body in the clearing to the ship as well.
If he is needed to help carry a body OR assist the wounded in getting out of the wreckage, Cor won't hesitate to do so. If there are enough able-bodied crew there to do the job, he'll station himself at the shuttle ramp to provide cover fire for their escape.
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After a hair-raising landing in the tight spot, he calls in to the others. "All ready here, get those wounded soldiers to the ship and bring the fallen as well. The shuttle is now a hundred fifty meters to the southeast of the crash site, where the forest opens up a bit. Crastor and I will give cover fire from those birds!" He moves up closer to the wreckage site, but not beyond view of the shuttle.
Zaeta helps make sure the living get to the shuttle, and then she takes her sword and goes to drag the body in the clearing to the ship as well.
Zaeta, you notice a huge tree-like plant which seems to be hollow. It is probably home to a colony of flyers. It’s likely that the colony was protecting its young.
I think that hollow tree-like thing over there is their home. Steer well clear of that on the way out she advises the pilots.
Crastor moves to aid those in need.
The team manages to get the injured to the waiting ship and take off without being attacked again!
Back at base camp, you manage to treat the wounded and prepare the dead for transport back to Skander. The shore leave continues.
Zaeta opens up shore leave again, but only in human settled areas.
Then, if they can get in touch with someone about the breeding grounds of these flyers and any other potential environmental dangers, she then opens up other areas for leave, marking others as off limits on the heads-up display for all crew members.
So you're making the call to remove the crew from the campgrounds you've established, is that right? Do you make a speech about safety or just order the crew back to the shuttles?
Cor would hate for the shore leave to be canceled, but there is definitely a threat to be handled. The scout suggests they send warnings to the various campsites that relate the threat potential of camping near trees that might be nesting places for the aggressive animals and suggest relocating those that are in forested areas to clearings or shorelines where any such threats are neutralized.
"We should find out if the other camps are in danger before pulling them out. Maybe checking with the locals first would be worth while." Crastor says as he knows how much a crew needs time off the confining ship after weeks or months in deep space.
Zaeta is open with the crew about the dangers when she restricts certain areas, but also very clear that there will be penalties for breaking restrictions and putting lives in danger.
What actually happened was that Zaeta contacted Captain Aldonov and suggested that leave be cancelled. But then you guys took off in the two available shuttles -and- have only been gone for about an hour. So no, everyone is still on the ground, making ready to depart. Skander herself is on another continent, engaged in trade negotiations.
So how would you like to handle this?
or whatever else someone else thinks
Cor is in agreement with Frey's idea of consolidating the camps closer together for defense - preferably away from forests that might play host to the dangerous avians they fought off.
He agrees with Crastor and doesn't think the shore leave should be canceled outright at this point. It's too important to morale and this last incident seems to be isolated.
One hundred twenty hours after Skander sets down on Kardin, she is burning for space once again. Little trading or intel gathering was done, but the crew is in good spirits after some much-needed R&R.
Once in J-Space, a funeral is held for crewmen Svein Kielland and Magne Tandberg. In a moving service, Captain Aldonov speaks at the funeral and reads the ancient Terran prayer for those that go to sea in ships:
They that go down to the sea in ships, and occupy their business in great waters;
These men see the works of the Lord, and his wonders in the deep.
For at his word the stormy wind ariseth, which lifteth up the waves thereof.
They are carried up to the heaven, and down again to the deep.
Their soul melteth away, because of the trouble.
They reel to and fro, and stagger like a drunken man, and are at their wits’ end.
So when they they cry unto the Lord in their trouble he delivereth them out of their distress.
For He maketh the storm to cease, so that the waves thereof are still.
Then are they glad because they are at rest; and so he bringeth them unto the haven where they would be.
The captain mentions the heroism of the ship’s officers in rescuing the crew of the downed air/raft and how your swift actions likely saved the lives of several more shipmates.
And Skander flies on.
(Spinward Marches 0530) - E42158A-8
Dorannia orbits a single dim K4 V star. It is a ‘rockball’ world with too little water or air to be habitable. Its atmosphere is a very thin mixture of oxygen and nitrogen, tainted by slightly high background radiation. Nevertheless it is home to several hundred thousand people who dwell in sealed environments. ‘Atomic Dorannia’, as the world is popularly known, is famous for its exports of fissionables and devices based upon nuclear energy. The world government has recently implemented a defensive strategy based on the liberal use of nuclear missiles, which has deterred raiders but made ship captains rather more wary of visiting even for legitimate purposes.
At a briefing, Sundstrom outlines his plans for Dorannia. ”I see Dorianna as a potentially viable market, although the population is too small to produce much in the way of exports. I do see the possibility of buying fissionables or nuclear-powered mid-tech machinery if the price is right and expect to sell some equipment and items useful in industry such as raw materials. There is too little starport traffic for the usual trading but I’m betting that I can sell the government machinery and equipment that will boost the local economy, to mutual advantage.”
”I have received an invitation to reception at the capital. I would like you to go with me. Get your suits and gowns ready. This affair is black tie. Any questions?”
You do if you want to.
Zaeta says When do we leave, sir?
When they are dismissed, she gets her best formal clothing ready.
(Conservatively cut but slightly slinky long black dress with green highlights that match her eyes and hair, stunner in an thigh holster that can't be detected when she moves, but it will look awkward if she has to retrieve it, so she hopes nothing comes up.)
She meets the team going to the reception at the proper time, and brings a shoulder bag with her regular clothing in it just in case they stay longer than just the reception.
Cor smiles in acknowledgment of the order. "I think I can dig up a suit from somewhere. It's been awhile, hopefully it'll still fit. Who will we be meeting with at this reception? Should we do some homework on them or on any local issues so we don't sound too awfully foolish when engaged in conversation?"
"It's a poor world with little in the way of resources. I intend to enter into a business relationship with the government in order to later supply Dorannia with high-tech machinery they can't manufacture here. I doubt very much if you'll find a market worth selling to outside of that. We'll be on Bularia soon and they should provide a solid market."
"I always think that knowing the local news and who the players are is a good idea, Mister Anders. But you're not expected to do more here than provide pleasant conversation and look reputable. I'll do the rest."
"I think I have something that will work. Will there be any events going on or just a sociable dinner? If there is a hunt or something it may change what we want to wear." Crastor says as he mulls over his suit.
Cor sketches a salute with a wry smile. "Very well sir, I'll do my best to engage in idle conversation without looking disreputable."
The former scout finds an older suit he'd once worn to a friend's wedding. It should do the trick, he figures. At least that stain came out nicely when he hadn't quite been fast enough as the best man lost the contents of his stomach on the way to the private party shuttle afterwards.
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"You know Cor, sometimes looking disreputable IS the idle conversation ..."
Frey smiles, chuckles, and pinches the left cuff of his jacket
"... but not always."
Freyjason's suit shimmers and morphs, very very quickly changing his look.
The result was extraordinary.
Most of the officers had at least a passing knowledge of ancient Sword Worlds traditions, maybe less so fashion.
But this was something different, timeless, classic.
TUXEDO
"I honestly didn't think this program would get any mileage out here; I figured when I attended my last hospital benefit this would be in retirement until some of the cousins started to get married, and yet, here we are." As Frey touched the Reyven Family Sigil stiched onto his shirt collar, the nostagalia seemed to sweep accross his face in an instant "This will be fun! Who's ready?"
The capital city of Dorrania is a series of flat domes with a view of a jagged mountain range and the magnificent desolation of world desert. Despite being too thin and tainted to breathe, Dorannia's atmosphere sports some terrific sandstorms and one rages in the distance, a wall of ocher dust three miles high.
Meanwhile, on the inside, a reception is underway for the ship's crew. Men and women in crisp suits or daring dresses laugh and talk while a hard-working wait staff serves hors-d'oeurves and cocktails. Magnus Sundstrom is dancing with the wife of a corporate leader while Skander's First Officer Margueritte Johansdottir is surrounded by several dignitaries enthralled by her tales of storming a rebel stronghold on Entrope in one of that benighted planet's interminable civil wars.
There are representatives here of Dorannia's government, military and industrial leaderships.
Tell me what you do and with whom you do it!
Zaeta is going to dance with several of the industrial leaders, asking them what they do, how they think their industry is doing, where they want to be in the next 5-10 years, etc. Get to know them, see if she can pick up anything interesting that might help their mission.
Cor shares his experiences in the Army as well as his years exploring new planets in the Scout service. His focus is on the military leaders, and keeping in mind Magnus' overall directive, he tries to lean conversation toward recent events and concerns in Dorianna and the nearby systems.
Frey focuses where he is the most comfortable; business people and entrepreneurs. These are the people who were the most interested in supporting research at the hospital on Narsil. He is listening for sustainability issues they might be having: artificial habitats are plagued by them in most cases.
Crastor finds his way over to talk to naval leaders or any industrial leadership who focus on transports and space faring items. He will see if they have news of anything new on the horizon or any information on what is happening in the sector.
Sundstrom begins negotiating a deal to provide upwards of 100 tons of machinery and electronics, with the option to buy more from his contacts on Narsil at the same price. This is common in big deals involving corporations and governments; a letter from Sundstrom, properly authenticated, allows representatives from Dorannia to buy goods at the prices he has agreed to. This makes negotiations all the more complex, as setting up a deal that cannot be honored would be a huge embarrassment.
Zaeta has a fine time dancing with the captains of industry on Dorannia, and learns quite a bit of fine gossip. Crastor talks shop with Dorannia military leaders. Cor learns a bit more of substance about the military situation in the the Bularia cluster
It's clear that although the worlds of the cluster are nominally neutral, they are heavily influenced by the politics of the Darrien Confederation, Sword Worlds Confederation and the Imperium. Dorannia's heavy reliance on nuclear weapons for deterrence increases the chances of the world becoming a flashpoint. Still, even here there is little sign of any Darrien build-up. Indeed, it is the Imperial Navy that runs anti-piracy patrols through the cluster on a regular basis.
As Freyjason talks to several entrepreneurs, a woman approaches and introduces herself as Milayam Sonosori, a broker for interstellar trade. "I'm given to understand that while your chief is negotiating long-term contracts, you are looking for salable cargo. I have a very special offer for you, Doctor."
"I can offer you 18 tons of top-grade nuclear munitions for immediate delivery at sixty thousand credits per ton."
Freyjason knows that he can probably sell them for three times as much within a couple of jumps.
"What an extraordinary offer Ms Sonosori! May I introduce you to some of my colleagues? I am sure they would be equally intrigued."
Frey extends his arm to the lady, and begins walking her towards Zaeta by the dance floor ...
"Imperial patrols can be a blessing at keeping pirates at bay. Which is good for business." Crastor notes to those who he is talking to.
When Cor is made aware of the offer, he glances at the others. "We'll need to bring Sundstrom in on this, I think. Assuming it's all on the up and up. What do we know about Ms Sonosori?"
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When Cor is made aware of the offer, he glances at the others. "We'll need to bring Sundstrom in on this, I think. Assuming it's all on the up and up. What do we know about Ms Sonosori?"
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If they make it to her across the dance floor, Zaeta will step aside with them and consult her portable computer.
I can confirm that we can carry that amount of cargo, and that we can pay for it. Is this something that you can get for us on a regular schedule?
If it is illegal, she uses the portable computer to send a message to Sundstrom about the nature of the inquiry as she is probing for additional information.
Either way, she delays with questions rather than authorizing the transfer, waiting to see what other information they can gather.
If they make it to her across the dance floor, Zaeta will step aside with them and consult her portable computer.
I can confirm that we can carry that amount of cargo, and that we can pay for it. Is this something that you can get for us on a regular schedule?
If it is illegal, she uses the portable computer to send a message to Sundstrom about the nature of the inquiry as she is probing for additional information.
Either way, she delays with questions rather than authorizing the transfer, waiting to see what other information they can gather.
"I, for myself, am thrilled that you would come to us with this kind of offer; an offer worthy of the Sword Worlds. An offer to help make other cultures and worlds stronger and safer. This is why we are out here!"
"For the right price, I am certain that I could guarantee an ongoing supply," says Sonosori. "Why don't you come by my office in the morning. You can inspect the merchandise and we can finalize the contracts then!"
It is a good offer, but I need to run it by the captain first.
Zaeta sends a message to Sundstrom
>Have an offer to carry nuclear munitions, which would obviously be profitable, and which is legal here, but illegal and frowned on in certain places. As your legal officer, I can tell you that we're in the clear as long as we are careful about where we sell. However, not sure what you have in mind as far as reputation of the Sword Worlds, so checking with you first. We can likely get an ongoing supply, but at the risk of perhaps being known as gunrunners and warmongers, at least on some planets. Not sure if that fits in with the kind of diplomacy you are going for... what image are we looking to present here, and where are you drawing the line? Are we neutral, buying and selling any legal goods, or is it important to our mission to be seen as the good guys?<
Sundstrom, who is engaged in negotiations of his own sends back <No deal. Talk to me after.>
Later, when the soirée is over, you meet back at Skander.
"I commend you for checking with me first, Zaeta," he says. "Yes, such weapons can represent excellent profits, but the risk to this mission from damage to our reputation is unacceptable. The Imperials might object to someone selling guns in their backyard, and imagine the backlash if Sword Worlders were found selling nuclear weapons to irresponsible users! No, it is not the image we wish to foster here on the marches."
"Our next stop is Bularia, possibly the most important of our entire voyage. Though a backwater world, it is the gateway to the Foreven Sector. Don't worry too much about Dorannia."
Bularia/Darrian (Spinward Marches 0430)
The Bularia system is relatively dense in terms of planetary bodies, although there are no gas giants. The system’s primary, Kanental Alpha, is a K5 yellow-orange main sequence star orbited by a distant companion, Kanental Beta, an M3 red dwarf. Each has a solar system of sorts, although that of Beta is limited to asteroid fields and a single uninhabited rockball. There are belter communities in the system’s planetoid belt, who occasionally come to the mainworld to trade. It is possible that there are belters working the companion system’s planetoids too but there is no concrete data.
Physically, Bularia is a ‘garden’ world, similar in size and atmospheric composition to Earth. Surface gravity is 0.97gs, which is entirely comfortable for most humans. There are only two drawbacks to Bularia and both are minor. The first is an atmospheric taint in the form of an airborne bacterium, which finds humans an attractive host. This causes a mild flu-like illness for a few weeks in about 60% of humans who come to Bularia without taking appropriate precautions. These include a course of inoculations which takes about two to three weeks to take effect. Locals are immune and even at its worst the ‘Newcomer Fever’ is unpleasant rather than debilitating.
The other slight problem with Bularia as a prospect for settlement is its relative dryness. There is about half as much surface water as on Earth, making for a stable weather pattern but more extreme temperatures as well as the obvious arid areas. Much of the planet is well-watered by any standards and there are some large seas, even oceans. However, regions of semi-desert and ‘dust seas’ exist, especially in the center of the large continents.
You have been taking innoculations against the “Newcomer Fever” for the last month.
___________________________________________________
One day before Skander is expected to leave J-Space at Bularia, Sundstrom summons his senior staff and negotiators.
”Bularia is a special case,” he says during the briefing. ”Bularia is remote from the interstellar community and sees little traffic. It is a client state of the Imperium, which means that although it does not enjoy the full rights of a member world, Bularia also does not pay Imperial taxes. Nor is it within the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Justice and other Imperial bodies. However, there are ties of friendship between the world and the Imperium that will likely lead to Imperial membership at some point. This is not considered desirable by the Sword Worlds Confederation as it constitutes part of the encroachment that will someday see the Confederation completely surrounded by a potentially hostile Imperium.”
”It is my intention to make very good friends on Bularia. I want it to be the Confederation’s stepping stone to the rich markets of the Foreven Sector. Bularia is technologically backward, call it TL 5, a mature steam technology. Railroads and early vacuum tubes. So let’s look for both market opportunities and any intelligence we can find. Above all, do nothing to annoy the local government!”
___________________________________________________
With a smooth transition, Skander drops out of Jump Space and arrives at Bularia, some 700,000 kilometers sunward of the mainworld. Sensors immediately reveal a handful of ships in orbit or at the downport. These are mostly small jump-2 traders from the Five Sisters sector but there is an Imperial warship in orbit as well. It is the Mnasippus, a 1,200 ton, TL 15 Kinunir cruiser. Sword Worlders would call these ships frigates but the Imperials have chosen the title vanguard cruiser.
Mnasippus sends polite, formal greetings to Skander but does not otherwise communicate. Seeing this, Sunstrom orders Skander to be made ready to put on a show at the downport. Formal uniforms, sidearms and white-gloved guards are arranged. The port authority directs the ship to a berth and the pilots take her down. A light rain spatters the sizzling hull as it descends through the atmosphere on wings of antigravity.
With Skander on the ground and smartly turned-out guards at her entrance points, Sundstrom announces his intention to meet with a consortium of merchants at Nesben, a city 150 kilometres away. He picks a handful of assistants – not including the any of you– and orders samples to be loaded into the two shuttles. You he tasks with gathering information about local trade conditions, so that Sundstrom can get the best deals possible when he returns to the port. He is soon en route to Nesben and you are left to your own discretion.
Sundstrom has pre-arranged his meeting, having sent a representative to Bularia some months ago. He hopes to strike a lucrative deal to market and export yellow leaf, whose mild medicinal properties have impressed him. He is also taking members of the senior crew with him to impress the merchants’ consortium. This leaves Cor in temporary command of the ship.
Cor speaks with the small group he's come to call friends. "Looks like we have our task, though I'll not be coming with you to probe the local market. With that Imperial frigate up there, I'd best stay with the ship. Go ahead and see what you can learn from the locals about the trade market, and remember to stay out of trouble. Even if it comes looking for you, don't rise to the bait. If the Imperials are looking to impress the powers that be here, they might just try to make those that represent the Sword Coast look bad. Keep that in mind."
While the others take their leave of the ship, the scout does what he can to assess the local market while aboard the Skander as he mans the bridge. He advises the crew to keep a sharp eye on the Mnasippus, and to advise him immediately if they deploy any shuttles or the like to the planet's surface.
"Friend Corellon, there's always someone well trained enough to stay behind: not so with those who can help in the field. Magnus will be just as tractable if you join us and delegate watch to the 3rd or 4th Officer. It's actually your call now that your in command.
Frey remembered any number of nights being Admin Lead at the hospital ... and he had always felt the OR or ER were preferable.
"Team: no doubt I am a little biased, but let's call a thing a thing here, this planet is TL5. We could make a killing if we were to set up a medical supply contract. On a planet like this, a basic Medkit from anywhere in the Sword Worlds is like being able to use magic. That holds true in many many other markets. Let's see where they're hurting. Thoughts?"
[FREIGHT] 15 tons of Personal and Commercial Computers [for Kardin] - Payout: Cr123,000
[FREIGHT] 5 tons of Survival Equipment [for Kardin] - Payout: Cr5,000
Zaeta arranges to deliver the cargo she was carrying for Bularia:
[MAIL] 20 Tons [for Bularia] - Payout: Cr100,000
[FREIGHT] 15 tons of Ethanol Fuel [for Bularia] - Payout: Cr39,000
Then she sets out to gather information about local trade conditions as Sundstrom asked, hoping to pick up some information she can use as well, since they didn't have time to accomplish any trading on Kardin or Dorannia.