Stars Without Number: Scions of the Stars, Ex astris intellectus Options

[JxJxA]

<<I've been refueling your ship for quite a while now. I think I can handle it. I once had to scoop fuel for my old crew while keeping our ship hidden from a system's security fleet. We got in, got out, and shrieked up one of their ships in the process. Fun times. Buy me a beer and I'll tell you about it.>>

[MrAres]

"I'd be more than happy to lend my talents to a lady as lovely as yourself. In a place like this you could be in the most danger. I've seen my share of military brats that don't know how to respect personal space."

After a moment when Ezri has left the group, Harken will notice Sereth's glance.

"If she wants to play lone starfighter that's fine by me, she doesn't want to place nice with the team she can pull her own ass out of whatever fire she finds it in. Void knows two seconds for a message is to much to ask from some one as popular as her. As for me, I'll be buzzing any one I haven't seen within the last four standard hours to check in. As for Steyger I've got no interest in tracking down people who are just looking to get away from a bad spot. If you want to look into it, maybe you'll find it's a bit more legitimate than that. Otherwise it seems there are some easy in system jobs in system, why don't we see how many we can snatch up."

[Lain]

In response to Ezri’s verbal slap, Alice’s face will blush briefly in pain.

Who said I was talking to her anyway? We can always get another deckhand, shit I think there are autopilot’s better than her..
Anyway if she gets in trouble we will just hire someone else anyway, better to not respond and upset Sereth, he seems to have a soft spot for her..


Mentally shaking herself out of the funk she was slipping into, she lifts her internal defenses and composes her face into a neutral expression so fast its hard to tell if she ever changed expressions..

Listening to Harken, Alice nods,
“I’m for safe and easy cash, if we can transport people and goods to close areas at the same time, might be worth doing. I’ll keep an ear out for any jobs not posted as well..
I’ll have my compad out let me know when you need me or if you want to get dinner together”

Alice walks off her high-heeled boots clicking on the floor,
“Be safe guys”

[Buddha72]

Ravenna watches the interplay between the crew and keeps herself still. In time Erzi would either find her place with the rest or she would have to find another ship to live on and travel with. She leans the side of her face against Harken's shoulder feeling the muscle beneath thrum with tension and something else but she knew the transitions were more difficult for him than the others though she was still not clear why yet but all things in their time.

"I can offer very little about this system or its history to help in selecting jobs or passengers but I think we could ask around discreetly to figure out what forces are at play. I'm willing to talk with people with Harken beside me in case my friendliness is misinterpreted as something else."

She gives a friendly wave to Alice as she makes her way past the group moving further in the station. A brief worry flows through her but she smoothes it away and leaves her features relaxed. Alice could take care of herself but its unclear how rowdy the populace was or how a single attractive woman would be received. She would trust her to make the best choices if something happens.

[MrAres]

Allowing Ravenna's gentle touch to guide him along, Harken falls into an easy gate, happily allowing the lady to lead him around. For a moment he feels himself relax as he is lulled by her calming presence. Realizing what is happening he snaps his head back up, forcing some steel back into his spine.

Gah, hope I didn't startle her... I should know better than to let my guard down though, no matter how shiny the place might be. Especially when I'm responsible for something like this

Looking down he gives the lady on his arm a slight yet warm smile, hoping he did not offend. His senses begin to scan their surrounding once again, keeping him sharp and aware to preserve the gentle bit of the universe holding his arm.

[JxJxA]

Sereth

As you begins thinking about what you knows about Re and Seyger, you start to realize what Habin was talking about...

The Seyger Consortium is an example of an Autonomous Commercial Entity (ACE), the current evolutionary version of the self-governing megacorporation. Unfortunately, you have heard from several sources that Seyger is also an example of the collective negative stereotypes of ACEs. According to those sources, Seyger has the draconian policy of charging exorbitant amounts for using Seyger owned facilities or resources. All property is in Seyger territory is owned by Seyger itself, and either sold (if personal or perishable) or leased (if real) to employees or visitors.

Even children born within Seyger are charged childbirth hospitalization fees, the cost of education, and food. Seyger holds these debts as loans, calculating interest. Upon graduation from school, citizens are offered two choices: 1-pay off their debt, or 2-accept employment and gain citizenship. Most people do not have the money to pay off their debt, and are forced to accept employment.

To complicate things, Seyger pays its citizens using its own ACE currency rather than galactic credits. While they do not use currency exchange to drive away potential business deals, they do use it as another barrier for employees to buy out their contract.

Re has a reputation as a strong proponent of sentient rights---one fairly earned with their seamless inclusion of non-Human species into an originally Human-centered entity, and views Seyger's employment practices as tantamount to slavery. They do not recognize Seyger as a legitimate government, refuse to do business with them. There are rumors that Re helps runaway employees escape Seyger territory, and even offer asylum. Re has not officially addressed these rumors, claiming that to do so would give Seyger some form of legitimacy. Nevertheless, from what you know of Re, you suspect the rumors to be true.

Seyger would challenge Re concerning the rumors, but they are hesitant to act given that Re is a multi-sector power and Seyger only exists in Chi Theta.

You suspect that as independent contractors, you could probably work for both parties. However, they would not make it easy...

[Fenris]

He gives Alice a small smile as she turns away, trying to take some of the sting out of Ezri's overly-aggressive response.

The only way that's a good job is if someone did actually murder them and we're allowed to track down the killers in the corporation...

He puts a tag on it in his display to follow up with them to get more details on the off-chance it might be an opportunity to stick it to Seyger as the lift carried him up towards the Hab ring.

Let's pull up a map and make sure I know where I'm going, his eyes fluttering across the interface as he waits out the long crawl up the main body of the station.

He marks off items as he sends out notes over the Ghostwire, transmitting the name of the ship and cargo space to the various jobs that were offered, asking for any additional details available, including specifics of containment and transport for the materials, mass for the repair supplies, etc, and what would be necessary to indicate acceptance of the jobs, including necessary delivery deadlines.

<<@Harken[Sereth]: Alright, we've got three cargo runs through the Void. Assuming slow load and offload times, we could do the set in 44 hours. Assuming nothing goes wrong. Which it always does. People, Repair Supplies, and Fuel. Any issues with any of those?>>

He pauses, scrolling the list up and then hesitating for a second, considering Harken's personal demons for a long moment before he sends a follow up note.

<<@Harken[Sereth]:...There's also a fourth job. SaR. No time limit, no pay listed, no idea why the ship isn't responding.>>

[MrAres]

Always good to help a ship in need... but damn I don't want to get caught up in local politics. Guess we could at least see how well it pays... and make sure its not some damn doomsday weapon they are sugar coating as a "relief" cruiser

<<@Sereth: Go see what details you can dig up on the transport jobs. Ravenna and I will look into the Re missions. I am sure she could coax some more information out of them. I will check with Ezri and if she is feeling cooperative she can ask around while she is flirting with the pilots. If you could use any help with negotiating I am sure Ravenna would not mind lending her talents.>>

<<@Ezri: If you have any extra time between the batting of your eyelashes, see what you can dig up about this SaR mission.>>
<<Attachment: SaR Mission Info>>

"Little lady if you wouldn't mind, we could use whatever info we could dig up on this mission Sereth found posted. I'm sure you can make some of those Re officers play nice, and don't worry I'll be there so you can fool them into thinking you actually need protection."

With a smile he will show his palmpad with whatever relevant info Sereth happened to forward.

[JxJxA]

Harken

Within seconds of contacting Ezri, you get a reply.

<<@Harken[Ezri]: I asked the pilot I'm with. She says that all applicants are referred to Re's consulate in the habitat hub of the station, and if you're interested then they're going to want us to leave ASAP.>>

Sereth

Upon contacting the different parties you get several responses.

<<@Sereth[CR/WS]: Thank you very much for contacting the Consulate of La Republica Empyreana regarding the following contract: [[Matjar-Deliver repair supplies]]. The Re observatory platform on Matjar is having difficulty recalibrating its atmospheric spectroscopers and needs replacements. You will be delivering 15 tons of delicate science equipment to the platform. You will have to make sure that the equipment is safely secured in your ship hold. This is a priority five request-please complete in 14 days at the latest.>>

<<@Sereth[Jovyn]: Thanks for answering our ad about passage to Vishwa. We're going to want to meet your crew before we make any decisions. One of our number needs to feel comfortable around the people he's with or things can get dicey. We don't have much in the way of luggage. From what we've heard, the Vishwa academy doesn't look kindly on material things. If you're interested, meet us at the Stormspot Cafe in the habitat hub in two hours, and we'll hash out the details. It's a bit quieter than the rest of the station.>>

<<@Sereth[WSOE]: Greetings, this is Waypoint Station Office of Employment. Our grain reserves are starting to get low, and Golwain is the closest trading partner we have. We'd like this done as soon as possible, within 7 days. If you can do it in 3 we'll give you a 15% bonus.>>

[Buddha72]

Ravenna smiles sweetly at Herken's promise of safety and at the opportunity to help the crew. She nods her assent as she activates her ghost talker and requests the transfer of information. She feels the shudder of discomfort as the technology imbedded in her flesh flares to life and streams of data flows past her eyes. Her homeworld lacked the facilities to produce most of the advanced cybertech she has since encountered. She had relented to get a ghost talker and pressure sheath implanted especially after being ejected into the void of open space.

As she looks over the jobs and the additional comments from the crew, she allows Harken to guide them towards their destination while making her own notes. She feels the urge to take a potentially less violent or dangerous job as opposed to collecting bounties from often unwilling people.

"Excellent plan. Let's see where we can find people we can talk to. Officers are a great place to start."

[JxJxA]

As you make your way through the busy docking platforms, you reach the turbolift platform. Dozens of turbolifts line the central area of the hangar. Most of them are for personnel-bringing people to and from the hangar deck. There are also massive cargo turbolifts for moving heavy goods and equipment throughout the station. You take the closest lift, enter the area, and press the button for the habitat hub.

The turbolift shoots up towards the top of the station, momentarily causing your legs to buckle with the sudden acceleration. You fly past several decks before suddenly decelerating at your destination. The turbolift doors swing open, and you walk into the habitat hub.

You find yourselves in the midst of a bustling promenade. Humans of all shapes and sizes and various Aliens species are walking past the many shops and amenities the station offers. Burly, porcine Hochog are moving side by side with the tall, crystal-feathered Qotah. Even a few of the eerily humanoid-like Ssath can be seen wandering through the promenade's stores.

You notice a few of the people wearing uniforms, and they tend to fall into two groups. The first group are station security, wearing similar outfits to the ones you encountered on the docking platform. Many have traded the laser rifles for the less imposing sidearm thermal pistols and stun batons. However, a few have rifles strapped to their backs. They walk around, attempting to appear ever vigilant against the threat of public disorder despite the fairly benign collective mood of the crowd.

The second group of uniforms are a bit more exotic. Humans and Aliens alike are wearing black jumpsuits lined with gold stitching. They each wear a stylized eye over their left breast---or the anatomical analog in the case of non-humanoid Alien members. They have one of five colors on the shoulders of their uniforms, red, yellow, blue, green, or white. Unlike the security officers, this group of uniformed people appear to be in the middle of shore leave. They are visiting different shops, sampling the different foods on the stations restaurants, and enjoying themselves.

Computer terminals intermittently dot the walls, giving you access to the habitat hub's directory. You can easily find routes to make your way to Azimuth Point, as well as other visitor attractions.

[Fenris]

Running a quick calculation of travel times, Sereth summarizes the data into a concise report for Harkin and the rest.

<<@Crew[Sereth]: Looks like we're shy the cargo room to do all three, unless someone's okay with filling their bedroom with triticale on the return run. So, first things first, Harkin, do we do the food run for the station, or the repair run for Matjar? The food pays slightly more if we can do the run in three days, which shouldn't be a problem.

Second, the psychic cargo would like a meet and greet to make sure we're not psychos or body-snatchers or anything like that. I'm thinking Ravenna or Alice or both should attend, maybe put them at ease?>>

[MrAres]

<@crew; Give Ravenna and I some time to speak with the Re representatives first. Personally I would like to hear what their story is before we decide what direction to go in.>>

[Lain]

Sitting alone, sipping a cocktail at Azimuth Point, Alice pulls out her compad reviewing the messages from Sereth & Harken.

<<@Crew: I'm tempted to go with Sereth's plan over getting involved in a search and rescue. Unless the search and rescue pays enough for the missed opportunity costs of the other 3>>

Alice pauses for a moment thinking about how she would feel if her friends were lost..

<<@Crew: And of course unless the people really really need our help>>

Alice smiles for a moment, glad she is with a crew that also doesn't seem to want to get involved with Politics or Authorities unless necessary

<<@Crew: Let me know when I can help>>

[JxJxA]

Alice

Azimuth Point sits at the very top of Waypoint Station, and offers a view like nothing else on the station. The section is composed primarily of transparent aluminum, with arches of opaque, heavier alloys to hold the section together. Tables and viewing areas line the edge of the venue, with spiraling corridors allowing wealthy patrons to literally rise above the other guests as they enjoy their food and drink. The decor is fairly minimal, allowing the view to take center stage.

The planet Zaxus dominates the view of most of Azimuth Point, with the station leveled at a giant red spot in the atmosphere---a massive storm that has been going on since anyone on the station can remember. On the left side of the planet's horizon is the Sirocco Nebula, mingling its faint pink-white wisps with the multi-colored atmosphere of the gas giant. On the right side of the planet is Kuphon---an incredibly bright, button-sized, blue sphere that is currently lighting up the face of Zaxus.

Harken and Ravenna

The station's computer kiosks makes finding the Re Consulate fairly easy. After a few right turns and a couple strolls down busy corridors, you arrive at the consulate. Twin guards wearing a red-shouldered, black-gold uniform stand at the doorway. They verify your identification before allowing you to enter the office.

The office is fairly empty, with only a pair of yellow-shouldered Re officers working. One---a Human male seemingly in his twenties---sits at the front desk, waiting to assist any who ask for help. The other---an iridescent, opalescent-feathered Qotah female---is busy working at a computer console, completely engrossed with whatever task she is attending to.

"Welcome to the the Consulate of La Republica Empyreana," says the officer at the desk.

"My name is Ensign Neil Jexon. What business do you have with the Republic today?"

[Buddha72]

Ravenna let's her awareness spread out around lowering the shields around her mind to feel the emotions coming from the minds around her. She lets the deeper part of her consciousness uncoil and sends it out along the paths of cause and effect. She seeks a disruption or resistance along her current thread as glides forward with Harken as her escort.

"I'm Ravenna of the Terra Firma and new to this region of space. I come here seeking knowledge and a better understanding of the conflict between Re and Seyger. My captain seeks to do business in this sector but does not wish to anger the powers to be and more importantly, not increase the suffering of any sentients while plying his trade. Is there someone I can speak to and learn from?"

She keeps her face open and honest as she relaxes the muscles in her body and assumes the stance of the Honest Petitioner. She lets the warm and strength of her companion be her anchor as she attempts to read the Ensign in front of her.

[JxJxA]

Ravenna

You reach out into the familiar nexus of the future, attempting to piece together glimpses of the future. You sift through sensations of waiting, talking, listening, and leaving. Nothing you encounter indicates harm or distress to befall Harken or yourself.

As you pass the guards upon entering the consulate, you touch their minds. One of them deftly blocks your attempt, and you gain a sense of boredom morphing to annoyance. You slip past the defenses of the other, and manage to peek at the emotional horizon of his mind. He mirrors the other's boredom. However, he also seems to be slightly preoccupied with something---likely sifting through information on a Ghost Talker or another computing device.

When you walk into the office, you repeat the process on Ensign Jexon and the Qotah Re officer. You gain a glimpse into Jexon's emotional state. He appears to be pleasantly surprised at having people to interact with face-to-face. At the periphery of his happiness lingers a mix of boredom, frustration, and concern.

As for the Qotah, the Alien mind proves a bit difficult for you to navigate. She appears to be mentally reciting passages in a language unrecognizable to you, and you manage to stumble into the chain of words. Her emotions go from frustration, to white-hot fury, to indignation.

Ravenna and Harken

While waiting for your answer, Ensign Jexon's eyes suddenly stop focusing on you. In the background, you see the feathers on the Qotah officer's crest straighten and shudder before returning to their original form.

"While we respect a psychic's interest to apply his or her powers," he says after a moment, assuming a diplomatically amiable tone, "We do request that you refrain from using them on our person in accordance with Waypoint Station policy."

[Buddha72]

Ravenna flushes her face with a wash of heat and color as she moves forward towards the Ensign.

"I deeply regret any offense I have given. I clearly have misunderstood the regulations around psychics. Please forgive my mistake."

She withdraws her awareness from the space around her and raises the barrier around her mind. She runs her hand down the length of Harken's arm and gently extends a tendril of mental energy to him linking their thoughts.

My apologies Captain. I will rectify my mistake and get us back on track. I'm ok to keep the link open so feel free to tell me anything you want to know or follow up on.

[JxJxA]

Harken and Ravenna

Ensign Jexon appears genuinely touched by Ravenna's apology. He smiles reassuringly and raises his hand, gesturing that the apology is unnecessary.

"Not a problem, Ms...I'm sorry, I don't think I caught your name. Anyways, I'm sure it was nothing serious. Noticing psionics is part of our basic training at the Academy, and is especially important to members of the Anubis Pantheon." He points at the shoulder of his uniform, directing your attention to the yellow band.

"After all, our diplomats have to be aware of if and when someone is using psionics against them. Just another precaution we have to take.

"Now," he says, switching subjects, "how can the Consulate help you both today?"

Alice and Sereth

The two of you meet each other outside the Stormspot Cafe at the appointed time of the meeting. The cafe is much smaller and far less grand than Azimuth Point. However, what it lacks in grandeur it makes up with privacy. The cafe is a dimly lit series of booths and circular tables, offering food and drink at a smaller fare than more fancy restaurants. At the far end of the cafe is a massive viewport displaying one of the massive storms taking place in Zaxus' violent atmosphere.

A short, stocky man is standing outside of the cafe. His appearance and posture are the very picture of anxiety. He has dark skin, but manages to look pale. His black, curly hair show all the signs of premature baldness. He is also fidgeting while he waits. He glances around, furtively scanning anyone who looks as though they are approaching the cafe. He makes eye contact with you briefly.

<<@Sereth & Alice [Jovyn]: Is that you? Let me know because there's someone in my head who I'd really like to make shut up right about now.>>

[Fenris]

His arm held out to accept Alice's hand should she be so inclined, Sereth gives the woman a slightly raised brow and a questioning look before pausing to consider the menu posted in the window outside the Cafe.

<<@Alice and Jovyn [Sereth]: We've arrived. Should we be looking out for danger?>>

[JxJxA]

Alice and Sereth

<<@Alice and Sereth [Jovyn]: No, no danger. Just worried because I've been away from the others for a bit, and I know how much trouble they can get into when left unsupervised.>>

The nervous man comes up to you, and shakes your hand.

"Hullo, hullo," he says, "Good to meet you in person. The others have been asking when you were coming. Please, please, follow me."

Jovyn leads you into the Stormspot Cafe. He walks through the cafe, leading you past the dim booths. He stops at the one furthest in the back, and gestures for you to take a seat. Five other figures are already huddled in the booth.

"These are my acquaintances."

He points towards a weedy-looking woman with pale skin and buzz cut black hair.

"This is Zera."

He points towards a portly woman with short red hair, a piggish looking nose, and a palpable air of arrogance.

"This is Guwen."

He points towards a fidgeting man with pale skin and sunken eyes.

"This is Corlos."

He points towards a kindly looking man with sandy brown hair and ruddy skin.

"This is Kyvet."

He points at the last person at the table, a sullen looking man who looks perhaps hours past his eighteenth birthday.

"And this silent one is Xeraxes. He can't talk."

"That has yet to be determined," interjects Guwen. "I'm willing to wager it's just psychosomatic. He talks in his sleep."

"He snores," quips Zera, "That's hardly talking."

"You think that he's snoring. That's what he wants you to think. However, I'm sure that he's talking---"

"Is this really the right time for all of this?" asks Kyvet.

"Don't interrupt me!" shrieks Guwen, her face flushing bright red. "I don't like to be interrupted!"

"Oh dear, here comes the waitress again," grumbles Corlos. He buries his head in his arms. A stout, angry woman with graying black hair stomps over towards the booth.

"This is the second time I've had to say it, and if I have to say it a third time, I'm tossing you out on your ears. Keep. It. Down." She glares at the psychics as she spits the words at them. She glances at the two of you.

"Sorry there, are these clowns bothering you? Give me the word, and I'll kick them all out."

"Actually," says Jovyn, "They're the ones we were waiting to meet. Please, ma'am, we shouldn't be too much longer and then I promise we'll never come back."

"See that you don't," grumbles the waitress. She shoots a wary glance at the two of you before she marches away from the booth, searching for less troublesome customers.

"So, how soon can we leave for Vishwa?" Corlos asks, his head still buried in his arms.

[Lain]

Alice smooths her dress, makes sure her hat & veil are perfect, then smiles and takes Sereth’s hand.
After entering the bar and walking up to the group and listening to the introductions,
Alice raises an eyebrow at the shrieking Guwen and the depressive Carlos.

We all have our foibles.. but are they likely to be easy trouble we can handle or bring trouble that will cause us problems…


Alice looks over each of them briefly.

"Sereth and our captain will determine when we leave of course. Which I assume you want to be soon. You are all psychics. We have a couple on board as well, and well honestly it can be challenging for non-psychic endowed people to handle being around psychics. So would you mind us asking a few questions to make sure that there won’t be any conflict on board? I’m sure you want to be safe, and we do as well so it’s best to determine compatibility before departure."

Alice waits expectantly, patiently, if a bit warily.

[JxJxA]

Alice and Sereth

Guwen shoots Alice a piercing glance. However, Jovyn manages to cut her off before she gets a chance to speak her mind.

"Of course, ask away. I, um, also have a request. Xeraxes would like to link with your minds. He can't talk, but he can communicate telepathically. He wants to join in the conversation.

"And, if I might add," Jovyn says quietly so that only the three of you can hear, "He's probably the voice of reason among us."

[Buddha72]

Ravenna looking relieved returns to her place beside Harken. Her voice is careful and cautious, clearly looking to avoid any further confusion and misunderstandings.

"The conflict as I understand it seems to revolve around the treatment of sentients? We were made aware when docking that Seyger had standing bounties for truant employees and that La Republica Empyreana does not recognize them as a sovereign entity due to their employment practices. I would like to know more about the conditions of Seyger employment and how that may affect business or trade in this region? Are there any commercial interests within Seyger that could be worked with? Are we at risk by working with La Republica Empyreana from Seyger aligned parties? How is the conflict currently playing out? Boycotts, trade blockades or open hostilities?"

[JxJxA]

Harken and Ravenna

The Qotah officer lets out her species' version of a snort at the mention of Seyger. Ensign Jexon shoots her a sideways glance, clearly perturbed by his associate's lack of diplomatic tact. He returns his attention to you soon enough, and recites what sounds like a much-practiced speech. He manages to maintain his amiable expression despite discussing a subject that appears as distasteful to discuss as the station's trash compactor aromas.

"Re's issues with Seyger are many, but they mostly revolve around Seyger's so-called 'employment' practices. The most despicable examples are assigning debt to newborn children and thus locking them into employment, manipulating currency and interest rates to make 'paying off' said debt next to impossible despite working long hours, and the use of price fixing to make free trade for Seyger employees impossible. Unionization is a crime, and those who attempt to do so are shipped off to the prison mines of Gatakan. All of these things are detestable to us, but Re is not a military organization. As such, our current policy is to boycott Seyger products because of how they treat their people.

"If your concern is whether you are able to work with Seyger," he continues, "that is your choice to make. Re will not do anything to prevent you from doing so. However, I should warn you that Re will be less likely to work with known Seyger contractors. As for working with Re, I doubt contracting with us would put you in harm's way. Re and Seyger are not at open hostilities. It is possible that Seyger might target you, but extremely unlikely. All Re contractors are considered to be working under Re's authority and protection, and I doubt that Seyger would risk an interstellar incident.

"Now," Ensign Jexon finishes with a dull smile on his face, "Is there anything else I can help you with?"