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

[Lain]

Alice pauses for a second, clearing her mind to ensure no extraneous thoughts or images will rise unwillingly. Cognizant of the fact that its willing thoughts, but preparing to ensure even surface thoughts can't be read.. just in case
"Yes, a mental link should be fine"

[Buddha72]

"No that answer was more than adequate. Thank you for taking the time to explain the situation."

She guides Harken with the weight of her body against his and pressure along his arm to leave as she nods and leaves with him. As they exit, she accesses her ghost talker and relays the conversation with the Ensign to the rest of the crew. She then checks to see if any responses have come in from her posting while waiting to see if the others had follow up questions for her or the captain.

[Buddha72]

Harken pauses their progress and leans his head into towards his companion. Ravenna laughs and turns back towards the desk with laughter still in her voice.

"My apologies, I was so focused on unraveling the threads in this conflict but I forget to inquire about the two postings you have for jobs. Considering your stance we would like to seek out more information about the shipping request and it looks like a search and rescue operation. You are the clear choice in who to work for in this sector. Cns we get further denials from you and if not, can you direct us to the appropriate personnel?"

[MrAres]

Harken smiles down at his companion as they turn back to the Re representatives.

Poor lovely thing must not be used to being called out like that... No matter, it'll most likely just make them feel more confident and make them more susceptible to her whiles

[Fenris]

Sereth very distinctly waits for Alice to speak first, taking his cue from a companion that was much more knowledge in this area than he. At Alice's affirmation, he'll give the group a sincere smile and a nod.

[JxJxA]

Ravenna

You see that you have received a few hits regarding your services. A few seem to mistake your posting for the carnal variety of companionship. There is a reply from one Jovyn Boh who seems to be interested in counseling. The message leaves you with his comm link.

---

Harken and Ravenna

"I am glad to hear that," Ensign Jexon replies. "I believe the S&R job is referring to the Saving Grace, but let me just check on those contracts you are referring to... Ah, yes, the Matjar contract. You are the first to reply to the job, and I am forwarding the details of the contract to you. Once you agree, we will send over the equipment.

"As for the Saving Grace, Ambassador Silas has requested that all interested parties meet with him, as well as forward ship specifications. We want to make sure that any participants are able to handle themselves should hostile forces be involved. The last thing we want is to send out a S&R notice for one of the S&R parties. The Ambassador is currently in a meeting right now...oh, he just finished. Lieutenant Vreetwi will take you to his office."

The Qotah officer, Lieutenant Vreetwi, approaches you. The Qotah stands about 1.8 meters high, tall for a female. Light, opalescent gray feathers cover her skin, with twin streaks of white running down the sides over her head and neck. Sharp, dark gray eyes assess you for potential threats. Her gaze immediately locks onto Harken's weapons.

"Weaponry of any kind is not allowed in the Ambassador's office," she says, her voice's naturally melodic tone taking on a forceful cadence. "You will leave your pistol and stun baton here. You may take them once your business with the Ambassador is finished."

She accepts the weapons from Harken and hands them over to Jexon, who puts them in a storage drawer behind the front desk. She leads you past the front desk, into the back of the consulate. She pauses once you are outside of the Ambassador's office.

"Ambassador Silas is Oryb, not Human" Vreetwi tells you. "I do not know if you have met one before. Some Humans have reacted poorly to seeing him. I warn you because I do not want you to embarrass yourselves or offend the Ambassador."

With that said, Vreetwi opens the door.

Ambassador Silas is "sitting" at his desk, working at a dataslab. He is approximately half the height of an average Human, and appears much like a six-armed cuttlefish. He is wearing what appears to be the aquatic version of a vacc suit, with the arms trimmed in similar design to the other Re uniforms. Yellow bands around his suit's "shoulders" indicate his position in the Anubis Pantheon. The top of his vacc suit is completely clear for his face and "head", revealing pearl white skin and iridescent eyes. He is gripping a data chip with one of his arms---each ending with three digits.

When he notices the door open, Ambassador Silas puts the data chip down and raises his head. Waves of color and intricate patterns cascade across his skin.

"Greetings," says a computerized baritone voice, "I am Ambassador Scintillating Green with Rippling Violet and Tinges of Red. Please call me Silas, as I find it is much easier for non-chromatic-based languages to pronounce. I understand that you are interested in helping us rescue our lost people and save our humanitarian mission. Might I know your names before we proceed?"

---

Alice and Sereth

Upon assenting to the link, the two of you can feel the unnatural sensation of something push at the edge of your minds. The force behind it is incredibly strong, but working delicately and gently so as to not cause you any discomfort or harm. You feel something pierce the sanctity of your solitary consciousness, and a new voice joins your own. It is kind, grateful, and meek.

I am Xeraxes. Thank you for letting me join the conversation. I have lost my voice, and this is the easiest way for me to talk with you. I should let you know, I am linked with all of the others except for Guwen. I have not yet earned her trust, and I grieve that I have yet to discover a way to do so.

While I thank Jovyn for his vote of confidence, I think he has left his true reason unspoken. I am the one of our number who researched what some might call Vishwa's academy. It might be better to call it a gauntlet or monastery, as the founders chose the planet for its hostile nature. They believe that a psychic can only grow by overcoming adversity, that by exposing ourselves to the elements we can use our minds to adapt our body and thrive.

The academy does not have a spaceport of its own. It is surrounded by forests. However, I have found one owned by a collection of homesteaders that is 5 kilometers from the academy. We would need passage to the planet, and then passage to the academy itself. Could you provide this for us?

[JxJxA]

Sereth

After forming the link with Xeraxes, you notice Jovyn grimaces a bit. Something seems to be bothering him.

[Fenris]

Caught off-guard by even the gentle intrusion into his mind, Sereth's attention is drawn back to Xeraxes's statements only after the first few sentences. It's...unsettling, processing things that sound so similar to one's own thoughts, and Sereth feels an immediate pang of understanding for those so bothered by psychics intrusions into their mind. At the very least, it made one question one's sense of self on a basic level, and Sereth wondered how much more uncomfortable people would be around psyhics if there weren't the obvious signs of that connection and presence.

His eyes flicker to Jovyn while Xeraxes is speaking, though he maintains a polite level of eye contact with the mute man, affording him the same courtesies one would for someone speaking out loud. With an internal grin, he triggers the Ghost Talk module, thinking about the irony of being mind-linked to a psychic and still using cyberware to communicate.

Assuming that you're people are capable of handling a 5km hike through the jungles, I don't see a major problem. We can provide basic survival gear for the trip, tents, backpacks, ropes, etc., though it shouldn't take more than a day. Are there any challenges to this that you're aware of? We're new to the system, so we don't have a lot of information on specific planets and the politics around here.

<<@Harkin[Sereth]: Any trouble with landing the ship at a homestead and escorting the psychics 5km through the jungle? Note - the location apparently was selected for it's challenging environment, but I'm assuming that's to psychic monks in robes, not spacers in armor with laser rifles?>>

<<@Jovyn[Sereth]: Is there something else we should know about this? About the politics between the group or something similar?>>

[Lain]

Uncomfortable with the mental intrusion, Alice thinks for a second on the difference between letting a team member in, and an external party..then putting her mind to task..

How do I put this as nicely as possible

Essentially, if this is supposed to be a challenging endeavor, yet your group can barely keep it under control here, what can we expect from you there? My main concern is for my team's safety. So with all due respect, what external challenges can we expect from the planet, Vishawa Academy as well as internal challenges from the differing personalities in your team? Challenges are to be expected, but its good to know up front what we are getting into.

Alice mentally patts herself on the back for her awesome political skills

[Buddha72]

Ravenna glides forward with Harken on her arm. She nods once to the escort before turning her attention to the ambassador. Her face is curious and a little bit overwhelmed, ever since leaving her homeworld she has seen things beyond belief - aliens were still wondrous and awe-inspiring to behold.

"Certainly Ambassador. I'm Ravenna and this is Captain Harken of the ship Terra Firma. Please to meet you and it's our hope we might be able to assist you with your current troubles."

[JxJxA]

Alice

For the most part, the cafe patrons seem to leave the rest of you alone. They are not avoiding you, per se. Based on the high backs on most of the booths, this seems to be a venue that caters to the patron who prefers privacy. Plus, it seems like they are avoiding Guwen.

Your attempt to reassure the others seems to placate all but two of the psychics. Jovyn appears to compose himself. However, you notice a few subtle points of nervous energy poking through the facade. Guwen clearly dislikes you---although it appears that she clearly dislikes almost everybody---but your attempts at least coax her into a sullen silence.

---

Sereth

<<@Sereth [Jovyn]: No politics, just a lot of personalities being rubbed raw.>>

---

Alice and Sereth

You get the sense that the mind behind Xeraxes chuckles at Alice's reply.

Do not pretend to know us after having just met us. Each of us have struggled alone in our pursuit of understanding who we are, and it is by sticking together that we have made it this far. Alas, it is that same proximity that has left us as you see us now. We can defend ourselves if necessary. All we ask is that you provide safe transport to our destination, and do not add any other strain upon our group's increasingly strained bonds of companionship.

We each hope that the academy will offer the guidance that none of us ever had. However...

Xeraxes' voice hesitates for a moment before proceeding.

There is the possibility that some of us will not be willing to make the sacrifices demanded of us once we learn them. The planet is hostile to Human life, but we will be expected to survive it without the shelters of technology. Little is known of Vishwa's masters, other than those who return are either focused or jaded. I would ask that you offer passage back for those of us choose to pursue another path.

Your respective compads blink, indicating that Xeraxes has sent you each a data packet with what he has learned about Vishwa.

---

Harkin and Ravenna

"A pleasure to meet you both," Silas replies, his skin erupting in color moments before the translator speaks. He extends one of his arms to each of you, offering a handshake.

"Allow me to explain the situation," he says. He taps his dataslab, and a holoprojector shows a wire map of the Chi Theta.

"Bolgium II of the Bolgium System is currently suffering from a plague, and has requested help. Our scientists have been working in tandem with Bolgium's to discover a cure, but we have had no luck so far. In the meantime, we sent the Saving Grace to carry humanitarian and medical supplies to the colony. She departed from the Wosriwi System with orders to contact us upon reaching the Welkin System. That was supposed to be three days ago.

We have ordered our ships in the sector to begin a sweep of the surrounding systems. We would request more ships to assist us, but many in Chi Theta are already suspicious of our presence in the sector. Some might see the influx of ships as an attempt to increase our influence in the sector other than what it truly is: an attempt to save lives. It certainly does not help that Bolgium neighbors the Gariex System, a Seyger occupied system.

"To use a Human idiom," he continues, "my hands are tied. I am using the consulate's discretionary funding to hire ships to join the search. However, I must make sure that I am hiring trustworthy crews with self-reliant ships.

"If you are interested," he finishes, "I would ask that you set out immediately. The sooner the Saving Grace is found, the sooner we can deliver the aid to Bolgium."

[Lain]

Alice nods along, paying attention to both what Xeraxes says and how he says it..
"I think I understand,"
Alice turns to Sereth
"Do you have questions you would like to add before we report to the captain?"

[Buddha72]

"Can you explain to me why the suspicion about your presence in the system? It is more of the fall out between Re and Seyger or is there something else in play here? Would we need to keep our purpose a secret while searching?

She leans back into the connection she has with the captain as she asks her questions.

We could do all the other runs first and then attend to this one though my inclination is to take this mission first. They were on a mission of medical relief but my impulses don't keep the ship flying and stocked. I would like to help them if possible but I understand the needs of the ship and crew have to come first. Thoughts?

[JxJxA]

Harkin and Ravenna

"I believe it is a sphere of influence issue," Silas explains. He points at the map, indicating two systems in the upper right corner of the sector.

"Chi Theta is an unaffiliated sector, and many of the system governments take pride in their independence. Re currently has two holdings in the Wosriwi and Yashiwi systems. The former is a system we colonized through exploration. The latter is a Qotah-held system that successfully applied for membership into the Republic. They are both near our own sector borders, which means our influence in the sector is neatly contained and does not encroach too far into the sector."

Silas then points to the lower left corner of the map.

"The Bolgium system hosts budding colonies, with Bolgium II the most advanced so far. Habitable worlds are always valuable, and various sector powers are interested in gaining a foothold in it. Seyger is one, as well as the Ketannui government of Dastur to name another. They are afraid that Bolgium will petition for membership in Re."

Silas begins drawing lines on the map, connecting Wosriwi and Yashiwi to Bolgium.

"If Bolgium does indeed join Re, we would establish trade routes and outposts in order to protect and serve our new member system. Consequently, our presence in this part of Chi Theta would increase. Some groups, such as Waypoint Station, would appreciate that traffic. Pirates are less likely to strike trade routes when we are part of them.

"Still," he finishes, "I know that there are powers in this sector that would not appreciate our increased presence. Many are still wary of the Terran Mandate, and incorrectly view us as its potential successor. As an ambassador, I must be sensitive to these feelings and keep my superiors apprised of the situation."

He focuses the map on the starless expanse to the south and east of Kuphon. He also pulls up a wire diagram of the Saving Grace. It appears to be a large cruiser-class vessel, with most of its tonnage dedicated to cargo holds and a powerful spike drive.

"This is the area we are currently patrolling. I wish I could tell you what to expect, and assure you that there is no danger. It is possible that the Saving Grace suffered a catastrophic navigational failure, flinging the helpless ship off course. Nevertheless, I cannot rule out the possibility of foul play. If there is something sinister behind her disappearance, whatever caused it was able of neutralizing a Mark IV Sobek class cruiser.

"As a diplomat," he adds in response to Ravenna's question of secrecy with an odd rippling of colors---possibly the Oryb version of a smile, "I always advise discretion whenever possible."

[MrAres]

<<@Sereth: I don't see a problem with the a hike. I'll send along the info the Re reps have given us about their mission.>>

<<@Crew: I am hesitant to get involved in the local politics around here, but a ship SOS is as good of a reason as any. I am leaning towards trying to rush the rescue job as fast as we can and then hopefully return to pick up these other jobs.>>

[Lain]

While waiting for Sereth's questions, Alice pulls out her compad and checks her messages. Noting the message from Harkin..

<<@Crew: I am hesitant to get involved with this group of psychics..a ship SOS is more important. I am inclined to let this job go and focus on the rescue mission. However, with that said I would wait for Sereth before making a decision>>

[Fenris]

<<@Crew [Sereth]: Sounds good, then, we'll do the SOS and pick up whatever's left when we come back.

Did we find out if we're getting paid for that?>>

Rising from his seat, Sereth directs a low bow towards the assembled group, making sure to direct the brunt of his gracious manners towards Guwen.

"Gentleman and Ladies, as gracious a host as you have been, we've just received an urgent notification from our Captain that there's a Re ship lost in system, and that it's been out of contact for far too long for comfort's sake, and they're suspecting there might be some sort of serious malfunction or issue. As pressing as I can see this issue is for you, I'm sure you can understand that the lives of an entire cruiser presents a much more urgent task. If you are still in need of transport when we return to the station, perhaps we can resume this discussion to everyone's mutual benefit."

With a final nod towards Jovyn, he offers his arm again to Alice.

[Buddha72]

Ravenna watches the messages scroll by and feels the surge of pride in her selection of crew to sign on with. While it was a silly thing, it still mattered to her. She squeezes the inside of Harken's forearm while sending a feeling of gratitude and satisfaction along the link to his mind.

"Sound advice Ambassdor. We would like to join the rescue effort and see if we can find your lost ship and crew, hopefully no worse for the wear. Can you provide us with any information you have on the Saving Grace, her last location, crew and commodes? We would like to get started."

[JxJxA]

Alice and Sereth

Jovyn nods understandingly, although clearly a bit frustrated.

"I'm sure they can pay you more than we can. Good luck, and I hope your ship is up to that. From what I've heard, it's a ways from here."

Xeraxes responds telepathically.

You must do what you think is best, of course. If we still have not found passage by the time you return, we would be happy to contact you again. May the stars be kind to you.

With that, he carefully withdraws the telepathic link. The breach in your minds fortifications snap close, and you find yourselves alone within the fortress of your consciousness once more.

The psychics wave good bye, and stay huddled around the table. The one exception is Guwen, whose face has now grown dark red. You suspect that she is biting her tongue---possibly quite literally based on the strange mosaic of unpleasant expressions on her face. As you leave, you can hear Guwen's shrill voice cutting through the chorus of the others' hushes and pleas for silence.

---

Harken and Ravenna

"I am transferring a copy of the sector map, along with the relevant details to you now," Ambassador Silas answers Ravennna. Almost immediately, your respective commlinks sound off to acknowledge receiving the data.

"Sobek class cruisers," he explains---sometimes quite strikingly by managing to trace an image of words that you suspect do not translate into his own chromatic-based language, "are large transport cruisers, designed to quickly carry personnel or cargo across sectors. The Saving Grace is a state of the art Mark IV version, and boasts a class 5 spike drive. She is commanded by Captain Wu Zhoa Ming, and carrying a crew complement of 120. Half of the officers on board are doctors and scientists. She is equipped with light armaments and defenses. I have included publicly available details of the ship's class, including the hull's alloy and spike drive components in the unfortunate case you can only find debris.

"We are giving all search group participants temporary authorization to use our Priority One channel. Once you find the Saving Grace, simply send word and coordinates. We have another Isis Pantheon ship---the Guiding Light---also involved in the search. She will rendezvous with you to repair the ship or rescue the crew. You may also use the channel if you encounter trouble, and the Horus Pantheon ship---the Guarding Spirit---will provide assistance. I must warn you that it will take time for them to arrive. Hours at best, days at worst. You will have to make do until then.

"Also," he adds, "I took the liberty of having Lieutenant Vreetwi pull up the registry information of your ship and her crew. Everything looks adequate, but for one issue. She noted that you do not have any repair supplies onboard. We will require you to purchase those before having you join the search team. Is that acceptable?"

[Buddha72]

"I'm certain that won't be a problem. Can you direct us to a vendor to get the repair supplies? With time being a critical factor we don't want to waste any of it looking for one. Any that you know that are reputable would suffice."

She takes the data given and relies it out to the rest of the crew along with the notification of the job being accepted, in case anyone was unaware. She hesitates while considering their reactions pausing the longest while considering Ezri but she would either make her commitment or cut herself loose.

[Lain]

Alice takes Sereth’s arm, nods to the psychic group and walks out with Sereth, glad that the mental link was disconnected. As they step out of the bar, Alice looks down at her compad and read’s Ravenna’s messages.

“@crew:do we need any supplies Sereth and I can round up on our way back to the ship?”

Feeling more content with the job selected then the one just passed up Alice smiles at Sereth

“Glad we have a crew that seems to put life before money.”

[MrAres]

<<@crew; They have asked us to make sure our ship is prepared to perform repairs upon our self, as the stars only know what we are getting into. Whom ever is closer to a vendor who has the repair supplies we need can stop by and purchase them. Other than that I say we get back to the Terra Firma ASAP so that we can get this goose chase under way.>>

"If we act quickly we're more likely to find them safe and sound, and hopefully without need of your healing arts or my skill at arms."

[Fenris]

Sereth calls up the station directory while they returned to the elevator back down to the docking bay. It would be faster to have the supplies delivered, even if there was likely to be a small premium. The crew seemed to agree that time was of the essence.

"Well, looks like we won't have quite as much shore leave as anticipated," he jokes with Alice as the elevator doors softly chime open and welcome them inside.

[JxJxA]

Harken and Ravenna

"I believe that the docking section of the station can provide the supplies you need," Silas answers. "I apologize, but I must bring this meeting to a close. I have an incoming transmission from one of our Thoth Pantheon ships in the area requesting an update on the progress of negotiations for investigating in the Sirocco nebula."

Once more, the Oryb ambassador extends his three-fingered arms to you and gives you each a handshake.

"As they say on my home world, may the currents carry you swiftly and safely."

With those final words, he returns to his work. Lieutenant Vreetwi greets you at the door, and escorts you back to the office. She returns Harken's weapons to him. She gives you each a curt nod, and then returns to her work at the consulate. The ever amiable Ensign Jexon appears preoccupied with some work at his station, but manages to wave goodbye to each of you.

---

All

As you make your way back to the docking section of the station, you get a reply from Ezri.

<<@crew[Ezri]: We're leaving already? Fine, I'll meet you back at the ship when I can. I have some plans I need to cancel, and hopefully some deposits I can get back.>>

You pull up the station's network, and find the appropriate area to order repair supplies for the supplies. The listed price is 1,000 credits for each unit of repair components. The site also lists the option of making the purchase electronically and having the station's crew deliver the supplies within the hour free of charge.

[JxJxA]

Thanks to Alice's intervention, you find that the station's many vendors are a bit more amenable to selling you their wares at a discount. Granted, the discount is slight, but a credit saved is a credit earned in the life of a freespacer. After you make your purchases, the goods are transported to the ship's cargo hold. You meet once more at the turbolifts in the habitat hub in order to return to the docking port. The journey is swift, without incident, and quite safe---everything that you have come to expect courtesy of Waypoint's rather efficient security protocol.

Ezri is waiting for you at the Terra Firma's docking platform. She is overseeing the station's crew as they load the last few bits of repair supplies into the cargo bay. Her stance suggest that she feels like she is not even supposed to be there today. However, the expression on her face when she glances at you indicates that you should not get her started.

"Is that it?" she asks one of the workers.

"Yup, that's the last of it. Anything else that you need."

"Nope. Just clear the plat because it looks like the rest of the crew is here."

"Got it. Have a safe flight."

"Yup."

Ezri looks back at the rest of you and chucks a thumb at the gangway.

"Time to go. I'll get clearance. Do whatever it is you do, and figure out what you'll be doing when we're searching for this ship. I can't do it alone." With that said, she hops up the gangway.

Once inside the ship, you see Ezri back at the helm. Various windows and gauges are up displaying the Terra Firma's status. The spike fuel tanks are full, as well as the extra bunkers. The ship's mass has changed with the added cargo, and Ezri appears to be making notes on how that should affect drill routes. She is still working when GAIA interrupts her.

<<Waypoint Station has cleared us for departure along a predetermined route. Overlaying details on the viewscreen.>>

Ezri taps her touchscreen, saving and closing the calculation notes. She switches back to the actual buttons and levers of the ship, activating gravity repulsors and thrusters in order to safely follow the route while inside the station's space. The ship's gangway and cargo bay doors slowly close shut, and the ship begins to rise up off of the platform. The ship glides slowly through and outside of the hangar.

The scene outside of the station is similar to what you saw before. The multi-colored Zaxus and brilliantly pink Sirocco nebula dominate the background, while starships do their slow dance about the station as they await docking clearance. The only difference is that none of the ships in the area boast the sleek designs or bear the insignia of Re. It appears that many of them have returned to searching for their lost comrades.

You all receive one final message from the station as you depart.

<<Thank you for visiting Waypoint Station. Have a safe trip, and please remember us for any of your travel needs.>>

The moment the Terra Firma exits Waypoint's jurisdictional space, Ezri kicks the engines into full power. The ship leaps in response, and screams through space as it jets away from Zaxus with the roar of the ion jets audible even within the area. She spins the ship about in loops and corkscrews, clearly excited about being back at the helm despite having her downtime cut short. Once she is a respectable distance from the station, she locks the drill foils into spike drill position. Space begins to shimmer and take on the telltale blue hue of shearspace, and the ship heads out towards the edge of the system. Ezri turns around and looks at the rest of you.

"All right, folks. Where to?"