PBEM Turn 91.01b (697 lines, 28 483 characters)
=================================================================
This is PART 2 of 5. It covers the secind half hour or so.
***** current position of ships, etc. ****
Definitely NOT to scale :=)
(Top View) Ring and Alcyon orbiting CCW as seen from here.
W = Westwind, ~4 AU from Alcyon, 35 minutes each way for signals
GA = Gemini Arbiter ~3 AU from Alcyon, 25 min. each way
B = Bernoulli and Aurora, 10 minutes one way signal to Alcyon
S = Shuttle, 5 min. one way
T = Trakh, 5 min. now aloft, and intercepting
All the rest within a few seconds for round-trip signals
P = Paladin, taking a couter-rotation sweep for faster mapping?
K = Kingfisher ~ 5 minutes to Alcyon
Al = Alcyon
Ta = Talisman
W
GA __-----__
/ \
/ \
/ \
| |
| |
| |
P | * |
| |
| |
Al K | |
\S /
\ T /
Ta \--_____--/
Au
B
===============================================================
- -----------------
Paladin
- -----------------
Goughzar turns to watch Charyn as she talks into the transmitter and
listens to Dr. Morser as he speaks about the ship. Finally shaking his
head, he turns on keys the computer.
"PALADIN, do a full scan of all ships in the vicinity, active EMS on all
within range, and continue detailed scan of ringworld."
Zar gets up and stretches a bit and looks over to Charyn at the comm console
and Dr. Morser standing in the doorway. "Grrrr, it looks like we follow dear
Vouf's orders... I've always wanted to see a little more..."
As the shiver of emotion from the approaching ship comes through the Paladin
Zar crouches a little and growls a little.
"I hope this doesn't continue forever with these people. I don't think I like
this psionics flowing so freely. Doktor, if you would like, I can copy the
scans from the distress signals and the ringworld in the equipment you and
Limner undoubtable brought aboard and fiddled with earlier. Perhaps you can
define some details I can't.
PALADIN, copy all detailed scans of ships into Aurora with maximum enhancement
and resolution."
Zar paces back and forth in the ship for a bit, but finally settles down into
the pilot's seat and goes back to piloting the ship and periodically making
enhancements of the scans.
"Charyn, perhaps you can help me with these scans. The ship didn't start with
me as the owner, so I'm still working on these sensor capabilities that the
ship has built in." Zar brings up various scans and details and starts rambling
into Sensor operations with Charyn.
- ------------------------
Kingfisher
- ------------------------
On the bridge of the command shuttle, Jett walks over to the communications
station in thoughtful contemplation. Withdrawing his portable computer from
its protective belt-sheath, he turns it on and punches up a powerful
database-search program and with an air of determination wends his way
through the welter of 2-D images and text that speed past on his screen.
After about five minutes of coolly efficient research, he pauses to review
the result. He doublechecks it, then clicks the 'puter off and returns it
to the sheath. He turns to Zben (or whomever has half a second free). "A
tight-beam commo link to SubCommander Bhyarrvouf on the Aurora and a
parallel datalink channel, Mister Blaine, if you please."
When the communication link is established, Judge Richard Jett lays
out his plan. "SubCommander, Almighty Sahib Jett here. (The irony in
his voice is palpable.) I concur in your proposed solution to the problem
of the rogue scouts and Commander Ger is of a similar mind. Let me
detail the plan that I have researched and developed."
"SubCommander, unless those people are hopeless incompetents (and I have
my . . . DOUBTS . . . about the Gemini Arbiter's . . . crew), then it
is imperative that they be put under contract ASAP. The modified contract
and verification forms are enroute to you." His Honor takes a data crystal
from an inside pocket and puts it in the designated receptacle on the commo
console. "Please point out to them Article IV, in which they agree to
indemnify Turnskaad Corporation for any assistance provided to them in the
event of their breach of contract or misfeasance. In other words, unless
they play ball, not only won't they see a credit, but Turnskaad will ...
POLITELY .. seek payment for services rendered -- even if they don't sign
the contract. And Turnskaad always collects."
"If they are not enthusiastic about signing aboard this expedition, I hope
you will point out to them that without our help, not only is their chance
of escape about as likely as getting JJ Horne to stop chomping on stogies,
but also that they run the risk of getting reduced to subatomic particles
if a certain Imperial fleet makes a return visit."
"If THAT isn't enough, you can assure them that I will personally see to
it that their certification papers are suspended pending inquiry on
suspicion of barratry and that the IISS puts their ships in custodial
impound. That's for starters. In short, SubCommander, be gentle with
them." Richard smiles, happy in the thought that Turnskaad will be
getting some (hopefully) quality labor on the cheap -- the new hires
hadn't suffered through the last tumultuous two weeks, so naturally
their wages and salvage cut were substantially less than in the standard
contracts.
"One more thing, SubCommander. Commander Ger and I agree that while you
should induct the crews of the three ships, under no circumstances are
they to board one of our ships or land on R-Alpha without a full sweep
by Security personnel. Remind them that as employees of Turnskaad, they
are under the authority of Commander Ger and the Command Team. Please
keep us posted. Jett out."
- ------------
Aurora
- ------------
Bhyarrvouf's answer is delayed and muffled by static.
"Wilco that, Your Honor. Moira reports successful download of the data.
Just for your and Commander Nanadh's <he emphasizes the proper use of
Ger's last name slightly> information, the Bernoulli may well be a lost
cause. One dead, one in really bad shape in the med-berth. The ship won't
blow up any time soon, unless there's another bomb aboard, but she's
too unstable to move much further. I'm going to offload the crew's effects
and dump the data from her survey computers, which may be worth its weight
in monadium. I'm then going to initiate a full shutdown, and leave her on
a long cometary orbit with known parameters so we can come back for her
later. Basically put her in, whatchamacallem, bothmalls."
On standard frequency 121.5:
(female voice: very professional sounding)
This is Aurelia Xerxes of the Gemini Arbiter. My sister
Nicole and I are the only personnel aboard. We are employees
of the Spinward Diplomatic Services Corporation, based on
Mora in the Spinward Marches.
Halfway to the suit locker, Bhyarrvouf stops in his tracks. His ears
fold back flat. When Christian shoots him a questioning look, he makes
an almost imperceptible motion with one finger, and the PA broadcasts
the message.
"We're DEFINITELY in a trap," Bhyarrvouf mutters after it's over. "They're
trying to STRESS us to death!"
*click* "All fleet craft, this is Aurora. MAINTAIN RENDEZVOUS COURSE! It
is OBVIOUS at this point that we've been set up, and the indigenous
populace of R-Alpha are our best chance for survival. Make the rendezvous
and get onto the surface ASAP, and we'll handle our THIRD miraculous
coincidence of the afternoon after the first two. Aurora out."
After he switches off, Bhyarrvouf snarls, "This STINKS. BADLY!"
I am Chief Consul Historical Perspectives and Social
Analysis. My sister is Chief Consul Interspecies Linguistic
Interpretation and Analysis.
Christian's blank expression shows utter disbelief
which quickly melts into wariness and irritated exasperation. "Aenrra,
back in the long lost past of Terra, a criminal mastermind named
Auric Goldfinger had a saying -- "Once is happenstance, twice is
coincidence, and the third time is enemy action." He pounds his fist
against the bulkhead. "Even if it's NOT a trap, I'm getting damned
tired at suddenly having to be every idiot's salvation. Helping is
one thing, but must I suffer the slings and arrows of outrageous
fortune ALL THE TIME??"
*click* "Alcyon, this is Aurora. Have an emergency evacuation plan set up
until further notice; rig the pinnace to carry the cold-sleep berths for
those who might still be salvageable, and be ready to make a run for the
ring. We've had WAY too many coincidences for us to be sitting unprepared.
Bhyarrvouf out."
*click* "Gemini Arbiter, this is ISS Aurora. If you are able to maintain
life support, hang on--we'll rendezvous with you sometime before 1124. If
you're in real trouble, call us back and we'll hustle as best we can. If
you're NOT in real trouble, you will be by the time I'm through with you.
Aurora out."
He begins suiting up, muttering to himself in Vuakedh.....
"Amen, brother.." Christian stands by, his fingers tapping a rhythm on
the bulkhead, matching 'Vouf swear for swear.
Our situation is much improved. We have regained life
support and all systems seem to be operating normally.
(voice in backround: our ship is a mess though!)
Our (in an annoyed pitched voice, which sounds directed
at someone) inner airlock was undergoing routine maintenance when
the outer door was struck. Since our safety system was disabled
explosive decompression occured causing numerous problems.
Other than internal cosmetic damages we are able to
proceed normally. (voice in background: as long as someone tells
us where we are!)
We are in a standard courier/scout class starship several
au's above/below the plane of the ecliptic.
Since there are several ships in distress we should able
to lend assistance if needed.
The heads of Christian and 'Vouf both snap up simultaneously and
as their eyes meet there is almost no need for words. Christian
wins the race to the communicator. Opening a tight-beam channel to
the Arbiter, Christian gives full rein to his pent up exasperation and
the steel of command in his voice is unmistakeable.
"NEGATIVE, Gemini Arbiter. ISS Aurora will conduct all rescue
operations; this is an authorized Turnskaad expedition and you
WILL stay clear of our operations until you have been verified
and authorized by Command personnel. I don't care if you are
Empress Arbellatra; frankly I don't give a damn. Stay where you
are and we will get to you. Acknowledge and comply, Gemini
Arbiter. Christian Van Der Merwe, ISS Aurora, OUT."
(Nicole breaks in:)
Our outer airlock door is damaged beyond its ability to
hold pressure. A standard overcoupling connection should render
it usable until we are able to get it repaired.
(Aurelia speaks:)
This is Gemini Arbiter. Out.
- ---------------
Kingfisher
- ---------------
At the commo panel in the command shuttle, Zben Blaine suddenly
starts getting inundated with emergency broadcasts, responses, banter,
and some communications that sounds so disjointed he believes it may
be in code! As he is alerting Commander Ger he sets up his panel to
record and track each seperate ship's communications, then establishes
a distance, vector, and speed for each ship and puts this info up on
the main display (unless ordered otherwise). In addition he `tightens
up' the highspeed computer link with the Alcyon, so that he can do 2
point trianglulation as needed.
"Commander! Blaine here. We seem to have a distress signal..."
(slight pause...) "... make that TWO distress calls coming in! I am
tracking these vessels as well as our ships. Recordings are being made
of all conversations and data. Awaiting your orders, sir!"
Turning to the helmsman "Well, so much for the `boldly goes where
no one has gone before' prize."
<Ger>
Blaine, please contact this new ship.
Farouk, remind me never to travel in a type S scout again..
Gemini Arbiter, This is Admiral Ger of the Darrian Confederation,
Currently in the employ of Turnskaad Corp. You are located in
the Coreward edge of Reaver's Deep sector. Where was you last
location? What are your intentions now that you have arrived at this
location? You are advised that this is a military operation, and that
you should check with this command centre before performing any
operations near the Ringworld. We are prepared to offer you any
reasonable assistance that will not interfere with our mission.
There is a low warning tone, and the tactical display begins to shift.
"Commander, there is a second ship rising from R-alpha." Farouk's voice
is low and precise.
A yellow velocity vector is rapidly filled in, stretching from a grey
icon indicating "indeterminate, medium size". A quick tap brings up a
mostly-empty data box.
"Point of origin ring surface, 10.29 degrees spinward. Heading
declination 79 degrees, inclination 4 degrees, speed 63.4 km/s and
accelerating. Will intercept us in 35 minutes if we maintain current
course."
<Ger>
"Farouk, can you identify the class or nationality of the vessel?"
The display has shifted again, replacing the grey icon with an orange
one.
<Blaine>
"Commander, the ship is tentatively identified as Aslan."
<Ger>
"Will the Aslan ship reach us before or after the Shuttle from
the Ringworld?"
<Witfield>
"After. We have eleven minutes to shuttle contact and 2.4 hours to
Aslan contact."
"Aslan ship? Oh great. As if we don't have enough trouble
already. What are your orders, commander? Should we hail them?
They are on intercept, I'm sure they've seen us by now..."
"Mr. Witfield. Try and see if you can contact them. Actually try to
contact the other shuttle as well."
Zben notes the new ship rising from R-alpha, and puts its track
up on the main display as well. When the tentative ID of Aslan comes
through he addresses the Captain:
<Blaine>
"Sir, I was involved with trade delegations to the Aslan, and
can get by OK in basic K`dessha (their `trade' language), and can
understand a bit of T`essh (their `warrior tongue'). I can attempt to
communicate with them if you like, unless the Captain prefers to have
a `private' fall back to computer translation."
He studies the path of the ship, and does a couple of quick EMS
sweeps of it flightpath.
"I also detect atmospheric beam scatter that could indicate
either a laser or maser communications beam was established between the
ship and some point on the surface of R-alpha near its point of
departure."
<Ger>
"Mr. Blaine. I am fluent in Aslan, I had an Aslan Bodyguard for many
years, unless this is some strange dialect we shouldn't have any problems.
Can you pinpoint the location on the surface? And where is it in
relation to the point where the shuttle took off from? Are you on
duty currently or is Mr. Whitfield?"
<Blaine>
"Both, sir. I'm handling commo, and Witfield sensors, with some overlap."
<Ger>
"Good. Raise the Talisman."
- ----------------------------
Talisman
- ----------------------------
Thul upon hearing the exchange on the distress channel mutters a
few profane syllables to himself and yells "Let's get this ship to GQ status
NOW!!" Plunking down to a gunnery console, he brings the fire control
system out of standby and performs the preliminary stuff to getting a fire
control solution on the distressed vessel.
Using his perogative as ship owner, Thul radios 'Vouf... "I hear what you
said about staying in formation Subcommander, but if you change your mind
about it I can have some extra guns over to you real quick!! Standing by.."
"Don't worry, Thul. If I need help, you'll hear me screaming and you WON'T
need a radio." 'Vouf chuckles and breaks contact.
"Niigurd responding to GQ. What the hell is my station on board for
anything beyond contact situation? Medical?"
Do ya' know how to man a turret? If not, sickbay is the next best place...
J.J. quickly spits out his cheroot, muttering that, "At this rate I am
going to run short and have nothing to smoke. Can't we just once have
a milk run, just once!" With that he buttons up his Vacc Suit, and
clicks his comdot. "Thul, J.J. hear all buttoned up and standing by
for boarding if needed.", the rest present hear the distinctive sound
of the bolt of an SMG being pulled back.
"Hey Horne, I hoped you're hooked up to ships power with that suit o'yours,
cause you can figure on sitting in it for about six hours before we can
get within boarding range, assuming we headed out right now. Relax a bit,
you must not be used to these distances out here. Besides," Andon says
glancing sidways at Thule, "with this tub it might even take us 12 hours
to get over there."
"Niigurd here. Negative on turret weapons. Reporting to medbay (it is
going to be rather crowded there."
- ------------
Aurora
- ------------
"THREE ships to deal with," Bhyarrvouf growls as he finishes suiting up.
"This is beyond ridiculous. This is SUICIDAL! --"
*click*
This is Gemini Arbiter.
(female voice slightly appologetic) It isn't our fault
our ship missed jumped! How are we to know what's happening! It's
not as if we haven't got problems of our own, too! We were just
trying to be helpful to those others in need!
(female voice changes to slightly whiny)
Oh, all right! We will stay right here until someone...
(voice in background: if they make up their minds whose
in charge!) ... decides we're safe.
Gemini Arbiter. Out.
'Vouf looks like he's going to have a stroke. The inner linings of his
ears color a deep reddish purple, and his mouth works furiously but
nothing comes out. His hands clench and unclench feebly for a minute
or two. He raises a hand, opens his mouth--
*click*
"Hello again everyone.
This is ISS Westwind. I'm sorry if there's been some sort of
misunderstanding. We are not... repeat, not... in distress.
We were just requesting some navigational info. Our damage is
fairly superficial -- we don't need rescuing, thanks all the same.
"Hello Gemini Arbiter. Glad to know you're coping all right,
Nikki. Give a shout if you need any help, otherwise we're heading
in-system. Maybe I'll see you later.
- --and closes his mouth and lowers his hand, staring at Christian helplessly.
As he waits for 'Vouf to complete his preparations, Christian irritatedly
opens a comm channel for what seems like the thousandth time. "Westwind,
this is Aurora. Suggest you do not approach in-system until approved by
command personnel. This is for your own safety. Current situation fluid
and hazardous to non-Turnskaad personnel. Acknowledge, Westwind. Van Der
Merwe, out." Christian turns to 'Vouf with an expression of exasperated
resignation. "Aenrra, we have two loose-cannon ships out there -- have
any ideas about what we do with them?"
'Vouf stares at Christian for a few seconds, as if not understanding the
question. He then does something quite remarkable-- he reaches over his
shoulders with both gauntleted hands, grabs his uniform by the scruff
of the neck, and tries to bodily lift himself off the ground!
This exercise continues for a few short moments, 'Vouf panting with the
strain, then ends as he relaxes and lets go of himself. "Stress relief,"
he explains with a smile. "Poppa always used to scruff me an' my brothers
when we got into fights...."
- ----------------
Talisman
- ----------------
"Aghh!" Ralf winced as the signal traffic expanded by several
orders of magnitude. Three ships that "just happened" to be in the same
chunk of space as the Turnskaad expedition and a tech level 25
macrostructure? Ralf focused in on the newcomers and started going through
incoming data with a proverbial fine-toothed comb. "Computer, check the
Library for files on the Bernoulli, Westwind, and Gemini Arbiter for owner
information, run voice print comparisons. Compare transponder signals." On
the off chance that an enemy was foolish enough to fake the ship and use the
wrong voice prints. Which brought up a whole 'nother question.
"Meanwhile..."
The Alcyon's computers had been compromised - hell, the whole damn
ship had been compromised - by that insidiously programmed robot. Ralf
spared a brief curse for the idiots who'd blown the thing up when they could
have taken it out `softly' and let the experts take it apart for information
on what else it had done. Could they be certain these ships were really
there, not simply computer-phantoms slipped into the system?
One way. Ralf knifed through the Talisman's datasphere and seized
control of the appropriate sensors, shutting down links, sequestering them
from the main avionics. Now he could scan the targets directly, as directly
as possible short of taking a spacewalk and seeing with his own eyes. No,
no doubt. Whatever it was that was out there, was out there. Ralf released
control before the bridge crew could notice a change.
What was the old maxim? "Once is coincidence. Twice is stupidity.
Three times is enemy action." Something like that. Still, none of these
three looked like a direct threat. It was the hidden trap that endangered
the expedition...
- ----------------------------
Gemini Arbiter
- ----------------------------
(Nicole sitting at the table picking at her food and looking around
the ship at the results of their cleaning efforts)
(Aurelia, a sandwich in one hand, walking around the work area,
picking up little odds and ends)
A: You know this place doesn't look half bad...
+++ incoming message +++ (echos the computer)
I wonder what now! "Go ahead Arby."
N: Maybe they've figured out who's in charge and want to tell us!
>...
>"Telemetry transmission will follow. Aurora out." *click*
N: This is just great! Look what you've done now!
A: ME! I just fly this thing! You supposed to be the engineer!
(momentary pause) I think we'd better try to rendezvous with
the Aurora!
N: I agree! Let's call Westwind too!
A: ISS Aurora. This is Gemini Arbiter. Commencing acceleration on your
telemetry. Out.
N: Westwind. Did you copy that message? We're going to rendezvous at the
Aurora...
A: Look at that! (pointing to the sensor display) Ships on intercept
courses. Looks like a party!
N: ...Westwind lets get a little closer together. We don't have much in
the way of protection...
A: Tight beam the rest! You idiot!
N: ...Gemini Arbiter. Out.
What for! ANYONE with a piddling little sensor can tell there's no
weapons turret on this thing!
A: I suppose you're right!
Let's see who the newcommers are. You scan while I bring us around.
+++incoming message+++(echos the computer)
>Gemini Arbiter, This is Admiral Ger of the Darrian Confederation,
>Currently in the employ of Turnskaad Corp. You are located in
>...
N: A military mission! Just what we need! You really did it this time!
Now what are we going to tell them. You better think of something
good, and that they'll believe!
A: ME!
N: YES YOU! Your the supposed to be the Captain of this vessel, that's
what's on the ships papers!
A: Your a big help! Your part of this too you know.
Oh well! Here goes...
N: They're Aslan.
A: Huh? What? Who're Aslan?
N: Those ships you told me to scan.
A: Oh! Hope they didn't claim this territory. We could be in trouble.
N: Nooo problem! We're diplomats remember. We have some form of immunity
you know.
A: Out here in the middle of nowhere! Do you know how far we've jumped!
Misjumed! Are options are kinda slim.
N: Like I said, no problem. This is what were good at. We might even
make out on this!
A: You know. You're right! This is at least interesting. Better than
this courier job we're supposed to be on. I wonder if we'll be missed?
N: You know the company sends duplicates. With all the problems the
Imperiums' having you think they'd just send us!
A: Okay. Okay. You've convinced me. Now all we have to do is convince
them.
(serious and professional)
Darrian shuttle. This is Aurelia Xerxes of the Gemini Arbiter.
Admiral Ger. We were enroute coreward on a diplomatic mission.
However, it is in all likelyhood our mission has been compromised
as far as our involvement is concerned.
Therefore, due to the nature of the current situation we would
appreciate any help you would offer. It has been pointed out that
we are a long way from the main routes and would need assistance
returning.
The exchange need not be one way, though. We are prepared to offer
our assistance also.
I'm sure some form of mutual agreement can be reached!
This is Gemini Arbiter. Out.
N: That was telling them!...
+++incoming message+++(echos the computer)
>"Ah, Westwind? Gemini Arbiter? We have tentatively identified another
>...
A: Did he get another one!
N: No. It's the same one we picked up. But he's right we should hurry
it up.
A: Aurora. We copy. Will comply. Out.
- ----------
Kingfisher
- ----------
"Ky? KlashKy!" Blaine turns to the Sensor array, and does some
quick calculations. He then pulls up a holo of R-Alpha showing a trace
from the Aslan ships to the surface, which proceedes to enlarge.
"Assuming a straight lift off this..." and a small white square
appears on the holo "... should be where the ship was grounded, within
a klik. Backtraceing the beam scatter from the known position of the
Aslans puts the beam target in approximately the same position."
Slight frown "Sir, would you like an Active sensor sweep of that area?
I can couple us to the Alcyon's sensor array, and it'll tell us
exactly what'd down there. `Course, it'll light up every sensor
within a parsec."
- ---------
Trakh
- -----------
Akhouw glances at the holotank. "Many ships, but except for the large one,
probably a tender if the scans are accurate, they are all small fry. Probably
not a military force of any kind; with times as they are, even a reconaissance
would be in force." He distractedly strokes his mane with a paw. A purr-growl
rumbles from his throat, followed by an explosive laugh. "Obviously not Aslan,
either, to have come in such a rag-tag fleet, eh Aiwi? Those rogue newcomers
seem to be less than a formidable foe. Still, perhaps we should talk to
them." Another sharp laugh. "We can always fight them later..."
Akhouw turns to listen to his gunner's report on the weaponry of the
opposing craft. No surprises there; varied weapons generally at a high
level of alert. "Uhwaikh, remove secondary interlocks on defensive
systems. Continue scanning. Prepare to energize laser sub-systems and
load standard missile pattern, but maintain secondary interlocks."
Turning back to face the main viewscreen, Akhouw barks out orders.
"Fa'eairl, battle status! Yellow Alert." The ship's computer responds
with alacrity. The lighting on the bridge shifts to a more subdued
setting (at least to human eyes), casting an ominous reddish cast
over the bridge, but enhancing a predator's vision.
As he waits for the situation to develop, Akhouw meditatively flexes
his dewclaw, idly tracing patterns on the bulkhead. When the hail
comes in, he instantly snaps back into his well-worn command pose.
He opens his mouth, but then closes it and examines the holotank
briefly. A touch at the sensor panel and the icons in the tank are
overlaid with communications information. Akhouw purrs with quiet
satisfaction. Pointing a claw at the shuttle icon, he turns to
his communciations officer. "Aiwi, hail that ship on the maser
commlink. Use the standard Imperial acknowledgement code and
suggest visual communications."
Meanwhile, the ship's transponder broadcasts its message "Combat
Exploration Vessel *Trakh*, Clan Khaukeairl" over and over.
- --
Richard Johnson [email removed]
Sue Congress!