Well, we begin this turn with the ending of the Q&A Session:
At the end of the Q&A-session Johann Abuko speaks up:
"Mr Khervatchkov, You mentioned that your HQ was far away and that
might almost be an understatement" he smiles briefly before he
continues "According to a small library search" he indicates his
hand computer "The headquarters of Turnskaad Enterprises is located in
something called the" he hesitates, squinting at the screen, obviously
trying squeeze information about the pronounciation from the letters of
the text "Talmegiian Confederation somewhere out in the Spinward
Marches. Hmm, I never knew that there were anything else than us, the
Darrians and the Zho's out in the Spinward Marches, but that's beside
the point."
"What I'm driving at is this: Wouldn't the fact that your HQ is located
outside the Imperium make Turnskaad Enterprises a non-Imperial
corporation?" Johann hesitates again, It seems that he don't quite know
how to say what he wants to say without offending anyone.
"The reason that I'm asking is that I've done some work for one of the
Imperial Armed Services, and signed some papers regarding my future
work for non-Imperial corporations, trusts, governments and
organizations. And I would appreciate it if you could give us your
assurance that this mission won't involve any, eeh, anti-Imperial
activites, if I may put it bluntly. I'm sure such an assurance will
ease the consciences of many." He finishes, looking at Mr Khervatchkov.
Rest assured, you will not come under any legal entanglements by
working with us. The Imperial Navy and, on one occasion, the
previous emperor himself have used the services offered by Turnskaad
enterprises. And, although we might not agree as to the particular
parties involved, me might well agree that some particularly
anti-imperial things are right now being done `for the good of the
empire'. We have a long history of not being involved in politics.
Politics and business don't really mix in the long run. It's better
for our long-term bottom line to be able to accept contracts when
and where they happen. The particular clients paying for this
mission are decidely pro-empire.
*****************************************************************************
Next question: Yes, Count Ger?
How far away is this world? Can some of those slow merchants
I've seen hereabouts get there? And once they do, what
assurances do I have that some scout is not going to simply up
and say "I'm going to point x. Restricted or not. You've no
real authority here?"
That's three questions. First - for security reasons, I can't say
how far away this world is. I will say that you should be able to
get there in two or three weeks. Second. So far, no one we've
accepted has a ship with jump capability less than 2. Not
particularly fast, but not slow either. Even at this, there are
enough ships here so that you can leave the slowest behind. Third,
authority. That's one of the reasons we're hanging on to your money
until you get back. If you don't follow the rules, you don't get
paid. If it looks like it's going to be a problem, speak to me -
I'm sure we can work out some arrangement short of requiring liens
on people's ships.
One-way remote probe? How did it get back with its report,
or do we have FTL communication in this Universe????
Well, we didn't exactly say how long ago we found out now, did we?
:-)
How 'bout acknowledging the rest of the folks who've earned
their doctorates, not just Abuko?
Er, uh, well, yes. From the latest information I have, all of the
members of both science teams, most of the engineers, and a least
half of the rest of the crew can say this. I'm sure your work will
speak much more loudly for you than I ever could.
At the back of the room, Dr. Morser clears his throat for attention.
He appears to be in his mid-twenties, but something about him makes
him seem...older. He runs a hand through his unkempt hair and straightens
his rumpled lab coat, which he wears like a soldier might wear his armor.
He speaks somewhat hesitantly, as though he were more used to dealing
with machines than with people, and his words are sometime touched with
a slight Terran(German) accent.
"Well, herr Khervatchkov, zis...Alcyon? Yes...does it have
any visible supports, such as a...'Beanpole'? Yes...which may
lead to ze surface, or is suspended around ze planet like a
HULA HOOP?? Mein Gott! ze pozzibilities mit antigravity are
ENDLESS!! What must ze POWER PLANT be like..."
At this point, Dr. Morser calms down and realizes he has
been speaking more to himself than anyone else. He looks around rather
sheepishly and apologizes.
"Excuse me, please. I sometimes get more involved zan I should
mit mein studies..."
Adam replies. Actually, I agree. The possibiliies are endless.
While I'm not quite sure how to answer your question, it does remind
me of a previous one about the presence of neutrinos: No the probe
did not detect neutrinos.
"I've a couple questions, if ya don't mind", Andreas Spear
spoke up from the back of the room, "First off, is this gonna
be one a those operations where we hit dirt an split up, or
are we gonna stay central and send mixed teams out, or is
that up ta us?"
Spear looks around the room at his fellow travellers, "Two,
is there any money in bein' tha first to see an indie?"
"An last", a smile crosses his bearded face, "and dearest to me
heart on these corporation runs, will our pay be docked fer
any reason short a deriliction a duty?"
Operational procedures you'll need to work out with the on-scene
commander. We can't effectively dictate that from here. My guess
is that a somewhat centralized operation, with several mixed teams
will be most effective. But again, that's not my decision.
Finding and identifying indigenous life forms is one of the main
reasons you are going. No, there is no bonus for simply doing your
job. Nice try, though.
Will your pay be docked? That depends on what you mean by `short of
dereliciton of duty'. Desertion? Insubordination? Theft? Plunder,
rape and pillage? Sabotage? Espionage? Malingering? We have hopes
that you will act like civilized creatures. Historical precedent is
quite clear about the penalties for treachery in space. I'm sure
your comrades can think of more suitable methods to keep you in line
than the simple threat of financial loss, should you go over the
edge.
"Another question, if I may. How long will we have to train for
the mission before jumping out? Will those of us who are here
train until the crew roster is filled, or will training continue
after the crew is assembled?" [Dave Sokuku]
The roster is almost full now. We've accepted several more
applications, and I'll introduce them soon. (1 or 2 days I hope)
In reality (the blistering speed with which this is unfolding...)
most of your `training' will be to outfit and divide up into teams.
*****************************************************************
So, now lets's join some of the small talk after the briefing...
Edmondsen turns to Morser and Spear and smiles. He's a
little above medium height, with straight, golden-brown hair,
greentinted eyes and dark red-brown skin. He is in his mid-
thirties with a natural air of authority. His usually somber
face lights up when he smiles, but quickly returns to normal.
"Well, gentlemen, as we will be working closely together
for some time, I suggest we get to know each other a little
better. May I offer you both a drink?"
During the subsequent conversation the following facts
emerges about Edmonsen. He comes from a high-tech, high-popu-
lation world. As a youth he served in the armed forces of his
planet, and he holds a reserve commission as captain. His
later career was made in somthing called the Welfare Service,
apparently a para-military organisation dealing with feeding
and keeping under control the vast number of unemployed on
his planet, where he achieved the rank of Chief Inspector,
evidently a fairly high rank. ( The impression you get is
something on the order of an army colonel).
As for his skills, he avers to be a skilled administrator
and competent with communications, driving gravity vehicles
and security work. He also corrects an apparent mistake of
Khervatchkov's: his engineering experience is limited to
repair and maintenance of gravity vehicles. No general mecha-
nical, electronic og engineering skills.
He is friendly but rather formal, punctillously adressing
you as Dr. Morser and Mr. Spear respectively, and he obvious-
ly prefer to be adressed as Captain. The only time when his
reserve drops from him is when you discuss the ringworld and
the task ahead of you. Then he becomes positively ebulient.
- -------------------------------------------------------------
Dave moseys over to Iadlvref and Dr. Werner. "Hiya, I'm Dave Sokuku,
call me 'Dave'. What are your specialties? I'm into covert
investigation. What kind of gear do you think we should request?"
**********************************
Etienne approaches the other members of the Transport team. He is
dressed in a one-piece flight suit with many pockets. The rank and
squadron insignia have been removed, but there are several mission
patches still on the suit. Most of them can be recognized by most
sapients as being major battles that were fought by the Imperium in
recent years. Etienne is a little over 6ft and about 165lbs. [sorry, I
will convert to metric next time :(] He has hair that used to be brown
but has been bleached by the sun, he also has a very dark tan. He wears
mirrored sunglasses often, even indoors. There is an empty blade sheath
at his right hip.
Bonjour, as our gracious host said I'm Etienne. I'm afraid
those on high haven't condescended to brief me on my duties yet.
Have any of you heard anything? What is the Alcyon, is she just
a transport, or is she armed? Which one of us is the poor soul
who gets to join the command team? Who is navigator?
On a lighter note would anyone like to explore this nearby city
(assuming our watchdogs allow us to) [a small smile]? I plan on
enjoying myself my last night near anything civilized. For
those who would like to join me, Allons-y, for the rest, Abientot.
Jaron Voga looks up as Etienne De Mer approaches. Voga is a slim, short man,
height about 175 cm, massing ~70 kg. He also wears a flight suit, but
lacking any insignia except shoulder patches bearing the emblem of the
Imperial Interstellar Scout Service and the Exploration Branch of that
service. Brown hair graying a little at the temples, and a "spacer's tan"
from the neck up, from spending enough time in a vacc suit to get one.
Greetings, Mr. De Mer. Most people just call me Voga. I'm afraid
that you know as much as I do about this expedition. I for one look forward
to being out in space again, but being dirtside has its perks, fresh air
being one of them.
As for our duties, my specialization is in sensor systems. I crewed
on a Donosev-class scout for awhile, so I hope the Alcyon is as well
equipped. What of our fellow team members?
Nishu has just moved to stand with the other members of the Transport
team. He wears a navy uniform of some sort: black jacket with grey
trousers and shoulder panel. On the breast pocket is a patch, a black
circle with five silver stars [emblem of the Five Sisters subsector].
He has no insignia, but the uniform seems to indicate a low-ranking
officer or high-ranking rating.
Nishu himself is a large, broad-chested man. He has brown hair, brown
eyes, and a well-kept beard. He seems relaxed and friendly even in
this novel situation.
Bonjour, as our gracious host said I'm Etienne.
"Glad to meet you," he says, extending a hand to Etienne. "I'm a
new arrival of sorts myself."
What is the Alcyon, is she just a transport, or is she armed?
"I don't think we've been told what sort of ship she is, yet. I expect
that she'll be at least minimally armed; these are dangerous times."
Which one of us is the poor soul who gets to join the command team?
Who is navigator?
"Well, I don't know about the team leader, but I'm hoping to end up as
navigator myself. I've had experience in the navy as a navigator and
sensorman."
On a lighter note would anyone like to explore this nearby city
(assuming our watchdogs allow us to) [a small smile]? I plan on
enjoying myself my last night near anything civilized. For
those who would like to join me, Allons-y, for the rest, Abientot.
"Excellent idea! Let's ask our host, shall we?"
Somewhere in here, Nishu will turn to the rest of the Transport team
and find out what positions each is planning to fill (pilot, etc).
*************************************************************************
Ref's note: Sure, go ahead, go to town. Have fun. Let me stay here
and slave away tring to get the next turn out. Go ahead. Don't
invite your friends... :-)
Richard Johnson
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