Imperial Fringe Online Game Chat Session Log 25.08.2002
19:40:37 - Methuslah: Rubin - your character will come in shortly after play begins, certainly within a quarter of an hour. Your entry will become apparent then.
19:45:39 - Methuslah: Allright - shall we begin. If anyone else shows up, they can just jump in.
19:46:37 - Methuslah: To repeat the exciting conclusion to last week.....
19:46:40 - Methuslah: The next five days are fairly uneventful. The failure of the automatic systems leaves no time for further investigation as you try to keep ship’s systems operational. Your acting crewmen all perform tolerably well, though morale on the ship is still somewhat low. You are all off-watch, with Arturo and Barret watching the bridge and engineering, when you are woken by the ship’s alarms, six hours before scheduled emergence from jumpspace.
19:46:47 - Kraiger: OK...
19:47:24 - Kraiger: (*comm to brdge) Kraiger here - whats happening?
19:48:01 - Methuslah: Arturo here! The ship has begun emergence to normal space! All primary crew, report to the Bridge!
19:48:30 - Kraiger: (Kraiger geads to Bridge)
19:48:48 - Kraiger: (Sorry - typing troubles today!)
19:50:06 - Methuslah: You can feel the very fabric of the ship vibrate, taking stresses way beyond tolerance. The sirens have woken many of the passengers, and blocked off some of the corridors. You see Kit heading for engineering, and Bailey is running behind you. You arrive on the Bridge to see Arturo holding tightly to the command chair, and the engineering telltales all lighting red on the rear board.
19:50:42 - Methuslah: With a dramatic shake, you are bather in Cherenkov Blue from the viewscreen, as you enter normal space.
19:51:12 - Methuslah: "I'll run a location check - find out where we are. Kraiger, will you try communications?"
19:51:38 - Methuslah: Stewart moves over to the Engineering board, and begins talking to Kit over the intercom.
19:51:40 - Kraiger: I'm on it (sits in comms chair - trails hail-all frequencies)
19:52:28 - Methuslah: A crackle erupts rapidly, but you pick up a signal quickly.
19:52:55 - Methuslah: "This is Trane Orbital Starport calling unidentified vessel. Please identify yourself immediately."
19:53:59 - Kraiger: Lt. Col Kraiger here, of the (forgotten the damn name of the ship!)
19:54:23 - Methuslah: (Pony Express)
19:54:34 - Kraiger: We're in a pretty bad way, terrorists exploded a bomb on board. We may need help...
19:55:26 - Methuslah: "Pony Express, this is Trane. Please confirm that you are under authorized control. We have craft in flight that we are diverting to you. ETA: 134 minutes."
19:55:46 - Methuslah: (Rubin - you are the pilot of the first of the shuttlecraft.)
19:56:05 - Kraiger: Trane Orbital, Captain Arturo of BT is in command
19:56:20 - Kit just entered this channel
19:56:42 - Kit: Hi folks, I was able to make it afetr all, if a bit late!
19:56:53 - Methuslah: "That old rascal! Well, you are in good hands. We'll expect a full report when you come in. Can the Pony Express move under her own power?"
19:56:56 - Methuslah: Hello, Kit!
19:57:18 - Kraiger: Hi Kit
19:57:41 - Kraiger: Captain Arturo, can we maneauver?
19:57:48 - Rubin just entered this channel
19:58:15 - Methuslah: "Negative, my friend. The M-Drive is so much junk."
19:59:23 - Kit: (pulling out band aids, trying to keep ship from falling apart just a few hours more! 
)
19:59:25 - Kraiger: Trane Orbital - negative, we have no maneuver capability
20:00:25 - Methuslah: "Right. We have a tug here to bring you in. Do you still have the special cargo on board?"
20:01:47 - Kraiger: Trane Orbital - I have no information on special cargo.
20:03:17 - Methuslah: "You have two special crates in your cargo bay, electronic components. We are dispatching a fast ship to collect them. Request engineer and security escort."
20:04:09 - Methuslah: (Rubin - you will be piloting this vessel.)
20:04:17 - Kraiger: Affirmative Trane orbital - please ensure that the incoming ship has correct security clearance paperwork
20:05:06 - Kit: (Meth: Am I needed in engineering or can I take the time to pack my stuff?)
20:05:25 - Methuslah: "We confirm. All documentation will be provided.)
20:05:49 - Methuslah: (You can both get your things together. Stewart can handle the Bridge, and Abel can do what is necessary in Engineering.)
20:06:26 - Kit: (OK, then Ill head to my cabin and pack my stuff)
20:06:45 - Kraiger: (Kraiger will prepare for departing the ship - he has a few metal crates to pick up from storage as well...)
20:07:47 - Kit: (Onece I finish packing my stuff, Ill get the crates in question. We stored them in a free cabin after all. Ill check if my seal is untouched)
20:08:32 - Methuslah: (Your seals are undamaged.)
20:08:35 - Methuslah: The time passes quickly, and it hardly seems to be a moment before you are standing at the main airlock, the crates and your belongings beside you, waiting for the ship to dock. The tug will be bringing in the Pony Express within eight hours, so you can rejoin the others.
20:09:40 - Kraiger: (Kraiger is still nervous, and so is prepared for _another_ person pointing a gun at him when the airlock opens!)
20:09:54 - Kit: I do hope they have a good bath at the station. After the last couple of days I probably smell like an x-boat pilot at the end of his run!
20:10:12 - Kit: What 'bout you Kariger?
20:10:18 - Methuslah: The airlock opens, and....
20:10:25 - Methuslah: (Rubin, make your entrance!)
20:11:05 - Kit: And I sure hope they have some coffee!
20:11:33 - Kraiger: I just hope they don't point a gun at me again.
20:11:38 - Kit: Fresh, hot and without the associated alarm sirens or explosions going off in the background!
20:12:09 - Kit: Maybe a slingshot for a change (smiles)
20:12:51 - Kraiger: *grin* a change is as good as a rest, I guess..
20:13:06 - Kraiger: Hello? Anyone onboard?
20:13:36 - Kit: (Rubin still having trouble with his ISP?)
20:13:44 - Methuslah: Must be.
20:13:55 - Methuslah: Either that, or we have a ghost ship on our hands.
20:14:35 - Kit: Hmm? weird. No pilot on theis shuttle.
20:15:15 - Methuslah: The airlock opens, and a scruffy-looking individual wearing a BT jumpsuit stands for you.
20:15:18 - Kit: BT is REALLY short on personell!
20:15:43 - Kit: G'day sir.
20:15:43 - Methuslah: "Hey, man! You the party I was sent to pick up? Those the crates?"
20:16:10 - Kraiger: (Kraiger eyes him warily) Can I see some ID please
20:16:59 - Methuslah: "Huh? Oh, sure!"
20:17:39 - Methuslah: HE sticks his hand in hsi pocket, and fishes out a grubby-looking leather pouch. Inside it is a BT ID, reading 'Joseph T. Sanchez'. It looks real to you.
20:17:42 - Kit: Hey kid, you aint by any chance just on a prectice flight eh?
20:17:42 - Rubin just entered this channel
20:18:19 - Methuslah: Rubin?
20:19:17 - Kraiger: Well Mr. Sanchez, everything looks in order. Just what were you instructed to pick up from this ship?
20:19:21 - Methuslah: "You kidding? I'm the best pilot on this base! I just passed my 'Rank 6' training. I could slingshot a shuttle round a singularity and come out in one piece."
20:20:02 - Rubin: Sorry to interup, my pc keeps locking up and the only way to get an update of the dialogue is to shut down, seem doomed to have problems with this machine, will drop out of the campaign until I can get it fixed. Appologies for any inconvenience caused
20:20:26 - Kit: Sound good, lets pack the stuff and then see you ride this baybe
20:20:59 - Methuslah: No problem. Let me know when you are able to join, and I'll keep a place open for you.
20:21:00 - Kit: (sorry to hear that Ruben. I hope you get that fixed soon)
20:21:25 - Methuslah: "By the way, call me the California Kid. Everyone else does."
20:21:47 - Rubin: Thanks everyone, see you later
20:21:54 - Rubin just logged off.
20:21:58 - Methuslah: Bye!
20:22:05 - Kit: 'kay, California Kid. Lets get rockin, I want a bath and some fresh coffee.
20:22:16 - Methuslah: He reacehs down and begins moving the baggage into the shuttle. It looks different ot a standard make - carrying less cargo but with a bigger engine room.
20:22:17 - Kit: Im Kit
20:22:40 - Methuslah: "Hey, lady - you'll love the Commander. He's a coffee nut as well."
20:22:44 - Kit: (taking a very interested look at the engine)
20:22:58 - Kit: Ah, light at the end of the tunnel!
20:23:04 - Kraiger: (Kriager loads his gear)
20:24:37 - Methuslah: The engine looks much more powerful than that of a standard shuttle - probably capable of sustained 6g acceleration. Passenger and cargo space looks limited, however - and there is no extra fuel tankage. It would be a fast but very short ride.
20:25:34 - Kit: Unusual configuration on this baby. Express shuttle?
20:25:35 - Kraiger: (Kraiger does a quick security sweep of the shuttle)
20:26:58 - Methuslah: Actually, a custom job some of us have been working on. We're going to try and enter her in the Alexin races in a couple of months. What do you think?
20:27:25 - Methuslah: (The shuttle looks secure - no obvious tampering or surveillance devices, other than the normal flight recorder.)
20:27:30 - Kit: First impression looks good. Gotta see it in action though. How fast does she go?
20:28:17 - Kit: (begin to ask him technical question)
20:28:53 - Kraiger: (Kraiger gets some help to *carefully* load the crates)
20:29:29 - Methuslah: "I made the run between the station and this ship - about a million miles - in under 100 minutes. Topped out at 6.5g acceleration! I'll take it a bit easier on the ride back, though."
20:30:02 - Kit: Wow, thats fast. But I guess the fuel wont last long at that speed.
20:30:05 - Methuslah: The Kid helps you gently move the crates into the cargo space, then bolts them in with tight metal clamps.
20:31:33 - Methuslah: "This bird can, I think, do 7g for 195 minutes. I haven't had her that fast yet, though."
20:32:37 - Kit: What 'bout maneuverability?
20:33:10 - Methuslah: "I can turn her on a centicredit."
20:34:11 - Kit: (nodds approvingly) Sounds like a good ship. Hey, lets get goin, I wanna see this baby in action! What about you Kraiger?
20:34:43 - Kraiger: I just want to get my feet back onto some solid ground!
20:35:07 - Kraiger: Keep your eyes open out there Kid, whoever crippled the Pony might just be lurking around looking for us.
20:35:16 - Methuslah: "Ok dudes! Strap down!"
20:35:22 - Kit: Solid ground? Ah, you army guis never know how to appreciate a good ship!
20:35:43 - Kit: I do hope that whoever crippled the pony thinks we didnt make it here!
20:35:58 - Kit: (strapping down, getting ready)
20:36:02 - Methuslah: The Kid throws himself into his couch, and begins running through the prelaunch sequence. A coupel of minutes later, he signals that he is beginning his countdown."
20:36:23 - Methuslah: "Arturo to Kid. Good Luck!"comes over the intercom.
20:36:29 - Kraiger: (Strps in) Whoever planned it is _sure_ to have a backup plan
20:36:45 - Methuslah: "Ten seconds - you ready?"
20:36:58 - Kit: You mean besides the bombs?
20:37:04 - Kraiger: All set
20:37:10 - Kit: Ready to rock Kid!
20:37:24 - Kit: (preparing for High G)
20:38:08 - Kraiger: Absolutely. Any good covert plan has a backup plan for when the first one goes wrong.
20:38:15 - Methuslah: "I'll start at four gees and build up. Four, three, two, one, Contact!"
20:38:50 - Kit: I thought the bombs WERE the backup plan for the goons?
20:39:12 - Methuslah: The engines begin to roar behind you, as the acceleration begins to build. You are pressed firmly back in your seat, and your vision is beginning to blur. You can see the Kid still has both hands on the controls, gripping tightly.
20:39:25 - Methuslah: "How...you...doing."
20:39:42 - Kit: Yahoo!!!
20:39:46 - Kraiger: (grunt) O..K
20:39:58 - Kit: I LOVE fast ships!
20:40:30 - Kit: Can ya feel the engines? Thats what I call power!
20:41:12 - Methuslah: "Going...to...five...gees."
20:41:13 - Kraiger: (mutter damn spaceheads mutter)
20:41:47 - Methuslah: The Kid moves up another nothc, and the roar of the engine builds. The ship itself begins to vibrate from the interse thrust, and the pressuer continues to build."
20:41:57 - Kit: Hey...Groundling...cant...ya...take...it? (smile)
20:42:57 - Methuslah: "What...d'you...think....lady?"
20:43:10 - Kit: I...think...im...in...love...with...this...engine!!
20:43:26 - Kraiger: I can,,, take it, but... doesn't mean I hafta... enjoy it!
20:43:47 - Methuslah: "I'll....level...at...six. Then...turn on....antigrav."
20:44:02 - Kit: Really...Kraiger..t'is...is...better...than...sex!!
20:44:41 - Methuslah: The roar grows again, louder and louder, and the ship's hull begins to make alarming noises. The Kid reaches for a control, and then suddenly you are weightless again, although the roar continues to be heard.
20:45:27 - Kit: You gotta love this engine!!! (you probably never seen kit this happy before)
20:46:23 - Methuslah: "You can't beat an old fashioned fusion drive. I'll take it over a gravity thruster anyday. Better with the antigrav, Colonel?"
20:46:24 - Kraiger: Kit, you _realy_ need to take a holiday dirtside...
20:46:52 - Kit: Thats the kind of moments I live for!!
20:46:57 - Kraiger: Fine, fine. Anyother ships nearby?
20:47:25 - Kit: Dont tell me 'bout holidays. Even the one I tried shipboards was a desaster!
20:47:29 - Methuslah: "I'll run a check."
20:47:45 - Methuslah: The Kid begins to punch buttons on his control panel.
20:47:52 - Kit: And Dirtsides only interesting if its an unknown planet!
20:48:34 - Methuslah: "That's odd."
20:48:52 - Kraiger: _Whats_ odd?
20:49:30 - Methuslah: "I've got some traces on the ladar."
20:49:54 - Kraiger: *sigh* great - here comes that backup plan. This ship armed kid?
20:49:59 - Kit: Can ya determine what it is?
20:51:05 - Methuslah: "Look like Frigates. Don't worry - they can't catch us. They must be five million out. Take 'em hours - but I think they've vectoring on the starport. Better alert the station."
20:51:26 - Methuslah: The Kid gets on the communicator, and warns the station of the approaching vessels.
20:52:18 - Kit: Really, Im getting sick of these MF Idiots. They ALWAYS interfere with my coffee!
20:53:00 - Methuslah: "Those ain't Factors. Military power sigs."
20:53:25 - Kit: If its not MF, Who are tehy?
20:53:47 - Kraiger: I've got a baaad feeling about this...
20:54:21 - Methuslah: "Can't tell. I'm not rigged for lots of sensors - just a basic package."
20:54:57 - Methuslah: "We should be docking in about two hours - at least eight ahead of them."
20:55:02 - Kit: Sigh, I whish I had my ship here.
20:55:47 - Kit: At least a slim chance that Ill get some coffee
20:55:47 - Methuslah: "What's she like, lady?"
20:56:30 - Kit: Modifies scoutship, just being overhauled at Glisten (start to talk lovingly about the ship)
20:56:59 - Kraiger: Can I borrow that comm kid?
20:57:16 - Methuslah: "Go 'head."
20:58:16 - Kraiger: Trane Orbital? Lt. Col Kraiger here, recently departed the Pony Express. Whats the status there? Are those _our_ ships bearing down on you?
20:59:03 - Kit: Bucephalus, thats my baby. Not as fast as this shuttle but can g almost anywhere and see almost anything. Shes a bit cranky at times, but we gat along well.
21:00:59 - Methuslah: "Trane Orbital calling Silver Sliver. We read them as Shivva Class Patrol Frigates. Zhodani make, repeat Zhodani. Commander's talking to them now. Get back as fast as that bucket will move."
21:01:34 - Kit: Zho! SHIT!
21:01:50 - Kit: Go back to where?
21:02:42 - Methuslah: (To the station.)
21:02:46 - Kraiger: Crap, I had a feeling they would be. See Kit? I didn't think they would sacrifice good undercover operatives without a backup plan - just didn't think it would be _this_ big!
21:02:46 - Kit: (is there ANY chance that our special cargo could be made ready on the station in a few hors?)
21:03:19 - Kit: You do think all this trouble is for us?
21:04:00 - Methuslah: "Trane Orbital calling Silver Sliver. Come in, please."
21:05:56 - Kraiger: Silver Silver here...
21:05:59 - Kit: Kariger, you got the com
21:07:23 - Methuslah: "Just got the word. Wolf pack of Frigates are in-system, requesting to dock. Commander thinks it's an intelligence run, but can't do much about it. They'll be docking in about eight hours - so we'll need that cargo. Commander thinks having some heavy artillery might make thme think twice about trying any rough business."
21:08:37 - Kit: Kraiger, ask them to keep some coffe ready. Sounds like work to me.
21:09:17 - Kraiger: Roger Trane - we'll be there as fast as we can. Have Engineers and coffee standing by. Can we prep the cargo on our end first?
21:10:04 - Methuslah: "Probably shouldn't risk it under acceleration. Coffe is on the boil, and the Commander will want to see you when you get in."
21:10:17 - Kraiger: (I'll do a little research on Trane on the shuttles computer)
21:12:19 - Kit: Sounds great to me. Especially the coffee! (big grin)
21:13:09 - Methuslah: TRANE: Small, TL 11 Water World. Specialization in exotic aquaculture, also minor tourist centre. In Orbit 3, no other notable bodies in system. Starbase is coverted 'Kninuir-class' colonal cruiser, noted for nightlife.
21:14:10 - Kraiger: Trane orbital, this is Lt. Col Kraiger
21:14:29 - Methuslah: "Trane Orbiter here."
21:15:18 - Kraiger: Can I have the Commaqnder on a secure channel immediately please. Highest priority.
21:16:14 - Methuslah: "Is it urgent? The Commander is in conference with the defence staff."
21:16:41 - Kraiger: It is extremely urgent, and purtains directly to the current crisis.
21:17:18 - Methuslah: "Ok. I'll patch you through."
21:18:14 - Kraiger: Commander? This is Lt. Col. Kraiger. I was on the Pony Express when she was crippled.
21:18:20 - Methuslah: "Commander Bilendi here. Please be brief. What is the problem?"
21:19:27 - Kraiger: We have evidence of enemy infiltration inside BT. Not just Maclellan - Zhodani. The only lead I have on Trane is "Trane Aquatic Safaris". Watch yourself commander, they have men on the inside...
21:20:27 - Methuslah: "Zhodani infiltrators? I'd heard rumours but... Are you sure?"
21:20:58 - Kraiger: Positive Commander. We had one on board the Pony - he's in a cold Berth on her as we speak.
21:22:32 - Methuslah: "Thanks for the warning. I think that explains the Zhodani presence - they've requested permission to have leave on the planet. We can put a stop to that idea, now. I will refuse permission."
21:24:18 - Kraiger: Thanks you Commander. The Infiltrators on the Pony were fanatics - ready to sacrafice their lives to stop our cargo getting through. I suggest you put your troops on maximum alert for terrorist activity
21:25:20 - Methuslah: "In that case, do you mind if I use your servise on the station. I understand you know a little something about defense, Colonel, and that the Countess has some experience with Engineering."
21:26:00 - Kit: SOME Experience? That Guy is making fun of me!!
21:26:18 - Kraiger: Count me in Commander - I will check with Kit...
21:26:51 - Kit: (mutter) As if id stand idly by while some inexperienced kids fiddle with an engine!!
21:27:44 - Methuslah: "Thank you Colonel, my lady. I'll see you at the bay in two hours."
21:28:10 - Methuslah: "Woah! This is some serious stuff, dudes.", says the Kid, sitting back in his couch.
21:28:16 - Kraiger: Over and Out.
21:28:42 - Kraiger: Hey Kid - we left some friends back on the Pony - sounds like she'll be pulling into Trane about the same time as the Zho...
21:28:51 - Kit: Do you mean the Zhodani, The terrorists or something else?
21:29:35 - Methuslah: "All of it. A wolf Pack in-system! One more thing for the war scare, huh!"
21:29:43 - Kit: (to Kraiger) Yeah, lets hope those damnd mindreaders can keep their tempers!
21:30:49 - Kit: (to Kid)This aint war scare, t'is the center of the brewing storm. I do hope they leave the coffe machine intact!
21:31:29 - Kraiger: Wouldn't count on it. Kid, think you might be up to another trip back to the Pony once you drop us off?
21:32:09 - Methuslah: "Sure! I need to get in all the flight time in thsi baby I can."
21:32:59 - Kit: Take good care of her Kid, This baby deserves a good pilot.
21:33:14 - Kraiger: OK. Not sure how many of the passenger's you can get off her, but make sure you pick up Alex Coleman and Stewart Bailey. Oh, and there's a purser in a low-berth that I think you should bring in too...
21:33:19 - Kit: great engine!
21:33:32 - Methuslah: "I can take six at a time in this bird."
21:33:55 - Methuslah: "WE've been three months overdriving it, so far."
21:34:32 - Kraiger: Leave it up to Captain Arturo who else to send back - I wouldn't at all be surprised if the Zho put a missile in her just in case the cargo is still onboard...
21:35:29 - Methuslah: "They won't do that. IT'd start the Fifth Frontier War!"
21:35:31 - Kit: You think the Zho know about the cargo? Afa all, those goons were after us!
21:36:21 - Kraiger: Thats true - either way, they wanted that ship scuttled...
21:38:08 - Kit: No one scuttles a ship im on. And if I hafta stick it together with bubblegum!
21:38:36 - Methuslah: "You're cool, lady."
21:39:09 - Kit: Most people think im cranky!
21:39:43 - Kraiger: *sigh* Never did understand that "Go down with the ship" mentality. Comes a time when its best to jump off, and live to fight another day...
21:40:21 - Methuslah: "Never with this baby. Not after what I've put into her>"
21:40:34 - Kit: You dont hafta "go down with the ship" it ya dont let the ship go down!
21:41:12 - Kit: But i dont 'xpect a groundling to understand that
21:42:20 - Methuslah: "We'll be hitting midpoint in a minute. Better brace for acceleration. The antigrav is a bit cranky - it can't handle rapid changes in acceleration."
21:42:46 - Kit: 'kay!
21:42:55 - Kraiger just entered this channel
21:43:16 - Kraiger: (Strapping in...)
21:43:17 - Methuslah: Problems, Kraiger?
21:43:38 - Kraiger: (Just dumped me out for a second)
21:44:35 - Methuslah: The Kid pushes a button, and the acceleration hits you again. He swings the ship over quickly, and reactivates the drive. You are all on the verge of blacking out when he turns the antigrav back on."
21:46:08 - Methuslah: "Wow!"
21:46:37 - Kit: You ride hard kid, I like that.
21:47:26 - Methuslah: "Told you - I'm the best of the best."
21:48:01 - Kit: Yeah, I think Id even let you ride Bucephalus.
21:48:34 - Methuslah: "I'll take you up on that."
21:49:19 - Kit: Kraiger, whatddo you think?
21:50:25 - Kraiger: Yeah, I think you two would make a perfect team... Just don't expect me to ride along.
21:50:41 - Kraiger: (*grins*)
21:51:07 - Methuslah: "Say - you want to take the controls?"
21:51:11 - Kit: Youd be missin all the fun!
21:51:24 - Kit: May I?
21:51:31 - Kit: I'd LOVE to!
21:51:59 - Kraiger: Ah crap (tightens straps)
21:52:08 - Methuslah: "No problem. Hold on."
21:52:33 - Kit: Dont worry Kriager, I dont ride as hard as this kid any more. Im gettin topo lod for that (grins)
21:52:35 - Methuslah: The Kid unstraps, stands up, and changes seats with Kit. The control board seems standard enough, but the controls are much finer than you are used to.
21:53:06 - Methuslah: "Be careful not to overcompensate, and try and keep the engine output below the tope red line. Just ignore the original red line."
21:53:08 - Kit: (getting ready to take over, Ill take it easy until I get a feel for the ship)
21:53:25 - Kit: 'kay!
21:54:07 - Methuslah: OK - make a roll against Pilot - 8 or above.
21:54:42 - Kit: Pilot 4: 2D6: 8
21:55:31 - Methuslah: You manage to smoothly take over the controls, and get the hang of them at once.
21:55:38 - Methuslah: "Nice work, lady!"
21:55:58 - Kit: (at the controls a change comes over kit. She handles the controls lovingly, almost as if she was fondling a lover)
21:56:18 - Kraiger: (sorry guys - I have to step out for a few minutes...)
21:56:35 - Kit: Really nice ship you have here. (deep sigh)
21:57:07 - Kit: Just like back in the old days on my first ship.
21:57:42 - Methuslah: "How long you been a flyer?"
21:58:09 - Kit: Uh, some 36 years or so
21:58:51 - Methuslah: "Wow! What you must have seen....."
21:59:23 - Kit: A lot kid, a lot. At the IISS you do get around.
22:00:06 - Methuslah: "I had a go at joining the Scouts, eight year ago. Rejected my application."
22:00:38 - Kit: What a pity. They missed a great pilot.
22:02:09 - Methuslah: "Thanks. Flying's about all I'm good at, though."
22:02:47 - Kit: That might be an explanation. Among the scouts you gotta be capable of many different things.
22:03:26 - Kit: overspecialized people dont do too well if they hafta hanle themselves far away from any support
22:03:53 - Methuslah: "Not my fault I never finished school."
22:04:10 - Kit: what was the problem?
22:04:19 - Methuslah: "Sides, I join Grade one Navigation, Grade two Engineering."
22:05:06 - Methuslah: "I grew up on a transport ship, used to fly out in Foreven Sector. My folks dropped me off here before going on a dangerous run into Egryn. Never came back."
22:05:18 - Methuslah: "I was fourteen - that was ten years ago."
22:05:43 - Kit: Im sorry to hear that.
22:06:10 - Methuslah: "I got over it."
22:06:17 - Kit: Did no message ever come about your parents from Egryn?
22:07:24 - Methuslah: "Zippo. Nada. Last report they were heading out into the Rimward portions of the subsector, then that was it. I wangled a trip out there a few years ago, but didn't find anything."
22:08:20 - Kit: you been to egryn sector?
22:09:18 - Methuslah: "Only got as far as Ashley's Rock. Hardly anyone seems to go any deeper."
22:09:51 - Kit: What ship were your folks on?
22:10:34 - Kit: We may be going there sometimes so maybe i casn keep a lok out.
22:12:20 - Methuslah: "The 'Stormbringer'. One of the old Thunder class Freighters."
22:13:26 - Kit: Well I'll keep my eyes peeled for it. Maybe we can find out what happened to them.
22:14:04 - Kit: So have you heared any recent rumors 'bout engryn?
22:14:12 - Methuslah: "I would appreciate that."
22:14:59 - Kit: Best give me your folk's names too. One never knows.
22:15:39 - Methuslah: "MY father name was Harlon. I don't know who my mother was."
22:16:16 - Kraiger: (I'm still lurking...)
22:16:21 - Kit: Your father never told you?
22:16:31 - Methuslah: "There have been some strange rumours flying abut lately. Some of the smaller ports have reported traders coming in from the Outrim Void, unusual designs. The pilots have the oddest accent, apparently."
22:16:47 - Methuslah: "No. He said it was better I didn't know."
22:17:17 - Methuslah: "Trane Orbital to Silver Sliver. Come in, please."
22:18:13 - Kit: Kraiger you still at the comm?
22:20:12 - Kit: (OK seems like ill hafta take the call) Silver Sliver Here.
22:21:28 - Methuslah: "Sliver, we have a dockin port cleared for you - ETA ten minutes. Also, thought we'd tell you that the Pony Express is now being towed in."
22:22:24 - Methuslah: "Better clear for docking. You want to handle it?"
22:22:29 - Kit: Silver Sliver here. Docking port confirmed.
22:23:00 - Kit: Fine with me, if you want to trust me with it (grins)
22:23:08 - Methuslah: "Sure."
22:23:28 - Kit: Kay (preparing for Docking)
22:24:17 - Methuslah: The station is beginning to loom large in the viewscreen - an old Kiniuir Class ship, floating gently in orbit. The landing beacon is giving you a homing trace to follow in. As you approach, you see scarring all along the hull, old battle damage by the look of it.
22:24:26 - Methuslah: Make a Pilot roll - 4 or above - to safely dock.
22:24:49 - Kit: 2D6: 6
22:25:24 - Methuslah: The ship glides smoothy into the station, and comes to a gentle stop.
22:25:55 - Kit: All systems secure.
22:26:09 - Kit: Great Ship Kid.
22:26:22 - Kit: Thanks for letting me ride her.
22:26:29 - Methuslah: "Good landing. Opening hatches."
22:26:48 - Methuslah: The ship's hatches fly open, and a cluster of station personnel are waiting for you outside
22:27:01 - Kit: (preparing to get off with cargo)
22:27:22 - Methuslah: "Welcome to Trane Orbital Station.", one says. "The Commander wants to see you in his office immediately. Just follow the signs. We'll unload your lading."
22:27:46 - Kit: 'Kay See you later Kid!
22:27:59 - Methuslah: "Bye!"
22:28:14 - Kit: (grab my bag and follow directions)
22:28:42 - Methuslah: The elevator takes you right up to the command level, and the signs are clear. You soon arrive at a door labelled 'Captain'.
22:28:51 - Kit: (say is Kraiger still with us?)
22:29:18 - Kit: (Buzz or knock door)
22:29:56 - Methuslah: "Enter."
22:30:28 - Kit: (entering) Commander, DR Messalina Kitiara of regina reporting!
22:30:39 - Methuslah: The door opens, and a tired looking man is sitting behind a desk piled high with schemativs and reports. A map of the system is one one wall, and one of the subsector on the other. The rear has a beautiful view of Trane.
22:31:39 - Kit: (is there a coffee machine somewhere?)
22:32:32 - Methuslah: "Hello Countess. Welcome to Trane. I understand you had a hard trip. The Pony Express is...not a good ship. Let me get you some coffee - not machine stuff. I blend it myself, beans imported from Deneb."
22:32:49 - Methuslah: He gets up and begins to arraneg his coffee utensils, boiling water.
22:33:28 - Kit: Ah, finally a man who knows whats good.
22:34:01 - Kit: Btw. Im a Baroness, not a countess but please just call me kit!
22:34:32 - Methuslah: "Coffee is one of the only true beverages. Though have you ever tried Aslan 'Trenga'. A fine beverage, but very hard to find. Kit."
22:35:32 - Kit: I once had a scout colleague who was aslan. He got me interestend in all kinds of culinary delights. Pity that they are so difficult to get.
22:36:48 - Methuslah: "Perhaps one day the connections between our Empires will be closer. I have a friend you brings me some things from Coreward of Trojan Reach, every now and then."
22:38:04 - Kit: We grow some great javas on Regina. I have a small reserve in my pack. Maybe we can find some time to sample it?
22:38:19 - Methuslah: "I truly hope so."
22:38:50 - Kraiger just entered this channel
22:40:05 - Kraiger: (I'm back - sorry)
22:41:03 - Kraiger: Captain, I'm Lt. Col Kraiger.
22:41:08 - Methuslah: No problem.
22:41:42 - Methuslah: "Hello Colonel. Welcome to Trane. Would you like some coffee? Denebian Blue Mountain."
22:41:51 - Kraiger: Are you with BT Captain, or are you an independant station here?
22:42:16 - Kraiger: (I'm a foot soldier captain - anything dark and bitter is fine by me)
22:43:16 - Methuslah: "We're officially a neutral station, but in reality we're heavily financed by BT. I used to be a BT employee, but retirere eight years ago to take up this job."
22:43:30 - Methuslah: He pours our three small cups of rich, dark coffee.
22:43:50 - Kit: Ahhh!! Black Gold!
22:45:21 - Kraiger: (sips coffee - nods apreciatively)
22:45:21 - Methuslah: "Nothing like it in Known Space."
22:46:23 - Kraiger:
22:46:41 - Kit: (sipping coffe and obvioulsy relaxing) That is good!
22:47:00 - Methuslah: "Well, to business. The Zho's will be here in about five and a half hours. I want our new missile defence system up by then. As to your trip to Berengaria, we've got that covered, also."
22:47:03 - Kraiger: Captain, why do you think the Zhodani would be coming here. Is this station strategically important?
22:47:39 - Kit: Ill give your engineers a hand. We should be up and running in no time.
22:48:58 - Methuslah: "Based on your information, I suspect they are picking up some intelligence data. Could be doing a survey of our defense, too - and detterence is half the battle."
22:50:27 - Kraiger: So far I have been not at all impressed with BTs methods - their covert ops only serve to confuse everyone on the same side, and have little real effect on the enemy.
22:53:41 - Methuslah: "Our heart really isn't it. We're a trading company, not the Navy. All we have are 'free thinkers' who are only happy out on the Fringe, or psychos who were thrown out of the Navy. Not the best personnel. You probably had a bad experience on the Pony Express. The last captain really drove it into the ground - almost literally. Not all of BT is that bad. We're just traders - not soldiers."
22:55:04 - Kit: Well, you got us for a start! (grin)
22:55:20 - Kraiger: Understood Captain - I have worked in similar circumstances several times - untrained people immediately start thinking they're in a holo-vid in this sort of situation...
22:55:54 - Kraiger: Secrecy is important, but so is honesty. I want to be certain that there are no more surprises that BT is hiding from us...
22:55:57 - Methuslah: "You should hear some of the covert codes they use."
22:58:05 - Kraiger: First off, I think a thourough screening of base personel is in order - we don't want any more bombs going off in the middle of dealing with the Zho...
22:58:07 - Methuslah: "Ace. Star Killer. Shadow. Pathetic!"
22:59:01 - Methuslah: "It's already in the works. Personnel should have covered all defense personnel before the Zho's arrive. And I can assure you - no more secrets."
22:59:29 - Kit: Sounds like a lot of young hotshot scout rookies i've known.
23:00:04 - Methuslah: "Most of these people are in their forties!"
23:00:42 - Kit: Commander, If you can give me one more cup of that black gold of yours, I think I better get to work. Gotta show some 40-year rookies what to do!
23:01:08 - Methuslah: "All right. Hold on."
23:01:15 - Kraiger: The Zhodani were specifically trying to stop our mission on the Pony - sounds like a lot of effort for a simple recon mission - so just _what_ are we supposed to be doing in Egryn?
23:01:20 - Methuslah: He goes over and pours three more cups of coffee.
23:02:02 - Methuslah: "As far as I know, just what you were told. Perhaps the Zho's have something big to hide."
23:03:07 - Kit: How are we goin to get toBerengaria from here?
23:04:21 - Methuslah: "There's an X-boat leaving in thirty-six hours. We've secured six low berths back to Berengaria for you, and a couple of others. You'll wake up at the starport."
23:04:55 - Kit: An X-Boat with 6 low berths?
23:05:42 - Kraiger: I think there is a lot more to our mission than we're being told - and I also have a feeling those Zhodani ships aren't coming here to talk. I for one would like to get out of here before they drop by...
23:05:48 - Methuslah: "Special modification they've been working on lately. They've been trying some new modified Boats in this subsector, as a field experiment."
23:06:52 - Kit: Is tehre any chance I could go on the trip awake. Im sure the pilot would appreciate some company.
23:08:03 - Methuslah: "There's only life support for one, I'm afraid."
23:08:22 - Kit: Too bad. Id really like to see those nwe designs in action.
23:08:41 - Kit: Maybe I copuld talk the pilot into switching seats
23:09:23 - Methuslah: "Modifications are only really in the living quarters section. They still handle like a pig."
23:09:51 - Kraiger: I Think a Zhodani fleet in Trane is adequate reason to send the X-boat off early - do you agree Captain?
23:10:19 - Kit: Commander, you dont call something you trust your life on a pig! They are nice ships for their job!
23:10:29 - Methuslah: "You want to go at once?"
23:11:16 - Kit: Kraiger, They might not be able to get their defense systems up in time without my help!
23:12:27 - Kraiger: Picking your battles is an important lesson - if those Zhodani mean business, this base isn't going to hold them off, even with some new defeses...
23:12:30 - Kit: 'sides we hafta wait for our compatriots.
23:13:16 - Methuslah: "I think we'll hold them if they try something. Besides - I thin they are here to scare, rather than fight."
23:14:29 - Kraiger: OK then.... As a precaution though, I would like to prepare an anti-boarding party.
23:15:07 - Methuslah just entered this channel
23:15:17 - Methuslah: "Sounds like a good idea."
23:16:06 - Kit: Ok. I think ill get to work then. And Captain, I'd appreciate it, if you could arrange a talk with the x-boat pilot. Maybe I can talk him into a job switch! (smiles)
23:16:51 - Kraiger: Alright Captain - if you could point me towards your security personel, I'll see about getting them organised to repel boarders.
23:17:18 - Methuslah: "I'll try." He laughs.
23:17:38 - Methuslah: "Security is two floors down. Inform Captain brent I'm putting you in temporary command."
23:17:46 - Kit: Im just no good at sitting back and letting other people shuttle me around.
23:18:09 - Kit: Wheres engineering?
23:18:48 - Kraiger: Good luck Kit. (Heads for security)
23:19:03 - Kit: Good luck Kraiger!
23:19:08 - Methuslah: "Four levels down. The Technical Workshop should have the parts by now .We need the reactor and components fitted ito our guidance system ASAP."
23:19:54 - Kit: 'Kay Commander. Im on it. Just tell your people to let me help and Well have this fitted in no time!
23:20:25 - Methuslah: "I'll call on ahead."
23:20:43 - Kit: (how about a break. Im getting tired here)
23:20:58 - Methuslah: This seems like a natural break point for the session. Do you want to call a halt here?"
23:21:07 - Methuslah: Great minds obviously think alike.
23:21:10 - Kraiger: (Sounds good to me - good stopping point)
23:21:25 - Methuslah: Great session.
23:21:48 - Kit: OK, see you all next week. Great session. Kit is just so happy!
23:21:52 - Kraiger: Yeah - no one pointed a gun at me, and Kit got coffee!
23:22:02 - Methuslah: See you next week!
23:22:02 - Kraiger: See you....
23:22:13 - Kit: AND a fast ride on a hot ship!