Characters: Arthur, Joe, Mazun, Darrurz
NPC: Uedzaks, Ungunu, Thaedznou, & Aerrak
Location: Akofotsidano Downport Cafeteria
System: Akofitsidano
Dinner has been prepared from canned food supplies as there really wasn't time
to defrost anything from the freezer. As such, it winds up being less savory
than breakfast. Afterwards, Aerrak heads up to the control tower to keep watch,
his comm open for the discussion.
Thaedznou kicks off the meeting. "An interesting day. We now have a means to
depart from this world and a new... companion? Ally? I don't know what to label
it. And for all that we learned, it would seem there are even more questions.
"Sticking with this morning's plan, I still want to check out the other ships
tomorrow. We should be all caught on our sleep, so I expect to get a full day.
As Darrurz pointed out, we can only take two ships, but I'd like to get the
status of each one so that when we get back we'll know how big a salvage team
we'll need to bring them back.
"Everyone agree?"
Mazun says, "Yes." Everyone else just nods.
Darrurz adds, "Yes. Are we all happy to take the Yetsable as our primary
ship?"
There are nods of affirmation followed by a round of yes-es.
Darrurz continues, "As I said when we found ZeeBee, we should do a full search
of the ships before we turn the power on. Start with the Aeksakughu, as
that's the most likely one we'll take, but remember it's also likely infected.
Get everything off the ship before you turn the power on and ask ZeeBee if they
would be happy to look over anything with a computer in it and the ship's
computer before engaging the power plant. Then I'd suggest the same in order
that we were going to look at them anyway: the Kaegkofaeg, the
Animal, the Garu, and lastly the Angrorghag."
"Shouldn't be a problem," Thaedznou replies.
He continues, "Also, as Darrurz suggested, we should get the leftover raider
gear and intel about satellite raider outposts over to Dhoknan. I'd like that
to be done tomorrow just in case something happens and we need to leave ASAP.
It'll take a day to get there and back if we have to rely on a truck. But if we
want something quicker, we'll have to see if there's anything in the starships.
Did anyone check to see if the Yetsable had something?"
Everyone either shakes their heads or shrugs.
"No worries. We can check tomorrow. Obviously, we got a bit distracted by
ZeeBee. Anyway, any volunteers to make the trip to Oegzuzerrghgurrgoksa to
visit Dhoknan?"
Darrurz replies, "Yes. I'll go, assuming that the grav vehicle is still aboard.
We need to do a full inventory of the Paql."
"Indeed, we do," Thaedznou replies.
Joe adds, "Hopefully it has enough fuel to get there and back."
Darrurz says, "Can't see why not. If their engineer or maintenance staff were
any good, it will have a full tank and be ready to go. We'll need to disable the
comms from the computer, and we might need to see what sensors it has as I'm
not sure we'll want any active ones on."
Mazun says, "I'd prefer to stay and keep looking over the ships, see what else
I can dig up."
Thaedznou replies, "As you're the pack's engineer, that makes total sense."
Aerrak chuckles.
Thaedznou sniffs the air then asks him, "What's funny?"
Aerrak replies, "I just pictured Mazun digging in the dirt like our ancestors."
He mimes digging in the dirt with his paws and coming up with an invisible bone.
Uedzaks and Ungunu burst out laughing, even Thaedznou can't help but smile.
Aerrak looks over to Mazun, not sure of his reaction, and says, "I'm just
teasing, my friend. It has been a long couple of days."
Mazun smiles. "I'm just jealous I can't lick my own butt," he mutters.
That sets Uedzaks and Ungunu to a fresh round of laughing. Aerrak reaches over
and slaps Mazun on the shoulder and offers a grin of his own.
Thaedznou says, "Ok, I'd like Uedzaks, Aerrak, and Joe to accompany Darrurz.
Ungunu will stay here and observe Mazun while Arthur and I will provide support
in case we wake up something that isn't as friendly as ZeeBee.
"Any questions?"
Darrurz says, "No questions, but rather a suggestion. We need a watch, so I'd
suggest that Aerrak stays here so we have more paws on the ground. And if ZeeBee
is willing, they should be more than capable of dealing with anything that
might 'wake up' if it's a robot. Even a medium Zhodani warbot is something to
behold in action. We'd have to ask if ZeeBee would be willing to engage other
carbon-based lifeforms that are contrary to our goals, but if they are, then
ZeeBee is probably the most powerful individual on the planet at present."
Thaedznou replies, "If you're comfortable with a smaller group, that's fine by
me."
Joe replies "Fine by me, too," Joe adds. "I'll ask ZeeBee before we leave."
Darrurz continues, "ZeeBee could be so useful in so many ways. There are the
Vark drones that could be cleaned and salvaged, not to mention actual robots."
Thaedznou nods. "Oh yes. If we can convince it to align with us, he'll be a
tremendous ally.
Several minutes after the meeting, while everyone is cleaning up after dinner,
Aerrak calls in from the tower, "We're getting a message from one of the raider
outposts!"
The rest of the group races up to the tower. Once there, everyone quiets down
to hear it.
"Ulaenkaegueknue Station to Den. Over." After twenty seconds or so, it repeats,
but with a different inflection on the words, which indicates that it's a person
and not a synthetic loop.
Uedzaks says, "Ulaenkaegueknue Station is southwest of here."
"How close in relation to Oegzuzerrghgurrgoksa?" Thaedznou asks.
Uedzaks tilts his head to the side and thinks about it. "Five times the
distance."
Darrurz says, "Worth replying just to see what they want. Uedzaks, what would be
the protocol?"
"We answer and see what they want."
Thaedznou gives a curt nod for him to answer.
Uedzaks grabs the mic and replies, "Ulaenkaegueknue Station, this is Den. Over."
There's a growl. "What took you so long to answer?"
"You caught us in the middle of a shift change."
"I thought someone was supposed to be manning communications at all times."
"Fukh off, flea bag. I was grabbing chow. Are you going to tell me why you're
calling, or are you going to whine all night."
"Fine, fine. Just yanking your tail. We were expecting an update from Kuzsokh.
He didn't call us yesterday."
"He's been busy," Uedzaks replies with mock anger in his voice. "The Star People
were here—"
"Yeah, we saw their ships flying about."
"Then you know what that means. He's processing their orders and figuring out
how to implement them."
"What are they?"
"How should I know? I'm just a regular wolf keeping his nose to the wind and
food in his belly. When Kuzsokh has figured it all out, he'll let you know.
He'll let all of us know. In the meantime, just keep scavenging like you
normally do. Den Out."
With that, the conversation is over. Ulaenkaegueknue Station accepts what
Uedzaks told them. To everyone present, he says, "That should buy us a couple
more days. After that, if that wolf's feels like he's got the teeth, there's a
good chance that they'll send out a scout to recon the place."
Joe says, "Well that's enough for me tonight. Gonna grab some shuteye. Wake me
in time for my watch."
"Good idea," Darrurz says, his tail wagging. "I think I'll stay on the ship. I
haven't had a decent shower in a month, and my cloths need a wash as well."
"Really?" Thaedznou says, his head tilted to the side.
"Sure. I trust it. If it wanted to harm us, it would've done so when it got
activated."
"Hmmmm, ok. I guess I need a little more time to get used to it."
With that the group disperses for the night.
Character: Darrurz
NPC: ZeeBee
Location: Paql Reveresh Ridl, Akofotsidano Downport
System: Akofitsidano
Darrurz has grabbed his things and makes his way by torchlight to the
Paql. He climbs the wheeled staircase—which was put into position
after the encounter with ZeeBee—to the upper deck. The hatch is closed
when he gets there, so he taps the door chime.
ZeeBee answers via comm in Gvegh, "Hello."
"Hello ZeeBee. My name is Darrurz. I didn't get a chance to meet you earlier as
I was in the records room of the starport. Permit me to come aboard?"
"Granted."
The hatch slides open, but ZeeBee isn't there. Darrurz enters the airlock with
his things. After he shuts the hatch behind him, ZeeBee has arrived at the
airlock.
"Greetings, Darrurz."
"Greetings, ZeeBee. I will be sleeping on the ship tonight. Please wake me up if
anything should happen."
"I will do that." ZeeBee then backs away so that Darrurz can exit the airlock.
Darrurz makes his way forward, the lights coming on as onboard sensors detect
his presence. There's a gap between the staterooms and the bridge. This gap is
occupied by a common area, replete with couches, tables, and chairs, and the
dining area, featuring a long table with seating for ten. The entrance to the
galley is off of the dining area.
The stateroom closest to the bridge is on the port side. Darrurz attempts to
enter it, but the door is locked. A red LED emphasizes the point.
Darrurz turns to face ZeeBee, who has been following him from three meters away.
"ZeeBee, are all the staterooms locked?"
"Yes, the crew locked them before they left."
"Since they're no longer on this ship, may I have this room?"
"I do not see why you should not. I will unlock it and all the others."
The red LED turns green and the door slides open. To the right is a bed, which
is made. Next to it is a column of different sized drawers. Straight ahead is a
bathroom.
ZeeBee says, "Unless you need my services, I will resume guarding the ship."
Darrurz asks, "Would you set the command codes for the ship up for us?"
"Yes."
"Myself as Pilot, Mazan as Chief Engineer, Joe as Gunner, and Authur as Gunner;
thanks. And yourself, ZeeBee? Where do you wish to fit in the crew?"
"I was an asset under the command of the security officer. It seems appropriate
that I should serve in that capacity."
Darrurz barks his approval.
Upon entering the stateroom and while getting undressed for the shower, Darrurz
puts his equipment on charge, but does not connect them into the ship's systems.
Darrurz showers, which feels wonderful after going without for seven standard
days, and puts his dirty clothes into the shower as it doubles as a laundry
service (his handcomp translating the Zhodani language). He decides to put off
searching the room until the next day. He then lies down and promptly falls
asleep.
He wakes the next morning, feeling refreshed. It is the best sleep he's had
since arriving in the Akfotsidano system. After getting dressed, he takes a
moment to search the stateroom that he's in. He finds a uniform with the command
rank that appears to be captain. There is a digital picture frame showing
people in various instances, a few medals in a display case, several jumpsuits,
very drab clothing, a datapad.
After that, he makes his way to the vehicle bay and discovers a speeder. His
tail sets to wagging.
Characters: Arthur, Joe, Mazun, Darrurz
NPC: Uedzaks, Ungunu, Thaedznou, & Aerrak
Location: Akofotsidano Downport
System: Akofitsidano
Everyone has gathered into the cafeteria for breakfast and final deliberations
before the group splits up.
Having showered and slept aboard the Paql Reveresh Ridl, Darrurz is
looking particularly refreshed. The assembled vargr sniff the air when he enters
the room and sniff the air, nodding accordingly.
Darrurz informs the group that he checked out the vehicle bay before arriving
and discovered that it contained a speeder. It has six individual seats and a
couch that can hold four. The couch folds down for extra storage space. ZeeBee
said that it has no weapons.
After breakfast, Darrurz, Joe, and Uedzaks grab their gear and load it in the
speeder. Thaedznou, Arthur, and Aerraks help to load up as much of the raider
weapons and gear as they can possibly fit into the speeder.
During loading, Joe asks ZeeBee if it's comfortable dealing with any other
robots that might wake up when the others inspect the other ships.
"Yes. I will neutralize them if they are hostile."
"And would you be willing to engage other carbon-based lifeforms that are
contrary to our goals?"
"If necessary, yes. Are not all carbon-based sentients interested in defeating
hostile silicon-based sentients?"
"Some appear willing to work with them to achieve their own goals."
"Intriguing."
Characters: Joe, Darrurz
NPC: Uedzaks
Location: The Region Containing the Downport and Oegzuzerrghgurrgoksa
System: Akofitsidano
Darrurz, Joe, and Uedzaks grab a seat in the speeder. Darrurz will drive. He
suggests to the others to strap themselves in. "I'm fairly certain that the Zhos
installed inertial dampeners, but one never knows."
Uedzaks tilts his head to the side. "Nershall dampaners?"
Darrurz explains, "You know that feeling when you drive fast in the truck then
slam on the brakes?"
"Yeah!"
"Inertial dampeners eliminate that feeling, which is good as we'll be going much
faster."
"Oh."
Darrurz signals to ZeeBee to open the hatch. He finds what his handcomp tells
him is the starter button then requests that the computer translate the displays
and commands to Galanglic.
"Good hunting," Thaedznou comms.
Darrurz eases the speeder out of the ship and to a space far enough from the
others, before lifting off from the ground.
"Let's see what this puppy can do."
He eases the accelerator forward, and they're off in a flash amidst the howls of
delight from Uedzaks.
With a sparkle in his eye and showing some teeth, Darrurz puts the speeder down
on the road they came on just outside the starport. "Well they sure know how to
make a speeder. So what's the plan? High or low flight path to
Oegzuzerrghgurrgoksa? And do we turn up at the gate or just land in the middle
of the stadium?"
Joe mulls it over. "Not that anyone here has radar, but if we keep close to the
ground, we'll be harder to spot from far away. And we'll be less threatening if
we just drive up to the gate. Unless, of course, you're looking to make a
splashy entrance."
Darrurz responds , "Ok I'm going to go direct to Oegzuzerrghgurrgoksa at about
500 meters altitude and at about 300 kph actual, so ground speed will depend on
wind speed. I need you both to be looking out for any sign of anything in the
air or on the ground, because I'll be flying. It's not that fast but we'll cover
ground quickly and our only avenue of escape from anything will be up. If you
see smoke trails in the air or anything coming towards us you shout, and you
shout loud. Buckle up."
The speeder lifts up to Darrurz's chosen altitude and then he hits the
accelerator.
The trip goes by without incident. Nothing challenges their presence in the
skies above Akofotsidano. Oegzuzerrghgurrgoksa lies below. Nothing appears to
have changed since they left two days ago.
Upon approach to the walled core of the city, Darrurz is deliberating out loud
about whether to enter through the south gate or just drop down in the middle
of Dhoknan's stronghold.
Joe says, "It's probably best to go to the gate. We don't want to surprise
Dhoknan. But watch out for them big lizard things."
Darrurz agrees and sets the speeder down to street level just outside the gate.
After a minute of no response from the gate, Darrurz and Joe exit the speeder.
That gets someone's attention.
"Back so soon?" someone calls out from the guard tower on the right. The voice
sounds slightly familiar.
The gate opens and someone waves them on through. A pack animal pulling a cart
full of miscellaneous salvage is led out of the way so that the speeder can get
past it and continue onward.
Darrurz and Joe get back in the speeder and pass through the gate. A beaming
Ghatson watches the speeder enter and howls in delight at the sight of the
vehicle Darrurz is driving. Darrurz rolls down the windows.
"This is a much sweeter ride than the one you left in, Darrurz," Ghatson says.
"I see that the hunt has gone very well for you."
"Well met, Ghatson," Darrurz replies. "It's more my style than the last one,"
indicating the grav. "How's things here? We're just off to see Dhoknan. Have you
spoken to him?"
"Why yes, I have. He was just here yesterday. Explained his plans for eventually
unifying the city, even going so far as to offering a wide degree of autonomy
for all of the chieftains. There's a lot to still to work out, but his defense
pact is a great first start.
"What about your pack? Am I to take it by your ride that you cleaned out a
raider den or two?"
Darrurz replies, "You know; we ran into a few dogs and had to put them down. As
you do. Are you ok here? Is there anything you need?"
"Yeah, we're good. Needs are met, but there's always wants." He adds a wink for
emphasis.
"Then by your leave, we'll be on our way to Dhoknan."
"Sounds good." Ghatson backs away from the speeder and gives a bark to clear the
streets in front of the speeder.
Darrurz slowly maneuvers around the cart and proceeds slowly until the crowd
thins. To avoid any ground level surprises, Darrurz elevates the speeder to five
meters and keeps his speed to 35 kph.
There seems to be a bit more activity out in the open than when they left.
People don't run for cover and hide when the speeder flies by. Most look up in
awe.
Darrurz sets the speeder back down to street level when they near one of
Dhoknan's checkpoints. As a courtesy, Darrurz comes to a halt at the guard post.
"Hi. Darrurz, Joe, and Uedzaks here to meet with Dhoknan."
The guard is momentarily flummoxed, but then waves the speeder on through.
Characters: Arthur, Mazun
NPC: Thaedznou, Aerrak, Ungunu
Location: Akofotsidano Downport
System: Akofitsidano
After watching the others jet away in the speeder, amidst Ungunu's howls of
delighted wonder, the group realizes that it's time to get to work on checking
out the other starships.
Mazun is on his way over to the Aeksakughu class Scout, but Arthur stops
him. "Let's not waste our time on a ship that's probably infected and none of us
really want."
"But Darrurz said—"
"He's not here, and he's not in charge." He looks over to Thaedznou for
confirmation or confrontation.
Thaedznou nods. "No argument here. Besides, I'm curious about this Safari
class ship. We've never seen one before."
So Mazun heads to the Safari instead.
At this point, ZeeBee descends from the Yetsable. It says, "Joe suggested
that I might be of service to you in case you encounter infected robots or
starships."
"Any help would be appreciated when dealing with vakh," Arthur says.
Mazun hooks up the iris valve opener to the forward airlock. Like the
Yetsable, it takes some time, but not as much as Mazun is fairly deft
with it now. After the iris valve on the other side of the airlock is open,
stale air greets them. Even Mazun's nose wrinkles at it. They step through the
airlock and enter the trophy lounge.
As power has been shut off, all of the holodisplays and videoscreens that would
have ordinarily shown this group's hunting success have been shut off. The blast
shutter has been retracted, so the forward facing transparent hull pane is
exposed, letting light into the space. There are stylish couches and chairs,
designed for comfort, scattered about the room. There's a refrigerator,
microwave oven, and cabinet for limited food and drink service.
Leading out of the room are four sliding doors and an iris valve which should
lead to the ship's launch. There are also three ladders leading up to iris
valves in the ceiling. One should lead to the bridge while the other two should
provide access to the port and starboard corridors which provide access to
engineering, staterooms, and storage.
After getting a general idea of the ship's layout from Mazun, Thaedznou decides
that going to the bridge first would be best.
Mazun opens the hatch to the bridge, and ZeeBee goes up first. After it
announces that all is clear, the rest of the group follow it up.
The bridge appears to be in good shape. The blast shutter is retracted, so the
forward facing transparent hull pane allows daylight into the space. There's no
apparent damage to any of the instrument panels or work stations. All of the
doors to the crew staterooms, hallways, computer room, and turret access are
closed.
"I guess before I get the power plant back online," Mazun says, "I should check
out the computer." After gaining access to the computer room, Mazun inspects it.
"Looks ok, but won't know for sure until later."
He opens the port hallway iris valve and makes his way to Engineering. Nothing
looks out of place in Engineering. With Ungunu's assistance, he disconnects the
power feed to the main computer and the bridge. A check of the reaction starter
battery reveals that there's enough charge present for one shot at starting the
power plant's fusion reaction. Failure means that they'll have to recharge the
battery from either the generator or the Yetsable.
Mazun belts out a cheer when the instrument panel informs him that the
initiation process was a success.
"Ok, while the reactor warms up, we head to the bridge to isolate the computer
from all output controls." Ungunu assists Mazun as they identify the cables
leading in and out of the computer and begin detaching them. The power cable is
left intact. Once finished, they return to Engineering.
An hour has elapsed since the fusion initiation sequence was started. Mazun
accesses the Engineering workstation and is relieved to find that it isn't
password protected. He routes power to life support, environmental controls, and
doorways. Free of dealing with the iris valve opener, Thaedznou, Arthur, and
ZeeBee set off to inspect the rest of the ship while Mazun and Ungunu stay put,
monitoring the power plant. Mazun explains to Ungunu some of the workings of a
starship.
Thaedznou and Arthur work as a team. Unfortunately, they find that any weapons
that may have been on board the ship are gone. Tools and exploratory gear are
still present though. The galley is also bare.
ZeeBee, who has been exploring on his own, states, "I have made a discovery."
"Where are you?" Thaedznou asks.
"Lower deck. In the environmental support installation port side."
Arthur and Thaedznou drop to the trophy lounge, then scramble through the launch
to access what's referred to as "capture tank #1". ZeeBee is there with weapons
pointed at a small droid visible through an access panel.
"Mazun, sending you a visual. Can you identify?" Arthur says over the comm.
Mazun looks at the image and chuckles. "Steward droid. LSP-SD300 from the looks
of it. It should be unarmed, but I guess it could charge you with a knife if
it's hostile."
"ZeeBee?" Thaedznou asks.
"It is in sleep mode. Recharging. I will engage." ZeeBee stows his weapons and
extends an with a plug on the end of it.
"Wait. Is it safe?"
"It can not harm me."
"Are you sure?"
"Absolutely."
ZeeBee plugs into an external port on the steward droid. It doesn't take long
for ZeeBee to announce its findings. "It is a member of my... family. We share
the same parents and the same mission. Just as I was guarding the Paql
Reveresh Ridl, it has been guarding Jack's Prize. The main computer
is free of infection. I have communicated to it what we are endeavoring to do,
and it is amenable to joining us."
"Why isn't it talking to us like you did?"
"Its power reserves are too low to communicate, but it is recharging now. Its
reserves were not as durable as mine."
ZeeBee disengages from the droid.
"It appears that we have two ships now," Thaedznou announces.
Arthur nods. "Two good ones at that."
"Shall we move on to the next ship?"
"Absolutely."
Next: Back in Oegzuzerrghgurrgoksa