Back in Oegzuzerrghgurrgoksa

Characters: Joe & Darrurz
NPC: Uedzaks
Location: The city of Oegzuzerrghgurrgoksa
System: Akofitsidano

1202.24.3 - 18:57 IST, 10:15 Local Time (21 hour, 16 minute day)

Word of the offworlders' return in a shiny flying vehicle spread faster through the city than the speeder itself. By the time the group arrives at the stadium, Dhoknan is there to greet them, laughing with pride at the group's apparent success.

"Amazing! You must tell me the story of this hunt. Come, come. We will eat." He pauses as he realizes that there's someone new among you (Uedzaks) and the rest of the group is missing. "Where is the rest of your pack?"

Darrurz replies, "And that's part of the tale. This is Uedzaks," Darrurz points to him, "Who's chosen to join us, and the stuff in the back of the speeder is for your pack if you get a couple of wolves to unload it. It's all we could fit in. There is more so if you're happy for us to borrow some of your trustworthy wolves for a few days to come back with us?"

Dhoknan sniffs the air. "Well met, Uedzaks."

Uedzaks sniffs the air, but looks a bit sheepish. "Likewise."

Dhoknan takes a look at what's in the speeder and gives a howl of praise. He then summons one his officers and instructs him to unload the booty. "I will gladly send some trusty wolves to grab more of this. With a haul like this, the raiders will not be able to set one paw into this city!

"Come. We'll have the midday meal, and you can tell me all about your hunt."

Dhoknan leads the trio back into the stadium and up to his suite. Once there, he gestures to them to sit at a table designed for six sophonts. Food and water are brought and, in-between sips and bites, Darrurz updates Dhoknan.

"First off, the others are just fine. They're guarding a weapons cache. The raider outpost outside Oegzuzerrghgurrgoksa's city wall, but still within city limits, has been eliminated as has their outpost at the junction of the Great Road and the road leading to the starport. The raider base at the starport was eliminated, their numbers wiped out save for two. One of those being Uedzaks."

This revelation gets a look of surprise from Dhoknan.

Darrurz then instructs Uedzaks to explain the raider network of outposts around the Gnarraelaeghoerrong Sea and offers to point them out on a map.

Dhoknan instructs one of his aides to bring such a map, whereupon Uedzaks dutifully provides the outpost locations and rough numbers of raiders at said outposts. He adds that now that command has been removed, some will grow curious and recon the starport while others will strike out on their own.

With Uedzaks finished, Darrurz continues. He explains that the rest of his pack are back at the starport attempting to re-activate a starship to take them back to the Tsougak Trade Federation. He explains that the Star People were working with the raiders, supplying them with weapons and fuel.

"What happens when they return and discover that you've eliminated their allies?" Dhoknan asks.

Darrurz replies, "Good question. Don't know the answer. Joe, what's your best guess?"

Joe answers, "We'll leave evidence that it was a raid from a rival pack of Star People, which, in a way, is what indeed happened." Joe waves his hand behind like a wagging tail.

Darrurz then asks Dhoknan for the locations of any Vakh drones and robots in and around the city.

Dhoknan goes over to the wall where there's a map of the city. "They're around the ruins of that starship that crashed decades ago." He points to that area on the map. "No one gets too close to that area. Rongon's pack is one of the few that know how to pass through the area without having to deal with those little vakh."

Darrurz continues, "We'd like to get the rest of the raiders' weapon cache to you. Do you have some loyal wolves who you trust to journey back to the starport with us and return in the vehicles you gave to us? At least a few of them will need to know how to drive those vehicles."

"Yes. It will be arranged."

Darrurz adds, "We'll need them for a few days. We need to post lookouts, and we'll probably need a scout or three to run patrols while we get a ship up and ready to go."

Dhoknan smirks. "I don't think your flying car can hold that many people. How many do you actually need?"

"Well, the speeder can hold ten at a squeeze. There is three of us, so seven."

"Then seven it shall be."

"Do any of your people have starship skills?"

Dhoknan laughs. "No is left alive from the old days with those skills. They all died out in the wars. And none of them thought it necessary to train anyone to replace them."

"Can you think of anything you'd be able trade with others off-planet?"

"Off-world trade? I have no idea what some vargr on another world wants from Akfotsidano. Our priorities have been food to stay alive and weapons to fight off the raiders. While you have eliminated their den—and I thank you a thousandfold for that—I still have to deal with uniting this city to fight their outposts, the packs of uerroksafuekhskhuez, and prepare for a possible return of the Star People. Even if they're not the vengeful type, I have to consider the possibility that they'll come back to salvage that wreck. If anything, I hope to someday trade with other cities. Other worlds? Maybe when my pups are my age they can worry about that."

"Dhoknan, what we've been able to provide for you and Rongon had just been what has been on Akofotsidano already. The vakh traded vehicles, guns, and equipment for on information on salvage and vargr, the latter to turn into Star People. In order to make Akofotsidano safe, you'll need help. Possibly from the Tsougak Trade Federation, or possibly from Gungaerrg, but for that help, you will need to trade something. It's something that you might need to think about."

Dhoknan mulls over from Darrurz says, then replies, "You are wise, Darrurz. I will put together a pack that will figure out what we can trade to potential offworld allies in exchange for their help." He puts a paw on Darrurz's shoulder. "Thank you, my friend."

While Dhoknan excuses himself to talk to an aide about assembling a pack of wolves to return with Darrurz, Joe, and Uedzaks, Darrurz turns to Joe. In a hushed voice, he says, "We left the ship's boat in the warehouse on the docks. Do you reckon we should put it under the freighter and power it down or take it to the starport as you suggested?"

"Let's leave it in the warehouse for now. If we need to change the arrangement, we can come back later."

"Ok."

Dhoknan returns to the table and updates the trio on what he's done since Darrurz, Joe, and the others departed.

"I've been in touch with all of the factions to let them know an alliance of tribes wiped out our foes, with the help of some powerful friends," he winks at you, "and that that alliance is forming a mutual defense pact against the raiders. I invited them to join us as we reclaim this city for ourselves."

"And how was that received?"

"Very well. Some joined us immediately. Others wanted some time to deliberate. None of them turned us away. And with your gift, it should be much easier to persuade them to rally to our cause. When you return from the stars, I expect that this city shall be united by common cause."

"Good news. I hope you find a way to make that happen. I asked Rongon what he wanted for his pack last week when we landed here, and he replied, 'Food in our bellies every night. A safe den to sleep in. A future for our pups,' and I hope you [all] in the city can achieve that. When you build look to the future. Try and build something that can and will last. Our societies have more ways to come apart than stay together so look to the future as you build the present Dhoknan."

Dhoknan nods. "Sage advice, my friend."

After a bit longer, when the meal is finished, Darrurz says, "Dhoknan, thanks for this wonderful meal, but we must be heading back."

"Of course. I expect that a proper pack of wolves has been assembled." He turns to his aide, who nods. "Good. Yes. I shall see you back to your 'speeder'."

Sure enough, there's a pack of seven wolves amongst the guards assembled at the speeder. They part to allow the VIPs to pass.

"Good hunting, my friends. I look forward to your return. Once again, you have my and my pack's deepest thanks for all that you have done for us."

"I hope we meet again, Dhoknan," Darrurz laughs. "You never know, it might be tomorrow, but if we don't, may Llallaeknuez watch over you and your pack. She looked after me when I needed her the most, and I hope she is pleased with what she sees from our actions together here."

"From what you and your pack have done for us, for all of us, I should think so."

With that, Darrurz dictates seating assignments for all of the passengers, then with a nod, he and Joe take their seats. Darrurz fires up the speeder and slowly maneuvers it around the onlookers and back to the South Gate.

Upon reaching the South Gate, a call rings out to open the gate and let the speeder pass. Darrurz waves to the gate attendees as the speeder is guided on through.

Once through the South Gate, Darrurz has the speeder climb to altitude. This maneuver elicits gasps, ooohs, and ahhhs from the new passengers. Uedzaks nods knowingly. Darrurz takes the speeder a bit higher than before and accelerates to cruising speed as the craft jets back to the starport.

Checking Out the Starships: Aeksakughhu

Characters: Arthur, Mazun
NPC: Thaedznou, Aerrak, Ungunu
Location: Akofotsidano Downport
System: Akofitsidano

1202.24.3 - 20:42 IST, 12:00 Local Time (21 hour, 16 minute day)

Thaedznou, Arthur, Ungunu, and Mazun are back outside after completing their initial inspection of the Safari and getting its reactor back online. ZeeBee is wrapping up its conversation with the steward droid, which is re-charging.

"Which one now?" Mazun asks.

"We'll go with the Aeksakughu scout," Arthur says with a grin.

The portable iris valve is moved into place. When activated, it encounters little resistance. Once inside, Mazun notices scrape marks along the walls and floor. The ceiling panels are heavily damaged, exposing electrical conduit and plumbing. All of the iris valves and doors are open. The vargr detect a faint odor. Ungunu doesn't recognize it, but Thaedznou says it's burnt metal.

Engineering looks a mess. Panels have been removed from the power plant, maneuver drive, jump drive, and fuel purification plant. Nuts and bolts are scattered along the floor. When peering inside the exposed sections, Mazun can instantly tell that vital components have gone missing. This bird will not fly.

A trip to the bridge reveals a large gaping hole where the main computer should be. There are several large (15 cm) diameter holes in walls and consoles where everything appears to have been melted. Not only will this bird will not fly, but its carcass is only good for scrap.

Checking Out the Starships: Kaegkofaeg

Characters: Arthur, Mazun
NPC: Thaedznou, Aerrak, Ungunu
Location: Akofotsidano Downport
System: Akofitsidano

1202.24.3 - 22:12 IST, 13:30 Local Time (21 hour, 16 minute day)

Thaedznou, Arthur, Ungunu, and Mazun are back outside after completing their examination of the Aeksakughu scout. ZeeBee is outside awaiting them.

It asks, "What is the status of this Aeksakughu class scout?"

"Wrecked," Thaedznou replies. "A lot of parts missing from the reactor and the drives. The computer is missing, and there are several holes on the bridge that looked like they were melted."

Arthur adds, "Lotsa scraped metal markings along the corridors, too."

"Curious."

"Yeah, the ship ain't more than a heap o' scrap."

"If you do not object, I would like to examine the ship myself."

"Be my guest," Thaedznou answers.

"Which one now?" Mazun asks, eager to move on.

"We'll go with the trader, the Kaegkofaeg," Arthur replies, sounding like he's about to cough up some phlegm. "Am I pronouncing that right?" he asks Thaedznou.

"Close enough," Thaedznou replies with a chuckle.

The iris valve opener is moved into position along the belly of the ship. Mazun estimates by its position that it'll be in engineering. Sure enough, it is. But only the jump drive is present. Energy conduit lead up through the ceiling to the next deck above. A cursory examination reveals that the jump drive appears intact.

Directly above the iris valve that Mazun used to gain entry into the ship is another iris valve. A ladder, built into the wall, provides access to it. Another iris valve lies in the center of the forward wall.

Once everyone is inside, Mazun asks Thaedznou, "Which way to the bridge?"

"Next deck up."

"What's forward?"

"Should be staterooms. Galley. Some cargo."

"Ok, I'm going up."

Prying open an iris valve in the ceiling is a pain in the butt, but Mazun is getting used to it. Once it's open, Mazun climbs into the upper engineering deck. The ladder has him positioned to be staring at the port maneuver drive. To his right (forward with regards to ship orientation) is another iris valve. On the opposite side of the room, behind Mazun, is the starboard maneuver drive. Behind him and to his left is another ladder which leads to an iris valve directly overhead. Once he climbs into the room, he notes that there's another bulkhead aft. An iris valve provides access to some room directly above the jump drive. A sign says "power plant."

Thaedznou and Arthur join him.

"Hey, what's with this four-meter intrusion into the center of the room."

"Cargo elevator."

"But I didn't see one on the lower level."

"That's because it goes up to the upper level cargo hold."

"So how do you load cargo into this tub?"

"Port and starboard access doors, which you'll see once we go through this iris valve." He gestures forward.

"Power plant first," Mazun says.

Mazun gets the iris valve open to the power plant. The room is tight. Maybe 0.75 meters around the power plant, but it looks intact.

Satisfied for now, Mazun opens the forward iris valve to the port side of the cargo elevator bulkhead intrusion—there's apparently one on the starboard side as well. Thaedznou opts to go first, followed by Arthur.

The cargo hold is huge, but empty. Whatever it may have held when it got here is long gone. Mazun makes note of the five-meter port and starboard cargo doors and apparently two staterooms forward, one in each corner. Off-center, in the forward bulkhead, is another iris valve.

"The bridge will be that way," Thaedznou says.

They go through that iris valve which enters into some kind of meeting room. To the right (starboard) is the captain's stateroom. Another iris valve is straight ahead with a sign in Gvegh that says "bridge."

The bridge looks intact; nothing looks melted. The computer and consoles are all where Thaedznou says they should be.

"Ok, let's see about firing up this tub's power plant."

Ungunu joins Mazun in the power plant room as he looks to detach various power conduits to the bridge, particularly the computer. He tries the fusion initiation sequence, but the starter battery is dead.

"Can you jump start it with that generator you got powering the iris valve opener?"

"Not enough amps," Mazun says. "But we could recharge the battery with the Yetsable."

"Ok."

"But, there's something I want to check first." Mazun turns to Thaedznou. "Does this thing have a fuel purification plant."

"Yeah, third deck."

Mazun sighs as he realizes that he has to climb yet another ladder.

After getting the iris valve opened to the third deck, he climbs inside. It's a bit stuffy, but manageable. The cargo hold is empty. The fuel purification plant is aft. He cranks open the iris valve with his trusty tool and checks for the fuel pressure gauge. It reads zero.

Mazun climbs back down and informs the others. "No go on this one. Recharged battery won't do us any good. This tub doesn't have any fuel. Someone siphoned it off."

Disappointed by this turn of events, the group head back outside. ZeeBee is floating there, looking up at the sky.

It says, "The others are returning."

Sure enough, a speeder can be seen descending from the sky.

Back on the Tarmac

Characters: Arthur, Mazun, Darrurz, Joe
NPC: Thaedznou, Aerrak, Ungunu, Uedzaks
Location: Akofotsidano Downport
System: Akofitsidano

1202.24.3 - 23:42 IST, 15:00 Local Time (21 hour, 16 minute day)

Darrurz circles the downport, noticing the others emerging from the Kaegkofaeg trader. ZeeBee is visible, floating nearby. He sets the speeder down at a safe distance between the ships and the buildings.

The others are taken aback when they see several wolves emerging from the speeder.

Darrurz quickly explains, "These are Dhoknan's wolves. They're here to get the rest of the stuff and drive the trucks (lorries) back to the city after they help us out for a couple of days."

"So I take it the trip went well," Thaedznou says.

"Yes," Darrurz replies. "Dhoknan's working to unite the city's factions against the raiders. The gear and weapons should go a long way towards that. How about here?"

"Well, the Aeksakughu scout is scrap. It's been stripped of a lot of parts. The Kaegkofaeg trader," he gestures back with a nod of his head, "seems ok, but there wasn't enough fuel to start up the reactor, so it's hard to say. Right, Mazun?"

"Right," Mazun replies, "No one's stripped it, so we have that working in our favor. But the highlight of our day was the Safari Ship."

"Yeah?"

"Got the fusion reactor started up and, like the Yetsable, it's got a guardian. Nothing as impressive as ZeeBee though. It's a steward droid: LSP-SD300."

"The other ships?"

"Haven't got to them yet. It takes a while to properly check these things out. Might have time for one more before dark."

Darrurz says, "Well, we can have Dhoknan's wolves provide security for us while we concentrate on going through the ships. They can be lookouts in the control tower and form an active patrol inside and outside the wire. Maybe even provide some added muscle to move stuff. Maybe Arthur and Thaedznou can organize them."

"Sounds good to me," Mazun replies.

"Yeah, I can do that," Thaedznou answers. He playfully elbows Arthur in the arm. "We wouldn't want anything getting mixed up in translation."

"Fair enough," Arthur replies.

"In that case, why don't I take the Paql to the ocean and get her fueled up?"

Thaedznou nods. "Might as well. Wouldn't want to get caught dirtside with an empty tank if the vakh show up."

Darrurz turns to Joe. "Joe, do you fancy riding shotgun in the turret just in case?"

"Sure!"

To ZeeBee, Darrurz says, "ZeeBee, fancy seeing your charge fly for the first time as a sophont? Assuming that the other guardian can help here?"

ZeeBee replies, "While the other guardian has the diagnostic acumen to detect and neutralize a vakh-infected computer, it lacks the armament to physically combat a mobile adversary. If that is not a concern, then I shall accompany you."

"Good point, ZeeBee. Joe, Arthur what are your thoughts?"

Joe replies, "Let's take ZeeBee with us. He's sat here so long it's only fair he comes with on its first flight."

Arthur says, "That's fine. I think we've got enough firepower to deal with any vakh, not that I think there will be any. ZeeBee's parents may have cleaned out the lot of 'em."

Checking Out the Starships: Garu

Characters: Arthur, Mazun
NPC: Thaedznou, Aerrak, Uedzaks
Location: Akofotsidano Downport
System: Akofitsidano

1202.24.4 - 00:12 IST, 15:30 Local Time (21 hour, 16 minute day)

While Darrurz, Joe, and ZeeBee prepare the Paql Reveresh Ridl for launch, Aerrak and Uedzaks direct most of Dhoknan's wolves to guard the downport. A pair are assigned to assist the Garu inspection detail by doing the grunt work of moving the generator and iris valve opener. Ungunu displays a bit of confidence that he's Mazun's assistant rather than just being a grunt.

This will probably be the easiest ship to inspect as there are two airlocks in the Garu's stern and both lead right into engineering.

Just as they gain access, the Paql Reveresh Ridl can be heard to liftoff from the tarmac. Mazun takes a break to go outside and watch. He's pleased with what he sees. Once the ship is out of sight, he returns to the Garu's engineering room.

On this deck is the jump drive, divided into port and starboard units. Both seem intact. Mazun doesn't see any obvious signs of damage or looting. The grunts move the iris valve opener up a ladder on the starboard side to access the iris valve in the ceiling. After they're successful, Mazun inspects the upper engineering deck. The maneuver drives look intact as does the power plant. Considering the difficulty accessing this deck, he isn't surprised. One would have to remove sections of the hull to grab anything that someone couldn't carry and fit through an iris valve.

The next stop is the bridge, so he heads back to the lower deck. The grunts open three iris valves in sequence to get to the crew lounge. Here, things are in a bit of a disarray. The galley has been looted; food containers lay on the deck. The ship's locker is open and completely bare.

Moving on, Mazun instructs the grunts to open the iris valve to the computer room. The computer is intact and doesn't look like it's been tampered with. Mazun gets Ungunu to assist him in disconnecting the power feed. While they work on that, Mazun instructs the grunts to open the iris valve to the bridge. Arthur and Thaedznou peek in and don't notice anything amiss.

Now that the power coupling has been detached, Mazun indicates that it's time to fire up the power plant. Unfortunately, it appears that the fuel tanks are empty. There isn't even enough to fuel to idle the plant.

Meanwhile, Thaedznou instructs the grunts to open up the iris valve in the crew lounge that grants access to the cargo hold. As expected, the hold has been emptied of its cargo, but there's still a cargobot. It sits idle by a charging port on the wall adjacent to engineering.

Arthur says, "Mazun, we've got a bot for you to identify. Sending a pic to you now."

Mazun looks at the image for several seconds before replying. "Looks like a Naasirka CL-C1100. Basically a forklift with a rudimentary brain. I wouldn't activate it without ZeeBee or the new bot around to interface with it. They're sturdy and can take a beating. Batteries are probably run down since the power plant has no fuel."

"Alright, we'll save it for later. Ready to move on to the last ship?"

"It's going to be dark soon, but we can probably fire up the downport lights."

"Nah," Arthur says. "That would draw attention to us. We save those for when they're absolutely necessary. It's bad enough that that generator we're using for the iris valve opener makes so much noise."

"Ok then. Let's get going."

Next: Checking Out the Starships: Angroghag