Jul 11, 2025 6:55 pm
playbydave says:
PLOCK the Bwap gets back to LC in 20-hours.(snip)OOC:
I updated the ship's ledger for those of you that are interested - here is the link to the ledgerDocked at Mora; let the Commerce Commense!
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Jul 12, 2025 8:06 pm
LC comm to Plock:
Response???PLOCK responds promptly with a 'standard/boilerplate' contract, but also a note:
If you will call at Mora regularly then it is worth having an agreement. I cannot in good mind say that having such agreement is in our communal interest if your visits here are as few as once or twice in a standard year. Most 'Free Traders' do not make regular stops here because it is rare to make good profits. Best cargo is usually going to Corporate Carriers, and what remains is not rich. However, my own skill and knowledge tilts the machine in our favor sometimes. So agree if you will, or not, it is your situation.
The standard contract asks for a 'deposit' of 20,000cr, from which future fees-for-service would be deducted as they occur. The agreement remains in effect until the amount is depleted to '0', but can be renewed upon additional 'deposits' in the same amount or more.
It requires that MISS FORTUNE sell exclusively through PLOCK the Bwap while in Mora System. Other provisions require that MISS FORTUNE only sell legal cargo that has been passed through normal customs inspections, etc etc and etc again. All standard stuff.
Quote:
I’d like to discuss putting you on a modest retainer to act as our agent for acquisition as well as disposal. Tentatively, we’re charting a course toward either Fornice or Gulistan — contingent, as always, on certain factors and personalities aboard this wandering enterprise. I’ll advise once our final heading is set; in the meantime, begin surveying cargo availabilities suitable for niche or expedited markets along that axis."Response???
If you will call at Mora regularly then it is worth having an agreement. I cannot in good mind say that having such agreement is in our communal interest if your visits here are as few as once or twice in a standard year. Most 'Free Traders' do not make regular stops here because it is rare to make good profits. Best cargo is usually going to Corporate Carriers, and what remains is not rich. However, my own skill and knowledge tilts the machine in our favor sometimes. So agree if you will, or not, it is your situation.
The standard contract asks for a 'deposit' of 20,000cr, from which future fees-for-service would be deducted as they occur. The agreement remains in effect until the amount is depleted to '0', but can be renewed upon additional 'deposits' in the same amount or more.
It requires that MISS FORTUNE sell exclusively through PLOCK the Bwap while in Mora System. Other provisions require that MISS FORTUNE only sell legal cargo that has been passed through normal customs inspections, etc etc and etc again. All standard stuff.
Jul 12, 2025 8:52 pm
Message to Plock the Bwap:
[LC Rains, voice cool and professional — dictating formally but conversational]
"Plock — appreciate your candor and the prompt offer. You’re right: we’re not expecting Mora to be a principal port of call unless fortunes shift dramatically. That said, I’d prefer we keep things flexible for now — your ad-hoc rates remain perfectly acceptable when we do drop in.
If our pattern changes and Mora becomes a regular fixture on our run, I’ll revisit the retainer agreement and put that 20,000cr on deposit without hesitation. Until then, I trust you’ll keep me informed of any unusual availabilities that might justify a diversion."
LC ensures the rest of the crew is informs through crew-to-crew encrypted comms so they are aware in their travels within the port of Mora.
Encrypted Shipboard Bulletin — Advisory / Situational Awareness
From: LC Rains, Legal & Trade Officer, Acting Captain
To: Crew of Miss Fortune
Subject: Mora System — Status and Guidance
"Crew,
A quick note on recent dealings with Plock, broker and agent at Mora Highport: no standing agreement has been executed at this time. While Plock remains a competent contact for brokerage should we make port at Mora, we have retained our full independence as Free Traders.
Expect that Miss Fortune may not call at Mora Highport in the near future, but if circumstances change, our dealings there remain at our discretion — no exclusivity, no pre-paid retainer, and no restrictions on how we conduct lawful business.
As always, I trust you to exercise your judgement and common sense in any negotiations or dealings that might reflect on our reputation as an independent operation. If any opportunity or situation appears to imply binding terms or commitments, run it through me first so we can maintain our freedom of action and protect the ship’s interests.
We remain agile, adaptable, and beholden to no one — precisely as a far trader should.
— LC Rains
[LC Rains, voice cool and professional — dictating formally but conversational]
"Plock — appreciate your candor and the prompt offer. You’re right: we’re not expecting Mora to be a principal port of call unless fortunes shift dramatically. That said, I’d prefer we keep things flexible for now — your ad-hoc rates remain perfectly acceptable when we do drop in.
If our pattern changes and Mora becomes a regular fixture on our run, I’ll revisit the retainer agreement and put that 20,000cr on deposit without hesitation. Until then, I trust you’ll keep me informed of any unusual availabilities that might justify a diversion."
LC ensures the rest of the crew is informs through crew-to-crew encrypted comms so they are aware in their travels within the port of Mora.
Encrypted Shipboard Bulletin — Advisory / Situational Awareness
From: LC Rains, Legal & Trade Officer, Acting Captain
To: Crew of Miss Fortune
Subject: Mora System — Status and Guidance
"Crew,
A quick note on recent dealings with Plock, broker and agent at Mora Highport: no standing agreement has been executed at this time. While Plock remains a competent contact for brokerage should we make port at Mora, we have retained our full independence as Free Traders.
Expect that Miss Fortune may not call at Mora Highport in the near future, but if circumstances change, our dealings there remain at our discretion — no exclusivity, no pre-paid retainer, and no restrictions on how we conduct lawful business.
As always, I trust you to exercise your judgement and common sense in any negotiations or dealings that might reflect on our reputation as an independent operation. If any opportunity or situation appears to imply binding terms or commitments, run it through me first so we can maintain our freedom of action and protect the ship’s interests.
We remain agile, adaptable, and beholden to no one — precisely as a far trader should.
— LC Rains
OOC:
EDIT - the intent is not to sign any retainer, BUT to see if Plock can find us some cargo as options. That seemed to have fallen through all my posts. Okay?Last edited July 12, 2025 10:17 pm
Jul 13, 2025 9:49 pm
After a few days buried in engine diagnostics, Bronz felt the frustration creeping in. He’d found nothing: no signs of sabotage, no faulty installs, nothing that explained the failure. Just a "rare occurrence." He hated those words. Still, he knew these systems, and he knew he hadn’t missed anything. That should’ve been comforting. It wasn’t.
Needing space to clear his head, Bronz slipped off the ship while the others were tied up in commerce, an area he had no interest in and even less skill.
He wandered the port, blending in easily with the steady flow of travelers and dockworkers. Visible, but unseen, just another face in the crowd. He had no destination in mind, just the need to be somewhere else for a while, away from the hum of the engines and the unanswered questions.
He walked without direction, listening to the conversations around him, taking it in and storing any should it prove valuable. Otherwise, it was background noise, but grounding in its own way. By nightfall, he returned to the ship and slipped back into his bunk, the quiet settling over him like a familiar weight.
Needing space to clear his head, Bronz slipped off the ship while the others were tied up in commerce, an area he had no interest in and even less skill.
He wandered the port, blending in easily with the steady flow of travelers and dockworkers. Visible, but unseen, just another face in the crowd. He had no destination in mind, just the need to be somewhere else for a while, away from the hum of the engines and the unanswered questions.
He walked without direction, listening to the conversations around him, taking it in and storing any should it prove valuable. Otherwise, it was background noise, but grounding in its own way. By nightfall, he returned to the ship and slipped back into his bunk, the quiet settling over him like a familiar weight.
Jul 13, 2025 11:39 pm
OOC:
Sorry for my recent absence, the holiday and its aftermath has been particularly draining on me. I’m afraid it means Tharrok has been somewhat drifting on ‘autopilot’ for this evolution.Jul 13, 2025 11:55 pm
Packratt66 says:
Tharrok looks over at LC, "Whats the tonnage on the APCs? Or more accurately, how much space is left over for spec if we take them? Is it something we can double up on?"
Jul 14, 2025 12:30 am
[LC leans back in the battered chair near the holo-chart, datapad balanced precariously on one knee. He studies Tharrok’s expression, his own brow slightly arched in amusement, a stylus tapping absently against a flask at his belt.]
"All fair questions, Tharrok — and I appreciate you sniffing the wind, so to speak. The APC consignment clocks in at about 30 tons displacement; bulky but boxed compactly enough that we’d still have solid room for speculative cargo. We could indeed double up, depending on what we find en route — maybe stack in some high-margin perishables or compact high-tech luxuries if the right market turns up.
As for Mushinag being the 'wrong direction' — well, friend, that’s an interesting observation. What exactly makes Fornice-Palique feel 'right' to you? I’m inclined to agree that Fornice is… let’s say vibrant right now, and the neural entertainment gear is on the greyer end of the spectrum, but if discretion is maintained and margins hold, that could be our better haul.
And let’s not pretend we’re shackled here: nothing says we can’t chart a third path."
Looking at the other crew members LC says
"So: Bronz, Leilani, Said-Ma, Tamm, Kayla — I want your thoughts as well.
Do we take Mushinag and the armored wagons and gamble on what’s out that way?
Do we swing back toward Fornice and Palique, dance carefully with those neural kits, and perhaps pick up something spicy on the way?
Or… third option: chart a course of our own choosing. What’s your read on the air, crew?
I’m not looking for consensus for consensus’ sake — I want clear preferences and reasons. Speak up: our fortunes (and your next shore leave) might depend on it."
"All fair questions, Tharrok — and I appreciate you sniffing the wind, so to speak. The APC consignment clocks in at about 30 tons displacement; bulky but boxed compactly enough that we’d still have solid room for speculative cargo. We could indeed double up, depending on what we find en route — maybe stack in some high-margin perishables or compact high-tech luxuries if the right market turns up.
As for Mushinag being the 'wrong direction' — well, friend, that’s an interesting observation. What exactly makes Fornice-Palique feel 'right' to you? I’m inclined to agree that Fornice is… let’s say vibrant right now, and the neural entertainment gear is on the greyer end of the spectrum, but if discretion is maintained and margins hold, that could be our better haul.
And let’s not pretend we’re shackled here: nothing says we can’t chart a third path."
Looking at the other crew members LC says
"So: Bronz, Leilani, Said-Ma, Tamm, Kayla — I want your thoughts as well.
Do we take Mushinag and the armored wagons and gamble on what’s out that way?
Do we swing back toward Fornice and Palique, dance carefully with those neural kits, and perhaps pick up something spicy on the way?
Or… third option: chart a course of our own choosing. What’s your read on the air, crew?
I’m not looking for consensus for consensus’ sake — I want clear preferences and reasons. Speak up: our fortunes (and your next shore leave) might depend on it."
Jul 16, 2025 3:06 am
Quote:
Later in the shipThen LC turns toward Decherrek’s stateroom, leaning against the frame, glass in hand, speaking through the open doorway with that dry but understanding LC charm:
"Decherrek, my friend. You know this stateroom will always be yours as long as you’re aboard. Abuse our relationship? Hah. You merely test its resilience, and I assure you it’s well-fortified — though some might argue it creaks at the joints now and then.
Your cryptic hints about profitable intelligence intrigue me… and I sympathize with your dilemma. We are actively evaluating next jump options: Mushinag in Star Lane for a lucrative Scout Service delivery, Fornice for routine commercial traffic, or Gulistan where a few shadowy opportunities may await.
I’ll gather the crew shortly for a council of war… err… logistics. You’ll know our heading before station sundown — and should you choose to stay aboard, your berth remains unchallenged. If you must depart, well… try not to spill any cows’ juices before your kettle’s hot, eh?"
Response???
Jul 16, 2025 3:12 am
OOC:
Clarification: The all-terrain vehicles (former APCs) require 10 dTons volume each. That leaves 16 dTons of 'normal' cargo space plus 5 dTons of potentially 'hidden' cargo space. Jul 16, 2025 3:29 am
Per Bronz:
He wandered the port, blending in easily with the steady flow of travelers and dockworkers. Visible, but unseen, just another face in the crowd. He had no destination in mind, just the need to be somewhere else for a while, away from the hum of the engines and the unanswered questions.
He walked without direction, listening to the conversations around him, taking it in and storing any should it prove valuable.Mora's High Port is huge, most often described as the largest such facility in the Spinward Marches. And MISS FORTUNE is docked way out on one of the more remote spinal-arms. The immediate area past customs/immigration and through the security check-point looks pretty much the same as any other 'A' od 'B' class high-port, though. Middle-of-the-road quality hotels, most interstellar chains, offering reasonable quality at reasonable rates. Restaurants; fast-food to expensive high-quality spots, though not the most elite places. Merchandise, of course; all sorts. Medical facilities offering cosmetic surgery and other high-tech 'enhancements', of which Mora is justly famous. A Geisha House. Casino. All types of Drinking and Vaping establishments. Catering to the 'Spacer' trade.
A deck or two down is the more local sector. Cheaper eats. Fewer lodging facilities, but less expensive and very basic. Catering more to the local workers and High Port. Taverns and Massage Parlors. Pawn Shops. Second Hand Stores. Electronics repairs. Back-alley medicine...
Most talk centers around the upcoming strike. Word is that the official 'stoppage' will start on May 18, the day prior to MISS FORTUNE's tentatively scheduled departure. But there is some talk of targeted "actions" that could happen earlier.
Replenishment should be accomplished on May 16 or 17, so MISS FORTUNE shouldn't be affected even if the strike spreads beyond its main intent.
Bronz also notices a large number of security drones and discreet surveillance installations. More than he's used to seeing even in high-threat zones.
Quote:
...Needing space to clear his head, Bronz slipped off the ship while the others were tied up in commerce, an area he had no interest in and even less skill.He wandered the port, blending in easily with the steady flow of travelers and dockworkers. Visible, but unseen, just another face in the crowd. He had no destination in mind, just the need to be somewhere else for a while, away from the hum of the engines and the unanswered questions.
He walked without direction, listening to the conversations around him, taking it in and storing any should it prove valuable.
A deck or two down is the more local sector. Cheaper eats. Fewer lodging facilities, but less expensive and very basic. Catering more to the local workers and High Port. Taverns and Massage Parlors. Pawn Shops. Second Hand Stores. Electronics repairs. Back-alley medicine...
Most talk centers around the upcoming strike. Word is that the official 'stoppage' will start on May 18, the day prior to MISS FORTUNE's tentatively scheduled departure. But there is some talk of targeted "actions" that could happen earlier.
Replenishment should be accomplished on May 16 or 17, so MISS FORTUNE shouldn't be affected even if the strike spreads beyond its main intent.
Bronz also notices a large number of security drones and discreet surveillance installations. More than he's used to seeing even in high-threat zones.
Jul 16, 2025 3:34 am
OOC:
GM Dave speaking for Said Ma:We should be able to get a few low-passengers for almost any destination, though.
Its going to be hard trading on the "main" (The Spinward Main). I've always understood that Free Traders need to work the margins, the less-traveled systems, to make decent cred. I think we've been lucky so far!