And..... On to Fornice

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playbydave Inactive for 20 days

Oct 18, 2025 1:46 am

Oct 18, 2025 1:46 am

And..... On to Fornice

The Jump to Fornice initiated at 20:30, May 21 1145. Predicted (optimum) translation from jump would be May 28 around noon.

The first days of jump went from normal to apeshit in a real hurry. But the power-surge at jump and the cracked cryonic trispacial contoller don't seem to have caused lasting effects. Well, except for the high-tech 'virus' that tried to disable the Power Plant. But that was mitigated by Adriana's Psi fueled intervention, and then Decherrek's restorative anti-virus "bomb" program. The entire Engineering department has a lot to their credit as well; holding things together and tracking the problems. And helping Decherrek. LC helped, too!

Adrianna LeFrontaine and her older husband Theodorick (aka Theo or Terry) both conk out for 24 hours straight, then both awaken simultaneously, thirsty and ravenous.

Adriana was monitored in the medical bed by alternating shifts; mainly Kayla and 'Mama', but her brain activity slowly normalized over twelve hours and then stabilized in what seems a typical human pattern. All good!

Jump routine returned to normal after Engineering restored Power Plant operations and got the gravity back on. Everything seems good.

-----

Everyone of course is curious about Adriana's experience. LC in particular wants to question her, and after she's fully awake and had her thirst and hunger quenched he tries to diplomaticly find out what happened. Terry hovers protectively, but nothing much can be gained from Adriana. She claims to remember almost nothing. "I sensed some sort of danger present. Intuition I guess. Then went and got my 'comm'; and well that's the last of it! I mean, I remember feeling stressed-out. Tired. Worried. But I can't seem to piece together anything other than the vague feelings, you know?"

-----

The two other passengers are also curious and sometimes ask awkward questions, but are eventually resigned to getting only vague and reassuring responses. Shaky Telom (body-guard) and Thessa Ting (courier) spend a lot of time together, and maybe they start a "shipboard romance" between themselves; but whatever their relationship becomes they keep it very discreet.

-----

May 28 1115; 1100. Engineering watch spots fluctuations in the jump bubble. Other readings come up that reinforce the 'picture'. Looks like jump emergence at about 1115!

Louis Claude Rains "LC"

Muns Inactive for 15 days

Oct 18, 2025 7:22 pm

Oct 18, 2025 7:22 pm

And..... On to Fornice

Jump Emergence Log

OOC:

During the final days of jump, the crew finalized a complete log detailing the actions, counter-actions, and system reactions related to the virus incident. Engineering, led by Tamm with support from Bronz and Leilani, compiled a full diagnostic and forensic record, with data sourced from system logs, sensor outputs, and crew actions. All mentions or visual logs indicating psionic phenomena were redacted to preserve confidentiality and avoid scrutiny by authorities. The logs were reviewed by the department leads and approved by LC Rains for submission to Fornice Starport's technical inspection upon arrival. The Engineering team is fully prepared to initiate system decontamination and component verification once docked at the Class A facility.

LC Rains – Bridge Broadcast / Jump Emergence – 12:00, May 28, 1115

The jump chronometer ticks down. The compartment hum has softened. LC sits at the navigator’s station, his fingers poised over the astro-console, one eye on the feed that shows the jump bubble’s gradual collapse. Around him the crew are in position: Tharrok at the pilot’s controls, Leilani monitoring engineering systems from the bridge, and through the link Engineering with Tamm and Bronz below. The mood is tense, but controlled.

"All hands — this is your Captain. Kayla, ensure the passengers are seated for emergent translation – acceleration coaches or the lounge as appropriate."

Switching to crew internal comms.

"Bubble collapsing shortly. Systems stable so far. Engineering report systems reading, are green?

OOC:

Any Reponses?

Comms, sensors everyone report...

OOC:

Any Reponses?

Good work."

OOC:

POST EMERGENCE

A low alarm chirps and the display flickers. LC’s eyes flick to the read-outs. He exhales slowly.

"Tharrok — hold drift to a dead stop as best you can. We can’t assume we’ll pop out exactly where we planned. I need a precise fix before we hail space-lane control at Fornice."

He shifts his stance, pulling up data windows as the moment of emergence approaches. He continues, voice steady but with an edge of gravitas.

"Engineering team — Tamm, Bronz, Leilani: you’ve got overriding priority for the next hour. Everything you logged, everything you countered — malware traces, system loops, power-cycle anomalies. We’re not just arriving — we’re closing the file on this virus’s surprise visit. Log pre-emergence baseline, emergent read-out, and post-bubble state. If anything twitches, you bring it to me. I want fatalism built in this time, not hope."
[OCC] Point is to see if we are okay with engineering going out of jump and after emergence[/occ]

He flicks comms to ship-wide again.

"Passengers: lounge services resume. We expect arrival at Fornice in approximately 110 hours, assuming no further hiccups. Kayla, smooth their journey. Keep it calm. Drinks on the house for the rest of the voyage — let’s have them think this was just another fancy jump."

He leans back, tapping his stylus against his console as the bubble fades into normal space and the stars sharpen.

"Let’s be honest though — I’m not betting my last credit on it lasting exactly 110 hours. But if it doesn’t… batteries topped, scrubbers humming, air-raft isolated, coffee pot ready for war."

He toggles to internal crew comms one final time.

"One last thing — the official story: systems fault, brief shutdown, resolved. No mention of psionics. No mention of outside interference. Just a professional operation. Agreed?"

A slow nod to Tharrok, then toward his console. The stars stretch. Then settle. The Miss Fortune glides into normal space. Lights steady, systems humming. LC exhales.

"Welcome back. Let’s see where this tin can really is."

Navigation roll.....Plus intelligence

Last edited October 20, 2025 8:51 pm

Rolls

navigation to see where the Miss Fortune is at in Normal space - (2D6+3)

(14) + 3 = 8

playbydave Inactive for 20 days

Oct 20, 2025 9:04 pm

Oct 20, 2025 9:04 pm

And..... On to Fornice

May 28 1115(year); 11:45(time). Readings fluctuated strongly, and then the familiar stomach-churning discomfort of transition. But everything seems normal, sensors clear, and LC gets a good nav signal from Fornice High Port and various other satellites and stations giving him a good fix within just a couple of minutes. And SURPRISE!: the emergent position is about as good as it gets, just a couplle hundred kilometers out from the 100-diameter limit.

A journey from your emergence point to the main orbital station will take about 6 hours and 20 minutes. If you intend to land at the main Ground Port, tack on another hour. If you wish to land at subsidiary downport 2-A, near the large arcology of Port-au-Prince, that would add a bit more.

Downport 2-A is the closest port to the main holdings of Sector Admiral Frederick Santanocheev, Count of Fornice. That might be convenient for delivery of his 'dedicated' shipment. (No intermediaries!)

You are required to contact Starport Authority / Space-Traffic Control before crossing the 10-diameter limit. But it is common practice to contact them prior to that.

Sensors show nothing "danger close", though after a few minutes more than a dozen ships are tagged in your nav-system as being in your general area; that is within 100,000 kilometers or a little further if their courses are potentially intersecting.

Engineering sensors are 'norm', except that with the cracked cryonic tri-spacial controller you won't be making another jump anytime soon. A complete system software check for any remains of the 'virus' is likely to take several days, and the controller may take longer than that. If you plan on a complete tear-down; ie something well beyond a yearly maintenance, you'll be in port for a matter of weeks...

Muns Inactive for 15 days

Oct 20, 2025 10:00 pm

Oct 20, 2025 10:00 pm

And..... On to Fornice

OOC:

Thank you David!!!

Now onto other (mis)Adventures!

dabaggins Inactive for 19 days

Oct 21, 2025 12:25 am

Oct 21, 2025 12:25 am

And..... On to Fornice

Bronz was already at his station when emergence time came. There was no need for orders. He’d been there for hours, watching every fluctuation on the readouts, ready to move the moment anything drifted past tolerance.

When the Miss Fortune slid back into normal space, he didn’t feel relief. It was just another checkpoint cleared. He wouldn’t breathe easy until they were docked and he could tear the plant apart bolt by bolt. However long it took.

Let LC and the others handle the business. If the ship wasn’t sound, there wouldn’t be a business left to worry about.

Louis Claude Rains "LC"

Muns Inactive for 15 days

Oct 21, 2025 9:11 pm

Oct 21, 2025 9:11 pm

And..... On to Fornice

LC Rains – In-System Arrival, Fornice System – 11:55, May 28, 1115

The stars are steady. The jump is behind them. The Miss Fortune emerges into realspace mere hundreds of kilometers from the 100-diameter limit of Fornice — about as good a vector as a shipmaster could ask for.

OOC:

During the jump, the crew completed a full reconstruction of the virus incident. Engineering logged every countermeasure, system disruption, and restoration step, with all crew reviewing the logs. Final approval was given by LC and Tamm. All records were purged of any reference to psionic activity, as agreed.

LC is seated at the nav console, stars sharp outside the viewport. He runs the positional fix, confirms the beacon pings from Fornice High Port, and checks drift.

"We’re good — real good," LC mutters with restrained approval. Then he flips comms to ship-wide:

"All hands: Miss Fortune has successfully transitioned to realspace. We're within shouting distance of the 100-D limit of Fornice. Status is green. Kayla, begin prepping passengers for in-system operations. Tamm, Bronz — confirm all main systems holding post-emergence. Leilani, tie into sensors and watch for residual anomalies. Tharrok — hold our position at drift; no vectoring until we’re locked in and cleared."

With the flick of his wrist, LC switches to long-range comms and hails Fornice Traffic Control on standard merchant channels.

"Fornice Traffic Control, this is Free Trader Miss Fortune, registry I-SM-M-F-MisFrtn-AF-BS12. Emerged in-system at bearing 213 mark 017. Position approximately 120 kilometers beyond 100-D limit. Request approach clearance and vector for landing at Downport 2-A."

OOC:

Awaiting reply from Fornice Traffic Control.

In parallel, LC routes a discreet, encrypted private message to the Admiral’s staff over the assigned contact frequency per Birstag Foshba's instructions given at Mora.

"Miss Fortune to the Office of Admiral Santanocheev. Per instruction, we are in-system and preparing to land at Downport 2-A. Your cargo is secured and ready for direct handover, no third-party handling. Please confirm receipt and provide delivery protocols. Also, we understand your staff is handling customs clearance for this item — confirm if that includes all cargo, or only the Admiral’s."

OOC:

Awaiting response from Admiral’s staff.

LC then opens crew comms, his tone practical.

"Engineering team — you’ve got priority for the next hour. I want full emergent diagnostics logged: if this virus left so much as a digital sneeze in our software, I want to see it in the readouts. Tamm, I know you and Bronz are already halfway there. Leilani, keep a digital quarantine on the bridge systems. Let’s assume the bastard’s still hiding in the coffee pot until proven otherwise."

He shifts tone, dry but pointed.

"And before anyone suggests tearing the whole plant down to bedrock — we are not staying for six months. You’ve got three weeks, maximum, to clear the diagnostics, decontaminate the systems, and replace that cracked cryonic tri-spatial controller. Check with Downport 2-A control on part availability as we descend. If they don’t have one, we check with Smugg."

Another channel flick, this one a tight-beam, private and encrypted comms burst towards a particular receiver in the Arcology of Port-au-Prince.

"To: Most Illustrious Grand Master Smugg. From: Brother Rains. In-system, Fornice. Requesting meet-up. Three topics: (1) any current intel on Admiral Santanocheev — temperament, political winds, what not to do. PLease send in the next couple of hours as my ship is landing near his holdings and I don't want any surprises; (2) leads on outbound cargo, preferably rimward; (3) assistance locating a cryonic tri-spatial controller — legitimate source preferred, speed is priority."

LC glances at the ship’s long-range scan — noting the dozen-plus contacts on the board.

"Tharrok, please open standard trader band chatter with nearby ships. Ask for local merchant skinny — who’s buying, who’s gouging, any cargo that’s flooding the market or going for triple markup. And if anyone’s got a grudge against a local broker, I’d like to know before we get fleeced."

He flips to the lounge camera and sees passengers moving about again, relaxed but curious. LC signals Kayla.

"Let’s keep our paying guests smiling. Drinks, viewscreens on, chatter light. We survived another jump. Let them think it was routine."

Then, quieter, to himself as he resumes the helm interface:

"Now let’s land this bird, make our delivery, and pretend none of this was ever in doubt."

playbydave Inactive for 20 days

Oct 22, 2025 2:18 am

Oct 22, 2025 2:18 am

And..... On to Fornice

Quote:

"Fornice Traffic Control, this is Free Trader Miss Fortune, registry I-SM-M-F-MisFrtn-AF-BS12. Emerged in-system at bearing 213 mark 017. Position approximately 120 kilometers beyond 100-D limit. Request approach clearance and vector for landing at Downport 2-A."

In parallel, LC routes a discreet, encrypted private message to the Admiral’s staff over the assigned contact frequency per Birstag Foshba's instructions given at Mora.

[quote]"Miss Fortune to the Office of Admiral Santanocheev. Per instruction, we are in-system and preparing to land at Downport 2-A. Your cargo is secured and ready for direct handover, no third-party handling. Please confirm receipt and provide delivery protocols. Also, we understand your staff is handling customs clearance for this item — confirm if that includes all cargo, or only the Admiral’s."

There is some delay in getting a response, the traffic-control frequencies are busy and there's a distance lag, too. FINALLY:

"Miss Fortune, Control copies and welcome to Fornice. (several seconds delay) OK, we see you are registered here as your home-port, so welcome home. (more delay) You are good to go, Miss Fortune. Please contact Control again as you approach 10-diameters. A lane will be designated at that time, should be no problem. Lots of traffic in system now, so keep your sensors sharp! Control out."

-----
It takes significantly longer and a couple of attempts before a response comes from the Santanocheev estate.

"Miss Fortune, Miss Fortune. Santanocheev Medical Department here. We have priority requests in place for customs. Thank you for checking with us. We hope you will deliver the shipment directly upon processing through. Map coordinates and navigation instructions will be forthcoming. You are landing at Port-au-Prince? That is most convenient, thank you again. Please contact us again when you hit orbit."

playbydave Inactive for 20 days

Oct 22, 2025 2:32 am

Oct 22, 2025 2:32 am

And..... On to Fornice

Theodore LeFrontaine comms LC soon after emergence. "Myself and Adriana would like to depart as soon as possible after arrival. And before then I'd like to meet with you once again. Thank you for your courtesy and discretion."

dabaggins Inactive for 19 days

Oct 22, 2025 11:26 pm

Oct 22, 2025 11:26 pm

And..... On to Fornice

Bronz was hunched over the engine readouts when LC’s voice came through the comms. The moment he heard three weeks, he felt his stomach tighten.

He didn’t argue, not over the line, but the number gnawed at him. Sure, it made sense. The longer they sat in port, the less money the Miss Fortune made. But three weeks wasn’t enough; it was patchwork, and patchwork was how ships died slow.

He exhaled through his nose, long and steady, then pushed off from the console and crossed to where Tamm was working to discuss priorities.

Louis Claude Rains "LC"

Muns Inactive for 15 days

Oct 23, 2025 1:38 am

Oct 23, 2025 1:38 am

And..... On to Fornice

LC Rains — In-System Flight / Fornice Approach — May 28, 1115, 12:45

The Miss Fortune glides steadily through Fornice space, her systems humming along with a kind of cautious optimism. LC sits strapped in at the nav station, a mug of reheated kaffe in hand and a stylus tapping a steady rhythm on the edge of his datapad. Traffic clutter dots the sensor board, and the chatter of system comms buzzes beneath the bridge’s calm.

LC flips open the ship’s encrypted comms channel, fingers dancing across the console as he transmits a tight-beam message toward the estate of Sector Admiral Frederick Santanocheev.

"Santanocheev Medical, this is Captain Rains of the Miss Fortune. Confirmed: our intent is to land at Downport 2-A, Port-au-Prince. Any assistance would be welcomed. We’ll contact you again upon establishing orbit. Shipment will be delivered directly and discreetly per prior arrangements. Miss Fortune out."

He closes the channel and shifts to the ship’s internal broadcast, voice calm, confident, and just the right amount of professional charm.

"All hands, this is LC. We’ve got a clean emergence. We’re inbound to Downport 2-A. Six hours to orbital insertion. No turbulence expected unless someone up here jinxes it."

Switching to crew channels, his tone tightens slightly — all business.

"Tamm, Bronz, Leilani — I leave you to your expertise on shutdown and then looking at the problem state. I leave it to you to make inquiries to the downport parts vendors the moment we’re cleared to operate — if they have the cryonic tri-spatial controller, reserve it. If not, start sourcing. I have sent a request to Smugg — he might know where the clean gear is buried."

"Kayla, start prepping the manifests for port authority. Said-Ma begin you can begin low berth walk up protocols so these passengers are healthy and ready for customs. Kayla make sure the non-Admiral cargo gets the paperwork it needs, and be ready to walk the passengers through customs procedures once we get a time-on-deck. "

LC toggles a private channel to Mr. LeFrontaine’s cabin.

"Mr. LeFrontaine, acknowledged. I’ll meet with you shortly. We’ll have you and your wife disembarking promptly after customs clears us. Thank you both again — for everything."

He leans back slightly, eyes tracking the orbital indicators as the Miss Fortune slips ever closer to her destination. A hand idly rubs at the back of his neck, the tension beginning to creep in again.

"Control, Miss Fortune here. Position update: bearing steady, approach smooth. We acknowledge your instructions and will reconnect as we approach the 10-diameter boundary for final lane assignment. Miss Fortune out."

He sets the stylus down. A few hours to go. And a long list of things to do once they’re docked.

"Tharrok, and Leilani I am leaving the bridge and checking on the passengers, if any digital ghost appears and demands Kayla's cookie recipe otherwise it will shut down a system in the ship, let me know immediately. "

LC then turns to leave and moves to Terry and Andriana's stateroom to see how they are doing.

Packratt66 Inactive for 19 days

Oct 23, 2025 1:54 am

Oct 23, 2025 1:54 am

And..... On to Fornice

Tharrok smiles as they return to normal space right where they had planned to! "Nice," he said quietly. When LC finishes his announcements and says to land and make like this was always the plan, Tharrok says, "Heading in to Fornice with confidence, Cap’n!"

After the message from Santanocheev Medical, he says, "Plan for Port-au-Prince?"

Louis Claude Rains "LC"

Muns Inactive for 15 days

Oct 23, 2025 2:03 am

Oct 23, 2025 2:03 am

And..... On to Fornice

Packratt66 says:

After the message from Santanocheev Medical, he says, "Plan for Port-au-Prince?"

LC responds
"Exactly, I want the Santanocheev Medical to grease the skids as it were so we get priority treatment and a good landing spot at Down port 2-A and not some rinky dinky landing pad way out in the yard."

Packratt66 Inactive for 19 days

Oct 23, 2025 2:28 am

Oct 23, 2025 2:28 am

And..... On to Fornice

"Got it, Boss. I’m sure it’ll help that it’s where the bank’s refit crew is."

Louis Claude Rains "LC"

Muns Inactive for 15 days

Oct 23, 2025 2:34 am

Oct 23, 2025 2:34 am

And..... On to Fornice

"Let’s see who’s feeling chatty — Tharrok, you still have comms with those haulers? Anything about the local trade scene worth hearing? Let’s get ahead of the curve before we hit the docks."

LloganTamm Inactive for 19 days

Oct 24, 2025 5:34 pm

Oct 24, 2025 5:34 pm

And..... On to Fornice

Tamm replies to the Captain: "All logs clear & organized. Tamm congratulates the crew on a job well done. Engineering out."

[Bronz] exhaled through his nose, long and steady, then pushed off from the console and crossed to where Tamm was working to discuss priorities.

"What’s on your mind, Bronz?" Tamm asked without looking up.

Bronz frowned. "Three weeks. That’s all the time we’ve got. It’s not enough."

Tamm shrugged. "First, we replace the tri-spacial. Then we run diagnostics and hunt down any anomalies. Tamm doesn’t think the virus is hiding in the reactor components—there’s not enough memory capacity for that, even compressed. It’s software-based. Tamm will let the Comp Heads trace it and decon whatever’s left. Three weeks is plenty."

Tamm finally looks up at Bronz. "Sorry my friend but, three weeks is two weeks too long for Miss Fortune. Our margins haven't been too good recently."

Last edited October 24, 2025 5:37 pm

LloganTamm Inactive for 19 days

Oct 24, 2025 6:09 pm

Oct 24, 2025 6:09 pm

And..... On to Fornice

Inner dialogue

Tamm reflected on his actions during Jump.

Spending thirty-two hours—two double shifts over two days—checking the parts inventory had been a pointless exercise. All it achieved was leaving him tired and irritable. Really, what crew that defaulted on a loan wouldn’t falsify their data? He should have thought of that before panicking. But being trapped in J-space had a way of overriding common sense. Terrifying stuff.

And then there was that crazy Psi-woman meddling with the software. What is she—Zhodani? People like that should be locked up. For all he knew, that creepy Psi-dance of hers was just an act to save her own skin. She could’ve been the one who planted the virus in their system to begin with, then swooped in to play the hero. Never trust a Zho!

Still, if he reported her, he’d probably be out of a job before the week was over. The paperwork alone for filing a Psi report was enough to make anyone think twice but... . Maybe the Captain is a Zho sympathizer?

At least she’d be off the ship in a few hours.

Last edited October 24, 2025 6:16 pm

playbydave Inactive for 20 days

Oct 25, 2025 1:43 am

Oct 25, 2025 1:43 am

And..... On to Fornice

The ship-to-ship frequencies are full of gossip and chatter. A new tavern/dance-hall on deck upper three of the main High-Port gets some rave reviews. Traders complain that customs at the High Port seems slow this past week....reasons unknown.

A ship with a strong signal (indicating proximity) hails Miss Fortune. "Miss Fortune, this is Trader "Countdown Timer", inbound. You hear of any good trade opportunities, folks? Our first time here. We see on your 'ping' that this is your home port. Maybe you have some advice for we noobs? Any break we might get would be welcome! Our treat at that new Tavern that seems to be the 'talk'!"

Kayla traces the broadcast and pings the ship back, getting the information: "Countdown Timer", home port of Fosey/Mora. 200 dTon variant of the 'Salamander Class'.

Tharrok is on the bridge and could respond if desired.....

playbydave Inactive for 20 days

Oct 25, 2025 2:01 am

Oct 25, 2025 2:01 am

And..... On to Fornice

Engineering is showing all in the green, except the Jump Drive is locked out with the damaged trispacial controller.

All of the Engineering Team know that a yearly mainenance normally takes 2 weeks and would cost about 50,000cr. The work you have tentatively planned is like a Yearly Maintenance on steroids, thus should cost more, so you might be looking at 75,000cr or more. And 3 weeks for a non-standard 'work order' might be shaving it pretty close. You could pay even more for expedited service. At the relatively small facility of "Ground Port 2A (Port-au-Prince)" you might find it a bit easier if the port isn't overly busy..., but that's kind of a crap shoot!

Replacing the damaged "Trispacial Controller" shouldn't add a significant amount to either time or cost.

playbydave Inactive for 20 days

Oct 25, 2025 2:21 am

Oct 25, 2025 2:21 am

And..... On to Fornice

You can monitor the public trading boards as soon as your sensors & comms 'clear' after emergence. The data will be almost 4 1/2 seconds old, but possibly not too much of a delay for nabbing a particularly juicy cargo!

If you filter out everything except what's available at "2-A (Port-au-Prince)" you get:

Special Cargo (classified) from Imperium Military for PALIQUE, 40 dTons in 8x 5-ton conatainers. (That would be 3 'jumps' for Miss Fortune). 10,000cr/ton; so 400,000cr.

Industrial Grade Wiring and Fiber-Optic cables, 50 dTon available in 10x 5-ton containers. 5,000cr per ton (25,000 per container).

Security Systems (business/industrial) (tech-12), 50 dTon available in 10 x 5-ton containers. 4,5000cr per ton.

High-tensile Steel Plates, 100 dTon available. 100x 1-ton pallets. 1,500cr per ton.

Mixed Luggage, bags, purses, wallets, etc. 30 dTon available. 12x 2.5-ton containers. 1,200cr per ton.

Tech adapted fabrics (tech 12), 60 dTon available. 1-ton pallets. 1,000cr per ton.

Packratt66 Inactive for 19 days

Oct 25, 2025 11:40 pm

Oct 25, 2025 11:40 pm

And..... On to Fornice

Tharrok replies to "Countdown Timer". "Countdown Timer, this is Miss Fortune. Fornice ain’t no Mora, but there are good loads and options to be had here. Certainly wouldn’t mind chatting about it, but we are headed dirt-side. Have an appointment we can’t miss. But some of our crew may pop up to the Highport to check out that new tavern. Drop your contact info and we’ll give ya a call when we head up."

Packratt66 Inactive for 19 days

Oct 25, 2025 11:44 pm

Oct 25, 2025 11:44 pm

And..... On to Fornice

Looking at the boards, Tharrok says, "Hey Boss, if that military load is still available, then we should grab it if there is enough delivery time on it after we tear down the J-Drive and power plant."

Louis Claude Rains "LC"

Muns Inactive for 15 days

Oct 27, 2025 1:01 am

Oct 27, 2025 1:01 am

And..... On to Fornice

LC Rains — Bridge / En Route to Downport 2-A — May 28, 1115, 14:30

LC leans back in his chair, one hand rubbing the bridge of his nose as Tharrok’s update on the merchant boards scrolls across the display. The words "special cargo" and "Imperium Military" hang there like a bad smell in an airlock.

"Military load, you say? I suppose we could take it — assuming we develop a sudden appetite for red tape, late payments, and the occasional Imperial audit. Oh, and assuming we had a functioning jump drive. Minor detail."

He taps the display with his stylus, frowning as if the numbers might rearrange themselves into something less annoying.

"Tempting as it is to line our holds with government-issue containers, I’d rather not commit to a three-jump haul until we’re sure our trispacial controller isn’t going to explode the first time we ask it to hold a waveform. Let’s make sure we can jump before we sell anyone the privilege of depending on us to do so."

He swivels toward Tharrok with that wry half-smile that usually precedes bad news delivered politely.

"Step one — we find a suitable controller. Preferably one that hasn’t been ‘lightly used’ by some backwater tech who swears it’s ‘just like new’. Step two — we make sure it doesn’t cost us more than our annual maintenance budget and half the ship’s dignity. Step three — we get it installed and certified before I have to start taking cargo on promises and prayers."

He glances over the system status feed, the orbit slowly stabilizing as the Miss Fortune coasts toward Port‑au‑Prince.

"In the meantime, we’ve got a schedule to keep. Passengers off first, nice and calm. Then the Count’s cargo — handled directly through his medical staff, per our arrangements. No intermediaries, no dockside gossip, and absolutely no opening those containers for a peek, no matter how curious anyone gets."

LC pushes off the console, stretching as he moves to the corridor hatch. He pauses just before stepping out.

"I’ll stop by the LeFrontaines’ stateroom in a bit — see what Mr. LeFrontaine wants to discuss. A quiet word, face-to-face. Unscheduled. Makes it harder to rehearse the polite lies."

playbydave says:

Theodore LeFrontaine comms LC soon after emergence. "Myself and Adriana would like to depart as soon as possible after arrival. And before then I'd like to meet with you once again. Thank you for your courtesy and discretion."

He throws a look back at Tharrok.

"Because if there’s one thing I’ve learned about nobles and military contracts, it’s that they both have a remarkable way of making other people’s problems sound like opportunities."

He gestures toward the comms panel.

"Keep an ear on the boards, though. No harm in listening. Just… don’t promise them our souls until we’ve fixed the engine that gets us there."

LC goes to his stateroom and pulls out a new fresh shirt out of his closet, opens the storage bag and puts it on. He puts the worn, smelling shirt in the laundry container that makes a whirring sound as it take the old shirt and processes it. Only who knows where until it is needed again all fresh and pressed.
He looks in the mirror, runs his fingers through his hair confirming he is presentable and proceeds out his cabin. He head up to the passenger deck. Not seeing 'Terry' in the lounge he make his was to the LeFrontaine stateroom

He brings up his hand terminal and with a hand gesture signals the Frontaine room

"Terry, you wanted to have a chat."

LC then goes into the room with a smile on his face hiding any fear of finding the place a mess or the LeFrontaine couple in some sort of compromising situation - afterall it is only six hours until docking, they should be getting ready to disembark....

Packratt66 Inactive for 19 days

Oct 27, 2025 2:03 am

Oct 27, 2025 2:03 am

And..... On to Fornice

Tharrok nods. "My bad, I should have been more accurate in my thoughts, Cap’n. I meant if it’s still available when we get the ship back to right. I was looking at the payment offered and the route and I think it looks pretty good.". He licks his lips. "Plus, nothing says I’m not doing anything illegal like hauling some government work. Odds are pretty good we could even pick up some cargo of grey legality to go along side… But I get what you’re saying."

Louis Claude Rains "LC"

Muns Inactive for 15 days

Oct 27, 2025 3:40 am

Oct 27, 2025 3:40 am

And..... On to Fornice

LC leans against the bulkhead, arms crossed, an eyebrow slightly raised as he listens to Tharrok's amended thoughts.

"Yes, I understand, but my thoughts on Imperial military cargo is that is not my cup of Kaffe. But your idea on 'grey' cargo"

He nods thoughtfully, the faintest trace of a grin curling at the edge of his mouth.

"I don’t hate it. Once the jump drive’s singing again and the dust settles, we’ll take a hard look at the schedules and see if we can sweeten the ledger a bit. Just make sure whatever you’re eyeing isn’t the kind of gray that turns red under a spotlight."

He claps Tharrok on the shoulder.

"I’ll handle the nobles and their allergic reactions to sunlight. You keep an ear out for cargo with character."

playbydave Inactive for 20 days

Oct 27, 2025 7:02 pm

Oct 27, 2025 7:02 pm

And..... On to Fornice

Quote:

"Miss Fortune, this is Trader "Countdown Timer", inbound. You hear of any good trade opportunities, folks? Our first time here. We see on your 'ping' that this is your home port. Maybe you have some advice for we noobs? Any break we might get would be welcome! Our treat at that new Tavern that seems to be the 'talk'!"

Kayla traces the broadcast and pings the ship back, getting the information: "Countdown Timer", home port of Fosey/Mora. 200 dTon variant of the 'Salamander Class'.

Packratt66 says:

Tharrok replies to "Countdown Timer". "Countdown Timer, this is Miss Fortune. Fornice ain’t no Mora, but there are good loads and options to be had here. Certainly wouldn’t mind chatting about it, but we are headed dirt-side. Have an appointment we can’t miss. But some of our crew may pop up to the Highport to check out that new tavern. Drop your contact info and we’ll give ya a call when we head up."

"Miss Fortune. Thanks for responding."

"This here is Isthor, Navigator and 'Finance Officer' of the "Countdown Timer"

"We're inbound from Grille after a contract-haul; not much profit. We picked up a partial load of Palladium and Gold there; should make up for the crappy contract. Once we sell that lot...well I guess it's 'tech' and consumer electronics we'd be looking at? Sound right to you? Any leads on off-the-board sellers?"

TiffanyKorta Inactive for 23 days

Oct 29, 2025 8:00 am

Oct 29, 2025 8:00 am

And..... On to Fornice

Whilst Leilani enjoyed her time on the bridge, her true love was the engine room. After the drama of the last few days, she'd been nursing the reactor to make sure things were ticking along.

"Don't worry baby, we'll make you all better!" she gently patted the reactor

Muns Inactive for 15 days

Oct 30, 2025 12:56 am

Oct 30, 2025 12:56 am

And..... On to Fornice

playbydave says:

(snip)"This here is Isthor, Navigator and 'Finance Officer' of the "Countdown Timer"

"We're inbound from Grille after a contract-haul; not much profit. We picked up a partial load of Palladium and Gold there; should make up for the crappy contract. Once we sell that lot...well I guess it's 'tech' and consumer electronics we'd be looking at? Sound right to you? Any leads on off-the-board sellers?"

OOC:

This is for Tharrok to respond, as LC is at the moment entering the Lefrotaine stateroom

Packratt66 Inactive for 19 days

Oct 30, 2025 2:24 am

Oct 30, 2025 2:24 am

And..... On to Fornice

Muns says:

playbydave says:

(snip)"This here is Isthor, Navigator and 'Finance Officer' of the "Countdown Timer"

"We're inbound from Grille after a contract-haul; not much profit. We picked up a partial load of Palladium and Gold there; should make up for the crappy contract. Once we sell that lot...well I guess it's 'tech' and consumer electronics we'd be looking at? Sound right to you? Any leads on off-the-board sellers?"

OOC:

This is for Tharrok to respond, as LC is at the moment entering the Lefrotaine stateroom

OOC:

Which I should get done tomorrow…

Last edited October 30, 2025 2:25 am

Muns Inactive for 15 days

Oct 30, 2025 2:32 am

Oct 30, 2025 2:32 am

And..... On to Fornice

Packratt66 says:

OOC:

Which I should get done tomorrow…

OOC:

No worries!! I just didn't want anyone to think they were waiting on my character to say something

playbydave Inactive for 20 days

Oct 31, 2025 2:13 am

Oct 31, 2025 2:13 am

And..... On to Fornice

Monseur 'Terry' LeFrontaine has gotten Captain Rains to an apparently secure and private spot for a conversation.

Quote:

We're a few hours out from Fornice still. But I figure I'd better trust you with some bits and pieces of.... Of our story. Truth, best as I can manage anyway.

You've probably heard of 'The Psionics Institute'. Zhodani sympathizers or worse... Or just maybe a few folks trying to make sure those who got the 'talent' aren't persucuted or enslaved because of it.

The Imperium officially says that Psions are protected, and will shelter and educate them. Make them into an asset and not a potential problem. Yeah, that's right as far as it goes. The reality is that once you're in their clutches they don't let go. You do the Emporer's bidding, and only the Emporer's, or you simply disappear.

I'm one of those who think the Imperium's system is equal to slavery. I'm no Psion myself..., well maybe just a little. But Adriana, as you've seen, has a huge potential and nearly unprecedented power. Untrained she is a hazard to herself and maybe to others. But if the Imperium gets her; then whatever happens after that none of us will ever know.

I'm trying to get her to a safe house in Port-au-Prince. From there our people will get her into one of the institute schools. I can't say where, of course. I don't know anyway. I'm just a shepherd.

But, if any wind of this episode here gets out. Any hint at all and the Imperium will have agents all over you. And maybe..., if anyone back on Mora had some suspicion; well the Security Apparatus will come calling. Hopefully not until we're well clear. But you might still get a grilling. And worse, you might get 'examined' by an Imperium Psion. I don't know how you'd keep this quiet then. I'm sorry.

I'll make sure to leave you a big 'tip'. But I can't give you so many credits that it would be suspicious. Sorry.

Help us get off quick as possible without raising eyebrows. Luckily the other passengers want off fast, too, so we'll blend in.

My only advice to you is to get off from Fornice as soon as you can. Scuttlebutt hints at a long maintenance stay. I'd skip that unless you really can't get spaceworthy otherwise. But the longer you're at Fornice the more likely the Imperium will come calling.

Louis Claude Rains "LC"

Muns Inactive for 15 days

Oct 31, 2025 3:15 am

Oct 31, 2025 3:15 am

And..... On to Fornice

playbydave says:

Monseur 'Terry' LeFrontaine has gotten Captain Rains to an apparently secure and private spot for a conversation.

As Mr. LeFrontaine begins ... LC raises a hand — palm open, not harsh, but firm.
"Hold that thought."

OOC:

OOC Questions:

Timing and Availability: How long does the port estimate for sourcing and replacing the trispacial controller? (I can pose this question in character)
Can it be expedited at Downport 2-A? (Same here, I will pose this in character) Just need to know in the last few years of travel int he spinward marches does LC have an idea of the availability of a trispacial controller?

Cost Factors: Can we confirm the cost range for a new trispacial controller? Is it bundled with our yearly+ maintenance cost or separate? (I can pose this question in character)

Security Risk Window: Given the psionic incident, how long before word might get out or the Imperium might take an interest? Is there a roll or check to determine if we’re currently under scrutiny? Having a bit of inside baseball knowledge on port authority information to shape the roll as a modifier? or just INT?

Tip Delivery Mechanics: Should the "tip" from Terry be handled via a narrative method (e.g., unmarked payment or gift item) or involve a specific credit transfer?

BIC Questions to Consider (with the GM or other PCs):

LC on comms to Tamm, Leilani and Bronz: "How fast can we realistically swap that controller and confirm system integrity? Need a ball park answer"

LC will get on the comms once back at the bridge (nod to Tharrok once LC gets to the bridge)
To Starport Control: "How soon can I get a certified trispacial controller, ours broke in the last jump and we need to turn a burn like all Free Traders perform?"

To Smugg (once contact is established): "Any clean, no-questions-asked sources for drive parts in this port — or should I be worried about black-market trackers?"

dabaggins Inactive for 19 days

Oct 31, 2025 4:26 am

Oct 31, 2025 4:26 am

And..... On to Fornice

Bronz grimaced inwardly at LC’s question but kept it off his face. He keyed the comm, voice flat and steady.

"You want it done fast, or you want it done right?"

He glanced toward Tamm, hoping he’d be the one to put an actual number to it. Bronz wasn’t happy with the corners they were already going to have to cut, but he knew they had a business to run.

He just didn’t have to be happy about it.

Louis Claude Rains "LC"

Muns Inactive for 15 days

Oct 31, 2025 8:02 pm

Oct 31, 2025 8:02 pm

And..... On to Fornice

dabaggins says:

"You want it done fast, or you want it done right?"

LC on comms:

"Bronz, if I only wanted it fast, I’d duct-tape the drive casing, paint a smiley face on the reactor, and call it a day. And if I only wanted it right, I’d hand over the keys and wait six weeks while engineers sipped kaffe and wrote poetry about diagnostic curves.

But I need both: the reality check and the clock. How long for a good-enough job that won’t have us waking up inside out on the next jump...and how long for a done right and tested Job? I trust you, Tamm and Leilani to give me the data — just tell me where it is so I can plan the rest of the circus."

LC thinks for a moment looks at Tharrok with a raised arch eyebrow

"Tharrok, do you have anything to add?"

Louis Claude Rains "LC"

Muns Inactive for 15 days

Oct 31, 2025 8:05 pm

Oct 31, 2025 8:05 pm

And..... On to Fornice

LC looks at Tharrok again after a few minutes when the thought strick LC

"Tharrok, can you guess why the port is so busy? Is there a party going on that we don't know about?"

Last edited October 31, 2025 8:27 pm

Muns Inactive for 15 days

Oct 31, 2025 8:07 pm

Oct 31, 2025 8:07 pm

And..... On to Fornice

LloganTamm says:

Inner dialogue {snip} twice but... . Maybe the Captain is a Zho sympathizer?

At least she’d be off the ship in a few hours.

OOC:

I meant to say this last week - that was great inner dialog!!!

Muns Inactive for 15 days

Oct 31, 2025 8:27 pm

Oct 31, 2025 8:27 pm

And..... On to Fornice

playbydave says:

All of the Engineering Team know that a yearly maintenance normally takes 2 weeks and would cost about 50,000cr. The work you have tentatively planned is like a Yearly Maintenance on steroids, thus should cost more, so you might be looking at 75,000cr or more. And 3 weeks for a non-standard 'work order' might be shaving it pretty close. You could pay even more for expedited service. At the relatively small facility of "Ground Port 2A (Port-au-Prince)" you might find it a bit easier if the port isn't overly busy..., but that's kind of a crap shoot! Replacing the damaged "Trispacial Controller" shouldn't add a significant amount to either time or cost.

OOC:

This assumes that we roll in the trispace controller into a year maintenance, right? or wrong? Does the replacement cost less in time and funding than annual maintenance?

Louis Claude Rains "LC"

Muns Inactive for 15 days

Oct 31, 2025 8:48 pm

Oct 31, 2025 8:48 pm

And..... On to Fornice

LC Rains – Crew Briefing, Two Hours Before Orbit – May 28, 1115

The crew gathers in the main common area — boots clunking on the deck plating, the faint hum of the ship in the background. LC stands at the head of the table, arms folded, expression unreadable. He scans the room once before speaking.

"Alright. Two hours to orbit. I’ll make this quick."

"I had a word with Terry LeFrontaine. Turns out our little brush with digital death had a side dish of psionics. He and his wife are part of something that doesn’t play well with Imperium scrutiny."

"They’re leaving quietly once we dock, where they go... I don't care and I don't want to know either. I promised them no loose threads from our end. Which means this crew stays tight-lipped. No speculation, no second-hand gossip, no jokes in the tavern about mind powers or mysterious comas. You say nothing, and nothing can be held against us."

He leans forward slightly, lowering his voice just enough.

"I believe I don't have to say this, if Imperial agents get wind of this, we don’t just get questions — we get psi scans, strip-searched logs, and the kind of attention that kills licenses and careers. So if anyone asks, this was a power fluctuation and a sick passenger. That’s it."

"Which brings us to engineering."
He nods to Tamm, Leilani and Bronz.
"This is why I am changing our maintenance plan from a full annual maintenance to just replacing the trispacial controller and running a fast systems sweep. Unless you have better ideas or plan. I want us spaceworthy and outbound before anyone in a grey uniform has time to read a manifest."

he looks at the three engineers
"Honestly this is where I need your input, if this is a fucked up plan and you need more time, then I need to know."

He straightens, arms crossed again, eyes sweeping the room.

"That’s the situation. Nothing fancy, nothing fragile. Drop off our special cargo to the Santanocheev Medical facility, unload clean cargo, get the ship patched, reload if we can, and we’re ghosts. Any questions?"

He lets the silence settle for a beat before giving a final nod.

"Feedback? Opinions, Questions?"

LloganTamm Inactive for 19 days

Nov 1, 2025 2:26 am

Nov 1, 2025 2:26 am

And..... On to Fornice

"Tamm has set aside funds for emergencies, and we’re in one now. Unless the tri-spatial unit is replaced, we’re facing a major setback. Tamm is willing to loan the crew the necessary Credits for fast service. The next steps are to secure the new tri-spatial unit and either persuade the port to expedite installation and calibration or have our engineering team handle the calibration and testing internally. It should take no more than two weeks.

What are your thoughts?"

TiffanyKorta Inactive for 23 days

Nov 1, 2025 12:42 pm

Nov 1, 2025 12:42 pm

And..... On to Fornice

"To be honest, Cap' we got lucky, and you know what they say about crews that push their luck!" as the old Solomani saying went, when you relied on Lady Luck, she'd abandon you in a second.

"We can pull double shifts, rope people in to help out, but its going to cost us either spending for parts quickly rather than bargin hunting, or lost cargo with everyone being busy."

Louis Claude Rains "LC"

Muns Inactive for 15 days

Nov 1, 2025 1:45 pm

Nov 1, 2025 1:45 pm

And..... On to Fornice

To Leilani
"Great point on cutting corners and using cheap unrefined fuel doesn't help either "

LC replies
"We will have to raise our standards on fuel and accounting"

Looking at Tamm,
"Thank you big guy, but let us see how bad the butchers bill is before you start pulling out your credit stick. "

LC thinks for a moment and then adds
"Thank you Tamm it is appreciated "

Looking at Bronz
"Okay Sir Grumpy do you have any input?"

Last edited November 1, 2025 1:46 pm

playbydave Inactive for 20 days

Nov 2, 2025 11:34 pm

Nov 2, 2025 11:34 pm

And..... On to Fornice

OOC:

The MISS FORTUNE is equipped with fuel scoops and onboard refining, so buying 'cheap unrefined fuel' would be normal and you have plenty of time in port and in transit to jump (normally!) so that when you flip the big switch you would be confident that your fuel won't be an issue.

OOC:

Question for Tamm. Are the funds he speaks of personal? Or do they show up in the ship's accounts somewhere?

dabaggins Inactive for 19 days

Nov 4, 2025 3:40 am

Nov 4, 2025 3:40 am

And..... On to Fornice

Bronz stared at LC for a long moment, face unreadable. The silence stretched on.

He remembered what it was like: endless shifts, patching engines with whatever junk they could scrounge, sleeping beside the drives because the rest of the ship was filled with crates. Having his own stateroom was made him soft.

He shrugged, the motion small but final.

"Sure. We’ll do whatever it takes. We’ll make it work."

He glanced toward Tamm and Leilani before adding. "We can pull doubles, rope in whoever’s got hands to spare. We will do what is necessary to keep us running."

Then he fell quiet again, gaze drifting back to the readouts, already thinking through what corners could be cut and which ones couldn’t.

LloganTamm Inactive for 19 days

Nov 4, 2025 6:30 pm

Nov 4, 2025 6:30 pm

And..... On to Fornice

playbydave says:

OOC:

Question for Tamm. Are the funds he speaks of personal? Or do they show up in the ship's accounts somewhere?

OOC:

The funds (about 100,000 Cr) are personal. Tamm has been saving Credits just for situations like this one.

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