Chapter 1 : Arrival at Pautho Starport

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Dec 10, 2025 9:16 pm
Tsoukfaeks listens to the questions, gives a single measured nod, and answers the group as a whole—crisp, direct, and without unnecessary elaboration.
OOC:
Everyone should have picked up on the fact that Tsoukfaeks was burned really badly by the actions of the previous team, not only with Ironhand, but the IISS. This might explain why she is so strict at the moment. Her (and Ironhand's) only saving grace is the Tetra Team not repeating the same misconduct and being very professional. So the general theme is you are being held to a higher standard because the previous team actions.
"First, the team before you went through the same selection process. Their failure was not due to inadequate screening, but to inadequate discipline. Ironhand corrected that issue, and it will not be repeated.

Second, the individuals standing here are your team. There are no more personnel inbound. Ironhand requires that teams be capable of internal leadership development, and therefore you will select your own team leader. Once you decide who that is, I will coordinate assignments, scheduling, and operational tasking through that individual.

Your routine contact with IISS personnel will primarily involve Commander Mervik, Senior Administrator Halsson, and on occasion Group Administrator Dalen Huxwright. Those are the individuals who will either issue tasking, receive your reports, or move with you during operations. You will also receive a scheduled Joint Coordination Center orientation brief—this serves as your formal introduction to the TRC–IISS working environment and outlines how joint operations flow within the facility. Expectations going forward will be communicated to your chosen team leader during that cycle.

Regarding communications channels, the IISS point of contact remains Scout Kayla Lin. The TRC does not assign an equivalent single liaison. TRC coordination flows through the JCC and then to the IISS. The reason for the Joint Coordination center is to exchange information. If the TRC requires IISS expertise, then we work together. You have to remember, we are visiting and surveying and updating what we find and share that information. They do the same but have a threat they also are concerned with.

Now, your readiness posture. For the next twenty-four hours, you are on controlled standby while your orientation is completed. After that period, your alert requirements are as follows:

  • Standard readiness: one hour to muster, receive the mission briefing, and prepare for launch according to the parameters issued.
  • Ready alert: fifteen minutes to muster, equipped for immediate launch within an additional fifteen minutes.
  • High alert: five-minute muster, followed by immediate brief and deployment. This condition has never occurred during Ironhand’s tenure here, but it remains part of the doctrine.

You will receive your first formal tasking after the twenty-four-hour orientation period concludes. Until that time, you remain available, reachable, and within the compound. This ensures accountability and allows us to confirm that all administrative, medical, and logistical requirements have been met before operations begin.

As for your statement, Ruiha: yes. You are expected to be ready to move and ready to perform from this point forward. Orientation completes quickly, but readiness begins now."

She scans the room once more.

"If there are further questions, ask them now. Clarity at this stage prevents avoidable failures later."
Dec 11, 2025 3:33 am
Virel takes in the briefing without outward reaction. Instead he watches the others and their reactions.

The volume of detail is greater than he expected, but it only confirms the shape of things: They are contractors on a leash, and Ironhand intends to keep it short. That suits him well enough. Expectations stated plainly are easier to navigate than the half-truths and polite fictions of the Corps.

Still, as Tsoukfaeks talks, part of his mind drifts not away, but deeper. Toward what wasn’t said. The undercurrents are there; he can feel them, even if no one names them.

For now, the clarity is enough. Objectives, structure, procedures. A framework to operate inside.

The cloak-and-dagger part will come soon enough.

He remains silent, offering no follow-up question. Not out of uncertainty but simply because nothing Tsoukfaeks has said is unclear. And nothing she hasn’t said yet is something she’ll answer openly.
Dec 12, 2025 12:02 am
Wilbur listened to the briefing with intent and interest. At the end, he raised his hand and waited for authorization before speaking.

"I have two minor questions. First, I brought some of my personal weapons—should I keep them locked in my trunk, or must they be deposited in the armory for safekeeping?

Second, will there be an official presentation to the IISS and the TSR services?
"
Dec 12, 2025 3:55 am
Tsoukfaeks’ Response to Wilbur’s Questions

Tsoukfaeks gives Wilbur a short nod, then addresses the room rather than singling him out.
"First, you do not need to ask permission to speak in this setting. If you have a question, ask it. We are here to establish clarity, not ceremony."

Looking at everyone when she says this:
"Regarding personal weapons: any personal weapons you brought with you will be turned in to the Ironhand armory immediately and logged. They will not remain in personal storage, vehicles, or trunks. I am still determining how those weapons were cleared for transit to Pautho, because the IISS is highly sensitive about weapons entering their facilities—particularly on a world where they are guests of the Trooles Confederation."

"The weapons issued here are cleared under standing agreements with the Trooles Confederation government. Unregistered personal weapons create unnecessary diplomatic friction. That situation will be corrected before it becomes a problem. Do not bring personal arms into the compound again without explicit authorization."
Now, on your second question. If I understand you correctly, you are asking whether you will be formally presenting yourselves to the IISS or the TRC.

"The answer is no. You are not here to brief either organization. The next step in your orientation is a scheduled session at the Joint Coordination Center. There, the JCC coordination cell duty officers will brief you on how the center functions, how tasking flows between the TRC and the IISS, and what your role is within that structure."

"Following that, the IISS will conduct a separate briefing covering Scout operations in the Theta Borealis Sector and their expectations of Ironhand support personnel. That briefing is informational."
She looks at Wilber, with her ears up and alert, tail with a slight movement indicating that she approves of the questioning.
"If that answers your questions, we will proceed. If not, clarify now."

She pauses, eyes moving across the group.

"This is the appropriate time to identify misunderstandings. It is not the appropriate time to create new ones."
Dec 12, 2025 4:30 am
OOC:
I am going to move this along to finalize the orientation briefs. Please if your character has any questions, ask.
After the updated threat briefing and after a Fifteen minute break Tsoukfaeks gathers the new Ironhand contractors together outside and takes them over to the Joint Coordination Center building to meet a IISS Officer for the final brief of the day.

Joint Coordination Center (JCC) Orientation
Delivered by Group Administrator Dalen Huxwright, IISS — Day Duty Officer, JCC
The group is held briefly outside the Joint Coordination Center entrance on the IISS side of the compound.

The building itself is deliberately unremarkable—flat lines, reinforced composite walls, minimal external markings. No banners. No symbols beyond a small Imperial Scout emblem and a simple placard identifying the structure as a coordination facility.

A Scout officer in duty uniform steps forward, datapad held loosely at his side.
Group Administrator Dalen Huxwright (IISS):
"I’m Group Administrator Dalen Huxwright. I’m the IISS Day Duty Officer for the Joint Coordination Center. My role is to manage Imperial coordination within this facility, ensure proper information flow, and act as the Imperial point of contact for joint operations conducted here."

He looks over the group carefully.

"You’re here because Ironhand supports personnel who operate inside this building. Before that happens, you need to understand what this place is—and what it is not."
Huxwright turns and gestures toward the outer security gate.
Huxwright:
"Follow me. No active systems. Badges visible."
The outer gate opens after biometric verification. As each of you passes through, the gate seals behind you with a muted mechanical sound. A second checkpoint follows—badge readers, visual confirmation, and a passive scan that hums briefly as it sweeps across armor and equipment.

Huxwright keys his badge and waits while each of you does the same. The inner door unlocks.
Inside, the lighting shifts—cooler, neutral, intentional. The corridor ahead is narrow and functional, with smooth walls broken only by recessed displays and access panels.
Huxwright:
"This hallway is still IISS space. On your left is the Scout briefing cell. That’s where Imperial-only mission planning and internal briefings occur. Here is where any mission tasking to Ironhand will be given."

He continues forward without slowing.

"Beyond that point, jurisdiction changes."
At the end of the corridor, a second set of doors waits—unmarked, heavier, fitted with dual badge readers. Huxwright stops briefly.
Huxwright:
"This is the Joint Coordination Center proper."

He scans his badge and nods for the team to do the same. The doors slide open.
The Operations Cell opens up around you—larger than expected, circular, with tiered workstations arranged around a central holo-table. Multiple displays show traffic plots, system maps, sensor overlays, and rolling data feeds. Personnel in mixed uniforms—Imperial Scouts and TRC officers—work quietly, voices low, movements practiced.

This is not a command center. It feels like a controlled nerve junction.

Huxwright guides you to a briefing alcove at the edge of the room. The holo-table shifts into presentation mode.
Huxwright:
"This is the JCC Operations Cell. Everything that happens here is about coordination, not command."

The display highlights intersecting data streams.
Huxwright:
"The Joint Coordination Center exists to synchronize Imperial Interstellar Scout Service activities with those of the Trooles Reconnaissance Command. We do not issue combat orders. We do not task fleets. We ensure that information moves cleanly and accurately so decisions are made with full context."

A second layer of data appears.

"TRC provides focused reconnaissance and strategic analysis—particularly along unstable regions near the Korsumug frontier. Their value lies in precision, depth, and regional insight."

Another layer overlays it.

"The IISS contributes long-term survey data, traffic monitoring, jump-route analysis, and continuity. Scouts remain in place long enough to recognize patterns, not just events."
He pauses briefly.
Huxwright:
"What the Imperium provides to the Trooles Confederation through this facility is early warning, neutral observation, and stability. What the Confederation provides to the Imperium is advance awareness of developments that could affect Imperial borders and interests."

He turns slightly to face the group directly.

"This is a cooperative arrangement. Neither side operates under the authority of the other."
The display shifts again, highlighting access points.
Huxwright:
"For Ironhand personnel, your role is support. You do not operate within this cell. You provide security, escort, and controlled presence so those assigned here can focus on analysis rather than force protection."

His tone remains measured.
Huxwright:
"You enter this space only when tasked. You do not solicit information directly from TRC personnel. All coordination flows through this center and through IISS channels."
The holo-table dims.
Huxwright:
"Everything inside this facility is considered sensitive unless explicitly stated otherwise. Discretion is mandatory."

He steps back.
Huxwright:
"That concludes your Joint Coordination Center orientation. Follow-on instructions will be issued through Scout Lin or through your selected Ironhand team leader."

He gestures back toward the corridor.

"Let’s clear the space."
The doors close behind you as the Operations Cell resumes its quiet, controlled rhythm.
OOC:
I built this intro based on my experience in the U.S. Army and as a contractor overseas to give you a feeling of being a new contractor in a far off place being part of a large organization that still needs your character. Your character is important, how important will be evident very soon.
Dec 12, 2025 1:10 pm
Wiburg answered:

"Yes, ma’am. The answer is clear."

During the visit he remains very attentive and does not speak at all.

As soon as they are free, he goes to the armory to deposit his weapons, including his dagger.

YullyBear sent a note to Muns
Last edited December 12, 2025 1:11 pm
Dec 13, 2025 10:03 am
OOC:
This reply is for the pre-JCC briefing. Sorry for my delay.
Bohdie listens attentively, noting each point and studying the team as they ask questions. If no one asks about the weapons in the armory beforehand
OOC:
thus far none has…
, Bohdie will step forward and ask. "In regards to the weapons to be authorized during our assignment, there will be familiarization and range time for each, correct? While I am sure all parties involved would be happy if none were ever fired during a mission, an unexpected firefight is a bad time to figure out where safeties are, rates of fire and whether the mags slide straight in, are rocked in from one direction or the other. We are all professionals here and we all have some level of weapons skill, but every mechanical device has quirks, firearms are no different."

He pauses and adds a second question. "Also, in regards to weapons and equipment issue, are we maintaining a ‘standard issue’ weapon outside of the armory or are all weapons maintained and secured by Armory Personnel until mission issuance?"
Dec 13, 2025 10:06 am
OOC:
Looking around for "Bob" and checking to see if this is his last station before retiring…

Damn, Muns… I was wondering why all this felt so familiar…. :-)
Dec 13, 2025 5:36 pm
Packratt66 says:
[ooc]This reply is for the pre-JCC briefing.
GM: No worries
Packratt66 says:

"In regards to the weapons to be authorized during our assignment, there will be familiarization and range time for each, correct? While I am sure all parties involved would be happy if none were ever fired during a mission, an unexpected firefight is a bad time to figure out where safeties are, rates of fire and whether the mags slide straight in, are rocked in from one direction or the other. We are all professionals here and we all have some level of weapons skill, but every mechanical device has quirks, firearms are no different."
"Also, in regards to weapons and equipment issue, are we maintaining a ‘standard issue’ weapon outside of the armory or are all weapons maintained and secured by Armory Personnel until mission issuance?"
Tsoukfaeks listens without interrupting, gives a single acknowledging nod when Bohdie finishes, then answers the group as a whole.

"You are correct in your assessment. Familiarity with issued weapons is mandatory, not optional.

Tomorrow is scheduled as a full familiarization and range day. Every Ironhand-authorized weapon system assigned to this detachment will be available for hands-on handling, dry drills, and live fire. That includes safeties, fire selectors, reload mechanics, optics interfaces, and malfunction procedures. The purpose is exactly what you described: ensuring that no one is discovering a weapon’s quirks for the first time under stress.

Range time will be supervised, logged, and conducted to Ironhand standards. If any individual requires additional repetitions on a specific platform, that will be accommodated. Competence is assumed. Confirmation is required."

She pauses briefly before continuing.

"As for weapons issue and storage: no, you will not maintain a standard issue weapon outside the armory under current conditions.

Pautho is assessed as a secure environment. Weapons are issued for missions, off-world movement, or if the local security situation changes. Until then, all firearms and controlled equipment remain secured and maintained by armory personnel, and the Armory personnel are you. You are in charge of the Armory. You are professionals and Ironhand expects professionals to account for themselves.

If that posture changes, you will know well in advance. Any shift in threat status will be identified through the Joint Coordination Center and corroborated by the Trooles Reconnaissance Command. This is not a system where surprises occur without warning.

Until such a change is declared, weapons are checked out for training or tasking only, then returned."

She gives a final nod.

"Good questions. Range Day details is posted to your schedule for tomorrow."
Dec 14, 2025 2:25 am
Bohdie nods once. "Thank you." Bohdie steps back, indicating he’s satisfied with the answer.
Dec 14, 2025 4:31 am
After the group departs the JCC, Chaala nods to the Vargr. "Here's the line, that's what's over the line, don't cross the line without orders. Pretty straightforward."

As they walk back to the Ironhand compound, she asks another question. "Do we get any liberty? If so, are we limited to on base or is there a civvie area we're cleared for. I assume, since there's no relief team, we're on duty 100% while we're off-world, so any time off would be around here."
Dec 14, 2025 9:39 pm
Tsoukfaeks flicks an ear in acknowledgement, her expression approving rather than amused.
"That’s a fair read," she says. "And yes—you’re correct. You are on duty the entire time you’re off-world. There is no relief element on Pautho, so liberty exists at my discretion and within defined boundaries."

She continues as they approach the compound gates.
"For tonight, there is no liberty. We remain on base. Tomorrow is a full range day, early start, and I want everyone rested and clear-headed. After Day Two, assuming the range evolution goes as planned, I’ll authorize limited off-base liberty. You will not be restricted to the compound, but you will be restricted to approved civilian zones—specifically the Starport Core and the Entertainment Strip. Dockward and the older fringe districts are off-limits unless you are there on tasking."

Tsoukfaeks slows slightly, just enough to make the next part land.
"Think of it this way: you’re not ‘off duty,’ you’re in a reduced operational posture. Stay where security is high, where people expect offworlders, and where Ironhand presence doesn’t stand out. When liberty opens up, I’ll recommend specific establishments that are clean, well-managed, and friendly to mixed crews—including a Vargr enclave restaurant for anyone interested in something a little louder and less Terran. You cross district lines, change posture, or make it my problem without orders, and liberty disappears for everyone. Keep it simple, and you’ll have room to breathe."

posted on all of the Ironhand tablets:
IRONHAND SECURITY SOLUTIONS
TRAINING & OPERATIONS SCHEDULE — PAUTHO

Day Two — Weapons Familiarization & Range Operations
Status: On-Duty
Posture Change: Reduced Operational Posture authorized at 1800
0600 — Breakfast (Mandatory)
Location: Ironhand Facility Commons
Notes: Light meal recommended; full range day scheduled.
0730 — Load Up / Departure
Location: Ironhand Facility Motor Pool
Transport: Ironhand-secured vehicles

Weapons Status:
  • All Ironhand armory weapons will be drawn for transport to the range
  • Personal weapons stored at the facility remain secured and are not issued

0800 — Arrival at Range / In-Processing
  • Accountability check
  • Range orientation and safety brief
  • Weapons staged and secured

Weapons draw and issue begins at the discretion of the players.
0830–1500 — RANGE OPERATIONS
  • Individual weapons familiarization
  • Team drills
  • Live-fire exercises
  • Weapon handling, clearing, and malfunction procedures

Logistics Support
  • Ammunition: Pre-arranged, on-site issue
  • Meals: Field meal support provided at the range
  • Hydration: Continuous availability

Personnel are to plan on remaining at the range for the entire evolution.
1500 — Training Complete
Final drills conclude. Weapons made safe.
1500–1600 — Range Clearance
  • Weapons turn-in
  • Ammunition reconciliation
  • Equipment inspection
  • Range area cleared

1600–1700 — Transportation
Return transit to Ironhand Facility. Final accountability.
1800 — AUTHORIZED LIBERTY
Status: Limited Off-Base Liberty Authorized

Approved Zones:
  • Starport Core
  • Entertainment Strip

Restrictions:
  • Dockward and Old City districts remain off-limits
  • Personnel remain on duty while off-world

Liberty is conditional and subject to immediate revocation if incidents occur.
END OF SCHEDULE
Dec 14, 2025 10:19 pm
Bohdie listens carefully and examines the schedule posted to his Ironhand device. He nods thoughtfully but says nothing out loud. Instead, he thinks back to his years of deep cover. Seems he was never really "off-duty" then and yet also always "off-duty" in a sense. But Hrut… Hrut was never truly off-duty. But then he never really thought of it in those terms, anyway. It was more a case of always being alert for opportunity; an mis-whispered word, a bad sleight of hand exchange, strange behaviors… he was a student of interactions. It kept him safe, it kept him "in business". Yes, Bohdie and Hrut had learned the art of recreational alertness - being alert and ready for action while appearing completely relaxed and uncaring. Bohdie began to wonder if he should call up Hrut… for old-times sake…
Dec 15, 2025 6:34 pm
Wilbur was used to a military schedule. First in the Marine Corps, and later—even after joining the Merchant Marine—he kept to a military clock. Now, deep under cover, he was back to it again. His target—and friend—was in charge of a dissident military group.

So nothing new for him, except that for once he didn’t have to clean weapons after the range. Too bad—he found it a relaxing time, a task that didn’t require much thought, and he had come to enjoy it.

Tonight he didn’t feel like talking much. The frozen treatment had certainly taken a toll on his body. Instead, he spent some time reacquainting himself with the people he knew in the group. Strange how people end up back together. At least it was a pleasant surprise.

He went to bed early and woke up fresh at 0500, following the schedule to a T.
Dec 23, 2025 3:47 pm
Victor Shone was really surprised when he got interviewed for a position under Ironhand Security Solutions. The entire process felt like a very methodical selection process for a well-organized, tight-knit private military organization. Those things were common all the time, but he felt a familiar sense of fear again. Was he going to be posted again in a battlezone? Was his luck finally running out, and will he die by a bullet on an unknown planet fighting some unknown war? He had been able to survive the Fifth Frontier War only to be sent into another meat grinder? Perhaps this was his life afterall. His dream about getting a private clinic at a remote spaceport was not going to happen, and he was running out of credits. So, he applied out of desperation and immediately realized that his fears might be true as they were shipped offworld in low berths. He knew that low berth technology has made great advancements in revival, but there was still an error margin and a failure rate. He half hopped that if he had to die, then a critical failure during thawing would not be a bad way to go. Atleast it won’t be a bullet wound or POW camp somewhere on a distant planet. But his wish was unfortunately not granted, and he could feel the familiar heaviness when he woke up from the berth. He nodded to the ISS medics when they checked on him. He questioned them about the vitals of his and others, whether there were any metabolic discrepancies that they faced and had to avoid when they rethawed him. He liked talking with this personnel, and it finally felt that he was in the known company of like-minded physicians. However, that was not for too long, as the ship finally reached Pautho starport, where their actual operations were supposed to take place.

After receiving the debriefs and politely interacting with the rest of the crew, he could see some familiar faces, but the entire military environment made him a bit uncomfortable. He had served with armed forces before, but he was never a soldier. So, when finally they were asked about questions, he cautiously raised his hands and asked, "I wanted to ask about my service here in this base. Will I operate in the field, or am I supposed to maintain the medical facility here and keep others fit and the wounded taken care of?"
Dec 23, 2025 11:10 pm
Tsoukfaeks’ Response — Dr. Victor Shone

Tsoukfaeks listens without interrupting, head angled slightly as Victor speaks. When he finishes, she gives a single nod—measured, deliberate—before answering.

"You are a member of this team," she says plainly. "Your medical skills are why Ironhand hired you. You are not here as static support. You will deploy with the team when the mission requires it. You will also be responsible for medical readiness, treatment, and triage during operations. That balance will vary by tasking, but you should expect to operate forward when necessary."

She shifts her weight slightly, continuing.

"The IISS and Ironhand do not maintain an independent hospital here. We use the Trooles Reconnaissance Command medical clinic on Pautho. I have already coordinated for you to visit the clinic staff, review their procedures, and establish working relationships."

Her tone remains factual.

"It is a ten-bed facility. Its primary role is supporting TRC Training Command personnel and base staff. Serious trauma cases are transferred directly to Pautho General Hospital. That defines the scope of the clinic—capable, but not a field hospital."

She pauses, then adds context.

"The previous team’s medic was an Imperial Navy corpsman. Competent, and experienced. He left solid notes regarding this team’s medical needs and the clinic’s internal dynamics."

Her ears tilt slightly.

"Those notes are basic. Useful, but written at a corpsman’s level—not a physician’s. You will likely find them incomplete. That is expected."

She continues, voice steady.

"The previous team did not conduct many off-world missions after a financial misconduct incident involving two contractors. Their most significant operation was on Jairbax—asset protection for an IISS survey team. The threat environment was assessed as low, limited primarily to legal and political complications."

Her expression hardens slightly.

"A medical assistance clinic was established on-site and was effective. However, the operation was terminated after an IISS Advocate uncovered fraudulent expense claims by two Ironhand personnel. Those individuals were removed immediately. I was not present and handled the aftermath here on Pautho."

She lets that settle before continuing.

"Following that incident, Ironhand’s reputation took a hit. Tasking was restricted. Subsequent missions were limited, TRC-supported, and within six parsecs of Pautho—primarily along the Korsumug Main. Short leash. No discretion."

Tsoukfaeks looks directly at Victor now.

"That is the context you are stepping into. This team is being rebuilt deliberately."

She finishes calmly.

"You will have the opportunity to practice medicine. You will not be thrown blindly into a meat grinder. And you will not be sidelined to a desk unless circumstances demand it."

"Your role matters. Prepare accordingly."

She gives a final nod, signaling the matter addressed.

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