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game_systems:traveller:starlightdrifter:adventure_journal [2022/12/18 11:43] – [07 Spy Searching] Bryan Stephensgame_systems:traveller:starlightdrifter:adventure_journal [2023/02/10 15:44] (current) – [Rescue] Bryan Stephens
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-====== Tales From the Starlight Drifter ======+======= Tales From the Starlight Drifter =======
  
 {{:game_systems:traveller:starlightdrifter:drifter.png?nolink&400|}} {{:game_systems:traveller:starlightdrifter:drifter.png?nolink&400|}}
  
-===== Connections and Preludes=====+====== Connections and Preludes======
 [[game_systems:traveller:starlightdrifter:connections|Character Connections]] [[game_systems:traveller:starlightdrifter:connections|Character Connections]]
  
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-===== 01 It’s Just and Escort =====+====== 01 It’s Just and Escort ======
  
 |Game Date|01/23/2022| |Game Date|01/23/2022|
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-=====02 Jump Space Spy =====+======02 Jump Space Spy ======
  
 |Game Date|02/06/2022| |Game Date|02/06/2022|
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 The group expects they'll be spending their first night on the starship. However, everyone has shopping list of equipment and things that they want. And, today is the first day Sharri has ever set foot on another world.  The group expects they'll be spending their first night on the starship. However, everyone has shopping list of equipment and things that they want. And, today is the first day Sharri has ever set foot on another world. 
  
-=====03 Forniceication =====+======03 Forniceication ======
  
 |Game Date|03/06/2022| |Game Date|03/06/2022|
 |Campaign Dates|1109-021-035| |Campaign Dates|1109-021-035|
 +
 +====First New World====
  
 Having taken the first day to unload, the travallers look to take care of their personal business. Sharri has a meeting with dinner to formalize the crew {{ :game_systems:traveller:starlightdrifter:messages:sdi_crew_contract.pdf |contracts}}, as while this was going to be done before they left, things have been hectic. She also has Rally sign her up as his exclusive {{ :game_systems:traveller:starlightdrifter:messages:sdi_agent_to_rally.pdf |agent}} (now his previous contract is complete) and in her first act facilitates the bodyguard {{ :game_systems:traveller:starlightdrifter:messages:rally_owens_contract.pdf |arrangement}} between Rally and Sgt. Hanson. Galen suggests they go ahead and top their fuel, noting they can buy unrefined and process it in a little over two days. It never hurts to be ready to run.  Having taken the first day to unload, the travallers look to take care of their personal business. Sharri has a meeting with dinner to formalize the crew {{ :game_systems:traveller:starlightdrifter:messages:sdi_crew_contract.pdf |contracts}}, as while this was going to be done before they left, things have been hectic. She also has Rally sign her up as his exclusive {{ :game_systems:traveller:starlightdrifter:messages:sdi_agent_to_rally.pdf |agent}} (now his previous contract is complete) and in her first act facilitates the bodyguard {{ :game_systems:traveller:starlightdrifter:messages:rally_owens_contract.pdf |arrangement}} between Rally and Sgt. Hanson. Galen suggests they go ahead and top their fuel, noting they can buy unrefined and process it in a little over two days. It never hurts to be ready to run. 
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 A bit concerned with the use of military equipment as the back up, Viktor continues his work. Further investigation shows that the criminal family the Karanatovs are into running arms. They hail originally from Palique and have maintained that accent. They are involved in many other things, and may well be behind the moves against the crew. Viktor wonders what else they may be doing.  A bit concerned with the use of military equipment as the back up, Viktor continues his work. Further investigation shows that the criminal family the Karanatovs are into running arms. They hail originally from Palique and have maintained that accent. They are involved in many other things, and may well be behind the moves against the crew. Viktor wonders what else they may be doing. 
 +
 +=== The offer ===
  
 |Game Date|04/24/2022| |Game Date|04/24/2022|
 |Campaign Dates|1109-036-051|Month 2| |Campaign Dates|1109-036-051|Month 2|
  
- 
-=== The offer === 
  
 While Viktor is moving about the city, he notices someone clearly following him. He is quite aware he is being pushed in a direction, but plays it cool. This leads to an encounter with a young man in his 20’s, Agent Janvier, of Fornice Planetary Security (FPS). He discusses how Galen crossed paths with the Karanatov crime family, known for their ties to Palique separatists. Having use the Long Huzi gang to gather information, the agents approached the former Director Petrovich to get clarification. After a brief conversation, it is clear that FPS wants to go after the crime family and would be willing to overlook the meeting for help.  While Viktor is moving about the city, he notices someone clearly following him. He is quite aware he is being pushed in a direction, but plays it cool. This leads to an encounter with a young man in his 20’s, Agent Janvier, of Fornice Planetary Security (FPS). He discusses how Galen crossed paths with the Karanatov crime family, known for their ties to Palique separatists. Having use the Long Huzi gang to gather information, the agents approached the former Director Petrovich to get clarification. After a brief conversation, it is clear that FPS wants to go after the crime family and would be willing to overlook the meeting for help. 
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 At the starport, the loading is going well. Galen is running the loading arm inside the ship, while Viktor is patrolling the outside. As he is aware that one of the port authority workers is out of line of sight, the //Drifter// announces to the two that someone has just tried to gain entry into the airlock. Viktor goes to the rolling stairs and finds a port authority worker named “Janus” coming down the ladder. Galen is able to see clearly on security footage this man trying to enter the ship. Viktor does not acknowledge anything happened formally, and the man is a master of deception. However, the two know what is going on, and Viktor smothers him in kindness, even as he keeps watching the man who clearly wants to get out of the hanger. The rest of the loading goes without incident, and the two button up the ship and return to Limoges and the rest of the team. At the starport, the loading is going well. Galen is running the loading arm inside the ship, while Viktor is patrolling the outside. As he is aware that one of the port authority workers is out of line of sight, the //Drifter// announces to the two that someone has just tried to gain entry into the airlock. Viktor goes to the rolling stairs and finds a port authority worker named “Janus” coming down the ladder. Galen is able to see clearly on security footage this man trying to enter the ship. Viktor does not acknowledge anything happened formally, and the man is a master of deception. However, the two know what is going on, and Viktor smothers him in kindness, even as he keeps watching the man who clearly wants to get out of the hanger. The rest of the loading goes without incident, and the two button up the ship and return to Limoges and the rest of the team.
  
-== Tour Bus Terror ===+==== Tour Bus Terror ====
 Half a week later, the group is looking forward to arriving back at the hotel. They are flying over the dark side of the planet at 1 in the morning, all asleep except for Rally (with a boxcars luck roll), who is in the lounge watching a historical documentary on 13th Century Terran Music in China. Suddenly, the feed drops, and Rally cannot get access to any planetary network feeds. He calls Sharri who does not respond (-6 Effect on luck roll) as she is sacked out. However, as Rally looks at the autopilot he notices a red light. He calls Sgt. Hanson, who immediately wakes up and is downstairs in armor, with his rifle in hand. It is clear to him that their is a jammer. The rest of the team gets up and Galen and Viktor sit up front to see status. The auto pilot is now flying on inertial guidance and locked down. Galen tries to override it while Viktor does a sensor scan. Sure enough, there are 6 flying heat sources near the tour bus, one below, one above and two on each side. He turns on all the lights of the bus and the whole Rally Owens Tour display system illuminates the night with his rock music playing.  Half a week later, the group is looking forward to arriving back at the hotel. They are flying over the dark side of the planet at 1 in the morning, all asleep except for Rally (with a boxcars luck roll), who is in the lounge watching a historical documentary on 13th Century Terran Music in China. Suddenly, the feed drops, and Rally cannot get access to any planetary network feeds. He calls Sharri who does not respond (-6 Effect on luck roll) as she is sacked out. However, as Rally looks at the autopilot he notices a red light. He calls Sgt. Hanson, who immediately wakes up and is downstairs in armor, with his rifle in hand. It is clear to him that their is a jammer. The rest of the team gets up and Galen and Viktor sit up front to see status. The auto pilot is now flying on inertial guidance and locked down. Galen tries to override it while Viktor does a sensor scan. Sure enough, there are 6 flying heat sources near the tour bus, one below, one above and two on each side. He turns on all the lights of the bus and the whole Rally Owens Tour display system illuminates the night with his rock music playing. 
  
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 Galen again tries to use his axe for leverage but fails, this time dropping his axe. Sharri and Rally get him into the ship while Viktor fires to the side, and Hanson fires from below. The last two bikes are driven off. As Viktor applies first aid to Galen, Sharri grabs her computer with its transmitter and calls for help. They emergency response gives them codes to fly the bus and sends out an escort. A hour later, they have landed at the nearest city, only to be met by FPS agents. The agents say they will debrief Viktor later and in the meantime look the other way while the group takes their bags off the bus to smaller transport back to Euridan and the Lezgiv Towers hotel. There a new bus will be waiting for them. Hanson makes sure Galen’s things are taken along, as he is off to spend two days in the hospital. His grav ambulance takes an agent along for the ride. When Galen gets back to the hotel, he finds a replacement axe courtesy of the FPS. Galen again tries to use his axe for leverage but fails, this time dropping his axe. Sharri and Rally get him into the ship while Viktor fires to the side, and Hanson fires from below. The last two bikes are driven off. As Viktor applies first aid to Galen, Sharri grabs her computer with its transmitter and calls for help. They emergency response gives them codes to fly the bus and sends out an escort. A hour later, they have landed at the nearest city, only to be met by FPS agents. The agents say they will debrief Viktor later and in the meantime look the other way while the group takes their bags off the bus to smaller transport back to Euridan and the Lezgiv Towers hotel. There a new bus will be waiting for them. Hanson makes sure Galen’s things are taken along, as he is off to spend two days in the hospital. His grav ambulance takes an agent along for the ride. When Galen gets back to the hotel, he finds a replacement axe courtesy of the FPS.
  
-=== There I am, up on the Stage Again ===+==== There I am, up on the Stage Again ====
  
 {{:game_systems:traveller:starlightdrifter:ho63gf5lgmxddsl6z3o45fyb2q.jpg?nolink&600|}} {{:game_systems:traveller:starlightdrifter:ho63gf5lgmxddsl6z3o45fyb2q.jpg?nolink&600|}}
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 The day after the concert, Sharri gets a message from an anonomoys source that threatens them more after their demonstrations. She coordinates with Agent Janviar and agrees to take on the extra cargo. The trap is now set. Galen wonders to Viktor if he will be able to intercept the 10th cargo container with his “shopping list”.  The day after the concert, Sharri gets a message from an anonomoys source that threatens them more after their demonstrations. She coordinates with Agent Janviar and agrees to take on the extra cargo. The trap is now set. Galen wonders to Viktor if he will be able to intercept the 10th cargo container with his “shopping list”. 
  
-=== There we go, Turn the Page ===+==== There we go, Turn the Page ====
  
 {{:game_systems:traveller:starlightdrifter:hanger.png?nolink&200 |}} {{:game_systems:traveller:starlightdrifter:hanger.png?nolink&200 |}}
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-=====04 Maitz Mining =====+======04 Maitz Mining ======
  
 === Making the Most of the Time === === Making the Most of the Time ===
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 It is time for some rest and relaxation after a job well done.  It is time for some rest and relaxation after a job well done. 
  
-===== 05 The Pits of Ghanath Lor =====+====== 05 The Pits of Ghanath Lor ======
  
 |Game Date|8/14/22| |Game Date|8/14/22|
 |Campaign Dates|1099, (Month 3) 72-75| |Campaign Dates|1099, (Month 3) 72-75|
  
-=== Hero’s Welcome ===+==== Hero’s Welcome ====
  
 After Mohthy Hutch (the previous low birth passenger who signed up with Medgrev) sends the group a message to meet him, the group heads to the bar **Glowing Gulch** where they find themselves with a hero’s welcome. The applause builds to cheering and they are informed their drinks are on the house. Glowing Gulch is a miners bar, and the occupants are happy to see “The Company”, Xetos get shown up.  After Mohthy Hutch (the previous low birth passenger who signed up with Medgrev) sends the group a message to meet him, the group heads to the bar **Glowing Gulch** where they find themselves with a hero’s welcome. The applause builds to cheering and they are informed their drinks are on the house. Glowing Gulch is a miners bar, and the occupants are happy to see “The Company”, Xetos get shown up. 
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 |Campaign Dates|1099, (Month 3) 76-77| |Campaign Dates|1099, (Month 3) 76-77|
  
-=== Saving the Girl ===+==== Saving the Girl ====
  
 {{ :game_systems:traveller:places:gambling.jpg?400|}} {{ :game_systems:traveller:places:gambling.jpg?400|}}
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 The //Starlight Drifter// is not free and clear yet! Viktor picks up fighters launching, no doubt to pursue them. Sharri orders them to prepare for battle. With their engineer down, there is no one to speed up a jump to get away. This will have to be an old fashioned fight! The //Starlight Drifter// is not free and clear yet! Viktor picks up fighters launching, no doubt to pursue them. Sharri orders them to prepare for battle. With their engineer down, there is no one to speed up a jump to get away. This will have to be an old fashioned fight!
  
-=== Dog Fight and Return===+==== Dog Fight and Return====
  
 |Game Date|10/23/22| |Game Date|10/23/22|
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 Sharri agrees as they want to fly back to Maitz anyway, and this gives them a payout for the three-day trip. The crew sets off for a milk run.  Sharri agrees as they want to fly back to Maitz anyway, and this gives them a payout for the three-day trip. The crew sets off for a milk run. 
  
-===== 06 Pirates of the Past =====+====== 06 Pirates of the Past ======
  
 |Game Date|10/23/22 & 11/6/22| |Game Date|10/23/22 & 11/6/22|
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 It is during this time that Viktor receives an {{ :game_systems:traveller:starlightdrifter:messages:07_spy_searching_mission.pdf |encoded message}} assigning them a new mission for Imperial Security.  It is during this time that Viktor receives an {{ :game_systems:traveller:starlightdrifter:messages:07_spy_searching_mission.pdf |encoded message}} assigning them a new mission for Imperial Security. 
  
-===== 07 Spy Searching =====+====== 07 Spy Searching ======
  
 |Game Date|12/11/22| |Game Date|12/11/22|
 |Campaign Dates|1099, (Month 4) 90- 108| |Campaign Dates|1099, (Month 4) 90- 108|
  
-{{:game_systems:traveller:npcs:delphine_castillon_icon.png?200 |}}+{{:game_systems:traveller:npcs:delphine_castillon_icon.png?200 |Director Castillon}}
  
 About the same time as Viktor gets his orders, Shari receives a message from Kirsten Barrick, executive assistant to the Assistant Director for Terrorism of Fornice. Director Castillon is seeking discrete transportation to the planet [[https://wiki.travellerrpg.com/Palique_(SM_3029)_(world)|Palique]] About the same time as Viktor gets his orders, Shari receives a message from Kirsten Barrick, executive assistant to the Assistant Director for Terrorism of Fornice. Director Castillon is seeking discrete transportation to the planet [[https://wiki.travellerrpg.com/Palique_(SM_3029)_(world)|Palique]]
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 |Cr32,000 for the Grav Vehicle| |Cr32,000 for the Grav Vehicle|
 |Cr224,000 Total Payment| |Cr224,000 Total Payment|
 +
 +{{:game_systems:traveller:npcs:jase_morray_icon.png?200 |Jase Morray}}
  
 Meanwhile, Viktor’s briefing is clear that Imperial Intelligence believes one of the members of this team is a mole from a foreign power. He has a brief dossier on each member of the team. Viktor and Sharri talk and Sharri arranges a meeting with Kirsten and Director Castillon to finalize the transportation. The //Drifter// is spending three days in repair to they have some time to observe their passengers in a social setting. They are: Meanwhile, Viktor’s briefing is clear that Imperial Intelligence believes one of the members of this team is a mole from a foreign power. He has a brief dossier on each member of the team. Viktor and Sharri talk and Sharri arranges a meeting with Kirsten and Director Castillon to finalize the transportation. The //Drifter// is spending three days in repair to they have some time to observe their passengers in a social setting. They are:
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 <wrap indent> Agent Justr Derson (Male Vargr) </wrap> <wrap indent> Agent Justr Derson (Male Vargr) </wrap>
  
-{{:game_systems:traveller:npcs:jase_morray_icon.png?200 |Jase Morray}} 
  
 During the first day, amazingly, Agent Morray, a big fan of Rally, manages to close the bar while Rally and Sgt. Hanson both wash out. The next night they perform better. Viktor notes that the Director tends to spend time to herself buried in work. On the second night he joins her for dinner and is able to talk deeply with her. Castillon cannot understand why someone of Viktor’s rank would leave his job and work on a tramp freighter. Over dinner Viktor is not only able to learn about the drive of the Director, but also persuade her his path makes sense, and she is much warmer to him in the end. Sharri interacts with Kirsten to get things ready for departure.  During the first day, amazingly, Agent Morray, a big fan of Rally, manages to close the bar while Rally and Sgt. Hanson both wash out. The next night they perform better. Viktor notes that the Director tends to spend time to herself buried in work. On the second night he joins her for dinner and is able to talk deeply with her. Castillon cannot understand why someone of Viktor’s rank would leave his job and work on a tramp freighter. Over dinner Viktor is not only able to learn about the drive of the Director, but also persuade her his path makes sense, and she is much warmer to him in the end. Sharri interacts with Kirsten to get things ready for departure. 
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 The next night Jase joins Rally for a jam session and all is going well until the cat opens the door. Seeing Jase there, it hisses loudly and runs away. It is strange to Rally. Jase suggests there is nothing to it, but Rally is unconvinced. By the time the arrive at [[https://wiki.travellerrpg.com/Palique_(SM_3029)_(world)|Palique]], Viktor thinks Jase is their man, and he reports that to the Imperial Intelligence contact on the planet.  The next night Jase joins Rally for a jam session and all is going well until the cat opens the door. Seeing Jase there, it hisses loudly and runs away. It is strange to Rally. Jase suggests there is nothing to it, but Rally is unconvinced. By the time the arrive at [[https://wiki.travellerrpg.com/Palique_(SM_3029)_(world)|Palique]], Viktor thinks Jase is their man, and he reports that to the Imperial Intelligence contact on the planet. 
 +
 +The highport is in the process of moving into the shelter of the trailing shadow the planet, with the entry into the planetary belt due in three weeks. Director Castillon, however, has reserved official space at the downport. The //Drifter// is brought down with automated control past a large armored swinging door that will be closed during the upcoming bombardment of the world. The ship is lowered deep underground and placed in a secured bay. 
  
 They are asked to wait two weeks by director Castillon, and Tangie asks Sharri if she can leave the ship to tour. Taken aback, Sharri is clear that Tangie is just as much a member of the crew as anyone and free to make her own choices. The crew of the //Starlight Drifter// wait.  They are asked to wait two weeks by director Castillon, and Tangie asks Sharri if she can leave the ship to tour. Taken aback, Sharri is clear that Tangie is just as much a member of the crew as anyone and free to make her own choices. The crew of the //Starlight Drifter// wait. 
 +
 +====== 08 Conspiracy and Kidnapping ======
 +
 +|Game Date|01/15/23|
 +|Campaign Dates|1099, (Month 4) 109-112, (Month 5) 113-130|
 +
 +Palique is a world of vast, underground cities. Tangie asks for leave to go tour, which Sharri happily grants. The rest of the team settles in for a stay. Gale and Sharri get basic rooms for the week, while Rally books the presidential suite in the planetary capital city, Saint-Denis. Viktor books a room at the Travaller’s Aid Society, but spends his time researching the revolutionary forces, catching naps in various local cafes. He is fully in agent mode. What he finds is an organization that seems to have arisen rather quickly. Most people on Palique have not been that upset with being ruled by Fornice. 
 +
 +A few days in, Rally Owens has been noticed. A local casino wants to show him off and sets up a deal with Sharri for him to play in public, with other VIPs. 
 +
 +{{:game_systems:traveller:places:58a8538a17ef07ef307d9808792aab40.jpg?600 |}}
 +
 +Two days later, Rally is waiting in the car while Hanson makes sure of the security. A unmarked van screams up and masked men with stunners jump out and fire. Hanson yells for Rally to take off. Rally orders the car to leave and he looks back to see Hanson fall to the blasts of the would be kidnappers. He frantically calls the team to tell them what is going on and Sharri orders him to go to her hotel. She alerts that hotel’s security and asks them to meet Rally with her. As this is going on, Sharri gets a call from Tangie saying she is headed to check out the//Grott d’Organac//, a cave system with one of the few places with natural life on the planet. 
 +
 +Galen and Viktor head for the club as they were already going to go there. Viktor uses his ID as a certified driver to unlock the auto pilot and take control of the car manually. When he gets to the club, Hanson is nowhere to be seen, but he spies a van speeding away. As he takes off in pursuit, Galen first redirects his car towards the hotel to rendezvous with the others, but diverts to the chase. Viktor shoots out a tire on the van with his smuggled gun, which comes to a stop in front of a mall. The driver leaps out and runs inside. Viktor checks the van to find it empty. 
 +
 +Galan arrives at the mall at the other end and he and Viktor enter in search of the man. However, all they find is discarded clothing and a weapon. At a loss, Viktor and Galen head back to the hotel and suggest they all gather. Tangie, however, is not answering her comm. 
 +
 +Before the two can make it back, Agent Derson shows up and tells the group to come with him, that Agent Castillon wants them to keep them safe. He is unhappy to hear a member of the crew is missing and one is kidnapped. As Galen and Viktor arrive, there is an explosion in the distance, rocking the city. Arriving at the headquarters with Agent Derson, they see the epicenter of the explosion. They are informed that Kirsten was gravely injured in the attack, with brain damage, and was fighting for her life. They meet in a makeshift tent outside the HQ. Viktor talks her into letting them research Tangie’s disappearance, and he goes with Galen and Agent Derson. They review the public security records and see Tangie make the call on her comm and rather vacantly walk towards someone they cannot see. They notice she was in front of a flower show with its own security cameras. Derson is easily able to use his authority to get access to the cameras and they show the angle. Tangie is meeting with Jase Morray. 
 +
 +It is at this point Viktor puts it all together: Tangie looking drugged or under control, Rally’s odd sensations, the crescent cat’s reaction to the man. Jase Morray is a psion. They return to Director Castillon and report. She is appalled, but clearly believes them. So does the Imperial Agent who has joined the scene, Director of Imperial Planetary Intelligence, Louis Javert. Director Javert assumes control of the situation and places the crew of the //Starlight Drifter// under arrest. They are sent to separate holding cells. Each member is in an interview room, with the classic grey metal furniture. Javert interviews them each in turn. 
 +
 +Sharri uses her knowledge of Imperial law to stand her ground and refuses to speak until she gets her lawyer. She requests one from her old college friend, Delila Laux’s, shipping firm, back on Mora. She is happy to wait the weeks this will take. She is moved into incarceration. 
 +
 +Meanwhile, Galen is subjected to a more dismissive interview. Javert seems to know far more about his past than he would prefer and the Director holds it over him. Galen protests this was “supposed to be cleared when I left”, unfortunately admitting past crimes. He is not offered a lawyer and it told the gun alone he had on him when they picked it up from the kidnapper. He too, is moved into incarceration. 
 +
 +Rally shows even less circumspection and tells them everything he knows. As a high profile citizen who is also the son of a planetary Knight, Rally is confined to his elegant hotel room. He even manages to get the Director to deliver him a nice red chair to his suite. Agent Derson is placed in direct charge of security to keep him there. 
 +
 +It is clear Javert cannot understand at all why someone so highly placed in Imperial Intelligence as Viktor was would just walk away and be crew on a tramp freighter, doing odd contract jobs for Intelligence. Viktor holds his own and does not bother with asking for an attorney. He knows the drill from both sides. Javert gets no satisfaction from Viktor, but knows that straight incarceration could have blowback on his career, so he sends the former agent to stay with Rally. 
 +
 +{{ :game_systems:traveller:ships_and_vehicles:cpcsmall_-_used.jpg?600|}}
 +
 +Viktor checks the gift chair and notes is it bugged. He then grabs a drink and spends time learning about the //Grott d’Organac//. Palique is a captured planet from outside the solar system, accounting for its variable orbit. Bacterial life seems to have been fed through the world’s tectonic activity. In these caves it results in spectacular colors and scents as it lives in the water of the caves embedding itself into the very stones. 
 +
 +After significant digging over the course of several days, Viktor finds a key piece of information. Jean de La Hire was a human scientist, who, 21 years prior, discovered some of the bacteria had a degree of psychopsionic activity. She set up a research base near the caves, but her work was cut short with a freak meteorite impact of her grav car. The research ended with her life and has clearly been buried for the intervening two decades. Viktor could find no record of the decommissioning of the base. With effort, he was able to finds its location, near to the caves themselves. 
 +
 +Shortly after this discovery, Director Javert returns with an Imperial Psion in tow to check the crew for contamination. Everyone but Galen is given paperwork to sign for consent. Sharri takes her time agreeing, but after a few hours gives in. Everyone is now more trusted by Javert and they are able to gather together again with the agents from Fornice. While they have been on lockdown however, the planet has transitioned into the planetary belt. Most above ground traffic has ceased. However, on this very day, there is a cyberattack on the planetary underground train system, and suddenly, the cities are isolated from one another. 
 +
 +Director Javert is at a loss. While he is berating staff, the Planetary Duke arrives to understand what is going on. In the confusion, Director Castillon tells the crew to take Derson and go find their friend based on Viktor’s lead. The team races to the //Starlight Drifter// and prepares to travel. The ship’s cat, as of yet still unnamed, is already in their newly purchased used [[game_systems:traveller:vehicles:Inchilah_Civilian_Patrol_Cruiser_used| In'chi'lah patrol cruiser]]. Viktor plans to keep an eye on it. Agent Derson gets them clearance to fly the In'chi'lah out of the downport, and they exist via a long grav car tunnel. Help is now racing across the icy-rocky planet. 
 +
 +=== Rescue ===
 +
 +|Game Date|2-5-23|
 +
 +Flying disconnected from the planetary net, the team makes the first real use of their craft. Viktor is at the controls, with Rally in the turret. Sharri mans the sensors. They manage not to be hit by any falling rocks. They discuss their approach to the old base. Galen researches the area of the caves with and finds an out of the way park that should link to where the base connects to the caves with an artificial tunnel. That is around a 6 hour journey through the system. They decide this might be the best approach. Entering into an airlock for the settlement Grott d’Organac  (named for the caves) with the vehicle in “civilian” mode, they fly towards the park entrance. After landing, they group attempts to dash from the parking into the cave system without being seen in their combat armor. However, for once, Rally is not lucky and trips, causing Galen to stumble over him. Sharri also makes scene. A family of four stares at the three in the parking lot. Viktor, already out of sight is unsure of how to act, but Agent Derson climbs out of the vehicle and flashes his badge. He tells the group this is government business and to leave the area and say nothing. The dad takes the family and hurries off. Derson is not sure he will keep quiet and hustles the rest to the cave quickly. Fortunately, the cave system has a reasonable pressure and 02 content so they do not have to use their internal life support. 
 +
 +The journey takes as long as advertised, until they find a carved tunnel back to the base. They have another half klick to go, but now no longer through a winding and sometimes narrow cave system. Viktor sends his drone ahead and finds no security. Basically, the dark tunnel is warded with a “Keep Out” sign at one end and a locked door at the other. Galen unlocks the door supported by Viktor and Cassia. They enter what is clearly a decontamination room. The window on the inside door shows a receiving room, with some cargo and two guards sitting down, faces stuck in their comms. Deciding not to run the decontamination sequence, the group turns out their lights and open the inside door. The guards are unable to react before both are stunned and unconscious. Rally’s luck returns and he finds cable to tie up the guards and they store them in the airlock. The next door opens into a conference room with a loan scientist sitting at a table working on his tablet. He, too, is stunned, but not before he manages to telepathically warn his colleagues of the intrusion. Unknown to the group, instructions are passed to other guards. This is the last easy fight for the team. 
 +
 +Still, the scientist, Dr. Mukam Saadai, had not closed his tablet. Viktor keeps the screen open, but sees it is all in Zhodani. Fortunately, Sharri carries a translator program on her personal computer. Together, Viktor cobbles an interface and downloads the data to his security comm unit. It seems the scientists are experimenting with the local psionically active bacteria in ways to increase psionic potential. They cannot transport it away from the local area because the bacteria needs its own kind nearby or it dies. They are trying to synthesize one that is jump capable and that is the very materials that the traitor Agent Jase brought to the planet. 
 +
 +{{:game_systems:traveller:places:zhodani_lab.jpg?600 |}}
 +
 +As Viktor stands up, Rally shoots at him with his crossbow. Viktor notices just in time to dive for cover. Galen stuns Rally who seems as confused as everyone else. Viktor yells out //”Get the Cameras”// and he and Derson shoot the two in the room. The group is startled with a door slides open and stun grenade is thrown into the room. They return fire at two attackers in the door way, but most of the team fires wildly with the surprise. Denson manages to score a hit before the attackers can do more. After a brief firefight, both guards are down. Viktor calls for the other two doorways into the conference room to be watched while he and Galen head down to check out the opened corridor. However, three steps in, the door to the north slides open showing three more guards with combat rifles. This time the team is ready. The three in the room take cover and shoot, while Galen and Viktor maneuver for shots. Sharri hits Denson with a simulant to keep him active as he takes several hits. However, he gives as good as he gets and takes down a guard. Viktor takes aim and blows the head off of the lead guard. Galen chargers the last man standing with his axe, slicing through his defenses. Viktor goes to check the west hallway while Rally heads to the east. It is then that Galen walks over and strikes her with his axe. Derson tackles him against the wall, holding his axe arm, while Sharri falls over. With his other hand, Derson shuts the doorway, closing of vision with the hallway cameras. Viktor races to perform first aid on the fallen woman, who is only barely conscious. He is able to stabilize her, but she is still clearly dangerously wounded. For his part, Galen is quiet and subdued. 
 +
 +Viktor orders the doors guarded and they check out the hallways which are clearly rooms for guards and scientists. They can count beds and there are three guards and three doctors left to manage, and at least once psion. A search of the rooms turns up some stun grenades and another rifle. Rally takes a stun gun as his crossbow has been less than effective. Derson opens the door and he and Viktor take out the two cameras. They move forward to check the rooms, clearing two store rooms before finding the lab. Here are all six remaining foes. While the guards cover the door, the doctors are huddled in a far corner, almost out of site. Viktor opens with a stun grenade into the corner as the guards open fire. There seems to be no action from the scientists as the firefight rages. Viktor takes down the last man standing with another headshot, skillfully missing the two bio-pods he is using for cover. 
 +
 +The fighting over, they search the facility and find another dead woman. In the bio-pods are four figures, sedated, on the drug slow, and attached to a sophisticated VR system, including a wafer jack plug. Tangie and Hanson are there along with too locals who appear to be named Alecia Grezal and Rogearire Marte. Viktor is reluctant to wake them. He tells Galen and Sharri to go to command room and call for help. Meanwhile, he and Rally collect any weapons or supplies they might want, including psi suppressing and psi enhancing drugs. Viktor finds sedatives and makes sure their living captives don’t wake up, especially the doctors, who all appear to be Zhodani. 
 +
 +Sharri helps to translate the information while Galen activates the consol. He immediately sees a remotely operated ship is plummeting on a collision course to the main entrance of the lab. At first he tells everyone they need to get out, but Sharri points out the remote controls. Gale tries to pilot the ship with Sharri helping him understand the controls. He is unable to stop it from crashing, but the ship slams into the icy-rock outside the base instead of into it. The rumble is felt through the facility like an earthquake. Galen’s futher review of the console finds the codes to unlock the train systems and he transmits those in his call for help. 
 +
 +Help arrives in the form of Director Castillion and her crew, sans the traitor. Medical teams attend to Sharri and Derson while reviewing the pods. While debriefing the team, they start the wake up process, first on Hanson as he is a known experienced military man. 
 +
 +{{ :game_systems:traveller:places:psikids.jpg?400|}}
 +
 +//Hanson has been dreaming of being a teen in school. It is a warm place, with inviting people and more technology than he had growing up in his rural childhood. It is a private school, with only three other younger children, Tangie, Alecia, and Rogeaire. All of them are learning to use their minds. Dr. Lofficiers is the headmaster, and Mr. Saadi, Ms. Entun and Ms. Olok are the teachers. Each student gets one on one training. Time is hard to track in the school, and like in a dream, things jump around. This all seems perfectly normal. //
 +
 +//It is harder for Hanson than the others, as they just seem more naturally gifted. Hanson knows that this is he is older than the others and less flexible, but that is part of why he is here. He has been selected for a special process to try to make up for his age. They have tried with others, but they did not do as well. Hanson is still struggling to do more than the basics, but he is doing better than the other teen that used to be here, Catalia, who got sick and had to leave the program. //
 +
 +//Right now, though, the jumping around seems less normal. There are cracks in the world. Hanson has memories of being older and stronger. He runs to find his friends, but it is like moving through mud. Hanson’s limbs feel more heavy and it is harder to move. He cannot speak, but he hears Tangie in his mind. Things get darker as the world fades. Bright light is shining at his face, and beeping and chirping is in his ears. He hears other voices. //
 +
 +Awake, Hanson is still weak and shaking. He is reassured he is alive and Rally is OK. He is evacuated with the other subjects and wounded to a medical facility to recover. The rest of the group heads back to St. Denis and is back at Rally’s suite until they are all reunited on four days later and have a final debrief with the Planetary Duke himself. He commends the group and offers them each MCr1 for signing a security statement they will never discuss with anyone the events of the past month for the security of the Imperium. Viktor, understanding what is at stake is happy to sign. The Duke ignores Hanson’s question about “or else?” and Galen and Rally agree to sign. Sharri balks at first, but a somewhat alarmed Viktor pulls her aside and tells her this is a payoff and they get to leave. She needs to sign or her crew will be finding other jobs as she disappears. Sharri signs the form and Tangie follows her lead. 
 +
 +With that out of the way, and each having one million untraceable credits, the group goes shopping on the Tech Level 14 world. Sharri also buys 25 tons of surplus electronic components at a steal and has them loaded on the //Drifter// to sell at [[https://wiki.travellerrpg.com/Nexine_(world)|Nexine]]. The team has decided they want a break, and the captain agrees. With the proceeds from the sale, Sharri expect to cover flight costs, put MCr1 into the ship fund, and be able to support a great vacation at the premiere ocean resort on Nexine, [[game_systems:traveller:Places:Namoehane|Namoehane Bay]]. The //Starlight Drifter// leaves Palquie behind on the 136 day of the year. A well deserved rest awaits. T
 +
 +
 +The Tales of the //Starlight Drifter// will continue …
 +
  
game_systems/traveller/starlightdrifter/adventure_journal.1671381821.txt.gz · Last modified: 2022/12/18 11:43 by Bryan Stephens