"I really don't know any of the other employees. I just started. I can watch them, though."
"Copy that. I intend to keep a close eye on them for the next weeks. Any help you can provide in doing that will be appreciated." replies Hiro.
The ship takes off without any stumbles, Hiro is impressed Marco has managed the task with apparent ease, despite the ship's idiosyncrasies. Hiro remembers his own difficulties when first piloting it.
You tell starport control your on the way and they tell you to take your old spot #12. Estimate 1.4 hours.
Any more interviews Hiro? Dev? Gunnar?
Hiro will spend the travel time, doing more "interviews" with the recruits.
Obtaining two pieces of lightweight plastic pipe, Hiro will assess the melee skills of the recruits. Hiro stands to one corner of the cargo area then, telling the recruits he will not move his left foot, he asks each to attack twice with a plastic pipe. Hiro will attempt to parry the attacks with his own plastic pipe, but only casually, using only the most rudimentary portion of his skill. Again Hiro is more interested how they hold the pipe, as a spear or a sword or elsewise, whether they move with some basic ability & control, showing some skill and competence.
The uniforms are grey jumpsuits, with black CLOTH ARMOR vest on top, cap & boots. Each vest is labeled Gendarmes in big white letters, with Military Police in smaller letters underneath. Each jumpsuit has a patch on the right shoulder, showing a mon, a logo, of three interlocked blue rings on a white background, and the words above "7th Gendarmes Company (Mercenary)". The Caps are soft grey cloth with the same Interlocked Blue Rings on the front, and a black and white checkerboard around the band; Hiro thought it best for the first outing not to break out the tactical helmets. He passes out gunbelts, but only equips the recruits with police batons; no firearms. If any have personal weapons, he will approve carrying them on a case by case basis. Hiro locks up the bags after issuing the gear.
He indicates that the recruits can take turns using the airlock as a changing room. While they finish changing, Hiro will ask questions about the interests and favorite pastimes. In particular, he asks Naddie about her proficiency with making and using knives, and he talks to Dundee and Yalan about any skills or secret passions they might have.
Once the ship lands Hiro announces to the crew that he will inspecting and taking on the cargo Octavia promised, then making purchases at the starport, and anyone that wishes to assist would be welcomed. Hiro states that he lacks experience with buying cargo, but if anyone could make purchases to fill up the cargo hold after the cargo from Octavi has been taken onboard, it would be greatly appreciated. He also reminds everyone that we will be leaving the system, upon departure, and any last minute purchases should be made now. Finally, he offers that if their are any creature comfort items for the next few weeks, such as fresh produce, this would be the best time to pick such up.
Hiro, and anyone who wishes to assist, will go deal with the cargo from Octavia, with the recruits in tow, watching how the recruits work together loading the cargo. Afterward, he will head to the trade office and pick up six medium passage vouchers.
If any crew depart the ship, Hiro will send one of the uniformed recruits with them as a bodyguard, not because he thinks the crew need protection on this world, but to encourage the crew to get to know the recruits.
Once finished his tasks, vouchers in hand, Hiro will pick up a kilo of loose tea, of better quality if possible, and a case of twelve bottles of red wine, a good table wine but nothing extraordinary. He allows the recruits to make purchases as they see fit. Then, with the recruits in tow, back to the ship.
Once everyone is back to the ship, Hiro will check and re-check that all of the crew are aboard; he does not want to make the mistake of leaving someone behind. Once he is certain the entire crew is back, Hiro makes his decision* and hands two of the recruits vouchers and bids them good luck and goodbye.
"If we go to general quarters, Monte report to the starboard laser turret, Marco report to the port laser turret, and everyone else man the stations you have now. Any other issues? All stations ready for departure?" Hiro will make sure everyone has an opportunity to voice whatever concerns they have. Once all stations are ready and all concerns are addressed, Hiro pilots the Train to the Stars out of the atmosphere.