Avastan: Planetfall

[Leitz]

As the group is talking about liens, money, and futures, Jakob added, "Obviously I'm biased, but I'm pretty sure there are options I can find out about. There may be folks here who can advise, or definitely back on Collace."

He shrugged, and grinned. "Connecting to my family might not be your preferred option, but it certainly beats SuSAG."

[Tiglath]

He shrugged, and grinned. "Connecting to my family might not be your preferred option, but it certainly beats SuSAG."

"Better the devil you know" surely never applied more...

I hope to get a couple of (credible) options for the "lien issue" up soonest.

Avastan may then be nearly/almost a wrap!

[Tiglath]

All

"Ladies and gentlemen, I'd like to hear your thoughts on what we do with the nuke that lieutenant Domici disarmed."

Well thought out options roll in for the safe and sound disposal of the "apparently misplaced" ship to ship nuclear warhead discovered as the property of patently irresponsible folk who SEMC promptly killed thus vacating the possession of the device and switching its ownership to "negotiable".

"I had thought to keep it for a special occasion, to repay a debt from way back."

"Ah, Sargent-Major. This is not my grudge, I'm acting for hundreds of others who can no longer act for themselves. You met them on our first mission together. The Bartizan has some ghosts that need to be able to rest."

At Prerna's shoulder Erica smiles sadly and speaks softly "A long held debt and cold revenge? Be careful Colonel Cross, chasing ghosts might appear to be a symptom of... something else."

She then continues in an entirely controlled manner narrating "The nature of strategic Corporate corruption is that their entirely soulless structure often causes the whole to barely have to acknowledge even its most monstrous of actions while the casual and routine death of one individual due to an overreach in local policy might yet have entirely unforeseen consequences".

She continues in businesslike tone "I have spoken to the Master of the Hawkwind and he states that he wishes his vessel to go about its mission of peaceful trading and to be entirely disassociated with both the piratical attack from Imperial backed pirates and also the nuclear threats of the ex Avastan government".

She concludes "It seems a military grade nuclear warhead is at SEMC's disposal, Colonel".

[BackworldTraveller]

All

"Ladies and gentlemen, I'd like to hear your thoughts on what we do with the nuke that lieutenant Domici disarmed."

Well thought out options roll in for the safe and sound disposal of the "apparently misplaced" ship to ship nuclear warhead discovered as the property of patently irresponsible folk who SEMC promptly killed thus vacating the possession of the device and switching its ownership to "negotiable".

"I had thought to keep it for a special occasion, to repay a debt from way back."

"Ah, Sargent-Major. This is not my grudge, I'm acting for hundreds of others who can no longer act for themselves. You met them on our first mission together. The Bartizan has some ghosts that need to be able to rest."

At Prerna's shoulder Erica smiles sadly and speaks softly "A long held debt and cold revenge? Be careful Colonel Cross, chasing ghosts might appear to be a symptom of... something else."

She then continues in an entirely controlled manner narrating "The nature of strategic Corporate corruption is that their entirely soulless structure often causes the whole to barely have to acknowledge even its most monstrous of actions while the casual and routine death of one individual due to an overreach in local policy might yet have entirely unforeseen consequences".

She continues in businesslike tone "I have spoken to the Master of the Hawkwind and he states that he wishes his vessel to go about its mission of peaceful trading and to be entirely disassociated with both the piratical attack from Imperial backed pirates and also the nuclear threats of the ex Avastan government".

She concludes "It seems a military grade nuclear warhead is at SEMC's disposal, Colonel".

And worse, people know we have it as we have "Talked to people". Should it explode, they all have the incentive to fall upon us like vultures.

[shaidar]

Frank

"Do not worry, the ghosts are only metaphorical, although the debt is not." he sighs "... maybe the safest option is to destroy it. As for the Hawkwind, I feel we should let them go, but make it clear that they owe us a favour. We should also suggest that if their business takes them to Collace then I'm sure we could give them, and any associates, a good rate for using The Bartizan."

[The Bindoner]

And worse, people know we have it as we have "Talked to people". Should it explode, they all have the incentive to fall upon us like vultures.

That depends on where and how it explodes. It is a Swordie weapon.

To Frank:

You know me, I hate giving away resources. If you really think we've got to get rid, at least let me sell it.

[joertexas]

And worse, people know we have it as we have "Talked to people". Should it explode, they all have the incentive to fall upon us like vultures.

That depends on where and how it explodes. It is a Swordie weapon.

To Frank:

You know me, I hate giving away resources. If you really think we've got to get rid, at least let me sell it.

"There have to be ships operating out of Collace that could use the warhead," Prerna suggests.

[shaidar]

Frank

"If anyone has any further thoughts to throw into the ring speak now. Otherwise, I think we've reached the point where a vote is required. The first question will be whether to keep the nuke. If the answer is no then there will be more votes on what to do with it."

[joertexas]

Frank

"If anyone has any further thoughts to throw into the ring speak now. Otherwise, I think we've reached the point where a vote is required. The first question will be whether to keep the nuke. If the answer is no then there will be more votes on what to do with it."

"No," Prerna replies. "Either find someone reliable with Swordy ordinance, or destroy it."

[BackworldTraveller]

Frank

"If anyone has any further thoughts to throw into the ring speak now. Otherwise, I think we've reached the point where a vote is required. The first question will be whether to keep the nuke. If the answer is no then there will be more votes on what to do with it."

"No," Prerna replies. "Either find someone reliable with Swordy ordinance, or destroy it."

Also No

[The Bindoner]

Frank

"If anyone has any further thoughts to throw into the ring speak now. Otherwise, I think we've reached the point where a vote is required. The first question will be whether to keep the nuke. If the answer is no then there will be more votes on what to do with it."

I vote to keep it. The thing is "safed", and we can dismantle it further if we need to. It's not as though we can buy another if we need one, is it?

[BackworldTraveller]

Frank

"If anyone has any further thoughts to throw into the ring speak now. Otherwise, I think we've reached the point where a vote is required. The first question will be whether to keep the nuke. If the answer is no then there will be more votes on what to do with it."

I vote to keep it. The thing is "safed", and we can dismantle it further if we need to. It's not as though we can buy another if we need one, is it?

What is the radionuclide? Need to bear in mind that we don't own a damper-box. Those things can get poisoned pretty quick.

Having said that, the initiator explosives (if built that way), and/or detonators/timers are interesting on their own.

[Tiglath]

OOC: I'll add that you can safely reassemble and make safe (radiationwise) the warhead by undoing the "messing about" done by Avastan Secretary Vladimir Mikhailov and Solonik.

[Leitz]

"The security cost for one warhead is the same as for a couple dozen. Since we only have one, and no stated reason to use it at the moment, it becomes a cost benefit question. The other issue is, if you sell or trade it, be sure you trust the other party not to use it on you," Jakob said.

[gurusql]

Posted Kit's thoughts here

[shaidar]

Frank looks thoughtful...

"This is not an easy question, there are pros and cons to all options...but my gut instinct is to keep it. We'll know where it is and can keep it safe. You never know when you might end up in a situation when the only option is to take off and nuke the entire site from orbit as it's the only way to be sure."

[joertexas]

Frank looks thoughtful...

"This is not an easy question, there are pros and cons to all options...but my gut instinct is to keep it. We'll know where it is and can keep it safe. You never know when you might end up in a situation when the only option is to take off and nuke the entire site from orbit as it's the only way to be sure."

Prerna blanches. "as long as we don't draw the local Impie fleet down on us for it."

[Tiglath]

Having held her peace during the discussion Erica smiles cheerfully "Well, Colonel, once your ordnance experts are entirely satisfied I'll have my guard bot deliver the warhead to whichever location you designate - your flagship perhaps? I will pass on news of your generous safe passage to the Master and crew of the Hawkwind. I'm sure they are entirely grateful for your respect for and generous and indeed civilised interpretation observance of the District 268 "Guidelines on Interstellar Trade".

By way of apparent goodwill she immediately adds "On payment of an entirely necessarily but mostly nominal fee I can take post as an Intel consultant on retainer to SEMC and thereby extend my client confidentially to any and all of your most recent and historical actions... and acquisitions".

"Do not worry, the ghosts are only metaphorical, although the debt is not." he sighs "...
As for the Hawkwind, I feel we should let them go, but make it clear that they owe us a favour. We should also suggest that if their business takes them to Collace then I'm sure we could give them, and any associates, a good rate for using The Bartizan."

Erica murmurs distractedly "My ghost is a vengeful spirit..."

She then returns her professional focus stating with a buisnesslike smile "Oh, I'm quite sure that The Bartizan's traffic will benefit from those sponsoring the Hawkwind".

[Tiglath]

All

"I think that the key is understanding the value and how much we get vs how much SuSAG gets. This relates to a possible ransom for the Hawkwind and the selling the nuke as well.

The key question, is there a play that we pay SuSAG fairly, keep up or principles and we can walk away with one or more working ships. The key is understanding the value of our assets as well as our percentage and then taking out the best x percent that we get and leaving everything else for SuSAG. Did the deal say we had to deliver it - I doubt it was that specific and if it was then a not jump capable ship could be out of scope for there percentage?"

Admin-1 has to be worth something.
Admin Skill (Admin-1 +2) [_2d6+2]=(4+5)=9+2=11

Kit's analysis seems to offer a partial escape from the Corporate trap. A repair and remortgage of the Saxon (little trader) might well pay off in principle the SuSAG lien on both 400t vessels. However, the trader will need decidedly sharp and hands on business management as well as a certain amount of "fortunate business" to fulfil the deal. Almost enough to make agreement with a Corporate accountant a given - due to virtually guaranteed failure (and default) if (and only if) "normal" business rates applied.

However, Kit reasons that careful management might just save the day.

(OOC:

Plus an "old SEMC" gestalt Int roll [2d6]=9

Er... who are "The Shore" and what exactly is it they do again???

Never a GM to look an opportunity for laziness a gift horse in the mouth or, maybe much more importantly, not to reward a "rule of cool" good roll ).

[Tiglath]

All

A summary of "Resolutions"... and a Conclusion of Business?

The nuke (specifically a Sword Worlds Navy Darraðr class ship to ship nuclear missile warhead).
The unit elects to keep the above and it is duly made (very) safe re-assembled and placed aboard the Deliverance for transit to Collace.

The Hawkwind
The vessel and its crew of Sword World merchants are granted liberty to leave and escorted to the jump point by merc assets (Erica's Gig is handy). In restoring the ship its liberty SEMC hint that putting some business the Bartizan's way might be helpful. Erica states that she expects the ship's owners will demonstrate their gratitude in due course.

The Corporate Lien
Anxious to be free of any debt to SuSAG the unit makes due considerations and then decides on a plan proposed by Kit which relies upon Jakob's business contacts and direct input to come to fruition. Effectively the 200t free trader Saxon will be re-mortgaged and the released funds used to effect electronic repairs to that ship and then pay off the lien on Deliverance in full. The trader will continue to work off any outstanding lien of its own and/or loans taken out to cover its repairs by working local trade routes in 268 as a separate business entity from SEMC. The ship will return a high yield by both conventional trading with the Domici family's support and by occasional courier/small packet work for The Shore.

The Mythical Berm Elves
Remain undiscovered despite an extensive and exhaustive search of the berm loading bay (including use of Imperial grade customs scanners). The bay being empty appears to support the theory that the "elves" were either an imagining of the Ihatei Aslan and/or an artefact of lost mistranslation from Trokh. An examination of all remaining evidence suggests that whoever was in the loading bay killed the Imperial agents/ISS mercs firing on the SEMC units defusing the nuke at the Hawkwind (Jakob). These same SEMC assets (Prerna and Kit supported by Freya and Erica) engaged and killed Avastan Secretary Vladimir Mikhailov, Viktor Solonik aka “The Gravedigger” and their Avastan Bratva troops thereby giving a "politicial" win to accompany tactical success at the battle for Avastan Downport.

The Aslan
Will continue to garrison the berm when SEMC leave and hold it as property of the Iyhlua Clan.