Saag 01

[ateno]

After a long day and good sleep at the starport city everyone gathers in the lower deck forward.

Dundee is standing, ready to tell his story.

"Good morning. So yesterday I was tasked to gather information on the starport employees that were watching us and seeming to follow us to the different starport bars.

He hesitates seemingly thinking.

"I followed them on and off for about 3 hours. Trying to get as much as I could. They are a bunch of trained baggage handlers, dangerous and specialty cargos I think, mostly, I think given thier position they have a job where they are paid to wait and work when they come in. This provides them much extra time to themselves. The leader Boduke has speaks in a language I don't recognize, but similar to some thing the captain says sometimes."

Dundee looks at the captain, in case he wants to interject.

After a couple hours I drew back and waited, I did not want them to get use to my face.

He starts to look more nervous.

"So I continued my surveillance, they spent a few hours with small metal bound packages off a empire cargo ship about a half meter square, no idea what it was. That was when the one with porcupine hair showed up next to me. He said, 'Hey you been following us, come with me.' and he reached for his pocket. I ran.

He tenses up.

"He followed saying he wanted to talk, but from what I know, people that talk like that don't want to talk, its something else.

Looks around, a slight grimace on his face.

"I was able to elude Spiky hair, but he called his friends, I hid where you found me, figgering they would not search their own area much. I called Ophelia, knowing she would understand, we knew each other from Octavias employment and told her what I could. I had no idea what they could and could not track. For a couplefew hours I hid, I heard them talking but could not make much out. But I heard the world name, Rijkwereld, in the capitol sector.

Hiro recognizes this as his planet of origin.

I now realize I could have done things differently, and I reacted from my gut. It's getting so close to when the crew is making their decisions if they are keeping us or not, I wanted to make a impression, but I might have blown it.

He look genuinely unhappy.

[bsongy]

GM said:

"Good morning. So yesterday I was tasked to gather information on the starport employees that were watching us and seeming to follow us to the different starport bars.

Hiro nods while listening and sipping on his tea.

"I followed them on and off for about 3 hours. Trying to get as much as I could.
They are a bunch of trained baggage handlers, dangerous and specialty cargos I think, mostly, I think given thier position they have a job where they are paid to wait and work when they come in. This provides them much extra time to themselves. The leader Boduke has speaks in a language I don't recognize, but similar to some thing the captain says sometimes."

Dundee looks at the captain, in case he wants to interject.

"Yes, Rijkwereldian. Please, go on" Hiro encourages.

After a couple hours I drew back and waited, I did not want them to get use to my face.

He starts to look more nervous.

"So I continued my surveillance, they spent a few hours with small metal bound packages off a empire cargo ship about a half meter square, no idea what it was. That was when the one with porcupine hair showed up next to me. He said, 'Hey you been following us, come with me.' and he reached for his pocket. I ran.

He tenses up.

"He followed saying he wanted to talk, but from what I know, people that talk like that don't want to talk, its something else."

Looks around, a slight grimace on his face.

"Yes, I think you were correct in running. My experience is also that people like that do not want to just talk." Hiro agrees.

"I was able to elude Spiky hair, but he called his friends, I hid where you found me, figgering they would not search their own area much. I called Ophelia, knowing she would understand, we knew each other from Octavias employment and told her what I could. I had no idea what they could and could not track. For a couple few hours I hid, I heard them talking but could not make much out. But I heard the world name, Rijkwereld, in the capitol sector.

I now realize I could have done things differently, and I reacted from my gut. It's getting so close to when the crew is making their decisions if they are keeping us or not, I wanted to make a impression, but I might have blown it.

He look genuinely unhappy.

"Why so gloom? I think you acted properly. You managed to gain some important Intelligence. You evaded being under their control. If you had not, they could have held you as a 'guest' to coerce us. You acted appropriately. I commend you."

Hiro addresses everyone assembled. "We need to discuss the situation. In particular, first some background information, next some key observations about Boduke, and finally how should we proceed."

"First, as background, my sister stole my Baroncy of the planet Rijkwereld. She has a long history of intrigue, of having interior motives far different than her apparent motivations. She told lies to my younger brother, lies that I had done unspeakable things to her, encouraging my younger brother to challenge me to a duel, a duel where he demanded that I admit my wrong doing, and when I was unable to respond, he fought with murderous intent. I defended myself, not understanding my brothers actions. I repeatedly tried to end the fight peaceably, but my brother would not allow it. In the end, after a very, very long armed struggle, I was forced to kill him in self defense. My sister warned me of an effort to arrest me and assisted me in escaping off world. Little did I know then that my sister prompted the effort to arrest me, telling them that the death occurred not in a duel, but was premeditated murder. She helped my escape because in a jail cell I could tell my side of the story. With me off world, her story was accepted. With both my brother and I out of the way, she ascended as the Baroness and Ruler of Rijkwereld. For many years my sister hid her duplicity, acted as my friend, kept me safe and distant. But when I messaged her, asking about the possibility of returning home, she arranged my return, but then turned me over to the police, police who seemed far more interested in having me 'killed during apprehension' than arrested. I fought my way out and fled again. Since then I have been on the run, living a piratical life, constantly evading police and bounty hunters, avoiding turncoats who would sell my location to her. With my former ship, my Yacht, having become known, I arranged with Mr Blue to take partial ownership of a new starship, a derelict that had no adverse record, a clean slate to avoid pursuit. This is how I came to be onboard The Train to the Stars."

"Next, observations about Mr. Boduke and the current situation. In short, something is not right here.

• From Dundee, we know that Boduke and friends work handling dangerous and specialty cargo, recently handling unidentified sealed boxes from a starship from Rijkwereld.

• Boduke and friends are under employed; what justifies their salary? I observe that they are in an almost stereotypical job for those who would want to smuggle.

• Boduke is likely from Rijkwereld, considering his mastery of Rijkwereldian language, and knowledge of culture, such as tea ceremony.

• Boduke knew who I was immediately on sight, from a few minutes in a dark bar. And he claimed to know me intimately, referring to me by a childhood nickname.

• If he knew me as a child, how does he recognize me on sight across a bar? An adult does not look like a child. If he knew me when I was adult or even teenager, how is it I do not know him? I was the Baron son, I was trained to engage and learn the people around me. Dundee, do you believe that I am the sort of person that would treat those around me like nameless workers? No. If he was from my father's household, I would know him.

• Boduke, when he knows me from sight from across the bar, chooses to follow me. I could understand if he came over and talked to us. I could also understand if he, not knowing the others I was with, decided to contact me more discretely, not wanting to intrude in business or blackmarket dealings, and had a message delivered. But instead he decided to have us followed. That contradicts Boduke's version of events.

• I encountered a Rijkwereldian Biwa player, of all things, at the casino. Biwa players of that caliber are rare on Rijkwereld. To encounter one here at the casino was peculiar to say the least.

• The Biwa player tells me of a Rijkwereldian noble on this planet. And that a local noble is hosting a party for the Rijkwereldian noble at an island estate. Any Rijkwereldian noble would either be my sister, her family, or from her court.

• After Boduke spotted Dundee following him, I got a message from Boduke to my communicator, saying that we 'needed to talk', referring to Dundee derogatorily, the whole tone like a veiled threat. Is this the action of a close family friend?

• How did Boduke get my communicator code? I did not yet use it on planet and it was obtained under an assumed name.

• Boduke's and his henchmen showed up at The Train to the Stars, saying I 'had to speak to them'. No polite request. No manners. No message left. Just a demand.

• Again, how did Dundee know I came from The Train to the Stars? He somehow magically knew this was the ship I came on. The whole point of the deal with Mr Blue was for me to take part ownership of a clean ship with no connection to me.

• At the passenger baggage handling, there was nobody in the main area, there was no one in the bathroom, there was no one in the employee room where Dundee was hiding, and I was through the double doors. When I got the call that Dundee was found, I proceeded directly to the employee room. Even before Dundee was out of the locker, Boduke showed up. How? Boduke wasn't in the passenger baggage area. Boduke was not past the double doors where I went. We even insured the bathroom was empty. So Boduke must have come from outside the baggage area and proceeded directly to the employee area. How did he know to do that? The only answer I can come up with is,the same way I knew to go there, from the message. I think he was monitoring our communications.

• In the cabs, we attempted to monitor Boduke's communications. Despite your highly skilled efforts, we got no results. That seems strange to me.

• Boduke's immediate action upon seeing me is to start using a childhood nickname, without even greeting me or saying hello. It seems any normal interaction begins with some sort of greeting, like 'Hi, I am Boduke..." or "Do you remember me?". He tries to engage me in a tea ceremony, in the middle of a employees room in the baggage handling area, a completely inappropriate setting for such a ceremony. Both actions really seem like he was trying to push me into a friendly response to him. It came across like someone yelling 'WE ARE FRIENDS!!!!!!' loudly. And considering the level of culture and sophistication tea ceremony requires, we can not just brush it aside as the actions of an uncultured baggage handler.

• In every action, Boduke has tried to dictate our actions. 'Your boss needs to talk to me'. "Get back right now'. 'I will call you Darling Giraffe' "Sit and I will serve tea.' He never offered a single question about actions. For example, 'Would you like tea?' is the traditional phrase to begin a tea ceremony. To me, Boduke seems manipulative.

"Finally, we need to discuss what to do next. I would like to hear form all of you before expressing my thoughts; I have some very specific thoughts about what is going on and what steps we should do, but I do not want to fixate on one course too early and stiffle the room. I will say, whatever we do next, I do not intend to permit those outside to dictate our actions and manipulate us."

[The Bindoner]

Monte:

It seems to me this is very much your problem, Captain. If you were not aboard, this Boduke wouldn’t bother with the ship, or the rest of us. I’m afraid I don’t really know your homeworld, and its politics. I’ve visited a lot of planets, but not that one. So, I can’t really give much advice.

One thing though. You’re right about the cargo-handling operation being a classic smugglers set-up, but it looks like a protected operation. Boduk has powerful local connections, to carve out his own territory in the Starport. That’ll make dealing with him tricky, unless we have some of our own.

[cybersavant]

Gunnar Thunarssen "I was contracted to keep the ship running. That's what i'll do. You're the Captain, you decide where the ship goes and what it does."

[joertexas]

"This is all fascinating to me," Garett says with a shrug. "I am willing to assist you as I may."

[bsongy]

Monte said:

It seems to me this is very much your problem, Captain. If you were not aboard, this Boduke wouldn’t bother with the ship, or the rest of us. I’m afraid I don’t really know your homeworld, and its politics. I’ve visited a lot of planets, but not that one. So, I can’t really give much advice.

One thing though. You’re right about the cargo-handling operation being a classic smugglers set-up, but it looks like a protected operation. Boduk has powerful local connections, to carve out his own territory in the Starport. That’ll make dealing with him tricky, unless we have some of our own.

Hiro responds "Yes, this is my problem. I m speaking on the topic because I think it is important I am upfront with you. I will say that if the crew decide that I am too much trouble, I am willing to part with no ill feelings."

Gunnar said:

"I was contracted to keep the ship running. That's what i'll do. You're the Captain, you decide where the ship goes and what it does."

HIro nods with a smile.

Garrett said:

"This is all fascinating to me," Garett says with a shrug. "I am willing to assist you as I may."

"Thank you. Thank you all."


Hiro takes a moment, sipping his tea, then continues "I do not know what Boduke is up to, but considering his attempts to ingratiate himself, I think he wants something. He may be honest, but want us to pull him out of some jam. Or he may pretend a friend and try to talk us into doing something that is beneficial for him. Or acting as a friend, try to play a con on us. Or he may try to black mail me, threatening to expose my whereabouts to my sister. Or he may try to stall us, keep us here while waiting out the time to hear back from the authorities or my sister's representative."

Hiro finishes his mug of tea and concludes "I would like to hear what Mr Boduke has to propose. But, I think we should listen with a discerning ear, and respond in a way we all agree to. Until Boduke makes his reappearance, how about we make some contingency plans? I wlll pre-calculate for a jump to Aadhaar, just in case we choose to leave quickly. Everyone, keep your weapons, lethal and non-lethal, handy for when Boduke shows up. Mr Gunner, will you make sure the recruits are feed and rested? If anyone, can turn up any information about Boduke, his men, or that ship they were unloading -- maybe some computer work perhaps -- that could be useful. Dundee, what landing bay did you see them unloading hat ship?"

[cybersavant]

Gunnar Thunarssen "I'll get the ship prep'd and ready for quick takeoff. I'll get the crew into shifts, so we are not a hand short at a moment's notice." He heads down to gather everyone up. "From right now and for the near future we're going into shift mode of four sets. Let's go with alphabetical. So, Alpha Shift is up and will help me prep the ship. The rest of you get some food and sleep, Beta is up in 6 hours, so you'll sleep later -you can take a short nap, but be up well before your shifts starts. Any questions?"

[joertexas]

Gunnar Thunarssen "I'll get the ship prep'd and ready for quick takeoff. I get the crew into shifts, so we are not a hand short at a moment's notice." He heads down to gather everyone up. "From right now and for the near future we're going into shift mode of four sets. Let's go with alphabetical. So, Alpha Shift is up and will help me prep the ship. The rest of you get some food and sleep, Beta is up in 6 hours, so you'll sleep later -you can take a short nap, but be up well before your shifts starts. Any questions?"

Garett shakes her head. "I can take the next bridge watch in six hours." She goes to take a shower and a nap before her shift starts.

[BackworldTraveller]

Nevyn has been in his cabin, but finds the crew in the commons

I've heard you had some trouble, do you need a medic?

Oh yes - and here's my ticket for the next jump.

He hands over a (slightly dog-eared) open high-passage ticket.

Hello Monte - It's been a while. I thought I'd take advantage of your ship as it was passing.

[ateno]

The meeting ends and 'Alpha' shift goes on watch. About lunch time one of the members of Boduke's retinue, Apu, approaches the ship.

He has a small box in his hands.

He comes to the main door and rings the announcement bell.

"I am Apu Nahasa, I have a package for the Captain. Should I leave it or hand it to those who answer?

After much checking and making sure its safe.

Apu goes to wait in the shade of the wing of the ship standing alone, doing nothing. "I have been told to wait, I would prefer in the shade, if that's alright?

There is a small lacquered box about 5" wide, 4" long, 2" tall in dark wood with the symbol of a crane in white.

Inside the simple box is a piece of high quality paper, written on it is:

Captain Hiro:

It appears we got off on the wrong foot, I would love to talk to you at a place of your choosing.

If it suits you, please let Apu know and he will report to me directly. Thank you for your time.

Signed in script

Takumi Akasuki.

[ateno]

Nevyn has been in his cabin, but finds the crew in the commons

I've heard you had some trouble, do you need a medic?

Oh yes - and here's my ticket for the next jump.

He hands over a (slightly dog-eared) open high-passage ticket.

Hello Monte - It's been a while. I thought I'd take advantage of your ship as it was passing.

Honestly Nevyn has on for a while, I understand its hard to get started, but cool.

[bsongy]

Hiro gathers the crew, including Nevryn, and reads the letter to them:

Captain Hiro:

It appears we got off on the wrong foot, I would love to talk to you at a place of your choosing.

If it suits you, please let Apu know and he will report to me directly. Thank you for your time.

Takumi Akasuki.

"Should I set the meet here at the ship? Some pubic place? Or a neutral location, with privacy?
Any particular comments or suggestions on the response?


Hiro listens to what the crew has to say.

[joertexas]

Hiro gathers the crew, including Nevryn, and reads the letter to them:

Captain Hiro:

It appears we got off on the wrong foot, I would love to talk to you at a place of your choosing.

If it suits you, please let Apu know and he will report to me directly. Thank you for your time.

Takumi Akasuki.

"Should I set the meet here at the ship? Some pubic place? Or a neutral location, with privacy?
Any particular comments or suggestions on the response?


Hiro listens to what the crew has to say.

"Any of those choices has it's own risk," Garett says.

[cybersavant]

Gunnar Thunarssen The ship is prep'd and ready, the crew in assigned shifts - set up a table outside the ship, meet there. Anything goes untoward, we'll grab you back inside and lift off."

[The Bindoner]

I agree. Given your concerns, somewhere we can control the space is best, and that's here.

[ateno]

A message is given back to Apu, he thanks you and heads back.

The table is set up and the meeting is set for just under 3 hours from last contact.

At the appointed time, Boduke, porcupine head and Apu walk in a triangle towards the ship, orienteering on the table.

They stop about 30' from the table, waiting to be told what to do.

As they sit they thank you for the hospitality after the incident. And take whatever you have offered as refreshment.

He looks at the two with him and they get up and walk to the fuel station about 70 yards away and set up a shade and have a snack.

"Captain Hiro, as you know I know you from our planet, I was 7 years old when you had your duel, even I could understand something was
wrong and all agreed that you had to do what you did that day. After you left, your sister cast out anyone that might have known something different.
I found myself here and have built a comfortable existence with the help of my friends."

He pauses and drinks.

"I have no ability to hurt your sister without repercussions outweighing the original. She has everything insured, so she would lose no money at all.
However, I am hoping you do. Your sister has a large winery here, a fairly new investment, many high class fly out there to drink her wine and spend money on the original art made by her people. Much of the money is taken off the top and is untaxed also I believe her artwork is uninsured while in the shop.

He hesitates.

"What I am offering is illegal and if you would rather I not continue, I will not."

Assuming he is given the go ahead.

"I can get you a premium authorization to fly there without customs or being checked by customs and its good for 72 hours. If you need I can have a grav van rented by a corporation and made availabe to you also. I ask for nothing, except that you do this."

[BackworldTraveller]

Nevyn offers his services as mediator

People don't usually jump straight to violence when a Shepherd is present

[bsongy]

Boduke says:

"Captain Hiro, as you know I know you from our planet,...

"I know no such thing." Hiro thinks to himself, but says nothing, letting Boduke continue.

I was 7 years old when you had your duel, even I could understand something was wrong and all agreed that you had to do what you did that day. After you left, your sister cast out anyone that might have known something different. I found myself here and have built a comfortable existence with the help of my friends."

He pauses and drinks.

"I have no ability to hurt your sister without repercussions outweighing the original. She has everything insured, so she would lose no money at all.
However, I am hoping you do. Your sister has a large winery here, a fairly new investment, many high class fly out there to drink her wine and spend money on the original art made by her people. Much of the money is taken off the top and is untaxed also I believe her artwork is uninsured while in the shop.

He hesitates.

"What I am offering is illegal and if you would rather I not continue, I will not."

Assuming he is given the go ahead.

Hiro says nothing, allowing Boduke to continue when he wishes.

"I can get you a premium authorization to fly there without customs or being checked by customs and its good for 72 hours. If you need I can have a grav van rented by a corporation and made availabe to you also. I ask for nothing, except that you do this."

Hiro stands there, silently. Waiting to see if Boduke has anything else t add. after about thirty seconds, Hiro asks "So what you are offering is to provide a 'premium authorization' for me and my crew. We travel to this winery, that is filled with artwork, and take whatever we want. That most things at the winery are insured, except the artwor.. And you offer this service gratis, asking for no recompense. Is that the gist of what you bring to the table?"

Hiro thinks aboout Boduke's reply. Hiro then asks Boduke a question of hos own "Tell me of the sealed crates you were transporting today. Contents? Were you loading them on or off the ship? What did they come from or go to on Saag? What can you tell me about the ship?"

Turning to the crew, Hiiro asks"What do you think of Mr Boduke's offer?"

[cybersavant]

Gunnar Thunarssen looks at the visitor at the table. "Mr. Boduke seeks revenge without repercussions for the displacement of his family. He offers you a carrot. If we succeed, you both win. If we get caught, he is not implicated and can carry on as usual. He asks nothing because he risks nothing."

[ateno]

Hiro thinks aboout Boduke's reply. Hiro then asks Boduke a question of his own "Tell me of the sealed crates you were transporting today. Contents? Were you loading them on or off the ship? What did they come from or go to on Saag? What can you tell me about the ship?"

Boduke
"As far as I know they are a specialized plant grown in a guarded enclosure somewhere on this planet, east I think. They come from a shuttle and are put on a bonded courier. They require a certain handling, temperature, shock resistance, upright with a special feed mixture set at a certain rate. They are being sent to the capital district for processing, I believe it is for a cancer drug.

And perhaps I did not make myself clear, in the winery your sister fakes her wine income and hides the rest in a walk in safe in the basement of the attached house. She uses some for graft, but on occasion she will buy luxury items and ship them home. There are millions in 1000 credit bills and 10,000 cr coins and perhaps gems and jewels. She has so much and she can't use it without rousing suspicion, I suspect she does not want to bring in anyone else to help as she does not trust anyone. I have a map of the house based on workers testimony, cleaning company mostly, but truthful."

He thinks for a second

I would help you to the extent as I can. What can I do?

You think I don't want anything and it is suspicious, fine a memorial to my mother in the plot at home will suffice."

anyone recognize the movie 'Flawless'?