Introductions (Day 1)

[BackworldTraveller]

With the crew (such as it is) all together, the remainder of the afternoon passes quickly - A suggestion to test the entire collection of spirits behind the bar is quickly killed off and the group settle down to their own meal - to which Brynvadur and Akodse heartily join in.

[cybersavant]

Sazqelmiqariepr looks around. "Do you have something i can do? I could remain here, as a contact. Maybe this young fellow here can help me recruit more people?" He looks to the Vargr. "I had the best results at the second bar - but you might get more from the others, not being considered an outsider. The bartender at Kinggroung Agogr was helpful; but the server at Guerghdzounngothzounglulidt is where i got most of the info. Sazqelmiqariepr gives the Captain a description.

The "Captain's Bars" consist of three establishments on the same street: Aedzukeserg Agogr, Kinggroung Agogr and Guerghdzounngothzounglulidt. They are each relatively up-market establishments attached to transients hotels catering to Officers and Merchants. They are also more expensive to reside and dine in than the "Crew Bars". They are, all three, outside the Surmaku's area of control and the Kinggroung Agogr prominently displays a "No Aliens" sign at the front door. The others seem to welcome a diverse clientele.

The Kinggroung Agogr is a brash, new-looking building somewhat resembling a starship in shape and painted in yellow and black stripes. The Aedzukeserg Agogr seems to have once been a Souggvuez warehouse - an organically shaped ceramic build - while the Guerghdzounngothzounglulidt is a classic, 8-story architectural glass-box design of no particular architectural merit - and sporting a grav-vehicle landing pad on the roof. This last place has access from the Uerrolue canal too.
Sazqelmiqariepr walks past each of the three bars, just to get a first impression; and perhaps get a glimpse through a window or open door. He notes the one called Kinggroung Agogr. Mentally he notes that one to avoid. So, down to the other two. Which to try first. He ruminates for a few moments, then enters Guerghdzounngothzounglulidt. He takes a seat at the bar, and if not asked to leave, orders a drink to sip on while he observes the room; particularly looking for his mark; but noting anyone else that stands out from the general crowd.
He drains the last bit and heads out to the next bar; Aedzukeserg Agogr.
The Souggvuez ex-warehouse is huge. Inside, the space has been filled by a warren of small offices attached to a multi-deck framework of walkways at least 12 stories high. The ground floor by the entrance is split into the Lobby Bar - table service and classy - the reception and security area and (behind a transparent wall that is several cm thick) the Members Only trading floor.

When Sazqelmiqariepr announces that he doesn't have a reservation, he is placed at a small table near the lavatories. The Steward that waits at table is clearly as much interested in facilitating deals (with appropriate tips for introductions) as he is at supplying drinks. If Sazqelmiqariepr thought the Guerghdzounngothzounglulidt expensive, the drinks choice here is eye-watering as it includes a cover charge (Cr 100 redeemable against food) and corkage (Cr5 per bottle)! Clearly this is a building for those with serious deals to discuss.

Unlike the other building, there is a constant flow of people (Vargr, Souggvuez and occasional other) through the door, accessing the office area behind the wall.

As Sazqelmiqariepr slips into his consideration of the clientele, it becomes clear that this is a hub of the planet's interstellar trade. While there are some independent captains here, it's mostly junior brokers, wheeler & dealers, and hopeful deal-makers of one sort or another.

After nearly an hour nursing a very nice drink, the only snippet of any use was a stray comment from somewhere behind the wall

...No, I can offer 15:1 on Odzirghghour. He'll be weeks recruiting and the others will be ready this week...
He takes a moment after a few bites to send a message to the Captain - Odzirghghour. He'll be weeks recruiting and the others will be ready this week. He returns to his meal, and visually scanning the flowing crowd. When the server returns, he asks, "Have you heard of the Todzougaerrgtokh?" He drops a generous tip on the table.
If you might consider Desert, I will enquire while consume it. comes the reply

Indeed, the desert is delicious, and the steward returns as expected.

The title has recently changed hands. The dealer that bought it is in Kirr-Southllafuthaefgraek. I understand the seller has used the proceeds to fund a salvage operation and that that operation is, risky. Details are sketchy, but it's something out of the UFA. The two protagonists were trailing their story about last month, and both have gone quiet so the assumption seems to be that they have found backers. If you need details, I'm afraid you'll need to employ an investigator. Odds of 15:1 and 7:1 are being offered on the success of each project - so someone has what they consider good enough information to offer odds.

[The Bindoner]

Rradzoka looks pleased: Thanks, Saz, you picked up a lot of good info.


If you don’t mind sticking around here as our firm-point, that’d be great. If any more recruits turn up, it’d be great if there was someone to meet them. He looks embarrassed: And, no offence, but having Akodse with you won’t hurt. Some Vargr won’t expect a flat-face, he’ll reassure them, and get used to the idea himself.


Remember, we had a couple of folk camping out in the lobby reporting on who came and went. Doubt those two will be back, but others might. Eyes peeled.

[BackworldTraveller]

While the group is snacking their way through a number of local dishes, the receptionist wanders over to the group and enquires
I have a person on the phone who wishes to know when you might be available tomorrow. What shall I tell them?

I asked if they wished to talk to you directly - but they declined and said they'd rather meet in person and sought an appointment.

[The Bindoner]

Well, that depends on who it is, and what it’s about. I mean, there’ll be someone around from breakfast on, if they don’t care who they meet, but if it’s someone who matters we’ll need to make an appointment. Who’d they ask for?

Rradzoka smiles:

Probably easier if I just come the desk and talk to them myself, you can tell me what they said, and sounded like, as we go.

[cybersavant]

If you don’t mind sticking around here as our firm-point, that’d be great. If any more recruits turn up, it’d be great if there was someone to meet them. He looks embarrassed: And, no offence, but having Akodse with you won’t hurt. Some Vargr won’t expect a flat-face, he’ll reassure them, and get used to the idea himself.


Remember, we had a couple of folk camping out in the lobby reporting on who came and went. Doubt those two will be back, but others might. Eyes peeled.

Sazqelmiqariepr "I can filter possible recruits. And with the two we have so far, i'll have extra eyes to help watch, and protect if need be." He looks at the young Vargr and the bear as he talks.

[BackworldTraveller]

Well, that depends on who it is, and what it’s about. I mean, there’ll be someone around from breakfast on, if they don’t care who they meet, but if it’s someone who matters we’ll need to make an appointment. Who’d they ask for?

Rradzoka smiles:

Probably easier if I just come the desk and talk to them myself, you can tell me what they said, and sounded like, as we go.

At the desk, the caller introduces himself as Group Leader Iselro. You may be aware that our regiment has dissolved, and I am looking for new places for those under my command. I understand that you are looking for a number of specialists, and hoped that I might talk with you with a view to pointing some good troopers in your direction.

[The Bindoner]

Rradzoka is delighted with the identity and intent of his caller, but projects a "business/friendly" demeanour as he speaks:

I will be happy to employ any of your regiment that have the skills I need. Your reputation is excellent, and your unit’s disbandment is regretted. We will help who we can.

When is convenient for us to meet? I have a few clear spots in the day, I'm sure we can find one that suits us both.

[BackworldTraveller]

Rradzoka is delighted with the identity and intent of his caller, but projects a "business/friendly" demeanour as he speaks:

I will be happy to employ any of your regiment that have the skills I need. Your reputation is excellent, and your unit’s disbandment is regretted. We will help who we can.

When is convenient for us to meet? I have a few clear spots in the day, I'm sure we can find one that suits us both.

Perhaps after lunch?

[The Bindoner]

Perfect. We look forward to meeting you.

[BackworldTraveller]

Yeelau, are you happy to continue recruiting, or do you have something else to do?

Yeelau perks up "Actually, I'm meeting with a reporter, seems Aslan are not common around here and also, it will help spread the recruiting word. I wont divulge much about myself, or the mission, in case this reporter does a hack job."

Yeelau heads off to find the Reporter. The remainder of the party wile away the evening awaiting the Aslan's return.

The meeting of the Aslan and the Reporter is interesting, but seems to be aimed at a background piece. Very unsatisfactory.

• What brings an Aslan to the UFA?
• Don't you find the place lonely?
  • Have you found any other Aslan this far Coreward?
  • How are you coping with the absence of your clan?
• What are your impressions of the Vargr?

The chat seems intent on getting Yeelau to make quotes that reinforce the Vargr's stereotypes of the Aslan.

What is interesting is the side chat afterwards. The piece is likely to be hidden in the second or third sections of the rest-day summaries.
There is a flurry of meetings going on in great secret between the UFA's Leader and the Governors of the Dzarrgh Federate's nearest planets.
The conversations continues to suggest that there may even be a disavowal of the Federate's leadership by those Governors. The reporter seems to feel that they have been given the "Other" stuff while their colleagues follow up on the real story.

[Demilich]

Yeelau, are you happy to continue recruiting, or do you have something else to do?

Yeelau perks up "Actually, I'm meeting with a reporter, seems Aslan are not common around here and also, it will help spread the recruiting word. I wont divulge much about myself, or the mission, in case this reporter does a hack job."

Yeelau heads off to find the Reporter. The remainder of the party wile away the evening awaiting the Aslan's return.

The meeting of the Aslan and the Reporter is interesting, but seems to be aimed at a background piece. Very unsatisfactory.

• What brings an Aslan to the UFA?
• Don't you find the place lonely?
  • Have you found any other Aslan this far Coreward?
  • How are you coping with the absence of your clan?
• What are your impressions of the Vargr?

The chat seems intent on getting Yeelau to make quotes that reinforce the Vargr's stereotypes of the Aslan.

What is interesting is the side chat afterwards. The piece is likely to be hidden in the second or third sections of the rest-day summaries.
There is a flurry of meetings going on in great secret between the UFA's Leader and the Governors of the Dzarrgh Federate's nearest planets.
The conversations continues to suggest that there may even be a disavowal of the Federate's leadership by those Governors. The reporter seems to feel that they have been given the "Other" stuff while their colleagues follow up on the real story.

Yeelau answers with "I wanted to see what the rest of the galaxy had to offer. For entertainment, employment, food, drink, clothing, ships and vehicles and weapons."

Yeelau replies with "I get along well enough with those that I associate with"

Yeelau offers "I have seen, maybe, one or two, in the various ports that I have been to, not many around here."

Yeelau offers "I try to keep in touch with my clan, find out what they are up to."

Yeelau " Many of them have been friendly enough, I try to forget about the unfriendly ones."

Yeelau "As far as that bit of news goes, I'm sure that we will find out what the end result is soon enough. I'm sure everyone is probably more interested in knowing that I am hiring for an off world salvage mission. How much you make depends on so many factors, like how long it takes? Does it take any damage during transport? So many other things. I am around the city, see me, get to me, Lets talk salvage."

[BackworldTraveller]

Yeelau answers with "I wanted to see what the rest of the galaxy had to offer. For entertainment, employment, food, drink, clothing, ships and vehicles and weapons."

Yeelau replies with "I get along well enough with those that I associate with"

Yeelau offers "I have seen, maybe, one or two, in the various ports that I have been to, not many around here."

Yeelau offers "I try to keep in touch with my clan, find out what they are up to."

Yeelau " Many of them have been friendly enough, I try to forget about the unfriendly ones."

Yeelau "As far as that bit of news goes, I'm sure that we will find out what the end result is soon enough. I'm sure everyone is probably more interested in knowing that I am hiring for an off world salvage mission. How much you make depends on so many factors, like how long it takes? Does it take any damage during transport? So many other things. I am around the city, see me, get to me, Lets talk salvage."

The Reporter seems disappointed at the news that you are headed off-world. I'm sorry that you are leaving - your presence in the UFA makes us a more interesting, cosmopolitan place. Our usual idea of foreign is a Vargr from the Pact of Two. Mind you, you are bigger and scarier than them, and reputedly more dangerous and mysterious than Humans.

The chatter continues as she packs up her notes. That salvage. I hear that there is a race to get it and that your rivals are backed by some powerful interests. How do you think you can pull it off ahead of them?

[Demilich]

Yeelau replies with an honest answer "We are trying very hard. Hopefully, we will have luck on our side. Thank you for the interview, it was interesting, but, I must be going. Busy, busy, with recruiting."

[BackworldTraveller]

Yeelau returns to the Hotel without incident, and joins those discussing the job.

The discussion becomes less and less coherent as the evening progresses. Eventually, with the discussion going nowhere, the party breaks up and heads to bed.

To be continued in Day 2