The Stars Like Dust 1.6

Previously …

‘To reach it, I have commissioned a deep-dive submersible which will act as our underwater base.’

‘So, let’s make the most of it while we can.’

‘You’ll have to ask Jason the answer to that’

‘What do you mean? What safety checks has it failed?’

2323 – 276

Talbot was furious. She had just got off the comms to Decker at the Homestead.

‘The port authorities are refusing to budge. They say that as the sub is registered as coming from Jamison’s World then it doesn’t have a high enough safe depth and crush depth rating for here. That’s bollocks. The records have been tampered with.’

2323 – 277

Some discreet enquiries and a few bribes (charged to Decker) got them an opening – a records clerk working for the State Records Office could change the documents but it would take a few days (“I can’t just walk in there – I have to have a reason.”) There was no recourse but to wait, so they killed some time by visiting the Archive.

‘Why do they call it the Seldon Vault?’

The tour guide smiled and shrugged. ‘No-one knows for sure – to the best of our knowledge it has always been called that.’

The tour was quite comprehensive although the Vault itself was rather disappointing – just a theatre with raised banks of chairs facing a blank grey screen. The whole place would hold about one hundred people.

‘So, this is it? The stuff appears on the screen. So, what’s behind it.’

The guide opened a small door in the wall, and they looked into a small space behind the screen.

‘There’s nothing here. So where does it come from?’

‘That’s one of the mysteries the Archive is working to solve. Before you ask, it can’t be damaged either. The next part of the tour will show you the Damage Room – over the years the Vault has been vandalised, blown up, sprayed with paint and acid, lasered etc. Every time, overnight the screen repairs itself, although we have had to rebuild the theatre a few times.’

The rest of the tour showed the many study rooms where the Archive material was being researched and interpreted. They finished in the restaurant where a selection of local dishes were on offer.

Brookes glanced up and nudged Amberley. Pascale Sylveste was watching them from an upper gallery.

Later

They left the Archive, on the way back to the hotel they were subject to a “stop and search” by a squad of Government troops. The sergeant in charge of the patrol was courteous but efficient. He acknowledged that they had the right to carry their automatic pistols but advised that the streets were safe.

2323 – 279

‘Another invitation to Halter’s! Somebody really likes us.’

At the restaurant, their host was Pascale Sylveste. Over dinner, she came straight to the point.

‘I am acting for the Archive. Jason Decker is acting in his own interests. He plunders sites and sells the information and artefacts. How do you think he got his money? I am offering twenty thousand credits of Archive money for you to steal any information that Decker finds at that site and to turn it over to me, for the Archive.’

Church and Brookes glanced at Amberley, who shook his head. ‘I’m sorry, but we don’t do double-cross. We work for Jason Decker.’

Sylveste turned puce and stood, throwing her drink over Amberley. ‘You dare to cross me! You don’t know who you’re dealing with!’

Outside

A dust storm had kicked up, fine, stinging dust billowing in clouds from the dust bowl to the west of Medray. Brookes called a cab, and they were sheltering in an alleyway.

The attack came without warning. From behind them, out of the alley, materialised several figures armed with billy clubs. Amberley and Brookes were hit heavily and staggered, Church took a head blow, but her Sigma training kicked in. She spun and pulled her gun, double tapping her attacker who went down in a spray of blood. Brookes pulled his gun, fired but missed, Amberley was down and being kicked. Church took another blow from a club, but she put a bullet into Amberley’s assailant. The thugs fled, dragging their wounded; one yelled ‘message delivered.’ *

‘We need to get out of here – where’s that cab?’ But it was too late – red and blue flashing lights signalled the arrival of the police.

2323 – 280

They were questioned about the assault. Brookes was able to use his Advocate training, plus contact with Decker’s people eventually got them released. Amberley and Church were treated in hospital for their injuries; Decker footed the bill and paid for accelerated treatment using Slow Drug.

‘That bitch Sylveste was behind this attack.’

‘I agree, but we can’t prove it.’

Church fingered her dressings. ‘You can prove anything if you try hard enough.’

‘Sylveste is a respected member of the Archive and a government official. It’s going to be hard to make anything stick. The officials are not going to run with it.’

2323 – 285

Released from hospital and back in the hotel; the good news was that the clearance for the submersible had come through.

Medray Starport

The submersible was loaded on a low-loader, with a second SUV pulling a caravan. Talbot met them at the port gates.

‘It’s going to be a seven day journey, the lo-lo will average fifty kph and we need to allow for rest stops. There are some Autoserves along the way, but the caravan will carry food and sleeping. Oh, and we have two passengers. They have been cleared and have the right papers – they will be joining us on the dive. Here they are now.’

Two people approached. One was a short, nuggety man with dark skin, wearing Archive grey and carrying two valises. He nodded.

‘Call me Jackson’

The second was Pascale Sylveste.

To be continued …

====================

GM notes

‘Oh, what a tangled web we weave …’

This was played out over about a week and a bit as I was really not sure how it was going forward. GME/UNE threw up a lot of twists to try and work in.

Where I always struggle with RPG’s (and not just solo ones) is interpersonal reactions. How will X relate to Y, how will the group relate to Z’s proposal (etc.) Defining Primary and Secondary characteristics for Characters and NPC’s helps, along with SOLO’s “Throw 8+ to avoid a Bad Reaction.”

One thing that I don’t always think comes across obviously with any solo engine (it’s implied though) is not everything is rolled randomly. Once a Story is going then just run with it, make up your own stuff for the next Scene and only roll (for anything) if you need a prompt. And even then –

Chekov’s Gun – If something is introduced in the first scene, then it needs to be used by the third scene or at the end

Chandler’s Law – If in doubt, have a man with a gun come in through the door.

Alexander’s Three Clue Rule – For any important piece of information there must always be at least three ways of finding it.

* I had to replay the combat because I had forgotten that Brookes and Church had armour (although Brookes wasn’t wearing his at Halters (BITS middle-class restaurant)), Church’s is subdermal. **

** Obviously the hospital must have found this – another Thread or invoke Chekov’s Gun.

               Does this type of subdermal armour identify Church as being a Sigma agent? Right now, I don’t know. Add it to the Threads list.

The Stars Like Dust 1.5

Previously …

‘We’ve had an invitation to dinner – at Halters! It’s from a Dr Jason Decker.’

‘Tell Control that I’m out for good,’ screamed Church.

‘You’re too precious to me.’

2323 – 271           Pavonis A551845 – D      N, TAS    Po, Ht    G

‘Jason Decker is listed on the Library – a self – funded archaeologist. Wealthy, has connections to the Archive.’

‘We’re not exactly dressed for Halters.’

‘Maybe we should set up a communal fund – you know, to pay expenses and such. We all pay into it?’

‘And maybe we don’t. Who’s going to be in charge of the account?’

Brookes and Church glared at each other. Amberley stepped in.

‘Look, this Jason Decker obviously knows who we are – how, I don’t know. Let’s just run with it.’

2323 -271: 18.00

Outside the hostel, instead of the expected ground car; an air/ raft swooped down. The pilot confirmed their identities; they buckled in, a transparent hood unfolded over the passenger compartment and the A/R lifted off, heading south at full speed. Once the cruising altitude had been reached the pilot engaged the autopilot and turned to face them.

‘I am Jenna Stannis, personal pilot to Jason Decker. Mr Decker sends his apologies, but something has come up. He regrets cancelling the meal at Halters. We are to meet at the Homestead. The flight will take around sixteen hours, we will land for rest stops every four hours. There are refreshments in the mini bar and entertainment channels available.’

‘Oh, and please don’t pester me with questions about why Mr Decker wants to see you. I don’t know.’

2323 – 272: 10.00

The A/R was flying over barren terrain, ahead was a mushroom – shaped structure. A central stalk supported a dome, water flowed from the centre of the dome, and  flowed over the edges of the dome to form a curtain. The A/R flew through the curtain and pivoted to land on a pad. Under the dome it was cool; there were several buildings spaced around the central stalk. *

‘Welcome to the Homestead.’ Stannis expertly landed the A/R, there was another A/R on the pad – it had Archive markings. Stannis led the way into the building and down a hallway. Suddenly, a door at the far end was flung open and a powerfully built woman stormed out, followed by two men wearing Archive grey.

‘You go too far Decker,’ she shouted over her shoulder. ‘The Archive will not stand for this – you will be shut down.’

‘I do not work for the Archive,’ came the reply from inside the room. ‘However, I do fund it. You would do well to remember that Pascale.’

Inside the room were two men and a woman. One was in a grav chair, he looked up and smiled.

‘Welcome to the Homestead and thank you for accepting my invitation. I am Jason Decker; these are my associates – Amelie Talbot and Rafer Vanhoeven. We will talk over dinner – my chef is equal to Halter’s, after all, that’s where I poached him from.

Over dinner they made introductions and then talked. Decker is a self-made millionaire and xenoarchaologist. Talbot is also an archaeologist and linguist. Vanhoeven has an interest in exploring ruins and sites.

‘You know about the Great Vault here on Pavonis of course?’

‘The  Vault that opens at irregular intervals and dispenses knowledge, mainly in a cryptic form? That’s how the jump drive was developed and many other advances. The Archive exists to study the knowledge from the Vault. It was left by … by … well, call them the Ancestors.’

‘Exactly. However, the Ghod do not fit into this pattern.’

Decker keyed something and called up a map of Pavonis.

‘There are two known ruins on the surface – who made them is not known, we call them the Ghod. Now, I have discovered another ruin, here, beneath the Circle Sea. Initial explorations suggested that the builders of this were not the same as the Ghod of the land. In fact, there is evidence that they warred.’

‘Not everyone agrees with this,’ interjected Talbot.

The proposal is that Decker will fund an expedition to the underwater ruin in order to recover artefacts and record information. He and his associates will be present, along with a team of explorers. He wants them to help and provide security, based on their backgrounds.

Later

The Homestead had many rooms, the equal of mid-range hotels.

‘Backgrounds? What the fuck’s going on? I’ve never worked underwater’

‘Also, what was that with the Pascale woman storming out and shouting about the Archive?’

‘Decker is offering 500 Cr per day each for our services. I say we go with it. However, it seems likely that we are going to be in the firing line, so we push for armour and weapons.’

2323 – 273          The Homestead

Decker called up the map of Pavonis and zoomed into an area of the Circle Sea.

‘The ruin is here, in 700m of water. To reach it, I have commissioned a deep-dive submersible which will act as our underwater base. On the surface we will have a support vessel and there will be regular supply runs from Kaldahar and Parun by ekranoplane. The sub will carry atmosphere diving suits and all necessary exploration and recording equipment. The aim of this expedition is to prove that there is something there to investigate; I can then press for funds to set up a permanent base.’

‘Obviously, all recovered objects and artefacts will be necessary to back up this claim.’ Vanhoeven nodded. ‘I am an expert in evaluating this sort of thing. I will be with you on the dive.’

‘As will I,’ said Talbot.

Decker shook his head and indicated the grav chair. ‘One dive too many – the one that went wrong. I will be on the support ship.’

Later, Amberley spoke privately about Decker to Talbot over drinks.

‘He was leading a deep dive on Jamison’s World when he was attacked by a stinger-ray. The venom would have killed him – they had to get him to the surface quickly. But he got “the bends” and lost the use of his legs.’

‘But surely with his money he can afford …’

‘Look, I don’t know. You’ll have to ask Jason the answer to that. Now, do you want to fuck me?’

Amberley nearly choked. ‘What?’

Talbot sighed and drained her drink. ‘It’s a simple enough question. Yes or no? We’re both adults, we are going to be working together for several weeks or months and we’re not going to get much “me” time on a submersible. So, let’s make the most of it while we can.’ **

‘Your room or mine?’

‘Let’s alternate.’

2323 – 275

Amberley, Brookes, Church, and Talbot will fly back to Medray starport by A/ R to collect the submersible. It will be driven to Kaldahar by low-loader where the support vessel is docked.

Stannis was piloting the A/ R, and they made it back in good time to Medray.

2323 – 276

‘What do you mean? What safety checks has it failed?’

To be continued …

——————————–

GM Notes

I’ve reverted to using the Imperial Calendar and dating system (even though I’m non-Imperium) simply because it’s easier to mark off days and weeks. Day 1 is a holiday and then you get 52 weeks of 7 days, numbered 002 – 365. It’s easy to make on a spreadsheet and then print off blanks when needed.

I have revised my World Design system slightly so I can calculate travel times between locations. More on this when I see if it works.

* Bonus point to anyone who spots the reference

** I rolled a massive Effect on interaction here and just went with the flow.

Was Talbot attracted to Amberley? Yes: Effect +4

Was Amberley attracted to Talbot? Yes: Effect + 3

Will they form a relationship? 8+ DM +7 = 11 + 7 =18

Talbot got the highest Effect, so she initiated the approach

UNE gave me an idea of her personality (blunt and to the point.)

The Stars Like Dust 1.4

Previously …

‘Hi. My name is Lang, Meili Lang. Janders put in the word for you whilst you were on the way down.’

‘You’re a trained Sigma agent. Do what you have to do to complete the mission.’

‘You’re Sigma. Only they have that sort of shit.’

2323 – 10.03.01                              Pavonis A551845 – D      N, TAS    Po, Ht    G

‘We need to get some kit from here.’ Church looked up at Brookes. He looked round the lab and found another matrix case.

‘With you,’ said Church and used the lab to make two tracking bugs, one into each case.

Driving around Kaldahar

‘I was a Sigma Operative, but I was not sent to Ubar to spy on you. I was sent to infiltrate the locals and find out who was behind the mutant uprisings.  In fact, you got me out when I was blown in 2319. We are being followed by Sigma – that was who was in the air/ raft.’

‘That you said wasn’t there,’ Brookes growled. He pulled the van off into a side street.

‘Look, I suspected, but I didn’t know for certain. The Sigma SO on the case is Verity Westen – we’ve worked together.’

‘So, what’s the plan?’ Amberley moved and winced.

‘We meet up with Westen, the Sigma operative at the Autoserve and hand over the case. The real case. She’ll check it of course, then we track it to her base, break in, and substitute the false case. *

10.03.02              At the Autoserve

Church went to meet Westen whilst Amberley stayed with the truck. Brookes checked his pistol then went scouting for the air/ raft. Westen arrived and Church handed over the case, according to plan. Then it all went wrong. Brookes was ambushed by a Sigma agent guarding the air/ raft and there was a firefight. Westen accused Church of a double-cross and another fight erupted in the Autoserve. Westen was wounded and Church escaped to the van, leaving the case behind. She put two bullets into it, hoping to destroy the matrix. Brookes jumped in and they sped back towards Medray. **

10.03.03              Medray starport

Amberley went to the message centre and sent an xboat message to Neu Regari requesting the transfer of his funds to Pavonis. The funds are due to arrive 11.02. They then went to meet with Lang. She was not happy with the outcome.

‘You should have let them take it. It could have been recovered somehow. You have failed and I owe you nothing.’

Some negotiations followed, involving the injuries they had taken and that someone else was after the matrix. Lang finally agreed to pay 1500 Cr.

‘Look – I have another line of research to do with combat robots for the Union army. Are you interested in investing?’

10.03.03              At the Palomino

Reviewing their situation, they don’t have enough for basic passage to Patinir (the next stop en-route to Bellatrix) and they need to wait until 11.02 until Amberley’s funds catch up with him.

A knock came at the door – Church and Brookes pulled their guns and Amberley answered it. It was Verity Westen. She held her hands up – ‘I’m unarmed. Can I come in?’

‘No!’ yelled Church. ‘Keep her at the door. She’s Sigma.’

Westen just smiled. ‘So are you Amy. I would not hurt you – you know that. You’re too precious to me. I just came to deliver a payment.’ She held out a credit wafer. ‘Payment for a job well done. Be seeing you.’ She turned and left.

‘‘Stay out of my way,’ screamed Church. ‘Tell Control that I’m out for good.’

Amberley glanced at the wafer – 3000 Cr

‘Fuck shit. They got the matrix.’

10.03.04              Pavonis A551845 – D      N, TAS    Po, Ht    G

‘We’ve had an invitation to dinner – at Halters! It’s from a Dr Jason Decker. We are to be collected at 18.00 this evening.’ ***

… to be continued

——————————-

GM Notes

This really was difficult to run, even as a solo player, because so many curve balls and events cropped up.

Okay, I know you can ignore what doesn’t fit; the problem was that everything DID fit.

* This is a pretty rubbish plan – no wonder it went FUBAR.

** SOLO uses a Resolution method where you check what the outcome is, then narrate the events to account for the outcome. SOLO calls this “fortune in the middle” and is where the roleplaying/ storytelling comes in for the solo player. You can throw anything into the mix here as long as it makes sense, adds to the drama and is believable.

*** Flowchart [8] Options – seek a Patron

The Stars Like Dust 1.3

Session 3

2323 – 10.03.01                              Pavonis A551845 – D      N, TAS    Po, Ht    G

Medray Starport on Pavonis was huge, the orbital shuttle touched down in Landing Area 7, bay 74. They went through customs with no problems.

‘So now what? I guess we call this number that Janders gave us.’

Brookes accessed a wall terminal – ‘We can get basic lodgings at the “Palomino”, offers rooms and food. It’s just within our budget. It’s also walking distance.*

‘Sirs and madam. I would advise using a breather mask until you get used to our air. It is thinner than what you may be used to.’ The young lady wore the uniform of the Pavonis Tourist Board and handed the masks over from a supply behind her desk. ‘When this light changes to amber, it needs recharging. Any hotel will do this, and it is free, Do not pay for the service. Welcome and enjoy your stay on our world. Here is a guidebook about Pavonis and the sights we have to offer. There are many guided tours – call the number on the book to join one.’

Outside stood a woman standing by a groundcar. She did not wear a breather mask.

‘Hi. My name is Lang, Meili Lang. Janders put in the word for you whilst you were on the way down. Get in – I’ve got a job proposition for you.’

2323 – 10.03.01               Pavonis

Lang drove the car with one hand on the wheel, favouring the other shoulder and spoke..

‘I’m a computer/ robotics expert specialising in sponge matrix positronic brains. I’ve developed a new form of matrix, which is in my laboratory at Kaldahar. I sent one of my assistants to bring it back here, but he didn’t return. I need someone to drive to Kaldahar and bring back the matrix. Once it’s inside the port I can claim Union patent rights and protection.’

‘Why can’t you do it?’

Lang sighed and indicated her shoulder.

‘Someone shot me with a laser. A laser! Only high-tech Merks and Government operatives use that sort of kit. I think the Government is trying to steal my research – it’s not the first time. So, I stay here, and you get the matrix. I’ll pay three blocks** for the mission, and you get to use this car.

2323 – 10.03.03               Pavonis

Brookes looked at the panel truck that Church had found. It was fairly battered but did run on a fuel cell.

‘If someone is after Lang, then her car may be marked. So, we go in this. Kaldahar is three days by road, allowing for stops. We shouldn’t need to refuel so, sharing the driving, we should do it in two.’

2323 – 10.03.04                              On the road

‘We’re being followed.’ Brookes was driving and Church and Amberley were keeping watch. Amberley pointed out of the left window. ‘ There’s an air/raft pacing us about three klicks away, it’s flying NOE but every now and then it has to rise over an obstacle. Too far to see how many in it.’

Brookes pointed at the mapbox. ‘There’s a truck stop coming up. Let’s pull in and see what happens.

They entered the Autoserve and ordered up food. There were four people in the ‘serve, all looked normal.

‘I’ll go out and have a look round,’ said Church. ‘Don’t worry, I’ll be stealthy.’ ***

Some time later she returned. ‘I didn’t find anything – there is no air/ raft nearby.’

‘Church’

‘Westen. Somehow I knew it would be you. Lasers are your speciality.’

Verity Westen smiled and nodded. ‘Hello, Church. You never really leave the Service.’

‘Why?’

‘Lang has a discovery which could have far-reaching implications. The Coalition are after it and we can’t allow it to fall into Dominaar hands.’

‘So, what happened?’

‘Lang is being watched and guarded, but she insisted on driving to the laboratory. There was no other way to dissuade her. Our agent – her assistant – went in her place, but he died in a crash  just outside Kaldahar. So, it’s up to you – recover that matrix. Stop here on the return journey and we’ll take it off your hands.’

‘And the others? Amberley and Brookes?’

Westen’s expression hardened, and her voice was cold. ‘You’re a trained Sigma agent. Do what you have to do to complete the mission.’ ****

2323 – 10.03.04                              Kaldahar

They parked the truck in a side street behind the building where Lang’s laboratory was. Amberley used the key Lang had provided to open the rear door and they went in. The same key deactivated the security systems. Lang’s laboratory was on the third floor, they took the elevator up.

‘This is it!’ Church pointed to a matrix connected to a computer bank and began to disconnect it.

A burst of automatic fire went over her head, shattering the partitions in the office. Three black – clad Merks spilled out of the corridor door. Brookes and Amberley rolled into cover to return fire; they each took down one, but Amberley stopped a slug that bowled him over into a corner. Church carried on with the download, she took two hits that rocked her but didn’t faze her. The Merks retreated but threw in a grenade that did moderate damage.

Amberley was down and needed hospital treatment.

Brookes stared at Church disbelievingly. ‘You’ve got fucking subdermal armour. You’re Sigma. Only they have that sort of shit.’

Church sighed and picked the spent bullets out of her skin. ‘That’s not quite true about the armour. You can get it if you are prepared to pay. But, otherwise, you’re right. Sigma Operative M10.’

‘For how long?’

‘Since before you knew me. I was recruited as soon as I signed up in 2294. Now, I need to see to Amberley.’

Church had basic Medic and managed to stabilise Amberley.

‘We need to go. Whoever sent those Merks will send them again, in force.’

Church looked directly at Brookes.

‘Look, let’s resolve our differences later. Right now, we need to get him (Amberley) and the sponge matrix out of here.’

To be continued …

================-=-

GM Notes

* I’m experimenting with the Wealth system out of The Traveller Companion, mainly because it’s a hassle keeping track of expenditure and I keep forgetting to.

** 3 Blocks = Slang for 3 Windfalls (+1 DM x 3 each on Wealth checks.)

***Church has  Recon 1 from the Army and Brookes knows this (he has Recon 0 from the same course.)

**** A lot of Church’s backstory coming out.

The Stars, Like Dust

Session 2

Previously …

‘I will not go Low Passage.’

‘I think there was something else in that warehouse and we were just a diversion.’

2323 – 08.2        Neu Regari                         D6A0553 – 6                     De, Ni                   G               Amber

‘This lieutenant Tang is up to no good, he deliberately set us up to fail on that warehouse job.’ Brookes looked at the other two as he checked over his newly – acquired purchases. He had a suit of mesh armour, an auto pistol, and a spare magazine for it. Church also had bought a spare magazine.

‘We could do some discreet inquiries and see what’s going on

2323 – 08.2.4     Palomino Hostel, Regar

They compared notes after a few days. Tang, first name Li, was an ex-Union Marine, served two terms. Achieved rank of Lieutenant. Now works for someone called Soolin Rayshade.

‘He was in uniform when he hired us to do the warehouse job. Interesting.’

‘Ms Rayshade appears to be in the import and export business. She owns the warehouse we blew up, under the name Purolite LLC.’

‘Partially blew up.’

+++ Traveller News Service – Neu Regari 08.02.04 +++

Police are still investigating an explosion at the Regar Storage Facility that has destroyed a large stock of spares and equipment. Purolite LLC has announced a price increase in all life support spares and equipment.

There came a loud knock at the door and a voice called ‘Police. Open in the name of the law.’ A police squad entered, armed with pistols and batons.

They were arrested on charges of sabotageand taken to Police Central, to be held for trial. A bribe attempt by Brookes to represent them failed and they were appointed a court lawyer. */**

2323 – 09.03      Regar, Police Central – Courtroom

The explosion destroyed vital supplies to keep the city’s life support going as these cannot be manufactured locally. They are being tried as saboteurs. Their actions have put the entire city at risk. The evidence is conclusive, they are judged guilty, and the sentence is exile.

‘You will be taken from this world by low passage on the next suitable ship that is leaving. The passage will be paid by the Court. You will be left on the first port of call of that ship. All of your possessions will be returned to you when you disembark.’

Amberley glanced at Church as the sentence was read out. Her face was white, and she was shaking. *** He glanced up and saw Tang sitting in the public gallery – he was in civilian clothes. Next to him was a white-haired woman in a wheelchair.

2323-10.01

‘This is Captain Janders. You are to be transported Low Passage on his ship to Pavonis.’

Church reacted violently and had to be sedated. Amberley and Brookes went quietly.

2323 – 10.03       Pavonis               A551845 – D      N, TAS                   Po, Ht                   G

Everyone survived the Low Passage, and they left Jander’s ship (CSS – 9709 “Centennial” ) at the Highport. Janders met with them in the Orbit Lounge on the station. He wore a battered spacer’s jacket with a captain’s cap. He spoke with a Dutch accent. **** He signed over their possessions to them.

‘We are still broke.’

‘There are funds on the way from Bellatrix.’

Church looked at Amberley and shook her head. ‘Yes, there are. But, they’re going to Neu Regari, not here. In fact, they are probably there now, sitting waiting for you. How much did you request?’  *****

Amberley punched the wall, several times. ‘Half of it,’ he whispered. ‘ 25, 000 credits is now on Neu Regari. But my ship is still on Bellatrix, along with what I’ve got left. At least it is at the scout station, so should not be invoking berthing fees.’

Janders was still there.

‘You need work? I have a contact who might be able to help you.’ He scribbled a comms number onto a beermat.

‘Meili Lang.’ He paused; ‘ I will be back here in around sixteen weeks. You need help, contact me. CSS – 9709  “Centennial”’

‘Can you get us to Bellatrix?’ Janders shook his head. ‘Patinir Belt is the furthest I can do; need longer legs to get to Thera and Bellatrix.’

They boarded the shuttle down to the surface – Pavonis, de facto capital of the Union of Planets.

To be continued ….

———————-

GM Notes

I’m using all my Traveller resources collected since 1978 as well as other stuff. This includes JTAS, Freelance Traveller, White Dwarf, Stellar Reaches, Signs & Portents, all of the CT stuff (it was all released as giant Compendiums back in 2002), the Traveller Adventure (brilliant), all the ‘101’ BITS stuff, Mythic, Story Cubes (etc.)

Character lists – when I set the Game up I had separate character lists for each system. I’ve now decided it’s too much hassle. I’ve got one list that I roll on – if a given NPC turns up then I’ll work out a plausible reason for them to be there. The NPCs can travel around just as well as the PCs can (also, isn’t it suspicious if the same NPC keeps turning up on different systems?)

The worlds do have their own encounter tables for flora and fauna as this is individual to the world.

* I’m British but it’s easier to use US terms from the books rather than translate them.

** The lawyer must have been fresh out of school, or it was a set up – Advocate 0. Brookes has Advocate 2 but was not allowed to represent them in court.

*** Church obviously has a real issue with travelling Low Passage (why? – I don’t know)

**** Don’t be pedantic. This is for (meta-Game) flavour

***** It would take about 8 weeks for the transfer by x-boat. Requested on 08.01, this is week 10.03. Would have arrived 10.01. Did it? Yes.