Chapter 1: A Celestial Odyssey

Trade Era 1235, Day 3

Hercules, Draco II, Sector 05.26
Jil reclined in the small living quarters of her lifter ship, engrossed in a book, her sanctuary from the repetitive hum of the cargo ship Hercules. But her focus on maintaining a semblance of normalcy in the humdrum routine was disrupted as her communication console buzzed unexpectedly. The screen flickered to life, revealing the familiar emblem of ITC's Naval Intelligence. Jil's eyes narrowed, a sudden tension gripping her.The stern face of Commander Alara appeared, her image transmitted across the vast expanse of space.

"Agent Jil, your service in the Navy has not gone unnoticed. We have a new assignment for you," Commander Alara stated, her tone businesslike and devoid of unnecessary sentiment.

"The Celestial Voyager, a merchant vessel in New Jordan, has become a focal point of interest. We suspect a dangerous individual is using it as a transport on a mission that may threaten interplanetary security." Commander Alara continued, her words deliberate. "Your assignment is to join the crew of the Celestial Voyager undercover before it leaves New Jordan. Gather information, assess the situation, and report back to us. Discretion is paramount. I'm sending you the information about this individual."

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"Jil, your current cover identity is still intact, a seasoned cargo pilot seeking new opportunities. Please resign from the Hercules. We've arranged for your transfer. You leave for New Jordan in three days. Remember, the previous information is classified. Discretion, Agent Jil."

The communication ended abruptly, leaving Jil staring at the blank screen. Her past, once entwined with the shadows of her district, now resurfaced in the form of a covert mission. With a deep breath, she closed her book, the routine disrupted by the looming assignment that awaited her on the Celestial Voyager.

Jil nodded, her mind already racing with the complexities of the mission. The lifter ship had been a refuge, a way to distance herself from the intensity of naval life, but duty called again.

Trade Era 1235, Day 100

Celestial Voyager, New Jordan
Jil stepped onto the deck of the Celestial Voyager, the hum of activity buzzing around her. Her eyes scanned the area, taking in the diverse crew bustling about their duties. The ship's captain, Valeria Zaytsev, a formidable figure with a commanding presence, approached Jil.

"Jilandra Broadenspec, I presume?" Captain Zaytsev extended a firm handshake, her sharp gaze assessing Jil with a discerning eye.

"Yes, Captain. Pleasure to be aboard," Jil replied, maintaining a composed demeanor.

Trade Era 1235, Day 17

Explorers Division headquarters, Maryburg city, New Jordan
After five years of traversing the cosmos together, Master Alaric and Mariella had forged a bond stronger than the gravitational forces that governed the planets they explored. They returned to the Explorers Division headquarters, a place that had become a second home, to mark a momentous occasion – Mariella's promotion to Journeyman.

The ceremony was set against the backdrop of a holographic star map, displaying the routes they had charted and the mysteries they had unraveled. Councillor Adrian, alongside other Masters and Apprentices, awaited their return.

As the doors slid open, Mariella and Master Alaric entered with the ease of those intimately acquainted with the cosmos. Their suits bore the dust of distant worlds, a testament to the journey they had just completed. The scent of adventure clung to them like a cosmic perfume.

Councillor Adrian, adorned in the regalia of his position, stepped forward to greet them. "Welcome back, Apprentice Mariella, Master Alaric. Your odyssey has left its mark on the stars, and today, we celebrate the culmination of five years of exploration and discovery."

The holographic star map flickered to life, projecting the intricate routes they had traversed, the alien landscapes they had mapped, and the invaluable data they had collected. Mariella's eyes widened as she saw the visual representation of their journey, a tapestry woven with the threads of countless celestial bodies.

Councillor Adrian continued, "Mariella Solbjerg, in the company of Master Alaric, has demonstrated exceptional skill, resilience, and an unwavering dedication to the spirit of exploration. Today, we witness the evolution of an explorer ready to take the next step in her journey."

Master Alaric, a proud mentor, placed a hand on Mariella's shoulder, a silent acknowledgment of the growth and achievements they had shared. Mariella, with a mixture of humility and pride, received the Journeywoman's insignia – a symbol of her ascension within the ranks of the Explorers Division.

The chamber resonated with applause and cheers from fellow explorers, a chorus of recognition for a journey well-trodden and the promise of even greater horizons ahead.

Trade Era 1235, Day 19

Explorers Division headquarters, Maryburg city, New Jordan
A couple of days later, the holographic display in Mariella's quarters flickered to life, casting an ethereal glow across the room. She sat at the small desk, reviewing data from their latest expedition, when the familiar emblem of the Explorers Division appeared, heralding the arrival of a new mission.

Councillor Adrian's voice resonated through the room, "Journeywoman Mariella Solbjerg, a new mission awaits, one that will take you deep into uncharted territory."

As Mariella leaned forward, a holographic star map unfolded, revealing the coordinates of an unexplored Elders excavation site. The Elders, an ancient and enigmatic civilization, had left behind traces of their existence scattered across the galaxy. This excavation promised to unveil secrets hidden in the layers of time.

"Your task," Councillor Adrian continued, "is to accompany Professor Evelyn Stone, an esteemed archaeologist, on this journey. The Elders' artifacts hold the key to understanding their advanced technology, and Professor Stone believes this excavation site may reveal unprecedented insights. The Explorers Division has secured a long-range spacecraft, fully equipped to transport you, facilitate the excavation process, and support comprehensive research at the site."

The hologram dissipated, leaving Mariella with a mix of excitement and anticipation. The Elders' excavations were always fraught with challenges, from the unpredictable nature of their artifacts to the unknown dangers that lurked in the depths of their abandoned structures.

Trade Era 1235, Day 119

Celestial Voyager, Downport, New Jordan
Within the heart of the Celestial Voyager, Mariella Solbjerg and Professor Stone found themselves in the captain's quarters, a room embellished with holographic star charts and artifacts from previous expeditions. Valeria Zaytsev, the captain of this interstellar vessel and an old friend of Mariella's, greeted her with a warm smile.

"Welcome aboard, Mariella! It's been too long! And a Journeywoman, nonetheless. " Valeria exclaimed, enveloping Mariella in a heartfelt embrace.

Mariella returned the embrace, a sense of familiarity washing over her. "Captain, it's incredible to see you again. I never imagined we'd reunite on a mission like this."

"Professor Stone, it's an honor to have you aboard the Celestial Voyager," Valeria continued. "Let me present you to the crew."

Captain Valeria Zaytsev led Mariella Solbjerg and Professor Evelyn Stone through the bustling corridors of the Celestial Voyager until they reached the common area, introducing them to the vital crew members who would play crucial roles in their Elders' excavation mission.

"This is Corbin McRogers, our ship's engineer," Valeria announced, gesturing toward a sturdy individual with a toolkit strapped to his belt. Corbin's eyes sparkled with the pride of someone intimately acquainted with the inner workings of the Celestial Voyager.

She waited for Corbin to answer and continued:

"This is Jil, our skilled shuttle pilot. When we need to make planetfall in the wilderness or explore derelict ships, Jil's the one who'll get us there and back."

She waited for Jil to answer and continued:

"And this is Hank, our quartermaster for this mission. If you need anything from rations to specialized equipment, Hank's the man."

"'Owdy Ma'am. Say, you the Mariella that hung those pictures down in Cargo? Went to move one while tracin' wires and the fellas down there 'bout bit my head off."

Corbin pauses for a second, before looking at his feet. "They are nice pictures."

Hank works hard to play it cool while the others are introduced. When Professor Stone is introduced to Hank, he says, "It is so good to see you again! I had hoped our paths would cross again, but I had no idea it would be this quickly! Any help you need I am here to provide!"

He hopes she is as happy to see him again, as he is to see her.

Mariella certainly is glad to be back on the Voyager, as she said to the captain, it is a more than welcome coincidence. While she was slightly sad about the loss of Master Alaric as a travel companion and everpresent navigator, leading the exploration team with his exploration expertise and life experiences in general, this feeling quickly subsides upon figuring out that she will parter up with her star-found family of old. Entering the cramped corridors of the ship, she feels a certain connection to the place that she hardly ever felt, even back as a child. Things changed just enough to not being able to remember everything, but it still feels like the good old ship she left behind many years ago.
Mariella isn't nearly as sure what to feel about the mission. Granted, the Elders seem like a magnificent research topic and opportunity, seeing as there has been little progress in figuring out who they were and what they were all about. At the same time, they are dealing with an alien civilisation, so any rules Mariella has learned might not apply, which is a tad discomforting. Still, the good outweighs the bad and there certainly are much worse missions to go on, especially as your first Journeywoman one.

After the warm welcome from the Captian, Mariella follows closely behind, eager to meet the new hires. She doesn't know how many of her friends from her time on board are left over, but she reckons she'll get along with whomever the Captain may hive hired in the meantime - getting along with people is part of her job description after all.
After the round of introductions, Mariella gives a brief welcoming gesture to everyone in turn, smiling politely. Her diplomatic expression lights up with a proper smile as Mr. McRogers mentions the artwork in the cargo bay, her eyes sparkling with exitement.

"Oh, they kept them up? I'd have feared they have been all but sold - not that that would be unusual, of course, I arranged them mainly to be taken elsewhere and sold off for a higher price in the first place. Still, it's a pleasant surprise at least some of them have been preserved. Brightens up the whole room, don't they?"

She laughs quietly before the Captain resumes the welcoming gesture. Mariella doesn't have to say anything to the other two personally, but they seem like capable folk and the Professor and one of the crew seem to be familiar with each other, which is also not a bad ting at all.

Professor Stone, her eyes reflecting a mix of surprise and delight, reciprocated Hank's warmth. "Hank, what a wonderful coincidence! I didn't expect to reunite with an old friend on this mission. Your offer of assistance is greatly appreciated. It seems the cosmos has its own way of bringing people together for extraordinary endeavors. I am eager to step onto Astralon," Professor Stone expressed with enthusiasm. Her eyes shimmered with anticipation as she looked out. "The Elders' secrets have beckoned for so long, and now, when we approach the excavation site, the thrill of unveiling those mysteries will be truly palpable."

Hank replies, "This is great! I have done my best to keep up with your work. I will gladly help in any way I can!"

He suddenly catches himself, glances back to the captain, and adds, "As much as Captain Zaytsev permits, of course."

OOC:
Hi everyone! This is my first pbp so please bare with me, help is appreciated.
Htech, working as an undercover operative fits Jil perfectly. She is actually interesting now :-D

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Without altering her sullen expression Jil briefly introduces herself to the group. She is now 28 having served 6 years in the Navy and the last 4 years working in low grade cargo pilot jobs.

Anyone that knows her homeworld 'Ulivia Prime' would understand her grim demeaner. She was lucky to get away from that oppressive dumping ground.

After 'sizing up' her colleagues Jil stands apart from the group, eager to be underway.

Trade Era 1235, Day 119

New Jordan Space Yards, in orbit of New Jordan

In the heart of the New Jordan Space Yards, a symphony of clanging metal and whirring machinery echoed through the colossal assembly bay. Engineers meticulously finalized the construction of the starship Sentinel, a masterpiece of ITC Navy engineering. The air crackled with anticipation as the final bolts were secured and panels sealed.

As the ship's artificial gravity hummed to life, Captain Kara Rael, adorned in her navy-blue uniform, stood proudly on the bridge. Her eyes sparkled with a blend of excitement and determination as the crew prepared for the maiden voyage. The Sentinel, a sleek and formidable space frigate, exuded an air of power.

With a subtle vibration, the massive bay doors slowly creaked open, revealing the cosmos beyond. The Sentinel, adorned with the ITC emblem, gleamed under the distant starlight. The crew, a mix of seasoned veterans and eager recruits, moved with precision as they prepared for departure.

"Initiating launch sequence," announced the ship's pilot, its voice resonating through the bridge. The Sentinel gracefully glided out of the space yards, leaving behind the birthplace of its creation. Once in the vastness of space, the ship's engines roared to life, propelling it forward with controlled force.

Captain Rael surveyed the green displays on her command console, confirming the readiness of the point defense cannons and the array of offensive systems. Medium laser batteries stood ready to unleash controlled bursts of energy, while a multitude of missiles nestled in their silos, poised for any potential threat.

In the heart of the Sentinel's bridge, Lieutenant Douklan Paravides received the mission directive from Captain Rael with a crisp salute. "Lieutenant Paravides, you are assigned as the liaison officer with the Celestial Voyager. Your role is crucial to ensuring a seamless collaboration between our vessels during this mission to the far edges of known space."

With a stern nod, Paravides acknowledged the responsibility bestowed upon him. He swiftly made his way through the pristine corridors of the Sentinel, his boots echoing against the metallic floor. Upon reaching the external airlock, he navigated its confines and traversed the gangway leading to the docked Celestial Voyager.

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Gabriel "Gabe" Reyes, the first officer of the Celestial Voyager, welcomed Paravides with a warm yet determined gaze. "Lieutenant Paravides, it's an honor to have you aboard. I'm Gabriel Reyes, the first officer of the Celestial Voyager. Our mission is one of great importance, and cooperation between our crews will be key to its success."

"Thank you, Mr. Reyes, sir." Douklan is unsure how this civilian officer should be addressed. Is it by rank title, or bridge role? Every once in a while, Douklan regrets not following his fantasy of signing up with the Explorers Division...if he had, he would surely know how to navigate this interaction more smoothly. " I look forward to learning about you and the rest of the crew and finding how I can best be of use to you." Douklan makes interested and respectful noises as the first officer shows him around the Celestial Voyager. This ship will likely be his home for longer than any civilian vessel ever has before now; he pays close attention and tries to get a sense of the hierarchy within the crew: who are the people to watch out for, who are the people useful to know, who are the interesting people...

Considering that Mariella is the expert broker, Hank will attempt to see if she is willing to provide some pointers on the finer arts of brokering so he can do better in his own efforts.

During down time, he will also check in on Professor Stone to both try and get more info on the expedition and help however he can. He does have relevant knowledge, after all!

"Cap'n, not to be a pain, but that port side compression coil is on it's last legs. If she blows, we can't repair it. Needs to be replaced at the earliest."

Standing up, he starts towards the hatch. "If we're getting ready to jump, I'll thaw the synths and get them started on the lists."

Corbin nods to the captain and heads out through the airlock and follows the maze of gangways and loading ramps to the Space Yards Maintenance department. He punches in the parts number at the kiosk and grabs some coffee while he waits on the clerk to pull the part.

Returning to the Voyager, he heads down to Engineering with the small crate in hand. Corbin was glad the captain had approved this, these coils were a nothing part to buy and replace, but they are vital.

After swapping the parts, Corbin packed the old coil in the small crate and put it on the shelf. It may only have a few jumps left in it, but better to have an old spare than no spare.

Corbin successfully replaced the coils before departure. It seems like everything is in pristine conditions now.

Hank makes sure the berthing fees and supply costs have been paid. He makes sure we have enough supplies to get us to the next destination. He makes sure to update the captain on the current status of the ship's funds and supplies.

(Since this is just busy-work, I assumed a roll isn't necessary.)

Jil takes the opportunity to familiarize herself with the ship.

Douklan composes a report that he's settled in and begun his mission and delivers it to the Sentinel, either as a hand-written report via the docking tube if it's still coupled or via tight-beam laser if the ships are separated but still in visual range. Then, out of habit, he watches the crew power up the synth pilots and go through their safety and cognition start up routines. It was drilled into him in the Navy that a ship is only as sound as its pilot, and there is persistent Navy scuttlebutt about pilot synths who went rogue. Douklan knows these are likely fictions, but he still likes to know who is piloting them when they're asleep.

Finally, Douklan will update his journal with some excitement, thrilled at the idea of doing some exploration (and also some mercantile experimentation) at last.

Mariella spends a while admiring the art collection in the cargo hold. It's far less productive than whatever the others might be doing, but she is unsure if she is still a proper member of the crew - while she doubts the Captain will mind her helping out, she is uncertain about the other's reaction, especially those that she hadn't met during her own time on board. So, art watching it is.

After enough time has been spent, Mariella will go to check up on Professor Stone, see if she needs anything. While Mariella is certain the Professor can take care of herself, she also has been assigned to her safety, so she will gladly help out with whatever the archeologist might need.

Douklan fixes in his mind which nearly-human features belonged to which synth: Alpha, Beta, Gamma, and Delta. He knew that they were effectively one mind with the ship, so addressing one was pretty much the same as addressing another, but they looked close enough to people that it was natural to show them respect and autonomy. The old Destroid habits died hard, and in the Belt, politeness and proper address were necessary to avoid slights that might erupt at any moment into violent conflict. So he'd address them by their names as individuals, even though he knows that many others might find it odd.

In the Navy, the synths would check the status of the captain first, but the revivals would start with the first officer, as he was considered more expendable in case of a problem with the process. The first officer would then evaluate if the situation warranted reviving the Captain and the rest of the crew. Douklan has no idea whether the protocol is the same here on a merchant/research vessel. Finding no delicate way to broach the subject, he decided just to ask Gabe: "You're the last one down and the first one up again, Gabe?"

Corbin stands at the main Engineering console watching the status readouts for the ship and the Cyro pods. One by one they switch from Off, to On,to Initiating Cycle and finally to Stable. Stable being an interesting word for frozen to within a heart beat of death. Once everyone is down, he proceeds to his pod. Seeing Synth-Alpha prepping his pod he nods. "Hello James, everything in order?"

"Of course it is sir, I know you just came from the Engineering Panel. If something were amiss, you'd have summoned me there to discuss it." Corbin chuckles at the Synth's lack of humor, or maybe it was just dryer houmor than most people would understand. As he entered the pod, he wondered again if anyone else knew the Synth's names. He only used them when the rest of the crew was under.

Having systematically walked the ship, or as much as possible in the time allowed, Jil goes through her own cryo preparation routine (6 years in the Navy has made the whole process fairly mundane to her).

Douklan returns to his bunk and makes sure everything is stowed and tidy before he writes another letter to Farchelle. They've grown apart over the past six years, but she is a connection to home, and they've developed and maintained a correspondence. Though they're the same age, it feels to Douklan that she's so much older, because so much of his life is spent asleep. Years of his life, at this point. He wonders how long it'll be before he can send these letters or receive another letter from her. She's married now, and has two children, both of whom have seen several Rain Days and are now old enough to be in school. To Douklan it feels like only a year has passed.

He also notes in his journal his impressions of the crew and other passengers: these are the people who will be his main companions for a year or more, experiencing life at the same intervals. He'd better get to know them.

Stowing his journal and letters, Douklan then heads to his cryo pod and starts the initialization sequence.

Jil, you look around the starship and find nothing out of the ordinary. Everything seems to be fine.

Trade Era 1235, Day 130

Celestial Voyager, Draco system
Corbin awoke with a gradual return to consciousness, the hum of machinery and the subdued lighting of the cryo-chamber surrounding him. The cold, mechanical stillness of the pod contrasted with the liveliness of his awakening mind. Stretching his stiff limbs, he prepared to exit the chamber, anticipating the routine check-in with Synth-Alpha.

As the cryo-pod door hissed open, the chief engineer found himself greeted by the metallic presence of Synth-Alpha. "Good to see you again, sir. Status report: all systems are stable, and we've arrived at the Draco system as scheduled."

Corbin acknowledged the information, his gaze flickering to the status displays. "Any issues during the jump?" - he asked, seeing some warnings and notes.

"Everything was smooth until the port side compression coil acted up again. We handled the repair and the identification of the root cause - the nearest capacitor was also broken. Everything is good now, but you'll need to purchase new replacement parts, we have no spares left. Our current position is 2 Astronomical Units from the star. There is a starport in Draco I, where, supposedly, you can buy it." James informed him.

"We will now revive the remainder of the crew, returning to synth hibernation mode after that. Safe travels, sir."

Trade Era 1235, Day 130

Mess hall, Celestial Voyager, Draco system
In the heart of the Celestial Voyager, Captain Valeria's voice echoed through the intercom, summoning the crew, Mariella, and Douklan to the mess hall again. She explained the situation of the coils and continued:

"Gabe, please ready the cargo shuttle for a trip to Draco I. We require supplies, but maintain a discreet profile. We don't want undue attention in this system. I need a pilot and volunteers to go with Gabe. You can engage in speculative trading, but take care, I don't want anything risky. "

"In the meantime, I'll stay aboard the Celestial Voyager with the remaining crew, charting a course in the opposite direction, toward Draco III for a crucial refueling and to negotiate some mail transport with the Postal Authority Division. The Sentinel will accompany us towards the gas giant and the ITC station."

Corbin will be in Engineering running over the diagnostics again, figures we'd lose a capacitor. With no moving parts, some of those electrical items are hard to predict a failure. "Erin, run through the repair/spares list. Let's double check for any items we're at or below par values. Looks like we're on our last capacitor and where we're headed, resupply might not be a thing."

Hank says, "If you are up for it, Captain, I am would like to go. I can help with the purchasing, and pilot the shuttle, too. I can work with Erin to get the list of supplies."Hank works with Erin and Corbin to get the list created. He will also recommend getting extras to cover possible issues while they are out of supply.

Hank, here is your list:
- Quantum Flux Compression Coils (2 sets, just to be safe)
- Neutrino Capacitor (just one extra. This stuff is expensive and you already have 1 spare)
- Universal Interface Screws (50, assorted sizes)
- Graviton Stabilizers (pair)
- Flux Harmonizer Chips (3 units)
- Bio-Regenerative Life Support Filters (pack of 10)

It will be 1,272 credits (base price, depending on your Broker roll/negotiation later, it can be cheaper or more expensive).

The captain has granted you access to the ship's credit card for this purchase.

Jil offers to go to the surface with Gabe's team.

"Captain, I have cargo experience if the shuttle needs a co-pilot"

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"I don't want to step on any toes," Douklan begins, "But I was trained and have served as a pilot for the past six years. I'm happy to take the shuttle to Draco I or to help out with navigating to Draco III."