Chapter 4D: To acquire an asset

As they prepared to work, one of the Synths spoke up, its voice tinged with what sounded like curiosity. "Sir, will we be entering hyperspace soon?"

Corbin paused, taken aback by the question. It was rare for Synths to inquire about the ship's regular operations. "We were under the impression that our next jump was imminent," another Synth chimed in.

---

Trade Era 1235, Day 137. 16:45 UTC

Postal Authority orbital station, Draco III
Mercer leaned against the sleek metal railing of the observation deck aboard the Draco III Postal Authority Orbital Station, staring out into the vastness of space. It had been a slow day, the hum of activity around them reduced to a mere whisper. But amidst the tranquility, a spark of intrigue ignited within them as they spotted a digital notice on the board.

"Stellar Express Brokerage, Zyronis system," Mercer murmured to themselves, their curiosity piqued. It was a one time job escorting hundreds of tons of Nocturna's Blossom Extract. The prospect of safeguarding a large cargo bound for the binary stars of the Zyronis system, especially one of cultural significance for both Draco and Zyronis, stirred a sense of adventure within them. Moreover, Mercer was currently in between jobs, so it was not like they had a lot of options. They could also sell the 2 tons of clothing that they recently acquired with a huge discount, but Draco III was not the best place to do so."Excuse me," They addressed the receptionist, an android robot stationed behind the desk. Its mechanical eyes blinked as it processed Mercer's presence. "I noticed the advertisement about the security position for the cargo headed to the Zyronis system. Is the position still available?"

The android nodded in acknowledgment, its metallic voice crisp and efficient. "Affirmative. The security position remains open for this one-time assignment with our company. Payment does not include a ticket back to Draco III, but the security officer will receive 200 credits, a Woven body armor and a Spike Thrower upon signing and another 300 credits upon safe delivery of the cargo to its destination. If the cargo is safely delivered, they will also be able to keep the equipment. We are still looking for the tramper to transport that cargo, so we don't have a scheduled date yet. We'll contact the chosen person 12 hours before departure, to prepare them for it and finalize the details. Are you interested?"

---

Trade Era 1235, Day 138. 08:45 UTC

Celestial Voyager, docked at the postal authority orbital station, Draco III

Hank paced the bridge with a furrowed brow. He was able to recruit Mariella, Valeria signed a mail delivery contract for Englene Station in the Dianreti system in exchange for 1,050 credits and Hank got authorization from the captain to change their policies to always look for freight during their mission.

But their ship's holds were still empty, and so they still needed to find freight to fill them before they reached Altairia. As he reviewed potential routes and cargo listings, his gaze lingered on a blinking advertisement from Stellar Express Brokerage.

"Zyronis system," Hank mused aloud, tapping on the advertisement for more details. It seemed fate had intervened, as Zyronis lay directly in their path to Altairia. Perhaps this was the opportunity they'd been waiting for.

Hank contacted Stellar Express Brokerage to inquire about the advertised cargo. A holographic interface materialized before him, displaying a detailed description of the shipment.

The cargo consists of 300 tons, packaging included, of the extract from a rare flower known as the Nocturna Blossom, originating from the homonymous moon here in the Draco system. It holds significant cultural value for the inhabitants of the Zyronis system. The lot cannot be split and Stellar Express will provide a dedicated security officer as a passenger. They will ensure the safe escort of the cargo, requiring a berth and continuous access to the cargo hold throughout the journey.

For payment and further details, please contact the local Stellar Express Brokerage office.

Corbin shakes his head at the synth's question. "Imminent, no, the only thing that's imminent right now are repairs. There's no way we'd be able to jump with a hole where the shuttle bay used to be. I'm afraid we're stuck here until we get patched up."

Viewing the holographic display, he figures this is a good option, if the price is right. He "clicks" on the Contact "button" in the display to gain a live connection.

A broker appears in the holographic display and says, "How may I help you?"

Hank replies, "I am interested in transporting the Nocturna Blossom freight. What is the offered rate for the transport of the cargo and security detail?"

In addition, he books some time with Mariella to sit down and look through the speculative cargo listed for this system. Some of it actually looks decent, so we will definitely be getting some of that, since we still have 1099.9 (or 1299.9) tons to fill up.

(How long are the repairs going to take? I figure we're kinda abstracting all of that out to a certain extent, but I still want a rough timescale so that I can get my head around how long he has to find his freight and cargo, and if the cargo list is going to refresh during that time.)

---

"We offer 23,000 credits for its transport to Zyronis, including the berthing for a security officer. You will need to pay your fuel, provisions and fill some paperwork for our insurance company, of course, but we will handle all taxes, fees and customs duties for that cargo.

If you wanna negotiate non-financial compensations, though, we can reduce that payment and talk about it. Can Stellar Express Brokerage help you somehow?"

It worked just fine. I just forgot to do it. :(

Merchant’s group: Hank + Mariella
Expertise: 2

Available Trade Goods
Advanced Data Storage Drives
Safeguard your precious data with our state-of-the-art drives, offering unparalleled reliability and speed. Whether you're a daring explorer charting new frontiers or a savvy trader navigating bustling spaceports, Astrotech's storage drives ensure your information remains secure and accessible at all times.

Sold by: Astrotech Industries
Galactic price: 50,000 credits / 1 ton
Minimum lot and increments: 0.1 tons
Total available: 9 tons
Types: Postech, Compact
Purchase price: Roll 4d6l3-1 to let us know

Gravitics Plates
Experience smoother travels and greater stability with Astrotech's gravitics plates. Engineered to perfection, our gravitics technology minimizes turbulence and maximizes efficiency, providing you with a seamless journey through even the most challenging cosmic environments. Say goodbye to bumpy rides and hello to a smoother, more enjoyable voyage!

Sold by: Astrotech Industries
Galactic price: 25,000 credits / 1 ton
Minimum lot and increments: 1 ton
Total available: 266 tons
Types: Postech, Astronautic, Rare
Purchase price: Roll 4d6l3+1 to let us know

Mariella's looking to buy art
(Also available for you to buy)
Edit: Probably not worth it.

Paintings, oil
Elevate your surroundings and enrich your life with our exquisite artwork. Whether adorning the walls of your spaceship or commanding attention in your workspace, our pieces serve as timeless reminders of the power of beauty and the endless possibilities of the human spirit.

Sold by: Celestia Creations
Galactic price: 10,000 credits / 1 ton
Minimum lot and increments: 1 ton
Total available: 2 tons
Types: Luxury, Cultural
Purchase price: 16,000 / 1 ton

Hank replies, "That's not quite standard rates, but we can work with that.

"As for alternatives, we are interested in both speculative cargo and other freight destined for the Zyronis system. Do you have anything available in either category?"

"Sure. Let me check..." - answered the broker - "So, I'm authorized to pay you 15,000 credits and give you an extra 5 tons of Nocturna's Blossom Extract, if you have 305 tons available and are willing to mix credits and merchandise instead of those 23 thousand credits as payment for our freight transport to Zyronis.""We can also look for more freight for a small finder's fee of 5%. How many more tons are we talking about?"

"We will take the 15,000 credits and five extra tons of Nocturna's Blossom Extract."Hank politely laughs a bit at the last question and says, "How much do you have? I have a big cargo hold. I am looking for upwards of 1000 tons."

"A thousand? Whoa, you have a Cruiser starship! Fantastic, that's not something that we see everyday.

Anyway, the point is that a thousand tons would mean a load worth somewhere between 1 and 20 million credits... We can't trust you with that, at least not without further investigations and guarantees. We would need collateral assets and a certified or licensed crew... We must verify that your ship not only has enough fighters, weapons and armor but also security personnel to repel pirates and boarding parties... We would also need some previous work with our company, among other things.

If you have time, we can go there or at least check out some of these warranties so you can haul more cargo with our involvement. Otherwise, I think you should start small... Or take your own risks with speculative trading. So, what do you think would work better for you?"

Hank replies, "OK, I have time. Also, we are willing to start small. So, 50 or 100 tons? We don't have a problem working to establish credibility. We have a charter we will be doing first, but we will definitely be coming back around. And getting a better idea of what the requirements are will be good. I assume any company in your position will likely have similar requirements."

I can get you another freight with 50 tons of Clothing. It would be standard rates minus our fee. To qualify, you must have at least a weapon in your ship for self defense and have at least 3 qualified security officers as permanent members of your crew. To certify them... - The broker then told Hank the certification process.

"Thank you for all the explanation. This has been a big help! I will get back with you as quickly as we can."

After the business with Stellar Express was concluded (at least for now) Hank gets back to speculative trading. After he finishes looking into it and maybe buying some of those cargo, he goes to Engineering, to check with Corbin how the repairs are going and talk about buying and installing a Sandthrower

Corbin smiles at Kelly, "Yes, I understand this is a break from our routine, but so's being blown up. A lot of the crew didn't resign their contracts after the explosion and we're stuck needing all available hands to get repairs completed. If we're not able to hire enough new crew before we leave port, then you will most likely stay up to continue to fill the empty positions."

Those two items (Storage Drives and Gravitics Plates) are probably too rich for our blood. (Heck, one ton of Storage Drives is the same cost as that Sandthrower we're talking about!) However, let's see how the deals work out.

(You said to use 4d6l3. I'm assuming that was intentional.)

Available Trade Goods
Advanced Data Storage Drives
Safeguard your precious data with our state-of-the-art drives, offering unparalleled reliability and speed. Whether you're a daring explorer charting new frontiers or a savvy trader navigating bustling spaceports, Astrotech's storage drives ensure your information remains secure and accessible at all times.
Sold by: Astrotech Industries
Galactic price: 50,000 credits / 1 ton
Minimum lot and increments: 0.1 tons
Total available: 9 tons
Types: Postech, Compact
Purchase price: 4,000 credits / 0.1 ton

Gravitics Plates
Experience smoother travels and greater stability with Astrotech's gravitics plates. Engineered to perfection, our gravitics technology minimizes turbulence and maximizes efficiency, providing you with a seamless journey through even the most challenging cosmic environments. Say goodbye to bumpy rides and hello to a smoother, more enjoyable voyage!
Sold by: Astrotech Industries
Galactic price: 25,000 credits / 1 ton
Minimum lot and increments: 1 ton
Total available: 266 tons
Types: Postech, Astronautic, Rare
Purchase price: 15,000 credits / 1 ton

---

Do you wanna reroll 1d10 (increasing Friction) to change any of them for another trade good? Or do you wanna buy? Neither?

---

Hank is going to go talk with the Captain about what he's found out and get her direction/buy-in. If we buy the speculative cargo AND the Sandthrower, that will devastate our money reserves. And that's even before trying to pay for crew. Everyone we have right now for crew will "volunteer" for a few jumps to get us back on our feet. Anyone new will require actual money to hire on. Which we won't have if we buy this cargo and weapon. But being able to handle freight will be *very* helpful going forward. So ... interesting conversation.

---

Mercer looked over the contract, but it looked straightforward and simple. And a good deal. He tapped his agreement in screen.
Yes, Thank you. Where will I be reporting?

Hank buys 3 tons of Gravitics Plates for 45K and .2 tons of Advanced Data Storage Drives for 8K. That leaves us with 45K.

The plan is to make a quick turn-around for the Gravitics Plates and be pickier for the Storage Drives.

One other thing Hank brings up with the Captain is that we need to expand the crew a bit.What he recommends is that we look for someone that will/can serve as the ship's medic. It could be cool to get one more, but the pressing need is for the medic and if we just find that, we then would have the required crew even without Mariela. (We'll still put her to use either way, though!) That will meet our immediate need and shouldn't tax things too much while doing so.

As soon as he confirmed his agreement, Mercer received a notification indicating that Stellar Express would begin his evaluation and background check. True to their reputation for thoroughness and professionalism, the process would ensure that only the most qualified candidates were entrusted with the task of safeguarding the precious cargo.

Over the next few days, Stellar Express conducted a meticulous background check, verifying Mercer's credentials, past assignments, and references. Despite his confidence in his abilities, Mercer couldn't help but feel a twinge of nerves as he awaited the results.

Hank carefully drafts a message, detailing the Celestial Voyager's need for additional crew, particularly someone skilled in medical care. With the announcement posted prominently on the space station's bulletin board, he waits anxiously for responses.

In the meantime, he was contacted by Julia to get the Solaris and the repair supplies from a nearby docking bay. She told him the location and that he could bring with him an engineer, if he liked, to check it out.

Hank informs the Captain that he was headed out to check out the new used shuttle and the repair supplies and would be taking Corbin with him.

He then tracks down Corbin and says, "Hey! The supplier got back with me and we need to go check out the used shuttle and repair parts to make sure its everything we need and its in good repair. Considering what we both know of my repair skills, I'm not qualified to pass any judgements. Assuming it is all good, we'll have to work with them to remove the lifeboats and what's left of our old shuttle. Ready for a walk?"

"Not this time Kelly. Your skills are more efficiently used here. Also, Erin is already on the station, we are going to meet her there and bring her back." Corbin picks up a few tools and a data pad.

"Once the repairs are done and we're back on schedule, there'll be time for some sightseeing at some of the upcoming stops."

Hank and Corbin stood in hangar bay C14 of the space station, their eyes fixed on the vessel that would soon become their new acquisition—the Solaris.

The Solaris stood among other retired spacecraft, its silhouette a testament to its years of service and wear. Despite its weathered exterior, there was an undeniable aura of resilience surrounding the vessel, as if it had weathered every challenge the cosmos had thrown its way and emerged stronger for it.

Together, they approached the Solaris, their footsteps echoing in the cavernous hangar bay. As they drew closer, they could see the signs of wear and tear more clearly—the scuffed paint, the patched hull, the occasional dent from past encounters.

But despite its outward appearance, there was an undeniable sense of potential emanating from the vessel. Its engines hummed with latent energy, eager to be set free once more. Its interior, though in need of some refurbishment, held the promise of countless adventures yet to come.

As Hank and Corbin continued their inspection of the Solaris, they climbed a ladder to reach the top of the vessel, where they discovered a curious addition—a sandthrower weapon mounted on a turret.

Corbin whistled lowly, eyeing the weapon and gesturing toward it for Hank to see.As Hank and Corbin inspected the Solaris, a company representative approached them, her dataslab in hand.

"Excuse me, gentlemen," she said, catching their attention. - "My name is Julia, I am the local manager for Herald-Leader Salvaging. You're Hank right? The repair parts you requested for the Celestial Voyager are already aboard the Solaris. They're stored in the cargo hold."

"Just one thing to note", she added, with a serious expression. "With so many repair parts, they weigh approximately two tons in total. As your shuttle bay is damaged, you can't just fly the parts there. You will need a gravsled or a transportation services company."

Before we leave, Hank adds, "They only allowed me to bring one person."

On the way over, he asks Corbin, "Is it just me, or is she acting differently? She's acting more like a person that they usually have? Is this new?"When we get there, Hank will smile broadly at the sight of the sandthrower. Gifts are great! "I am sure there is something about this old shuttle that's gonna bite us later, but this is a great starting bonus!"

When Julia arrives, he replies, "Yes, I am Hank. And this is our chief engineer, Corbin McRogers." He then climbs down and offers a handshake. "I am please to finally meet you in person."

Hank says, "It's a big ship. We can dock with the cargo bay and unload that way.

"However, how do you plan to pull the lifeboats and get the damaged shuttle? I have to imagine you're going to want your payment for all of this." Hank smiles while saying the last part.

Corbin begins to look over the new shuttle.

Trade Era 1235, Day 138. 10:45 UTC

Hangar bay C14, Postal Authority orbital station, Draco III

Corbin approached the Solaris with a practiced eye, his mind already running through the checklist of pre-flight procedures. He moved around the vessel, then entered the engine compartment. With practiced hands, he began the meticulous process of checking each system, his eyes scanning the readouts for any anomalies.

"Found a loose connection here," he called out, his voice muffled by the hum of machinery. "Should be an easy fix."

Hank continued his conversation with Julia while Corbin worked.
"Oh, don’t worry. We've already considered this, as long as your crew can uninstall the lifeboats while you make repairs, we'll take care of it.

With the final checks completed and the repairs made, Hank and Corbin prepared to take off. With a steady hand, Hank guided the Solaris out of the hangar bay, its engines roaring to life as they ascended into the void of space.

As they approached the Celestial Voyager, Jil’s voice crackled over the comms system. "You are cleared to enter the cargo hold," she announced.

Hank acknowledges, guiding the Solaris toward their destination. With practiced precision, he maneuvered the shuttle into position, its landing gears engaging with a satisfying click as they secured it in place.

As the airlock cycled and they stepped out of the Solaris onto the familiar deck of the Celestial Voyager, Hank couldn't help but feel a surge of pride. They had successfully retrieved the vessel, overcoming some obstacles along the way, and now it stood ready to serve as a vital addition to their crew's resources. With the Solaris safely aboard, their journey through the stars could continue unabated.

After getting back with the shuttle, but before anyone else gets there, Hank says to Corbin, "Is it just me, or are the synths acting unusually? I don't remember the synths ever asking for anything before, much less for a chance to leave the ship. That was highly unexpected. Or have they always been like that and I just never noticed?"

"That behavior falls under super highly suspicious. Add to that, we just had a possibly bio-synth psionic saboteur on the ship. I'm thinking of seeing if the captain has an issue with me popping a 'factory reset' on the whole lot of them."

"Do you know if the synths can wirelessly communicate with each other? I would like to talk with Kelly before her reset. I am not sure what is going on, but getting more information can only help.

"Also, can we run a diagnostic on them? I'd like to know if there are observable changes from their factory configuration that we can detect and isolate? If they have been modified, it will be good to know if it is just software, or if there have been hardware alterations.

"And, I don't know how to say this correctly, but if they are now sapient, I am not going to feel completely comfortable resetting them. If they are now sapient, I don't actually know what to do. Automatons doing their duty with no break or say in the matter are just machines operating as designed. Sapient beings doing that is slavery. Mindwiping a sapient being is ... not good. We could be facing a situation no one is prepared for."

Mercer knew what the background check would show, but there was always a twinge of nervousness. Having once had a criminal record and having it expunged will do that.
Trading information and allowing the cops to use you as bait can have some good benefits.
But that doesn't mean there isn't anyone that can find the records, but you have to be pretty high up to find restricted records..
Other than that it's just traveling, guarding and trading. Always keeping his end of the deal and doing good work. .. well work to the best of his ability. Not everything goes perfect always, but he always does what he can.
Now Mercer is moving up from the street thug life he started as and is trying to become a genuine trader.

"Hank, I hear all of your concerns. I've read the discussion on the possibility of synth evolution back in school. Periodic synth wipes are common in a lot of places, we've been a little lax because we're a small ship and we keep them down during normal hours. Right now, they are a large portion of our crew, and within 24 hours of whatever Alfredo was blowing up the ship and killing Gabe, I've got a synth that wants to go check out the shopping mall." Corbin pauses to check over the shuttle readings as they move closer to the Voyager.

"Bottom line, with all the crap on our plates, preforming a standard wipe removes a possible problem with minimal effort and it'll help get repairs done faster."

Hank sighs. He replies, "I understand. Go ahead and do it for all four."