Chapter 5.1: Byzantine bureaucracy

Trade Era 1235, Day 151

Celestial Voyager, Postal Authority orbital station, Draco III
As the Celestial Voyager hummed with life, its crew scurried about, conducting final checks and adjustments. Captain Valeria Zaytsev stood at the helm, her gaze fixed on the vast expanse of space beyond the station's windows. Fourteen days of rigorous repairs had brought their ship almost back to prime condition, and anticipation crackled through the air as they proceeded with the last tests in preparation for departure. The ship is scheduled to leave for Verdura in 2 days.

Hank moved about the cargo hold, overseeing the loading of supplies and goods. Corbin McRogers, the chief engineer, darted between terminals, ensuring every system was functioning flawlessly. Jilandra, known simply as Jil, sat in the Solaris cockpit, her fingers dancing across the controls as she ran pre-flight diagnostics. And Peter Morgan, the newly hired gunnery head and security officer, inspected the sandthrower with a trained eye, ready to defend their vessel if need be.

Amidst the bustle, a new presence made itself known - Mercer, already wearing the Stellar Express uniform and weapons, emerged from the airlock accompanied by three towering robots. Each robot bore the unmistakable marks of heavy-duty cargo handlers, their metallic frames gleaming under the station's artificial lights. Behind them, in 3 large gravsleds, 302 tons of crates.

About this time, Slaine and Alex Mercer also appeared, ready to give their farewells before departing to New Jordan.

---

Trade Era 1235, Day 151.

Sentinel, orbiting Draco III

Captain Kara Rael surveyed the bridge of the Sentinel, her eyes sweeping over the monitors and displays with practiced ease. The ambient hum of the ship's systems filled the air, a reassuring backdrop to the flurry of activity that had consumed them in recent days. With resupply efforts completed, emergency repairs addressed, and meticulous maintenance undertaken, the Sentinel stood poised for departure. In accordance with schedule, the ITC heavy cruiser "Frank Exchange of Views," flagship of the 2nd fleet, had just entered the system, escorted by a heavy frigate, a missile boat and a couple of smaller craft. News of recent events had evidently prompted the Admiral of the region to personally oversee matters here.

Soon enough, a transmission was received and the Admiral Harkin's distinguished voice echoed through the bridge, conveying authority and resolve.

"This is Admiral Harkin of the 'Frank Exchange of Views' to the crew of the Sentinel," the transmission crackled to life, reaching every corner of the bridge. "On behalf of the 2nd fleet, I extend our gratitude for your support in Draco and wish you safe travels in the Pandora's Veil sector."

Captain Kara Rael acknowledged the transmission with a respectful nod, her admiration for Admiral Harkin evident in her expression. "Thank you, Admiral," she replied, her voice steady and unwavering. "Your presence in Draco will surely bring much-needed stability to the region. We will depart now."

As a member of the Seventh Fleet, the Sentinel was just in transit rather than within its designated area of operation. Nevertheless, both the Captain and the Admiral were pleased with the results achieved during the Sentinel's presence, and also the fact that the ship was already moving forward to the next star system.

With a final exchange of pleasantries and well-wishes, the transmission from the Frank Exchange of Views concluded.

"Lieutenant Paravides, please help the crew set a course for the Navy base in orbit of Neptunia," she commanded, her tone decisive. "After that, prepare to board the ITC shuttle Amanda and return to the Celestial Voyager as our Liaison Officer. The shuttle's already unloaded our supplies and they're probably just waiting for you."

"Aye, Captain," Lieutenant Paravides replied, swiftly inputting some coordinates into the navigation console.

"Please inform Captain Zaytsev and the Celestial Voyager that we will rendezvous at Neptunia. We will wait for them there before proceeding to the Dianreti system" - she continued.

As the ship hummed to life, Captain Rael turned her attention to the crew gathered on the bridge. Lieutenant Jr. Fu Chen manned the gunnery station with focused determination, while Lieutenant Katlina Komarov monitored the engineering systems and prepared the cryo-pods with meticulous precision. Ensign Alonso Carderas sat at the communications console, his fingers dancing across the interface as he followed orders.

Her eyes fell upon Douklan, a seasoned crew member who had served faithfully the Navy for years. He stood at the helm finishing his navigation course, his uniform crisp and his demeanor resolute. Captain Rael approached him, a sense of pride swelling within her.

"Douklan," she began in a softer tone, drawing him aside for a private conversation. "Your dedication to the Sentinel and the Navy has been exemplary. As we approach Neptunia and it nears the end of another tour of duty for you, know that your service has not gone unnoticed."

Douklan's expression softened, a hint of gratitude flickering in his eyes. "Thank you, Captain. It's been an honor serving under your command."

Captain Rael clasped his shoulder warmly. "You've earned your rest, but I must ask, will you be reenlisting with us?"

Douklan paused, his gaze drifting to the viewport where the stars twinkled in the vast expanse of space. For a moment, the weight of his decision hung in the air.

Special Agent Slaine Rowan exits the very government issue transport; making a stop on their way to be transported back to New Jordan to further looking into the threat of, and conspiracy around, these bio-synths with psionic powers. They find the Celestial Voyager full of activity as the crew prepares for another venture and cargo is loaded on.
Scanning across the movement for a familiar face they are surprised to find one they didn't expect: Mercer. Mercer, though they weren't in constant contact as adults, had been one of kids getting into trouble with Mercer on the streets of New Jordan, and had convinced Slaine of the benefits of using a blade.
Anyone who overheard their greeting would easily clock their familiarity, especially as Slaine asked how a wound was healing and Mercer talked about hiw he was finally doing what he always said he was going to: become a trader, a star-merchant.
"It was a real surprise seeing you here, but I'm about to return home. But let me introduce you before I go, the Celestial Voyager has a good crew."
Slaine will find Hank, explaining to Mercer, "You'll want to talk to Hank first. He's the First Officer."
Then to Hank, "This is Mercer Furio. I happened to run into him just as I got here to say goodbye everyone, but wanted to introduce you both. And vouch for Mercer. He's loyal and reliable, I'm sure you'll like having him on your crew."
"But on the note of saying goodbye, I wanted to thank you for your help with that mess involving Alfredo, and advise that you not wildly talk about all that. I still don't know whose involved, but don't want you all painting a target on your back."

---

Slaine will also stop by Captain's office. Giving her the information for the possible reimbursement, but no promise on likelyhood, or a time table. But a possibility.
Then vouch for Mercer, so tjat the captain kmows she has someone reliable coming onto her ship.

---

They will also find Erin, to thank her for her help and give her the official report of the takedown of Alfredo which states that she was "... a driven and keen Civilian Assets under pressure and in the face of danger "

It was good to see Slaine, but as they headed into the Celwstial Voyager to make a round of goodbyes, Mercer was face to face with his new First Officer, Hank Heron.
I just wanted to say, while I'm technically working for Stellar Express, I know who I'm working along side of, and I know who I'm taking orders from. He held out his hand towards Hank to shake.
But on the note of the trip, I have two tons of my own trade goods, I wanted to know how we could work something out so I could get those transported with me on this voyage.

To Slaine:
"Thank you for revealing the danger in our midst. We had no idea, and who knows what he might have done if left completely unchecked going forward. I'm just disappointed Gabe was lost in the effort. We will keep the information under wraps going forward. If we have to admit anything, it'll just be that someone rigged our shuttle to explode and he was tracked down and killed in the pursuit. No mention of teleporting, bio-synths, clones, or the like."

In light of that, he will talk with the original six to make sure everyone knows to not really talk about what happened, and if it does come up, what to not say.

To Mercer:
"Everyone is encouraged to try their hand at speculating, if that is what they want to do. The only real stipulations are that it is completely legal and that you pay standard freight rates for the space it consumes in the cargo hold. Everyone plays by that same rule, including me."

Trade Era 1235, Day 151.

Sentinel, orbiting Draco III
Gazing out at the vast expanse of stars made small by the framing of the viewport, Douklan chose his words carefully. "I think so, Captain. The Navy - and you - have been very good to me." He smiled. "I'm very grateful for this opportunity to serve as liaison. It's a perfect opportunity you've given me, serving aboard the Celestial Voyager, because..." Douklan sighed, uncomfortable with his own emotions. "As a boy in Destroid, I-I dreamed of becoming an Explorer, if you can believe it. Being on board the CV, I've been working alongside actual Explorers, and we're going to the edges of known space!" His eyes crinkled in wry amusement. "The reality is almost certain to not live up to the fantasy of my youth."

With a sense of purpose, Douklan made his way to the waiting ITC shuttle, ready to embark on the next phase of his journey.

As the shuttle glided through the void of space towards the Celestial Voyager, Douklan couldn't help but marvel at the sight of the vast expanse of stars stretching out before him. The dreams of his youth seemed to come alive once more, fueling his excitement for the adventures that lay ahead. Upon reaching the Celestial Voyager, Douklan was greeted warmly by Captain Zaytsev and the crew.

"Welcome back, Lieutenant! Jil is in the shuttle and helping with other stuff, as she likes to be. Do you wanna take the ship's helm again, like you did before?" - asked Valeria Zaytsev.

"Ah, Hank, I just received our Stellar Express Partnership Program rules. It's available on the ship's computers"

"Standard rate would be..." He does some math in his head. About $150? I can do that.
And as to the cargo, it's just clothing. Payment from someone who was going into debt and liquidating assets for several expeditions. All legal. Then you can probably see a flicker g o over Mercerks face, as if he's still getting used to legal.
As everything gets loaded I'd prefer to stay by to watch, but after that where do you want me to be?

Hank pats him on the shoulder and says, "Sounds good! Welcome aboard!"

Hank looks through the Stellar Express guidelines, and is pleased that they should be able to start ramping up their freight totals.

Corbin runs though the final checks on the ships systems. Scanning the status of the synths, he sighs, I guess we're ready.

"Engineering to Bridge, we're green across the board, departure on your schedule."

Douklan accepts Captain Zaytsev's offer and takes the pilot station, adjusts the seat, and begins going through the standard pre-flight checks.

Morgan has walked a bit introducing himself to the rest of the crew, as he's still trying to get used to his new jobs he will do a quick sweep of the ship, looking for anything out of place, he will also accompany the loading of the cargo. After the ship is done and preparing to flight he sits on his gunnery post, turns on the sand thrower system and gets settled to the flight.

Trade Era 1235, Day 159

Celestial Voyager, Verdura's orbit, Zyronis system
The Celestial Voyager emerged from hyperspace without issues. With the human crew back to their stations, the ship moved gracefully through the vast expanse of space, its hull gleaming under the distant glow of Verdura's twin suns.

Inside the bridge, Lieutenant Paravides guided the ship with practiced precision, his hands deftly maneuvering the controls.

"Approaching Verdura's orbital perimeter and gravity well," announced the ship's first officer, Hank Heron, also working at the sensors/comms station. "Traffic control is requesting identification and purpose of visit."

Captain Zaytsev nodded, her gaze focused on the viewscreen displaying the approaching planet. "Open a channel to traffic control," she instructed.

The response came swiftly, a voice crackling through the speakers with authority. "This is Verdura Orbital Station, requesting identification and purpose of visit. State your business, please."

"This is Captain Valeria Zaytsev of the Celestial Voyager," she replied, her tone respectful. "We are en route to Meixian looking for trade. Requesting permission to land."

"Please stand by, Celestial Voyager," answered the traffic controller. "Trade activities are restricted on Verdura. You may only sell goods in orbit and purchase goods on the planet's surface, according to Mercantile Law 67,257, article 12. Do you copy?"

As Hank heard the answer, a flurry of data packets containing the planet's laws and procedures arrived. Skimming its contents, Valeria's expression changed.

"Acknowledged, control. We will comply and remain in orbit."

"Roger, Celestial. Permission granted for orbit 52-12-6 and to establish remote communications with the station or the planetary surface. Stand by for coordinates and orbital vectors," replied traffic control, their tone firm yet accommodating.

As the communication with Verdura's orbital station concluded, Captain Zaytsev couldn't shake the feeling that they were treading on thin ice. She sighed softly, her gaze shifting to the dense legal documents before her. "Looks like we have our work cut out for us," she remarked, her voice tinged with determination. "We'll need to familiarize ourselves with the regulations before making any moves."

Dr. Emily Hart, who had hoped that joining the crew of the Celestial Voyager would provide her with the means to reach her brother, felt a sense of helplessness creeping in. Apparently, they were stranded in orbit.

"Is there anything we can do? Anyone we can reach out to for help? Someone who might be able to assist us in landing on Verdura?" - she asked.

Hank, in as calming a voice as he knows how to provide, replies, "We won't know anything until we plow through these regulations to see what our options are. I was planning to try and buy things here, and if we have to go to the planet to make the purchase, then that's our entry to going down there. But you are going to need to be patient for a little longer. We will do our best to help you with your brother."

Once he has calmed her down as best he can, he turns back to plowing through the newly receive regulations book. He does still want to try and buy some agricultural related items, if possible. That will take them down to the surface where they can hopefully look for her brother. When the good doctor can't hear him, but the Captain can, he comments, "I hope this place doesn't have crime-colored mines like Draco I."EDIT: He asks the Captain if Mariella can help with reading the regulations. He figures and extra pair of eyes looking at this still will give them a better chance to figure things out. She's the only one I can think of to help read the regulations. Corbin would incinerate it in the reactor. Douklan would probably jetison it into space. Jil would ignore it. Erin would shoot it. I don't know what Peter would do, but it is probably unfavorable, too. If Mercer wants to take a look, that works.