Chapter 6.1: Stellar Deliveries

As the Celestial Voyager departed from Verdura, Lt. Douklan Paravides maneuvered the ship smoothly through the vast expanse of space, his steady hands guiding the vessel towards their next destination: Zyronis. With Peter Morgan diligently manning their only gun, Mercer keeping a watchful eye on the cargo bay, Corbin McRogers analysing the output of the ship's engines, and Hank Heron managing comms and serving as the first officer, the crew of the Celestial Voyager worked in harmony under the command of Captain Valeria Zaytsev.

Their next stop and goal was clear: deliver vital supplies to the Stellar Express major trading station orbiting Zyronis. Among their cargo were mail packages eagerly awaited by those stationed there, clothing destined for weary travelers and workers, and the precious cargo of 300 tons of Nocturna's Blossom Extract. This freight delivery will give 19,613 credits to the CV coffers and complete Mercer's contract with Stellar Express.

Hank could also sell some of their speculative cargo to the Stellar Express brokers, if he wanted to, or wait a little and negotiate directly with other companies from the ecumenopolis.

Since this is in-system traffic, we should probably be able to communicate with Zyronis Prime on the way in. So, Hank will start doing some preliminary work:
1) Do initial research on trade goods and markets. See if they have any stupid laws and such.
2) Work on and post a listing for a new doctor (again).
3) Make initial contact with Stellar Express to see if there is anything special we have to do to deliver their freight.

If time allows, he'll spend some time socializing, too.

Mercer will spend time getting to know people, setting up games, and doing check ins of the cargo bay every couple hours.
Mercer will also help Hank with any trade good research..

Hank is happy to confirm that Zyronis has pretty regular laws, taxes and such.

He also learns from a Stellar Express (SE) representative that they now can buy, for 50 credits, a special device that connects their regular dataslabs with StellarNet - a proprietary system and communication network where you will be able to find freight, brokers, passengers, special deals, gigs, crew members, mercenary jobs, second hand ships and fittings, etc. He suggests you wait to use that instead of the regular planetary bulletin boards to look for a doctor. Hank also learns that there is nothing special necessary for the delivery. Just dock, transfer the cargo under Mercer's supervision, sign some stuff and you're good to go.

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Mercer gets to know more of the crew. He also receives an offer from Captain Zaytsev to join them after his current job with Stellar Express. She thanks him for his collaboration and contacts in the Starfire Citrus deal.

"It sounds like a great opportunity. Assuming there are no surprises at Zyronis I would love the steady work. "

Sweet!

Hank will definitely be getting that 50 credit device! In fact, he is going to get a second dataslab to go with it. (That way it can be used purely for Stellar Express stuff, and keep his personal stuff personal.)

And, yeah, he'll wait to make the posting.

Mercer, the captain smiles and agrees with you. She is eager for you to join the crew and share your experiences.

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Trade Era 1235, Day 161

Celestial Voyager, en route to Zyronis
The Celestial Voyager hummed softly as it traversed the vastness of space, its crew engaged in a rare moment of leisure. Gathered in the ship's common area, Mercer shuffled a deck of cards with practiced ease, a mischievous glint in his eyes.

"Alright, everyone," he announced, his voice carrying a playful tone, "who's up for a game of cards?"

Peter Morgan, Douklan, Corbin McRogers, Hank Heron, and Erin exchanged knowing looks, their faces breaking into smiles at the prospect of some friendly competition. But before they could start, a voice piped up from the doorway.

"I hope you don't mind if I join in," said Mariella Solbjerg, the journeywoman from the Explorers Division, stepping into the room with a grin.

"Of course not, Mariella," Erin replied warmly, gesturing for her to take a seat at the table. "The more, the merrier."

With everyone settled around the table, Lt. Paravides dealt out the cards, the anticipation in the air palpable as they prepared to test their luck and skill against one another.

The game commenced with lively banter and good-natured ribbing as the crew played hand after hand, each member revealing different facets of their personalities with every card laid down.

As the card game progressed and the banter flowed freely around the table, Douklan found his mind drifting to weightier matters.

Finally, unable to contain his thoughts any longer, Douklan turned to Mariella Solbjerg, who sat across from him, her expression a mix of concentration and amusement as she considered her next move.

Corbin sticks to the 'normal stuff'. He's still working on losing the visions of the ship with a massive hole in it and getting used to a routine where the synth's are always up.

Peter also sticks to the normal stuff he keeps a eye in the defense systems and makes sure all the weapons are locked and safely guarded.

"...and that's why everyone called him 'short stack!'" Douklan grinned at the punchline, then profferred the deck to Mariella to cut. "Life in Destroid was hard, but it had its lighter moments. And no," he glanced at Corbin, "I don't just mean the microgravity!" They smiled at the running gag, and Douklan began to deal cards for the next hand. "But I am curious about life in the Explorers, Mariella. As a boy, I dreamed of becoming an Explorer, myself." He smirks in a bit of self-deprecation. "Mostly I think I just dreamed of a way out of Destroid. Aces low, Queens wild." He picked up his hand of cards and theatrically tried to hide a wince. "But I remain curious. What is life like, as an Explorer? Do you ever find it difficult to move on from a system?"

Trade Era 1235, Day 161

Celestial Voyager, en route to Zyronis
Mariella smiled warmly as she listened to Douklan's words, her black-ish eyes reflecting a hint of nostalgia for her formative years under Master Alaric. "Life in the Explorers Division is certainly an adventure," she began, her voice carrying a sense of reverence for the work they did. "Every system we visit, every planet we land, every station we dock holds its own mysteries and wonders, and there's always something new to discover. But it's not without its challenges."

Mariella’s expression grew contemplative as she reflected on Douklan's implicit question.

"You know, Douklan, you've touched on something that many of us in the Explorers Division grapple with from time to time," she admitted. "The allure of the unknown, the thrill of discovery—it's what drew us to this life in the first place. Yet, there are fleeting instances when we feel that unbearable lightness, as if we're adrift between worlds, devoid of significance, without a genuine care or connection to anything tangible."

She glanced down at her cards, the weight of her words settling over the table like a solemn reminder of the transient nature of human existence. "So, indeed, there are times when we yearn for something more, something stable and grounding. We see the communities we visit, the bonds they share, and we can't help but wonder what it would be like to have roots of our own."

"It can be especially difficult when we encounter groups, civilizations or cultures that leave a lasting impression. But part of being an Explorer is understanding that our journey is ever-forward. We carry the memories and lessons of each system with us, but we also have a duty to keep exploring, to keep pushing the boundaries of what we know."

Mariella's gaze shifted to the viewport, where the stars painted a tapestry of distant worlds against the black canvas of space. "So for some of us, the call of the cosmos is too strong to resist. We may dream of settling down someday, of building a home among the stars, but for now, our place is out there, among the unknown."

As she spoke, Mariella glanced around the table, meeting the gaze of each crew member. "And moments like these," she continued, gesturing to the camaraderie and shared laughter around the card table, "they help remind us of why we do what we do. It's not just about the destinations, the planets, the cities, the ruins; it's about the journey, the people and the bonds we form along the way."

With a wistful smile, she looked back at Douklan and the rest of the crew. "But who knows what the future holds? Perhaps one day, I'll find my place among the stars… In a way I never expected." Turning her attention back to the game, she added, "But for now, let's see if the cards are in my favor this round."

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Trade Era 1235, Day 162

Celestial Voyager, Zyronis orbit
From space, the ecumenopolis below sprawls like a pulsating organism, its metallic veins stretching across the planetary surface, weaving a tapestry of light and life. The planet is adorned with the glimmering jewel of civilization—a metropolis that knows no bounds.



As the Celestial Voyager orbits over the planet's curvature, the first sight that captures the eye is the luminescent network of highways, crisscrossing the landscape like glowing arteries, pulsing with the constant flow of traffic. Towers of carbon and steel pierce the sky, reaching towards the stars with an insatiable ambition, their surfaces reflecting the orange glow of artificial illumination.

Clusters of districts form intricate patterns, each with its own character and purpose. The residential sectors, marked by their towering skyscrapers, appear as glowing beacons of humanity's collective existence, where millions reside in vertical cities that never sleep. Commercial districts bustle with activity, neon signs flashing in a kaleidoscope of colors, enticing denizens and visitors alike with promises of luxury and convenience.



Above the bustling streets and towering edifices, hundreds of small stations float like islands in the sky, their delicate structures defying gravity's pull. Each station is a microcosm of human endeavor, housing laboratories, factories, and living quarters for those who toil in the void above the city. Tethered by slender spires of carbon nanotubes, these stations serve as hubs of innovation and industry, their presence a testament to humanity's ingenuity and adaptability.

As the Celestial Voyager gracefully maneuvers through the orbital traffic lanes, its destination becomes apparent—a behemoth among the floating stations, the Stellar Express Hub. The hub emerges like a colossal celestial beacon, its sprawling structure dominating the view.



Approaching closer, the enormity of the hub becomes even more apparent. Its colossal docking bays stretch out like yawning chasms, eagerly awaiting the arrival of vessels from across the galaxy. With a gentle maneuver, the Celestial Voyager aligns itself with one of the gigantic docking bays, guided by the deft hands of Douklan Paravides. The bay's metallic doors yawn open with a low hum, revealing a cavernous expanse within—a vast hangar large enough to house entire fleets of spacecraft. Massive cranes and gantries hover overhead, their mechanical arms poised to assist with the delicate process of docking and unloading. Within the confines of the docking bay, vessels and workers clad in protective suits scurry about, their movements synchronized with the precision of a well-oiled machine as they attend to the needs of incoming starships.

With a soft thud, the Celestial Voyager completes its docking maneuver, securely mooring itself. As the vessel's engines power down, Mercer, Hank and other crew members prepare to unload the precious cargo and mail destined for the heart of the ecumenopolis below.

The process begins with cargo handlers and automated systems work in harmony to offload the hundreds of tons of goods from the hold of the Celestial Voyager. Cranes and conveyors whir into action, their mechanical arms reaching out to grasp containers and pallets, transferring them with effortless grace to waiting transport vehicles below.

As the bustling activity of unloading continues, a figure enters the starship and strides purposefully towards Hank and Mercer. Looking like a Stellar Express manager, he carries a dataslab in hand, accompanied by a humanoid droid bearing the sought-after StellarNet communication device. With a nod, he greets Hank and Mercer, acknowledging their safe delivery of the cargo.

"Good morning gentlemen," the Stellar Express manager begins, his voice carrying an air of authority tempered with appreciation. "I come bearing the StellarNet communication device you procured. This droid is equipped with the necessary knowledge for installation. Were should we put it?"

After Hank's answer, the manager presents the dataslab, indicating where Hank and Mercer should affix their signatures—a formality marking the successful completion of their transaction. As the signatures are obtained, the manager offers his congratulations, his demeanor exuding genuine gratitude for their contribution to the smooth operation.

"Congratulations on your first successful delivery," he says, a warm smile gracing his lips. "Your efforts ensure that the wheels of commerce continue to turn smoothly within our bustling metropolis. Future transactions will be handled using StellarNet, so you probably won't see me again. Safe travels on your next journey, and may fortune favor you along the way."

With a final nod of acknowledgment, the Stellar Express manager departs, leaving Hank and Mercer to continue their duties aboard the Celestial Voyager.

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With the Stellar Express manager's departure, Hank and Mercer turn their attention to the droid carrying the newest StellarNet communication device. Effortlessly, the droid navigates through the ship's corridors to the designated installation point, its movements precise and efficient. As it reaches the designated spot, the droid unfurls a series of appendages, each one designed for a specific task.

With a soft hum, the droid begins the installation process, its mechanical limbs working with remarkable dexterity as it integrates the device into the ship's communication array. Wires are connected, circuits are aligned, and within moments, the installation is complete. The droid emits a cheerful beep, signaling that the task is done. Then, with a graceful turn, the droid exits the ship, its mission accomplished. Hank wastes no time in booting up the interface of the newly installed StellarNet device.

The interface springs to life with a burst of green light, illuminating the screen with a myriad of options. Deals, jobs, and communication channels flicker into view, each one a potential opportunity waiting to be explored. Hank's eyes scan the interface, taking in the wealth of information at his fingertips.

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Welcome and thank you for joining us! StellarNet provides a suite of features and tools that can help you connect with thousands of customers and suppliers, including the Stellar Express megacorporation.

Loading...

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Weekly dealsJobs and missionsFreight and passengersDeals, jobs and freight are updated weekly or as soon as you arrive in another star system!

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Mercer, always on the lookout for the next opportunity, is look at the available jobs.
Looks like there are two freight jobs, and a valuable tow job, all with Englene Station as a destination. It may make sense to take them all. I know the CV doesn't have a Shiptender, but with a payout like that it may make sense to get one fitted.
Besides, I would like to know where the next destination is, once the CV is done here. And when we plan to head out.
If we have time I may be looking to pick up this Transport or Rescue mission.

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Mercer will probably buy that Armored Undersuit unless someone else wants it.

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Also, at some point Mercer will bring up, probably to Hank (or the Captain) Hey, I'll need to unload the cargo I have been contracted to guard soon once we arrive. Unless you need me for something I'd like to do it first thing

"Our next destination is the Dianreti system, which includes Englene Station. Our terminus is Altairia, where we become a full charter. The stop after that is Castland. With as much time as we lost on Draco, I imagine we can't afford any side trips. So, yes, I am grabbing the two freight loads to Englene Station.

On the rest, I don't know if we want two passengers underfoot for four jumps. We don't have luxury fittings (either the cabins or the personnel). I don't want to bother with a nutcase murderer. We don't have a Shiptender mount and we don't have the crew needed to run both our ship and that ship, so we are kinda locked out of that effort.

For the rescue/salvage mission or the pretech factory, those are decisions above my pay grade."He wants to take both the Fusion Plant parts and Basic Industry parts to Englene Station. If the Salvage job interests the Captain, we can try that out, too. Wish we could transport the frigate, but we just can't take that job for the reasons he said to Mercer.

Ok, since we can't get the one freight worth anything, we might as well grab the other three. At least two will be in-n-out.

As for the rescue/salvage mission, Hanks ready to go! He will buy an armored vacc suit, however before we head out.

So with 3.2 tons, Mercer makes 28.8 44.8k?number edited
If we're doing the mission, Mercer will upgrade his armor actually. He wants to get a Custom Combat Field Uniform, and get his Vibroblade Customized, and a Shield.
Combat Armor PG 65
Customized PG 91

Not sure if i could do that, but Peter does not have much Charisma or Talk to help, but he could help with his security expertise, and add in parcel insurance with armed security all the way to delivery for a added cost.

"Mercer, do you have any contacts planet side, i'm interested in buying at least a part with you if you are goung to go for it, but it would be good to have someone with experience in the planet, to know if everything is good in the deal and at least to keep an eye on it while we are out"

Peter expends a long time doing calculations on his datapad and taking a look at his money reserves, he has always depended only on his salary but after entering in the crew he noticed that he could earn way more with trading and trying his luck in other bussiness and havin a "steadyish" form of income would be a great deal for him.

Communicating with potential buyers via the ship's systems, Hank and Mercer negotiated favorable terms for the sale of the Citrus, Platinum and Nocturna's Blossom Extract with buyers from Zyronis.

Unfortunately, as the crew began preparing the cargo of Starfire Citrus, they soon discovered a troubling sight: approximately 16% of the fruit had succumbed to rot during the journey. Captain Zaytsev grimaced as she surveyed the spoiled crates, their once vibrant hues now marred by decay.With a heavy heart, Peter, Mercer and the rest of the crew set to work, carefully inspecting each crate to determine the extent of the damage. With gloves and masks to protect against the foul odor and potential contaminants, they gingerly removed the rotten fruit, discarding it into designated waste containers.

Despite their best efforts to salvage what they could, the loss weighed heavily on the crew. The aroma of fresh citrus mingled with the stench of decay, serving as a stark reminder of the fragility of their cargo and the challenges of space travel. Either way, they ensured that the remaining crates were properly inspected and accounted for. With the agreements finalized, Hank and Mercer coordinated the transfer of the remaining goods to the buyers' vessels, overseeing the loading process with meticulous care to ensure that the fruit and other stuff arrived in pristine condition.

Using the confusion as a cover, Mercer also surreptitiously unloads his "special boxes", secretly contacting the Ironsides representative to confirm their delivery to one of the Zyronis companies posing as Mercer's contractor. He receives a terse message saying that his debt is paid and that he can contact them again if he needs anything.

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The Celestial Voyager receives 486,400 credits from selling the Citrus and the Extract.

Hank gets 3,600 credits from the platinum.

Mercer gets 37,632 credits from the Citrus and can consider his covert mission accomplished.

Peter gets 11,760 credits from the Citrus.

I have also transfered the CV's freight money ($150 from Mercer, $7 from Hank) to carry your stuff from Draco. The status character sheet and CV sheet are now up to date.

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With the sale concluded, the Celestial Voyager gracefully disengages from the docking bay of the Stellar Express station, Captain Valeria Zaytsev summons the crew to the bridge. With a sense of urgency in her voice, she outlines a new mission—one that has come to their attention through the vast network of StellarNet.

"Gather round, everyone," Captain Zaytsev begins. "We've received a distress signal via StellarNet. A salvage crew is stranded near the Forbidden Regions, and they're in desperate need of our help.

It has been years since someone got close to the Forbidden Regions in Zyronis, but legends tell that within its lower levels lurked abominations, twisted creations of advanced technology gone awry. Bugs of metal and flesh, monstrous amalgamations of organic and synthetic, roamed the labyrinthine corridors.

Either way, we will be rescuing 4 people. Led by Captain Elena Ramirez, a seasoned ex-navy veteran, the salvage crew is known for their daring exploits and fearless determination."

Zaytsev displays a holographic picture of the crew. 2 men and 2 women.



"This is Jackson "Jax" Bennett, the crew's chief engineer and resident tinkerer. At Jax's side is Maya Chen, the crew's medic and morale officer. And rounding out the team is Luca Vasquez, the crew's navigator and communications specialist.

They were looking for a Drive-4 engine core from an old frigate rumored to have fallen through the ventilation shaft to the lower levels. They probably had some maps and time to prepare. Unfortunately, we don't. Lives are at stake, and it's up to us to answer the call.

I don't know if everybody is aware, but Hank and Mercer recently sold some trade goods and we were able to get an Armory. So I need volunteers for this mission, but you will be able grab your gear and suit up with the best equipment our technology can provide.""Jil has volunteered to pilot the Solaris and get you there and back. She will stay with the shuttle, though. Hank, I wanna check with you if you think we should sell the remaining goods and if we should contact the Imperial shipyards for new fittings or if you'd prefer to buy other trade goods. I can handle that with Mariella while you go on the rescue mission." - continued the captain.

Valeria looks around, making eye contact with all of you.

"Remember everyone, we're a team. Together, there's nothing we can't overcome. Let's show the galaxy what the crew of the Celestial Voyager is made of. So, who volunteers?"

Mercer has also paid the CV the 150 for transporting his goods.

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Mercer absolutely volunteers for the mission. Helping someone in need, and finding adventure and opportunity along the way? It's everything I'm out here for.

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"With the cost of the Armory, we probably want to get some more trade goods, if we can find anything with good prices. Also, we should take the two freight loads destined for Englene Station, since we can now carry them. (They will pretty much fill up our allowance.) This will give us a nice floor on funds."

I haven't been here very long but... What extra equipment do we have for rescue missions? Survival kits or light options or spelunking equipment or medkits?

"Even if it was just to get away from the citrus mold smell, I'd sign up." Douklan jokes. "But a rescue mission? That is right up my alley."

"James, it is never prudent to volunteer. That's just Human 101. However, since you spoke up, follow me and we'll grab your gear."

Corbin and James head down to the Armory and gear up.

"OK, this may sound overkill, but ...

Since we have pretty much anything available, I think we should seriously consider anything available. So, for weapons and armor, no one should bring their own stuff. Let's just take stuff from the armory. We should all be equipped with a laser rifle or plasma projector, and a full Assault Suit. (The reason for the laser rifle or plasma projector is that attaching it to the Assault Suit gives it unlimited ammo.) Add the side arm of your choice. There is no particular reason to screw around and I figure it is way better to be over-prepared than under-prepared. We should each also have a spare vacc suit/armored vacc suit, too, in case we have to dress down at some point. We should all also have a spare B-cell for each suit of Assault Suit.

For equipment, let's go nuts. We probably need a couple grav harnesses, grapnel launcher, glowbugs, rations, rope, survey scanner, survival kit, thermal flare, and vacc fresher. Then a stack of A-cells and some more B-cells for the grav harnesses. Probably ought to have a bioscanner, lazarus patches, a medkit, metatool, spare parts, and a toolkit, too. "

For Hank, that means assault suit, laser rifle, laser pistol, armored vacc suit, survey scanner, and grav harness (unless others are going to take that). In addition, he will take a dataslab, five line shunts, and a storage unit, just in case.

EDIT: Also a backpack to carry his computer stuff and the scanner.

You make a good point, we may want to vary our weapon type, to get a better utility overall. Splitting between Plasma and laser makes sense, but it wouldn't be a bad idea to bring something ballistic. Are there any Void Carbines around here?
Or any Drones? If not it wouldn't be a bad idea. I know a cheap one with a good scanner (Observation Suite), and ability to carry an extra medpack, is only 500 creds. Plus we have a less fleshy scout.

"You can also count me in"

Peter did a quick inventory of the new items of the armory and he agrees with Hank

"Since we now have the option we should really take advantage of it, in the worst case we scenario we would have more cargo to carry there and back"

"We should definitely take some extra medkits and some extra food, who knows how hungry they must be or we will get"

Peter will also try to help to fit everyone with the gear they require and help anyone who does not have experience with the gear.

OK, fair point on the armor. So ...

Jil, Erin, Douklan, Corbin, and Peter should all take an Assault Suit, a spare B-cell and a suit of Combat Field Uniform. (There is no point in using Woven Body Armor. Use CFU instead.) They can then wear whichever armor makes the most sense for the situation. They should all have a Laser Rifle or Plasma Projector as their long arm. If they want an alternative long arm or a side arm, they can put that in the shuttle, too. Hank will strongly recommend this as it is better to be over prepared than under prepared.

Mercer should take whichever kind of vacc suit he prefers and a CFU. He will only wear whichever one makes the most sense.

Hank will take an armored vacc suit and a CFU. As above, he will chose whichever armor makes sense when they get there. He will take both a laser rifle and a laser pistol, but only wear the pistol and three A-cells, storing the rifle on the shuttle. He takes a TL4 backpack and loads it with a dataslab, six line shunts, a storage unit, a field radio, binoculars, and a survey scanner. (He will fill out any additional capacity when they get there.)

He makes sure that the following minimums are present, with anything missing loaded onto the shuttle:
- At least two bioscanners, medkits, toolkits, metatools, sets of spare parts, grapnel launchers, grav harnesses, vacc fresher.
- Three days of rations and water per person.
- One atmofilter, climbing harness, grav chute, low-light goggles, rope, survival kit, telescoping pole per person.
- A full box of glowbugs.
- Ten B-cells.
- A full box of A-cells.
(This is just the intended minimums for the group. If two people already have metatools, then drop it from this list.)

Does that work?