Main - Chapter 7.2: Neptunia

Whenever the Q&A part starts, Hank has a few Qs and no As. I am just going to put the questions here in no particular order with the expectation that you will weave them into the narrative with other questions and answers.
"How much cargo space will be reserved for trade between here and Altairia?"
"Will proceeding past Altairia really mean a minimum one year commitment after reaching Astralon?"
"Are we still going to do the expected research once we reach Astralon?"
"Will the Sentinel accompany us for the full trip to Astralon?"

This is a pretty stunning change to spring on the crew of a merchant ship. Turning the Celestial Voyager into a colony ship means this is literally a one-way trip. We will be absolutely dependent on others to get us back if we don't want Astralon to be our final destination. (Which, for at least now, Hank does not wish it to be.)

Mercer leans back, emotions falling off of his face, once he heard "we will be transforming the Celestial Voyager. " He is just processing information in surprise. He looks around the room at the various reactions to the new information, as he processes the same emotions himself, before looking over Captain Zaytsev... There's trepidation, excitement, fear, tension, motivation... She's watching the room too, gauging the reactions.
'She's going to be planetary governor of Astralon.' There is no way anyone could pass up such an opportunity.
Mercer breaths in, and breaths out.
"That's an incredible opportunity, congratulations Captain. I haven't been a part of your crew long, but I think you have what it takes to succeed.
I would like to ask about logistics though. I would appreciate the itinerary of ship remodel locations when we receive it in full. Up to Altaria. I don't feel that my background and skills would give me the same opportunities as a settler as continuing to be a trader. Sure I know how to survive the streets well enough but... that's the streets."
He pauses a moment "A year is a long time, and I don't know much about settlement, what opportunities would be there? And, conversely, would we be looking a any sort of severance in Altaria to help secure new positions or means of trade?"

"Well, it sounds like we're all with you until Altaria, at least. Maybe Astralon, depending on how things look for us. " Mercer looks around the room. "What do we do now, what's our next step? Do we know where we're going after Englene Station?"

Hank comments, "Well, prior to Englene Station, we will make at least a short stop at Dianretti III to sell our cargo. After Englene Station, our path is pretty much set as we don't have many options. We will follow Englene Station by going to Castland, then Darasalam, then Panipet. After that we will finally reach Altairia. So, there are three worlds we will have to transit between Englene and Altairia."

Hank will also make sure all of the new recruits fully realize what the plan is now.

"On that matter, I think that we could create a shared fund to buy a Free Merchant, even before we leave ITC space. Maybe we could even follow the Celestial Voyager until Astralon, wait a little and be the first trader to get out and sell whatever we can from there. I don't know shit about investment and trading but I would trust Hank to handle my money. Would you be willing to manage this fund, Hank? If so, I would like to invest 4,500 credits" - said Erin

"I think that's an excellent idea. I could also invest some of my family's money into it. I won't be able to go with you, but I could be an external investor and share the risks and get some of the profits, at least until you can buy back my shares." - complemented Valeria.

"I would like to invest some money into that fund as well" - said Maya.

Maya looked different after a well-deserved rest and change of clothes.

"Oh! That reminded me that I also want to introduce our new crew members. So, most of you have already met our new ship physician and critical care specialist, Dr. Maya Chen. Welcome aboard, Doctor."

Maya smiles.

"Next, I would like to introduce Gui Wang. He is from Verdura, where he worked for Stellar Express in the operation and maintenance of local spacecraft. He is going to help Corbin in Engineering." - continues Zaytsev "And finally, I would like to introduce Xia Ding and Appius Pompeius. Xia and Appius still have to master the basics of starship operations, from navigation and maintenance to emergency protocols and teamwork. They are going to learn with us. Erin is assigned to mentor them with a hands-on approach, ensuring they gain practical experience in every aspect of life aboard the Celestial. They will work as security and in general crew duties, assisting wherever needed."

Hank says, "Well, it will take about a million credits to get a nicely appointed Free Merchant. That's the goal we have to work toward to make this happen. It would be able to keep up with the Celestial Voyager, and be able to aid in its defense. And, Captain, if you are willing to spare the minimal space required, a Shiptender Mount can be installed on the Celestial Voyager. Doing that would mean we don't need additional synths and we don't have to try and synchronize spike jumps."

As the meeting is breaking up, Corbin walks up to Wang and extends his hand."C'mon Wang, I'll show you around." As they take the tour of the CV, Wang seems personable. Corbin notices his face looks 'middle-aged' maybe 35 - 50, he's generally in good shape. Definitely someone that's worked physically their whole life. From the callouses and the collection of small scars on his hands, he's turned more than a few wrenches. Looking closer, the crows feet and slightly tired look in his eyes makes Corbin think Wang is older than he looks or has been through some stressful times. Well, at least out where we're going, the decisions are all Life vs. Death, nothing fuzzy to worry about.

Coincident with Corbin approaching Gui, Hank looks over the other two new recruits and he approaches them with Erin. As he appraises them, he sees that Xia is a strapping young woman, apparently just out of the slums and as raw as can be. Pompeius, is physically imposing, and is slightly older than Xia, though seems to be younger than Hank himself. He has a strong physical presence, as of one who has seen and done more than his years would suggest. Hank realizes he needs to ask him about their next destination. "Welcome to the Celestial Voyager. I am glad to see that you took our offers. Erin, here, will show you around and get you started on your instruction. However, if at any time you need something and she is otherwise busy, please reach out to me and I will help you."

With that, he hands them over to Erin. She says, "Let's go. I'll show you your rooms and give you a tour of the ship."

Hank, upon hearing RB's query says, "Looking into that sort of thing sounds like an excellent plan. Mercer, do you thing you can show RB hat you have been researching. I am sure he will be a big help in those efforts."

Turning back to RB, he says, "I'd like to talk with you and Maya later, if you don't mind. But that can wait for now."

The captain's words come to Peter’s ears in slow waves as he tries to make sense of everything that could be changing with the big news he just received. At that moment, he's also hit hard by the realization that he might be losing focus on his primary objective aboard the ship. With all the "excitement" of being back in action and being able to provide his "military expertise," he forgot about the other commitment he had with the real military.

Peter makes his way out of the meeting, exchanging only a few brief words with the new hires before heading to his quarters.

"Very nice to meet you all. My name is Peter. I’m in charge of the ship's defenses and security, especially while we are on the ground. I will make sure to schedule some time with you all to show you the basics of the armory in case of an emergency"

He keeps the conversation formal and brief, and anyone can see that his mind seems occupied while he speaks.
Once in his quarters, he sets up a secure line of communication and tries to contact Commander Reyes to report everything that has been happening with his embedding mission and the data he has managed to gather.

"... so now the rest of the crew and I will probably be making our way to Astralon. I'm not yet sure if I will accompany them all the way there, but I'm sure there's still much to learn between here and there. We'll need to keep an eye out for any activities. Do you remember back in 1223 when that newly settled planet was overrun with psionics causing havoc? They took full advantage of the often lawless state of those newly established systems."

When he's done with the conversation, Peter stays in his quarters for a while, still trying to make sense of all the new opportunities that lie in front of him. In a sense, he is trying to make important decisions about what he is looking for in this new chapter of his life.

Douklan is inspired by the Captain's adventurous spirit, to give up the life that she's built for herself on the promise of trying to govern a community that doesn't even exist yet. ::Would I be as brave?:: he muses to himself. ::Is it bravery, or just a desire to settle down?:: Then he shakes his head. ::No, that's ridiculous. Agreeing to administrate the creation of a colony with a population of people you don't even know is incredibly brave.:: The more Douklan reflects on all the risks he's taken in his life, the more impressed he is with the Captain's daring. That doesn't mean that it isn't crazy, of course.

Douklan nods when Erin speaks up. After the meeting, he approaches Hank. "I don't know what the Navy has in store for me - I suppose I'll be finding out in Neptunia - but if you are thinking of selling shares to fundraise, I'd appreciate it if you'd consider me when you do. Circumstances permitting, I'd like to buy a stake in the ship. Exploring the world sounds wonderful. Helping set up the colony sounds like an adventure, too. But I think I might be ready to move on again before a whole year has passed."

Later, Douklan will look up what he's forgotten about Astralon: namely, how long the years are for each of the habitable planets in the system.

"Of course, Let me show you to the Armory, RB. We have plenty to work with, and a mostly efficient organization system; I would love some input on it. But! Like Hank said, I have collected some modification plans. Some proven and some theoretical.
Now, I'm not any sort of smith or mechanic, but I am good at collecting information. I think you'll like what I have collected. It's very possible..." Mercer's voice will grow quieter to the rest of the crew still gathered as he leads RB to the Armory. Ready to show our new, very unique, crewmember to his pet projects.