FORNICE - Decherrek has a proposition

1400 on April 6, 1115.

Data Point-
FORNICE is an important high-population world on the Mora Arm of the "Spinward Main". It is a J-2 from the subsector and sector capitol system "Mora".

Here you are likely to encounter much heavier space traffic, both interstellar and intersystem, than you are used to from your past ports-of-call.

It is served by a class-A port with both an orbital facility and a major 'downport', along with several subsidiary downports. One of these subsidiary ports is used by the First Bank of Fornice for its small fleet of courier ships and for inspecting and refurbishing ships it has purchased for sale or re-possessed from "skippers".

Trade considerations include its port class of 'A', its high population of around 20-billion sophonts, and its good (average) technology level of '12' (C).

The major 'downport' is renowned for its shipyard which specializes in yearly-maintenance and major modifications of jump-capable ships.

The solitary star is a main sequence red spectrum type, smaller than 'sol'. The system consists of 10 rocky worlds (including Fornice) and two Gas Giants.

Fornice is a medium size world with a diameter of about 8,000km. It has a breathable though thin atmosphere and a homogenous 'tropical' climate featuring hot damp weather from equator to poles.

About 40-percent of the world surface is water; consisting of several small seas and a few large fresh-water lakes.

The government is a stable bureaucracy headed by an often chaotic many-factioned democracy. Law classification is moderate with all firearms illegal with a few (restricted) sporting arms allowed.

There are 6 worlds within a J-2 of Fornice, including the very-important Mora system.

Spreeee-click-click-click, aka "Fins", was very pleased with the way the 'crew' tracked and then 'hacked' the ex-Zhodani Guard-Bot on the icy planet 'SNOWBALL'. The updol (uplifted Earth Dolphin) says: "My patron is also pleased, and this will help me in many ways. My reputation will be enhanced and assist in making my Shuttle-craft, The Gamble, become a profitable enterprise. If there is anything I might do in the future to help you, please do not hesitate to call! He hands each crewmember a matrix-card with her contact details. And then transfers the promised payment: each getting 15,000 credits, plus the bonus of 7,000cr, for a cool total of 22,000cr Each. (Please add that to your personal 'funds' on your character record.)

Those participating in the 'Bot Caper' were Bronz, Said Ma, Tharrok, and LC. Dolores and Llogan remained behind.

Downport 2-A, near the city-arcology of Port-au-Prince. There are 8 "hard" landing points in a star pattern, and a few additional primitive 'overflow' spots a couple of kilometers distant in a cleared section of jungle. The city of Port Au Prince is visible in the near-distance, just at the horizon about 4km distant, with the tall spires of its arcology-complex distinct against the skyline.

A steady misty-rain is falling.

There isn't much to offer at this secondary starport. A cafeteria and a kaffe-shop, with a Dance-Hall/Tavern just outside the port perimeter. A high-speed rail line can get you into Port-au-Prince in a matter of minutes.

Dolores comms and states that she has the final accounting for the trading the crew did on the "Athelstone", with a pretty good payout to add to what you just made on the 'bot retrieval mission'. Should be enough to tide you over for quite a time, or allow a good start to another commercial enterprise...

BUT JUST AS Dolores SIGNS OFF, a priorty message comes up on all the former Athelstone crew's comm-units. It's Decherrek! Priority Message! Act Quick, this Deal Won't Last!

All of the previous crew arrive at "The Monastary" promptly. Decherrek comes in a bit later...

Bronz, Dolores, Llogan, LC, Said Ma, and Tharrok.

Dolores announces: "I have done the 'books' and completed all the necessary paperwork. After all is said and done we have made very good profits in our group speculative trade. Of course, we have Decherrek and The First Bank of Fornice to credit with absorbing all the operating costs for our voyage. Capon to Byret, then to Mercury and on to Catuz. It was the rare-earths we picked up at Catuz that went for much more than I had anticipated; excellent deal although we were definitely taking advantage of their catastrophic situation there.

"Our profits totaled out at 300,000 credits! That is divided 5 ways; Bronz was not involved in the trading until the very end. I think we should each contribute some amount to him, but that is for discussion.

"Thus, 60,000 credits each. Oh, and Decherrek has us all 'on retainer' and owes us 2,000 credits each.Dolores has family here on Fornice, and has decided to remain with them and not continue the star-faring life. Llogan Tamm had also indicated he was bowing out, but now he looks somewhat doubtful. Tharrok (aka T-Jive) is also looking somewhat undecided, though its pretty hard to read the Vargr's face.

"LC,"Mama pipes up, " You know I'm in... But you still owe me that date.". Mama gives him a friendly wink and gathers her things for the meeting .

[quote="playbydave"]

Mama laughs at LC's immediate reaction, then, "This place is indeed nice, but I was really thinking something more rugged and intimate.... Where we can find a dark corner and hammer out some special deal with sinister villains for some great profit margin....". Flashes of mischief sparkle from her eyes as she says it

Mama is the first to speak, "I'm all in, especially with this crew. I'm ready to go! I'll start looking for cargo tomorrow morning."

Dolores shakes her head. "No...um...can't do it. Family here, and having re-connected I think I'm ready to settle for a bit. Here's my local comm-connect (hands over a matrix-card to anyone who wants). You pass through again please contact me. But I feel the need to have a non-moving home for a while!"

Llogan looks undecided and keeps his thoughts to himself, as does T-Jive. Dolores looks thoughtful, and after a minute or so..... "Say, if you decide to organize on a share basis, and you need an outside investor... Well, I'd put up some credits to help you get started. I might scare up some from my family as well. Just let me know if that 'helps'."