An Odd Opportunity? (For the new players.)

"Yeah, a lot has changed..." Leilani gave a little sigh. You stop one little reactor overload and save one Duke, and suddenly everything changes.

And the guard's reaction was just one of those things; she stood, probably looking to all the world like a small deflated child.

"I must have forgotten to inform you on arrival..." Naval ships overcame a lot of questions on arrival "... These nice people were helping me after I got a little turned around!" She didn't want anyone to get in trouble over her goofs; she wasn't anywhere near that vindictive.

She looked around for an option, deciding the shuttle was the best option to get lost in the big city for some peace and quiet.

"I don't want any special treatment. If you want to escort me to the shuttle lounge, I'll get out of your hair!"

Alice sat back into her chair and inclined her head in thought. "A most peculair gentleman this LC Rains, seems. An odd opportunity indeed!" She remains in silent thought for a moment until she feels Melody's and Nuwa's gaze upon her. "Oh, I'm sorry... lost in thought there for a moment. Ladies, I can't thank you enough for sharing with me. Much appreciated. I shall leave you in peace and go and grab a Kaffe before the shuttle arrives"

With a broad smile and firm handshakes, Alice begs her leave and heads for the vending machines.

Scene: Downport 2-A, Bay 14 — Port-au-Prince Arcology

The Athelstone rests in Bay 14, her hull bearing the marks of countless jumps and atmospheric entries. The 200-ton Far Trader, a modified "Beowulf" class, showcases reinforced landing struts and additional sensor arrays—testaments to her storied past and recent upgrades. The ship's matte-gray exterior contrasts with the bustling, neon-lit environment of Downport 2-A, where the scent of ionized air mingles with the aroma of nearby food stalls.

Inside the Crew Common Room

The common room of the Athelstone is utilitarian in design, but undeniably lived-in — the kind of space where deals are made, arguments had, and midwatch coffee is sacred. It echoes the practical layout of a naval galley, reminiscent of the crew spaces aboard the legendary Beowulf: tight but efficient, with reinforced bulkheads, magnetized mugs, and ceiling rails betraying the ship’s zero-g compatibility.

A central table is bolted to the deck, surrounded by fixed seating, all scuffed with years of wear. Wall-mounted display panels flicker between ship diagnostics and star charts. Personal touches have crept in over time: a faded pin-up from a spacer calendar, a magnetic dart board (clearly abused by Bronz), and a Vargr paw-scratched plaque that reads, "If you can’t fly it, don’t touch it."

A compact galley unit hums softly in one corner, where Said Ma insists on actual brewed caf — no powdered substitute nonsense — and where the smell of ration-spiced stew occasionally fights with ozone and engine oil for dominance.

It’s not fancy. It’s not sleek. But like the rest of the Athelstone, it’s got soul — and it runs on the trust and friction of its crew.

Interview Panel:

LC Rains: Ship's Legal Counsel, Navigator and acting Quartermaster, impeccably dressed, exuding a mix of charm and authority. He is wearing glasses that are obviously too large for his face as if he is trying to appear knowledgeable or smart.

Bronz: Engineer, arms crossed, eyes sharp, occasionally jotting notes on a datapad.

Said Ma: Medic and Steward, offering a calm presence, with a slight smile and attentive gaze.

Tharrok: Vargr Pilot, leaning back, tail flicking occasionally, observing with keen interest.

Tamm: Crewmember, demeanor neutral, evaluating each applicant carefully.Applicants:

Rin Bauer – A seasoned spacer with a confident stride, eyes scanning the room with practiced ease.

Alice Petrov – Composed and analytical, hands clasped neatly, posture straight.

Leilani Nekaii – Radiating enthusiasm, eyes bright, occasionally glancing at the ship's interior with admiration.

"Lu-Yam" Yamamoto – Broker, presenting a portfolio on a sleek datapad, demeanor professional.LC Rains leans forward, steepling his fingers.

"Welcome aboard the Athelstone. As you've likely gathered, we're a crew that values competence, adaptability, and a touch of flair. This isn't just a ship; it's a venture, a livelihood, and occasionally, a tight squeeze through less-than-legal airspace."

He gestures to the panel.

"My colleagues here represent the core of our operations. Bronz ensures we don't fall apart mid-jump. Said Ma keeps us patched up and well-fed. Tharrok gets us from point A to point B with minimal incidents, and Tamm... well, Tamm ensures we don't do anything too foolish."

LC's eyes scan the applicants.

"We're looking for individuals who can not only perform their duties but also mesh with our crew's dynamic. So, let's begin. Who wants to tell us about a time you had to make a split-second decision in the void."

Bronz stays quiet as Tamm speaks, arms folded across his chest. Different ship, yeah—but some things felt a little too familiar. At least here, he didn’t have to watch his back in the dark or sleep wedged between crates.

Now he even got a say in who he worked with—something he wasn’t used to. He wasn’t sure how to judge people, not really, so he just nodded along when the others seemed sure. As long as the candidate looked competent, that was good enough for him.

He kept his expression blank, only tapping at his datapad when it seemed expected—watchful, but letting the others lead.

"I don't think I've been demoted so fast since I punched an Admiral... well, it was more of an enthusiastic push!" she didn't sound overly bothered that she had gone from a potential position of a Chief Engineer, to the backups, backup

"If I can speak my mind, and you're going to get that anyway, that and complete honesty..." she counted both off on her thin fingers. "You don't need me; you've got a perfectly solid crew already. Now, the other two here, I'm sure, are useful!" Leilani gestured at what she assumed were the other new recruits.

"But I really need to be back in space, where I'm a nobody again, so I'll sign on and do what needs to be done. Heck, not like I've scrubbed my share of manifolds before..." taking a breath, she thought before adding

"Oh, and I tend to ramble and babble a lot when I start talking... I should probably work on that!" she counted out a third finger.

Bronz hadn’t planned on saying anything during the interviews, just watching and letting the others take the lead. But something in Leilani’s words struck a chord. He remembered how he’d kind of barged onto the ship himself when they hadn't been looking for crew—and how they’d let him stay.

"Give her a chance," he said quietly, looking straight at Tamm recalling their first meeting. "I’m sure we can find work for her."

He’d meant to add that she had his vote, but stopped short, feeling like he might’ve already said more than he should.

Alice smiles warmly and makes eye contact with each member of the panel, then responding to Said Ma, she says "Thank you for your kind words, Chief Medic. I'm Second Officer Alice Petrov."

Alice turns to the Vargr Pilot and tilting her head slightly says, "well, those are good questions indeed! My mother always said I was born to travel the stars. I haven't been back home since I joined the Merchant Service. Both my parents have passed beyond this mortal veil and I have no siblings. The very thought of going home causes my chest to tighten in panic!". Alice placed her hand on her chest and breathed deeply as if to simulate the onset of a panic attack, but then laughed gently before continuing;

"It is hard for me to answer your second question as honestly and fully as I would like at this time. I simply don't know enough about the crew. However, what I will say is that your Chief Medic exudes a care and love that is most reassuring. You exude a stoical and professional aura, and judging by this gentleman's intercession on the part of my fellow applicant, it suggests that you prefer a consensual management style that encourages each of the crew to contribute according to their abilities and personal perspectives. Oh, and I've heard some interesting stories about Mr Rains! My instant assessment, albeit based upon first impressions and hearsay, is a very positive one. For my part, my Merchant background and the network of contacts I have acquired over two terms of service are the chief assets I bring to the table. I believe you will find me to be a good source of opportunity and a competent negotiator.... Oh, one more thing - I am highly motivated! Or to put it in more visceral terms - I am aching to become filthy rich! "

Scene: Athelstone Crew Common Room — Closing the Interviews

LC stood from his seat with the air of a barrister about to give closing arguments before a mildly confused jury.

He looked across the room — the glow from the overhead LEDs reflecting off brushed steel and modular plasteel panels, shadows curling beneath the benches of the Rocinante-style galley. It smelled faintly of caf, ozone, and whatever Tamm had nuked in the reheat unit before the interviews began.

He tapped his tablet with two fingers and turned toward the crew gathered around the common room table.

"Right then — that about wraps it. We've heard pitches, banter, philosophical musings, and at least one emotional breakdown with excellent comedic timing." He gave a warm nod to Alice. "You’ve all been splendid."

He walked a slow circle behind the table as he spoke, every step just this side of theatrical.

"Let’s be frank — we’re not just looking for warm bodies with certs. We're looking for crew. That’s a difference you feel more than see."

He paused by Leilani, smirking.

"And while I appreciate modesty delivered with the subtlety of a hull breach — we do need folks who’ve been in the manifold, and aren’t afraid to speak their mind. Even if it comes out sideways."

His eyes flicked to Bronz, giving the man a nod. Bronz had barely said much, but what he had said carried more weight than most soliloquies.

"Crew backs crew. That’s the only rule we don't bend."

LC then swept a hand toward Alice and Lu-Yam.

"We’ve got firepower in negotiation, contacts in the Merchant net, and someone who can talk a decimal point into submission. That’s the kind of talent that turns starving into surviving — and surviving into profit."

With a dramatic flourish, he thumbed his pad and projected a small holographic chart showing the crew shares.

"You’ll each come aboard with one share in the Athelstone. It’s modest now — but so was this ship once, before we scrubbed the serial numbers and made her our own. Current crew holds the rest. That’s 14 in total, spread among Tamm, Bronz, Said Ma, Tharrok, and yours truly."

He turned the projection off and leaned in slightly, voice lowering just a touch.

"That means you're family now — with voting rights, profit shares, and unfortunately, chores. I suggest fighting over trash duty early so you can claim it's ‘your thing.’ Works every time."

He clapped his hands once and grinned.

"So — barring objections or dramatic betrayals, I say we close the interviews here and now."

He tapped a prompt on the datapad and turned to the others.

"Crew, cast your votes. One aye, one nay per applicant. Majority rules, and if you’re still chewing over it — remember, you were all green once too."

As each vote lit up green, LC looked toward the new recruits."Congratulations. You’re in. Welcome aboard the Athelstone. Upload your med records to Said Ma, avoid Tamm’s shirts before breakfast, and for stars’ sake — don’t touch anything that’s humming unless Bronz tells you to."

He straightened up, running a hand through his hair like he’d just won a court case against gravity itself.

"Any final questions before we start earning enough credits to afford three square meals and a newer brand of disappointment?"

LC pauses for a moment and then states;
"One last thing, since we are rechartering the ship and will secure the loan with the bank, we have the options to rename the ship. TJ has thrown in a couple of names into the hat, but any of the crew can put forth a name. Lets take 24 cycles to decide. Then we all vote on the new name. I need the name to legally character the ship and the transponder signal system. "