Iron Stars - mona

Mona Shion awakens in their bunk aboard the Greystar star hab. Training was complete two days ago and given the pace of Greystar operations, no one believed they'd be waiting long to get assigned to a mission. A few people had already been given a private summons in the middle of the night, according to the latest gossip among recruits, and have not been seen coming back to their bunks. This has added plenty of excitement to the barracks room chatter, and as you wake up from your rest you see two things. The first, is that it is the middle of the night, far from when you need to be up for duties. The second, is that the wall terminal on the side of your bunk has a message on it, sent just a moment ago, and the light is what must have woken you up - carefully calculated to do so without disturbing your bunk mates. A message is waiting there, sent from Greystar Command, wanting to see you in the command spire of the star-hab as soon as you are able.

Mona sits up, alert. Swapping her sleep dimming mask for her professional one and suiting up before slipping out of the bunk and making her way to the command spire.

The elevator is quiet. You look to the the only one inside as the doors begin closing, and the trip up to one of the many bridges and reserve bridges is the matter of just staying within the car for a few moments. You see a lighted path appear on the floor as the doors open, spilling you into the chaos of a control room responsible for a section of the massive star-habs primary functions. The path looks to be taking you away from the chaos, or at least skirting the outside of it, to a small meeting room with the door tucked into a wall, just out of the way.

Mona takes a breath and enters the room, expecting to see one of her superiors inside.

9:53 AM

(btw Mona's preferred class title remains Yama King despite her taking on feminine pronouns. Not entirely sure why, it just hits different for me. Its not super important. Just a small character thing.)

(https://discord.com/channels/345912178072879106/886994062882791504/931228884014362675 While I may not be capable of this at my current skill level, and am potentially gonna be busy with Greystar Combine business, Mona does intend to deal with these 4 families and help Erdoza transition out of their post despot crime-hell)

(The protectorate has someone on that currently as it’s their territory )

6:31 PM

Director Kensh and two security troopers are inside and he invites you to sit with a short choppy gesture. You can see he’s been up for what looks to be days and this must be either very important or at the tail end of his duties

"Director Kensh" Mona quickly sits after doing [the standard greeting to a superior in Greystar, like a salute or something]

You’re invited to sit and a folder is passed over to you. “How do you feel about being our first boots on the ground with a new community we discovered. We have recently obtained star maps of what lies galactic east of the polity , all undiscovered country as far as we know, and within a spike jump of our capital we have found the Polytie system. You can understand the strategic position that system occupies being unexplored and so close to our capital world “

"I'd be honored, sir. When am I set to depart?"

https://www.worldanvil.com/w/iron-stars-nekosmash/a/polytie-location

Polytie

7:26 AM

7:27 AM

The map and preliminary system report are loaded to your pad, and it does not seem like the previous Greystar team mapping the planet was able to get the names of any settlements from the locals- though were able to mark their relative locations. The director sits back in his chair. "Right away if you can. There is a scouting expedition there under the command of another agent. Proculous Miller, but we haven't heard back from them in a few days. It might be worth trying to link up with them when you arrive. A polity shuttle is standing ready to take you"

"I'll get right on that, sir. I wont let you down." Mona standa up and hovers back to her bunk and gathers her equipment. She then makes her way to the shuttle and boards it as soon as she can.

(there is a locker and armory aboard if you wanted to requisition any equipment, just let me know, otherwise, 3 days to Polytie and I'll post our rules for downtime)

9:39 AM

Mona will requisition an advanced small weapon knife and survey scanner if possible. As well as a fungal hound (if that's still a thing) as long as it can stay in the shuttle should she decide the locals would find it too off putting. (Mona will train punch on one of those sparring dummies for a couple days if that's ok)

(Don’t have the face for a hound yet but the survey scanner and weapon are around )

(Alright works for me)

(Is the downtime real time?)

(nope! You dont have to wait 3 real life days to start playing again, dont worry

) (edited)

(OK! Didn't mean to sound impatient. Was actually wondering that when I was reading through the rules.)

(just didnt make my way down to the thread. busy morning at work )

11:56 AM

Reaching the Polytie system a few days later, as the agent destined to be boots on the ground, the captain calls you to the bridge. The previous expedition is in a village on the southwest side of the planet, and has not obtained its name yet. Proculous is listed as in charge of that expedition and is trying to open some trade links with them, to a slow, and possibly unsuccessful start. It does not seem that any of the others have had off world contact, nor do they have a way to listen or speak into space.

Mona figures it's best to be among allies as she uses Passport of Hell to learn local customs for future interactions with the locals. (Mona will head to the southwest and try to to make contact with Proculous)

(I tagged you in that thread. Proculous is also fairly new, but we haven't heard from him in about a week , so we'll see if anything happens over the next day or so, and if not, we'll just continue it ourselves)

12:16 PM

(not sure if they have been busy or if we didn't hook their interest. Such is the way with new players)

(Yeah it happens. I can also fuck off to some other part of the planet if needed) (edited)

12:20 PM

(That may have come off as aggressive. Didn't intend to. Honestly I missed #deleted-channel when checking to see if the name belonged to a player. I can stay with Proculus or go elsewhere. Whatever you prefer.)

(We'll stay where we are for now and see what happens, its PbP ,so perma-presence here is not expected of anyone. )

(For sure)

(My plan is to reconnect the communities here so they can build some kind of network and stand together rather than be terrorized independently.)

(Should we continue it in here as opposed to the proculus channel? Not sure the protocol

(I’d rather not split things up in case I need to refer to it later , especially if he ends up being gone and I archive the thread. Then half the mission is just gone forever )

(Good point)

(Speaking points for the discussions so I don't forget) (1- Chance to become the pioneers of a new frontier 2- We do not always get to choose how the galactic community finds us. But its good to be found by us instead of The CA or some other horror like The Still Lady. 3- Infrastructure)

Nekosmash pinned a message to this channel. 6/17/2022 8:18 PM

(This still available? Who are they?) (edited)

3:10 PM

(Checked the wiki but Dank Crew were only mentioned)

3:17 PM

(I'd go for the recent one but based on the reactions and that they were a player, I assume this ones personal.) (edited)

(Please try and only make one post in between neko's responses. If you need to add more information you can always edit your post if neko has not yet responded. There is very little need to rapid-fire messages in a PBP game. Message 2 and 3 above could have easily been added to the first one with a simple edit)

(Totally sorry. Wasn't trying to get a quicker response tbc, just a lapse in judgment about the edit button. My bad

won't happen again.)

1

**Level Up**
Level: 2
Focus: Assassin lvl1
Old HP: 3
HP Roll: 3+2
New HP: 5
New Skills: Trade 0 for 1sp, Shoot 0 for 1sp, Connect 0 for 1sp, Sneak 1 for Assassin foci
Current AB: 1
Judicious Understanding and Colorless Face from Yama King Level 2 added

(Sorry If I formatted the part about my YK skills being added wrong, wasn't sure. For my next mission I'd like to take - Compliance audit for former Etxaurren Empire force's on Etxaurren to ensure agreed on societal changes are met For the Exchange of Light.)

(Sounds good. For background basically it was agreed that they’d stop taking slaves and would end their practices of human sacrifice and the unconsented bonding of free nexuses for their sunblade warriors. Their leader is a slyth, and a powerful psionic one at that who took on the guise of an Aztec serpent god and ascended to lead the etxaurren. We want to see if he’s upheld what he promised when he was permitted to peacefully withdraw from Brizeno after negotiating with the big war fleet some polities sent there

(My strategy here is probably infiltrating the society like a food inspector. Ik morphing is out due to the implications of changing into another species, but can I used Colorless Face to be perceived as the local species? I don't want them to know I'm coming or that I'm there as that may give them time to do a cover up. Its fine if no. Was just my intended approach. I'll also probably be buying stuff before departure.) (edited)

(Okay, we will return to this thread, make a list of what you're buying and we'll handle things from there. We've previously discussed how this is going to work, you will not change into a new species, but you will be seen as unremarkable as the dominant species there would be)

(Yeah that's what I meant as perceived, was just double checking. Last time we talked I wasn't sure if I was gonna be invisible and unable to interact with the populace.)

(You will not be invisible, no)

(Let me know if there's a template for purchases somewhere. I couldn't find one but that's probably my bad.)

Purchases

Stun Baton -50

TL4 Grav Chute -300

Grapnel Launcher -200

(there is not, what you're doing is enough)

8:28 AM

(this is all available)

(Added to sheet.) Mona is ready to perform the inspection. (Would it be possible to come in on a merchant ship? I don't wanna draw attention to being an inspector.)

(There’s various transport shuttles going down that way. Nobody is going to risk one of their precious cargo ships. I’ll take a look at the map and give you the days of downtime when I’m at a computer next ) (edited)

9:05 AM

(They’re still hard to come by )

(looking at 22 days of downtime using the most direct route to get there)

(Alright. I'll use a transport ship. Training punch in the ship.)

(I’ll get you a system report and will update their article tonigjt. Too much to change from mobile but I did see your post )

1

https://www.worldanvil.com/w/iron-stars-nekosmash/a/etxaurren-empire--organization?preview=true

Etxaurren Empire

https://www.worldanvil.com/w/iron-stars-nekosmash/a/etxaurren-location

Etxaurren

Mona reads the briefing on the ship. "All right. Time to assess some societal changes." Mona plans to go undercover as a member of the prior slave caste. (edited)

Since this inspection is meant to be a covert one, the ship waits until night, and does its best to avoid planetside scans. The ships' crew wants to know only do you wish to be dropped off near what looks to the the Etxaurren capital, or one of the satellite villages or more remote towns instead. It will be difficult for them to pull you out without blowing your cover.

"Is it possible to be dropped at the capital and picked up at a satellite village we agree on? I have the credits to get transport."

The crew advises you they can do that, but if there is any trouble in between they may not be able to intervene to help you.

"That may be true but I need to get a better sample than just urban life. I'll be investigating both. Could you pick me up from capital and drop me in the outer towns after?" "Actually. I should start from the rural area and then go to the capital." (edited)

(final plan then, before I kick this off?)

(Land in the outer settlements. If stuff is out of compliance there Mona can just leave. If it's fine she goes into the more dangerous capital. If things are bad or good there I still go back to the village for pickup. I assume there's less eyes on the outer settlements.) (edited)

You are brought down three kilometers from a settlement to the east, taking advantage of both the dark of night, and the distance from a place where you're not easily observed. The woods around you are silent, and dark, and it seems that there is only a handful of lights on in the distant village.

Mona makes her way over to the village. Hoping to get in before morning. (edited)

(are you trying to avoid observation, would you be taking a road or looking for one? or sneaking through the woods)

(Depends when I can activate colorless face and not be perceived as a Noctua. I need to be occupying the culture that I blend in with, if just being on the planet counts I'll take the road. If I need to be amongst them I might take the woods after double checking stats and gear)

(Since we know the breakdown of the planet, I'd say it is available now)

(OK. Going down the road after activating Colorless Face. Will hitchhike if possible.) Mona carries on down the road towards the lights.

(Notice/wis)

(Is this a "sight based" check for the purpose of my chosen Noctua foci?)

(Yes)

!roll 2d6+1 !Notice/WIS

Mona Shion Roll: [6, 3] Result: 10 Reason: Notice/WIS

1

On the road you begin walking, at first going for half an hour seeing nothing. An abandoned hay cart by the side of the road just outside the small village is the first thing your eyes catch, along with something moving just below the outer layer of straw.

Mona prepares to ready her mag pistol and tries to be mindful of the movement, but continues onwards toward the village.

Someone, or something is clearly inside the pile, and moving on you pass it and cross the threshold into the village. The village consists of what looks to be a town hall type building, two large grain barns that looks to be open and fairly empty. There are thirty homes in the village, the nicest of them are made of hardwood and some recovered stone while the lowliest among them look to be little more than scrap shacks held together with tarps. A few dogs bark within the settlement and it does not seem the locals have had the thought to form some kind of night watch or security patrol, at least not during the nighttime hours. You also see no signs of leisure activities taking place here, there are no bars, saloons, or places where someone might go to find some comfort from the daily rigors. To that end, you see no obviously religious buildings either.

Mona will go investigate the hay pile as people aren't awake yet and it didn't jump her on the way in.

The pile shakes once again as you approach. You hear a child like giggling from within, before it goes still.

"Hello? It isn't good to be out so late."

You hear the sound of a child giggling from within the hay, as you close in on their hiding place.

(Does Mona's "professional-grade legal understanding of all local laws or law-equivalent customs" "knowing enough to not break taboos" as part of her Yama King magic indicate to her that this is anything other than a giggling child? Any local customs about avoiding a monster that sounds like a kid? If that all seems clear, she will do the following.) Mona says the following in a playful tone "I wonder where that noise is coming from, I give up." She then sneaks out of sight and observes the hay pile in silence. She doesn't want to spend all night at this hay pile so if kid doesn't come out in 10 min she'll just go move the hay. (I apologize if the format of these questions is not allowed with the "if-then" statements. Let me know if that's an issue. Its not gonna be a habit. I just assume this is a normal kid and that the answer to the Yama King powers question was "all clear".)

(This is nothing more than a giggling child, the if-then is really difficult to work with)

8:01 AM

The child hides for a few more minutes before popping out and giggling. "You didn't know where I was hiding at all, did you?" she laughs, before hopping out of the straw cart and brushing the clinging strands from her roughshod clothing. It is well made, and looks like it was reclaimed from furniture coverings or other textile luxuries the people here no longer have the resources to enjoy.

"Nope! You surprised me! What are you doing out here little one?"

"Hiding, I didn't want to go to bed, but everyone else is asleep. All my parents do it sleep, they just look so sad all the time." she says, looking out at the countryside with you as the sky begins to go from the pitch black of night to a hazy gray.

(Is this a human? I couldn't find the predominant species here on the world anvil. I'm out and about so I may have missed something when checking.) "Well we wouldn't them to worry would they? Let's get you back home. I'll get you breakfast." (edited)

(Iits human)

2:54 PM

(It's human)

2:56 PM

This seems to be good enough, at least for the moment and the child finishes dusting themself off, reaching out a hand to take one of yours so they can be led back to the village. They are small, no more than 5 or 6, but look to be a bit older due to the onset of malnutrition.

Mona takes their hand and walks them back to the village. Seeing if a place to eat is open. "Can you take me back to your parents house? I'd like to get them breakfast as well."

You are led into the village, near the center of it to one of the homes, about three lots down from what you've identified as the likely town hall. it is one of the nicer and more well built homes in the settlement, and the window curtains in the front windows have been made of something resembling old packaging material. The door is wiggled open quietly so those heavily sleeping within will not hear. There are four sets of shoes on the roughshod floor, and a fire in a crude fireplace has burned down to just cinders.

Mona leans over and whispers to the child "Can you go get your family for me when it's time for breakfast? I'll wait outside until then. Don't wanna scare your parents or anything."

An hour passes outside before the door opens again and a roughshod, and slightly nervous man opens the door. His arms are filled with scarring, most of it looking old and long healed, but a few of the lashes are the pink of somewhat new tissue forming. The door is cracked open, just enough for you to see each other, but enough for him to put his force against it if you decide to try to push your way in. "What do you want? My daughter said you were out here, and you brought her home last night"

"She was hiding in some hay. Very sweet kid. I'd like to take your family out to breakfast and talk about some things if that's OK. None of you are in trouble. I'm just a traveler and I'm curious about this place."

“Out? You’re not gonna find a place like that here friend. There’s hardly any food even for the families that live here. Nobody knows what to do now”

"What's happened? Could you tell me about this place and what's happening to it. Your injuries as well?"

"The masters returned home and set us free, but they don't leave the capital. We're trying to figure things out for ourself out here, but seeds are hard to find, so are tools to try to plant the fields. it's all hard work, especially when you're hungry, especially whne you're working with your hands when you should have a shovel or hoe"

(Did societal changes dictate that former slaves be granted reparations and opportunity of some sort?)

(Just that they be free and the sacrificial practices stops. )

"Do you know of any continuing slavery or sacrificial practice in the capital? Do you know how many more settlements are out here? Are many ex-slaves in the capital?"

“I dunno. Just know the families here in town. Quiet here now. No one’s come to tax us for anything , no one’s come to take anyone either. Haven’t had a disappearance in a couple months now. Hard enough for everyone just trying to live. No one’s really traveling. At least not from here”

"So there isn't transport into the capital if I wanted to get there from here?" (edited)

"Only whatever you can manage on foot. You might find something on the road, but no one from here can do it, or would risk doing it" He says with resignation.

"Well I can't manage much on foot. I might be done here. Maybe I'll..." Mona trails off and refocuses "Do you have use for credits? Can I trust you to do what's best for this place?"

"They spend, need a lot for anything though. Food and other supplies go a lot further, people can't eat credits, you know?"

"Can't give you food and supply at this exact moment. But here's 3k credits. I might be back with something else. I might not. I wish you luck." Mona goes to speak to the child. "Be good. Probably a bad idea to go wandering off in the middle of the night. Listen to your parents." Mona makes her way to the exhilaration point to get picked up and contact the Exchange.

(Wouldn't be any complications going back the way you came)

11:14 AM

The shuttle picks you up. Communications from here will take a month just to reach their destination, and the crew gives you privacy in the comms room so you can compose your report. (if you're asking for additional orders, its going to take about two months by time your message reaches Galatea, and a return comes all the way back)

(I'll contact them later then. Was there much slavery going on in the capital pre-changes? Or was it mostly in rural areas. Same question about the human sacrifice.)

(We don't know too much of that information, these questions are more or less what you were here to figure out, and then to see if said agreed on changes were made)

11:26 AM

(Etxaurren was an enemy capital, we didn't really have a wealth of information coming out of it, or anyone foolhardy enough to scout it)

(Alright. Time to go to the capital then. There is more to learn. And maybe I can buy some farming equipment for the settlement.)

(how close would we want to get, it being a major city we can reason there are probably radars and at least some eyes watching the countryside, so landing in a shuttle is pretty auspicious )

(Did anyone in that village have a vehicle that looked like it could move?)

(they did not have vehicles in the village, the Etxaurren really probably wanted to prevent people from having easy access to mobility and even now, getting resources out there doesn't seem to be a thing that is happening )

Mona thinks about it over dinner. Before addressing her comms person. "We can't really land anywhere I can walk from. Send word to the capital at noon tomorrow that the inspector is here. I'm not walking from the outer villages. Everyone get some rest." (Gonna try to just land at the capital with clearance and talk to the oppressors before continuing into the city.) (edited)

The comms officer does what you've asked, and come noon tomorrow the government here is expecting an inspector from the Exchange of Light. They will await you in a designated landing field, on top of one of the old pyramids in the center of the city that is flat enough to allow your ship to come down.

(Time to do some inspections) Mona gets going as soon as possible

At noon on the dot your black sided shuttle begins to descend and the ramp lowers. The Etxaurren war god is not at the meeting but one of his generals from the Brizeno occupation is meeting you at the pad. He is a former sunblade, still wearing the Aztec looking armor of the order, and his twin Macuahuitl have had their teeth ritually blunted- now a staff of office as opposed to a weapon of war.

"General, thank you for having me. Let's have you to open. What do you have to report?"

He looks perplexed "Nothing? I was under the impression you were going to be taking a tour of the city to see if things were according to the wishes of the Exchange. I don't have anything to report to you, you're the one who is supposed to be making the judgement"

"Perfect. Just making sure. I'll be getting on with the inspection now if that's ok."

It looks like the Exchange has provided several sites they want you to examine. The main pyramid, the factory district, the farms, and the outer neighborhoods are the main items to be reviewed, in no particular order. Additionally, anything you see en route that might indicate the agreement is not being followed should be documented, but not acted on right away, as to not endanger your life.

3:04 PM

There is a small grav car meant for the two of you at the base of the pyramid and this looks to be your ride around the city.

"Lets check out the main pyramid first."

Nekosmash pinned a message to this channel. 7/9/2022 4:11 PM

The main pyramid has had its sides recently hosed down when your vehicle approaches. The white stone with gold inlay catches the sun handily and it is an impressive display. The building has stepped sides in the traditional Aztec fashion and you can see the altar has been removed from the highest floor. The most used to catch running blood from down the sides is still present but looks to be just for water drainage now.

Mona asks here guide "What's the pyramid used for now?" (is it nightime? If not can we continue this later tour at night as I have trouble noticing/inspecting these kinds of things in the day.)

(You said you were coming at noon and this is our first stop so somewhere around there. I don’t think they’d be willing to wait around all day )

(Right, onto the next stop after they answer what the pyramid is used for these days.)

The pyramid now is still something of a dark spot to the locals. The guide tells you while you both stand outside in front of the building that the inside is slowly being turned into civil offices and a cargo storage hub where goods will be passed out to other parts of the city. You do not see evidence of much vehicle traffic around it from out here.

"Alright, onto the next one."

(all we have is their word, we were only outside the building)

3

(Yeah I know. But I was instructed to tread lightly when here by the EoL. This will go in the report. As much as Mona wants to investigate further it doesn't help anyone if she's in a position where "she knows too much". She may come back here in the future.)

(sounds good, wasn't sure if it was me being vague or a deliberate thing, so figured circling back made sense) With the main pyramid seen, the next stops along the tour is the farming fields just south of the city. Passing through town you see few other vehicles and most of the people on the street instinctively move out of the way as the car runs through the street at rapid speeds. It is hard to see much of the surrounding buildings before coming to the stone gate leading out into the countryside. The farms here look to be somewhat choked by weeds and you do not see much in the way of heavy farming equipment aside from a rusted tractor or two in the fields. A work party is being organized by someone with civilian dress but a military looking posture, and you can see that two of the work party have shotguns on their backs as well as the normal work tools you would expect for field work.

(Sorry for not being more clear with intentions through inner monologur and stuff, I'll try to do that more.) Mona takes mental note of the shotguns and state of the farm. "What were those vehicles?"

"They were tractors once. They probably will not work anymore, since we cannot get the parts for them. " the guide says, looking on at the work below with you.

7:30 AM

"most of our skilled engineers perished in the space above Brizeno as the fleet battle raged"

"I see, what of the ones speeding through the street on our way here?"

"Was just us in a car, we've got one for admin purposes, but almost no one has a machine of their own unless its something they inherited and it just hasn't broken yet"

"Ok, understood. I've seen enough here, lets check out the next location."

Moving back into the city you are taken to what would be a typical urban street where there the 'normal' citizenry would live. You can see a few more sunblades though without much of their former armor and weapons here talking to a group of citizens on a nearby street corner. It does sound like the exchange is getting a bit heated but you cannot make out specifics from this distance.

(I try to move close enough to listen in without interrupting the conversation)

(sneak/dex)

!roll 2d6+1 !Sneak/DEX

Mona Shion Roll: [5, 1] Result: 7 Reason: Sneak/DEX

1

It sounds like the locals are angry at some of the overly aggressive and forceful methods the warriors turned peace officers are using to maintain order in the neighborhood. Someone who reported a robbery was in turn assaulted by these peacekeepers when he was not forthcoming with information fast enough, and the rest of the neighbors seem to be angry about their treatment.

(Alright. I'll back off.) Mona backs to the guide quietly "Next stop, thank you."

The factories look to be the last stop and it looks like most of the buildings here are abandoned. There doesnt seem to be enough workers, or materials here to make running them something the current regime is able to do, and the vehicle parks at the edge of the industrial zone as inside the warren of smelters and pipeworks, it is rumored to be very dangerous due to gang activity. Some of it is former Etxaurren led, some of it looks to be locals banding together to fend for themselves.

(Alright that should be everything. I'll write up my report of there isn't anything left here.)

1

(I guess that is all!)

(3xp, 5000 credits for this, and once the report is up we can move along! forgot to hand out the xp)

(I should be getting the report up in the near future. In the process of moving atm so I'm a bit busy and I want the report to be pretty accurate and thorough so I'll be looking back to make sure I get everything. I'll probably level up today or tomorrow though.)

(No worries)

(Will level up before next mission starts in a couple days if that's ok. Has a minute to type out the report so I figured I'd handle that rn. If this isn't legible and the formatting sucks let me know, I can fix it later.) (I'd like to spend 10k on getting that rural village farming materials. Not sure how far that goes or how fast they can get it.) Mona Shion's report -On the topic of rural areas- I entered the rural areas undercover of my Yama King abilities. The government likely doesn't know this rural inspection took place. On the outskirts of the capital, rural humans of the former slave Caste have been left to starve in barren fields and ruins. With no way to transport themselves into the capital for purchasing of necessities or work. The former slave Caste is in immediate need of assistance so I will be spending 10k credits to start purchasing some necessities for them. -Requesting reimbursement for that, but this was not an authorized purchase and so I do not expect it. They need far more than 10k of assistance. There are likely dozens or hundreds of these rural settlements.- -Requesting immediate intervention to assist the rural former-slave caste- -On the topic of the capital- The War God was not present and I did not meet them. Guards still wear their tradition sunblade attire. The previously sacrificial pyramid was recently hosed down before my arrival. This was likely done to just clean dirt of of it and not to hide blood. Cannot be sure though. The locals do not know what goes on in the pyramid and my guide informed me that it was being turned into cargo storage and civil offices as a logistical transport hub. No vehicle traffic suggested this to be true. -Requesting further inspection on the matter of the pyramid.- Farming fields were visited. They were in poor shape and not much heavy farming equipment was present. Laborers were commanded by someone with military posture. Two of the work party carried shotguns. -Requesting further inspection on labor practices and state of food supply.- When visiting neighborhoods there was a dispute with civilians and peacekeepers (formerly sunblades) over the nature of over policing and forceful methods by these peacekeepers. -Requesting further inspection and intervention in the situation regarding peacekeepers- Factory districts are in dissaray due to lack of labor and materials. Seems to be taken over by several gangs and bands of locals. Exaurren has failed to maintain control of the area and it seems to have descended into a state of growing anarchy. -Requesting further investigation and intervention regarding the factory districts in the capital- In summation the government adhered to giving me a tour, but the nature of them adhering to treaty policies can only be determined by further investigation. For this I would suggest a covert team investigating the pyramid and government records. I would also recommend funding relief efforts for the rural people. I will be available for future operations regarding the Etxaurren peoples. (edited)

(I think all the further inspections would be equivalent to one singular mission, I understand you didn't want to push it too far on this first one)

(Yeah I figured it'd be one mission. Didn't want to go against the government at all for fear of safety. Will possibly come back when Mona is more capable.)

(Sounds good. Did you have anything you wanted to transition into or would you want to do this covert inspection next ? It’ll take time for your supplies to get here

(I'm interested in Doc Claws or The Circle of Ten. Any bounty really. I'll do the further inspection later so I can check on the rural village.)

Doc Claws is a mosk who the bounty lists as possibly being certifiably insane now. He has recently re appeared in the sector from a place called The Deep and already has begun continuing his wave of minor crimes. It is though he is hiding out somewhere in the space between the ISF and NFSS and most of the worlds there are claimed by no one. Transport back to Greystar is provided, and the return trip from the Etxaurren front has your boots hitting the star hab over Acastus ,ready to chase this lead. (edited)

(If you need more information or a more direct transition into the mission let me know)

(Oh Sorry, I've been busy entertaining guests and forgot to say anything here. I'll start with the location between ISF and NFSS closest to where Mona is and just work from there. I'll post a shopping order before I do anything on the ground if that's ok?)

(Sure thing!)

**Level Up**
Level: 3
Focus:
Old HP: 5
HP Roll: 3,3,1+3
New HP: 10
New Skills: 
Connect 1 for 2sp

Survive 0 for 1sp

Current AB: 1
Constable's Inducement of Truth added from Yama King Level 3

(edited)

SHOPPING!

Flop Rifle -600 Credits

Power Cell Type A 3x -30 Credits

Install Tertiary Arm Cyberware -5000 Credits +2 Strain

Ready to rock on this mission, I assume the planet has breathable air? I'll go back and get some equipment for that if needed.

(You don’t get a foci pick at level 3)

10:39 PM

(You don’t get another one until level 5)

(Ah sorry. Already have that foci. Was just copying my post from last time and forgot to replace that.)

(I would check the AB as well. Pretty sure it sound be a +1)

(Yeah I realized that a few minutes ago looking back, for some reason thought the AB scaling was rounding up.)

(We were very far south at Etxaurren, so the "closest" spot to the gulf between the ISF and NFSS would be literally just outside the northern unw border. We can pick a northern UNW world to depart from)

(Should I go pick one or can you select the most convenient?)

(I'd like you to pick one since we're writing a story together here, and this is the jumping off point for your next chapter as it were)

10:05 AM

(Your selection is also going to influence the people, professions, and possible leads that might be around, so me picking is basically doing it for you)

(Ah sure thing, I think I've decided on Cratylus assuming that fits the requirements. Figured they may have had some run ins or perhaps a buyer is here.)

https://www.worldanvil.com/w/iron-stars-nekosmash/a/cratylus-location?preview=true

Cratylus

10:47 AM

(slightly updated the article based on some new events)

(Ok, lets go to the Halycon Settlement)

Your transport shuttle sets down in the green zone just outside the city and your arrival is noticed. It has been over a year since someone from the outside visited the city last and you can see three armored rover type vehicles depart the settlement, driving down the service road at high speed toward where your shuttle has come to land. The cabins are enclosed in tinted reflective glass, and you cannot see the demeanor of the occupants. You estimate you have a few moments before they get close enough.

Mona does some stretches and starts rehearsing a greeting for the local enforcement before addressing the shuttle crew. "Don't do anything rash. Just follow my lead." Mona waits for the rovers to arrive before exiting the shuttle.

The rovers come to a halt 50m from the shuttle ramp and two armed figures emerge. They are wearing black combat armor and have left their rifles in the truck, but you can see they have sidearms on their hips.

(Does this shuttle have a PA system? Like a megaphone or something?)

(It does)

Mona goes to the microphone and begins speaking. "Hello, this is Mona Shion. I'm here on business. I will be the only one exiting the ship and am not armed enough to be a threat. Do I have permission to enter Halycon?"

One of them moves to get a PA horn from their own vehicle. "Are you armed?" the speaker asks, looking at the ship with some heistancy

"Yes, lightly." Mona pauses "I can be the only one that exists if you'd like."

"Outsiders are not permitted to bring weapons into the city, disarm, and we will drive you in"

"Ok, understood." Mona leaves her flop rifle and mag pistol with the ship. She takes care to hide her stun button under her robes. (Assassin should keep that hidden from anything less than an invasive strip search, including TL4 detection methods.) Mona exits the ship slowly and bows to the enforcers, ready to board the vehicles.

Halcyon is a large city home to thousands of people, and you can see most of them look to be involved in maintaining and expanding the green zone around the city. Ash is being cleared away, and chemical processes to restore the soil go on ,overseen by men and woman in hazard suits with hoses and sprinklers. They are dutiful and efficient in their work. The bodies of the two Brothers of Fenris have been taken down at some point between the last scouting expedition and now. More guards at the gate wave the buggy inside, and you are deposited in front of the town hall as the three vehicle formation pulls up to its wide black stone steps. The building looks like it was part of a starship once, expanded with local wood and stone, and a representative looks to be coming out to meet with you.

Mona takes care to avoid any zones that seem hazardous to her health and tries to find some leads. (Roll connect?)

(I was just sending an NPC out to talk to you, you came to their city, they want to know who you are first. If you're blowing them off, then yeah, but at a -2 )

(Nah I'll talk to them first.)

"Welcome to Halcyon" the functionary says, looking you over once and down "Can't say I've seen anything like you before. Who are you, and where do you come from?" (edited)

Mona extends her hand for a handshake, or the cultural equivalent to a greeting here. Perhaps a bow or courtesy? "I am Mona Shion, of planet Acastus. I am a Noctua. I am here on freelancer business not related to the Greystar Confederacy. I appreciate you having me."

(You're a Yama King, so we'll assume whatever the right thing is, you've done it, since you blend into society)

8:43 AM

"Not related you say? Well, I like the sound of that. Can you tell me anything about this unrelated business of yours Mona Shion? "

"I'm looking for information on a dangerous individual."

He makes a gesture with his hands, indicating you should continue as you seem to have information he does not.

"Doc Claws. Wanted for sale of ilicit maltech trinkets. The Bounty Hunters Guild has leads indicating he is somewhere in this part of the sector. I am looking for further leads, and eventually, his exact location."

Nekosmash

used /roll

Nekosmash Roll: [4, 2] Result: 6 Request: [2d6]

"I've heard. He passed through here a few months ago trying to sell some sort of translation system you wire into your head. Wanted our diplo corps to try it. We sent him on his way, but he left without a fight"

"I appreciate it. He say where he was going?"

"I think he was going toward Helga. He went north, and there are only a few worlds in easy reach of a spike capable ship out that way"

"Alright, much appreciated. Anything I can do for you around here?"

“For now things here are quiet. You’re one of the first people to come by from off world and visit in quite a long time , at least you haven’t tried to sell maltech to anyone here “

"Low bar. Well, thank you for showing me around. Have a nice week." Mona returns to the ship, onward to Helga.

(five days of downtime)

(training punch)

https://www.worldanvil.com/w/iron-stars-nekosmash/a/helga-location?preview=true

Helga

8:44 AM

Five days later, your ship enters the Helga system and begins a brief scan of the ground to determine what might be happening there. (Details in the scouting report. I ensured it is up to date)

(Sorry I been go so long. Brain Fried. Gonna land at the Slyth Temple.)

Landing just outside the work site, you can see there are about two hundred people here split between laborers, scientists, and archeologists. A handful of security troopers complete the scene, keeping watch over the work and the small tent city barnacled against the entryway of the temple. Sand blows in the downdraft of the ship coming down, and it looks as though a researcher and two security troopers are making their way over.

Mona makes her way out of the ship and awaits their arrival.

They arrive, one of them raises his hand as the ship engines begin powering down. You are a stranger here, and they wait for you to speak so they can determine how to interact with you.

Mona gives a slight bow "Hello, how are you doing? I am Mona Shion. I am here on freelance work."

"This site is under the jurisdiction of the Iron Stars Federation, what kind of Freelance work are you here to do Mona? " the archeologist asks, looking at the site behind you and its sprawling work. Absent further details, he seems to be under the impression you're here to do something to the ruins.

(Greystar is in the Iron Stars Fed right? Or am I confusing that with something else?)

(They are not)

2:38 PM

(Greystar is independent. The federation is the CBSS, EP, NMC , and UNW)

(Is the Bounty Hunters Guild sanctioned to operate in IS Fed Space?)

(Yes, if you're actually doing a bounty , which you are)

"Could I speak to a supervisor here? I am her on federation sanctioned business."

"You can speak to me about it, that's why I came over to your ship. How about you just tell me what you're doing here, and we can see about getting this sorted out"

"I have reason to believe maltech merchant, Doc Claws, is somewhere on this planet. So I am looking for him. This is a Bounty Hunters Guild job."

"I see. Well, you won't find him here, we haven't seen anyone like that coming to the ruins to try to talk to us. There's a lot of sand out there though, so good luck!"

Nekosmash

"I see. Well, you won't find him here, we haven't seen anyone like that coming to the ruins to try to talk to us. There's a lot of sand out there though, so good luck!"

(Can Mona roll to see if he's being truthful?)

(We can make a notice/wis, or a talk/cha)

Nekosmash

(We can make a notice/wis, or a talk/cha)

(Sorry for disappearing for a while) (5,6 +2 =13)

1

(you can just post in the thread, you don't need to do replies)

11:37 AM

He is telling the truth. They've been involved in the dig, and Doc Claws might be on the planet, but if so he has stayed away from this place.

(Right, sorry) "Alright. Thank you for your time. Good luck on the dig." Mona turns around and returns to the ship. Giving the order to start scouting the planet while she thinks of an idea

(program/int, maybe we'll locate something with the survey scanner)

(9)

On the northern pole of the planet there is a faint electronic signal. It looks to be ship sized, not a settlement, and it is very old- it might be a ship on low power, or it might just be the traces of a recently departed one.

"Land here. I'm going to investigate this." (Mona does so)

Landing in the desert bowl the signal was coming from it looks as though there was a ship here once. Scorched patterns on the red rock of the world show where thrusters once helped boost a ship into orbit, and beyond judging by the fact there is no vessel in the system other than yours now. Some surveying equipment has been left behind, and looks to have been abandoned in a hurry given it is still set up. A survey scanner, compad, and some notes have been left behind here, the notes are written in Mosk.

(archiving for now)

1

(Out of archive @Mona Shion Let me know when everything is ported over to the new sheet )

(sure thing, sorry about the delay. Work surprised me with a difficult and time consuming task)

1

(all good!)