Iron Stars - ep-westward-exploration

@sunnydrains and @Katalin Lipnitskaya are both whisked from their current less than favorable circumstances by a Protectorate Free Merchant named The Voice of Hermes. It's captain is a Taros Male who has only recently begun serving in space aboard a spacecraft but has proven himself to be competent at giving orders- having captained a blue water vessel for many years back on Gudrun before joining the Protectorate instead. You both have been given cabins aboard the ship and its captain calls you to a briefing, where a world to the west of Protectorate space is being looked at. There is a robust market on the planet as the locals pillage the ruins of their former civilization, and there is some interest in finding out exactly what they might be buying and selling before trying to engage with the locals further. This mission is one of exploration and trade, and you are given latitude to accomplish those objectives. https://www.worldanvil.com/w/iron-stars-nekosmash/a/ioanakos-location?preview=true

Ioanakos

1

Katalin doesn't have anything to store in her quarters before making her way to the bridge, as all she owns is with her right now. With her first paycheck from the Paragons she could only buy a leather jacket, before she was called by the Protectorate to join this exploration mission. The brown leather jacket has a small metal pin on it, with the blessing symbol of Ognyena on it. Seeing a fellow Taros on the bridge makes it either to enter a situation so new to her as going on an official mission for a polity like the Protectorate. She approaches the captain and says in Taros. "Hey, it is good to see another of our kind here on the bridge. Have you been to this world before?"

"I have not, but another Protectorate explored named Rayce Stardust has been here recently and transmitted his report back to Protectorate space. While his mission is exploration, ours has a different focus"

"You want us to take the best stuff the ruins have to offer and establish some kind of connection with them for further diplomatic contact and trade? Is that right?"

"trade what we can, smuggle what we can't. Some of the morality of what we do comes once we see how things are in the destination system. We're above Heras right now being refueled, and we have several days in spike travel getting out to the target world, but it is good to get all of us thinking so we can use the following days to think"

"Smuggling things out, huh? I guess choosing me was with a cause, haha. Yeah, thinking is always good. And best done with the whole group assembled. The Protectorate surely hired someone else as well, right?"

Freya slowly enters the bridge, looking around at everything except the people. "Trade first, smuggle second. Seems a fair deal. If these people are so bad off, what do we have to offer them?" She finally makes eye contact with the captain and Katalin. "I mean, money's money, but leaving people to starve or waste away without proper meds turns my stomach a bit." She gives a nod and a smile to Katalin. "I'm Freya, and I guess you're my partner on this little adventure."

"Ah to your question Ms. Locke , this ship has a well equipped armory and locker in it. Any conveniences we can offer them like power cells, low light goggles, even just a few survival kits, might make a world of difference for these people"

Katalin smiles at Freya. "Hey there!" She says in a friendly tone while reaching out to shake Freya's hand, revealing a spider web tattoo on her right hand. "I am Katalin, nice to meet you, and yes I guess we are the in this together." The tall blue and black haired Taros woman says with a smile. "Do you have any experience in such things?"

Freya shakes Katalin's hand and nods. "A bit of this and that. Things are hard to come by where I'm from, sometimes you gotta find what you need, or earn some credits finding what other people need," she shrugs. "I'm guessing you're a bit of the same." "Sometimes in bad situations even basic stuff is hard to find. Pots and pans, sleeping gear, the stuff most from better planets take for granted." She glances around the room, eyeing the tech used in just the bridge alone. "Do we got any idea how bad things are for them, or is finding that out part of this trip as well?" (edited)

"that is going to be part of the trip, but the both of you are resourceful, you have had to be to get this far and overcome what you have already. We will make the best of anything we find there, and any situation we find ourselves in"

I am about to overcome who I was, creating a new me. I guess I am the less skilled one in this. Katalin thinks to herself, expressing some self doubt. "Oh sure, being spontaneous, that sounds like me. And yeah, we will rock that. I am sure of. And if someone acts funny, we will be acting funny back, right?"

"Resourceful, can do." Freya yawns and stretches. "Alright, if there's nothing else I'm going to go get a little shuteye. No one stab me in my sleep, and send someone to yell at me when food is available." With that she turns and starts walking off the bridge, her hand tucked into her pocket and the faint sound of something metallic jingling.

"Uh, yeah, uh, have a good night. Or nights and days until we get there." Katalin turns to the captain again and switches to Taros. "I am not to familiar with ship scanners. When we are above Planet. Would be be able to gauge population numbers. Roughly at least?"

(We have five days of downtime as the ship spikes from Heras, to Gunn, to our destination. The image here is what we can work on during that time.)

2:12 PM

"Population estimates are on the report I sent to both of you (the world anvil link) , but they're estimates, and it does not give the breakdown by community. We're just going to need to apply some critical thinking when we get there"

2:12 PM

(but no, i dont let scanners do that, because I did not want to get into a thing where a ship enters a system, we scan the planet, and then just fly away. I want people to actually land and explore and engage with the planets we have)

(all good I just like wanted to see if there are movements on the world. So like the largest city mit not be the most active trade hub on this world. But we will see when we land. And Katalin would learn some programming on the way. So 5/90 program)

(Seeing as they'll be working together, Freya would spent her downtime working on learning to speak Taros if possible.)

(sounds good, 5/30 for Taros)

7:57 AM

The trip is quiet. You each spend your time immersed in studies and in spike communications are down, so anything new from the planet ends up not coming in. You arrive in system after five days. Another protectorate ship is in orbit, Rayce is down on the planet still but is off investigating something of his own, and you're free to choose where to land, and how to best go about things.

Once the ship enters real space again, Katalin leaves her quarter to walk to the bridge and to wait for Freya to arrive there as well, so they can agree on a plan. And as Freya seems to be knowledgeable with such situations, Katalin does hope that their plan won't be too bad.

Freya slowly makes her way onto the bridge. Seeing Katalin she attempts to say "good morning" in Taros, though the grammar is wrong and the pronounciation is mangled. Freya smiles, assuming her attempt was perfect. "So, any new details now that we're here?"

"None. Rayce is on the ground but is not responding to comms. I think it's best we just go about our own plans for now while keeping an eye on them. He landed in Montania, and doesnt seem to be in danger, just not inclined to reply to us"

Freya nods. "So, two ideas. The biggest city might have the biggest trade network. Could be a great place to find things. But, the areas closest to where they're getting the stuff would probably see things moving past first. Both good options. What do you think?" She turns to Katalin and waits for her opinion. (edited)

Katalin opens with a "Good morning." in Taros as well, and acknowledges Freya's try with a smile. "I think starting at those ruins would be a good start. We could gather some stuff as well, acting like locals maybe? And well try to sell what we find on the market and take a good look at what they have. If we just go down there and tell them who we are, they might hide the good stuff from us and act all needy. What do you think?"

"Sounds good. If we're going to act like locals though we should get a little info first. Don't want to blow the lie by trying to sell in the wrong place or to the wrong person."

"The wrong persons are usually those who want to talk to for stuff like that." She says with a laugh. "And I guess you and me, we have an eye for those wrong people, don't we?"

(any particular set of ruins we want? Just so i can get a map together)

(um what choices are there? If we are talking ruins of a civilization, then I would be down to go somewhere hospital like, as medicine is always needed on a world like that, but I guess we might can't tell what a hospital is from up above)

(The ruins are marked on the map and are ruins of towns. Basically just pick a spot and I can make up some city blocks)

(Mainlandis seems to be near the most ruins on the map, but that might mean its been picked over the most. What does Katalin think?)

(maybe way up north of Mainlandis ?)

(sounds good to me)

(sounds good. I'll get a map together)

Maps from the city begin to load. The labels are from the survey pre scream and could be decades out of date based on when the last official survey was taken

5:52 PM

(The black lines would be streets )

Nekosmash pinned a message to this channel. 10/23/2021 5:52 PM

(I'm thinking start near the warehouse and make our way toward the hospital, or at least where we assume these are. What are your thoughts?)

(starting at the warehouse is a good idea, and maybe we visit the robotics repair and pharmacy as well before heading for the hospital. As those could yield better things for selling)

Freya looks at the maps being loaded in and frowns. "I guess out of date maps are better than nothing. So, if we make our way through here we might get lucky and find something interesting." (edited)

"Or at least something of worth for the locals, so we get to see the good stuff." Katalin says as she nods in agreement.

"Alright, grab your gear and we'll head down. I hope you've got a weapon or two, something tells me there may be trouble we don't know about."

"Or two." Katalin says as she prepares herself. Before leaving the ship Katalin switches her semi auto pistol with a Tempest and her bullets with two more Type A cells.

(Coming in from the north then since it’s the shortest route ?)

(yeah)

(yes)

The ship sets down at the north end of the ruins and it seems like for the moment- or at least in this section of the city. A computer store and art gallery seem closest to you, the backs of the buildings facing your landing vessel.

Katalin signals the Captain to leave, after realizing that it might have been better to land a bit further away to not make them an instant target for mistrust. She then looks at Freya. "I guess we should move on into the computer store and on from there, don't want to look like a ticket off planet for the scavengers here. Or worse, like something valuable. Desperate people can make some shitty decisions. I, uh, I know a bit too much about that."

Freya grins at Katalin. "Oh shitty decisions are my specialty. But you're right, we should get inside then check to see if we're being followed. Or hunted, same difference." She begins briskly running for the building, looking for a door or entranceway to use.

(sneak /dex, for each of us)

(12)

(10)

Anyone around, if there is anyone, is unaware of your presence here. There is a back doorway to the computer store and art gallery buildings here, or an alley can be used to get out onto the street, to cross it to the hospital.

Katalin looks at Freya. "You know we could take the fast way, down the alley, but I don't know how well this pays for you, but maybe we should take a look at that computer store on our way. I mean, if we find something interesting, that um, I mean we could keep it between the two of us. And well, inside there is more cover, in case the scavengers are having lookouts. What do you think?"

Freya stares at Katalin for a few seconds, then nods. "Yeah, cover makes sense for now." She looks around, making sure no threats seem to be present. "Look, I don't trust the officials not to dump us and run at the first sign of trouble. So, you find something shiney, I'm not going to say a word if it ends up 'lost' in a pocket." Freya pats her luck charms in her pocket before moving to the backdoor of the computer store.

(sneak checks were good, so we can pick the lock for max quiet if we dont want to bust the door down)

(sounds good to me)

(for me too)

Picking through the back door of the computer shop you can see the locals have made at least one pass into the place. The display cases have been smashed and the workbenches have been pushed over to get at the drawers and tools within

Freya starts picking through the remains of the shop. "I'm not sure there's much left here." She frowns as she continues digging, looking for anything of value left behind. "Maybe we'll get lucky and the previous people had a secret compartment or hidden safe in here."

Katalin's eyes sparkle when a safe was mentioned by Freya, she still couldn't hide her past. At least not so early after leaving and betraying the gang that was her family. "You think they have a hidden safe somewhere in one of the offices in here? I mean, we could take a look, right? It wouldn't delay what we are doing here, not really."

"Maybe, I'm not sure if they took the time to grab much before leaving during the worst of things." Freya looks around at the damaged room. "And I'm not sure if the previous looters already found any hidden safes or not." Shrugging, she kicks some debris to the side.

There are two small rooms here near the back of the property. One room is some kind of a repair room where mechanical devices would have been looked over, the other is a small office where the administrator or boss of the place would have counted the money, handled the paperwork, and so on.

Freya nods toward the small office. "Wanna give that room a search while I hit the repair room?"

"Oh yeah. And if there is a safe, there might be something good in it."

(is it okay if i just move the spotlight around a bit in this thread rather than leaving fragments of our searches in your personal ones? )

(yeah, absolutely)

(sure!)

Moving into the office it appears that The Scream and abandonment of the city meant everything here suddenly had far less value. Paperwork is in neat piles on the desk, the computer has been left in its original position-and seems to work- and there are two book cases and a wall painting in here that although dusty and grimy, are not actually damaged in any way.

Astonished by the fact that the computer might still work, Katalin sits down and tries to see if it could tell them of parts and other electronics that was stored here back then that could be of value for the planet in the current situation. She doesn't expect to find information for a hidden safe on the computer tho.

The computer turns on and asks for a password before continuing on. The password hint is as follows: “What has thirteen hearts but no other organs ?”

Katalin looks up and at Freya. "Hey, uh, the computer works, but it is password protected. The hint for the passphrase is “What has thirteen hearts but no other organs ?”, I have an idea or two, but they all sound silly" She laughs. "So, I don't know if you are a smart person, if so, do you have an idea for the password?"

(Freya is technically in the other room, but she can probably hear you and answer, I'm assuming.)

11:11 AM

"Playing cards would be my guess, but maybe some weird animal I've never heard of."

(yeah freya can hear)

"Playing Cards?" "That was not one of my ideas." She mumbles. "I'll try that. Thank you!" Katalin shouts towards the door, so Freya can hear it and then types in playing cards. Once she hits enter she quickly makes a few steps back, afraid that the computer might explode on her.

There is a brief click, and the painting swings open from right to left upon accepting the password. There is a semi auto pistol and a block of 20 shots inside the wall safe, along with 1000 credits and a small necklace

Katalin turns quickly turns around, weapons drawn, when the hidden safe pops open. "Wow, Jackpot!" She thinks as she approaches it. She looks at the gun, the cash, but then her eyes are almost glued to the Necklace. Katalin has been through a rough youth and tough life. Being hard was her life insurance, but there is still that little girl inside her, one that always wanted to be a princess. Or a woman, loved by someone to get jewelry gifted. She stared at the necklace for way too long until she realized that this was a now or never moment. Katalin grabs the necklace and puts it into one of her pockets. Carefully so it doesn't get any scratches. Then she grabs the gun, ammunition, and money and walks over to the room that Freya is in. "Jackpot, some money and a gun. You want the gun?" She asks while throwing the Credsticks over to Freya. "I am not good with money, and you cracked the code, so you can have it all." A smile forms on her face. And there is not a centimeter of feeling guilty for hiding the necklace and keeping it for herself.

4

"Sure, we can probably find someone looking to trade for the gun. Oh, and credits. You did find a jackpot."

"Yeah. So what did you find?"

The repair room has scattered parts for computing gear and the raw components that make up pre implantation cyberware. Four work benches and the hand tools needed to use them are all present and have been left in good order here

Freya grabs the hand tools and stuff them in her bag. "Uh, some tools and parts. I think they might be worth something to someone." She continues sorting through the components and gear, debating what might be useful to anyone.

Katalin points at the cyberware parts, as a Taros, she knows what they are. "Those cyberware parts could be really something some people are looking for. I mean I wouldn't advice anyone to get an implant of unknown quality, Implanted by some street doc. But those people here? Maybe they are desperate enough and this has a market. What do you think?"

Freya nods and begins picking up the parts. "Good call. We make a great team already." She grins at Katalin.

"Yeah." Katalin stays in the back while Freya looks through the things in the room. Katalin rather focuses on covering their back. So far they didn't meet anyone, but if they do, she doesn't want to get jumped on.

If theres anyone working a claim nearby you don’t hear them or see anything out in the street. The parts here could be packed up and carried in a backpack, taking most of the empty space within it

Freya shoves what she can in her pack. "Well, I'm already pretty full of gear. I guess we move on." She pauses, listening to whatever sounds are outside. " I gotta say, I did not expect this place to be so quiet."

"When things are quiet, it is harder to hide. But I agree, let's move on. Pharmaceuticals are still on our shopping list, right? Helps us to have doors to the black market opened for us, and supplies to locals. Even tho I know that it costs the regular folk a kidney to get anything. That way some gang leaders can shower in riches. So, yeah. Let us move on." With Freya carrying the most right now, Katalin moves in front of her toward the exit. "So the hospital is a few streets away in that direction." She points roughly towards where the hospital is. "But a Pharmacy should be right around the corner, so shall we look there first or straight to the hospital?"

Freya adjusts her pack, then follows Katalin. "The pharmacy sounds like a good bet, then the hospital."

You open the door to this workshop when there is a loud blast of gunfire from within the Pharmacy you'd planned on visiting. There is a shout, and then two more quick blasts as some sort of pistol caliber weapon is discharged. Two figures run from the building, with a third making it to the closing glass door before the better part of their head ends up painting it.

Katalin pushes Freya back into the computer workshop. Not shocked the slightest by witnessing this violence. She is rather calm as if this isn't the first time she was in such a situation. "Okay. So we are not alone. Shootout in the pharmacy. So either it was some simple 'your claim my claim' fighting. Or the pharmacy contains enough valuables for the locals to be worth murdering for. But no matter what. If we want to go in there, it would mean a firefight. We can be all sneaky and get a fight on our terms. But a firefight is dangerous, no matter how we roll with it."

Freya nods and drops her full backpack, opening up to just grab what she immediately needs before tucking it away out of sight. "Well, at least we seem to have the element of surprise. Personally, I prefer the sneaky aproach." Weapons ready, she looks to Katalin. "Honestly, I'd rather not kill anyone. But, we're kind of in this situation now." She shrugs.

(lets get some sneak/dex checks for getting over there)

(11)

(12)

(8 for me, so you're not seen)

3:44 PM

Crossing the street quietly, you're not seen by anyone. You can see a scavenger inside busy filling his bag with items from the shelves, and another one crouched over the body of the fallen scav near the door, systematically stripping off their boots, coat, and looking for any personal effects that might have some value

Katalin whisper to Freya. "Quickly killing by surprise or pointing guns at them and telling them to go and fuck off?"

"The way they just blew a guy's brains all over the door, I say quickly killing them is safer."

Katalin just nods and then feels reminded of her past. She draws the laser pistol and tempest. She just walks with no emotions at all towards the pharmacy. With her Laser Pistol she shoots at the shelves (16/8) and at the same time, a burst of Laser light leaves the Tempest (crit/16), aimed at the one on the ground, whom she looks with disgust at. Taking from the dead. Disgusting.

Freya follows nervously, her laser rifle pointed at the scavenger. She nervously looks at Katalin, following her lead in this.

(At the shelves specifically or should that have been the man at the shelves?)

(the man sorry. She tries to eliminate both quickly.)

Both of the looters are quickly shot as Katalin advances on the pharmacy. Theyre decisively dead for the count at the sudden and well aimed bursts of laser fire. The brief gunfight between the previous looters being killed and this one was loud and others may take notice

"You check what they were willing to kill for, I'm going to see if we have company." Freya sneaks outside, making her way back to where she had stashed her pack, watching for any nearby people.

Katalin walks straight towards the one that filled his bag with contents of the shelves. She grabs the bag and tries to see if it's content might be a good trading good for the local black market.

There are antibiotics and painkillers here. There are fewer bottles than a well stocked pharmacy would have- a few people have come to scavenge here before and you can see the looters have helped themselves as well. They've done the convenient work of gathering some of the more valuable things into a bag for you already.

Freya grabs her bag and, assuming the coast is clear, makes her way back to Katalin. "You're better at this than me, by far," she points at the dead scavengers. "So, what's the haul look like?"

"Whatever a hurt survivor could ask for. And some extra. Our bags should open some doors for us." She points at the dead ones. "I may am, but it is nothing that makes me particularly proud. Getting experience in this, means people died at my hands already." She shakes her head. "Anyway, do you think we need more or is it enough to hit the town and do some trading."

"Looks like we have quite a bit so far. Maybe give the hospital a quick glance before moving on to trade?"

"Sure. But we need to be cautious. People might jump us because we look like a jackpot now."

"Fair point. Quick glance to get an idea of what might be there, then we book it."

"Sounds good." Katalin walks in front of Freya, and tries to not use main roads to get them to the hospital. But an old map and no knowledge about this place, is surely not helpful.

At the end of the street just before the hospital, you see from 100m away that three scavengers are prowling toward you, trying to use parked car wrecks along the side of the street to try to get some moderate cover and concealment. For now they are just observing but there is no way they have not noticed the large bags of supplies you have.

Katalin nods towards the group that seemingly was onto them. "Freya, those are up to no good. But we aren't here to decimate the already decimated population even further, I guess. So what do you think? Running trying to find some backstreets for us to loose our tail? Or threatening them to back down? I've done both in my life before. But maybe you do come up with a better solution than that."

"Hmm, they probably know any backstreets better than us if they've been scavenging this area for a while." Glancing around, she looks for any nearby doorway. "I prefer no killing if I don't have to. Maybe we can pretend to go left, then head right? Get inside a building and look for a way out in a different direction before they get too close on our tails."

"Sounds like a plan, let's go find a door real quick then."

You’re able to push through the door of the department store next to hospital and you can see looters have been everywhere in here. Clothes have been shredded and left behind where they have fallen. Others have been carried off. Trash is everywhere and even the light fixtures in the ceiling have been ripped out and carried away. Shadows mannequins are scattered about the space , giving the appearance of a populated building.

Freya ducks down, trying to stay low in case the other scavengers can see inside. "Lets head toward the back, maybe there's an exit we can slip out of. Even better, maybe we can find some hidden room to take cover in for a bit, slip away when they're hunting in another place." Glancing around at the mannequins ominously watching, Freya reaches in her pocket to pat her lucky dice.

"Good idea." Katalin ducks down as well and stays close to Freya. While looking out for some small staff or cleaning utensils room that could make for some good hiding space.

There looks to be some kind of storage room near the back of this floor, the fabled “back room” where people thought all the material goods in the world were stored just to prevent the customer having them. It’s saloon like double doors are still and dust covered

Freya points toward the double doors ahead. "Might be a safe spot. There could be a back entrance from there we could use." Noticing the dust covering it she frowns. "Try to open it without using your hands. Prints in the dust are going to stand out."

"That is why it is great to have you here. I would have pushed it open not thinking about the dust." Katalin whispers as she tries to open the doors by pushing against a very low spot, where nobody would look. Ready to sneak in and keep the door open for Freya.

(I think since you thought about that and have been rolling well on sneak checks so far we can just say you do that)

12:20 PM

You can see many empty boxes stacked back here along with smaller boxes on shelves running to the right where shoes are stacked up in their boxes.

12:21 PM

The break room, and a long tunnel to go out the back are also part of this hallway

"Great idea Freya, this is our way out. Nobody will die, and we keep our things. Perfect." Katalin whispers as she moves toward the tunnel.

Freya pauses, listening for a moment for any sounds, before slowly following toward the tunnel.

There doesnt seem to be anything around you that you can hear through the thick walls back here.

"Let us be quick!" Katalin says to Freya behind her. "If they are desperate, they might even start looking here. And then, we want to be gone already."

Freya nods and picks up her pace, trying not to make too much noise as she goes.

You both emerge out the back of the building into bright sunlight once again. It seems you've ducked your tail for now and are face to face with the Hospital across the street. The place looks like it has been sacked once or twice already. Threadbare curtains blow from broken windows, the frames of crumpled beds thrown from them have been piled up on the ground where they fell, and so on. The glass around the entry doors has been shattered leaving only empty iron frames behind. Power is off.

"Considering our close encounter, maybe we should move on? Or move through the hospital to further cover our tracks? Either way works for me."

"Well, it looks like that even finding something valuable in there would be considered extremely lucky, and we may run into other looters to whom we look like the best that ever happend to them. I guess quickly leaving the ruin could be our best bet."

"Agreed. Lets make our escape then."

Katalin nods and tries to get to the next settlement with Freya at her side. "I guess you will be the trader then, and I'll be your bodyguard. What do you think?"

Nodding, Freya shifts her backpack to move more quickly. "Sounds like a plan. We keep the details light. If they ask where we're from, just say 'here and there' or something equally vague. We trade, try to get some information, then slip back out and make a plan from there."

Katalin nods and laughs. "See, that is why you are the trader and I am the bodyguard." That said, she tries to move slightly ahead of Freya, to act as her bodyguard even now, because who knows who has eyes of them already.

(did you want the ship to pick you up and drop you off closer to the town? )

(If thats possible, get picked up a little ways away so in case we're followed we're not seen being picked up)

(Yeah, as everything might get harder if they all know that we are from off world)

A quick pickup is achieved as you make your way to the edge of the settlement And are quickly brought back aboard their ship before it punches back into the sky for orbit. Impressed by your haul the captain suggests choosing a settlement on the other continent in the off chance someone here has seen your departure

On board of the ship, Katalin uses the restroom to put on her newfound Necklace, before returning to the others. "Freya, any idea which one would be lucrative? Twin-Star Heights? Mountania?"

"Mountania if I had a choose."

"You have, my Trader Boss!" Katalin says with a laugh. "I guess Mountania it is then."

Freya blushes a little. "I mean, I'm just going with my gut. I could absolutely be wrong."

(thinking like a 3km walk into the city is probably far enough they won't see the ship but is not so far you're going to have a long hike with loot)

(yeah, sounds good)

(yeah)

Moving into the area around Mountania the ship sets you down In a small valley near the city. It looks less traveled than some of the other paths and you’ll only need to mind your gear for a few kilometers rather than a long hike across country. The air is quiet and the animals have fled from the sound of the engines

Katalin walks in front of Freya, acting as her bodyguard. Looking around to not run into an ambush. "So, what do you plan for the future? I mean, we have been chosen for a reason, I guess. And with me clearly being here to, well, do the dirty work and making sure that every shot counts, you are surely here for what's in your head. So I guess you have some ambitions for the future? Goals, hopes?"

"Right now my goals are just to stay alive." Freya chuckles a little. "In the far future I'd like to get few people I trust, maybe get a ship of my own. See the various planets. You? Any big plans once we're out of here?"

Katalin shakes her head. "No, not really. Part of the reason I got into this situation in the first place. Well I have a goal. Fixing what I did. Well. Can't really fix it, but somewhat help where I did wrong." Katalin stares at the ground before shaking her head. "You know, nothing for you to be bothered about. I make sure you stay safe, and we will find the information we seek. And so far we are a great team."

The climb and walk goes smoothly. The loot bags are juggled between the two of you as various obstacles are negotiated until finally you make your way to the outskirts of the settlement. Dozens of tall chalet like homes are surrounded by a defense palisade wall, made of local tree trunks and cut to points. The locals have a few guards at this southern entry to their city and you can see more of it beyond stretching back into some of the mountain caves themselves

"This place almost looks beautiful, doesn't it? Somewhat rough with this wooden wall. I guess we should enter through the guarded area, right? Looking like the normal everyday traders."

Freya nods, looking at the guards warily. "If we get through the gate without getting shot, then I'll call this place beautiful." Patting her lucky dice, Freya forces a friendly smile on her face. "Market might be in some central location, most likely. Lets try not to look too much like tourists."

The gate guards seem to be stopping the couple that move up the road ahead of you. They seem to interrogate them briefly before moving aside and letting them into the city.

Katalin gets closer to Freya, putting on a grim look on her face. "Don't you worry, trader boss, they won't touch you."

The guards move to block your path into the settlement as per their job but don’t seem especially hostile. “Names, and reason for entering the city ?” One asks, rifle held low

Katalin stares at them for a short moment, but to not create any unnecessary tension she makes a step to the side, so the guards get a look Freya. She nods towards her, indicating that Freya was the important one in here, and that she should open this conversation. But meanwhile, Katalin would watch their every moves, to step in whenever needed.

"Freya, trading." She shifts her pack in the most obvious way. "Got some good gear, hoping someone here needs to buy it."

"And I am her bodyguard, Katalin, making sure nobody robs my boss." Katalin quickly adds.

"You're not from here, can tell by the accent. What claim did you take the bag from? " he asks, rolling out a map of the nearby ruins so they can try to triangulate where it might have come from

Freya nods. "Made our way over here, heard the claims were better near here." She points out on the map where they came from. "Some rough people out there, saw a couple recent corpses."

“None of ours then. Alright. Well you didn’t break any claims so go on in. Let me stamp your hands so the merchants know it’s ok to do business with you” He takes a former imperial shipping stamp and dips it in a mixture of something that looks like woad. “Comes off after a couple days. If you’re still here come see me or any of the other guards and we will put another one on for you”

Freya smiles at the guard then begins making her way into the city.

"See, that was easy." Katalin says while smiling herself. "Now we need to find the right traders that open us doors to the more, um, special wares that they offer here. That was the plan, right?"

"Yep. Also keep our eyes open for anyone using old tech, or just interesting tech. We might be surprised what they have."

"I will. And if they don't trade for it. There are always other means of getting it." She stops, realizing what she just said. "I mean nothing too drastic and only if we deem it necessary, of course, right. Um, let's, let's just move on." She shakes her head as they move on.

The market lane is a collection of stops and stalls where merchants have set out what they’ve been able to find and restore from the ruins. (Trade/int)

2:34 PM

(Either if you

(6)

You see a merchant on one of the tables nearby laying out a selection of concert cubes and what looks to be some cyberware of his own. One of those items is a new in box vehicle control rig cyberware.

Katalin leans over to Freya and whispers. "I wouldn't want that stuff in me. But, he might be an excellent buyer for some of our stuff. And maybe he knows someone with more delicate stuff. What do you think? Oh and those concert cubes might be fun."

"New cyberware, still in the box. We should at least find out where he got his hands on that." Freya plasters on a smile and makes her way over to the table.

"Good morning Ladies!" the proprietor calls out, seeing you both approach. "Can I interest you in some gently used cybernetics?"

"Gently used cybernetics. What the heck?" Katalin thinks to herself while she smiles at the shop owner and leans closer to Freya to whisper into her ears. "Really, don't let him put that into you!"

Freya nods then takes a moment to look over what he's offering. "You've got some good stuff here. We just got back from a scavage and are looking to unload some equipment of our own." She smiles wide at the merchant, trying to seem as friendly as possible. "Any chance you need some more stock to sell?"

"I see you've got some cyberware yourself. I could take a look through it, take it off your hands. "

Freya pulls out some of the things she thinks the trader might want.

He is interested in the cyberware components and models of the vehicle control rig he is selling are things the protectorate does not have easy access to

Freya points to the vehicle rigs he has. "Any chance in a trade for those? "

“Sure. I won’t install it, not a doctor, but useful if you find one who can”

"Not a problem. You think you can get any more of those? I think I might know some people interested in them."

“I’ve got a few more on me, what you’ve brought is worth all of them, this couldn’t have been easy to get. You must be really good at your job”

"Oh we really are." Katalin says mostly to herself and not realizing that she said it out loud. Once she realizes she stares at the ground again. Not wanting to interfere with the trade as it seems to be going quite well.

The proposed swap ends up being complete pieces for four vehicle control rig units in exchange for your bag of cyberware parts. It seems about equal as you’ll make money from this swap when you turn the rigs over to protectorate research teams He’s not interested in the painkillers and pharmacy spoils leaving you with the option to make another deal after this.

"You did pretty well there, Frey.. Boss. Some more to go. How do we want to handle it? More profit, more doors opened, or helping some weak?"

"Lets set some of this pharmacy stuff asside to toss toward helping some people, but use the rest to make some more deals. These rigs are pretty interesting, which makes me think there might be some more unique finds here. If need be, we hop back on the ship, take what the Captain said they could provide, and come back down for another sweep." Freya glances arround cautiously, making sure no one is paying too much attention to them. "You did do really good out there, for what its worth."

"Thank you. And you are a great trader out here. I guess I would be lost without you. We've got lucky that they picked us as a team. We will get this done just fine. We help some poor, get our objectives done, and end up with more money in our pockets as well. I guess that is a great restart of my life at least." Katalin picks up Freya's cautiousness. And just nods before speaking louder than before. "Alright Boss, where to next?"

"Lets see if we can find someone dealing in medical stuff, offload some of these supplies. We should keep an eye on the other traders in the area. Even if they don't have anything to trade with us, just get an idea of what sort of things they might have."

"Alright, will do!" Katalin says as they start to move again. She looks around as if she wants to protect Freya from harm, which is the case, but at the same time she has some close look at the other traders they pass.

No one seems to be doing a traditional mercantile exchange of painkillers, but you do pass a street clinic where a pair of local sawbones do what they can for the sick and injured. Conditions here are unpleasant, but out of necessity and lack of materials, not a desire to further harm patients.

Freya nods toward the street clinic. "I doubt we'll get a good trade there, but might be a good place to drop off some supplies. And a good place to take note of what this place needs."

"That is a good idea. Maybe, maybe we can help them even more one day. It hurts to see that they need to rely on this for their medical treatments."

You can smell the dirty water and other poor sanitary measures when you get close to the door. The people here are trying their best with very limited resources and you get the impression that you'll be saving many lives and generating some major good-will if you decide to help here. Two nurses and two doctors do what they can to keep everyone in their care alive

Freya closes her eyes and swallows hard before pushing herself forward. "We need to get some medical supplies from the ship down here too," she whispers to Katalin as they enter the clinic. Going in she glances around for whoever looks to be checking in new patients. "Uh, hello. We're here, well, um, we're here to make a donation."

"A donation? What dfo you have in those bags there?" one of the doctors asks, stopping his work

"The good stuff, things that will help you, or better, will help the people you treat." Katalin hands over whatever she still has left in the bags she carries.

He looks inside and sees there are pills inside. Antiseptic, painkillers, and other things that means a patient here has a better chance at life. "You want something in exchange I'm sure. Are either of you hurt? "

"No, no. We're fine. Just offering to help. We've been scavenging in the area, and wanted to do a bit of good." Freya glances at Katalin, trying to signal at her to play along. "I mean, we do have some rigs that need installing, but I'm guessing you don't do that here."

Katalin grins. "That girl has a beautiful mind." She thinks to herself. "Yeah, I mean if you do, we would be thankful, and who knows maybe we do have some more to donate to you in the future."

(1 less friction to EP and the Paragons if we end up trading/expanding here in the future for your donation)

2

(awesome!)

"We could install these for you. They're packaged and sterile, and with this medicine we could prevent infection. It is your decision"

"Um, I'd like that, yeah." She turns to Freya "If that was okay with you."

"Really? I would have thought I'd need a specialist for this. Do you see things like this often? I mean, how often do you install cyber parts in people?"

"it's a common procedure, even before The Scream cyberware was widely accepted as a medical procedure and facet of life in my societies. You're judging our skills by the look of our clinic, I assure you anyone with a lesser skillset would have folded by now with conditions as poor as they are. "

3:57 PM

(your ship would also have a medbay in it, if we'd rather do it there)

(She doesn't want it, just using it to try to get info about other cyberware in the area) "Ah. Its not so common where we're from, but then again there's a reason we left." Chuckling a little she looks around the room, trying to guess how many patients here seem to have some kind of cyberware. "Well, that being the case maybe I'll hold off for some better gear. Any recomendations of good suppliers in the area? I should get a look at my options for jumping in."

“As far as nodules themselves you’re better off exploring the ruins. Hard to manufacture those kinds of things locally now. Can hardly even make a warm or safe house let alone fine electronics

"Ah, well, good to know. I guess we'll just have to keep our eyes open on our next scavenge. Keep the supplies, we might be able to bring more next time. And who knows, maybe one of us will have a couple holes you can stitch." Freya smiles then turns to leave, leaning her head toward Katalin to whisper "Well, less info than I hoped for. We'll just have to keep our eyes open in the market area."

Katalin blushes after realizing that she didn't really get what Freya had planned. "Yeah, yeah, we keep our eyes open. You are a great actress, damn you even fooled me!"

(I’ll be opening a trade report for the planet and EP will have lower friction than everybody else. Mission wise, we can sell off what we have got , and you’ve accomplished what the Protectorate wanted )

(Great!)

(Awesome)

(Am good to move on how you want otherwise though)

"Considering how bad off some these people are, maybe we should report back now. See if we can get more medical supplies brought down in some way. What do you think?"

Katalin leans against a wall, she observes the area around them, and really takes in the bad situation that the people are in here. "Of course we can come back. But you know, that turns into doing it again, and again, and again. They need help in finding their own new future. We can be a spark that ignites the fire of hope. But we can't be the spark, the fire and the fuel to keep it going. For now, of course we can get them whatever supplies there are in our ship. You are good in talking. You get the captain to part with those supplies. But I think we need to make the people here want to become part of the Protectorate. You know if they are willing to join, they might have some wishes and demands, but chances are higher that the politicians offer the help the people need when they see profit in it. I guess that might be the quickest way to get those people here a better life. Don't you think?"

"Yeah, you're right. I guess I'll follow your lead on this. We can make our report, see if the captain wants to buy off some of these rigs, and then ..." Freya shakes her head and adjusts her pack. "Alright, you point the way."

"So you'd be willing to stay to change things for the better? Yes!" A quick hug is followed by some awkward silence. "I guess, uh, let us head towards the ship then, to see how much the Captain is willing to part with. I guess you can negotiate a good deal with him, I know you can!" That said, she starts moving, out of the city and towards the place where the ship can land again.

The ship sets down a few kilometers outside town and the ramp quickly lowers. The captain and the ship security team are close at hand as is protocol and you can smell the spices of warm food being prepared in the galley

Freya's mouth starts watering at the smell of food, she nearly bolts into the ship. "We've got some good stuff here Captain, and a few requests for the planet. Well, more than a few requests honestly."

"I see, something the Protectorate, and myself, can do I'm sure. You've both done well and you've more than earned your keep. I'm sure you're eager to be home in the Protectorate Proper by now"

"Actually, I feel like we should help those people here. Some supplies, some good work here by good members of the Protectorate, and I think the people here would love to become part of us. Get their own Elysium. And honestly, who knows how much of the stuff be found still is to be found in the ruins here. Most of it might just be pretech junk, and junk as a whole. But some of it might be really valuable, or made into stuff like that with proper tinkering. This planet can be a chance. That is at least how I see it."

(first thing's first, 3xp, if you sell your haul to the captain you'd each get 50,000 credits)

(wohoo, that is a level up! And I would be okay if we sell the stuff)

(Yeah, we'll sell everything we're got)

(sounds good, take the credits, let me know if anyone needs help with some leveling up, and im good to run anything, staying together, splitting up, whatever. If we need missions of my own writing to do im happy to do that too)

(Um, well, I guess Katalin would like to help those people get on their feet. Maybe ask for some support from the Protectorate, because if they help the people here, they might be willing to join the Protectorate at one point. The Paragons might be willing to help as well. And aside from asking for help, she would try to find out what the people here really need, and try to set wards around the ruins, so those don't get scavenged by groups for profit, but systematically scavenged to help the people. I would also be open to other ideas, and of course would continue to play with Freya, but at the same time wouldn't want to hold them hostage if they actually want to do something else)

(I know Rayce is on this planet too if we all want to get together to compare notes )

7:35 AM

(The dangerous part of his mission is over )

(Before we split up, we will do a quick scene with @Rayce Stardust since he’s also here and you guys can discuss what you learned )

7:36 PM

Holographically from his ship , joining you in teleconference with his mission complete Rayce Stardust tunes into the call. Much has been learned about this world and if properly tended this would be an ideal Protectorate stating ground

(Sounds great to me. ) Freya watches the stranger suddenly appearing in the call, trying to size up if this is friend or foe. "I'm assuming if you just finished some business on this planet, you know how bad off the people here are. We're planning on spending some time here, maybe get things growing toward a better position."

Rayce taps the screen a bit to make sure its work, "Oh, I guess this is working now. Apologies. My name is Rayce, I have been working my way across planet seeing what folks here are in need of. What I have down so far is a lot of basic supplies. Kitchenware, farming equipment, tools, and the like. I have a contact in the city by the name of Rinobi. He is a blacksmith there who basically asked for all the tools and power tools we can get him. Oh, one other thing. Some basic food stuffs that the people here can use to begin getting back to sustainable living. Scavengers have presented some problems here and there but if we can get the people back onto their feet I think they will be just fine."

"Hey there stranger, or better, stranger who is named Rayce. I am Katalin, and the talkative lady to my left is the best trader I know, Freya. We have witnessed a large deficit in medical treatments, and well, pretty much anything. But the ruins still seem to offer some untouched supplies. I guess if we could get the scavengers to either work for the community or, well, fuck off, the ruins could be really helpful in getting the people forward here, especially if we don't strive for big deals and rather for supporting and helping them. They may even contain food stuffs and the like. And if we get the Protectorate to go above and beyond and hand out some supplies to accelerate the planet's move towards better times, well, then they might even be willing to join the Protectorate at one day."

"All good points. Perhaps we should include clothes, blankets, towels or things of that nature as well to our list of goods. Maybe some electric generators until proper power supplies can be set up?"

"One person we spoke to mentioned that the people here hardly even make a warm or safe house. Perhaps materials to help with that would also be useful. At least, help them have a place to keep whatever supplies we can get them."

"You do have a point. Proper shelter is sparse...maybe we can get a hold of simple to make shelters for the people here. To at least get them out of the elements. A storage building would require sturdier materials though. I'd suggest stone if possible."

"The ruins could deliver any building materials that this world needs. But as it stands now, we need someone to get materials from the Protectorate to this world. Either on their own account, by trading for the more delicate goods that this world offers, but right now doesn't need. Or by asking the Protectorate Leadership for some deliveries. Here on planet, we need to get rid or control the scavengers in the Ruins and need to somewhat make the people here work together so they can work on their future with both of their arms. Giving it their all, while also being profiteers of the change. Is that about right?"

"Exactly. I am unsure of how to address the scavengers within the ruins as I have my crew and security team but I do not know if the Protectorate will pinch in troops or what potential troops you have. But I think that is a problem to be solved once we get the ball rolling with getting supplies here and whatever goods we can bring from here off world and into market as you mentioned."

"We, as in Freya and I, have no troops. We have just the two of us. Yeah. I guess while someone gets the supplies and we see what the people here do want in exchange for maybe joining the Protectorate in the future. It might be an idea to, well, meet and talk to some of the more influential scavengers, to give them a better perspective for the future and thus bring them on board in stopping the scavenging in the ruins. I guess. I mean I never did any of this before. But it sounds like it could work."

"Trust me, I am just making stuff up as I go along. I think we should hold off on the ruins until we get equipment that can navigate and excavate them on planet. I didn't want to assume. So, I have our shopping list to bring back to the Protectorate. If you want to at least reach out to the scavengers to see if any meeting can be set up, that wouldn't be a bad idea."

"Some of them don't seem very friendly, from our limited encounters with them. But, I think we can work something out with at least some of the scavengers."

(caught up, just didn't want to derail the conversation)

"They seem to be rather intent on keeping what's there's and adding anything they find interesting to what they have."

"If there's a chance at a profit, some of them will give up what they have. The rest, maybe we can find other means of convincing them. Either way, if we can get this planet doing better there will be fewer scavengers to deal with. Or, fewer hostile ones at least."

"I have to agree with that. And once the first scavengers fall, as in helping the community. Others will follow. So. How do we approach that then? I guess Rayce will go off world to help us that way, what do we do Freya?"

"Well, if a lot of the scavengers are hoarding what they find, why not go looking for good stuff ourselves. Bring it back, make sure it gets in the right hands. That gives us a chance to deal with some scavengers we meet, and also get some of the tools, parts, and medicine out there put to actual use."

Katalin nods. "Yeah. That sounds like a good thing to do. We just need to make sure that we don't run in too much trouble, like, at once. I won't be able to stop a room full of angry armed scavengers. But we will find a way." She then turns to Rayce. "I wish you good luck for your journey then. Bring back good stuff! And..." She thinks for a moment, trying to remember something. "Um, may the flame in your heart guide your way. I don't know if this works, but it is worth a try, I guess."

Rayce offers a warm smile and a nod, "Sometimes a phrase doesn't need power attached to it as long as your heart is behind it. I will return as soon as I can with the supplies. Stay safe and may the stars watch over and guide you." Rayce does a short bow before he leaves the transmission.

(Alright, so Rayce is heading back to Protectorate space to do some shopping, and it sounds like the two of you are going to work a claim and try to get some of the scavengers to change how they're doing business ? )

(Yep, thats the plan at least)

(yep)

(alright, Rayce has split off into his own thread then so he can go shopping, We'll see him back in about ten game days. )

10:32 AM

(If we want to stay in the area, we can head back to the ruins and try to talk to some folks/gather more stuff)

(I mean I was thinking like, getting info which scavenger or group of them is the most successful, or important, in the area. Then trying to meet them and tell them our plan. They might agree, they might agree if we show our worth by proving us to them, or they might decline, which could lead to us trying to get them out of business. And then we look in from there. I don't know, just my idea. Right now Katalin is the muscle, Freya is the brain. So not going all aggressive sounds like the way to go.)

(I'm happy running this either way, so long as a plan comes together, I think there are a bunch of way s to do this)

(When we first got to town, the guards made us point out where we got stuff from and mentioned claims. I was thinking we get info on who owns what claims, then deal with the scavengers with more info.)

(I am good with that. So we approach the guards and ask them about the locally known scavengers and where the most important have their claim)

Rayce departs and for the night you stay aboard the captain's vessel so you have another night of peace. By morning, he is ready to depart- heading back to the Protectorate to sell what's come in so far, and will return in a few days to continue supporting operations here.

Katalin knocks at Freya's cabin. "Hey there, ready to talk to some guards? I guess if we don't leave soon, the captain will take us with him and sell us for a profit." She says laughing.

"I'm sure the captain would be netting a loss trying to sell me." Freya grins as she grabs the last of her gear. "OK, I'm ready if you are. Lets go see what we can figure out."

"I sure am." Katalin says with a grin herself. "Don't forget, for the wards, you are a trader and I am your bodyguard, at least if we want to keep that cover up. One day they will learn the truth. Don't know if today should be that day."

Freya nods. "Yeah, might be best to keep things quiet while we're trying to get information on the scavengers at least."

"Yeah. I guess that means, follow my lead, boss." Katalin laughs as she leads Freya towards ramp, ready to once again walk towards the town.

You see the same guard compliment outside the town gates again this morning. They're watching the countryside and have grown used to seeing you by now so you're not stopped or troubled as you approach them.

Katalin again positions herself in front of Freya, acting as a bodyguard. Once they reach the guards, she turns towards Freya, to see what she has to say.

Freya approaches the guards, big smiles and as friendly as possible. "Howdy again! We were hoping we could get a little info about the owned claims in this area. Don't want to go stepping on toes, you know. Or is there a place we can go to get some info about who owns what?"

"We can help with that. Lots of fights coming into the city when the scavengers come home. I'm sure you can imagine. You all seem nice enough, and we heard you donated some medicine to the clinic, so we're happy to help walk you through things in the area so you don't end up in trouble"

"Oh, that would be wonderful! We would hate to bring any trouble back with us. Are there any scavengers that we should look out for, to avoid bringing back fights?"

3:38 PM

(If Freya has any sort of the map of the area on her, she would bring that out to mark out claims and any info they have.)

(we have that map of the buildings, i just figured rather than color it up, the scavengers wouldn't be guns out first second they see you- basically a couple degrees friendlier)

"And who would be the biggest fish of these scavengers? As in largest group or most items traded." Katalin asks.

“Probably Stovnotsi. He’s got a crew of about 50, and vehicles. Always doing something , he comes back into town with quite a bit of supply “

"Might be our guy then" Katalin whispers to Freya. Then she nods towards the guard, with a smile on her face.

"Stovnotsi is a hard man to deal with. Full of himself, and he knows he is the best around. You need to be careful when you deal with him"

"So, kill him with kindness type of situation. Good to know. We'll have to keep on our toes out there, we certainly don't want to make any enemies." Freya glances at Katalin and nods slightly. Smiling at the guards, "You've been the biggest help today, thanks so much! Hopefully we'll be able to bring back more medical supplies and gear without too much issue."

"No trouble from us if you do. Be safe out there, both of you. If you get in trouble close to city limits call us, we'll come running"

"We will thank you, but, we are quite good to look out for us ourselves." Katalin returns to the background again, waiting to see if Freya had any more questions, before they walk towards the ruins again. (edited)

With a smile Freya pats Katalin's arm and says "Well, lets head out." Once they are a little bit away from the guards she asks "Do you want to deal with the big fish first? Or handle some of the smaller scavengers first? Both are reasonable routes to take."

Katalin smiles, but shrugs. "I don't know Freya. I guess it could be a good thing to meet that guy, Stovnotsi, first. To see what kind of person he is, and his crew. You know. If he seems reasonable, we could negotiate or otherwise do something that makes him follow our vision. If he is an asshole, well, at least we know right away and we could try to unite some of the other scavengers, and force Stovnotsi out of business and thus make our rules, the rules to be followed. But heck, it is not like I ever did something like this before. I guess as long as we follow a plan and do out best, it might work out in the end.

"Size him up first then, that's the plan. You know, you're not just the muscle here, you're 50% of the brains in this operation. No reason you couldn't take the lead when you feel like it." Freya smiles up at Katalin and pats her arm. "Now, lets go find Stovnotsi and see what sort of person he is."

Katalin nods. "I know, but thank you for reassuring me. Once we get to Stovnotsi, we won't need to disguise as Scavengers anymore, I guess. We want to bring them towards a better future and possibly integrate them into the EP one day. Can't built that on a lie. Actually, do we want to walk? Or do we want to be quicker? Maybe they have some vehicle to be bought here, or like a horse or something. Would get us to our destination more quickly."

(You guys have a good bit of money now, if you want grav bikes or something w can have them built)

7:05 AM

(i can help with the omnibuilder if you need it)

(I was wondering if that was possible on this world, or if we only rent horses or something to get from a to b on this world.)

(We've got motorcycles, grav cycles, ATV explorers, or if we're really lucky a grav explorer)

(grav bikes sounds great to me)

The guards appreciate what you're doing for town and two grav bikes are scared up for your use. They are bare, simple machines with ghost drivers (drive for you if you dont have pilot 0) and battery reserves (from 6 to 240 hours of operation so we don't need to worry about batteries) . They are a bit worn and the seats especially have been patched many times, but they look like they'll work for getting you across the countryside to the ruins,.

"Damn. They look hot! Freya, you know how to ride one? Just so I know if I can challenge you to a race." Katalin says laughing.

The bikes both begin to hum as the power cells are inserted and begin sending power to the grav plates of the bike. Various readouts for things like speed , elevation from the ground and so on begin to appear on the dash

Katalin grins as she lets the engine roar. "Try to catch me." She says laughing as she speeds up and races towards their destination. Always making sure that she doesn't actually loose Freya.

Freya looks over the bike quickly then hops on, racing after Katalin.

(Pilot/dex each of you)

(13 damn!)

2

(8 ouch)

(katalin would win the race, however you decide to roleplay out the finish line and how close it is)

11:13 AM

(and then we'll move into getting to the ruins)

Freya speeds along behind Katalin, trying her best to overtake her. However, the pull of the grav bike seems almost too much, forcing Freya to slow down or find herself face down in the dirt. "Damn, I'm never going to get the hang of these things. One day I'll break my neck."

"Hahaha, maybe I was simply to fast for you Freya. But you are right, we shouldn't end up with a broken neck before we meet a guy that potentially could try to break our necks if he doesn't like us." Katalin slows down to match Freya's speed. "Should I slow down a bit for you?" She grins for the rest of the way. Simply happy to have some lighthearted fun, somewhere, far away from her past.

Laughing, Freya speeds up suddenly as Katalin slows, then slows herself back down. "OK, you're defnitely the better grav bike rider here. But just wait til I get my hands on some dice."

You can see the ruins ahead and it looks like five large vehicles habe been parked outside the ruins of what would be the towns western gate. The gatehouse is a pile of tumble stones now with the gate long since carted away for some other use. About fifty men milk about various cook fires and pots on them. It looks like they’re wrapping up morning meal. Many are strapping on safety gear and belts of tools

Freya stops and looks on the large group ahead. "Well, lets hope they're friendly. I honestly did not expect so many people, kind of makes me nervous."

Katalin nods. "Definitely outnumbering us by quite a few. But well, we will improvise if thing go rather badly. But I hope that, if we remain calm and civil and don't talk down on them, things won't bring is to a point where our life is threatened. But we can still turn around if your gut feeling tells us to."

"We'll just be friendly and polite, and keep an eye open to possible ways to escape. This should be fine." Freya fiddles with the lucky dice in her pocket before approaching closer. "Howdy, good morning to you all." She smiles and waves at the group as she walks up.

"Good morning" one of those at the edge of the group replies curtly. "What do you want?" He takes a sip of something warm from his tin mess kit cup, looking out over the countryside and not really at you.

"We would like to talk about the future. The future of this world. But, as you seem to talk to us but, like have an eye on the distance. Are we in danger or do you you think you are?"

"We're hoping to talk to the boss, we've got an offer to make." Freya smiles widely, trying to look friendly.

"He's inside, near the cook wagon. Keep your hands where everyone can see them, and you'll be okay"

Katalin nods. "Of course. We are not here to hurt anyone, or be hurt. Just talk. But still, is there anything out there we should worry about?" She points towards the direction the talking person is looking at, instead of looking to them.

"just taking in the scenery. There are other scavengers out there. Won't see them until they're on us. "

Freya glances around the area before nodding to Katalin. She begins slowly making her way in the direction the man said, her head on a swivel for any sudden threats. "So, lets be mostly honest here. We might have a little more weight if we let him assume we've got more sway in the Protectorate than we actually do. No outright lies, just don't correct any misinterpritations." She whispers to Katalin as make their way.

"Lying. I know that game." Katalin whispers back with a grin on her face.

The camp is busy and these people are almost certainly experienced salvagers. The work they do is difficult and it breeds hard people. Stovnotsi is a large man, well built and powerful. He has many bands and belts carrying tools on his frame, and a floater ruck is programmed to follow him so he has a convenient place to put the best of the salvage he finds personally. You can see others moving aside or otherwise generally deferring to him. It is clear he is the ringleader here.

Katalin walks over to Stovnotsi, impressed by his size but neither intimidated by it, nor by his plentyful crew. "You must be the boss here, hu? Mr. Stovnotsi? Ms Locke.." She points at Freya. "and I would like to talk. Um, is there a more private area for that?"

You can say it in front of my men. We're a team. Say what you came to say, you went through all the trouble to find me"

Katalin laughs and waves with her hand. "Nah, I wouldn't call that trouble. At least not most of it. We had quite the fun ride here, Ms. Locke is quite the racer. And usually we don't get easy jobs like these. Normally it is rather some factories full of trouble that vastly outnumbers us. Today it is just some diplomatic mission." Katalin reaches out with her hand to shake Stovnotsi's. "I am Katalin Lipnitskaya, my lovely partner over here is Freya Locke. We are 'the' special diplomatic duo of the Elysium Protectorate. We get sent whenever more delicate diplomacy is needed. That is why we are here. You know, this world has suffered enough. It needs to break the cycle of treasure hunters and poor souls in the cities. It needs to move on to a more sustained society. Potentially some day even join the Protectorate. Now you might wonder what this has to do with you. Well, according to our reports you are an important figure in the scavenging business. What we want is to make sure the population gets the supplies that it needs without it being a race for money and finding the best treasures. Those ruins belong to everyone on this world. We need fully controlled scavenging on this world. Everything useful should be used to bring this world back on track. And here I mean everything useful. It is not about the money. If there is a ruin with just minimal damages, it could house people, people that may just live in makeshift housings today. Ruins need to worked through quadrant by quadrant."

8:58 AM

. "Now you might shake your head and think that this would mean you make no money anymore. Well, you are somewhat right. But instead of hunting for treasure, you would transition to some regular income. The Protectorate would surely pay for people who help this world and move it towards it becoming an Elysium. Likewise there is an altruistic group named the Paragons of Light, that would surely pay you as well. If you become a forerunner of change, you soon wouldn't need that support anymore, as you make yourself a name all over this world. You and your men will become symbols of positive change. You all will live better lives. As one day, those ruins are picked empty, and by then, this world should have transitioned back to a pre scream stage, or else, it is lost."

You can see the calculations behind his eyes. He is thinking about the road ahead and the fact that his industry comes with an expiration date, and how he and his men might be relics of the past if he doesn't act soon. "You're kind to give me a warning that my men and I might not have jobs soon. You talked about change and this Protectorate, what are your visions for this world? The ruins aren't safe to live in, or we would have jusr done that already"

"We've seen some of the ruins already, so we know how shaky they are. But we mean more than just moving in. Wood, bricks, steel, the parts of the ruins can be broken down and reused to build better structures. At the very least temporary ones, until better materials start moving in. We are aware that many people don't even have safe homes, and we have sent that information out to begin the process of bringing some better supplies in. But it will be a slow process, and honestly, we would prefer if the people of this world took the initiative on this. It would certainly be profitable for whomever started bringing back more than just salvage, in the long run. The Protectorate wants this world to join the rest of the universe, that makes it a bit inevitable that things are going to change. There won't be much use for scavengers, but builders, creators, and helpers will certainly be in demand."

“What’s the Protectorate willing to do for us if we decide to take you up on that and change our business model?”

"That is step two." Katalin says. "And I need to dampen expectations here before you end up all sad and angry. We did not come here to tell you to pretty please do as we say. The road ahead is a dangerous and rocky one. There is no guarantee for success, and you won't end up sitting on a stack of money enjoying an early retirement." "You know, you created this group, you led them to become what they are now. Those are impressive skills. Now you need some vision. Supported by us, you will be a driving force of change, and as thus, doors will open up for you and your men, to create opportunities or enter better jobs. To secure yourselves the positions you desire for post-scream times. Additionally, you will be known by the Protectorate as Agents of Change. Which will open doors and possibilities within Protectorate space as well. For right now, I can offer you and your group 10k credits a month as compensation. Right out of my pocket to support change in a peaceful way. But." She pauses for a short moment. "Once we start to not just sell stuff for profit but really go through the ruins with a plan and use your expertise to elevate the already existing settlements, there will be other groups that won't simply give up their way of living, because they don't have your farsight. There might be the need for one or two groups to fall, for others to join yours and thus give you more control, not just here. I would be willing to support you in those times of change. And depending on how those situations present itself, I might need to ask for more support from either the Paragons of the Living Flame or the Protectorate, as this is not planned for you and your men to act as buffers and mercenaries. We want you for what you are good at, scavenging, ingenuity and the drive to grab an opportunity with both of your hands. But there is no absolute safety. Change can be accompanied by violence. It is our aim to not let that happen, but sadly no everyone sees it that way."

He sighs and leans back on the wall of the chuck wagon miners are getting their morning meal from. "You bring me some official terms from the Paragons, or the Protectorate that makes this more than words between us, and I'll happily sign it. Times are going to change before long. The ruins are already starting to dry up. This planet has a lot more change left to go through and I want to be at the front of it"

Katalin nods. "Understandable. Give it a day or so while we are waiting for something official to hand you over."

(I saw there’s a vote going , there’s a majority already but I’ll wait for you guys to call it and we can move on)

(Got green light from Dai) Katalin looks on her compad. Waits, reads, tilts her head, frowns, and then looks up with a smile at Stovnotsi. She hands him the compad and a pen. "Soo, all you need to do is sign at the end of this, like, ten-page disclaimer that tells you what to do and how to act as someone associated to the Elysium Protectorate. That you swear to honor the Constitution of the Elysium Protectorate, and act accordingly. Once that is done, you and your men will get an associate status and thus your monthly payment to work for us. Once the transformation is finished, it is of course your duty to find a new position within the society to earn your money through that. But that will be easy, as you all shape this world and create a new future." Katalin places herself right next to Stovnotsi, gets a hold of the compad again and scrolls through the document. "Here it says that they will support this world with non-monetary support as well. Meaning they will help in building infrastructure and sending other needed supplies. So if something is needed, just tell us, or any representative, and you will be helped asap. Now read it. Sign your future or ask any question. Once that is done we can talk about the here and now."

"I need an hour to talk to my men. We got this far because we make the decisions together, and I'm not going to be the one to break that tradition now"

7:02 AM

You can sense he himself has already made up his mind that they will be doing this, but a captain listens to his crew.

"Take your time. We are in somewhat of a hurry, but not as bad that you would need to rush things. You need to stand behind this decision and we won’t force you to do anything. I guess we can wait here, if instead you want us to talk to your people as well, we could surely do that as well.”

"You're welcome to do that if you think it might help. You need to fill the time somehow" he laughs. "Grab a coffee from the chuck wagon too, on me. You're going to be here a bit it seems and I haven't offered you anything"

7:32 AM

It seems the guard's advice at the gate was the best you'd got. Respect in, respect out, and now you might be swinging an entire culture of scavengers into loyal Protectorate service.

Katalin laughs as she grabs a mug and gets herself some coffee. "Thank you. And, um, you offered us everything we could ever wish for. You want to change the lives of thousands of people to the better. This is priceless." Sipping her coffee she turns to Freya. "You are good with people. Want to convince them that our team is the better one?"

Freya nods, her face almost wrinkled into a frown. "Honestly, I'm a bit surprised at how easy it has been so far. In my experience, most people are either back-stabbing greedy so-and-so's, or too starving and beat down to do much. 'Here's some money, go fix the world' isn't really an experience I thought I'd ever have." She grabs a mug herself, face still screwed up as she tries to do the math of the situation. "Alright, well, if the Captain of this crew seems for it I'd guess most of the crew would be as well. So, lets mingle and see if anyone has any hesitations to doing this that we could swing our way."

You notice a knot of about eight workers who have kept more towards the back of the pack near the rear work wagon. While everyone else has begun milling around and discussing the coming changes these ones have continued strapping on tools and otherwise are planning on having a normal workday, so it seems.

Freya nods her head in the direction of the small group and starts walking over, her face lighting up into a wide smile and trying to look as friendly as possible. "Howdy, heading out? Not big on chit-chat, or on the specific chit-chat being had?"

"Don't think this change is one that favors us. Way we figure it we've got enough equity here , we're taking this truck and leaving. Everyone else will have to adjust"

"Really? Not big on long-term planning, or got big plans of your own? The captain seems to be of a mind that the scavenging business won't be lasting for too much longer, so I hope that's not what you're planning to keep going on with. The ruins only hold so much, after all. If you've got something else planned, why not share it? It might be something we could find useful. Useful is paying pretty good these days."

"Not sure about answering that, but whatever good things are going to happen to us aren't going to happen working for someone else. You're making promises, the others might believe you, but there's more than one way to the top. We're going to beat you there"

Katalin starts to laugh. "Yeah, go for it. Best of luck. No really! First of all, we don't come around with promises, the only promise was that there is hard work ahead of all of us. The rest were no promises. Things already happen. Payment is on the way after they sign. Change to this planet will happen as soon as they tackle the challenges with both arms. But you, do whatever you think is best. It is not the aim for anyone to end up on the top. The aim is for this planet to have a great future. And for everyone of this group to have a good shot at making their dreams a reality." She sips on her coffee. "If you want to take this truck and test your luck somewhere because you hope to hit the jackpot, no one will stop you, you only slow down the change by a bit, that is all. You won't be missed. But should you ever return because your big thing didn't work out, or because nobody wants to pay for the scavenged goods when they can get them for free, then these doors here, won't be shut for you. You'll get another chance to sign. Another chance to help heal this world. Because this is no race to the top. There is no competition. This here is the only thing that matters, and we will all work hand in hand to make this planet an Elysium. Hey, Ognyena might even smile on us as well." "Whatever happens, you will not be forced to help us. Either you are ready for the future, or you continue to live in the past. Your choice. Actually, every single one of you should decide for themselves. Weigh for yourselves." Her hands resemble a scale of old. "Your treasure hunt with whatever chance of success. And here you have hard work. A good chance to become an important individual in a new era of this world. And guaranteed positive change for all people on this world." She puts the compad with the information on some table before emptying the coffee. "Freya will surely answer any questions you have. I am going to get myself new coffee. Remember. The future is in your hands."

(talk/cha)

(7)

"The door sounds like its open. We're going to try our luck on our own, but its good to hear you think you're helping. If you're ever out in the ruins feel free to say hello"

10:18 AM

(we made them a couple degrees friendlier at least, but not enough to sell them the idea, well thought out as it is)

"Can't win them all over, but at least I don't think they'll be hostile if we run into them again. That might be the best we can hope for right now." Freya watches the group finish packing up to leave then glances around the area, looking for any others that appear heritant or unhappy. "You know Katalin, you've got a bit of a politician in you. You get riled up and passionate and then a whole speech comes out. I kind of have the feeling I'm going to be saluting you one day, or at least referrring to you with some funny title before long." Freya smiles then finishes off the coffee in her mug.

Katalin laughs and puts an arm around Freya's shoulder. "Please don't. I just, I just wanted to give them options and all that. I wanted that everyone of them decides for themselves. I know all too well how shitty things can get when you follow people mindlessly. And you are doing good as well. We are a team. In the end I am rather here as a representative of the Paragons than the Protectorate. Not because I am super religious, no, just because the people matter to me, and I don't care for the politics behind it. It wasn't their decision to end up in such a shitty situation." "I don't want to become a politician or official or whatnot. Heck, if I could dream, I would love to have a ship, like my own one, a cool crew. And when we retire from doing crazy stuff, I would love to get myself my own Asteroid base. More like a bar in space you know. Where my rules are the ones that matter and everyone is welcome. A sanctum. A neutral ground. So if you want to become Freya Locke, the politician, the woman that saves the universe, I am ready to tell everyone this was all on you here. I don't need the fame. And I also fear that we might run into some rough times if some of the other Scavenger groups answer our calls for change with shots from their Laser Rifles. Some people cling onto the past a bit too much."

(caught up, just gonna give Freya time to reply)

"Oh no, no politics in my future. My own ship, a safe place to rest, and a handful of people I can trust are enough for me. The fewer people that know my name the better." Sighing, Freya looks around at the scavengers, watching them talk amongst themselves. "We definitely got lucky here, found intelligent people willing to listen and think. And honestly, I'm still surprised at that. But you're right, there's some out there who are going to cling to what they know and will prefer violence to make us stop. If we can get enough numbers on our side, we might be able to make them back down without any actual violence. If we're lucky..."

It seems that as the engine turns over and these scavengers begin to leave, they're being allowed to go. Stovnotsi and the others have come to a decision, and when next month comes and their current contracts are complete, they'll begin working for the Protectorate- so long as instructions from Heras have come. He cannot afford to keep his trucks idle.

Katalin lets loose of Freya, smiles and leans against a pillar. "We've got quite some things in common. So if in twenty years you want to visit my Asteroid Bar, you won't need to pay. Anyway. What now? We got things moving. I guess someone needs to help them during the first months, and be there if things get ugly. I don't know if that is us, or one of us. What are your plans?"

"My plan, my original plan, was to make as much money as possible and then disappear into the wind. Now, I'm not sure. There are definitely more salvagers out there, and someone needs to go talk to them, or deal with them. It feels like something I wouldn't mind being a part of. Maybe in a few weeks or days I'll get an itch to get off this rock, but for right now, I'm interested in seeing how far we can take this." Freya chuckles softly to herself then looks up at Katalin. "What about you? Is your grand plan finished, or are you sticking around to stir up a little more trouble here?"

Katalin laughs. "Haha. Well, leaving now would leave a bad taste in my mouth. Those few people alone, only with some money and supplies, don't turn around this world. They either need more people, or protection and even then the rest of this world needs to help as well. So be it talking to more scavengers. Or townspeople. Or doing some Planetary exploration for them. Or stuff I am not even thinking about yet. Yeah, I think I will stay here for a bit. Even if it was just to stir up a little more trouble with you." She grins. " What do you think. Where to we go next?"

(I'm good for whatever on my end. I owe you some XP and credits and I'll hand those out once we got an idea of what we're doing)

"Well, get another scavenger crew or two on this seems like a good next step. There's also letting the townspeople know what's going on. Those both seem like good first steps. Then, once we've got this area off and running, maybe some exploration. Hit up some of the other settlements here and get them on this plan as well. If we want this planet to really become sustainable we'll need more than a single city."

"This is why I have you with me." Katalin tips at her head. "You've got the foresight. Maybe we should request a spaceship to be used by us. So we can fly around however we want. But for now, I guess it's different region other scavengers, other city. And we should give the scavengers here a compad or something. So they can communicate with us in case something goes bad. Or we, or the Protectorate can communicate with them, with plans and such."

(I’m good with anything. If either of you wants to branch off into something new this is a good jumping off point)

(I'm good doing some more planetside stuff, at least for now.)

(me too. Sorry, the holiday made me not come here)

(All good. I had a lot more downtime during it than I thought I would since travel got kinda borked)

7:25 AM

Compads from your ship locker find their way into waiting hands here. The scavengers can communicate with each other and with a delay can get messages to and from the Protectorate proper. A department of the government is being assembled to help direct their efforts so the both of you can focus on other planetary matters

Katalin looks at Freya. "Alright, where should we go next? If this groups gets in trouble they will call us. So I guess we should try the same at another city, so many places can be worked at once, but which one should we pick?"

"Hmmm. We could head up to the Twin-Star Heights and get an idea of what's going on there. Stay on this same continent for now, to make connections easier for the people who live here."

Katalin nods. "Yeah makes sense. And you know what? We could buy some supplies and simply drive there! Another race." Katalin says laughing.

(If we want to do that , the Protectorate can offer 10,000 credits toward supplies to bring )

(Sounds good to me. Roadtrip time!) "Another race? OK, but if I break my neck out there tell everyone I died fighting something big and scary." Freya tosses her head back and laughs.

Katalin bursts out laughing. "Yeah, I will. But you better don't, I need you in Twin Star Heights! And I have no shovel so I would have to transport dead you on my bike, would make me look suspicious, wouldn't it?" She says with a smirk.

"Suspicious? No, it would just add to your air of mystery." Laughing, Freya points over to the bikes. "Alright, lets grab any last minute supplies and get this show on the road. If everyone is as reasonable as they are here, this might be another quick trip."

"hopefully." Katalin says as she gets onto her bike. (I guess we would drive to the nearest city first to use the 10k credits to buy all supplies needed before we race to Twin Star Heights)

(Yeah that works. We can wait to see what their needs are too if you want to. Either way works. We can get a pilot/dex from each if we want to race again )

(pilot/dex = 6 oof)

(12

)

(I'm going to break my neck lol)

Katalin handily winds the race to twin star heights and in the distance you can see one city made of two settlements , arrayed on the mountain peaks above. Several bridges connect the two halves together , with the left side seeming to be more prosperous than the right. There is a narrow approach leading to the right side settlement and you can see a patrol of six guards armed with spears and laser pistols marching down it.

"Hmmm. The right side looks like where we want to go. Less wealth, so more likely to be interested in working to make things better." Freya sees the guards marching down and frowns. "Well, this doesn't look good. Either they saw our approach, or something else is in the area that warrents armed guards."

"I agree, on both things. Let us just stay cool. And remember, I got your back, and front, if things go badly. But we have been in worse situations, maybe us approaching on bikes makes them think we are a raiding party." Katalin slows down but makes sure she is slightly in front of Freya. She has a close look on the guards, to see if there is any unusual reaction.

They dont' look like they're planning to open fire as a first resort or in lieu of talking first. It does look however like they were dispatched to investigate your approach.

Still a good bit away from them, Katalin would stop and get off of her bike to wait for them, as driving directly to them could he seen as threatening. (edited)

The patrol makes its way over to you. "Lo there! Announce yourselves and what you're doing at Twin-Star Heights" their sergeant says cordially.

"Hello there! I'm Freya and this is Katalin. We're, I guess, tourists. Just getting the lay of the land, seeing what there is to see here in your city."

“The city ? The city is a dangerous place. Do you have business there or are you just tourists ? Such a thing existing in this world…” he scoffs as though he can’t believe it

"Dangerous? In what way?" Freya glances over to Katalin briefly before looking back to the guards. "We just came from Mountainia, helped them with some scavenger trouble there and got some things set up for a more profitable future. We just thought we'd make our way up here, see how you're all doing, see if there's anything we could help with."

"We are a special kind of tourists. Those that bring money and change things for the better. But yeah, what danger are we talking about?" She raises her shirt to reveal the holstered guns. "We can somewhat protect ourselves in case the dangers are some small scale gangs."

He seems to hesitate for a moment, unsure if he should really be giving the details of the conditions within the city out. He's fighting with himself about something inside.

Katalin exchanges looks with Freya before looking at the guard again. "When can be really helpful and bring positive change. For everyone. Promise."

"The eastern side of the city is dangerous. You might want to consider hiding your bikes somewhere. There are poor, and sick, usually both. Religious zealotry in the streets and its kept isolated from the wealthy on the west peak. Only way to get there is through east. "

"Illness and poverty don't sounds like dangers, except to the poor and sick. The zealtry sounds disturbing though. What exactly does that entail?"

"No but they might be dangerous to you if it looks like you're not suffering from either one of those things too. A fair word of caution, that's all"

7:03 AM

"As for the religious stuff. Its your typical end of days type thing. Whipping yourselves, crying about the end of the world and the gods punishing their people"

Katalin nods. "Yeah, I guess being surrounded by a group of Zealots could end up badly. But if one side is relatively wealthy and the other is poor. Wouldn't some sharing be a good thing? If the poor weren't as poor, the Zealots would may loose their support among the populace, and being more equal could ease tensions as well. Was something like that ever discussed?"

"The people with the wealth want to hold on to it. They don't care if the east peak eats itself or doesnt"

"Well, that's a predictable situation. But now I'm curious about you all. Are you guards for the entire city? Or did the wealthy side decide to make sure we're not coming in to rob the place? I can't really see the poor side having such concerned patrols if things are as bad as you say."

"We're guards for the entire city, but the rich have an interest in keeping us around and able to do our jobs. It keeps the frustration from boiling over to their side of things"

"Thank you for the information. I guess we can come talk to you whenever we need your help." Katalin says while slightly nodding and smiling at the guards. She then moves closer to Freya and whispers into her ear. "That will be more trouble and work than the last one. Zealots and Assholes, what a mix, don't you think?"

"We're certainly going to earn our pay dealing with this place." Freya whispers back. Turning to the guards, she smiles. "So, only way in is through the east? Anything we need to get through the gate?"

“They might ask for a toll depending on what guard captain is on duty. You can probably already guess what that’s about. Otherwise you will have to manage your own risk”

"That shouldn't be too much of a problem. The toll I mean. Thank you for sharing your information with us." Katalin whispers to Freya: "Once you are out of questions, we both should be talking about how we want to tackle that mess here, but that is best done without these guys watching us."

(They'll leave when you're done with them)

Freya nods to the guards and thanks them for the information. As soon as they are out of earshot she turns to Katalin. "Wow. This city is a mess. I'm honestly not sure if we can fix this, but I'm up to cause a big stir." She smiles and looks around for any other people or movement that might indicate people in the distance. "So, I've got a couple ideas, but honestly they both consist of pitchforks and torches. And this might take a more delivcate touch to deal with. I doubt we're going to get the rich to listen to us, especially if it means helping the poor in any way. We'll need to find someone reasonable and intelligent, who can get us listened to by enough people. Or, we can go full pitchforks and torches."

(Go head and respond when you can Kat, but for setting detail,t he guards and some birds are really the only things moving out here)

"Or Robin Hood style. Steal from the rich, give it to the poor and then we see how that pans out. But yeah, this will be difficult. I wonder what the poor side of the city has to say. They might see a few things a bit different. The rich most likely think what the guards told us. But maybe the poor aren't as bad as they want to make us think. We should still not look like we are a good batch to rob." Katalin hides her necklace. "You think we should pay the poor the first visit? If it sucks we at least get to sleep somewhere better in the rich part of the city." She laughs and returns a smile to Freya.

"I like the way you think. Too bad we didn't grab some of the gear from the scavengers, could of helped us blend in a little better. Well, I guess leys scout the place out, see what the poor side really looks like, then start making plans. Maybe we can just get the Protectorate to drop enough credits to make both sides equal."

(Stashing the bikes and whatnot?)

(Yeah, stash the bikes and spend a few minutes trying to look rougher)

(i think you guys are naturally skilled at doing this due to your backgrounds and whatnot, so no check needed)

"Lets see how bad that other side actually is." Katalin says as she roughens up her look. "We just need to look out for each other over there. Just in case it really is that bad." That said she waits for Freya to get ready so they can visit the poor part of the city.

Freya nods as she finishes stashing her stuff and making herself look as rough as possible. "I feel like we've both probably already seen situations similar to what we're going to find. Lots of hungry mouths, desperate eyes, and worried hands. These types of things can quickly become a powder keg, if it hasn't already."

"And those groups are also easily swayed by anything that is either hope or fear. But we need to see for ourselves." Katalin walks side by side with Freya towards the poor part, city gate.

There are no guards as you approach the gate. You can see a guardhouse next to the gate but nobody is there right now. The wooden doors are large but are cracked open and can be moved by one person.

8:37 AM

You can smell the trash and waste of the city before even going inside along with dogs barking, families shouting and fighting and the other sounds of a city

Freya keeps one hand near her pistol as she approaches the wooden gate. She pauses a moment, making eye contact with Katalin, before opening the door slowly, staying on guard for any attack or violence that might happen.

The city is in dire straits but you’re largely ignored as you enter the gate. The people that live here are involved with their own problems and in broad daylight aren’t looking for more trouble than they have

"So far so good." Katalin says to Freya. "Nobody is jumping at us. But I guess we should try and find someone who can give us a bit more insight on this side of the city's story. The story of the rich we know already. Should we try to find some kind of market place or something and then approach someone nice looking?"

"Generally any market area is a good place for rumors and opinions, as well as a good place to see how the people really live. At least in my experience." Freya pauses and looks around, taking in the appearance of the people, trying to get a gage on how healthy or starved most look. "I wonder if we've bitten off more than we can chew. Or I'm just a pessimist."

The people here look like their bellies are empty more often than full, but the difference here is malnutrition, rather than outright famine.

"I am not sure." Katalin replies to Freya while looking around herself. "Maybe we should just disregard the fact that two halves of a city are more seperated than some two different planets are. Maybe we shouldn't go for a Robin Hood approach, but simply elevate that part. Who cares how the rich fare on the other side. Maybe we should aim on helping those people here. And maybe I have an idea. Although that might be a bad sign." She says with a grin. Hearing about the Zealots and all that, she wants to see if those stories are true. If so, there are maybe some doomsayers or other religious people around that try to bring the message of their gods to the people. Those and what they propagate would interest Katalin.

There is a ring of a handbell nearby and it sounds like you might get your wish. Shouts about this being gods punishment for the sins of man drift through the streets, and the sounds is getting closer

Freya raises an eyebrow and smiles. "Is it a bad idea? Because those are some of my favorite." Turning toward the sounds of the approaching zealot, Freya tenses and grips her hand tighter around the grip of her pistol.

"The end is near!" he cries as he whips his back with what looks to be a flail made of knotted lengths of wire and rusty machine nuts taken from screws. " The gods are punishing us for grasping power!"

10:20 AM

"Psychics and witches are the price we paid for our pride! We played at being gods!" he shouts, as the whip methodically cuts into his back (edited)

"Wish me luck." Katalin says to Freya before she steps up a bit, and walks a bit closer to the Zealot. Then she speaks up, almost shouts. "Indeed. The end is near! The end of living a miserable, life and having to see people like him." She points at the Zealot. "There is no need to suffer anymore. The curtain has fallen. The silence ended. We are wanderers and we come from afar. The first cities start to rebuild, with the help from above. And no, no bad gods or whatnot. Space nations that returned. You don't need to live in the shadows of the rich people anymore. Fuck them, grab your lives with both of your arms. Either here, or in another city. But don't listen to that crap these guys are telling you. Psychics and Witches are not what brings you down. Its idiots. So all you good people here, stand up. It is time for a better life. If you follow our lead, the rich on the other side, will support you until you can support yourself and the Space Nation comes to your aid. Their guards will soon be gone. And they will fear your numbers and for once help you all." She raises a fist. "We will remove your shackles. It is time to be free again."

1

(oh boy, lead or talk hejre, your choice, but with Cha)

(10 yay!)

(Talk cha)

You sense a crowd is gathering. They like what you're saying, and your appeal is important to many of them, and they wait to be told what to do.

Freya begins applauding loudly as she approaches Katalin. "There are other cities, other worlds, where people do not suffer like you all do. Where children can eat at night, where there are warm places to sleep, where they have safety and happiness. There is no sin, no divine retribution that has caused the suffering you all are living in. It is just greed, greed and cruelty from the rich keeping you in this. But you don't have to accept it. You're worth more than what they've given you." She nods to Katalin, clearly excited by this rabble-rousing.

"What do we need to do!" one voice calls from the crowd. "Tell us how to get what they owe us!?" shouts another. You've whipped them into action, but they need to be directed or you'll lose them.

"We will go to the other city, and tell them to open their gates and share. And if they refuse we will be coming back her, and backed with you, we tear down their walls. No one should suffer when your neighbour bathes in money. This injustice has to end. So be ready to back us up once we need you! Will you do that?" She asks looking around.

"Together you can do it. Together, there are more of you than there are of them. You know suffering, you know hunger, you know pain. They only know how to hide behind their walls in fear, in fear of you! Go to your homes, spread the word, get everyone that you can. Together, you can walk through their walls and gates!" Freya nods to Katalin and smiles. "Ready for the fun part?"

The mob begins spreading through the streets and you can see a few of the opportunists have taken to beating the living daylights out of the Zealot. His sign has been trampled and someone is making off with his brass bell -the metal quite precious to be used on something so fanciful as a noise maker- and an annoying one at that

8:31 AM

His whip is taken up by yet another, a weapon to use on the elite if the gates do not open.

Freya leans closer to Katalin and whispers "This is going to be bloodbath. There's no way the rich are just going to open the gates and start helping the poor. Not that I'm opposed to a riot, mind you, just that we need to be prepared for what is going to happen here."

Katalin nods. "Yeah. Damn. I mean, I don't want too many innocent to be hurt. But that situation was cooking for a while. And to be honest, power comes with responsibility. And they ditched that part when they shat und the poor here. And to be honest, it is in their best interest to do as we tell them. Are you ready to come with me to rich city? "

Freya looks around at the people, then back to Katalin. "Yeah, lets do this."

Heading to the bridge that leads to the other city you can see a guard post on the far side , and the span is a modern looking cement and steel reinforced bridge that allows a great amount of weight to be supported. Time has aged some of it but it will be a long time before nature sends it tumbling down the slopes. The defenses of the rich section look to be too tall cement towers about 10m. Their tops look to be in the shape of pillboxes and the machine guns , two on each tower, cover the span.

5:08 PM

There is a metal leaf Gate between the towers that is about half the height , but still tall enough to keep a heavy mech from simply walking over.

5:09 PM

)there’s no indication you’re going to be fired on for approaching the span or walking across it, but the other side is not welcoming)

Freya looks up at the towers and counts how many are there. "Machine guns, tall walls, and this bridge being the only way in. Looks like a recipe for slaughter. Maybe there could be another way in, a weak spot they haven't found and secured yet. I'm feeling really uneasy about marching people across this bridge without some kind of cover for them." She looks around the area, trying to determine if anyplace looks like a second way to get in.

The cliffs are sheer. Determined attackers could probably scale the cliffs from the valley below but it would be a long climb and the sounds of lines being driven into the rock would likely be heard

Katalin shakes her head. "Before we start marching at the gates and end this whole thing in a blood bath, there are still a few steps to consider. Maybe words can end this whole dilemma before it ends in a bloody debacle. And besides all the walls and stuff. They need food, and have some sewage system. And you should know as good as I do. Walls are constructs that matter when it is about war and stuff, but they always have holes. There is always stuff getting in and out of even the best protected buildings and cities and whatnot." She tips at her head. "We just need to use our brains, all of it, and make sure it doesn't end up scattered on a sidewalk." Katalin waves at a guard. "You there, we would like to talk with manager, I mean like your guards captain."

The fortress face is imposing and silent. If there are guards watching they are occupying the towers and machine gun nests within- and do not seem to be interested in sending anyone out.

"We've come to offer a business arrangement from off-world. If someone could open the gate, or send out someone in charge that would be great," Freya shouts up toward the towers. "We spoke with a few guards earlier, we're the ones who arrived on hoverbikes." "You're right, we need to figure out where any sort of sewer grates might be, or really any kind of entrance into this place outside this gate. There has to be something," she whispers to Katalin. "Barring that though, we might need to figure out how to disrupt the machine guns and give everyone some kind of shield to keep safe as we get the gate off the hinges."

Katalin nods. "Yeah. But maybe we can pull off something better. But we need to get in there. Talk to some people, bribe some people. You know, embrace our true selves. Lets see if your sweet tongue opens us some doors. Cause the last thing we want is a hungry mob storming some gates and being turned into pink mist. They are just our tool to push these people into doing what we want. You know. We manipulate everyone, and in the end, some will be left with less resources. Others will have more. Nobody will starve. And nobody will know our names, but our bank accounts might end up with a stack of credits more. If we fuck up tho,.... well, we better don't."

For now the walls seem impassive and unforgiving. You're not sure if communications are passing between the towers, or b etween the towers and whoever is in charge of the garrison, but nothing seems to be happening there anytime soon.

"I mean we could go the other way round, right? Back to those guards we met before. If we continue to stand here, we do look like idiots. And we already do look like trash thanks to us wanting to look a bit more run down. So, shall we go around ask on the other side, and if they don't open their doors, well, then we try and find out where their sewage goes?"

"I don't think they're still out there. Seems like they only came down to see what we're about." Freya leans in, giving the gates and the wall a long look. "How sturdy do you think this really is? I mean, even the rich assholes in there probably felt everything going to hell. Normal wear and tear happens, and I doubt they lift their hands for labour, so I wonder how many repairs it has had. This bridge too. I doubt they're keeping it maintained themselves." (Have we seen any kind of farms or ranches here? Any way to figure out where the food is coming from?)

(We didn't see anything on the way in, we're not sure what their arrangements for that might be but it stands to reason they're doing something to sustain themselves either underground or on terrace farms somewhere higher up on the hills) (edited)

"I mean, I don't want to bring explosives here. I mean I could, but I doubt the Protectorate would offer us another job. No. There must be a way into that. Be it some sewer or another way in. Those walled in places are afraid of larger groups and built to protect them from such. But usually, they don't fear a single woman. Or two in our case. So some small holes in their defense exists. One just needs to find them."

(The defenses don't go all the way into the peaks, since the environment is harsh to deal with up there and is a natural defense, like you said too, you can go to the valley floor and see if there is anything down there too)

Katalin looks at Freya. "You don't look like climbing, so I guess it is best if we check entry from below."

"Yeah. And while we're heading down we can look for farms or anything where food is being produced. Starving them out is always a good option."

"Then let's find out!" She says as she starts to walk.

You find your bikes closer to the bottom of the hill where you stashed them and it doesn’t seem like anyone has been by to trouble them. The valley floor is wide and a mix of tan rocks and bits of greenery in places where the soil tends to be wetter or the rocks manage to allow some shade and moisture to cling. The valley floor doesn’t seem to be a good place for a farm. The soil seems to be poor and rocky And a farmer would have to work every day to try to make something of the conditions here

"Hmm. I guess whatever they're eating they are getting from inside the city. We should ask when we get back, it could be worth knowing." Freya begins walking around, inspecting the area for anything that could be sewer drainpipes, hatches, or anything that could connect into the richer part of the city. "In my experience, there's always a back entrance or a smugglers' hole. I almost feel like we're missing something, some piece of information that we've overlooked. What exactly they're doing in there to be so rich, and how they're holding onto it so well."

"True, that kind of information I did not get when I rallied the people of poor city, and brought them into a state were they where ready to commit mass murder on rich city. But still, maybe something is here, something for us to find."

1

The valley is empty but at the base of the mountain you do find a large drain, where it looks like industrial chemicals from the richer side of town are dumped , as well as trash and anything that they don't want to remain within the city. This seems like a general disposal hole for the people living above.

"Well, you take the moment when it comes. Next time, we'll gather more data first." Freya laughs and pats Katalin on the back. "Well, well, well. Lets see what we've found here." Freya moves closer to the dump, wrapping her scarf around her mouth and nose to avoid breathing in any chemicals. Trying to avoid touching anything, she gives takes a moment to investigate the type of waste at the bottom. (She's trying to see if she can deduct any info about the city from the type of trash dumped out.)

(lets get a know/int)

7:08 AM

(and itll just be a matter of how specific the information is or some insight into possible issues within)

(know/int = 5)

You find a couple bodies among the other trash, but nothing specific that could give you insight into issues the city above is having. It looks like they don't reuse much of anything, throwing it away rather than repurposing or recycling.

"What the heck? They throw away people? What is going on up there? Crazy Zealots and Crazy Rich people, that is really fucked up. I guess that is really a tough noodle to swallow. But if they throw away stuff like that, then there needs to be some flow of goods into the city, right?"

It would appear there are goods and resources coming in from somewhere, somehow, to support the seemingly bottomless appetites for food and goods that the rich on the left peak seem to have.

"There must be, but I'm stumped at how. We should check around a little more, see if we can find any other ways up into the rich area. If not, we might need to head back up and brainstorm with the poor half. Someone there has to know something." Freya starts walking slowly around the area, looking for any other entrances or hidden access points.

The drain seems to be the only thing on the valley floor. The left peak must be getting what it needs somehow. With what you’ve seen so far there might be supply convoys or they may have thinks higher up in the mountain peaks rather than on the valley floor

"Okay, do we wait and see what happens? Like look at that city for a week or so, they need to get supply in a timely manner. Or we get ourselves some climbing harnesses and go for some more hands-on approach. Your call. Don't want you to fall down just because I dragged you up there."

"Well, if we get climbing harnesses that will mean heading back into the city, so we might as well get some info from the locals while we're there."

"This is overall a good idea. Let's head into the city again, get something to climb and some more information."

The right side of the city still has some of the revolutionary fervor when you work your way to the top again. Sunset is coming soon and the night's trash fires are once again piled with refuse. Those without homes curl up somewhere out of the way, hoping to see the sun again in the morning.

Freya looks around for some of the rebels still nearby, motioning them to come closer and gather around her and Katalin. "I'm sure you won't be surprised to hear they won't open the gates. So now, we get a plan together to open the gates for them. We're going to need climbing harnesses and information. A lot of information."

Katalin doesn't add anything and waits to see what they have to say.

(Ask then what you want to know, they’ll answer what they can)

(Do they know about supplies coming into the city? Do they know where the food comes from? Do they know what is in the mountains above the city? Does anyone from inside the rich area ever come out, for any reason?)

Supplies coming into the city: The locals know that every couple weeks traders and scrappers come to town. Normally they pass through the poor section of the city and cross the bridge under heavy guard. Attempts at attacking the convoy have happened before and the scrappers now shoot first, so most people just stay out of their way. Where does food come from? There is no real food production on this side ofthe city. Some buildings pull together to try to grow things on their roofs or in root basements but it is diffuclt work for little food. The other side of town has a handful of greenhouses and to that question they think nobles are growing food and mining in the peaks. No one from the rich side comes out\

"Traders and scrappers then, good to know. If the next convoy is coming soon, we might be able to slip in with them. Or we could still climb up, see if we can get in over the wall." Freya looks to Katalin, waiting for her thoughts.

Katalin frowns. "This is really a tough cookie to bite. But we gave those people here hope, can't just run away. So if we need to decide between, slipping in, and possibly slipping and falling down a hill. I guess the slipping in part is best. But we shouldn't try to slip in here, they will be extra aware in here. I guess slipping in outside of this city, maybe on the way, somewhat acting like traders or people with big money that need protection, could that work? I mean we have a few credits to play with, thanks to the expense account of the Protectorate."

(that would work, there'd be a brief delay in getting things here but stuff can be requisitioned )

Freya turns to the citizens. "How do you get supplies, food, and such? Do you get things from the traders that pass through, or are you all just purchasing from yourselves?"

“We have to scavenge and purchase from ourselves. It’s never enough. There’s always a shortage of something “

"That is something we are going to change." Katalin says before looking at Freya again. "Ready to go searching for the Traders and go undercover undercover? I hope we don't forget who we are."

"I'm ready. Hopefully they have some cloaks or something we can buy off them, try to cover up and look different." Freya smiles and fiddles with the lucky dice in her pocket. "We are certainly having some interesting adventures, you and I." She laughs and slaps Katalin on the back.

Katalin laughs. "Yeah. So far we are somewhat riding a lucky streak, let's keep it that way. Let's check for some not to worn stuff so we can fool the Traders and then let's head out so we can intercept them." Katalin walks over a market or asks people directly. Offering quadruple of what the good cloths that some might still have would be worth.

(I think 50 creds would get each of you a disguise, 25 each, if that all sounds good I'll slide us along)

( Sounds good to me.)

(sounds perfect. I'll pay 200, for both of us. I'll take it off the sheet tomorrow)

after about an hour of looking and getting everything to fit just right, you can pass for a local. As you move through the streets people are no longer instinctively avoiding you, your disguises must be working. (edited)

"So that is good, hu? We look like people from this world. And we got our bikes. Damn we are the cool ones." Katalin would ask around what direction the traders normally come from. As driving around aimlessly, trying to find them, would be dangerous and stupid.

The traders normally come from the south, through a mountain pass they need to climb to make it to the city. There are no other ways in from the lands beyond.

"So, we have a clear direction. Are you ready to intercept them? Or do you think we need to prepare something else as well before getting there?" Katalin asks while checking her gear.

"I think at the very least, we've got funds. That should get us into the caravan. If the caravan is feeling threatened and has started taking up arms, we might be able to ply our way in as 'bodyguards' for them. Maybe warn them that the city has gotten more rebellious so they're interested in hiring us."

(seen, if we're good with that plan we can head out!)

(plan sound fine. Let's go!)

Heading out into the foothills surrounding the city it’s not hard to see tire ruts where the convoy has been before. Within half a day you’re able to find them on the plains below and you recognize a few of the vehicles among their ranks as those who walked off the job site with the scavengers you helped organize last night

"Shit. You see them? That makes all of this just soo much harder. You think we can fool them? You think they forgot about us, or can't remember how we look?" Katalin looks worried.

"Hmmm. I doubt we can fool them. You kind of stick out. But maybe we can use our previous association in our favor. Claim we were told that the wealthy are underpaying the scrappers, and to be honest they probably are, and we're here to find out if that's true. We're just trying to make sure the scrappers get a good deal. We're not here to cause trouble, just gather intel for our higher-ups who will then handle things. I mean, the ones we dealt with know that we have higher-ups who will pay, so they might accept it." Freya turns and looks up at the city behind them with a frown. "I hate to say it, but if push comes to shove we might have to actually call in help on this."

(You’ve got a shuttle full of marines on standby)

"You are right. If we need backup, we get backup. I'll protect you if things get messy real quick. But usually, it doesn't get heated if we don't draw weapons first. So. Let us roll with your plan. We intercept them and you get to do the talking again." Katalin smirks and lets the engine of her bike roar. "So, my talky tortoise, don't fall too much behind." Katalin waits a second to see if Freya has anything to say, if not, she would speed towards the caravan. But of course she would slow down once they get closer, to not appear like raiders.

"Talky tortoise. Hmph." Freya sticks her tongue out at Katalin then climbs on her own bike and races after her toward the caravan.

(How far out we thinking of stopping from them? just so I can figure out who can see who and when? )

( I think we would slow down once we have any sign of them - dust, noise, etc... and probably ride up to them slowly as far as they allow without getting aggressive.)

(Yeah that would be the approach. Just so they see we aren't looking like raiders, and likewise for us to turn around if they show aggression.)

Coming within a kilometer of the convoy you see two buggies peel off to make their way over to you. As your pace slows so do they, and you see nobody in the heavy machine gun in the roof of either vehicle. It doesn't seem like they've identified the two of you as threats, but want to speak with you away from the main camp.

"Let's see what they have to say. No matter if these people know us, some of the others might. So we stay with your option. That is better." Katalin puts on a smile and tries to look relaxed, while within her, she is ready to grab her guns to defend the two of them.

“Good morning!” The driver of the lead vehicle calls as they come to a stop a short distance away. He doesn’t look to be wearing a weapon and is otherwise in a good mood

Freya smiles widely and gives a small wave to him. "Good morning, and quite a good morning at that! I don't suppose you're heading up to Twin-Star, are you?" Freya glances around quickly, trying to notice if anyone in the rest of the caravan seems to be armed or agressive. "We're friendly, I promise" Freya lifts her hands in the air, trying to look as not-hostile as possible. "Just hoping to make a deal and sort out some issues the twin cities have given us."

"ALright, follow us into camp and keep any weapons in your vehicle. I'll radio ahead so the boss is ready"

10:45 AM

Both buggies begin to turn to the right, making big loops so you can follow them back to the main body of the convoy

"So far so good." Freya smiles at Katalin then begins following the buggies.

"Yeah. But I don't like the 'leave weapons with the bike' part. But hopefully we won't need them." Katalin likewise starts to follow the buggies. And as they come closer, tries to gauge if the group looks rather friendly, or unfriendly.

They seem to be somewhat friendly. This far from the city tensions are low, and having clear lines of sight on all sides has them feeling extra secure,.

Once they reach the caravan, Katalin would drop her weapons as ordered.

Freya will make a show of taking her few weapons and leaving them with the bike, just to ensure she seems friendly. All smiles, but keeping her eyes peeled for any activity that seems off. "I'm glad we ere able to catch you out here before you got to the city. We've got a deal to offer, if you all are interested."

"an offer? Well, you're not shooting at us..." a foreman says as he pushes his way out of the gathering group of workmen. "What are you thinking?"

Freya glances to Katalin then clears her throat. "We have gotten some information recently about Twin-Star, especially the more profitable side of the city. Underpaying, withholding things, not giving people their fair shake. As traveling merchants and scrappers, I'm sure you need every credit you're owed. No one can afford to get ripped off these days." Freya glances around to see if any of the workmen around she recognises from the other city. "We're hoping we could ride into the city with you, see with our our own eyes if they're really paying as little as we've heard. See how they actually treat the merchants who go out of their way to come up here. Let us come in with you, let us overhear how your trades go, and thats it. We just want to do so in secret, they know our faces and won't be as honest if they know we're watching."

"What do you offer in return? Or how do you see things changing there if the mission is successful?"

"We can pay, of course. But if things work out, you should be seeing a completely different dynamic happening in the city. No more wondering if you're being underpaid for all your trouble."

(Talk/cha)

(6)

"Alright, well, no harm in coming with us I suppose, but if it looks like there is any funny business going on we're going to leave you for the mob"

11:49 AM

"Change can be good, but theres a few fellows in camp who told us about you. Showed up at their job site and really stirred things up so they got forced out. Either of you have anything to say about that?"

"I remember some of them. They weren't forced out, they choose to leave. We even tried to talk them into staying. Set up something good down there, now people are no longer desperately trying to survive. That's all we want, shake things up so people at the bottom can afford to live."

"Not just, can afford to live, but actually built up this world, so there is a future that makes people want to live in. They brushed off, talking about making big business and showing us that they are better off without us." Katalin shrugs. "I don't know what business that might be? Maybe you know? But in the end it doesn't matter. A better life for the majority, that is what we are after. Aside from that, this woman next to me told you all there is."

"I had a feeling it was going to be something like that" the Foreman says, "They've rubbed elbows the wrong way with everyone since they got here. Thanks for clearing the air. Alright, you mind using your bikes or you want to be in something with a bit more of a box around you? "

"A box around us would be perfect. The less we are seen the more we can see how things really work here." Freya grins at Katalin. "And my friend here can always be a surprise weapon if you need it, she's quite dangerous when pushed."

Katalin nods and grins. "But I hope I don't need to show that quality. I too will take the boxed option. Everything is better when it is boxed."

“Alright. Rear vehicle has a couple free seats and we can put your bikes in one of the cargo movers. You don’t want to leave them here. Scavengers are all over the place and you’ll come back to the parts nobody else wants to take “

"You're more than kind for the offer to hold our bikes, thank you." Freya pats katalin on the back with a smile and starts moving toward the rear vehicle than pauses. "Uh, should we grab our weapons? If trouble happens I would hate to have to dig around to find them."

"I am definitely pro in this, unless it makes us look like a threat, but I do like some extra security on our part."

(my take was you'd more or less be observing the conditions in the rich half of the city. You might not need to even get out unless you see something interesting you want to chase down)

(Yeah, basically want to get in without being noticed. But if things explode quickly, Freya would feel safer having a weapon on her rather than needing to hunt for it.)

(sounds good!)

3:28 PM

THe bikes are stored on a long bodied trailer with armored sides in the vehicle ahead of you and look to be intentionally placed in the middle so they're the furthest from harm. The scavengers seem a bit distant, but are otherwise courteous and polite, waiting for you to take your seats as they break down camp and prepare to bring their wares into the city. It looks like they have been ruin scavenging for some time.

Freya climbs into her seat, nodding politely to the scavengers, then settles in for the ride. Once Katalin is safely inside as well she will lean slower to whisper "Well, this has been a trip full of surprises. How are you holding up so far?"

"Hanging in there." She says with a laugh. "But now we get our way into the rich side. We somewhat have to succeed if we want to prevent a bloodbath that we instigated. Or I for that matter. How about you?"

Freya shrugs and leans back. "Eh, I jumped in and said things too. This is definitely a 'we' situation. I feel kind of nervous, I'm not really sure what we're going to find when we get past the gates."

There is a double thump on the transport vehicle and the convoy begins setting off toward the city. There is a gunman on the top of each vehicle in a metal sided gunners box, not quite a turret but a commanding position all the same. The city looms ahead and passing through the boundary of the poor section once again you see people assembling to throw rocks , bottles , and can even see a couple plumes of smoke as someone tries to light a crude firebomb. A gunshot sends them tumbling back into the crowd and the people around the body scatter. The bridge is ahead and the convoy makes a turn onto it.

Freya reaches out and gives Katalin a squeeze. "We're almost in. I'm honestly curious what it looks like in there." Freya tries to get a look at the towers around the gate, to see if there's any movement without being seen herself. (edited)

"I just hope this won't be too bad."

"Considering the caravans have to pass through the poor area first, I'm surprised they haven't set up some kind of toll to pass through. I bet that would cause the rich side to open the gates a little, at least to del with it." Freya shrugs and gives a half smile. "Damn, my good ideas are always too late."

"Damn, that is really a good idea. But it is not too late for that. We could use that if rich side simply can't be dealt with any other way."

The gates begin to open as the convoy reaches the bridge. The bridges too narrow to allow guard vehicles from the other side to cross but you see many soldiers are on the walls now and anyone trying to cross would be shot t pieces before getting close. The vehicles pass under the arched gateway one by one to circle up in a town square around a beautiful marble fountain as the gates close with a large bang of metal on metal.

Freya stiffens seeing the marble fountain, cursing under her breath. "People are starving, and they live like this."

"It is disgusting. But that is why we are here. To change this!"

Two men in elegant clothing enter the square with a troop of guards. It seems they are well acquainted with the scavengers and you can see them talking to the expedition leader. The homes in the square here are well kept, made from the best materials and several have water features and greenery in front. Evidence of more well kept homes and generally much better preserved areas extend up the mountainside.

Freya sits there, stiff and angry, and tries to listen to any conversations happening nearby.

This looks routine for all of them. You're having trouble staying hidden and making out individual words but the rich seem content to stay on this side of the city, their households and staff seem largely clean and cared for, and it seems that they've elected to enclose themselves into a utopia of their own making- indeed wasting resources that could help alleviate the suffering of those just across the bridge

(Are many of the scavengers leaving the caravan, or are they staying in their vehicles? How freely do they have leave to walk around the area?)

The scavengers are leaving. They don’t seem to be permitted to leave the square but many of them mingle with the wealthy who have come out of their homes , or their guards who they’re also familiar with

Freya will lean over to Katalin. "Do you think we could slip out, use something to cover ourselves, try to blend in then slip off? I'm not sure how easy that will be with all these guards arround."

"We can certainly try." Katalin says. Her disgust is apparent. "This is just bad. People are dying on the other side of the bridge." Katalin looks around, trying to spot a weakness in the guards observing.

There is a large broad staircase made of a polished white stone leading up to a neighborhood that overlooks this town square. You can see the roofs of nicer looking homes up there and only a few regular people on the street. It doesn’t look like there are any guards or patrols up there

(I think we would look around the vehicle we're in for cloth, scarves, whatever to kind of try to wrap around our heads/shoulders to hopefully not look like ourselves. Then try to slip out and sneakily make our way toward stairs.)

(We were wearing disguises already that are I think probably passable if you try to pass yourselves off as with the scavengers)

"Do you see the Staircase over there? Maybe that is our passage deeper into the city?"

"Good call! Looks like we might be able to slip in there if we're quiet."

(s neak/dex each)

(11)

(8)

You're able to sneak up the staircase and notice several homes lining this upper street. Each has a fence or dense shrubline walling the casual passerby out, broken up only with a metal gate made of black iron or something similar to allow access to those who deserve to be on the grounds. Each is locked by an ornate looking keyhole.

"I feel like this place is easier to get around in at night. With the wall and the guns, I doubt they have much of a need for constnt patrols. We could hide out until dark, deal with it then?" Freya suddenly frowns and looks back to the traders in the center square. "But we did leave our bikes in the caravan. We might have gotten too eager again. I could try to slip back, maybe pay them to stash our bikes safely, then sneak back?"

(It would look like the scavengers are going to be here doing business for several hours, so there would be plenty of time to pick a moment to sneak back and talk to one of them on the sly if we need to, before getting back to our current position)

"Oh yeah. Our bikes! Yeah, sneak back if you can and tell them to stash them, don't want them to wonder and thus blow our cover. Because if they know that something is wrong, they will go on the hunt for us."

"Since it looks like they're going to be haggling for a few hours more, lets search around a bit. Hopefully we can find a secret entrance or some explosives to blast the gate down. If we're quick, I can get back and let them know before they've left." Freya looks around at the walled in homes. "Wow, they wall off their side of the city and then wall themselves off from each other. Either they've all gone completely paranoid, or there's something hiding here. If you're so certain the poor can't get in, why the need for walls and ornate locks on individual homes?"

"Good question! Let's see if we can get into one of those homes. Not here close to the haggling place, but a bit deeper in the city. We will surely find a way to open a door." Katalin says with a grin as she moves deeper into the city.

The wide streets here look more or less the same. Hedge rows and stone walls lead to simple gates leading onto concealed or private properties. You see a handful of folks out for a stroll but disguised as you are none of them think to say much of anything to you- occasionally scavengers must be permitted in this deep it seems or surely someone would have called for assistance by now.

"So far, so good. Which house should we pick?"

"Lets find one that looks empty with as few people around as possible. "

10:13 AM

(Are there any alleys or paths between houses that we could slip into?)

(The yards are all next to each other, hence the hedges and walls )

(OK. Freya will be looking for homes that seem to be dark with no people around)

You find one at the end of the street that doesn’t seem to be as busy or as well watched as the others. It is a bit more run down and less impressive a it’s hard to tell if anyone actually lived here

Freya points out the home to Katalin. "What do you think? A good place to slip in, maybe get some ideas. If we're lucky, it could be empty and we can use it to hide in until dark."

"Yeah, that looks like the perfect place to start our in depth analysis of this place. And it may be a good place to get some extra payment out of this job. So yeah, let's go. Oh, did you ever break into a house?" Katalin asks as she carefully moves towards their destination.

At the home itself as you wind your way up along the hedge row you can see no one is home. There is a front door, and several windows on the front and side of the home at ground level .

"I've never personally broken in a house, but I've been pesent when others did. How about you?"

"Same. And when I was part of those, break in groups, we, uh, well stormed in and had our guns pointed at the owners. Um, so, I guess we got that." Katalin looks around trying to see if someone would see them if they entered via side window.

It doesn't seem that anyone is active on the property right now, at least for the immediate few moments you've been here.

"Right now, nobody sees us. Window or door? What shall we open?"

"Window. I have a feeling if anyone lives here there might be alarms on the door."

(sneak/dex for quietly opening it)

(9)

1

The window opens silently and no security system sounds from inside. You look to have entered a sitting room with some dark covered chairs , a long couch and several book cases against the wall. The room also has a piano and a closed wooden door going out into the rest of the house.

"So you never did this before by yourself? Well, flawless entry I would say, Frey. This room here looks like it might be worth money, but no information. Should we move on?"

Freya gives a little bow. "After you." She glances around to see if any people are near and watching them before following Katalin.

You seem to still be alone.

"Thank you!" Katalin replies with smile and a courteous bow. She then, quietly, opens the door and looks around to see what's on the other side, before stepping out into the rest of the house.

Freya follows behind, listening for any sounds that might indicate people.

The door opens revealing the main foyer of the home. You see a stairwell going upstairs, the front door, an office and a sitting room. The lights are off and it doesn’t seem like anyone is home.

Freya slowly moves through the room, looking for signs of recent occupency. (Dust, food, nicknacks, etc...) "Well, this seems nice," she whispers.

There is a thin coating of dust on everything. You'd guess a week or two since someone came through here with a duster, but not much longer than that. Trash has been removed from the home but the place is set up like it could be reoccupied again without much advanced notice.

"This looks it could be a good place to hide out for a while, maybe wait until dark and see what we can find in the city. What do you think?"

"While this sounds like a good plan. We could also dig a bit deeper. Check upstairs, see if we can find anything about this place. Written info, you know?"

"Sounds good to me. Should we split up, see what we might discover?"

Katalin shakes her head. "No, I think it would be best if we stick together. Might be slower, but in case something happens, our odds are better."

"Sounds good. Lead the way then."

With a grin on her face she walks towards the stairs, eager to find out what was upstairs.

Upstairs there is a study room, a large bathroom and three bedrooms, one of which is the master. All have their doors propped open just a bit but look to show signs of an orderly exit of the house. Things were packed deliberately and without haste

"Alright, lets head for the Study room. I would guess it has the highest chance to contain more info of this place." Katalin says as she moves towards the study room.

(Notice /wis)

(4)

(11)

Freya notices that the desk drawqer is unlocked, and there is also a small tripwire in the door threshold you're in danger of putting pressure on

"Freeze! Take a step back, slowly." Freya kneels down and looks at the tripwire carefully. She tries to see if it is attached to anything that could go off if it is tripped or cut. "Why on earth would they leave a tripwire here when it looks like whoever they are moved out?"

You can't see what's behind the door but something is putting pressure on it.

"I don't know. This is fishy. They clearly weren't expecting us. So either they have a problem with thieves, or there is more going on here, than what they may want to make believe. Maybe we check the other rooms first, then circle back here, and find a way in."

"Yeah. Lets see if there's anything else here suspicious. We'll have to keep our eyes open and walk carefully around here."

(we have the master bedroom, two other bedrooms, and the study room which we know is trapped)

(Freya would head toward the master bedroom, very carefully and looking for more traps)

(Katalin would not split up and follow Freya)

The bedroom doesnot seem to be trapped and upon entering the room you can see there is both a bedroom and an attached bathroom. More evidence of a foreseen move are evident here, clothing neat and orderly, and hung up when needed. Evidence of trunks being taken from closets and some of the family valuables taken, though other jewelry has been left behind. An ornate hunting shotgun is on two pegs over the bed, and a more military looking model is propped up against the dresser, complete with a box of twelve slugs that would fit either.

Katalin points at the weapons. "Those look good, but we shouldn't touch them before making sure that they aren't secured." She then walks next to a wall, to knock at them, to try and hear how thick they might be. If they appear to be thin, non-massive walls, they could offer another entry to the study room.

They look to be thin residential interior walls, meant as dividers and privacy barriers rather than a deterrent.

Freya begins inspecting the weapons, looking to see if they are trapped or secured in any way. She also checks under the bed for anything hidden. "What do you think? Cut through the wall with something, or are we going to have to risk whatever the wire is?"

"Cutting through. That was exactly my thought. You think it would be too loud?"

"Not if we're careful, I think. Do you have something to get through the drywall?"

She shakes her head. "No, nothing besides, like our arms and legs, and the shotgun over there."

"Shotgun might be too loud, if we're trying to stay quiet. It looks like not everything has been taken, maybe there's some tools left behind. Or some knives in the kitchen."

(You could also try to Kool Aid man through it )

"A knive would hurt us more than the wall. We better kick it in or run against it. Hey, don't look at me like that. I never tried to break through a wall before."

"Well, ok. Lets try a good kick and see if we can get through."

(exert/str)

(4)

The attempted smash by Freya is loud but does not punch through the wall. A few cracks have formed and you can see where the beams are now.

"Let me try!" Katalin says as she kicks against a beam instead of somewhere else. (2)

The cracks grow but you likewise find a stud as you slam into the drywall surface. You are able to pull the crack apart to get through but the noise of doing so is very loud and you’re unsure if it had been noticed.

Freya reaches out and grabs Katalin, holding her finger up to signal to wait. "Hold on," she whispers, "we're making quite a bit of noise." Freya pauses for a moment, listening for any sounds of people coming to the house.

"Fuck! Why is this wall so sturdy?" Katalin whispers while nodding towards Freya, and like her starts to listen to any new movements around the house.

You don't hear anything but a madly barking dog right now, but someone will no doubt come to investigate soon. For the moment, you're stll alone in the house.

Freya goes to a window to peak out, trying to view the front entrance without being seen. "I think we almost have it, one more good kick might do it. But we might be running out of time, unless this place has a good hiding spot."

"We could try to get out of the window as well. But if they come for sure, then we should push for this room. See what is inside. Solve the mystery and then try to run away as sneaky as possible."

"I agree. We'll give it one more go, but be prepared to escape if we need to."

(We'd be able to get through, the checks didn't work and the situation got slightly worse, i dont think a third check is going to really change anything either way)

1:39 PM

The wall breaks open, revealing the trapped study room you elected not to enter via the front door. You can see something like a flintlock had been set up at foot height, it going off would have easily removed a few toes if someone was not sufficiently careful.

1:39 PM

The study has one of the few working computer systems you have seen on the planet, along with two book cases and a velvet covered display case.

"Well hello there. Looks we found something special."

"Wow! Jackpot! Lets be quick. Books can be taken, we could even get the harddrive out of this PC, unless you are quick and good at getting access to the system."

"Hacking really isn't my area, but if we can grab the harddrive lets do that. I wonder what goodies are in the desk drawers as well."

"Alright, I get the harddrive out, you collect whatever isn't pinned down. And then we try to leave this place as quickly as we can. We can sort through the stuff when there is no more danger waiting for us."

Freya nods and begins quickly rummaging through the desk drawers, hoping for something good, before giving a quick scan of the bookshelves.

The shelves have various academic books on them, you also see what looks to be a few volumes of a journal that the inhabitant of this room was keeping. (fix/int for harddrive removal)

(11)

Freya will grab the journals to take and any books that seem to be about the history of this area.

The drive pops out with a satisfying click. The objects in the office are otherwise mundane, but very expensive or very well made. Leathers, rich woods, and precious metals are fixtures of everything in this room and may sell well to the traders once you are safely beyond city limits. . (edited)

"While everything is worth some money, it also drags us down and we would need to hide it, while we return to the traders. Let us take only what could yield information and then, exit the building, but not the way we entered it, maybe it has a backyard."

"I agree. I think there was some jewelry in the bedroom, that's easy to slip in a pocket and could be valuable. The harddrive, a few of these books. Do you think the fancy guns too?"

"I would love to. But they seem easily traceable. So unless you intend to keep them, or sell them off world, we shouldn't take them. At least that is the way I see it."

"Fair enough. If only we knew what we were going to find, this place is a goldmine of things that could be sold off easily." As Freya tucks things away she occasionally peaks out the window, watching for anyone coming up. "Back exit, quiet as mice. We slip back to the caravan, have them save our bikes for us until later, then unload and slip away again. Sound like a plan?"

"Like a perfect plan. And once we are out of this mess, we take our time to examine what we have found and can hoepfully use that to finish what we started." Katalin likewise stashes small things and the harddrive and prepares to move to the back exit.

The dog continues barking and as you make your way to the back exit, through the frosted glass of the front door you see the backlit shadow of a figure or two working on trying to get inside, called in by the noise.

Freya tries to move quietly, opening the back door and slipping out, ducking down so as not to be seen.

Katalin does the same. Trying to get out before they can get in.

You make it out the back and round the corner out of sight just as you hear the front door give way, and the burst of air that accompanies the door opening.

1:43 PM

One looks to race upstairs, while the other vanishes into the depths of the house.

Katalin pulls Freya closer to her so they can whisper. "Alright, we got out. Now we need to sneak back and act as if nothing happened. We have come so far, we need to keep that momentum."

Freya nods while looking around to see if anyone else is nearby. "I think we're going to have to get out the front gate, the same way we got in. Lets be as quick and as quiet as we can."

Katalin nods. "Yes, let's do that, come on quiet, head down. Making sure those inside don't see us and nobody else gets suspicious when they spot us."

(we did well on previous sneak checks, and the scene has not changed- you guys did not take risks, We'd be able to slink away without much trouble)

"Lets hurry back to the traders. If we keep our heads down no one should notice us. "

"Yeah, let's be quick!"

You return to the traders without being observed and it looks like business is beginning to pick up by the time you slink to rejoin the column, using the crowd to blend in

9:59 AM

(6xp, 10,000 credits)

2

"Should we have our bikes left outside the city, stashed away somewhere? Or do you have a better idea for them?" Freya whispers to Katalin.

Katalin shrugs. "I guess stashed away is the best we can do. So we still have access when we need them. And if we don't need them, we can still gift them away. For now, lets try and find some answers in the data. We told the Traders that something might be off with these people here, they surely want some answers. And then we need to see if any of the stuff helps us in forcing the rich to cooperate to tear down this wall figuratively and literally. So everyone can live a better life."

(We can ask the database questions , we have a compad and time now to search)

(Would there be a way to plug the harddrive we found into our compads to find out what is on it?)

(yes, thats how we're going to be able to interrogate it)

2:28 PM

(Its not anything that wouldn't be routine with what we have on hand, no checks needde or anything)

Freya fiddles with the harddrive, getting it connected to the compads. "Yeah, stashed away is better than nothing. So we'll let them know, then dig through this tech. If the owner went to so much trouble to keep it safe, I have a feeling the info we need is on it. If not, we can head back out and see what we can find after dark." Freya glances back down at the compad, sticking one hand in her pocket to touch her lucky dice. "Well, lets see what secrets we just uncovered." (Freya would start by looking for general data, like who the computer belonged to and what it seemed to be used for.)

The computer belonged to one of the more influential city eldermen, and they used it to keep track of trades and quantities of goods. Alarmingly , lower class life is categorized as “sentients” and have been listed here as expended in industry and in some cases sold to other traders (not the ones you’re with) as a good to secure luxury resources

4:46 PM

Press gangs often went across the bridge to bring back who they could

"Look at that disgusting shit. How do we go about that? Confront rich city with the evidence and tell them that they either open up their gates or will rot in hell. Or that they all deserve to rot in hell and we will make sure that they soon end up with nothing. Or do we tell the traders and make sure nobody is allowed to ever trade with these guys again? We could ask the Protectorate to send humanitarian aid to the poor part, and some security forces to keep rich side locked in and traders out. And we should make sure that those slave traders stay out of business no matter what. Trading with human lives, slavery, that is just awful. They should never be able to make a single trade anymore. I wonder if this was the business these douchebags were talking about."

"We definitely need to let the Protectorate know about the slave trade happening here, they probably have some sort of protocol for that. I worry that if we cut off all trade, the salvers will be the only merchants coming here, and that might make the rich desperate to act out before we can get help coming in. Lets see if these guys we're with know about the slavers, where they go and who they sell to. While these people are selling slaves, that means someone is buying them and we'll need to deal with that as well."

Katalin nods. "Okay, so you think we should talk to the traders here, call the Protectorate and find the slave traders, to, um, sternly talk to them at gunpoint that they suck? But what about the people in the poor city? What can we do for them? Do you think we should hire some on planet security? Giving some people here a job and protecting the poor from being abducted? And we could maybe establish some soup kitchen from the Protectorate Mission funding. Buying food from local supply and giving it out for free, so the people here don't starve or have to fight for food. That could give them some hope."

"Oh, I was thinking a little more than a stern talking to. But that's the general idea. I still think we can get some more info out of this side of town, and with any luck an idea of how to bring this down. But I also think that if there's human trafficing going on, it might be time to bring out the big guns." Freya stares off for a moment, thinking to herself. "I wonder how many guards are on that gate in the middle of the night. Everyone sleeping, unprepared, maybe too slow to react. We could get the gates open maybe, and get some weapons in the hands of the poor side. I bet they could do some damage before everyone is fully awake."

"Wait, are you suggesting we hide in here, then climb up to take out guards and then start a massacre in here? I am unsure if that ends up being a success, simply because the poor people are already weak from malnourishment, and might be too blind from their wish to make the rich pay. It could end up being a bloodbath with our names written under it, maybe we really should inform the Protectorate to make a bigger move. I mean, the rich might not do what we want them to do, but with a spaceship above their city and a troop of well-equipped soldiers in front of their door, they might have no choice, and thus justice might be served. We have all the evidence, and the slavers might be more closely to our level of pay."

"We did promise to come back with open gates, but you're right that would probably lead to a bloodbath. Though, learning about slavers I'm not too opposed to a bloodbath right now. You're probably right though, we've got enough to give to the Protectorate for them to hopefully act. Lets make the call and see if we've got enough troops to handle this garbage fire."

(This is something to bring up in the polity meeting for certain, but we do have the forces now with the end of the deployment to Yauvani)

(Katalin will wait, staring at Freya's compad, waiting for the polity to decide on the matter.)

(It sounds to me like option 2 was the highest voted , so EP will be sending troops soon. I’d say that by time they muster elsewhere and then get here we are looking at reinforcements in about a week)

"Well, sounds like we've got about a week or so before back up arrives. What do you want to do until then? We could try to steal some food and supplies and slip them out to the poor side? Or continue to try to look for a way to get in and out of this place without using the gate? Any ideas?"

Katalin thinks for a moment. "Stealing food is too risky, we can't possibly steal enough to make it worth it. We have one week until the Protectorate could open these gates, one way or another. But while we are here, we could make it easier for them. If we really test our luck once more, and sneak out again, then we could look out for another way in, that way we could open the gates when Protectorate forces arrive and they refuse to open up. Alternatively, we could go and hunt down the slavers. Up to you. Both things are risky, and as before, I'll have your back, I've got to stare at it for quite a while already." Katalin says while laughing at her own salacious comment. "If we want to find a secret passage, we would need to have some sort of first guess on where to find it. Infrastructure, like water pumps or the waste removal system, could be starts. As for the Slavers, well, we could get info from our traders, for example."

(as a reminder, each of you gets a 100k credit bonus for mission completion as it qualifies for "Aid in Peacekeeping/stabilisation of newly acquired planets". Happy spending)

"This might sound like a horrible idea, and I'm already hating myself a little for suggesting it, but what if we bought out the traders? Whatever supplies they have that the other side could use, we just bought them first. And maybe we find out about any other non-slaver traders coming soon, and buy what they've got before they even reach the gates. Is that completely daft?"

"Daft? It is silly, and brilliant. And I like how you silly us into a better future." Katalin laughs. "Doing this, cuts off the rich, and supplies the poor. We just need to like stretch some of our budget, but there has been some great paychecks from the Protectorate, so we could even put in some of our own money to further this idea. It might create an unwanted response from the rich, and we need to be prepared for it, they could come out to strike, and in that case, we need to be able to protect the poor. If they come out, we need to have the other side of the bridge fortified, and at least some of the poor armed, we can't shoot down 50 Guards alone, and I don't want to blow up the bridge, even if I like blowing stuff up." "So, do we want to approach the traders right away, or look for a hole in the city walls first? If we don't, we might not get another chance for it, but with your idea, we might don't need to."

Freya grins from ear to ear. "I say we do this now. Lets talk to the traders, see what they've got left and maybe when another caravan will be coming through. We can focus our money on just the necessities - food, basic clothing, medical supplies. Leave them all the luxuries they want. We can see if the rich can survive off of pretty baubles alone." "I know we shouldn't put weapons in just anyone's hands, but it might be worth getting a few just in case. If the guards come flooding out of the gates ready to attack, we need to at least give the poor side a fighting chance."

"But I want to have some pretty baubles myself too. I might get to own my own appartment when all of this is done, and I'd love to stuff it with beautiful stuff. But that is talk for good times. Now, boss, make the deal with the traders." Katalin says with a wink.

With a smile, Freya nods and looks around for the leader of this caravan, hoping they haven't sold everything good yet.

It looks like they've got an hour or so of business left to conclude today before packing up for the session and returning to the wasteland.

Freya motions for the leader of the group to talk privately. "We wanted to thank you again for bringing us in here like this. We've already learned a lot about the goings on, and we've put in motion some changes that should be happening soon. With any luck, things are about to get a lot safer and a lot more lucritive around here. Though, I'd keep that quiet for now, until plans are finalized you understand." Freya glances around, looking to see if anyone is watching or listening to their conversation. "We've also got a proposal, if you're interested. We've got a bit of credits between the two of us, and we're interested in buying up what supplies you have left. Food, clothes, medicine, anything of that nature. Maybe a few weapons too, if you have any to sell."

"Alright, and wht's the angle here? Doing a little bit of business for yourselves? "

"In a round about sorts. Lets just say our job here is to make everyone happy, and there's a lot of people on the other side of that gate that aren't very happy right now. We give you funds, you give us supplies, we use those supplies to make people happy. You'll get paid either way, and when those big changes come rolling in we'll remember those who helped us make everyone happy."

"I heard you did good things with that other convoy. I trust you. We'll be done here in few minutes and we can talk on the way out"

With a nod Freya turns and makes her way back to the vehicle they rode into town in, slipping back insidde and pulling out her compad. "So, we get a few things from this group, and hopefully another group will be rolling into the city soon. If the slavers come back soon, we need to know what their caravan looks like so we can hopefully stop them before they reach the city at all. A week until reinforcements come, feels like its both happening right away and forever from now."

"It does. Yes. But the plan is solid. The poor souls, as well as the traders should be able to tell us how the slave caravan looks, so we have the advantage, we know them, we recognize them, we can jump them first. We are good. The plan is solid. Let's see what we get from our traders here. How we can utilize that. "

(anything we want to do before heading out? )

(nothing that I can think of)

(rodger dodger, lets do it!)

11:20 AM

Leaving the city an hour later both of you are in the lead car with the caravan overseer. The traders are all quite tired, full of credits and some specialty gear they could not get elsewhere, knowing the cycle of backbreaking recovery work is about to begin again so they have enough to head somewhere else to ply their wares.

As we are leaving, Freya talks to the overseer about what goods he has left and when he plans to be in the area again. "About how much do you usually make coming in here? I doubt we'll be able to beat it, but we can at least offer a fair amount of credits. And we're eager to get more bought within the week if you think that's feasible."

"Between five to seven thousand normally, we bring it back to our settlement and they use it to get things they need from other traders passing through, it is a cycle of a sort"

"Five to seven? I think we can do that. How long do you think it would take you get more supplies and bring them back here?"

"Maybe four to five days before we get everything you need. It's a big list"

"It is, but an important one. I think we can toss in an extra thousand credits if you can get it to us quickly. I know that's a lot to ask, but we're really hoping to be ready for when the big changes come." Freya pauses and looks at Katalin, nervous for a moment, before turning back to the caravan leader. "We've also gotten some nasty reports of slave traders in the area. That's absolutely something we won't tolerate. I don't know if you have an info about that, but we would certainly appreciate learning more if you do. What their caravans look like, what routes they take, how frequently they come through. That sort of stuff. We plan to be dealing with them soon enough, so if you have any dealings with them I'd advice cutting ties now. Lets just say they're going to be a liability in the near future."

"Credits is not what;s going to speed it up, it's time. We will work on things as soon as possible and get you the supplies you need. What will you do during this time? " (edited)

"That's fair, we understand that getting supplies can take time." Freya glances to Katalin, looking to see if she has anything to add. "I think we're just going to be keeping things peaceful safe around here. Try to keep a civil war from breaking out before we can get our changes in motion. Or dealing with the salvers, if they make an appearance."

Katalin signals Freya to go on. Making sure to signal her that she does really well.

(Once you guys are finished with the scene we'll arrive at the scrap camp, and they'll busy themselves getting what you requested)

(I think we're finished.)

The scavengers bring you to their camp , a large scrap town in the middle of the badlands. You see something resembling a water pump in the middle of the settlement

7:30 AM

7:31 AM

Two other scrapping crews of a few trucks each are here right now, visiting families, resting, taking on new supplies, and so on.

"That place is somewhat cool, isn't it?" Katalin doesn't even look at Freya while saying this. She just looks around taking in the whole scenery.

Freya nods, but frowns as she looks around. "I wonder how much they go without here so they can supply things to people like the rich holed up in their city back there. I wonder if we can do enough to make their lives a little better too."

"We can at least try, and we should. If we end problems, we will help everyone on this world. Right now, this world has a large focus on their scavenger culture. They are the sole source of tech and rare things that they can't again produce. But, we must change that, it isn't sustainable and those scavengers will be hit the hardest when Ioanakos starts to be supported by the Protectorate and when the first traders get here. So how do we tackle this? They are the heart of this world, and we need them on our side."

The trucks rumble into the camp and park near the gate. Doors open and are slammed closed as the traders exit their vehicles and begin coming home to their families , and you can see the foreman has hung back to show you to your dwelling, a set of connected large rooms on the second floor of what passes as their town hall.

Freya watches the trucks coming in and the people getting out before turning to Katalin. "Hopefully we can convince them of trying something different. There will always be a need for convoys, transporting people and things. And rebuilding the places they currently scavenge from will be hard work, but should pay off. And I'm sure many of them will want to just settle down, pick up a good trade with less risk and less leaving their families for days or weeks." Slowly Freya walks over to the foreman. "Quite an operation you've got here," she says smiling. "Looks like you've got a lot of good workers, and a nice little settlement for them to come home to."

Katalin nods and then walks to Freya's side. Standing slightly behind her, like a good bodyguard.

"It is not much but it is home, and we're working hard to try and improve it. Hard to do , since most of the best stuff goes on to our customers and we're left with whatever they will not take"

"We definitely understand that. Hopefully that will be changing soon. We're trying to set up better systems all across the planet so that people can live rather than survive." Freya looks around the camp, taking stock of what they seem to have. "We won't be needing scrappers once we have things established. But we'll need builders, farmers, various tradesmen, and probably a lot more. "You all helped us, so we'd like to return the favor if we can. See if you can get things working better for you all. I'm not sure what the time frame will be, but we're trying to work quick."

"Remenber us when life here changes , find us something safe so our families don't have to worry, and we'll consider ourselves square. Just keep your promise, and you'll have friends here for as long as you both are alive"

Freya nods and reaches out to shake his hand. She then turns to Katalin and motions for them to enter the small dwelling they've taken to. Once inside she drops onto the nearest piece of furniture. "Well, this is an adventure for sure. A few more days and we'll be seeing soldiers flooding down and taking over. Honestly, I'm still not sure if we made the right choice contacting the Protectorate, but I also don't know what else we could have done."

Katalin sits down next to her. "What else should we have done? You were awesome, you can be proud on what you did here! There is just so much we can do as individuals, we can continue to make sure that the transition is a good one, and is what the majority here wish. But we can't do it all, and I can't protect you against all the dangers that would await us, if we both alone would make enemies with all the bad apples here." Katalin looks down. "So what next. It is four to five days until the traders have new supplies for the city. We can relax and await the Protectorate to handle things. Or might we want and go, find these slavers, bring justice before the official jurisdiction arrives?"

(I'm good to do either one, Whatever you guys think weould be more fun)

(Both sound good to me, though I'm not sure what else we can do in the city while we wait.)

(for most of the Scrappers this is just a place to hang their hate and protect their families in between runs into the wastes .There's not a ton going on here, but you do have your bikes so we're mobile and can go elsewhere if we want to)

(I mean, if the slavers aren't too far away, we could end that dark chapter of the planet before we return and do our stuff with the new supplies.)

(They’re within a days ride but wouldn’t come here to try anything. They know better )

(I like going after the slavers, or at least getting close enough to watch their camp and make a plan.)

(me too)

(alright, so rest here, recharge our bikes? did we need to pick up any gear before heading out? )

( I think rest, recharge, get any info we can about the slavers camp, and maybe grab some food before we head out. I'm can't think of anything else.)

(Taht sounds like the way to go.)

(We may want projectile weapons for the desert type area )

6:32 AM

(Energy weapons have some negative effects in dust heavy environments )

(good to know. If available I would like to buy two smgs then, and four packs of ammo. For 440 credits.) (edited)

(That is available here , go ahead and grab em)

(done)

(Freya, if you want to add anything go ahead. Ill move the scene but I don’t want to cut you off)

(I'm hoping to find a revolver and a sniper rifle, plus 2 packs of ammo each if they have it. 490 credits. Also, do they have any grenades? I think 2-3 might help.)

(they do have all those things, so you could buy them all if you wanted to)

(Great!

Done)

The slavers are detected about a day's hover-trip north, camped in a small desert oasis in between raids. It does not appear they have any people within their camp currently that are not other slavers (no chattel) Orbital imagery estimates about 25 armed people within the camp, spread among five large armed vehicles.

After resting, getting weapons, and a little food, Freya pulls up the local maps she has available on her compad. "Personally, I'm a fan of sneaking up unnoticed. But we are basically going into their territory, so I'm not sure how easy that will be. They have lookouts, traps, or any manor of scavenged tech to help detect us coming in." She shows Katalin the map they have. "A day's ride, not far really. What do you think? The two of us verses their entire camp. My thoughts are not letting a single person survive, but they may have families that camp with them. Children and such. We could try to get a better idea of the situation before we assault, or just ride in and let the place burn."

She smirks. "I love your plans Freya! 25 to two. Those odds aren't in our favor. You've got the sniper rifle, so we can see and scout them from afar. Once we have the layout, numbers, and see if there is family as well, we can decide how to hit them once we are there."

Freya chuckles a little as she shrugs. "Well, slavers are slavers. I might get a little too excited to watch their kind bleed. But you're right, 25 verses us aren't good odds. I guess lets get going now, we'll hopefully find a good spot to get more info when we're closer."

(Would we be setting out to travel by day or night, so we'd get to their camp at either sunup or sun down depending on when we wanted to observe them)

(I feel like sunset is best, catch them preparing for bed)

You depart the camp at daybreak for a long overland drive toward the slavers position. You know from reports by the orbiting spacecraft that they’re camped at an oasis and look to be hunkering down for the night. Tall dunes surrounding the camp will provide an elevated position to observe from if you work methodically into position

"Hey Katalin, wanna race again?"

"Should I go slower this time?" Katalin asks smirking with the engine of her bike roaring.

"No need, I've got the hang of it now." Freya revs her bike and takes off toward the oasis.

(We can get a pilot/dex each for the results of the race if we want)

!roll 2d6-1+1 ! pilot/dex

Freya Locke Roll: [4, 3] Result: 7 Reason: pilot/dex

!roll 2d6+2+1 !pilot dex

Katalin Lipnitskaya Roll: [5, 3] Result: 11 Reason: pilot dex

Freya shakes her fist at Katalin jokingly. "One of these times I'll beat you, just wait and see." (edited)

"Can't wait to eat your dust!" Katalin rides next to Freya now. "Be faster next time, if things go badly with the slavers, you might need to show that you can go a bit faster." Katalin sets a warning in her compad, that should go off if they enter the 10km radius around the last known location of the camp.

Katalin seems to get the better of the race as you both speed toward the encampment of the slavers and as the chime goes off within the 10km exclusion zone, the bikes begin spooling down to a more careful speed.

7:31 AM

(I also thought I handed out xp and didn’t for earlier. 6xp, 10,000 credits. )

(whoop, that would level me up. Could I do the level up now or would that be gamey?)

(we can do it now for sure)

(thanks, and done!

)

"With every race I'm getting better, don't worry about that." Freya grins before the chime goes off. As they reach the 10km perimeter Freya slows down and begins looking around, try to search for possible traps or lookouts. "If we're lucky, they don't get much trouble and so don't have many guards posted."

At this extreme distance from the camp you do not see any security measures this far out, but there will undoubtedly be something on advantageous terrain to the defenders when you get close. You also see nothing in the air for the moment, though it is thought they might have drones in use.

Freya looks around for a possible route to move closer with some cover, anything that could be used to sneak closer. "Drones could be a problem, though I'm not seeing any right now. What do you think? We could wait a little longer, let it get darker, or we could try to move closer now and hope we don't get seen."

Katalin agrees. "Darkness could be our friend here. Unless their drowns have some infrared sight, then we might be easier to spot in the colder darkness. But in my opinion it is worth the risk."

Freya nods and looks for a place to stash the bikes nearby. A smile slowly spread aross her face as she grabs her gear to move closer on foot. "I got a couple grenades back at the scavenger camp. If they keep their sleeping quarters close enough together, or have a place where they store fuel, these could come in handy."

The dunes offer concealment, and some form of cover getting close to the camp, and you have ten kilometers between you and getting any kind of sight on them. Out here in the open desert, the bikes will be found only by luck, chance, or some combination of both.

"That sounds like the right way to deal with them." Katalin says laughing. " But whatever it might be, the situation either presents itself as something that requires a well put plan, or a quick strike. Maybe we get lucky and they are sending out a patrol from time to time. One quick hit and we get their bikes and uniforms and could utilize that, but yeah, we need to see what awaits us once we see the camp."

Freya nods and begins moving closer slowly, trying to make sure she is keeping the dunes blocking her as best as she can. "Hopefully an opportunity will appear for us."

(sneak/dex, each of us)

!roll 2d6+1+1 ! sneak/dex

Freya Locke Roll: [2, 1] Result: 5 Reason: sneak/dex

(12)

1

both of you are able to sneak closer into the area, coming to within 4km of their camp before you see the faint navigation lights of a drone lifting off from their camp on what looks to be some kind of a routine patrol.

Katalin points at the drone. "You see that? If that things comes here, we would have some problems. But if we memorize its pattern we could use it to our advantage, as they think they are perfectly save when instead we sneak through their defenses and wake them with the boom of grenades and gunfire."

"Sounds good to me. We'll lay low for a bit and watch it's patrol, hopefully the little thing has a set patten." Freya looks around the area for a spot to duck into. "Do you know what the range on these things are? I wonder if we should back up more or if we can safely watch it from here."

(could she know? She is no tech or anything, could only be from her gang past on Gudrun where they might have dealt with drones on jobs where they stole stuff from factories of other larger compounds.)

(There is so much variance in drones between the actual drone models themselves and all the possible combinations of fittings I don't think we'd know just from sight alone) (edited)

"I have no idea, sorry. It is a gamble, but if we are in its range, they see us no matter it we approach quickly now, or stay and watch. And shooting it down, will tell them that we are here as well. So, sit, watch, and hope for the best?"

"OK, we'll stay hunkered down here and hope for the best. "

!roll 2d6+2

Nekosmash Roll: [5, 1] Result: 8

the drone circles twice, and does not spot either of you before beginning its long and lazy descent back to camp. You emerge from your place among the dunes as it drifts below the horizon line, out of sight.

"I think we're clear. I'm not sure how often they send the drones out to search, but I get the feeling we will have time to get a little closer and maybe set a view of their camp before the next patrol. Once we know what it looks like, we can slip back and make a plan. Ready?"

"Soo ready. We need to be efficient if we want this to succeed. So, let's go!" Katalin gets ready to move in closer with Freya so they can get a better look on how the camp is set up.

2:33 PM

You see that several small shelters have been set up together on a rocky outcrop, keeping them out of the desert sands. Water nearby allows them to bathe and cook, while also keeping their equipment and slave stocks maintained in times where they'd need to be watered.

Freya points towards the cluster of small shelters. "That looks like it could be a dangerous place to toss a couple grenades. What do you think?"

"Perfect, we just need to make sure that we hit the right targets, not that we end up hurting those we want to free. But if we are quick, we have the time to make your grenades count."

"Lets back up a bit, head back into the dunes. We know what their camp looks like, so we can wait until the next drone makes it's pass then sneak back up."

"Alright. So once the next drone goes down. It is on."

Waiting for another hour, the drone, or a second drone begins rising into the air for another patrol loop, and likewise seems to have the same problems in locating you.

As soon as the drone is ending the patrol, Freya nods to Katalin then begins moving toward the camp. She keeps a grenade in hand, waiting for the right moment to throw it. "Once we start this, there's no going back. Are you ready?"

"Oh I am soo ready." Katalin jogs at Freya's side, with both her SMGs ready.

As soon as Freya gets near the edge of the camp she slows down, keeping her head on a swivel to check for anyone near by. Creeping up, trying not to be seen, she looks to see if there is a cluster of people within range. With one last glance to Katalin, she pulls the pin and lets the grenade fly toward the tents. As soon as if leaves her hand she grabs the second grenade and looks for another good target.

(You'd have to be within 40m, the grenade is going to go off and that is going to end the surprise round, so we'll need initiative before we just level the camp. I would also need a hit roll for the grenade so we know if it scatters or not, but you only need to beat a 10)

!roll 1d8+1 !initiative

Freya Locke Roll: [3] Result: 4 Reason: initiative

!roll 1d20+2-2+1 !grenade toss

Freya Locke Roll: [15] Result: 16 Reason: grenade toss

(Grenade hits, just need damage)

!roll 2d6 !grenade

Freya Locke Roll: [4, 1] Result: 5 Reason: grenade

!roll d8

Nekosmash Roll: [6] Result: 6

(okay, need initiative for Katalin, and we'll put the scene together)

!roll 1d8 +1 !Initiative

Katalin Lipnitskaya Roll: [4] Result: 5 Reason: Initiative

The grenade thrown into the camp kills the two sleepers in the tent closest to the southern wall of the depression , with the both of you taking shelter from your firing position 40m from the now smoking wreck. The rest of the camp ranges from 50 to 100m from you, and the closest targets look to be the two slavers keeping watch over the camp motorpool.

3:04 PM

)Freya, slavers, Katalin)

(Freya will just be tossing her second grenade at the closet targets, moving closer first if need be.)

(Sounds good. Don’t need to move but same hit and damage result needed

!roll 1d20+2-2+1 !grenade toss

Freya Locke Roll: [11] Result: 12 Reason: grenade toss

!roll 2d6 !grenade damage

Freya Locke Roll: [3, 2] Result: 5 Reason: grenade damage

(I guess it is the slavers now?)

(This never lit up for some reason)

!roll 2d20

Nekosmash Roll: [15, 14] Result: 29

The slavers are stunned by the second grenade blast and two are wounded as the camp tries rousing itself from their sleep and disorganized security arrangements. Many are beginning to grab weapons and look out into the dunes trying to spot where the attack is coming from.

5:36 AM

!roll 2d6

Nekosmash Roll: [6, 5] Result: 11

Spotting a glint in the dunes , one of the slavers begins to shoot to the others that the southern dunes where you are looks to have two shadows atop it

5:37 AM

(Freya )

(My turn first) Katalin, with both of her SMGs drawn, sends bullets through the camp to cut down their numbers quickly. (23/9, 14/7 one burst against each of the wounded) "We should move, change our position and be quick."

Freya ducks down, trying to dip back below the top of the dune, and begins moving, looking for a different spot to pop up from. "Well, I think I got their attention." As she moves she adjusts her sniper rifle to be able to fire as soon as she can.

One of the bandits is killed, while the other is missed as Freya takes cover again, preparing to move. (single move, or the 20m move that includes your main action?)

(20m, if possible, I want to get to another dune to surprise them without being out of range)

(sounds good) Freya relocates, as the first of the ranging fire toward the dune you'd been sheltering on begins taking fire from the slavers, rousing from their rest.

10:11 AM

!roll 3d20+3

Nekosmash Roll: [17, 17, 12] Result: 49

!roll 2d6

Nekosmash Roll: [2, 2] Result: 4

(17/2 and 17/2 on Katalin if that hits, Freya they cannot see since she is relocating. Katalin is also up)

(Katalin has an AC of 20, so no hits.) It was time to bring the fight closer to them, and to give Freya all the space that she needs. Katalin glides down the dunes and thus makes her the seemingly easier target. As she glides she fires two more bursts, (27/5 on the wounded, 22/7 to ne next closest slaver). She then starts to run counterclockwise to where Freya ran, thus potentially giving Freya the time to land her shots without being a target for them. (If running down the dunes is all she can do in a single move, that is fine as well. Her aim is to make herself the target for them and for Freya to have only enemy backs pointing at her.) (edited)

(You fired, which is a main action, so all you can do is one move, that gets you halfway down a dune)

(Perfectly fine!)

The second of the two wounded slavers is killed, and another is winged by your advance. They seem taken aback by the ferocity of the assault and at the far end of the crater it looks like some of the slavers are beginning to slip away, trying to make for the safety of their grav bikes.

Freya pops up from her hiding spot to see the situation. Seeing some of the slavers running for their grav bikes, she raises her sniper rifle to aim at them. "You're not going anywhere." (edited)

!roll 1d20+1-1 !sniper shot

Freya Locke Roll: [18] Result: 18 Reason: sniper shot

!roll 2d8 !sniper damage

Freya Locke Roll: [8, 8] Result: 16 Reason: sniper damage

The sniper shot is clean, punching another of the slavers off their feet. The ones within eyesight of Katalin open fire, shooting with surplus and sub par weapons, more than enough to put down a prisoner, but against modern body armor, their time is tougher

6:58 AM

!roll 3d20+3

Nekosmash Roll: [15, 6, 1] Result: 25

(all miss)

!roll 2d20 !two bursts with the SMGs at +10 to hit

Katalin Lipnitskaya Roll: [18, 16] Result: 34 Reason: two bursts with the SMGs at +10 to hit

!roll 2d6 !damage +4

Katalin Lipnitskaya Roll: [2, 2] Result: 4 Reason: damage +4

Katalin glides down the rest of the dune and instead of focusing the closest targets, she sends bullets towards those who run towards their bikes. Making sure that nobody escapes. All that while making sure to not get hit. (28/6 ; 26/6)

The two slavers are hit and they begin retreating to the furthest side of the crater , digging into defensive positions

12:58 PM

(Freya)

12:58 PM

(About half the enemy force is dead )

Freya looks for the next target, trying to get a shot on one of the slavers trying to hide. After she shoots, she moves as far as she can to be in a new position but still have a good sight on them.

5:07 PM

!roll 1d20+1-1 !sniper shot

Freya Locke Roll: [9] Result: 9 Reason: sniper shot

!roll 2d8 !sniper damage

Freya Locke Roll: [3, 1] Result: 4 Reason: sniper damage

The shot misses, sparking off the armored side of one of their remaining bikes. The camp is beginning to burn and this force has been broken owing to the spread out nature of their camp, lax security arrangements and the ferocity of your attack. Unorganized , poorly aimed gunfire returns in your direction from three slavers behind a grav bike, all that remains of the force in the crater that isn’t dead or fled into the desert sands

6:39 AM

!roll 3d20+3

Nekosmash Roll: [20, 20, 19] Result: 62

!roll d10

Nekosmash Roll: [7] Result: 7

(20/7 freya )

6:40 AM

!roll d10

Nekosmash Roll: [1] Result: 1

(20/1 Katalin. Last shot is a clear miss )

!roll 2d20 !two bursts +10 to hit, 8 bullets left per SMG

Katalin Lipnitskaya Roll: [13, 2] Result: 15 Reason: two bursts +10 to hit, 8 bullets left per SMG

!roll 1d8+4

Katalin Lipnitskaya Roll: [6] Result: 10

Katalin was good. Evading, ducking, running, shooting. Bringing chaos to the scene and victory to her side. But for once, things changed. As she runs towards the remaining opposition a shot hits her. Nothing bad, it almost missed, but the sting is still there. It halts her movement and makes her first burst go towards the sky, but her aim is back for the second burst towards one of the last three slavers here. (one clear miss and the second shot is 23/10)

One of them drops behind cover, clutching at his throat, never to get back up and join his companions as hot blood pumps from the wound and clings to the dark sand under him.

3:47 PM

(Freya)

Freya winces and falls back from the shot that hit her. She knows she's going to need medical care for it, but first she wants to finish this. Scooting back up, she aims again for the nearest target, trying to keep her hands steady.

12:44 PM

!roll 1d20+1-1 !sniper shot

Freya Locke Roll: [6] Result: 6 Reason: sniper shot

!roll 2d8 !sniper damage

Freya Locke Roll: [8, 2] Result: 10 Reason: sniper damage

The wound has taken its toll on your aim but you may not need to continue the right. The slavers look to be trying to communicate to you their plans of surrender. (They’re giving up their move action to return fire if you don’t know it, so they’ll go before Katalin if you’re just going to shoot them)

(I think Freya doesn't care about them surrendering, she's going to shoot unless Katalin tells her to stop.)

1

Katalin raises an smg, somewhat signaling Freya to stop shooting. For the moment. With the other SMG pointed at the remaining slavers, she raises her voice. "Hey Scum. Surprised that two people fucked you up? Well, be shitty beings and it will one day rain shit on you. That day is today. So why should we let you live? Why should we stop now? Why should your punishment for slavery not be death?"

(That much talking is going to be their main action so if freya agrees to stop shooting they’ll answer l

(Yeah, Freya will hold off.)

"We can show you where others are held!" one shouts from behind cover. You can hear them changing magazines, using the reprieve to better resist should you reject their deal

"Throw you weapons out, off to the side, and come out with your hands up and we might listen!" Freya shouts from her position. She keeps her gun aimed at their location, ready to fire if they make a move to attack Katalin.

You see two combat rifles thrown over the barricade, each of them followed by their magazines. (edited)

(they're going to comply, and their held action doesn't hold anymore since the conditions have changed)

Freya is is just watching and waiting, if they act aggressive she's take another shot. If not, she's just waiting for Katalin to decide how to react.

"Where would that be? And how many are they?" Her SMGs hang are still in her hands but point to the ground. But she is still ready to shoot them at a moments glance.

“Ten left. They’re three kilometers from here. You’ll see a rock arch coming out of the sands”

"And why should we trust you? We could let you go, drive there, and then there is nothing, or only dead people, or even a trap. So again, why should we trust you? Do you have any proofs that you tell the truth?"

With their camp in ruins, any centers of documentation or places where their activities would have been coordinated are gone now, as is anyone more senior in the gang who would have had more insight as to their long term plans- dead or fled. They look to be struggling to have something to offer you that is backed by the proof you're looking for.

Katalin turns to Freya slightly. There is a nod, and with her finger she tips on the trigger of the SMG that can be seen by Freya. She is clearly waiting for her to line the next shot. As she does she says some more words. "Well, that is bad. I hope you know that your crimes are never to be forgiven. However desperate the situation, one never turns to slavery, or enables it. Freya and I are no evil persons. But your hearts possesses no righteous flame. Sorry."

As Katalin speaks Freya takes a deep breath and carefully aims at one of the slavers.

11:19 AM

!roll 1d20+1-1 !sniper shot

Freya Locke Roll: [8] Result: 8 Reason: sniper shot

!roll 2d8 !sniper damage

Freya Locke Roll: [4, 3] Result: 7 Reason: sniper damage

(I think we can keep the initiative, so slavers after Freya)

(he doesn't have a gun, so all he can do is ttry to move to it , in which case you'll likely end him)

12:06 PM

There are several gunshots as SMG and sniper rifle end the lives of the two slavers who surrendered, all they accomplished was living just a few seconds longer than their fellows.

If there seem to be no one else around, Freya will make her way to Katalin, clutching at her wound. "One of them got me pretty good, kind of killed any mercy I might of had left."

"There shouldn't be any. Not with them." Katalin says as she looks at Freya's wound. "We need that checked out soon. I am no medic, but it looks bloody. But before that, let us find out if it is true, if there are more slaves at the point described." (edited)

1

Freya glances around the area before nodding and readjusting her gun. "I'll live a bit longer, so lets go see these secret hidden slavers they claimed are out there. With any luck we can hit them before they know we're there."

From the wreckage, it looks like one of their security drones has avoided the fire of the camps destruction, and a pilot should be able to use it.

"Well, well, well, look what got left behind." Freya wanders over to the drone and picks it up, inspecting it for damage. "You know how to operate one of these? We could get a look before walking into a possible trap."

"Can't be too hard, right? I mean I can pilot almost anything, really fast." She winks. "But that thing might be really helpful in telling us what we find there without you getting in danger."

(It'll work, not damaged and your piloit is good enough we don't need a check, since this is a routine use of the skill)

Katalin would then just start the drone and try to pilot it to the position that was mentioned before. Trying to mimic the automated movement she has witnessed before.

You can see lights near the arch, a small fire or two, indicating someone is indeed there, and that is is not a large amount of people.

Katalin shows the footage to Freya. "So. Someone is there. Did he say slaves or slavers? I am not sure anymore, so we might not go there and start shooting before talking. Do you feel ready for this? You could stay in the back and cover me with the Sniper rifle of yours. I'll be fine either way."

(he said it was where they were holding some slaves, we don't know if its guarded or not)

"OK. We'll take it slow and carefully. I try to stay behind you a bit and see if I can get a couple clean kills. I assume there will be a visable difference between the slaves and the slavers, so if we do this right we might be able to avoid killing any slaves." Freya glances around the camp again. She wants to grab ammo for her sniper rifle if she can, but also anything that might look like a flare or a signal that she could set up to point them in the wrong direction.

There is a single use flare gun here in the camp, and enough of the slavers were using ammo based weapons where you can scavenge 20 rounds from the bodies.

Freya grabs the ammo and the flare gun. "I've got an idea. If we approach in different directions, I may be able to use this flare to lure some of them out, pull them away in the direction we wnt them to be. If I'm fast enough, I won't be there when they find the flare gun and we can pick some of them off away from whatever encampment they've set up."

"You sure you want to do the Flare Gun thing? They could find you. I think it would be better if I do it, so if it goes wrong, they target me, but not you, as you are somewhere else, shooting them if it is needed."

"I was planning to set it off then be gone before they get to me, giving you a chance to run up behind them. But if you think it works better for you to use it, I'm fine with that. "

Katalin looks Freya deep into her eyes. "I don't think it works better when I do it. I trust you and your instinct. I am just worried that a stray bullet might hits you badly. But whatever your gut tells you, we will do. We will free some slaves, shoot some slavers, and tomorrow, celebrate what we achieved."

Freya nods and looks down at her feet. "I'm not a person that does much combat, almost none before meeting you. But running and hiding, not being where they're looking, getting out before anyone can find me... Those are my domains. Let me set this up and I'll get you some nice targets to gun down."

Katalin smiles and playfully punches Freya's shoulder. "Can't wait. Let's rock this."

"Tomorrow we celebrate."

Katalin gets ready to move towards their destination.

(Sneak/dex)

!roll 2d6 +0+2

Katalin Lipnitskaya Roll: [3, 1] Result: 6

(Okay so just for my own clarity , Freya is running and hoping to draw out the enemy and Katalin is going to handle anyone who emerges ?)

(I was going to fire off the flare gun close to the area, then run/sneak off so I'm not where the flare went off, set up a sniper point once I'm clear)

(And kat is running to draw them out?)

( We're hoping the flare gun draws them out, or at least some of them)

!roll 2d6+1+1 !sneak/dex

Freya Locke Roll: [6, 1] Result: 9 Reason: sneak/dex

Neither of you are spotted getting into position by whoever might be out here. The desert is quiet, but you know you are not alone.

Freya finds a decent spot to duck down, then begins to count, giving Katalin enough time to get into position. After a few minutes she takes a deep breath, raises the flare gun into the sky, and pulls the trigger. As soon as the flare is fired she drops the gun and runs, ducking behind any cover she can find, staying low and in the shadows, until she finds a new spot several meters away. Once she feels far enough away she sets up a sniper position, watching for movement.

The flare heads skywards, casting a harsh red light over the desert. At some pre-arranged signal that must have been made with it, three slavers emerge from the rock arch and begin moving out into the sands.

Seeing the three appear, Katalin walks towards them, weapons drawn. With still some distance, she starts to shout. "I see dead men walking! Drop your guns or die before you can reach for the trigger."

!roll 2d6

Nekosmash Roll: [2, 1] Result: 3

under the flare light, and caught dead to rights by hidden assailants, they look to be divesting themselves of their weapons in the hopes they do not get shot for their trouble.

"You know, that could have worked, if it wasn't for you three to be scum." Katalin raises her SMGs signaling Freya to pick her target. Ready to end the slavers here and now.

1

Freya aims carefully and fires on the one closest to Katalin.

1:55 PM

!roll 1d20+1-1 !sniper shot

Freya Locke Roll: [2] Result: 2 Reason: sniper shot

!roll 2d8 !sniper damage

Freya Locke Roll: [4, 2] Result: 6 Reason: sniper damage

The shot strikes the sand, missing the enemy

(who is next, slavers or Kat?)

(I guess kat.)

!roll 2 1d20+8 !two non burst smg shots

Katalin Lipnitskaya Rolls: [18] Result: 26 [11] Result: 19 Reason: two non burst smg shots

!roll 2 1d8+2

Katalin Lipnitskaya Rolls: [2] Result: 4 [2] Result: 4

Katalin quickly gets her SMGs up and shoots two single shots at the unarmed slaver scum. (26/4, 19/4, different targets.)

Two of the scum are hit, and upon the surrender not being honored, pick up their weapons and return fire.

9:59 AM

!roll 3 d20+5

Nekosmash Rolls: [9] Result: 14 [10] Result: 15 [12] Result: 17

!roll d12+2

Nekosmash Roll: [11] Result: 13

(miss and miss on Kat, 17/13 on Freya) Combat rifles fire, sending solid shots into the dunes around you, as now several shots in their direction have given them a rough idea of where you might be hiding.

(Freya falls, the lucky shot drops her below 0 hp)

(You

11:19 AM

are downed, but not dead. Katalin would be up then)

!roll 2 1d20+10 !two smg bursts

Katalin Lipnitskaya Rolls: [10] Result: 20 [19] Result: 29 Reason: two smg bursts

!roll 2 1d8+4

Katalin Lipnitskaya Rolls: [7] Result: 11 [5] Result: 9

Katalin is shocked as she sees her friend falling. "Freya!" She shouts. As fast as her feet carry her (single move action) she runs towards Freya while sending bursts of pure death and hatred toward the slavers. (20/11) (29/9) (same targets as before) "Die you scum!"

Two of the three scum are hit, though the last one hefts his weapon, aiming squarely at you, looking to finish the job.

1:41 PM

!roll d20+5

Nekosmash Roll: [13] Result: 18

(Your AC is 20 I think, so that would miss)

!roll 2 1d20+10 !two smg bursts

Katalin Lipnitskaya Rolls: [4] Result: 14 [15] Result: 25 Reason: two smg bursts

!roll 2 1d8+4

Katalin Lipnitskaya Rolls: [3] Result: 7 [3] Result: 7

(misses indeed) Katalin doesn't care for the slaver, all she tries is to help her friend who is critically wounded, at least from her perspective. And she she further runs towards Freya, she sends some bursts behind her, hoping to hit the remaining slaver. (miss) (25/7)

The scum who has been missed by the sniper rifle is wounded. Hefting his rifle he sends what may be a final burst your way.

5:37 AM

!roll d20+5

Nekosmash Roll: [5] Result: 10

(Miss)

!roll 2 1d20+10 !two smg bursts

Katalin Lipnitskaya Rolls: [8] Result: 18 [10] Result: 20 Reason: two smg bursts

!roll 2 1d8+4

Katalin Lipnitskaya Rolls: [5] Result: 9 [4] Result: 8

Katalin was coming closer to Freya, she wasn't far. The shots of the remaining slaver seemed to become more and more off target. "Good News" she thought to herself. As that might have been the results of hits. She slightly turns to the scum once more, for what might be the final burst of his life. (18/9) (20/8)

THe slaver is down ,leaving silence, and a wounded Freya as the focal points of the desert.

7:11 AM

(need a heal/int vs DC 9 to try to stabilize)

!roll 2d6 -1 +1 !if there is an Ognyena, please help

Katalin Lipnitskaya Roll: [4, 3] Result: 7 Reason: if there is an Ognyena, please help

(It can be attempted again at DC 10, since there are a couple rounds left before a bleed out)

!roll 2d6 !come on

Katalin Lipnitskaya Roll: [6, 2] Result: 8 Reason: come on

(The next rounds will be DC 11, and DC 12, and you're free to attempt them, if both are failed, Freya cannot be stabilized and sadly will perish)

!roll 2d6 !vs 11

Katalin Lipnitskaya Roll: [5, 1] Result: 6 Reason: vs 11

!roll 2d6 !vs 12

Katalin Lipnitskaya Roll: [3, 3] Result: 6 Reason: vs 12

(I am so sorry Freya)

The wounds are too severe, the blood loos too much to stem, and the ability of Katalin to heal such issues outside of a proper medical setting do not allow for the condition to be stabilized. Freya does not wake up after the combat rifle shot has stricken her, and peacefully passes under the cold light of the desert moon, her last act helping to wipe out a cabal of horrific slavers.

12

Freya is clutching in one hand a small coin, her lucky coin. Finally run out.

14

Katalin shakes Freya. She screams at her. Cries. But to no avail. A person she calls a friend, was gone, forever. Katalin just sits there for endless minutes, slowly realizing what just happened. Knowing that EP forces where to arrive soon, she pings her location, so the fallen Agent of the Protectorate could be brought home, to get a funeral she deserves. But there was a thing left to do. She needed to check if they actually saved slaves as well, or if it was just a slaver hideout. So once she felt like she could let her friend lie here for a few moments, she turns and tries to see if someone was held as a slave here.

THere was some kind of mining operation here once, and ten slaves had been held in a pen, two of them beaten almost to death by the slavers shortly before your assault.

2:42 PM

(also, if you want to take her coin, it will confer the level 1 of the "Lucky" focus to you in terms of mechanical benefit)

5

(It feels bad to take away stuff from a dead friend, but some coin to remember her would definitely be a good thing, so I'd take it. I would also like to take her credstick with the 174k credits on it. But not for Katalin herself, but I would add a goal of finding relatives of Freya to give it to them. If it was possible.)

2

(We can do that sure )