(I know Mara, Rin and finius we’re going to speak with the freeguild and try and infiltrate. That was my read of the meeting. We can get that going here if everyone’s ready)

(Ready!)

( @Salt @Rin I know you're both exploring right now, but are close to the ends of your respective solo missions. I'm willing to let both threads carry on, plus here, if we want. I don't think there's much risk of either of you not coming back with where we are)

(Sure, I'm ready for here whenever)

(Sounds good to me. Whereabouts do we start?)

(We can just kick it off here) Agent Rin and Agent Mara return after their scouting expeditions, each concluding their initial fact finding meetings with the groups inhabiting nearby planets. A corvette has been set aside for use and it seems you’ll be traveling together aboard it for the trip into Freeguild space. One Greystar corvette has been welcomed there already, and under the guise of this being another mutinous crew, it’s possible with some quick negotiations you’ll be able to get aboard the station

From there, it will be up to the three of you how to proceed

I greet Mara and Rin, “How was the expedition?”

Mara has her hands clasped together, seeming detached and somewhat stern, as is her manner. “Productive, as should be expected. You are most likely already aware, but please allow me to properly introduce myself. Agent Mara. I should confess that I am broadly unfamiliar with the specifics of our current assignment, save that it involves my area of expertise. If you have any further information regarding it with which I may be briefed, such would be dearly appreciated.”

(I’ll post a more expanded briefing)

(Give me like half an hour)

The blue rain freeguild occupies the planet Dura-in. They have expressed several times that they wish to be left alone when approached by Greystar and later Greystar-Void warden fleets. There have been skirmishes around the border of the Dura -in system. The freeguild has possession of a Bruxellus Class Battlecruiser as well as an Arx capital station above their world. It is rumored that they are working on a number of projects to help bolster their strength. The freeguild is a haven for pirates and other outcasts. Recently they’ve welcomed the crew of the Kestrel, formerly a Greystar ship that experienced. A mutiny of still lady cult believers on board

They captured the ship and sailed it there

Direct military conflict would cause far too many lives lost and ships destroyed

You are to fake your way on to the station , recon, and disrupt freeguild operations

"So what's the plan" (edited)

> > (edited)

(thanks!)

"It is a pleasure to meet you Agent Mara. I am Agent Finius. I am new here but look forward to working with you." (edited)

Going through the briefing, Mara slowly nods to herself. “Very well. A pleasure, Agent Finius. If I may ask, what are your capabilities? Understanding what we can expect from one another shall be critical moving forwards.”

I scratch my head and ponder." Simply put I am a hacker. I can shoot a gun if needed or pilot as needed. I have other skills like that. I have recently been able to teleport short distance (10m). What about yourself?"

“I was with the Exchange of Light, before its collapse. Specifically, I removed those who broke the law and threatened the peace. Assassination, integration into foreign cultures, navigation. I am also adept at penetrating physical barriers, and like you have some capacity for short range teleportation. It appears our skillsets align.”

“What about you Rin?”

( I'd like to learn a bit more about the station. Any vulnerabilities or anything that could be easily tampered with. I am particularly curious on how it is powered. (If there is a place to learn more; I am happy to read it there.)

(Getting that information is the entire point of your mission)

(lol ok thanks!)

(Nobody knows, nobody even knows if the captured Freeguilders told the truth about whats going on in there, but we'll be kicking things off)

The corvette's ramp is down, and the crew begins climbing aboard, several of them have extra long trunks between them with materials that might be helpful if disguises are needed in some way. Greystar Id's are collected, and thrown into a secure trunk to be kept in the Captain's room until the mission is over, anything to sell the illusion that this ship is not on official government business

(I'd like to buy an engineers suit before we go.)

(Sure, book price)

(600 credits armored under suit made for a a technician. I also buy a multitool 200. I put it on the suit. I wait for Mara and Rin.) (As I waiting I open my data slab and play Spaceville14)

(sounds good!)

(Mara would also like to do a bit of shopping ahead of time. Just some cheap, relatively unassuming stuff given the nature of the mission. Very much expecting to be searched on entry. A laser pistol, T4 backpack, T4 binoculars, 6 glowbugs, 3 Type A cells, 3 Rations, 3 Lazurus Patches. 615 credits all told. Let me know if that’s doable and I’ll add them to my sheet.) As she climbs aboard the corvette, Mara says to Finius, “If asked, why are you joining the freeguild?”

Finius looks up, “Greystar treats me like shit, I want use my talents else where.”

(No Lazarus patches right now. Everything else is available )

(Sweet.) “I see,” she replies. “Do you have specific grievances you would voice, should they probe deeper?”

“I have no freedom at Greystar I have to fill out forms for everything. They also micromanage me all the time.”

“What kind of disruption are we thinking, radiation leak, or a very contagious space virus? All faked of our course”

With a little nod, she says, “Reconnaissance takes priority. Once we are safely there, we can begin locating and exploiting vulnerabilities. In my experience, anything we plan at this early stage will have little relevance once we have had a chance to actually gather intelligence.”

“Nods. I agree” “Whats to eat around here? I’m starved”

One of her eyebrows quirks. “Did you not take the opportunity to eat ahead of time? No matter. I suppose the ship will offer the standard fare. I have some rations, if you are truly starving and in need of emergency assistance, however I would vastly prefer to save them.”

“ I did eat. But I just wanted some other food. I can get something on the ship later.”

(Rin can join us when she's ready, but the mission will continue as though she's here) Climbing aboard the ship the last of the ID's are collected and any long arms are stored in the ship armory as they may puncture the hull if misfired. The crew are given modified versions of the briefing you have been given, letting them know about cover stories, and enough information to pass a casual inspection by any Freeguild inspectors who might board.

(ready to head out if you guys are)

(Ready)

(3 days of downtime, as we depart Acastus for the tropical world of Espinoza)

(Which is on the way to our destination, but you cant spike through planets)

(I continue to study the language Taros)

(Sorry, not been feeling great. I'll catch up soon.)

(No problem Rin!. How many says is this in total for you on Taros there Finius, between now and what you've done so far)

(My total would be 11/30 for Taros once we get to the station)

(Mara continues to try raising her Talk to 0. Plenty of people aboard to practice with.)

The ship exits the first half of its drill space and makes its only stop on the way at the tropical world of Espinoza. A six hour refuel from local space is expected, before the trip concludes at the edge of Freeguild territory

(I grab a snack and check on Mara to see if she wants to play some cards.)

Mara is sitting outside, not far from the ship. Compad open, she seems to be going over what little data is available about the Dura In system. As Finius approaches, she looks up, tucking some of her dark hair behind an ear. “Finius. Are you well?” Seeing the cards, she considers. “I am broadly unfamiliar with card games. As such I may be a poor playing companion. I would not, however, object.”

Finius bites on an apple. "I am Mara I got some dinner but I was looking to play some cards. I am no expert either but wanted to play some Spacejack. It is a pretty easy game just got to follow the queen. I can show you if you have never played before."

“I would appreciate that.” As Finius sets up the game, she asks, “If you are able to do so, tell me of yourself, Finius. I fear I know tragically little about you personally. Given we are to be working alongside one another, I seek to remedy this.”

"Honestly, I am a criminal. My mom was royalty and was arrested for political reason and my friends are in jail. I came to Greystar for a fresh start. I know this can be a great deal to process." "He take a deep breath. Tell me about you"

“My story is a simple one. Born on Acastus, I was taken in by the Exchange and began my training there whilst I was still young. They made me the woman I am to this day, a debt I will never be able to repay. I joined Greystar after the fall.” A pause. “Your own tale, though unusual, is not unheard of. You have my sympathies, however.”

I nod “Thank you” ( I continue to play cards with Mara)

(up to you guys on going on or the next jump, i didnt want to end the scene on you)

(I am ready for the next scene, but can do more if desired.)

(It's an additional two days from here to Dura-In, and the start of the action)

(Let’s go to the next jump!)

(I'm feeling better now so I'll jump in when it makes sense. Sorry again for the delay)

(The 3 days travel I'll spend on Slyth language - 29/30)

The ship makes its final jump from Espinoza to Dura-In, and the captain has all of you meet him on the bridge a few moments before the spike drill is expected to conclude. "Alright, we're going to get hailed almost right away, and one of you is going to need to sell us here, we need to get them to allow us entry into the system, and aboard their space station"

Rin looks out across the bridge before turning to Mara and Finius. "This is it then." "I can talk to them, but we're going to need a believable story for why we're here. And quickly. I suggest using the knowledge of the Kestrel - we heard of a mutiny on a Greystar ship and that they'd found a new home here, and we wanted to join them. If they ask for more we'll probably have to wing it. If you have other ideas, I'm happy to go with those instead." (edited)

“I agree with your idea Rin. I would just go with the idea that we are looking for a new life.”

(Mara is a Yama Queen as well, and more than one of you can talk, so between a natural diplomat, a magic diplomat, and a tech wizard, you guys have plenty of options)

( I wait for the call and let Rin do the talking) (edited)

“ if you need me to fill in Rin I can offer information when they call”

At the edge of Dura-In space, as you pass the fifth (furthest) planet on the way coreward, you see a dark shape in the nebula ahead of you. It is long, dagger like and its dorsal lights come on, along with a pair of prow searchlights.

the comms terminal begins to flash

Mara agrees, and will let Rin lead the negotiations, happy to offer her aid where appropriate.

"That'd be helpful, thank you. Guess it's time to open comms and see how this goes."

Giving her a little nod to confirm she’s ready, Mara clicks open the comm channel and hands things over to Rin.

Rin clears her throat before talking to the approaching ship in her best 'friendly' voice. "Greetings! That's a fancy looking ship you have there! Ahem. I suppose you're here to ask what we want. We're a small number of refugees looking for a new home. We heard of a ship that recently found their new home here and wanted to join them!"

“Refugee ship welcome to Dura-In. Where are you coming into the system from. Who are you fleeing?

"Acastus, the same as the Kestrel. Let's say we're not entirely happy with how things have been going there and have similar... grievances as our friends that have already joined you."

Mara stands to one side, hands clasped behind her back. Thus far, at least, she seems to approve of the way Rin is conducting things.

“Greystar ship. Former Greystar ship I should say. Cut your engines and come about. Prepare for boarding and inspection

"Of course, right away." After the comms are cut, Rin relaxes slightly, unaware that she'd been tense during the brief conversation, before turning to the others. "Well that doesn't seem like it went too bad. Although they may want us to give more details once they come aboard. My guess is they think we're Still Lady supporters, given that the mutiny on the Kestrel was by cultists. We should probably have a reasonable story for why we're all together and be ready to give extra details should they ask during the inspection. Any ideas? We're almost in though, then we can start making a plan on how to proceed." (edited)

“I am here to find work. I did not like Greystar and all their rules. Is my story. As soon as I find a terminal I can make some progress. Maybe we go to the local bar and go from there?’

"Why come here instead of going to UNW space? It's closer to Acastus than Dura-In. Or CBSS? They're not far either. I hope you have answers for those types of questions if they ask them, otherwise we may not get to a bar to begin with."

( I pause and think) “You mentioned grievances when you spoke to them. What did you mean by that?”

"I meant for them to assume we have problems with Greystar without us having to directly say a reason, let them imagine what they are by mentioning the Kestrel mutiny. People will answer all sorts of questions for themselves if you just lead them a little."

" I see. I will go with that."

"Sorry, I didn't intend for you to change your story, just be prepared to answer questions that may pry. It may even be good for us to not all have the same reason for coming here."

"It's not a problem. I will go with that I am looing for more freedom that I have heard they can provide." I will probably end up saying very little unless they pry. I could point out that I am joining you as we work in a team."

A shadow passes over the hull outside, as the large cruiser emerges from the nebula, and begins pulsing its fine maneuver jets to close in with your airlock. The captain makes a short address stating prepare for boarding, and weapons are handed out, just in case, though this would hardly be uncommon no matter the story

“It is important, more than anything else, for us to remain calm. A poor story told with confidence will work far better than a detailed account spoken in haste. I am in agreement with everything that has been decided thus far.” Mara, for her part, seems genuinely unperturbed by it all as she waits for the inspection to commence.

(I lower my weapon and remain calm)

The airlock cycles twice before it finally opens and three Freeguild marines, along with an officer enter the ship near secondary engineering, near the port side middle of the ship. The crew there is standing down and calm as the foreign group comes aboard, and waits to be received

(I stand quietly as the foreign group come aboard. I let them through and move out of there way when needed)

"Who do we speak with for the vessel inspection, we have a few questions, and there are a few places we need to look through"

(I point to Rin)

"Are you the captain of this ship?" The freeguild officer asks, looking at Rin. "Or is there someone else I should talk to. We're eager to get this inspection completed, if everything goes well, you'll all be Freeguilders by tonight"

"I am, I'd be happy to talk with you. Would you be happy to stay here or should we move to another room? We're also eager to finish the inspection. It'd be nice to have a bath again, you know?"

"We would need to inspect the bridge, and the hold, and then if you'd like to convene in your officers quarters for a debriefing we can do that. "We would like to see the hold first, please"

"We dont have many rules on contraband, but we have to inspect anyway"

"Of course, no problem." She looks to Mara and Finius, "Would one of you mind escorting our guests to where they need to check?" She then waits for them to leave, before walking over to the real captain and discreetly asking for access to his quarters.

Finius smiles, “I would be happy to escort our guests.” (edited)

The captain hands you a keycard, which is evidently not noticed by your guests

As the Freeguilders fall in around Finius, they begin looking for some kind of map or guide back to the hold

(not sure if mara wants in on that too, since there's a bit more 'selling' involved)

Mara will, indeed, help escort them wherever they ask to go.

Mara follows the group on their way to the hold. “I noticed none of you are in uniforms. The last group had a bit of the occult to them. Lots of robes and the like. What’s the story here? We going to have a faith conflict if we let you aboard ?0

Mara chuckles lightly. “I doubt it. We are not, by and large, interested in the occult. Do you follow a particular faith yourself?”

"I was raised Eastern Orthodox, though its importance in my life is a bit of an up and down. You're free to follow your faith within the Freeguild, but we do respect all members. Internecine or religious factional fights would weaken us rather than strengthen us"

"The Cult of The Still Lady that some of you Acastans follow, some of the rites are a bit unsettling, but so far none of the station personnel have disappeared and no small animals have been harmed. "

(I watch as Mara communicates and I help the guests as needed.)

Arriving at the hold, they begin fanning out to look through the supplies onboard. They have no comments on the amount of supply or the type, but begin looking for manifests or labels on the containers. "nothing that the wider galaxy would consider maltech aboard the vessel? Its silly to ask, I know, but we believe in the respectful approach first"

(I smile. ) “No. Nothing like that sir. Thanks for being respectful”

"Perfect, alright, if you'll proceed with me to your officers quarters, I'd like to sit down with the tree of you and explain how things in the freeguild operate"

(I nod. "I will gather the people and will get started when everyone is ready." (edited)

(So you, Rin, and Mara, who are currently posing as the ship officers)

Mara smiles as the Freeguilder talks about religious freedom, but offers no further comment, unwilling to oversell. She makes her way to the quarters, finds herself a seat, and folds her hands in her lap as she waits for things to progress.

"Alright, I'm going to lay out things are done in the freeguild, and once you've heard everything we'll withdraw from the ship for an hour so you can talk things over. If you decide Freeguild life isn't for you at that time, you'll be free to leave the system in peace, though we will insist on escorting you out. "

"If you agree, your ship will be escorted in, will be allowed to make anchorage, and we'll begin getting you and your crew processed from there"

“I think I speak for us all when I say we are appreciative of how courteous you have shown yourselves to be. That all sounds eminently agreeable to me thus far.”

(I nod.)

"Indeed, that sounds perfectly fine to me."

"First, I cannot promise you'll all be kept together once we dock at the Freeguild station. There are not many of us compared to Greystar, or any of the larger groups out there, we can't afford to squander anyone's talents, but youre free to associate with whoever when you're not on duty. A ship like this is actually nicely fitted for system patrol, and you might be a rare exception where we keep the crew largely together since you know your vessel. The captains of every ship that comes in form the ruling council , and your ship will have a voice there as well. The word of the Naval Council is Supreme, and a majority wins. Everyone's expected to honor the winning measure and those seeking to subvert it or circumvent it will be punished. The lowest reaches of Freeguild Anchorage are off limits, for your safety as well as ours. It's an old station and we're not sure what's in the lowest levels still, but she's an Arx class, there's still plenty of room for everyone. Work or patrols are required for supply, food, all that, if you dont work, you dont eat, and if you cant work, the freeguild may provide for you if you are vouched for by others. |

"You're also going to see a ship under construction there, we're going to ask that vessels dont approach it, and no one boards it unless youre assigned to the construction team. "

(I nod) “Where do I sign up for work?”

"Yeah, if we need to work for food, that seems like it's going to be the first thing we need to do. I'd also like to know more about this council that you have."

"If you're all in agreement about joining, we'll escort your ship in" he says answering Finius, "but I'd be happy to answer this charming mermaid's questions" "the council meets twice a month, and discusses freeguild operations. Most of its routine things. Food levels, water levels, progress of various projects aboard the station. If there is a matter of discipline, aside from detaining the accused, we take no action until the council is able to discuss the incident, and interview witnesses and the accused"

"Ships are our most important resources, and every captain is given a chair in this meeting, from the smallest patrol boat to the mighty battlecruiser we are working to repair|

"Charming mermaid.. Don't think anyone's called me that before." "I see. And no one person or ship has more of a voice than any others? That's good to hear as all too often that's not the case. We'd decide a representative for this among ourselves I assume? As for joining, as long as the other two are okay with it, I'd be happy to."

"Correct, your speaker is a matter that only your ship can decide on. We do not know the culture and cannot be good arbiters of what you think is fair"

“I agree to joining”

“Very good. And what about your friends here?”

Mara listens intently, making mental notes here and there. The prospect of being separated was a risk, to be sure, but at the very least Mara herself was confident that she could operate alone for some time if need be. “Likewise, I agree. If we find we have any further questions once we have arrived, is there anyone in particular we should contact?”

“We have a budding administration department forming. Anyone in there would be happy to assist you”

“Well it sounds like we are all in agreement then. We will escort your vessel in and you’ll be free to explore the station on your own”

(once they leave) "What does everyone think? I mostly want to focus on gaining access to the station so we can keep tabs."

(if we want since we're all on different schedules, we can move on into the station and go back to personal threads)

(since youve all got different objectives inside)

(Sure, fine for me)

(alright, everyones got sometihng set up in their personal threads)