Howtro Highport
061-221 through 064-221
Shortly after the holovid producer - Joshua Wallace – left, another man sat at the table. Marquis Harim Samadr introduced himself to Captain Ross and offered his apologies for not being able to attend the reception. After a brief conversation where they brought him up to speed, Harim led the group out of the pub in search of a party at which he could extend the celebrations. Despite his efforts and those of Thiel, they were unable to find anything suitable and they retired to their rooms for the night. Concerned that his friends were caught up in some sort of conspiracy against the Imperium, Harim spent some time trolling local databases for more information about Shariish and their anonymous benefactor.
The next morning, Jordan contacted Shariish and asked her to find him a media agent. Meanwhile, Harim persuaded the hotel desk clerk to tell him who had booked the rooms for his friends. The rooms had been paid for by a corporate account from Sentinel Express Lines – the same passenger line that Henri and Thiel had travelled on. After asking a few questions around the docks, Thiel determined that Sentinel Express Lines was a fairly new company running small passenger ships along the high-volume route connecting Sentinel and Howotro.
In the afternoon, Ross met with Sanford Marman – the media agent that Shariish had found. He soon learned that Marman would be too expensive to hire given the small amount of money he would reasonably expect to receive from the holovid deal. Harim quickly volunteered to act as Ross’ representative when they met with Wallace in the afternoon. As it turned out, Harim, Henri, and Thiel all contributed to the negotiations with Wallace. The deal they brokered was reasonably good, but they realized after the fact that - despite their attempts to rework the contract - Ross was unlikely to ever see any royalties. They did however walk out the office 20 thousand credits richer.
The next day, the group considered Mr. Chen’s business proposal. They did a few computer searches, and eventually found some references to him in a Law Enforcement database, but determined that his business was mostly legitimate. They arranged to meet with Mr. Chen the following day at his groundside offices. The rest of the day was spent in further investigation of Sentinel Express Lines and Shariish. Harim had apparently developed a bit of fascination for the woman, and arranged to have dinner with her. Applying his considerable charm to her, he not only convinced her to join him in his room, but also draw a few new pieces of information out of her. He even attempted to acquire her phone so that his friends could dig through her records, but he was unable to get it away from her without arouse suspicion.
The next morning, the men checked out of their nice – but very expensive – rooms, and took a shuttle to the Densun Downport. They spent a few hours on the surface exploring the spaceport and finding new hotels before Mr. Chen’s driver arrived to take them to their meeting. The aristocrats became increasingly uncomfortable as the neighborhoods they traveled through became progressively more run down, and were looking forward to the lunch Mr. Chen was buying them with some trepidation.
Lunch was provided in a dingy pastry shop in the same building as Mr. Chen’s office, but the food was surprisingly tasty. He refused to talk business until they had finished lunch and had gone to his new, fourth floor conference room. He was presenting some information about the ship he was looking to buy when the meeting was interrupted by an urgent call: “Mr. Chen! It’s Thomas Sun! He’s here looking for you…”
The call was cut off with the sound of gunfire and screaming. Chen turned to the group and said, “I’ll give you ten thousand credits, if you can get me to the starport safely.”
He explained that Thomas Sun was an enforcer for the Minlo family, and the family must be “upset” with him for trying to sell off his business. Harim quickly agreed, and readied his blade. Jordan and Thiel also began readying their weapons while Henri tried to determine the best place to hide. They determined that since the elevators were all on the third floor, where they supposed the thugs must be searching for Chen. Attempting to sneak down to the parking garage, they heard movement on stairs below them. Chen told them there were a couple of old grav cars on the roof that they might be able to use, and the party charged up the stairs. Thiel lingered behind as a rear guard. He fired his stunner at the first thug up the stairs knocking the man out, but the second one returned fire with a machine pistol of some sort and showered Thiel with chunks of concrete. Meanwhile Ross pulled a fire extinguisher off of the wall and placed it on a landing. Thiel ran from the thugs’ superior firepower, and they pursued. Ross waited with his laser pistol until the enemies reached the fire extinguisher. One well placed shot detonated the canister, and stunned the pursuers. Racing up a few more flights, Ross placed another extinguisher on the steps which caused the thugs to pause for a moment, giving the group even more of a lead.
Busting out of the door at the top of the stairs, they saw a garage-like building across the roof. Someone would have to hold that top of the stairs long enough for the others to get the grav cars up and running…
Friday, October 10, 2008
Sunday, October 5, 2008
Episode 1
Howtro Highport
057-221 through 061-221
As the three men sat in the pub discussing their recent fortunes, they soon realized that someone was spending an inordinate amount of money and effort on their behalf. Captain Ross was given an immense suite in an exclusive hotel, and discovered that a gorgeous personal assistant – Shariish - had been hired to “ease his transition into civilian life.” Both Thiel and Henri had been sent first class ticket vouchers for travel to Howotro in order to attend the Ross’ retirement reception. They assumed that Jordan had come into to some wealth, but it turns out that some anonymous benefactor had arranged for their tickets and hotel rooms.
Determined to enjoy their time on station despite the mystery, the three men decided to experience a bit of the Highport’s night life and do some barhopping. While Thiel was entranced by the sheer size of the orbital station, Jordan noticed some people following the group. These people turned out to be reporters who had heard rumors about the “Heroic Captain Ross” and wanted to ask him about the reception at the end of the week. They seemed to be satisfied by Jordan’s appropriate but basically meaningless response and the three men were undisturbed for the rest of the evening.
Over the next few days, they each gathered information through their own channels. Thiel prowled the docks and learned that there were a number of ships hiring crew and that a new pirate was operating in nearby systems despite the large naval presence here. With the assistance of Shariish, he also acquired a burnt orange silk suit that he would wear to the reception.
Henri sought an audience with Marquis Sringasa of Howotro, and learned from the noble’s aide that the receptions given for retiring military officers have become increasingly elaborate social events. These parties attracted a variety of wealthy aristocrats and businessmen who were interested in meeting the retiring officers. Henri also arranged a meeting with the Marquis himself, but learned nothing more of interest.
Jordan asked Shariish a few questions, but learned little more than that she was hired by a “Mr. Smith”, and that she was available for a long term position should he desire it. He also made a few inquiries through naval channels but didn’t make much progress.
Finally, the day of the reception arrived, and while Jordan made his way quickly past the reporters waiting outside, Thiel happily talked to them. A short clip of Thiel proclaiming: “Captain Ross is my hero! He saved my life!” appeared on a number of news sites and broadcasts over the next few days. The reception began with dinner, and Jordan was pleased to hear that he was not expected to give any speeches. He was seated with Admiral Zarkhan and his niece Amalia, as well as Marquis Sringasa and his wife Martine and daughter Sarissa. When asked about the expense of the reception, the Admiral seemed a little confused and surprised, but not particularly displeased that Mr. Smith had spent so much money on the event.
Meanwhile, Thiel was seated at a table with a couple of hard characters Udar and Seska and eventually deduced that they were undercover bodyguards for Count Makinli. He also met Pangzhou Chen, a businessman from Howotro who had a proposal of some sort for Captain Ross.
Henri was stuck at a table with the remarkably unpleasant Baroness Keshiigma and Baron Sesu. Luckily, these two left the table quickly once the bar was opened. Henri did have a pleasant after-dinner conversation with Lady Naoko Iskendu, who eventually invited him to join her on a hunting expedition on her home planet of Zhuge.
Count Makinli appeared after dinner with Suzi, his bubble-headed date. The Count congratulated Jordan briefly and then pulled Marquis Sringasa aside for a private conversation. Henri spoke to Suzi, and soon suspected she wasn’t nearly as airheaded as she appeared to be.
As the guests mingled throughout the ballroom, Jordan noticed that a number of recently retired military officers had come with unusually stunning dates. He wondered if they had started as personal assistants like Shariish. Thiel introduced Mr. Chen to Jordan and three began discussing a business proposal and eventually agreed to meet with Mr. Chen at his planetside offices in a few days.
Later, Thiel approached Pilar Mills and her husband Darison - the outlandishly dressed representatives of Dragonfire Mining - and the three of them discussed fashion and what could be done to enhance Thiel’s orange suit.
Suzi introduced Henri to Captain Alfonso Mitrochev, a naval strategist of some renown. Captain Mitrochev’s date Alison seemed offended by Suzi’s presence, and to smooth things over Henri offered to get her a drink. As they walked to the bar, Alison revealed that she had some concerns about the grandiose retirement celebration, and commented that these receptions have grown more and more elaborate over the last two to three years.
After the reception, Jordan, Henri, and Thiel returned to the pub to enjoy a quiet drink and discuss what they had learned. Their conversation was interrupted by a man who claimed to be a holovid producer who wished to buy the rights to Captain Ross’ story.
057-221 through 061-221
As the three men sat in the pub discussing their recent fortunes, they soon realized that someone was spending an inordinate amount of money and effort on their behalf. Captain Ross was given an immense suite in an exclusive hotel, and discovered that a gorgeous personal assistant – Shariish - had been hired to “ease his transition into civilian life.” Both Thiel and Henri had been sent first class ticket vouchers for travel to Howotro in order to attend the Ross’ retirement reception. They assumed that Jordan had come into to some wealth, but it turns out that some anonymous benefactor had arranged for their tickets and hotel rooms.
Determined to enjoy their time on station despite the mystery, the three men decided to experience a bit of the Highport’s night life and do some barhopping. While Thiel was entranced by the sheer size of the orbital station, Jordan noticed some people following the group. These people turned out to be reporters who had heard rumors about the “Heroic Captain Ross” and wanted to ask him about the reception at the end of the week. They seemed to be satisfied by Jordan’s appropriate but basically meaningless response and the three men were undisturbed for the rest of the evening.
Over the next few days, they each gathered information through their own channels. Thiel prowled the docks and learned that there were a number of ships hiring crew and that a new pirate was operating in nearby systems despite the large naval presence here. With the assistance of Shariish, he also acquired a burnt orange silk suit that he would wear to the reception.
Henri sought an audience with Marquis Sringasa of Howotro, and learned from the noble’s aide that the receptions given for retiring military officers have become increasingly elaborate social events. These parties attracted a variety of wealthy aristocrats and businessmen who were interested in meeting the retiring officers. Henri also arranged a meeting with the Marquis himself, but learned nothing more of interest.
Jordan asked Shariish a few questions, but learned little more than that she was hired by a “Mr. Smith”, and that she was available for a long term position should he desire it. He also made a few inquiries through naval channels but didn’t make much progress.
Finally, the day of the reception arrived, and while Jordan made his way quickly past the reporters waiting outside, Thiel happily talked to them. A short clip of Thiel proclaiming: “Captain Ross is my hero! He saved my life!” appeared on a number of news sites and broadcasts over the next few days. The reception began with dinner, and Jordan was pleased to hear that he was not expected to give any speeches. He was seated with Admiral Zarkhan and his niece Amalia, as well as Marquis Sringasa and his wife Martine and daughter Sarissa. When asked about the expense of the reception, the Admiral seemed a little confused and surprised, but not particularly displeased that Mr. Smith had spent so much money on the event.
Meanwhile, Thiel was seated at a table with a couple of hard characters Udar and Seska and eventually deduced that they were undercover bodyguards for Count Makinli. He also met Pangzhou Chen, a businessman from Howotro who had a proposal of some sort for Captain Ross.
Henri was stuck at a table with the remarkably unpleasant Baroness Keshiigma and Baron Sesu. Luckily, these two left the table quickly once the bar was opened. Henri did have a pleasant after-dinner conversation with Lady Naoko Iskendu, who eventually invited him to join her on a hunting expedition on her home planet of Zhuge.
Count Makinli appeared after dinner with Suzi, his bubble-headed date. The Count congratulated Jordan briefly and then pulled Marquis Sringasa aside for a private conversation. Henri spoke to Suzi, and soon suspected she wasn’t nearly as airheaded as she appeared to be.
As the guests mingled throughout the ballroom, Jordan noticed that a number of recently retired military officers had come with unusually stunning dates. He wondered if they had started as personal assistants like Shariish. Thiel introduced Mr. Chen to Jordan and three began discussing a business proposal and eventually agreed to meet with Mr. Chen at his planetside offices in a few days.
Later, Thiel approached Pilar Mills and her husband Darison - the outlandishly dressed representatives of Dragonfire Mining - and the three of them discussed fashion and what could be done to enhance Thiel’s orange suit.
Suzi introduced Henri to Captain Alfonso Mitrochev, a naval strategist of some renown. Captain Mitrochev’s date Alison seemed offended by Suzi’s presence, and to smooth things over Henri offered to get her a drink. As they walked to the bar, Alison revealed that she had some concerns about the grandiose retirement celebration, and commented that these receptions have grown more and more elaborate over the last two to three years.
After the reception, Jordan, Henri, and Thiel returned to the pub to enjoy a quiet drink and discuss what they had learned. Their conversation was interrupted by a man who claimed to be a holovid producer who wished to buy the rights to Captain Ross’ story.
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