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.