Heroica: Glory Amongst the Stars - Mission #7: My Bleeding Hart

[The Legonater]

5 hours ago, Zepher said:

"I will try to the quarter-pounder." Merei puts in her order before attending to business. She speaks loud enough so that the other two at the bar can hear her. "My name is Merei. They are both friends of a friend, would be more accurate. We're worried about them. They came here, but as far as we know they didn't leave, and they should have. Or if they did leave, they didn't report it. They were here looking for information about a missing ship. Is there anyone who would have interfered with their efforts? I wouldn't want to disappear mysteriously myself."

The barkeep relays the order to the kitchen.

Greetin's, Merei, I'm Lu. Well, I can tell you that Titania an' Eston both left here shortly after they arrived. Asked a lot of questions, hurried out on their way. 'Can't say I know a whole lot about them, or what they was looking for, nevermind why anyone would wanna stop them. That said, I do happen to know that the engineers in the back, the Starblazers gathered over at that table, and Ms Doria here at the bar are all regulars at this establishment. They might have heard something I haven't. If you happen ta have questions about the Port or our lovely surrounding area, I might be able to give you a few pointers as well. 

At this point, the kitchen rings a bell, and Lu grabs Merei's order.

Portside Quarter Pounder - Temporary +3 Vitality

2 hours ago, Kintobor said:

"No, there isn't a problem." Zaria responds. "My associates and I are looking into a missing freighter that passed through here. The name of the freighter was the Valencia. You wouldn't happen to have seen it or have any information regarding it, sir?" 

The officers glance back and forth between themselves and the overheating elf.

You're looking for a missing freighter, huh?

No missing freighters have passed by here; we would have heard of it!

And since we haven't heard of it, there's clearly no missing freighters. Ain't that right, Dean?

Sure sounds about right to me, Duncan!

Say there was some freighter no one reported, what would you happen to know about it?

Edited October 31, 2021 by The Legonater

[karmajay]

12 hours ago, The Legonater said:

We're the engineering and repair team here on Port Charon.

"That sounds exciting. Plenty of chances for problem solving I bet!"

 

12 hours ago, The Legonater said:

Sure. Anyways, we work here, so we when Valencia docked we were around. The freighter stayed in port for a number of days, if I recall, not your normal overlay. You'll often get ships here staying a night or so to repair and refuel, but this was something else. At least, the ship seemed fine to be.

"Is there somewhere I can go or someone to ask why or some type of records where I can determine the cause of the longer stay?"

12 hours ago, The Legonater said:

Well, a big company like Hart has a lot to keep track of, I'm sure punctuality is vital. Especially at the rate they're expanding

"They are a large company. i guess they are expanding out here even at the edge of known space, eh?"

[Zepher]

OoC: What does temporary vitality mean? As in, how temporary?

"What exactly are starblazers?" Merei asks, and upon receiving an answer nods. (Just streamlining a little! Would like an answer!) "Thank you very much, Lu. I will go confer with my friends and widen my search. You've been extremely helpful." Merei returns to Cygnus and Jace. "You mentioned earlier that it didn't seem your earlier teams had made it past the port. What led you to believe that? The bartender, Lu, has indicated they came and went. But that doesn't mean that's the truth, only what Lu perceived. What do you know that might contradict that?"

[Kintobor]

8 hours ago, The Legonater said:

 

Say there was some freighter no one reported, what would you happen to know about it?

Her suspicion aroused, Zaria takes another drink before responding. "The freighter I am looking for was last reported here. The Valencia left this port on route to Cosmopoli and then disappeared with no word from her crew. I do not know anything about a freighter not being reported, but if you have information I would appreciate hearing it." Zaria applied her sense of insight to the two officers, trying to gauge how honest they were being with her.

[The Legonater]

4 hours ago, karmajay said:

"That sounds exciting. Plenty of chances for problem solving I bet!"

The work sure never stops.

4 hours ago, karmajay said:

"Is there somewhere I can go or someone to ask why or some type of records where I can determine the cause of the longer stay?"

Well, if it were a problem with the ship itself our records would have shown it. But if it wasn’t technical, it’s a lot harder for us to tell.

4 hours ago, karmajay said:

"They are a large company. i guess they are expanding out here even at the edge of known space, eh?"

Mortizar’s success has made Hart one of the fastest-growing organizations of this generation. Their expansion out to this sector is pretty recent. Most official companies don’t make the effort to tame a sector like this, but McSorley seemed convinced Hart was going to forge this area into a profitable trade route.

1 hour ago, Zepher said:

OoC: What does temporary vitality mean? As in, how temporary?

"What exactly are starblazers?" Merei asks, and upon receiving an answer nods. (Just streamlining a little! Would like an answer!) "Thank you very much, Lu. I will go confer with my friends and widen my search. You've been extremely helpful." 

MM Note: As in for one round of combat.

Ah, the Starblazers are that band of armoured mercs over there. They take residence in the area, and don’t much mind the mess of these parts. They’re a bit loud on occasion, but they pay well. Anyways, glad I could have been of assistance.  

1 hour ago, Zepher said:

Merei returns to Cygnus and Jace. "You mentioned earlier that it didn't seem your earlier teams had made it past the port. What led you to believe that? The bartender, Lu, has indicated they came and went. But that doesn't mean that's the truth, only what Lu perceived. What do you know that might contradict that?"

This Port was the last place any of them reported in. If they went anywhere else, they didn't tell us. 

Why, you find something, Merei?

49 minutes ago, Kintobor said:

Her suspicion aroused, Zaria takes another drink before responding. "The freighter I am looking for was last reported here. The Valencia left this port on route to Cosmopoli and then disappeared with no word from her crew. I do not know anything about a freighter not being reported, but if you have information I would appreciate hearing it." Zaria applied her sense of insight to the two officers, trying to gauge how honest they were being with her.

As we said, ma’am, there were no missing reports filed out, but if you’d like to make a report, feel free to make an official request at the Port precinct!

Of course, we are the Port precinct, so you’ll have to wait until we’re off our break.

But then we’ll look into the matter as soon as possible!

Zaria Insight Check (DC 3) - 4, 2, 5 (Two successes)

Zaria has a hard time reading the two officers. As far as she can tell they haven't lied about anything, but doubt remains. 

[Kintobor]

Zaria nodded towards the two officers. "If I need any assistance in the matter I will make sure to seek you two out." Zaria went back to her meal, a twinge of suspect lingering in her. More questions were raised regarding the mission at hand, but at this small moment, she had food to eat.

[KotZ]

On 10/29/2021 at 9:32 PM, The Legonater said:

The woman looks Varen over as he approaches.

Hey there, hotshot. I'm, uh, gonna pass on the special flask - but I'll take the order.

 
Drinks'll be 5 each. I'll be with ye in jus' a moment. 

"It's only whiskey," Varen replies as he takes a sip. To the bartender he says "I'd say the usual, but I've never been here before." He flashes a smile. "What do you recommend?"

He looks back to the woman and extends a hand. "Varen. Former lawyer. Find yourself in a pinch, I can get you out of it. Anyway, I'm looking for something. You have any details on a missing freighter?"

[Zepher]

On 10/31/2021 at 2:06 PM, The Legonater said:

This Port was the last place any of them reported in. If they went anywhere else, they didn't tell us. 

Why, you find something, Merei?

"Not anything except what I've said. It seems odd to me that they would disappear so entirely here. I had assumed that their disappearance indicated that something befell them here, but could they have continued on without reporting for some reason? Are they trustworthy?" Merei keeps an insightful eye on both of her employers.

[karmajay]

On 10/31/2021 at 2:06 PM, The Legonater said:

Well, if it were a problem with the ship itself our records would have shown it. But if it wasn’t technical, it’s a lot harder for us to tell.

Kiriwn nods. "If not technical then what could be another reason the ship could be held up? Do you have an opinion on where I should look next?"

[The Legonater]

8 hours ago, KotZ said:

"It's only whiskey," Varen replies as he takes a sip. To the bartender he says "I'd say the usual, but I've never been here before." He flashes a smile. "What do you recommend?"

He looks back to the woman and extends a hand. "Varen. Former lawyer. Find yourself in a pinch, I can get you out of it. Anyway, I'm looking for something. You have any details on a missing freighter?"

You'll forgive a gal like me for not accepting every drink a guy offers. I often just go for the Standard, myself. It's never done me wrong yet. 

She accepts the handshake. I'm Doria. Depends on what kind of freighter you're talking about. One that passed by here, I presume? 

7 hours ago, Zepher said:

"Not anything except what I've said. It seems odd to me that they would disappear so entirely here. I had assumed that their disappearance indicated that something befell them here, but could they have continued on without reporting for some reason? Are they trustworthy?" Merei keeps an insightful eye on both of her employers.

Hart procedure is to report location upon arrival; departures are in the ship logs but often aren't reported to command. If they were somehow stopped from reporting at their next location, that might account for the lapse?

If they ran into whatever silenced Valencia, I can't imagine they could have gotten that far. Space is pretty big, after all.

I didn't pick out these teams, but I have no reason to assume they swindled us somehow. At least, not until we know a little more.

Merei Insight Check (DC 3) - 5, 4, 6, 5 (Four successes)

Merei can't sense any deception from the pair. 

7 hours ago, karmajay said:

Kiriwn nods. "If not technical then what could be another reason the ship could be held up? Do you have an opinion on where I should look next?"

That would be a question for her crew. Maybe they were waiting for something?

I'll bet them Starblazers know a thing or two. I think I saw them picking a fight with one of McSorley's guys about something. 

On 10/31/2021 at 1:39 PM, Kintobor said:

Zaria nodded towards the two officers. "If I need any assistance in the matter I will make sure to seek you two out." Zaria went back to her meal, a twinge of suspect lingering in her. More questions were raised regarding the mission at hand, but at this small moment, she had food to eat.

As Zaria minds her meal, one of the other patrons approaches her.

Ma'am, you seem like one well acquainted with travel. Would you happen to be familiar with this area?

Edited November 2, 2021 by The Legonater

[Kintobor]

Zaria looked up from her food, having nearly finished, and noticed the stranger approach her. She wiped her mouth with he napkin before responding. “I am well acquainted with travel, yes, but not around these parts. It’s my first time in the area. Might I ask who you are?” Zaria inquired.

[Zepher]

12 hours ago, The Legonater said:

Hart procedure is to report location upon arrival; departures are in the ship logs but often aren't reported to command. If they were somehow stopped from reporting at their next location, that might account for the lapse?

If they ran into whatever silenced Valencia, I can't imagine they could have gotten that far. Space is pretty big, after all.

I didn't pick out these teams, but I have no reason to assume they swindled us somehow. At least, not until we know a little more.

Merei Insight Check (DC 3) - 5, 4, 6, 5 (Four successes)

Merei can't sense any deception from the pair. 

"Your assumption then is, for the time being, the same as mine. They've both been through, but you doubt they have made it to the ship, meaning something happened to them here. Very well." Merei approaches the Starblazers, surveying her other teammates. The group will have to pool their information eventually, but she doesn't have much to offer yet. "Hello. I'm sorry to interrupt, but Lu said you were regulars here, and I am looking for two people who passed through recently. I'm Merei, and I hear you're a group called the Starblazers. Do the names Titania or Eston mean anything to you?" As always, she waits for both their responses, but also their reactions (insight).

[The Legonater]

3 hours ago, Kintobor said:

Zaria looked up from her food, having nearly finished, and noticed the stranger approach her. She wiped her mouth with he napkin before responding. “I am well acquainted with travel, yes, but not around these parts. It’s my first time in the area. Might I ask who you are?” Zaria inquired.

Ah, yes; I am Lord Malloch and my cybernetic compatriot over there is Mr. Tobermory. We, too, happen to be travelers, and were forced to take stop here at Port 927-C. Despite its reputation, we were pleased to discover the port to be relatively hospitable and accommodating. That said, my friend and I have something of a snag in our accommodations. See, we were on our way to Cosmopoli on some due amount of time pressure, but I have been informed by the locals that the most direct route to Cosmopoli is through something they have dubbed the Forbidden Sector. Detours are possible - and, in fact, insisted upon - however doing so would add greatly to our travel times. Since Mr. Tobermory and myself have already been delayed we were hoping to avoid such circumstances. Having noticed how capable you appeared, and the way you and your companions quickly settled upon chatting with the regular patrons here, we were hoping that you might lend us some advice, however, if you are correct in that you are just as new here as we are, perhaps such hope was unfounded? 

57 minutes ago, Zepher said:

Merei approaches the Starblazers, surveying her other teammates. The group will have to pool their information eventually, but she doesn't have much to offer yet. "Hello. I'm sorry to interrupt, but Lu said you were regulars here, and I am looking for two people who passed through recently. I'm Merei, and I hear you're a group called the Starblazers. Do the names Titania or Eston mean anything to you?" As always, she waits for both their responses, but also their reactions (insight).

Do you often interrupt people in the middle of their meal?

Hoyt, do those names ring any bells to you?

They might, depending on who I'm talking to.

Merei Insight Check (DC 3) - 1, 1, 6, 5 (Two successes)

Merei mostly detects a hostile aura from the Starblazers, but she can't tell if that is direct at her, the subject, or is just their general demeanor. 

Edited November 2, 2021 by The Legonater

[karmajay]

16 hours ago, The Legonater said:

That would be a question for her crew. Maybe they were waiting for something?

I'll bet them Starblazers know a thing or two. I think I saw them picking a fight with one of McSorley's guys about something. 

Kirwin thanks the engineers for their time and shares the hart shuttle name to contact if they hear any other info. 

Kirwin walks back to Jace and Alexa and says "Sounds like the freighter had a longer then normal turn around while here. The holdup was not equipment related. Mr.McSorley was very upset about the situation. A group called the Starblazers did get into a fight with some of the crew while they were here." 

[Zepher]

3 hours ago, The Legonater said:

Do you often interrupt people in the middle of their meal?

Hoyt, do those names ring any bells to you?

They might, depending on who I'm talking to.

Merei Insight Check (DC 3) - 1, 1, 6, 5 (Two successes)

Merei mostly detects a hostile aura from the Starblazers, but she can't tell if that is direct at her, the subject, or is just their general demeanor. 

"I don't interrupt people in the middle of their meals more frequently than I have to. As I said, I'm Merei. Like the other two I mentioned, I am currently working for Hart. A ship went missing, and the people looking for the ship went missing, and we are looking for leads. Do you have any?"

[Kintobor]

3 hours ago, The Legonater said:

Ah, yes; I am Lord Malloch and my cybernetic compatriot over there is Mr. Tobermory. We, too, happen to be travelers, and were forced to take stop here at Port 927-C. Despite its reputation, we were pleased to discover the port to be relatively hospitable and accommodating. That said, my friend and I have something of a snag in our accommodations. See, we were on our way to Cosmopoli on some due amount of time pressure, but I have been informed by the locals that the most direct route to Cosmopoli is through something they have dubbed the Forbidden Sector. Detours are possible - and, in fact, insisted upon - however doing so would add greatly to our travel times. Since Mr. Tobermory and myself have already been delayed we were hoping to avoid such circumstances. Having noticed how capable you appeared, and the way you and your companions quickly settled upon chatting with the regular patrons here, we were hoping that you might lend us some advice, however, if you are correct in that you are just as new here as we are, perhaps such hope was unfounded?

"My apologies, I did not realize I was speaking to a nobleman." Zaria stands out of her seat and bows with a small flourish. "I am Zaria Kanara, I am a priest of Varuth. If you would like some of my advice on your current circumstance, I would love to assist you and your associate if you would allow me? I am new to this region, myself, but I would be more than willing to give travel advice, if you would allow me."

[The Legonater]

42 minutes ago, karmajay said:

Kirwin thanks the engineers for their time and shares the hart shuttle name to contact if they hear any other info. 

Kirwin walks back to Jace and Alexa and says "Sounds like the freighter had a longer then normal turn around while here. The holdup was not equipment related. Mr.McSorley was very upset about the situation. A group called the Starblazers did get into a fight with some of the crew while they were here." 

Good to hear Valencia was in one piece when she left, at least. McSorley was the chief engineer, right? I wonder what could have gotten him so riled up.

Hardly surprising they found trouble with the Starblazers; they've been a thorn in our side in this area for some time. 

Looking up, she sees Merei beginning a conversation with the mercenaries. Oh, shit-

19 minutes ago, Zepher said:

"I don't interrupt people in the middle of their meals more frequently than I have to. As I said, I'm Merei. Like the other two I mentioned, I am currently working for Hart. A ship went missing, and the people looking for the ship went missing, and we are looking for leads. Do you have any?"

Ah, more deer scat decided to stroll into our place.

Yeah, here's a lead. Screw off. Maybe your precious Mortizar would finally learn when he's not welcome. This was our turf long before he tried digging his grubby hands into it.

Boo-hoo, rich-boy Morty lost his little ships. 'Far as I'm concerned, he deserves it for what they did to Viper. 

2 minutes ago, Kintobor said:

"My apologies, I did not realize I was speaking to a nobleman." Zaria stands out of her seat and bows with a small flourish. "I am Zaria Kanara, I am a priest of Varuth. If you would like some of my advice on your current circumstance, I would love to assist you and your associate if you would allow me? I am new to this region, myself, but I would be more than willing to give travel advice, if you would allow me."

And I did not realize I was speaking to a priest! The apologies are all mine, madame Kanara. Please, if you could grant whatever wisdom you have to offer, I would be deeply appreciative. Is there any way I can accommodate you? Anything you require before adorning us with your discernment? 

[Kintobor]

Zaria nods. "I would be honoured to assist you on your journey. Wisdom is meant to be shared for all our benefit. I do not need any accommodations, although I would not mind sitting with you and your associate, if you do not mind. " Zaria smiles. She notices the scene taking place with Merei and the mercenaries, but minds nothing of it for the moment.

[Zepher]

33 minutes ago, The Legonater said:

Ah, more deer scat decided to stroll into our place.

Yeah, here's a lead. Screw off. Maybe your precious Mortizar would finally learn when he's not welcome. This was our turf long before he tried digging his grubby hands into it.

Boo-hoo, rich-boy Morty lost his little ships. 'Far as I'm concerned, he deserves it for what they did to Viper. 

Merei sits down at the table. "I would not say I misspoke, but I have also not been entirely clear. My current employer is Hart, but that is not where my allegiance lies. The company is paying me. But I am a member of Heroica. Have you heard of us? We are very young, and in truth, I've sworn myself to Heroica and I value that deeply, but Heroica isn't my main allegiance either. Hart is a means to an end. Heroica is a means to an end. I think you can appreciate that. But I like truth, and knowledge, and it seems I am missing something important. I wouldn't like to be employed by someone who isn't kind. How is Mortizar infringing on your turf, and, more important, what did they do to Viper? Something bad? We won't let that stand."

[The Legonater]

1 hour ago, Kintobor said:

Zaria nods. "I would be honoured to assist you on your journey. Wisdom is meant to be shared for all our benefit. I do not need any accommodations, although I would not mind sitting with you and your associate, if you do not mind. " Zaria smiles. She notices the scene taking place with Merei and the mercenaries, but minds nothing of it for the moment.

Of course. This way, madame.

Lord Malloch leads the way back to his table, where Mr. Tobermory is already seated.

Gree-tings. Have a se-at. I take it Mall-och had infor-med you of our pli-ght?

35 minutes ago, Zepher said:

Merei sits down at the table. "I would not say I misspoke, but I have also not been entirely clear. My current employer is Hart, but that is not where my allegiance lies. The company is paying me. But I am a member of Heroica. Have you heard of us? We are very young, and in truth, I've sworn myself to Heroica and I value that deeply, but Heroica isn't my main allegiance either. Hart is a means to an end. Heroica is a means to an end. I think you can appreciate that. But I like truth, and knowledge, and it seems I am missing something important. I wouldn't like to be employed by someone who isn't kind. How is Mortizar infringing on your turf, and, more important, what did they do to Viper? Something bad? We won't let that stand."

The Starblazers murmur at each other after Merei speaks. After some time, their conversation lulls and they turn back to the newcomer.

Well, we've never heard of this 'Heroica' but I can respect anyone who'll hear out another side. Especially if they're doing it at the expense of Mortizar's dime.

Morty's risen up fast outta nowhere, and his eyes are bigger than his stomach. These days, it looks like he's thinking he's gonna come out as some hero and repair some of the damage of the Gate Collapse by forging a direct trade route from Cosmopoli to Aluriel. So, he tries to set up shop here, in Port Charon. But Charon's occupied. It's been Starblazer turf for years, nevermind the other groups we let operate around here. Besides, this space is wild for a reason. Between the Forbidden Sector and Charon's history, there are more than a few reasons official groups don't like hanging around here. Which has made it prime territory for people like us to make a buck or two, y'know, keep our heads above the water. But now Morty thinks he can tame wild space. Just ruining our perfectly good operation is what he's doing.

As for Viper... well, when your ship Valencia was in docks, some Hart boys got their noses where they shouldnt've and tried to make it our business. We put 'em in line. Then, Valencia's "valiant" Captain Ilbery retaliated by kidnapping Viper, the leader of the Starblazers. Or at least, he was for the past seven years. Now he's gone, nobody's heard from him since Valencia left port. 

Which means they're gonna be hearing a lot from us, soon...

[KotZ]

18 hours ago, The Legonater said:

You'll forgive a gal like me for not accepting every drink a guy offers. I often just go for the Standard, myself. It's never done me wrong yet. 

She accepts the handshake. I'm Doria. Depends on what kind of freighter you're talking about. One that passed by here, I presume?

"Hey, I get it," Varen says as he takes another swig from his flask "Yeah, came by here not too long ago, the ship. It's gone missing. I know I'm being a bit forward, but if you had any knowledge, i'd look great in front of my crew." Varen flashes a smile.

[Kintobor]

33 minutes ago, The Legonater said:

Of course. This way, madame.

Lord Malloch leads the way back to his table, where Mr. Tobermory is already seated.

Gree-tings. Have a se-at. I take it Mall-och had infor-med you of our pli-ght?

Taking her food with her, Zaria takes a seat with the nobleman and his associate. "Mr. Tobermory, a pleasure to make your acquaintance. I'll be completely honest, you two seem to know the area more than I do, and I'd like to understand the position you two are currently in more. What can you tell me about the Forbidden Sector?" Zaria asks, curious about what actually makes an area of space known as the Forbidden Sector.

[Zepher]

1 hour ago, The Legonater said:

Morty's risen up fast outta nowhere, and his eyes are bigger than his stomach. These days, it looks like he's thinking he's gonna come out as some hero and repair some of the damage of the Gate Collapse by forging a direct trade route from Cosmopoli to Aluriel. So, he tries to set up shop here, in Port Charon. But Charon's occupied. It's been Starblazer turf for years, nevermind the other groups we let operate around here. Besides, this space is wild for a reason. Between the Forbidden Sector and Charon's history, there are more than a few reasons official groups don't like hanging around here. Which has made it prime territory for people like us to make a buck or two, y'know, keep our heads above the water. But now Morty thinks he can tame wild space. Just ruining our perfectly good operation is what he's doing.

As for Viper... well, when your ship Valencia was in docks, some Hart boys got their noses where they shouldnt've and tried to make it our business. We put 'em in line. Then, Valencia's "valiant" Captain Ilbery retaliated by kidnapping Viper, the leader of the Starblazers. Or at least, he was for the past seven years. Now he's gone, nobody's heard from him since Valencia left port. 

Which means they're gonna be hearing a lot from us, soon...

"Hm. I was young when the Gate Collapse happened. Can you tell me more about that? And as for other planets, I have done some traveling, and was recently on Cosmpoli itself. But it seems that you have already begun to provide the service that Hart is now trying to provide. He needs Charon for this trade route? And what exactly is Charon's history? I am full of questions, as you can tell. Please excuse my ignorance. I don't like it." Merei leans forward towards the gentleman who had previously told her to screw off. "As for you and Hart battling for this station, I will admit it means little to me, except that it has piqued my interest. I have no vested interest in either side, if I am being honest with you. But it does seem you have a vested interest in the same ship I'm looking for. If Viper was aboard, our interests our are aligned in finding it, me for my job, and you for your recovery of your leader. Which I would like to see. I don't like hearing anyone was lost, Viper, Hart's people, anyone. Mystery is interesting only in the solving."

[The Legonater]

2 hours ago, KotZ said:

"Hey, I get it," Varen says as he takes another swig from his flask "Yeah, came by here not too long ago, the ship. It's gone missing. I know I'm being a bit forward, but if you had any knowledge, i'd look great in front of my crew." Varen flashes a smile.

I've been around the block quite a bit in these parts, seen a lot of ships come and go. You have a name for the freighter? Then I can help you and your friends. 

 

[The Legonater]

2 hours ago, Kintobor said:

Taking her food with her, Zaria takes a seat with the nobleman and his associate. "Mr. Tobermory, a pleasure to make your acquaintance. I'll be completely honest, you two seem to know the area more than I do, and I'd like to understand the position you two are currently in more. What can you tell me about the Forbidden Sector?" Zaria asks, curious about what actually makes an area of space known as the Forbidden Sector.

The For-bidd-en Sect-or is a prob-lem.

What my friend means is that the Forbidden Sector is a problem for any travellers in this area. The Forbidden Sector is their name for a nebula near here positioned between the twin dying stars of Scylla and Charybdis. The gravitonic forces from the two stars make it nigh-impossible to navigate, the legends speak of novice pilots who have their ships torn in twain by the pressure. As such, my ally and myself are uncertain to whether we have the sheer talent required to pass by the dying stars. The passage around Scylla and Charybdis is a lengthy one, however, and still takes us through the dark annals of wild space. Should we take the path of certain danger, there remains the chance of success, should we survive. However, if we take the path of distant, uncertain danger, survival feels more certain, but at the risk of greather threats down the road, not to mention the loss of our time. What wisdom do you have for such travellers as ourselves?

1 hour ago, Zepher said:

"Hm. I was young when the Gate Collapse happened. Can you tell me more about that? And as for other planets, I have done some traveling, and was recently on Cosmpoli itself. But it seems that you have already begun to provide the service that Hart is now trying to provide. He needs Charon for this trade route? And what exactly is Charon's history? I am full of questions, as you can tell. Please excuse my ignorance. I don't like it." Merei leans forward towards the gentleman who had previously told her to screw off. "As for you and Hart battling for this station, I will admit it means little to me, except that it has piqued my interest. I have no vested interest in either side, if I am being honest with you. But it does seem you have a vested interest in the same ship I'm looking for. If Viper was aboard, our interests our are aligned in finding it, me for my job, and you for your recovery of your leader. Which I would like to see. I don't like hearing anyone was lost, Viper, Hart's people, anyone. Mystery is interesting only in the solving."

Well Lu tells the story better, but the gist is that the port was once held in decent regard, but after the Gate collapse it became more-or-less abandoned. These things always have a domino effect, ya see. Richer folks pull out support for the area, the port's security drops, danger rises. All of a sudden people are turning to whatever they can to survive, and the one's who don't, don't make it. The place gets dubbed 'Port Charon,' a place that'll send you to your death. It's even worse with all the natural dangers in the area. Management tries to clean things up, avoid the bad rep, and ITA keeps a post on-station now, but to be frank, they don't do much.

Regarding the collapse itself, I don't know if any of us could tell you much more than the average history book could. It's mostly a mystery, as far as I'm aware. 

I'm afraid I didn't get a good look at Valencia as she was leaving; though from what I hear she left in quite a hurry. If you can bring Viper back, we'd really appreciate it. 

I'm sure you would. What exactly have they been telling you, Merei?

To Merei's surprise, she finds Alexa seating herself at the table, a stony glare affixed on the green-armoured man.

Edited November 3, 2021 by The Legonater