Characters: Darrurz, Joe, Mazun
NPC: Arthur, Zhosokh, ZeeBee
Location: Paql Reveresh Ridl
System: Ghudue
As per standard procedure, Paql Reveresh Ridl has exited jumpspace around
Ghudue's outermost gas giant. A passive sensor sweep is done and comes back
with no interference. Joe is positive that the results are accurate and that
there is a warm, metallic object the size of a small spacecraft on one of the
moons. Fortunately, Ed isn't detecting vakh.
Darrurz remarks, "Well I think we need to check that out, but it's standing out
like a sore thumb which makes me think that they want to."
He checks the range to the moon and the craft and works out if they can do a
fuel run through the gas giant against the time to intercept of the craft on the
moon given a 6G burn from the "small spacecraft." He mutters to himself, "Well
we could just change vector during the fuel run and pop out somewhere they
aren't expecting."
From engineering, Mazun says, "I think that's a good idea."
Meanwhile sensor data keeps coming in. Joe says, "The computer is 93% certain
that we're looking at an Angrorghag class seeker, so we can easily
outrun it."
Arthur adds, "If that's all that's out here, we're in good shape. And if Joe's
little buddy and the bots aren't detecting vakh, then it probably is alone. If
it is vakh, it's like that boat back on Dueks."
Joe starts plotting on the display, the sensor shadow the moon will be giving
off for the Angrorghag seeker. "Darrurz can you help me? Is it possible
for our vector after our re-fueling run to bring us back out in this area here?"
He points at the sensor shadow he has plotted.
Darrurz runs a plot on the holo and replies, "Well, if I use the boundary of the
shallow and the deep which should be around here in this gas giant and change
vectors here and then here," he points to two points on the plot and manipulates
the plot to show the run talking as he thinks, "we'll take slightly longer in
the fuel run, but we can burn whatever thrust we need to because we'll just
recover what we burn as fuel in the run. I'm going to be carrying some velocity
out of the run, but I'll have to otherwise we'll not escape, but it should put
us here." He points to where the centre of the sensor shadow coincides with the
exit point of the run from the gas giant. "There's always going to be a margin
of error, because there always is."
And then he looks at Joe with the plot still showing on the holo. "Why, what are
you thinking? Because all they have to do is launch from the moon and stand off
here." He puts up an orbit around the moon. "And they can cover the whole
hemisphere's profile, and Angrorghags have a ship's boat, remember, which
is a 6G craft, same as the one we left on Akfotsidano, and if they still have
them they may have two mining drones, so if they place them," and he points to
the plot leaving highlighted points, "here, here, with the ship's boat here
while they stand off to here, then from a standing start they can cover about
75% of the gas giant's profile."
Joe replies, "If they redeploy like that, it tells us the ship is populated and
operable and should trigger them to hail us. If they are scouts for something on
the other side of the moon, we'll see the other side and learn that. If they
are un-crewed then we shouldn't see any activity in response to us, although
they could be maintaining in-operation for other reason. If they were trying to
hide however, they would have been inside the gas giant, although those orbits
require active power to maintain stability."
Joe adds, "Once we exit the GG with full tanks, we can make a further decision
to approach and explore. If we happen to be in a sensor void to them, then all
the better."
Darrurz's ears stand up and he tilts his head slightly to the left as he listens
to Joe. "Makes sense." He turns back to the pilot station and starts to
initiate the run as plotted. "Unless anyone else has anything, we're starting
the run, so now's the time." He sets the computer to time the run and assist him
in following the path.
"Works for me," Arthur says.
"Initiating burn for a supposed standard entry fuel run on my mark. In 4, 3, 2,
1, Mark."
The inbound part of Joe's plan goes without a hitch. The Angrorghag
doesn't move from its position, communicate, or fire up its active sensors.
In to skim.
Darrurz finds a calm patch of atmosphere to skim and deftly
maneuvers through it.
Skimming complete.
The ship emerges from the gas giant with the Angrorghag's moon on the
opposite side.
Darrurz relaxes slightly as the Paql emerges from the gas giant in the
predicted place and, out loud, but to no one in particular, says, "That was
alright." And then to the bridge, "We're here," showing the holo plot with the
Paql's position right in the middle of the moon's sensor shadow. "If we
wait right here, it'll be 36 hours before the moon's will be in position to spot
us on their sensors. Plenty of time to depart without detection."
Joe comments, "Well they've not moved to anticipate us emerging on the far side
of the gas giant. We should investigate further.
"I suggest we use the gas giant's shadow and approach outside their sensor's
arc. We should be able to get quite close."
Darrurz replies, "Ok," and manipulates the holo plot again. "So how about we
come in for a transfer to a polar LMO about 20 degrees off vertical passing
over the Angrorghag, looking to move to a GGSO based on the position of
the Angrorghag so we keep passing over it. In mitigation we can transfer
to a MMO at pretty much any time, or just burn for best jump point. With the
expectation of a micro jump to Ghudue itself?
"It will give us eighteen minutes over target, but we'll come around again
quickly, and adjust as needed.
"And what do we do to investigate? Active Sensors? Hail? Both?"
Joe replies, "I was thinking of a landing, but I like your suggestion better.
"Let's keep the active sensors out of this for the first pass—they could
be mistaken for hostile action—but passives at that low orbit, and without
an atmosphere, should give us a clear enough picture of the state of the hull
and we can send a hail if we think it likely someone could still be alive down
there." Joe then adds, "Since we know that Vakh have a tactic of recording and
replaying voices, let's just use one person on the comms till we are sure there
is no Vakh."
Arthur clears his throat and says, "Takin' it from a ground pounder's
perspective, I think I've got another way. Since the moon is tidally locked to
the gas giant, and we spotted the ship on the side facing the gas giant, we can
sneak up on it through its blind spot. We head out, using the gas giant to keep
us hidden from the Angrorghag's moon, then when we're far enough out, we
come back in, hopping from one moon to the next, using each as sensor cover,
until we come up behind the Angrorghag's moon. We can then be on top of
them before they have time to react.
"Either that or we build up speed in the gas giant's shadow and bull rush the
thing on our way out to jump point."
Darrurz mulls this over for a bit, then says, "Computer, plot a course that
keeps us hidden from the Angrorghag's sensors, utilizing gravitational
assist from the gas giant's moons, using minimal fuel, so that we can either
creep up on the ship from behind the moon or show up with high guard advantage."
The computer runs through several quick simulations before coming back with a
flight path. It uses 1 ton of fuel, takes 8 hours 20 minutes, and enables the
Paql to creep up on the Angrorghag from behind. The path consists
of 70 min 2G burn behind the gas giant then coasting to the third moon for 3
hours, 30 minutes. The first slingshot maneuver whips it back in towards the
second moon in 2 hours, 20 minutes. The final slingshot is followed by a 2G
decel burn of 70 minutes after coasting for ten minutes.
Darrurz says, "Ok, 8 hours 20 minutes to come on the Angrorghag from
behind without them seeing us, and then we can overfly them from Medium Moon
Orbit. What do you recon?"
Joe says, "Sounds good. I'll stand by on the turret in case there are any
launches."
Arthur answers Darrurz, "We land a few klicks away from the bogey. We creep up
to it, after hoofin' it or ridin' in the speeder, then we wait and watch. See if
there's any activity, signs of life. Make sure it's Vargr and ain't Vakh. If
it's Vakh, we take note of it and split. If it's Vargr, maybe we say hello."
Darrurz replies, "I'd rather be in orbit with a course to jump point than on
the ground with crew away from the ship. So we overfly them see what they look
like. Say hello if we don't think they are Vakh, and if we think they are then
we just bug out and go from there."
"Ok," Arthur replies.
Darrurz turns back to the pilot's station. "Ok inputting course. Stand by for
burn in 2, 1, Mark." and Darrurz initiates the course.
Characters: Darrurz, Joe, Mazun
NPC: Arthur, Zhosokh, ZeeBee
Location: Paql Reveresh Ridl
System: Ghudue
Paql has executed the programmed course without complications and is now
coming up on the Angrorghag's moon.
As the ship nears the moon, Darrurz cancels the last part of the deceleration so
that the ship can do an overhead flyby instead of landing on the surface. While
the ship is moving too fast and too high for direct viewing by actual eyeballs,
the sensors are perfectly fine. As the ship proceeds along on an outbound
course with a relatively low velocity [OOC: meaning the vector is small enough
to cancel with minimal fuel loss and time...], the crew play back the telemetry
data to see what was recorded.
The Angrorghag appears normal, undamaged. In the crater where the ship
lies, two humanoid figures in vacc suits can be seen tending to what appears to
be a sensor station directed at the gas giant. A solar panel array lies nearby.
A cable runs from the sensor station towards the end of the crater.
Darrurz alters the ship's course and slows her down so they won't come around in
the same orbit at an expected time and place.
"Looks like they are either repairing or installing a sensor station. For what?
Who knows? ZeeBee, Zhosokh, Joe was there anything that indicated they were
Vakh?"
Joe replies "Ed's not detected anything."
Zhosokh and ZeeBee reply, "Negative."
Joe continues, "Shall we make contact?"
Darrurz says, "Yep, it's the only way we are going to know. Who wants to be the
voice of the Tagan Pack Ship Paql Reveresh Ridl? I agree with Joe in that
we should only have one voice externally, so if the Vakh record it and cut it
up to play back to us, we'll have a good chance of knowing they did it.
"Ten minutes until we come over them again. I suggest we contact then and offer
assistance."
Arthur asks, "What if they're Vargr? Do we want to have a Human be the source of
first contact? Is that ok? Or will they freak out?"
Darrurz tilts his head to the left and raises his right ear. After a brief
moment, he says, "Good point. That would be me then," and he smiles showing a
little bit of teeth.
As the Paql comes around the moon again Darrurz sets himself up to
undertake evasive manoeuvres if he needs to. To Joe, he nods and says, "Be
ready," then opens a comms channel to the Angrorghag and in Gvegh, "Good
Morning, this is the Tagan Pack Ship Paql Reveresh Ridl, can we offer any
assistance?"
There's silence for about twenty seconds, then a timid reply in Gvegh, "Uhhhh
hello. No, Paql Rrrreverr Rrrr. Thank you, we're fine. Just going...
uhhh... just surveying this moon. [Yip.] That's what we're doing."
Darrurz replies, "No worries" and then mutes external comms. To the crew, he
says, "Although they don’t sound so certain." Back on external coms, he
continues, "We're just being friendly. What ship and where are you from?" While
he waits for their reply, he mutes external comms and asks, "What's changed on
the ground since we came over last time?"
Joe answers, "The figures that were outside are now back in their ship."
"And the equipment they were working on is it still there? Any better idea on
what it is?"
"Looks like a sensor array."
After half a minute or so, the voice from the Angrorghag comes back. "You
said that you were from the 'Tagan Pack,' right? We've never heard of it. Is
it some corsair group? Because your ship doesn't match anything we've seen
before."
Darrurz replies externally, "I asked you first: What ship and where are you
from?" and internally "They are getting ready to launch. What are your thoughts
on what we should do? I'm thinking that we should break off for jump point."
Darrurz plots a course to take a high guard position on the Angrorghag
from any of three most likely courses that they could take from launching off
the moon with a route for the Paql to jump point.
Joe replies while the comm is muted, "I'll bet they've never seen anything like
us. This ship was a rare sight out here before Virus closed everything down." He
readies the switch for active sensors and will trigger it if there is any peak
in power to their weapons or if a missile is launched.
The reply comes back, "I fail to see how that matters. You're the intruder here;
this is our system. But since you insist on knowing, we're the Ghudue Naval
Ship Givorang. And now I'll repeat my question: What is the Tagan Pack?"
Darrurz replies in a friendly manner, "Well met, Ghudue Naval Ship
Givorang. We didn’t know we were intruders in your system until you let
us know that you were indeed a Ghudue Naval Ship, which is why I asked. You
could have been Vakh, could still be in fact."
Darrurz thinks he hears a snort of derision from the other end of the comm, but
he continues, "Apologies if we interrupted the setting up of your sensor array.
Good idea to monitor the ships refueling at your gas giants. We're standing off
if you need to complete the work, or we could help; the offer of assistance was
genuine. But to your question, the Tagan Pack is an alignment of systems working
towards a better future for all. Coreward of here, I'm sure you know where
Tagan is. We're on a scouting mission, and Ghudue is our current stop."
"Apology accepted. It's probably best if you head downsystem and make proper
contact with the Ghudue Defense Force. They'll be interested to hear that
there's someone else out here besides Vakh, poachers, and the Gungaerrgians."
Darrurz says, "Yep, we met the Gungaerrgians. They're one of the reasons we came
here. There's the Tsougak Trade Federation just rimward, we came with them, but
that's a long story." Darrurz pauses a moment. "When you say poachers, do you
mean corsairs? Or something else?"
"Both actually. Corsairs bite; poachers sneak into your den when you're not
looking. Not to say that there's a lot of either one. But with resources so hard
to come by, each loss hurts."
Off external comms, Darrurz asks the rest of the crew, "What do we think? To
jump point and then into Ghudue to say hello?"
Arthur answers, "It is what we came here to do, so yeah. Hopefully, they'll be a
little less twitchy."
Joe replies, "If a normal space approach isn't too much longer I'd say do that.
I can keep an eye on our friends down there, possibly intercept any radio
message they send out, and start my sensor sweep of the planet as we approach.
But if we're talking weeks instead of days let's jump, but calculate a course
slightly outside the normal approach from this location."
Darrurz consults a holomap of the system. He doesn't need the computer to
calculate how long a trip through normal space would take. It's that obvious.
"Too far to go through normal space. A mini-jump is necessary."
Mazun answers, "I'd be fine with giving this system a miss."
Darrurz mulls it over for a few seconds, then states, "We'll mini-jump to the
mainworld and introduce ourselves." He begins to plot the jump.
Mazun suggests that since the star is in the way of a direct jump, they should
jump ahead of Ghudue in its orbit to reduce travel time a little bit.
Darrurz agrees. He then comms the Angroghag, "Goodbye and good hunting."
"Likewise," is the reply.
The Paql Reveresh Ridl then continues its climb out of the gravity well.
Now at safe jump distance, the Paql Reveresh Ridl jumps to Ghudue.
Characters: Darrurz, Joe, Mazun
NPC: Arthur, Zhosokh, ZeeBee
Location: Paql Reveresh Ridl, in Ghudue's orbital path
System: Ghudue
Paql Reveresh Ridl emerges from its mini-jump roughly five million
kilometers ahead of the planet in its orbit. With passive sensors engaged, the
ship proceeds onward to Ghudue.
As the gap between planet and starship shrinks, Joe works the passive sensors to
resolve something from the signal. It takes some time, chiefly assisted by the
ever-shrinking distance, but he catches sight of a 1,000 dton metallic object in
orbit over the north pole. It's shape doesn't conform to any known starship
silhouette, being box-shaped. It has a low energy signature too.
Darrurz will decelerate the ship to stay away from the object. "That's too big
for us to handle, whatever it might be. I suggest that we hail Ghudue and go
from there. Thoughts?"
Joe says, "I'm going to maintain a passive sensor watch. In particular, I'll
keep a look out for any launches to or from the 1000dt object as well as any
changes in its emissions. But Ed's not sensing anything Vakh-related."
Zhosokh and ZeeBee both claim to not be picking up any Vakh chatter.
Arthur replies, "Definitely too big for us to handle. A hail is all we can hope
to do right now."
Darrurz opens the standard external hailing channel. "Morning, this is the Tagan
Pack ship Paql Reveresh Ridl. We're on a reconnaissance mission looking
for survivors and possible trade partners, and we were pointed towards your good
selves here at Ghudue."
There is no reply to the hail for thirty minutes. The ship isn't far enough away
from the planet for the delay to be due to light lag.
Finally, a reply comes through. It sounds like a middle-aged vargr male.
"Greetings Pakl Rrrreferrssh Ridhull. We apologize for the delay in replying.
We haven't established first contact protocols yet, so we needed to alert our
secretary of foreign correspondence."
Neither Zhosokh, nor ZeeBee are picking up any elements of vakh activity on the
comm message. Same goes for Ed in Joe's head.
The voice continues, "We haven't heard about any Tagan Pack, but our records
indicate that there's a world called Tagan over a dozen parsecs coreward from
here. Is that where you come from?"
Darrurz replies, "Yes that's correct. Tagan survived the Collapse, reconnected
with its neighbours, and the Pack is reaching out to others of like mind. This
reconnaissance mission is the result of a collaboration with the Tsougak Trade
Federation who have also reestablished themselves and are likely in talks with
the Pack as we speak."
Darrurz tilts his head to the left and continues, "As a slight aside, there's a
1,000 ton object in orbit over your north pole, would you mind telling us what
it is?" and then brings his head back to a neutral position. "Also would you be
amenable to us landing for discussions?"
"That's our defense platform. I'm sure you can understand why we have it." A
pause. "With regards to you landing for discussions, we would be amenable to
that provided that you tell us what kind of craft you're in and keep your
weapons powered down."
Darrurz replies, "Ghudue Down, wait a moment please." Darrurz turns off external
comms and turned on internal comms. "I think we should declare that we have
Zhosokh and ZeeBee on board as crew members. We're going to be landing and thus
vulnerable." He tilts his head to the side. "Unless we go down in the speeder,"
then tilts his head back, "and I'd rather that they didn't shoot first and ask
questions later. What do you all think?"
Mazun thinks it sounds like a plan.
Arthur agrees. "Yeah, the last thing we need is for them to freak out while
we're dirtside. Even if we managed to get off the ground, that defense platform
would make getting to the jump point really difficult."
Darrurz asks, "Zhosokh, ZeeBee are you happy, or rather content, with that?"
Zhosokh answers, "ZeeBee and I have been instructed by our parents that, after
72 standard Imperial years of homicidal violence inflicted upon carbon-based
sentients by silicon-based lifeforms, we would likely encounter people who would
have a strong negative response to our presence. As such, if we were to map the
data, we would likely see that reaction positivity is proportional to discovery
distance."
ZeeBee continues, "Another way of stating that is we agree that Arthur is
tactically correct."
Joe says, "I concur with Darrurz's idea about the robots, but I ask that we not
mention anything about Ed."
Darrurz nods, pauses for a moment, then opens the external comms. "Ghudue Down,
this is Paql Reveresh Ridl. Please be advised that we are mainly a human
crew and also have two members who are sane sentient independently mobile
silicon based lifeforms. The Paql Reveresh Ridl is a Yetsable
class 200-ton courier of Zhodani design and manufacture it has no subcraft. If
you have any questions, and we can understand if you do then please ask them,
and let us know how you wish to proceed."
After the expected time delay, the person at Ghudue responds, "What?! Are you
saying that you have Vakh on board?"
Darrurz replies, "No. We have 'sane,' sentient, independently mobile
silicon-based lifeforms. They are not Vakh. They are not mad and they don't have
an unerring desire to exterminate us, or you for that matter. They don't
transmit; they don't automatically attempt to take over other systems. Their
objectives are to help rebuild civilization for both us, Vargr, Humans, etc. and
silicon-based sentients, so themselves.
"One of the reasons that we are telling you this is so that you will not be
surprised at their presence and appearance when we land."
"No, no, no, no, no! Lies! They're just waiting for the right time to strike!
They tricked you into bringing them here to destroy us! Don't come any closer!
We will destroy you!"
To emphasize the speaker's point, passive sensors show movement at the defense
platform. Its IR signature is growing brighter, and the platform is rotating.
Darrurz replies, "Ghudue Down, Ghudue Down, stand down, stand down. We are
breaking off. We mean you no harm. Stand down, stand down."
Darrurz will puts in a maximum burn away from the defensive platform.
Fortunately, the ship is well outside Ghudue's gravity well and can jump away as
soon as the jump capacitors are charged.
"Joe, you're up. Defensive fire only, lasers and sand on missiles, sand on
lasers if that's what they have. Prepare active sensors. ZeeBee, Zhosokh, we
could use your help with any sensor targets that show."
"Acknowledged," they state in unison.
Joe re-configures his panel for defensive fire and ECM, transfers sensor control
to ZeeBee, and sets the defensive systems to standby mode.
Joe's brain quickly interfaces with Ed, and with subconscious thought, his
fingers quickly move to program an initial defensive action assuming the 1000DT
object has 5 Triple Missile Turrets and 5 Triple Laser Turrets, designated
"Defensive Fire Alpha", and then a second assuming 10 Triple Missile Turrets,
and a third assuming 10 Triple Laser Turrets, designation "Beta" and "Gamma"
respectively. His body, brain, and that of Ed synchronized in harmony, this
being what he was modified by the Vakh to do.
Not hearing any response from Ghudue, Darrurz transmits again, "Ghudue Down,
Ghudue Down, stand down, stand down. We will only fire to defend ourselves. We
mean you no harm.
No response.
"ZeeBee," Joe directs to the bot, "if you determine any clarification on their
weapon loadout, let me know so I can optimize defensive fire."
"Acknowledged."
Darrurz continues pleading with Ghudue, "Talk to the captain of the Ghudue Naval
Ship Givorang, your Angrorghag class seeker. We said hello and
offered assistance in setting up the sensor array on one of the moons of the
outermost gas giant and they said to come talk to you.
"We have information on Vakh activity in the Aetosak and Akofotsidano systems
you need to know."
Still no response.
"Darrurz," Joe sends to the pilot, "initial defense actions programed, nodes
warmed. Please advise evasive maneuvers before activating so I can adjust
firing pattern accordingly."
Darrurz nods, then repeats his plea in an effort to buy the ship more time.
"Ghudue Down, Ghudue Down, stand down, stand down, we are breaking off. We mean
you no harm."
Joe looks relaxed, but a worrying glint in his eye, makes anyone looking in his
direction wonder if he wants them to fire.
There is still no response from Ghudue.
ZeeBee says, "The configuration of the orbital platform indicates that it is
pointed in our direction. However, at this range, sensors are unable to
determine what its weapon complement is. Fortunately, our range is such that
they will not be able to get any kind of target lock on us."
Zhosokh adds, "I believe the Human expression is 'firing blind'."
Darrurz sets up an evasive manoeuvre pattern, sends it across to Joe to
incorporate into his defensive fire, and starts programming a jump route to
Sugutadho's outer gas giant.
"Mazan make preparations to jump if we need to. I'm programming in a jump to
Sugutadho's outer gas giant." And switching back to external comms, "Ghudue
Down, this is the Tagan Pack Ship Paql Reveresh Ridl. We have broken off.
Our intentions are friendly as stated before. We are on a reconnaissance
mission looking to reestablish contact for possible trade. We have been open and
honest with you in order to establish the start of trust. What more can we do?
It was our hope we could discuss our mutual findings from our explorations of
the cluster. Please state your intentions."
Unfortunately, there is still no reply from Ghudue. Despite all of Darrurz's
pleadings, they refuse to answer him.
Ten minutes later, the jump drive capacitors indicate that they're fully charged
and ready for jump. With Ghudue clearly unwilling to discuss things further,
Darrurz has no choice but to initiate jump.
Next: Arrival in the Sugutadho System