Characters: Verroel & Fi Khong
NPC: Vuedueloghz
Location: Hteh Hut Starport
System: Hteh Hut
The trio step into Imperial Outfitters. They sniff the air and have a look
around. The first thing that catches their eyes is the display for comms gear.
Communicators vary in size and performance. Network-only comms offer the most
variety. From the miniscule commdots up to handheld varieties with as much power
as simple computers. There is virtually no limit beyond except for one's wallet.
One can also supplement range and network dependence by adding a multiplexer.
These can be worn on a belt or placed in one's pocket.
Network-independent varieties aren't as small as they require extra battery
power and antennae to properly transmit. The best models have a range of 300
miles, measure 10 cm by 7.5 cm by 2.5 cm depth and weigh half a kilo. The
battery can communicate continuously for 6 hours at the 300-mile range.
Encryption comes standard. Smaller models have a range of 30 miles and similar
battery endurance but are much smaller (10 cm by 5 cm by 1.25 cm) and weigh 100
grams.
Fi checks out the 300-mile network-independent (NI) multiplexer and wearable
comms that go along with it. Wearable comms include hearing dots that attach to
the ear and models disguised as earrings. There are some fake fur mics that clip
on to fur found at the throat to pick up vibrations. There's also obvious
headgear if one isn't attempting to be clandestine.
The NI multiplexer also works with network-dependent comm systems, so one can
make use of smart phones, tablets, hand computers, etc.
The 300-mile NI multiplexer goes for 500 credits. The commdots for hearing and
speaking go for 25 cr each.
Verroel glances over at the equipment that Fi has found and wags his tail. "I
like the multiplexer and comms that go with it. Let's get the lot including the
disguised equipment and the headset. Sometimes we want to show and sometimes we
don't." He looks about and spots a young human female clerk. "Do the comm dots
work with each other independently over a shorter range?"
The clerk replies, "You'd have to be really close, like two meters. They only
have enough power to reach the multiplexer, which is never intended to be far
from the user."
"Do you sell encryption software for these comms?"
"Yes, we do. It runs around 50 cr."
Once they're done with the communications department, the trio make their way
over to outdoor clothing, and adverse atmosphere equipment is right next to it.
There appears to be a variety of outdoor clothing and boots, tailored for both
human and vargr. There's water repellent, insulated, heat reflective and
absorbent, air-conditioned and heated, sleeveless and sleeved, hats and glasses.
With the adverse atmosphere gear, they have models designed to fit either vargr
or humans. There are compressors, filter masks, and filtered compressors.
There's also a variety of filter cartridges for various taints: dust, sulfur,
pollen, and general microbial. Head gear (to keep taints out of one's eyes and
ears) attaches to the filter mask and is transparent. There are also
environmental suits if one is worried about taints or chemicals.
There are tents and pressurized tents, survival bubbles, and some small prefab
cabins kits.
Fi prices some insulated clothing and boots and aviator sunglasses. Longjohns
are 15 cr. Insulated shirts and pants are 25 cr each. Coats and snow pants are
100 credits each. The boots are 100 cr. For extreme conditions, there's a
heatsuit for 1000 cr. The sunglasses are 75 cr.
He finds a vargr filter mask and goggles set (together or separate) for 100 cr.
And it comes with a set of four filter cartridges for the most common taints.
The doctor in him looks up something to treat exposure besides lots of blankets.
There are some heatpacks which provide warmth to specific locations on the
body. They go for 5 cr each or a box of 20 for 50 cr. Ideally, someday they'll
invest in an automed for the ship. But in the meantime, he'll have to make do
with what he can buy. Although vargr aren't nearly as susceptible to frostbite
as humans, he figures that buying some BurnMelt, an ointment for cold burns,
couldn't hurt. Each 8 oz tube goes for 10 cr.
Verroel says, "I think we definitely want the filter mask and goggles sets.
Maybe a few spares. I would say a set of insulated clothing for each of us plus
a heatsuit. You never know when we might need them."
Vued nods his head in agreement. "Sometimes fur isn't enough."
Verroel decides that everyone needs a set of LI/IR goggles. He adds a spare set
to his tab. He also grabs two vargr and one human-fitted spare filter masks and
goggles.
Characters: Verroel & Fi Khong
NPC: Vuedueloghz
Location: Hteh Hut Starport
System: Hteh Hut
With all of their purchases made, and arrangements made to have the goods
delivered to their ship, the trio departs Imperial Outfitters. Fi spots a shop
called "Morning Extract" and heads to it. He discovers a wide selection of tea,
coffee, and other lesser known breakfast beverages.
Fi walks in and buys two boxes of Earl Grey and three boxes of mixed organic
teas. Each box contains twenty tea bags and costs ten credits. He sniffs the
boxes, drawing in the aromas and smiling to himself. "That'll do nicely."
Satisfied with his purchase, Fi joins his crewmates in the street. Verroel has
had a chance to look around while waiting for Fi and thinks that the "Regal Wolf"
would be a good choice to grab a beer or two and listen around.
Verroel leads his pack over to the bar. There's a sign depicting a well dressed
vargr holding a pint of beer. The pint glass is more suited for a human's face
than a vargr's, but judging from the sound of the crowd inside, no one seems to
mind. The name and the sound of the crowd strikes him as auspicious.
Once inside, the trio note that the place is crowded, but not overtly so. It's
easy enough to move around. Verroel takes a deep breath, scenting the mood and
nature of the crowd, as well as the place itself. It feels welcoming.
Off to the left is the bar in a reverse L shape. On the right are probably a
dozen tables. An aisle divides the two sides up the middle. The decor looks like
it's from the sailing ship days of Terra. The crowd is a 50/50 mix of vargr and
humans. While the tables are divided according to race, about 1/4 of them are
mixed. There is one table available and a few seats at the bar.
Fi gives a nod towards the bar, and Verroel leads the way. He hoists himself up
on a stool, tail wagging slightly behind him.
The bartender, a dark-skinned human male, asks, "What'll it be, gents?"
Verroel orders a beer as does Vued. Fi just orders a SunnyDay, a carbonated
sucrose and water beverage with some citrus flavor and just enough caffeine to
be a pick-me-up.
When the bartender returns with the drinks, Verroel says, "Nice place you have
here, a good crowd of both races."
"Thanks." He smiles without showing any teeth. "Yeah, it's good. The boss
doesn't like any rough stuff. She kicks out anyone acting disorderly."
Verroel wags his tail and laps at his drink. "Ahhhh, that's good." He looks
around again. "Not a bad idea to encourage a place with a mixed crowds. There
are those that don't like it, but more that do I'd expect."
The bartender nods. "Judging by the crowds we get in here, I'd say so."
Fi is feeling chipper and turns to chat to the stranger next to him, a vargr
female who is facing away from him, talking to another vargr female. Both appear
to be in their twenties.
Too young for his taste, Fi resumes his search for someone a little more mature.
Verroel's ears perk up as he notices that Fi is on the hunt. He pokes fun at Fi
goodnaturedly and leans around him. "Ladies, I'm Verroel, and this is my ship's
doctor, Fi Khong."
Fi growls and in a low voice says to Verroel, "They're almost young enough to be
my pups." Turning back to the ladies, he puts on the best charm he can manage.
Verroel lets his wagging tail smack Fi.
The furthest one's ears rise up. She points to Fi. "You're a doctor?" She then
points to Verroel. "And you own a starship?" She turns to her companion. "I told
you, Luga, that there would be some prime alphas here."
The vargr identified as Luga smiles politely, but says, "Or it's a line just to
get into our pants. Do you wolves have any proof you are what you say you are?"
Luga's friend mock slaps her arm. "Luga, don't be rude."
"I'm not being rude. I'm being...smart."
Verroel lets loose a barking laugh and snaps his jaws. "No, Luga is being smart.
It's wise to scent out the path when dealing with the unknown."
Luga's disposition improves slightly.
Verroel motions Vued over. "This is my comrade in arms, Vuedueloghz. We've been
together since we were almost pups."
Vued sniffs the air. "Well met."
Verroel's tail wags as he pulls out a tablet. He calls up the landing permits
and receipt for starport charges. He hands it over to Luga. "There you go,
ladies." With a devilish grin, he adds, "Of course a persistent wolf would have
many paths to get into such fine pants."
Vued stifles a laugh.
Luga's friend looks over her shoulder.
Luga nods as she scrolls through the paperwork. "May I?" she asks.
"Be my guest."
She calls up the starport and looks through the list of ships in the port.
Luga's friend points to the tablet. "That's the ship name on the receipt. Happy
Trails. What a nice name."
Verroel says, "And if you call up the name of the ship, you'll see who's listed
as captain." He pulls out his bankcard and sticks it into a reader slot on the
tablet. Verroel's picture comes up on the screen.
"And there you are," Luga says.
Verroel smiles. "We've not had to bargain so tightly for any other valuables,
but what is better than fine bitches?"
Luga's friend smiles back and wags her tail. She maneuvers to the other side of
Luga to be closer to Verroel.
Luga hands the tablet and bankcard back to Verroel. She seems convinced. "Now
that we know you are who you say you are, I won't have to worry about Rruell."
She looks over at her friend.
Verroel pockets his bankcard and the tablet, then takes a drink of his beer. He
is clearly amused by the situation, a wry grin on his face, his tail wagging.
"Either of you lasses have an older sister?" Fi asks in all sincerity.
They exchange looks and both reply, "Yes."
Luga adds, "But my sister isn't here."
"But mine is!" Rruell adds with enthusiasm.
Fi's ears shoot up and his tail wags. "By the way, I'm not only the ship's
doctor, I'm also the ship's pilot." He gives a little wink.
Vued barks out a laugh.
Rruell pulls out her comm and starts texting. "Hold still." She holds up her
comm. "Got it."
Verroel waves the bartender over and says, "A fresh round of drinks for the
ladies." As he speaks, he lets his tail tangle with Rruell's. His muzzle
crinkles in a smile.
Now that Fi seems about to be set up with Rruell's older sister, he wonders
about Vued. He looks over at Vued and catches his eye. He gives him a slight nod
of understanding and a very human wink.
Verroel turns his attention to Luga, "Rruell is well taken care of, but what
about you, Luga?"
"Oh, I'll manage just fine." She glances over at Vued.
Rruell announces that her sister will be joining them shortly. In the meantime,
the group continues to socialize. Rruell's sister Aen is a lawyer. Rruell is an
administrative assistant at a brokerage firm. Luga is an accountant at the same
firm.
After fifteen minutes go by, Aen arrives. She looks just like Rruell, only five
years older. She's introduced to Fi and the two of them hit it off.
A couple of hours fly by, and it seems as if there are matches.
Characters: Verroel & Fi Khong
NPC: Vuedueloghz
Location: Hteh Hut Starport
System: Hteh Hut
After the fun evening, the trio is back at the ship and the girls are back home.
Fi got to play doctor with Aen and was pleased to report that she was in very
good health. On the business side of things, he learned that Hteh Hut rates
highly on business friendliness spectrum. There are few impediments to trade and
nothing out of the ordinary for traders who dabble in speculative buying and
selling.
Rruell didn't provide much intel about the brokerage firm she works at, but she
was fun.
Luga wouldn't confess much except to say that the firm was quite successful in
its endeavors.
Response to Liishaap's brochure, which was circulated among the brokerage firms,
has been limited. However, there was plenty of interest in seeing more of the
agricultural products that the trio brought in from Angvae. Another plus was the
receipt of brochures from Hteh Hut brokerages for the trio to bring back to
Liishaap. The general consensus seems to be that the Hteh Hut brokerages would
like to export product to Ninnigam and import agricultural products.
Thinking ahead to Miiko Belt, Verroel let it be known last night that that was
their next stop. Aen warned them that Miiko Belt was no longer independent, its
government deposed by the Confederation. They're more tolerant of outside vargr
than humans, but they should still exercise caution when dealing with them. When
Verroel pressed further about what they might be interested in trading for, she
replied, "Probably everything." But that's as far as Verroel got with this line
of questioning as Rruell growled for his attention.
Considering that the word about Miiko Belt makes it seem a bit run down,
especially when compared Hteh Hut, Verroel decides to look for mining equipment
or spare parts as speculative cargo.
Vued suggests that they consider freight instead. "The population is too small
for much of a market. It seems risky to me."
Verroel growls, but finally wags his tail. "Mail and frieght are probably safer.
We'll go that route."
Fi jumps, "Hey, this is the first high tech world we've been on since I got on
board. I don't know about you guys, but I could sure use some better armor."
Vued barks, "Me too!"
Verroel snaps his jaws in vargr laughter. "Me three!"
A quick search turns up "Armor Hut" which has the highest rating (quality and
prices), so they head over there to be fitted.
Characters: Verroel & Fi Khong
NPC: Vuedueloghz
Location: Armor Hut - Hteh Hut Starport
System: Hteh Hut
The trio have made their way over to Armor Hut to be fitted for armor. The sales
associate explains that the best protection available is made from coherent
synthetics. There are two variations: lite and heavy. For the same encumbrance
as the TL-9 cloth (modified ballistic weave AV 1.25) that the crew has back at
the ship, they can get double the AV with the heavy version (AV 2.5) or 60%
better with the lite version (AV 2). Or you can opt to scale back the protection
to what you have now, but run much lighter.
Unfortunately, nothing comes cheap.
| Type | Cost | Armor Value | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| CS-Lite | 7,350 cr | 2 | Full-suit |
| CS-Lite | 3,000 cr | 2 | Torso-only |
| CS-Lite, Lo-Weight | 3,700cr | 1.25 | Full-suit |
| CS-Hvy | 18,000 cr | 2.5 | Full-suit |
| CS-Hvy | 7,000 cr | 2.5 | Torso-only |
| CS-Hvy, Lo-Weight | 9,000cr | 1.25 | Full-suit |
Characters: Verroel & Fi Khong
NPC: Vuedueloghz
Location: Hteh Hut Starport
System: Hteh Hut
After buying their armor, the trio have returned to the ship. CargoNet is booted
up and Miiko Belt is entered as the destination. Only one entity has anything,
Miiko Belt Importers. However, there's easily more tonnage than your ship can
hold. There are various lots for mechanical parts, electronic parts, mining
equipment, machine tools, computers, and HVAC equipment. The good news is that
they're offering to pay 5 times the going rate.
Verroel wags his tail quite a bit at first for the opportunity to make a good
deal more money carrying cargo to Miiko belt. He wrinkles his muzzle however and
drops his ears as he thinks through the implications. "If they're willing to
pay 5X the going rate there must be something wrong. Let's see why other
merchants wouldn't want to travel there while we negotiate."
Vued answers, "I think we know the answer to that question already. Traders here
are worried about how the Confederation will treat them when they enter their
borders. They don't know if the Confederation Navy protects them from corsairs,
who are given sanctuary within their borders as we know firsthand. They may not
know, as we do, that the Confederation prohibits corsairs from attacking
Confederation shipping. While we're a vargr vessel with a vilani transponder, I
think that carrying this cargo for Miiko Belt Importers should get us in safely.
If we were headed in on our own..." he shrugs.
Verroel flips his ears back as he thinks. "Perhaps we should change flags to the
Confederation for the time being. The Vilani transponder may be like throwing
raw meat before a pack." He shakes his head in a shrug. "Still, the Vilani
transponder is probably our best longer term asset. We can get across the border
and buy high tech equipment and sniff for information without facing tariffs
or outright attack."
Vued replies, "We can just turn off the transponder. We used to do that as
corsairs, remember? We can't ditch the Vilani transponder; those things are
fleas in the crotch to obtain and expensive. Sarruero wanted to charge us a
hundred k, but Darrurz name dropped the price down to fifty k."
Verroel flips his ears and then snaps his jaws. "Yes, the old corsair days. When
we get more teeth on the ship we may rejoin that life, but for now the hunting
is good without having to travel that path. We'll not want to get shot on sight
in the Vilani system if we run without a transponder."
Verroel searches the local news net for keywords on trade with Miiko and beyond.
There are various articles over past years discussing the ups and downs of
trade with Miiko Belt based on the whims of the local economies and the varying
levels of corruption of the ruling family. There's a retrospective article
showing how the ruling family alienated everyone with their peculiar taxes,
levies, and fees. As a result, they ran out of cash and could no longer afford
to pay the mercenaries that provided system defense. They applied for client
state status, and it was granted. Once the war started, Imperial forces pulled
out, thus leaving the door wide open for Confederation forces to swoop in and
take the system. The new Confederation governor has stated that the system is
open for business and that all are welcome, however, traders, belters, and ore
processors are all reluctant to do business there due to bad memories of the
former rulers and uncertainty about the new ones.
"Vued, can you find out where the traders hang out? I think we should scent out
the hazards and advantages of this new pack. There might be information we can
find from the traders that may save our pelts later on. Also, if everyone is
hesitant to trade forward we may find even more bargains from those looking for
wolves willing to take risks."
"Sure." He gets up to leave. "I'll have my comm. I'll call if I find out
anything. You do the same." With that, he departs.
Verroel returns his attention to InfoNet. He checks the Miiko Belt Importers
netsite and looks for information about a trade promotion. There's nothing
there. It would stand to reason if the Miiko Belt governor is promoting trade he
would have an organization to help traders. He does figure out that Miiko Belt
Importers is the one sanctioned brokerage for Miiko Belt. The government handles
all trade going in and out of the system.
Verroel relates his discovery to Fi and adds, "We might be able to make some
friends in high places to carry information as well as trade goods, maybe even
mail. We can offer our access to the rimward regions toward Vilani space and our
contacts in that direction."
Fi wonders about the "government purchased freight". It makes his fur itch.
Still, he decides to keep a positive tilt to his voice. "Friends in high places
are good," replies Fi. "You never know when you might need friends in high
places."
Verroel calls Miiko Belt Importers and starts the discussion about loading cargo.
The wolf on the other end of the line is pleased that Verroel is willing to go
Miiko Belt. "None of the hairless were willing to go. And even some of our own
kind whine like pups. I tell them that the old regime is gone. The Confederation
honors its debts. Still, they treat us like mangy dogs."
Verroel asks about the generosity of the pay in a roundabout way.
"We had to offer some kind of incentive! As I said, both the hairless and the
toothless wouldn't haul freight to our world. Apparently, you're the first one
that isn't plagued by cataracts and can see what a great opportunity this is."
Verroel snaps his jaws and wags his tail in agreement as he speaks to the wolf
at the Miiko Belt office. "The pack I lead has hunted in dangerous places before.
The bold wolf takes opportunity and tears out its throat rather than whimpering
in the rear." He continues to wag his tail. "Your generosity is appreciated.
After we have successfully delivered the cargo, I would like to discuss the
possibility of a longer term relationship. Can you provide a letter of
introduction that will help not only with the customs patrols but with the
leaders of your pack?"
"Absolutely. But you won't have problems with customs. This is government
purchased freight. Once customs sees the paperwork, they'll wave you right on
through."
Seeing as how both parties are getting along swimmingly, Verroel coordinates
with the Miiko Belt Importers wolf, Oenagvaezoez, for the freight to be
delivered to Happy Trails and loaded.
Characters: Verroel & Fi Khong
NPC: Vuedueloghz
Location: Hteh Hut Starport
System: Hteh Hut
The cargo from Miiko Belt Importers arrives. Loading begins.
Oenagvaezoez hands over a datapad with the paperwork for Verroel to sign. Once
complete, he howls with delight. "Thank you, Captain. May Llallaeknuez watch
over you on your trip, and I hope to see you again soon."
Verroel returns a full-throated howl and wagging tail. "To a profitable and
successful trip! You should see much of us in the future."
With that Oenagvaezoez and his cargo loaders depart.
As Fi and Verroel stare at their hold full of cargo, Verroel remembers
Vuedueloghz. He says into his comm, "Vued, we're all set to go. Get back here."
Vued growls. "I wish you'd told me that you'd closed the deal already. I've only
just now gotten someone to relax enough to talk about Miiko. I'll be back as
soon as I can."
Verroel pauses for a moment. "Take your time then Vued. We can delay leaving a
bit to sniff out more information about our prey. We'll need a while to file
the flight plans."
Vued returns to the ship. He plops himself down on a chair on the bridge with
his packmates.
Verroel looks away from the preparation tasks required to get the ship underway.
He wags his tail in greeting and pushes his own acceleration chair around to
listen.
Vued explains what he learned. "Most of it we already know. Merchants are
worried about being raided by pirates. Even when told that the Confederation
doesn't tolerate piracy of Confederation shipping, some still wouldn't believe
it. Many get hung up on the fact that the Confederation needs to stop pirates
before they attack. I told them that I had it on good authority that they did.
Verroel comments, "That the others are too cautious or cowardly to trade with
the Confederation provides all the more opportunity for us."
Vued continues, "Those that knew that or believed me came up with another excuse
not to go there: the money. While Confederation merchants will negotiate over
which coin payment is made, Confederation governments, like our friends at Miiko
Belt Importers, who are owned by the government, only pay in Ngath
Confederation credits. Not Vilani or Imperial credits. And since the Vilani
won't accept Confederation credits, what we get paid won't be worth anything
when we get back to Vilani territory."
Fi asks, "Can we turn the credits into something like gold before we come back
across the border?"
Verroel snaps his jaws in agreement with Fi. "We'll want to spend whatever we
make on goods before we go. We'll need to factor in having to buy something at
an unfavorable price into whatever we sell."
Vued adds, "Yes. It's an asteroid belt, so they should have some ore that we can
sell. Beyond that," he shrugs, "who knows."
The crew wrap up their pre-flight checklist and let the starport know that they're ready to leave.
Jump!
Once the ship is securely in jumpspace, Fi turns off the ship's transponder. As
discussed earlier in the day, this is a measure taken to decrease the likelihood
of a corsair attack once they enter Ngath Confederation space.
Next: Arrival at Miiko Belt