[013] On to Damkina

[ffilz]

For reference:

Damkina B268734-8 Ag

Standard atmosphere. Self-Perpetuating Oligarchy. Ruling functions are performed by a restricted minority, with little or no input from the mass of citizenry. Weapons of a strict military nature (such as machine guns or automatic rifles, though not submachine guns) are prohibited.

Damkina is a small otherwise earth-like world. The world is a House Foix holding and the regional producer of coffee.

As you depart Arthiop, a Navy Type C Cruiser is inbound from Tristor.

As you come into Damkina, a Free Trader is outbound to Gorbad.

I'd also like to draw everyone's attention to the training log. Classic Traveller allows characters to start a self improvement program. I have slightly modified rules (see my house rules https://docs.google.com/document/d/1YEP ... sp=sharing ). I suggest every PC who hasn't tried to start a self improvement program have a look at the rules and consider what you might want to work on. Anyone can attempt to learn any weapon skill (including Brawling and Gunnery due to my house rules) since PCs have a default skill-0 in all combat skills. You may also attempt to improve any other skill you already have. There is also fitness training though that may be of less value since it doesn't result in permanent changes. Also, I haven't figured out rules for it yet, but there is some possibility of getting trained to level-0 in a new skill.

[Ramona]

Ana gets who ever is working as pilot to hail the outbound freighter and find out what we can find out about the situation in the system. Dirt side, star side any news feeds that kind of stuff and in return we’ll trade them what we have in the direction we’ve come from.

[Tiglath]

Foix trains hard during jump. He puts in range time with SMG and pistol (oddly spending time in one handed target practice as well as "combat" shooting) and uses almost fanatical practice of his forms with his heavy rapier as physical exercise. He also makes himself available for lengthy interviews with Vee.

He also monitors those on the away team on Arthiop to ensure no complications arise from rad exposure.

Grimaud puts on one three course formal dinner during the jump but it is a modest and actually rather "informal" affair by his standards so as to not overwhelm the new crew members.

Foix will be anxious to hear any news from Damkina accessing local news feeds as soon as possible after arrival. He authorises contact with House assets on world using Lady Alicia's authorisation and studies this information for anything awry.

[ffilz]

The Free Trader captain greets you formally (reaction 7) and shares the news. It seems that Damkina is not so exciting right now. News of the various wars has already come through here. Foix calls ahead to the local household and clearance is given to land at the coffee plantation if you desire, or the main starport your choice.

[Tiglath]

Foix will suggest we refuel at the starport and then take up residence at the coffee plantation.

[ffilz]

Foix will suggest we refuel at the starport and then take up residence at the coffee plantation.

You can refuel at the plantation. Especially since you don’t need refined fuel.

[Tiglath]

The plantation it is then!

[SpinwardMarch]

Cmdr. Taheri

In order to shift to her new position as advisor, she is going to start working on Admin as her second training slot. Unless the referee has another suitable suggestion.

Foix instinctively returns Taheri's salute. "I look forward to your insight on Naval matters, Commander. My man Grimaud will assist you with personalising the settings on your House vacc suit if you have the need".

Thank you, Comte. There are always a few details I like to change from the standard vacc suit. I will discuss them with Grimaud.

[ffilz]

Foix will suggest we refuel at the starport and then take up residence at the coffee plantation.

You can refuel at the plantation. Especially since you don’t need refined fuel.

Oh, Scout and Navy ships do want to use refined fuel when available, however, the plantation DOES have a small supply of refined fuel available (say 100 tons, more than enough).

See the house rules on use of unrefined fuel.

[Tiglath]

Foix will facilitate this as best he can (and hire his scoutship for courier duties - he's currently gathering and mobilising resources).

[ffilz]

Foix will facilitate this as best he can (and hire his scoutship for courier duties - he's currently gathering and mobilising resources).

Facilitate what?

[ffilz]

The Foix resources here do include enough folks that a small force could be raised here. The size depends on the level of skill and equipment you desire. There are currently no other Foix ships in system.

[Tiglath]

Foix will begin the process of gathering a small high quality force equipped with combat armour (if available) cloth armour if not. Autorifles and rifles as longarms and air rafts for mobility.

Despite Foix's concerns regarding his wife this is probably justifiable as a "safeguarding measure" for the Domain given the current instability in the Rift.

He would also like to get his case with the rest of his equipment aboard the ship.

Facilitate what?

Facilitating loading Petrov's gear as above! My message should have followed directly after RotFuchs' but I was caught out by the turn of the page!

[ffilz]

Oh yes. Petrov’s bag is easily retrieved before departing.

[ffilz]

We introduce a new player to the campaign

Larry Corona was third officer aboard the Marburg, a Type M Subsidized Liner operated by the Foix family in the Wine Dark Rift sub-sector of the Imperium. It is currently in port at a Foix holding Damkina, having returned 3 days ago from deeper into the Imperium. Having finally caught up with the news about the troubles in the Rift, there is debate about what to do next. The Foix family has invited the officers of the Marburg out to their coffee plantation to meet with the family, while there he will meet the General Gauvain de Beauhernais a L’Espée Foix, Comte de Foix.

One option taking on Larry offers is having the Lady Alicia disembark if the Compte feels she is too valuable an egg to be in the same basket as himself. Otherwise, Larry's skills would certainly complement the rest of the crews.

[Leitz]

Larry Corona

Larry sighed, and looked at the cuffs of his pants. Was he still technically a Merchant, and allowed to tuck the pant legs into the knee high leather black boots? He curled his nose, if he wasn't a Merchant, then those rules didn't apply. After this long, he was used to looking the part of a Merchant officer. That's what he did best. He tucked in his pant legs.

The invitation to the Comte's residence was...interesting. Certainly the family had resources. Larry's own experiences, while far removed from the family itself, spoke well of them. Times were difficult all around. An officer who could be trusted to do a good job was a valuable asset.

His suit fit well. Tailored, understated. Larry had completed his research on setting up a private corporation on Damkina. If the Comte' hadn't had such an in interesting invitation, then Larry would have already been well into the legalities of business openings. Still, one takes advantage when luck smiles upon a venture.

As he was dropped off at the estates, Larry smiled. It was easy to see that wealth had its advantages. Larry was happy for them, and looked forward to inviting the Comte's family over for a spot of brandy one day. In the future.

Larry approached the person controlling access and smiled. "Larry Corona, Third Officer of the Marburg. By invitation."

[lenusmars]

Sara will continue to train with the SMG. She doesn't seem to enjoy it much, but she has a good eye and good reflexes and works with both Foix and Ana to refine her skill. She spends long shifts on the bridge (when not actually doing the routine instrument checks) writing a new message to her family, telling them all about Ana and the rest of her crewmates, which she'll encrypt and send out towards home (with on outbound ship) at the first opportunity.

She ends up talking with Vee a lot with bridge shift crossovers and such, and trading a lot of stories.

She finds time to play and sing for the rest of the crew (and welcomes anyone willing and able to join in.) Tries to keep Ana from climbing the walls too much, and attempts to have their cabin grav at least turned down to a tolerable third to half-gee.

She will take the opportunity to explore the plantation on Daminka, not having seen a lot of dirtside ag operations.

[Tiglath]

Larry notices the security at the plantation is both tight yet discretely professional. Upon introducing himself, having his invitation verified and stepping through what he is pretty sure was some kind of scanner he is given entry. Having passed muster he finds he is free to mingle with the other guests.

He is immediately offered a choice of alcoholic beverages by an attractive member of the household staff. It’s well over the yardarm. He has discovered that nearly all House Foix functions are evening affairs - given the family’s somewhat debauched reputation perhaps this is no surprise.

Larry can’t help but notice that the waiting staff are definitely all “pretty people”. Then a short, balding, portly fellow approaches him. Larry can’t help but notice that he wears an expensive suit badly - yet with a certain casual rumpled style. “M’sieu Corona, Third of the Marburg, no? I am Grimaud, a friend of the Foix family, I hope you are being looked after. If I may offer just a little … um … friendly advice. The staff … ils sont très jolies … but duelling is hazardous and also I would avoid the green drink – the absinthe. A family favourite but … ah … perhaps an acquired taste?” He hurries on “The white wine is a nice crisp hock or toujours le champagne!” He chuckles and takes a glass from the tray of a passing model wearing staff whites tailored an inch within decency who nods amiably to Grimaud and pauses to offer Larry both an engaging smile and another glass.

(OOC: I thought I'd better run with this to move things along).

[Tiglath]

Sara will continue to train with the SMG. She doesn't seem to enjoy it much, but she has a good eye and good reflexes and works with both Foix and Ana to refine her skill.

She finds time to play and sing for the rest of the crew (and welcomes anyone willing and able to join in.)

She will take the opportunity to explore the plantation on Daminka, not having seen a lot of dirtside ag operations.

Foix seems to revel in teaching Sara and laughs when her phenomenal coordination and vitality exceeds his own. Foix focuses his training on movement with the weapon over range work and soon adds a sound suppressor as standard making the weapon more of a challenge to move with but resulting in a more natural and instinctive shooting style.

Sara finds Foix is musically enthusiastic if nowhere near gifted or trained. It seems the Legion love a sing song - usually in gravelly bass tones which almost demand a descant.

[Leitz]

"Monsiuer Grimaud, thank your for your welcome, and too, your words of wisdom." Larry winked at the older man, and then gave the lovely server a sad smile. He held up his glass. "Merely sparkling water, I'm afraid, my lady. Thank you, none the less."

As she left them, Larry turned to Grimaud. "I'm a lousy shot with almost everything, and will do my best to avoid any duels. As to drink, thank you, but I've been the junior most officer at too many parties to allow myself the liberty of indulging around my superiors. I'm usually the one detailed to ensure everyone gets home safely, or at least gets somewhere safely."

He sighed, and looked around. "I must admit, few places I've been measure up our host's tastes. Even setting aside the lovelies, the mix of formal architecture and vibrant garden is quite entrancing. I doubt much of our host's time will be allotted to a former third officer aboard a smaller ship of the fleet; If I can beg a favor, please convey my deepest appreciation to the Comte. A man must have goals in life, and it is inspirational to see that such things are attainable."