Chapter Two: Queen of the Belt

[The Bindoner]

Reply text: "You will know I found the money if you never hear from me again.

For now I will make an accounting.

Will you and our mutual acquaintance be attending this "job interview"?"

[Stirling]

Tiberius

"In the light of recent revelations, principally concerning the naming of the deceased on board, it is probably not a wise option for our friend to attend at the ship today.

I myself, have some other responsibilities to see to in regard to the Queen which pre-empt my helping with the inspections at this point. I am sure the Captain will be able to find a suitable position on the bridge for me.

Depending on appointments I may come to the ship later.

Sorry I missed the 'Tiffin'. I will make up for it another time."

[The Bindoner]

Nālani enjoys a little quality time with Hoshiko before dressing and setting the holo-projector. Ready for the day she sends more texts:

To Pranit and Indrani : "Where is the 10:00 meeting?"

To Arnwulf : "If you are attending the meeting this morning perhaps you could bring my sidearm with you?"

[joertexas]

Nālani enjoys a little quality time with Hoshiko before dressing and setting the holo-projector. Ready for the day she sends more texts:

To Pranit and Indrani : "Where is the 10:00 meeting?"

To Arnwulf : "If you are attending the meeting this morning perhaps you could bring my sidearm with you?"

Pranit rises at 0800 with her alarm, takes a shower, dresses in her new civilian shipboard jumpsuit with her holstered pistol at her hip, and goes to the hotel restaurant for a light breakfast. Afterwards, she makes her way back to the ship.

"The meeting is aboard the Queen." She responds to Nalani's post, copying Pranit.

JR

[The Bindoner]

Two birds with one swipe of the paw then.

Nālani packs her ship utility clothes into a shoulder-bag, calls a taxi, and wheels her Suit in its case down to meet it.

Perhaps there will be a chance to walk the hull today, after the meeting.

[Bluetongue]

Arnwulf

Staying in the same hotel as Nalani he returns her gun if he had not done so earlier (after we left the restaurant).

"Sleep well?" he asks. "Just another usual night in Sparks."

He declines to share of the evening intrusions and collects his gear from wherever stored to arrive at the Queen and bay 13-13 in the starport hangars.

[The Bindoner]

Arnwulf

Staying in the same hotel as Nalani he returns her gun if he had not done so earlier (after we left the restaurant).

"Sleep well?" he asks. "Just another usual night in Sparks."

He declines to share of the evening intrusions and collects his gear from wherever stored to arrive at the Queen and bay 13-13 in the starport hangars.

Meeting Arnwulf on the way to through the hotel Nālani walks with him to the lobby.

Yes, thank you, I did sleep well. I usually do, even in port.

Are you attending the meeting? We could share a taxi, I have one booked.

[Bluetongue]

Arnwulf

Are you attending the meeting?

"Well I was invited to be at the recruiting event at 10.00am. I would hope my extended practical work yesterday would stand me in good stead at any interview. I am quite interested in what they have to offer and the structure of pay, bonuses, incentives. What vision they have for how to operate. The ship has a poor reputation, hardly enhanced by dead druggies on board. We share risks equally on any voyage, I would hope the owners give the crew equal share of profits earned.

You are being interviewed too? Strange. I am surprised you are not automatically given a role, considering you part own the vessel."

He chats during the cab ride.

[The Bindoner]

I too shall be interested to see how the person appointed to act as Captain decides to organise things. I hope they remember that the Queen is not a Navy ship and cannot be run like one. As you say, we Free Trader crew operate best as a community of equals. So, I am not being interviewed, I am assessing whether I shall sign on as Pilot under the terms I am offered.

The reputational damage of the dead gangsters I intend to shift onto the Port Authority and Navy who permitted it. I have plans for that.

[BackworldTraveller]

Please continue under chapter 4...