Chapter Nine: Year 300, 6th Day

[BackworldTraveller]

Nālani smiles: I think Hoshiko would enjoy more time in Bhekumbuso's company. They are friends now, I think.

The smile fades: Getting past the watchers is why I ask for your help. I need to get to the Queen, yes, but I also need to visit Yaoley. I do not ask you to take me there, but your advice would be welcome. I am not used to needing to know gang territories or how to avoid assassins.

Yaoley? Miya looks bemused. There are really only three options - by Hyper or across the surface by road or sub-orbital shuttle. The tunnels will get you there, but not quickly. Yaoley is clearly a surprise.

[The Bindoner]

Reven Stiilpahth, hearing the morning noises, groggily rouses and dresses. BLinking awake, he quickly grabs his comm and calls Nālani.

< You OK? >

Checking her comm Nālani sees the message. Must have been while she was in the shower.

Just about. Dream better dreams next time you involve me.

Cavalheiros are watching the ship. Possibly others. Do not leave alone. I am returning, and I have help.

[The Bindoner]

Yaoley? Miya looks bemused. There are really only three options - by Hyper or across the surface by road or sub-orbital shuttle. The tunnels will get you there, but not quickly. Yaoley is clearly a surprise.

Nālani considers the options: I might be able to borrow an air/raft. I was hoping to use it to return to the Queen without passing through dock security. She looks up, pantomimes sliding her eyes from side to side looking for eavesdroppers, and smiles a small smile: It's a job, don't ask.

[BackworldTraveller]

The Queen is in a Yacht Berth...You aren't on the international side so you shouldn't have a problem.

[Stirling]

Tiberius O'Hare

" Inspector Madhri. Yes, we spoke on the comms just the other day. Well I really can't add anything to my previous statements. As to your query regarding other shareholders, I do believe the young madam resides in one of the suites still.

Now I am quite busy. If you will excuse me."


He makes to enter the cab.

[BackworldTraveller]

Inspector
Mr O'Hare, You are mistaken. We are investigating a case that includes Murder, Kidnapping, Assault and both Theft of personal goods and of Personal Identity. We have a suspicion that you may have breached the terms of your visa. Someone would seem to have been quite busy.

I ask again, would you come to the station with me?

A second person has appeared behind the inspector.

You don't have to cooperate, but my Sergeant finds the paperwork - if things go otherwise - quite onerous.

[cybersavant]

Just about. Dream better dreams next time you involve me.
Cavalheiros are watching the ship. Possibly others. Do not leave alone. I am returning, and I have help.

"Whos going to work on the number one buss?

Reven Stiilpahth quickly texts back. < Nice, pick on the mental case. Trying to make me feel like i'm home again? Can you trust your help? Be careful. See you soon. >

Reven yawns as he exits his room and catches the end of the conversations. "Well, guess that'd be me. Power systems is one of my areas. I'll head there now." Reven steps back in his room to grab his toolkit before going to work on the engineering systems.

[Stirling]

Tiberius O'Hare

Smiles. "Homicide? Dangerous business. You have your suspect Mrs Busai already arraigned over the Saffa affair. I can't imagine being incriminated in those things which are prior to my involvement with the Queen of the Belt.

Visa issues? I should check my passport though diplomatic immunity was surely watermarked on the customs stamp.

Like you say, 'someone does seem to be rather busy'. I am afraid that your Admiralty have sequestered my confidential help in some legal affairs also. So if you and your civilian sergeant here don't mind standing aside rather than get entangled in diplomatic and military affairs." He hands a folded newspaper broadsheet to the inspector which carries the Belt's breaking news.

It has been announced that a Company sized detachment of Belt Administration Department of Defence observers is to be deployed to Sulphur to monitor the border between the Sulphur Cooperative and the New Heaven Prison Complex

"Terrible news. The prisoners get air conditioning but the guards breathe in the fumes. So bad for the lungs. Affects all the atmosphere. No one dare volunteer so they are facilitating a civic draft. ...

Another time perhaps."

Tiberius tries to Persuade [2d6+1]=8+1=9

Tibbs has no intention of just quietly getting in a cab to attend a 'voluntary interview'. He assumes the inspector wishes to talk to him regarding Jensen and Li Anderson but throws in that he presumes the invitation is over Archana Busai. So unless the Inspector reveals specifics or decides to formally arrest him on a charge, Tibbs will try to confidently persuade the inspector to investigate elsewhere.

[ateno]

"Whos going to work on the number one buss?

Reven yawns as he exits his room and catches the end of the conversations. "Well, guess that'd be me. Power systems is one of my areas. I'll head there now." Reven steps back in his room to grab his toolkit before going to work on the engineering systems.

"Thank you Reven, let me know if you need help. Anyone one feels like a quartermaster, we need a full resupply of life support and general supplies for the ship, can someone make a list for the captains and my review and purchase? Also I need a final on the bridge being combat, sorry, ... flight ready, someone, a pilot? Anyone know where Nālani is?"

Pranit

[BackworldTraveller]

Anyone know where Nālani is?"[/dialog]

Queen: She left for Her hotel last night.

[BackworldTraveller]

Tiberius O'Hare

Smiles. "Homicide? Dangerous business. You have your suspect Mrs Busai already arraigned over the Saffa affair. I can't imagine being incriminated in those things which are prior to my involvement with the Queen of the Belt.

Visa issues? I should check my passport though diplomatic immunity was surely watermarked on the customs stamp.

Like you say, 'someone does seem to be rather busy'. I am afraid that your Admiralty have sequestered my confidential help in some legal affairs also. So if you and your civilian sergeant here don't mind standing aside rather than get entangled in diplomatic and military affairs." He hands a folded newspaper broadsheet to the inspector which carries the Belt's breaking news.

It has been announced that a Company sized detachment of Belt Administration Department of Defence observers is to be deployed to Sulphur to monitor the border between the Sulphur Cooperative and the New Heaven Prison Complex

"Terrible news. The prisoners get air conditioning but the guards breathe in the fumes. So bad for the lungs. Affects all the atmosphere. No one dare volunteer so they are facilitating a civic draft. ...

Another time perhaps."

Tiberius tries to Persuade [2d6+1]=8+1=9

Tibbs has no intention of just quietly getting in a cab to attend a 'voluntary interview'. He assumes the inspector wishes to talk to him regarding Jensen and Li Anderson but throws in that he presumes the invitation is over Archana Busai. So unless the Inspector reveals specifics or decides to formally arrest him on a charge, Tibbs will try to confidently persuade the inspector to investigate elsewhere.

Tibbs is quite surprised when his bravado is rewarded by the Sergeant backing off and the Inspector merely standing and watching him go - with a bit of a wry smile.

Ngora has rented a neat apartment about 100m from the Air-Circulation Garden - Popular with visitors and tourists. She answers the door promptly and invites Tiberius in.

I'm making Garm Pey - Care for something? I'm not sure last night's alcohol consumption was anything like I used to drink when I was younger, but it seems much worse some how.

She prattles on (making and handing over the requested beverage), hardly giving Tibbs a moment to start, let alone finish a sentence until she suddenly asks So do tell and there's silence.

[Monsieur Rose]

Noor

The state of most of the Queen prepared her for the news that there are no medical supplies on board. "I can make a list of supplies needed, Pranit. I mean XO Pranit. It also looks like we need supplies and furnishings for the passenger decks."

"Captain? Who can tinker with the computer issue? I can assist and lend strategic advice, but I'm afraid I have only a cursory knowledge of the inner workings."

"Nālani isn't back yet? She went to go get Hosiko, didn't she? She may need assistance getting back here. That corridor is long and exposed."

[The Bindoner]

Nālani texts Arnwolf: I am coming to the Queen. The corridor is watched and the cameras are looped - no security eyes. Cavalheiros hit squad waiting. Hope to dodge, but can you be ready at the lock in case I need rescue? Guns last resort. Distract and disrupt? Will notify when near.

[The Bindoner]

Text to Tiberius from Nālani's unregistered 'phone: Police in your room, plain and uniform.

edit:

Second text: Inspector from Queen yesterday is there.

[Stirling]

Tiberius O'Hare

Unruffled, steps into the cab. It drives off.
Tibbs doesn't bother checking the rear view mirror. 'Another time' will surely happen. He pads himself down, relieved to find he did indeed leave a potentially incriminating comms unit behind. Not that he worries too much over his Jensen affair. It is Jensen's affair with Bea that troubles him. Sadly for a thirty year veteran of the force, the troubles are over for husband Li. Tibbs doubts the murder is purely a 'domestic' gone wrong. Perhaps if the inspector's approach had been different he might have assisted with the enquiries. One dead, one missing. Certainly the hornets got stirred from the nest. He pushes more thoughts to the back of his mind.

is Mr Kole present?

"Thank you Ngora." He takes a drink and settles into a chair.

"Mrs Kole, I am going to keep this really simple and above board. As Joey Sabbana shared, QotB Holdings which is as I suspected a belter naval front for a hedge fund, they are buying out shares to create a majority stakeholding at $700Kcr.

The Admiralty or rather certain Admirals will not under any circumstance allow the contested appeal trial to proceed. This is because they fear testimonies may incriminate their involvement in supporting Jusu Saffa with the Starflight fraud. The trial, if it goes ahead will just be a 'de facto' kangaroo court which will only string up and besmirch the reputation of your father JoJo Celisse further. You will not win, not be awarded ownership of any shares, will receive no compensation.

After protracted negotiations I have come to an agreement that the Admiralty are willing to meet you half way to the value of QotB offer in order to drop the dispute and settle this matter out of court. I am instructed to offer you $4.2Mcr as an immediate resolution.

My advice is to take up this offer. Draw a line under it. It makes you a very, very wealthy young woman and protects your, and I include Mr Kole in this, futures. The immediate short term ones as well as the long.

I know this may sound like a bittersweet victory but I can assure you I will work for your father's vindication as the operation of the Queen goes forward. Potentially I could eek out the settlement a little further but I feel my diplomacy skills have already reached their zenith."


Tibbs places his phone on the table as the offer is considered, waiting to give the Admiralty a positive confirmation.

[BackworldTraveller]

Ngora
Ngora looks coy. Mr O'Hare She clutches his hand Would you recommend the offer? Would taking the money prevent me from clearing Dad's name?

[ateno]

Noor

The state of most of the Queen prepared her for the news that there are no medical supplies on board. "I can make a list of supplies needed, Pranit. I mean XO Pranit. It also looks like we need supplies and furnishings for the passenger decks."

"Thank you Noor, if you need anything, let me know."

"Captain? Who can tinker with the computer issue? I can assist and lend strategic advice, but I'm afraid I have only a cursory knowledge of the inner workings."

"Computer issues, I don't know what you mean, whats wrong?"

"Nālani isn't back yet? She went to go get Hosiko, didn't she? She may need assistance getting back here. That corridor is long and exposed."

"How the fuzz does that make sense. OK she needs help getting back, where is she? Who has contact?

Pranit

[Stirling]

Tiberius O'Hare

Takes Ngora's hand for a moment, squeezing it in shared empathy. It was never one of his strong points.

Tiberius tries to Persuade [2d6+1]=2+1=3

His comms message bleep breaks the awkwardness.

"Ngora, you have every justification to feel cheated by the courts assumptions. No money could bring back your father. But the offer does settle intricate diplomacies and as compensation goes, raises the bar above any previous awards. Of course it comes with a prerequisite non-disclosure agreement.

I do not view the person and character of JoJo through the rose tinted glasses of a daughter's love. But I do feel his death in prison was convenient to cover Admiralty subterfuge.

I spoke previously of Newton's tree. How the laws of physics are understood and how they are being changed. Your father worked on the frontier of science under Jusu Saffa's tutelage. The greatest redemption for his name would be to uncover the theories he strived for and share them freely with all. A 'Robin Hood' legacy not a mercenary one.

The navy via QotB Holdings, wish to get first dibs on any such discoveries. Undoubtedly the ship has some links to the experimental work of Saffa. Maputo will take custody of the disputed shares as well as those obtained from Cloud Bank. Joey Sabbana cannot sell on behalf of the Cull estate but is willing to withdraw power of attorney over it to me. I need one extra share, your single one, to mean I can balance out the power grab by the navy.

In negotiating this settlement, the navy will appoint me to a board position on QotB Holdings. Using that stewardship role, I promise to contribute to uncovering the truth you seek."

Tibbs uses deception [2d6+1]=11+1=12

I know it is a deception roll but when you speak bs what else can you do.

[BackworldTraveller]

Ngora
Oh you dear man.

4.2 Million. And as things stand, there are three main power blocks regarding the Queen. You, The Navy and the Busais/Soods. With the navy, and yourself playing games my future was all turning on the throw of a dice. But now, I can settle with my Husband - have my hand, just a little bit, in the world of Adventure - and stay safe here at home.

[Stirling]

Tiberius O'Hare

Still unsure of Ngora's acceptance of the offer, he prepares the non-disclosure agreement in triplicate. He types in the $4.2Mcr settlement figure and passes them over to be signed.

"I believe you have made the wisest choice in this dispute. With the money you are under no pressure to sell your remaining stakeholding and together we can keep 'a finger in the Saffa pie.

I will leave your hand to Mr Kole and wish you many happy years together. The adventure with the Queen might have just begun but we could be in for a hell of a ride. I do promise to keep you abreast of any developments especially those which could restore your father's reputation.

I will ratify your resolve to accept with the Admiralty and bring the current dispute to an end.

Now other matters press in on my time, so I will bid you and Mr Kole good day."


Tibbs will contact Lt Kikuyu with the formal acceptance of the offer and make an appointment to revisit the bureau.