Collace Homecoming

[shaidar]

Frank oversees the diner preparations, but at a distance, letting his people do their job and acting as a facilitator where required. He is also happy to act as the contact point for Mr Itvikiasalt.

[The Bindoner]

Jess, content that the troops have maintained the honour of the regiment, turns her attention to the catering, assuring herself that the contractors have supplied the quality and quantity ordered.

[Tiglath]

Klaus

Klaus then rolls his shoulders and picks up his duffle and looks at Kelly. "I'm waiting!"

Crow's feet at the corners of Kelly's eyes betray his smile over his filter mask as he replies in flat agreement "So you are".

Flynn adds dryly "Observant. He'll be one o' them Recon specialists".

Relying on his military experience* Klaus determines that the troopers "attitude" is likely no more than a basic test for a new arrival and that the pair of soldiers dealing with him both carry themselves and handle their weapons like professionals.

The troopers and Klaus wait.

Klaus observes the big SEMC man conduct some transaction with the cop then, as the patrol car makes its way back over the bridge, he appears to make a comm call. Kelly states "The duty Sergeant will see you now. Declare your weapons, a search and you're in. Fek about and you'll get shot - fair enough?"

After his bag has been inspected Klaus is waved through the VCP to be met by another pair of troopers (Scollan and Quigley). They appear to be about to search Klaus again when the big man interrupts with "No need for that. Sure he's lovely man that Gunnery Sergeant Ridgeway - a fine judge of character so he is. Play nicely now lads - Sergeant Arnholdt works for a living just like we do".

He cheerfully extends his hand "Welcome to the Bartizan. Darragh Gaughan, Sergeant. My Rangers sub contract with SEMC. I'll take you to see the QSM". He adds "I'll pass on the message to Lannigan but the poor wee girl's up for disappointment".

Gaughan drives a military ground car through the fortified base of the tower and out onto the flight apron beyond. Parking by an accessway he escorts Klaus down through the flight deck and into the fortress below. The pair arrive at a guarded hangar door. Gaughan sends a message inside for the attention of QSM Henker stating that Sergeant Klaus Arnholdt is present and available for interview.

(OOC: I'll leave the specifics and location to The Bindoner!

* Roll on your Behalf: Int Roll (Analysis/Reasoning) [2d6+2]=7+2=9
[2d6+2]=7+2=9 (+1 Int, +1 Military Experience/Knowledge)).

[dongriffiths]

Judging from the Kelly and Flynns responses Klaus assumes this is just their usual minor hazing effort and that they are going for "competent casual" as their overall style.

Grinning behind his mask he'll open the duffle to show a small rifle case containing an Accelerator rifle, neatly packed Vacc suit and routine toiletries and changes of clothing (Obviously Imperial Marine with all but the name patches removed). He then indicates the dagger sheathed at his hip, follow by 3 more from concealed locations.

"Satisfied, gentlemen?"

Everything then rapidly disappears back into it's proper place and he walks through the checkpoint scowling at the next pair who look like they intend to intercept him before seeing the large man stepping forward with his hand extended. Klaus shakes the proferred hand.

"Thanks, interesting setup you have here. Does an excellent job of keeping the local thuggery contained and quiet I assume. With her charms I doubt the girl will be disappointed for long."

Once out of the vehicle Klaus makes an effort to memorise the route through the building and adopts an at ease stance as he waits at the hanger door.

[The Bindoner]

Jess irritatedly checks her comm, see’s Gaughan’s ID and accepts the call. Satisfied that preparations are going well she replies that is on her way and, with a parting Hard Stare at the workers, strides off to meet the new prospect.

Emerging from a personnel hatch to one side of the main hangar doors, Jess looks Klaus over.


Brought yer kitbag? Confident, or desperate. Come on in, we’ll find out which.


Thanks, Sarn’t, I’ll take it from here.

Jess leads Klaus to a comfortably furnished office on the vehicle deck. A powerful, and expensive-looking, civilian ground-car is parked outside, incongruous among the military vehicles.



Reckon we don’t need to do this formal. I mean, I’m going to check yer CV, ‘course, but I’d rather feel out whether you’ll fit in ‘round here over a drink.


Pouring a decent whisky from a decanter on her desk into two heavy cut-glass tumblers, she hands one to Klaus, gestures to a chair, and settles into her own.

So, what’s the story? Marine, from the look'v it. Fresh out'v the service an' lookin' fer a berth?

Jess' uniform is not Marine, probably some Imperial subsector noble's planetary army.

[dongriffiths]

As the hatch swings open Klaus snaps to attention and watches closely as Jess enters.

As he follows her into the office "Only confident it wouldn't still be there when I went back for it if I left it anywhere but Gunnys'."

Cautiously accepting the glass "Thank you for seeing me."

As he takes to offered seat sniffs the alcohol, pleasant light aroma, not the peaty medicinal scent he normally prefers, pleasant nonetheless.

"Where would you like me to start?

!2 years service with His Imperial Majesties Marine Corps, when it came time to look at re-upping basically I was told that I was being benched and only pencil pushing posts would be available to me. I 'm not ready to be put out to pasture.

I worked hard to train for active operation which rarely came and now still in my prime they assign me 2 years in a recruitment office and effectively tell me that's where I'll be forever. I couldn't face that, I need the opportunity to get out there and actually achieve something.

Prior to the recruiter posting I had progressed to Sergeant in the Marine platoon on the De Moray, she's a Herrik class destroyer assigned to patrol the 268 border region. In all I was with her 4 years with a break for cross training as on observer for the artillery. Life aboard was fairly routine, we only got involved in a few anti-smuggling actions . Nothing of significance to make me feel I was adequately using my hostile environment and commando training to anything like my potential."


He takes a small sip of the whisky.

"I started looking for opportunities. I saw a few offerings for posts on Trexalon and Avastan, they looked like the things only the truly desperate would go for.

Gunny Ridgeway mentioned SEMC where just arriving back from your latest ticket and might be looking for some new blood. The chatter about you is pretty positive, you've definitely made an impression round here. If you are hiring on and feel the need for a Zero-G trained commando I would appreciate the opportunity."

[The Bindoner]

Jess relaxes more as Klaus speaks, and a smile appears.

We’ve got a lot in common. Sergeant m’self. Got posted out of action to recruiting too. Her smile fades: Diff’rent reason, same effect.

Recovering her good humour: Knew a few Marines on duties like yours, out in Gazulin. They were always bored too. Never on the spot when trouble started. Unless they got lucky an’ caught a pirate. Always welcome when they finally arrived though. She smiles fondly: Eager for action, an’ fit as.

She takes a drink and continues:

Well, Gunny sent you, and that’s good enough for me. You were smart enough not to take the Avastan job, so you’re alive. Plus, yer timing’s perfect, which is another good sign. We’ve just taken possession of a Type T, an’ forming a unit to operate out of it is firmly on the agenda. You say you’ve been trained, think you can recruit a squad’v ship’s troops?

[dongriffiths]

Klaus tries hard to cover his surprise at this turn of events.

"I'd definitely be willing to try.

A Type T, let me think, that's a 400 Tonner with a regular complement of 8 marines I believe?

I'm sure we can rustle up a squad for that. Before I get started what would the offer be to recruits?

I assume for shipboard the equipment will be primarily boarding vacc suits and accelerator rifles and the support version if available. I find laser weapons tend to be a bit too fragile for the general rough and tumble of service, only really suitable for specialist use. Armoury also stocked with conventional rifles and support weapons if action under gravity required.

Does that match your thoughts?

If not let me know what changes you require and I can start putting out some feelers once I get myself settled in."

[dongriffiths]

Filled with inspiration and hope for the future Klaus finds his berth and begins thinking of suitable candidates and ways of finding them in the collection of villainy operating on this cesspool.

Taking the rest of the day to familiarise himself with his surroundings. Next morning he heads to Sergeant Major Henker's office.

"Good Morning Sergeant Major, following our conversation yesterday I think I am ready to get some recruits for the a ship security/combat rifle squad.

If that's ok with unit command of course."


Assuming this is approved Klaus will begin putting out feelers for suitable candidates:

Recruitment looking for candidates with minimum skills of - Combat rifle 1, Zero-G 1, Vacc Suit 1

[BackworldTraveller]

Filled with inspiration and hope for the future Klaus finds his berth and begins thinking of suitable candidates and ways of finding them in the collection of villainy operating on this cesspool.

Taking the rest of the day to familiarise himself with his surroundings. Next morning he heads to Sergeant Major Henker's office.

"Good Morning Sergeant Major, following our conversation yesterday I think I am ready to get some recruits for the a ship security/combat rifle squad.

If that's ok with unit command of course."


Assuming this is approved Klaus will begin putting out feelers for suitable candidates:

Recruitment looking for candidates with minimum skills of - Combat rifle 1, Zero-G 1, Vacc Suit 1

Freya will introduce herself to the new Sergeant: The Scouts wound down a couple of departments - and laid off some security bods when they let me go. Are you willing to take Weirdo's like me? The Imperial Marines aren't much help - They really have to want to travel here as there is no local Garrison so the experienced guys that turn up are usually employed or avoiding employment or almost unemployable.

There are also a whole bunch of disenfranchised pirates that might be looking for new berths.

Talking of the unconventional - I know a place where there are some interesting smuggled delicacies.

[dongriffiths]

Freya will introduce herself to the new Sergeant: The Scouts wound down a couple of departments - and laid off some security bods when they let me go. Are you willing to take Weirdo's like me? The Imperial Marines aren't much help - They really have to want to travel here as there is no local Garrison so the experienced guys that turn up are usually employed or avoiding employment or almost unemployable.

There are also a whole bunch of disenfranchised pirates that might be looking for new berths.

Talking of the unconventional - I know a place where there are some interesting smuggled delicacies.

"Pleased to meet you.

Not quite sure what you mean by weirdos. SEMC seem a pretty normal bunch.

I'm looking for basic competence, a willingness to learn and the commitment and dedication to get the job done.

I aim to build a squad that can at least match the best SEMC has and go on to be the best at what they do. If any of your weirdos are up for that I'm happy to see what they can do.

Would it be appropriate to try some of the "delicacies" while we're at it?"

[Tiglath]

All

As a result of Klaus' recruiting drive a number of candidates show up/post replies.

Due to Collace's appalling retention problem with PDF recruits there are any number of offers with basic Rifle skill only but willing to be trained in Vacc Suit/Zero G (GM: which I tend to view as one combined skill).

Those interestingly(???) without resumes state they are provably qualified on Vacc Suit, improvised melee techniques and as below:
1. Mechanic, Rifle Age 30
2. Tactics, Engineering, SMG Age 26
3. Mechanic, Gunnery Age 22 Fine physique - but maybe too much gym and not enough book?
4. Navigator, Forgery Age 26 Surely a "hard luck" story here. He was last on the "Opportunity Trader" Abyss and states that his crewmates were all hunted down by the "psychos" on the Red Angel over some misunderstood debt and then his ship was stolen by Kforuzeng Vargr.
5. Pilot, Sensor Ops, Rifle Age 30
6. Intrusion, SMG, Sensor Ops (Advanced) [Skill 2] Age 42

A number of prospects/chancers with Vacc Suit skill only are not considered.

The four top candidates are easily:

Lance Sergeant Sven Nilsson:
88889C, Army, three terms. Enlisted in Infantry. Service: Tarsus PDF.
Special Assignments: Commando School.
Awards and Decorations: Two combat service ribbons, one MCUF.
Equipment Qualified On: Rifle, Vacc Suit, VRF Gauss Gun, Wheeled Vehicle.

Lance Sergeant Lucius "Luc" Venner:
88AC88, Army, four terms. Enlisted in Artillery, transferred to Commandos after second term.
Service: Imperial Trin/Trin's Veil then SuSAG Corporate Security (Trin/Trin's Veil) now freelance.
Special Assignments: Specialist School ( x 2), Commando School, Instructor at Commando School, Corporate Service subject to NDA.
Awards and Decorations: Six combat service ribbons, two purple hearts, one MCUF.
Equipment Qualified On: Demolitions, Laser Rifle, Plasma A Gun, Rifle, Sensors, Vacc Suit.
Current Qualifications: Medic (Trauma Care).

Sergeant Jubal Ignis
7B8666, Marines, three terms. Enlisted in Imperial Marine Infantry. Service: Imperial 214th Fleet / Mille Falcs
Special Assignments: None.
Awards and Decorations: Three combat service ribbons, one purple heart, one MCUF.
Equipment Qualified On: Battle Dress, Rifle, Ship's Weapons, Vacc Suit.

Sergeant Toran Vul:
7978A8, Marines, four terms. Enlisted in Duke of Regina's Huscarls. Service: Diverse Household postings Regina & Lanth.
Special Assignments: Protected Forces Training, Specialist School (x2).
Awards and Decorations: Five combat service ribbons, three purple hearts, two MCUF's, one MCG.
Equipment Qualified On: Battle Dress, Computer, Handgun, PGMP-13, Rifle, Ship's Boat, Ship's Weapons, Vacc Suit.

NB All are willing to serve as "troopers" but since you advertised for "specialists" they want pay and shares as per their qualifications/rank.

(OOC: Ref's refs!
6d40: (37 + 38 + 20 + 33 + 4 + 5) = 137
4d40: (24 + 32 + 30 + 28) = 114 (Not Qualified)
73, 98, 133, 159).

[dongriffiths]

Studying the applications Klaus quickly discards many of them. After further study and deciding that at this stage one four-person fire team would be the best starting point he selects:

Nilsson, Venner and Vul as the most suitable candidates and forwards there details for approval.

wrt to grading and salary that would be a decision for higher command. Klaus will make recommendations based on their performance during initial training.

[BackworldTraveller]

Freya will head to her smuggler's haunt (a Scout favourite) with Klaus in tow.

She'll pick one that had served her well while she was a scout. What Klaus makes of her Mask, Gloves and Gown is anyone's guess - but the Private Booth and discrete service - and the floor-show - will surely be appreciated. Oh yes: As will the food and company?

[dongriffiths]

Klaus follows along happily, keen to become more familiar with the area and his new associates

"Interesting part of town, this one of your regular haunts?

Is the mask because you're embarrassed to be seen out with me?" he quips half seriously.

"It's quite spectacular."

[BackworldTraveller]

Klaus follows along happily, keen to become more familiar with the area and his new associates

"Interesting part of town, this one of your regular haunts?

Is the mask because you're embarrassed to be seen out with me?" he quips half seriously.

"It's quite spectacular."

A proper person should not flaunt their looks in public.

I realise that this doesn't hold here as it does at home, but it's hard to overcome what one learns in childhood.

I assume you comment because you're embarrassed to be seen with a shrouded companion?

Freya arranges a reasonable table with the venue.

I wouldn't say that this is regular, not since the Scouts shut down the training school, but it is familiar. The food is good and security is good at looking out for their customers privacy. Also, we may find some of my old colleagues drinking here - and later they may be sufficiently drunk to forget that they shouldn't impart gossip to former members of the station. And they will be curious about the Zhodani visit so a quid pro quo may be possible.

[dongriffiths]

A proper person should not flaunt their looks in public.

I realise that this doesn't hold here as it does at home, but it's hard to overcome what one learns in childhood.

I assume you comment because you're embarrassed to be seen with a shrouded companion?

"Not in the least, I think it looks amazing.

I'm not familiar with this particular custom, I assume it's from your home world. Sadly where I come from the only customs are enjoy life and do as you're told with a not too subtle OR ELSE tagged on the end.

I tend to be quite inquisitive so wasn't allowed access to many opportunities, which is why I took a chance on the marines."

[Tiglath]

Freya and Klaus

Freya encounters a Scout buddy on a "run ashore" who relates that he's enjoying his leave as things are sombre on Kirton.

He states "The good news is that our guys [Scouts] who were recalled from our base on Avastan Down got pulled out just in time. Apparently there was a very messy falling out between the various factions of pirates working out of the starport there and our base got worked over as collateral damage. Looks like Command saw it coming for once! I hear the base commander got evacuated by a Marine Fleet unit among all the actual shooting there but no one's seen the guy since! No casualties among our guys who stayed behind but apparently the spooks lost a team during the trouble there". He adds "The real cause of the misery for Command is the more hawkish elements of the Trexalon Navy are dropping big hints that they now have ship to ship nukes in their arsenal. NavInt are convinced it's all gone Trailing as their carefully maintained "imbalance of arms" in the region has just gone all awry. Looks like someone else has had their finger on the scales...".

He follows up with "Otherwise same old same old! Don't go to Tarkine Down - it's under artillery fire! The insurgents there have themselves a new general. Guy's a military genius by all accounts and those "armed peasants" someone wrote off as "tactically insignificant" are tearing up mercs and local Imperial backed troops alike!"

He grins with nearly one too many drinks and adds with mock drama "Flash: BOLO All Imperial Forces should be on the alert for a probable xenos stealth courier vessel suspected of operating in Collace close orbit and systemwide in 268 during these last months. They even put a bona fide ISS authentification stamp on that "real time" Intel!" He theatrically checks under the bar "Nope not here - we're safe!" As an afterthought he adds "ImpInt have got a real hard on for a guy named Urvash Gudrun. They'll pay too! Any Intel leading to kill or capture - some kinda Outworld terrorist apparently". He chuckles again "Sadly for my bar bill - I've never heard of him!"

Freya can explain that Kirkton is Collace's moon and home to the Scout Base and other "off limits" areas guarded by Marines.

(OOC: Barflying 2d6 + 1: (5 + 6) + 1 = 12 Success!)

[Tiglath]

All for Information/Reference

It is now about two or three weeks since the conclusion of the Raid on Avastan.

[Tiglath]

Frank

Before the evening meal Dr Van Owen attends the Bartizan in an Imperial grav car with a Marine escort which, after seeking proper permission, lands on the flight deck for a scheduled (and confirmed) meeting aboard the Magician's Gambit. He boards the Zhodani vessel to conduct his meeting with the Ambassadorial staff. Van Owen looks as miserable as usual and is, most uncomfortably, wearing a Psi shield.

He requests a meeting with Colonel Cross to be held after his meeting with the Zhodani.

There is significantly increased aerial traffic for such meetings and this becomes burdensome for Bartizan ATC and the internal security detail (who are usually your QRF) who are tasked with escorting parties to and from the hangar space and flight apron.

Indeed Colonel Cross seems to be a most popular man. He also receives a request via secure comm for a face to face meeting with a representative of SuSAG: one Nemo Sicarius, Executive Outcomes Division, SuSAG AG, LIC, Trin, Trin's Veil. (Personal encrypted comm link provided). Dubs comments "Well, sir, they were pissed that we had no meson or maser comms! Nothing says you're from Trin more than higher than Imperial Standard tech! Encrypted laser comm call originates from far orbit - the SuSAG registered Corporate Courier "Decision". My money says that ship is built like a Navy Fleet Courier - mostly fuel tanks and a drives for Jump 5 and high G acceleration. O' course them Corporate folks may have made room aboard for additional friends... or toys".