ic [IC] Milk Run

[olopi]

GM

 

The man responded quickly. He seemed to have little issues with Galstandard, not sporting anything beyond a minor accent. He spoke with a certain desperation, matching the general atmosphere in the hangar bay, as Starshot could now tell the structures he hadn’t recognized were temporary housing.

 

“This is the Tribeship of Tribe Hoch of the Oog’ol. After multiple attacks by the Zem, we have fled our previous grounds, and have been trying to flee their influence. It creeps further and further, and we have run out of both fuel and nourishment. This was the last system we could reach, we are now stranded. As it was a long-distance journey and we have never ventured this far, there was only rough information. But from the little we knew, it was a viable candidate. It contains everything the Oog’ol need to settle.”

 

At this point, it was pretty clear that the pilot was about the object, but after looking around at the two Oog’ol watching him, he decided to just keep quiet for now. Meanwhile, the man continued. “You seem a bit surprised by me, as I am clearly not Oog’ol. I am Thechtu of the Asshui, and have travelled across many systems, before joining their ranks. We do not live off of the same materials as them, but live amongst them. “

 

Asshui. Starshot had heard that before. Once or twice, in establishments of the shady sort. They were rare, but known to be good crew, natural-born adventurers and thrillseekers.

[Supercape]

Starshot

 

"Refugees" concluded Starshot, aloud. 

 

"You find no quarrel with me, then" he said, trying to reassure. "But entering this side of the galaxy..." or was it further? Intergalactic travel was rare but not impossible..."without announcing yourselves, that will make people nervous. And nervous is not good, especially with a ship this side. How are they to know you as friend?" or indeed as enemy?

 

He kept quite still. Movement wasn't wise unless called for. 

 

"And dragging a malign force behind you is not going to make you popular either" he added, perhaps a little bluntly. The last thing the galaxy needed was more war. 

[olopi]

GM

 

The Asshui seemed to understand what Starshot was saying well enough. He nodded, following the human’s words. Meanwhile, the two Oog’ol continued to stand firm, barely doing anything apart from being fairly intimidating. Especially towards the pilot, who clearly didn’t like the situation at all.

 

“We are aware, yes. We do however not know good ways to contact your kind, especially from further out. We were desperate, there was no time to waste. We should hopefully be safe here, the Zem are unlikely to expand this far. And we have all materials to establish a self-sustaining colony. “

 

At this point, the pilot pulled Starshot away for just a moment, whispering to him far enough removed so the others could not hear it. He also showed him a small tablet, which seemed to be connected to the station.

 

“I don’t have to spell out why they can’t do this, right? They cannot stay here under any circumstance. And interfering with things in this system won’t end well either. The company’s already sending strongly worded statements on why they have to leave this instant. “

[Supercape]

Starshot

 

Starshot brushed the pilot off a bit too harshly, pushing the tablet away. "The company be damned. This isn't business, ot's politics...no, it's life" he explained. He did not much take to politicians, but at least they were accountable for their morals. Companies, he found, where only accountable to the law and their profits. Both of which could, and often where, wrong. 

 

"We can't start another war" he added, giving the Pilot a look. 

 

But...

 

"Here may not be a good place" he explained to the Asshui. "There are...complications. Politics. Other considerations" he mumbled, not even sure of what he was saying himself. 

 

"The Lor...they run this part of the galaxy" by and large "...might find somewhere better..?"

[olopi]

GM

 

The pilot just pointed at the tablet. “NO CHANCE. WILL RESPOND ANY WAY NECESSARY.” Once he was sure Starshot had read that, he shrugged. “They own this place, they can throw out these people if they want to. “

 

The Asshui spoke something in the same language Starshot had heard prior, and immediately, one of the two guards left, hurrying somewhere. The other one looked just a bit more threatening now, shifting his stance slightly. However, the translator did his best to not look threatening, approaching ever so slightly.

 

“That will be difficult. As I have mentioned, we have run out of all our supplies, and cannot move our ship from here. The journey would also be horrible for our numbers, we have already lost too many to the hardships of travel. And this system offers all the Oog’ol need. We will take it up with them, if we have to. But for now, we mainly need to survive. “

[Supercape]

Starshot

 

This was a grim situation. 

 

"I won't stop you. But others will" he said, in a grim voice to match the situation. 

 

"That won't be good for your survival. A company"  he almost spat the word "owns this system. And that means you will have to deal with them. By trade or by war. But they will not ignore you" he explained. 

 

"They do not, I think, represent the will of the people, who would offer shelter to those in need. And yet the galaxy does not operate by the will of the people alone, as I am sure you realise" he offered. They surely had a grim story to tell themselves. 

 

"And there is another consideration. This system here is home to a sentient species; more than one, as it happens. They have not yet left their planets, and should be left alone. Outside interference by others, including you, would be unwise at best.."

 

On this matter, he was more firm. 

 

Edited September 4, 2017 by Supercape

[olopi]

GM

 

“We will not need the will of people. Take us to this company, and we will talk about it with whoever is responsible. We will convince them of what has happened to us. And then, they will understand, and we will be able to settle here. “

 

The way the Asshui now spoke was at least somewhat troubling, something the pilot picked up on too, looking a bit more worried, and also typing something on his tablet. Meanwhile, in the background, Starshot could see a few Oog’ol getting onto their bikes, as well as some moving into a larger spacecraft. Some more, a squad of 10 probably, approached the group of people speaking.

 

All of them had a weapon on their belts, and most of them seemed to have seen some combat, judging by their scars. They stood far enough away to not draw any direct attention, but still close enough to be able to interfere in any moment.

[Supercape]

Starshot

 

I wouldn't be so sure...muttered Starshot in his head. 

 

"We can do that" he agreed. Leave diplomacy to the diplomats. Who knows, maybe they can strike a deal...

 

But maybe not. It seemed like trouble. The question was, trouble for who. He did not much care for the look of the approaching aliens. But sometimes appearances could be deceiving. Like the ferocious cuddlebunny of Omricon-8. He wouldn't forget that monster in a hurry. 

 

He was unarmed, and he raised his hands to show it. 

 

"Who are those soldiers?" he asked the Asshui he had been speaking to, nodding towards the military men. 

 

 

[olopi]

GM

 

 “They are soldiers, they will act as an escort. If this company, as you said, does not want us here we cannot give them a chance to get rid of us. They will be unable to attack us this way. Safety. We will come with you, please lead us back to this company. “

 

The Asshui approached Starshot and the pilot, together with one of the Oog’ol, while the others got on their bikes, two on each. “We have to spare fuel, thus we request to fly with you directly. “ The pilot shrugged, and with the Oog’ol looking down at him, moved back towards the shuttle. He only said a few words on his way, which were quickly translated by the Asshui.

 

“It’ll be cramped, that’s about as many people as fit in there. “ And it was, with the Oog’ol using two seats, and Starshot and the Asshui across of him, just barely fitting in with all the cargo the shuttle was still holding. And then, the shuttle took off, flying at below maximum speed, as various Oog’ol spacecraft joined it.

 

[Supercape]

Starshot

 

It seems more stick than carrot...but who was he to comment on the art of diplomacy. It was shifty words, shifty glances, and he would have no part to play in that arena. Things got done with honest words and will. The machine of society seemed to operate despite of, not because of the apparatus of the government. 

 

"Keep your mouth shut" was his directive to the pilot, whom seemed (to Starshot) to have a dangerous combination of diplomatic ignorance, and ignorance to the fact he was ignorant. Starshot may not have known the right words to say, but he would at least keep lips sealed in case of a wrong one. Whatever else, this fleet of aliens had at least some capacity for war. 

 

There was little more to do now that wait for the ship to arrive, and see what clash of words and idea (and perhaps swords) would materialise. 

[olopi]

GM

 

The atmosphere inside the shuttle was a bit tense, as nobody dared say anything, but shifty looks were exchanged. The shuttle kept up a reasonable pace, in such a way quite a few of the Oog’ol starships were always close. They didn’t fully trust the pilot, which probably was fair.

 

At one point, the Asshui broke the silence. “Please don’t waste our time with taking the wrong path. We only have limited fuel. “ The pilot’s course changed ever so slightly, even if he didn’t respond. The Asshui, for his part, continued to type something on some sort of tablet-device.

 

The shuttle arrived not long after, flying into the hangar together with some of the Oog’ol spacecraft, the others either catching up or securing the perimeter. As the door opened, the greeting almost mirrored that on the Oog’ol Tribeship, with multiple armed guards staring down the door. They clearly weren’t professionals for the most part, but scientists who had grabbed whatever supplies were on the station. Much to the Asshui’s delight, apparently.

 

“A proper greeting!”

[Supercape]

Starshot

 

"Greetings don't normally include weapons" commented Starshot, although he kept his voice reasonably low. But audible. Even he had the sense to go into the mother ship unarmed. 

 

But now, let the fools talk with their foolish words. Trying to get the write words from the other. He did not see this an elegant or honest world, but for all his ignorance, he could appreciate the subtle nuances and from a pragmatic viewpoint, he could see it got things done. 

 

Hitler had words. And from his words came guns, and horror. 

 

Words could forge war as well as peace. 

 

"I need a drink" he grumbled. Surely a few Akrovarian Ale's would not go amiss...

 

 

 

[olopi]

GM

 

The pilot responded to Starshot’s exclamation, probably because he didn’t want to stick around either. “Gladly. You’re done here, so I can ferry you over back to Tethron and your ship, payment should be being wired as we speak. “

 

This, in turn, made the Asshui respond, as he was still judging the situation before initiating diplomatic talks. “A nearby system? I understand this request is far-fetched, but would it be possible for some of ours to accompany you? We will likely be able to stock up on our most needed resources there, and it should also prove educational. Not many of the Oog’ol have ventured this far. “

 

For their part, the various station security were content just watching this interaction. With one in the background clearly recording it all and most likely transmitting the information somewhere else.

[Supercape]

Starshot

 

There was a pause for thought. Starshot pressed his fingers to his forehead and then ran his fingers through his hair, looking upwards. Diplomacy could give a man a headache. 

 

He ached for the Xeno. 

 

"I'm not a diplomat, or a negotiator. I don't represent the company that runs this system. Once I am paid, them and I part ways. But come along. It will be at least interesting, and I don't want to spend the trip talking to the pilot". 

 

He could have used more choice words for the man, whom he did not particularly like, but was not yet in his book of contempt. 

[olopi]

GM

 

“Thank you. I will be staying behind to conduct diplomacy here, but there are a few of us who speak your tongue, some of the will accompany you. Some may travel alone, but we will have somebody join you on this craft, too. “

 

With that, he typed a few things on the tablet he was holding, then stepped forward, to talk with the station staff. Meanwhile, a space-bike landed, and a comparably small Oog’ol, still larger than Starshot, approached the shuttle.

 

“Greetings. Cannot speak perfectly, but have learned the language. Please guide us to the system you have mentioned. “

 

The pilot did just that, taking off after a short wait while getting proper approval. Once the shuttle was in space again, one of the larger Oog’ol spacecraft approached it, sending over a radio hail the Oog’ol on the ship was nice enough to translate.

 

“They are the ones who will come with us to carry back resources. Some others will join us too, they are currently behind it. “

[Supercape]

Starshot

 

Quite how the aliens would get the "resources", and exactly what the "resources" were; well, that was the rub. Starshot had a bad feeling about this. 

 

Maybe he should keep his mouth shut. 

 

Maybe not. 

 

"What exactly are you looking for?" he asked the alien company in the shuttle. "And how do you propose to trade for it? or are you just going to take those resources?" he asked. It was a provocative question, he knew, but blunt needles sometimes revealed the nature of a man. Or alien, in this case. 

[olopi]

GM

 

“Currently, the main thing we are looking for is nourishment. Over our journey, we have run out of nearly all our supplies. We have been told that what many consider nourishment in these parts is not the same as we do, but we shall see. It is our sole priority at this point, everything else is only secondary. “

 

The Oog’ol didn’t move, staying perfectly still. Partially because it was cramped, but from what Starshot could tell, that also was a natural position. Their entire bodies seemed adapted to extreme situations, nothing showing that better than the fact they did not appear to use any sort of spacesuit at any point in time.

 

“The vessel holds a variety of goods we look to trade, from crafts to the ancestral artifacts of some of our forefathers. We do not have much choice. We can also offer our manpower, and have been authorized to do so. Hopefully, that will be enough. “

[Supercape]

Starshot

 

"Cant argue with a hungry man" agreed Starshot. Especially if they want to put you in the pot. And that had happened on one occassion. 

 

But there was reassurance in the aliens word. They came to trade, not take. And honestly too, it seemed. But appearances might decieve, and whilst they might be honorable, the company they dealt with might not be. Starshot still harboured some suspicions about his original mission. Crime seemed woven into the day. 

 

He had nothing more to say, so put his boots up and waited for the ship to dock...

 

 

[olopi]

GM

 

There was nothing of interest happening during the rest of the journey. Everybody was quiet, nobody really feeling like breaking the silence. Outside, various Oog’ol spacecraft accompanied the shuttle, it seemed to be a fair number, easily enough to skirmish, if that was their intent.

 

Soon after, the shuttle arrived back in Tethron, where it approached the main commercial station, where the Zeno had been parked at, and where most of the trade of the neighbouring systems took place. The shuttle got to land fairly quickly, being a common visitor. The Oog’ol took a fair chunk longer, being unidentified vessels, and also not speaking the local language for the most part.  

 

The pilot dropped off Starshot and the Oog’ol at the dock the Xeno was currently docked at. And afterwards, he disappeared into the station, not bothering with anything else. The alien meanwhile seemed to be amazed by what he was seeing. “May I ask for one more request? Can you lead me to the main market? From there, I will act on my own, however I feel uncertain about navigating this … station … by myself. “

[Supercape]

Starshot

 

Starshot was in a marginally better mood now the pilot had left. "Why not? I fancy some Tri-noodles" he said, feeling hungry. "I don't know what you eat but they are delicious!"

 

He picked up his gun and equipment, feeling better by the minute. Perhaps some drink and food might improve things still further. On reflection, he realised that killing the Bortha earlier had set him up for a sour mood. He could not put it behind him, and resolved not too. But a change of scenery would do no harm. 

 

"Lets go. And don't fall for the trade talk. Everyone at the market will want to get a good deal, not a fair one..."

[olopi]

GM

 

“I will try them, then. But please be aware I currently do not have any way to pay for them. “The two walked off, towards the station’s market district. Starshot had been here for some time, so he had an idea of what was where. There was a Tri-noodle stand not too far away. But the path there was filled with stands. They sold all sorts of things.

 

The Oog’ol got all sorts of looks walking through the station, nobody really knowing who he was, as one would’ve assumed. Nobody wanted to mention it, he looked threatening enough to discourage that. He himself looked around the different stalls too, but didn’t seem to find anything he was looking for. “This is mildy distressing. I have yet to see anything resembling what we need. “

 

And there it was. Tri-topia. A small chain of noodle stands, some of the best in this part of the galaxy. It was a small stand, only offering seats for a few people, the kitchen right behind the bar. But it was nearly empty right now, with the cook cleaning up after rush hour.

[Supercape]

Starshot

 

"Well have some of this" said Starshot, throwing some credits to the Tri-noodle seller. It was a Lor man, with an impressive rotund girth and an enormous smile. He had tri-noodle stains down thefront of his clothes. 

 

That was the sign of a good Tri-noodle cook. Someone who relished the spices and textures, and cared not for anything else. 

 

He handed the alien a carton of tri-noodles complete with spoonsticks, and proceeded to eat himself. It was good. He slurped them down, dispensing with manners. His jacket would need a clean,but he realised he was more hungry than he thought. 

 

"What exactly do you need? The market sells nearly anything. Most of it legally, too..."

[olopi]

GM

 

The Oog’ol waited, and watched how Starshot ate, before attempting to do so himself. He’d clearly not done it before, struggling to properly eat the noodles. Even if he clearly enjoyed them once he managed to get some into his mouth. He stopped after some struggling, and answered, struggling to find the proper words in Galstandard.

 

“It’s …. I believe they are called … minerals in your language? According to Acht’oh, that is what you call them. We live off of them in many ways, they are a part of our life. We get our machines from them, but also our nourishment. They do not regrow, other than your nourishment, meaning we are always on the move. “

 

“I did not see any on the market, but I understand they are a core part of your culture, too? Acht’oh has educated me on some manners, of what he has learned before joining with our tribe. “

[Supercape]

GM

 

"Minerals?"

 

Starshot knew a bit about biology. It came with the job, really. There were some life forms that were silicon, as opposed to carbon based. Perhaps....? Then again, the galaxy was a big place and the universe was even bigger. Anything was possible. 

 

Silicon wasn't really part of Lor culture. Or was it? It depended on the meaning. Silicon chips, certainly. On the other hand, gold, silver, the precious metals. They were woven more deeply into the cultural fabric. 

 

How much of a language problem was there?

 

"Speak plainly, if you can. Minerals come in many shapes and sizes, although I am no geologist. What minerals do you need? or all of them?"

 

 

[olopi]

GM

 

“We are not choosy. We can gain nourishment from almost all that are found in the …asteroid belts, you call them. They are our origin, the places our ancestors lived. We move around them, and they provide us with everything we need. “

 

He resumed slurping down some of the noodles, still struggling, which made a lot more sense all of the sudden. It was doubtful anything that came from an asteroid was similar to Tri-Noodles in texture or shape. The Oog’ol didn’t show any real expression on his face, or perhaps it was just something Starshot didn’t pick up on.

 

“Perhaps it is something one doesn’t find at the average marketplace? With how many there are, I assumed it would be easy enough to find just a small amount. “