The HighPort is located on (and in) a moonlet called The Skull. It has this name because of its appearance. The moonlet is in geosynchronous orbit above the only city on Theev, which is called Blacksand. Without the right codes the closest you can fly is to the Skull. If you attempt to land on the planet with out codes, the missile batteries on the moonlet will blast you to dust.
As knows the codes earlier, and not wanting to show any timidity or to be considered overly cautious the decision is made to go straight to the planet. Communication made with the controllers, and the appropriate codes given, they are directed to a landing pad.
Blacksand is built in, around and on a canyon system on the dry planet. The Upper City consists of tall skyscrapers that are connected via covered walkways. The Lower City exists on the canyon floors, which are covered by protective domes, and underground in tunnels linking canyons. The DownPort is located on the upper canyon heights, and from orbit appear to be black scarab beetles as each pad has clam shell doors that close to keep out the atmosphere and also to provide privacy.
Upon landing, and after the doors have closed, a delegation from the starport authority approaches the ship. Fuel and life support supplies are purchased, and a monthly maintenance check is also requested. Customs procedures are handled with no ceremony and within an hour the party are heading away from the pad.
The tunnel makes its way past other pad entry doors and eventually reaches a small nexus. Progressing further a central hub is reached, where the party decides to do some research into Theev, and to see if the goods brought from Palindrome can be sold.
First Pilot Sparrow chooses to research the planet more using library terminals. What he finds out is located on the Theev page.
Lady Nitrane searches for an armorer to repair her armor which was damaged in the fight against the Chamax. One is found not far from where the party currently find themselves. She heads off immediately.
Captain Sparrow locates buyers for the cargo. Good prices are obtained for all goods, and a quick tallying up shows that the party have sufficient funds for minor expenses, but not for new turret weapons of computer software for the ship.
Lady Nitrane reaches the armorer. Upon entering she is sees some bruiser types and a wizened man in a protective cage. Upon requesting the repairs the wizened mad calls out a shuffling figure who examines the armour and then returns to a back room, whereupon the old man declares that the armour can be fixed. A price and collection time is agreed. In addition to the repairs some armour suitable for wearing under clothes is obtained, and the suit under repair is augmented with a medkit. The price seems quite high, but no haggling is entered into and Lady Nitrane agrees to return in two days to pick up her repaired and updated armour.
In an effort to ensure that there are crew available while maintenance is being performed, and also to sweeten crew who might be thinking of leaving the ship, the Captain gives a bonus of 2,000 Cr to each crew member. Krrsh offers to take a watch at the ship as the crew are light on engineers.
On the subject of crew, an appointment is made with two brokers who deal in providing crew to pirates and anyone else who finds themselves in Theev. The appointments are in the morning to pfind an engineer, so it is decided to have a meal and drinks and ask around.
Rather than spend the night in the ship the party decide to take a room at a good hotel. Not The Grand, but still quite good. After getting rooms Lady Nitrane decides that suitable clothing will be required if they are to hit the town to find out more on the whereabouts of Captain Redthane . Appraising the fashions on display Lady Nitrane thinks she has a good idea of what's required, and after finding suitable attire the party are ready to party.
To be continued.
No comments:
Post a Comment