Hunter -- Logs

The crew has spent about a week on Ulundi. Food prices are a little high, but in contrast, refueling is a little less, so it balances out. The Ulundi are a bit wary of offworlders, and the exports are a little lacking -- there's not many cargoes that are heading offworld at this time. There was only the one cargo Raj managed to scrounge up. Elgyn has returned to the ship by now, and the crew is preparing to depart on the morrow. Elgyn is actually in rather good spirits himself... in spite of the fact that being among his people has brought into relief how bad it is, spending time immersed back in with his clan has done a world of good, even ameliorated his earlier anger at the Alliance somewhat. He's currently busy seeing to the chickens, planning on leaving a gift of fresh eggs to Annaka to use as she sees fit.

There has not been a lot of activity at the docks (and the Express has not been spotted in the docks) so a newly arriving ship is of note. This one is a larger ship, a long-haul passenger craft that has seen better days but is still comfortable. It is an Albatross-class transport, and is about twice as long from stem to stern as the Scarlet Chimera, carrying upwards of thirty to fifty persons in steerage -- not necessarily in comfort, but relatively quickly.

Solbiort is restless and ready to go, but doesn't want to rush her crew. She's not wild about Ulundi, with its strange mix of grouchy Alliance, sullen folks who want off the planet at any cost, and damaged clans struggling to make their societal ends meet. If she knew something she could do to help them she'd feel different... but currently she doesn't. She sighs, leaning against the exit hatchway and watching the Albatross-class land, kicking up dust and a short-lived excitement. Then she idly taps up on the comm who and what the ship is.

Whomever is in the Albatross warrants a lot of attention. The forward ramp lowers and a rather well fed man saunters off the ship. He has Mandarin features, a neat little beard and moustache and, as if they were accessories that were going out of style, a pair of large, tough bodyguards. Solbiort's check of the Cortex brings it up as the 'Yuan Ti' out of Higgin's Moon. Solbiort blinks slowly, then looks up in curiosity, wondering if that's the much-vaunted Higgins himself. She comms the Infirmary, wondering if Nigel is available -- she'd bet he'll recognize Higgins. Then she eyes the bodyguards assessingly, trying to figure out if they truly are accessories or not.

This certainly isn't Higgins, though this far from Higgin's Moon it's not easy to tell who exactly he is. The bodyguards do seem to be rather capable, if standard security. Solbiort looks over her shoulder when there's no response from Nigel, curious as to whether Raj is to hand and would know. He is, so she grins and waves him over, "Hey, Raj, moment here, ching? You know who zhat fat boy is? Von viz bodyguards?"

Raj wanders over, wiping his hands on a brown towel and gazes over at the group. After a moment he shakes his head, "Not a clue. Quite the tourist, though. He's cruisin' for something and has no idea who to talk to."

Solbiort gives Raj a curious glance, then looks back at the man, murmuring, "Vhy you say does not know who to talk to?"

Raj says, "Well, if he did he'd just go talk to them. If this was something he'd set up, they'd be here to meet him. I'm sure if we keep an eye out the locals will start sniffing around."

Solbiort frowns consideringly, her eyes narrowing. "Looks vaguely familiar, actually. Vonder if haf seen him before..." She nods slowly at Raj's words, still watching the small group walking away -- then finally shrugs, "Vill ask Nigel zhen, later."

Raj says, "Want me to ask about?"

Solbiort nods slowly, her gaze still faraway, "Ya, ching, Raj. Don't vant trouble for our boy. Sheh-sheh."

Raj steps into the ship and returns looking a bit more presentable. He wanders off, visibly armed, saying, "I wonder what passes for spicy soup on this rock."

Solbiort grins, waving at Raj, "Call if you get bored und start fight!" Despite that, she's quietly concerned. If this person in Boss Higgins' livery hasn't announced what he wants, she's guessing it's more under the table... and Higgins is not renown for his generous spirit.

Raj is in unfamiliar surroundings, and it doesn't help that a barker is trying to sell him some sort of kabob. The barker isn't easily brushed off, and unfortunately the heavies following the procurer notice him. Each time Raj catches sight of the group, at some point the alert guards seem to spot him. They don't take action against him, but they do keep their charge moving. Said charge has met what looks like an Alliance official of some kind, and the official is escorting the procurer to the administration spire.

Elgyn is along after a bit -- divesting himself of the smell of 'chicken' always takes a little doing. He greets Soli with a hand to her hair, coming through it with his fingers. "How are things going, Captain?" he queries in a warm voice.

Solbiort turns her head and smiles at Elgyn, putting an arm about his shoulders, "So far are fine, pretty." She nods over at the ship docked next to them, "Zhat von, though... am thinkink is goot ve are leafing tomorrow. Ship hails from Higgins' Moon." Then she snaps her fingers suddenly, "Ceramics!" She looks down at Elgyn, "Your peoples find ceramic-quality mud anyvhere on Ulundi, pretty?"

Elgyn stares at the ship, and then sighs. "And I was in a good mood," he murmurs. "Should go find Nigel and tell him..." at Solbiort's query, he stops, though, his brow knitting. "Hmm? Well, no, actually... we had to do with basket weaving and the like for portables. Why? I thought there was plenty of clay on the Moon itself..."

Solbiort glances curiously at Elgyn, "Vhat? Vhat zhat vas about moon? Ah, you mean Higgins' Moon?" She sighs, looking back out at the ship, "Not sure, pretty. Am thinkink high-placed lackey of Higgins not here for vacation, though."

Elgyn nods. "Yes, exactly." His brow knits. "And I'm sure his actual reason for being here is clear, no matter what reason has been given up for public consumption."

Solbiort murmurs, "Not yet... but vill be. Raj is out nosing about." She muses, "Vonder if I should go be nosy also..."

Elgyn leans in, nuzzling and smelling at Solbiort's hair. "I'm sure Raj would be good enough at that for him not to need backup," he murmurs.

Nigel stomps in from the engine room, holding most of the comm unit from there in his hand, "Ruttin' thing blew out on me. What were you wanting?"

Elgyn is suddenly flummoxed as Nigel stomps in, catching him being kittenishly cuddly. "Er..."

Solbiort glances over her shoulder at Nigel, "Hey, di-di. Vas chust thinkink you are not vanting to leaf Chimera tonight?" She nods at the Albatross-class ship next to them, "Zhat von is from Higgins' Moon." She grins down at Elgyn, gently ruffling his short hair, "Probably right, pretty."

Nigel stiffens and peers at the ship, muttering, "That's just what I gorram well need. I need parts for this bloody comm."

Solbiort blinks again, looking back at Nigel and saying startledly, "Vhat you do to comm, di-di?!" Elgyn just nods and grunts, choosing to not bring further attention to himself.

Nigel shrugs, grimacing, "I went to slap the button and it just sizzled out on me."

Solbiort coughs, covering a snicker, then murmurs sedately, "Must be cheap eqvipment, ya? You nefer vould slap too hard, of course..." She grins. Nigel gives Solbiort a withering look, or tries to. It doesn't go over quite as well with his face streaked with grease and what looks like might be soot. Solbiort grins with affectionate amusement at Nigel's piebald face, adding, "Make list, di-di, of vhat you need. Vill pick up for you."

Nigel nods and pulls a flimsy out of his pocket, "Wrote it down for m'self already." He jerks his chin at the ship, "Who got off the Albatross?"

Elgyn snaps his fingers. "That reminds me, I needed to pick something up myself... I'd pick up the parts, but somehow I think the tech vendors would respond better to the Captain."

Solbiort muses as she answers Nigel's question, "Vas fat boy viz two bodyguards... small mustache und goatee. Vaguely familiar, und bothers me I cannot recall vhere." She nods to Elgyn, "Add vhat you need to list, und I get zhat also, pretty." She tilts her head at Nigel, then grins, "You need handkerchief, di-di?"

Elgyn smiles to Solbiort. "I'll just go out later... what I have in mind, the vendors will respond better to me," he chuckles. "Besides, I need to bring eggs to Annaka, anyway..." Solbiort raises an eyebrow at Elgyn, who blinks. "What? Oh, I'll take Raj with me, don't worry."

Nigel looks slightly troubled at that description, brow furrowing, "Why the hell would I need a handkerchief? I didn't sneeze..." He waves the defunct comm panel at the ship, "That's a lot of people, captain... anything more specific?" His voice is taking on a tight tone.

Solbiort grins at Nigel, stepping over to him with a handkerchief in hand. As she speaks she does a quick swipe across his face, holding the dirty hankie up for him to see, "Looked Chinon, vas in livery, about zhis tall und zhis vide?" She gestures relative size, after demonstrating with the handkerchief.

Raj wanders up to the crew gathered in front of the hatch, carrying a metal tray of some sort. A pungent, meaty smell wafts over the group. He says, "These look to be the least poisonous thing on the boardwalk," and peels back the foil, showing off meaty kabobs in a thick sauce. He shrugs and says, "I picked them up near the admin spike. Chubby's escorts keep a weather eye on him, so I didn't learn too much."

Solbiort hands the handkerchief to Nigel and turns to grin at Raj, "Sheh-sheh -- smell vonderbahr!" She takes a kabob stick, turning to look at Nigel again, "So... sound like anyvon in particular, di-di?"

Nigel's jaw tightens down even further and the look he gives the ship is halfway between rage and panic. The skin along his jaw is actually whitening a bit with the clenching of the muscles, "That particular gentleman is a gorram lying slaver by the name of Jackie Lao-Pan."

Solbiort raises an eyebrow, then murmurs quietly to Nigel, "Di-di, calm. He vill not harm you."

Elgyn is startled by Nigel's reaction, and sobers quickly. "That bad?" he queries after a moment.

Nigel's smile is bleak and his eyes are narrowed down to near slits, "Hell, he's the ruttin' reason I was on that hellhole of a moon to start with. Man could talk a Shepherd into whoring."

Solbiort blinks startledly, "Him? Alvays vonder vhy you go zhere. Vhat happen?" Elgyn looks like he wants to physically reassure Nigel, but he's not so close to the man that he's certain it would actually have a comforting effect right now. He just sits and listens.

Nigel grimaces and actually looks chagrinned a bit, "Ahhh, I just wanted t'believe there was gonna be an easy way to get out toward the Border. So he waved a carrot and just like any other ass, I followed it."

Solbiort smiles ruefully at Nigel, then shakes her head once, "Vell. So you haf no debt to him, ya?"

Nigel snorts, "Depends. Hate t'think what Elgyn's people might do to get off here..."

Elgyn's brow knits. "I wish there was some way of warning folks off without causing a ruckus..."

Solbiort winces at that thought, then shakes her head once firmly. "Vell, zhey are not my crew -- you are. So. Raj, need to go shopping for comm parts viz you, ching. Elgyn, Nigel, stay viz ship." She adds grimly, "No talkink to ozzers from zhat ship, eizzer!"

Nigel says, "Doubt I'd have much pretty to say to any of 'em." Solbiort nods to Nigel, then glances at Elgyn expectantly.

Raj says, "I'm ready when you are, Captain."

Elgyn grimaces. "Yes, Captain," he acquiesces.

Solbiort frowns at Elgyn, then turns and nods to Raj, holding the flimsy from Nigel, "Hokay. Now is goot." She heads out with Raj to get said supplies -- mostly comm parts to repair Nigel's comm. As they head out into the docks, though, they do start to notice a steady trickle of stern-faced Ulundi who almost march through the streets. They'd be hard to miss, but for that they are all carrying bedrolls or bundles for a trip. And they're all taking the same route, from one of the buildings near the admin spire to the docks... and to the Yuan Ti. Solbiort sighs quietly, muttering, "Tzao-gao," under her breath. She comms the ship, "Molly... lock up Chimera, ching." Molly acknowledges, and shortly the hatches are remotely dogged from the bridge. Solbiort glances at Raj, adding quietly, "Think vould be best to hurry und be back to Chimera soon."

Raj says, "Are you expecting trouble?"

Solbiort nods quietly, quickening her gait and looking around a touch impatiently, "Ya. Got firebrand on our boy."

Raj looks down the street, "We're almost done. Last stop there I think." Solbiort nods silently, following Raj for the last purchase -- she's anxious to return to the Chimera.

Solbiort is relieved to return soon thereafter. She calls ahead to the Chimera to be sure everyone's all right and safely inside before asking Molly to undog the hatches. As the two return to the ship, they can see the stream of Ulundi boarding the Yuan Ti. Also around is the familiar brimmer-and-duster-wearing frame of Wayland Mackenzie waiting outside. He brightens as Solbiort arrives, and tips his hat. "Cap'n. I saw your ship in port and came to visit, but Molly wouldn't so much as open a peephole, saying it was captain's orders."

Solbiort nods a touch grimly to the man, "Vas, shuh-muh." She waits for the big gangplank to come down, adding to MacKenzie, "So, how goes for you?"

"I'm not complaining; if anything I'm complimenting Miss Molly's adherence t' orders. Goes well enough. I'm here on business, of course, though for Boros University. The Anthro department there wanted a survey of the traditional tribal lands. So for once I'm not usin' an autotransit, but just talkin' with the clan leaders here."

Solbiort gives MacKenzie a curious look, then waves to the inner ship, "You vish to come in, speak viz Elgyn?"

MacKenzie says, "Oh, please? Actually with all of you -- mostly just wanted to stop by and see how you-all were doing."

Solbiort nods politely, "Come, zhen," and enters the ship, comming Molly to let her know there's a guest aboard. She also comms Elgyn and Nigel, so they can come have tea with MacKenzie if they wish, and makes sure Nigel gets the newly-purchased equipment he needed. Nigel has actually washed his face while Soli and Raj were out. He accepts the parts with a bare minimum of graciousness. Elgyn was working on something when the call comes, and he perks when he finds out Wayland is here. After making sure he's correctly closed up the panel, he hurries to the lounge to greet the man.

Mackenzie doffs his brimmer as he boards the ship, following Solbiort up to the lounge, and looks a touch more grim. "I take it ye've seen the line of new recruits headin' to yon Albatross, aye?"

Solbiort grins at Nigel's freshly washed face, then returns to have tea with MacKenzie. She frowns at his words, growling, "Ya. Cannot live life for zhem, though. Is terrible choice, but is zheirs to make. Vhere zhey go?"

Nigel's shoulders stiffen and he looks at the captain, "Who's headed to the Albatross?"

Solbiort looks down at Nigel a touch worriedly, but rumbles quietly, "Ulundians."

Nigel's nostrils flare and he glares, "No ruttin' way..." He starts toward cargo and the main hatch.

Solbiort catches Nigel's shoulder, "Di-di, don't. Vhat you are goink to do? Send zhem all home? Bring zhem on Chimera? Give zhem all new hope?"

Nigel points at his face and jerks his shoulder away, "Show them this an' let 'em know they've been lied to."

Solbiort says, "Vhy zhey should belief you?"

Nigel says, "Where they're goin' ain't any more hope than they got here. Why shouldn't they?"

Solbiort smiles ruefully, "Di-di, if you are goink to do zhis, should not go alone -- vant you to come back to ship safely. Am also thinkink this is bootless errand... und you are goink to risk for zhose who care nozzing for vhat you say."

Nigel takes a deep breath, though the little doctor is shaking with anger, "They might listen to Elgyn, though."

Solbiort says firmly, "No. He vill not be causink more trouble amongst Alliance here, nor draw it down on his clan nor ship." She sighs, pushing back her scarlet bangs wearily, "Look, di-di... vhat you vant say to zhem?"

Nigel is starting to pull himself together a little bit, "I'm wantin' them to understand that it ain't a ticket out."

Solbiort says, "Ya, but vhat you say to zhem? Zhey haf convinced selves zhis is vay out. Zhey are not vanting to hear vhat you say."

Nigel makes a growling sound in frustration. It is unfortunately almost more cute than intimidating, "Gorram idiots...." What he doesn't say is he understands exactly how that might be and that just makes it worse. Solbiort watches in silent sympathy, arms folded, and waits for Nigel to make his own decision. Nigel actually tugs on the skin of his cheek, pinching his own scar rather roughly, "Maybe they got eyes."

Solbiort gives Nigel a pained, sympathetic look -- she knows how frustrating this is herself as well... then sighs and shakes her head, "Hokay, di-di. You truly vant to go shout at zhem, I vill go viz you. But must promise to stick close, ya? Don't vant Higgins' boys grabbing you again."

That seems to sober Nigel and he nods, "I don't want to go back m'self."

Solbiort says, "Goot." She glances at Raj and Elgyn, "Eizzer of you vant to come? Elgyn, if you stick close might be helpful for translatink?"

Raj says, "I think I'll come along. It might be best if there were more than one or two folks to keep an eye on things."

Solbiort nods a touch grimly to Raj, "Sheh-sheh."

Elgyn had been making tea all this time, and was surprisingly quiet, not responding to anything being said. "Ulundi speak enough Lingua that translation's not an issue," he replies softly. "I think I should stay here."

Solbiort nods quietly to Elgyn, "Hokay. Sheh-sheh." Then she looks at Nigel, "So. This you vant? Ve go now, if ya."

Elgyn offers a cup and saucer to Wayland, who's been quietly staying off to one side. "It's good to see you. I'm sorry I was curt during our last meeting."

Solbiort blinks a bit startledly at Elgyn's words... then turns her head to look at him, surprised and pleased. MacKenzie stands, nodding to Elgyn and accepting the cup. "S'good to see you too, lad. I must say I was a mite worried about what would have happened. For what it's worth, I bear ye no ill will."

Elgyn shakes his head, smiling, though there's a clear tightness about his eyes. "You never did me any wrong. You were trying to talk me out of making a fool of myself. I consider myself lucky things didn't go as badly as they could have." He seems to notice Solbiort's look, but says nothing in response.

Mackenzie makes a quiet sound. "E'en so, thank you, lad."

Elgyn claps a hand on the man's shoulder, encouraging him to sit as Solbiort and Raj focus on Nigel. "You came just to visit, hmm?"

Nigel takes a deep breath and swallows hard, "If we can catch them before they actually get to the ship."

Solbiort raises an eyebrow at Nigel... then puts a hand on his shoulder, "Come, vill show you. Is long line. You can decide vhen you see."

Elgyn holds up a finger to Wayland for a moment. "Nigel," he calls over.

Mackenzie nods to Elgyn, "Aye, and to just let you know -- off-the-books -- that ye've got Blue Sun interested in the apportionment of land and resources here. One o' the elders I'd been working with for months mentioned that ye were askin' about that. Solbiort's head jerks up a bit at that... then she shakes her head again, and continues with Nigel. MacKenzie glances to Solbiort. "Atana wouldna have told me if she didn't know I'd nae spill anythin'... an' she knows I've little 'nough love for Blue Sun."

Nigel moves over toward Elgyn, "Yeah?"

Solbiort sighs, folding her arms and leaning against a wall. Elgyn seems preternaturally calm as he looks at the angry little man. "My people are not stupid. Unversed in modern technology and in current events... perhaps. But we remember our history. We remember the Trail of Tears. We remember Wounded Knee and the trifecta of cotton, tobacco, and slavery. They may very well have an idea what they are getting into. But you know Higgins... you know the depths to which the man sinks. Speak to what you know, and let them see your heart. Perhaps that will be enough."

Nigel takes a deep breath and says, "I ain't dumb, either, but he talked me into it." Solbiort waits silently, her face now expressionless.

Elgyn smiles sadly and squeezes Nigel's shoulder. "May ancestors walk with you, warrior," he murmurs solemnly. Nigel pats Elgyn's arm and turns to follow Soli out. Solbiort straightens, waiting... then heads out, making sure she and Raj flank the smaller man. Elgyn looks at Wayland. "Say on. I'm not the expert on these things, but the Captain can help me with the hard part," he offers.

The conversation is light pleasantries for only a minute or so, before Wayland MacKenzie sits back in the chair. "So," he says at last. "What is it that I can tell you?"

Elgyn is remarkably controlled, considering the events of a few moments before. Still, he trusts the capacities of his crew to resolve this with fewer ripples than if he did it himself. He knows himself well enough now to realize that he's been tripping over his emotions ever since... well, really ever since they acquired the Chimera. He will quell this opponent eventually. But till then it's best to not put himself in situations where those emotions could make things more difficult. He smiles companionably to Wayland and spreads his hands. "Well, that's really in your pocket. You came to us saying you had something of import regarding Ulundi... I believe I heard mention of my Chan in there as well." He leans forward. "Is this regarding my Captain's inquiries? I had heard she was curious who was, as they say, running the show here."

Weyland takes a sip of his tea, nodding. "Mmm. Yeah, I did. Naturally the first thing people think of regarding corporate conspiracies is Blue Sun. And in a way, that's true -- Blue Sun has enough clout and power to do pretty much what they want. It's why I don't have anything to do with them if I can help it. In this case though, there are a lot of subsidiaries involved -- some regional to Georgia, one tied to the labor market in the Border Moons. You know, buying and selling of contracts. There's another that wants to 'lease' out swaths of land for agro production. Plus there's the raw materials buried underneath the surface: rare earth elements, metals, that sort of thing."

"When the Ulundians surrendered and the Alliance moved in in force, it posed a bit of a quandary for some of the rapacious-type corporates. Their usual way of doin' things would be to settle themselves onto a planet and have their way. In Ulundi's case they couldn't; the magistrate is too involved in things -- involved, mostly pure-as-the-driven-snow, but a bit naive. Since then the corporates just decided to play it very cleanly. So bit by bit they're setting Ulundi up into a 'company store' type of operation. Sure, if you don't want to work you'll get the standard Central welfare, but it's not much, and it doesn't help the bein' cooped up in a shantytown."

Elgyn nods slowly, absorbing what he's told. This is not his field of expertise, but one can't be around Solbiort -- one cannot do business in civilized society -- without picking up a basic understanding of how things work. "Mmmm. I have seen the effects of the 'cooping up,' yes," he rumbles thoughtfully. "But they want to eventually encourage the... populace to work in their factories or mines or whatever?"

Weyland sighs and nods, setting his empty cup down. "'Fraid so, lad. Mines, factories, farms... and barring that, for those who won't get that work -- and there'll be plenty of them -- there's labor on other worlds."

Elgyn tries to face this news urbanely. "Is that a bad thing, though? I mean... sure, there's Higgins and folk like him. And I wouldn't expect the Corps to not try and squeeze every possible benefit they can get... but if they're providing honest work, honest pay -- surely that can only be better than what exists now?"

Weyland arches a brow. "Lad, you ever hear of the 'company store' ploy?"

It clearly takes him a moment, and then Elgyn grimaces in comprehension. "So much for idle hope," he mumbles, taking a sip of tea. "And I take it that kind of exploitation is not against Alliance law? Or maybe the megacorps just know all the loopholes."

"Loopholes, mostly. The Alliance doesn't necessarily approve o' it, of course. But the Central planets are a long way from here, and the magistrate has her hands tied. She's tryin' to do what's best for the Ulundi, thinkin' she can block the corps. But she's an appointed official, and as soon as she becomes inconvenient she'll be moved on, or 'promoted' to the governor's staff."

Elgyn nods. He's curious about this magistrate... but by all accounts knowing about her might not necessarily help at this juncture. Like Wayland said... she's subject to the politics of her superiors. "Don't suppose you know anything about what kind of timetable these subsidiaries are looking at in terms of setting up operations," he wonders.

"They like to take their time, but not too long. Near as I can tell they've started, with convincin' people to go off-world for decent pay. After a few months of that, after they've convinced everyone they can of that, then they'll bring in the industry, like mining. They've already got prospectors and surveyors out in the plains. Probably have the first mining sites and agro-plantations located. Then they'll be 'invitin' folks to work the mines and farms. Eventually operations will outstrip the local labor supply, and they'll be decidin' on Ulundi's resource value. If it's great enough, they'll bring in labor from less valuable worlds to extract the resources from Ulundi. Otherwise, they'll keep on solicitin' for labor for other worlds."

Elgyn's brow knits. "Why would they start with decreasing their own workforce? Particularly if they are potentially the hardiest workers?" He holds up a hand. "Wait, no... I get it. If the best and brightest leave first, then it's less likely the remaining population will rebel, yes?"

Wayland nods, "That's part of it. Plus it lets them open up the labor market here later on. See, right now Ulundi won't give an immediate return. The labor's more valuable than whatever's here. They deplete the local workforce, send the labor to where their quarterly profit margin needs 'em, then later on if it's worth it they'll ship in labor to pick up the slack. Transportin' large numbers of people in cryo is cake to some corps."

Elgyn sighs. "I suppose so. Wouldn't know anything about that." Which is very true. The last time they had someone is cryo, it was anything but 'cake.' He taps his chin. "How does this work, exactly? I mean... who owns Ulundi, now? The government? And the corps like Blue Sun... they negotiate with the government for the right to... do business here?"

"Heh. 'Owns' Ulundi? Technically, th' Alliance, though they don't use words like 'own.' 'Govern,' 'manage,' 'administrate.' Blue Sun's too large to deal with this sort of thing; the subsidiaries negotiate directly with the governor... with some 'suggestions' from Parliament."

Elgyn gives a wry look. "Given our history, I think we know 'owning' when we see it. It was folks like the Alliance that taught us all about 'owning'," he murmurs. But he waves a hand, not wanting to go down that road with this decent man. "So if that's the case, then only two things affect who gets to run things here on Ulundi. As it is on most worlds: money and politics. Whoever offers the most plat, or whoever it is more beneficial to do business with politically. Or both."

Wayland purses his lips, considering. "Well. Unless an insurrection's good enough to sweep up a whole world. But that's askin' a lot, and folks just don't have the stomach for war that they did a decade ago."

Elgyn shakes his head. "It's been ten years. We lost our best warriors to the big war, and I don't expect that the Alliance would still allow the kind of intensive training we used to have for our fighters. I wouldn't ask them to rise up. Besides... that's just inviting the death of good people on both sides, and possibly another Shadow. No...I guess what I'm thinking, what I'm hoping, is that maybe I can get people with plat and political clout involved. People that Ulundi could live with." He sighs, running fingers through his hair. "Maybe."

Wayland nods slowly. "There's the trick, aye, lad. You'd have to look fairly locally, though -- within Georgia quad."

Elgyn smiles. "I already have something in mind, Wayland. I've been thinking about it for a while, even before you brought this information to me. The trick is getting them to help... and then, of course, the trick from there is hoping they're strong enough to win the game." His smile fades. "But I wish I didn't have to ask. Lady Veleda once questioned me about my service to Solbiort. She thought I might have tied myself to her because of her status, her family. I convinced her she couldn't be more wrong. And that was the truth. But now I find myself wanting to ask my Captain to take advantage of that very thing. All for... my people." he says softly.

Weyland blinks. "Wait... you're talkin' about Vagner, aren't you? You sure about that? They've a bit of a reputation as being standoffish. Independent, sure -- how they wrangle the local control they do is somethin' few worlds do under the Alliance. But they don't even let folks onto their world 'les they're invited..."

Elgyn nods. "If it were just me, I likely wouldn't even try. But Solbiort is the daughter of some very important folks on Midgaard. If she asked it of them..." He shrugs. "It is better to try than to do nothing and watch it happen."

Weyland lets out a breath and rubs his brow. After a moment he says, "Well, if'n you folk can swing it, it's worth a shot. Jus' remember, it ain't gonna happen overnight and there's a lot of money tied up in the exploitation of a world and its people."

Elgyn smiles. "My people are patient. Besides... I am not going to tell my clan of this development. I would not want to dash their hopes if it does not work." He offers a hand to the surveyor. "Thank you for taking the time, my friend."

Weyland nods, leaning forward and shaking Elgyn's hand. "No problem at all, lad."

Elsewhere, Solbiort and Raj lead Nigel to the open gangway. Once there, Solbiort rests a hand on Nigel's shoulder, and waves the other hand to indicate the long, grim-faced line of people waiting to board the Yuan Ti, "Zhere."

Nigel marches rather grimly toward a random Ulundi in the line, fists at his sides, nerves showing a little in that one fists holds tight to one of his puzzles. Solbiort paces along with Nigel, sticking close and looking around warily for bodyguards or other such individuals. Raj says, "Maybe we should buy somebody lunch, see what they think is happening. Pick a couple, if you can find one. They'll play off each other, maybe give us an idea of what questions to ask." Solbiort nods approvingly, then glances at Nigel... then sighs quietly and gives Raj a rueful glance.

Most of the Ulundi outside the Yuan Ti are a touch sullen, and the particular Ulundi -- average for his people, with a few markings indicating he's an adult -- doesn't notice Nigel until the doctor-engineer is almost on top of him. Solbiort puts a hand on Nigel's shoulder, murmuring to him, "Di-di... you hear Raj? Has goot plan, am thinkink?"

Nigel jumps slightly and furrows his brows again, "I didn't hear him..."

Solbiort says, "He suggest ve buy somevon lunch, ask for vhat goes on? Maybe more zhan von?" Nigel nods curtly and looks up and down the line for people that seem to be huddled together closer than most. Solbiort murmurs, "Not a family, di-di. Two strangers talk more, ya?"

Nigel blows an impatient breath out his nose, approaching the first Ulundi he was homing in on and another near him, "You two want a bite to eat?"

Solbiort grins, watching Nigel, and murmurs to Raj, "Goot idea; sheh-sheh."

Raj shrugs, "People talk over food, things happen." Solbiort nods, still keeping a wary eye out for Nigel.

Both Ulundi looks surprised at the offer, and glance at each other. "Uh..." one says, a little warily. "Sure," the other says, equally wary. "Why for, though?"

Solbiort paces up quietly behind Nigel, "Ve are curious about vhere you are goink."

Nigel smirks slightly, trying to keep his questionable wit under control, "Does it matter? Can't be worse than whatever drove you to to go with this lot."

The two Ulundi shrug a little. "Well, the ship's not leaving for another few hours, so, all right...."

Solbiort grins amusedly at Nigel, then nods to Raj to lead them to someplace reasonable to eat.

Raj says, "Nice quite place to sit right down here, I think. You folks spend much time in this part of town?"

One of the Ulundi nods slowly. "My clan is housed right by the docks. There's a good place right 'round that corner." Solbiort strolls easily after the men, keeping quiet so Nigel and Raj can talk to them.

Nigel walks with the two Ulundi, jerking his chin toward the ship, "What'd they offer you?" The two Ulundi look a little surprised. They each related what was offered, identical to each other: As far as wages go it's the rock bottom minimum, enough to get them by with room and board from the company store, with a bit to send back home, and a ten year indentured contract. Nigel snorts through his nose, "They mention conditions? Or that Higgins is a sadistic bastard?" Solbiort grins quietly, thinking, [Subtlety is not di-di Nigel's middle name!]

One of them -- Cougar -- shrugs. "Hard conditions. To be expected, I guess."

Solbiort says, "Vhy you go? Things here are so bad?"

The other -- Ash -- frowns. "Sadistic... pardon?"

Nigel arches a brow, "Tell me what you consider hard." He's a bit nervous as they walk away from the ship, glancing around every few seconds as if looking for Higgins' henchman. So far, there's no sign of Jackie or his bodyguards.

Ash looks to Solbiort. "We've got to make wages somehow. We can't hunt or gather, we can't even subsistence farm, not in these conditions. The moment the rationing goes privately-owned -- and it will -- we're going to need wages, and we just aren't getting any here."

Cougar frowns. "Well... can it be harder than a rainstorm that makes the ground flow like a river?"

Nigel says, "That depends. You consider bein' locked in a one meter square box for two years hard?"

Both Ulundi stop at that. "What?" Cougar asks.

Nigel smiles wryly, "What about brandin' insubordinate indentured folk?"

Ash's eyes flick to the 'Rude' brand on Nigel's cheek. "Let me guess: you?"

Nigel snorts, "Yeah, and he said I only got off this ruttin' light 'cause I saved his hide." Solbiort quietly continues to keep a wary eye out as Nigel talks.

Cougar lets out a long, disgruntled sound as he rubs his face. "Devils on the bones... how're we going to get out of this?"

Solbiort glances at the man, "You sign anyzing?"

Ash looks about as good. "Yeah. We did." He mutters something particularly impolite in Ulundian. "Knew there was a catch. Knew there was more than just 'heavy labor.'"

Solbiort tilts her head and grins at the man, "Tell me, you all from different clans? Sign clearly, or haf to use chop to do so?"

Ash nods. "Yeah, different clans. I'm from Kotokore."

Cougar mutters, "And I'm from Maorin. I don't know about Ash here, but I signed clearly."

Ash looks heavenward. "I signed, but it's hard to tell what it was that I scrawled...."

Solbiort tsks at Ash, "You left your Chan Ella?" She grins at him, then glances at Cougar, "Vell, qvestion becomes if your clan vill hide you, ya? Und if enough folks abandon agreements, vill be hard to find zhem, am thinkink."

Nigel leans over the table, "Bet little Jimmy fork-tongue also fed you some go-se about even havin' a little left over after room and board, yeah?" Solbiort grins at Nigel's fierceness, surprised and pleased at his emphatic courage in the face of his own fear.

Ash nods to Solbiort, frowning, and Cougar fidgets in his seat. "They... uhm. Might." Ash grimaces to Nigel, and nods. "Yeah. Didn't entirely believe it, but the numbers he showed us seemed in order."

Solbiort laughs a touch incredulously, then hastily covers her mouth, "Shuh-muh." Both Ash and Couger look a little put off by the laugh. Solbiort smiles, pulling out her palm-pad, "Look, can show you how to play numbers if you vant, so you see vhat, er..." she glances at Nigel and grins, "Jimmy Fork-Tongue vas doink."

Cougar looks suddenly exhausted. "No, that's fine, we believe you. Dammit. We can hope that our clans'll hide us, but Mr. Lao-Pan said he'd have the deputies find us and drag us to his ship if we weren't on it..."

Solbiort shrugs, "If everyvon leaf, am thinkink deputies not fery excited about findink you all."

Cougar points to the ship. "Everyone? That's a good thirty or forty people. Not all of them are going to walk away...."

Solbiort studies the line in front of the ship thoughtfully... then sighs, rising, "Hokay. Can but try..." She looks at the two Ulundians, "They all speak Lingua, ya?"

Nigel catches his breath, "What was the buyout clause?" Solbiort pauses, looking at Nigel.

The two Ulundi blink to Nigel. "Uh..." Ash goes, then digs through a sheaf of papers. Cougar does as well.

Solbiort glances at Raj, "Take look, ching, Raj?"

Still scanning for lurkers, Raj says, "Time. You need to stall the take-off if you expect to make an issue of this." He looks down at the discussion at the table and continues, "You'll need to find someone local with some pull to question the terms of the agreement, look into what's different between what's writ down and what folks've been told. You'll need some gray-hair to make a stink, at least."

Solbiort hms, then looks at Raj, "Clan leaders, maybe? Think that vould vork?"

Raj begins reading, and says, "Clan leaders, slimy lawyers, righteous trouble makers, worried mothers, the lot... if you can find them."

Solbiort grins at Raj, "Got it!" She comms the ship, asking Elgyn if he can keep MacKenzie there for a bit, please? She'd like to ask the wanderer some questions about clan leaders. Elgyn responds that that's no problem... they're having a nice cup of tea together.

Raj continues to study the document, saying absently, "Mostly you want influential folks that have some chance of turning this into bad news for the agent. What's the Ulundi equivalent of 'public gossip' or 'reporter'?" Solbiort glances over Raj's shoulder, then grins and shakes her head -- this is clearly Raj's field of expertise, not hers. She continues to watch for henchthings. Raj looks over the contracts of the two Ulundi. Near as he can tell there's a loophole there, but one wouldn't expect it to be taken advantage of on Ulundi, or anywhere else for that matter. Higgins' notoriety isn't quite that widespread. But the contract states some ruinous buyout... once the contractee sets foot aboard the Higgins-paid transport for the moon. Which, all things considered, makes Raj wonder why Jackie didn't herd them aboard the ship right away.

Solbiort rumbles quietly, "Jackie returns viz henches. Nigel, face me, avay from zhem. Raj, don't flourish contract. Ve are hafink nice tea togezzer, ya?" Nigel turns very obediently toward Solbiort and hunches his shoulders, leaning his head over as if nursing a mug of something.

Raj's brow knits, and he says, "Oh, that's real sad... this buyout doesn't really kick in until you actually get on the transport. That's a mistake, if they don't get folks on the boat right away. I don't know why that's still there. Surely it'd be pulled soon as someone tried it."

Solbiort chuckles quietly at Raj, murmuring, "Sheh-sheh, Raj." She raises her cup to her lips and calmly has a sip.

Nigel says, "What about before they get on the ship?"

Solbiort thinks furiously for a few seconds... then adds to the men, "You think you can change their minds -- those in line?"

They glance at the ship, and Ash shakes his head, "No... not too quickly. Not quickly enough..."

Solbiort sighs, "Hokay, let me think... can try talking to zhem. Vill need somevon to keep Jackie busy for few moments, though." She adds to the two Ulundians, "Your peoples haf any legend of great betrayer?"

Ash and Cougar look at each other. "Kail," they say in unison.

Solbiort listens intently to their story of Kail, the former leader of the Ulundian ship from Earth-That-Was whose greed led to the Sundering, leading to the splitting into different clans. She nods when they're done, thinking carefully, then says, "Hokay. You both come, und you also, Nigel. Raj, Cougar, Ash, can keep Jackie off our back, ching?"

Raj says, "Short of violence, of course..."

Solbiort grins at Raj, "Vould I ask you for zhat? Vould suggest calling Elgyn for backup, surely, ya?" Then she strides forward, not waiting to see if anyone's following, and shouts to the line of folks, "Friends! Clansfolk! Ulundians! Lend me your ears!" Her address to them lauds Jackie, not comparing him to Kail, for surely Jackie will protect them from Higgins' abuses -- for everyone knows Jackie must be an honorable man. Why, he gave them contracts! He made promises to them! He showed them many numbers! -and everyone knows he would not lie... for is he not an honorable man, unlike Kail -- or Higgins, who abuses and brands the helpless? No, Jackie would never behave like Higgins and Kail... he has even given them a buyout clause in their contracts for when they discover his numbers are all false! Admittedly, it is ruinous and would destroy them to have to pay it... but everyone knows only Kail would refuse to have one such, in his abusiveness... so indeed, Jackie must bear the mark of an honorable man! Although... if they check their contracts, they will see the buyout clause applies only once they board the ship -- and of course, only someone like Kail would force them all to rack and ruin! She grins, her eyes dancing, obviously enjoying herself as she sarcastically adds, "And we all know, of course... Jackie is nothing like Kail... he is an honorable man!"

By the time Solbiort ends her speech, she's got the entire group of Ulundi would-be ex-pats gathered around her, listening intently. At least half look pretty determined to not get on that ship. The rest... are wavering, but most look like they won't do it.

Meanwhile, down the street as Solbiort starts, Jackie is frowning and moving a bit faster through the crowd. Seeing Jackie begin moving their way, Raj looks about for some way to distract him or block his way. The street is mostly empty of pedestrians and vehicles, unfortunately. He throws a handful of money on the counter of the tiny restaurant and says, "Soup for twenty, please." Stepping around the end of the counter and past the startled cook, Raj hefts the biggest pot on the stove. His gloves steaming, he trots off down the street, shouting, "HOT SOUP! COMING THROUGH! MESSAGE FROM THE KING! FREE BEER!"

The bodyguards react, but Raj doesn't seem to be avoiding them. Just as Raj "notices" them, a horrified look crosses his face, he jinks left, then right, and shouts, "LOOK OUT!" just as he "trips," splashing several gallons of steaming... whatever... toward the horrified Jackie. The bodyguards manage to avoid being in the line of fire. Jackie, however, is not -- and very shortly he's screaming when hot soup splashes onto him and soaks his suit.

Mortified, Raj spends the next ten minutes offering to pay for the obviously expensive suit to be cleaned (or burned), and in general playing the fool. He's not very good at it, but having an angry, self-important fop screaming at him makes up for it. More than once, the bodyguards try to question Raj, recognizing him from before.

[Previous Log] [Index]

Last modified: 2006-Mar-04 21:02:19

All material on this site is
Copyright © 2006-2024 Reality Fault
unless specifically indicated on each document.
All Rights Reserved.
Administrated by Reality Fault Webmaster