Retribuition re-entered normal space and KOMie summarised the results of the passive scan onto the bridge's screens briefly for Hammer before switching to a rendering of the system.
Undertake an Expedition: "Travel to Vesta", troublesome, vigilantly; roll +wits : 5 +3 vs 5 & 6 : strong hit
* reach a waypoint, envision the location
* mark progress per expedition rank, now 6 /10
Space Sighting Oracle: Outlands 4 & 23 - Planet (I'm using the Starsmith Expanded Oracles, so 1d6 is rolled with 1d100)
Planet Oracles: class 91 - Shattered, Atmo' - 43 none, Life - 46 Extinct, From space - 1 & 28 Fiery planetary core, Name - 4 & 96 Vainglory; Stellar object - 5 & 38 Pale blue star surrounded by a ring of plasma
They had arrived in the Vainglory system, the pale blue plasma-ringed star illuminated the shattered world that gave the system its name, its red fiery core contrasting with the blue light.
The ship's database told them that nothing of economic value had ever been found here, so it was no surprise there was no evidence of settlements. So, with nothing of interest to investigate, Hammer told KOMie to recharge the e-drive and went to get some sleep.
Several hours later, Hammer returned to the bridge to find that KOMie had already made the jump to e-space and they were well on their way to Vesta.
Undertake an Expedition: "Travel to Vesta", troublesome, vigilantly; roll +wits : 1 +3 vs 1 & 4 : strong hit
* reach a waypoint, envision the location
* mark progress per expedition rank, now 9 /10
Finish an Expedition: "Travel to Vesta", troublesome; roll progress : 9 vs 1 & 5 : strong hit
* reach your destination
* mark 1 tick on discoveries legacy track
Reach a Milestone: formidable vow, "I will take Strickland to Vesta and bring him back to Lodurr" : progress now 2 / 10
It was not too long before they made the jump to their destination - the system home to the vital world of Vesta - and they began the run to the planet. Leaving KOMie in charge, Hammer went back to the lounge to talk to Strickland.
"Dr Strickland," began Hammer as he entered the lounge.
"Harry, please!" interrupted Strickland.
"As you say," replied Hammer. "Harry, we've reached Vesta's system and started the run to the planet. Time for you and the Moreaus to get ready. Do you need any help with your equipment?"
"Thank-you, but no, it's not my first expedition to Vesta, so I know what we need to do," replied the Doctor.
"Really?" Hammer said, surprised. "What can you tell me about it?"
Creature Oracles: Environment - land; Scale - large (vehicle sized); Basic form - spider (web weaver); First look - 4 & 03 bark-like skin, 3 & 89 tusks; Encountered behaviour - 1 & 99 roll twice, 5 & 22 dancer, 4 & 16 carnivore; Revealed aspects - 3 & 29 enhanced stamina, 6 & 73 rending attack
 |
| A 'Render' |
Thus informed, Hammer went to the armoury and began his preparation ritual. He checked his weapons and then engaged the diagnostic program for his armour. That running, he went to the upper bridge and slumped into the pilot's chair.
"How long to comms range?" he asked KOMie.
"Reaching it shortly," KOMie replied and a few second later, "Now in range."
"Saraswatl control," Hammer said, "This is Lelantos class vessel, Retribution, seeking permission to conduct scientific expedition as per Dr Strickland's previously filed request."
"Acknowledged, Retribution," was the reply. "Continue approach while we find and check the request."
After a minute's silence, Saraswatl control spoke once more; "That's all confirmed Retribution. As per the confirmation, there's no need for you to land at the spaceport - you have the coo-ordinates permitted for your expedition ... errr ... the only other thing to say is good luck! This says you're after Renders, so you'll need it!"
"Thank-you Saraswatl control," Hammer replied; "Retribution out."
Hammer asked KOMie where Strickland was and after 'her' answer, he set off for the hold where he and the Moreaus were busy with their equipment.
"Harry, we've got confirmation from Saraswatl control that we can go straight to the expedition area," he said as came up to the group.
"Great," said Strickland in answer. "How long until we get there?"
"90 minutes or thereabouts," he replied. "I was planning to use the engines to burn a clearing for us to land in - what do you think?"
Strickland looked at Hammer, considering, then spoke, "Actually I think that's a great idea. We had problems finding a clearing last time and with the jungle's rate of growth, the burn will soon disappear."
"Good. When you're done here, come up to the bridge and we'll find a suitable site," Hammer told him.
Before half-an-hour had passed, Strickland came onto the bridge. They had been about to enter orbit, but now the scientist was here, they were able to bypass that and go straight to their expeditionary area.
They studied the area as shown on the screens before Strickland selected a flat area near the centre of the area.
"I think that's the place for us," said Strickland.
"It looks good to me," agreed Hammer, "let's do the burn."
I think that there is a connection burgeoning between Hammer and Strickland, so I'm going for the move here
Make a Connection: roll +heart : 5 +2 vs 3 & 6 : strong hit
* role - xenobiologist, rank - dangerous
Getting to Vesta and selecting a site is, progress on the vow
Reach a Milestone: formidable vow, "I will take Strickland to Vesta and bring him back to Lodurr" : progress now 3 / 10
The burn itself will be a Secure an Advantage move that will open the next post ...