Futuristic Starsector C-2

[Vibe_Lad]

Dirty water drooped down the rusty metal piping, groups of welded piping lined the sprawling walls of the inner colony buildings. Water slid down one of the roofs and splashed the plastic raincoat protecting Kenny's clothes. Looking up, he could observe the monolithic buildings surrounding him. Sections upon sections of varying buildings merged together via closed off walk ways, sewage piping, walls and roofs. Distracted, a person bumped into him lightly and turned around to frown. Kenny lifted his arm as a gesture of apology, prompting the hooded stranger to shake his head in disapproval, turning to leave shortly after.

Thick air lingered, making every breath feel like eating oxygen as opposed to breathing it. Breathing solely through the nose works to tolerate the oxygen thickness, but only barely.
Numberless fast food kiosks we're strewn about the deceptively wide walk road, exhuming vast amount of smoke with differing smells and thickness. Gravity scooters of numerous marks we're parked onto nearest poles, fences, railing or sewage grating. One was parked right in the middle of the walkway hooked on a light pole, needing to walk around it and turn on the next right.

Doing so, he walked up a lengthy set of rusty stairs, between the hair salon and the shawarma joint. Stopping at the very end of the staircase, stood a metallic glass door with a buzzer affixed on the wall to the right. Overhead a sign read "Big Easy Bar N' Pub" in bright neon blue and red lighting. Kenny rang the buzzer, a click was heard which prompted him to push open the door.

The interior consisted of dimmed down brown lighting accompanied with normal light fixtures above every table. Unoccupied tables had a dim red light, whilst occupied tables we're illuminated by dark-light lamps, making the whole place easier on the eyes. Due to the toned down lighting, the place looked smaller than it really was. Around 23 tables we're contained inside the bar, each made separate by comfortable lounge chairs for group sitting. Patrons occupied a good portion of the bar, most in normal civilian clothing. Although some wore company jump suits, company logo hats or orange synthread overalls.

Kenny only wore his company overalls for this occasion due to the downpour. Making himself more comfortable, he took off his raincoat and green jacket, putting them over his wrist.
The barman on shift noticed the standing patron, shooting Kenny a knowing nod, prompting him to nod back and approach.

"Hey hey, what can I do you for?"

The hosting barman asked him a rehearsed smile, but it looked genuine.

"Hey, hi. I'm just looking for some friends. Did you see a group of pale ale drinking gentlemen around here? I'm with them."

The barman extended his hand towards the rightmost corner of the bar.

"They took the corner seat."

"Thank you very much."

Indeed as the barman said, a group of not too rowdy folk sat at the corner, all of which Kenny recognized at a glance.
He approached, prompting one of the men to wave him in and sit him down on the leftmost corner of the seat.

"Ehey! Ken! What took you so long?"

Asked an older looking man with beer stains coloring his white moustache. Sporting an orange company cap that covered the receding hairline and orange overalls that covered his beer gut.

"Sorry fellas, traffic was garbage on the way over here."

"No worries, no worries. Here's your beer."

Said the man sitting next to him that waved him in, sliding Kenny his mug.

They chatted for a bit, but the focus was mostly on the telly screen. The inter-colony zero-G basketball league was doing playoffs, and all of them we're speculating for their future betting slip.

 

[Mitheral]

A slender feminine form walked next to the walking mountain of a man. Their sky cab took off leaving them to their business. It had been a hard toss up which of the two male crew members of her crew she wanted to bring along to discourage attempts on her person. Literally - it had been a toss up. In the end Keiko had chosen Jagga. He had the advantage of being able to intimidate people just by looks alone. The downside was that he was now a self proclaimed pacifist. She wasn’t sure if she could count on him. James had that pretty boy thing going for him. His downside was that he looked like 5-0. He might just attract trouble instead of preventing it.

Her visor guided them to the GPS location of her target. Her contact had obtained some basic financials of the man - Kenny - who frequented this pub for years. It was one of the most likely places to run into him - other than his home.

They walked up a lengthy set of rusty stairs, between the hair salon and the shawarma joint. At the very end of the staircase, stood a metallic glass door with a buzzer affixed on the wall to the right. Overhead a sign read "Big Easy Bar N' Pub" in bright neon blue and red lighting. She rang the buzzer, a click was heard which prompted her to push open the door.

Keiko wore a simple black bodysuit that showed off every contour of her body. Over this she wore a black duster - to hide that contour. Her face was covered with a filter mask. Jagga wore a grey version of something similar, along with an equally black duster, and filter mask. Once inside, Keiko reached up and messed with her filter mask making all but the visor retract. She began scanning the room for a facial recognition pattern. It didn’t take her long as she had his vital statistics. 170 cm is pretty specific. That narrowed her search down to a fraction of the people present. She spotted him with some friends - at least she assumed they were friends. Probably co-workers at least.

She gestured to Jagga. “Stay out of trouble.” Then she strode purposefully to where Kenny and his friends were sitting. She didn’t get much of a chance to speak to them right away before the bartender asked her what she wanted. “Mai Tai if you have the ingredients. If not, a Lava Flow. No, I am not a local. I understand that I will have to pay the non-member price. But while you are at it, could you put the tab of those gentlemen on mine? I have business with one of them, the one named Kenny.”

 

[Vibe_Lad]

On the telly, a movie scene unfolded as vehicle 18 pushed vehicle 2 into an oncoming vehicle 4. Causing a messy accident that sent two whole racers spinning off track into the protective fence.

The table shouted loudly in unison as the accident was being reported on live by the commentators.
Some giggled, others stared intently. But one patron wasn't focusing his attention to the telly.

"Yo, Ken. You seeing this?"

Asked a younger bald coworker in full company gear.

"Yeah, Jesus fucking Christ those drivers will be needing stitches."

With a frown, the bald coworker corrected him.

"Nah, it ain't the race I'm talking about. Somebody's been staring at us."

As words left his mouth, Kenny diverted his attention from the telly towards the bar, scanning it's dimly lit interior.
All the patrons we're sitting, almost all of them.

The bald coworker pointed his finger towards the observer, making Kenny focus all his attention towards the general direction.

A slender tall black figure stood at the front of the bar area. It's figure obscured by the darkness of the bar. It looked like a shadow.
He couldn't really make out the person beneath the odd dressing. Nor can't he tell if it was a regular.
As the figure moved, a tall looking man followed it about.

"That person been starin' at us since it came in."

Surprised at the accusation, Kenny tried to rationalize.

"Well, let's be honest. With a crew like this sitting we are bound to attract attention for our good looks."

"And incredible sex appeal"
Added the beer stained older coworker, causing a roar of laughter from the slightly tipsy group.

As Kenny recovered from the laughter, he noticed that the figure was actually approaching the table. Causing him to sit upright again and abruptly shush his friends.

"Fellas, fellas! Heads up. Rob was right... we got a visitor."

Kenny's warning subsided the chatter, as all the heads turned to stare down the approaching figure.

Kenny lighted a cigarette, took a hefty pull as his lighter set the tobacco ablaze. With a cloud of smoke gradually making it's way towards the ceiling vents, Ken slouched in his chair and awaited for the strangers.

Not too worried about the outcome. He figured that he had nothing to worry about as he was legal. But new faces we're few and far between.

 

[Mitheral]

Jagga maintained his position. He had never set foot in a place quite like this. But his eyes scanned the room as he sized up all the potential trouble. Most men, he soon discovered, preferred not to even meet his eyes. He couldn’t blame them. In all fairness he saw nothing in the room that constituted a threat - to him. However, he did notice a few eyes straying to follow Keiko. Keiko looked like an easy target. And more than a few of these bozos were drunk.

He started scanning the room for something resembling a bouncer. But this wasn’t really that kind of bar. It was just a place for company drones to decompress after a long day of work. Just as well.

**********

Keiko grimaced. Not exactly a group of Einsteins. More like salt of the Earth. But then she needed someone with general maintenance skills. Jaggy was an engineer. He was there to handle the worst space could throw at them. The man before her was an aging rookie past his prime. She wished she could have gotten him about 5 or so years ago. But this was what she had to work with.

Her criteria was fairly specific. Familiarity with life in space. He’d been born in space. General ship and equipment maintenance skills. Junior grade electrician. Dead end position. He had been his current rank for far too long. With his contract up for renewal he had just been turned down for promotion. He was ripe for being poached.

She glanced back to make sure her escort, Jagga, wasn’t getting into any sort of trouble. She wasn’t really worried. Jagga would probably let someone hit him without lifting a finger to stop them. He was used to abuse. Ten years of hard labor in prison with a mind like his. She considered him a rare find.

Kenny, however, seemed completely replaceable.

Her drink arrived. She thanked the server with a good tip. Then she took her drink and headed the rest of the way to where the men were sitting.

“Mr Kenneth Torrents?” She looked right at Kenny. “I was hoping I could speak with you in private. I have some business to discuss.” She glanced at the other men. But perhaps later and when your head is clear. I had hoped to catch you before approaching a state of inebriation.”

Keiko pulled out a business card. “My card. Your tab has been covered. Don’t wait too long to call. My ship departs soon. Spaceport, Concourse Delta, Gate 7. My ship is the Kumulipo.”

 

[Vibe_Lad]

The figure did indeed approach along with it's considerably imposing follower. As the duo passed the dark-light lamps, the black duster was clearly visible for all to see, while the brooding companion in comparison was dressed alot more "normally" by the types of people who enter here.

The group exchange a silent look, Kenny noticed Rob going for his pocket, but Kenny stopped him with a strong nudge. There's no need to expose any cards until the strangers do so as well. The air was thick with anticipation.

The figure indeed did stop at their table, the light fully exposed it's presence to the group.
Tense silence greeted the two as they came over, nobody spoke a word apart from a cautious stare.
Just as the big guy was eyeing the table, so did the table cautiously asses risk.
Noise filled the table as the figure spoke, revealing the gender of the shadow. Uttering Kenny's name caused a shiver to run down his spine involuntarily. Causing the group to look at him quizzically.

"Uh... yes. That's me."

He confirmed as he out stretched his hand to accept the card, reading it, the holo-letters scrolled from right to left.
The information contained within the card was the following:

Keiko Rheyana, planetologist/geologist.

As the shadow named Keiko continued to speak, his brain took little time to put two and two together and realize.... she was offering a job.
The table was still unnaturally silent, all eyes we're on the shadow and Kenny. A blush came across his face from the attention he was getting and the out of the blu offer.

Before the figure turn to leave after her comment, Kenny stud up abruptly to stop her.

"Hey, hey! No I ain't drunk, it's all good. I was late anyways so It's only my first beer, right fellas?"

Finally, the group confirmed the question with an occasional nod or "yup"

"There's seating on the second floor overlooking the street. How about us three have a chat?"

As words left his mouth, he grabbed his jacket and raincoat from the seat and gestured with his hands towards the dark staircase leading up.

"Unless you have to depart today. Do you?"

 

[Mitheral]

Keiko glanced toward the upper floor. “That would be fine.” She looked at Kenny’s friends, “Gentlemen, enjoy your evening.” Then she gestured toward the stairs. She did her best not to walk in a fashion that would draw attention to her. But given the atmosphere of the pub, she doubted that it would do any good.

Once they picked out a table, Jagga assumed a bodyguard position and stood there in silence.

Keiko gave herself a few moments to gather her thoughts before speaking. “As you have probably already surmised, this is about a job offer. I didn’t just pick you out at random. I searched your company records for skill sets, history/experience, rank and time in grade. Bluntly, I am here to poach you from your company for your skills. Your company isn’t doing well financially. They have been passing people over for promotion to bolster their fiscals, making their bottom lines look better to investors, while keeping bonuses.

“Your contract is up for renewal. My guess would be that you were passed up for promotion again. Companies should appreciate their employees more. My offer is simple. (Not sure whose CR system you wanted to use.) A bump in pay. Promotion with another bump in pay once some courses are completed. Bonuses based on ship performance. The downsides? Work in space. Hazardous conditions. Hard labor. A little reliance on the gods of luck if you believe in any of those.

“I am an asteroid miner. Pay is independent of the ship’s profits. It comes from the ship's profits or my savings. From the ore sales, 50% goes to the Owner. 10% goes to the Captain. 40% is divided among the rest of the crew regardless of rank. There will be 5 of us. Small crew equals more profits percentage wise, but lower volume than a larger crew might generate. It’s a lot of work though. You, I and Jagga would be on the EVA’s. My pilot and medic stay with the ship handling the ore processor. I do not risk them to the rigors of space unless it is an emergency. Jagga and I have the most experience with prospecting or mining. So unless you learn how to prospect, it will just be the two of us. That is a downside as it is a slow process with two people.

“Whether we strike paydirt or not, you make more money. But I won’t kid you. There are hazards. One danger will be claim jumpers. We are a small crew with a small ship. And if we don’t make overhead - pay and ship costs - plus your bonuses, my venture falls through and I am out of business. So … thoughts? You do not have to decide at this moment. I’ll understand if you want to stay with your company and play it safe. I do have other prospects who could do your job. I just think you are the best one to fill my opening.”

 

[Vibe_Lad]

Holding his rain coat and jacket, Kenny glanced at his fellow coworkers and caught their gaze.
He exchanged a brief knowing nod to them, with the table reciprocating the gesture.
Rob and Barry were actively chatting it on trough whisper talking to one another across the table.
While the rest watched Kenny as he walked out of view.


The next contract is a week away. And this is an once in a year opportunity.
Last year Roy was gone.
Two years ago Betty was gone.

This year, Kenny was taking a staircase to a potential fresh start.

Red lights illuminated the upstairs tables, droplets of rain left stains on the tilted windows overlooking the smog covered concrete streets bellow.
As Keiko took a spot, mahogany lights flickered on instantly. Covering the table in pleasant brown lighting.

Not finishing his cigarette from before, he held it in his left hand, carrying his clothes with his right one.
Kenny sat opposite of Keiko, cradling the cigarette with his thumb and index finger.

He listened with determined intent, occasionally taking a drag from the cigarette filter.
Smoke flew towards the powerful ceiling vents, not reaching the acquaintance who was proposing her deal.

The project sounded like a pump and dump scheme.

Not overly criminal. Alot of unfriendly competition.
In n' out job, it's over once the boss can't afford equipment or pay.

This scheme can last for a couple months.
Or potentially years.

Although, from what Keiko is offering, her expectations lay in years it seems.
Near the end of the offer, fire reached the cigarette but, prompting Kenny to put it out on a metal tray.

"Ma'am, I'm flattered by the offer."

He started his response on a positive note, weighting the pros in his head simultaneously as he spoke.

"I am well aware of my record... and my promotions. But I think it's important for you to know that it's not about just the money for me.
I come from a company family. Inflation or not, the company will always bounce back. As will my promotions, despite my current position..."

He took out another cigarette, lighting the other end and taking a lengthy drag, exhaling the puff of smoke towards the ceiling vents.
Kenny didn't want to admit that it's his first interview outside of the company that he entertained taking, so he held a passive disposition.

"I got your drift. But while we're sitting, I think we should talk details.
I worked mining jobs in the company sector for 2 years, so I have a familiarity with maintaining and setting up vital equipment. But I like to know what I am working with so that I can plan my job ahead.

You mentioned that you expect me to accompany you outside of the ship to look for payload. What kind of drills and equipment are we working with?
Brand? Year of manufacture?

I work with Tauriel brand drills, hefty mother humpers with tons of wires to be accounted for. Broke down every other week, pain in the ass.

If you're working with older gear, you have to let me know."

Taking another quick drag, he exhaled and continued.

"But my experience with mining doesn't mean I am a miner. I am techie as you know. I ain't gonna do no prospecting anytime soon, unless you need me to.
I can follow you around and make sure your equipment doesn't malfunction on my watch with on scene repairs.
And if I learn the trick of prospecting, I can be a joker in your deck of cards.
I also have tons of experience in zero-G ship repairs, ship wiring, equipment maintainence, lighting setup and so forth, I suspect you already know what I can do for you."

Slouching back in his chair, he glanced at the big fellas back that's "protecting" them, then shifted his attention back to Keiko.

"Bottom line, I can feel your opening ma'am.... but I gotta see some numbers first."

 

[Mitheral]

Keiko pulled out a holotablet and opened up a payscale app. “Here is the pay scale. Currently, I believe you are listed in your company at a rank grade that corresponds to the pay of a Technician/2. I would be promoting you in good faith to Technical Officer/3. You are going to have to learn a few skills. EVA and Zero G refresher or training as needed. Whether you already have sufficient skills, I am paying. You will get all the training you need in mining. Jagga is an expert. He just spent 10 years working in a low G hostile hot environment under extreme hazards.

“You will need to take some advanced courses that will take you anywhere from 6 months to maybe 2 years depending on how busy we get. Once those are completed you will see another promotion to Tech Off/2. I pay for the education. It’s a perk. If we get busy, you should see more in bonuses than the promotion will earn you. We’ll just be too busy mining to study.

“The other numbers. I never work Boom regions. Too much of a chance that someone has beaten you to the find and placed a claim beacon. At worst I expect to find at least one asteroid worth investigating within a week. Average diameter is about 1000 meters. It would take me about a month working 2 six hour shifts per day to pinpoint the exact positions of the find and determine what I have found.

“That is when we have to make a decision. Claim and Mine … or Claim and sell the rights. It depends on the amount present, concentration, and value. About 60% of finds are just Silver. It’s money. To give you some numbers, an average find would be about 1000 kg at a concentration of 10 kg per ton of ore. I have a 20 ton ore processor that processes an average of 7 tons of ore each per day with a 95% reduction of cargo mass per run. That means about 14 days to process the ore. Mining and transporting the ore to the ship is what takes time. That 1000 meters makes for a large volume to work with. 3500 man hours. 12 hours per day per man. Three of us means a little over 3 months (97 days).

“So far we have 7 days + 30 days + 14 days + 97 days = 148 days to process 1000 kg of silver at 1000 CR per kg to a state of refined metal.. That’s 1,000,000 CR. The government taxes this at 20% leaving 800,000 CR. Account for travel time to and from government smelters so probably only about and you have about 80,000 CR in 6 months.

“We can expect questions about where we got our ore. The government is nosey like that. Expect downtown for maintenance and R&R. The times I gave are a bit optimistic. I left out time to stake the claim. That is also a trip. But even if that represented a whole year, 80k is a nice bump in pay. Hard pace working 12 hours per day. I can live a bit slower, taking a little time off each week. Plus we need to leave time for maintenance. Can’t just save that up for six months. I was just giving the times by the numbers. We could shave some time off by selling to private smelters for about 10-15% less profit, but fewer questions and less time.

“The negatives. Claim jumpers. More common in Boom regions than virgin territory. But then so is the Law. You will also get to see the same faces every day. The almost complete inability to spend money except when we make it back to a smelter. And virgin territory means more off the grid - further from everything - help, supplies, sales.

“Like I said, you don’t have to decide right now, But I do need an answer soon. I can’t just have my ship sitting and doing nothing. I have the rest of my crew sitting around doing nothing. So if I need to keep looking for my fifth crewman, let me know.”

 

[Vibe_Lad]

Kenny reached his available hand and dragged the holo-pad to his side of the table, flipping it over to take a look at the numbers.
Scanning the contents of the screen, he glanced his position on the worksheet as he listened to Keiko.

The bump in pay she mentioned made him arch his back and lean forward to process the information, nodding occasionally as she spoke.
Concluding her speech, Kenny slided the holo-pad back to her side of the table, resuming his slouched back position he maintained minutes before.

Still cradling the cigarette over the ash tray with his right hand, he sat in silence for a bit to gather his thoughs, even know internally every atom of his being urged to say "I'm in" on the spot.... but instead he chose to speak:

"Ya'll got this whole operation planned out it seems, I like what I'm hearing.
I don't got no problems with the isolation of deep space or Zero-G ma'am, you'll find I am quite capable in manipulation under such circumstances due to my zero-G basketball hobby,"

He added with a joking smirk, his posture indicating pride.

"Look I ain't illegal nor a trouble maker. I keep my head down and do my job, and do it well. I'm used to working in boom sectors due to company influence. So off the grid is a gig I ain't done before, you get me?

Judging by the skeleton crew you're workin' with and your offer, you're expecting me to travel and work for you long term."

He took a slow drag this time, deep in though he let a plume of smoke seep out of his nostrils, finally exhaling the rest soon after.

"I ain't usually gone for more than a year, you know? The pay and benefits do sound tempting. But implying off grid means I might be stuck out there a long time.
My folks are gonna worry."

His expression turned serious, his eyes trying to meet Keiko's in a bid to be understood.

"I can't go radio silent for that long. I need a serious machine to be able to send a message to them. Or a vacation. Each of the two works with me."

Another drag was took as he continued.

"Two, I need to talk to my folks about this. Tonight. Or tomorrow.
I live in district-17B. Residence 1028-B. As a matter of fact, when we finish this conversation, I am going straight to them."

Realizing what he just said, he felt the need to explain himself.

"On company leave, it's better economy wise to share an apartment with your folks.
So the talk won't take long."

He finished his third cigarette, mashing it down into the metal ash tray.

"Where are you guys located? Can I reach out to you somehow? I'm guessing that if you have a ship, you must have a hangar area."

 

[Mitheral]

“Spaceport, Concourse Delta, Gate 7. My ship is the Kumulipo.” Keiko rattled off her ship’s current location. Spaceport fees were nominal. But if she didn’t file a launch plan soon she would be asked to vacate. There were only so many gates. A hanger slot would be pricier, but nothing outrageous that she couldn’t afford. A gate was just more convenient.

“My ship is pretty new, a Firefly series 4 custom outfitted for exploration and long periods away from civilization. The gear we will be using is last generation. I was reluctant to buy the very latest thing only to end up with a piece of junk that never saw time in the field to work out the bugs.

“You know, I DO have some passenger cabins that I didn’t rip out. One option might also be to offer your parents spce aboard the ship. Problem is, there wouldn’t be much sightseeing. But it IS an option. As a matter of fact, I am bringing MY mother. She may remain in coldsleep. That choice is up to her. She has medical issues. I do understand family.

“Now if you DO want to invite them along, I’ll probably have to move my ship to a hangar and sign a month lease. Not really a problem. Are they retired? You would need time to deal with their apartment. I consider my crew an investment though.” She chuckled, “They would, of course, be assigned their own cabin.”

Keiko then posed the other half of her response. “We can discuss this with the rest of the crew. I don’t think most of them will care one way or the other - about the mission length or your parents. Two of them have what one might call a colorful past that they would probably prefer to leave behind. But they are legal.

“If we stay in system the comm system on the ship is more than powerful enough to transmit to Earth. It will just be a matter of the time lag. The main reason for being off grid is security. If your parents understand the dangers of asteroid mining, it won’t matter where we are. I am not going to lie to you; space was never meant for living beings - not unless you count genetically engineered bioroids. I’m not sure if those are even human. I guess what the Company wants, the Company gets.”

Keiko shook her head slightly. Then she brought herself back to the conversation. “My digital contact is on my card. The Starport comm center should patch you through to my ship. My ship can patch you through to me.”

 

[Vibe_Lad]

"If your machine can handle a transmission to my folks, then that's all I ask. I do not even entertain the though of putting my parents in a floating coffin.
This colony is a drainage ditch, but it's our drainage ditch. They did their share of work way before I was born, and they, nor I, don't intend to leave the comfort of our current arrangements."

Reflexively he reached out for another nicotine stick to burn out, but the carton was empty.
So Kenny instead arched his back and leaned on the table, resting his head on his palms.

"So, my answer to your proposal is NO. My parents aren't going anywhere outside this colony or satellite colonies.
I on the other hand am one man. And I can take care of myself.
If by any chance you lose me, I have no doubt I will be replaced without putting the rest of the crew in danger in the meantime.

But I don't dabble in hypothetical death, I focus on staying alive and working as long as I'm fed and awake.

Thank you for your contact and location ma'am. You will be hearing from me first thing in the morning.
I need to talk to my folks tonight.

Turning his attention to the big guy again, he finally spoke to him.

"Looks like we might be coworkers big guy, can I call you big guy?"

He asked with a submissive grin, trying to get the mans attention to turn around.

 

[Mitheral]

Jagga looked right through Kenny as if the smaller man didn’t exist. Instead he focused his attention on Keiko.

“Mr Torrents,” Keiko spoke for the large man, “it is Jagga or Dr Reed. I look forward to hearing from you in the morning. Oh, you should also understand that smoking doesn’t work well aboard an asteroid mining vessel.” She stood up and walked past Kenny, “Dr Reed?”

Jagga turned and followed Keiko in silence.


On their way back in the sky cab, Jagga spoke softly. “It really didn’t matter what he called me.”

“Yes, it does. James has far better manners and he grew up wild and among the worst of society. You did your time.” Keiko was irritated.

“Time doesn’t bring back the dead. No amount of time I served will ever pay for what I did.”

Keiko shook her head. “I know what you did. My mother remembers the fight. You have literally served time in Hell. I think you’ve paid enough. The Law says you’ve paid enough. I am going to take you where noone can try to drag you back if I can. Mr Torrents needs to learn that in a small crew in a small ship, manners and respect become important.”

Jagga nodded. “That must work both ways. He meant no harm. He doesn’t know as much about me as you do.”

********

Back aboard the ship Keiko called the crew together. “Well, I met him and made an offer. Part of me isn’t impressed. Truth is, Dr Reed or James could handle all the repairs. However, I don’t WANT them to handle all of them. One extra man will make a difference in how fast we can work as well as safety. I really think we should get one more, in fact. I want two pairs working outside the ship, not a group of three. Working alone is out - not in space.”

James looked a little confused. “So … we are adding him, or not?”

“He’ll let us know in the morning. But I can read people fairly well. He was interested. He just has family to think about.”

James nodded. “You know, I bet Dr Reed just made him nervous.”

“I am a pacifist,” Jagga announced.

James nodded. “You mentioned. Islam? Jagga is … Arabic I think?”

“Hindi. Sikh/Punjab. My parents just thought the name was cool. They made up a children’s story about a ferocious black panther named Jagga. Many adventures for the panther as a cub. When I was born I came out clawing at everything like a cat, hence the name.” Jagga actually smiled a little.

James was surprised. “I don’t think I have ever seen you smile before.”

Keiko grinned. “I have. First time he saw the machine shop I referred to it as Toyland.”

Jagga actually smiled slightly wider.

*********
OOC: Firefly Series 3 Deckplans and Specs
The Kumulipo is a Series 4. The Series 4 is considerably larger and about 25% faster. But the deckplans will give some idea of the general layout.

 

[Vibe_Lad]

A bit embarrassed about the abrupt reprimand on his behavior, Kenny sat in silence as the duo turned leave.

He took a bit of time to compose his thoughts before he headed down stairs to rejoin his brothers in work and inform them on how the talk went.
Gradually as it closed midnight, so too did the crew disband. Kenny hitched a ride from Rob to his home to avoid the harsh downpour.

Home, he was greeted by his mother watching the telly.
After some time of small talk, Kenny eventually broke the news.

The commotion eventually woke up his father, which led to a late night coffee session.

The three discussed the pay, the work and the distance.

Both parents expressed worry and the questionable legality of going off grid.

Kenny attempted to downplay the job, assuring both it's a "trust worthy" bunch in the hopes of putting rose tinted glasses on a questionable situation.
After a couple hours a decision was made.

Kenny can go work, as long as he sent frequent messages back.
He didn't know what constituted as "frequent", but he knew that the deal is sealed.

Entering his room, in 4:30 in the morning, Kenny sat on his monitor and sent a message to Keikos ship.

Send New Email

New Email Received

Kenny Torrents

Kumulipo s-4

I am packed and ready to go tomorrow.
I will arrive at Concourse Delta at 7:30 sharp, if I get trough the crowd fast enough I should reach you gate at around 8.

All in all, I am in. Consider me yours for the foreseeable future.

I look forward to working and cooperating together.


-Kenny Torrents

......................................................................................................................................................................

After a morning coffee, Kenny was escorted by his parents to the Space Port via air-vehicle.

The three had breakfast together and talked until 7:45AM, until Kenny passed trough inspection. He was officially on his own.

Passing trough the claustrophobic hallways of the spaceport, Kenny took out his "borrowed" company tablet and typed.

Send New Email

New Email Received

Kenny Torrents

Kumulipo s-4

I am at entrance G-3
Expecting backup.

-Kenny Torrents

 

[Mitheral]

Send New Email

New Email Received

Keiko Rheyana

Kumulipo s-4

Understood. Waiting G7.

-Keiko Rheyana, PhD Xenoplanetology, Astrophysics, MBA
Owner, Captain SS Kumulipo

Keiko responded to the email with a simple acknowledgement. There were no plans to leave right away. Kenny would need time to settle in. He’d need to be fitted for gear and a baseline physical from their medic, Ania Hadovski. Once he arrived she welcomed him. Gate 7 was a minor gate, not one of the gates used by larger ships.

The Kumulipo looked like a very new starship with little in the way of scarring. And once they entered the ship even the smell of the ship confirmed this. It was going to be no surprise to discover that most of the ship would still have original factory seals intact. Parked in the cargo hold and strapped down for high or zero G conditions were four Scooters.

Scooters were used for EVA by miners. The Scooter was nothing more than a TurboGrav engine fitted with controls and several 'saddles' upon which the pilot and up to three passengers sit, much as one sits on a motorcycle. It had sensors
with 10,000 km range, and Kenny would soon learn that she had added other features like communicators separately. Each Scooter was 3m long and massed one ton.
Cargo stowage racks could be rigged along the sides of the torpedo-shaped craft to permit up to 5 tons of equipment, ore, etc. to be transported. The controls were pretty intuitive, requiring little more than EVA training and a quick course similar to the sort one would get to learn a particular model of forklift.

Scooters were used very extensively by meteor miners and by ship repair teams for work outside the hull. They were also standard transportation on airless planets and moons. Like all TurboGrav units, they could hover and had STOL landing capabilities. Unfortunately they were not the racing equivalent used in the races Kenny had been watching when he and Keiko first met.

Jagga was there to help with any luggage Kenny might have. But the meeting with the rest of the crew took place in the Lounge. Keiko went around the room. “Dr Reed you met. The other giant is our Pilot, James Rhand. James, Jagga and I are from Earth.” She gestured to a woman. “This is Ania Hadovski, our medic. She joined us here. One of the first things you will need is a baseline physical.

“While she is at it she will take you measurements for a uniform and space suit. Uniforms are an exaggeration. Our uniforms are a spandex thin biosuit made of bioplastic. If you already have one we can skip it.”

A biosuit was basically a bodysuit that could be worn under clothing. It was made of bioplastic, a very tough material that was self-regenerating with light and some moisture. A hole up to an inch could self-seal in seconds in space. The material could also be programmed for a variety of color schemes. And it was surprisingly inexpensive. Naturally it was a standard for spacers. Each biosuit came with a pullover “helmet” that sealed itself, allowing the suit to function as an emergency vacc suit. Of course, oxygen had to be supplied separately. But it was better than near instant death.

The space suit was more important. The O2 system her suits had were first class, offering up to 168 hours - a full week of air supply with their scrubbers and regeneration systems charged up. Kenny quickly learned that they were going to have a reserve suit made as well. Suits were rotated weekly and inspected.

All total it was going to take a couple days to finish running orientation before they took off. That was going to leave a little time to get to know the crew before even taking off.

 

[Vibe_Lad]

Kenny turned the corner and proceeded down the C-3 exit, expecting to make a detour to C-7.
Once he arrived, the figure he once assumed to be Keiko was indeed female.
A tall and slender figure was complemented by a pristine yet uncanny face.

She looked perfect, too perfect. Not quite a doll, but close to one. Like those "sentient" androids.

She showed Kenny around the ship, and inside it. He gazed at the Kumulipo with wide eyes.
Such a deep space beauty. If only... he could strip her of that pesky hull and see the engines.
Atleast just the circuitry. Being that it's not a typical work horse ship he's used to looking at.

Being that he needs to watch his manners, he would have to halt his nagging curiosity of the ship... atleast until he gets the pilot's green light.
In the meantime, he got acquainted with the ships general layout, and the not so standard issue EVA scooters.
He has an EVA scooter license, which he promptly informed Keiko during the tour, mentioning that he didn't work with these particular scooters.

Keiko was especially adamant on the custom addons fitted on the scooters, seeing the odd brand communicators, Kenny took note to return to these vehicles and examine them separately.

As Keiko and Kenny made their way to the Lounge, the man now known as Jagga extended his hand to accept the luggage, which Kenny gave without resistance.

"Thanks Jagga, appreciate it. Lugging these was a hassle."

Making sure to reffer to him proper in Keikos presence.

Kenny agreed to the physical and measurements.
He wasn't used to the biosuits, as even their inexpensive nature was too expensive for lower ranking personnel back at the company.

Ania Hadovski approached Kenny, offering her hand for a handshake which Kenny gladly accepted.

"Hello. I am Ania. This is not going to be any different than any other physical examination.
The infirmary is downstairs by the crew quarters. After the meeting you'll be sticking with me. Got it?"

Kenny nodded, answering with a quick "Got you."

Turning to Keiko, he replied to her last questing.

"I have my own measurements ma'am. It's probably in a folder somewhere or in my personal file."

 

[Mitheral]

Keiko nodded, “Get your measurements to Jagga. Though if it has been awhile, we really should have Ania take your measurements. Only takes a few minutes. Men have a tendency to add on a spare tire as they get past their prime.” There was a mischievous gleam in Keiko’s eyes. “Jagga and James have six packs. But then they haven’t set foot in a Company pub for a very long time. In Jagga’s case, I think meeting you was the first time. James is probably a little more worldly.

“We have a couple days before we launch. Use the time to settle in. And take a little time to meet the crew more one on one.”

The medical exam was pretty standard for space travel. All the usual physical stuff, plus measurements to watch for effects of zero G work - muscle mass losses, bone deterioration. The Kumulipo had artificial gravity. That was something that had been developed around the same time as superluminal travel. There were also plenty of questions about any past illnesses or injuries.

The scan for measurements was a simple matter of steepping into what looked like a fresher unit and being laser mapped. It took just a few minutes longer than it took to change clothes.

Once the exam was done Kenny was released to put his things away. Jagga was given the measurements with instructions to tailor the suits. The Kumulipo had its own machine shop.

*********

Lunch was announced about the time Kenny was done with getting his quarters in order. The announcement was made by James. It wasn’t as though it was a big ship. He was polite enough to get right to the point. “Lunch. Keiko’s mom fixed us something.” After a moment he realized that needed an explanation. “She’s not listed as crew, but she wanted something to do. Don’t worry, she’s safe enough.” The pilot looked at Kenny. “If you have any question, just ask. I was Keiko’s first hire. Jagga was next. Oh, and don’t let Jagga scare you. Only thing you might have to worry about is upsetting Keiko in front of him. Then you are on your own. Don’t let the fact that he is registered as a lethal weapon scare you. He just looks mean.” He gave a subtle shrug. “Of course, you’ll figure that out for yourself, I think you are going to be his shadow for a while. He’s an engineer.”

 

[Vibe_Lad]

Kenny gave the measurements to Jagga before he went to his physical. The big guy wordlessly accepted the mail without bothering to respond to it, Kenny made sure to emphasize that the measurements are about 5 months old.

Ania too insisted on the measurements, which Kenny forwarded.
Getting out of the lounge room, Kenny admired the claustrophobic hallways and the sheer scale of the ship. Making sure to remember his pathing to the crew quarters and the infirmary.

After both reached the examination table, Kenny was asked to strip in his pants and lay down on the table, standard procedure.
Ania proceeded to ask him questions such as: history of drug use, cravings, mental health difficulties, zero-g related complications, diet etc

Kenny answered as honestly as he could, with Ania jotting down every info on the holo-pad.
After the questions, Kenny's blood was drawn for analysis, his blood pressure was checked, dental health, skin condition. His X-Ray was taken via a long apparatus with a ball like scanner attached to the table side of the machine. Ania also made sure to conduct manual muscle and tendon tests in case Kenny was lying or miss informed her about his previous injuries and how well they healed.
After re-measuring Kenny, Ania focused on her holo-pad to forward a comprehensive medical file to Keiko.

"Well, Kenny. Apart from that nicotine addiction, I don't see anything wrong with you. You should really find an alternative to smoking, it's out of fashion and it's bad for your oxygen and CO2 intake and out-take due to the tar accumulation. "

Kenny heard the explanation time and time again, making it so that he didn't really care about Anias warning, even if it was good natured.
Rolling his eyes, he replied with a snarky:

"I know doc, it says right on the box that smoking kills. If I get cancer when I'm 81, then I'll cross that bridge when I get to it."

Ania turned to give Kenny a surprisingly stern look:

"And yet you knowingly smoke. Well mr. Kenny, smoking is strictly prohibited on this ship. Or out of it in this sprawl we're located in."

Kenny sat on the examination table, Ania didn't look bothered about it so he kept sitting.

"I know that too doc, Keiko told me. That's why I brought some nicotine dip."

With a knowing nod, Ania silently jotted down the new information.

"Kenny, you can get dressed. You're free until food time."
Kenny thanked her, got dressed and left the infirmary to get accustomed to the sleeping quarters, while Ania wrote:

Send New Email

New Email Received

Keiko

Physical exam: Kenny

patient name: Kenny "Ken" Torrents
Gender: male
Age: 27
Weight: 81kg
Height: 175 cm
Body type: large frame of body to height ratio
Allergies: polen

Manual motor test of joints and muscle groups: no known abnormalities, overall score 5 out out of 5
Diet: wheat, dairy, water, nutrient paste, meat, vegetables.

History of prior injuries: broken arm, torn shoulder ligament, broken foot, surface contusions (suspected human fist), chipped forward tooth

Physical addictions: nicotine, coffee
Mental addictions: nicotine

Prior drug use: alcohol, nicotine, pain killers, coffee, spice (patient told me to tell you he took spice on a colleagues birthday. Do with the info what you will)
Drugs in blood: nicotine, caffeine.

History of mental health problems: once, the patient needed to take a month of non-paid leave due to home sickness and vitamin and calorie deficiency.
Major depressive disorder. Treated with beta-blockers and counseling.

Current mental health problems: none observed

Future long term mental health risks: separation anxiety, dysthymia

Suit measurements: sent separately to Jagga.


Personal notes:
No known history of malicious violence or bad temper, patient fought once during a bar scuffle two years ago (as told by Kenny).
Patient is lucid, talkative, coherent and cooperative.

To keep morale up and to prevent future withdrawal syptoms, Medical professional Ania asks Keiko to put nicotine dip onto the shopping list.
The bough nicotine will be given to me personally, and I will give the weekly dosage to Kenny as needed.

-Ania Hadovski

...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Lunch came in relatively soon, and Kenny worked up an appetite from all that walking.
He sat down next to a tall guy, not quite as brooding as Jagga and much more talkative and less intimidating.

The pilot did indeed speak much more than Jagga did since he met him, so he perked his ears and engaged with him.
Kenny let out a nervous laugh as the pilot tried to play down the sheer intimidating presence of the "leathal weapon", which is a title that made Kennys skin crawl.
He was used to fat or grumpy engineers on his shift, but Jagga wasn't a typical engineer.

"Yeah, I kind of got the dinamic. The guy was shadowing Keiko non stop during our interview. Big guy ain't as talkative as the rest of you folks."

The pilots invitation to ask questions was the perfect que to say what was on his mind since he got here.

"Yeah though, I do have a question, for you. Pilot."

Looking him straight in the eyes with a gaze of a kid in a candy shop, he asked the big question:
"Once I get my gear, can I crawl around this space fairing beauty and check the EVA's more closely?
I've been itching to see the components of this ship since I first laid my eyes on her."

Kenny looked trough the ship walls, as if imagining arteries among arteries of power spreading cables all around him.

"You're a lucky pilot. I... I think I really like this ship. You think you can take me to the generator bay to gawk at it together later?"

 

[Mitheral]

“James,” the pilot corrected, “and I am still on the fence about luck. I suppose I am. This ship was fresh out of the fabrication plant when I fired her up. She is that new. Do not ask me how Keiko paid for it. Having met her mother, I don’t think she came from money.” He shrugged. “I’ll give you the nickel tour after lunch.”

The Lounge was a step up from the Pub where Keiko had met Kenny. Nothing big, but Keiko had spared no expense. It almost looked as though the lounge had been made to serve the upper class or at least upper middle class. And it had been made to accomodate a larger crew.

Their cook could be no one other than Kekio’s mother. Anyone who knew what a Hawaiian looked like would have recognized her lineage. Like Keiko, her skin was perfect - too perfect. Lunch was a mix of Hawaiian and Japanese - cooked Japanese. Keiko hadn’t wanted to chance sushi the first day. However, there were some samples available.

Mrs Rheyana smiled at Kenny. “If you happen to like sushi, you better hurry. James tends to let nothing go to waste. We wil never need a garbage disposal with him around.”

“That’s not quite true. Health food only. Jagga? Ania?” James asked.

Jagga shrugged. “My diet allows for it.”

Kekio’s mother suddenly flushed. “Oh … I forgot, you mentioned Dr Reed is a pacifist? Islamic?”

Jagga smiled faintly. Not an uncommon mistake. He shook his head slightly. “Buddhist.”

“Ahh,” she replied. “Keiko, did you explain about me?”

Keiko shook her head. “Not really.”

The older woman nodded. “As their shares are affected by the crew, we should explain. May ?” Seeing no disapproval she continued. “I will be here as a service staff member, not as a miner. Cooking, cleaning, non hazardous and non critical duties. That said, that also means no share of the profits. Room and board, spending money, all comes from Keiko. I am not a trained spacer. Yes, I have received basic training. But until recently I lived on Earth my whole life. Hawaii. I never thought I would leave.”

******

Firefly – Limited Edition Serenity Blueprints

After the meal James jerked his head to get Kenny’s attention for the nickel tour he had promised. Once they were well out of earshot of the rest James sighed. “For a minute I thought Keiko was going to make us all stand up and introduce ourselves like we were in grade school.” He chuckled a little. “Okay, basically the Kumilipo is built a little like an old Earth passenger jet. One long corridor down the middle, broken up by stairs that descend from the rear to the cockpit in the nose. To the rear are the main engines - starboard and port. Engineering, the machine shop and such are located furthest back. So is sickbay.

“Jagga has the room nearest to the engines. I have the room closest to the cockpit. Ania has a room right next to Sickbay. Keiko’s mother was assigned to one of the staterooms.” James grinned. “Basically High Passage, though without all the amenities. The ship just came with them. We were supposed to get one of them ready for your parents if they chose that option. Keiko has a room opposite me. We have a skeleton crew.

“If you have questions by all means ask. If the answer isn’t mine to give, I’ll let you know.”

 

[Vibe_Lad]

The lunch area Kenny sat cast him in marginally harsher light than he's used to, causing him to squint for most of the conversation between him and James.

He'd dawn on a cap to endure it if it wasn't potentially impolite. So he had to settle.

As James ended his sentence, both a darker toned figure and Ania entered the room in the same time. She took a spot next to Kenny while the other lady served plate after plate of various mixes of vegetables, meat and very distinctly smelling spices Kenny couldn't quite make out.

He wasn't sure if the colorful lunch was a standard or an exception to the crews welcome, so he didn't hesitate to grab a plate or two as soon as he could. Digging in almost immediately.

Ania next to him however was alot more patient, mostly observing Keikos mother. Answering her question with a half hearted smile and a wave of her hand.

"I'm not picky with my food. I eat what I can get. As usual. Although your food never disappointed me."

Which was an understatement. The traditional or improvised both Hawaiian and regular meals we're a huge step up from MREs and shelter food she's used to.

She'd never openly admit it, but she was weak for salmon sushy.

Yet ANOTHER speech was brewing, causing Kenny to stare up from his plate with his mouth already savoring the salty delight of chicken.

After the introduction was over, Kenny didn't hesitate to dig in again. Trying one (or three) of anything and everything offered. Claiming meals before James would take the best ones.

With each bite, his eyes continued to be widened and his salivating glands worked overtime. Even ditching his fork over time and settling for using his hands while eating from his own plate.
He must have had a heart attack in that bar.
Beause this was heaven.

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

After lunch was done, Kenny used all of his strength to lift his filled belly to follow James.

He hadn't anticipated that Keikos mothers food would be so hard on the stomach, otherwise he would be a bit more reserved on the soy sauce.

Walking trough the Kumuilipo was enjoyable enough. Especially because he'd have to spent alot of time inside this beast of a ship.

The interior main hallway was spacious for him, even James with his taller frame. Only Jagga seemed to have the need to crouch occasionally.

He listened half heartedly, mostly keeping his focus on ventilation grates and service vent locations.

"Yeah... Uh-huh."

Kenny reciprocated with each point James made, but his mind was straining to make a mental map of the ship, filling in the blanks as they went.

"I did have questions actually. Although I'll save most of them for the boss lady.
For starters, how about you direct me to my room? I should check if Jagga left my bags there or somewhere else. I'll think of something else on the go..... Oh YEAH! Another thing: ain't I supposed to get my tools? Or is it too early for that?"

He met James gaze with an eager expression. Itching to pull open those Eva's the first chance he gets.

 

[Mitheral]

James smiled, “Well, you get your choice from the available rooms left - other than the passenger quarters and staterooms. If your parents ever visited, Keiko would likely put them up in a stateroom. You may have noticed that family is a big deal to her. I’d recommend picking a room toward the rear of the ship and Engineering. We have three tool kits for you. One is an emergency kit that stays in your quarters; another is kept on your scooter. Then there is a FULL kit in the Machine Shop. Personally I think she went a little overboard with redundancy. But you never know. Someday we may be thankful. Oh, and after two years the full kit is yours.

“She spared no expense. I brought up this fact once. All I got out of her was a smile and a nod. I have a feeling someone else paid for it as some sort of legal settlement. Lunch? You noticed the quality? That’s real meat. Well, Smeat. Synthetic meat.”

Synthetic meat was developed in the very early 21st century. It was grown from small cell samples taken from real cows. It didn’t hurt the cows. At first the problem was texture and cost. But within a couple decades it became cheaper than raising cattle. And over time many kinds of meat were added.

Keiko had clearly paid for a high quality unit. And she had paid well for quality samples.

“Don’t know if you caught it, but Keiko’s Mom gave me a warning glance. First time they brought out sushi, I sort of made all the eel avocado disappear. They only looked away for an instant. And at the time she didn’t have any more eel grown.” He grinned sheepishly. “So this time I was getting warning looks to let you sample the food first. You snooze, you lose?” He laughed a little. “I’m not THAT bad.”

James ended his banter finally. “So, why don’t you get yourself situated with your quarters, go through your tools or whatever. We’ll finish orientation later. EVA rating and such. Jagga will probably run you through drill use. He has way more experience than any of us. Oh .. and he may get you trained in on use of a Jagga Field. Force technology. That’s what WE call it. The government has another name for it. You may have heard of the new field being used to contain a fusion reaction. Rugged, dependable, elegant. Can be adjusted to create a force dome underwater, in a Jovian or even Venusian atmosphere. The thing is only available on a few ships of the line. And yet somehow we have one. Jagga made it - from scratch. I don't really understand it. But it is way more stable than the old emag fields with none of the problems. He says it has something to do with folding quantum loops.”

******

It was a little later while Kenny was sorting out his quarters when Keiko showed up to check on him. “We settled in okay? Any questions so far?”

 

[Vibe_Lad]

Walking trough the echoing hallways, his stomach growls we're drowned out by James voice. Awfully talkative fellow he was.
He expected a riggid tour and dry technical talk, but his stomach problems we're temporarily forgotten as soon as he heard a free custom outfitted tool belt in two years.

Was it really so extensive it required to be stored in the machine shop?
Full kit?


A though formed trough the excitement.
Perks of the job. Damn good ones.
That kit would go for a pretty penny. Even just a fraction of it.

But his daydream was shattered by the sudden change of topic.

That misery meat was too good to be true...

But it looked like meat. Tasted like meat.
It's literally digesting like meat.
Those herbs and spices made it hard to distinguish.

But that blend of smell and appetite inducing sauces we're too tempting. And didn't poison him... Hopefully.

The orientation gradually ended up by the crew quarters. With James closing line, Kenny nodded thoughtfuly and finally responded.

"Don't worry about it my man. Right now I'm mostly focusing on finding a comfortable bed. I stole too many of those salmon sushy and I'm feeling the effects right now.

I'll deal with big guy once I deal with my stomach."

Kenny playfully winked, opening the automated door with a press of a button accompanied by a audible hiss.

" Thanks for the quick tour James. When I get some rest I'll check back to you. Take care."

As James turned to leave, Kenny withdrew into his living quarter.

Roughly 4x4, single sleeping bed.
His eyes wandered around the room as he performed a mental check of his surroundings.
Sink with a mirror, trashcan, bedside table, sizeable over packed black 'Welko' trademarked sports bag, well ventilated, comfortable temperature and a medium sized drawer.

The door blinked twice before automatically hissing shut behind him. An unnatural silence highlighted even the lightest step he took.

Moving the bag off the bed, he dropped it onto the floor and laid down on the comfortable mattress. Before he was even aware, sleep crept up on him.

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

The unnatural silence was broken by a jarring hiss which woke him from his brief snooze.
His eyes adjusted to the light, vaguely making out a familiar figure.

It didn't take long for him to recognize Keiko from the familiar voice.

Kenny propped himself up in a sitting position, yawned with his hands covering his coffee and nicotine stained teeth.

"Oh yeah, settled in just fine. The cooking knocked me out for a second there... But I can bear witness to the fact that the bed is quality."

He smiled and patted the bed, the thumps filled the room with a brief echo.

"I ain't quite settled in yet. My bags still on the floor. I'll get to it eventually...

Say, Keiko. You got a functional deal going on here. We should be leaving soon correct?

You know, sticks and stones may break my bones out there. And we are expected to cryosleep.

You seem to handle your finances just right... Considering the factory new ship.

I'll need you to transfer automatically my part of my pay. 30% to be exact.

I always saved a part on my folks credit. For rainy days. I get that we're working remote. But I need some serious reassurance that the money can be wired to my folks frequently, alright? "

 

[Mitheral]

Keiko looked at the bed. “Yes, I spared no expense. Oh, and if you were like Jagga you might appreciate the hidden features of the bed. James didn’t show you –? The rat. I guess he thought you’d know. Bottom doubles as stowage space. The whole bed slides out to cover it. Then there is a hidden Murphy bed that folds down into the spot the one you just used fills. Turn your bunk into a queen size. Oh, and if you ever want to turn up your music but don’t want to bother others, there’s a privacy feature built into the walls. I spared no expense when I had this ship customized.

“But let’s get your parents taken care of. Do you have their account info? I have an escrow account that will be making deposits while we are away. All we have to do is set up the transfer numbers. You are already on the payroll. Uhm, not sure if this will go through in time, so let me make a quick call to my accountant.”

She slid into the chair for Kenny’s desk and pulled out her tablet. She placed a call and within a few minutes she had her accountant online. “That new technician? 30% I told you. Right, I’ll have him here. I know you need his bios.” Keiko had clearly foreseen this request.

“Yes, we’ll be departing soon. Briefing in the Lounge over dinner.” She smiled. “Assuming you can fit dinner. Nothing but sleeping and eating is going to make you so fat you won’t be able to fit into your suit. Ania will put you on a diet.”

*******

Keiko wanted everyone present for this discussion. It was about the plan for their first couple of weeks.

“I have been studying the history of asteroid mining in this system in preparation for selecting a starting point. There were several zones that caught my interest for a number of reasons. The first I would like to check out is one that was very briefly a boom region that fizzled fast. It had some high value deposits, but in small quantities - radioactives, some iridium, and even gemstones. Lucrative. Everyone hoped to hit a motherload of collapsium - especially the government. But eventually they gave up. The best they found were trace amounts.

“The real problem was the substrate geology. Asteroids 101. There are millions of asteroids in this system. Scientists have estimated the main asteroid belt has between 1.8 and 2.3 million asteroids larger than 1 kilometer (0.6 mile) in diameter, and millions of smaller ones. Most of the undiscovered asteroids are likely the smaller ones (less than 100 km across) which are more difficult to detect. Some astronomers estimate there could be 150 million asteroids in the entire system.

“The C-type (chondrite) asteroids are most common. They consist of clay and silicate rocks, and are dark in appearance. About 73% of the asteroids.
The S-types ("stony") are made up of silicate materials and nickel-iron. About 15%
The M-types are metallic (nickel-iron). About 12%.

“We are after Type M. Conservatively that is about 360,000 asteroids. Now the ones in the region I wanted to check out were largely composed of compressed iron ferrite. This is going to slow down sensors and especially ore processing. That is the reason the region was abandoned. It was deemed unprofitable. The ore processor we have reduces ore at an average rate of 7 tons a day. We would be working at about one third that speed.

“But I have a gut feeling. I am not going to push my luck. I just want to give it a week or two. It isn’t a boom region. So claim jumping shouldn’t be as likely. But if we do find something, piracy will be more likely. That, and government interest.

“It should take us about 3 days to get to our target area - assuming no one has any objections?”

 

[Vibe_Lad]

"Sure, sure ma'am. Right away."

Kenny fidgeted trough his sports bag, unzipping the rightmost compartment to reveal a rectangular PDA enveloped by a worn out hand mounted velcro bracelet and a plastic touch-trough protective casing.

While Keiko patched trough to the accountant, Kenny forwarded an old message containing their parents account, edited it a bit and clicked send.

"I sent you the exact bank account number. Thanks in advance..."

As she continued her short chat, Kenny stood up to get some circulation going in his legs, clasped his hands together and pulled them way over his head to stretch his spine until he felt a slight pop in his lumbal area.

Her comment made him audibly laugh. Shrugging off the comment with a nonchalant shrug.

"It's your mom's fault. The quality of the cooking made me think it's a lavish welcome meal and not the norm. Next time I'll be careful with the portions, no worries."

Unzipping the upper larger compartment of his bag, he pulled out a clean plain grey synthread XXL shirt, plain white sports socks and soft plastic slippers.

"I'll be right there, don't wait up."

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Sandals slapped against the metal flooring and echoed trough the ships interior, gradually being drowned out by chatter from the meeting room.

Before entering, he peeked trough the open door and counted heads... He was last to arrive. James, Jagga, Ania and Keiko were lounging around.

He took a small circular plastic container out of his pockets with shaky hands and popped it open, extracting a small white baggie which he put on the roof of his gums.

The nicotine didn't take long to reach his brain, causing a sight of relief.

He entered wordlessly, he already announced his tardiness.

Exchanging a glance of acknowledgment with the crew, atleast the ones who bothered to meet his gaze, he sat down next to James and Ania.

The briefing was to the point and cohesive.
Kenny was nodding occasionally under his company brand cap, as if to agree.
Although truthfully, he was listening selectively, mostly gaging the reactions of the crewmen.

Anias posture was riggid and upright, not making any use of the chair rest. She listened wordlessly with a stoic expression. Even though she wasn't a miner, she was absorbing every sentence out of Keikos mouth.

Jagga was much the same, while James was slouched and looked humanly bored as opposed to others, which actually gave Kenny a sense he wasn't entirely out of place here.

The mention of piracy made Kenny's skin crawl. Feeling the silence of his Crewmate's after Keikos last question, he took the opportunity to raise his hand. Making sure Keiko noticed him before asking.

"Yeah... Uh. Ma'am. I always worked in boom regions on my brief mining career of two years. And always had protection.

Never seen pirates or nuffin'

How do you expect a skeleton crew to repell piracy... I presume you have contingency measures in case of unwanted company? "

He glanced at the pilot, seeking reassurance of on board weaponry.

Even tried to get Jagga to chime in, surely this big guy can fight better than most.

"Is it too late to mention I never fired a weapon before? I only work with tools ma'am. Although some tools are more dangerous than some weapons."

 

[Mitheral]

James looked bankly at Kenny. “Weapons?”

“James!” Keiko chastised, shaking her head. “Be nice to the new guy. Remember, he’s the guy who can make sure your toilet backs up in the middle of the night.”

“Ouch! Right! Sorry Kenny. Yeah, we have the best armaments a civilian vessel can be outfitted with. Any more and we would need to be licensed as a privateer. For what it is worth, I am fully qualified. But the plan is to run. Jagga and I will work out a plan to cut bait if we must. That would basically mean dumping some of our cargo. Pirates want profit with as little loss as possible.”

Keiko nodded. “Even fully crewed, stuffed to the gills with mercs this ship would be no match for a pirate if they boarded us. And this ship has the highest acceleration ratings for a ship of its mass. Most pirates are larger and slower.”

“Greywolves and Denoba class pirate ships are pretty dangerous. Nothing legal about them. They are smaller and serve as the hunters for small pirate fleets. But those aren’t likely to be a problem. We have a fairly heavy law enforcement presence in this system. And any small claims we make won’t be worth having a pirate fleet just sitting. Any larger claims might even bring in an IPA scout to just sit.” James grinned wolfishly. “And they live for spotting a pirate. Trust me on that. That pretty much sums up my last job.”

Jagga remained silent. But there was a look in his eyes that he was thinking of worse things than pirates. Reavers. Reavers were the boogey man. Reavers were insane, canabalistuc pirates that attacked with no regard for life, not even their own. They scavenged everything. Even the IPA was afraid of Reavers. Jagga had never seen one; never wanted to. A pack of Reavers could attack and strip a small colony clean.

Keiko spoke up again. “There is no point in worrying about pirates until we make a find.”

*********

It took three days to reach the region Keiko had wanted to check out. She hadn’t been kidding about the radiation hazard. Standard vacc suits simply wouldn’t suffice. Fortunately the suits she provided her crew were specifically designed for asteroid mining, which often meant working around deposits of uranium or thorium.

The working theory was that the origin of the class M asteroids that Keiko sought was the core of a planet or moon. This system had been a major boom region when first discovered. This was largely because it had not one, but two major asteroid belts. Plus it had a Kupier type belt like the Sol system. The overall mass of the asteroid belts was several times that of the ones in the Sol system. But then the Jovian worlds were smaller. That meant larger asteroids and even planetoids, as well as several dwarf planets. It also meant these asteroid belts were more dangerous to navigate.

It took 5 days of searching before they found a small trinary system of class M asteroids orbiting one another with dozens of smaller captured mini asteroids along for the ride as moonlets. The largest averaged 1518 meters in diameter; next largest 1232 meters, and smallest a mere 823 meters. They were largely composed of compressed iron ferrite. That was going to be Hell to reduce in the ore processor. The magnetic fields were going to hamper sensor scans. But Keiko liked the readings and decided that all three showed promise.

“Okay folks, we have three possible finds. Which asteroid do we want to start with? I don’t really want to just split up. Nor do I want anyone working alone.”

 

[Vibe_Lad]

A wave of relief flooded his body as Keiko once again indeed had though this trough.
He hadn't had the time nor prior knowledge to know just what this polished metal bucket was capable off.

And on top of that, the pilot has actual piracy first hand experience.

With no more questions to add, and his worries in check. Kenny slouched in his seat during the remainder of the speech.

Once the crew was dismissed, Kenny stayed to chat with James a bit. Brewing both a fresh cup of "coffee". Leasurely chatting about engine power, FTL capabilities and potential/hypothetical technical faults in deep space.

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Crawling trough the ventilation grid, a small flashlight was strapped on the side of Kenny's cap.

The claustrophobic ventilation system housed thousands of wires, all organized by color and function for clarity.

It took him only 6 hours on and off to check every electrical box on the ship, and then some. A screwed on grey box was affixed on the rightmost wall, the last stop.

He took the backup tools from his room to try them for a test drive today, needless to say that they work as intended.

Like clockwork, he pulled out his screwdriver and brought it to the first screw, pushing the tool down in a jerking motion twice caused the screw to fall of with an audible clink.

He repeated the process with the rest and gazed into the box's contents.

Both single and double pole breakers we're aligned to the left as they should, with small bright green lights signaling that everything is working as it should.

Branch circuit cables we're in tact, spreading a sprawling webbing of red hot wires into the box and breakers, while the other side continued out of the box and down the vent.

He attached a copper clamp onto the hot wires which was connected to a black box in his hand.

The display read: 240W

Satisfied with the readings, he returned the lid onto the box and screwed it shut. Deciding to reward himself with a quick smoke break.

He took a right across the main belly of the ship, then a left towards the engine side.

A ventilation grate was already opened which pumped out generated CO2 outside of the ship.

Still crouched in the tight wents, Kenny pulled out from his breast pocked a lone nicotine stick.

He used the ion torch to light it, taking in the smoke before exhaling it deeply into the opened vent.

It was two days ago that Kenny noticed the "Golden hole", as he puts it.

Truthfully he liked to have a cigarette after a job, the whole process of lighting and smoking was much more enjoyable than a bland packet of nicotine he's forced to settle for.

But his moment of relaxation was interrupted by a buzz on his PDA, it was Ania. She was calling him into the head of the ship. Keiko made a find.

++++++++++++++++++++++

The crew already fully assembled as he arrived last again, as he had to crawl the majority of the way as opossed to walking.

Dust and grime was noticeable on Kenny's company cap, orange overalls that covered the same old Grey synthread shirt and black skinsuit he was required to wear.

Keiko seemed pleased, and nobody was objecting really. He sat there indifferent truly and waited for the more experienced crew to say something.

Without warning though, Anias voice chimed in.

"All of your suits are prepped with long range tracking chips. And I will be examining your vital monitors trough the whole operation.

Listen to Keiko. Don't work alone.
A buddy in these types of jobs is sometimes a matter of life and death.

In case you don't make it to the asteroid and find yourself floating in space, try not to panic. Panic wastes precious oxygen.

In case of sudden departure due to unforseen company. I'm talking pirates here specifically. There's a high likelihood you can be left behind.

My advice is to get out of Jaggas machines and float off into space. You're harder to find that way in case pirates try to take you for ransom.

Your distress beacons will automatically start once you are 20000km away from the ship. In which case we'll circle back, and I will personally haul you aboard the ship.

Preserve oxygen, always have your buddy in eye view, keep comms open. I'll be watching every single one of you.

If somebody's vitals aren't quite good for any reason. Keiko will be notified immediately. "