SOLO Campaign-Dean Team Part 5

Current Adventure: Infiltrate
Date: 173 - 1120
Subsector/Sector Location: Tri-Empire/Glimmerdrift Reaches
Cast of Characters (Dean Team):
Dean Halvaard (Force Commander)
 Character Reactions (SOLO p.18): Considers Keter an enemy.
Striker Anderson (Major)
 Character Reactions (SOLO p.18): Considers Dean a rival.
Jansen Trueblood (First Lieutenant)
 Character Reactions (SOLO p.18): Admires Kilgar.
Keter Lancel (Lance Sergeant)
 Character Reactions (SOLO p.18): Friendship with Dean through guilt.
Kilgar Plenson (Lance Sergeant)
 Character Reactions (SOLO p.18): Knows about Striker's gambling problem.
Kyle Rheimer (Lance Sergeant)
 Character Reactions (SOLO p.18): Likes to ridicule Jansen.


173-1120 Bakcyon to Macelight on board the CSS Hawk
Jump: Uneventful

180 - 1120
New System: Macelight (Tri-Empire/Glimmerdrift Reaches)

The team encounters starport security. The group is escorted to a separate room and their IDs are checked. The team members are released with no further issues.
The team notices an individual they had spotted at Bakcyon. He has followed them to Macelight. A coincidence? Not likely, since Striker noticed the agent has been tailing them since their arrival at the asteroid belt. That evening, the group meets in a hotel room at the starport to create a plan. The group decides to head out and tour the underground complex of Macelight. Macelight is home to a large mining operation, and the mining complex houses several shops, restaurants, and drinking establishments for the one million inhabitants of the asteroid belt. During the group's tour of the complex, they notice the same individual following them at a distance. Definitely an agent. Is it a 3FT agent? The group finds a section of back alleys located behind the entertainment district. These dimly lit alleyways are service corridors. As planned earlier, the group sets up an ambush for the tailing agent. After about an hour wait, the group does not encounter the agent. As the group heads back to the starport hotel, they notice a couple of security officers making their rounds through the service corridors. Dean smiles and waves to them, and the security officers return to the greeting. A brief discussion ensues, and the group convinces the security officers they had lost their way back to the starport hotel. The officers give them directions, and they return to the hotel complex without further incident. There is no sign of the individual who has been tailing them. Maybe he spotted the security officers and decided to break off the pursuit?

187 - 1120
The team is delayed one week due to technical issues at the starport. The week is uneventful and the agent tailing the group has not been spotted since the previous week.

194 - 1120
Security issues at Macelight starport
(security check: Law Level check [6]; 2d6=8; Dean Team passes security check)
Travel off-system is delayed 1 week.

201 - 1120
Macelight - Gaucho (Williamsburg/Glimmerdrift Reaches)
Jump prep: no events. The team is now able to proceed to its next destination
Jump: no events

208 - 1120
Arrive in the Gaucho system
Jansen is robbed of 800CR. The group does a little reconnaissance and discovers a band of thieves operating near the starport. The team spends a couple of days in surveillance, and locates an area frequented by the thieves. The group sets up an ambush. The ambush ends as quickly as it started. The thief escapes and injures Striker with a slash from a knife. Nothing serious, but first-aid is required.
A valuable piece of information is gathered during the week layover on Gaucho. The team spots the agent who has been tracking them since Bakcyon. They discover the agent will be traveling aboard the subsidized merchant, Tiger's Eye.

215 - 1120
Prejump: The group has created a fake itinerary for the Hawk, that states the scout ship is headed to the Sao system to deliver scout service dispatches. The group leaves them in a starport restaurant where they have spotted the agent sitting nearby. They try to make it look like the papers accidentally drop under the table as they are getting up to leave.
Jump: Gaucho to Jeffer-Scott
During the trip, the computer aboard the Hawk malfunctions. The jump drives and program routines for jump travel are unaffected, but several error codes are appearing in one subroutine of the navigation system. Kyle, the group's computer expert, discovers a virus in the navigation program. The jump coordinates are being logged in a tracking program that can be accessed from any starport terminal. A confirmation that the group is likely being followed by a 3FT agent. Kyle removes the virus, and hopefully the false travel itinerary and virus removal will end the tracking by the spy.

GM NOTE: As the Dean Team suspects, the group is being followed by a 3FT agent. The agent is not fooled by the fake itinerary and realizes he has been made. He knows the merchant ship he is traveling upon cannot keep up with the jump capability of the scout ship. After consulting a subsector map, he concludes the ship's likely destination is Jeffer-Scott. Upon arrival at Sao, the agent forwards a message to Jeffer-Scott via x-boat to a 3FT operative stationed at the starport in Jeffer-Scott. A new agent will have to pick up the trail on Jeffer-Scott.

Referee Notes 8

Secret Service Banner (3FTSS/SPS)

3FT Secret Service

The 3 Fists Triumvirate Secret Service is the interstellar intelligence agency of the Republic of Krax.  Members of this elite force serve as the personal body guards to the three members of the triumvirate.  Like the Shattered Planet Security [SPS] service, the 3FT Secret Service [3FT] operates as a security unit throughout the Republic of Krax.  Unlike the SPS, the 3FT also operates beyond the borders of the Republic of Krax.  Rumor has it that an operative sits on the Moot of the Imperium.

The 3FT also conducts intelligence gathering, espionage, and assassinations.  Several planetary officials of the Republic of Krax have died mysteriously since the 3FT has come to power.  Many of these deaths have been attributed to the 3FT.

The use of the 3FT abbreviation can apply to the three ruling members of the triumvirate or it can also apply to 3FT operatives.  Basically, any activity of 3FT agents is fully sanctioned by the three triumvirate members. The term is therefore interchangeable between the rulers and the agency.  The mere mention of "3FT" strikes fear into the hearts of many throughout the Republic of Krax.

No planetary system within the Republic can contract with a mercenary company without the approval of the 3FT. Any mercenary units hired to operate within the Republic must include a 3FT agent.  This agent must hold the rank of Colonel at the minimum. There are also plans to assemble 3FT mercenary services for other interstellar governments.  These elite mercenaries, made up of only 3FT operatives, will hire out to those interstellar governments friendly to the 3FT.  The Mandanin Co-Dominion is a major supporter of the 3FT and are extremely interested in the implementation of these 3FT mercenary units. 3FT Agents reside within the ranks of all branches of the military.  Several elite ground units are solely made up of members of the 3FT.  These units operate attached to regular Republic of Krax ground forces. 3FT controlled naval fleets are also in the works. 

In the year 1119, the 3FT's reach is limited but growing with each passing year.  Operatives are concentrated along the borders with the Imperium and in those systems of the Republic who are showing resistance to 3FT rule.  Many subsectors have minimal 3FT presence, and several systems within these subsectors have no 3FT presence at all.  By the year 1133, 3FT operatives are present throughout the entire Republic of Krax.

Referee Notes 7

SPS Insignia

Shattered Planet Security [The SPS] 

The Shattered Planet Security force [SPS] was formed on the same day as the Shattered Planet Party [SPP] (250-1114).  This security force serves as as the official police force of the Republic of Krax.  The SPS coordinates with local system governments to monitor political dissident activities as well as maintaining security for all SPP officials.  It is also known as "the police of the police."  The SPS maintains overt agents (police) and covert operatives (agents).  Many of its officers have an excellent working relationship with planetary police force members.  SPS Leadership on the other hand does not.  Most planetary police members view the SPS Leadership with disdain.  This relationship is much like 21st century earth's rank and file police officers with their bureaucratic bosses. The SPS can be mobilized into a paramilitary authority if SPS Leadership deems it necessary.  This authority can also override  planetary military force leadership.  The military is not fond of this, but it also knows that resistance can lead to summary execution.  The 3 Fists Triumvirate Leadership (3FT) tolerates NO insubordination of planatery forces, police or military.  Mobilization events are occurring less and less with the 3FT's consolidation of power.  More and more systems of the Republic of Krax are becoming fervant supporters of the 3FT.  Things are beginning to return to normal and that includes working relationships with the SPS and local governing bodies. Most spying activities are the responsibility of the 3FT Secret Service.  The SPS maintains spies, but these operatives are usually restricted to their home systems.  If travellers are suspected of espionage, many SPS agents will transfer survellience to 3FT operatives.  Once a suspect makes a move to leave the SPS agent's system, the agent is required to transfer survellience to a 3FT operative. He or she will not follow the suspect off-world.

The SPS is also responsible for security detail when interstellar/planetary government members hold official functions within their respective systems.  Planetary security is never entrusted to local police.  Only SPS members serve in this capacity.  Minor governmental and local officials may use regular police for security details, but an SPS agent must be present to coordinate security.

Referee Notes 6

The History of the Shattered Planet Party's [SPP] Formation

1-1110

The smuggled group of terrorists known by Imperium officials as the "Gang of 3" finds their way across the core of the Imperium with the help of the Ine Givar Organization.  The Glimmerdrift Reaches resides on the trailing edge of the Imperium. The Krax Confederation exists within this sector of space.

Sir James Filmore, Sean Billman, and Titus Cromwell find their way to the Farwall system in the Even Subsector of the Glimmerdrift Reaches.  Slndn Hktar, the son of the Baron of Farwall, has brought the bedragled men to his family's estate.  A rumor has taken hold within the Imperium that these men are dead.  One problem with rumors is they are usually false. Such is the case with the "Gang of 3."  It is here on Farwall where the seeds of The 3 Fists Triumvirate are planted, watered, and cared for until they sprout into a powerful political apparatus.

1-1111

Discontent is growing on Farwall, as well as many other systems within the Krax Confederation.  Many believe officials of the confederacy are betraying their very own citizens.  Several contracts have been granted to Imperium Mega Corporations over those corporations that reside within the borders of the Krax Confederation.  Some powerful people within the Krax Confederation fear the Confederation will one day be absorbed into the Imperium.  This fear and concern came to a head when Baron Klyndn Hktar was arrested by the governing body of Farwell.  Evidence presented at his trial showed his involvement with a plot to secede governing authority of the Krax Confederation to that of the Imperium Government.  Baron Klyndn vehemently denied the accusations and claimed he was being framed.  He was found guilty and sentenced to death on 147-1111.  He was summarily executed the very same day.  The Baron's son, Slndn Hktar, pledged his undying loyalty to the people of Farwall and committed himself to defend the Krax Confederation's independence from the Imperium.  The uproar caused by the trial of Baron Klyndn and his involvement with the Imperium, forced the hands of government officials on Krax.  The ruling council on Krax voted unanimously with the ascension of Sldn Hktar to the position of Baron of Farwall.  Baron Sldn Hktar's first order of business was to establish a new political party on Farwall whose main purpose is to promote and defend the interests of the People of Krax.  That party was the Farwall Freedom Party.

1- 1113

The Farwall Freedom Party's first members were Sir James Fillmore, Sean Billman, Titus Cromwell, and Baron Sldn Hktar.  The party's message spread quickly and soon membership was growing at a rapid pace.  Confederacy officials on Farwall, as well as those on Krax, became concerned.  A growing hostility among the citizenry of the Krax Confederation with the Imperium government was becoming a real concern for these officials of the confederacy.  On 113 -1113, the Confederacy Ruling Council passed a resolution barring all members of the nobility throughout the Krax Confederation from membership to political parties on their respective systems.  This resolution became known as the "Imperium Dagger" to those citizens of the Krax Confederacy who despised the Imperium.  With the passing of this resolution, the "seed of civil war" had germinated.

1- 1114

Riots broke out on Farwall when news of the "Imperium Dagger" reached their ears.  Baron Slndn Hktar knew he was not in a position to oppose the hated resolution.  He resigned from the Farwall Freedom Party and made this now famous speech:

"It is now fully apparant where the hearts of our governing officials lie.  It is squarely in the camp of the Imperium.  I will honor this resolution as I officially withdraw my membership from the Farwall Freedom Party.  I do so not out of respect for the governing council on Krax, but out of my undying loyalty to the citizens of Farwall and to all freedom-loving citizens of the Krax Confederation.  I pledge my undying love for them and to them alone.  The traitors have made their bed with the Imperium.  They will have to lie upon it as well.  Loyal citizens will see this resolution for what it truly is.  A sellout to Imperium interests and a deep betrayal of the great people of the Krax Confederation.
My deepest desire is to see the rise of true leaders who will free us from the chains and shackles of Imperium oppression.  I believe those leaders are with us today.  My hope is they will take the initiative and lead us in the way of true freedom from Imperium slavery.  I believe they will."

249-1114
The Farwall Freedom Party officially disbands.


250 to 275 - 1114

The Shattered Planet Party (SPP) is formed and Sir James Fillmore, Sean Billman, and Titus Cromwell are elected "Leaders for life."

SPP Battle Flag

SOLO Campaign- Dean Team 4

SOLO Campaign-Dean Team Part 4

Current Adventure: Infiltrate

Date: 110 - 1120

Subsector/Sector Location: Tri-Empire/Glimmerdrift Reaches

Cast of Characters (Dean Team):

Dean Halvaard (Force Commander)

Character Reactions (SOLO p.18): Considers Keter an enemy.

Striker Anderson (Major)

Character Reactions (SOLO p.18):  Considers Dean a rival.

Jansen Trueblood (First Lieutenant)

Character Reactions (SOLO p.18):  Admires Kilgar.

Keter Lancel (Lance Sergeant)

Character Reactions (SOLO p.18):  Friendship with Dean through guilt.

Kilgar Plenson (Lance Sergeant)

Character Reactions (SOLO p.18):  Knows about Striker's gambling problem.

Kyle Rheimer (Lance Sergeant)

Character Reactions (SOLO p.18):  Likes to ridicule Jansen.

Free Use Pixabay/kalhh

110-1120  Negotiations with the Ginlenchy Concordance

Negotiations begin with the Ginlenchy Concordance (GinC) for contracted mercenary services provided by the Golden Company for any interested systems within the GinC.  The group meets with Verenson Kull, a diplomat for the GinC.

Verenson Kull is a staunch ally of the Imperium.  Most systems within the GinC are extremely nervous with the rise of the 3 Fists Triumvirate within the Republic of Krax.  Verenson believes the independence of the entire GinC is at risk.  He has known Dean Halvaard for many years and fully trusts him. Verenson assures the Golden Company representatives (Dean Team) this meeting is a mere formality.  The GinC is more than ready to sign the agreement with the Golden Company.

117-1120 The Deal is Done!

The contract is signed with great enthusiasm by all participants.  The official meeting ends on the first day, but the rest of the week was filled with relaxation and entertainment, courtesy of the Ginlenchy Concordance.  The team is refreshed, and ready to start its next mission.

Verenson Kull meets with the Dean Team in their private quarters at a villa near the Bakcyon startport.  He provides the group with documents for their new identities.  The first set of IDs has the Dean Team serving in the Ginlenchy Scout Service (GSS)  They will be serving as scouts aboard the GSS Hawk.  The second set of IDs has the Dean Team serving as crew members aboard a merchant ship.  The crew is scheduled to join the Far Trader, Free Enterprise, at Jeffer-Scott/Williamsburg/Glimmerdrift Reaches.  The Free Enterprise is scheduled to depart Jeffer-Scott on 229-1120, so the crew should have plenty of time to reach their destination.  Merchant ships often keep their regular schedules, but delays do occur.  The team will need to carefully monitor their progress to avoid any delays.  The Free Enterprise will not delay their departure for long, since free traders need to keep moving in order to make money.  Any extended delay by the Free Enterprise, apart from mechanical issues, will rouse suspicion.  Jeffer-Scott and Spadling are known to be infested with 3FT spies.

118-1120 The Mission Threatened

Dean decides to rid himself of an enemy by sending Keter Lancel back to Golden Company Headquarters with the newly-signed agreement.  The Dean Team meets to discuss the next phase of the mission, and Dean breaks the news to Keter.  Keter becomes  enraged and demands someone else should do it.  "You don't need me to be a delivery boy.  Send it the way documents like this are sent...THROUGH A COURIER!"  Keter began to visibly shake from his rage.  Dean quickly retorted, "You will do as you are ordered, Lance Sergeant!  I want this contract HAND DELIVERED, and it WILL NOT BE DELIVERED BY A COURIER! The information in this agreement will NOT fall into the hands of spies because of some errand boy's failure to properly guard its contents."  "Get someone else," Keter replied.  Dean's response was quick, "NO, I ORDER YOU TO DO IT AND THAT'S FINAL!" Keter stormed out of the room and headed back to his quarters.  Striker began to follow Keter, but Jansen replied, "Let him cool off for awhile." Striker agreed.  The rest of the team members concured, and began discussing their plans for infiltrating the Krax Republic.

After about twenty minutes, Keter returned to the meeting room holding a metal trash receptacle which contained the dying embers of a small fire.  Keter sat the receptacle down before the rest of the team and with an evil grin replied, "I just torched all of my original identity papers.  I'm not going anywhere!"  The entire team was speechless for a moment, then Striker responded, "What have you done?!"  At this point, the room erupted into a shouting match of curses, accusations, and insults.  After several minutes, the team members began to compose themselves.  "If you don't like it, too bad.  Maybe I'll report this whole mission to the media.  I am going back to my villa.  Later, losers" was Keter's response to the rest of the team members. The team stood there dumbfounded, as they silently contemplated the ramifications of Keter's threat.

The heat of the moment soon passed, and cooler heads prevailed. Dean contacted Verenson Kull to see if it was possible to have Keter arrested and secure him until Golden Company forces arrived and placed him into custody. Verenson's secretary informed Dean that he had just departed Bakcyon for a long-planned vacation to Aldrus (Tri-Empire/Glimmerdrift Reaches).  The team resumed its discussion on what to do.  Jansen and Kyle insisted Keter cannot remain a part of the team.  Striker and Kilgar were not as resistant to Keter remaining as Jansen and Kyle were, but both Striker and Kilgar believed something must be done.  After about an hour of discussion, the team reached a solution.  Dean will have to fire Keter.  Kilgar volunteered to return to Imperium space and deliver the contract to Golden Company Headquarters.  He would return to Bakcyon with the first contingent of mercenaries as soon as possible.

The group sent for Keter, and informed him of their decision.  Surprisingly, Keter had already resigned himself to this outcome and agreed to abide by their decision.  He turned to Dean and replied, "I agree with the team's decision, Commander.  I will honor it as well as my oath to the 4518th. I will remain on Bakcyon for the foreseeable future and contemplate my future."  Keter saluted Dean, turned, and left the room.  The entire Dean Team believed Keter would not betray them as he had threatened to do earlier.

119-1120 to 173-1120  Preparations for Next Mission

The Dean Team rests for a few more days, then begins training for the next leg of their journey.  The preparation is intense and requires training in scout ship duties as well as merchant duties.  The team feels confident their training will help them to pass as scout/merchant ship crew members.  The team hears and sees nothing of Keter.  Kilgar salutes his team members as he boards a transfer ship. This starship will take him back to Simulacrim where he will wait to board the Illustrious Star as it makes its way to Simulacrim , following its regular travel route.  It may be a long time before the team sees Kilgar again. It is  also possible they may never meet with him again.  Only time and good fortune will tell.

SOLO Campaign-Dean Team 3

SOLO Campaign - Dean Team Part 3

Current Adventure: Infiltrate

Date: 82 - 1120

Subsector/Sector Location: Tri-Empire/Glimmerdrift Reaches

Cast of Characters (Dean Team):

Dean Halvaard (Force Commander)

Character Reactions (SOLO p.18): Considers Keter an enemy.

Striker Anderson (Major)

Character Reactions (SOLO p.18):  Considers Dean a rival.

Jansen Trueblood (First Lieutenant)

Character Reactions (SOLO p.18):  Admires Kilgar.

Keter Lancel (Lance Sergeant)

Character Reactions (SOLO p.18):  Friendship with Dean through guilt.

Kilgar Plenson (Lance Sergeant)

Character Reactions (SOLO p.18):  Knows about Striker's gambling problem.

Kyle Rheimer (Lance Sergeant)

Character Reactions (SOLO p.18):  Likes to ridicule Jansen.

*

82-1120  Simulacrim to Quabinisar

Departure:  

The Dean Team is posing as part of the crew of the Raconteur, so training is in order.  The team members acclimate themselves with the crew of the far trader and the procedures they follow. While the team's individual identifications are not changed, each member of the Dean Team receives crew identification cards that are issued to employees of the ship.  

As the far trader departs, the Raconteur encounters a safari ship that has recently entered the system. The Huntress is having an issue with its M-drive. The crew of the Raconteur attempts to assist, but the repairs needed will require repair equipment that is not available on board either vessel.  The Captain has agreed to remain with the safari ship until a repair crew arrives to assist them.  This will delay the Raconteur's departure by one week.

89-1120

Transit:

The Raconteur makes its jump without any issues.  

Arrival:

No encounters or issues upon arrival at Quabinisar (no starport)

System Layover:

The Dean Team skims a nearby gas giant in order to refuel.  Unrefined fuel can lead to a misjump, but the crew of the Raconteur is used to this type of operation. The captain  takes every available step to insure safe jumps with frequent maintenance and fuel system cleanings whenever possible.

Quabinisar has no starport, so supplies for the planet are shuttled to the surface.  A private firm on the planet is licensed by the planetary government to conduct these operations.  A planet-based cargo craft will launch from the firm's facility and meet the Raconteur in orbit in order to transfer the cargo to their ship.  After the cargo craft reaches orbit, the cargo craft's pilot radios the captain of the Raconteur to inform him that a planetary official will be boarding the ship.  This official checks the entire crew's identifications and inspects the Raconteur for contraband.  The Dean Team is not aware this planetary official is a spy for the 3FT.  The spy records the crew list information and stores it for future reference.  

The transfer of cargo is allowed to continue since the Raconteur's "paperwork" is in order and no contraband was present.  The captain and crew receive their credits for the shipped goods, and they prepare to depart this system.

103-1120   Quabinisar to Bakcyon

Departure:

[Check for Misjump: 12+ (DM +3) for misjump.  2d6=7 (+3)=10  no issues]

As the Raconteur approaches its jump coordinates, a ship arriving in the Quabinisar system radios for help.  The 300 ton merchant ship Dark Star is having mechanical/computer issues.  The crew of the Raconteur lends a hand and quickly fixes a computer glitch.  The Dark Star thanks the captain and crew of the far trader for their assistance.

Transit:

While in transit, a review of sensor logs indicates another ship jumped around the same time as the Raconteur and appears to be on the same course as they are.  Could it be a false reading or is someone following them?  What about that official on Quabinisar?

Arrival:

Upon arrival at the Bakcyon system, the far trader radios an outbound ship.  The large cargo carrier does not respond.  Is their comm system out?  Are they operating under radio silence?  The captain says it's unusual for a transport ship of this size not to respond to a standard hail of passing starships.  He believes the cargo carrier's comm system is out.

System Layover:

The far trader lands at Bakcyon's starport.  The captain and crew will begin the search for shipping customers who are looking to ship goods to a nearby system.  

The Dean Team prepares to meet their contact for the next phase of their mission.  As the team members prepare to leave the starport, they encounter a desperate individual who is seeking to leave the planet quickly. Dean begins to answer the man, when suddenly several local police officers shout at the man to stop. He immediately bolts away and the chase is on!  The Dean Team members raise their hands to signify they have no clue what is going on and are not offering any resistance.  The local police flash by them without even a glance in their direction.  "Man, he's toast," chuckles Keter as the team members collect their luggage and head out of the starport. 

*Free use of this public domain image courtesy of Pixabay.

SOLO Campaign - Dean Team 2

Infiltrate Campaign:  Through the Marlan Primate

SOLO Campaign-Dean Team Part 2

Date: 54 - 1120

Subsector/Sector Location: Tri-Empire/Glimmerdrift Reaches

Cast of Characters (Dean Team)

Dean Halvaard (Force Commander)

• Character Reactions (SOLO p.18): Considers Keter an enemy.

Striker Anderson (Major)

• Character Reactions (SOLO p.18):  Considers Dean a rivalry. 

Jansen Trueblood (First Lieutenant)

• Character Reactions (SOLO p.18):  Admires Kilgar.

Keter Lancel (Lance Sergeant)

• Character Reactions (SOLO p.18):  Friendship with Dean through guilt.

Kilgar Plenson (Lance Sergeant)

• Character Reactions (SOLO p.18):  Knows about Striker's gambling problem.

Kyle Rheimer (Lance Sergeant)

• Character Reactions (SOLO p.18):  Likes to ridicule Jansen.

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

*

54-1120 Ixobis-Daw  to Ixobis-Ron

Departure:  

A malfunction with the M-Drive of the Illustrious Star threatened to delay travel, but was repaired in time for scheduled departure.

Transit:

The Starship's Purser suffered a nervous breakdown.  She had changed the password for the weapon's vault without updating the backup access codes in case of an emergency.  Jansen attempts to counsel  her with some success, but the Purser will not give the code for vault access.

After entering the Ixobis-Ron system, Jansen was able to calm down the Purser.  She finally released the code to open the weapon's vault.  Crew members and several passengers have taken notice of Jansen and the rest of the Dean Team.  Traveling incognito is getting more difficult, and this could possibly draw the attention of any 3FT spies that may be present on the Illustrious Star.

Arrival:

The Dean Team meets with a potential ally.  Ilar Xenith is a retired Imperium Navy veteran who has no love for the Krax Republic or the 3 Fists Triumvirate. He offers his services to the team, but does not join with them at this time.

System Layover:

While on Ixobis-Ron, the team discovers a little known retreat on the planet. Dean decides it would be best to get in a little "R and R" with all that has transpired since the mission began.  Striker becomes upset with Dean's decision.  

• "We just started this mission, and you really believe R and R is in order?  This is a disgrace for Marines, especially the 4518th!"  "That's enough, Major," said Dean.  "I'm in command of this unit, and you will be advised to remember my rank.  Your actions are bordering on insubordination, and I will not tolerate it! Are we clear, Major?"  "YES, SIR!  CRYSTAL!," replied Striker with as much sarcasm as he could muster.

The ego battle between Striker and Dean is intensifying.

Shortly before the group's scheduled departure, Striker discovered a body pistol someone had stashed behind a storage locker at the starport terminal.  The situation with the Purser on board the Illustrious Star was fresh in Striker's mind, so he decides to smuggle the weapon on board the starship.  He will not risk being unable to acquire his weapon from the Purser's vault if something like this happens again.  An extremely risky move on his part that could endanger the entire mission.

68 -1120  Ixobis-Ron to Simulacrim

(Leaving the Marlan Primate and entering the Ginlenchy Concordance)

Departure:

The Dean Team passes through starport security with no issues.  Striker was successful in his attempt to smuggle  his recently acquired body pistol on board with him.

Transit:

As the Illustrious Star approached its jump point, it was stopped and boarded by a 200 ton light patrol craft (Sword & Shield).  A security team from the patrol craft was searching for a wanted crew member of the starship.  As far as the Dean Team could tell, the wanted crewman was not on board the luxury liner.

Ilar Xenith, who is also traveling on board the Illustrious Star, hits up Jansen for some financial assistance.  Jansen does not trust Ilar, but decides to lend him 97 credits.

Arrival:

No issues upon arrival at Simulacrim .  The team does note several starport security team members and starport officials surrounding a mysterious ship that had landed shortly after the Illustrious Star.  Several people in the starport gather together to watch the event as well as the members of the Dean Team. A rumor was overheard about a plan by the Marlan Primate to invade and take over neighboring systems in the Ginlenchy Concordance.  

Is it just a rumor???  The group makes a note of it.

System Layover:

The Dean Team departs the Illustrious Star and prepares to transfer to the far trader, Raconteur.  The Raconteur's captain and crew are part of a covert operation by the Imperium to keep a watchful eye on the Republic of Krax.  The far trader plies the shipping lanes and other star systems off the regular shipping lanes throughout this sector of space.  The Dean Team's mission is known by the captain and his faithful crew.  They are at the Dean Team's disposal.

While waiting to depart Simulacrim, Jansen was robbed at the starport.  Held at gunpoint, Jansen was robbed of 600 credits.  Jansen reports the incident to Dean, and the entire group attempts to locate the robber.  An investigation by the group with a little reconnaissance  at the starport reveals a gang of robbers operating at the starport and the surrounding area.  The robber who accosted Jansen was not located, but a firefight in a back alley near the starport ends with one of the gang members killed.  No Dean Team members were harmed, and the team was able to return to the starport without incident.

The team members board the Raconteur and prepare to depart to Quabinisar (Tri-Empire/GR).

*Free use public domain image courtesy of Pixabay. 

SOLO Campaign - Dean Team 1

Infiltrate Campaign - Prelude & Departure

Cast of Characters:

• Dean Halvaard (Force Commander)

                Character Reactions (SOLO p.18): Considers Keter an enemy.

• Striker Anderson (Major)

                Character Reactions (SOLO p.18):  Considers Dean a rival.

• Jansen Trueblood (First Lieutenant)

                Character Reactions (SOLO p.18):  Admires Kilgar.

• Keter Lancel (Lance Sergeant)

                Character Reactions (SOLO p.18):  Friendship with Dean through guilt.

• Kilgar Plenson (Lance Sergeant)

                Character Reactions (SOLO p.18):  Knows about Striker's gambling problem.

• Kyle Rheimer (Lance Sergeant)

                Character Reactions (SOLO p.18):  Likes to ridicule Jansen.

• JG Golden (CEO & Founder of The Golden Company Mercenaries)

                Character Reactions (SOLO p.18):  Good friends with Dean.

Dean is not overly happy with the team assembled for his mission, but he will honor JG's wishes as JG is underwriting the enterprise. The selection of Striker Anderson as second in command is discouraging, since Dean has never liked him or even considered him fit for command.  Dean will be keeping a close eye on the Major.  Keter's inclusion in the group is the most disturbing. Dean is still not sure why JG wanted him to be a part of the team. Keter acts like it's no big deal, but Dean will never trust him. The rest of the team is adequate for carrying out JG's contract negotiations, but lacking in skills that will be necessary for successful infiltration of the Republic of Krax.  Time will tell.

The Dean Team is equipped with basic provisions. Each member is armed, but traveling with weapons may become problematic when trying to enter certain systems over the course of the mission.  The team members begin with 10,000 credits each, and Dean is responsible for the remaining 220,000 credits held in reserve for any unforeseen expenses.  A bonus lump sum of 100,000 credits will be awarded to the entire team for the successful negotiation of a mercenary contract between the Golden Company and the Ginlenchy Concordance.

The team has booked passage on the Illustrious Star, a luxury liner registered with the Imperium.  The Illustrious Star travels this route on a regular basis and is known for its opulence and guest amenities.  The Dean Team is traveling as tourists and their registered destination is Simulacrim/Tri-Empire/Glimmerdrift Reaches. The team will then board the Far Trader, Raconteur, and travel to Bakcyon/Williamsburg/Glimmerdrift Reaches where they will be meeting with system leaders from the Ginlenchy Concordance.

Begin Adventure*

12-1120  Citadel to Parasit (Tri-Empire/Glimmerdrift Reaches (GR))

No events occured during departure, transit, arrival, and system layover.

26-1120 Parasit to Ixobis-Kher (Tri-Empire/GR)

Departure: The team was stopped by starport security before boarding.  Identifications were checked with no issues.  

Transit: Jansen and Kyle get into an argument. Dean and Striker were able to break up the heated argument.

Arrival: no issues as Dean Team enters Marlan Primate space.

System Layover:  Several unruly miners threaten to riot and close down the starport.  Local police are able to contain and disperse the miners. A storm threatens to postpone travel.  It passes with no delay to travel.

40-1120 Ixobis Kher to Ixobis Daw (Tri-Empire/GR)

Departure: no issues

Transit:  Team members become aware of a passenger that will not leave his cabin.  Kyle intervenes and is able to convince the passenger to leave his cabin. The captain and crew are pleased with the intervention.  The captain invites the entire team to join him for a meal at the Captain's Table.  Jansen loses his temper with Kyle over their past argument and Kyle's constant ridiculing at the Captain's Table.  It's an ugly scene that has drawn the attention of the rest of the passengers and crew.

Arrival: no events or issues

System Layover: The Dean Team encountered a friendly official with a local corporation (Ilar Xenith).  A possible ally for the cause.  Another argument broke out between the entire team.  Striker believes the discussion with Ilar could compromise the mission.  Keter and Kilgar agree, but Jansen and Kyle side with Dean.  The argument becomes heated enough to draw the attention of patrons at a local restaurant.  The group continues to draw unwanted attention to itself.  Dean is now regretting his decision to go along with JG's recommendations.  He is concerned about the mission's success if this pattern continues.

Summary

The group's goal of traveling without drawing attention to themselves has failed.  Many have taken notice of the group's finer moments, but also the outbursts between Jansen, Kyle, and the entire team. Fortunately, agents of the 3 Fists Triumverant were not present at any of these events, so the team's mission is safe for now.


*Free use public domain photo courtesy of Pixabay.