Mercs and an Incognito Noble

At Boughene, four large tattooed and scarred men with 50 tons of weapons boarded for Feri.  They were mercenaries with no declared allegiance and were paying Tilden & Company quite a lot for the transit.

A day or two before takeoff Sir Vornif was informed by Pytor that he is being investigated by the Sherriff on Boughene Station and the Duke of Regina.  Sir Vornif was amazed and asked, “How do you know this?”  Pytor explained it was hearsay from a crewman who’d heard from the Sherriff. 

Vornif said he wanted a chance to clear his name.  Then he activated a small metal cone as if it could jam listening devices.  He apologized to Pytor for the precaution but then explained that he felt his Ancients tech issue came from Sir Gurech’s on Pixie.  GP had been watching Sir Gurech.  Vornif worried that his tourist plans were about a backfire; he need to take yacht to see the Duke on Regina. 

Pytor suggested that he was also headed down toward Regina.  If Vornif was looking for an incognito way of getting there, he could ride on STARLIT.   Vornif was deeply grateful and quickly said that he might be interested.  Pytor repeated his offer; they would be leaving in several days after the crew had a bit of a rest.

STARLIT headed to Feri with Sir Vornif traveling in disguise as wealthy merchant, Monague Killian in High Psg, whose trip had been booked by his staff.

On the way to jump space John collected weapons and handed out receipts.  Subsequent small talk with the four mercs indicated that they were pleased with this professionalism.  The leader, Sgt Shi Lorgey (later identified as a member of the merc Bandit Brigade), and his three corporals stood when introduced to Capt (Pytor). 

John also collected a body pistol from Scath Vronif and a a body pistol “pen”/single shot pistol from servant Kethy Umbridge.

Before jumping they saw a 400-ton  in some asteroids, but nothing came of it. 

During the five days in jump space John was briefed on recent Feri activities and Tilden & Company’s involvement.  (Not friends of the Count Javon; friends of Minot and the Downport.)

Once at Feri, Customs was cleared and John was quick to ask the agent about a tavern.  “Tothys outside the fence,” was the answer according to Kitt Rall.

Pytor wanted to connect with the Minots but Vornith was reluctant.  He had had problems in the past and wanted to clear things with the Duke before reaching out.

STARLIT also found 40 tons waiting to go to Roup.

After loading they headed to a BBQ at the Minots.  It was a pleasant party, but several warned that war was coming on Feri.  Some speculated that things could come to blows in as little as 2-4 months.

After the party, they refueled at night from the lake and landed at the Downport at 0100.

Both John and Pytor drew a TAS High Psg (every two months) and were easily able to cash them in.  As they prep for lifting, the talk about options.  Perhaps they would head for Vincennes (with its high Tech Level)!  A bit of a hike….