INTERMISSION

 

INTERMISSION

        And with that, we wrap up Season One of "Scavenger's Stories".  Breaker has fulfilled a number of vows and made new bonds, hopefully getting closer to his epic quest to find the wreckage of the Ironhome Dead Reckoning.

        In Season One, you've seen a side to Breaker that was never really shown in "The Lost and the Damned".  He had mentioned why he was called "Breaker", but you finally get to meet his little sister.  You even got to discover where his "given name" of Bridger comes from. Breaker's story will continue in Season Two.  But in order for you to find out what comes next... I have to find out first.

        Over the past six or seven weeks, I've posted fifty episodes across three seasons of two stories, and a handful of supporting posts.  I've kept up on my goal of delivering an episode a day to you, my loyal readers.  And I couldn't do it without your encouragement and moral support.

        I don't expect this break to last long - I enjoy playing Starforged and sharing those sessions with you in the form of a story.  Just taking a little time to recharge my creative batteries and rest up a little.  I start a new job in two weeks and it may change my publishing schedule.  I don't know if I'll update on certain days or what they will be just yet, but I'm aiming to post new content twice a week.

        So please, stay tuned - there's more to come!

SCAVENGER'S STORIES - EPISODE FOURTEEN - HOMEWARD BOUND

(Image courtesy of Valentine Collino)

[Begin a Session: (16)  Flashback reveals an aspect of another character, place, or faction. +1 Momentum]

Two months had passed since the crash of the shuttle.  There was still no sign of the Captain.  They had tried to hail her using the communication equipment at the colony starter but there was never a response.  The Scrounger's distress beacon had not been activated.  They could only presume that she was dead.

Hunter, Pearson and Finn had spent their days establishing a modest settlement with the supplies that had been dropped. They were living in cargo containers, but they had enough food and power to survive.  Winter's leg had healed, but she still was unable to do any strenuous work.  Pearson, the group's medic, told the others that Hunter was expecting twins.

The harsh desert was no place for children to be born.  It would be different if they had been able to dismantle the Dead Reckoning, and build a small city with the guidance of Animus.  But the ship and its controlling intellect were as absent and unresponsive as the Captain.

They were a tribe of four - soon to be six. If their little outpost managed to survive, they might number a hundred or more... in a century or two.  Right now, making it through each new day was their only concern.

(Image courtesy of Nellie Norton)

[Breaker spends his accumulated 8 XP to upgrade the following assets: Second ability in Gearhead, second ability in Utility Bot, and second & third abilities in Scavenger.  0 XP remaining.]

Breaker's Log - Day 34

[Set a Course: +Supply, 6+4 vs 2/6.  Strong Hit]

We returned safely to Petrichor, the remainder of the Project's order secure in the hold.  As every time before, we passed through dense cloud cover and heavy rain storms on our way to the surface.  When we landed, I headed over to the office to see Dr. Jeffries.

She greeted me cordially, for the first time in our working relationship.  "Well, Captain, it would appear that you have followed through on your promise.  I am somewhat concerned that a one-week mission took nearly four to resolve, but you have contributed considerably to our community in the meantime.  Our machines are operating more efficiently, and you have done much to train a crew to maintain our equipment after your departure."

[Milestone on vow "Complete trade mission for Silvana": +2 boxes (10)]

[Fulfill Your Vow: 10 vs 2/8.  Strong Hit.  +2 ticks to Quests legacy track.]

[Resupply: +Heart, +Bond.  5+2+2 vs 5/8.  Strong Hit. +1 Supply (5)]

[Milestone on Vow "Acquire resources for Ramshackle": +2 boxes (8)]

She glanced at her desk terminal, and nodded appreciatively. "My crew is presently unloading the chemicals from Thalassa and your machine parts.  It appears that everything is complete as we negotiated.  I am impressed.  I must admit that you exceeded most of my expectations - excluding, of course, timely delivery.  But I understand the mitigating circumstances, and I appreciate the lengths to which you have gone to ensure that future orders will be able to be fulfilled."

[Develop your Relationship: +2 boxes (8)]

[Forge a Bond: 8 vs 1/5.  Strong Hit.  +2 ticks to Bonds legacy track.]

She walked over to a sideboard and took two glasses and a bottle of amber liquid from it. She set them on the desk and poured a drink for both of us. Sitting back down, she raised her glass.  "To CaptainBlake, and to future enterprises."

"I'll drink to that," I replied, clinking my glass to hers and downing my whiskey.  Silvana had its own distillery and winery, crafting small batches for the enjoyment of Project staff.  It was exceptional, and I told her so.

"When my team loads the requested materials onto your ship, I'll make sure you get a couple bottles of this," she said. "You and your sister will always be welcome at the Project. I would be pleased if you would both dine with me this evening. In the morning, the agricultural consultants will be ready to travel to Mirage with you.

"When their work is complete, I would appreciate if you could bring them back to Silvana.  Hopefully by that time, we will be able to prepare a reagent to help your friends on Thalassa.  Perhaps we could make another arrangement at that time."

* * *

The evening was pleasant - as with our first visit, the food was better than anything we had eaten elsewhere. I slept on the most comfortable bed, and showered with real, clean water.

When we returned to the landing pad in the morning, two agri-techs were waiting by the ship.  They had a variety of cases, full of equipment and seed crops.  Doctors Edris and Thorn would be staying in Ramshackle for a short time, to train Old Jin, Fran, and the rest of our farmers in more productive farming techniques.  They would also assist me in building a larger and better greenhouse.

[Set a Course: +Supply, 2+5 vs 8/9.  Burn Momentum (reset to 2).  Strong Hit.  +1 Momentum (3)]

We had to negotiate around the minor hazards I had encountered on my trip from Mirage four weeks ago, but we made it safely home.  When I landed outside of Ramshackle (I would need to build a proper pad some day), people came running to greet me.  Old Jin made her way slowly to the ship, and almost burst into tears when she saw Fran.

"Oh, child, whatever got into you?" she cried.  "We thought we had lost you. I sent out search parties, and when we found nothing, our only hope was that you were with your brother. We're all so glad that you're both safe."

I introduced her to Doctors Edris and Thorn and explained their mission here.  She offered what little hospitality Ramshackle could muster, and they were put up in the best accommodations we had - though the worst lodging in Silvana was surely better than anything we could offer,

The townsfolk helped me unload the supplies from the Scrounger, while Fran accompanied Old Jin back to the greenhouse. I was sure she would keep my little sister quite busy over the next few weeks - it might be a punishment, but it would also teach her valuable skills.  Perhaps she would be inspired to return to Petrichor to learn when she was older.

[Milestone on Vow "Acquire resources for Ramshackle": +2 boxes (10)]

[Fulfill Your Vow: 10 vs 9/6.  Strong Hit. +2 ticks to Quests legacy track. +2 XP (2)]

[Develop Your Relationship (Old Jin): +2 boxes (5)]

Later that evening, after an impromptu celebration at Moriarty's, Old Jin asked me to help her home.  She invited me inside.  On her table were hand-written log books, and survey maps of the area and the planet.  

"While you were gone, Breaker, I had many a sleepless night to pore over the accounts of the survey team that founded Ramshackle.  Your ancestors, and mine.  It is a wonder they survived, and that our little tribe has managed to last these two centuries."

She gestured to the information laid out before us.  "There is much here to learn from, Breaker.  I will help you to understand what I have found."

[End a Session:  Old Jin has discovered the ancient records of the survey team that founded their settlement.  Is there anything that might help Breaker to locate the fabled shipwreck? +1 Momentum (4)]

SCAVENGER'S STORIES - EPISODE THIRTEEN - INTO THE MYSTIC

Breaker's Log - Day 25

Mack and I had gathered enough specimens for the Project to begin formulating a treatment.  While they worked, I spent the days training the apprentice mechanics. They each had their strengths, but I was confident that they could work together as a team to maintain the equipment in the facility.  JONES also downloaded a copy of his engineering archive to be used as an educational tool.

[Secure an Advantage: +Wits, 6+4 vs 2/7.  Strong Hit.  +2 Momentum (8), +1 Forward]

Three days after our excursion, Dr. Jeffries announced that the serum was ready. While I was away, they would continue to develop a reagent to heal the kelp forests. I received enough medicine to treat the most seriously afflicted.  I was also able to negotiate with the Project for fresh food for the people of Argosy. It was time to head back to Thalassa.

[Sacrifice Resources -1 (4)]

[Milestone on Vow "End the attacks on the Abyssal Frontier": +2 boxes (6)]

[Milestone on Vow "Heal the People of Argosy": +2 boxes (6)]

[Set a Course: +Supply, +Forward. 1+4+1 vs 1/2.  Strong Hit. +1 Momentum (9)]

When I landed at Argosy, I  was taken directly to Althea. "It gladdens me to see you once more, Bridger," she said as she embraced me. "We have felt your absence."

Althea's scouts had kept watch over the Abyssal Frontier. Ogre had been true to his word, and the rig had not dumped any more waste into their Mother Ocean.  

I gave her the syringes of serum that I had brought with me, and told her that the Project had discovered a plant on Petrichor with similar properties to the kelp that her healers used. She was relieved to hear that they were working on a plan to help purify the seas as well, but I cautioned her that it might be some time before that could be set into motion.

We distributed the food, clean water and clothing that I had brought from the Project. I set up  a solar still so that they could purify seawater, but advised them that the output should be considered non-potable, just to be safe.

[Milestone on Vow "Heal the People of Argosy": +2 boxes (8)]

[Develop Your Relationship (Althea): +2 boxes (6)]

I was a guest of honor at a celebration that evening. Fran had fun dancing and playing with the other children.  I felt a great warmth and admiration for Althea. She was extraordinary in her grace, strength, and absolute devotion to her people and her way of life.  

[Hearten: +Heart, 6+2 vs 7/9.  Weak Hit.  +2 Spirit (5), -1 Momentum (8)]

I told her that I would be bringing Ogre over from the Abyssal Frontier in the morning to make peace with her and people. Her apprehension was tempered by the trust and faith that my actions had earned.

"I need him to see what their actions have done to your people," I said, "so that he can truly understand. And I would rather bring him here than take you to the rig."

She looked at me differently than she had before. "There are depths to you, Bridger," she said.  "Thank you for the respect you show to my people and our way of life.  You come from the stars, but you are devoted to Mother Ocean just as we are.  You are one of us."

* * *

In the morning, I flew back to the Abyssal Frontier. Fran had asked to stay with Althea, and I saw no reason to forbid it.  I found Ogre and asked him to accompany me to Argosy for negotiations.

"Why do we have to go to her?" Ogre asked. He seemed put off by the request. "Why can't you bring her here to talk? I got work to do around here, we can't just be taking off like that."

"First of all," I said, "after all that's happened, she has reason to feel unsafe. More importantly, I want you to see, with your own eyes, the harm this has caused to these people. To see them as people, instead of an obstacle to Ebon Domains. I know you care - but you have to care enough that you'll always do the right thing, even if the Company tries to force you to do otherwise."

[Compel: +Heart, 6+2 vs 7/7.  Strong Hit with a Match.  +2 Momentum (10)]

[Develop Your Relationship (Ogre): +2 boxes (6)]

"You're right," he said. "I owe it to them to go. To see it for myself. And to let them see me - not as Ogre the company man, but just as Fletcher Keelan. Maybe that will count for something.  Give me some time to clean up and change. Doc, bring your gear. Let our deeds speak louder than our words."

Ogre and Dr. LeGrand came to the landing platform about a half-hour later. He had scrubbed away all the grime and changed his clothes. He was not wearing a company uniform - just a simple shirt and overalls. Plain workman's clothes. Dr. LeGrand was also dressed in off-duty wear.

We flew back to Argosy, where Althea's guards waited on the pad. Ogre and Dr. LeGrand followed me down the ramp. The guards stood warily as Althea approached us.

Ogre stopped and bowed respectfully.  "Farseer, I am Fletcher Keelan. I come to make amends and to seek peace. Thank you for allowing us to come here."

Althea paused, taking a new measure of the man. She had expected some great, dirty, ill-mannered brute. Instead, she saw the man I had first met on my arrival - the man who knelt down and gently welcomed a frightened little girl.  A girl who was now standing behind Althea, dressed not in her little orange grub jumpsuit, but in the same manner as the people who lived here.  It was a simple, unspoken show of support for the people of Argosy.

"And your companion?" Althea asked, gesturing to the woman who stood quietly behind us. The doctor stepped forward and bowed humbly as well.

"Farseer, I am Asha LeGrand," she said. "I am a doctor. I have come to help your people however I can, if you will permit it."

Althea nodded. "Very well," she said. "If you have come to make peace and help us, you first must understand who we are and how we live." She beckoned them and dismissed the guards.

We followed Althea as she walked through the settlement, showing the newcomers how her people lived. They met the afflicted, who greeted the strangers warily, but warmed to the humility and compassion that Fletcher and Asha showed to each of them.

When we arrived at the meeting place where I had first sat with Althea, Dr. LeGrand took her leave to work with the other healers. Fletcher and I sat on the woven rug, and Fran sat beside Althea. We waited quietly for the Farseer to speak.  

"Mother Ocean has sustained my people for all of our days," Althea said. "She gives us the bounties of the seas - fish to feed us, kelp for textiles, rains to quench our thirst, and plants to heal us.  These things have been tainted by the pollution that has poisoned our Mother. Bridger tells me that you have promised to change this, to pollute our oceans no more. Is this true? Do we have your word?"

Fletcher hung his head. His cheeks were wet with tears. "It is true," he said. "I was told of the suffering of your people, but meeting them has shown me the true cost of our actions. I will stand by my words. I hope we can earn your trust and learn to coexist peacefully."

Althea nodded once more, and spoke with the solemnity of a leader. "Had you come by yourself, I might have regarded you with apprehension," she said to him. "But my visions have shown me the ones who are on the other side of the bridge that Blake has built.  I have also seen the one who brings healing to my people. You have earned clemency."

She rose from her cushion and stood before Fletcher. We stood as well. "Fletcher Keelan, you have my word, as leader of the people of Argosy, that if you no longer sully our seas, we will attack no more." She offered a hand to him.

Fletcher took her hand gently and bowed his head. "Farseer, Bridger has shown me that our future is joined with yours. You have my word, as foreman of the Abyssal Frontier, that we will pollute your Mother Ocean no more."

[Milestone on Vow "End the attacks on the Abyssal Frontier": +2 boxes (8)]

[Milestone on Vow "Heal the People of Argosy": +2 boxes (10)]

[Milestone on Vow "Complete Trade Mission for Silvana": +2 boxes (4)]

[Fulfill a Vow "Heal the People of Argosy": 10 vs 1/7.  Strong Hit. +2 ticks to Quests legacy track]

Having made their peace, I took Fletcher and Asha back to the Abyssal Frontier. They were quiet, both of them alone with their thoughts. It was easy to live with the status quo when the impact was abstract, but their brief visit to Argosy had changed that.

I gave some of the serum to Dr. LeGrand, so that she could treat their most seriously afflicted crew. Ogre shook my hand with that powerful grip and thumped me on the back. "Thank you, Breaker," he said to me. "You've opened my eyes. I'm going to make some changes, Company be damned. You kept your word to me and I intend to do the same. I'll get the rest of Dr. Jeffries' order loaded up for you.  And hey, if you're ever looking for work, come on back. We could use a good mechanic - especially one with a bot."

[Fulfill a Vow "End the attacks on the Abyssal Frontier": 8 vs 2/3.  Strong Hit.  +2 ticks to Quests Legacy track.  +2 XP (6)]

[Forge a Bond (Ogre): 8 vs 5/5.  Strong Hit with a Match.  2 ticks to Bonds legacy track. +1 Momentum (10).  Bolster Influence.]

[Milestone on Vow "Complete Trade Mission for Silvana": +2 boxes (6)]

[Milestone on Vow "Acquire resources for Ramshackle": +2 boxes (4)]

"You've got it, my friend," I said. "I'm sure we will see each other again some day." As soon as the supplies were loaded, I lifted off and headed back to Argosy.  

* * *

Althea and I sat quietly, gazing out over the blue-green ocean. She looked at peace, as if a heavy burden had been lifted from her.  "There is still much to do, Bridger," she said.  "My people will recover, and hopefully the Project can help us heal the seas.  We... I have you to thank for this."

[Develop Your Relationship: +2 boxes (10)]

[Forge a Bond: 10 vs 3/8.  Strong Hit.  +2 ticks to Bonds legacy track.  +2 XP (8).  Bolster Influence]

[Milestone on Vow "Complete Trade Mission for Silvana": +2 boxes (8)]

[Milestone on Vow "Acquire resources for Ramshackle": +2 boxes (6)]

Althea embraced me and then stepped back, placing her hands on my shoulders.  "Though you came from the stars, Blake Bridger, you are family now.  Ever will the Argosy be your home.  I know you have other promises to keep, but I know you will return to us some day."

"I hope so, Althea," I said.  Fran was right - Ramshackle was not our only home now.  As long as Argosy rode the waves, a piece of my heart would always be here.

SCAVENGER'S STORIES - EPISODE TWELVE - RUN THROUGH THE JUNGLE

[Begin a Session: (88) Peril lurks ahead or just out of view]

Breaker's Log - Day 23

"In order for us to prepare this treatment, you will have to travel into the rainforest and gather enough of the plants to do so."

I thought that was the bad news.  The good news was that I'd have an ATV and would be accompanied by a naturalist who could help me to locate and identify the plants.  No, the bad news was that the predatory fauna we might encounter were not the most dangerous species out there. There were other species that were nocturnal, and even more frightening.  If we couldn't complete the mission and be back to the compound by nightfall, the job would become significantly more perilous.

We spent the evening preparing the ATV for the mission, loading up rations, water, protective gear, sampling equipment and various other supplies. We were ready to roll out at the break of dawn.  

[Scene Challenge: "Gather Petrichor Orchid" (Formidable)]

[Begin the Scene: Standard clock  (6 segments)]

My guide on this mission was a naturalist by the name of Dr. Lowell Mackenson, but everyone just called him "Mack".  He was a middle-aged gentleman who had clearly spent most of his life outdoors.  His skin was deeply tanned and his features were rugged.  Yet it was clear that no excursion was routine to Mack - each foray was an opportunity for wonder and discovery.

[Secure an Advantage: +Wits, +Companion. 1+4+1 vs 5/5.  Strong Hit with Match. +2 Momentum, +1 Forward, Mark Progress (1)]

I drove the ATV while Mack kept an eye out and directed me.  His policy was that a careful, watchful advance would yield better results than a hasty one that might end in a dangerous situation. When we reached the denser part of the rainforest, where we would begin to find these orchid tubers, I slowed down and approached more carefully.  

Mack whispered excitedly and pointed to a bright pink plant along the trail. We dismounted, Mack keeping watch as I carefully dug down around the root of the plant and extracted the tubers.  Mack had told me what "orchid" meant, and as I dug up the plant I could see exactly why.  We put the plant in the specimen container and drove on.

[Face Danger: +Wits, +Forward. 2+4+1 vs 2/6.  Strong Hit.  Mark Progress (2)]

Not too far along the trail, we located another cluster of orchids. Mack's guidance and vigilance were very helpful.  His scoped hunting rifle was reassuring, too.  As far as I could tell, we were making good progress.

[Secure an Advantage: +Wits, 3+4 vs 5/8.  Weak Hit. +1 Forward]

[Face Danger: +Wits, +Forward. 3+4+1 vs 3/7. Strong Hit.  Mark Progress (3)]

I was beginning to wonder it this was going too easily. It was barely midmorning and we had already gathered about a third of the supply that Dr. Jeffries and her team would need to make the serum. Mack cautioned me about becoming complacent - out here, he said, it could kill you.  From his tone of voice and the look on his face, I got the idea that he had personally witnessed the consequences.

[Secure an Advantage: +Wits, 3+4 vs 4/5.  +1 Forward]

[Face Danger: +Wits, +Forward. 2+4+1 vs 9/10.  Burn Momentum (reset to 2). Weak Hit.  Mark Progress (4), Mark Clock (1)]

I began to see what Mack had meant. Around the next cluster of orchids, we found animal tracks.  Mack checked the spoor and reassured me that the tracks were old - but it did mean we were entering the hunting ground of something.  We would have to move more cautiously from here on.

[Secure an Advantage: +Wits, 5+4 vs 1/2.  Strong Hit.  +2 Momentum (4), +1 Forward]

[Face Danger: +Wits, +Forward. 2+4+1 vs 4/9.  Weak Hit.  Mark Progress (5), Mark Clock (2)]

The orchids were becoming less abundant.  Mack showed me signs where some had been dug up and eaten, the bright pink flowers trampled into the loam.  The tracks were fresher and we could hear some kind of call in the distance.  Mack became even more attentive to our surroundings.

[Secure an Advantage: +Wits, +2+4 vs 2/4.  Strong Hit.  +2 Momentum (6), +1 Forward]

[Face Danger: +Wits, +Companion, +Forward. 2+4+2 vs 4/7.  Strong Hit.  Mark Progress (6).]

It had been about four hours, and Mack suggested that this would be a good time to take a break for lunch, before we got any closer to the hunting grounds of the various nasties we might soon encounter.

He asked me about growing up on Mirage, and had many questions about the climate, the wildlife and the varieties of sparse vegetation.  He admitted that it didn't sound like a favorable place for human habitation, but I got the sense he might still want to visit and explore some day.

As far as what life was like on a world like this?  I didn't really need to ask him - I was getting hands-on experience today.  Hopefully, I wouldn't learn too much about the local wildlife. I knew to avoid going into the water, to watch out for insect mounds, and to avoid overhanging branches. Looking up before kneeling down to dig was already becoming second nature.

[Secure an Advantage: +Wits, +Companion.  5+4+1 vs 4/9.  Strong Hit.  +2 Momentum (8), +1 Forward.]

[Face Danger: +Wits, +Forward. 3+4+1 vs 2/5.  Strong Hit. Mark Progress (7).]

We continued deeper into the forest.  Mack was becoming more wary, and each time I stopped to dig, he stood close by, rifle at the ready.

[Secure an Advantage: +Wits, +1+4 vs 8/0.  Miss.  Mark Clock (3).  Pay the Price]

We hadn't noticed that the birds and other small arboreal creatures had become quiet, so we didn't even hear it before it was on us.  There was a sound like a cross between a hiss and a growl, and then a shadowy form dove down onto the ATV.

* * * * *

(For combat within the scene challenge, I am staying with the challenge moves and within the clock, but using a separate progress bar for the creature's Health.  Ticks will be marked on the clock as appropriate.)

[Defeat Shadowcat (Dangerous)]

[Face Danger: +Edge, +Companion. 1+3+1 vs 3/4.  Strong Hit.  Mark Progress (2)]

Mack dove out of his seat just as the claws of the great cat passed close enough to tear off his hat. His rifle was still in its scabbard, but he had drawn his pistol as he tucked and rolled.  I skidded the ATV to a stop and dismounted, drawing my own pistol and taking aim on the creature.

[Face Danger: +Edge, +Companion. 1+3+1 vs 7/9.  Burn Momentum (reset to 2).  Strong Hit.  Mark Progress (4)]

Frak, but this thing was fast!  We had to keep on the move, dodging its lunges and swipes of  its razor-sharp claws. I took careful aim, waiting for a good opening.  My shots struck home. The creature was slowing, but only a little. It was clearly more concerned with harming us than with the harm we had done to it.

[Face Danger: +Edge, +Companion. 3+3+1 vs 1/3.  Strong Hit.  Mark Progress (6)]

Mack and I circled the creature in opposite directions. It paused, trying to choose its target. It leaped toward Mack and we caught it in a crossfire. It was bleeding pretty badly now.

[Face Danger: +Edge, +Companion. 3+3+1 vs 2/6.  Strong Hit.  Mark Progress (8)]

We were fortunate that this beast appeared to be hunting by itself.  If we had come across a pack of them, or even a pair, we would have been in even greater danger.  The beast was starting to limp.  It growled at us and pounced at me...

[Face Danger: +Edge, +Companion.  4+3+1 vs 5/5.  Strong Hit with a Match.  Mark Progress (10).  End the fight.]

There was a loud CRACK and the animal fell to the ground at my feet, unmoving. I backed carefully away from it.  Mack cautiously crept forward, his rifle still at the ready. He nudged it with the muzzle of his weapon, but as we looked closer, it was clear that it had been a killing shot.

"Let's get out of here," Mack said, hopping into the ATV.  "We'll try a different path.  We don't want to be around here if anything else comes to investigate the commotion."

* * * * *

Mack told me a bit more about the creature as we doubled back on the trail.  It was called a shadowcat, a solitary hunter even stealthier than a typical great cat. It had the capability to amplify the darkness around it, and unless one was looking directly at it, the beast was almost impossible to spot before it attacked.  This is how it had managed to get the drop on us and ruin Mack's favorite hat.

Our work still wasn't done, and the battle had cost us precious time.  It was now early afternoon, and even after we gathered enough tubers, we still needed to get back to the compound before nightfall.

[Secure an Advantage: +Wits, 1+4 vs 9/9.  Miss with a Match.  Mark Clock (4).  Pay the Price - Peril (34)  Disturbing remains or evidence of death.]

[Endure Stress -3 (2 Spirit).  +Heart, 5+2 vs 4/8.  Lose Momentum -1 (1), +1 Spirit (3)]

We turned onto a different trail, but after a couple of kilometers, Mack motioned for me to stop.  He rushed over to the edge of the trail and stopped abruptly.  He was visibly shaken. I walked up to see what he had found. There was a heap of something tan - as I got closer, I realized it was tattered khaki fabric.  I could see the remnants of a Project Plowshare patch.

It was a body. Or it had once been. By this point, much of the flesh had been stripped to the bone by a teeming mass of insects that were still swarming all over it.  It was horrific.  I had never seen anything like it before.  I felt nauseous.

"It's Keats," he said softly.  "He was out on a botanical survey a few weeks ago and never reported in.  Don't get too close, those little buggers are driver ants."

He pointed to a spot in the pile of bones. "Looks like he broke his leg, and stumbled right through that mound over there while he tried to limp back to the compound.  I wish we could bring him back, but it's not safe to touch the body.  I'll log the position."

Mack snapped some images with his handcomp and made note of the coordinates, in the hopes that the Project could send out a recovery team at a later time. We stood for a moment in silence, and then mounted up to resume our mission.

[Face Danger: +Wits, +Companion. 5+3+1 vs 4/8.  Mark Progress (8)]

We carefully made our way back to an area where the orchids grew, and found another cluster of them.  Mack was even more vigilant as I dug up more plants.

[Secure an Advantage: +Wits, 6+4 vs 2/9.  Strong Hit.  +2 Momentum (3), +1 Forward]

[Face Danger: +Wits, +Forward. 3+4+1 vs 2/6.  Strong Hit.  Mark Progress (9)]

The sample container was nearly full, and it was mid-afternoon.  We wanted to gather as many tubers as we were able, to be sure that the researchers could manufacture as much of the serum as possible.

Mack looked up at the sky and checked his chronometer.  "We'd better hustle," he said.  "We've only got a couple of hours until dusk."

[Secure an Advantage: +Wits, +5+4 vs 1/2.  Strong Hit. +2 Momentum (5), +1 Forward]

[Face Danger: +Wits, +Forward. 3+4+1 vs 3/6. Strong Hit.  Mark Progress (10)]

[Finish the Scene: 10 vs 5/6.  Strong Hit.]

We managed to gather enough to fill the container to the top as Mack's chrono chirped.  "Time to head back, mate," he said to me.  "Hope we've got enough."

        We reached the gate just as the yellow star of Canopus sunk below the horizon.

[End a Session: Will the samples that Breaker and Mack gathered be enough for the Project to synthesize a treatment?  How long can the afflicted Thalassians hold out?  +1 Momentum (6)]

SCAVENGER'S STORIES - EPISODE ELEVEN - TO RID THE DISEASE

[Begin a Session: (100) Unforeseen aid is on the way or within reach]

Breaker's Log - Day Nineteen

I provided the samples of the plants and the crude products to Dr. Jeffries, who promised that she would get her top botanists and chemists on the job.  I hoped they could find what I needed, and that they could synthesize it into a useful form... and quickly.

In the meantime, Jones and I took a tour of Silvana, checking equipment for failure or problems and determining what could be repaired.  Since we weren't going to be in hazardous circumstances, I let Fran tag along.

[Secure an Advantage: +Wits, 4+4 vs 2/5.  Strong Hit. +1 Forward]

Most of the work was something that we could do already, with the materials that Ogre had provided.  Some of it was even simple enough that I could train others to do the work.  I asked Dr. Jeffries to assign three technicians to train as apprentices, and guided them through the steps of basic preventive maintenance on the simplest and most frequently used equipment.  One would service a machine while the other two watched, and they would take turns each time.  I tasked JONES to supervise, as all that entailed was checking the work and verifying the steps.  This freed me to work on the more vital and complex machinery.

[Repair: +Wits, +Gearhead, +Forward. 4+4+2 vs 6/7. Strong Hit.  Repair 5 points]

With a few days of effort, and the tools and parts I had on board the Scrounger, I was able to repair the compound's generators, pumping stations, water purification equipment, and somewhat ironically, the vehicle repair bay.  None of these repairs would last long in the hot, humid environment, but the improvements were immediately noticeable and it was a sign of good faith.

[Develop Your Relationship (Luna Jeffries): +2 boxes (6)]

[Gather Information: +Wits, +Connection. 6+4+1 vs 6/7.  Strong Hit.]

Dr. Jeffries called me to the Project's botany lab. She sounded cheerful, even hopeful. When I arrived, a cluster of chemists and botanists were excitedly discussing the results of their research. They called me over to one of their bio-scopes.

"What am I looking at here?" I asked them.  On the screen were a number of reddish disc-like objects, stained by a dark fluid.

"Those are human cells you see," one of the scientists said, "and the fluid is the petroleum waste product."  She pointed to some of the discs, whose shape was irregular.  Some were even changing as we watched.

"The effect you are seeing is the mutagenic change the waste has on an organism," she continued.  "It's not as rapid or drastic in a complex life form, but the long-term effects of exposure are the same."

She then tapped a key and the view changed.  We were now viewing a screen with rectangular green shapes, and the same dark fluid.  These were not growing in the same way the human cells did, but the heart of each shape darkened and the shapes became slightly convex on each side.

The scientist pointed at the center of one of the shapes.  "These are plant cells from the kelp you brought us... well, strictly it's not 'kelp' per se. That is, it's not a proper Laminaria, but more correctly a-"

Dr. Jeffries cast a glare at her, and the scientist realized she had ventured outside of a layman's understanding of botany. "Suffice to say," the embarrassed scientist said, "the 'healing herb' the natives spoke of.  What happens here is that the plant absorbs the toxin, which passes through the selectively permeable cell membrane... umm, the poison gets trapped within the plant and if ingested or applied topically, it is absorbed by the human cells."

She tapped a few keys and the view went back to a split-screen of contaminated human cells.  A pipette placed a few drops of a transparent amber fluid onto the slide on the left, and the cells began to slowly return to their normal shape.  "That is the effect of your 'healing herb'.  We've isolated cholagogic and cytotoxic stimulants - that is to say, the herb kicks the liver and thymus into overdrive to rid the toxin and kill any damaged cells that cannot be repaired."

A pipette did the same to the slide on the right, and the cells exhibited the same behavior.  "This," she said proudly, "is a plant native to the rainforest of Petrichor.  It resembles an orchid in appearance, and has the same effect as the 'healing herb' of Thalassa.  With a sufficient quantity of the plant, we can synthesize a treatment to mitigate and reverse the symptoms you described.  In the long term, we may even be able to develop a reagent that can purify the Thalassian flora."

"That sounds great!" I said.  "So, what are we waiting for?"  Suddenly, the room fell silent.  Their excitement seemed to be dampened.

I turned to Dr. Jeffries, who looked more grim and serious than usual.  She began to tick off reasons on her fingers.  "The underground tubers of this plant are eaten by the wildlife native to its habitat, who ingest it for the same medicinal properties.  This native fauna is not docile.  And we do not have sufficient quantities of the plant on hand here in the Project."

"So," she continued, "in order for us to prepare this treatment, you will have to travel into the rainforest and gather enough of the plants to do so."

[End a Session:  Breaker must venture into the deep rainforest to gather the medicinal plants, avoiding aggressive wildlife while doing so.  Will he be able to gather enough by daylight, or will he be stranded in a hostile jungle at night?]

SCAVENGER'S STORIES - EPISODE TEN - FIXING A HOLE

[Begin a Session:(57) Important character is put in danger or suffers a misadventure. +1 Momentum (9)]

Breaker's Log - Day Fifteen

JONES and I spent the next few days working with Ogre and his crew.  I helped them to improve combustion and emissions on the cracking tower, seal the leaks on several valves, weld broken struts, and repair pumping stations.  Working on an oil rig is, as I have said before, very dangerous work.  It was close enough to the kind of work I had to do back home in Ramshackle, but it was a little different for JONES.  The bot had the mechanical and engineering knowledge for the job, but it wasn't built to do things like hang from a sling or brace against a pipe while tightening a bolt.

[Face Danger: +Edge, 1+3 vs 2/4.  Weak Hit. Companion takes a hit -1 (Health 3). Resilience +Bot Health, 4+3 vs 2/10.  -1 Momentum (8), +1 Bot Health (4)]

It was only a matter of time before something happened.  JONES was helping me with a pump and backed up a bit too far.  It fell from the catwalk to the deck a few meters below.  Thankfully it didn't fall into the ocean or it would be lost forever.

I clambered down to where JONES had fallen. "Ouch, Breaker," it announced. "Systems compromised. Running self-diagnostic. Integrity at 75 percent. Initiating auto-repair sequence."  There was some external damage to the bot's chassis as well, and I was able to repair it fairly easily.  However,  we were back to square one with the work on that pump.

[Repair: +Health, +1 Gearhead.  2+4+1 vs 3/6.  Strong Hit. Repair 5 points. +2 Momentum (10)] 

When all was said and done, we had made some definite improvements. Ogre was confident that he could get back on schedule, but he reminded me that if the attacks didn't stop, all of our work would be for nothing.  I advised him that I would handle that part, and reminded him of his part of our bargain.

[Milestone on Vow "Heal the people of Argosy": Mark progress +2 boxes (4)]

The following morning, we headed back to Argosy.  Fran had been bored out of her mind, with nothing to do while JONES and I worked.  She was looking forward to our return - she found the floating settlement to be fascinating and liked the people there.

Althea came to see us when we landed.  She looked at me expectantly.  "So, what of the rig, Bridger?" she asked me.  I told her that Ogre had agreed to improve their processing and refining procedures and would henceforth export any waste for disposal.  

"This is good, Bridger." she said.  "The people of Argosy are in your debt.  But sadly, this is not enough to heal our people.  It only keeps the situation from worsening.  It will be many years, maybe even generations, before Mother Ocean heals herself.  Until then, these afflictions will persist.  Many of us will perish before then, and there are few of us already.  Without the healing plants from the kelp forest, we cannot treat our sick.  You believe you may have a solution.  What can be done?"

I told her of my plan, and asked her if she could provide me with samples of these healing plants - both healthy and contaminated, if possible.  Her healers brought me two small transpex containers filled with something that looked like seaweed.

"I promised you I would help, Farseer Althea.  I must make a journey, it may take several days.  I need your people to hold off on any further attacks.  I will let Ogre know that your people will be watching the rig, and if they dump any more waste, my deal with him is off.  And if that comes to pass, you had better believe I'll show you a better way to take it down."

[Develop Your Relationship (Althea): +2 boxes (4)]

* * *

We returned to the Abyssal Frontier, and I met with Ogre again.  I warned him that the natives of Argosy would be watching the rig but assured him that they would not attack as long as no further dumping took place.

I brought him back to the infirmary, and explained my idea to him and Dr. LeGrand. She seemed skeptical, but willing to try. I asked Ogre to provide specimens of the raw crude and the waste product they had been dumping.

We unloaded the cargo from Petrichor and loaded up the order for Dr. Jeffries.  Ogre promised that the remainder would be ready by the time we returned.  Then we lifted off for Petrichor.

[Milestone: "Deliver order to Ogre".  Develop Your Relationship +2 boxes (4)]

[Set a Course: +Supply, 3+5 vs 5/8.  Weak Hit. Complication]

        We made it safely back to Petrichor and landed at Silvana, where it was still raining.  Dr. Jeffries summoned me to her office the moment I set foot on the pad.  She was pacing impatiently and seemed rather irate.  I sat down and asked, "You wanted to see me?"

"You are damned right I wanted to see you, Blake," she said.  "Three. Days. Ago.  A round trip to Thalassa and back, including time for loading and unloading, should have taken no more than four days.  You have been gone for more than a week now.  Would you care to explain your delay?"

"As a matter of fact, Doctor, I would very much like to."  I explained the situation on Thalassa, and that the rig had been damaged by attacks from the natives, who had been harmed by the dumping of toxic waste.  I noted how this had impacted the ability of Abyssal Frontier to meet her order, and this seemed to anger her further.

"The concerns of some primitive shipwreck dwellers are not my problem, Captain," she said, with her customary arrogance.  "You made me a promise to complete this trade with Thalassa, and you have failed to do so to my satisfaction.  Do you want your order, or not?"

"Might I remind you, Doctor, that my promise was not specific as to time frame or order quantities.  The inability of some ocean-dwelling oil riggers to meet your quota is, as you might say, 'not my problem', Sirah Jeffries.  But there is a way that all of this can be resolved to everyone's mutual satisfaction and benefit.  In order to do so, I will need the help of the Project."

I explained my plan to heal the sickness among the people of Argosy and Abyssal Frontier, and how her team of botanists and chemists would be crucial to that effort. I was expecting her unwillingness to cooperate and she did not disappoint me in that regard.  I was forced to play my ace in the hole.

"I did what I swore to do, and I expect you to provide the materials we agreed upon.  If you renege on our agreement, I will be forced to search elsewhere.  The attacks on Abyssal Frontier will continue, the rig's production will continue to decline, they will be increasingly unable to meet your orders, and ultimately your machines will run out of fuel and lubricant.  Without trained engineers and mechanics, your equipment will continue to break down, and eventually your entire Project will collapse."

Dr. Jeffries was seething, but she knew I was serious.  She might be an arrogant gratch, but she was not stupid, and she could see the truth in what I said. 

[Test Your Relationship: +Heart, 6+2 vs 2/8.  Weak Hit.  Mark Progress +2 boxes (4).  Demand.]

"So, Doctor Jeffries, it seems that you need my help, too.  And in order for me to provide that help, in order for your Project to survive in fact, you'll help me to do this.  Do we have an agreement?"

[Compel: +Iron, 4+3 vs 3/5.  Strong Hit.]

"Very well, Sor Blake.  If the survival of your friends at sea is essential to the survival of Project Plowshare, we will help.  But I expect the remainder of my order, and I expect that there will be no such complications with orders going forward.  If you cannot ensure that, I will remind you that Silvana is not the only settlement that will strangle and die for lack of ongoing trade relations and skilled technicians."

[End a Session:  Breaker has guaranteed the Project's involvement in solving the Argosy's crisis - but can Dr. Jeffries and her team develop a cure?]

SCAVENGER'S STORIES - EPISODE NINE - THE CRUDE OASIS

[Begin a Session:  (68) Key location is made unsafe or becomes mired in conflict. +1 Momentum (7)]

I have neglected to mark progress on some of Breaker's outstanding Vows.

[Milestone on Vow "Complete trade mission for Silvana": Mark progress +2 boxes (2) for "Arrive at Thalassa"]

[Milestone on Vow "End the attacks on the Abyssal Frontier": Mark progress +4 boxes (4) for "Locate the Argosy" and "Discover the effects of the pollution"]

Breaker's Log - Day Twelve

Althea had extended the hospitality of the Argosy to me, Fran and JONES.  Word had spread that "The Bridger" was aboard and that I had agreed to help resolve their crisis.  I felt a little uncomfortable with all the attention, but the people were kind, grateful, and hopeful that I could return their way of life.

We wandered all over Argosy, fascinated by the construction of this floating settlement.  I had to keep Fran away from the water, as neither of us knew how to swim.  I could tell that Fran really liked it here, though.  I explained the similarities between Argosy and Ramshackle to Althea, and she was surprised to discover that I had been speaking literally when I had told her that I came from a place very much like this one.

JONES and I pointed out locations where we could assist in improving the construction, safety, and function of the settlement, once we resolved the issues between her people and Ogre's.  Fran and I dined on seafood, which was another new experience for the both of us.  Fish simply weren't a thing on Mirage - most of the sparse wildlife was reptiles or rodents.  If not for our little farm, meals back home would not be a pleasant thing.

In the morning, we returned to the Abyssal Frontier.  I went with Althea's blessing, reassured by the faith she had in her vision.  Ogre met us on the landing pad.

"So," he asked me, "did they agree to call off their attacks?"  He seemed to believe that simply asking them to stop would be all that was necessary.  I hoped that he would be as receptive and conciliatory toward what I would be asking of him.

"It's not quite that simple, Ogre," I told him.  "It might be easier if I helped you to get a better idea of why they are assaulting the rig.  How about you show me the process here, from extraction to the end products?"

Ogre seemed unsure of the relevance of my question, but agreed to show me around the rig.  The Abyssal Frontier wasn't merely about extraction of petroleum, it also had an onboard refinery.  We began at the well head, as he explained how the geologists on the rig located new sites, and then the roughnecks and drillers set up the equipment to tap each deposit.  He showed me how the crude was pumped to the refinery unit, which separated it into lubricants, fuel oil, volatile hydrocarbon fluids, and energetic gases.  He proudly mentioned how the oil on this world yielded more energetic products than standard crude deposits that he had worked on other worlds.

"So what do you do with all of the waste products?" I asked him.  "Do you transport them to a disposal site off-world or something?"

"Oh, no, Breaker," he replied.  "We do make use of nearly all of the crude we extract - in addition to the hydrocarbons we are able to refine some elemental materials such as sulfur, and non-energetic gases like carbon dioxide.  Even the seawater has uses - we are able to extract sea salt and even small quantities of precious metals.  Dr. Jeffries and her Project are a big customer for some of that stuff.  We even use the wastewater as coolant for the machinery here.  All of this is part of the product, man.  We can't let it go to waste."

"But surely some of it is unusable?" I asked him, gesturing to the flame atop the cracking tower.  "You're burning off the gases that you cannot extract or use, and eventually you have to do something with the wastewater and other byproducts.  Even if you can make use of 99.9% of what you extract, that's still tens of thousands of liters of waste each day.  Where does that all go?"

"We can't afford to transport all of that to a waste dump," he admitted.  "Ebon Domains is of the opinion that it would cut into the profit margins to ship non-product to a disposal site.  They have directed us to pump it back into the ocean."

I was horrified.  "Can't you see what's happening here?  The natives of this world make their living from the sea.  They fish here, those floating forests are more than just food and textiles to them.  This stuff is polluting their waters.  It's no wonder they are angry.  Ebon Domains ought to be thankful that these people don't have the means to do more damage than they have!"

Ogre seemed embarrassed by my rebuke.  "I don't make the decisions, man.  I just run the rig the way that the Company tells me.  Their opinion is that our waste output is literally a drop in a very big ocean.  And to make matters worse, the damage the natives have done to the rig actually increases the percentage of our output that goes to waste.  It's why I can't meet Silvana's quotas."

"I can help you with these problems, Ogre, but I'm going to need you to make certain concessions here as well.  I need you to promise me you'll install scrubbers on that cracking tower.  That smoke is coming down as acid rain later.  Also promise me you'll contract someone to ship your waste off-world.  I know it sounds hard, even unprofitable, but as long as this rig keeps polluting Thalassa, these people are not going to leave you alone."

[Compel: +Heart, 1+2 vs 3/6.  Burn Momentum (reset to 2).  Strong Hit. +2 Momentum (4)]

"I'll sure try, Breaker," he said, "but it's not going to be easy to convince them that there's a good reason to do that.  They don't really care about these small floating cities.  There's maybe a few thousand natives on this whole planet.  The only people they care about are company employees - and even that's only because we're highly skilled."

[Secure an Advantage: +Wits, 5+4 vs 4/9.  Weak Hit.  +1 Forward]

"I think I can help you with that, too," I told him.  "Let's take a trip to your infirmary."  He looked at me, puzzled.  "Trust me," I reassured him.  "I'll bet you find the answers you need there."

[Gather Information: +Wits, +1 Forward.  3+4+1 vs 4/7.  Strong Hit.  +2 Momentum (6)]

We headed up to the infirmary.  Several of the beds were occupied by rig hands.  A few of them were there for injuries, but as I expected, some of the others showed the same symptoms as the elderly on the Argosy.  Many exhibited respiratory complications, and some had lesions or tumors.

"What's your casualty rate on this rig, Ogre?" I asked him.  "I mean, I know drilling is dangerous work, and injuries are going to happen.  But I'm talking occupational disease."

Ogre considered the question for a moment.  "It's pretty high, Breaker.  Higher than any other rig I've worked on, to be honest."  

The doctor nodded in agreement.  "We believe it has something to do with whatever causes the more energetic quality of the crude," she said.  "It's not just the normal toxic or carcinogenic effects.  This is also highly teratogenic -"  We both looked at her curiously.  "To put it in laymen's terms, it causes birth defects.  The Company doesn't care much about that, since rig hands aren't having babies on work sites."

[Milestone on Vow "Heal the people of Argosy": Mark progress +2 boxes (2)]

"These are the same effects that are happening to the people on the Argosy," I told them.  "If you could see what I have, it would break your heart.  It's not just a handful of people that are affected there.  It's dozens, out of a population of only a few hundred.  And the longer you work here, the more this is going to happen to their people... and yours."

[Compel: +Heart, 5+2 vs 5/8.  Weak hit.  +1 Momentum (7)]

Ogre hung his head in shame.  Even the doctor appeared to be moved by the realization.  "Okay, Breaker," Ogre said.  "I'll do what you ask, but I'm still going to need to get our production back online.  If you can help fix the damage, I'll do what you ask.  Maybe you can even help me make some improvements to minimize and manage our waste output."

"You've got it, my friend," I assured him.  "In fact, I know a guy who can help us."  I tapped on my handcomp and hailed the Scrounger.  "JONES, get your caboose down here, we're going to need a hand.  Or whatever you call your manipulative appendages."

[End a Session:  Breaker and JONES must repair the damage to the Abyssal Frontier before Ogre will agree to stop polluting the waters of Thalassa.  +1 Momentum (8)]

SCAVENGER'S STORIES - EPISODE EIGHT - BRIDGE OVER TROUBLED WATERS

Breaker's Log - Day Eleven

I had slept on the Scrounger, partly for my own sense of security and partly for Fran's.  Ogre seemed very friendly and welcoming, but as he had pointed out, a drilling rig is not a safe place.  As the fiery orb of Kitalpha rose over the watery horizon, I lifted off to search for the floating home of the people who were attacking the rig.

[Gather Information: +Wits, 6+4 vs 2/6.  Strong Hit.]

I flew in a spiral search pattern, centered on the rig, and about two hours later, I found it.  Ogre's description failed to really capture the spectacle.  Below me was a massive floating city, cobbled together from several repurposed ships and bits of wreckage.  Most would consider it ugly, but to me (and to Fran, whose face was pressed against the canopy) it looked an awful lot like home, except on the seas instead of the sands.

I hailed the settlement for permission to land and was cautiously given clearance.  When I touched down on the floating pad, a group of people were awaiting us.  "Stay in the ship and seal the lock until I get back," I told JONES and Fran.

I walked down the ramp to meet the people who called this place home.  The leader of the group stepped forward to greet me.  She was a tall, slender woman, and her striking features had a fey quality about them.  She regarded me suspiciously before she spoke, her contralto voice lending a serious quality to her beauty.

    "I am Althea Hunter, Farseer of Argosy," she asked.  "Who are you and what brings you here?"  The rest of the welcoming party had weapons drawn, but had not aimed at me or made any aggressive moves.

"My name is Blake, known to my people as Breaker.  I am an engineer, from a colony called Ramshackle on the desert world of Mirage.  I came to this world on a trade mission, and have been sent here to negotiate a peace between you and the crew of the Abyssal Frontier."

At the mention of the rig, her expression darkened and several of the party raised their weapons.  She held up a hand and they relaxed again.  "Why should we entreat with one who represents those who soil Mother Ocean?" she asked me.

"I do not represent them, Farseer," I told her.  "My interest is only in the preservation of my own colony - a place much like this, in fact.  In order to obtain the things we need to survive - food, materials for clothing and shelter, clean water - I was sent to trade with others who do business with them.  I am not here to defend or condone whatever actions give you cause for grievance."

[Compel: +Heart, 3+2 vs 2/8.  Weak Hit.]

"If peace is what you seek, Breaker," she said to me, "then I invite you to come with me and see why we have cause for war."  

[Gather Information: +Wits, 2+4 vs 6/6.  Burn Momentum (reset to 2).  Strong Hit with Match. +2 Momentum (4)]

Althea took me on a tour of the upper decks of Argosy.  She was clearly regarded as some kind of spiritual leader by her people, and she seemed to know each of them by name.  Many people in the community looked underfed or unhealthy, but the elderly more so than the others.  I saw people with lesions and growths, others clad in clothing stained by bloody spittle, coughing as we passed.  I saw mothers holding infants with visible deformities and disfigurements.

Althea greeted each of them, soothing the infirm and speaking compassionately with the mothers.  My stomach sank.  I began to understand her anger.  We stopped beneath a canvas canopy, under which was a rug woven from a material that appeared to be rope or twine.  Something like incense burned in a brazier nearby.  She sat on a cushion that may have once been the seat of a small watercraft and gestured for me to sit upon the rug.

"Now, Blake, do you see why we make war upon these people?  You seek clean water for your colony, yet here on a world of endless ocean, there is none to be had for us.  You seek to feed your people, yet here among the vast floating kelp forests and schools of fish, the very food we need to sustain us, also poisons our bodies."

She gestured broadly to the waters before us, a vast expanse of blue and green all the way to the orange horizon.  "Once, these waters were clean.  The fish were healthy and the kelp forests were abundant.  Then these prospectors came.  They sought the riches beneath the sea floor, but cared not for the life above it.  They spilled their poisons into the seas, and now our people are neither healthy, nor abundant.  How can there be peace?"

[Make a Connection (Althea Hunter, Dangerous): +Heart, 1+2 vs 2/8.  Weak Hit.]

"I understand, Farseer," I told her.  "I truly do.  I have seen what this pollution has done to your people, how it harms young and old alike.  I believe that it is possible for the off-worlders to work in such a way that your seas and your people are no longer being poisoned.  But is there anything that can be done to help heal those who are already afflicted?"

Althea hung her head sadly.  "The pollution that harms my people also befouls the very thing that could heal us.  There are plants that grow among the kelp forests, plants that have medicinal properties.  Before the interlopers arrived, we were in the best of health.  But the chemicals that they spill into our waters kill those healing plants.  Unless we can put an end to this, our people, the kelp forests, the oceans and the fish that live in them... this very world will die.  If you truly seek peace, you must find a way to end this.  To restore our world.  If they do not stop poisoning our home waters, there will be no peace."

[Secure an Advantage: +Wits, 4+4 vs 1/4.  +1 Forward, +2 Momentum (6)]

It came to me, in a flash of inspiration.  The solution to the problems of Silvana and Abyssal Frontier were one and the same.  The bounty of Petrichor could sustain more than just one oil rig on an ocean world.  It would all depend on something the Project might know.

"Farseer Althea, I believe I may have an answer.  A solution that can benefit you both.  I know what I can do to stop this pollution, and I think I know how to heal your people as well.  If I can do these things, is there a way you can live peaceably with the off-worlders?"

She seemed lost in thought for a long moment, as if staring into a place that others could not see, remembering a time known to no one else but her.  Then, she nodded.  "If you can promise this, there can be peace."  

I held my wrench before me in both hands, as if to offer it to her.  "Farseer Althea, I swear upon my grandfather's wrench, that I will do what must be done to heal the people of Argosy."

[Swear an Iron Vow "Heal the people of Argosy" (Dangerous): +Heart, 5+4 vs 7/10.  Weak Hit.  +1 Momentum (7)]

[Develop Your Relationship (Althea Hunter) +2 boxes (2)]

"I have had visions of such a world before, of things that might  come to be," Althea said.  "It was foretold that one would come down from among the stars, to build a bridge between us and the off-worlders.  Now I understand the true meaning of these visions.  That bridge is not a thing, it is a person.  If you can do these things, you will not be the Breaker of our peoples, you will be the Bridger."

[End a Session:  Can Breaker find a way to end the pollution of the Abyssal Frontier?  Will the Project help Breaker and the people of Argosy?  Is harmony between their peoples even possible?  +1 Momentum (8)]