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Total Members Voted: 10

[Jarod Cain]

Nice choice for the fleet formation. Granted this will also make the game more difficult for you later on as you'll be losing out on overall firepower or having it shot to grus those moments when the AI decides to use a normal shot instead of the barrage you were expecting. Still, should be fun.
-J-

[Hanzoku]

Honestly though, half the challenge is coming when I have to fight ten back to back battles to get somewhere. Once you have a decent mastery of the combat system, the AI becomes pretty easy to outmanuever.

I'm hoping (having not used them, only collected), that later destroyers keep up decently in the base HP department. The HP boosting modules will probably get priority placement, and I can also relegate them further back in the fleet and let the flagship soak up hits in the front row. It forces a tactics change to having Kira in the 1st Officer spot again and backing off to heal more often, but it is an option if the small ships are dying too fast.

[Hanzoku]

Mercy is for the Foolish
New Characters: Kuchin, Larissa
New Ships: Gromki A (CG), Eudora B (CG)
New Equipment:

Spoiler: The Assault on Medyn (click to show/hide)

Our ships are ready, we head to Gorodok to begin our assault.  I check with our friends, but they have nothing new to say yet. Before we head off, I check on our crew and see I forgot to assign Musin to a position.

She has one special skill - Cool & Calm Lv2, but her Control stat is so bad it that it makes sense to leave Tatiana and Ian where they are. I instead set Musin to be our Chief Scientist for the moment, to make use of our her high science skill.

I check on our rankings and run across an amusing total.

Yuri still has thousands of positions to go to break into the top 100.

Everything in place, we advance on Medyn.

At the meteoroid storm, we ready ourselves for the plunge.

Yuri: Okay, we're gonna blast through this meteoroid storm now. Activate the deflector! Full power!

Kira: Roger. Activating deflector.

The Fomorion edges into the storm, letting rocks shatter off its deflector shielding.

Tatiana: Whoa! Is everything all right?!

Kira: Deflector output stable at 2000, plus or minus 100. Hull vibration 2.24. We're in the green.

Yuri: Good. We'll be out of this soon.

Kira: We're just about out of the storm! Five seconds... two... one...

The fleet is safely on the other side. It's pirate hunting time.

Kira: We've broken through the meteoroid storm.

Yuri: Whew!

As we approach Medyn, we find out that we're not unexpected.

Argun: Ah ha ha! Here come those little brats! Get 'em!

We're thrown into our first battle against a full fleet. one cruiser, two destroyers and two corvettes. We pull back to get ourselves ready. We take some normal shots on the charge in, damaging the Asi and Anubis, but in return we pop the corvettes and one of the destroyers before dodging a special barrage from the cruiser.

We back away again to build up another full charge, dodging another special barrage along the way. Capacitors at full charge, we duck into range of our smaller guns and let rip, popping the destroyer. I get overconfident, and two normal strikes aren't enough for the cruiser, but I luckily get a dodge in before it fires another special barrage. I'm confident that one more normal attack is enough, and it turns out to be true.

Victory in hand, along with a nice set of levels, we resume course to Medyn. Argun doesn't take this very well.

Argun: What?! Those little brats got us! Well, it looks like it's time to beat a hasty retreat!

A nice little aside here is that there's a certain amount of time between the first and second boss battles, which lets you turn around and head back for repairs between the waves if you didn't do well in the first battle. I'm going to press on, mostly because I don't want to fight ~10 random encounters on the return trip and then turn around and do it again to get back to Medyn.

At Medyn, Balik is waiting for a rematch.

Balik: Oh dear me. Take a look at who came wandering into the wrong part of town! This time, I'm not gonna let those little punks off so easy!

Anywhere we are is the wrong part of town for you, Balik. Time to remind you of that again.

Kira: Yuri, the one there in the center of the fleet... It's huge!

Yuri: Judging by the design, I'd say that's got to be Balik's ship. I've never seen a hull shaped like that before.

Ian: That's a Eudora-class heavy cruiser, built by the nation of Kalymnos. I wonder where they got their hands on a ship like that! It really outstrips Elgavan ships as far as armor and firepower go!
This does lead to the question of why the CEF haven't bought or stolen the designs for these sort of ships if they're that much better.

Ian: Looking at the situation logically, I think the best thing to do would be to withdraw.

Yuri: Withdraw? Are you kidding me? This is where we take them down!
Yuri and Ian, diametrically opposed.

Ian: you can't be serious.

Yuri: Of course I'm serious! All hands, combat stations!

We're thrown into the second round of the boss battle. This time we're up against the advanced Eudora-class cruiser, two destroyers and two corvettes. We repeat our previous tactic of backing off and getting dodge and full charge ready.

We're a bit less successful this time around, needing three normal volleys to down the two corvettes, and our own Anubis is barely hanging on. We'll probably lose her on the next pass, but the Fomorion remains untouched so far. We get lucky and they go for a barrage, which we dodge handily.

Their next normal attack shows some group-damage ability, as everyone takes a bit of damage. The Anubis is hanging on by a thread, but with luck it will stay with us long enough to pop both destroyers.

It does, and it's down to the heavy cruiser, which is definitely equipped with fleet-attack weapons.  We dodge another barrage, and this allows us time to charge up a full bar. I go for Final Roar, and net us a flawless win.

Well, the crew of the Anubis might disagree, but their ship is still (somewhat) spaceworthy.

Ian: I can't believe it...

Kira: Balik is getting away!

Yuri: That's all right. We know where he's going. Let's go after him and finally settle this thing, once and for all. Ian, guide the way!

Ian: ...

Yuri: Ian?

Ian: Oh, yeah. Sure.
I think your display of bloody-minded viciousness stunned him, Yuri.

We arrive at Medyn finally, and the port automatically repairs our ships.

Spoiler: Winning the Ground War (click to show/hide)

I just wanted to show the planet off a little. It's something like seeing an unarmed Death Star floating in space. (Or at least they haven't fired a planet-destroying superlaser at us yet.)

Taking the Elevator down, there's but one choice - assaulting the Pirates' Base.

Torlo: So Argun and Balik are in here somewhere, are they?

Nia: yeah. It's gonna be a melee fight. Better bring the whole crew.

Yuri: Got it.

From the entrance, we have only one direction to go - forward. Doing so runs us straight into a pirate ambush.

Yuri: Ah!

The moment the party enters the building, they find themselves surrounded by pirates.

Yuri: Let's take care of these guys fast, everybody!

Unlike earlier battles, they won't run, and they're massively outnumbered and out-skilled. They try to stand off and fire, but we pile in with close combat weapons. Things turn out predictably bloody for the pirates.

Yuri: Whew!

Kira: Yuri, there's an elevator over there!

Yuri: Let's go!

We ride the elevator up to the second floor and pile out.

Inside the building, everything is deathly quiet and very still.

We go forward and find another elevator, which we ride up to the third floor. Out of that Elevator, Yuri spots something.

Yuri: What's this?

There's a currency card lying on the floor in the passageway.
You got 300 G!

We go right around the bend, and up to the fourth floor.

We see a familiar (and ugly!) face there.

Balik: Persistent little gnat, aren't you? You followed me all the way here?

Yuri: You know, Balik, I've never killed a man with my own hands before. I never really thought I would. But if it's got to be done, I don't think I'd mind too much if it were you.

Balik: Hmph. Do you really think a little nobody like you can cut me down?
Yes.

Yuri: I sure hope so. I'll do it for Tatiana's brother, and for all the other people and lives you've ruined.

Yuri: Get ready to die, Balik!

Balik is a better fighter then the previous group of pirates, and he has more men at his disposal. The fighting is more bloody this time as I end up matching the AI command for command. But a battle of attrition favors the person with the most soldiers, and Balik goes down quickly.

Balik: A plasmic... Plasmic blade?! Gaaaaagh!

And so Balik dies, cut down by a sixteen year old 'nobody'.

Yuri: (panting)

Torlo: Yuri, you did it!

Yuri: ...

Torlo: What's the matter? You look pale.

Yuri: That feeling... It was... horrible...
Don't use up your elipse ration for the week so quickly, Yuri!

Nia: But you did the right thing, kiddo! You did what you had to do! That's the key to survival in the sea of stars. Come on. We still gotta get Argun.

Yuri: Okay... Let's go.

We keep advancing deeper into the pirate base.

Tatiana: It's so quiet, it's eerie.

Torlo: Don't worry, Tats. I'm right here for ya, babe!

Tatiana: You idiot! Get your paws off me!
Haha, poor Torlo.

We make our way up to the fifth and final floor.

Inside the building, everything is deathly quiet and very still.

Inside the last room, we get ambushed again.

Yuri: Whoa!

Pirates appear out of nowhere and quickly surrounds the party.

Yuri: On your toes, everybody!

A much easier battle then the last one. We also got reinforced to full strength, so this really turns into a curbstomp battle. Once again, they try to shoot, and we go for melee.

Inside the final room, we find Argun hiding.

Yuri: This is the end, Argun!

Argun: Eek! I give up! I surrender! Let's make a truce! I promise never to raise arms against you again!

Tatiana: You're not really in a position to bargain right now.

Torlo: Doesn't matter what you say now, buddy. You're gonna get cut down! Or would ya prefer my blaster?

Argun: W-Wait! Wait! How about this? I'll retire! I'll live out the rest of my days quietly on some remote planet! Please, please! Have mercy on my life!

Yuri: ...

We're given a moral decision - spare him or kill him? Normally, in RPGs you're rewarded for sparing your enemies, and jailing or rehabilitating them. What happens this time if we do?

Alternate history:
>>Spare his life.
Argun: What?! Do you really mean it?!

Torlo: Yuri, are you sure?!

Nia: ...

Yuri: In return, you're going to give us back the girl you kidnapped on Gorodok.

Argun: On Gorodok? Oh, that tavern girl? Melania,I t hink it was? She's in a cell upstairs. Here! This is the key card for her cell. Now I'm free to go, right? I'll just--

Nia: No way in Grus! I don't trust you one bit. You're gonna hold onto the key and come with us upstairs.

Argun: Oh, yes. yes, of course! Right this way!

We troop upstairs and ride all the way to the tenth floor.

In front of the cell Melania Sabik is being held in...

Nia: Get that door open, now!

Argun: Fine, fine! I'm opening it.

Yuri: Melania!

Yuri runs into the cell to find Melania huddled and shaking in the corner.

Melania: Yuri...

Yuri: Melania, you're gonna be all right! Let's get you out of here.

Melania: N-No... I don't want to die...

Yuri: Huh?

The screen goes white.

Kira: Eeeeek!

Torlo: Yuri!

Argun: Ha ha ha ha ha! you fell for it! That girl was rigged with explosives!

Mercy is for the foolish.
>>Show him no mercy.
Argun: Aagh! B-But that's cold-blooded murder! How can you cut down a weak and defenseless old man like me?!

Yuri: ...

>>Show him no mercy.
Argun: What? Y-You can't be serious! Please! Please, I'm begging you! I'll do wahtever you want!!

Yuri: ...
>>No, really Show him no mercy.
Argun: No... No!

Yuri: I'll decide what to do with you later. Right now, you're going to give us back the girl you kidnapped on Gorodok.

Argun: On Gorodok? Oh, that tavern girl? Melania, I think it was? She's in a cell upstairs. Here! This is the key card to her cell. Go on, take it!

Yuri: ...

You got the key card to the cell from Argun!

Argun: Of course, we haven't harmed a hair on her head. So please...

As Argun Narevin says this, he inches away from them slowly.

Nia: Huh?! Yuri! That key card! Look out!

Yuri: Huh?!

Instead of Melania exploding, the key card does.

Argun: Ha ha ha ha! I fooled you! I fooled you!
Both timelines merge together here.

Kira: Yuri! Yuri! Nooooo!

Argun: Ah, you're coming with me, young lady!

Kira: Let go of me! Yuri! Yuri!

Argun: Pipe down, missy. It's too late for him now.

Kira: Ah!

Argun: Now forget about him and come along. You'll make the perfect hostage, won't you, now, my dear?

No, not really.

Kira: Ha!

Argun: Now, what ever do you think you're going to do with that, missy?

Kira: ...

Argun: Put that thing away. You know you can't shoot me, young lady. You don't have it in you!

Kira: I can and I will. It won't be hard. All I have to do is move my finger... just a little bit.

Argun: What?!
You did blow her brother (and the hostage in the other timeline) up, asshat.

Argun: N-Now, wait just one minute here! You can't be serious! If you fire at this distance, you'll kill me for sure!
That's sort of the point.

Kira: That's fine with me. Don't you remember what you did to my brother?

Argun: What?! W-Wait!

No waiting.

The view changes to the outside of the planet.

Nia: Did you carry Yuri in?!

Torlo: Yup! We just put him on the bed!

Tatiana: Nia, he's bleeding really bad! We're not prepared to handle this sort of thing!

Nia: Got it! Get ready to ship out! Grus! We are not gonna let that kid die! Is everybody ready?! We're going to the hospital in Zvenigorod!

Ian: Nia, that's too far away. There's no way he can make it for that long!

Nia: What do you suggest we do, then?!

Ian: I hear there's a Medic Organization ship that 's been stationed near the void gate. Let's go look for that!

Nia: Medic Organization? You mean the volunteer medic group? Great idea, Ian! Let's go!

With that, Area 1 opens up with a number of ? ? ? sectors that we can take to get to the Void Gate.

Oddly, there's no mention of rescuing Melania in the no mercy path, but it's assumed someone thinks to go grab her before you rush Yuri to the hospital ship.

Spoiler: War's Aftermath (click to show/hide)

Between them, Yuri and Kira have killed the known leadership of the Novgorod Pirates, but now Yuri's life hangs in the balance as his injuries from being blown up are too much for even the advanced medical technology on the ship to handle.

We rush through the unknown sectors between Medyn and the void gate, swatting aside the inevitable swarm of pirates.

We eventually find a... ship... up ahead.

Ian: Nia, that ship up ahead!

Nia: That's it! The Medic Organization ship! Pull up alongside it and open me up a line!
I'm sorry Nia, it's a wobbling red ball. I actually think it might be a placeholder that got forgotten.

Ian: Roger!

Remember these guys? I'll give you a hint, they're not medics.

??: Observer's reading: weak but stable. Possibility of shutdown has fallen to 0.0077. Continuing Surveillance Mode 1.

The screen fades to black.

... ... ...

The screen fades in again as Yuri opens his eyes.

Yuri: Unh...

Kira: Yuri! Nia! Yuri's awake!

Nia: We thought you'd never wake up, sleepy head.

Yuri: Where am I?

Tatiana: The hospital in Zvenigorod. Vladykin had you admitted.

Yuri: Now I remember. There was that explosion...

Nia: We didn't think you were gonna make it there for a while. But there just so happened to be a Medic Organization ship in the next sector. They gave you some emergency care. If it weren't for them, you would've bought the far way before we got you here.

And you've got Ian to thank, just FYI. He's the one that told me about the Medic Organization ship.
We're one for one now, Ian. Saved you from the tender attention of a few pirates, remember, pretty-boy?

Yuri: Ian, huh? Thank you, Ian.
Yuri is more gracious then I am.

Ian: What? Oh, yeah. Sure, whatever. You're welcome.

Yuri: What about Melania?

Tatiana: She's fine. We found her locked up in the basement and brought her back to Gorodok.

Torlo: And Argun's dead, too. There oughta be a lot fewer pirate problems in this sector now!

Yuri: Yeah? Well that's good to hear.

Nia: Well, the doctors say you're good to go now, so whenever you get your bearings, we can head out.

Yuri: That's good.

The screen fades to black, and we leave  the hospital.

We're handily back on Zvenigorod, and we've completed both of Vladykin's missions. Maybe he'll share what the CEF knows about Epitaphs by now?

we visit Vladykin at his quarters, catching him in conference.

Soldier: All right. We'll keep looking, sir.

Vladykin: Yes, please do that.

Yuri and his party enter Oleg Vladykin's room as a group of soldiers is just leaving.

Yuri: We came to report on our missions, Commander.

Vladykin: Ah, Yuri! I've already gotten word from my men. They tell me you've restored peace to the Central Sector.
Not that we'll notice the benefit with the enhanced encounter rate.

Vladykin: You have my deepest gratitude. Thank you so much!

Yuri: Yeah, no problem.

Nia: Hey, what's with all your soldier pals. Is something else going on?

Vladykin: Oh, that... Well, I suppose I can tell you. Here's the situation.

Vladykin: A government probe ship was sent outside the Small Magellanic Cloud, but all communication with it has been lost. It was sent out to investigate Epitaphs, but after crossing the Volodarev Sector, there's been no trace of its movements. We're doing the best that we can to find it, but so far, we've had no luck.

Yuri: (An Epitaph probe ship is missing, huh? If we could find it, we might find out something about Epitaphs.)

Our obvious mission is to visit Volodarev and find out what became of the probe ship, but a couple side missions have opened up and are available to complete.

Let's get started on those.

>>Nerekheta

>>Talk to your friends.
Musin: Oleg Vladykin, huh? They say he came from the slums of Alatyr. He had officer training and really made his way up in the world, so he's the hero of all the local boys back home.

Yuri: I wonder what he had to do to get where he's at today. It must've been tough.

Musin: "Had to do"?

Yuri: Yeah. I mean, from what I understand, it's not easy for a regional soldier to get promoted in the Central Elgavan Forces.

Musin: Sounds like you know quite a bit about it. Where did you learn all that?

Yuri: Oh, I've been reading up on the Interplanetary Union of Elgava as we've been traveling.

Musin: Wow. That's very diligent of you. You should keep that kind of thing up. That's a good habit to get into.

Yuri's Fame increased by 20!

>>Medic Organization
This is an easy one to miss, but leads to two new characters.
Conversation #1
Torlo: What did ya wanna come here for, Yuri?

Yuri: Those people who saved my life work for this organization. If they're here, I'd like to thank them for what they did for me.

Torlo: Well, ain't you the polite one.

Yuri gives his name at the reception desk and asks for the people who treated him. The receptionist uses her computer touch panel for a moment, and then, apparently having found the people in question, calls them down to see Yuri.

Kuchin: Ah, you're that boy, Yuri! I remember you!

Larissa: Oh, yeah. I remember you, too. You look like you're doing pretty good now!

The two have shown up after a short wait. The man appears to be in his mid-thirties. The girl with him is a teenager.
With white hair, but not albino. Anime.

Yuri: I'm Yuri. You saved my life that time. I wanted to come here and thank you for that.

Kuchin: Ha ha ha! Oh, there's no need to thank us. That's what the Medic Organization is here for, you see. But we're glad you came b y to say hello. I'm Feodor Kuchin. And this is my daughter.

Larissa: Hi. I'm Larissa. How are you healing up? Do you still have any pain anywhere?

Yuri: I'm completely fine now, thanks to you two.

Larissa: That's really good to hear. If you ever get hurt again, you come right on back. Between my dad and me, we can fix just about anything!

Kuchin: Larissa, that makes it sound like you're hoping that the poor boy gets hurt again!

Larissa: Oh, right. Sorry!

Kuchin: Well, I really appreciate your stopping by, Yuri. We'll be heading off to Ruza soon, so we need to get going. But safe travels to you, and always take care of your health.

Yuri: I will. And thank you again, both of you.

Smiling and waving at Yuri, Feodor and Larissa Kuchin go back the way they came.

Conversation #2
Feodor and Larissa Kuchin don't appear to be here right now.

Just as Yuri and company are about to leave, they overhear two employees chatting away in the corridor.

Employee A: What is Dr. Kuchin thinking? Going all the way to a remote planet like Ruza...

Employee B: Yeah, I know, huih? Volunteering in a place like that isn't going to bring in the b ig donations now, is it? He's got to pick a place that gets more press, a place that's really going to be good PR for us!

Employee A: He's a good doctor and everything, but if he doesn't make us any money, then what good is he? Ah ha ha ha!
Revealing the Medic Organization for what it is.

Yuri: ...

Torlo: Geez, did ya hear those two?! Man, I oughta --

Ian: Calm down, Torlo. That's just the way the world works. It might be a volunteer organization, but it still needs money to buy medicine and equipment.

Kira: Even so, I still think those two were pretty rude.

Yuri: Yeah, me, too. Let's get out of here.

Glaring at the two employees, Yuri leaves the Medic Organization without another word, the rest of his party right behind him.
This enables a few events to trigger if we head to Ruza to visit the doctors.

>>Zarub
>>Talk to the Bartender.
Bartender: I hear Argun's dead. They say somebody blew his brains out.
She more vaporized his whole skull, but roughly, yes.

Bartender: The soldiers that went to dispose of the b ody, customers of mine, said they went vegetarian after what they saw there. A lot of people in this sector really hated that guy... But it takes some real guts to do what was done to Argun. Must've been really mad, whoever it was.
Yeah, she was.

>>Ask about a job.
Bartender: I've got a job for you. On the starlane near Ostrog, it seems a certain trading company has lost contact with one of its transport ships. My client needs someone to go find it and try to salvage it.

Ian: That's fine, but if it was near Medyn, it was probably attacked by pirates, don't you think? There won't be anything left on board to salvage!

Bartender: They said not to worry about the cargo. The ship itself is what's really valuable, apparently. So what do you say? Do you think you can handle this job? It pays 1,100 G, by the way.

>>SureAccept.
Bartender: You'll do it? Great! All you have to do is just what I told you before. Go find and salvage that missing transport ship. You should find it on the starlane near Ostrog. Chances are, you might not see it right off the bat. In fact, you might have to go back and forth a few times before you find it. But keep on looking! When you've got it, haul it back here to this spaceport, okay?

You got all that? Good luck to you, now! And be safe!

We head to Ostrog first and start searching the starlanes there. We end up getting lucky and finding the ship on our approach.

Yuri: Kira, are you picking up any readings?

Kira: Hold on. This will just take a minute. ... Ah. I've got something. There's an extremely faint inflaton reading 2,000 kilometers ahead!

Ian: That transport ship?

Yuri: Probably. Kira, close in on it, but slowly... and carefully.
Yuri has had enough with being exploded, I think.

Kira: Roger that.

The screen fades out and in to indicate time passage.

Nia: Phew! Been ages since I've used a robotic arm. It made me all stiff 'n tense!

Kira: Were you able to recover the ship?

Nia: Of cousre I did. And itw as a empty as a bar on Sunday morning, but no surprise there.

Ian: Well, mission accomplished, right? Let's hurry back to the tavern back on Zarub.

Yuri: All right. Maybe we'll get there on Sunday morning.

You successfully salvaged the transport ship!

We head back to Zarub with it and visit the tavern.

As soon as Yuri and party enter the tavern, the bartender comes running up to them with a smile.

Bartender: Ah, I've been waiting for you! You managed to pull off that salvage job, didn't you?

Yuri: It's on my ship in the spaceport. I'll tell my crew to allow it to be hauled off.

Bartender: Great, thanks! I'll have that taken care of right away. And here's your payment! 1,100 G!

You got 1,100 G!

>>Gorodok
>>Talk to Melania Sabik.
Conversation #1
Melania: Oh, Yuri! I'm so sorry for all the trouble I put you through!

Yuri: Don't worry about it, Melania. I'm just fine, as you can see, and what's important is that you're all right.

Melania: Well, everything's on the house tonight. Relax and have a good time, okay?

Conversation #2
Melania: Oh, Yuri! My favorite guy in the galaxy! You're back! I'm so glad to see you again. Why don't you stay for a while and relax?

Yuri: Oh! Um, thanks! I think I will!

Torlo: All right, Yuri, down boy! Don't make me jealous, now!

Yuri: Uh, what? What the Grus are you talking about, Torlo?
Bwhahaha

Kira: Kill me now.

Yuri: Oh boy...

Melania: Hee hee hee!
Surprisingly for having a portrait and being in a non-critical position, we never invite her to come along.

>>Talk to the bartender.
Bartender: Well, if it isn't Yuri! You're just in time! Melania is just about to sing us a song. You've really got to hear her. That girl is something, I tell you!

>>Deviagorsk
>>Talk to the bartender.
Bartender: Apparently, the Central Elgavan Forces stepped in and solved that Buzhsk Star System dispute. I hear they got rid of all that pirate riff raff that had been gathering on Driutesk, and really restored public order.

>>Driutesk
>>Talk to the bartender.
Bartender: Our nation has suffered more then it's gained when it comes to that dispute, but we're all glad it's over now. After all, there were Novgorod Pirates mixed in with all those recruits the government gathered, you know.

Forget about the Buzhsk Star System! Those pirates were wandering around everywhere, even here on Driutesk, and nobody felt safe. Now, thanks to the Central Elgavan Forces, the pirates are gone. Yup, we can all sleep a little easier nowadays!

>>Ask about a job.
Bartender: Well, let's see. How would you like to get rid of some pirates for me? Not the Novgorod Pirates don't worry. These guys are just small fry. They like to hang out in the area between Nerekhta and Ostrog. And they target private ships, the cowards!

If you can wipe them out for me, I'll pay you 850 G.

>>Accept
Bartender: You'll do it? Wonderful! Now remember, these pirates usually show up in the area between Nerekhta and Ostrog.

One short hunt later...
Kira: Yuri, there're two small pirate ships!

Yuri: The pirates we were hired to get rid of?

Kira: I'm positive that's them.

Nia: Heh. They look like total pushovers to me. Let's swat 'em down like gnats!

It's two corvettes. They get their swatting.

Yuri: We did it.

Nia: Okay, let's go get our reward at that tavern back on Driutesk.

>> Driutesk
The bartender addresses Yuri with a big, sincere smile.

Bartender: I heard you wiped out those pirates for me! Here you go. You earned it!

You got 850 G!

>>Ask about a second job.
Bartender: You want a job? All right, then. How about you deliver this package to Paozero for me? The job pays 450 G.

>>Accept
We're heading that way next to visit the doctors anyway.
Bartender: Good, then. Thank you. Please take it to the tavern on Paozero.

We duly deliver the package to Paozero.
>>Paozero
Bartender: Oh, is that the package from Driutesk? Thank you very much! Here's your 450 G, as promised.

You got 450 G!

With the sidequests out of the way for this sector, we might want to check up on our friends, the doctors.

[Neonivek]

It is always funny when the villain comes up with a TERRIBLE moronic plan that you just know is always going to work because the protagonist is the protagonist.

Yet of course this villain's one failing was not remembering a woman's most debilitating pressure point... Her Upper Arm. Sorry man but lower arm doesn't count.

[Hanzoku]

To be fair, Kira was fairly useless when she was captured by Panfilov at the start of the game. Nia's luckily broken her out of the Damsel in Distress tropes and is molding her into a Badass Damsel.

[kaian-a-coel]

Hurray for badass damsels!

[Hanzoku]

Glimpses of the Wider Plot
New Characters:  Semias, Ratai
New Ships:  Askold Loc (CG), Askold (CG), Skoryy (DD)
New Equipment: Hold Lv2, Crew Cabin Lv3, Messhall Lv1, Accounting Office Lv2, Observation Room Lv1

Spoiler: One Good Deed Deserves Another (click to show/hide)

From Paozero, we head for the Void Gate. As we get near, Ian calls us over.

Ian: Yuri! Take a look at this!

Ian Fenevich, watching the news on the bridge data monitor, suddenly shouts out. Hearing the tension in Ian's voice, Yuri quickly runs to Ian's side.

Yuri: What is it?

Ian: Look at this news report. "A medic ship that was operating near Ruza was attacked by pirates and is now missing."

Yuri: Uh oh.

Nia: Didn't that Medic Organization guy, Dr. Kuchin, say he was heading to Ruza?

Yuri: I hope that wasn't his ship.

Let's go check on this. We head for Ruza as quickly as possible. Once there, Kira does some detective work.

Kira: I found it! It's dock 71!

Nia: Is the Medic Organization ship there?

Kira: Yeah, I'm positive it is!

Yuri and company run all at once to dock 71 when they hear the results of Kira's search of port entry records. They arrive to find what's left of the Medic ship sprawled across the dock. It resembles a wounded beast that has fallen to the ground, left for dead.

Torlo: This is bad...

Nia: I can't believe they even made it back to port! Maybe they were towed back.

Yuri: What about the doctor and his daughter?

Nia: ...

We head down to the Tavern to check for them.

??: Well, well! If it isn't Yuri! And the whole gang!

Yuri: Huh?

As Yuri's party enters the tavern, they are greeted by a high-spirited voice. They turn to see who has spoken.

Larissa: What are you doing here?

Kuchin: Are you here on some kind of business?

Yuri: Dr. Kuchin! And Larissa!

Nia: I'm surprised to see you're still breathing!

Kuchin: Huh?

The screen fades out and in as the crew explains why they've come.

Larissa: Ha ha ha! So that's why you're here?

Kuchin: You came all this way to see how we were doing, did you? I'm really touched! But you don't have to worry about us. We've got a lot of experience surviving in strife-ridden lands. No piddling little pirate attack is ever going to kill us off.

Kira: I'm glad you're all right.

Nia: But what are you guys gonna do now? Your ship was pretty much done for the last time I laid eyes on it.

Kuchin: You're right on that count. I contacted the head office and asked them to send me a replacement but they didn't seem very enthusiastic about it.

Larissa: That's no surprise, is it? You've been on their blacklist for ages!

Tatiana: Blacklist? What for?

Larissa: Dad's work always centers around poor, remote planets. The head office says that what he does isn't high profile enough to draw in the really big donations.

Kuchin: Come now, Larissa.

Larissa: What? It's true, isn't it? Oh, sure. The Medic Organization was great at first, full of good intentions and all that. But now a bunch of stuffed-shirt bureaucrat types have taken it over and ruined it.

And they have to pay these guys such huge salaries, everybody's scrambling to rake in the donations. I say we just quit!

Kuchin: Larissas...

Larissa: Hey, Yuri, you know what you should do? You ought to hire us as part of your crew! That would be so sweet! You can't have too many good people on your medical staff, if you ask me!
I'd like to have medical staff, period.

Yuri: Actually, that would be really great. What do you think, Dr. Kuchin?

Kuchin: ...

Larissa: Come on, Dad! You're always complaining about how much the Medic Organization has changed!

Kuchin: Well...

Larissa: ...

Kuchin: In any case, without a replacement ship, I don't see how I could possibly continue my work.

Larissa: Then let's do it!

Kuchin: All right, Larissa. You win. Yuri, please allow us the honor of working on your ship.

Yuri: Gladly. Welcome aboard!

Feodor Kuchin joined your crew! Larissa Kuchin joined your crew!

We head up to the CTA and get our two newest crewmembers settled in.

Kuchin has the special ability Scalpel Star that makes him better at Medical matters if he's assigned to the sick bay. Rather logically, his best stat is Medical. He becomes our Chief Physician.

Larissa is another matter. While Medical is also her best stat, her special is the space command Medic, the same as Kira has. Larissa matches Kira on Leadership while being 8 levels behind, so its feasible that I'll use Larissa as my 1st Officer in place of Kira if that comes up in the future. For right now, I assign her to the position of Nurse.

Also, Nia somehow became unassigned, so I put her back as Helmsman.

We have one more thing to do before we head back to the Central Sector to investigate the missing probe ship.

>>Ketryzn
>>Talk to your friends.
Conversation #1
Yuri: Larissa, how long have you been your father's assistant?

Larissa: Gee, I wonder. In my earliest memories, I was already traveling around with him on a Medic Organization ship. You know, the smell of antiseptic makes me feel at home. That's a little bit weird, isn't it?

>>Talk to the dignified man.
Yesfir: My name is Yesfir Godislav. I have been traveling the sea of stars for well over fourty years now, and I've built up quite a reputation, I must say. When it comes to spacefarers, I do believe that many would even say that I am a living legend.
He's actually ranked #3 overall.

And the adventurers of the world are wont to address me as "Master" as a term of respect.

Yuri: Is that right? (Sheesh! This guy really likes to hear himself talk.)

Yesfir: In any case, I can see that you possess a great deal of power. An unusual amount for such a child. But it's a pity you're not using that power of yours to its fullest potential.

You know... I could extract that latent power for you if you'd like. But you must make up your mind right away. What do you say? I'll give you two seconds to think it over.

Yuri: What?! Um, let's see...
It doesn't matter what you say at this point, you're going to get bilked.

Yuri: Uh, no thank you!

Yesfir: Ha ha ha ha! Children should be hontest about all else. You don't have to be shy, my boy.  I know you want to say yes. It's written all over your face! Now then. I will acept 300 G as a token of your appreciation.

You had to pay 300 G!

Yesfir: Mumbo jumbo... Hocus pocus!
Oh come on now, you aren't even trying.

Yuri: Huh?!

Yesfir: ... There. That ought to do it.

Yuri's Ship Management experience increased by 5!

Kira: Does anything seem different?

Yuri: Um, I can't really tell.

And then the con artist disappears with our 300 G.
That last interlude is very easy to miss, and it mostly comes across completely random.

Maybe we should go find that missing probe ship?
 

Spoiler: Hunting the Epitaph Probe (click to show/hide)

We return to Ostrog, the closest point to the (very long) haul to Volodarev, where the probe went missing. As battle our way through the pirate swarms, we come across a Elgavan patrol.

Kira: Yuri, there are several ships ahead. They look like regional Elgavan forces.

Nia: Regional forces, huh? Even if they are, they're kinda hanging around a weird spot, don't you think?

They're also somewhat hyper-aggressive.

The ship shakes from several near misses.

Torlo: What the--?! They're firin' at us?!

Yuri: What are they thinking?! Patch me through--

Oh, so that's where you went.

Mudakov: Ah ha ha ha ha! I've been waiting for you, Yuri. I knew you'd be coming this way.

Yuri: You! Let's see. Your name was...

Kira: Excuse me, but who are you?
Haha, poor Mudakov.

Mudakov: The commander of the Lutsk Base, Tefed Mudakov, of course! Don't tell me you've forgotten already!
Your bosses were more memorable, honestly.

Torlo: Oh, yeah! The officer that was in bed with Balik! I forgot all about him!

Mudakov: Fine! You may have forgotten me, but I certainly haven't forgotten you. Thanks to you, I lost my position and am now on the run, constantly having to look over my shoulder.
Poor baby.

Yuri: You brought that on yourself, taking bribes from pirates when you were supposed to be running a base!

Mudakov: Enough! Silence! Destroy him!

We're thrown into an event battle against four destroyers and a cruiser. Overall, this fight isn't too difficult, depending on how tired your crews are from the long trip. With so many enemies, I back off and set the ships to dodge before building a full charge.

The enemies start off with a barrage, and the Anubis takes minor damage. Dodging occasionally won't stop all the damage, but it far beats getting hit with the barrage straight on.  Once in range, we fire three rounds of normal shots and destroy two of the destroyers before backing off to repeat the cycle.

We dodge another barrage, this time without damage, only to have them use the rest of their energy to hit the Anubis with a normal shot. She's definitely hurting, but not out of the fight yet. Three normal shots is enough to kill the other two destroyers, leaving us with an intact battleship and cruiser and a damaged destroyer against Mudakov's cruiser. I decide to finish this personally and close to boarding range.

Mudakov is a decent fighter, but we have more crew, and the battle is a foregone conclusion. In his defense, he at least stands and fights instead of running like a coward.

Torlo: It looks like the rat bastard managed to survive, Yuri.

Mudakov: Ow. Ow! Try not to be so rough!

Nia: You give one more order, "Commander," and I'll knock ya into Grus!

Mudakov: Hmph.

Yuri: Mudakov, we're taking you to Zvenigorod and handing you over to Commander Vladykin. And I bet you know what happened to the Epitaph probe ship, too, don't you?

Mudakov: What are you talking about? I was just hiding out here from the Central Forces.

Yuri: Are you sure about that?

Mudakov: Yes, quite sure.

Nia: Hm. It looks like he's telling the truth for a change.

Yuri: Yeah, I guess you're right. Okay, Mudakov, I hope you like cramped quarters, because you're going into the storeroom.

Torlo: All right, you! The storeroom's that-a-way!

Mudakov: Hey! I can walk just fine without your boot in my rear, thank you very much!
But it's more satisfying to do it that way, traitor.

With that little mess cleaned up, we finally reach Volodarev.

>>Volodarev
>>Visit the Module Company
We pick up designs for Hold Lv2, Crew Cabin Lv3, Messhall Lv1, and Accounting Office Lv2 for the low low price of 70 G. Honestly, with the prices they charge, there's never a reason not to buy all the blueprints.

xxx
ooo - Hold Lv 2 - Holds +30
ooo

xxx
oox - Crew Cabin Lv 3 - Cur Crew +60, Livability +2
oox

xxx
oox - Messhall Lv 1 - Livability +12
xxx

xxx
oox - Accounting Officer Lv 2 - Livability +4, Expenses -10
oox

>>Visit the Tavern
>>Talk to the Bartender.
Bartender: We're way out here on the outskirts of the Interplanetary Union of Elgava, so even the government pretty much leaves us alone. It's a quiet place. Hardly a ship ever passes by. Maybe the occasional adventurer, but that's about it.

>>Talk to the oddly dressed man.
Nia: Wait a minute... Semias? Semias, is that you?!

Semias: Ah! Lady Nia! It's been quite a while, hasn't it?

Yuri: You know this man, Nia?

Nia: What? Oh, yeah!

Semias: Semias Alastar, jack of all trades, at your service!

>>Talk to Semias Alastar.
Conversation #1
Nia: So what in Grus are you doing here, Semias?

Semias: Well, actually... I've been looking for you, Lady Nia. There's something I thought you should be aware of.

Nia: Oh, yeah?

Semias: The void gate that leads to the Alzenia Sector appears to have been reactivated.

Nia: What?! No... How could that happen? I thought that gate was dead!

Semias: It was. But that doesn't change the fact that it is now reactivated and fully functioning.

Nia: So do you think they...?

Semias: I went to the gate to check on that very thing, and I'm sorry to say that they have already begun to invade.

Nia: No way! I can't believe it!

Yuri: Nia, what's going on?
Yuri asks the question we're all wondering.

Nia: Huh? Oh, sorry, kid. I have a few things to discuss with my old pal Semias here. Would you mind leaving us be and coming back later?

Yuri: Huh? Oh, okay. Sure.

Nia: Thanks. I just need a little time. Why don't you guys go for a walk or something? Get some fresh air, okay?

Yuri: Okay, fine.
She really doesn't want even the chance of being overheard.

Conversation #2
Nia: ...

Semias: ...

With grave expressions, Nia Lochlain and Semias Alastar are having what appears to be a very intense discussion. They don't look like they want to be disturbed.

We take Nia's advice and head outside. We can visit the local forest or a nearby Meadow, and we'll need to visit both before they're done talking.

>>Forest
Conversation #1
Kira: Mmm, it smells so good in the forest.

Yuri: Yeah. It kind of reminds me of the forests we had back on Ropesk.

Kira: Come on, Yuri! It's so pretty here! Let's go for a little walk, just you and me.

Yuri: Huh? Yeah, okay,

Yuri and Kira take a walk together through the forest.

Conversation #2
Kira: The air is so fresh here!

Yuri: We can walk a little more if you'd like.

Yuri and Kira take a walk in the forest.

>>Meadow
Conversation #1

It appears to be panmolo farm.

The farm hands are going around, milking the docile panmolos as they graze peacefully in the pasture.

Farmer: Would you two folks like to try some?

Yuri: Really?

Kira: Thank you, mister!

Yuri and Kira drink from the cups that are offered to them. The milk tastes rich and sweet.

Yuri: Phew. We've been traveling for so long... This feels really nice.

Kira: ...

Yuri: What's up, Kira?

Kira: Oh, I was just thinking... I'd really like to live in a place like this someday. It feels so much like where we grew up, on Ropesk.

Yuri: Don't you like traveling with me through space, Kira?

Kira: ...

Yuri: I mean, i want to go as far as I can, and see as much of the universe as I can, and never ever stop! And I want to learn! Not just about Eiptaphs, but about anything and everything I can wrap my mind around.

Kira: But... don't you think space is scary?

Yuri: Not really. I mean, sure it's not as safe and peaceful as life on the ground can be, and there's not a lot of stability... But there's plenty of people who move around their whole lives, right? Nomads hey, I know I'm just an inexperienced captain and all, but I'll do my best to keep you safe and happy, Kira. Don't worry, okay?

Kira: All right...

Conversation #2
Kira: It's so peaceful here.

Yuri: Let's walk around for a while.

With that, we head back to the tavern.

>>Talk to Semias Alastar.

Nia: Oh, hey, kiddo. We just got done talking.

Nia Lochlain hands Yuri a thin plate.

Yuri: What's this?

Nia: It's a voyage record, something that documents journeys. It's from the Epitaph probe ship.

Yuri: What?!

Semias: I salvaged it from the wreckage I found near the void gate in the Alzenia Sector. I'm sorry to say that they had already stolen the Epitaph the probe ship apparently had found.

Yuri: Wait, back u[ a minute. What are you guys talking about? Who is this "they" you keep talking about? Are you trying to tell me that "they" destroyed the probe ship?

Semias: Well...

Nia: Instead of trying to explain it here, I think we'd better take that voyage recorder to Zvenigorod and have it looked at there. Once they suss it out, we'll be able to see their recorded images right up to the moment of the attack.

Yuri: Okay, then let's go!

You got a voyage recorder!

Before leaving, we visit the Meadow one last time.

>>Meadow
On a corner of the farm, an elderly farmer is standing, seemingly lost in thought.

We go and talk to him, of course.

Elderly Farmer: Oh, Ratai! I always knew you'd come back!

Yuri: What? Uh, I think you've mistaken me for somebody else.

Elderly Farmer: Huh? Oh... Oh, yeah. I guess so. Ratai's a lot taller then you. You're kind of runty.

Yuri: Um... Who's Ratai?
Yuri masterfully doesn't take offense.

Elderly Farmer: He's my son. Said somethin' about goin' off and studyin' the stars. He left this planet about three years ago now. Wonder what he's up to these days...
This won't come up again, at all!

With that, we're done with Volodarev, and head back to Zvenigorod.

Yuri: Nia, before we ship out, can I ask you something?

Nia: Go ahead, kid.

Yuri: Where is this Alzenia Sector that Semias mentioned? I never heard of any place like that in the Small Magellanic Cloud.

Nia: That's no surprise. If you tried to get there without using void gates, it'd take you five years at warp speed, one way.

Yuri: Wow. So it's in another galaxy?

Nia: Yup, a galaxy far, far away. In fact, it's the galaxy where I'm from.
They leave it at that. It seems like this void gate reactivating isn't directly threatening, at least.

[Hanzoku]

Spoiler: Wrapping up Central Elgava (click to show/hide)

Voyage Recorder firmly in hand, we head back to Ostrog along the long series of empty sectors.

Elsewhere, we're being discussed.

Oh hi, it's you guys again.

??: Tracker's continued resistance to accepting control confirmed. Measures must be taken at once.

??: Setting Tracker to auto-adjust to thought control and cooperation at the next observation checkpoint.
OK, that sounds ominious.

We resume our interrupted journey to Ostrog, and from there on to Zvenigorod. When we reach the spaceport, we run into this beanpole of a guy.

Ratai: All I need is one more day, just until I can get some results for the cosmic microwave background radiation I've been observing!

Soldier: You need to get a permit to do stuff like that on public property. No exceptions! Now pack up and hit the road!

Ratai: B-B-But....

Yuri: Is there a problem here?

Soldier: Yeah, he's illegally camped out here. This is a spaceport, not a campground. Do you know him?

Yuri: No. No I don't.

Ratai: Please! All I want to do is finish my research on cosmic background--

Soldier: Will you shut up about that already? I've got my own work to do, you know! I'll let it slide today, but if I catch you here again, I'm going to haul you off to jail! You got that?

With that, the soldier storms off with a very irritated look on his face.

Ratai: ...

Yuri: Excuse me.

Torlo: I'm not sure I really wanna know, but still, I gotta ask. What are ya doing here at the spaceport like this?

Ratai: I'm researching cosmic background radiation on this planet. I can't measure it on the ground, so that's why I'm doing it here. The name's Ratai Faustov, by the way.

Torlo: In that case, I've got an even better idea. You should join us on our ship.
Torlo's caught on to how Yuri operates. Find odd people and recruit them to join our motley crew. It's worked so far!

Ratai: Do you mean it? Can I really come on board?

Yuri: Oh, um...
You're given a choice, of course. But why say no?

>>Let him join your crew
Ratai: What? I can? I can come with you?! I've always dreamed of performing my observation experiments in space!

Nia: Of course, nobody gets a free ride. You're gonna have to work for your keep, ya know.

Ratai: Yes, of course! In my research, I did a lot of radar analysis so I'm sure I can be useful there. Thank you for this opportunity! Thank you very much!

Ratai Faustov joined your crew!

Ratai continues our tradition of scientists with odd skills. As he states, he's (technically) good as a radar operator, but his Control stat is abysmal. Still, for the moment he can help Poplo as a Radar Operator.

We head down to the planet and go to visit Vladykin to hand over the flight data.

>>Lodgings
Oleg Vladykin is there at the officers' lodgings.

>>Report on the probe ship.
Vladykin: You found out something about the Epitaph probe ship?

Yuri: Yeah. Check this out.

You give the voyage recorder to Commander Vladykin!

Vladykin: But this is... So the probe ship is done for, is that it?

Yuri: It looks like it. I didn't see it myself, but we talked to somebody who salvaged that recorder from the wreckage.

Vladykin: Hm... All right, thank you. We'll get this analyzed, and then we'll be able to see what happened to the probe ship for ourselves.

Torlo: And could you get that Mudakov guy out of our storeroom?
He's starting to smell.

Vladykin: Mudakov? Don't tell me you apprehended Tefed Mudakov as well!

Torlo: Yeah. Heh heh. We ran into him on our way to Volodarev, so we just picked him up.

Tatiana: Oh, please! Quit trying to show off in front of Commander Vladykin!

Vladykin: Ha ha! You people surprise me more and more at every turn. I'd like to thank you, and there's that Epitaph information we spoke of as well. Please meet me at Headquarters later. I'll be waiting for you.

Let's take him up on that meeting, shall we?

>>Central HQ
Vladykin: Ah, I've been waiting for you! First of all, about the voyage recorder from the Epitaph probe ship...

Nia: You're finally done analyzing it?
Nia, it was like five seconds-

Vladykin: No, I'm afraid it was badly damaged and we're st ill trying to deal with it. I don't think we should get our hopes up.

Nia: That figures.

Vladykin: Now, about the Epitaph information you asked for. Do you know what dead gates are?

Yuri: Dead gates?

Ian: They're similar to void gates, except that they're not functional anymore. You won't see many of them in the Interplanetary Union of Elgava, but you can sometimes find them in remote sectors.

Yuri: Huh. Okay, but what do they have to do with Epitaphs?

Vladykin: Well, according to some old information we've got in our military database, there have been two instances of Epitaphs being found in the vicinity of dead gates. Professor Gavrii Minas has said in his research reports that the composition of Epitaphs and dead gates are quite similar.

Yuri: So if I find out more about dead gates, I might be able to solve the mysteries of the Epitaphs. Is that it?

Vladykin: Well, I'm not sure about that, but your best bet is to go see Professor Minas and ask him for yourself. I've already contracted him for you, so he'll be expecting you. You'll find him on the planet of Heraklion in the Kalymnos Cluster.

Yuri: Heraklion in the Kalymnos Cluster, huh?

Torlo: Is that where we're gonna go next, Yuri?

Yuri: Of course. That's what this is all about, why I even went into space in the first place.

Torlo: Yeah! So we're really gonna blow this taco stand! Good-bye, Interplanetary Union of Elgava! Man, this is gonna be great!

Vladykin: And I'd like to give you this, as a personal thank you. This is a company that creates ship designs for the military, so I think it would be well worth your time to visit.

You got a letter of introduction to the ship design company on Chernesk! You can now buy blueprints from the ship design company on Chernesk!

Vladykin: I've done all that I can do for you now. I wish you safe travels!

We visit the bar after leaving Vladykin for some new conversations with our friends.

>>Talk to your friends
Conversation #1
Torlo: How long are we plannin' on hangin' around Elgava, anyway? Don't tell me ya can't stand to leave the dear ol' homeland?!

Yuri: No, that's not it. I'm just a little bit worried about something.

Torlo: Oh, yeah? What's that?

Yuri: Well, remember how Kira got that really bad headache that time we went through the void gate? I'd hate to have her go through that again. That's all.

Torlo: Oh. Well, maybe it'll be easier for her this time around. Maybe she'll get used to it.

Yuri: Yeah, I hope so.

Conversation #2
Larissa: Yuri, I know you're a busy guy and all but are you making sure to take the time to get your proper nutritional intake? When you travel to different countries and eat strange foods you've got to be especially careful, you know.

Torlo: While we'lre on the ship, I just eat my rations. And they ain't half bad, actually!

Larissa: What are you saying?! You have to eat wholesome, fresh food to stay healthy!

Kira: You've been so busy lately, Yuri, I've noticed that sometimes you don't even eat at all. That can't be good.

Yuri: All right, all right! I'll make sure I eat three balanced meals a day from now on.

Larissa: Good boy. And I'll be checking up on you too, so make sure you do!

Yuri: Oh, man...

Conversation #3
The usually sullen Nadja Musin beams energetically.

Musin: I can't believe I actually get to meet Professor Gavriil Minas! He is the leading authority on astrophysics!

Yuri: He's really that big of a deal, is he?

Musin: A big deal? They call him the "Almighty Minas" throughout the Small Magellanic Cloud! The fact that you're going to talk with him... Well let's just say that my opinion of your operation is vastly improving!

Nia: It doesn't take much, does it?

Musin: Anybody in the sciences would consider themselves lucky to get the chance to even meet the man! I'm telling you, it's a very big deal!
Hehe, Musin is a fangirl.

Conversation #4
Ratai: Is is true you're going to go see Professor Minas, Yuri?

Yuri: That's right. They say he studies Epitaphs. Commander Vladykin  gave me an introduction. So this guy... He's really something, is he?

Ratai: Are you kidding? He's the most eminent scientist in the whole Small Magellanic Cloud! They say he knows so much about everything that people don't even know hwat his specialty is!

With all our conversations done, we have two things left to do. As we leave to go deal with them, a last scene plays out at the Central HQ.

Vladykin: You wanted to see me, Defense Minister Fomich?

Fomich: Yes. You settled the dispute between Alatyr and Driutesk, and even managed to preserve the dignity of both nations. President Vlaso Saburov would like to get the entire report from you directly, if you wouldn't mind.

Vladykin: President Saburov, sir?!

Fomich: Yes. Please go there at once.

Vladykin: Yes, sir!

He leaves to do as requested.

Novikov: Sir, what is the meaning of this? If the president would like a report, it is only fitting that I, Vladykin's superior officer, would--

Fomich: Are you saying you're unhappy with the president's decision, Captain?

Novikov: What?! N-No, of course not, sir!

Fomich: Let me give you a piece of advice, Novikov. The president wants people here in Zvenigorod who can get results, people who can bring prosperity to the area. Be they Conservation Faction or Reform Faction... you'd do well to remember that and step up your game, Novikov.

Novikov: Y-Yes, sir!
I enjoy seeing Novikov get stepped on.

We make our way back down the long path to Volodarev. Ratai has someone he should meet.

>>Meadow
Conversation #1
Yuri: Hello.

Elderly Farmer: Huh? Oh, it's you people.

Ratai: Hi, Pops.

Elderly Farmer: What?! Oh! Oh my stars, you came back! Ratai! Ratai!

Ratai: I'm sorry, Pops. I should've called first.

Elderly Farmer: That's all right. Never mind that, my boy. I'm just glad you're finally home safe!

Ratai: Uh, Pops... I'm just visiting. I'm not planning to stay here. I'm going with Yuri here on his ship. I'm going to see the universe, just like I always wanted.

Elderly Farmer: What?!

Ratai: That's what I came here to tell you.

Elderly Farmer: ...

Ratai: ...

Elderly Farmer: And that's really what you wanna do?

Ratai: Yeah, Pops. It is.

Elderly Farmer: ...

Ratai: ...

Elderly Farmer: ...

The old farmer starts to say something, but then changes his mind. His head drooping, he shifts his gaze from Ratai Fuastov to Yuri.

Elderly Farmer: Please take good care of my boy.

Yuri: Yes, sir. I will.

The farmer smiles sadly at Yuri. He searches through his pockets, takes out a data plate and places it in Ratai's hand.

Ratai: What's this?

Elderly Farmer: Remember that observation device you spent all that time researchin'? Well, I got my scientist friend to finish it up for you. I was gonna give it to you when you came home. Take it. It's yours.

Ratai: Gee, Pops...

Without another word, the farmer turns around. With hunched shoulders, he trudges away sadly and disappears into a shed on the edge of the pasture.

You got blueprints for an Observation Room 1 module!

xxo
xxo - Observation Room Lv 1 - Livability +5, Cash Income +10
xoo

Conversation #2
Yuri: Ratai, aren't you going to say hi to your father?

Ratai: No, I... I'm not ready yet.
Something of a sad situation all around.

We leave Volodarev behind and go check out the ship company at Chernesk.

They offer us three new designs - the Askold-class Cruiser, and the Skoryy- and Orfey-class Destroyers. We head over to Zvenigorod to put the new designs to good use.

Comparing the Askold class against the Rurik class we're currently using, the Askold has -4 AA, -5 AS, -5 Cruise Speed, -12 Battle Speed, +10 Mobility, +5 Armor, -10 Durability, +10 Livability. It can use one medium and two small weapons instead of two medium and one small. Overall, it seems like a step back, right?

However, the Askold can equip 54 units of modules in place of 39 units, and module space has been at a premium on the Rurik. In addition, the Askold is a pocket carrier: Once we have access to fighters, it can equip a hanger module and carry a small squadron of fighters.

In contrast, the Skoryy-class Destroyer outmatches the Orfey- and Derzky-classes that we've looked at before. In comparison. It's better in every single stat by a few points, and has more module space to boot. We'll be sadly saying goodbye to both the Asi and Anubis, and welcoming two new ships to our fleet.

Meet the Fragarach...

...and the Menthu. As an aside, the Skoryy-class Destroyer is the one shown in the introduction film for the game. If only we'd gotten this in the beginning instead of the old converted freighters that were available!

We remodel the Fomorian as well as to try to take advantage of the new modules available, and I end up managing to fit onboard everything but the secondary bridge.

Fleet in order, we make way to Deviagorsk to rest up before taking the Void Gate. When we reach the space port, Gen drops in for a chat.

Gen: May I have a word with you, Yuri? It looks as if everything has been wrapped up nicely for now. As such, Alik and I will be disembarking.

Yuri: Can't we convince you to come with us?

Gen: I'm not the type who enjoys being cooped up on one ship for long periods of time. But we'll be continuing our travels through the Small Magellanic Cloud. I am sure we will run into each other again someday. Farewell, my boy.

Alik: G-Good-bye.

Yuri: Good-bye. Thanks for everything, and take care.
Huh, the first time a temporary crewmember really was temporary.

Gen Nadiy and Alik Kovalenko left your crew!
Goodbye, old man. You were an awesome first officer.

Torlo: (sighs) Well, there they go!

Ian: What a pity. I think we all could have learned quite a lot from that man.

Torlo: What about you, Ian? Aren't you gonna be kickin' off too, now?
True, his contract was only for dealing with the Alatyr situation.

Ian: Huh?

Torlo: I mean, you already did what you got paid to do, yeah?

Ian: Yes, well, at first I thought it was just going to be a short assignment. But now that I see how ignorant you all are about space travel, I thought maybe I should stay on a little longer, to help you out.

Torlo: Well, well! I don't recall any of us askin' you for more help.

Ian: I see.

Torlo: Hey, don't let us hold ya back! We ain't beggin' for ya to stay or nothing! Huh...? What...? Ouch!

Tatiana: Stop being such a bully, Torlo!

Nia: We need all the hands we can get, Ian. We're glad to have more crew members. Right, kiddo?

Yuri: Get out!That's right. I'd be happy to have you stay, Ian.

Ian: Oh... Very well, Yuri. Thank you.

Ian Fenevich became an official crew member!

We visit the CTA and I pick Larissa as First Officer. Her Leadership is the same as Kira, and Kira is far more useful where she is as a chef at the moment.

We leave Deviagorsk and make for the Void Gate nearby.

Next stop: Kalymnos.

That closes out Chapter 3 - we're done with Central Elgava, and aside from a sidequest or two, we won't be back for a very long time.

Compared to the Dominion of Ropesk, the Interplanetary Union of Elgava was a bastion of civilization and order. At the same time, they really couldn't get their shit together. A fleet of 30,000 warships in the Central Forces alone, and they're on the ropes with the pirates? It takes one boy with a fleet of 3 ships to single-handedly free two sectors from the pirate scourge.

As we'll see with future nations, Elgava is still a (galactic) third-world nation, decades behind technologically then even their close neighbors. It does justify the RPG progression of upgrading your gear (ships in this case) with each new area you come across, probably because if a hyper-advanced battleship was available in the first sector for 100,000 credits, you know that someone would grind the pirates until they got the cash together, then complain about the game being too easy as they blitz everything with their super-battleship.

Morality-wise, the game so far has been black and white. On one hand, you've had a despotic feudal dictator trying to oppress us specificially, and then later a group of psychopathic pirates who just want to loot, rape and pillage. On the other side was a generally nice government that, aside from traitors, has been dealing with Yuri and Co. fairly honestly. There's hints that Vladykin was using Yuri and that the political parties are feuding, but it doesn't spill over where we see it.

[Sirus]

Y'know, something's been bugging me. What's this "increased encounter rate" you've mentioned a couple of times before? Some sort of cheat code?

I mean, I had to grind for a few hours to build up enough cash for my first battleship in my playthrough, but you got yours straight away. And now you just bought and outfitted two ships at once. So...what's the deal here?

[Hanzoku]

I mentioned it a while back (I think.) If not, I put it in the Glossary at the bottom, since I've not found one place in the Internet that explained the game options.

The short form is that once you've beaten the game once, there's an extra game option that lets you set the encounter rate. Normal is what you play with the first time through. You'll fight maybe once going between two nearby planets. Up sets it, say, ten times higher. Two nearby planets? I'll fight anywhere from 4-10 times. I'll go out of a battle and get into another one before the travel mode screen finishes zooming in. It gets nuts at times. I think it was meant to be used with a New Game +, where you can start with a massive heap of cash and (if I remember correctly), remember all the designs you had picked up.

Even without New Game + shenanigans, I haven't run into any real issues with it, besides a bit of encounter fatigue when I really just want to travel somewhere. However, it does guarantee I'll be able to show off the Ranking rewards this time around, as in my normal game I finished at around position 50, and I hadn't wanted to grind out the reputation to get to Rank 1.

I'm thinking I'll be hitting the top 100 before we get to the second half of the game.

EDIT:

Oh, as for buying and outfitting two at once - that's normally been pretty doable for me. Infinite Space is pretty kind on the trade-in value of used spaceships and parts, so unless you've waited a while or are jumping up a class, upgrading to a new ship costs a few thousand G. at most.

As an aside, because of the sheer mass of random encounters I have to bust through to do the main quest and side missions, I'm currently sitting on roughly 60,000 G.

[Hanzoku]

Brawn and Brains
New Characters:  Barberis, Minas, HELP(GIRL), Nerissa
New Ships: Ilithyia (CG), Ilithyia K A (CG), Ilithyia K B(CG), Themis (DD), Themis K (DD)
New Equipment: Anti-Air Control Room Lv1, Engine Room Lv3, Sick Bay Lv3, Nav Sim Room Lv1, Science Lab Lv1, Shop Lv1, Deflector Lv2, Elgava Bridge Lv4, Navigating Bridge Lv2, Anti-ship Control Room Lv2, Briefing Room Lv1, Study Hall Lv1, Shield Generator Lv1, Double Anti-Ship Laser (S) Lv2, Double Anti-Ship Laser (M) Lv2, Anti-Ship Laser (L) Lv2

Spoiler: Migraines and Back Pain (click to show/hide)

As we approach the void gate, Torlo pipes up.

Torlo: All we gotta do is go through the gate and we'll be in another country!

Yuri: That's right. (I wonder what Kalymnos is going to be like.)

We approach and pass through the Void Gate.

Kira does not take it well.

Kira: Ngh... Unh...

Torlo: Hey, Yuri! Something's wrong with Kira!

Yuri: What?!

In the meantime, the jump into Kalymnos is completed.

Kira: Agh... Gah...!

Yuri: Kira! Are you okay?! Kira!

Kira: Gaaagh! (panting)

Yuri: Kira...

Kira: I-I'm okay now. Don't worry about me... I'll be okay, as long as I'm by your side, Yuri.

Yuri: You're all right now. I want you to rest for a while, okay?

Kira: Okay.

Prepare image bomb!


Compared to the last three sectors we've been in, Kalymnos Junction is a pretty busy place. For now, we make our way to the nearest inhabited world, Chios.
Along the way, we run into our new antagonist: the Kreios Pirates.

They're only slightly more powerful then the pirates in the last sector. Destroyers die to a single shot still, cruisers need one or two shots to destroy.

When we reach Chios, Yuri checks in on Kira.

Yuri: Kira, how are you feeling?

Kira: I'm fine now. I'm sorry, Yuri. I don't want you to have to worry about me.

Yuri: Of course I'm going to worry! You're my little sister. You're the only family I've got.

Kira: Thank you, Yuri. I'm fine now, though. Really. Please don't make me get off the ship. I want to stay by your side, no matter what, okay?

Yuri: All right, Kira. If that's what you really want to do, I'm glad to have you with me.

Kira: Good.

Outside Kira's room, Nia is waiting.

Nia: So how's she doin'?

Yuri: Oh, hi, Nia. She seems all right now. Her color's a lot better.

Nia: Well, as long as it isn't anything serious...

Yuri: What? You sound like you have something else you want to say.

Nia: Traveling through space is a rough life. I just wonder how she's gonna hold up, over time.

Yuri: I'm worried about her, too, of course. But she said herself that she wants to come with me.

Nia: Well, of course that's what she's gonna say, kiddo! Haven't you noticed the way she looks at you? That's not just sisterly love you've got there, shinin' in those eyes of hers.
Eww.... She's 14.

Yuri: What do you mean?!
This freaks Yuri out too.

Nia: I'm goin' to the bridge now, kiddo. The IP communication system is acting up. I'm gonna try to fix it.

Nia walks off, leaving Yuri to ponder.

Yuri: ... (Nia's crazy. I don't think she gets what siblings are all about. She must be an only child.)

Chios only has a tavern to visit, so it's time to chat to our friends and get some information.

>>Talk to your friends
Conversation #1
Karlo: Yuri, when you have some time, could we go around and visit the various planets of Kalymnos?

>Why?
We'll do so anyway, but we're curious.

Yuri: Why? Do you have something specific in mind?

Karlo: Yes, I heard there was some incredibly effective armor in Kalymnos called adamas armor. I'd love to do some research on it if I could.

Yuri: Is it ship armor?

Karlo: Yes, of course. It's made from adamas ore. And when it's equipped in overlapping plates like scales, it minimizes damage from lasers by creating an atomic dislocation effect.

Yuri: Hold it. Slow down. What?

Karlo: Ha ha! Let me explain it more simply. What that means is...

You got a lecture from karlo Efimov on Kalymnian armor! Yuri's Science skill increased by 1!

Conversation #2
Musin: Epitaphs, huh? I have to admit, I am quite interested in them as a subject of research. Say, if you get yours back, Yuri, would you let me perform an analysis of it?

Yuri: Analysis? What kind of analysis?

Musin: You know, break it down, study its composition--
No.

Yuri: Are you kidding me?! Of course not!

Musin: Aw, come on! Pretty please? With sugar on top?

Yuri: Okay, now you're just creeping me out.

Musin: Hmph.

>>Talk to the Bartender
Conversation #1
Bartender: The two biggest pirates around here are old Kreios and a nasty gal called Celina. Celina works solo, but there's been a lot of friction and rivalry between her and the Kreois Pirates for years. Neither side wants to give an inch to the other.

Nia: Celina? Are you talkin' about Celina Sioufas?

Bartender: Yeah, that's the one. The pirate they call the "Merciless Night Queen," and for no small reason! The spacefarers that have seen her all say she's an incredible beauty, but dangerous. I wouldn't mind running into her sometime.

I'd make sure to stay on her good side though, if you know what I mean.

Conversation #2
Bartender: The Kreois Pirates have a lot of influence around here. Their leader, old Kreois himself, actually got locked up by the Sector Security Agency about a year ago. But that hasn't slowed the Kreios Pirates down one bit. As a matter of fact, they're bigger and more powerful than ever. I just can't figure out how they do it!

Conversation #3
Bartender: So you came over from the Interplanetary Union of Elgava, did you? Now there's a big, flourishing country for you! Kalymnos has got the resources, but it's food and technology we've sorely been lacking.

>>Ask about a job.
Bartender: you want a job, do ya? Well, it just so happens that the Jezelmite Mine on Dodecanese is looking for workers. I'm talking about some pretty tough manual labor, but the pay is nothing to sneeze at. 500 G, in fact.
I get that blowing up a few pirate ships.

Bartender: Think you'd be interested?
Sure, why not.

>Yes.

Bartender: Yeah? Then go ahead and head on over there. That's the Jezelmite Mine on Dodecanese. Don't forget!

We take the Bartender's advice and head to Dodecanese next.

>>Dodecanese
We have three options here: The mine, a ship design company and the ubiquitous bar.

>>Mine

Barberis:  Ah, thanks for comin'! I'm Loukas Barberis, the foreman of this site. You can just call me Loukas.

Barberis: Now, then. Jezelmite ore is highly magnetic. Because of that, we can't use regular mining equipment. Getting down and dirty is the only way to get the job done here.

Torlo: What?! Are you kiddin' me?!

Barberis: All right. That's enough chatter for now. Get to your stations, boys! I want you over here. And I want you two over there!

Yuri: Yes, sir!

Torlo: Got it!

Ian: What, me, too?

After a day of hard labor.

Barberis: All right, then! That's enough for today. Good job, boys!

Ian: (groans) oh, my back...

Torlo: Hey, Yuri, you're pretty tough for being such a scrawny little guy.

Yuri: I'm used to hard labor, from back in the days when I worked at that repair shop on Ropesk.

Torlo: I guess that explains it.

Barberis: All right, boys. Here's your pay. Nothin' better than money you earn by the sweat of your own brow, huh?
Blowing up pirates pays better and is a public service.

A job well done! You got 500 G!

If we check in at the mine again...

This is the Jezelmite Mine. It is oddly quiet here, with noen of the hustle and bustle from before. It is possible the site is no longer being mined.
Curious.

We visit the ship company and buy two new designs - the Ilithyia-class Cruiser and the Themis-class Destroyer (both designs we're currently blowing to pieces with the pirates.)

Finally, we visit the tavern.
>>Talk to your friends.
Conversation #1
Larissa Kuchin and Kira are talking.

Kira: Did you find out about my headaches?

Larissa: I even asked my father, but he's never heard of a case like yours.

Kira: Oh...

Larissa: But the good news is, he's never heard of a case like yours, so it can't be too serious, can it?
That's an optimistic way to look at it.

Kira: I hope you're right.

Larissa: There's nothing to worry about, girl! Besides There's nothing worse for your health than worrying!

Kira: Okay, I guess you're right.

Conversation #2
Yuri: Kira, how's your head now? Are you feeling okay?

Kira: I'm fine.

Yuri: If you start to feel bad again, be sure to tell me about it, okay?

Kira: I will. I promise.

Nia: For a brother and sister, you two sure do get along really well. I'm just sayin'.

Tatiana: I love my brother, too, but we never acted as, uh...close... as you two do.
You're all sick.

Yuri: Huh?

Torlo: Ya know, you guys don't really look alike, now that I think about it. You seem more like boyfriend and girlfriend then brother and sister.
Oh god it's spreading.

Yuri: Boyfriend and --?! What the Grus are you talking about, Torlo?!

Kira: ...
I think she's blushing.

>>Talk to the bartender.
Bartender: My tavern is where all the mine workers like to hang out. Some of them may have short fuses, but they're not bad guys at heart. I hope you don't hold this incident against them. They're a good lot.
Eh? I must have missed something, maybe I should have gone to the tavern before the mine.

We try to take the shortest path between Dodecanse and Heraklion, but our journey is interrupted midway.

That's a lot of ships.

Sector Security Agency: May I have your attention, please? This is the 11th Task Force of the kalynos Sector Security Agency. Due to the frequent appearance of the Kreios Pirates, this area has been deemed unsafe. Please leave immediately. We repeat...

Kira: What do we do, Yuri?

Yuri: Well, we're not going to take on the Sector Security Agency, that's for sure. I guess we've got to turn back.

I guess it's the long way around, then...

Spoiler: Meeting the Famed Scientist (click to show/hide)

We head back around by way of Chios to Heraklion. Given the number of pirates we're fighting, I'd say this blockade is rather ineffective.

>>Heraklion
Hereklion is bustling, but lacks a shipyard, so we won't get to look at our new designs yet. It does have a Module Company, and I pick up a few new module designs.

xxo
xxo - Anti-Air Control Room Lv 1 - AA Accuracy +2, AA Attack +5
xoo

xxx
xoo - Engine Room Lv 3, Cruise Speed +16, Battle Speed +16
xoo

xxx
xox - Sick Bay Lv 3 - Med Tech +10 Livability +8
xox

xox
xox - Nav Sim Room Lv 1 - Navigation EXP +2, Control EXP +2
ooo

xxx
xoo - Science Lab Lv 1 - Science EXP +2
xoo

xxx
ooo - Shop Lv 1 - Livability +10, Cash Income +5
xxx

xox
xox - Deflector Lv 2 - Armor +12
ooo

We hit the tavern next.

>>Talk to the bartender.

Bartender: So you've come to see Professor Minas too, have you? They say that nobody knows more than he does when it comes to Epitaph research. A layman like me can't make heads or tails out of all this Epitaph and gate stuff. It's a good thing we've got the professor.

Well, with that glowing praise, we'll drop in on the good professor.

>>Minas Lab
Conversation #1

When the party enters the small lab, they're shown to a room immediately. Inside the room, an older gentleman is waiting there for them.

Wow, I haven't looked at the doctor without the talk window in front of him. He's a lot beefier then I remembered him as.

Minas: Ah, welcome! I am Gavriil Minas. Commander Vladykin of the Interplanetary Union of Elgava told me all about you. He says you're interested in Epitaphs, is that it?

Yuri: That's right, sir. We were hoping you could help us find out more about them.

Minas: Hm. Without any specimens to investigate, my Epitaph research has been particularly slow going. What I do know, however, is that Epitaphs are composed of a diamond-like substance, similar to silicon nitride Si₃N₄.

Once Minas gets going, he doesn't stop, and the screen fades out for the explanation.

Minas: And from there, the possibility of structural phase transition, due to composition activation and some other conditions, as well as poly-crystallization growth, can be hypothesized. Therefore, what can be seen through an abstraction test performed according to Izoma's Law...

Fade out, fade in

Minas: And that is what is know at this point. Do you have any questions?

Ian: ...

Yuri: Um... Let's see...

Torlo: You can just put a big question mark over my head, man!
I think Torlo has it said best.

Kira: So, there are some ruins on the planet Mytilene, near a dead gate, that appear to have once held an Epitaph. And so you'd like to go there, to Mytilene, to investigate the relationship between dead gates and Epitaphs. Is that what you're saying, Professor?
Kira pulls out the pertinent information.

Minas: Yes, that's it precisely.

Yuri: O-Oh, okay.
Yuri is still recovering from the information bomb.

Ian: You followed that well, Kira.

Kira: Those were the only parts I understood.

Conversation #2
Yuri: In that case, we're going to Mytilene. Would you like to come with us, Professor?

Minas: Yes. I would like that very much. Thank you. I gladly accept the invitation to join you on your ship.

Gavriil Minas joined your crew as a temporary crew member!

Minas: However, there is one, slight problem.

Yuri: What's that, sir?

Minas: A band of pirates called the Kreios Pirates roam this sector, you see. Because of them, the Kalymnos Sector Security Agency has sealed this sector off. Sadly, I'm afraid we won't get anywhere until the pirates have been taken care of.

Isn't it lucky that Yuri is proactive?
Finished with the lab, we head back up to the station and assign Minas a job. He has a new ability, Mad Scientist Lv 2 that increases his science skill when placed in R&D. We apologize to Musin and replace her with Minas as Chief Scientist, bumping Musin down to Researcher.

While doing so, I go and check the help files to look up Minas' skill, when something unexpected occurs as I leave the help screen.

The ship shakes!

Torlo:  Wh-What's going on?!

Ian: Why is there smoke coming from HELP's cabin?

Yuri and company, who had just left HELP's cabin, go racing back to determine where the smoke is coming from. Inside, they find HELP fallen flat on the floor. A crackling sound and the scent of an electrical short fill the air.

Yuri: Hang in there, HELP! Can you tell us what happened?!

HELP: (groans) W-Well, it would appear that I have reached the end of my life expectancy.

Torlo: Yeah, but you're basicaly a machine! Can't you just be fixed or somethin'?

HELP: Self-repair functionality degraded to seventeen percent. Regeneration disabled... Please request a replacement unit at once.

HELP lets out a loud, exhaust-like sound, and then goes completely still.

Ian: He appears to have stopped functioning.

Yuri: ...
Despite that, he's still there if we check the Help section of the CTA.

We make to depart Heraklion to start wandering around and figure out how to blow up the pirates ourselves, since the local authorities are once again useless.

Before we get underway, Minas finds us.

Minas: Oh, Captain, could I please have a word with you?

Yuri is rushing to the bridge after a quick shower before leaving port, when he is stopped by Gavriil Minas.

Yuri: What can I do for you Professor?

Minas: Please, step over here.

Yuri: ...

The professor is motioning from the door of one of the ship's cabins. Following his cue, Yuri steps in, and is very surprised by what he sees.

HELP: ...

Yuri: Whoa!

There, staring straight at Yuri, is a brand-new female android.

HELP: Hello there. I am the new HELP. How do you like the new feminine touch, so to speak?
You sort of started at feminine and took a right into death machine.

Yuri: HELP is a girl now?

Minas: That's right. I completely revamped the old HELP's body after he broke down.

Yuri: I kind of liked him better the way he was before.
When he couldn't kill the entire crew singlehandedly, you mean?

HELP: Oh, I think you will like the new me even better. My hands are 7,000-degree thermal cutters and I can shoot laser beams from my eyes. I am a full-blown combat droid now.
What happened to the 3 Laws of Robotics?!

Yuri: ...

Minas: Well, what do you think? Personally, I believe she'll make a fine new crew member, especially during close-quarters combat!

Yuri: Now wait just a second here...
Don't argue with the mad scientist and his pet Cylon, Yuri.

Yuri: I'm not sure that adding an android to our crew is such a good idea.

HELP: Do not worry. If I should expire, it will be easy enough to replace me.

Yuri: ... You know, Professor, this new HELP sounds an awful lot like the old HELP.

Minas: Of course she does. She may be just an android, but I don't believe in altering personality modules without good reason.
This means the old HELP was always a psychopathic killing machine locked in the body of an old robot. Disturbing, when you think about it.

Yuri: ...

HELP joined your crew!

We head back into port and find a spot for HELP(Girl). She has some very definite preferences - Leadership 1, Control 12, Navigation 1, Artillery 1, Maintenance 20, Science 1, Piloting 1, Medicine 20, Management 1, Combat 27, with the special skills Cool & Calm Lv 5, Space Warrior Lv 2, Medic Lv2.

I go ahead and make HELP our Lead Operator to take advantage of that amazing Cool & Calm skill, bumping Tatiana down to Assistant Operator and leaving Ian without a job. We haven't been making use of the Medic skill, so I grit my teeth and let Ian become First Officer, which leaves Larissa to go back to being a Nurse.

Crew shuffling complete, we finally leave the planet. Blockade aside, there's a lot of planets open to being visited, so we start making the rounds.

Spoiler: Going Places and Meeting People (click to show/hide)

We head up to Veroia as the closest destination that we haven't visited yet.

>>Veroia
We head down the Elevator and check out the planet. They have another Module Company, and we pick up another batch of modules.

xxx
ooo - Elgava Bridge Lv 4 - Gauge Speed +4, CAPT Bonus +2
xxx

xxx
ooo - Navigating Bridge Lv 2 - Battle Speed +4, Mobility +4
xxx

xxx
ooo - Antiship Control Room Lv 2 - AS Accuracy +5, AS Attack +15
xxx

xxx
ooo - Briefing Room Lv 1 - Fleet Bonus +3, CAPT Bonus +1
xxx

xxx
ooo - Study Hall Lv 1 - Management Exp +2, Medical Exp +2
xxx

xox
xox - Shield Generator Lv 1 - Anti-Beam +8
oox


We can also visit the Security Agency headquarters.

Torlo: So this here's the Sector Security Agency, eh?

Ian: Pirates run rampant in Kalymnos. They apparently had to set up a special organization, separate from the military, just to deal with them.

Yuri: So who does the military deal with, then?

Ian: Who do you think? Their potential enemy, the nation of Nova Nacio.

We drop by the tavern and chat up the bartender and our friends.

>>Talk to your friends
Conversation #1
Minas: Yuri, my boy! They tell me you once had an actual Epitaph in your possession. But it was stolen away by Valantin the Pirate! Is that really true?

Yuri: Yes, that's right.

Minas: Oh, that's quite a shame. It's not likely that a pirate would understand its true value, is it? I certainly hope you get it back someday.

Yuri: Thank you, Professor. I do, too.

Torlo: What would a guy like Valantin want with an Epitaph anyway? I mean, it ain't like he's got the power to change the universe, or anything.
Heheh

Yuri: (Valantin said that the Epitaphs will come to he who was meant to have them. I wonder what the "meant to have them" part means.)

>>Talk to the bartender.
Bartender: There aren't going to be any pirates running around this planet anytime soon. I don't care how tough they might be. That's how scared they are of the Sector Security Agency. That's right! You can relax here. There's nothing to worry about!

That is, unless you're running from the law yourself...
Not too useful, overall. We head back up the elevator and check out the two new designs we picked up.

The Themis class is terrible compared to the Skoryy class we're currently using. All of its stats are significantly worse across the board, it has two fixed weapons (2x small missile lv 1), and little module space.

The Ilithyia class is also bad, worse than the Askold class or even the old Rurik class we were using before.

I overhaul our ships to take advantage of the new modules and weapons available in this sector. The modules in this sector are generally more powerful, more compact and more expensive. Luckily, the pirates are giving and money is no object.

Weapons-wise, we have access to Double Anti-Ship Lasers S and M Lv2, and Anti-Ship Lasers L Lv2. These, with the other modules should provide a decent boost to our offensive capabilities. Ships fully tricked out, we leave Veroia behind and make our way to the nearby Volos.

>>Volos
This planet has a tavern and a Defense Post. We go and visit the military installation first.

>Defense Post
Guards with fierce looks on their faces stand in rows all around the military base. They glare suspiciously at the party.

Yuri: Wow. This is pretty freaky.

Ian: Kalymnos and Nova Nacio have had an antagonistic relationship for years now. In sharp contrast to the Interplanetary Union of Elgava, which has friendly relations with both Kalymnos and Nova Nacio, the soldiers here are ready for anything.

Yuri: Huh.

We leave before they arrest us for loitering and make for the bar. We barely have a chance to step inside however, before...

Bar Patron: Yeah, Otis! Get 'im! Kick him good! Kick him low, Otis!

As the party enters the tavern, they are greeted with a loud commotion. The cause of the uproar is apparently two men fighting on a stage at the back of the tavern. The fist of the larger of the two men connects with his opponent's chin, and the smaller man crumbles to the floor, knocked out cold.

Bar Patron: Wow! Did you see that?! He didn't stand a chance! Aw, Grus! I shoulda bet on Otis! Man, I never learn.

Torlo: Wow. Who is that guy?

Ian: Just some random barbarian, I'm sure.

Yuri: ...

The bartender speaks to Yuri and his party, who are completely taken up by the spectacle.

Bartender: That guy Otis is famous around here. Never been beat, they say. How about you guys? Want to try your luck against him? There's prize money involved.

Yuri: No, we're not--
Yuri is wisely declining before his interruption.

??: Sounds like fun. I'll give it a try.

Somebody steps forward, cutting Yuri off.

Gadina: I can win us that prize money, Captain.
I was expecting Nia, for some reason.

Yuri: G-Gadina?!

Torlo: You're seriously gonna do this?!

Gadina: Just you watch me!

Gadina strolls casually onto the stage, as if she doesn't have a care in the world. Seeing Gadina, the large man bellows derisively.

Otis: Hey, wait a minute! What's with this gorilla lady?!
I think she'll upgrade from beating you to destroying you now, dumbass.

Gadina: Gorilla lady?!

With Otis's words, Gadina's expression suddenly darkens.

Gadina: Raaaaagh!
Oh crap, you made her berserk!

The screen shakes with the violence inflicted.

Otis: Gah! Oof! Aaaaaaaagh!
It doesn't bend that way, Gadina!

In a flash, Gadina knocks the large man out with only three swift blows.

Gadina: Who's a gorilla lady now, huh?! How do you like that?!

Kira: Wow...

Torlo: (She really is a gorilla lady!)

Ian: (She really is a gorilla lady!)

Yuri:(She really is a gorilla lady!)
You all have death wishes.

Flushed with her success, Gadina accepts the prize money from the bartender and triumphantly hands it over to Yuri. The party welcomes Gadina back with strained smiles.

You got 500 G in prize money!

With the fighting over, we can do the normal tavern things.
>>Talk to the bartender.
Bartender: Well! We hardly ever get any customers here that aren't soldiers! These border defense guys are always on edge over Nova Nacio, you see. It's pretty easy to rile 'em up. That's why most regular folks stay away. They don't want to get involved in any trouble.

>>Ask about a job.
Bartender: You want a job, huh? Well, it just so happens that I heard the Jezelmite Mine on Zante is looking for some workers. It'd be some pretty rough manual labor, but the pay is 500 G. Think you'd be interested?

We agree.

Bartender: Yeah? You can go on over, then. Don't forget. It's the Jezelmite Mine on Zante. Good luck to you.

We take off from Volos. There's a few empty sectors above Volos, as well as a second void gate, which we go ahead and visit. I don't think we're allowed out of the sector yet, but I'm curious.

As we get near the first empty sector, something happens.

Yuri: Is something wrong?

Kira: It looks like the engine room's inflaton output is falling.

Tatiana: If we don't do something fast, we'll be at a complete standstill in another twenty minutes or so.

Yuri: Engine room, conduct emergency troubleshooting immediately. Report back as soon as soon as you pinpoint the cause.

Time passes as the crew works on the problem.

Yuri: Okay. Continue with EVA.

Nia: What'd they say?

Yuri: We've got an outbreak of silicon-based organisms sticking to the engine's exhaust port. It's almost completely stopped up.
We have the space equivalent of barnacles?

Nia: Ha ha! And that's causing the inflaton inverter to overheat, right?

Yuri:  Exactly. It looks like they'll be able to remove the creatures, but the damage to the engine itself is pretty bad. It'll probably take a specialist to rebuild the entire engine once it's cleaned out.

Tatiana: We're sending out a distress signal intermittently.

Ian: Unfortunately, we're right in the middle of a meteoroid belt. It would be a miracle if anyone rescued us here.

More time passes. Finally...

Woman's Voice: Do you read me?! Are your ship and crew all right? I repeat--

Man's Voice: Hey, Roubis! We're in a hurry! Let's just forget about that ship!

Woman's Voice: How can you even say that?! We can't just abandon a ship that's sending out a distress signal!

Man's Voice: Are you gonna defy my orders? I'm the captain, ya know!

Woman's Voice: Aw, put a cork in it, Chrome Dome!

There's a sound like a fleshy thud from the speaker, at which point someone suddenly appears on the hologram monitor. The person is of indeterminate gender, and appears to be about twenty years of age.

Okay, so she doesn't match up with Nia, but there's little 'indeterminate' about her gender.

Nerissa: Hey, is anyone there?! Do you read me?!

Yuri: Yes, yes! We read you loud and clear! We're experiencing some engine trouble right now and could sure use some help.

Nerissa: Roger that. This is your lucky day. I mean, the chances of you meeting an amazing engine expert like me out here are slim to none!
Protagonist luck: go!

Nerissa: I'm Nerissa Roubis, but you can just call me Roubis. Go ahead and extend your ganagway so I can come onboard.

Some more time passes while Nerissa (She says to call her Roubis, but the game titles everything with her first name, so I'll go with that.) works on our crippled engine.

Nerissa: Done! Your inflaton output's looking good. I'll disengage the power-saving mode.

Apparently finished with the inflaton inverter repair, Nerissa Roubis stands up, sweaty and proud. In the next moment, the familiar sounds of the inverter powering up echoes throughout the engine room.

Nerissa: That should do it.

Nia: Wow, you're good! I mean, like really good!

Nerissa: I have my moments. Back on my home planet, Thira, I was the best of the best. Now, I b etter get back to my ship. Don't forget to do another inspection for good measure when you get into port.

Yuri: We'll do that. Thanks a million, Roubis!

Nerissa: No problem!

Roubis winks at Yuri and then turns around and heads into the air lock.
And I'm sure we'll never see the named NPC with an icon again. *cough*

Afterwards, I go and attempt to visit the Void Gate, but we're not allowed to select it as a destination.

Since skipping this sector isn't allowed, next time we'll visit the last two planets we can reach - Roubis' homeworld of Thira, and the mining world Zante.

[kaian-a-coel]

When did you get that first HELP? ._.

[Sirus]

HELP is found at pretty much any planet with a CTA and basically serves as an in-game glossary. If you never visit him, you'll never get the female HELP. Don't worry, I think I was all the way in Part 2 before I figured it out .__.;

Speaking of, I found my old hard copy of this game the other day! It had been missing for more than two years, but it still works perfectly.

[Hanzoku]

I had been planning to have a few HELP minis earlier, but indeed, he's found through the CTA on most planets. He's just your standard in-game glossary character with a little hidden bonus.

[Hanzoku]

But Thou Must!
New Characters:  Pappas, Delis, Marjeno, Ioannou, Rhea
New Ships: Kalliope (DD), Zephyr (CG), Eudora (CG), Pallas (BB)

Spoiler: Repaying a Debt (click to show/hide)

We make our way from the unapproachable Void Gate to Chios, before making our way to Thira.

>>Thira
Thira marks the first time we find a Fighter Design company, and we rush over immediately to snap up their designs.

Employee: Welcome. Our company deals in fighter blueprints. But what's this? It looks like you don't have the ability to use fighters yet.

I'm sorry, but I'm afraid we can't sell to you.
What a fourth-wall breaking excuse...

We'll come back later, then.

Annoyed, we hit the tavern.

Inside, we notice our friendly mechanic, Nerissa is here. We head over and talk to her.

>>Talk to Nerissa Roubis.
Kira: Excuse me... You're Roubis, aren't you?

Nerissa: Hm? Oh hey, it's you guys! How's that engine been treating you?

Torlo: It's been purrin' like a kitten! But what in Grus are ya doin' out here, anyway?

Ian: Are you perhaps on shore leave, the same as us?

Nerissa: Ha. I wish! Nah, I got myself fired. That time I helped you guys out, my boss was being a real jerk... so I slugged him one! I guess that wasn't such a good idea, looking back on it now. Ha ha ha ha!

Torlo: Sheesh! I'm glad you can laugh about it.

Yuri: You got fired because of us? I'm so sorry!

Nerissa: Nah, it wasn't your fault--

Nerissa Roubis suddenly stops in mid-sentence and looks at Yuri with a mischievous grin.

Nerissa: Hey, ya know what? Maybe it was your fault after all! And maybe you ought to take a little responsibility for your actions!

Yuri: Huh? Well I'll do anything I can...

Nerissa: Good. Hire me onto your ship, then. That way, we can call it even.

Yuri: Really? Is that really what you want?

Nerissa: Sure. Whaddya say?

For once, no silly prompt!
Yuri: I say "yes," of course!

Nerissa: Great, then! Then consider the score settled!

Nerissa Roubis joined your crew!

>>Talk to the bartender.
Bartender: There's a gate not too far from here that goes to Central Kalymnos, you know. But nobody's allowed to pass through it right now, due to security reasons. With nobody coming in from Central Kalymnos, business has been just terrible these days.
Well, that explains the Void Gate we visited.

Talking done, we head up the elevator and get Nerissa settled into a position. Her biggest strengths are maintenance (no surprise) and navigation (somewhat surprising), and she has the special skill Machine Geek, which increases the fleet's maintenance abilities when she's assigned to a maintenance post. With that in mind, I make Nerissa our Chief Mechanic.

We're still no closer to finding a starting point on the pirates, so we go and visit the last planet we've not been to yet: Zante. Along the path, we cross through an asteroid field. We find a resource-rich asteroid there, and come out 1000 G richer, just for travelling through.

>>Zante
Might as well get the back-breaking labor out of the way first.

>>Jezelmite Mine
Barberis: Ah, it's you guys again! Good to see you.

Yuri: You work here, too, Loukas?

Barberis: That's right. I gotta do all the work I can while there's work to be had! All right, you three, let's get started.

Torlo: You got it!

Ian: I'm getting roped into this again?
Yup. Your suffering amuses us.

The screen fades out while they work.

Torlo: Whew! We're done.

Ian: (groans) My back is killing me again...

Barberis: Good work, boys! Well, that takes care of everything we've got at this mine for now. I put a little extra something in your pay checks this time. Here you go.

Yuri: Wait, are you sure?

Barberis: Go on, take it! Take it! I used to be a spacefarer once too, ya know. I know how it is. It's nice to be able to do a little something for boys like you.

Yuri: We really appreciate it, Loukas.

A job well done! You got 600 G!

Whew, after a long, hard day at work, some time at the tavern would sure be nice.

The dilapidated tavern is completely deserted. It looks like it might have been abandoned several years ago.
...Oh.

The Jezelmite Mine is also abandoned, leaving this planet completely useless to us. We leave it quickly and head back to Dodecanese, they at least have a working tavern. Taking the other path between Zante and Dodecanese proves beneficial, as we come across another resource asteroid, netting us another 600 G.

>>Dodecanese
We step into the tavern, intent on finally getting a drink.

Yuri: Yikes!

Torlo: What's goin' on?

Bar Patron 1: Who the Grus do ya think you are?! Scrany little Nova Nacion wimp! Did ya really think you could sell your dirty Nova Nacion garbage here?!

Trader: I-I only wanted you to take a look at my wares...

Someone hits him.

Bar Patron 2: Shut the Grus up! Who the Grus wants your crappy little shampoos and conditioners?! Go back to your own country!

They continue to beat him.

Trader: Agh!

Nia: Ouch. he's getting his butt kicked! My guess is he  could use a little help.

Ian: You shouldn't get involved, Yuri. Kalymnians are a rough-people. You see this sort of thing all the time. Besides it looks like it's a Nova they're beating up. If you help him, there's going be trouble for us, I promise you.

Yuri: (...)

You're given a choice - help or wring your hands like Ian.
Go to Grus, you coward.

>>Let's help him!
Yuri: I can't just let a big gang like that beat up on one guy! Let's help him out.

Torlo: Yeah! Now you're talkin'! C'mon! Raaaaagh!
Torlo is an awesome berserker.

The two of them crash into the mob and start swinging.

Bar Patron 1: Huh?! Who the Grus are you guys?!

Yuri: It's over. Leave him alone.

Bar Patron 2: What the Grus?! Aagh!

Bar Patron 1: You little bastard! You'll pay for that!

Yuri takes a few hits and gets angry.

Yuri: Ow! Why, you!

Bar Patron 1: Gaaagh!

Nia: Ha ha ha! Get 'em, kiddo!
She loves cheering on from the sidelines.

Nia: Huh?

Pappas:  All right, what's going on here?!

Delis: Kalymnos Sector Security Agency! Break it up right now! Stop, or we'll shoot!
Grus, arbitrary enough?

Nia: Uh oh.

Pappas: All right, I think we understand the situation now. So you got yourselves involved in a little tavern brawl, eh?

Yuri:  I'm really sorry.

Pappas:: Ha ha ha! Well, boys will be boys, right? Anyway, it doesn't look like any of you got seriously injured. I suppose we can just let you go.

Yuri: Really? Thank you, sir!

Delis: Hey, wait a minute, Pappas. Don't you think we ought to at least write up a report?

Pappas: Nah, there's no need for that. We're off duty anyway. All right, folks. Enjoy your stay in Kalymnos.

With a wave, the two Security Agency officers leave.
Delis isn't officially introduced, but I wanted to have a name to go with the face now, instead of ? ? ?1 and ? ? ?2 through the scene.

Yuri's Combat experience increased by 20! Torlo Adkin's Combat experience increased by 20! Torlo Adkin's Combat skill increased by 1!

With the brawl ended, we can now talk to the trader.

The bartender has the same comment as before, but now it's in context. This was probably just a design slip, as by plot, you should have visited Heraklion first, which triggers this brawl.

Our friends still don't have anything new to say, so we talk to the trader.

>>Talk to the trader.
Conversation #1

Marjeno: Thank you very much for helping me out. My name is Paulo Marjeno, and I'm from the trade planet Kashtano, in the nation of Nova Nacio.

Tatiana: That was pretty unfair of them, to pick on you like that!

Marjeno: Heh heh. Yes, well, I guess that Nova Nacions aren't too popular over here, to say the least. That kind of thing happens all the time.

Torlo: How come they don't like Nova Nacions?

Ian: One hundred and twenty years ago, Nova Nacio was founded by immigrants who came from the Large Magellanic Cloud nation of Nacio. But the sector these immigrants settled into was an area that Kalymnos discovered, and had planned on migrating to themselves.

Marjeno: So I guess, from the Kalymnian point of view, it's like we came in and stole the sector away from them. The two nations even fought a war over it at the time.
If the Nacion immigrants had their ships from the LMC, it was a short war.

Torlo: Oh, wow.

Marjeno: Anyway, I'm very grateful to all of you. I'd like to give you a small token of my gratitude, for helping out a fellow in need.

Paulo Marjeno holds out a currency card marked "100 G."

Yuri: (...)

We're given a choice to accept or refuse. The correct one here is to politely refuse. It sets it up down the line that Marjeno joins the crew.

>>Refuse it.
Yuri: There's no need for you to do that. We weren't in it for the money.

Marjeno: Please. I insist. In Nova Nacio, we like to express our gratitude monetarily. I'm sorry I can't afford to give you more, but please accept it with my thanks.

Yuri: (Hm....)
We make three times as much in twenty seconds if we find a few pirates.

Kira: Thanks, but it just wouldn't be right.

Marjeno: What do you mean?

Kira: You've said thank you, and that's more than enough for us.

Tatiana: Kira's right. We're from the Interplanetary Union of Elgava, and this is Kalymnos. Let's agree not to follow Nova Nacio's rules of etiquette on this one.

Marjeno: Well, if you're sure... But please remember this. A Nova Nacion never forgets a good deed. I hope to be able to repay you someday.

Conversation #2
Marjeno: You people certainly handled that angry gang well! I don't know what would've happened to me if you hadn't come along. If I were even half as strong as you, i'd have a lot easier time of it, trying to do business in Kalymnos.

Well, while diverting, that didn't exactly get us any closer to solving the pirate problem.

Spoiler: Cracking Open the Pirate Problem (click to show/hide)

Leaving Dodecanese, we make our way towards Chios to continue our search. Half-way there, Kira picks up something.

Kira: Yuri, there's a battle taking place ahead.

Yuri: A battle? Here? Is somebody fighting some pirates or something?

Two security ships are getting shot to pieces by four pirate vessels.

Nia: Those are Kalymnos Sector Security Agency ships.

Ian: So that means they must be fighting the Kreios Pirates. They're outnumbered, though.

Kira: Yuri, look!

Another ship is in the process of being boarded.

Nia: So that's it, eh? The pirates are right in the middle of attackin' a private passenger ship. What do you wanna do, kiddo?

This is a decision that affects who you can recruit later, though there's no way to know that now. If you help the security force, you will get an amazing chef later. If you help the civilian ship, you get an amazing accountant. Given that we're swimming in money through excessive pirate encounters, I go for the chef.

Yuri: If we target the main force of the pirates, the ones attacking the passenger ship should back off, too.

Nia: Roger!

We're thrown into a fight against two destroyers and two cruisers. I've blown away about a dozen mini-bosses with this same configuration, and this doesn't end any differently.

Yuri: Whew! I guess that takes care of our targets.

Ian: And it looks like the rest of them escaped.

A call comes in.

??: This is Ensign Vlasis Delis of the kalymnos Sector Security Agency. We thank you for your support.

Yuri: Oh, it's you!

Delis: Oh! We met on Dodecanese, didn't we?
Small universe.

Pappas: Oh, hey! That boy and his crew, the ones we met in that tavern! It'd kind of embarrassing to have a kid save our hides like that. Say, is that nice-looking lady still onboard with you guys?
Which one? We have a lot of them.

Delis: Would you give it a rest, Pappas? This isn't the time for that! Anyway, we're going to assess the damage to the passenger ship now, but we'd still like to thank you properly. Would you mind stopping by the Sector Security Agency on Veroia later?

Nia: Oh, boy. Now what are we gettin' ourselves into?

Yuri: Sounds like the perfect opportunity to me. We had to talk to the Sector Security Agency anyway, about letting us past the sector blockade to get to Mytilene.

Nia: I hope that's all it's gonna end up being.
You're smart enough to know that that's a foolish hope, Nia.

We finally have our opening to talk to the Sector Security Agency, so we make our way to Veroia.

>>Veroia
Before we go talk to the cops, we hit the tavern.

Inside, Torlo spots a familiar figure.

Torlo: Hey, Yuri. Check it out, my man!

As the party enters the tavern, Torlo Adkin grabs Yuri's sleeve. Yuri looks to where Torlo is pointing, to see the man they worked in the mines with, Loukas Barberis.

Yuri: Hey, Loukas!

Barberis: Huh? Hey, it's you boys! What are you doin' here?

Torlo: That's what we were just gonna ask you. You got a day off from the mine or somethin'?

Barberis: Not just a day. I don't think I'm gonna be working there for a while, actually.

Tatiana: How come? The mine didn't run out, did it?

Barberis: Naw, that's not it. They had to cut back on production to keep prices stable.

Tatiana: Why is that?

Ian: Kalymnos is a resource nation. Its economy is b ased on exporting its rich mineral resources to the Interplanetary Union of Elgava. If they produce too much, the export prices fall, and they can't have that happen.
Thank you, Professor Ian.

Barberis: Yup, that about sums it up. I'm used to this kind of job instability, but this time, I think it's really gonna be a long one. It's got me worried, frankly.

Yuri: Wow, that's too bad. ... Hey, why don't you come work on my ship then,  Loukas?

Barberis: On your ship? You mean, you'd hire me on?

Yuri: Why not? You said you sued to be a spacefarer, right? I won't push you if you think you've gotten too rusty, though.

Barberis: ... Too rusty? Are you kiddin' me? I was damn good in my day, and I remember it all like it was tesrday! I'll do it! And thanks for askin'!

Yuri: Great! Welcome aboard!

Loukas Barberis joined your crew!

Our friends still have nothing new to say, so we leave the tavern.

Let's go talk to the Security Agency and see if they'll let us through.

>>Security Agency

As the party arrives in front of the Security Agency, they hear some men arguing. One of them is their acquaintance, Belen Pappas.

Pappas: Aw, come on! With things this bad, this is no time to be petty.

:  You're the Security Agency. Isn't getting rid of pirates supposed to be your job?! The military can't get involved with that kind of thing!

Pappas: But all we're asking for is just a few units to help us out. Come on! You guys won't even miss them!

:  Of course we'll miss them! We need all the strength we can get! I can't waste any more time talking to you. I'm leaving.

Pappas: Tsk. This is exactly why I can't stand those Volos guys. To Grus with 'em, then!

After the other man leaves, Belen Pappas goes into the building in a huff.

Yuri: ...

Torlo: What do you think that was all about?

Nia: Who knows? But whatever it is, I bet there's a lot more to it than meets the eye.

Yuri: I bet you're right.

With a shrug, we enter the building.

When the party enters the building, they are shown to a room immediately. Inside the room, they find Vlasis Delis, Belen Pappas and a third man waiting for them.

Delis: There you are. Thanks for coming. Let me introduce myself again. My name is Vlasis Delis.

Pappas: And I'm Belen Pappas. It's nice to meet you in person.

Delis: And this is our direct superior--

Ioannou: Lieutenant Commander Silas Ioannou. I want to thank you personally for all the support you gave my men.

>>Talk to Silas Ioannou.
Yuri: We have a favor to ask of you, sir.

Ioannou: Do you, now? Well, what is it?

Minas: We want you to grant us permission to go to Mytilene. It's for my research.

Ioannou:  Professor Gavriil Minas?! I had no idea you were aboard their ship!

Minas: Yes. They've agreed to assist me with my research, you see.

Ioannou: I see. Very interesting. But, unfortunately, there's an asteroid belt near Mytilene called the Spider Web, and that's where the Kreios Pirates apparently have their base.

Pappas: but it's perfect timing, Commander. We can ask them to help us!

Ioannou:  Ask them? To help with the plan?

Pappas: It makes sense. The guys on Skantzoura aren't familiar with their faces.

Delis: You've got to be kidding, Pappas! We can't ask private civilians to get involved in something like this. It's too dangerous.

Pappas: but what other choice do we have? Volos isn't going to help us. And there isn't much time left.

Delis: You've got a point there.

Ioannou: Hm...
Chances we won't be roped into a hare-brained scheme: minimal.

Conversation #2
Ioannou: Let me ask you people this. The Kreios Pirates have built themselves up into a powerful force to be reckoned with. With this in mind, are you confident you can make it to Mytilene on your own if we grant you permission?
Nothing's stopped us yet.

Yuri: Well...

We're give a choice, but as I said, nothing's stopped us yet.

>>Yes. I'm confident we can.
Yuri: Yes, we can make it on our own. We've fought pirates in the past, you know.

Ioannou: All right, then. Fine. I'll grant permission for you to pass through to Mytilene. I'll have it all prearranged.

Pappas: But, Commander! Are you sure you want to do that, sir?!

Ioannou: What else can we do? I don't like the idea of involving private citizens in all of this either... Yuri, was it? Please be very careful, and I wish you the best of luck. Please don't do anything too reckless.

Yuri: I won't sir. Thank you, Commander.
This feels almost too easy, but we have our permission to pass the blockade, so next stop: Mytilene!