There's really only one place left for us to go: Lutsk Base, located in the bottom "layer" of the map. We set out for the base, but Nia interrupts us partway there:
: Unh...
: If you have to go to the bathroom, it's not good to hold it in, you know.
Dear god Yuri, why did your mind jump to THAT? 
: I don't have to go to the bathroom! I was just thinking!
: About what?
: You remember that Commander Vladykin guy that popped up when we were fighting the pirates?
: What about him?
: I dunno. I just get this weird feeling that he let the pirates get away on purpose.
: On purpose? Why would he do that?
: I'm not sure. But there's a lot of folks in cahoots with the Novgorod Pirates around here. I wouldn't be surprised if some of the military was in on that action, too.
: Wow. I hope not.
Foreshadowing! Anyway, the rest of the trip goes without incident. Welcome to Lutsk Base, home to a very cool-looking spaceport:
As you might expect from the Elgavan version of Pearl Harbor, this planet has a shipyard for remodeling and purchasing. On the ground, there are only two places to visit: The Tavern, and HQ.
The bartender tells Yuri a rumor that lots of soldiers are joining up with the pirates, tired of low wages or something like that. A soldier in the tavern complains about being away from home for too long, thanks to the same pirates.
If Yuri talks to his friends, Torlo goes on about how he doesn't trust Vladykin. Yuri, is a moment of wisdom, says that he tries not to hold preconceived notions about others, and would rather keep an open mind.
Ok, so the tavern was a waste. On to HQ!*When the party mentions Commander Vladykin's name to the guards, they are quickly shown to a room*
I like this guy. He battles pirates and doesn't afraid of anything.
: I'm glad you came, Yuri! Let me introduce myself again. Central Elgavan Forces, Zone 4, 122nd Fleet, Commander Oleg Vladykin. And this is my superior officer, Captain Mogilek Novikov.
: ...
: And this is the head of this base--
: Tefed Mudakov, Commander. It's a pleasure to meet you.
Damn, there's a lot of brass in this room. Anyway, the only way to get the story moving is to chat with each of officers. Let's start with Vladykin:: Well! You're even younger than I imagined from your voice. A boy your age, captain of his own ship!
: Is there something wrong with that?
: Oh no, I'm sorry. Did I offend you?
: No, don't worry about it.
Ok, that conversation was rather pointless. Now for Novikov:: Commander Vladykin told me about you. But I can hardly believe that a boy so young would be crossing swords with the Novgorod Pirates!
: Well, believe it!
God, introductions are so dull. Finally, we talk to Mudakov:: The military of the Interplanetary Union of Elgava is divided up into Central Elgavan Forces and a force for each local sector. I belong to the local Lutsk Sector force. Captain Novikov and Commander Vladykin here, however, belong to the Central Elgavan Forces.
Alright, time to get this thing started.: What do you think of the situation in this sector, Yuri?
: What do you mean?
: Pirates are everywhere you turn, doing as they please...
: Sounds like the Central Elgavan Forces ain't doin' their job, if you ask me.
: Hey, cool it, Torlo!
: What? Yuri, don't be mad! It's the truth, ain't it?
: I'm afraid that your friend is right. But the entire Interplanetary Union is in a highly unstable state right now. The truth is, we just don't have enough resources to deal with the pirates, too. And so I have a favor to ask of you. I've seen what you can do, and I want you to lend us your strength and help put an end to these pirates. What do you say?
Another "choice" here. Saying no simply lets you leave the conversation, but then nothing else happens. Thankfully, I'm all for wiping out some pirate scum.: You will? I'm very grateful!
We should talk elsewhere, then. My lodgings are nearby. Please stop by there later. I'll be waiting for you.
"Later", in this game, tends to mean "as soon as a location opens", so off we go!: Ah, there you are, Yuri! We're free to talk strategy here without reserve. Please, have a seat.
: Before we start talking strategy, there's something I want to ask you about.
: Is there? And what might that be?
: Tatiana here has a brother in the military, but she hasn't been able to reach him for a while now. We want to know if you know what's up with him.
: What's the name of this brother of yours?
: I don't know what division he's in, but his name is Zakhar. Zakhar Agarkov.
: What?! Agarkov? You're Lieutenant Agarkov's sister?
: You know my brother?!
: Well, that's an interesting coincidence! The mission I have for you has to do with that very man, Lt. Agarkov.
: Where is my brother? What is he doing?
: It's no surprise that he hasn't been able to contact you. He's been acting as our spy and has infiltrated his way into the lair of the Novgorod Pirates.
: Spy? But that's so dangerous!
: I'm sorry, but there wasn't any choice. We have to get to their local leader, Balik. Unless we do that, it won't matter how many of his underlings we take out. No matter how we tried, we just couldn't locate Balik's base. As a last resort, we chose several men we could trust, and sent them in as spies. One of those men was Lt. Agarkov.
: So what do you want us to do?
:
I want you to go to the planet Ruza. Once you're there, I want you to meet with Lt. Agarkov. He will give you a data chip containing reports on all that he's learned so far. Our military ships would draw too much attention, but a civilian ship like yours shouldn't raise the pirates' suspicions.
: So that's the plan? I guess if Tats gets have a little reunion with her bro, it's a good enough plan for me! Right, Tats baby?
: Yes, it is. And don't call me "baby".
: It's settled, then. When you make contact with him, you must identify yourselves as allies.
The code phrase is, "We'll buy you a few drinks." Have you got that? Good. Now allow me you give you something for your troubles.
*Vladykin presents Yuri with two ship blueprints*
: These are the blueprints for two of our destroyers, the Orfey-class and the Derzky-class. I'm afraid I can't give you both, but you're welcome to choose one of them to have. Will you favor upping your firepower and take the missile-armed Orfey-class? Or will you choose the standard Derzky-class, which can be built cheaply but doesn't compare to the Orfey in performance?
: (Hm...which one should I pick?)
Hot Grus! Which one, indeed? 
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Topic: Let's Play Infinite Space! (DS) - We got Fightercraft! (Read 61497 times)