Alright, our mission is to go to Nerekhta in order to meet with Galkin. We can also check out that Medic Organization that's supposed to be there; maybe they know how to treat Zakhar! Galkin spots us the moment we enter the tavern.: Good, you're here. The commander told me you'd be coming.
: Lieutenant Galkin!
: What, you're still dressing like that?
: What, this? Yes, let's just say it's a lot easier for me to get around this way.
Plus it's cheaper than making a second sprite X3: But never mind that. There's somebody I'd like for you to take on as a crew member. Would you like to meet him?
: Another crew member, huh?
: He was born on the planet Gorodok, and he's an expert on the sectors around here. I think he'll be useful on this mission. Wouldn't you agree, Ian?
: I'm Ian Fenevich. It's nice to meet you.
: Good to meet you too. I'm Yuri, the captain.
: Captain? You?!
: What, do you have a problem with that?
: Uh, whatever. I'm just here to help out. Lieutenant Galkin already paid me up front, so I suppose I'm committed.
: Uh, great.
Ian joined your crew as a temporary crew member!: Anyway, Lieutenant Galkin...You were going to tell us more about the dispute between Alatyr and Driutesk, right?
: Right. Let's get down to it, shall we?
The root of the problem is the Buzhsk Star System, which lies between the two planets that are having the dispute. At one time, the two nations even signed an agreement saying they would divide the Buzhsk Sector up...But then Driutesk suddenly decided to start mining resources on the other side of the boundary. As things stand now, both sides have brought out fleets and are trying to stare each other down. At this rate, a war could break out at any moment.
: So how come the CEF aren't movin' on in, then? They oughta be able to make 'em see the light.
: It's not that simple. They're both part of the Interplanetary Union of Elgava, but they're independant, autonomous nations too. If Central intervenes too strongly, they will take a lot of criticism.
: Sounds like a royal pain in the ass to me.
: Yes, well...Even though Elgava is the largest alliance of nations in the SMC, with a claimed 30,000 ships in its fleet, its real power is a little questionable.
: But how could we possibly help with a serious dispute like that?
: Well, I'm glad you asked. At this point, we're not asking you to get directly involved. We just want you to find somebody for us.
: A missing person?
: That's right.
His name is Gennadiy Alabyshev, and he's a legendary tactician that used to work for the CEF. Commander Vladykin thinks he might be able to come up with a good way to solve this dilemma for us.
: How are we supposed to find this guy?
:
He withdrew from the public eye after retiring and is traveling the universe now. He'd be an old man by now, over seventy.: Oh, boy. That's all we've got to go on? It'll be like trying to find a needle in a haystack. A really old haystack.
: We'll do our best.
Talking to Galkin again reveals that Gennadiy might have been spotted in the Lutsk Sector. REALLY HELPFUL
We can also talk to Ian to learn that he, like Yuri and Torlo, is an orphan. Then he pisses Torlo off by saying that sentimental types can't survive in space. Yuri's gonna have some fun keeping these two apart
Speaking of Ian, here are his stats. He's got decent Leadership skill, actually a little bit higher than Yuri, though far below Nia. He could also be helpful in Control or Science. Place him!