Chapter 32 - A Superior Alternative to Milk Cartons and the Homeless

"Might as well see whose missing around here. I mean, why not?"

"We do have our own missing to find, Captain." Zoraida replies. "But why not. Bringing up the list. Short, hm." She brings up the screen and only five names pop us 'missing'.

Arlen Tower. Human. Male. 17. Dark skin pigmentation. Last seen: boarding a transit skiff off Aulus Prime; Democratic Conglomeration of Aulus Orbital Spaceport, DCoA Labor Station on Aulus IV (4 Days ago). DCoA Labor Citizen. Guardian Contact Information Attached.

<Doctor> Lucius Zephyr. Human-Urak Hybrid. Male. 45. Atypical Skin coloration. Grey-Green patches and pink-pale contrast. Last seen: Aulus Prime, Aulus Republic. Disorderly Conduct Charge, ordered to report for arraignment, AWOL. Lodgings undisturbed. (12 days ago)

<Doctor>Shelthaa zh'Regda. Quathari, Female. 71. Grey-Blue pigmentation. Scholar, conducting interviews with Vedari Historians. Last seen: Aulus Prime, Verdari City Cavern Hegrada; (Beneath Aulus Republic Surface Territory). (13 days ago)

Glon. Female. 20. Vozi. Bright Green, Yellow hair. Travel Agent. Last seen: in Aulus Republic, confirming tourism licences and travel visas. (15 Days ago)

Kehla Ch'Mara. Female. 19. Hazadi. Black Fur, Red 'staining' in stripes. Last seen: Visiting Aulus Republic during Hunt of Passage. Ship Impounded (21 days ago)


Something seems to be happening in the Aulus Military Republic... well, you 'were' interested in that part of the planet anyway. Seems like a fair guess that while you're there you can look around. No harm in that, besides the people who've been missing for as many as three weeks....

"So on the whole planet only 'five' are missing? That's impressive."

"It's more likely that only five warrant their missing status going full system." Zoraida considers. "Most of them seem to be foreigners, and the one local is a minor."

"Good point." You reply. "So what's these Found' folks' story."

"Usually people who miss their transports and have issues with travel visas, can't buy a conventional ticket back home so they hitch a ride with whomever is going that way." She answers.

"Wait, so it's like, legalized hitchhiking?"

"Exactly. It's also all documented, so if your ship doesn't register delivering the person to their intended destination, prepare to get flagged for a kidnapping investigation."

"Makes sense." You nod. "Nice to know people look out for one another." You say opening up the files, there are only three people looking for rides.

Shakat (of the Mountain Order); Male. 149. Mizband. 
Notice: As a Venerable Traveler, any Captain should be honored to have me aboard! 
Destination: Valan Prime 
Compensation: The Prestige of Transporting a Venerable Mizband!
<Contact Data Attached>

"Mizband..." You say the name of the species. "That seems... familiar." You ask.

"It should, they're one of the 'Founders' of Modern Society, some of the first diplomats to establish inter-species coexistence, collaboration and co'habitation'," she adds with a wink as you lean back to listen. "Of course now they're kind of 'antiquated' and most of them have this entitlement complex for being so old and knowledgeable. Still, one that old probably does have some juicy secrets. They apparently have perfect navigational memory, so there was a time that pirates kidnapped them and use them as living treasure maps."

"living treasure maps?"

"It was kind of a fad among the criminal element. They thought they'd be more reliable than a machine-" She admits, and here Anagryos makes an annoyed noise, "Hey it's the pirates' logic, not mine. That and most people assume Mizband have some kind of diplomatic immunity and having one aboard is like the perfect hostage."

"How'd that work out?"

"Most of the pirates who kidnapped a Mizband were targeted by Special Forces, disabled, captured, and their crews were tried, convicted, and executed for piracy." Zoraida explains matter-of-factly.

"In that order?" You ask with a smile.

"Yes, in that order," Zoraida laughs, and you turn to read the next name.

Piyanthall Silverclaw; Female. 213. Dragon. 
Notice: I require a vessel of haste and good standing. 
>Update: I have refused several inadequate vessels. 
>>Update: MANY inadequate Vessels. 
Destination: Gorbulie Nebula 
Compensation: Cost+Substantial, Negotiable, Bonus.
<Contact Data Attached>

"That's motivating..." You laugh as you look at the Compensation answer. "Wait, Dragon? Really?"

"Holy shit, a Dragon? Damn that's hot money right there." Zoraida leans forward and rubs her chin in a scheming manner.

"Wait, seriously, a Dragon, like, a myth-beast?" You ask.

"Kinda sorta. Dragon-Dragons are out there and they're massive monsters flying through space. The race of Dragons are said to have evolved on whatever homeworld those creatures first spawned on. They're neigh immortal and durable to boot. Still, they have this weird sense of pride so... I wonder why she doesn't have a ship of her own?"

"That's a question we could ask her, if we call her.

Tomoe Maeda: Female. 3X. Human. 
Notice: I know who I'm waiting for. Don't bother calling unless you're him. 
Destination: Aulus Prime, Greater Highland Glaciers. 
Compensation: T/A
<Contact Data Not Included. Note: Short Range, Only>

The last name catches your eye, of course it does.

"Is that?" You ask, not sure if seeing is really believing.

"Yeah, it's here!" Zoraida laughs. "Damn Doc, don't ever change." She shakes her head as you look over to see her wonder at the words.

"Is this normal for her?" You press, and she nods. "Well, we have our heading. Once we get checked in, we head for Prime and find our Doctor, and the team that went with her." Her "Destination" is clearly her actual Location, that's a given. Still, what's up there? And these other two people, what's there deal. A 'Misband' and... a Dragon.

"Huh, it looks like the Good Captain finished her call," Zoraida says, "I'm not picking up any encrypted transmissions, just general waves and traffic control."

You've got some info now, a solid lead on your Doctor and her team, and maybe even some Good Samaritan work. What next, Captain?