6> Pirates & Privateers

Part A --- Privateers While completely legal, both Streele and the local governments on both worlds in Truane's Star have soiled their hands by effectively commissioning what could only be described otherwise as piracy. The officers entrusted with such contract have been given explicit instructions to leave any local TS vessel or business alone, any other incoming traffic is fair game. After all, the Mining Guild only taxes the locals, visiting merchants (particularly those under PGC contracts) are immune to the Guild.

As such any civilian ship owner who has grown tired of the taxation by the Mining Guild can find work with the governments of Pale or New pale, sanctioned of course by Streele, Incorporated. Tackling inbound craft and relieving them of their merchandise is a profitable business, more so when the bounty hails from any PGC craft...bonuses have been offered for such "acquired" merchandise.

Part B --- Pirates The down side to this, of course, is the romantic attraction to full fledged piracy. While the occasional freebooter can be encountered within Truane's Star, ultimately they are snatched up by one of the two pirate factions battling for this ripe territory: the Star Demons and the Lonely Knights. Of those two, the Demons are the dominant presence insystem, under the leadership of Lucifer "the Star Devil" Yurak. Not much is known concerning Lucifer, although reports have him aged somewhere between 70-90 years and augmented with bionic hardware and wetware alike to help stave off the effects of age. Members of his organization are readily recognized by a tatoo or arm patch featuring a red demon holding a pitchfork..some of which are also sporting rockers or banners above and/or below. While there has not been an established pattern to the rockers and banners, it has been theorized as signifying rank or seniority.

The other faction, the Lonely Knights, are a bit more "agreeable". While the Demons willingly attack any and all craft they encounter, the Knights live by the basic code of "leave the locals alone." Basically speaking, the Knights have gone from privateers that were rewarded for their obtained cargoes to getting full market value for the offworlder loads instead. While the planetary governments frown on this, at the same time it keeps the Guild at bay. While the traders willing to deal with pirates tend to low-ball the loads being offered by the Demons, they willingly pay fair market value to the Knights. Little is known about the leadership within the Knights, however one of their members has recently signed on as a privateer, being a former hot shot fighter jockey serving under the Lonely Knights and hired muscle under PGC prior to arriving in Truane's Star...Robert "Razor" Kitridger has just consigned a government sponsored vessel that recently began construction. He has spent some quality time behind closed doors at SI and government offices alike.

If the pirate's life is for you, you'll have little trouble earning a living with any of those three outfits.

Arrr! The Star Demons be Scuttlin'...

What happens when former members of the most notorious hovercycle club learn the art of spacing? They don't become law abiding spacers, that's for sure. While it is not publicly known who founded the group, one man has quickly risen through the ranks to lead them: Lucifer "Star Devil" Yurak. While most prospective recruits can find work aboard their craft, if you want to command one you need to acquire it all on your own...and purchasing simply takes too long.You will also need to know how to retain command as well, because you aren't the only one interested in calling the shots.

Privateer Captain in Need of a Crew

Captain John Knightrazor (formerly Robert "Razor" Kitridger) has just commissioned a brand new light system transport design from Streele, Incorporated's para-military division.

The SS Aquilian Starling is a light freighter purpose built system ship intended to serve as a licensed privateer under Pale's government, intended to wreak some havoc against Pan Galactic Conglomerate and their Mining Guild.

Captain John is a former pirate who served as a fighter jockey under the Lonely Knights faction. He will not discuss this with his potential crew members, at least not right away...there are several reasons he opted for a legal name change with his new career. 

Suffice it to say the new ship is a drastic change in pace. A pair of laser batteries offer a long range 360º punch that he didn't enjoy with the limited shorter range forward weaponry of a fighter. As such a pair of decent gunners will be a vital addition to the crew, and some technical know-how will also be a boon to keep the vessel running properly.

Aquilian Starling

Privateer (pf:100 system ship, owned by Robert Kitridger)

HS:4  HP:24  Powerplant: 3 SC Chemical A  
ADF:4  MR:4  DCR:25  Crew: 3-8
Armament: LB(x2)
Defenses: RH
Comm/Detection: SubSpace Radio, Radar, Intercom, WNB
Misc Equipment: Streamlined, Light Armor, Back-up LS unit, Mk-X5 fuel tankage

COMPUTER   ( LVL:6  fp:237  Mass/SP:1000kg/600 )

Alarm (3) 8
Analysis (3) 8
Astrogation (2) 8
Bureaucracy (3) 12
Commerce (1) 4
Communication (1) 4
Computer Lockout (5) 32
Computer Security (4) 24
Damage Control (3) 12
Drive - Chem A (1) 4
Industry (1) 4
Information Storage (1) 3
Installation Security (5) 64
Laser Battery x2 (1) 2 x 5
Life Support cap:8, x2 (1) 2 x 2
Maintenance (3) 12
Robot Management (4) 24


Cargo Capacity: 2 (Main:1.25, Forward: 0.25, Aft: 0.5)
Crew Accomodations: 3 bunk cabin, double suite
Passenger Accomodations: 0
Ship's Vehicles: AWD Ground Car, Ground Cycle
Fuel: 180u S-Ox ( +3 x 12u ExTanks)
Max Safe Velocity: 30 (+6)

The MAIN DECK features a two person helm, 6 person bunk barrack, two person suite, all adjacent to the crew lounge/computer which doubles as the forward hold. A ladderwell runs up to the dorsal gun and down to the main hold & ventral gun. A fresher fills the gap behind the bridge accesway and a shower unit flanks the ladderwell. Fore of the crew lounge are the forward "mandibles" featuring most of the avionics, communication, sensors, and electronics. Aft of the crew lounge is the engine room, with RCS thruster banks, generator & power relay station, life support equipment (including water tank and purification plant) and work stations. Starboard of the lounge is the cargo loading dock and boarding ramp, along with a defensive anti-personnel gun. The aft hold is adjacent to the loading dock.


The LOWER DECK is comprised of the main hold w/loading ramp and access to the landing gear. To port is a computer maintenance shaft that connects the main computer to the helm. Below the Main Hold is the ventral gun position.
A cross sectionof the ladderwell details the deck arrangement. Note the gunnery positions boast lower cielings, minimizing aerodynamic drag and producing only mild comfort issues when not seated at the command chair.