Amber Wing settles into a quieter cruise posture beyond the pirate’s disabling pattern. The protected return vector remains open, while the common work area fills with the soft vibration of stable systems.
Lahani carries the sealed observation record from navigation and places its read-only display between the crew. Ranuko and Nikayo join her; Kiryati stays nearby, attentive and ready.
Lahani
The record is secure, and the return route is still ours. The question is what we do with knowledge someone else may already be hunting.
Ranuko
Practically, the relay and the moving conductor are separate systems. We can document both without approaching, but publishing the coordinates could expose whoever reaches them first.
Nikayo
The conductor is not merely following the cycle. Its motion is coupled to it. That makes the lattice useful as a timing reference, and dangerous as a control point.
Kiryati studies the layered model without touching the isolated display. The pirate’s shadow remains absent from passive returns, but the buried system now looks less like debris and more like infrastructure.
Kiryati
Then control of the information matters as much as control of the site. Do we keep the record private, warn the patrols, or make the knowledge too visible to bury?
The sealed model waits on the table, its phase traces and depth estimates glowing beneath the crew’s reflections. No one reaches for an active channel, leaving the decision open to Nahuli.
✓ Quest Accepted
Protect the subsurface infrastructure evidence from outside access
“Running around the stars is a game for the young. With our ship, we have a few options between initial scouting and scrap recovery. But, the amber wing is only specialized for salvage.”
Amber Wing cruises beyond the pirate’s reach while Nahuli reviews the ship’s practical limits. Its cargo spaces, tools, and emitters favor careful salvage over prolonged exploration.
He lays out the next stage on the shared display: make short passive surveys first, record useful targets, then return only for recovery work that fits the ship.
Lahani
That keeps the route simple. We scout from safe distance, mark anything worthwhile, and come back when the recovery plan is clear.
Ranuko
I can prepare a compact target list from the existing records. No new system work is needed until we choose something to bring aboard.
Nikayo
The buried relay and conductor stay documented but untouched. Our useful next step is ordinary survey work, not chasing another signal.
Kiryati
And if we find scrap, I will check the approach and keep the recovery window clean. The ship is ready for that.
The crew records a safe scouting-and-recovery workflow, preserving their route and sealed observations. Amber Wing turns toward the next quiet survey sector with no immediate risk demanding their attention.
“"And we have each other for company during downtime. I know Niyako has eyes for Liyanu." I give a kind smile as my own eyes drift to Lahani. "Lets stay clear of any conflict zones."”
SUCCESS (Legendary Diplomacy, rolled -2)
Nahuli
We have each other for company during downtime. I know Nikayo has eyes for Liyanu. Let’s stay clear of any conflict zones.
Nahuli gives the remark a kind smile, then lets his attention settle on Lahani. The shared display shifts toward quiet sectors and low-traffic survey routes.
Lahani
That sounds like a route I can fly with confidence. Quiet space, useful scans, and no one forcing us into their fight.
Nikayo
For the record, my attention remains on Liyanu. She has already tolerated my worst laboratory habits, which is compelling evidence of compatibility.
Ranuko
Then I will mark conflict regions as excluded from the target list. That makes the next survey plan simpler, but it also means we turn down any quick salvage attached to them.
The crew accepts the safer course. By stating it openly, Nahuli makes avoiding conflict zones a standing promise, and any lucrative recovery inside one will now test their trust in his judgment.
Kiryati
Understood. I will keep the recovery checks focused on peaceful sectors. If we find something valuable in a war zone, I expect you to leave it there.
“"That depends if command gives us an assignment on the border or not. Though, we are still an independent and not directly part of the military, we are still obligated to participate in search and recovery."”
SUCCESS (Legendary Diplomacy, rolled +3)
Nahuli
That depends on whether command assigns us to the border. We are independent, not military, but we are still obligated to participate in search and recovery.
The statement settles the distinction on the crew display: independence preserves Amber Wing’s discretion, while a legitimate border assignment can still create a duty to search and recover. The route planner opens a duty-status field beside the quiet-sector targets.
Lahani
Then we keep our course independent until an authenticated assignment exists. If one arrives, we evaluate its scope before accepting the border route.
Ranuko
I will add that condition to the survey plan. Search and recovery duties can be recorded without granting anyone access to our ship or sealed observations.
Nikayo
And I will distinguish a real assignment from another fabricated acknowledgment. That gives us a clean record if command later asks what we did.
The crew records the policy as accepted procedure: remain independent, respond to verified search-and-recovery duty, and preserve control of the ship. A priority channel also flags an unclaimed border survey request, giving Amber Wing a lawful assignment option without committing the vessel.
Quest Complete
Protect the subsurface infrastructure evidence from outside access
Skill Upgrade: Security Great→Superb