These past few days have been somewhat trying on this old man. En route to the Aylon system Olivia threw a fit. She seemed to think I was riding Darik a little too hard. I’m of the opinion that he got off easy, but sometimes there is just no reasoning with a woman. As we approached the planet, we were not getting any transmissions from the surface as far as docking directions, orders, etc. We were also targeted and shot at. Due to my superb piloting and Lachesis’ outstanding maneuverability, we were never really in any danger, but Olivia seemed to think otherwise.

Because of Lachesis being targeted, I decided it was best to do a fly by of the docking station and found a place to land. I decided to come in hot and was able to avoid any further shots being taken at us. I dare say, that none of the passengers even realized the beauty of the landing… but what can one expect from a group of landlubbers?

The bay that we landed in was deserted. There were no lights on at the compound anywhere, and so I decided it would be best if everyone stayed on the ship while I checked things out a little. Of course, Miss I-Can’t-Follow-Directions-If-My-Life-Depended-On-It Olivia decided that she was exempt from my directions to stay on board. Darik, torn between obeying orders and watching over Olivia decided to trade places with me.

Darik and Olivia decided to check more of the station out so left the docking bay where we were parked. As they proceeded down various corridors, they were apprehended by armed guards. In desperation the rest of us decided that we should go and rescue them, but unfortunately, we were apprehended by a contingent of ten guards ourselves.

While they were taking us to the lock-up compound, they had sent others to try and get into Lachesis. I gave them fair warning that if Lachesis was damaged in any way, they would pay with their lives.

As soon as we got to the compound, the Baron immediately announced who he was and demanded to the see the person in charge. That didn’t stop them from relieving us of our gear, but it did get us an audience with the Count a few hours later.

The Count took the Baron aside shortly after we got there where they discussed, I don’t know what, in private before emerging a few minutes later. In the meantime, were left standing around in the audience hall awaiting their return. Fortunately, they had untied us for this short period. And when the Baron and the Count returned, the Count announced that there was only one way to resolve the dispute – that was a duel to First Blood rapiers. The Count chose an imposing man, who appeared to know how to use the sword, and the Baron chose Darik. I felt it my obligation to remind Darik that this was not the time to throw the fight. Darik took a few pointers from Olivia as he was getting ready for the dual.

Amazingly, the dual was over fairly quickly. The Count’s champion seemed to discount Darik as an unworthy opponent and let his guard down enough for Darik to get a blood drawing blow in – ending the dual. I’m not sure if Darik winning the dual was the cause of what happened next, or if it was Darik’s off-hand insult to the Count’s champion, either way, I attribute it to Darik. Darik said something like, “Hmmm, and I don’t even know how to use this thing…” After those words were uttered, the Count turned three shades of red and issued orders that we be taken for interrogation because he was going to have the information one way or another. What information he was referring to, I do not know – and frankly I don’t care. I had had just about enough of this prisoner crap and decided I wasn’t going to be taken again – at least not without a fight. It appears that Olivia had the same thoughts I did, only she exhibited it in a bit more dramatic a way than this old man.

As the guards came to bind us, Olivia let loose with an arc of lightning that threw her guard halfway across the room, leaving him smoldering and unconscious on the floor. Fortunately, that distracted the guard that was approaching me long enough that I was able to get knee into his groin and follow-up with a right hook, knocking him out. Brother Gunderson, never ceases to amaze me in his abilities as well – he dispatched his guard without any problems and sent him sprawling on the floor as well.

Darik was having problems of his own, so Olivia decided to run to his aid leaving me to help the Baron and Bruno. The Baron’s guard didn’t know what to expect with most of his attention focused on the Baron, which gave me enough time to grab the blaster carbine from my would have been assailant and dispatch the guard contending with the Baron and also the one that Bruno seemed to be having problems with. When that skirmish was over, we discovered that Olivia had been successful in assisting Darik, and we now had to two charring guards cooling off on the ground. It appears that I am cursed to be friends with Bartelbys who are great at attracting the wrong kind of attention. Don’t get me wrong – I wouldn’t have it any other way. It just means that I will need to keep an eye on Olivia a little closer now. I’m still uncertain as to what Darik’s secret is, but Olivia’s is glaringly obvious and I wouldn’t be surprised if the Inquisition finds our pretty soon from the Count.

After arming ourselves with the guns from the guards, we proceeded to search out the Baron to exact some payment from him for the troubles we were put through, but had a change of plans when we came upon a communications room receiving reports. We ambushed the lone operator, but unfortunately, he was expecting us and got a few shots off. Luckily, they all went wide and missed everyone and while I was providing a target, Olivia was able to pop off a shot and took the guys head off. A few short minutes in this room gave us the information we needed. We knew where Drake was and where he was heading. The information caused a chill of fear to come over me. They were heading toward Lachesis! With that, I told everyone where Drake was going to be, and where I was going – they weren’t necessarily the same place….

As we left the palace, the group decided to split up. I wasn’t too happy that the Baron wanted Olivia and Darik to accompany me to the Spaceport in an effort to secure Lachesis, but I wasn’t going to waste time arguing. Lachesis needed me (or I needed her it’s all the same). So, I took off at a run. As we descended the stairs, I noticed two pill-boxes on either side of the stairs, and new we were in for trouble, but that couldn’t be avoided. What made matters worse, there were two drones hovering nearby as well. Let me state for the record, I will wade through Hell to rescue Lachesis, nothing short of Death can stop me.

With that being said, I said a hasty prayer (Psalms 23) and dashed down the stairs. As we ran past the pill-boxes, automatic fire started tearing up the street. Luckily we were able to get around the corner without any problems. However, that didn’t end things after going a mile or so, we were suddenly being trailed by one of the Drones. Darik, immediately wanted everyone to get under cover in an old building. Surprisingly, Olivia obeyed that order without any reservation I think that must have surprised Darik as well, as his shot at the Drone didn’t do anything to it. The Drone was able to launch two missiles before I took it down with a well placed shot to the missile rack which resulted in the explosion of the remaining missiles. I didn’t wait around to see the display, I had to get to Lachesis. I turned and started running again.

It wasn’t too much longer and I realized that I was not going to be able to run the entire way to the Spaceport I needed to find some transportation. After several blocks, we were able to find a utility van. This is where I must repent I stole the van (may the Pan Creator forgive me). I jumped into the driver seat with Olivia taking the front passenger’s seat. Darik was covering our rear. Surprisingly, that hover van could move I easily had it moving at a 160 KPH. That is until we crossed paths with a Tank. I have to say, if it weren’t for the driving of a master, none of us would have survived that encounter. Unfortunately, my driving was good enough to save Darik. I swerved to avoid the tank and ended up forcing to soldiers to dive for cover as the hover-van bore down on them. The solider manning the .50 Caliber machine gun mounted on the tank ended up shredding the hover van, forcing it out of control. I was able to wrestle it under enough control to only avoid a head on collision with the wall, but the corner of the hover-van still crashed into the wall, throwing Darik around like a rag-doll. He ended up with a compound fracture and died due to loss of blood. We weren’t able to save him. Olivia was really affected. I’m beginning to worry about her. I’m afraid she may crack under pressure. I’m not sure if her secret is causing an unstable psyche or not, but she broke down and wept. I will admit that it took every ounce of willpower on my part not to weep for him either, but that was not the time for weeping.

Olivia and I only sustained minor injuries, but the hover-van wasn’t going anywhere. We were forced to surrender our weapons and were taken captive. We were tied and forced to sit in the street near the tank. It wasn’t until an attack Drone flew overhead that we were able to escape. The attack Drone launched missiles killing several of our captors, one of them fell dead not far from Olivia. She was able to retrieve his knife and cut us free. Upon regaining our freedom, we re-armed ourselves with rifles of the dead soldiers in the street it was good to be armed again. As we were getting ready to run, I happened to notice Darik lying in the street and felt the obligation to take him with us. He does not deserve to be laid to rest in foreign soil by strangers who don’t know him and don’t care for him. Chances are they would not give him his last rites either. Darik discharged his duties to the best of his abilities, whether Olivia recognizes that or not, I don’t know, but I recognize it. He always put her life above his even when it was inconvenient for him (and usually for her). He was a noble spirit and will be missed greatly. That was why I had to bring him along Olivia protested greatly, but I was adamant. We took him with us.

I don’t know how long we walked longer than an old man should, I’m sure. I was nearing exhaustion and my injuries were aggravating me. But, we finally arrived at the Spaceport only to find it heavily guarded. There was no way that Olivia and I were going to be able to shoot our way through that. We had to find a place to hole up and get some medical attention. Luckily, there was a building right there as well. I entered the building leaving Olivia to watch Darik’s body while I scouted the building out and assessed what was going on.

The building was being used as a makeshift hospital, but no medical supplies could be spared. Olivia and I needed time to think, so we entered the building and began exploring it. We were forced to leave Darik’s body near the door of the building.

During our exploration of the building we came upon a room with two soldiers and a rocket launcher! The room looked out on the Spaceport. The soldiers were busy playing a game of cards and had left their weapons out of easy reach. I shot them.

Once both soldiers had been eliminated, I was able to use the Rocket Launcher to take care of the soldiers that were guarding the Spaceport along with two ordinances they were using. I loved that rocket launcher, but all good things must come to an end there were only four rockets for it. I used three trying to clear the Spaceport, and while we were doing that, four soldiers had snuck up on us. They opened fire as we were exiting the room. Fortunately, I felt something was wrong before completely leaving the room and we were able to avoid any further serious injury although, I did take a shot in the arm that threw me back. If it hadn’t been for the Pan Creator watching over us, I’m sure I would be dead right now.

Several minutes passed while we were trying to decide what to do. I believe the soldiers were trying to figure out how to get us out of the room as well. Finally, in desperation, I needed to get out of the room and get them to focus on me. I couldn’t let them hurt Olivia. I was able to bluff my way out with the Rocket Launcher. I jumped into the hall and threatened them with death by rocket if they didn’t stand down. They stood down. At least until I ran past, when one of them tried to shoot me, but again, the hand of providence was watching over this old geezer. I’m sure I will owe a guarding angel a drink of Groot when I pass on to meet the Pan Creator.

I was able to make it to the stairs before any of the soldiers could get a second shot off. My fatigue and injuries were catching up with me. I made it to the bottom of the stairs and turned around hoping the soldiers had followed me. My plan was simple, wait until they were at the top of the stairs and fire my last rocket. Three of the soldiers appeared and I fired, however, my fatigue caused my shot to come up short of its intended target and it exploded about half-way between them and me. I passed out.

I’m not sure how long it took for Olivia to find me, but she eventually did find me. She was able to drag me down to the basement of the building where we holed up for a bit. While I was out, Olivia had done some scavenging and recovered a couple suits of armor and weapons that we could use…

I’m going to kill Darik. I swear. He is going to pay me 10,000 Firebirds. But I suppose I should start at the beginning. We made it Cerci Station today – and unfortunately, we will be leaving the station in a matter of minutes. But, again, I’m getting ahead of myself. We arrived here to see what information we could get on the whereabouts of Drake. The Baron decided to head to the Registry to see if Drake was currently under contract with anyone. The rest of us (except for Bruno) decided that it didn’t take all of us to go and check that out, decided to catch up with Moe.

Moe’s hasn’t changed much at all, and neither has Moe. He is one of the biggest Cyborgs you will ever have the pleasure of meeting. And it truly is a pleasure. Moe serves the best Groot and knows just about everyone and anything that is worth knowing. In fact, it was Moe that informed Brother Gunderson and myself that Drake can be found in the Aylon system fighting on the side of the serfs of all things. I still don’t understand how a group of serfs could put enough money together to pay Drake’s contract fee, but they did it. Unfortunately, Moe couldn’t tell me any more about daSilva than what the man had told me himself.

Anyway, Darik (I’m still going to kill him) and Olivia wanted to see something of Cerci before we had to leave port again, so I agreed to show them around a bit. I decided to take them to Caesar’s for the boxing matches. I figured, if I was going to be taken out of the comfort of Moe’s I might as well enjoy a little entertainment as well, so I signed Darik up for the boxing match against Donk (the undefeated champion of three months running – and still undefeated, but, again, I’m jumping ahead of myself)…

Darik was a bit dismayed (or at least he appeared to be when we left him in the capable hands of the Caesar’s staff), but I’m assuming that they alleviated any fears he might have had once they greased him palms and told him he was going to throw the fight!

Anyway, Olivia and I saw the odds and decided to bet on Darik. If we won, we would have been paid 10,000 Firebirds each. Notice the words would have. Darik, the bastard, decided to throw the fight, and I can only assume that they paid him to do so. There is no way he would have lost that fight except by intentionally throwing the fight!

As the fight started, Donk came out and threw a punch that Darik was able to block fairly easily. Darik countered with a blow that seemed to stagger Donk. There was a little bit of give and take on both ends, but within less than a minute, Darik had delivered blow after blow and had Donk on the mat. He had won the fight – or so it seemed for a second. But Donk decided he wasn’t ready to give up up yet. He stands back up and proceeded to pummel an previously uninjured Darik into unconsciousness. It was the worst bit of acting I think I have ever seen! Darik lost the fight after having the guy against the ropes. Donk came back and took him out. He came back from what appeared to be a knock-out, and took Darik, who was more or less uninjured, and knocked him out. How does that happen? I will tell you how – it doesn’t! Not unless they are both in it together and the outcome is already written. It doesn’t happen. Right now, Darik is lucky I’m even letting him on Lachesis, and I probably wouldn’t be doing even that, except that he is in the employ of the Baron and is supposed to be keeping Olivia out of trouble. I have been tempted to make him pay for his passage on Lachesis, though… I still might.

Yesterday saw us back at the port. We were able to get a little rest, and figured it would be best to stay the night planet side before taking off for Cerci Station, which is where we are headed now. I sometimes think that Darik has eyes in the back of his head. We all decided to head to the local watering hole to get a glass of Groot (it seems that Darik is starting to acquire a taste for the stuff). While we were heading that way, Olivia had decided to chase after a pickpocket (at least that is what she told us later). Darik, somehow, noticed this and took off after her. A short while later they both joined us at the bar we had made our way to. Olivia was quite visibly shaken.

I’m concerned that perhaps she is not old enough to be joining us on this trip, but I fear that there is nothing we can do about it now. She is with us for good or ill. What the cause of her distress is, I’m not quite certain. I do know one thing – it had teeth. That is about the only description we can get from her – it had teeth, big teeth, a lot of teeth – every description is about its teeth. According to Darik, before he could find her, she had let out a blood curdling scream right before she came barreling around a corner almost knocking him down.

This morning as we were making our way to the ship, I had a strange encounter with a man calling himself Count Victor daSilva. He seemed overly interested in my ship and said that he had had a ship just like Lachesis built a while back. He mentioned that he has his own Space Station located in the Malignatius system. I must admit, that I was somewhat intrigued by his story – especially if he could tell me more about Lachesis’ secrets, but I couldn’t ignore the chill running down my spine, so I resisted the urge to invite him on the ship. He then said something that has me worried somewhat – he said that he would see me again sometime. It wasn’t the words that startled me so much – it was the certainty in his voice, the way he said it. I will need to be extra cautious now, to keep Lachesis safe. I could see the covetousness in his eyes.

And if that was enough for today – I was also blessed with a sight that is enough to make an old man weep with longing and lust. I sometimes feel that I may have betrayed Lachesis’ trust and pray that she doesn’t take my off-hand comments overly serious, I would never leave her for another ship. At least not willingly. But while waiting for our turn to get through the jump gate, I caught the glimpse of a Vau ship. What a beauty she was too. A captain treat her right, and she will take great care of the captain, that is for sure. Even now, writing about that vision I feel a stab of jealously, but again, I recognize it as a foolish old man’s infatuation. I know in my heart of hearts, there is no greater ship than Lachesis.

We were also “graced” with the visit of a Justicar and two Inquisitors. They came in response to the slaughter that occurred. Fortunately, the Baron and I had already discussed his temporary removal from our party so we were able to keep anything suspicious from coming to their attention. Unfortunately, this meant that I became the defacto leader of this pilgrimage. I felt like a mother hen having to keep everyone in line and accounted for. I don’t mind being the leader, but only when I’m on a ship. That is where I know how to lead. Dirt-side? I can do it, but always – ALWAYS – feel like a fish out of water.

I must admit, the Justicar himself was pleasant enough and seemed genuinely concerned over what happened. The Inquisitors, however, said some things that disturbed. When we pointed out the impostor Inquisitor (it turns out that my lie was actually the truth after all) one of the Inquisitor guards to the Justicar made the comment that “they would never hire someone like that…” That would imply that very act that was perpetrated could have been orchestrated by the Inquisitors, but in this instance it was not. It turns out that the “Inquisitor” was a Heretic and bore the brand.

The Justicar became our guide to the Gargoyle. I have never been so nervous in my life. I thought for sure we were going to be found out. Especially with Olivia’s strange behavior. Of course, I guess this was her first massacre that she has seen, so she is allowed to be shell-shocked (at least I hope that’s all it is). She has been through quite an ordeal and to have the scumbag that did in the robes of the clergy only makes it worse. Although, I will admit – I’m rather concerned that none of us suspected it was an impostor, I only said that to help deflect any suspicion our way for shooting an Inquisitor.

Anyway, we made it to the Gargoyle today under the watchful eye of the Justicar and an Inquisitor. What an impressive sight. I’m still feeling overwhelmed by it and took longer praying than I had intended, but the holiness of this sacred place overwhelmed me. While I was praying, the Baron slipped away which gave me a moments concern, but I then realized that Brother Gunderson and Bruno were with him, so he was in good hands.

The Justicar made arrangements for my pilgrimage to have a place to sleep tonight (I will need to leave this journal soon – as I’m feeling the weight of sleep creeping upon me). While they aren’t luxurious, they are enclosed and somewhat more comfortable than sleeping under the stars tonight. Although, I could sleep just about anywhere right now. I’m getting too old for this crap – let me tell you. These are supposed to be my golden years and here I sit – with an old friend (at least as old as I am) getting water thrown over his head to wash out all the blood and gore from another encounter I’m coming to soon enough and us haring off to other planets and system for unknown reasons (unknown to me at least). Makes me irritable enough to just spit! Anyway, we (Darik, Olivia and myself) were sitting outside the pavilion where we will be sleeping tonight when we heard a very loud report from a gun. Seconds after that shot rang out, the Baron came staggering out from behind a large block of stone. He was covered in blood (not his own we found out shortly afterward). My heart stopped for a moment. I thought for sure that he was gone. It frightens me to think how the death of the Baron would have affected Olivia. Poor, child…she has been through a lot in the past couple of days. I hope she is being to realize that adventures aren’t all that glamorous – in fact I often wish I wasn’t having an adventure.

As I was saying, the Baron was alright, but it turns out his informant was not – turns out he lost his head. Alright, I know it is a bad phrase and cliched by this time, but you gotta stick with the classics. So, anyway, the Baron was trying to get some information – exactly what, I don’t know. If much more happens like this, I will have to put the gentlemanly ways aside and ask him what he is trying to find out. It is very dangerous and I almost feel that we all have a right to know what is going on. It seems that the Baron and Brother Gunderson know what we are about, but the rest of us seem to be in the dark – and if we stay in that state much longer, I’m afraid it will become permanent as we move to our new residence six feet under.

And if this little shock wasn’t enough, the Baron decided to let us know that we now need to find Drake. The same Drake of Drake’s Legion and the Sitting Ducks. Brother Gunderson wasn’t too thrilled with that bit of news, and I can’t say that I blame. This new expedition is likely to end up putting us right in the middle of a war, considering that Drake hires himself out to the highest bidder. Sometimes I think I’m getting too old for this crap.

What a hell of a day! Thinking back, I realize the problem – I neglected to have Brother Gunderson start our journey off with a prayer. I must finally be reaching senility, I never forget something that important! But I did this time and I’m now having serious forebodings about this pilgrimage. However, I do have some hope – we were spared a great slaughter, but the fact that we were ambushed still provides me some great amount of vexation.

The day started out alright – we met at The Gathering, where we joined the rest of the pilgrims and the guides that were to take us to the Gargoyle. There we received the itinerary for the day as well. We were to march until about mid-day, when we would halt for a bit of lunch. Around 11:30a the hand of Providence stretched out and placed a small rock in the boot of the Baron. He wanted us to halt for bit and take a little rest. None of us objected, but I will admit to some misgivings as I saw the last of the pilgrims we were with disappear over the horizon – we had been instructed to stay together, as it would be very easy for us to lose our way and become lost. However, the heat of the day was upon us and I could feel it bearing down on us, and I will admit that in my age, it was nice to stop for a bit. I decided to sit in the shade that was created by our cart (there wasn’t any shade anywhere else). When we finally got underway again, it wasn’t much longer and we spied great columns of thick black smoke and the smell of barbecue. At first we all thought it was barbecue, but the color of smoke did cause some confusion. I thought that the company may have encountered some creature similar to a Rock Dragon (from Galgor), but as we got closer, we realized that the columns were much to wide to be a simple barbecue. Olivia and Darik jogged ahead to get a better picture of what was happening, as the rest of us lumbered along with the burden of the cart.

As we finally caught up with Darik and Olivia it was immediately apparent that Olivia was somewhat distraught. As we surveyed the valley below us, we discovered that our company of pilgrims had been ambushed by 7 men. Six of them were wearing the robes of Inquisitorial servitude and one was an actual Inquisitor. Many of the company were down and there were several large swathes of flames engulfing some of the pilgrims. The six servants had slug throwers that were being used to shoot and corral the pilgrims into submission – it was apparent (even from the distance away that we were) that the guns were slug throwers, as we could hear the pop of the guns, and there were no bolts of light emitting from any of the guns. The Inquisitor, of course, was armed with the flame thrower. Olivia lost her mind, somewhat. She couldn’t stand the sight of these people being injured and immediately wanted to act rashly. I will admit, I wasn’t comfortable seeing what was happening, but I wasn’t comfortable confronting the church so openly either. I looked to the Baron and Brother Gunderson for some direction. While we were discussing what could be the cause of the attack, Olivia became increasingly desperate to do something, mistakenly thinking that this was an adventure. After watching the Inquisitor for a moment, it appeared that they were looking for someone – as he kept looking under hoods removing shrouds. I fear that the Barons visit to Pyre has not gone undetected. We aren’t certain yet, how this was found out, but I’m fairly certain that it was the Baron that the Inquisitor was looking for. With the Baron’s direction and Brother Gunderson not condemning our course of action, I was finally comfortable doing what we had to do.

The battle was over pretty quickly. I opened the battle by taking down the Inquisitor and one of the servants. Darik followed suit and was able to dispatch a servant that appeared to be taking aim from Olivia. I must take a moment to mention that it appears that the Baron has done a good job in picking the guard for Olivia – Darik appears to take his job seriously (much to Olivia’s chagrin and consternation) and the concern I had for her safety has lessened somewhat. The battle went smoothly from that point forward. Between Darik and myself we were able to dispatch the remaining servants, however, it turns out, that the Inquisitor wasn’t quite dispatched.

When Darik went down to make sure that the “enemy” were all taken care of, he took a gout of flame on his arm. The Inquisitor, it turns out was not dead yet. Darik had his hands full, trying to put himself out, and that Inquisitor just kept on trying to fry the poor sod. No sooner had we seen that, but Olivia and myself were charging down the slope to lend support to Darik. In a moment of carelessness, Olivia ran too close to the Inquisitor. My heart stopped for a moment as I realized that the Inquisitor was in a perfect position to unleash fire on her. Luckily, Darik noticed the danger she was in and immediately charged and was able to get her on the ground with himself protecting her as much as possible. While he was busy doing that, I did the only thing I could think of – I shot at the Inquisitor. My concern for Olivia’s safety caused me to just miss the Inquisitor, but fortunately, at that same time, we realized that the Inquisitor had run out of ammunition in his flame thrower. I ran up to the Inquisitor with my gun raised and commanded him to drop his weapon. I will never forget what I saw! The man just stared at me – my gun leveled at his face and he just continued reloading his flame thrower. The fire of fanaticism burning in his eyes turned my blood to ice. He was no longer a man – he was more of an automaton. Realizing he wasn’t going to stop, I squeezed my trigger…and nothing happened. My battery had been expended. I fear I would be a charred and burning body if it weren’t for Darik. While I had been running up to the Inquisitor, apparently Olivia had somehow slipped out from under Darik, and Darik in his duty bound way to save Olivia from harm did all he could think of doing – he attacked the Inquisitor. Not having his gun handy, he took out his String Blade and cleanly cut the Inquisitor down.

Someday I will need to ask Brother Gunderson what he did before he took upon him his Oaths and made his covenants as a man of the cloth. After the skirmish with the Inquisitors he was the one that began moving among the injured and began bounding up the wounds and helping organize the party. His manner and skill was very reminiscent of a Medic in the military. I must say that I’m grateful to have someone with his skills along. It may very well be the Friar that brings us all back alive.

I’m really starting to feel my age. I thank our Father in Heaven for the help that we have and only pray that Olivia realizes that adventures are oft-times more deadly than made out to be in the stories. I fear, however, that I have been one of the culprits that have inspired her to seek adventure. I will some day have to answer at the Judgment Seat for my part in this – and I will condemn myself to the ninth circle of Hell if anything happens to her because of my tales.

At last count – out of the 100 people with us, 22 are uninjured, 43 are seriously injured, 26 are injured, and 9 are dead (all three of our guides are among the dead).

Darik may not be the bore I thought he was. Most of today was spent trying to acquire the supplies necessary for our upcoming pilgrimage. We had to keep a close eye on the merchants, as most of them would rob you blind if you weren’t on your toes. We actually had a merchant try to sell us a push cart for 20 Firebirds! After some serious negotiation we were able to get her to come down to 10 Firebirds – which is still on the steep side if you ask me. I hope we got everything we need – it seems like there is always one thing that we didn’t think about and that usually ends up being the cotter-pin, so to speak, that would have kept everything together.

Back to Darik and his status as a bore – after getting all of our supplies, we went to get a drink. Lady Olivia, being intent on having an adventure, accompanied us. I have to say that I believe she wants to have an adventure that does not inconvenience her overly much, or at least she seems to think that she can choose her adventures – rather than the other way around. In an effort to help expand Olivia’s experiences, and to get the adventure off on the right foot, I ordered three shots of Groot. Groot is probably the most vile substance known to man. The guy that decided to ferment that milk out to be taken out and beaten to within an inch of his life, but I can never let Olivia know I said that, though. Anyway, I ordered the three shots – I took one and downed it (I’m proud to say I handled it very well), Darik took one (he downed it, but for a minute there I was concerned that we were going to see it again, along with the remains of his lunch and breakfast), but Olivia wouldn’t touch hers. She claims to have tasted it, but I don’t she did. Someday I will get her to down a shot of Groot. I’m actually fairly proud of Darik for trying the stuff – he may turn out alright, yet.

All in all, it was a rather successful night – I think I won back most of what we had spent on supplies playing at a few games of Mahjongg. I let the others win the first game while I felt out their strategies, but after that, I took every game. I had to cut the evening short before I made more enemies than friends. When I got up to leave the game, the table was looking pretty ugly, so I had to spend some of my winnings on buying drinks for the table – that seemed to placate them.

Arrived at Pyre.

We arrived at the docking station today and have refueled. We are currently queued up at the jump gate on our way to Pyre. We should be there by tomorrow. I’m a little nervous about leaving Lachesis unattended on Pyre – knowing how the Avestites feel toward aliens and technology, and Brother Gunderson has confirmed my concerns. God willing, the pilgrimage will be uneventful and we will return to the ship finding all in order.

I was unable to find a translator for blix.

Reached the Delphi system today. We now only have one more jump to make before we arrive at Pyre.

Yesterday was rather eventful, but not for the usual reasons. We reached Blue Chicago yesterday and found it abandoned – kind of. The station is in an excellent state of repair. From the outside, one would not guess that it is, for all intents and purposes, a ghost station. We stepped out of the airlock and there was not a soul in sight. As I was checking out the food stores of a restaurant, Darik thought he saw movement down a corridor. We went to investigate, but there was nothing.

I decided we should go to the other ship that was docked at this station – there was only one ship docked, although this station could dock hundreds. I was hoping that we might be able to find some assistance on that ship. En route, we came across something I have only heard stories about – an Askari (a killing golem). It was just standing there in the middle of a common area of the space station. It was in a crouch – as if it was getting ready to wrestle or grapple an opponent. Its fingers were long blades each. Darik investigated it, but it appeared to be out of power, as it didn’t move at all – even when Darik climbed up on its back to see if he could find a power source. While we were moving along, we thought we saw something move down at the bottom of a flight of stairs, so we all hurried down. The only one that saw anything was Lady Olivia (although I didn’t believe her until a short while later). She described seeing something in an air-vent. She described a short little creature – hairy with large eyes and years, only having four fingers and wearing a green jumpsuit. The picture a little green men. It turns out that all kinds of fairy tales are coming to life – Deep Ones and now little green men.

As I mentioned, I didn’t believe Lady Olivia until I actually saw them myself. They were gutting a ship. Actually, they had gutted a ship. We finally made our way to the other ship – or the husk of it was it turned out. The ship was not locked. And the ship had several of the little green men (or Blix as I have taken to calling them) that Lady Olivia described. The only word that I understand from them is ‘blix’. I wish I understood what that word means, but unfortunately, I don’t. They were dismantling the ship – there was very little of it left – mostly just support structure and hull. It will be interesting to see what becomes of that ship when I return there to repay the little green men for their assistance.

By this time, the Baron and Brother Gunderson were getting bored and wanted a drink – and having believed we were all getting snookered, they came to join us. It was at this time that I received one of the biggest shocks of the day – they didn’t see the Askari, it was gone. Immediate panic coursed through me, and I immediately ran back to Lachesis – if anything had happened to her, I would never forgive myself.

When I got back to my airlock, I was horrified to find that the hatch was wide open. Fearing the worst, I ran to the bridge and was relieved to find it empty. I then made my way to the engine room, where I found the Blix repairing the ship. I was still very nervous that they were actually going to dismantle Lachesis that I stayed there with my blaster trained on them, watching them closely, but once I was able to confirm that they were actually repairing the ship, my fears were alleviated.

It turns out, that the Blix are somewhat frightened by the golem we saw on the docking station. I discovered that while I was trying to find out if that thing was on the ship. When I made the same stance as that thing, the Blix were very frightened. I wanted to go and hunt that thing down to repay these little men for their service and assistance, however, the Baron (in whose employ I am currently engaged) wished to get back under sail toward Pyre, so that is what we are doing. I will be back to that station, though to rid it of that menace that frighten the delightful little Blix.

Once the ship was completely repaired, all the Blix that were working on it, except for six, left the ship. The six that remained are accompanying us on our journey, and I must say, that I am very grateful for the good fortune of finding them. They are more adept at repairing this ship than Talbot was. It pains to me to dishonor such a good man in this manner, but I must speak the truth. Would I trade these little creatures to have Talbot back? I’m not sure – but what I wouldn’t give to have Talbot AND these Blix.

We have now made it to the Delphi system and are en route to a docking station to refuel, and I need to see if I can find something to help with translating the blix language – I really need to be able to communicate with them.

We are still heading for Blue Chicago. Still no response from them. I still haven’t been able to figure out the Jump Code for the Jump Gate we came through. If I am unable to figure out which code I need, we may be here for a while. I just hope the Docking Station has an engineer I can hire. It will be extremely difficult to pilot the ship without an engineer.

I’m just trying to keep everyone’s spirits up and not panic. So far, so good.