So… we got a new ship! But, before that, we were trying to get the Rambler fixed up. Lexx went off to return our undeliverable shipment, and was able to get 1000 credits for just our sensor logs– perhaps they will not only believe us, but try to stay clear of that system. I suspect they will keep at it though. But, no longer our problem. Our problem was a rather large hole, barely patched well enough to get the Rambler back to Khefak Station. That, and all those tablets we liberated prior to the Corpse Fleet arriving at that Osiris Station. So, we contacted the Stewards, who promised to send someone to meet us within the week. They were as good as their word and managed to get here in two days.
After going over the info on the tablets, and taking a look at our hull (and trying to ignore I-9 zipping through our meeting room with what looked like a dripping copper pipe that had already been in use, and Brock asking if we needed the three human Stewards removed from the ship), the head Steward Deputy Venn asked us to join the Stewards. We declined after listening to the requirements, but offered to help them from time to time, but as our own crew– like spies! They needed a ship to go back to that system and see what was happening on L476. We were the obvious choice for such a mission, but, sadly, the Rambler would need three weeks to be fixed up, minimum, and would likely be recognized by the Corpse Fleet. Of course, the obvious solution was a new ship! And not only did they give us a new ship (to keep!), they gave us 8000 credits to get anything we needed that wasn’t on the new ship! It’s a lovely thing: Vagabond-class Medium explorer with nearly everything we’d had on our Rambler wishlist and then some. But it’s bigger. And they let us name it. We’re now moving our stuff from the Rambler to P.W.S. Please Don’t Shoot Us. They even helped Brock move himself from one ship to the other. I’m glad– he and I-9 seem good for Widget, if that makes sense.
Even if the rumors that they somehow built a casino inside the hull of the Rambler were true. Just shows what good engineers they are!
Oh, anyway, we’re shopping quickly, while Rennie is cunningly disguising a few of his station crew who look like us to be hanging around on the Rambler for a few days while the hull does get finished. I’m not sure if the Stewards paid them, but I suspect they did, or at least, they got the old Rambler out of the deal. Maybe it will be used as a loaner!
Addendum
I see the transponder on the Rambler is now saying “Widget’s Party Wagon.” I don’t think he did it– I’m guessing it was, well, pretty much anyone at this point.