Follow the Landlocked Commodore into his office

”I’d offer refreshments,” says the Landlocked Commodore as he motions you to sit, ”but the Doll is out, and my Ensign is – well you met her.” He takes his place behind his desk, across from your leather chair, and points at the wall behind you.

Flags and weapons adorn the naked stone all the way to the door, interspersed with official papers behind glass. His commission, a diploma from Heron, and some you cannot read. The room beyond is quiet.

”She’s even lazier than the usual hedonists they send,” he complains. ”Nice ass, but...” He forms a V with two fingers, uses his tongue to complete the gesture, and shrugs. ”Against regulations anyway. Though her ass’d be almost worth the court-martial. {if Connected: The Experimental Ensign = 2}" He pauses. ”And I don’t know if she thinks you’ve got a pussy or what, but fuck the Saints, First Officer, you just might tap that. {endif} But enough about her. To business?”

You shrug. The Experimental Ensign has given an adequate explanation, and she even seems willing to help. But you do ask him to confirm the numbers.

”30 Talers, that’s right. Fuck the Saints, First Officer, it’s not like her to do – well – anything. {if Connected: The Experimental Ensign = 2} And you’re sure you haven’t got a cunt?” He laughs. ” {else}” He shrugs. ”{endif}Well, that’s sorted then.”

{if Connected: The Landlocked Commodore = 2}The Landlocked Commodore produces a bottle of Grain Whisky and two glasses from inside his desk. He fills both and offers you one. ”To success,” he says, raising his. ”In all your endeavours.”

You can drink to that.

”Mine is a lonely post,” he says, ”marooned with pencil pushers and incompetents. It is rare for me to meet anybody interesting. And your generosity is not forgotten.” He pauses and drinks. ”I have a box at the opera. Good seats, refreshments included. Send a note whenever the thought appeals. My calendar is often empty, and you have proven an excellent chaperone for the rare times it is not.”

You give a polite answer and empty your glass.

”Be seeing you, First Officer,” he says and rises to shake your hand. ”Always a pleasure.”

{else} He rises to shake your hand. ”I look forward to your report.” {endif}

Some time has passed.

{if The Passage of Time > 95} Your Time in Barenhaven is running out {elseif The Passage of Time > 80} Your Time in Barenhaven is coming to a close {elseif The Passage of Time > 60} You have some Time left in Barenhaven {elseif The Passage of Time > 50} Your Time in Barenhaven is half-way over {elseif The Passage of Time > 30} You have quite some Time left to spend in Barenhaven {elseif The Passage of Time > 15} You have a lot of Time left to spend in Barenhaven {elseif The Passage of Time > 5} Your Time in Barehaven has just begun {else} You are now spending Time in Barenhaven {endif}

{if Connected: The Experimental Ensign = 2} The Experimental Ensign awaits you outside. She hovers by the door, her back pressed against the wall. ”Have fun?” she asks, as if proud of her snooping. ”This is for you.”

You take the note, her hands hot against yours, and offer her a polite goodbye. She smiles and returns to her desk, and her whispered reply only reaches you as you close the door.

”A pleasure.”

You read the note on the cab-ride back. It contains an address, her address, outlined by an imprint of her lips.

{else} The Experimental Ensign flees back to her desk, smiling as if you had not just caught her snooping. She answers your polite goodbye with a cheery wave and a snappy salute. {endif}