The aliens have just seen a spacecraft appear out of nothing. It does not appear to have any type of drive they are familiar with, and it has a very powerful fusion reactor on board.

Both groups of aliens are a little afraid, but they are also eager to meet with these mysterious aliens and to learn their secrets. Both groups are especially eager that the ship and its inhabitant not fall into the hands of the other side. However, while they are both proud and competitive, the Xatha are somewhat less warlike than humans. Tempers will flare and threats will he made, but actual combat is unlikely unless precipitated by the PCs.

Meetings and Negotiations

As the ships draw near, radio traffic will increase. Each group will ask the PCs to meet only with them. If the PCs wish, they can listen in on Communications between the two ships. Tensions appear high and both sides appear to be trying to persuade the other that they are the only group entitled to contact the spacecraft. When talking to the PCs, both group of Xatha will promise aid and commerce and attempt to persuade the PCs that the other side is devious and untrustworthy.

The ship from the moon-base will arrive around 30 minutes before the ship from the planet. The PCs are free t( meet with both groups or only one. Both factions will ask that the PCs negotiate only with them; in addition, the Xatha from the moon-base will claim exclusive trade rights since they arrived first. However, it is wholly up to the PCs which group they meet with.

Remember, up until this time, neither group has ever actually seen the other. Build some suspense with this. Analysis of the atmosphere of the planet below has shown that the Xatha's atmosphere is safe to breathe. When the ships dock, the Xatha ship extends a extensible plastic corridor to connect the two airlocks. The Xatha who arrive are wearing pressure suits, but their basic appearance is quite obvious.

The Xatha: The Xatha are six-limbed, bipedal carnivores, 1.5 m tall who weigh about 50 kg. They have a forwardleaning posture, balanced by a long flexible tail. They measure around 2.5 meters from the top of their heads to the tip of their tail. They are covered everywhere except their hands, feet and face with a thick, plush coat of white fur. Their faces, hands, and feet are black and appear to be covered with fine scales. They have moderately long muzzles with many sharp teeth, as well as long, sharp claws on their feet. The Xatha have two legs, and four slender arms. In essence, they look like small, Slender, four-armed dinosaurs covered with a coat of white fur.

If the PCs meet with one group, the other ship will move a short distance off. If negotiations with the other side appear to be going well, this ship second will return home, unless the PCs agree to meet with them later. If the PCs choose to meet with both groups at once, both leaders will openly protest, and the PCs will have to deal with frequent arguments during the negotiations.

To conduct successful negotiations with both parties present:

Difficult: Diplomacy, Int, Variable Time

From here, the scenario can go in many directions. Both sides (individually) are willing to build drop tanks for the ship and to have them ready within two weeks. In exchange, both sides want access to as much technological information as possible; information about fusion reactors, jump drives, gravity control, and thrusters is especially desirable. If the PCs are interested, both groups of Xatha are also willing to engage in trade; biological products and other materials in exchange for the PCs cargo of gravitic or fusion components that the ship is carrying. If the PCs show it to them, their airraft will also be of interest to the Xatha.

Far From Home Sci-Fi Traveller Adventure

Introduction
Referee's Guide to the Xatha
The Awe Factor
The Conflict
Rescues and Solutions
NPCs