8 · LANDER BAY EXIT 3
Far aft, behind the crew's bunks. Two blunt hexagonal cans on drop clamps, smelling of scorched ceramic and mud that isn't from this planet.
◆ 2 mudhoppers (Surface Transfer Modules) — in-system craft: one burn, one destination, no second try. The mining planet (arrive off the books) or Freeport (independent commerce world). Never another star.
◆ Drop clamps — release from the Bridge, or with breaching charges from the Cargo Holds through the sealed freight door.
▲ The only normal door is through the crew's quarters — thirty scared armed people between you and the hoppers, and they'll remember your face at the audit.
▲ Launching without drop authorization means an unguided ballistic entry: Piloting 🟪🟪🟪 or arrive like a thrown rock. (Deserting in a hopper rates a report, not a chase.)
Likely moves
- Get in: through the crew deck (talk/sneak — see that room), or breach the freight door from cargo (Mechanics 🟪🟪 to rig charges; LOUD — every ear on the ship).
- Release the clamps: Bridge authorization, or charges on the clamps themselves.
- Fly it — Piloting 🟪🟪 with authorization, 🟪🟪🟪 without.
- Prep a hopper quietly — Mechanics 🟪🟪; supplies help (O2, rations from the cage).