Rising Shadows

[worldstrider]

SCRAP PARTY

A full load of scrap metal was salvaged and then ceremoniously deposited at Bornholm. It was a token and meant to bolster morale of the Junkers there. They were awed by the ship--as were visiting Corsairs but I think your average Junker was worried that we might take all the scrap. You could hear a sigh of relief when we left.

We were then ordered to enter the anomaly between the twin suns in Omega 15 leading to Omega 41. Flight engineers at Arecibo were divided if there was a danger to us. The length of the hull could easily have extended us into the sun's corona if we missed entry. Fortunately we passed unscathed--though we were extremely careful on approach. We picked up supplies for Crete at Freeport 5 and were able to dock it with relative ease. The 41 and Theta passages were relatively easy to traverse and we arrived safely at Crete.

Once in orbit we passed out the contents of our hold to Corsair ships that were present and then had a Junker vessel ferry artifacts into the hold. This will be our first "sift" of artifacts. Using algorithms developed in working with the Harvesters during the Yanagi Debris Field search, we will catalogue and begin a massive database of known forms and functions of artifacts. In time we can begin to derive operation of some of them...just have to get past Liberty customs.

Well--let the fun begin!

Captain Jack Altreideis

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[worldstrider]

WILDE RIDE

Captain's Log
It's our second ride through Bering and I have to say it is the most difficult system to navigate so far. Fortunately, no authorities scanned us and we returned with the research goods for Puerto Rico intact.

Passing through both Sigma and Rheinland we were engaged by das Wilde pilots in wraiths. In each case, eight wraiths dogged us for quite some distance. If only they knew what we will be up to.

Afterwards we took a load of MOX from Beaumont to Duluth and from there returned some needed engine parts to Puerto Rico. We are about ready for our Gallic tour--though a lot has to be worked out by the Admiral--and these supplies will help finance the research materials to be gathered here. We are on schedule so far and its going well.

I appears our next stop may be Gallia but there is one trade partner we have yet to visit. We may have to schedule one more long run for them.

Captain Jack Altreideis

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[worldstrider]

LIFE IS BUT A DREAM

Captain's Log
I hear there was heated debate about our recent cargo. The high-ups in the various guards factions went back and forth over ethics and rights and the lot. In the end, the Admiral put his fist down and explained that it wasn't a question if "guards" should tell regular Junkers how they should do business. It was the guards job to represent their interests. He stated for the record that it was not the result of his own personal choice but in choosing to allow Junker freedoms with equality until Junkers themselves decide to change them.

So we hauled a load of 25,000 slaves to Malta. I can't say I looked forward to it but I simply server and it wasn't my call. It's a job. The quartermaster for the load--a Gallic fellow named Adelei Niska, oversaw the loading and told me that he had been commissioned to confine the cargo selection only from criminal and combat prisoners--no children or families. So as it stand right now, there isn't a single Xeno, Hogosha or Bounty Hunter in lockup at a single Junker base anywhere. They got what they deserved.

The real coupe was that we gifted more than half the slaves to the care of the Outcast fleet there--gratis. They were stunned. At first there was the usual outcast indifference and, "What do we care Junker?"...*chuckle*...then there was, "WHAT IS THAT!? IT'S HUGE!". When they then realized the cargo and that we we giving it to them for nothing they mobilized every Outcast ship in every nearby system to haul them down. We had sabres, battleships, freighters and bombers carrying down slaves.

I felt a little bad--one of their recruits, Valtur--had asked where we got the ship (he had seen us in Tau 31). I was a bit tired from a long flight and after being chased by KNF forces for over ninety-four kilometers straight wasn't the most patient. this greenhorn kept crashing our coms wanting an answer so I snapped at him, "In the secret base by the sun there." Seems he took me seriously and flew right into the corona. I've never seen the bridge crew laugh so hard. When we did arrive in Malta, guess who was there? Yep, the lucky dog Valtur got rescued by an Outcast fighter in the system and actually beat us to Malta. We told him no hard feelings and comped him for his loss. He was grinning ear-to-ear--when he wasn't blushing. I'm sure he is going to be one well known fellow now. Th Admiral is even considering a civilian "attaboy" type award and is thinking of calling it "The Order of Valtur". Gotta love being a Junker sometimes.

Unfortunately, in our running gunfight with the Kusari navy fighters, we accidentally tanked some Kishiro ships. No way we can go to Kusari so some bribes are gonna have to go down when we return to Liberty. Don't want them spreading the word there that we are pirates or anything.

So the cargo was delivered in what can be described as a great diplomatic success and we brought some of "Malta's finest" back with us and left it with a local Junker distributor. Outcast pilots will have no problem keeping their card up now for awhile in Liberty and they have a heck of a bigger labor force to harvest it with now too. We made another round trip afterwards to Duluth as we are still trying to work out a consistent dock approach there. It's a damned tough base to seal the cargo hold to. I am told after the Gallia trip, I'll be given my new command. I hate to say it but this damned mobile planet has grown on me. I'm gonna miss it.

Captain Jack Altreideis, Out.

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[Junker]

**IN THE NEWS TODAY**

The Junker Congress battleship, the Tannhauser Gate, was officially decommissioned at Vieques Shipyard in Puerto Rico. The current Congress Arbiter gave a speech noting the prestige and morale building the ship brought to Junkers and how it forced the houses in Sirius to re-evaluate Junker capabilities.

"With new ships such as the "barge" being constructed in Junker shipyards, the point has been made", the Arbiter said, "..and now it is time to move on to a more peaceful seeming commerce with all of Sirius."

When asked by JNN what would become of the battleship, we were told by the Arbiter's staff that it had been authorized for sale to a private Junker firm--the Junker Security Force--and that this was done with the full approval of founder and former Arbiter Vladimir Tinkerbell--now a retired Congressman and independent Junker diplomat to Gallia. Ambassador Tinkerbell was the one who conceived and organized the original refabrication process of the ship which was a wonder in its day...though now today it is seen as more of a political liability.

The barge--in contrast--could literally carry the old Tannhauser Gate within its hold with room remaining for another. It does indeed seem a glorious new age of trade has arrived just in time for our reunion with Gallic brothers and sisters and that trade and profit will lead the way.

**END FEED*

[worldstrider]

SHADOW RISING

Personal Log
A political battle has begun over the deployment of the Tannhauser Gate to collect Nomad specimen's outside of Puerto Rico system. Many Junkers are concerned at the response from elsewhere in Sirius at possible sightings of it and we have decided to simply let it remain with the Congress--and eat the financial loss. The Admiral did have a consolation prize for us--the last of his personally-owned Rheinland "pirate" cruisers. Of the original four, only the one remains. Purchased at Bornholm, it's the very ship that ferried the Red Hessian engineers to Puerto Rico for construction on the Tannhauser. It has been commisioned as JSF Mistral Wind. It will spearhead Nomad and Wild collection efforts throughout Sirius until...another classified project is completed. It seems it requires a legal teaml now to equip a covert force. Still, the way has been cleared. Once we recoup the losses.

Today the Mistral Wind was able to contact the leader of a newly emerging Kusari Dragon group and arrange for a joint operations and support agreement. the details are still being fully written up but it will give us an eye on Tohoku--as well as Kusari. Guess the barge trip there has really paid off.

What is amazing to me is how loudly Ambassador Tinkerbell sounded the alarm regarding the Wild and Nomads and he was completly marginilized and ignored. Yet now we hear the centuries longabandoned Tekagi's fortress is fully occcupied by Wild and the Zoners are on the verge of open war with the Keepers--vanguard of the Nomad military effort.

Yet Sirius cintinues with a yawn and business as usual. Thank the Maker for people of insight willing to take the heat. We' would be lost without them. That's what the Shadow Fleet is...people who will take the heat so others aren't lost. the chips will fall where they may, but we will go down as visionaries and heroes. if I have to go, I can't think of a better way.

Captain Jack Altreideis, JSF Mistral Wind

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[Syndic]

NEW, OLD BLOOD

Change of Command Ceremony
I am Adelei Niska. I do not prefer title...it is unseemly. Like a boast. A man must be represented by his reputation and reputation comes from not title but deeds, yes? Still, I am the new administrator of the "barge". Ambassador Tinkerbell asked me to take the position and I was not so certain. Yes--he has deeds and reputation but this ship--so many troubles it could have. Last night it was passing Rheinland with a skeleton crew aboard and much valuable cargo. Some vigilante Rheinlanders pursued it almost into the sun's corona. Such a waste and with valuable cargo gone too. Fortunately, the new hull allowed it to survive close passage to star and Kreuzberg Depot crews were able to bring back for refitting and repair. Law enforcement simply saw ship "fall into sun". At least some good was had of incident. Niska will be dealing with foolish vigilantes soon. Then they will se such deeds bring consequence. Oh, I think they not like this but that is the way of the universe.

I can not allow such things to happen on my watch. I have reputation to keep. I also have reputation for dealing with those who come here. Those who...shall we say..are not true friends of the Junkers? The will learn of Niska's reputation too. I do not think they will like it. But oh!, they will know it...yesss! So we begin now. The barge is not yet ready for full installation of research goods and I am told its supply ship had engine malfunction while attacked by twelve Nomad ships. Such a loss. Several of Nomad "great brains" were destroyed. These things are not so good...but Niska will fix them. Yes.

If it is not already known to you, crew here will have Gallic Junkers too. I am Gallic Junker who lived in Sirius many years before others knew of it. Now I serve Junkers in both places. We will learn of one another here yes? We will because Niska has asked you to. I know it will be done now and all is good for us. Now we go to work. Dismissed!

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[Syndic]

MOVEMENTS

It has been some time since my last formal posting. Many things have been moving here! I have had to return..home...in past week and so this report was somewhate delayed--I am sure it is understood. Most exciting times now! A key asset is in place and soon we will begin to fill this facility with the things for which it is intended. Even better, we have new allies and are about to make big political excitment. All very good!

Two weeks back we were disabled near Planet Harris while carrying goods to Kusari allies. Not so good what SCRA has done and it has made them have very bad reputation with many Junkers. I think they will find bases do not welcome them so much and that we will not bother much with "conversations" in future either. It is regrettable that these atavists--you know the word? Means, "throwbacks"--can not let go of past which caused so much waste. They spout vain ideals of freedom but their reputation speaks that they seek control only for themselves. They think to be "good tyrants". So foolish. It is no wonder they lack so much in resources and support. Perhaps later we will cause them more trouble--no? Niska is patient and I will wait with smile. The time will come. I hope soon to have some of their fellows here for our special research. I will attend to such myself personally. Then we will see the true face of these men. I am sure it will be disappointing but it will still satisfy...and in the end, they will help Junkers. It is fitting!

Now we will be in Puerto Rico for some time and I give men opportunity to ready all for fitting of research bays and equipment. Most exciting! I will miss grace of vessel in space but here is good work to be done!
*Niska out*

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[Junker]

**IN THE NEWS TODAY**

We had last reported here in Puerto Rico on the decomissioning of the Tannhauser Gate and how it signified the end of an era. Imagine the surpprise in Puerto Rico when Ambassador Vladimir Tinkerbell pulled into dock at the helm of a Zoner Aquilon carrier. Already the stations are abuzz with heated arguing and while it is reported that no one aside from the Zoners is yet aware of the transfer, word will undoubtedly quickly spread--and with it the usual hot controversy.

Ambassador Tinkerbellassured Puerto Rican Junkers today in a liver interview that the vessel would be used in peaceful, diplomatic pursuits and to assist Yanagi in resisting and throwing back the increasing Wild attacks. He also added that the vessel would pursue Gallic diplomacy at a much more aggresive pace and would be a key source of material supplies needed for the Junker Alien Warfare Support ship, the Lexx.

No word yet on what prompted "Chairmen Mal" to authroize this stunning agreement but you can be sure where Zoners are involved--there is an advantage to be gained. No word yet either on how the Order feels about Ambassador Tinkerbell's anti-alien efforts--though encounters with their ships so far have been terse and suspicious.

We as all Junkers, sit back and wonder, "What will this surprising Junker do next?" At seventy years of age, he shows no sign of slowing down. No doubt Hogosha, Farmers and Xenos are going to have some intersting things to ponder soon. We'll report as things develop.

**END FEED*