Alaric Schulze - Freelancer

[SigCorps]

Alaric hit the comm. unit on the door and waited for the response.

Hello? Came the reply inside. It was his sister Kaytlyn.

Hey sis. Open up its me Alaric.

O my gosh, yeah sure hold on.

The door slid open and Kaytlyn gave him a big hug.

What happened? What are you doing back so soon?

Well I am on my way to Omicron-74 and decided to stop in for the night. I ran escort for Domingo on his route back from Cambridge.

So you got your ship huh, which one?

Ravens Talon. Sweet ship Dad should invest in a few. They really get the job done nice. Also a bit better for long operations then the Eagle.

Sweet can I go see it?
Sure Ill take ya down to the dock to see her. She is the Traveler.

Cool, drop your bags in the spare room and lets go. I can not wait to see Dads and Mothers faces.

Alaric stowed his bag in his parents quest room and followed his sister out the door. Thy made their way down to their folks loading bay and saw Domingo supervising the unloading of the Ironsides. Porters and dock workers were quickly maneuvering loaders in and out of the transport and sorting the product according to orders. His dad stood close by with his clip board in hand watching it all and checking items of his master list.

So Domingo, who is this Freelancer who ran escort for you. Why did you not use one of our boys His dad asked.

Well amigo, he was there and none of ours boys were. Replied Domingo seeing Alaric over his fathers shoulder. Besides ask that Freelancer yourself hes behind you.

His dad turned and spotted Alaric walking his way and got a surprised look on his face
What are you doing back? That was you in the Ravens Talon.?

Yup that she is. The Traveler is all mine. Im on my way to Omicron-74 and was headed this way anyhow when I ran into Domingo at Cambridge. Decided to tag along and stop by for the night. Alaric returned

Well good to see you son, and thanks for helping Domingo out. That was an important shipment. Said the older Schulze giving his son a hug. So how are things going, and Freelancer huh. Why that?

Well, I figured it was a way to avoid any stereo types while I go about seeing Sirius. So I decided the best way was to be a Freelancer. This way I can go and work for who I choose to. Said Alaric

Well ok. So your just stopping in huh. Omicron-74. What is out there? ask his dad

Well top end gear for starters and lots of unexplored space. I still need a few things to finish up the equipment I want for Traveler. I may be a Freelancer, but I still have good ties with the Zoners

Well you should, considering where you came from. Well good. Let me finish up here and call in the folks whos stuff came in and Ill meet you back at the rooms for dinner. Also go see your mother, she has been worried about you. Said Jonas

She is next on the list to see. She at the office?

Yes said Jonas
Cool thanks. See you at dinner. Come on Kaytlyn, we will swing by the docking bay to see the Traveler after seeing mom.

Alaric left with his sister and headed to the family offices. Entering the office he saw his mother on the comm. unit talking with some customer and waited to catch her attention. She finished her call and looked up to see who had come in.

Alaric! Your home! she said as she jumped from her chair and ran over to hug him. I was so worried about you. Whats going on? Are you in trouble?

Take it easy mom, everything is fine. Im just stopping overnight one my way through to Omicron-74.

So you got your ship right?

Yes Traveler is down at the docking bay. I was going to take Kaytlyn down to see her next.

Kaytlyn beamed with excitement. Want to come mom, He bought a Ravens Talon.

Sure, Crista watch the office for a bit. Said his mom to the office assistant. Grabbing her jacket the three of them headed for the door.

The halls of the station were busy with folks going to and from work after lunch. Thats the one thing that could really mess you up traveling all around. Different stations and planets all worked on different times. In some cases even stations within the same system could be different. As they got closer to the docking bays more folks moved back and forth moving loads of goods to storage bays and making deliveries. It was amazing the amount of goods that moved through Freeport five. Since Omega-41 was a junction system, tied to several major political zones, a lot of folk came here for goods and services. Traders from Rheinland dropped of much needed manufactured goods that were bought and sold to the Zoners, Corsairs and Hessians and vice versa. Being neutral ground and relatively tax free station had its advantages.

Docking berth fifty five was tucked out of the way and Alaric smiled when he came to stand in front of his ship. His mother whistled lowly in admiration and his sister giggled with delight. Opening up the hatch Alaric showed them inside. After a quick tour they left to head back to the office.

So what did you think of her? Alaric asked

She is a nice ship. I am glad to see that you found something you like and that will server well to protect you. Replied is mother

Its so neat Alaric. Your so lucky. Said his sister

Well thanks sis. She handles like a dream. Her power plant handles the guns I run good too.

After work he parents met him back at their rooms for dinner. A nice bit of noodles with some imported meat and fresh bread. As they sat around the table his dad looked over to him and said

Ravens Talon. Well that is a good ship. Care to her to me?

Sure dad. Now?

Well when are you leaving?

In the morning. First thing.

Well how about now then.

Alaric nodded and started clearing his plate.

Ill get that you boys go have fun. Said his mother

Alaric and Jonas walked down to the docks where the second shift of workers were still unloading a few trade vessels. Alaric showed his dad over to the berth and his dad stood there and admired the Traveler.

Shes got nice lines Ill give you that. How she handle?

Excellent, easily comparable to the Eagle. She has a slightly lower profile though and as you know that can make a difference. Power plant is great to.

Whats the load out you have on her?

Well I have twin improved debilitators and four Furry fives. Also a mini razor. I have to pick up a better thruster on primus yet. Looking for an enhanced. Then the Guard station in Omicron-74 has the class ten shields I want to mount on her. After that shell be ready.

Not to bad. Now your headed to Primus. Thats Nomad territory. I would go to Omicron-74 first to get the shield upgrade first. This way if you have to tangle with those bastards your better off. Their guns will chew up shields fast. How you getting there?

Well I was going to cut through Gamma.

Well ok. We make runs there on occasion to the Freeport in Theta. Stay away from Crete and the major patrol routs and you should be fine.

My rep with the Corsairs is ok. At least they are not mad at me of anything that I know of.

Thats all well and good, but you know that does not mean they will not harass you for being in their home system.

Got it dad, Ill be careful. Want to see the inside?

Sure

Alaric popped the hatch and led his father in. He showed him the small cargo bay and living area. His father commented that he at least had a sleeping and cooking area. He did like the cockpit. The sunken main chair with its wrap around consoles was nice. He also noted the second seat.

Its for a navigator mainly. Those screens are programmable. I have them set up for the radar, scanner and nav maps. This one is the rear gunner camera.

Good deal. Not to bad an idea to find someone to fill this seat.

Yeah the thought has crossed my mind. Although I plan to operate mainly in house space, so I should be ok by myself.

Shes a good ship son. Im proud of your choice.

Thanks dad, that means a lot to me.

Well lets get on back home so you can get some rest. Youll have a long day tomorrow.

Jonas waited while Alaric buttoned up the ship and stopped by the dock masters office to order a fuel tender to top of Travelers tanks. They told him it would be done tonight. Alaric thanked the assistant dock master and headed off with his dad.

The next morning, after saying goodbye to his family, Alaric tossed his bag into his onboard berth and went to settle up for the fuel. After paying the dock master he bid him goodbye till the next time he came through and went back to the Traveler. Entering his cockpit he found a data pad and a note on his seat. It was a note from his father saying the data pad was a copy of his personal nav maps that he had accumulated over the years. Smiling Alaric pocketed the data pad and began his start up procedures. Firing up the power plant and bring the engine online he radioed dock control.

Freeport five Dock control, This is the Freelancer fighter Traveler requesting permission to depart.

Traveler, the way is clear. Inner doors opening, Good flying Freelancer.

Thanks Control.

Alaric backed the ship out of its berth and slowly turned her about. Slowly he increased speed to move Traveler to the inner doors. Once opened he moved through into the huge airlock. He waited a bit for the air handlers to remove the air form the airlock and the out doors to open. Once they were fully opened he move Traveler out into space.

Alaric targeted the jump hole to Omicron Gamma and engaged his cruise engines. The trip was short and soon he was being shot through the wormhole. Arriving in the asteroid field at the other end he plotted a course out. His radar showed weapon platforms surrounding the hole and he did not want them to decide to target him.

He popped out of the field and stopped the ship to get his bearings. His long range scanner show a planet up ahead and he compared it to some charts and saw it should be the uninhabited one in this system since Crete was no where near the jump hole. He was just plotting his course past it and over to where he thought the Theta jump hole should be when his comm. unit squawked.

Freelancer ship. This is Corsair patrol Delta. State your business.

Patrol Delta, This is the Freelancer ship Traveler. I am headed to Omicron Theta and from there onto Omicron-74.

What business do you have in Omicron-74? Thats the Zoner guard system.

Picking up parts. My family are Zoners

Well OK. You IFF is a new one so we wanted to check you out. Keep out of trouble and stay away from Crete for now.

Roger. Ill be coming back through later to head to Kappa. I also need to stop at Primus.

Roger. Well register your IFF with the system, so other patrols will be able to ID you. Just make sure you stay out of trouble.

Understood Delta.

The Corsair ships turned slowly and departed, continuing on their patrol. Alaric hit the cruise engines and sent his ship moving through space towards his first way point.
Soon his ship was entering a dense cloud and ice field. Sensor efficiency went to hell and it took him forever to find the dang jump hole to Theta. Making sure it was now on is nav map he made the jump to Omicron Theta.

The jump hole to Omicron-74 came up on his scanner right off, after exiting from the jump hole. Alaric targeted it with the nav screen and brought his engine up and started to move. His scanner also detected a station close by. Checking is offline maps he found out it was Freeport nine. Alaric made a note of that and told himself he would have to stop in.
Omicron-74 came into view after exiting the jump hole. He could see several ice clouds in the distance and a few planets. The station he was looking for was only a few clicks away straight ahead.

Station Control. This is the Freelancer fighter Traveler. Requesting permission to dock.

Freelancer. State your business. Replied the station.


Im here to pick up some ships equipment. Im out of Freeport five. As he watched the station guns move to track him.

One minute Freelancer.

Alaric held his position in space while Control verified his claim.

Freelancer use dock four, berth twelve.

Roger Control.

Alaric brought his ship over to door four and waited for it to open. Once it was open he piloted the Traveler through into the airlock, then into the hanger and found the empty berth. Disembarking he found the dock master and asked for a refuel. Then asked the location of the ships equipment dealer. Getting directions he was soon in their office.

And what can we do for you sir?

Well I wanted to get a class ten graviton shield for heavy fighters.

May I see your ID please.

Sure Said Alaric handing it over.

The salesman scanned it and smiled. Ahh your one of the Schulzes. Your father does a lot of business with us. Glad to be of service.

Oh OK. Great.

Class ten shield. Not a problem we have those in stock and we can have a crew down today to install it. It will take the rest of the day though. Will that be ok?

Yeah thats fine. Been a long day anyhow. That trip through Gamma is long.

Yes it is. OK what ship and berth.

Berth twelve in dock four. The Traveler. Shes a Ravens Talon.

OK excellent well dispatch a crew within the hour. Can we do anything else for you?

No. Not unless you have any enhanced thrusters around.

Sorry no. Not here but let me check the network. Said the salesman tapping on his console. After a minute he said Seems the dealer on Primus has some. Shall I put on on reserve for you.

Yes please. Is it true they are sentient monkeys on Pirmus? I have never been there.

Yes it is. They are a good bunch though. Fell into the Zoner way with ease.

OK well thanks. Oh here is the payment. Said Alaric passing over his Credit card.

Ahh yes thank you. The crew should be there shortly.

Excellent Im on my way back to the berth now.

Alaric arrived back at his ship and opened the cargo bay. He then started to run system checks on his systems. No point in taking a chance where he was headed next. Soon after he started the installation crew showed up and he showed them the current shield generator and its external emitters. They went to work and he went back to running system checks and updating his nav maps from the data pad he got from his father. After several hours of work, Alaric took a break and put a call into a station restaurant for a food delivery. He also placed and order for a case of the local ale and some ships rations.

He ate is food in the cargo hold and set about getting the extra supplies stowed. The installation crew came to him and said they were ready for testing. Alaric bought the landing systems up online and notified the dock master of the test. Setting the ship to hover he brought the new shield generator online. He popped on his headset and flipped his communicator to the local net.

OK. All systems reading green up here. Alaric reported

So far so good. Hey Bobby check the setting for emitter number five. There is a slight power fluctuation in the port aft section. The technician said.

OK. Got it. How is it now?

Good. Now run the stress test.

OK. Launching program.

They ran tests for the better part of two hours. They adjust this and tweaked that. By the end the shields were set and ready to go. Alaric shut down the generator and settled the ship back onto the landing platform. He thanked the crew and tipped them a few hundred credits. He then shut down the main power and locked down the cargo bay and the main hatch. Settling into his bunk he drifted off to sleep.


His alarm woke him at five am local time and Alaric started his coffee and grabbed a bit to eat out of his stores. After that he showed on board and changed into a clean flight suit.
He cleaned up his dished, filled his coffee mug and went up to the cockpit. Settling down into his seat and slipped on his harness. Donning his headset he radioed control.

Control this is the Freelancer fighter Traveler. Requesting permission to leave station.

Freelancer fighter Traveler. Permission granted. Inner door opening. Good flying Freelancer.

Thanks Control.

Once the ship was outside the station Alaric headed for the jump hole and entered. Back in Gamma, Alaric headed for the point his father said the Kappa jump hole would be. He flew through the ice field. Radar ghosts from the ice asteroids kept popping up and had Alaric on edge. He knew he was close when he started seeing the wrecks of Corsair fighters. During the Nomad wars this was one of their many entry point into occupied space. The Corsairs fought many battles in this ice field trying to stem the tide of alien invaders.

A radiation warning beeped on one of his secondary screens. I must be getting close he though. Skirting around the wreck of a Corsair Titan he saw the jump hold up ahead, right where his dad said it would be. He locked in the information to his nav map and made for the hole.

Omicron Kappa was a very odd system. An field with large spike covered asteroids greeted him. He could only imaging the damage they could cause a ship. His long range sensors detected two planets. The farther one he knew to be Primus. Setting a course he engaged his cruise engines.

Slipping to and fro around the odds asteroids his radar beeped at him. He saw a small pack of ships chasing a larger contact. Alaric changed his course to intercept. As he got closer he saw it was a Zoner advanced train cargo transport being attacked by a foursome of odd looking smaller craft.

Dart shaped, they glowed blue under the orange light of the systems main star. Purple light lanced from the smaller vessels was quickly bringing down the shields of the transport. Alaric flew to with in five clicks and dropped out of cruise and brought his guns online.

Zoner Transport, This is the Freelancer fighter Traveler. Coming around behind these bastards. Once I engage try and get clear.

Oh thank you. Roger we copy get here fast. They knocked out the cruise engines. We are trying to start them but there is a problem.

Just get clear. I will try to buy you some time. Get to Primus if you can.

Alaric slid in behind the trailing vessel and let fly with a full volley of his guns. The smaller craft crumpled under the full onslaught of his guns. It tore to pieces and became bit of flotsam. The rest of the fighters broke left and right to counter this new threat. Alaric targeted the nearest and fire off his Debs and Furry guns. The little ship dodged left and right allowing only a few of the shots to hit.

Maneuverable little buggers. He said What are these dang things? He asked over the comms.

Nomad light fighters. Theyre fast watch it. Replied the transport.

Yeah no kidding. Said Alaric as he lined up behind his target. Another volley and he scored some hull hits and the silly thing turned and headed right for him. Its guns spat purple energy. His shields shuttered and held as he unleashed his mini razor right into its front. The large energy bolt from the cannon ripped right through the second ship and it blasted into pieces.

He swapped to a new target and saw that they were retreating. They engaged what must have been their cruise engines and fled the area. Alaric slowed and watched them go. Then he glanced down at his scanner and saw that there were what appeared to be two guns floating in the wreckage. Hitting is tractor beams he brought them on board and then saw what must have been escape pods. Targeting them he fire a volley from his Furrys into them turning them to atoms.

He caught up to the transport and got into an escort formation as they headed for Primus.

Thank you so much. We though we were done for. They caught us coming out of the Delta jump hole and damaged our cruise engines before we could get away. We have been trying to escape on thrusters. Said the transport

Not a problem. Glad to help. Lets get you to Primus so you can have your systems fixed. Ill follow you in.

The planted Primus came into view and they headed for it. The transport headed for the mooring berth and Alaric made for the docking ring.

Planet Primus Control, this is the Freelancer fighter Traveler. Requesting permission to land.
Traveler we have you on our screens and grant you permission. Take a three five zero vector and land on pad twenty two. Replied control in a very educated type acent

Roger control. Three five zero vector and pad twenty two.

Alaric lined up with the docking ring and waited for it to open.

Hey Freelancer Well meet you planet side. We need to talk. Said the Zoner transport.

OK. Where should I meet you?

At the equipment deal is where we will be getting set up for repairs.

Cool headed there myself. Meet ya there. Traveler out.

The docking ring grabbed Traveler and gently through itself and then into the atmosphere. Taking the proper vector he found the beacon for pad twenty two and guided her down. Traveler settled down on the pad and Alaric shut her down. Exiting the hatch he stopped short as he saw the ground crew. What can only be described as old earth chimpanzees walking upright like humans and wearing clothing was what he saw. They nodded to him as he walked out of the ship.

Good day sir. Do you need ot make a fuel order? Said one of the crew.

Uh, yeah. That would be great. Said Alaric

First time on Primus I take it? Said the other

That obvious is it. Sorry did not mean to react that way.

No worried we get it all the time. We are used to it. Imagine how we felt when we fisrt encountered you folk.

Well I guess that is true. But yeah fuel would be great and a power hook up to please. Also where is the equipment dealer?

On the other side of the landing pads. Well get you a taxi. Just wait over there. Base this is crew five on pad twenty two. Can we get a taxi over here to go to the equipment dealer. Thanks base. Taxi will be here in five minutes.

Alaric wandered over to the area they indicated. He could see it was on the side of a road that ran around to each pad. Sitting on the provided bench he waited for the Taxi to show.

Alaric exited the taxi and tipped the driver a few credits. Getting used to these folks was going to take a bit of time. Listening to them talk was like hearing a English instructor speaking. Seems they had a gift for language. He entered the shop and found the proprietor dressed in a suit. He smiled their odd smile and greeted him. Explaining he wanted a set of enhanced thrusters for his ship they set about getting it done. The dealer explained to him that he had an emergency job to do first and then they could get him all set up. Alaric was just paying for the equipment when an other human walked in.

He was about average height with salt and pepper hair. His flight suit was of a good cut and well tailored. Although sweat stains were evident from all the excitement. He seemed to be in his mid thirties, but with modern medicine the way it ways he could have easily been sixty. He had one of those square jaw lines that led to a dimple on his chin.

Ahh you must be from the transport. As we discussed, we have a crew headed up to asses the damage and get you all fixed up. Said the dealer

Cool. Ill also need two cargo pods. Seems two got lost during the fight. He said to the dealer. Turning to Alaric he said You that Freelancer that helped us?

That would be me. Alaric Schulze of the Traveler.

Daren Scott of the Transport ship Coleridge. Thank you once again for that assistance. We would have not made it out of that. This guy here came from out of no where and blasted two Nomie light fighters to let us escape. Nice flying by the way Said Daren.

Well that was very kind of you. Mr. Schulze, Darens company is one of our best customers. Im sure you will be well rewarded. Said the dealer.

I was just doing what anyone else should have. I do not need a reward. Replied Alaric

Well I kicked a message off about what happened to HQ and I have been asked if you would care to sign on as an escort fro the remainder of the trip. I have some important cargo that needs to get to Freeport Nine in Theta. Said Daren.

Yeah I can do that. First I need my new thrusters but after that I am free. Said Alaric

Good Ill let HQ know. I would also like to buy dinner. So when you done here I know a great place in the city. Said Daren

Alright I need a tour guide anyhow. I take it you come here a lot.? Asked Alaric

Yeah this is on our regular run. Coleridge makes long trips that run from Delta. Depending on what we are hauling.

What company do you work for? Said Alaric

Deep Space Shipping. We are based out of Freeport Eleven in Delta. We make runs into Kusari, Liberty and all over the Omicrons. Daren told him

OK I think I have heard of you all before. My family owns Freeport Five Express. We mainly do runs in Rheinland, Bretonia and the Omegas. Said Alaric

Ahh ok we have made the run to Freeport five on occasion. Oh so your dad is Jonas then. Good man. So what are you doing out here and as a Freelancer no less.
Heh, its a long story, but it boils down to wanting to see the rest of Sirius before I have to be strapped to Freeport Five and running the family business. Dad will want to retire some day, so I wanted to see what I could while I could. I came here to pick up a better thruster before trying to find work. Seems work found me. I ran escort for dad the last few years, so I know the deal. Alaric told Daren

Good. That will make everyones life easier then. Well if we are done here lets go eat.

Everything is set. We will charge it against your account and Mr. Schulze has already paid. Ill try to get a crew over to his ship in the morning. Said the Dealer.

Alaric thanked the Dealer once again and grabbed a taxi with Daren. They arrived a very nice restaurant and were quickly seated. Daren told him the seafood was excellent and so was the red meat. Seems the locals were excellent at raising livestock. Alaric went with a fish dish and Daren ordered a large steak. Daren also had them bring a few glasses of their ale. They told stories back and forth about trading and close scrapes. Alaric relayed a bit bout the family business and Daren told him about Deep Space Shipping. After a bit Alaric mentioned the two guns he may have found in the wreckage of the Nomad fighters.

Well those may very well be their guns. If your lucky and they are intact thy can be modified to fit on your ship. The dealer here has been know to set that up from time to time. Said Daren. Well be here for a few more days at least while they repair the Coleridge. Heck will take them a day to get the new pods fitted. While I am in kind of a hurry to get to Freeport Nine, Im sure we have time for you to explore that possibility. If not we can swing back through on the way back.

Good deal Ill see what the dealer has to say in the morning then. Replied Alaric

Where ya staying the night?

Oh the Traveler has a berth mod on it, so I was going to sleep there.

OK well let me settle up here and we will get you back to your ship. Ill contact you in the morning about more details. Ill get a contract drawn up for this trip to Nine and back to Fourteen in Delta and the Boss can take it from there if you decide to sign on.

Daren paid the check and they wandered out to grab a taxi. The two said little on the way back to the pad. Daren bid Alaric good night and said he would get a hold of him in the late morning. Alaric made his way to the Traveler and entered the hatch. He headed down to the cargo hold and took a look at the pieces of the Nomad ship he tractored in. Both pieces seemed to be parts of the hull that housed their odd guns. He winched one up and saw that the gun system looked to be intact. He checked the other and it appeared to also be in working order. Satisfied he headed for bed.

In the morning he made his way over to the dealer. Upon entering the shop he saw a few other patrons cutting deals with the simian. Once everyone had left he approached the dealer.

Yes Mr. Schulze? Asked the Dealer

Please call me Alaric.

Ah you can call me Kendrick in your tongue. My real name would be difficult for you.

Well Kendrick, I happen to find a few of what look like Nomad guns in the wreckage from yesterday and Daren mentioned you may be able to outfit for my ship.

Yes that is a possibility. We would have to fabricate custom mounts for your ship but that can be done. A Ravens Talon correct?

Yes thats right.

Well we are busy at the moment. I can have my crew pick them up when they come to install your new thrusters today. By the way it will take two days for that. Most of my crews are handling the Coleridge.

I understand. I am here till they are ready anyhow.

Well it will take about a week to get the mounts made and those guns set up to use human power cores. You both should be gone by then. Are you planning to return?

Daren said we could stop by on the way back from Freeport Nine. Not sure how long we will be though.

Well I can have the mounts roughed out and the guns converted if you like and you can pick them up when you get back here. Hows that sound. I will even give you a good deal on the whole job in light of your actions the other day. Those aliens are such a pain.

That would be great. Here is my IFF code and communicator ID so you can contact me about them.

Excellent sir. If you have need of anything in the future please be sure to let me know, I can get almost anything from the Zoner supply network and some things outside of it.

I will keep that in mind Kendrick. Thanks again.

Good day Alaric.

Alaric went back to the Traveler and waited for the install team to arrive. Daren stopped by and gave him the contract. Alaric signed it after reading it through. It was a good deal. He would get a million credits for getting Coleridge to Freeport Nine and back to Freeport Eleven. Alaric asked what the cargo was and Daren just smiled and said he would see.


Another few days went by while the Coleridge was repaired. At the end of the week they were ready to depart. Alaric got clearance and formed up on the nose of the Coleridge as she turned from her moorings and started to engage her new cruise engines. They made the jump hole to Delta without incident and entered systems. Getting through to the Theta hole was slow going since the advanced train was slow to turn and had to take her time around the closely packed ice asteroids. Once they were in Theta they set course for Freeport Nine and were soon set up to dock. Alaric let the larger ship dock first and then made for the fighter bay.

Alaric got Traveler locked down and went over to the transport berths and tried to find Daren. The Coleridges crew were just coming out of the air locks when he got there. He spotted Daren standing with a small group of younger girls. Daren saw Alaric and waved him over. When he got there he said

Daren, this is Alyssa. My cargo. Shes the bosses daughter and most prized possession. She is here for her wedding. Indicating the small brunet haired beauty next to him.

Well this is the gallant stranger who swooped in to save us. Mr. Alaric it is nice to finally meet you. Said Alyssa holding out her hand.

Alaric took her and kissed the top of it .Thank you Alyssa. It was my pleasure.

The other girls in the group giggled a bit and smiled at him. These other tittering sillies are my maids of honor. We have Janice, Marlene, Kathryn and Cybil. She said indicating each in turn.

Pleasure to meet you ladies Replied Alaric with a smile.

Careful Alaric these ladies, as you put it, break hearts for fun on Freeport Fourteen. Said Daren.

Ill remember that Said Alaric with a laugh

Now to get you to your waiting fianc? Alyssa. He is anxious to see you. Alaric we normally berth on the Coleridge when we are in station but you can stay where ever you like. Just give me a call where your staying. Oh thats right here take one of these. Said Daren handing him a pocket communicator. Im on net five if you need me. Keep this on you. We will hook up later.

Oh ok. Well I stay on Traveler. I need to top off the H-Fuel and then am going to grab a bight to eat.

Ok will see you later. I need to get Alyssa to her fianc? and then need to see about picking up some cargo for the return trip.

Alaric made his way back to the Traveler and ordered fuel and then went in search of a decent place to eat. He was just finishing up his meal when he heard an odd beep. Alaric looked around and then realized it came form his pocket. Alaric lifted out the communicator Daren gave him and hit the receive button.

Yeah Alaric here.

Alaric its Daren. Meet me at the Coleridge will ya. Seems we have some new orders and I need to fill you in.

OK on my way.

He settled his bill and headed for the transports berth. Daren was waiting for him at the air lock.

The Boss wants us to get back as soon as we can. He needs us to grab some stuff at Fourteen and truck it out to Honshu. Apparently the other transport on that run was lost to an attack of Blood dragons. He wants to meet you anyhow. Daren told him

OK. Headed back to Traveler and will meet you in space. Why did you not tell me on the communicator?

Too many ears listening. Things are can get pretty cut throat out here, as I am sure you know being from Five. We keep things close.

Gotcha ya. See ya out there.

He go to the fighter berth and paid for his fuel and brought Traveler out into space. The Coleridge was just disconnecting its couplings and bring the engines online. He watched as she reversed thrust to back her away from the station so she could turn. One of the reasons he never became a transport pilot. They handled like a drunken herd animal. After a few minutes Coleridge was pointed in the right direction. Alaric formed up on her and they set off for the jump hole back to Omicron Delta.

Once again it was slow going through the ice field. Alaric even had to blast a few of the wrecks surrounding the Kappa jump hole to move them out of the Coleridges way. The slid into the jump hole and went through to Omicron Kappa.

On the other side a flight of Corsair Titans met that at the jump hole and radioed a greeting before heading onward to their home system. Having never been to Omicron Delta Alaric formed up on the Coleridge and they hit their cruise engines.

Is that Gammu off to our right side there? Alaric asked as they passed the unknown planet

Thats an affirmative Traveler said a female voice over the comms

Oh who is this?

You got first officer Butler on this end. Daren had to step out for a minute. Replied the female.

Well then. Nice to talk to you. Daren did not mention much about the rest of your crew.

He had a lot on his mind before with everything going on. That and you still a little bit of an unknown. Youll get to meet the rest of us when we reach station.

Excellent cant wait. Whats the flight time anyhow?

We should be there in about 6 hours. About two and a half to the jump hole and the rest to Freeport Eleven, baring any complications that is.

OK, well Im following you all. Never been this deep in before.

Stick with us Honey and youll see a lot.

Good thats what I am looking for.

Alaric went back to his long range scanner and radar displays and updated his nav map with the name of the planet Gammu. At about two hours his scanner detect the jump hole and he lock it into the computer. He entered the hole first to check out the other side.

Omicron-Delta was much more to his liking. It seemed like an ordinary system. He detected the ice cloud Freeport Fourteen was supposed to be in along with several planets off to the right. He aimed his comm. system at the jump hole and relayed that it was all clear. Soon there after the Coleridge appeared a few hundred meters of his starboard side. He formed back up and they headed off to Freeport Fifteen. They docked with no trouble and Alaric was told to head to the Deep Space Shipping bay. He found an empty berth and set Traveler down on the pad. He asked where the transport berths were and headed up there to meet up with Daren.

He found Daren in the hall headed toward him and he smiled at him.

Well that was easy for the way home.
Yes it was. Easy money for all of us then. Come on the boss, Mr. Nichols, wants to meet you

OK, following you.

They weaved their way through the stations halls and soon entered an obviously corporate area. The walls all were painted a uniform light bluish grey and there was the Deep Space Shipping corporate logo all over.

This is the DSS corporate area. All our offices are located here and most of our housing. If you sign on with us they will fit you up with a small place of your own to start. With promotions you get bigger accommodations and other perks. Now when I introduce you, let Mr. Nichols do most of the talking. He is your typical exec and like to bluster a bit. But do not let that fool you, the man is tireless and can hold his own in all situations. He used to be a transport pilot that made it big and set himself up real well.

Gotcha.

Daren guided Alaric to a fancy door and hit the announcement button. A second later the door slid open and then entered the office. The trappings of large sums of money were every where. On the walls were eclectic pieces of art from all the styles and houses. Pictures of distant planets found purchase on expensive tables next to deep leather chairs and couches. The main item in the room was a large wooden desk that looked to be shaped from one piece of wood. Its deep reddish gold color was polished to a high shine.

The man behind the desk was just as impressive. Mr. Nichols was a large man of just shy of 2 meters tall. He was still fit and looked to be in his mid sixties. He wore an expensive suit of coal black. His face was weathered a bit and his hair steel grey. He rose from his desk and came around to greet Daren.

Good to have you back Daren. I was worried sick when I heard what happened. And not because of the obvious reasons. You are my best transport pilot.

Thank you Mr. Nichols

And this must be our savior. The Freelancer who save you and my daughters life. You sir are very welcome here. Said Nichols to Alaric

My pleasure sir.

Well here is your fee for your service Said the elder gentleman as he handed Alaric a credit card. Alaric nodded in thanks and put it in his pocket.

So Daren tells me you for hire, is that correct?

Yes sir it is
Well Daren also tells me that your father owns an operation out of Freeport Five. So you know the business I take it?

Yes Sir I do. I helped my father with dock work and escorting. I was his dock manager for the last few years and flew escorts when we were short handed. Replied Alaric

Excellent. Jonas Schulze is your dad correct? Said Nichols

Yes sir.

Never met him but he had a good name. Ok so you want to work for me?

Well sir, depends on the offer?

Well what do you want son?

My plan was to see a bit of Sirius before my dad wants to retire and I will be really needed to help run the family business. I was going to freelance while seeing all I could. I know the Omegas fairly well and Bretonia. Rheinland also. So I wanted to spend some time in Kusari and the Omicrons. At least that was the plan.

Well I think we can accommodate you. We run cargo all over the in these parts. We have routes into Kusari, other systems in the Omicrons and a few into Liberty. Even a few into the Rheinland systems. I can bring you on as a journeyman escort pilot, since you have prior experience. This way you do not start out at the complete bottom of the ladder. Least I can do for what you did for me. Salary is 100,00 per month and we handle all your repairs and serviced to your ship. We will give you one of our midlevel apartments on station here and access to our corporate facilities. Those include the gym, dinning hall and docking berths. Youll be assigned a permanent one here on station. Now you can keep your Freelancer IFF if you like. Sometimes folks not knowing exactly who you work for can be advantageous.

Mr. Nichols walked over to the side of the room to a bar and poured three drinks. And brought them over to them. Good Scotch from Bretonia. Excellent stuff. He said handing the drinks to Alaric and Daren So what do you think?

Id have to see the contract but It sounds good to me. Yes I think I would like to work for you.

Nichols smiled a big grin and toasted Alaric and took a drink. Excellent! I can have the contracts ready in the morning. Now Daren Im getting you ready to head out in two days time. I need you to head out to Honshu to take an order that was lost to pirates out there. I do not have all of it together and am waiting on a shipment that should be here tomorrow afternoon. So you have a days rest. Show Alaric to the temporary berths and then bring him back here first thing in the morning so we can get him settled in. Then if everything is good he will join you.

Daren nodded and finished off his drink. Alaric took the last swallow of his and set his glass back on the serving tray on the table.

Good night Mr. Nichols said Daren Follow me Alaric

Good night boys. See you first thing. Said Nichols.

Daren ran Alaric back by the Traveler to get his stuff and then they headed off to the temporary berths. Alaric thanked Daren and sat down on the bunk. Shaking his head he stripped out of his flight suit and climbed under the covers and was soon fast asleep.

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Formerly Sam Nichols, creator of OSI