Rising Shadows

[worldstrider]

FIRST HOMECOMING

Personal Log: Captain Jack "The Jackal" Altreideis
Success! Over 120 million in primarily engine components, niobium and MOX was looted from shipping in Kusari despite vain attempts to locate the barge. I guess the thing does have some potential after all! I don't think our two accomplices were ever identified -- though as promised -- we have returned one to Liberty with us and have provided papers and a new identity for the captain and crew. The other will continue to serve with the Blood Dragons and we will upgrade his vessel as guaranteed. A small cost for the return gained and he may be of assistance to us in the future as well. Nice to snatch meat right off the damned Farmers and Hogosha's plate. Ha ha!

We have learned several navigational does and don't along the way as well. We are more proficient at hitting those jumpholes now -- though its still a bear! -- and we are much better at maneuver overall...what there is of it anyway. Our gunners have improved but there is still a distinct limit to our defense capability.

On our return trip we evaded Hogosha, Farmer and KNF patrols with only the Hogosha having even a chance of intercepting. One of the new Dragon clans sent a ship as a presence as we passed through a key system and I believe that was most helpful. Surprisingly, the Rheinlanders were quite impressed at the engineering of the barge and even the police treated us respectfully -- escorting us and guarding the lanes as we docked. I don't think they had any idea where our cargo came from. We were quite careful to not include contraband or prisoners as we passed through.

We'll take a short break at Aercibo and then on to our next forward basing assignment which will be a mining trial from what I am told. Sounds pretty boring but we still are raising funds for the big equipping. The Admiral has laid out plans for the future outfitting of the barge and it is dizzying in its complexity. Hessian, Junker, Gallic and Harvester technologies connected to Nomad organic neural components. Way over my head. I'm told that when it is complete it will provide a shielded area from "Dur Shurikin". No idea what that is but "shielded" has a reassuring sound to it.

A final rumor is that we may actually deploy to Gallia ourselves as part of the Admiral's ambassadorial duties. I can't imagine getting the thing in and out of there but it would be very interesting. When this is all done I've been promised captaincy of our biggest asset. Can't say anymore on that. WWe will remain a "Junker Naval Ship". No reason to directly tie the barge to the JSF and the Admiral can use it publicly then as well. Shame the Kusari are so psychotic. I heard the Emperor even spoke directly to Ambassador Tinkerbell at one point. Hard to imagine that and I can't imagine the loathing he would receive from his subjects if they knew. Guess he has concerns about a "Consortium". Some psycho cyborg things the Harvesters have told us about. Sirius is a strange place for sure.

Well...best get some sleep. Lots of boring mining to stay awake through tomorrow.
Jack out.

---