Alaric walked the corridors of Freeport Five. The argument with his parents still fresh in his mind. Its not that he did not understand the zoner way of life. It was that he did no totally agree with it. To be totally neutral, one has to ignore a lot about eh folks you deal with. Yes their way of life seemed very unrestricting but in truth it was a lie. To deal with criminals as though nothing is wrong. To here the stories about how some Corsair pilot took down a transport and killed thousands of folks because of money. Then you also had to take into account the Red Hessains they performed terrorist acts and killed a lot of innocents trying to make their point.
But all were welcome at the Zoner base. Zoners survived by their neutrality. Since they live on the fringes, they traded and dealt with all comers. Only on a Freeport could a Bounty Hunter and a Corsair or Hessain sit in the same room together and not have gun fire. No one was stupid enough to breach the peace that was on the Freeports. To do so got you band for life from all Zoner stations. That could make life very difficult for the offender. If enough of one group took advantage too often then the while faction could be banned and for some factions Zoner traders were a life line they needed.
Alaric shook his head and stepped through the door way to his efficiency room. All the comforts of home crammed into a twenty by twenty space. He flopped down on his bed and flipped on the viewer. The new ticker scrolled by at the bottom while a commercial played about some new gadget everyone needed. Alaric sighed and sat up looking around. His place was fairly bare, having just moved out of his parents place a few months ago. His clothes were hung up in the open closet, although there was his laundry pile on the floor. There were no dishes on the counter save his coffee cup from this morning. Actually he only owned 3 full sets of dishes so there was not much to make a mess of.
He glanced down at his chronograph and noted the time. He had two hours before he was needed down at the dock to help his parents with the offload of todays shipment. Working for your parents could be trying, but the family business paid well. Being the dock foreman help also. Heck he had even been know to help run escort duty when the normal pilots were out of action. He liked being behind the control board of a fighter. Made you feel one with the universe. Combat was not something he had a passion for but he was not hesitant to defend himself or his parents transports or freighters. He was not the biggest fan of the Falcon heavy fighter his parents use for their escorts, but hey beggars can not be choosers.
What he really wanted to do was to go out on his own and make his own way. Convincing his parents, well that was another thing. Grabbing a cup of coffee in his travel mug he headed out the door to the docking bay. He mother was moving stock around in the storage unit they used, preparing for the new incoming shipment.
Hey Mom, where is Dad?
Hes off playing escort again. Meeting the transport at the jump hole from Omega 5
Why did he not call me, I could have done that
He wanted to go play a bit, I think. You know how he gets sometimes.
Heh, yeah dont we both. Can I talk to you about something?
Sure hun. Whats up?
Well I think I want more out of life then just working a transport business. I want to see more of Sirius. All I have seen is Omega-41 and a few of the surrounding systems. I have never even been into house space.
I was wondering when this was going to come up. You actually held off longer then I though. I was for sure on your eighteenth birthday you were going to say something like this. Nice to see you held out for another four years
Its not that I did not thing about it back then. I just knew I was not ready yet.
Well you know our family came out of house space. We were Rheinlanders about one hundred and fifty years ago. Your great, great, grandfather moved us out here to get away from the repression that was going on back then. Although from what we have heard its not much better know.
Mom, I know the family history. Its just before I settle in for the rest of my life I want to see more of what is out there. Dad did it running those trade ships all over Sirius before he set up the business here.
You know your father wants you to take over the business for him some day. You and your sister are meant to keep this going. Kaytlyn is learning the admin end of the shop, but you know about the routes and what needs done to get the cargo here. Your great working with the pilots and a good escort yourself.
I know Mom. Thats part of the reason I have not brought this up before. I know that I am needed around here, but I finally feel that it is time for me to go out and try to find where I belong. I am not sure that this is it.
Well I can tell you, your father will not be happy about this, but then again well see what we can do about that. I understand your need and maybe your right. I found my place here with your father, as he found his place after being a trader for years. I think we should allow you to find your place also.
Thanks Mom.
Now enough of this, we need to get this stock moved about to make room for the incoming. We got an Advanced train inbound with a full load of ship parts and food, so lets get cracking.
Alaric gave his mother a quick hug and then went off to find a cargo jack to start shifting inventory. The Afternoon went fast as cargo got shifted from one place to another. After getting the storage bay set up to receive the new shipment, the transport arrived and it was time to offload. His father assisted by jumping in the second mover and together they unloaded the cavernous cargo bay of the advanced train transport. Once the storage bay was full to bursting, customers started to arrive to collect their orders and so more shuffling about of the inventory as individual orders were split out and handed out.
It was dinner time before things slowed down and they all called a stop for the day. Alarics father, dismissed the workers and went to review the numbers for the day as Alaric and his mother closed up the storage bay. Meeting Kaytlyn at the shop they all headed to his parents house for a late dinner. Alaric and Kaytlyn were setting the table when his father came in with dinner. Setting down the roast fowl and trimmings he shrugged out of his work coat and started opening food containers. Kaytlyn poured drinks for everyone and they all sat to eat.
Taking a piece of the roast bird Alaric asked his father So Dad, how was the trip today? Any problems?
Well the trip out was ok, but a bunch of Hessians followed the train through the jump hole thinking to pirate him here. Thankfully they left once they saw the 6 extra escorts on this side waiting for the ship. Thinks its time to add an extra escort or two on our ships. I can not make these Indie pilots use them, but our own folks will. The pirates are getting real aggressive lately.
Well I have something I would like to talk to you about.
Alarics Father looked up and eyed his son Yeah?
Well I think its time I went out on my own to try to find my place in all this. You and Mom have found your place, where you want to be. I am not sure that this is where I am meat, or want to be.
Uh huh. You do know I wanted you to take over for me one day. To run the business with your sister.
Yes I know that Dad. Im not saying I will not be back. Just that I want to go out and see more of whats out there.
Nope, out of the question. I need you too much right now.
Jonas Schulze! You know that is not true. With business as good as it has been we have more then enough to hire someone else to run the bay and sub as an escort. All he wants to do is what you did. Go out and see whats out there and find his place in Sirius. His mother explained.
Jonas looked at his wife and sighed I see hes already brought this up to you Kathrin. Looking over at his son OK its true we can manage without you, its also true that I did the same thing, I just worry about you is all. Its rough out there.
I know Dad. But I can get killed running escort in system. It will be no different.
Well have you thought about where you will go and what you will do? Asked his father
Sort of. I know I want to explore and see as many of the places I can. As for what Ill do, Im an escort pilot. Its what I do.
Well I cant spare a Falcon to give ya. I know your no fond of them anyhow. With a sigh Jonas got up and went to his desk and opened a draw and pulled out a credit card.
Coming back to the table he handed it to Alaric
Now this was going to be for your twenty fifth birthday, so its not as full as I wanted it. There is forty million credits on this card. It was gonna be fifty but your getting it early. I meant this for you so you get what ever type of ship you wanted. If your going to be running escorts by yourself your going to need a VHF class ship armed to the teeth. This should be able to get you one and all the top end equipment you can fit on it.
Alaric started at the credit card in stunned silence. Then looking at his mother and father in disbelief.
Your Father has been putting money on that card for years. Since you were five. His mother said.
I do not know what to say. Thanks Dad Alaric said while standing to hug his father.
Hey do I get one of those too? Asked Kaytlyn
When your older. Replied Jonas. So when will you be leaving? he said to his son
Soon. I need to figure out which ship I want to get then hop a transport to that location. I have some research to do. I also need to find someone to take over my apartment.
Ill take it. I can use a berth for the new dock foreman I need to hire. Well youll be a freelancer once you start escorting non-Zoners. Just remember all factions have their good folk and bad folk. Just because some folks of a group decide to pirate others does not make them all bad. The Hessians mainly have a beef with the Rheinland government, only some of them prey on non Rheinlander ships. The only folks you should truly stay away from are the Wild and the Outcasts. The Wild are Nomad infected humans, and the Outcast are so hopped up cardamine that you can not know what they will do at any given moment. I guess what I am trying to say is give everyone a chance before you judge them. That is the Zoner way. Remember youll always be welcome at a Zoner station or planet. Said his father.
The rest of dinner passed quietly as they all sat thinking about how things were going to change. Alaric spent the next week looking over ships and reading reviews on styles and weapons. He soon realized that getting the ship was only part of it. Getting the best equipment in and of itself was going to be an adventure. Tapping into the Zoner net he looked over the stock of ships and ship equipment at each Zoner base. He decided on the Ravens Talon sold on Gran Canaria in Omega-49. There were weapons he wanted there also. The best thruster and shield were going to mean a nice trip into deep space. They were only sold Omicron-74 the place where the Zoners built their war ships. While the Zoners were mainly neutral, they were not foolish enough to think that would protect them from everyone. Gathering all this data on his portable data tablet he made reservation on a transport headed to Gran Canaria.
The day came when it was time to leave. His family gathered around him and passed along last minute wisdom. He hugged each of them in turn and headed for the transports hatch. Turning he smiled at each of them one last time. He quickly turned and entered the transport, whipping away the tears that were beginning to form. Finding his assigned sleep pod he stored his gear and settled in for the long trip.
Alaric awoke as the ship was getting ready to dock. Thats the nice thing about using the sleep pods. If you want to the trip will just fly by. Collecting his stuff he slid out of his pod and saw the red warning lights flashing overhead. Looking around he could see others raising up bewildered. Stopping a ported Alaric asked what happened?
We were attacked by some Red Hessian Pirates. If not for a flight of Corsairs we would not be here. We sustained some damage but it could have been much worse. We lost one of the cruise engines and had to limp into station. Thankfully we were already in system so it only delayed us by half a day. Not sure who those Hessians thought they were. The Zoner council will here about this.
Alaric thanked the porter and set about getting his luggage out of the storage locker. Making his way to the main hatch he waited for ship to touch down on the planets surface. The ship slid through the atmosphere and shook a bit more then usual. She touched down and settled into the docking clamps. The ramp was moved into place and the doors opened wide.
Alaric stepped out into the bright daylight and breathed in fresh air. Inhaling deeply he set off down the long ramp to the space port. Checking in through customs was a slow process that took longer then it should have. While waiting to be seen Alaric stared out the window at the transport he was on. The damage to the port cruise engine was evident. Great pieces of machinery and armor were sheared off and missing. Smaller holes could be seen peppering the rest of the ship. That they would have dies if not for the Corsair patrol was very apparent.
Maybe Dad was right in that not everyone in unlawful factions is a bad person. Here, if not for some Corsair pilots, we would have been left to become a pale pink mist in the vacuum of space. Thought Alaric
Shuffling his bag he pulled out his data pad and started going over the parts he wanted for his Raven Talon. He knew he wanted two of the civilian improved debilitators and one sidewinder missile launcher, but the rest he was not sure of. He pulled up which guns were locally sold since he would need something to protect himself until he could get the rest of his weapons. Looking at the listing his eyes floated from one entry to the next. Seems the local dealer sold either low end stuff or high end. Nothing in the middle.
Alaric pulled up the list for torpedoes and look at the different statistics for each type. Not having a bomber dropped the ability to fire the larger Nova torp, but was a starkiller the way to go? Then he noticed the mini razor cannon. Had most of the destructive power of the larder torps, but was an energy weapon so no ammunition. Its power drain on the power plant was large, but not prohibitive. That was something he would have to ask the dealer about. Now which other guns should he mount.
Five minutes later Alaric was called forth and after a few questions and a ID scan he was passed through. Alaric hailed a taxi and asked to be taken to the ship dealer. The driver nodded and slowly eased the taxi into the air and off to the other side of the starport. Alaric noted the hotels as they passed them incase he need to spend the night or more here while he got his new ship set up.
Actually can you drop me at the hotel over there instead. I need to drop off my bags before I head over to the Ship yard. Guess I am just a bit excited. Said Alaric
Sure. You need me to wait? asked the driver
Yeah that would be great. Replied Alaric
The Taxi touched down in front of an average looking hotel. Nothing too fancy, but not a dive either. The outside was clean and had some nicely planted landscaping. A door man opened the door for Alaric and directed him to the front desk Alaric got paid for a night in single room and went up to inspect it and drop off his bags. The room was clean and serviceable and smaller then his apartment on Freeport four. Dropping his bags by the door he went back out to the taxi and got in.
OK ready, lets hit the ship yard.
The taxi rose one again into the air and thrusted forward into the sky lanes. As the taxi came closer to the large ship yard, Alaric could feel his excitement grow. A ship of his own, not one loaned to him from his fathers business. He could not wait to see them. The taxi landed at the doors to the main showroom and Alaric paid the man with a nice tip. Slinging his pack on his shoulder he headed for the big double doors.
Entering the ship yards show room was like heaven for Alaric. Small shuttle atmospheric transports lined the left side. They gleamed in the diffused light. Larger Trans atmospheric craft were on the right. These were pleasure space yachts for short trips or freight ships used for collecting cargo from ships docked in space. Once of the salesmen looked up and smiled at Alaric. Nodding back Alaric went over to him.
Good afternoon Sit, How can we help you today? He asked
Well I was interested in the Ravens Talon very heavy fighter you folks carry. Said Alaric
Ah yes a nice fighter that one. We keep those out back in the yard. If you would care to follow me I can show you the different models we have. Oh sorry where are my manners, my name is Joel, and yours? asked Joel extending his hand to shake Alarics
Alaric. He said taking Joels hand and shaking it.
Well follow me and lets see if we can find something you like.
Joel led Alaric outside and had him hop in a small ground car. They sped off racing for a line of fighters. Alaric looked at the Ravens Talons parked out in the yard and smile. Looking left he could see the massive structure of another ship. The size of the thing dwarfed the transport he came in on and large turrets could be seen like blisters along its surface.
Joel. What is that ship over there?
Oh thats the Advanced Battlestar. She a battleship we build for the Zoner guard force. That one is finished except for weapons. Our latest shipment of capital ship weapons was delayed so she sits idle.
Man that is some ship.
Well if you like living on a flying city. While they can trash anything they encounter, they are limited to where they can land and forget about going into an asteroid field. We are one of the few planets they can land on. I am not a big fan of ships that size. I like the more personal sized ships.
Joel pulled up to the first Raven in the line and motioned for Alaric to get out.
Now these are some of my favorite. While they do not have a ton of extra room in them, for combat they are hard to beat. What are you going to be using it for?
Well I want to explore Sirius. I am an escort pilot by trade so escorting and exploration.
Well she can handle both with the right equipment. She has got top end technology hull and her engines are great. Power plant will allow you to fire just about anything for a decent amount of time. She can also hold seventy five standard cargo units in her bay. Shall we take a look?
Yeah I want to see inside her.
Alaric followed Joel into the cargo door into her bay. With the sleek lines of the ship meant the bay was long and skinny but would hold enough supplies for an extended trip through deep space. A short flight of stairs took them up on to the main hall. Here Joel showed him the small living quarters. There were 2 beds accessed by vertical doors in the wall. Not much different then the sleep pods on the trans ports except that these were twice as wide. The kitchen was tiny but had plenty of storage. The dining area was next to the kitchen and consisted or a table with a three quarter wrap around bench. Well he could have a few folks over for dinner if he wanted. The next rooms were for the life support systems and electronic systems. The power core was next to that and all the way in back was the engine room.
The Cockpit was like the rest of the ship. Long and skinny. The main seat sat lower and you entered it from above, while a second seat sat on the left rear side of the cockpit. The min seat had screens on all side but rear. The control stick was festooned with buttons. Engine controls were on the left and Nav screen on the front right. While the radar and scanner were on the left. Weapon and shield status were combined into one combat status screen. Lastly a screen for engine and power plant status and controls.
Alaric climbed in and tested out the seat and smiled. It felt good. Joel continued to point out the form and function of all the little switches and such. Alaric climbed back out of the seat and looked Joel straight in the eye.
Ill take it He said
Well thats excellent. Shall we head in and start the paperwork?
Yeah and I have a few questions about the mini razor cannon also.
Oh,a nice gun. No quite the power of a torpedo but they shot moves faster. I defiantly recommend it if your not going to be going up against capital ships to often. But then again if you were you would want a bomber not a very heavy fighter. It will require a bit of getting used to. The timing for hitting the faster moving ships can be challenging. Especially light fighters.
Ill keep that in mind. Now can I order my weapons here and have them put on. Or do I need to head over to the dealer?
Oh we can accommodate you here. Not to worry. We will go over the extra equipment when we do the ship order.
Great.
The ground car made its way quickly to the main building and Alaric and Joel got out and went inside. The paperwork was long and varied. Registrations for IFF code transferring of the title to Alaric were the worst. Seems they expected you to take out a load to buy these things. Someone paying cash was a bit of an event. He handed over the weapon and equipment list that he could purchase on planet, along with the temporary stuff he needed till he could get to the other locations for the rest.
It was going to take a full day to get the rest of the equipment installed, so Alaric had two days before he could take delivery. After going over the last form, Alaric signed his name. Bidding Joel goodnight he hailed a taxi and went back to his hotel for some dinner rest. Although he knew sleeping would be difficult with the excitement he felt. Sighing to himself he leaned back in the taxi and relaxed, knowing it was going to be hard to wait the thirty six hours till his ship would be ready.
Alaric spent the next day working his way through the registration process and getting parts on order at other locations so all he had to do was show up to collect them. Getting the new IFF codes for his ship turned out to be a red tape nightmare. Since he was formally registered as a Zoner and was now changing his IFF to that of a Freelancer. After filling out more forms then he though was possible he was finally given the code for his ship.
Once that was done he got on the long distance comm. system and called up a weapons dealer on planet Leeds and had him set aside two improved debilitators. Tried as he might he could not get a call to connect to the planet Primus nor the Zoner base in Omicron- 74. Well he had to head out there anyhow. He bought supplies and had them delivered to his ship to be loaded up in the cargo hold. He was going to be aboard for while getting her set up.
As night set in and the last few calls were made, Alaric sat in his room eating room service. Satisfied with what he accomplished he was surprised to hear the comm. unit buzz.
Hello, Alaric speaking
Ah, yeah Mr. Schulze, This is Conrad down at the ship dealers. We were just finishing up painting the registration on your ship sir and wanted to know if you wanted us to paint her name on?
Name? Wow, I forgot all about a name. Um.
Well Sir, its not that big a deal you can have it painted on her later.
No, I got it. Call her Traveler. I plan to put a lot of time and distance on her.
OK, Traveler. Well get that on her Sir. Sorry to bother you Gnight
Night see you all in the morning
The comm. unit went disconnected and Alaric returned back to his dinner. Once done he slid the containers into the trash slot and flipped off the view screen and settles in to bed. Sleep was a while coming with as keyed up as he was. When he did finally drift off it was with thoughts of racing through space.
The morning sun streamed in the window and pulled Alaric from his slumber. Rubbing his eyes he stretched and look at the clock. Local time was 6 am. He still had a few hours before the Dealer opened. Well he could get a good breakfast and get checked out of his room. He loaded himself down with a big breakfast of local fare. Some sort of grain hot cereal with a local version of eggs and bacon. The local coffee was excellent and Alaric purchase a few large bags of it along with a grinder to put on Traveler. Good coffee could be very hard to come by.
Alaric packed up his bags and checked out of the hotel. Grabbing a taxi he went off to the ship dealer. He arrived just as they were unlocking their doors. Joel was there and greeted him with a big smile.
Good morning Mr. Schulze. Great to see you again. Right this way.
Good Morning Joel.
Alaric followed Joel to the back entrance and to the ground car. Dropping his bags in the back seat, Alaric slid in besides Joel and they sped off.
We had her moved to the launch pad for you. I figured you would be taking off from here Said Joel as they sped down the row of ships towards a large launch area.
Great, I have a few more stops for equipment I need to make before she will be where I want her. I want to get into space and on my way as soon as possible.
Well get ya out of here as soon as we can. I do have a few more things to give over to you and we need to perform an inspection before we can let you take her. We want to make sure everything is as we promised and to your liking.
Alaric nodded in agreement. The ground car turn left and made its way down the access road toward his waiting ship. Fuel trucks were just pulling away when they pulled up. The Ravens Talon gleamed in the morning light. Her ID number and name shown up well against the black paint job. The letters were painted in a reflective paint with gold flecks in it. She was beautiful.
Joel motioned to a ground crew member to get Alarics bags. Taking Alaric into the cargo hold he started the inspection. The quickly went through all the basic features and the upgrades that Alaric had specified. Alaric installed his new IFF and rand through a engine diagnostic and weapons check. He also looked over the crew quarters and stowed his bags. They then went back into the cargo hold and Alaric checked to make sure all the supplies he ordered had arrived and been stowed. Satisfied with everything Alaric signed off on the delivery and inspection. Joel then handed him all the data chips on his ship and installed equipment.
Joel bid Alaric good flying and left with the ground crew in tow. Alaric climbed into the cockpit and settled into the main seat. Plugging in his head set he fired up the communications system and began his start up procedure. With in a minute the engines came to life and all Travelers systems cam online. Once she was ready Alaric broadcast on the Air space control net.
Control this is Freelancer Alaric Schulze of the fighter Traveler. Requesting permission to launch for the docking ring.
Freelancer Alaric Schulze, departure granted, take a 345 vector and good flying.
Thanks Control. Traveler departing on vector 345.
Alaric raised the ship off the ground and angled her up and moved the throttle forward. Traveler ascended above the city and then shot forward as Alaric hit the thrusters. He made it into the docking ring lane and was soon passing through into space.
The white light of the Omega-49 sun bathed everything in the system. Making his way toward the ice cloud and the Dublin jump hole, Alaric set the nav system and went back to make a cup of coffee. After his mug was filled Alaric returned to find his ship getting ready to enter the ice field. Taking manual control he zipped left and right around ice chunks the size of battleships. His nav system beeped when it detected the jump hole and Alaric steered her in.
The jump hole slammed Alaric back into his seat as Traveler was shot forward. Lights of all kinds flashed about and his canopy auto dimmed. Then with a lurching stop Traveler came to rest in the Dublin system. Alaric re-engaged the engines and targeted the New London jump gate on his nav map system and hit the cruise engines. Traveler slid through space. Alaric kept his eyes on the radar system. He could not wait to get to Leeds and get the last of his guns mounted. Flying two guns short was unnerving. His radar beeped at him and showed a possible contact coming out of the asteroid field.
Crap! said Alaric.
Flipping on the local comm. channel he broadcast Local ship on vector 256 please identify. This is the Freelancer ship Traveler.
Traveler you are entering Molly territory kill your engines and prepare to be boarded.
Molly vessel. I do not want any trouble. I am just passing through.
Oh its no trouble, you will comply and stop your ship or we will just salvage what we can from the wreckage
Alaric shook his head brought up his targeting computer. With the cruise engine on all his weapons were offline. He kept a finger on the counter measures and prepared to start pulling evasive maneuvers. One nice thing the Molly would have to drop out of cruise to fire a weapon at him and if he missed Alaric would have a nice lead to escape.
Incoming Missile Travelers warning system announced. Alaric fired off two counter measures and banked hard left. Then flew for six seconds on the new heading then brought her around sharp right, back in line for the jump gate. A second blip appeared on the radar screen. This one in front of him. Alaric sped straight at the gate ignoring the new contact.
Again Traveler announced the missile warning and again Alaric fired off a set of counter measures with a hard turn. So far so good. The gate was only ten clicks out and closing. At eight clicks the Mollys turned back and left him alone. He hated to run from a fight but without those other two guns he was severely under gunned. The Gate opened and tractored his ship in and once again Alaric was pressed back into his seat as Traveler was shot into the next star system.
New London was a very populated system. Alaric navigated the lanes traffic that came with being in house space. He checked in each time the local channel squawked at him. Man these house folk sure do like to know whos coming and going. Docking at the last trade lane headed toward Leeds Alaric flipped on his ships PA system and plugged in a data chip. Soon old style rock came out of the ships speakers. Alarics head bobbed with the beat as he hit the docking request button at the gate.
Leeds. Not the most beautiful of systems. Dirty clouds of gasses and asteroid fields were prime place for the mining interests of Bretonia. Alaric engaged cruise engines and headed to the trade lanes. Docking he waited while the lane maneuvered Traveler into the system and shot them forward towards Planet Leeds. Coming out of the lane He saw that he was still ways away from the docking ring. Hitting cruise he flew Traveler towards Leeds.
Planet Leeds, this is the Freelancer ship Traveler, Requesting permission to dock and land on surface.
Freelancer ship Traveler, proceed to ring and wait for tractor through. Use vector 122 for decent to surface.
Roger, vector 122. Traveler out.
Traveler lined up with the docking ring and it opened. Tractor beams grabbed the ship and gently passed her through into the planets decent path. Turning to vector 122, Alaric guided the ship toward the landing pads.
Control. This is Freelancer ship Traveler, requesting landing co-ordinates.
Traveler, use pad 43 at co-ordinates 122, 45, 33 north by 33,06,33 west.
Roger pad 43 at 122, 45,33 by 33,06,33. Traveler out.
Traveler settled on the landing pad. Alaric powered her down and made his way to the cargo hold and her exit. Stopping at the hatch he placed a communications to the equipment dealer and notified them of his arrival and where his ship was. He opened the hatch and climbed down to meet the landing pad folks. Paying the landing fee, he ordered up a refuel. Sitting on his loading ramp he waited for the fuel truck and the equipment dealers installation team.
Using his data pad he down loaded some new nav maps and uploaded them to his ships navigation computer. At least now he could navigate Bretonian house space without having to re-enter waypoints in each system. Alaric also ordered Rheinland maps and got those installed. He had the nav systems compile all the data and then went to work checking the maps. He marked the location of a jump hole to Omega-5 on the Cambridge map and then plotted his course to Freeport 5. Heading back through Omega-41 was the easiest way to get to Primus through Omicron Gamma. He would arrange for passage through Corsair space once he got to Freeport 5. He could then also stop in and see how everyone was doing.
Alaric cracked a smile when he though about how is father would react to seeing Traveler. At least he would know I am spending the money wisely. The H-Fuel truck pulled up and started unwinding hoses. Alaric showed them the fuel connection and went back into the cargo bay. Checking over stock he remembered he was down four counter measures and put in a second call to the equipment dealer and told them to bring replacements.
The fuel crew finished up and Alaric paid them. About a half hour later the equipment folks pulled up and started unloading. Alaric showed them the empty weapon slots and the counter measure compartment and let them get to work. They finished late in the evening. Alaric paid them for the equipment and a bonus for working late. Closing his hatch he locked her up and retired to his quarters. He ate a light dinner while sitting in the second seat staring out the canopy of Traveler. Old style rock music playing over the PA system.
The New day dawned clear and cloudless. Leeds still looked like hell but it was as nice as it was going to get. Alaric put a call into the control tower and scheduled a early departure for the docking ring and got his coffee going. After running some water over his face and hair, he called the dock folks for a disconnect of power and supply cables.
Alaric watched as the ground crew disconnected the power cables. Next he flushed the waste storage tank and gave them the thumbs up to disconnect that. Last he checked the water level in the water tanks and shut the pumps down. He stuck his head out and told them to pull that connection. He walked around inspecting the access panels and control surfaces of the Traveler. Satisfied that every thing was locked down and good he climbed back in and sealed the hatch.
Heading up to the bridge he topped off his coffee and settled in to the main seat. He brought the engines online and ran them through a quick diagnostic check. Next the life support systems came up. Weapons systems and shields last. The power core was at a good level and Alaric called the control tower for clearance to depart. They had him wait a minute then told him to go and good flying.
Alaric engaged the take off thrusters and lift the ship off. Flipping on the navigation computer he selected the course he programmed in the night before. It would be interesting trip. He brought Traveler through the docking ring and headed for the trade lanes.
Alaric waited his turn at the jump gate to New London. Thats the one thing about house space that was new to him. The traffic was bad here. Jump holes are not regulated so you could jump ships right after another. Jump gates on the other hand have a tractoring system to keep the ships from piling up on each other at the distant end. So everything took a bit longer.
His turn came and soon he was in New London. He re-engaged the engines and hit the trade lane for the journey towards the Cambridge gate. He had been to Cambridge a few times running escorts for his father so he knew that system. Flying with the aid of trade lanes made the trip fast but boring. Not to much to do once your in the lanes but sit back and hope some pirate does not disrupt one trying to get at you.
The lanes wizzed by and soon he was before the Cambridge gate. Once again he had to wait for a train transport to go through ahead of him. Once through he dodged a fight that erupted between the local police and some corsair rookies. Alaric shook his head and wondered when some of these Sairs would learn that messing with the house folks in house space was usually a bad idea.
A long lane hop to the planet Cambridge and it was lunch time. Alaric docked with the research station instead of the planet. Alaric headed to the stations cantina. For lunch and to stretch his legs. Alaric was surprised when he walked in to see one of his fathers transport pilots. Domingo Correz flew one of his dads armored transports. Usually he brought in the really expensive stuff.
Hey Domingo, hows it going? Said Alaric
Alaric, amigo, how are you? Things are good. Heard you left. Domingo said
Yeah struck out on my own. Bought my own ship and wanted to do some exploring make my own way for a while. See whats out there. Alaric said
Hey I understand that. So what are you up to right now? Domingo asked
Well still gathering all the equipment I want for my ship. I bought a Ravens Talon very heavy fighter. I plan to do escorting work while I do my exploring. I need to head up to Omicron-74 for a few items. Then I will be all ready to go anywhere. What about you, why are you here. Not the usual stop. Said Alaric
Well your padre came into a few items off some folks out of Gamma, that the folks here will pay great money for, so I was tasked to bring them in. Got in this morning and will be leaving after I get some comida. Said Domingo
Cool, Im stopping in for lunch also. Mind if I eat with you? Asked Alaric
Not at all amigo. Said Domingo
Alaric and Domingo sat down and ordered a big lunch of sandwiches, soup and beer.
After both had eaten most of their lunch a dock hand came up and informed Domingo that he was refueled and ready to go. He thanks the guy and tipped him a few credits.
So you headed back to Freeport five? Alaric asked
Si. Need to get back. Your Padre has a nother job for me. He brokered a deal for some niobium I need to get from New Tokyo. Seems some artist wants to outfit his ship in custom designed panels. Said Domingo
Mind if I tag along. Im headed back to Freeport 5, before moving on to Omicron-74. Alaric asked
Sure, What are your rates? Ill pay ya for the escort. Said Domingo
Bah, no charge. Besides my dad would explode when you handed him that bill. Said Alaric. I assume your taking the back way?
Si, we are. Need to get back and that shaves of a lot of time. Remarked Domingo
Alaric nodded and they both finished up their lunch. Domingo was nice enough to buy lunch, which Alaric thanked him for. Once down at the dock Domingo nodded his approval of Alarics ship choice. Once they both mounted up, Domingo maneuvered the Armored Transport out into space. Alaric came out right behind him and formed up on him. Together they hit cruise and headed into the ice clouds for the Omega-5 jump hole.
Now the Armored Transport is just that, armored. Its more of a flying gun platform then a transport. But if it absolutely has to get there, its the best ship for the job. Escorting a ship like this is more of an after thought since it can survive more then what a fighter can. Only by overwhelming it completely with fighters or a capital ship will it be taken down.
Alaric knew that between the two of them there was not too much to worry about. The trip through the ice cloud to the jump hole was quiet. They passed a few patrols of hunters and police. As they got closer to the hole they even saw a few Corsair patrols. Since they transport flew a Zoner IFF and was registered out of Freeport five the corsairs left them be.
Once they got into Omega-5 things were a bit different. The Red Hessians had always been an issue and Freeport five was contested territory between them and the Corsairs.
It did not help the systems was one big asteroid field either. Alaric kept a close eye on his radar.
As they came out of cruise to get ready to enter the jump hole Alaric saw two contacts coming in fast.
Go on through Domingo Ill make sure these boys are playing nice. Alaric said
No way amigo, I want to play a bit also Domingo replied with a chuckle
Incoming pilots, this is the Freelancer ship Traveler. Identify your self and your intention. Said Alaric over the local comm. channel
Alaric saw that they were withing range and hit the scanner. Looking at the screen he saw they were what he though they were two Loki light fighters. Red Hessians out on patrol it seemed. Alaric hailed them again and got ready for the fight.
The two light fighters passed close by and kept on going. Then two more blips showed up, then more after that. The light fighters now turned to streak back toward Alaric and Domingo.
Looks like they have a few friends. You comfortable with this Domingo? Two versus six? asked Alaric
Si, lets see where this goes. Replied Domingo Warming up the guns
Alaric brought all his weapons online and made sure missiles were loaded in his sidewinder launcher. The light fighters did another fly by and formed up on the other four contacts inbound. Alaric hit the scanner as they got in range. The computer brought back the two light fighters along with three Odin very heavy fighters and a Thor bomber.
Crap they have a bomber. Ill take him you keep the others off me if this gets going said Alaric to Domingo
Roger amigo. Already have one of those Odins in my sites.
Alaric brought the targeting computer up and locked on to the Thor bomber. Normally in this situation the transport or freighter would jump ahead while the escorts fought off the incoming. This gave the transport time to read a reception on the other side while the escort came through. If there were more then one escort , then one went on ahead to recon the next system.
The local comm. channel crackles to life
Transport you will pay a fee for you and your escort for passage. Two million creds or we will open fire. Said a Hessian
OK. Time to get them amigo. Engaging the fighters. Said Domingo
Negative on that fee fella. We are not that easy Said Alaric as he moved his engines to full power and hit his thrusters. The Hessian ships broke formation and came in hot weapons blazing. Alaric flew at the Thor and fired off a volley of his guns and was happy to see his shields take a nasty beating. Those debilitators were gonna work out real nice.
The Thor dodge left and Alaric easily followed, Traveler being much more maneuverable. The Thor opened fire on the transport, trying to down its shields so it could go in for a torpedo shot. Alaric was not going to let that happen. Sliding in behind the bomber he boiled away its shield and then started on its armor. Seeing that until he got rid of Alaric the bomber would not be able to take out the transport, it turned and brought its weapons to bear on Traveler.
Alaric smiled and ran straight for the bomber. Weapons fired on both sides. Both ships had their shields stripped away, but just as the bombers came down Alaric fired off his mini razor and tapped the missile button twice. The large energy ball from the razor slammed into the bomber and shredded its armor to half. Then the two sidewinder missiles finished it off and it exploded into scrap.
Alarics eyes hit the radar and grabbed a new target. He saw that Domingo had trashed the two light fighters and was working on an Odin very heavy fighter. Alaric targeted an Odin that was not engaged and dived at them from above. Using his guns to strip away the enemies shield he followed it up with a quick one two missile punch that left the other ship in pieces. Domingo had finished off his Odin and was staring to work on the next.
Alaric was just getting ready to slide in behind him when the Odin broke off. Engaging its cruise engines it headed deeper into the asteroid field. Alaric turned back and looked at the debris and hit the scanner. Some Beryllium and diamonds were floating around with a few escape pods. Alaric tractored in the pods and grabbed a few units of diamonds. The rest he left for Domingo. Once they cleaned up, they moved back to the jump hole.
Alaric jumped in first and did a quick radar sweep then called Domingo to come through. Once they were both in system they set a course for Freeport Five and hit the cruise engines. The trip from the jump hole to station was quiet and no one really bothered them.
Freeport Five this is the transport Ironsides requesting permission to dock Said Domingo
Transport Ironsides, granted. Welcome home Replied dock control
The armored transport slid inside as the doors opened into the docking bay.
Freeport Five this is the Freelancer fighter Traveler requesting permission to dock Said Alaric
Freelancer, permission granted. Follow the transport in and dock at berth fifty five. Have your documents ready for the dock master. Replied dock control.
Roger Freeport five, berth fifty five. Responded Alaric
Alaric maneuvered Traveler to the designated berth and grabbed his registration paper work. The docking clamps settled in and Alaric made his way to the hatch to disembark.
He smiled at the dock master, who he knew.
Ahh Alaric, why did you not say who you were? Asked the dock master
I wanted it to be a surprise. Hows things? said Alaric
Good, good. Been busy lately. Lots of good moving around. Said the dockmaster as he downloaded Alarics ship information to his data pad. Handing it back to Alaric he Said Its good to have you home. But I see a Freelancer ID here, why not a Zoner?
Well I wanted to be free from all labels. This way I can go and do as I please. I want to see as much of Sirius before I settle down. Replied Alaric.
I understand, well any way welcome back. He said
The dock master walked off to the next ship to inspect it as Alaric got his gear from inside his ship. Now he had to stop in and see his parents and sister. They will be surprised. Hed only been gone a little over a two weeks, so to pop home this soon would be unexpected. Alaric shouldered his bag and headed for the halls of Freeport Five.
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.
Daren shook Alaric awake early the next morning. Alaric stirred and opened his eyes. After blinking a few times he sat up and looked at the clock.
You were not kidding first thing. OK let me shower and change.
Ok hurry up and we will have some time to grab a bite to eat before we head over to the office.
OK, give me five minutes.
Alaric hit the showers and quickly washed off the grime of a long time in the same flight suit. Climbing into clean clothes he ran his finger through his hair and told Daren they could go. They stopped by the dinning facility on their way back to Mr. Nichols office.
The Dinning facility was very nicely appointed. It had several lines offering different types of food. One line for hot meals, one for cold and then a buffet style area. Showing his corporate ID at the door, Daren got them inside for free and they hit the buffet for a quick meal. They grabbed a seat and Alaric looked around. While the walls wee all painted the standard corporate color, light blue grey, there was pictures and art hung on the walls. Large windows looked out on the ice cloud and the passing ships. The tables and chairs were synthwood, but that was more for durability. They had table clothes covering the tables and the standard condiments. They ate their breakfast in silence and then Alaric followed Daren to were to turn in the plates, trays and silverware.
They exited the dinning facility and made their way to the office. Instead of entering Mr. Nichols office they went in the door before to that of hi secretary. An older women sat behind the desk looking at her computer console. She had an earpiece in her ear and seemed listening while typing. She looked up as the two entered and spun in her chair grabbing a folder on her desk.
Mr. Nichols in on an important call at the moment and can be with you in a bit. Here is the contract, so you can look it over as you wait.
Doris you are as lovely and efficient as ever. Said Daren
And you flatter with the best of them Daren. Have a seat, there is coffee in the pot over there if you care for some.
Thanks maam. Said Alaric
Alaric pulled the hard copy of the contract out of the envelope and began reading. Everything they had discussed last night was there, in more specifics. They laid out the medical plan and life insurance. Promotions were merit based, as well as raises. It assigned him to a specific apartment within their corporate area and berth for Traveler. After fifteen minutes Alaric finished reading and rereading the contract and decided it was a good deal.
Approaching Doris he said This looks great even better then what my dad offers. What information do you need from me?
I need you ID and ships ID information to get you into the system then Ill need to send you down to the clinic for DNA and blood samples then over to Pass and ID to get your corporate ID and such. I see your to keep your Freelancer IFF and ID, but youll still need your corporate stuff so you can get into your apartment, the dinning hall and your berth.
Alaric handed over his ID and ship information card and Doris took it and scanned it into the computer. Handing them back she pushed a data pad to Alaric. This has a soft copy of the contract, read it over if you want then sign the bottom and insert your ID into the slot for confirmation.
Alaric read over the soft copy and signed it with the a stylus, then slid his ID in the slot. Handing it back to Doris, she looked it over and nodded. OK now Daren, take him to the clinic for the DNA and blood, then over to Pass and ID. After that head over to supply to sign for his apartment and berth. Make it quick to youll need to leave by tonight for this run. Coleridge should be done loading this afternoon.
Gotcha. Thanks Doris. Said Daren Come on.
The two left the office and Daren led Alaric into a new area of the area. They ended up in the clinic where families and employees came for medical issues. Alaric was whisked in and given a quick once over by the doctor. Height, weight, quick body scan. Then they took several vials of his blood and some skin samples. All this was fed into the computer and attached to his new employee file. Once done there, they went to Pass and ID, a secure area, and he given his corporate ID. Deeper into the back ways of the halls they found Supply. There he was given a patch for his flight suit, a communicator and his corporate ID was keyed to his new apartment. He was given a map of where it was and assigned a berth for his ship. All of this took the rest of the morning and into the early afternoon. They grabbed a late lunch and headed back to Mr. Nichols office. Entering Doriss office they found Mr. Nichols there talking something over with her.
Ah, there you two are. Welcome aboard Alaric. Said Mr. Nichols holding out his hand
Alaric took his hand and shook it. Thank you sir.
Ok here is the deal. We need to run a shipment to Sapporo station in Hokkkaido. Now the last on was destroyed by the Blood dragon pirates. Which is why we are sending you along Alaric. Pax will also be flying escort with Alaric for extra security. Now I do not care how you get there, but that shipment has to get there by then middle of next week. The main route is through the Sigmas, which of course is Blood Dragon territory, along with the Outcasts . There is a back way through the Unknown system but that way takes you right into the Nomads and then dumps you in the Dragons back yard. So either way is a gamble. I suggest stick with the Sigmas and hope for the best.
Whats the cargo? Asked Daren
Parts for some special equipment they are setting up. Also general supplies that we normally run.
OK, we will leave as soon as we get it all aboard. I will put out a general recall on my crew. Ill tell Pax to meet up with Alaric at the fighter berth.
Excellent. I trust you can get this done. Now I have a few things I must attend to. See you all when you get back. Oh grab a load of Niobium on your return trip. We could use some more here.
You got it Mr. Nichols. Replied Daren
Alaric and Daren left the offices and headed for the ship berths. On the way Daren use the communicator to put a call out for the Coleridges crew. Dropping Alaric off at the fighter berth he headed up to the transport docks and told Alaric he would let him know when they were leaving. Alaric wandered over to the Traveler and opened the hatch. Dropping his gear just inside he looked around until he located the dock master and ordered up a fueling. The dock workers quickly hooked up the hoses and H-fuel filled up Travelers tanks.
While watching the fueling, Alaric was tapped on the shoulder. Turning he saw a black haired Kusarian standing behind him. He introduced himself as Pax and pointed to a Viper MK II fighter parked a few berths down.
Seems me and the Endess will be joining you. I look forward to working with you after what I have heard from the rest of the Coleridge crew. He said with a slight bow
Oh thanks. Be nice to have another fighter out there. Said Alaric
I see you only mount guns, this is good. Missiles can hit unintended targets much too easy. I too only have guns mounted. Said Pax
Yeah not a big fan of missiles either in a large fight. They are great if your by yourself, but yeah in a group fight too many things can go wrong.
Alarics communicator beeped at him. Answering it he said Yeah this is Alaric
Yeah this is Butler, Daren say we leave in 20 minutes. If you see Pax tell tell him will ya. Seems he left his comm. unit off.
Roger, he is right here. We will see ya in space.
Pax looked a bit sheepish as he turned his comm. unit on. I will meet you in space He said turning to go to his ship.
Alaric headed to the Traveler and watched as they disconnected the fuel hoses. Closing the hatch he picked up his bag and took it up to his locker. Entering the cockpit he flipped on the lights and settled into his seat. He brought the ship to life and radioed for exit clearance. Once the way was clear he exited the docking bay and entered the airlock. Paxs Viper pulled up next to him. Once the outer doors were clear they both exited and flew up to meet the Coleridge.
The Coleridge cleared her mooring and the fighters took up stance around her. Increasing to cruise speed the three headed for the Kappa jump hole.
OK boys, we are taking the standard route. Thats through Kappa, onto Gamma, then into Theta, After that we head over to Sigma-17, into 19 and then over to Honshu. After that New Tokyo and last Hokkaido. We drop what we got at Sapporo and then return to New Tokyo for a load of Niobium. Reverse all that for the trip back. Reported Butler
Roger Replied Alaric and Pax.
If we encounter any Nomads while in cruise do not engage, just fly to the next way point. They cant seem to disrupt a ship already in cruise. Alaric youll fly point. Pax take the rear guard. If we get stopped by anyone else you two peel off and discuss the matter with them. Give us enough time to get clear then you can break off if you can. We will meet back up at the next system either ten clicks from the jump hole or one trade lane.
Butler told them.
Copy on that Butler, I am the sacrificial lamb. Said Alaric
Sorry honey. Its the new guys job.
Yeah I know.
They reached the jump hole and Alaric used it to head into Omicron Kappa. Once thorough he scanned the area and gave the all clear. Coleridge and Endess jumped in and they all headed off for the hole to Gamma. They dodged a small flight of Nomad light fighters and hit the jump hole. Alaric came through and checked the radar. So far so good. He called the others in and took up position. They slowly cleared the wrecks and proceeded to guide the Coleridge through the asteroid field. A Corsair patrol buzzed by them once and radioed a greeting and then flew off again. Alaric eased up to the jump hole and waited for Coleridge to catch up.
Guiding an advanced train through this field must be murder on Daren. To think he does this all the time, thought Alaric. Once everyone was together, Alaric slid into the jump hole and went into Theta. Once everyone was together Daren radioed that they would stop at Freeport Nine for a rest and continue on in the morning, since it was getting real late.
The group docked and bedded down for the night. Pax stopped by to check out Traveler and ended up spending the night since he ship did not have any sleeping quarters. Alaric found he liked the company. Pax was a bit odd with his Kusarian ways, but he was a good fellow.
Alaric found out that he had been working for DSS for the last five years and before that he was part of the escort service for Samura Industries Seems he was the sole survivor of a pirate attack and was summarily discharged from service after that. Seems they did not take kindly to loosing the shipment. He did a few freelance jobs after that and end up escorting a DDS ship one day and got hired on after that. Alaric commented that it seemed familiar. They went to sleep, each thinking, of what may lay ahead of them.
The next day the group met up outside and made their way to the Sigma-17 jump hole. Alaric entered and checked the area. He caught a blip on his radar that turned out to be a luxury liner headed. Calling the others in he waited for them to come through. Coleridge popped into normal space, soon to be followed by the Endess. Once they formed up they proceeded to cruise to the Sigma-19 jump gate. The entered the line behind a Spa and Cruise luxury liner headed to the Hawaii cruise liner.
Sigma-19 was quiet on the other side of the gate. Alaric waited for the Coleridge to take the lead since he was off his nav maps. Alaric formed up on the front of the Coleridge and they all set off for the Gas miner Ogashawa, a GMG outpost. Alaric let his autopilot keep him in formation while he kept his attention on the radar and scanners.
Alaric contact approaching from the rear, got two. Reported Pax
Roger Pax, just getting them now. They are outside of scanner range, you got an ID?
Not just yet. Wait yes saber class heavy fighters, suggests Outcast. We may have problems here.
Got it, lets keep going they may not have seen us yet. They just came into our range. Alaric said. His radar beeped at him and he glanced down. It showed two more contacts coming from in front of them. Crap, got two more coming in from the front. Prepare for combat. Coleridge if this starts we will take the ones in front first so you can hopefully break free and get to the lane at Ogashawa.
Roger, Traveler. We will make for the lane. Reported Daren
Pax move up here with me these guys in front will reach us first.
Pax moved his ship up next to Traveler Alaric, my ship has a train cruise disrutper mounted if we drop out of cruise I can fire it and disrupt them.
Good idea, but lets give them a chance to back out first. Said Alaric swapping to the local system channel. Incoming fighters. This is the Freelancer fighter traveler on escort duty. Please state your intentions. Only silence met his request as the two groups of ships grew closer.
Swapping back to intership communications Daren give a shout out to the GMG miner and let them know about this.
Roger Alaric. Contacting Ogashawa now.
Incoming fighters. Please state intensions or we will be forced to fire. Said Alaric over the system net. Swapping channels OK Pax get ready to drop out of cruise and use those disrupters. Coleridge, when Pax drops out, break left so you do not get caught up in the disruption. Ill go with you and then circle back and get them from the rear. Hopefully we can down one before the other two get here.
Alaric saw Pax drop out of cruise and get ready to fire. Coleridge and Traveler broke hard left to get clear. Alaric watched as two cruise disruption missiles ran at the incoming fighters. They exploded and the cruise engine on the two ships shut down. Alaric swung back to the right and came at the fighters from the right rear and cut his own engines. Hitting the right one Pax.
Alaric brought his guns to bear on the right saber as Pax jousted with the left. Guns flared and bolts and rays of energy flew between the ships. Alarics target went into a mad twists and turns trying to shake him off. Alaric raked the ship with his debilitators and watched as its shields fell to fifty percent. The enemy fighter broke hard right and tried to come around. Alaric killed power to his engines and pulled a tighter turn, tracking him. Getting him back into his sights he hit the power again. The energy globes of the debilitators crackled over the shields of the other ship and they fell. Now Alaric brought his furies into play. The photon cannons spat out and slammed the hull of the other ship.
The sabers shields came back online and Alaric fired his debilitators again. The shields flared but held. Alaric dodge a mine and swore. Lining the ship he fired a full bust of debilitators and furies at the other ship. Its shields crumpled and Alaric triggered the mini razor. The anti matter shot connected with the right wing of the ship. The reaction of matter meeting anti matter was dramatic. The wing exploded knocking the ship to the left in a nasty roll. The right engine also sputtered out from damage. Crippled, the ship was easy prey for Alarics furies. They punctured the inner hull of the ship and gas started to vent from the fighter. He fired another volley and the ships hull split open along the right side. Either the pilot had had enough or the safety systems fired off and the cockpit separated from the ship and became the escape pod.
Alaric checked the radar and saw the other two ships were chasing down the Coleridge. Coming Pax, when I get there break off and get those other two ships to leave the Coleridge alone. Alaric fired full thrusters to slide into position behind the second fighter. Pax had all but crippled the ship. Guns had been blown off and a large chunk of the left wing was gone. Pax hit cruise and left Alaric to finish up. The other ship dropped a mine and Alaric nailed it with a blast from his furies. The mine exploded right next to the other ship shredding its engines and rear weapons. The ship was dead in the water.
Your lucky you get to live today Said Alaric over the local comms. He engaged his cruise engines and went after Pax.
From the radar read out the other two ships had just caught up with the Coleridge. As he raced to them Pax arrived just as the three other ships all dropped out of cruise. Pax engaged one of the remaining fighters coming out of cruise right on top of it.
We got problems here! This guy has a mini razor. Shields are taking a beating! Shouted Daren over the communicator. The Coleridges guns cycled several shots at the Saber. Causing it to dodge.
Almost there! Replied Alaric
Alaric cut cruise and fired all his guns at the other saber. Since it was a snap shot only a few made connection. The other ships shields crackled a bit at the glancing blow but it got his attention. The Saber broke off with the Coleridge and turned to engage Alaric. Setting up for a joust Alaric thrust full on at the other ship. Guns fired on both sides. Just as they were about to pass, Alaric broke left and triggered his nuclear mine dropped. With no time to turn the other ship flew right into the mine. The whomp of the explosion rocked Traveler and Alaric watched as his shields fell to forty percent. The other ship was not as lucky. Its shields fell and damage to the structure of the nose could be seen.
Alaric came about in a tight turn and lined up for another run. An explosion from the right signaled the demise of the other saber as Pax flew through the debris field left behind. Finding himself alone the last ship broke off and started to engage his cruise engines. Pax lined up for a disruption shot.
Let him go Pax. He knows hes beat. Said Alaric Besides he need to go pick up his buddies.
Understood Alaric Said Pax. I am impressed most folks would kill him anyway.
Meh, I try to avoid killing them if I can. Only if they do not leave well enough alone. He is no longer a threat anyhow. Think that mine took out his razor any how. Lets catch up to Coleridge incase more fun comes along.
The two fighters hit cruise to catch up with their charge. Several minutes later all three of them came into range of Ogashawa.
Zoner transport convoy, this is the Gas miner Ogashawa, you have entered our scanner range, please report. Said Ogashawa control.
Gas miner Ogashawa, this is Deep Space Shipping convoy three alpha out of Freeport Eleven. We are headed to the Hakkiado system. Just passing through Ogashawa.
Roger that Deep Space shipping, Ogashawa out.
The three ships entered the trade lane and speed onward toward the gate. The gate was empty and Alaric slipped through into Honshu. The system channel was alive with comm. traffic as ships moved back and forth about the system. He radioed Coleridge to come on through. Once they were all together they moved off.
The rest of the trip went smoothly. They docked at Sapporo station half a day later much to everyones relief. Alaric and Pax met up in the fighter berth and went up to the Coleridge. Daren and the crew were just leaving the air lock when they arrived.
Now remember this is a state police station so everyone be on their best behavior. Ah here comes our escorts. Everyone knows Pax I believe. This other guy is Alaric. Alaric this is Kris Butler, my second in command. Said Daren indicating a short but athletically built dark hair women. She smiled at Alaric
Yeah we have spoken on the comms a few times. Said Kris
This guy over here is Markus Zeiwer. He is my mechanic. Make sure the Coleridge is ready to go all the time. Said Daren. Markus was a bald older man. His jump suite showed many stains from working on the ships equipment. Tools stuck out of his pockets and he was wiping his hands on a mechanics rag. He nodded at Alaric.
Max here is my navigator. You need updated maps this is the man to see. Said Daren pointing at a middle aged man. His light skin tone told Alaric he was from Bretonia. That and his sand colored hair. Max shook Alarics hand.
Next we have Charles, he is my gunner. Former liberty navy. Did a few stints with some of their gun boat groups. Charles was a younger, maybe late twenties. He had short cropped brown hair and a serious look on his face. He too took Alarics hand.
Last we have Eurico my loadmaster. He supervises all our cargo on ship. Eurico was a powerfully built Hispanic man.
Hola Alaric, good to have you with us Said Eurico
Glad to be here, thanks. Replied Alaric
Ok folks we need to get our cargo off loaded and contact the buyer. Eurico see to the cargo. Kris get the buyer down here. This off loading will take a few hours. The rest of you find us a place to stay and stake out a table in the bar. We could all use a drink. Ill talk with a dock master about refueling. Alaric and Pax, get me your berth numbers and Ill see that you get fuel also. Said Daren
Alaric and Pax passed on the information and then headed off with remainder of the crew. They led him to the only hotel on station and arranged for rooms. Everyone doubled up and Alaric was roomed with Pax.
OK boys, hit your rooms and meet back at the bar. Said Max heading for the elevators.
Alaric and Pax went to their room which was bare bone, but still more roomy then the Traveler. Alaric dropped his travel bad on the bed and sorted through it looking for a clean set of clothes.
You fight well Alaric-san Said Pax That engine kill maneuver was well exicuted.
Thanks Pax. Yeah my dad taught me that one. You have to be quick for that to work and a bit lucky. You did very well yourself. Nice moves getting those ships out of cruise.
Shai, or thanks. Now I am for a shower and change, before going to the bar. Now since were are in Kusari space, there are a few things I should tell you. Here honor is everything and people will become very angry if you hurt their honor. You are considered Gaijin, or foreigner. You may be looked down on since you do not follow our ways. Look to me for clues on how to act. This way you do not anger anyone needlessly.
Ok thank you. You can grab a shower first I need to stretch out for a bit
Shai. Said Pax, as he headed for the shower. Alaric laid down on the bed and rested his muscles. He closed his eyes drifting off into a light sleep. A while later he heard Pax moving about the room and sat up. Pax motioned he was done and Alaric grabbed his change of clothes and went to the shower.
The hot water eased tired muscles and relaxed him a bit. He dried himself off and put on his clean clothes. Running his fingers through his hair for a comb he met Pax out in the room. Pax had changed also. The two then headed for the bar.
The bar was fairly large and they found the rest of the crew in a table along a wall. There were already drinks half empty on the table as the two joined them. There were only a few patrons in evident being after dinner on station.
I though you two had gotten lost. Said Markus as he sipped a dark ale.
No, just wanted to get cleaned up a bit. Said Alaric Whats good here?
Well the dark bitter is good Said Markus sipping his ale again.
Markus just cares about his ales. The food is good, if a bit strange, sorry Pax Said Max
Pax shrugged his shoulders, indicating no offence. The waiter came over and asked the two if they wanted anything to drink. Pax ordered a local beer and Alaric got the same. Menus were given to them and the waited left to fill the drink order. Alaric picked up the menu and stared at the strange symbols on it.
Umm yeah, Pax can you help me out here?
Shai. This here is a chicken dish, very spicy. Here is beef and this is fish. Pax said pointing out different items on the menu. The waiter returned and brought their beers. Alaric ordered the chicken dish and Pax ordered something called sashimi. Max and Charles got a beef dish and Markus got a steak. The waited left and the group sat back, chatting and telling Alaric about themselves.
A little while later the food was delivered and they all fell to eating. Fresh food was a lot better then the condensed ship rations. Alaric looked over at Paxs plate and about gagged. Different types of raw fish and seafood covered the plate. There was a dipping sauce and a little pile of some green stuff next to it. Also on the plate was some thinly sliced vegetable. Pax took some of the green stuff and mixed it in with the sauce then get a piece of fish and dip it in the sauce. Then pop the fish in his mouth and chew happily.
Very nice to be able to have this again. Only made good in Kusari. Said Pax.
What is it? Asked Charles
This is sashimi, raw seafood. You dip it in the soy sauce, which I have mixed with some of the wasabi. Wasabi is like your horse radish, except a bit more spicy. This here is pickled ginger root. You use that to help clear your taste before each bite. It is very good, very healthy. Said Pax
Well to each their own Said Markus cutting off a large piece of steak and stuffing it into his mouth.
They ate and talked. They asked Alaric questions about himself and where he was from. A few of the crew had been to Freeport five before and knew the areas he was talking about. Markus was from Freeport one in Omega three and Charles was brought up in New York. Max lived on Cambridge most of his younger years and exchanged stories with Alaric about the place.
A few hours later Daren, Kris and Eurico came wandering in. They grabbed seats and settled in. After ordering drinks and meals Daren spoke up.
Well the Client is happy we got here and has taken possession of the cargo. They can unload cargo fast here. I figured it would be at least another few hours. So we can leave tomorrow morning. I figured we deserve a little break after that hard run. We stop at New Tokyo to take on a full load of Niobium. Now loading up may take all day so, we will have time on station. We should get there late morning, early afternoon and they will get started right after we dock. We can pull out when they are done. So if everything goes well we will leave here after breakfast. Hit New Tokyo by lunch. We can have some down time and leave when they are done, probably the next morning. Then its back the way we came and home to Freeport Eleven. Ill call ahead tonight to let the New Tokyo yards know we are coming. Sorry for the fast turn around here but youll get a break on New Tokyo, at least half a day. Said Daren
They all finished eating and drinking and then Daren and a few of the others drifted off to their rooms. Alaric soon found himself alone with Kris. They talked and got to know each other. Alaric found out she was raised in Dublin and had worked for gateway shipping for several years before taking a job with DSS. She worked he way up from the smaller transports to her position on DSSs only advanced train transport. Seems most of the ships that DSS fields were border world transports, since they handled moving through asteroid fields better, and had more turret mounts. She liked the train better since it was very roomy in the crew area.
They talked for a while longer and then decided it was time to head to bed. They left each other in the hall with a good night. Alaric entered his room quietly and slipped into his bed after dropping his clothes on the floor. He was soon asleep, dreaming about cute transport assistant captains.
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