Captain Elijah Tallwood sat on the bridge of his Salvage frigate as the massive ship came into view. From the bridge window he could see the Junker Congress barge, The Forum sitting off his ship's starboard quarter. 'Did you hail them?'
'Yes and they have responded, ' his tactical officer replied, 'Crow is on board waiting for you.'
Tallwood couldn't help but notice that the docking bay on the barge was almost big enough to fit his salvager inside it. There was certainly enough room on the interior of that ship for more than a dozen salvagers. As the airlocks came together and then opened, Tallwood stepped onto the deck of the barge. There were crew members waiting for him. After leading him on journey that seemed to last forever, they opened the doors to a large room and invited him inside. He saw Jack Crow sitting at a large table with some other Congress officials.
'Come on in Lije. It was so good of you to come to dinner.'
'Yours is a hard invitation to refuse.'
'Well, it's been a while since you've been to one of our little meetings in person. I figured it was time to get you over here again. It gives us the chance to have a real chat if you know what I mean.'
'Yes I think I do. Am I really on a ship? I mean, I realize how big this is, but this room alone is huge. It's not only huge, but a wood paneled dining room. You aren't the same person anymore. Definitely not the grunt I remember barely scrapping by on that old scrapheap you used to fly.'
'Life has been good and I am enjoying it. It's what we are all about Lije. We don't complaint about all the things that are wrong with the world. We just find a way to make our own little part of this world better. Now sit and have a drink. Tell me how the trip was.'
'The trip was uneventful. You've got this thing sitting in a place no one comes looking so there was no one along the way to harass us. Not even Reavers.'
'Oh yes, my favorite Reavers. How are they treating you these days?'
'They haven't gotten close to me lately. A few of the others have had run ins with them. They're getting more lippy than anything else right now.'
'Lippy?'
'Yeah, they even have a new name for us now. Dock Junkers. Don't you love it?'
'It's got an interesting ring to it. Should I really care?'
'They're using it a lot now to describe us. They don't like not catching us. They went after Widowmaker yesterday. He pulled an absolutely brilliant maneuver and outsmarted them allowing him to get on a trade lane even after they shot it out. I think you need to keep your eye on that captain. He's going to do big things. Anyway, Silver was so upset that he got away she started the whole Dock Junker think again. We're hearing a lot about it.'
'This is such a non issue Lije. Docking is what we do. We make it to the dock when no one else can. What do you think paid for this ship and everything we have on it? Junkers making it to the dock, that's what. Silver is nothing but a goram Absalom.'
'And what is that supposed to mean?'
'It means that she doesn't get it.'
'Well, we knew that already didn't we?'
'Back on Earth, there was an ancient kingdom called Israel.'
'I thought Israel was a country in the last days of Earth.'
'It was, but long before that it was also an ancient kingdom, with several centuries in between the two. Anyway, the greatest king to ever sit on the thrown in Israel was a man named David. David was a warrior king well known for his great victories. Well into his reign, one of his younger sons, and man named Absalom wanted to take power for himself. He rallied many supporters who were all willing to follow him as king. Now what do you think the great warrior King David did when news reached him of Absalom's plot?'
'I imagine he would have gone out and crushed this insurrection like a bug, even it if was his son leading the charge.'
'Actually, he gathered up whatever he could grab in a hurry, he rallied all of his supporters, and they all fled the capital city of Jerusalem immediately.'
'That seems to me like a strange way to respond to something like that.'
'Why? Do you think he was a coward for doing something like that?'
'It would certainly seem so.'
'Lije, now you are starting to think like our enemies. David was the youngest son of a humble man from Bethlehem. He had no inheritance and no status in society. The only chance a man like that has to become anything in life is to make a name for himself in the military. He not only made a name for himself, he became the greatest king Israel had ever known. He did it not just because he was a great warrior, but because he was also a military genius. He knew that Absalom had a considerable force behind him and had set things in motion so that he would have an advantage when he made his move. David fled the city because he was not going to let Absalom carry out this attack on his terms. Never let your enemy call the shots Lije. David knew that he could immediately go out to face Absalom on Absalom's terms and he might even have a chance to defeat him at a great cost. He also knew that he could withdraw and choose him own terms for the conflict in which his enemies would stand no chance whatsoever. As it turned out he crushed this rebellion and died many years later as a very old king.'
'Ok, I'm beginning to see your point.'
'We don't do thing their way and they hate it. I don't care. What we do works for us. Here's another example. One of my personal heroes, is a man who also come from earth history. His name was John Paul Jones. He was a captain in the American Continental Navy during the revolution against England. At the time the British Navy was the greatest military power in the world. No other navy stood a chance against them. Jones knew that attacking the British head on was foolish. He had to come up with a new plan. He knew their greatest weakness was their arrogance. They were so convinced no one could threaten England that they didn't even patrol the coast. Rather than face the British ships of the line in the ocean, Jones sailed to England and raided a few small ports. In the end he did very little real damage and didn't come away with very much. However, he forced the British to start patrolling their own coast. The ships being used to patrol the coast were ships that had been in the Atlantic harassing American merchant ships. Jones' small tactic was brilliant. Don't play their game, make your own game. The Reavers are perturbed because we won't do things their way. Like anyone would really expect us to challenge bombers with transports. I read the report from the Widowmaker incident. You are right, they were great. Then Silver did what, cry Dock Junker? She is just mad because she lost a kill and now wants us to give it to her. So you've been outsmarted and embarrassed by a brilliant captain, what do you do next? Oh wait, maybe if I call him names, he's turn around and present his ship and cargo to me as a holy and righteous sacrifice. Yeah, I'm sure that will work.'
'Ok, you've made your point. You know we do have a lot more to talk about.'
'Yes I know. We've got time though. We'll go through everything. I trust all the deliveries are still being made to GMG, the GC, and the Dragons?'
'They couldn't stop that if they wanted to. It's all going very well. Deliveries to the GMG were delayed by the Reavers going after the Widowmaker, but as I have said, that was only a small delay.'
'Good, what about the other end of Kusari and this Gallic thing?'
'I'm still working on that. We know that Samura is smuggling military vehicles into Gallia, but we don't know where they are going. It's highly unlikely that they are supplying the crown since that represents the greatest threat to Kusari security at the moment.'
'Do you think the emperor has made some kind of deal with the crown?'
'Possible, but not likely, it's more probably that they are supplying the opponents to the crown. We'll stay on that. One of our units in the Taus did get attacked by a Council vessel recently.'
'Really, so they are treating us the same as the Gallic Junkers. That's really not that surprising.'
'Actually, this council chap claimed to be trying to collect a bounty. Probably the same one everyone else is out to get.'
'And still no word who is funding this bounty.'
'Not a clue. We have had some offers to help with that though. It just takes some time to sort through them all.'
'Yes, so I've heard. Where are you with the broker guy?'
'Well, he made an offer. We made a payment since it really wasn't that much anyway. I guess we'll have to see where it leads from here.'
'Good enough. JT and Finn will be joining us later, and a few other via hologram. We're going to have a good time catching up. Just relax and enjoy yourself for the next few days. '
The stars came back into view again as the small freighter emerged from the jumphole. A man and woman sat at the controls and immediately began scanning the area.
'We're clear Mac, I've got nothing. I don't think they're following us.'
Mackenzie Mason shot him a sideways glance, 'don't get too cocky Sparks, they can appear when you are least expecting it. Just don't take your eyes off that scanner whatever you do.'
'I'm on it don't worry, I'm just saying that I think you lost them. You tend to be pretty good at that. I'm not really sure what you are worried about anyway, it's not like they can catch this ship.'
Mac fought the temptation to slap her unwanted copilot as she shot him as answer, 'Don't be so reliant on the speed of your ship. If you know what you are doing you can avoid detection even in a slower ship. We're not trying to just get away we're trying to not be seen at all. It's part of being Junker, people don't need to know what we're doing whether it's legit or not.' She glanced at another display on the console, 'Looks like we'll be at Trafalgar in about an hour. Don't take your eyes off that scanner. You never know what you're going to find out here.'
'Good, then I can get back on a train and stretch my legs on a real ship again.'
'You don't like my little freighter?'
'It's good enough for what it is. I just like to be a little more comfortable when I travel.'
'You have a strange idea of comfortable.'
'At least I can get up and walk around on more than one level.'
'Yes, and how many people are you tripping over as you do this. It's usually pretty quiet out here for me and I do everything my way.'
'Don't you ever get tired of being alone all the time or worried that you'll go crazy out here for so long?'
'This is JUST the way I like it. Besides, no one is forcing you to be here. There are many other ways for you to be traveling if you really hate my ship that much.'
'There aren't many ways to travel right now. I can't believe Liberty is still banning our trains in their space. What do they really think they are going to accomplish by that?'
'Why do they need to accomplish anything? Liberty is a very wealthy house. They do what they want and take great pride in it as well.'
'I just wish Crow could have done a better job arguing the point with them. He should have made them reverse that ridiculous decision.'
'Junior, no one MAKES Liberty do anything. They went as far as starting a ridiculous war with Rheinland which is going to stretch them so much farther than they are able to stretch just to prove that no one can tell them what to do. If they are willing to show that kind of defiance to the Kanzler, do you really think we are going to fare any better?'
'Yes I do. There is no reason for them to do what they are doing. They can't even offer a decent argument for banning those ships in their space.'
'It looked like a pretty good argument to me. At any rate, it's an argument that's working. We are still not allowed to fly our trains in Liberty.'
'It's only a good argument because they put their muscle behind it. It doesn't make any sense at all. Their only getting away with it because they can do whatever they want whether it is justified or not. Now Crow looks like such a loser because he couldn't make them back down.'
'Careful how you talk about the boss there. What makes you think he lost anything?'
'What else would you call it. He argued about the trains and he got shot down.'
'I think he got exactly what he wanted to get. He knew they were never going to reverse themselves. He just wanted them to present their argument.'
'But they don't have an argument! There is nothing they can say that will justify what they are doing to us. The more they try to argue with us the more foolish they look by even trying.'
'Think about what you just said there and you'll answer your own question about Crow.'
'I don't get it.'
'You just said that there is no argument they can make without looking foolish. At least you are starting to see what's going on here. Crow knows this. He knows they have to make an argument so they can appear to save face in this whole affair.'
'Dammit, how are they saving face? None of the arguments they made make any sense at all. They even went as far as lying about what equipment the train had mounted on it just so they could win an argument.'
'Well, they have to say something, and now they have. Crow never expected to win the argument. What he did was force them to defend a policy that cannot be defended. By doing so he forced them to make themselves look foolish. It's a little game he likes to play now and then. He knew nothing would chance at all in their policy, but he could at least make asses out of a few government officials as they tried to defend this ridiculous policy.'
'Hmm, I still think he could have done more.'
'Well you keep thinking that. Maybe one day you'll be the leader who can do all those things you think every other leader should have done.'
Mac emerged from the airlock into the corridor of Trafalgar Station. Trafalgar is home to thousands of Junkers, as well as traders, scammers, loan sharks, and just about anyone else who would not find themselves welcome in a market on New London. As Mac turned to survey the people swarming about, she shot a glance to the man walking through the airlock behind her, 'Take care of yourself Sparks,' she called to him, 'keep your head down, but don't forget to enjoy the ride.'
He turned toward her as he walked in the opposite direction, 'Thanks for the ride Mac, stay safe out there.'
Mac walked down a few more large corridors to a small pub. It was quiet and not very well lit inside, but she preferred this to the larger nosier establishments on the station. There were people in dark corners making quiet deals. Most of them did not appear to notice her as she walked up to the bar. She ordered a stout and took a seat in a booth. She sat back and surveyed the area around her. It had been a long time since she had been to Trafalgar. She had not even spent much time in Bretonia in recent years. She primarily stayed in Liberty. Between the fact that her welcome was wearing thin with a few members of the LPI and her general hunger for adventure, she decided to seek a change of scenery. As she sat in the booth staring into her drink, a man walked up and slipped quietly into the booth across the table from her.
'Well, your punctual. I'll give you credit for that.'
'Waiting too long is not good for anyone. You tell me where and when, and I'll be there.'
'That's what I hear about you. You carry with you a reputation of being quite dependable.'
'Well, not everyone likes my methods, but I get the job done.'
'I'm not too interested in your choice of methods. You don't create a commotion, that's the part I like.'
'That's how I like it. So, what have you got for me now?'
'I like what you brought from Liberty. Goods we don't see here very often and I can pay you well for them. I can pay you ever more for some other things if you're interested and not unwilling to take on a little danger.'
'Well, as much as I say I'd like to settle into a safe and easy life, it just doesn't seem to be my lot. What exactly did you have in mind?'
'Well for starters I've got some wine that needs to go to New London. It will be unpopular on New London because it was made in Gallia, but there are those who will pay well for it as it is of the finest quality.'
'Gallia huh? Just how did you come by that if I might ask.'
The man responded in a very pompous Bretonian accent, 'It's probably best you didn't ask, but we certainly didn't PAY for it if that is what you were wondering.'
'That's fine. As long as I'm not helping promote the Gallic economy we can work together.'
'Good, very good. I've got 480 crates. That should about fill your ship.'
'Make it 450.'
'Only 450? Are you that determined to cut profits here?'
'Make it 450 and give me about 30 crates of food, simple stuff, non perishable.'
'Oh yes, I've heard that about you as well. So be it. I'll have it transferred to your ship at once. Once you land on New London, we have people that will come unload it. They have already made the necessary bribes to get in and they will handle the rest. What you do with the rest of your cargo is up to you.'
'Ok, I'm guessing you've already got something lined up after that.'
'But of course. You don't think I'd send you all the way down to New London just to deliver some wine. It's good money, but there are larger issues at hand. When the crew unloads the wine from your ship they will pass you an address along with the documentation. It's a small establishment on the edge of the spaceport, not too unlike this one. You're contact will be waiting for you. He'll know you when you get there.'
'Any idea what he'll be offering me?'
'Well, the cargo will be considerable smaller that what you'll be carrying this time, but it will be much more valuable and much more important.'
'Ok, good enough. When can I leave?'
'We'll have your ship ready for you in about an hour. I image that you'll want to rest a little before getting started. Enjoy your drink.'
'Well, you do have a great stout here, I have to say. Definitely beats Liberty Ale.'
Mac took the time to drink another stout before walking back to the hanger that housed her combat service freighter. She took a quick look around the perimeter and stepped inside to see that her new cargo had been loaded. She slid into a small compartment behind the cockpit that contained a small cot, some electronic equipment, and a food dispenser. She sat down on the cot realizing how tired she was. Flying from Liberty was longer than her usual trips. Even using the trade lanes, this was a long trip. She looked thoughtfully up and the electronic console. She rose and sat down in a chair in front of it as she activated the screen. She punched in the code to initiate a transmission back to liberty. She thought for a moment as the screen for the recipient came up. She selected the option to just leave a message. 'Not really in the mood for a conversation now, 'she thought. She spoke quickly as it began recording her. 'Hey I made it to Bretonia and I'm safely on Trafalgar. It was a bumpy ride, but all's well. Doesn't look like I'm going to have any trouble finding work here. Anyway, I have no idea when I'll be back in Liberty again so it may be a while before I see you. Be safe.' She clicked the screen off and moved back to the cot. She was asleep in a few minutes.
Mac awoke after only a few hours. She was never able to sleep more than that anymore. She stretched a little and moved to the exit of her ship. She took the time to walk around and do a thorough check of the ships exterior. Then she went back inside and began warming up the ship and started a diagnostic of all on board systems. She slid into the cargo hold to make sure the crew and secured her load properly and then moved back to the font of the ship. She filled up a coffee cup and moved into the cockpit. She strapped in and grabbed a headset. Her ship was maneuvered into a launch tube and she received her final clearance to leave. Just like that she was out in the black of space again.
As she moved away from Trafalgar she reached down and powered up the ships weapons. As they came of line she threw full power into the ships thrusters and then cut the and spun the ship around, firing her barragers as she did. The exploding hunks of scrap outside her cockpit were a satisfying site. She almost couldn't remember the last time she had fired her guns in anger, but it was good to know they still worked. She activated her cruise engine and laid in a course for Southhampton shipyard so she could pick up the trade lane to Planet New London.
Mac had only been to New London once many years ago. It was during her time as a pilot for Jack Crow before any of them became affiliated with the Junker Congress. She didn't have much love for big planets and civilization. They only reminded her of the things she wanted to get away from. 'Suck it up girl, 'she told herself. 'Looks like I'll be making plenty of trips here if I want to stay employed.' Her landing was smooth. A crew came to her ship immediately, which was unusual here. Knowing what she was carrying and what it was worth she wasn't surprised though.
As she exited the ship she pressed a button on her own remote control panel that opened an out side compartment. A small vehicle slid out and rested on the pad by the ship. It was only a small hover scooter, but it was enough to get her where she needed to go in this spaceport and carry a few crates. She loaded a few of the food crates that were still on her ship and secured them to the scooter. Then making sure everything was locked up, she mounted the scooter and headed into the streets.
She had to stop upon exiting the landing area for inspection by the Bretonian Police Authority. Her papers were all in order, the finest hackers on Rochester had seen to that.
'That's a lot of food you're carrying there', observed on of the officers. 'How long were you planning on staying here?'
'I'll be gone by the end of the day', she told him.
'So, just what are you going to do with all that food?'
'I was thinking of throwing a party while I'm here.'
'Careful with that tongue Junker. It doesn't look like you have anything illegal here or even particularly valuable here. We'll look for you later today then. Try not to get lost.'
She rode out of the landing area through the town. She knew where her meeting was but she had a stop to make first. Going further toward the edge of the spaceport town she made another quick turn. It had been so long since she was here, but she knew where to go, she could almost smell them. Coming to a stop at an alley she saw what she was looking for. There was a group of children sitting by the road. She had never seen them before, but immediately she felt as if she knew them. They were the forgotten, cast aside and hungry, trying to get by. If they survived their childhood they would end up exploited or involved in some criminal enterprise. They seemed suspicious of her as she stopped and dismounted her scooter. She took three crates of food off the back of the scooter and left them on the sidewalk. Then she made eye contact with a girl who looked to be about twelve years old. 'Try to stay out of trouble and I'll look for you again in about a week.'
Climbing back on the scooter, she sped off down the road. She still had a meeting to attend.
Mac walked into the pub and looked around. This was a little nicer than the establishment on Trafalgar. It was actually a lot higher class than any place she would usually go. 'Great', she though, 'I'll probably have to pay twice as much for my drinks here.' She walked to the bar and ordered a stout. As she was reaching for the glass, a hand tapped her shoulder from behind. She turned to see a large man looking down at her. He handed her a small data chip. She took the chip and slid it into her own reader. The proper code and identification appeared on the screen. She grabbed her drink and followed the man who was already walking away to a booth in the back.
The large man stepped aside motioning to the booth where a short thin man was seated looking out at the pub. Mac slid into the seat across from him and let him introduce himself. 'I guess you're Mac. You can call me Trevor.'
Mac nodded to him, 'How can I be of service to you today?'
'I'm always looking for skilled pilots. I hear you're near best there is when it comes to small freighters.'
'I get the job done.'
'Well, that's what it's really all about isn't it? My people are preparing to load your ship as we speak. The cargo is mostly food and medical supplies. There are a few other trinkets thrown in there that have moderate value, but I'm not too worried about that. You are free to sell the cargo or dump it as you see fit. Whatever you are able to get for it is yours. You've probably realized by now I'm not too concerned with what's in your hold. When you get back to the pad my people will be waiting for you. You will be given two separate data chips. I'd prefer no one get near either one of them, but whatever happens it is most important that no one is able to steal both of them. Either chip will be useless by itself. Are you following me?'
Mac nodded to him.
'Good. I assume you can find your way to Arranmore.'
Again she nodded. 'I've never actually been there but I can find it as long as you can get me in the door.'
He slid something across the table to her. 'This will help with that. Just transmit this code when challenged and they'll let you through. They will actually be expecting you. This information is very important to our cause. You have no need to know the details, but know that it is important. This is why we can't risk transmitting it.'
'I think I see where you are going with this. When will you be ready for me to leave?'
'My people will be at the landing pad when you get back. They'll give you whatever you need.'
'Ok, I'm going to run a quick errand since I'm here and then head back to my ship. I'm hoping to put this planet behind me in a few hours.'
'That's the kind of attitude I like. I think we will both be enjoying this little arrangement. You'll find this pays rather well if you can keep up the pace.'
'No problem there, I guess I'll be seeing you.' Mac got up from the table and walked back out to her scooter. She had some ground to cover and wanted to get it done and get back to her ship. The less time she spent here the better. She sped through several turns until she came to an older part of the town known as Little Dublin. She had never spent much time here, but she knew how to find what she was looking for. She parked outside one of the shops and walked in. There was and elderly gentleman behind a wooden counter who looked up as she walked in.
'Don't see too many Junkers in this part of town. What can I do fer you ma dear?'
'Just looking for a little whiskey. I hear this is the place to come for the good stuff.'
'I think we can help you with that.' He reached under the counter and produced a bottle. Grabbing a glass with his other hand he poured a bit and handed it to her.
'I've definitely come to the right place. Can I get four cases of that packed in a shipping crate?'
'You can if you've got the credits. I don't give no credit to Junkers.'
'Typical. Yes, I can pay, but I'm in a hurry so if you can get that crate out here I'd appreciate it.'
Five minutes later she had the crate loaded and was headed back to the spaceport. One of the same police officers was on duty near her landing pad as she returned.
'Back again Junker, I guess you'll be leaving now.'
'On my way. Lovely little place you have here, but it's just not my style.'
His partner began to inspect the crate she was carrying. 'So', he asked her, 'where might you be taking all this whiskey?'
'It's not really that much. Just enough to keep me happy until I come back this way again.'
'So, where exactly are you going then?'
'I don't remember that being part of the conversation.'
'It is because I asked you.'
'I'm taking a trip. I don't feel the need to share more details than that. Unless you are going to charge me with a crime you're just going to have to deal with that.'
'Careful Junker, a little friendly attitude might do you well around here.'
'I'll keep that in mind, maybe we can discuss it when I return.' She maneuvered past them and approached her ship. Once the had the scooter secured back in its compartment, she slid the crate of whiskey in the small compartment behind the cockpit. She did a quick preflight to make sure the ship was ready for take off. As she was finishing two men approached her. One of them handed her a small package.
'This is from Trevor', the man told her, 'I believe you can figure out what to do with it. There's a few things in your hold for you as well. Have a safe journey.'
As the men walked away Mac noticed the two BPA officers taking note of their conversation. She decided it was time to leave and move up to the cockpit. Not a good time to not be making friends with the local law enforcement. This was the same reason she decided to leave Liberty. Being friendly with the cops was helpful, but they just weren't her kind of people.
