Neo-Nazi's in Rheinland

[Hardnight]

Hey boss, you there? It was the stern, deep voice of Leo Cavanaugh, captain of the merchant ship HNS Leopardclaw. The veteran shipmaster was broadcasting an interstellar signal to the ships owner: Hank Hardnight Russells. He had a report to make.

Yea, Leo, Im here, whats up? Hardnight rubbed the gummy sleep from his eyes as he tried to focus on the words that would come next. He hardly ever heard from the freighter skipper. He was so competent never had any trouble so there was no need. Last he had heard the Leopardclaw was transporting VIPs to Honshu from New Berlin then prisoners for the return trip. They had jointly agreed on that trade route weeks ago and, from his mounting credit account, it was working fine. Now, there apparently was a glitch.

Had a run-in with a RM officer over in New Berlin.

Whaaat? Hardnight was amazed. Leo was not the type to buck authority that was Hardnights department. Especially since all he was flying was a large train makes a good target and not much else. Hardnight sighed. More Leo there must be more, just spill it.

Alright. Now it was the old space captains turn to sigh. His boss could tell that the whole episode had righteously irritated him. I jumped into New Berlin from Sig 13 and there was a RM cruiser there by the name of Plunderer turned out to be an appropriate name for this clown. Anyway, he commands me to halt, which I did. Well, I waited and waited and nothing was said. Then I saw a Red Hessian fighter descending on me now I am starting to sweat a little. Well, the RH fighter starts a strafing run on me, shoots up my shield, and the blamed RM guy is just sitting there watching it! So I kicked in the cruise engine and started returning fire on the Red Hessian. Well, suddenly the RM cruiser opens up on me demanding 2 million as a fine for not stopping! Then he says I didnt stop earlier at New Berlin, and I swear Hank, I didnt hear him hail me nor see any ship on my screen earlier. You know I always expect the RM to frisk me in NB they always do if they are present, so I look for them. Anyway this guy was acting like a pirate so I told him so and that he was not getting any payola from the Leopardclaw. Then he said he was increasing it to 6 million because I ran.

Weeeeell that is quite a story, my friend. Quite a story Hardnight fell silent for a few moments and then continued. Was that the end of it?

Cavanaugh cleared his throat. Not exactly.

Well?

We exchanged some insults and then I lost my temper and threatened to put a bounty on his head His voice trailed off into uncomfortable silence. There was no telling how his boss would take his rash impetuousness in this matter. He could very well lose his job over the incident. To evade authorities was one thing, but to threaten them was taking it to a new level. But his apprehension was soon replaced with confusion as he heard the maniacal laughter on the other end of the line. It went on for quite a spell before it was brought under control.

How. Hahahaha How. haha. much did hahah you tell him you would offer?

Er, uh rather not say.

Hahahah Okay hahah okay Leo let me think this thing through and Ill get back to you. Oh, and Leo

Yea, boss?

Dont go back into Rheinland space. Get a drink and settle down Ill get back to you.

Yessir.

Hardnight out.

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