//This is Where reports posted on the Message dump or in game/forum events can be rewritten with added characteristics for players characters. All events actually happened, the conversations are direct quotes or as close to as possible. Meant for more interesting reading then normal report without having the Message dump overflowing
Also pure RP story events relating to the VPS will also be placed here
An encounter with Intelligence, Bretonian Intelligence. --Background, Report, Tobi Reaper--
"Tobi Reaper reporting in
Today I happened to run across a Keeper cruiser in my bomber, I
kept away from calling for back up since you don't want to try to
handle one of those alone, firstly a BHG gunboat came then shortly
after several BAF and a IAB showed up. At first I was think great,
the more help the better, but instead of killing this thing they
engage in talks between the BAF and this keeper. I started
wondering what the hell was happening, personally I think these
things should be shot on sight rather then talking to the damn
things. Later on the keeper went into Edinburgh we followed, now
numbering about 3-4 BAF and 2 IAB, after about half an hour of
talking they got the keeper going towards a jump hole out of
Bretonia. After reaching the Jump Hole the Keeper just sat there
for about 10 minutes, toughly puzzled by the Bretonian's
leniency, I happened to mention about having to make a report about
this, for the Venator database. Apparently this didn't sit well
because I got threats from the IAB of making me disappear or
killing me, but I felt it was necessary to do this so. After the
keeper went into the hole I turned back towards Dublin and
stationed myself at graves station. So after I make this report I
shall be making my way to liberty space."
--New London Orbit, VPS-Aurelia, Officer Daniel Hunt--
"Greetings VPS vessel" Daniel looked up from his controls,
Bretonian Intelligence, just the people he was hoping to NOT to
meet.
He nodded, "Good morning Timberwolf" naming the ship that had
hailed him.
'Right. I wish it was as good as you seem to want it to be'.
Daniel winced inwardly, no mistake what they were after now. He'd
just been talking to Tobi Reaper, reporting that a BAF had tried
to arrest him. Figures that this would happen on his watch,
dealing with Intelligence was the kind of thing a mercenary tried
to avoid.
Evenston, can you please go patrol?" Naming the only other ship in
comms range.
"I'm waiting for a friend" replied the pilot
"Go wait for him someplace else this is now a secured area"
"He's a gunboat of the Armed Forces."
"And I'm an Agent of the Military Intelligence, Section Five, Now
move it!"
"Let me pull out my handbook...' Daniel sighed, so much for
training these days. Looks like the Armed Forces don't teach their
cadets to respect the Intelligence agency anymore. Can't blame
them, haven't seen much in the way of intelligence in their war.
"Sir" the other IAB piped up "Your hand book doesn't cover the
IAB"
Daniel watched as unfortunate pilot flies off
"Now that that is resolved" Turning his attention back to Daniel
Daniel coughs, hiding his moment to open a comms channel back down
to Headquarters.
"Captain" he continues 'we have a rather large issue regarding one
of your operatives by the name of Tobi Reaper."
"Yes, there does seem to be some..... Misunderstanding......with
him"
'Remember your training Daniel' he thought 'Never admit to
ANYTHING'
Daniel quickly types a message to Senator Marcus as the IAB is
distracted by a passing patrolling gunboat.
--MESSAGE, IAB TROUBLE IN SPACE, TOBI REPORT, WILL DELAY AS LONG
AS POSSIBLE--
Daniel eyes the other IAB ship, flanking him to the side, after
years of combat experience he found himself carefully eyeing the
ship's configuration.
"Do you understand the importance of your Royal Charter to your
continued operations? And for the record, everything that has been
said here has been recorded" The threat brings Daniels attention
back to the ship in front, he'd replying automatically as the IAB
rattled on already know information about Tobi's 'problems'.
"Oh we do, through understand that some of us...like by simple
self...are just mercenaries or freelancers"
'Play the dumb merc card Daniel' He thought. The government always
looks on mercs, easier have them continue believe what they will.
The unfortunate pilot with the handbook goes past with his
apparent gunboat friend; Daniel takes the distraction for the IAB
to check the incoming message from Marcus.
--PROBLEM SOLVED--
Finally, now to palm this off to someone with a higher pay grade.
"Perhaps..." He looked behind him, pretending to seem seeking
escape 'You would rather talk to a higher ranking Officer?
"I would. Preferably a manager or CEO"
That arrogant prick, VPS has been operating in Bretonia for nearly
a year and he hadn't even bothered to read up on the command
structure.
"Err, Senator Marcus or Imperator Williams would be who you want."
"Can you contact them?"
'Good', thought Daniel, 'Time to get out of here.' No such luck
unfortunately, they wanted him to stick around. He'd have to be
present on the HQ when Marcus took it out.
"Righto, I'll pull him away from whatever he's doing..." Like he
wasn't already informed of the whole thing....
--Back on Planet New London--
Daniel hurried at a half run up to the HQ's docking port. The
liner was docked at one of New London's many spaceports, typically
mooring at one of the most 'prestigious' ports. The Wright family
was one of the wealthiest 'noble' classes of Bretonians; Daniel
had been quite surprised to find out that Marcus had been running
ore shipping in Dublin. Most of the high class brats lived off
their allowance.
Dodging out coming dock crew he went through the airlock and
headed towards the upper decks. As he entered the bridge he
spotted Senator Marcus leaning back in the Captains chair, before
he could address his superior he was swiftly interrupted by
Marcus: "Intelligence problems eh Daniel? And you seem to stay so
far away from it....?"
Daniel sighed, recognizing Marcus usual bantering tone. Coming
from a 'proper' upbringing Marcus tended have a relaxed approach
to Government problems, never having a lack of resources to fight
them.
The ship shuddered as the docking clamps disengage, consoles lit
up as the ship came under its own power. Daniel felt a little
uneasy at how quiet the ship was, the rich liked to travel without
what Daniel considered as the comforting rumble of engines and hum
of the power core.
--New London Orbit--
As the ship cleared the Docking rings, the IAB were still sitting
there, right where he left them.
Wasting no time a comms channel from the IAB came though:
Clearing his throat, Marcus cuts in first "Ahhh, Greetings
gentlemen"
"Sir, as I imagine you know already, we are with the MI5"
'Arrogant prick' Daniel thought again, least the other IAB, Iron.
Fox, had the decency to begin with a 'Good Evening'
"Senator" He continued 'do you know of the issue regarding your
operative Tobi Reaper?"
'Yes, Daniel has been filling me in all the way the HQ here."
Marcus said "Though I've been keeping track ever since I got a
report of a BAF member attempting to arrest one of my members"
"As I also imagine, the operative in question also posted a report
containing classified documents. Can you search your database for
reports following Tobi Reaper's last one?' Daniel frowned. How
would he know if it's the last one, the encounter was several days
ago...
"Yes of course" Begin Marcus, pulling out a hardcopy of the report
"I've just been pulling out his latest reports..." That's Marcus,
always ready.
Daniel grinned as Marcus sent over a copy of the report, not the
report that Tobi had made. Earlier after lift-off Marcus explained
that he'd gone into the report files and removed the original and
replaced it with a false document.
As the IAB were going over the report Daniel saw Marcus signal
towards the door; he obviously wasn't needed here anymore.
Nodding gratefully Daniel walked off in the direction of the
Liner's officer's Mess.
--HQ Officer's Mess--
Marcus found Daniel on a bar stool working slowly through a small
glass of Whisky, an empty glass already in front of him. Sitting
down beside him Marcus ordered his own drink.
"So how did it go?" Daniel asked, glancing at his boss.
"As expected, all charges dropped and a message in the report
section about a faulty file to cover any tracks for those that
might have seen the original." Marcus sighed and continued
"Blasted pilots, messing around with the IAB. Do me a favor and
next time you see one fly the other way eh?"
Daniel nodded "Always do boss, always do"
--New London Orbit, Senate chambers, Senator Cletus Morales'
'And now on the motion proposed by Senator Morales, the purchase of a Zephyr class carrier.'
The sudden call by the current president of the senate woke Cletus from his musing. 'Finally, this session was starting to border on the impossibly tiresome' as he looked around the Senate chamber; a large spartanly decorated room, his eyes fell upon the officials occupying the chairs set around the large central table.
'The motion was exposed in detail by Mr. Morales in our previous session, I am sure you all have had ample time to consider and discuss it. I suggest a vote; but before that if any of you gentlemen have any additional comments to be made now would be an appropriate time'.
One senator, a wealthy Bretonian businessman from the looks of it, chose to stand and deliver a statement against the purchase of the carrier. 'What a fool' thought Cletus 'what was his name again Barnes? Richards?' the thought made him snigger 'another one of those bureaucrats, they never left their offices and they think they can correctly judge this case?' Cletus was the only member of the senate that achieved his position through the VPS flight branch, putting his life on the line, while the other members were prosperous businessmen, well-off inheritors or affluent bureaucrats; a fact that has given him a certain detachment from the affairs of the senate. This motion however, in fact the only one Cletus has ever proposed, was to him crucial for the future development of Venator Private Security as an influential entity of Sirius.
'Well, while Mr. Richards has some interesting points to make' 'Ah, so it was Richards' 'On the other hand he fails to grasp the entirety of the situation at hand'. The current speaker was Senator Marcus, a wealthy inheritor but one that gambled his inheritance by personally overseeing a small mining operation in Dublin, something that Cletus could respect and which made him the only member of the Senate worthy in his eyes. 'Well let's see how he'll shut up those paper pushers' a sight that he was looking forward to for some time.
'I am sure you all are aware of the financial situation concerning docking rights and privileges' As he was finishing his sentence a Holographic image started to materialize over the center of the table. 'The projections you see here clearly indicate that if our fleet continues to expand at the current rate the carrier should pay for itself over a matter of 5 years. Furthermore as you all know we are in a peak period financially; now is the time to make such a decision' 'Yes Marcus but you are leaving out the most important part'¦'
'And as you are all aware the status we would gain by the possession of such a vessel is clearly not negligible, not only will this give us more weight politically creating a clear break between us and all the other mercenary *bands* and finally making individuals and governments realize that we are a fully fledged multi-branch security corporation, but the publicity gained will rapidly boost our activity and substantially increase our income.' 'Yes, tying the political with the financial, now that should persuade even the most reticent of these idiots' with a smile on his face his eyes went back to the president of the senate.
'Well, if there are no other comments?' as he slowly scanned the room, no other senators rose up. 'Then it is time to vote, would all for the passing of the motion raise their hands?' 'Here it is, let's hope that enough of these buffoons have a shred of common sense'. As he raised his hand, what seemed like most of the senators followed, leaving him with a somewhat surprised expression on his face 'well I'd be damned!'
'The senate recognizes 10 votes for and 2 votes against and as the Imperator has previously decided to vote for, the motion is therefore passed with 11 out of 13 votes.'
--New London Orbit, Office of Senator Morales--
A sudden chime of the door made Cletus look up from his paperwork 'Yes, please enter', as the door opened the form of Senator Marcus emerged from the threshold. 'Well Cletus, how was that? Did you see the face of Kingston when the motion was passed?'
'Yes yes, you can stop gloating now; we still have to convince the IMG to actually sell us one of their carriers' responded Cletus to the always optimistic Marcus. 'Now now, don't be so grumpy for once I'm sure you'll be able to convince them.' As Marcus was saying the last part of his sentence Cletus closed his eyes and calmly enunciated 'What do you mean 'me'?'
'Well yes, it was your idea; therefore the senate has found it appropriate to make you the negotiator in this affair' 'sigh' 'Let me guess; Kingston right?' Smiling Marcus replied 'Of course it was Kingston, he never wanted you on the board in the first place, and if I remember correctly he called you *the crazy ruthless Hispanian* when we were discussing your promotion' 'Great, I knew he never liked me but this takes it one step further' 'We'll want a complete report on this matter for the next senatorial meeting of course'
'Well, I was the one to propose this in the first place, might as well see it through'
Walking down the VPS reserved docking facility; Cletus stopped in front of a Democritus Luxury Liner. A single man was waiting in front of the airlock 'Well Senator it's an honor to see you here' The middle aged man of short stature extended his hand, 'Thank you Mr. Simmons for letting me use the Recruitment Bureau on such a short notice' after shaking his hand the man shrugged and started walking towards the airlock 'We were going in that direction anyways, it'll just be a short detour on our recruiting run to Kusari'.
--A few days later, Tau-23 Java Station, Administration Reception '
'Mr. Morales I presume?' extending his hand the defense director talked in a no-nonsense voice, the trait of a main with a lot on his hands and little time to spare. 'Yes, Mr. Matterson, we have talked on comm. channels previously, the request for purchasing a Zephyr class carrier' sitting down the director pointed towards an empty chair in front of his desk.
'Yes, I have been talking with Mr. Sanders and our other directors and we were actually interested in your proposition' 'Well that's another surprise, and I thought I'd have to beg on my knees' 'We have heard good things of Venator Private Security and are willing to go through with this arrangement, with of course some additional clauses' 'Ah, here it comes' 'I'm sure you know about how the misuse of such a vessel could compromise the IMG, and there is also the fact that producing such a vessel would cost us resource wise.' Sitting up straight Cletus responded in a secure tone 'Well or course sir, we do not wish to put the IMG in a difficult position'
'So we would like to start talking about an additional fee'¦'
--A few days later, Tau-23 Java Station, Guest quarters '
'They want how much!?'
Moving back from his monitor Cletus put his hands to his ears 'Will you stop yelling Marcus? That won't make the sum go down, it's the best I could get, just be grateful that I was actually able to negotiate and get the carrier at all.'
'Well you know that we have limited resources and I'll be the one trying to convince the other senators to put that kind of sum on the table.'
'Aren't they all full of money, isn't that why they're on the board in the first place? This is not my kind of arena Marcus, but I'm telling you this carrier would be a major asset to the VPS fleet' sighing Marcus pored himself a glass of whiskey 'I know Cletus, you're just not making my job easier' 'Yeah, looks like you're working real hard from here' 'well anyways the Recruitment Bureau still has 2 weeks left on its tour of Kusari, so I won't be going anywhere soon' laughing Marcus retorted 'Well I should have unlocked the funds by then, even if it has to come out of my personal treasury, so just enjoy your *paid* vacation there Cletus'
--Dublin: 20K from the Battleship Hood, Carrier Fidei Defensor: Hangar 1-C, Senator Cletus Morales—
“Come on lads, that reactor should have been reinstalled yesterday!”
The voice of the Chef engineer reverberates in the Carrier’s vast ship hangar, as Cletus makes his way towards the commotion he cannot but be impressed by the work of the grease monkeys; at the center of the room was a large vessel, ‘Gunboat class I’m guessing’, barely recognizable as most of its hull plating and propulsion system was stripped.
Walking past various personnel he finally approaches the leader of this madness; a large burly man but with the airs of a dock worker: greasy hands, sweat dripping down his face due to the apparent proximity to laser wielders and wearing a blue overall.
“Busy day Donaldson?”
The man quickly turns around in what seems to be an attempt to run down an overly inquisitive worker, but as he sees Cletus’s face he quickly stands up straight.
“Aye sir, one flyboy comes back with this boat barely hanging together, and of course we get the extra work. I’m tellin’ ya those guys don’t realize how much work goes into maintaining these babies.”
Not one to underestimate the work the engineers put into the company, and seeing the confrontational tone of the man Cletus quickly responds:
“Yes, I do realize that there is some kind of superiority complex running rampant in the Flight Branch but you must admit that they do risk their lives each time they go out those bay doors.” Not backing off Donaldson insists “Yeah I do know that, but that doesn’t justify their behavior. Especially now that we’ve moved to the carrier, it’s a lot more Spartan than the New London docking ring, and we actually have to live aboard for months. Let’s not even talk about the additional risks, my boys and I have been talking about sending a request to the head honchos for a raise.”
‘God’ it seems that what was supposed to be a routine checkup of operations has become much more complicated. “Ok Donaldson I’m all for that but you know that the Head offices might take some time making their minds about that, I still need you focused on your job 100%.”
Calming down, the chief engineer continues in a gentler tone “I just want you to understand that we’re just as important as any ace pilot out there sir and…”
As Donaldson was about to finish his sentence a voice chimed in Cletus’s ear set: “Mr. Morales we have an
incoming transmission from one of our pilots.”
Interrupting the engineer’s speech Cletus replied to the comm. officer “Who is it from and what is the content of the message?” after a short interval the officer answered “Its crewman Reaper, it seems he is having some problems with the Bretonian Intelligence Agency, he seemed very serious about it sir”. ‘The IAB? Again? This is starting to become ridiculous’ “Tell him to slowly converge on our position and set a course to the Hood”.
“Yes sir, Course set.”
--Dublin: 2K above the Battleship Hood, Carrier Fidei Defensor: CIC, Senator Cletus Morales—
Signaling the Comm. officer Cletus mentally prepares himself for what is no doubt going to be a very tedious experience. “ Officer Raynor, patch me through to crewman Reaper” activating the central display the officer quickly answered “Yes sir, comm. systems activated we are getting audio and visual”.
The central display quickly showed the Image of Tobi Reaper, seemingly agitated and confused.
“Erm we have a problem here” ‘No kidding’ “So what exactly IS the problem crewman?” Genuinely confused Tobi replied “The IAB wants me on charges of something and I have no idea what they’re talking about”. ‘Well this is just perfect’ “What are the charges exactly?”
Before he could answer the Defensor’s comm. systems picks up a transmission from a group of rapidly converging IAB ships.
“Get out of Bretonia now, after of course Timberwolf deletes all information you might have saved”.
Tobi again seemed totally unaware of anything he could have done to anger the Agency: “What information? I have no idea of what you are talking about.” ‘Come on Tobi you must have done something’
Trying to diffuse the situation, Cletus ordered Officer Raynor to broadcast to all ships in the vicinity:
“ Stay calm Tobi, just answer the gentleman's questions.”
As Cletus was going to demand explanations, the lead IAB ship sent a transmission to the Defensor directly.
“Captain of the Defensor...illegal bringing a capital ship of that size to Bretonia?” ‘Illegal? Bretonia? After ample warning and by restricting the vessel to IMG space, their pushing it!’
In a greatly declining mood Cletus broadcasted back: “This is IMG space if I'm not mistaken?”
The lead vessel did not wait before transmitting : “OUCH! Wrong words, this is Bretonian space. No one signed nor agreed to that little assessment yet.” A statement further reinforced by another IAB pilot “ Indeed. Bretonian Space.”
‘Well those negotiations couldn’t be cloudier, especially since the BAF have been starting to enforce said space division.’
But again, not willing to create a diplomatic incident or to damage the recently acquired Defensor; Cletus simply agreed. “Really? I was not aware of the state of negotiations. I will gladly be escorted out of Bretonian space.”
As the IAB had finished wiping out Tobi’s databanks they turned their efforts to the Defensor.
Turning towards the XO, Cletus inquired “Daniels how much of the docking and repair logs hasn’t been backed up?” Daniels, always the stoic simply responded “The last 48 hours sir” ‘Well that certainly won’t please Donaldson. Heh, I hope he doesn’t start a strike or something.’
“The EM pulse has ceased” nodding to Raynor Cletus addressed the XO “So how much was wiped?”
Grunting Daniels handed him his mobile computing device to him “As you can see I just tried to access the database….And there is nothing. The navigation and various life support systems were unaffected as well as the weapon systems, although I’d like to run some recalibrations later.” ‘Well it could have been worse’
“Understood, Officer Raynor please signal the nearest Guarda ship that we are going to move through Molly space to Omega-49 and tell crewman Reaper to follow us, he’ll dock his ship to the Defensor after we complete the jump.”
“Will do sir.”
“Well Marcus, it seems like you have another problem on your hands.” On the screen Marcus seemed, for once, deeply annoyed “This is the second time the IAB pushes us around, and again the focal point is Tobi Reaper.” ‘The hermano seems to attract problems that’s for sure’
“Well this is out of my hands now, I’ve got enough problems dealing with what that EM pulse did with our databanks. Anyways how is it going over there? Is the movement of our vessels to the carrier still underway?”
His problems seemingly disappeared Marcus answered “Yes, actually the whole of our flight branch assets should be reassigned to the Defensor in less than two weeks…”
As he was finishing Marcus turns towards a voice off screen “Sorry Cletus, I have to go, duty calls *haha*”
“Wait Marcus what about the rotation of the engineering staff…” before he could say three words the transmission was cut.
‘Well I guess I’ll send Daniels talk to Donaldson. Yes, that’ll be a test of his legendary stoicism.’
Swirling around a glass of whiskey, Virgil contemplated his current predicament: 'Two escorts down today ' Damn, days are starting to blend together'. For the past two months since he entered the company his days revolved around escorting traders through house space and protecting miners in the Dublin system. Although the rare dogfight made his blood run, he was getting extremely bored 'Ah well, I knew what I was getting into when I signed up, the money is good and I've travelled to places that I never thought I would'¦.But still'¦.' As he took a sip from his glass he tried to rationalize his feelings 'I guess I'm just having the blues'¦'
---A few hours later, Carrier Fidei Defensor: Virgil's Quarters---
A ring woke Virgil from his nap 'A perfectly manly activity' moving towards the comm. device he looked at the display screen:
***Incoming Transmission***
Comm. ID: VPS Senate Headquarters -- Personnel affectation bureau.
Location: New London Orbit.
Recipient: Crewman Virgil Derson
Subject: Special Mission
Crewman Derson,
Due to the positive reports we are getting from your superiors on your efficiency and piloting abilities, we are assigning you the following mission:
You are to report to Officer Daniel Hunt at planet Gran Canaria, there you will be escorting an Omicron Supply Industries convoy to Planet Crete in Omicron Gamma.
All additional details will be provided by Officer Hunt on site.
Good luck.
***End of Transmission***
'What?! Planet Crete? ' Are they insane?' Fuming Virgil remembered all the times he had to defend civilian vessels from corsair attacks 'There is no way that they are going to let us pass through their system like we are brothers or something. What were they thinking?' Sighing loudly he nonetheless moved towards the door 'Well orders are orders, and I did want to see Sirus, might as well see the entirety of it.'
---Omega-49, In the orbit of planet Gran Canaria, Crewman Virgil Derson---
As he entered orbit Virgil received a transmission from Officer Hunt:
'Come'n Virgil, hop to it. We're heading via O47 to Gamma' bewildered he quickly responded 'Breaking through Hessian space sir?' 'This is getting even more insane by the minute' before he could transmit anything one of the OSI vessels interjected, a certain Ziyad Malikk: 'Just passing'. 'Just passing he says -- what in the world has he'¦.' A sudden chime resonated inside the cockpit of the Raven's Talon, indicating that Hunt was transmitting on a private channel.
'While I do understand why you're so jumpy, remember that the OSI are neutral with many factions, and in this case, as their escorts we should benefit from their reputation.' 'As if it was so simple' 'And what about the Corsairs?' pausing before answering Hunt's tone was that of assurance 'We'll cross that bridge once we get there' 'Oh boy'¦'
Switching back to the regular channel Hunt broadcasted to the OSI vessels:
'Alright then, VPS will hover around the Whale then, let's get going'
'Two OSI ships, one freelancer and us'¦.hope we make it because this is sounding worse and worse'
---Omega-41, Crewman Virgil Derson---
Having passed through the Hessian system without any difficulties, barring Virgil's nerves, the convoy entered Omega 41.
As the convoy was approaching the Omicron Gamma jump hole, the lead OSI vessel issued an update ' It seems that another vessel will be joining the convoy in Omicron Theta.
Realizing the foolishness of this endeavor Virgil opened a comm. channel to hunt:
'You do realize we are going to get murdered by the 'sairs right?' he didn't have to wait long to hear Hunt's voice 'Well the OSI is hauling Food supplies, we're protecting valuable supplies for the 'sairs'. 'And how is that a good thing?' 'We had more than a few encounters with them, and you do realize they are not the forgiving bunch!' seemingly having rattled his superior Virgil tried to get a hold of himself 'We should beneficiate from the OSI's reputation here, but you're right we are going silent on this one ' broadcast a regular mercenary IFF, no VPS recognition codes ' and of course keep close to the transports' 'Well that should help slightly but'¦' 'Do not respond to any incoming transmissions but rather patch them through to the lead OSI vessel'.
'Cross your fingers and hope the 'sairs don't look closely' 'Understood sir.'
---Omicron Gamma, Crewman Virgil Derson---
The moment the convoy jumped to the system, a Corsair patrol immediately intercepted the vessels. After scanning the OSI vessels and confirming the presence of food supplies the transports were cleared to dock to planet Crete. The transport captains must have been persuasive as the two VPS vessels were asked to stand clear of Crete while the transports unloaded their merchandise; once the deed was done the OSI vessels rejoined their escorts.
'Well it's to Kappa now, I think you guys have dealt with nomads before?'
---Omicron Kappa, Crewman Virgil Derson---
'Dealt with Nomads'¦'¦If I ever find the guy that put me on this mission it's going to be bloody'
Moving through Omicron Kappa was tedious at best, it seems that the blue aliens have completely infested the system Virgil and Hunt were trying their best to clear a path to the Omicron Delta jump hole.
'Well you were complaining you wanted to see Sirius; this isn't something you get to see every day!' 'Bloody Hunt, next sortie I'll make him pay' 'respectfully sir, could you cut the chatter' 'Shut up!'
As a nomad fighter was preparing to fire a cruise disruptor at one of the transports, Hunt's gunship appeared out of nowhere and blasted it out of the sky. A few seconds later a smug tone could be heard over the comm.: 'Well crewman that was a close one; focus will you?'
'BLOODY'¦.'
---Omicron Theta, Crewman Virgil Derson---
A few hours later after docking at Freeport 11, negotiating with some stingy Zoner merchant, moving through Omicron 74, multiple barbs from Hunt, Virgil had finally docked to Freeport 9, and the rest of convoy were waiting for an additional vessel.
As he made it to the threshold of the bar, his comm. device signaled an incoming transmission 'Great, just before my *on duty/off duty* drink'.
As he switch the device he was startled by the voice of Officer Hunt; for once he seemed quite shaken:
'Virgil get back to your ship NOW, launch and meet us in space, it seems that you were right, the corsairs wish to speak with the OSI in person.' With a disturbingly satisfied look on his face, Virgil made best speed to his ship.
As he exited the docking port, Virgil immediately picked up heavy chatter on the comm.:
'Of all times for a Corsair to Message ...'
'A message? What about?'
'It seems like a Sails wants to meet us at Crete'
'Right, let's go'
Feeling the need to cut in Virgil broadcasted to the convoy:
'This can't be good. You do realize that the Sails hate us...'
Responding, the convoy leader nonchalantly added:
'Yeah, he didn't say what about, but he wants to have a chat.'
'Well can't say those Zoners aren't laid back'
'Which sail?'
' Comm. Id says: Vito'
'Sails...last time I saw one of them they were having an all out assault of Dublin' 'Yes point to the obvious Hunt'
'Vito is cool' 'Cool, yeah'¦' Virgil never engaged him personally but his reputation precedes him 'Those damn Sails, just a bunch of lowlife pirates, no matter how much they glorify themselves'.
'He knows you guys are in my employ and that we've run some food to Crete'
'Oh good'
At that response Virgil was starting to smash his head on his controls 'Good?'¦'¦Bloody'¦.Has those Zoners rubbed on him??'
---Omicron Gamma, Crewman Virgil Derson---
As the convoy jumped in system, Virgil couldn't stop but notice how unusually empty the system was 'a couple patrols, a handful of capital ships and a Samura freighter'¦.interesting' As they neared Crete the Sails's IFF appeared on Virgil's HUD 'No doubt if we tried to run the system would be blockaded in minutes ' no turning back now'
Keeping his distance Virgil let the OSI captains deal with the 'sair:
' Good evening. How may I help you, mister...?'
As Vito responded Virgil couldn't help but notice the hispaninan accent, more proof that he was sitting in the jaws of the enemy.
'First of all I want to thank you for coming here. But, you see, we have a problem.'
'Please senor, do tell us...'
'OSI has always received friendly welcome from the Corsairs of Crete. What might be the issue?'
'These VPS.... bastardos have shot on Corsair ships on numerous occasions.'
'Well there goes our cover, I may hate them but even they aren't stupid enough to be fooled by our
half-hazard scheme' listening carefully to the exchange he braced himself for the possibility of an attack 'Well if they knew it was us in the first place and haven't shot us down, then we might make it'
It was at that moment that Hunt chose to transmit: 'Likewise Sails....' 'BLOODY HUNT I'M GOING TO'¦'
'Shut up gringo, I am talking to the zoners.'
'Daniel, please leave the talking to me.'
'Alright alright....'
'So, senor... I will let this one go, because I do not think you knew about this situation.'
'We were unaware that the Corsair Empire and Venator had any issues, that's correct.' 'Well that was kind of evident ' what have the higher ups been thinking?'
' We are sorry for our lack of knowledge in this matter senor.'
'Si, I didn't think your organization would insult us by bringing these pieces of trash on our doorstep' 'Damn cannibal'¦'
'To add, though, they were well aware we were bringing food to Crete.' 'Well aware and ready to poison the shipment that is!'
'So, for now, we don't have a problem'
Hunt intervened again:
'Well VPS doesn't fight the Corsairs unless they attack us first, not like we go around hunting them down'
'That is not an excuse, for all I know they could be spying on us' 'I'll give you some bloody spying!'
'While we'll observe more discretion in the future now that we know, this may also present an opportunity to mend some bridges.'
'But, again, I would like to believe you did not know about the situation'
Failing to repress his anger Virgil transmitted snidely:
'Business is business, I think you can appreciate that.'
'I told you to shut up, gringo !!!'
Laughing internally Virgil resumed listening to the *negotiations*
'Zoners, please control your dogs'
' You can be certain that we'll not enter Corsair space with Venator in our employ in the future.' 'And you bet I'll never come back to this hellhole'
'Si, I know I can trust you and your organization'
'David, you and Virgil should head back to 9. We'll meet you there.' 'Well I'm not complaining' setting a course to the Omicron Theta jump hole the Raven's Talon engaged its cruise engines.
' Not that fast'¦my time is expensive, gringos'
' Yes, Vito?'
'I want 1 mil from each of them ' now' 'No way in hell I'm going to give that cannibal one bloody credit'
Seemingly reading his mind, Hunt transmitted the money to the Sails directly:
'Hold on, transferring'
'Good, good. Now get out of my system." 'As if I'd stay one second more in this system'¦'
---Omega-49: Deep space, Carrier Fidei Defensor: Mess Hall, Crewman Virgil Derson---
Entering the mess hall, Virgil spotted Daniel sitting alone at one of the tables, as he got his meal 'They call this food'¦' he dropped his tray loudly next to Hunt.
'You do realize I'm going make a report on this and find out who approved this Bloody suicide mission?' barely glancing up Daniel responded through two bites: 'Do as you want, I'm not the one that makes up the assignments ' although I have to admit, we were lucky there.' Looking at the ceiling he said half laughing 'But riling up that Sail was worth it.'
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