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Tigger · 02-12-2012, 07:12 PM,

Genine watched from the bio dome at Freeport One as the last of the heavy lifter ships transferred its load aboard the Enduring Freedom, one of the two solaris carriers in the station's defense force. Nearby she could see two Fearless class destroyers on station just a few kilometers away. Closer to the base, ready for an emergency dock were four whales and six border world transport ships loaded to capacity with supplies. Farther in the distance the small star like lights of the station's patrol ships could just barely be seen among the many trading ships both coming to and from the Freeport and those passing by as they connected to the trade lane network.

She liked to walk through the gardens of the dome. It allowed her to clear her head, and being near the plant life, both decorative and for consumption was dear to her after nearly a decade spent in deep space. The hydroponics in her small exploration craft were what kept her alive on the return trip. Clearing her head was a much needed but nigh impossible task, however. The previous week and more spent in hours upon hours in closed door session with delegates from several stations, the two large Zoner factions of the OSI and TAZ, as well as representatives from the Corsair Empire. Was it truly possible that an agreement had been achieved at last? It seemed hard to believe but it had been accomplished. Over the last day the delegates had left to their own stations to prepare for the signing of the treaty at Freeport 9. An ancient song came to mind, 'I will dream the impossible dream...'

'Miss Savage,' a female voice interrupted. 'It's time.'

'I noticed the last lifter dock a short while ago Alicia,' Genine replied. 'and for heaven's sake, please stop with the Miss Savage, we're friends so call me Genine.'

'Trappings of the office I'm afraid,' Alicia said. 'Besides, you never call me Allie so quid pro quo.'

Genine laughed. 'Well then, considering your new role, I hope you don't expect me to start calling you Miss Blake.'

'From you? Never, but I'm not sure I'm cut out for this new job.'

'You've been with me since I returned to Sirius space, been with me through the turmoil of the war here, been with me through all of this, and you've helped manage this place and helped build it to what it is today. You know our hopes for the future.' said Genine. 'Now take that hope and that tenacity and just do your best for the Confederation. It's not on your shoulders alone, it's going to take everyone's cooperation and effort to see this through to make it a success.'

They each kept to their own thoughts afterward as they boarded the dromedary Envoy One, and made passing small talk as the small ship made the all too short trip to dock on the carrier. Genine's hand fondled the pendant around her neck as she stood on the bridge of the carrier and watched the viewscreen change to that of the security office on Freeport One.

'Security Director has the conn,' she said matter of factly. It was procedure and try as she might, she was hard pressed to not use it when performing her routine tasks. 'Until I return, he's in command, take care of my station.'

'Yes ma'am,' the officer of the day responded. Genine knew that the director was out there in space, aboard his ship, Winter is Coming, not being one to sit idly by in his office at time like this.

'Open comms to the winter' she commanded. When the channel was open she said to her friend, 'I know you don't like staying behind, but I need someone I trust to run the One. Take care of her and our people.'

The response was a small growl followed by a bit of laughter. 'Assuming direct control,' he said as he chuckled. The comment was a longstanding private joke between them.

The small fleet with its escort ships began underway. There were enough escorts that all of the carrier's own snub craft were docked and ready in their launch tubes. The supply ships were destined to all of the stations in the conflict region, and after discharging their cargoes they would be returning home immediately to fetch more.

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On arrival at Freeport 9 the transport ships remaining after stops at Freeports 5, 15 and Corfu immediately began unloading their cargoes.

To the acting secretary for the signing she and Alicia reported an incident outside Freeport 5. 'Independents from both the Bounty Hunters and Corsairs as well as a couple of mercenaries looking for quick cash were engaged outside the station. When all of them refused to move their fight beyond the neutral zone they were put down. All escape pods were recovered and handed over to FP5 for dissemination back to their home worlds.'

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The women's entrance to the conference area was announced. 'Miss Genine San Savage of Freeport One and Miss Alicia Blake for the COF' the attendant said. Both made their own greetings to those delegates already there.

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