Bowex InfoNet (inRP)

[hueyp]

***Incoming Transmission***

***Source: BES - Daisy***

***Location: Newcastle System***

***Message Begins...***

This message is intended as a personal log for Taylor McKinnis, CO BES - Daisy.

I don't know where to begin, really. This is all so new for me, and exciting! I've spent some time shaking out my newly purchased Percheron class transport, Daisy. She's a fine old gal, and me Grandmother and sister would be proud of their namesake. We're still getting acquainted, but I suspect it's a love story from the start.

There hasn't been much to report, besides the usual bugs in a new vessel. Oddly, some of those bugs turned out to be actual bugs. No one is sure how they came to stow away, but it seems there was a type of insect in our engine room, slowly picking away at some wiring. We tried everything we knew to rid the place of them, but nothing worked. We'd think they were all gone, then they'd be back, sure as rain. I even stopped in Leeds and purchased a type of mongoose famous for hunting these beetles, but to no avail. I know some of you boys like to keep cats, so I've decided to keep the Mongoose. He's called Sparky. He's a bit... twitchy, but I've grown fond of him. Anyway, we eventually just sealed the engine room and the adjacent corridor and fumigated the whole thing. So far, so good.

There was one item of note. We were cruising along in New London System. We'd just picked up as many passengers as we could fit, and were headed towards Scarborough Station. Many of the passengers were refugees, and I felt a mighty pity for each and every one. The amazing thing was our other passengers. These people reminded why I'm so damn proud to serve the Queen. Where others might have turned their nose up at the refugees, and felt quietly smug that they were doing better, our citizens stood up and made themselves useful. The entire first class accommodation was converted to a nursery, so the parents and adults could rest in peace. Some of the passengers tended the children while others helped as best they could. It was a sight to make your heart sing. By the time we were underway, I was in the best mood I can remember.

We made the jump through the first Trade Route in New London in perfect order. I wasn't even expecting trouble, to tell the truth. Leeds System has posed a far greater threat recently. Just as I turned from the controls to refill my tea, the ship shuttered violently. One of the accelerator rings had been sabotaged, and we were at a full stop between it and the next in line. Expecting an attack, I quickly scanned the space around us. I was not disappointed, of course. It seems some bloody Corsairs had taken the accelerator ring down, and were intending to do the same to me! Knowing I had few options (given the amount of human life in my hands) I hailed the lead ship, ready to pay some ridiculous ransom for our safety. Without bothering to respond, he opened fire. Seeing no other options, I began moving at thruster speed towards the next active accelerator ring. Returning fire, I was very quickly impressed by Daisy's teeth. Grandmother would be especially proud the old gal can slug back. One of the small fighters was down nearly immediately, leaving only two left to harass me as I made my way towards the relative safety of the Trade Route. Firing desperately, and losing shield integrity by the moment, my turrets found home once more. The last fighter seemed to decide that they had indeed bitten off more than they could chew, and scurried away.

We've now made it to Scarborough Station, and a grateful load of passengers have made their way onto the station. I hope they find the new life they're looking for, or whatever happiness there is in this world. I've found mine, and they should be so lucky.

We're bound for New London once more. I hear the shipyard there needs alloy, and I happen to have aquired some at a bargain price.

Until you get to see me again,
Cpt McKinnis

***Transmission Over***