Ratchet Reloaded

[Ratchet]

Location - Culebra Smelter - Puerto Rico

You want a what!!?
Ratchet stepped back a bit from Cesar. Um a battleship?
A battleship where the heck am I supposed to get a battleship from?
Diego turned around from his console, Ask the bounty hunters they seem to have them in spades.
Cesar glared at his cousin who shrugged and turned back around.
Ratchet walked to the window and pointed to the Junkers shipyard. It was buzzing with activity. CSVs and Collectors flew all around a large ship still under construction. He could see Junkers in space suits walking on the unfinished hull.
What are they building over there?
Cesar shook his head, You know what it is Ratchet! And you know its not done. She is months away from completion and besides its not a battleship.
Ok how about a gunboat then, Ratchet asked.
Steam seemed to rise from Cesars head. And where do we get a gunboat from?
I always liked the Hackers gunship its a thing of beauty.
There is no way in he** the hackers are going to sell us one of those!
Cesar could see that look in Ratchets eyes. And no we are not going to steal one!
Nightengale stood, How about the Outcasts?
No, Cesar said And no to the Corsairs as well I want us to stay neutral when it comes to them.
Ratchet scratched the stubble on his chin. What about the rogues?
Diego turned again, Now thats an idea. I have a lot of contacts in Buffalo. Maybe they could set something up for us?
Cesar paced back and forth. Well a rogue gunship might work. But I doubt we have the funds right now to purchase one.
Well, Diego said, Maybe we can rent one? Or find a captain crazy enough to take us into the unknown systems.
Us?, Ratchet asked.
Well I had planned on going with you man.
Me too, Nightengale said as she placed her hand on Ratchets shoulder.
Cesar looked at the three, Ok see if you can find someone crazy enough to take you there and report back. I still reserve the right to say no.
Ratchet nodded, Well lets get going.

Location Buffalo New York

Carmen good to see you chica.
Ratchet watched as the attractive women sauntered up to Diego and locked lips with him for close to a minute. He turned and whispered to Nightengale.
When he said he had contacts I didnt think it would be this type of contact.
Nightengale frowned and cleared her throat.
Diego detached himself from the woman and turned. This is Carmen, captain of the Tiburon.
Nightengale nodded and Ratchet extended his hand. He felt the crushing grip of the female captain and winced.
So Ratchet, she said in a sultry voice. I hope this trip is as profitable as Diego has promised.
Ratchet massaged his hand and glanced at Diego, Oh it will be trust me. In fact I think the rumors of aliens and what not are greatly exaggerated."

Location Unknown

Incoming Missile!
Here comes another one Night! Diego yelled over the ships com. He sat at the forward turret controls and let loose a barrage of laser fire. I think I hit one!
Launching counter measures! Ratchet engine two is still out. Boom! The shockwave from the missiles detonation rocked the ship. Nightengale sat at the rear turret controls and fired, she watched in awe as the strange craft glided out of the way.
I can fix it! Ratchet yelled.
Diego gritted his teeth and saw two more of the luminescent blue craft approaching Two more incoming!
Boom!
Ratchet! Nightengale screamed We lost shields!
I can fix it!
Incoming Missile!
The ship lurched hard as Carmen attempted to dodge the projectile.
Shields back up! Ratchet yelled triumphantly.
Boom!
Ratchet sighed Shields down!
What the he** are they firing at us! Nightengale asked. Oh crap! We are out of counter measures!
Another explosion lit up the dark void of space, Aha I got one! Diego screamed.
Boom!
Boom!
Both engines out. Carmen said somewhat casually considering the situation. Hull at 50%
I can fix it!
Boom!
Hull breach eminent! the computer warned.
Ratchet! Diego and Nightengale screamed.
I can fix
A massive explosion filled the view port next to Ratchet and the alien attacks stopped.
Hull integrity is fallingok wait I got it stabilized.
Ratchet could hear sighs of relief come from three different coms.
The ship lurched again and began to move.
Diego stood and looked out of his view port. Are the engines back online, because we are moving.
No, came Carmens response from the cockpit Engines are still out.
I think something has us in a tractor beam, Nightengale said.
Scanners are picking up a big ship, Ratchet responded.
Sh**! Diego swore. Prepare to be boarded! He headed for the weapons locker only to see Carmen standing there with a gun pointed at him.
Carmen what the heck are you doing!?
Sit down and shut up pretty boy. You will find out soon enough. Oh and the name is not Carmen. It is Banshee and I work for the Order.

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PART 1 - <span style="color:#3333FF">Ratchet Reloaded</span>