Hugo Dravis

[Kuraine]

A fusion drive blazed against the star speckled backdrop of space as the Outcast Destroyer Drax edged into a stationary position around Padua Base in the Galileo system. The Draxs engines flared briefly before settling down again, the ship drifting through the vast coldness. Inside, the crew moved about purposefully, comms crackling with orders issued and received, preparing to engage docking clamps with Padua and take onboard supplies.

There was a beep, and a door slid silently open. In walked the First Mate, Lieutenant Karl Daniels, a heavily built native of the planet Denver, his tanned face crowned by a mass of thick blonde hair, slightly greying around the edges. His piercing blue eyes absorbed his surroundings as he stooped slightly to fit through the doorway.

It was a large room, for a warship, and hung about the walls were various mementos and trophies from the innumerable battles and destinations that the occupant had been to. Here, the skin of an Agraire from the planet Cambridge was draped loosely over a banner pole, there a stuffed Inigo from Malta. On yet another wall was a pair of samurai swords from ancient Japan, acquired from a Blood Dragon whose family he had saved, while above the swords hung the perfectly preserved remains of an Australian Kangaroo from old Earth.

Behind a wooden desk sat a man wearing a pristine white uniform, the many glittering medals from various pirate outfits adorning his chest. The immaculate condition of his unsullied white uniform contrasted greatly with the battered grey ship suits that most of the crew wore.

AhLieutenant Daniels, there you are, said the Captain, his Manhattan drawl rolling over each word. They saluted one another, and Daniels took a seat.

Now, what can I do for you? asked the Captain, idly twiddling a wine glass between his thumb and forefinger. Daniels looked distinctly uncomfortable as he handed him a white envelope.

Whats this? Addressed to Captain Hugo Dravis. Why cant whoever wrote this just write To Dravis instead of my formal title. You know I dont allow people to call me Captain, now that were out on our own. Just call me Dravis.

I still think you should use your old rank, Sir. But its from the crew. Its a petition. added the Lieutenant. Dravis just stared at the piece of paper.

You know very well that my old rank is not really meaningful anymore Karl, not after the battle of Ithaca. But yes, cutting to the chase, what are they petitioning about precisely? Although I have an idea he asked quietly. Its because of that Zoner ship we found drifting in the Yukon system last week, isnt it?

Partly sir. They know what happened to the Zoner crew wasn't your fault, but it scared them. Badly. But, I think, most of all the crew simply need a rest. Weve been out of base for over four months, without stopping for hardly any shore leave. Theyre tired. Weve been pursued by countless bounty hunters and Liberty Navy vessels for so many months now, and everyone is exhausted. Things need replacing too, ship parts are wearing out. Even this short stop at Padua wont be enough.

I see, said Dravis, still staring at the petition. His crew were a good bunch, for Rogues, and it was unlikely hed be faced with a mutiny. Nevertheless, perhaps it was time for something new. Well, ever since the destruction of many of our fellow Liberty Rogues at the Battle of Ithaca, weve been operating pretty much on our own. I hear the Rogues have been slow to recover. I havent seen any in some time, although some rumours out of Alcatraz suggest they are slowly regrouping under new leadership. It is only thanks to my own personal wealth and my extensive contacts that our destroyer is still operating, and I have the necessary funds to operate for some years yet.

Hugo, we need to find a more permanent base for ourselves. With the Rogues all but destroyed and the Hackers staying largely in Vespucci and Magellan, we should be looking to find new allies. What of our stance with the Xenos? I personally dislike them, but their ideology isnt far from yours. Or mine, these days, come to think of it. I cant speak for the crew, however. Not most of them, anyway. Still, some of them will certainly choose to stick with us regardless of the path we take, replied Daniels, his sigh echoing loudly in the quiet room. The dull throb of the engines could be heard in the distance as they both fell silent once more, contemplating the future. Dravis eyed his wine glass intently, observing the light as it refracted and reflected through the glass surface as through a prism. At last he stirred, looking back up at his First Mate.

Youre right Karl, of course. I think it is time we found ourselves a proper home, a base to operate more effective from, instead of skipping from port to port, never sure of our safety. Even Padua will do, if it comes to it. But I will send a communiqu? to the Xeno Alliance, however, and see what possible agreements may be made there. No need to make more enemies than we already have, despite our differences. With the Liberty Rogues still in considerable disarray, we cannot really count on any help from there, though we will assist them whenever and however we can, should they need it of course. Besides, Ive grown tired of fighting simply as something to do. That Agnus Dei crusader was right. Everyone needs a cause, something to believe in. But the question is, what do we believe? Im already wealthy, I dont care for money. Many of our crew are rich themselves. And I no longer wish to fight simply for the sake of fighting and plundering. There has to be something greater to fight for. Perhaps the Xenos have an answer. Perhaps not. I think it is time, is it not, to find out?

Daniels agreed, nodding slightly as he got to his feet.

Right, wellIll tell the rest of the crew about our discussion, and find out who wants to remain at Padua and who wants to stay with us. Whatever happens, well have enough crew to keep the Drax running, dont worry about that, sir, the Lieutenant grinned, throwing a grandiose salute at Dravis.

Enough with that! This isnt the Liberty Navy. Still, with luck we shall soon have a reply from the Xenos and perhaps at least a gentlemans agreement of neutrality with them. But I think we would do better to be checking out Cassini, or perhaps even as far south as Hudson. Youre dismissed, Lieutenant. I do have work to do, you know. Even pirates have paperwork. he sighed, casting a disapproving glance at the pile of foolscap containing the latest repair reports.

The Lieutenant nodded again to his friend and left the room, the door closing behind him with a soft hiss.

***

I will continue this as time permits, but comments are most certainly welcome. This is my first actual RP writing for any of my characters on the Disco forums, although I have in the past written articles for sci-fi magazines such as White Dwarf and the Black Library (Games Workshop publications, for those who are unfamiliar). Hopefully you won't be too critical! XD

But in any case I'd be pleased to hear any feedback so far, despite the relatively small amount i've written.

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Kuraine (Zoner tagged Trader)
Ravenholm (Zoner tagged Zoner Destroyer)
Bill Mason[Arms.Dealer] (Zoner tagged Arms Dealer)
LR-Drax (Liberty Rogue tagged Cruiser)
LR-Dravis (Liberty Rogue tagged VHF)
[RHA]Wilhelm.Wettin (Red Hessian tagged VHF)
[GC]-Ai.Takeda (Golden Chrysanthemum tagged VHF/Bomber)