Freeport 6 was a bit of a mess, somewhat in disarray when Blaine Chara took command of the station. With the death of Matok, his people chose to leave as well. Sadly, it was those people who were the dominant crew on station. With them went the two patrol ships assigned to the station.
Blaine was in the "Deadbeat" when the first of his new patrol ships arrived, the newly commissioned, MacDonough-A. On board was a Zoner security detachment assigned to Freeport 6 along with a few families wanting to make it home. The ship itself was a new top-of-the-line Q-ship.
Within a day of it's arrival came the new gunship MacDonough-B, again with a contingent of personnel and goods for the base. The burly administrator smiled his approval as things were starting to look up. Crews were assigned to each ship.
His new first officer, George Rice, discussed policy with his new boss.
"Perhaps a trade ship for the base?" he inquired. "I mean, sure, we buy some of what traders bring but we don't always get what we need."
"Not a bad idea," Blaine replied. Listen, I have paperwork to do. Get the ship crews rested and patrol the Taus while we chart it."
"Yes, Sir," replied Rice, "And of the Gallics and Crayter military patrols?"
Blaine snorted, "Don't instigate the Gallics but don't give them anything either. As to the Crayter patrols? We may have to have a sit down with them. THEY can be reasoned with. After all, they're victims of the Gallics."
"Will do, Sir," replied Rice.
With a handshake and a slap on the back from Blaine, the two men went about their business.