Sit Rep on Houston

[NonSequitor]

The Guildmaster was waiting for me in "Paddy's Steak and Lobster House" as he had indicated in the FTL message.

He was not entirely unhappy, judging by the methodical manner with which he cut his medium rare steak. He motioned for me to sit down and got straight to the matter at hand.

"Joosua, you're a good guy. Good work ethic and a straight-shooter. You have initiative and a respectable kill record. Your crews respect you and even have some genuine affection for you. Putting you in temporary command of that battleship wasn't a complete wash-out."

Oh boy, here it comes...

"The intelligence you brought back from Omicron-100 was exquisite. Splashing that Osiris there wasn't too shabby either. However, I received a diplomatic note from our friends in the LSF last night regarding your attempted entry into Liberty space.."

"Sir, it's not like I haven't entered Liberty before. Really..."

"Interrupt me again Mr. Elonen and you will lose the ability to interrupt - permanently. Now listen son, we both know that Area 21 is a handy shortcut into the Omicrons. We both also know, that Liberty guards this particular secret jealously. The Guild is quite aware of it's existence, as are the Rheinlanders. Our destroyer groups fly regular patrols in Alaska. But let's humor Liberty, shall we? No harm in that. Liberty has been good to us and it would hurt business to lose reliable customers. And we can't fight the Nomads and the Order alone, now can we? Let Liberty guard its secrets. If you must use the Alaska jumpgate, use more discretion next time."

"Yes sir."

"Good. Moving right along. As you know our venerable gunship is being phased out and the Orca has some... design flaws preventing her optimal implementation. Until the boys in r and d get all the bugs banged out, you'll be commanding a different ship. Your next task is to purchase a Liberty gunboat. You will be commanding her for an indeterminate period. Our contact, a Mr. Elwood, is waiting for you at the Houston shipyards. He will have the ship ready for you and your crew. He's already had the Orca front gun installed on her. After you've acquired the ship, take her to Omega-56 and Freeport 11 and retrofit her to our standards. I want the Megiddo ready for patrol duty in 2 days."

"Of course, sir."

"See to it, son. Oh, and another thing. Give New York a wide berth for awhile. Just until the dust has settled."

"Not a problem, sir."

"I believe that this meeting has concluded. But don't run off just yet, order something from the waiter first. I recommend the house special."