I guess you can go home again

[LadyPhoenix]

Amy was with me on the bridge as I eased the Ruby Phoenix away from the Houston mooring fixture. She looked at me and said "So I guess this is it, huh?"

I gave her a grin. "This is only the beginning, my friend. If I recall you've never left Texas, much less left Liberty. We're doing the first one right now and we'll be doing the second before it's all said and done. But I'm going to start you out nice and easy. First stop is on Manhattan. We have to fly there empty because Houston doesn't have anything anyone there wants. Not ideal but it is what it is."

We were approaching the trade lane to the New York Jump Gate. "OK, Amy, here's your first lesson. This is how to initiate the trade lane sequence." I went slowly and made sure she understood each step. Once I was finished the autopilot aligned the ship with the trade lane and it took hold, rocketing us toward the jump gate much faster than the ship could do on its own, even with the cruise engine engaged. I looked over at Amy and her eyes were as big as saucers. "Never gone this fast I take it?" I asked her.

"Not at all," she replied. "I see why trade lanes are such a big deal now."

"Indeed. Whoever designs a ship that can go this fast on its own will be Sirius' first quadrillionaire. I'd damn sure buy one. Wouldn't be cheap, but it would be well worth it." After a couple hours the trade lane spit us out the other end in front of the jump gate. I looked at Amy again. "You ready for this?" I asked her. She just nodded her head. "OK, watch what I'm doing here. This is how to initiate the jump gate sequence. It's similar to the trade lane one but a bit more involved." Again I went slowly. When I was finished the arms of the jump gate began to open and I saw the familiar well of light appear within. Soon enough the gate took hold and hurled us into jump space. Amy shielded her eyes. "The brightness does take some getting used to," I told her. After a few minutes we emerged into the New York system. "Now it's just three trade lanes to Manhattan. Hopefully the Navy isn't doing too many exercises off Fort Bush. That area of New York can get a little congested. I keyed the trade lane sequence once again, making sure Amy was watching, and soon we were on our way to Norfolk Shipyard.

"You make this all look so easy, Jen," Amy said.

"Oh believe me there was a learning curve when I upgraded to transports but you'll get it. I have faith in you."

Norfolk Shipyard went without incident and we were now coming out of the trade lane at Fort Bush when the comm chirped. "This is Liberty Navy Blue 7 to unidentified Gallic heavy transport," the voice over the speaker began. "Stop and submit to a scan."

"Roger that, Blue 7," I responded over the comm. "I'm not carrying anything illegal."

I looked over at Amy. "These assholes just love doing this," I told her.

The comm chirped again. "Something wrong, Blue 7?" I asked.

"Just curious what a black market ship from Gallia is doing in New York. You're showing a Liberty registration based out of California, which is also odd."

"Everything is in order, Blue 7," I responded. "Not my fault Liberty doesn't make anything that hauls as much cargo as this ship does. Not without a corporate license anyway and that's way too expensive."

The comm was silent for a few minutes. Amy looked at me. "We're not in any trouble are we?" she asked.

"No, we're fine Amy," I told her. The l'Ane class transport has an unfortunate association with a couple of unsavory groups in Gallia and jagoffs like Blue 7 here like to think I'm up to something. This ship model used to be popular with the Brigands, who are basically Gallia's version of the Rogues, and the Maquis, who are a group opposed to the Gallic monarchy. Can't say I blame them. It's kind of a grey market ship but not illegal to fly. I honestly get more grief in Liberty and Bretonia than I do in Gallia. The government there keeps track of legit owners of this ship class so I'm flagged in their systems as one of the good guys and they leave me be once they determine I'm not carrying anything illegal."

"The comm crackled to life again. "Ruby Phoenix this is Blue 7. Your registration checks out. You're free to go."

"Roger that, Blue 7," I replied. I keyed the comm off. "Asshole" The rest of the trip was uneventful and soon we were at our destination. "There is, Amy. Planet Manhattan, the shining jewel of Liberty. Make sure you bring money. It ain't cheap." I keyed the comm again. "Manhattan control this is NHI Ruby Phoenix requesting an orbital berth."

"Copy that, Ruby Phoenix," came the response. "Proceed to Fixture 7, Bay 3."

"Affirmative," I replied, easing the ship through the congestion of Manhattan's orbit to the designated spot. "Should be just after noon local time," I said to Amy. "We'll get some lunch before we head over to the warehouse."

"Sounds good to me," she said.