Tales of the Mandalorians

[Dieter Schprokets]

Refugees.

Hundreds of refugees.

They streamed from the captured Corsair prisoner transport like ants, squinting in the sunlight. For most, sunlight was a distant acquaintance, and in Cambridge, it was quite bright.

Consul Diane Blane was speaking to an MI6 official in the adjacent terminal. She had been called here, and obviously wanted to know why. "The Mandalorians are not at all a charity organisation.", she said.

The MI6 man smiled. "We have a situation here whereby you have an opportunity to simplify life for the Crown. Four of those men out there are wanted in Rheinland. Officially, we have to repatriate them, to face execution. Unofficially, for all concerned it would be better, perhaps, if they disappeared into your organisation?"

While he was speaking he pointed to where four men in ragged flight suits were taken aside by Bretonian officials, and were being led slowly towards the Consul and the MI6 agent. The agent handed Diane four pieces of paper. She read them briefly. Two Hessians, a Landwirtrechtbewegung member, and a Bundschuh.

"Those are the only records that exist that document that these men were on that ship."

Diane shredded them. The MI6 agent smiled, and said "Good. We have an understanding." He began to walk away.

"I was never here. Nor were you, nor were they.", he called back.

The four men were brought to the woman who, they soon learned, was their saviour from the gallows of Rheinland. Only one of them, one of the Hessians, spoke English well, but he soon translated for the others, who looked very relieved at the prospect of their new career, compared to the alternative.

Diane thought that "Loki Squadron" had a nice ring to it.

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