The path of Prospector

[Doom]

Daily patrol.
York was sitting in command room aboard Prospector, while ship was flown by auto pilot and nav computer.
Scanners were on auto mode searching for passing traders, hostile vessels or foreign entities. He was bored.

Liberty Lancer, police vessel issued warring trough out the system that pirates and terrorists are lurking in Colorado recently. York smiled. Captain of police vessel was right. York took control over the Prospector and started to search that eager policeman. Near New York gates two vessels have met. Lancer was visible from long distance.
Big ship, - York said - to all hands; prepare for combat they are turning toward us.

Large liberty battlecruiser slowly turned and fired all weapons to Prospector. Like many times before, speed proved to be advantage for Prospector. Lancer lost its shields early in the fight and Prospectors turrets had no problem eating trough the hull.



Several of them finally made crack in the hull and Lancer blew up. Remaining crew were picked up by passing light fighter patrol.



Moments after that fight, another vessel jumped into the system. Only 2 clicks from Prospector there was one light and fast Talarca cruiser. Yorks computer IDed that ship as mercenary...so York didn't made any hostile moves. One can never know when merc will come in handy.
But merc seemed to be on a job. It fired all weapon is Prospector direction. Luckily, York was careful and he was ready for that...hard turn to the right and dangerous energy beams missed the ship.
Together, in perfect alignment, three inferno cannons from Prospector fired towards attacking vessel...Although, lighter then Lancer, Merc ship was much harder target. York used some of his best moves to avoid being hit by powerful Talarca weapons. Finally, followed by luck, Prospector penetrated Talarcas hull and ship lost cabin pressure, and exploded it enormous explosion. York didn't even tried to avoid the blast and he flew Prospector right trough it. Emerging on the other side as victor.



Past has shown that enemies always come in threes, so was this time. One Hogosha vessel, heavy fighter entered Prospector scanner range. York asked him to support the never ending Xeno fight against corrupted government of Liberty. Kind Hogoshian agreed and he donated 1 million of credits to Xenos in need.

After that York turned his ship to Ouray...his shift was over and it was time to return to base...

[Doom]

York entered the bar wearing happy smile on his face.

- Hello people...Good day we had to day. Bartender give us a drink.

- What happened, how was the patrol? - bartender asked

- Ah well, started as any other day. I called two fighter pilots to join me on patrol, one of them was some new guys. I haven't seen him before. Must be one of Tex's boys. Anyway, we flew to California system in search of foreign traders and maybe liberty navy. And we found what we searched for. Lone liberty cruiser with ID Deserter, intercepted our patrol. He didn't stand much chance so it captain decided to lure us into sun corona. Stupid move. I positioned Prospector just out of reach of heavy radiation and slowly fired at cruiser. My turrets and dropped his shields and sun radiation damaged all of its decks. Ship was falling apart when he finally left the radiation field. However, out side the corona we met him with our guns and finished what sun has started.
We returned to normal patrol. Near planet Mojave we intercepted one trader. He willingly donated 1,5 mill to starving Xeno children. I cant mention his name, cause i don't want for Liberty government to make some kind of revenge on him. But i am sure that he knows that every Xeno child is thankful to him.
That is main reason for my smile.
Patrol was interrupted by some hotheaded liberty navy pilot...we blew off wings on his fighter and watched how he runs...

[Yngen]

Ouray communications booth, 2 hours before Prospector's encounter with the 2 cruisers

"Platforms 6 and 9 are chirping, bring the array around,"

said one Xeno to his mate. The two of them were monitoring comms traffic emanating from the nearby Ageira base but a blip from one of Ouray's hundreds of perimeter defense platforms took priority for the asteroid bases sensors.

"One friendly inbound, challenging now: Bug 2-9, this is Widow nest, we have you on scope, transmit ident."

"Nest, this is Tex and you can suck my left nipple 'cause I'm too busy at the moment to punch any code in. I have one Liberty 5-0 heavy on my ass and he's packing mercenary help. Get someone down to the hangar and ready them for a barn swallow."

With a crackle the signal from the inbound Eagle cut out.

"That damned Texan has brought 'the man' right to our doorstep. Get on the horn to Fallyna, he should be down at the hangars already. And put a distress call out to Prospector, we may be in for a siege."

As his mate made the calls, the lead comms man took a moment to watch Tex's pursuers come into scanning range. One Liberty Assault Cruiser and some sort of arrow shape in tow. What ever it was, it was cruiser size.

"Milia says he's ready."

Down in the Hangar bay, in a pressure suit donned with the alacrity of someone who regularly drilled for such emergencies, Milia Falanya had cleared the hangar of unwary Xeno mechanics for the impending desperate maneuver.

"I suppose it figures for him to come back with such a racket," he said to himself, "Hope that trip of his was worth it."

No stranger to battling the Liberty law enforcement establishment, Falanya fell into the steely frame of mind that would take him through the coming battle.

"20 seconds out, open bay doors."

"copy."

The massive hangar bay doors of Ouray parted to the twinkling stars of the Colorado system, ready to accept the fleeing Texan.

"Ready when you are Tex, call the ball."

Watching the range finder on his targeting computer drop alarmingly fast, Tex sent off one more transmission:

"Yup, my balls are secure...and Tell the bartender to get the usual ready for me, this is gonna hurt."

Using years of experience and intimate knowledge of his machine, Tex guessed at the perfect moment to cut his cruise engines and slam on his retro-thrusters...well almost perfect. The eagle began arresting its velocity while barely clearing the shadow of the Ouray asteroid's umbrella top.

"Jeeesus Tex, slow down,"

said Fallanya to himself.

A slight jarring and some vibration were all the evidence Fallanya had of the Eagle's arrival. He activated the closing cycle on the door just as the Eagle cleared them. As the doors finally closed, Milia noticed a barrage of missles streaming in from the oncoming Battlecruiser. Moments after the doors closed a bone rattling concussion wave knocked Fallanya down.

With a groan:

"Capture."

Milia managed to right himself and make his way over to the fallen Eagle where he saw Tex in the cockpit laughing.

"Looks like you broke your nose."

"You bet your ass, hurts too."

"So whats so funny?"

"Its just great to be home."

"He's gonna want a debrief."

"Everything's in the computer here, I'm going to get a drink."

From Tex's flight recorder

11/14::returning from Xeno unification conference on Barrow, was ambushed by large group of LSF augmented by mercenaries.

Targets engaged:

Raventalon =LSF=EM_the_Lord- Destroyed

Templar Trek Destroyed

Avenger =LSF=Chill undamaged

Talarca SWARM Corvete ??? undamaged

Liberty BC //Oxidfox\\ undamaged

11/15::Campaigning in Colorado with Milia Falanya, Trade lanes north and south closed down for one hour, 1 million credits received from trader 'Magni.' Please do not request more of this valued supporter for at least 72 hours Engaged Corsair/Coalition Ravens Claw fighter at NY Gate named 'AceMars.' Target retreated to NY with severe damage.

end log

---

[AU]Anton_Blix
-Signature by Doom

[Yngen]

Colony News Service

The News thats right for you!

The following programming brought to you by Agiera Technologies, "Your future is our business."

"Good evening, we are interrupting normal programing to bring you live coverage of a special press conference given by Liberty Attorney General Clive Porter."

View switches to a room swarming with reporters standing in front of a podium, behind which is displayed the Justice Department seal. A bald-headed man in his early 40s walks out to the podium and clears his throat.

"Fellow citizens of Liberty. Nearly six hours ago, vital shipping lanes in the California system were attacked by terrorist Xenos. Preliminary estimates report the loss of one LPI-contracted transport and several smaller craft in the orbits of Mojave and Los Angeles. A quick response task force lead by LSF operatives comprised of local mercenaries and Bounty hunters responded to the attack. Early reports from LSF leaders indicate the destruction of at least one Xeno fighter, though they report no body found. LSF and allied losses have yet to be determined. One hour after the attack was ended by the arrival of the LSF Liberty Assault Carrier Goliath, the Liberty government received a pre-recorded message from the Terrorists that is currently being analyzed by government scientists. Rescue operations in the California system are on going and we ask for your prayers in the safe return of our citizens, however the outlook is grim as the true scope of this attack is not known.

Now, questions?"

Porter looks up from his teleprompter at the small group of shouting reporters. He selects one

"Yes maam?"

"Thank you, Porche Stewart, BBC. Mr. Attorney General, can you confirm that this attack was the work of
the Xeno known as Prospector, and are the rumors that his Lieutenant James Bannon was with him?"

"Initial evidence does indicate Prospector was directly involved and that 'Tex' was with him. This sighting all but confirms that the son of Thomas Banonn is indeed back working with Prospector.....and yes, Brendan?"

"Galaxy Gab, Mr. Attorney General can you comment on the timing of this attack? Today marks the 202nd anniversary of the Dallas Incident, does this have any bearing on the demands of the Terrorists?"

"I cannot comment on the demand list transmitted to us, but you are right, this day seems to have been selected carefully. As you all are aware the Xenos harbor a large contingent of former Agiera employees and their descendants."

"And Mr. Attorney general how do you respond to charges that Agiera is controlling the Liberty government with heavy lobbying to keep its black research projects operating?"

"The Justice department has ruled on that accusation already. Agiera is a respected and valued partner in the Liberty economy and I will answer no more questions on that line."

"Thank you all for coming, good day."

Amidst a roar of badgering questions the AG leaves the podium. The screen turns back to the CNS anchor.

"That was the Liberty Attorney General's ad hock news conference confirming a terrorist attack in California. Now, because CNS is always your first choice for the news, we go to Kevin Beaterline on Planet Pittsburg. Kevin?"

"Donna, I'm here at the Pittsburg Commerce tower where Agiera's mining subcontractor DSE operates at. As you can see, the promised walk out and protest is in full effect here. Hours ago the factory floors shut down in a pre-planned assembly intended to mark the anniversary of the Dallas Incident, where 15,000 Texans lost their lives in a botched trade-lane experiment. Trusted sources tell me this event was planned by the Xenos as a distraction to authorities to allow them to pull off their attack of the California system.

Back to you Donna."

"Thanks Kevin. Ladies and gentlemen I have just received word that CNS has aquired a copy of the statement released by terrorist claiming credit for the California attacks today. You hear it for the first time right here:"

View changes to a poor quality video taken from the view screen of a ship:

A voice over can be heard in altered tones:

"This is Prospector. Today citizens of Liberty just like yourselves struck a blow against the corrupt machine of the Agiera-controlled Liberty government. As you can see, the liberty government is using Bounty Hunters to enslave the citizens of California. We were successful in destroying this would-be oppressor:"

The commentary speaks through a silenced battle playing out where the Bounty Hunter Battleship Pluto explodes spectacularly amidst a swarm of Xeno Eagles.

"Today we mark the deaths of countless Liberty people brought on by the insane greed of Agiera Technologies who even now play our government as puppeteers would a rag doll. Unless the Citizens of Liberty rise up and throw down this yoke of tyranny we will never be truely free. The Sons of Liberty demand the immediate and complete dissolving of Agiera and all of its assets. We also demand a complete revision to the Liberty Constitution and the resignation of the Liberty president, followed by a complete reelection of Congress. If our demands are not met we will do so by force."

Static fills the screen for a moment, the switches back to Donna the anchor woman.

"There you have it, here on CNS where news comes first. And now a word from our sponsor:"

An advertisement for Agiera technologies follows.

--------

Somewhere in the Ontario system



"We better move it, Milia is unconsious. I don't think her suit gave out but I can't be sure."

Recovered less than an hour before by the Lonestar.Rebel, Milia Fallanya is carried back to Ouray for treatment.

The fight with the monstrous Bounty hunter ship had left Milia tumbling in the rocks, her eagle having disintigrated around her. She would understand the necessity of leaving her out there while the rest of the Xenos finished off the hated foreigners. The mission always came first and none of them were afraid to die. Still it would be a shame to lose one of their best. It hadn't been easy though. An LSF-Laid ambush awaited them at Los Angeles:



Having Fallanya strapped into his single bunk, Tex ran the LSF Blockade right through the floating Behemoth of an LSF Assault Carrier.

Now as they made their way home, Prospector transmitted their message to all the major news organizations.

Prospector: "It is done, now everyone will know the truth."

---

[AU]Anton_Blix
-Signature by Doom

[Doom]

York was in hospital over looking Milia in her bed. She was a sleep, recovering slowly from yesterdays battle.
Room was quiet, only Milia's heavy breathing could be heard. Walls were painted in some shade of calm green color. Only light in the room came trough the open door.

York was sitting with his back turned to the door, when light in the room got darkened.

- Hello James, - York said.

- YA, hi, how is she?

- Nothing has changed. Doctor said we need to wait. Did you need me?...I know you didn't come here without a reason.

- Yes. I have been contacted by some shady fellow. He said that he has job offer for us. Thomson might be needed again.

- Yes?...Smuggling operation again?...Any information about what kind of money are we looking into?

- Nope. Fellow asked us to meet with him at Freeport 4. Magellan system.

- Ok, that is doable. I will prepare Prospector we need to be careful about this.

- I agree, we don't have much information.

Together, York and Bannon left the room.
_____________________________________________________________

Aboard Prospector. Somewhere in Magellan system.

Bannon was sitting in the command room of Prospector cleaning his ancient guns. York was at helm looking on instruments.

- You think we gonna need those guns today? - York asked

- One never could tell. Better to safe then sorry.

- So true. ETA to Freeport 4 is 2 minutes. Opening comms.
Freeport station, this is Xeno vessel Prospector asking permission to dock.

Freeport docking officer: Permission granted sir, but we don't want any trouble down there. Proceed to moor 4.

- No worries, we will be good, York laughed.
________________________________________________________________

Freeport 4. Bar.

Bannon and York entered the smoky bar. All kinds of shady characters were sitting around. York even noticed few bounty hunters.

- Keep your guns close Tex - York said, Looking at this crowd they may to prove them selves useful.

- Ain't you glad i took them? - Tex smiled

- Ok, look around which one is our man?

- I don't know, he told me too enter the bar and that he will contact me. Lets just sit and wait.

Two Xenos, in their black uniforms, sat in the darkest corner of the bar. They could barely be distinguished from the wall behind them.

Waitress brought them their drinks. When Bannon raised his glass below it he found small note.
With barely readable handwriting message said:

DRINK THAT FAST AND MEET ME IN THE BACK ROOM.

DUCKY.

- Ducky?...HAHAHAHAHA, you got to be kidding. Really nice name for dangerous type - York laughed.

They finished their drinks fast and called in for waitress.

- Hello lovely lady, does this fine establishment has a back room maybe? - York asked

- Heh..no need for sarcasm. Fine establishment my ass. This is a dump, and all dumps have back rooms. Come with me. - Waitress said

York looked at Bannon and smiled. Waitress led them behind the bar and trough the small door to narrow corridor. At the end of the corridor there were another small door.

- There. At the end. That is back room.

York and Banonn thanked her and went to the back room.

- Should we knock i wonder? - Tex said

Before they reached end of the corridor, door opened.
He was short, bald man dressed like circus clown, or in something resembling that. He was missing index finger on his right hand. When he let them into the room and closed door behind them they realized why he is called Ducky. His walk, half limping, half rocking, he walked like a duck.

- I wonder when he will wiggle his tail - Tex whispered to York

York smiled.

- What was that? I didn't hear. You need to speak little louder, i don't hear very well. - Ducky said

- I said, lets us begin - Tex said in much louder voice. - Why have you called us here?

- Ok...this is how it goes. I have special ship. It is docked out side. Smugglers dream ship. A lot of hidden cargo space. I need one fearless pilot who will fly it for me. For a large profit. We split 60/40. 60 to me, 40 to you. You take care of pilots fee. I provide the ship, maps and special code that will let you in some more protected places.

- Why don't you do that yourself and keep all the profit for yourself? - York asked

- I am quite known trough out the Sirius, and i cant be tied with this kind of operation.

- This kind of operation? From what you have told us it is normal smuggling job. Nothing worse then anything you have ever done before. Or is it?. You didn't the told us what is the cargo.

- Precisely! Cargo is one of delicate matter. You see this job is about carrying SLAVES.

Tex's hand moved towards his holster. Eyes darkened. He was in killing mood. York quickly laid his hand over Tex's preventing him to draw his guns. They exchanged a look and Tex moved his hand away form the holster.

- Slaves you say. Hmm...interesting. How about you show us the ship? - York said

- Very well...Then i will need a decision.

- You will get one, Tex said, - I promise you that.
___________________________________________________________________

Dock bay 2

- Here it is. Liberty Rouges designed this specially for me. Isn't she a beauty.

York and Bannon had to agree with him. Ship was huge, looked fast and was well armored. Smugglers dream.
York looked around docking bay. There was nobody here.

- Are we alone here? - York asked

- Yes this baby is kept out of the sight. My pride and joy. Behold EINMYRIA.

York turned to Tex and whispered to him : - Now.

Ducky was standing with his hands spread at large ship. Tex got behind him, and complete silence after Ducky's last words was interrupted by loud blast from Tex's gun.
Ducky fell down with out the word.

- Finally. - Tex said - I couldn't listen to his insane words any more.

- Hmm...ignorant fool. Asking a Xeno to carry slaves for him. I think wont make that mistake again. - York said - But he was right in one thing. This ship is work of art. We will take it. Now only we need to find a work for it.

- I agree...and i think Thompson will be happy to get his hands on this.

- Ok Tex...you will fly this baby home...i am taking the Prospector. See you at Ouray.
___________________________________________________________

Both ships undocked simultaneously and headed back to Colorado. EINMYRIA was brought to Ouray with out incidents. Any ship flying next to Prospector flys undisturbed.

[Yngen]

The trip back to Ouray was uneventful, which gave Tex time to inspect the vessel. New ships always fascinated him. Ever since his first space flight on board Sammy Hamish's CSV 25 years ago Tex was a shameless ship hound. The pressure hull had obvious similarities to many Rogue designs that Tex was familiar with. Years repairing ships as a young child on Beaumont gave him an eye for the Rogue's tell-tale ship building habits. While waiting in jump space he walked the full length of the ship, looking at the desceptively-large cargo hold. There were designs at work here obviously catering to smugglers. Innocent baffles with no mechanical purpose other than to hide cargo from prying eyes.

And then there were the defences. Turrets were arrayed on the hull almost as they would be on a blockade runner, with most having forward firing arcs.

All in all a good ship. But not without some need of modification. Tex smiled to himself, York wanted a dependable transport for this guy Thompson, which ment Tex would need some special parts and he knew just the man to get them...

After mooring alongside Prospector at Ouray, Tex told his friend what he planned to do.

"Good, but get it done by tomorow, Thompson already has a deal to get to. You are going to use that Billy kid?"

"Mmmhmm, hes got more contacts than any of us."

"But hes a Junker."

York said it matter of factly and without emotion, but Tex knew how much it bothered the man.

"Hes a good kid in a bad situation. If I had the means I'd get him outta there, but he's got Outcasts watching his every move. They've got him by the balls, if he were to try to make a run for Colorado I'm not sure he'd make it."

"Outcasts..." Now York sneered. "You're right, hes helped us in the past at the risk of his own life. We must find a way to free him from his employers."

"I don't want to be a bother, I can do it myself. I just need a little cash for some...tools." Tex grinned.

---

[AU]Anton_Blix
-Signature by Doom

[Doom]

Thompson was pleased. Tex's friend supplied Einmyria with few nice items that improved that ship even more.

While York was out making contacts and setting up few jobs for Einmyria, Thompson hacked into ships computer, protected files.
Very precise map of Sirius, codes and passwords for secret bases around Liberty, ways to disguise ships signature on scanners, few very valuable trade routes, all that he found stored on the computer. But most important he found was list a black market suppliers of various goodies. All stuff that can be of great help for Xenos in need.

______________________________________________________________

Thompson was leaned over computer in command room aboard Einmyria. He was very concentrated on what he was doing that he didn't hear York coming in.

- Hello there. - York spoke and smiled when he saw Thompson's surprised face. - Heh, it's only me, why look so surprised?

- You scared me. I didn't hear you come in.

- You cracked that thingie?

- Ya...just finishing up...i am setting our own security measures..just in case we get boarded...

- Smart man..anyway...this isn't a social call...I have a job for you. One of my old friends, and Xeno supporter from Manhattan provided us with some expensive counterfeit software, and i by pure luck found a good buyer. - York gave small data pad to Thompson - There you have all details. When you come to your designated place, try to sniff around for new job...don't fly back empty..

- Heh, you know me sir...i will dig up something. Ship is ready, thanks to Tex and his friends.

- Yes...i sent my regards to them. Ok, now round up your crew. Last time i saw them they were dead drunk in the bar. You fly out tomorrow.

- Understood.

[Doom]

Day started early for Thompson. Before dawn broke, his ships was already docked on the far end of Manhattan's airport. Thompson was smoking out side the cargo bay doors while his men prepared ship for incoming cargo.
Near the ship there was small storage facility that looked like it hasn't been used for 50 years. Surroundings wasn't any better. Filth and junk all over the place. Surely not most pleasant place to be on Manhattan. But it had is good sides. It was out of the view and no one in his right mind would come here if he didn't actually needed to be here. Smugglers are used to this kind of places.
Thompson was just finishing his cigar when doors of little storage opened. Out came tall, strong man. His dark hair was cut short. Long scar was going from his eyebrow towards his neck and disappeared somewhere in his shirt. Man was dressed in some kind of brown uniform, matching colour of nearby buildings. He walked fast to Einmyria, passed by Thompson and entered in ships cargo bay. Thompson was surprised.

- OK... this will do- man spoke, and then he whistled...

Four men with some light lifters came out of storage facility and started to load up Einmyria's cargo bay.

All this time man didn't look at Thompson. He acted like Xenos don't exist. Thompson learned somewhere along the line, that in this cases is better to keep his mouth shut. Man will talk with him when time comes.

To Thompson it seemed like man just read his mind, cause he turned to him and started to talk.

- Ok, your cargo is almost ready. You got instructions from York. If you by any chance get caught do not spill the beans about where you got this cargo...Do we understand each other?

- Yes...Don't worry...we wont get caught.

- That's good...we will have more jobs for you...Oh look, your cargo is ready...no time to lose. Working day will start soon and I don't want to be here when it happens. To many eyes in the sky.

Without any word, Thompson turned and entered the Einmyria. Five minutes later they were flying to California system using back ways....

[Exile]

Ouray bar, 22:30

It was quiet, you could hear the droid bartenders walking, and the occasional cough. One by one, the Xenos left the room, heading back to their quarters. But one remained, York hadn't finished his drink yet and couldnt be botherd sleeping. Then, all of the sudden,

Krrrr...grkrr... Radio noises filled the room.
Rohan t* O*ray ba**, com* in Our** B*se

YEEEEEEHHHHHAAAAAAAW!!

*KLADANG*

Everyone allready knew what it was.. Rohan.. a long lost Xeno pilot who had trained under York himself, had just returned home after losing his ship in a poker match...
He enterd the bar, clothes torn up, and sat down near York. He whistled to the bartender, and told York:

We be havin' 'lot of cathin' up to do, York me ol' mate, how be' da rest?

Rohan had returned to his brothers, ready to fly again, ready to fight for the Xeno cause once more.

---

[Matrix]

Rohan saw Milia sitting in the corner.. He thought of sneaking her up from behind..

Just as he was abt to grab her from behind..

"Don't ya even think abt putting those filthy hands on me"
"I could smell ya from a mile away"
"Go get a shower and clean up.. then I'll consider meeting you again"

Rohan not wanting to offend Milia further, stepped away and slowly retreated to the exit.

"Guess she's still sore abt our past history.."he thought to himself..

---

Coolant.Leak - BattleCruiser
Somewhere, somehow, someone's going to pay..