The Drunken Junker

[nOmnomnOm]

Mike Hunt walks into the bar, looking around the large room at the activity going on around the place. He was tired from a long days work of hauling scrap and collecting his own little bit for some mechanic work he would do on his own later one. Scraps from carnage here and there were rare but possible to obtain... though hard to bring back at times.He pulls on his long beard, a bit of oil grease and rust on it but he didn't notice nor really care for that matter. It was just a little after all... nothing to worry about.

His lips crave for some good drink... he remembers mama's moonshine from his childhood... boy that was some good stuff down in the country side on Texas. He wonders if there is some here as well.

He scratches his head and looks around some more as he walks in. He heads to the bar counter and sits down at one of the empty stools looking up at the menu of drinks displayed. The bar tender walks over with a wondering eye, looking him over and Mike just nods and brushes his beard to the side, showing off the .:j:. symbol on his new shirt. He was proud to wear it and he showed it in his grin.

The bar tender nods, still wondering who he is but then walks over and asks if he can get anything for him.

"Ye I.. I like one o' dem drink ya got der on dem wall.... A bottl' o' moonshine there ye tender would do me something 'ere!" He nods and slides the credits on the table. The bartender nods and goes to fetch the drink.

Mike leans back a bit looking around. *Maybe der be some pr'ty ladies to chat to.* he thinks. He doesn't see any around though and shrugs an -oh well- and looks around for someone to start a chat with.

Mike was already on his 10th shot of moonshine from his bottle and was stating to laugh and be all jolly. He looks around a bit more to see if there is someone to talk to but shrugs as he sees everyone in their little groups chatting. He looks around some more to see what a new guy like him could do in a place like this and gets a brilliant idea. He orders a bottle of whisky and gets down to dirty business and he mixes the bottle into the 1/2 finished bottle of moonshine and starts drinking it straight and grinning wildly as he does. He walks over to a near dart board hanging on the wall and stumbles and takes the darts out and clumsily starts to throw them in the general direction of the target, completely missing. He without intention turns around and throws it at some people at a table and getting the dart to land on the table between them. He doesn't notice as they look at him and he swings his mixed drink again.

---

[JunkerTown]

We ended up having a drink here in this very same tavern, and after that we flew a bit together on board the Junk Town, that's when i fell in love with the frigate. Anyways, I promised him I'd write an article on his person and his organization, still owe him that one. I guess you're now part of that story.

She smiled, nodding as he told his story. "You have a good taste in ships. The Salvager is one of my favorites." After some small talk, she apologized and checked her comms device.

I'm here

She hid a smile, managing to keep a straight face as she brushed the hair out of her face. Taking a sip of her drink, she placed it on the table "Do forgive me, I will be back in just a moment."

She left the bar and made her way down the corridor, frowning slightly as she was playing with the comms device, flicking off the security cameras as she walked toward where she knew he would be coming from. Glancing up, she noticed him walk around the corner, knowing Marcus wouldn't be far behind she used the tablet to close the doors after JT.

He smirked, knowing what she was doing. She didn't look up, keeping her professional stance as she pulled up a series of matters James would need to deal to. "Arbiter Trenton." She nodded holding her comms device out so he could see "there are some matters I need you to attend to." She had kept her straight face as she talked through the jump registration application and the pending applications. "There is one other thing....." She was unable to contain her excitement any longer and tossed the tablet to the side before jumping on him, wrapping her arms around him in an embrace.

It seemed like a lifetime ago that they had a single solitary moment together.
Now here she was as the two embraced passionately trying to make up for loss time.
A few minutes later they pause pulling away from each others lips he says..
Hey babe.. I missed you.
Smiling she nods approvingly and whispers back..
Ditto..
Their faces draw closer together moving in for yet another kiss.
Just as JT's communicator lights up with another message.
Only this time the message is sent from an unknown source.
Mia looks down at the floor, closes her eyes and shakes her head as she sighs with a slight growl.
James rolls his eyes and looks up towards the ceiling with a disgruntled moan of his own.
He says..
Gah... damnit what now!?!
Sorry sweetie I gotta see who this is.
Looking back down at his comms flashing he presses the receive button.
The communication message displays.
Hearing the message he turns to Mia again and says.
Hold on honey I need to take this.
She pulls away from their embrace and huffs a bit as she picks up her tablet.
Seems its always something these days and they never have any time for each other.
Noticing her body posture with her arms folded around the tablet he knows.
He knows she is none too happy at this moment.
Looking at her he says..
Mia please baby don't be like that.. believe me I know how you feel.
His condescending tone and patronizing expression even with the best intentions does nothing but anger her.
She scowls and says..


James Alexander Trenton do not use that tone with me.
Do not attempt to know what I am feeling mister.
You just do what you feel is most important.
If you gotta go.. Then leave and see to it.
Spare me the pleasantries Arbiter sir.

James lowers his head a bit as he turns towards the door.
Mia leans against the metal wall resting her head on the bulkhead.
Tears start to form up as James turns away and opens the door.
She struggles to keep from crying as the steel door raises.
Marcus standing guard turns around as James steps out from the corridor.
She places her head in her hand wiping the tears and expression from her face.
James stands just outside the open passageway looking up at Marcus he says..
Marcus listen to this message and respond.
Tell him you will provide safe passage to Puerto Rico on board the Gordon.
This ex Order pilot may be of some use to us and I need him brought here asap.
Now the Congress capital flagship is not to be seen in Liberty.
Gather escorts that can fuel the cloaking device.
Stay hidden and have him dock on the Gordon.
Bring him to La Fortaleza's Drunken Junker.
I'll meet ya'll there.

Marcus responds..
Aye sir.. I will prep the Gordon for flight now.
Sir are you going to be coming with us?
James smirks with a smile as he turns away from the metal guardian.
Staring back at Mia who is now staring back at him hearing what is being said.
James steps back into the corridor and says..
No bud I have more important matters to tend to.
Step to it my old friend and make it so.
Bring him and the ship back here now.
As Marcus responds affirmatively James closes the door once again.
Again Mia and James stand alone in the hall.
He smiles as he says..
So here we are.. to our right are people in the bar looking to talk with us.
To the left is the hangar and the JunkTown waiting in dry dock.
So which way shall we go my dear?
Mia fully smiling looks back at her tablet and presses a button.
A hatch just off to her right side opens and a small maintenance room reveals.
Inside there are pipes, gears and internal mechanical systems for the station.
She gestures by moving her head slightly motioning toward the open hatch.
James raises one eyebrow and looks at her surprisingly he says..
Wha.. are you kidding in there??
Aww cmon now don't tell me you've lost your nerve!?!
The man I married was never afraid of a lil dirt.
So tell me JT.. are you still my dirty Junker badboy??
James laughs as he scoops her up and carries her thru the hatchway.
The door closes behind them.

---

[Gypsie Skripto]

Facing yet another quarter of rum, Gyp wondered if he would have the stomach to resist so much booze. He remembered some wise words that Malaclypse the Third once told him.

Scoop, anything that comes for free only makes you stronger.

The old man liked to call him like that, but no one else did so ever since the Polyfather passed. He liked the nickname, so in his drunken state he toyed with the idea of picking it for his undercover persona.

He set the glass aside and started drinking directly from the bottle. Somewhere in the bar someone raised an eyebrow, but Gyp did not notice. He tried to stand to go to the jukebox and play another song, but he was too drunk for that. All that he could do was sit there and wait. Once James Trenton arrived they were going to discuss the framing of a brighter future for both the Junker Congress and the Temporary Autonomous Zoners, where the young reporter was gaining more and more influence.

---

[Gypsie Skripto]

A quick trip to Freeport 2 in Bering let Gypsie rest from his booze marathon in the Drunken Junker. His new offices, set up by Mr. Doria for him, where fine, at least he had somewhere to dock the Telemakhos, somewhere to store cargo, a little conference room and a small apartment. The trip back allowed yet another nap to be taken, but as soon as the auto pilot on the ship jumped into Puerto Rico, the computer woke him up to the sight of one Junker Titanic liner. Gyp knew who owned that ship...

[02.09.2014 01:39:16] [TAZ]Telemakhos: Is that you James?
[02.09.2014 01:39:35] [TAZ]Telemakhos: Or is that Marcus?
[02.09.2014 01:39:35] .:j:.JunkerTitanic: Yep JT here
[02.09.2014 01:39:52] .:j:.JunkerTitanic: Nah figured I'd take the new bird out for a spin
[02.09.2014 01:40:11] [TAZ]Telemakhos: Hey James I waited like forever at the Drunker Junker mate! We'll have to catch up, so much to be discussed
[02.09.2014 01:40:29] .:j:.JunkerTitanic: I was just headed your way sir.. my apologies
[02.09.2014 01:40:55] .:j:.JunkerTitanic: had some 'wife work' to tend to!
[02.09.2014 01:41:16] [TAZ]Telemakhos: No probs, I had time to take a nap and recover from the heavy hangover your rum left me *laughs*
[02.09.2014 01:41:28] .:j:.JunkerTitanic: Aye.. it'll do that.
[02.09.2014 01:41:42] .:j:.JunkerTitanic: Where ya headed off to then friend?
[02.09.2014 01:42:12] [TAZ]Telemakhos: Oh I just returned from a quick visit to my new offices in Freeport 2, Bering
[02.09.2014 01:42:30] [TAZ]Telemakhos: So, I'm a call away my friend, should you need anything
[02.09.2014 01:42:40] .:j:.JunkerTitanic: Yep I'm ready to kick back a few here in a bit. Just got some base inspections to tend to

Gyp waved and aimed to La Fortaleza, where he docked. There was so much to be discussed... that thing with niobium ore... potential partnership in base building... Gyp couldn't get the idea out of his head: The future was ripe.

---

[JunkerTown]

James and Mia emerge from the maintenance room.
They're clothes still slightly out of line and lightly sweating.
Both finish buttoning and zipping up their outfits as James wipes his brow.
As he does some grease he managed to get on his hand smears across his head.
Mia giggles as she looks up and sees the dirt smudged along James's forehead.
With a chuckle she says..
Still my dirty badboy Junker I see!
She licks her finger slowly and very seductively inserts it into her mouth.
Pulling it out she pauses and says as she kisses him..
Glad to see that hasn't changed.
After a brief kiss she moves back slightly but still in his arms.
She uses her still moist finger to wipe the dirt stain off his brow.
Smiling at each other James says..

Neva..
I see that your still trying to keep me presentable.
Glad to see that hasn't changed.
Ya know babe..
Even though I appreciate you keeping things running while I was gone.
You did a damn fine job of it too considering how much is going on but..
Now that I'm back you don't have to stay on as DA.
I can find someone else to take on all this responsibility.
Your welcome to stay on if you choose to but I leave it up to you.
So.. what do you want to do?


Her arms still wrapped around his neck she says..
With all that is happening I think this is the only way I can stay near you.
So I'll be staying on as DA long as you shall have me.. sir...

Fair nuff..
So lets get back to it then.
Shall we?

Mia takes out her tablet again and powers it up.
Scrolling thru the list of messages she says..
Well Gypsie has returned and is waiting for you in the bar.
Marcus is back and has delivered Vlado to the medbay here.
Seems there was an encounter with a Nomad in Texas.
Vlado managed to destroy the alien ship but lost his own.
His escape pod was retrieved but he was injured some in the fray.
Medical is tending to him now should make a full recovery.
Marcus has linked me a message from 23 about more attacks from the Corse.

James turns and begins walking towards the Drunken Junker.
Mia follows behind as James says..
Ya happened to see Gyp as he was heading out.
Glad I caught him too since there is much for us to discuss.
I'll check in on Vlado after I speak to Gypsie.
Tell Marcus to return to Tau 23 in his gunship.
He is to return to his mission in defending that area from the Corse.
Aye sir... consider it done.
Talking as they make their way down the corridor they enter the Drunken Junker.
Mia takes point and says..
I hope you don't mind but knowing how important this meeting was I went ahead and had Gypsie setup in your private lounge.
He has been setup with the best liquor, cigars, women or whatever he requests.
Complimentary of course..
She leads him thru the lightly crowded bar over to James's private room.
Approaching the door the music can be heard over the Drunken Junker's house band.
Pausing at the hidden door along the wall of mirrors she glances back at James giving a sly lil wink she says..

Seems the party's already started..
She opens the two-way mirrored door as smoke bellows out of the opening.
Stepping in they see Gypsie and three half dressed women playing cards.
Gypsie appears to still be fully clothed and winning so far.
James walks up to the table, smiles at Gypsie and says..
Yo Gyp you crazy bastard!
Glad you came bro!!
Everything to your liking?

---

[Gypsie Skripto]

The girls giggled at their boss while Gypsie Skripto lifted his sight to catch James'. Then he puffed his cigar and after exhaling, and still looking at the Junker Arbiter into the eyes from the couch, he spake to the ladies.

Peach, Lime, Strawberry, a Junker is here, so I don't mind if you want to leave the room to avoid being exposed to his dirt and stench.

The girls became deadly serious all of a sudden and looked at each other before looking at James Trenton. There was an akward silence for a moment. One of them might have even tried to reach a gun.

Suddenly Gypsie rose from his seat laughing hard as he extended both arms to give his friend a hug. James also burst into laughter, seeing how the girls had bougth Gypsie's bluff.

You crazy old dog! My ladies could have not hesitated, you wanna get yourself killed you silly gambler? He took a seat and slowly recovered his breath from the laugh, then clapped his hands. Shoosh now beauties, Mr. Danger here and I got a lot to talk about. The girls disappeared almost instantly between the curtains, not before gifting Gyp with a last smile.

I must say JT, life is really cozy here in Puerto Rico, one can grab a glass of wine, favorite seat, kick back and relax without fear of anyt--

His words were interrupted by an alarm setting off.

Alert! Alert! Non-human vessels spotted in Puerto Rico!

---

[JunkerTown]

James springs from his seat as he takes out his communicator.
He says..
SJ CIC come in.. sitrep?
San Juan Congress Intelligence Center responds with the situation report..
Aye Arbiter SJ CIC here..
Drone gunship Sentry has detected an alien ship in Puerto Rico.
Small Nomad craft is equipped with fighter class weapons.
Ship has not fired or engaged..
Sentry is in a holding pattern.
Sir do we engage?
No do not engage.
Sentry observe and report.
Stand by..
Aye sir awaiting orders.
Already walking at a fast pace James makes his way to medlab.
Mia and Gypsie follow him desperately trying to keep up as he goes.
Entering medical he approaches the ex order pilot Vlado's room.
James walks into the room and stands at the foot of the bed.
Vlado is laying down with his torso and head slightly elevated.
His lower right arm in a fracture repairing device his eyes just barely opened.
Squinting thru the light he sees a blurry shadow standing at the end of his bed.
Using his left hand he attempts to block the light to make out the figure before him.
He mumbles..
Who's there?
Mia and Gypsie enter the room as James replies..
Hello Vlado I am James Trenton.
It's good to meet you face to face but I would rather it be under better circumstances.
Also if I had more time I'd like to learn all that you know about these aliens.
Heard about your encounter in Texas with one and how you lost your ship.
Rest assured once your recovered we'll work on rebuilding it for you.
Normally I would let you heal up before asking you for anything more.
Unfortunately time is of the essence as you may have heard with the alarm.
If not allow me to show you..
Mia bring up Sentry's vidcam and show him the feed from the holoemitter.
Mia enters in the commands into her tablet and sets the tablet down on the tray table near the bed.
A blue beam projects from the screen and forms into a fully colored holographic display of the live action.
The image of the small Nomad vessel appears on the hologram.
Perhaps enlighten me as to what you know about these things?
Or just what do they want or why the hell they are here??
If nothing else just tell me how to kill it!??
Vlado clears his throat rubbing his eyes and blinks trying to bring the images into focus.
As his eyes widen and his vision clears some he sees the Nomad.
He says..
Well chief.. uhm I'ma still a bit groggy from the painkillers..
You fellas got some mighty strong drugs tha's fer sure.
But to answer your questions.
Not real sure why they're here and about killing em?..
Seeing that ship though.. well lets just say.. its bad and about to get worse.
Need to tell your men NOT to engage and do not fire on that thing.
You don't stand a chance and would be wise to call your men back to base.

James cocks his head slightly to the side raising an eyebrow he says..
Really now?
You managed to take one out by yourself in a bomber.
Sure at the expense of your own ship but we have several ships in the area.
Most are gunships with heavier armor, weapons and guns.
I think we can handle a single small Nomad ship.
We may not be trained by the Order but we've fought them before.
Even killed a few along the way so you'll forg...
Vlado interrupts James before he can finish and says..
Look Chief Junker the best way to put this to you in a way you can understand is..
That small Nomad ship acts as a sort of scout ship.
If it has revealed itself to you then larger ones must be nearby.
It's the reason I risked my life attacking the one in Texas like I did.
Firing the torpedo at that close range I knew there was no way I'd escape the blast.
Still the only way to escape is if the 'scout' ship dies before the bigger ones arrive.
With as much time that has gone by I would bet those bigboys are close.
They're probably already there in fact watching your ships as we speak.
Whatever you do do not let your ships engage it'll be suicide.
Your only chance is to fall back and pray the base defenses can hold them off.
Suddenly on the holoscreen a ship flown by a freelancer comes into view.
The ship brazenly charges in and opens a comm as he says..
HOSTILE ALIEN IN RANGE!!
GUNS ARE HOT.. OPENING FIRE!!!
James activates his communicator and says..
NO Tell that ship to stand down..
cease fire I repeat CEASE FIRE!!
The Nomad ship dodges the incoming fire with ease and a second later..
Two larger alien contacts appear on the screen!
Both vessels materialize almost directly in front of Sentry along with the several other Congress ships in the vicinity.
The alien ships open fire and destroy the freelancer vessel in seconds.
As the fighter explodes the Nomads turn and fire on the Congress.
The holoprojection scrambles, blinks and then shuts down as Sentry comes under heavy fire.
James says into his comm..
Murphy.. are you there?
Aye Boss Oi'm ere..
O'Gordon is ere an waitin fer ya orda's Cap!
Wan' us ta hed ova' der try an help oot?
Sit tight I'm heading to you now.
Roight Cap'n hold'n ere.
James turns around as Mia steps in front of him and blocks his path.
She says..
JT don't go.. Have you been watching or listening?
Its far too dangerous you shouldn't risk going out there!
I cannot sit here and watch these things invade our home.
Besides I'll be in the Gordon its heavily armored and has lots of firepower.
It's the best chance we got to stop these things.
Vlado chimes in..
Ya Chief uhm bout that.
The battleship Gordon doesn't stand a snow ball's chance in hell against those things.
Hate to break it to ya but even with its armor and firepower it will die.
The lady's right you really shouldn't risk it.
James looks back at Vlado and says sternly..
Duely noted but I am still going.
Mia continues..
Please I am begging you.. Don't go!
Mia I will not standby while Junkers are under attack.
Now are you my Deputy Arbiter or my wife asking me NOT to defend PR?!
Mia scowls at his question and with an angry face replies..
I'm both you ass..
James steps around her and begins making his way to the hangar.
Mia follows close behind using her tablet as they walk.
Just as they reach the hangar Gypsie steps in front of James and says..
Hey bro.. hold up a sec will ya!?!
Look I know I'm not Congress but she maybe right ya know.
Maybe you should sit this one out boss man?
Damnit you too Gyp!?
Look for the last time I'm not staying here while Junkers get attacked.
Now step aside and let me..

Before he finishes the sound of the Gordon's engines can be heard inside the hangar firing up.
James pushes pass Gypsie and enters the hangar as the Congress flagship lifts off.
James reaches for his communicator and notices it is now set to only receive messages.
He also sees a text message that appears to be sent from James telling Murphy to leave without him.
Knowing only one person would be able to do all this he looks over at Mia..
DAMNIT woman what'd you do!?!
As your Deputy Arbiter I cannot allow you to run the risk of being killed. The Congress cannot afford to lose its leader right now with all that is going on.
As your wife no damn way your getting on that ship!
James enraged yanks Mia's tablet out of her hands and removes the block from his communicator.
He then flips to another screen and shows it to her.
Look Mia you see that?
Those are beacons from Junker ejection pods floating in space right now.
What am I spose to do huh??
Sit by and let them die?!?
Gypsie speaks up..
Ok JT I have a solution my sally is fully fueled and ready to go.
She has the cloak and we can get out there and save as many Junkers as we can.
While Murphy and the Gordon try to fight em off.
Sound good?
James nods and they head towards Gypsie's ship.
Mia close behind James stops at the bottom of the boarding ramp.
Turning to Mia he says..
You should stay here and wait for my return.
She doesn't break stride as she steps passed James boarding the ship she says..
No sir.. since I am the most medically qualified member of the Congress.
AND since your going to be picking up wounded pilots your going to need my skills onboard.
So lets get going babe.. We got Junkers to save!
James shaking his head he mumbles to himself as he boards the ship..

What the hell was I thinking..
I've created a monster.

---

[Gypsie Skripto]

Again on board a Sallie with Deputy Trenton! As grim as the scenario was, Gypsie was all pumped up about it. As soon as they boarded he grabbed an old earthly style ship captain hat and put it on. Mia and JT looked at each other slightly surprised but somehow they felt comfortable with that Zoner lunatic jumping around the ship, pulling levers and pushing buttons they both knew were not the ones that made the ship leave the mooring point. In the back, Gyp's old Hibachi dealer looked over his shoulder and shaked his head, closing his eyes.

Yo c'mon Gyppo it looks like you've got some to learn yet, you're lucky to have that old dying rag back there. He then waved at the ancient Junker, who waved back with a deaf "e'lo there Arbita' sir". Now prepare that device please, we need to be ready to cloak as soon as possible if needed.

The young Zoner laughed in joy as he started winding a crank that came out of a sealed container with a rather golden glow coming from inside. Mia smiled too, she was used to see her husband giving orders to his men and leading quite large crowds, perhaps in this Zoner he could find a friend, or at least that showed in his way of treating the reporter.

The course was set, an overlap of two common Puerto Rico patrol routes that left nothing out of the scrying eye of the B-Scanner.

---

[JunkerTown]

On board the Telemakhos Gypsie, James and Mia are seated as the ship leaves La Fortaleza's docking bay.
Just outside the base the zoner salvager takes up position just behind the Claymore.O'Gordon.
Gypsie's command chair looks more like a furniture found in a house than a seat on a ship.
Resembling an old style throwback recliner its surrounded by strange nick knacks and loads of drug paraphernalia.
Fuzzy dice hang from one of the command screens above his head.
While a small statue of a dancing hulu girl sits on the monitor in front of him.
Its a bizarre eclectic mess of gadgets, garbage and grime.
He looks right at home.
He says...

No worries my friends leave everything to ole Gypsie here!
We'll get your boys outta the void and keep you's safe while we do it.
Now as you might be able to tell I've made some changes to the sally.
Added a few things, subtracted some stuff and moved other crap around.
Just lemme set the ship into auto pilot and I'll give ya the full tour!

Gypsie pushes a few buttons on the console bringing the ship into formation behind the Gordon.
He jumps outta his recliner and over towards the couple now standing.
James holds up his hands signaling to Gypsie to slow his roll and says..
Gyp ole buddy, we ain't got time for the tour.
I'd be happy to see the rest of your ship and all you've changed once this is done.
Right now I just need you to show Mia and me one room.
Take us to medical please so Mia can get setup to treat the wounded..
Alright?

Gypsie comes to a halt and nods his head affirmatively while saying..
Right I hear ya!
Ok ok bossman no sweat ya know!?
He claps his hands, points at a door and says..
Rock and roll! You two follow me!!
The three make their way thru the ship and over to its medical quarters.
Inside the equipment is adequate with some of it being better than average.
Even with the decent surplus of medical technology the room is a wreck.
The medlab resembles a drug den more than a medical triage.
Bongs, syringes, empty vials and flasks litter the area.
Different colored pieces of fabric hang from surgical lights producing a mood lighting effect.
Mia and James take pause at the grotesque conditions of the facility.
They both slowly turn to face Gypsie with puzzled looks on their faces.
James says..
This.... THIS is your medlab?
It looks more like a meth lab Gyp!
Hey maaan.. what can I say?!
Don't need to treat many wounded usually bro.
Mia replies..
And they call Junkers dirty?
Gypsie shrugs his shoulders as he chuckles a bit.
James turns to Mia and says..
Well babe seems you have your work cut out for you.
Think you can make it ready for rescue?
Uhm ya sure.. well ready enough I guess.
Good.. then make it so!
Gyp lets head back to the command deck and start picking up pilots.
Mia starts moving feverishly fast cleaning and prepping the room.
James and Gypsie head back up to the command center.
Taking their seats James brings up the communications console.
He messages Murphy onboard the Gordon.
Murphy this is JT anything on scope?
Naw boss dun see nuthin yet.
James then radios San Juan Command.
SJ CIC whats the sitrep now?
Sir we have no sign of any ships in the area now.
All Congress vessels appear to be destroyed.
No sign of the Nomad ships either.
Arriving at the last known coordinates of the Nomad ships they find nothing.
Nothing but debris from destroyed ships along with Junker ejection pods.
Just a few minutes ago there was extreme chaos and now just silence.
Eerily quiet... too quiet.
James says..
Ok Gyp lets start bagging up my boys and getting them onboard.
Mia are you ready back there to receive?

Mia here..
As ready as I can be start beaming them up.
With the Gordon still close by the Telemakhos starts beaming up the ejection pods.
One after another come aboard and Mia does her best to treat their wounds.
Several minutes later and with almost a dozen downed pilots on board.
More Congress support ships show up to assist in the rescue.
On board the Gordon Congressman Juan Sanchez operates a turret console.
His ship a Waran bomber sits in the docking bay fueled and ready to go.
As the Zoner salvager scoops up more downed Junkers suddenly the small Nomad ship materializes in full view.
The ship moves sporadically around the Telemakhos and then stops below the ship.
Hovering so close to the salvager it cannot be fired on by the Zoner guns.
As suddenly as it appears a strange unrecognizable screech is heard throughout the ship.
Its ear piercing scream is deafening as the Telemakhos's video screens scramble disabling the flight controls.
James, Gypsie, Mia and the rescued surviving Junkers clutch their ears.
Mia lets out a blood curdling scream..
James manages to reach his communicator and presses the 'panic' button.
A red alert is sent to all Junker ships and stations including the Gordon.
Murphy sees it and springs into action...
Oight boyz oor Arbita's in trouble!
Fookin jelly is too damn close fer us to shoot it!!
Juan git oot der on yer bomba an take it oot!!!
Si senor Murphy.
Hasta la vista mi hermanos!
Juan climbs into the cockpit of his bomber Gladius.
He undocks from the Claymore.O'Gordon and moves in close to Telemakhos.
Targeting the ship he scans it as he approaches firing range.
The scan reveals the Nomad ship identification and classification.
He relays the data to San Juan.
A split second later Juan engages the Nomad and fires.
As the alien craft jukes and dodges the incoming fire the strange signal dissipates.
The Zoner salvager's controls come back online as the screeching ends.
All on board the Telemakhos breathe a sigh of relief as they regain composure.
Gladius and the other Congress ships engage the Nomad craft trying desperately to hit it.
A few seconds later another larger K'hara ship decloaks appearing near the Gordon.
Claymore.O'Gordon's crew scans the larger ship.
They also relay the data to San Juan.
In no time the large guns from the Purifier open fire at Gladius.
Juan Sanchez calls out..
Aycaramba mucho grande Nomada! VAMONOS AMIGOS!!

Murphy calls out from the bridge and over comms..
Oight boys ere dey oor!
Torgit tha' beg arse bastar' an FORE ot will!
The Gordon targets the Purifier then launches it's large salvo.
A few shots land but only bring the shields of the alien ship down slightly.
Even with its size the Nomad is able to avoid most of the battleship turret fire.
Congress bombers and fighters rush in to attack and another Nomad emerges!
Bigger than the last one it is just behind the Gordon and begins firing!!
With all turrets already facing the Purifier the Congress flagship is unable to return fire.
It scans the alien vessel and relays the data back to San Juan.
Gordon is taking on heavy fire and sustaining massive damage.
Congress bombers and fighters struggle to evade the barrage of incoming fire.
Suddenly the small Nomad ship sweeps in emitting that same strange signal this time at the Gordon.
Murphy and the Junker crew onboard fall to their knees while covering their ears.
The Arbiter systems scramble and the shield fails!
With its shields down the Nammu closes in on the Gordon from the starboard side.
An array of purple pulsating lights smash into the hull of the ship causing breaches in multiple middle sections.
The Claymore.O'Gordon erupts from the center and splits the ship into two large sections as a final message is sent..

Almost appearing in slow motion the large battleship breaks apart.
As it falls apart ejection pods begin firing from the forward and aft sections still intact.
Gypsie maneuvers the Telemakhos quickly to avoid flying debris from Gordon's hull.
Dodging thru the wreckage James manning the tractor beam locates and targets Murphy's pod.
Just as the beam locks on to the pod the Labraid returns.
It emits its own alien tractor beam that begins slowly pulling Murphy away.
James checks the scanner and sees a Congress fighter ship nearby known as Xenon.
He says..
Xenon help save Murphy!
Engage the K'hara!!
Without hesitation the Junker Collector swoops in and fires on the Labraid.
The shots find their mark and drop the shields on the Nomad craft for a second.
It darts away releasing it's hold on the ejection pod holding Captain Murphy.
Telemakhos beams him up and Mia rushes Murphy to medical.
Unconscious but alive Mia checks his vitals and scans him for injuries.
Suddenly Murphy yells out!!
FINNEGAN!!!
Mia startled steps back a minute.
Murphy slips back out of consciousness and Mia tends to his injuries.
As the Telemakhos engages its cloak drive James says over comms..
ALL CONGRESS FALL BACK TO LF!
RETREAT ALL SHIPS... RTB!!

---

[JunkerTown]

James sits back in the turret control console's chair.
He lays his head back against the headrest as he watches the Gordon split in two.
The forward and aft sections of the ship slowly drift away from one another.
It's middle section torn apart slinging debris as it rips through space.
Xenon and Juan manage to avoid the alien's arsenal and fly back to La Fortaleza.
On board the Telemakhos the medbay is filled with the wounded Junkers that managed to eject and survive.
Murphy is stable but still unconscious as Mia dresses his injuries.
James sighs as he says...
Welp that coulda been a HELLVA lot worse.
Thankfully it wasn't.
Gypsie looks over at James and says..
Uhm.. Not to sound like Captain Obvious over here..
But.. bro, The Gordon just got blown to bits! I mean.. Did I miss something here??
Just how the hell could it have been worse.. The Congress flagship is GONE!?!

James smirks and shakes his head a second as he responds..
Gyp ole buddy.. Don't you know bro... Were Junkers.
We know every inch of that ship, every bolt, every panel and have detailed schematics.
Could build the ship entirely from scratch if it was necessary.
Luckily enough this time with those two large sections of the ship floating there.
We won't have to rebuild it instead.
We do what Junkers do.. We'll salvage and repair it.

Gypsie turns and points towards the large forward display.
On screen the Purifier fades away as it engages a cloaking device.
Still in view is the smaller Labraid ship circling the Gordon debris.
As the Nammu fades from view the Labraid stops and also vanishes too.
Gypsie nervously asks..
With those things running around?!
I mean.. won't they just attack your salvage ships?!?!
James grins at him as he opens his comms..
SJ CIC..
Activate CWD initialize SS protocols.
Affirmative sir..
Activating CWD setting SS directives.
Target vessel is Claymore.O'Gordon.
A confused look washes over Gypsie's face as he starts to ask..
Uh.. what is CW...
James answers before he can finish the question..
Cloaked Wrecker Division.
These are Junker gunships we've modified to equip cloaking devices.
They are unarmored and unarmed gunboats we use for special op salvage runs.
We send them into hostile territory loaded with fuel for the cloaks.
Then using the metal arms they can attach themselves to larger objects.
As in large pieces of destroyed ships and once connected they tow it out.
Since the Gordon is so close to Vieques they shouldn't even have to refuel.
Once we get it back to the shipyard we will repair it.
Now lets head over to LF and get these boys to a proper medical facility please.
Gypsie nods as he speeds the Telemakhos back to La Fortaleza.
Landing in the docking bay the medical teams are there waiting and unload the surviving Junkers.
James, Mia and Gypsie help unload the Junkers along with Murphy.
The medics begin rushing each of the patients off to the stations medlab.
Mia turns to James and says..
JT something strange happened just after we brought Murphy onboard.
He rose up for a moment and screamed out for Finnegan.

Ya that is strange..
Still Finn needs to be called.. He needs to know even if he doesn't want to.
Perhaps he may respond once he learns about the O'Gordon and Murphy.
I'll see if I can track the crazy ole bugger down.

Gypsie speaks up and says..
Ya know JT I might have an idea..
But I'd rather show you than tell you so would you mind staying onboard alil while longer buddy?
Turning to Mia James says..
Ya know I need you here.
You said it yourself and we both know it.
Your the most trained and skilled doctor we have.
Plus someone has to keep an eye on things here.

Mia nods her head reluctantly but affirmatively and says..
I know babe.. Just hate it.
So go I'll be here when you get back.
OH and Gyp.. You better bring him back to me unharmed!
Or I will find you and I know how to remove certain parts of your body.
Some of your favorite parts too.

Gypsie hops back a bit and covers his crotch a second as he says..
EEEP DAMNIT!!!
Don't ya worry Deputy Trenton I'll bring him back safe and sound.
You have my word.
You better.
James and Mia look at each other a moment and share a final kiss goodbye.
James and Gypsie board the Telemakhos and lift off.
Mia watches the ship as it leaves the hangar and the doors close behind it.
Before the tears fall one of the lead medical examiner approaches her.

Ma'am we need you over to ICU stat!
Mia nods as she takes out her tablet and sees a message from James.
It reads..
I love you.
Mia smiles returns with her own message as she heads toward the medical bay.
Love you too.

---