THE RESCUE OF JOHNNY SMIRNOFF Ravenna Invicta, Omicron Xi
Johnny Smirnoff, alleged "President" of Rheinland Shipping, reached for help after his ship was damaged in an unknown event. What no one expected was that Johnny asked for the Corsairs' help in particular. Was Johnny oblivious of the Corsairs' cruelty and bloodthirsty nature? Not even the corsairs know. Deterrence command authorized a "rescue mission" after a generous down payment from Mr. Johnny, despite his very strange story, looking for more credits. If he is truly the president of a major Rheinland corporation, there must be more credits from where his payment came from.
Johnny was shoved into a waste canister from the Conquistador's cargo bay soon after having his ship found, and transported to Corsair space. Upon reaching the safe orbit of Mykonos, the "President" was thrown into Ravenna Invicta's brig, still inside the terribly cramped, dark and smelling waste canister, awaiting interrogation. All he could hear and feel was his handling by the corsair marines.
Every minute that passes feels like hours to Johnny.
After a few hours surrounded by the darkness and stench of an used waste canister, Johnny feels the vibration of heavy footsteps around him, and the lid of the compartment is opened. He clenches his eyes from the brightness, being forcefully helped up by a corsair marine.
"The last payment went through. You're getting out of here, "presidente".
The marine mocks Johnny, dragging him along the corridors of Ravenna Invicta, escorted by two other armed men. They reach docking bay B-2, where his civilian starship is parked. It was just recently repaired used rusted and well used parts from the corsair fighter wings, enough for him to reach Rheinland somewhat safely.
The men give him the keys to his ship and connect the power core. The ship vibrates and shivers to life and is ready to go. Johnny is shoved inside the ship, given a bottle of rum and a pack of cigars, and forced to fly off the station at gunpoint. He does so, and his ship disappears from the station's scanners.
