Guiding stars
11 Jul 2023Ryuko Ntsikana
Utley Hub, Kokoller System
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The security services Viper kept its lights on the Keelback’s darkened cockpit. The slumped-over pilot at its controls had not responded to the hails of the station and, on closer inspection, appeared unresponsive. A second Viper searched the outside of the ship, looking for any damages. Not finding any signs of damage, the hails continued. The ship’s computer was not reporting a callsign, assigned name, or owner of the vessel.
Maintaining their station with weapons at the ready, A third ship arrived. Its thrusters rotated it into a position behind the Keelback, where an airlock was located. The Petty Officer kept his weapons sights on the slumped-over pilot, in case this was a ruse, as the third ship magnetically connected itself to the rear of Keelback.
The boarding party had their weapons at the low ready as the access hatch opened to a darkened corridor. Moving in a standard tactical formation, clearing and securing as they surged their way forward. The lower cargo racks were empty, as was each of the bays and cabins along their route.
The Viper’s lights illuminated the flight deck as the heavily armed security forces entered, making their way to the unresponsive pilot. The Petty Officer in the Viper outside watched as the boarders flowed into the cockpit, two of them moving to the pilot. The security officer nearest the canopy glass made a hand gesture to the Viper hovering in front of the cockpit as the other officer checked on the pilot.
‘Utley control. The pilot is alive but unresponsive. Vitals are present but weak. No signs of physical injuries. A physical identification scan shows them to be Federal Inspector Monty Gladsen. No signs of damage on the bridge or in the ship itself. Request medical services be sent to our location.'
The Brig: planetary outpost, Luchtaine System
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Xochitl noticed that the engineer Mel Brandon had a soft disarming tonal quality to his voice. His body language matched, indicating a classical background quality. Whether it was through upbringing, purposeful training, or over a time of mimicking the higher circles he ran in, all could be surmised. It wasn’t unpleasant but different from the usual types in their positions.
‘I have met hundreds from the bubble, but it is rare I get to meet a grade 5 mechanic with both airframe and propulsion ratings. Tell me if you choose. The carrier you came in on. What are your plans now that you are here?’
‘Well, it is we, not me. I am part of a larger clan. Our intentions are to establish a positive reputation in this region. From there, we will roam, as the nomads we are, and offer a safe landing area, refuel, and repairs for any you might need it.’
‘That is laudable cause. You are aware that part of what you left behind has found its way out here?’
‘Yes, we have claimed a few of their numbers.’
‘So I have heard, but that is none of my affair. I wanted to see who this mechanic was that Hera Tani talked so positively about.’
‘What services of mine would you require today?’
Xochitl maintained a neutral expression. She was unsure of Mel’s ulterior motives and did not want to inadvertently give any perception.
‘The ships are all as we already like them. You offered me this meeting, and I accepted without any condition of service requirements.’
Mel’s expression matched her own, but his feet shifted as he glanced down at them.
‘Your fleet is not that large. Do you think you will increase its size?’
‘I have thought of buying one more, but honestly, it would be a vanity purchase. We have more than we need at the moment.’
Mel’s face and tone remained impassive as he studied her. ‘Tell me more about this vanity.’
Xochitl shrugged. ‘Not much to tell and certainly nothing you haven’t heard before. I thought about a Beluga class. I owned one before but did not have much use for it.’
‘Your clan could certainly make use of it?’
Xochitl chuckled. ‘The Cutter can do better and is more versatile. The Python I parked in your hangar is far better for moving liquored-up businessmen and doe-eyed tourists.’
‘As I noticed from my scans of the ship when you landed. I noticed you have modified your power settings for versatile operations. The armor of your hull and the weaponry suggest you like to use it for mining, combat, passengers, and freight. An eclectic range of choices.’
‘You left out short-range exploration, rescue operations, and planetary raiding.’
Mel smiled. ‘I see. It is good to get to know my customers, and you, Ms. Khae, are frugal and resourceful. I look forward to working on your vanity…when it lands.’
‘So sure I will give in to purchasing that model again?’
Mel’s eyes reflected his growing smile. ‘Sure you will, but not for vanity, but because it has a purpose now. You said you were part of a clan, and I knew this from their recent adventures in a nearby system. Word gets around in this sector. I admit it was a colorful entrance.’
Xochitl shrugged once more. ‘For the record, we did not start it.’
Mel chuckled. ‘Yes, but you did finish it. Several of their types have grown soft on explorers. Meeting a hardened collective was not what they had expected.’
‘I wouldn’t expect our presence to be a habit.’
Mel studied Xochitl for a moment, then walked over to his desk, securing his data tablet, which he began to type on. Motioning to her, Xochitl walked over as he turned the face of the tablet for her to read.
‘From ancient times, mariners and nomads needed stars to guide themselves. I have something useful for your band of nomads…to help guide them.’