Personal Log, 10 November 3303
10 Nov 2017User78245
I crossed paths with one of the Fuel Rats on the way out to Messier 78 the other day. They looked busy so I didn't bother them. Good people, the Fuel Rats.I remember the first time I ran into them, it was on the way to rescue Longhorn. I'd finished my turn on the fold-down cots in the back trying to get some sleep, and was heading into the cockpit to relieve Campos. She was glaring at the scanner and muttering under her breath.
"What's going on?", I'd asked.
"We've been following an Asp Explorer for the last few light years. They've been counting down their jumps to a station located in the Fuelum system. We just now caught up with them. They're zeroing in on Longhorn's location."
"That sounds like trouble."
"Not if I can help it. Lakon-Romeo-Alpha-Tango, this is Valkyrie Dash One, Alliance Defence Force. Hold your jump and identify yourself. This is your only warning before you will be interdicted and boarded."
There was a brief pause before the pilot responded. "...Er, Fuel Rats, luv. We have fuel, you don't. Any questions?"
This had the sound of some sort of slogan. Campos was unamused. "I do. I would like to know why you are interfering in ADF operations."
"We're coming to help. Heard a rescue pinger go off further in. This is sort of what we do-"
"Negative. This is not a fuel problem. If you continue interfering in classified ADF operations, you will be boarded and placed under arrest. Abort your mission now."
There was silence on the other end for a moment. I whispered to Campos, "Weren't you a little harsh?"
"A little," she agreed. "But we don't have time for this."
"Think they'll cause trouble?"
"No, they won't. They're unarmed."
There was finally a response from the other Asp. "Two combat-ready Asps and a 'Conda? We know better. Alright, we're breaking off. We'll take this up with Alioth. Oh-seven, Commander."
"Thank you," she said, breaking off the transmission with an annoyed flick of her wrist, then began unbuckling herself from the harness. She gave one of my palms a playful slap. "You're it. See you in sixteen."