“So you do have something to hide,” thought James as two people aboard the Star Dragon tried to fast-talk over one another. At this point, he was almost hoping they did and weren’t trying to make a principled point over a shipment of apples or Rhyzoc seeds. He continued to address the female, given that she’d been the sole voice until a moment ago.
“Star Dragon, the scans we’re requesting are no different than any other InSystem Security sweeps for which the I.I.S.C. and a host of other bodies have authorized on more than one occasion. If you like, link your computers into the local networks or the ComSat at two-seven-five mark three-eight and gather all the information you need on the RASG’s operation. You’re free to alter course and change destinations but if you’re headed for Rhydin, we’re flying you all the way in. Ground security from the Watch or Port Authority will take it from there.”
Switching over to the more secure intra-channels, he spoke to the rest of Alpha flight. “I have a feeling these guys are going to break off. Give ‘em a wide berth when they do; keep your we…”
The computer beeped at him as the display on the right VDU registered a change in the Star Dragon’s status.
“They’ve holstered their weapons, at least. Keep yours the same and keep your feeds to the SWACS hot. Looks like we’ve drawn the short straw for the daily troublemaker; let’s keep things on an even keel until they decide otherwise. Hold your positions and watch out for a quick arm and shoot. They just might be trying to relax us and catch a break.”
-----------
Back within the city walls, Matthew Simon was already in his Jeep and heading for Star’s End. Someone from Azjah’s contingent had stopped him mid-walk to ask for help and he was getting the other side of the story from his own people as he drove. He was the barest of acquaintances with the Star Dragon’s captain and hers was the first vessel (albeit only the fifth overall that had arrived that day) to offer resistance.
After hearing the latest details, he spoke to the communications technician who’d been playing middle man with the back-and-forth traffic. “See if you can patch me through to Barclay or the Star Dragon, or both. Use the SWACS, the relay beacon will take too long.”
Pyxis alpha discovery
Moderator: Azjah von Drachen Walde
-
Azjah von Drachen Walde
- Expert Adventurer
- Posts: 1138
- Joined: Mon Apr 04, 2005 1:13 am
- Location: Palazzo Drachen Walde
- Contact:
Lucien had located the man who had recently been elected Governor, and advised him of the return of the Marchioness’ vessel, and the actions of a group of ships intent upon scanning her cargo. While the Governor and the Marchioness were not on close terms, the fact that Drachen Walde Industries was registered with the Governor’s Office should help defuse the situation and allow the Star Dragon to dock without the series of inquiries that were bound to arise given this trip’s cargo. Lucien faded out of the visible spectrum and advised Gabriel that the Governor was already speaking to his own people.
Gabriel kept his focus on the four new vessels, “The Governor has been apprised of our situation, Marchioness.” The only question in his mind was would it matter? Would the Governor intervene?
About then the com cracked, “Star Dragon, the scans we’re requesting are no different than any other InSystem Security sweeps for which the I.I.S.C. and a host of other bodies have authorized on more than one occasion…”
Azjah’s brow lifted as this Barclay suggested that his mandate was perfectly logical. She glanced at Wil, uncertain whether he had been bluffing, or if he was truly I.I.S.C. She’d successfully avoided those kinds of scans based on her clientele and her home world connections. She wasn’t eager to submit now to them, and to divulge the entirety of her cargo.
“I do not believe either of us are going to convince him that this is unnecessary.” She spoke to Wil, but her attention remained focused on the read outs. The other vessels had weapons also on standby, and maybe Wil had been right to back down on that point.
She touched the com switch, “Mr. Barclay, your recommendations are noted. The Governor has been contacted, and our destination remains unchanged.” She switched off the link before glancing up at Gabriel, “Koy would never forgive me for strangling Matthew for this, if he truly did implement this as they are claiming. But I do confess; I may be tempted.”
An incoming message alerted Azjah as they were now hailed by someone claiming to be from the Governor’s office. “This will prove interesting.” She opened the channel for the hail.
Gabriel kept his focus on the four new vessels, “The Governor has been apprised of our situation, Marchioness.” The only question in his mind was would it matter? Would the Governor intervene?
About then the com cracked, “Star Dragon, the scans we’re requesting are no different than any other InSystem Security sweeps for which the I.I.S.C. and a host of other bodies have authorized on more than one occasion…”
Azjah’s brow lifted as this Barclay suggested that his mandate was perfectly logical. She glanced at Wil, uncertain whether he had been bluffing, or if he was truly I.I.S.C. She’d successfully avoided those kinds of scans based on her clientele and her home world connections. She wasn’t eager to submit now to them, and to divulge the entirety of her cargo.
“I do not believe either of us are going to convince him that this is unnecessary.” She spoke to Wil, but her attention remained focused on the read outs. The other vessels had weapons also on standby, and maybe Wil had been right to back down on that point.
She touched the com switch, “Mr. Barclay, your recommendations are noted. The Governor has been contacted, and our destination remains unchanged.” She switched off the link before glancing up at Gabriel, “Koy would never forgive me for strangling Matthew for this, if he truly did implement this as they are claiming. But I do confess; I may be tempted.”
An incoming message alerted Azjah as they were now hailed by someone claiming to be from the Governor’s office. “This will prove interesting.” She opened the channel for the hail.
Azjah Telyria Danaan
Marchioness von Triberg
Baroness von Drachen Walde
Marchioness von Triberg
Baroness von Drachen Walde
“I don’t know, Colonel. But if you ask me, they’ve got something they don’t want us to know about in there.”
Much like Casey had, James Barclay naturally reverted to addressing his former superior by rank. It was a difficult habit to break.
“I think the woman’s captaining but she’s not said who she is,” he continued, “and this Colonel Savage might be directing her actions. The SWACS should be contacting the I.I.S.C to see if he’s legit or not.”
“Good idea,” Matt replied, “but they shifted their weapons to standby?”
“Aye, sir.”
“That’s a good sign. All right, I’m getting myself patched through to that ship. Monitor the channel and make sure your people stay alert just in case.”
“We’re on our toes, Colonel.”
Cutting his feed to Barclay, Matt hopped out of the Jeep and into the cool air of the day. He’d reached Star’s End in quick fashion having caught a bit of luck with little traffic combined with an overabundance of speed. The spaceport was quiet with only a few people milling about the main entrance and nothing that he could see on an outbound or inbound path. He’d already cleared his flight with the North Tower while driving in.
Walking quickly toward where his own ships were docked, there was no question that he was taking the Raptor. If Sartan were here, he might think otherwise and take the vessel he’d purchased for his after-war career, but that wasn’t the right ship for this situation. Aroma from the food kiosks made his stomach rumble as it often did since he’d begun to follow Sartan’s diet.
There was no real need for him to take the trip up; he could just as easily track the goings-on and communicate from the relative safety of the ground. But he hadn’t had the chance to fly in over a week and this was an excellent excuse. Too, it might let him check over a potential route for the exercise he’d planned to take the Sunliners trainees on the next day.
“How far out are they,” he asked as he reached the slip.
“At present speed, just about twenty-minutes, sir,” came the SWACS reply.
“All right. Tell Barclay I should be up in the next two-to-three. Get me a channel through to the Star Dragon.”
Matt climbed the ladder leading to the cockpit and strapped on his helmet. He hadn’t bothered to change from his clothes into an actual flight-suit. It wasn’t the wisest decision but one he’d made more than once in the past.
“Star Dragon, this is SWACS EWR-Thirteen-B from the 209th Kestrels. Stand by for transmission intercept on secured channel two-two-nine. Governor Simon’s on the line.”
As the cockpit glass shut and sealed, Matt warmed the Raptor’s engines and began to taxi. “Star Dragon, this is Governor Matthew Simon. I understand you’re giving my people a hard time up there. How can I help?”
Much like Casey had, James Barclay naturally reverted to addressing his former superior by rank. It was a difficult habit to break.
“I think the woman’s captaining but she’s not said who she is,” he continued, “and this Colonel Savage might be directing her actions. The SWACS should be contacting the I.I.S.C to see if he’s legit or not.”
“Good idea,” Matt replied, “but they shifted their weapons to standby?”
“Aye, sir.”
“That’s a good sign. All right, I’m getting myself patched through to that ship. Monitor the channel and make sure your people stay alert just in case.”
“We’re on our toes, Colonel.”
Cutting his feed to Barclay, Matt hopped out of the Jeep and into the cool air of the day. He’d reached Star’s End in quick fashion having caught a bit of luck with little traffic combined with an overabundance of speed. The spaceport was quiet with only a few people milling about the main entrance and nothing that he could see on an outbound or inbound path. He’d already cleared his flight with the North Tower while driving in.
Walking quickly toward where his own ships were docked, there was no question that he was taking the Raptor. If Sartan were here, he might think otherwise and take the vessel he’d purchased for his after-war career, but that wasn’t the right ship for this situation. Aroma from the food kiosks made his stomach rumble as it often did since he’d begun to follow Sartan’s diet.
There was no real need for him to take the trip up; he could just as easily track the goings-on and communicate from the relative safety of the ground. But he hadn’t had the chance to fly in over a week and this was an excellent excuse. Too, it might let him check over a potential route for the exercise he’d planned to take the Sunliners trainees on the next day.
“How far out are they,” he asked as he reached the slip.
“At present speed, just about twenty-minutes, sir,” came the SWACS reply.
“All right. Tell Barclay I should be up in the next two-to-three. Get me a channel through to the Star Dragon.”
Matt climbed the ladder leading to the cockpit and strapped on his helmet. He hadn’t bothered to change from his clothes into an actual flight-suit. It wasn’t the wisest decision but one he’d made more than once in the past.
“Star Dragon, this is SWACS EWR-Thirteen-B from the 209th Kestrels. Stand by for transmission intercept on secured channel two-two-nine. Governor Simon’s on the line.”
As the cockpit glass shut and sealed, Matt warmed the Raptor’s engines and began to taxi. “Star Dragon, this is Governor Matthew Simon. I understand you’re giving my people a hard time up there. How can I help?”
-
Azjah von Drachen Walde
- Expert Adventurer
- Posts: 1138
- Joined: Mon Apr 04, 2005 1:13 am
- Location: Palazzo Drachen Walde
- Contact:
The com came to life, “Star Dragon, this is SWACS EWR-Thirteen-B from the 209th Kestrels. Stand by for transmission intercept on secured channel two-two-nine. Governor Simon’s on the line.”
Azjah glanced at Gabriel, at least the Governor was quick about getting back to them as they continued their path toward her bay at Star’s End. She switched to secure channel two-two-nine, “Star Dragon, this is Governor Matthew Simon. I understand you’re giving my people a hard time up there. How can I help?” The familiar voice of Matthew Simon came across the speakers in crystal clarity.
Azjah’s brow quirked at that before opening the channel for reply, “Governor Simon, I would suggest that it is your people giving me the hard time, but I do appreciate your quick response to Lucien’s request. I have had my share of pirate activity so far today, and was not looking for another encounter.” Well, that settled that question. Apparently this new system was truly one implemented by Governor Simon as one of his campaign promises. She pondered that a moment. Now, how to land without submitting to the scan? In the past, she had simply re-routed and arranged other means of pick up or delivery. But now, she had a non-Drachen Walde civilian aboard. One she’d thought was an innocent bystander, but now, one who might just be a plant.
She studied the com link a moment, how could he help? She considered with a smile asking him to call them off. Then she reached for the channel link, “Governor, perhaps the best help you could be would be to send them to Enceladus for the remaining two pirates who jumped us earlier? My cargo is proprietary. A scan is not acceptable. Star Dragon out.”
Gabriel remained focused on the four vessels surrounding them, “Marchioness, another vessel has lifted off and is heading our direction. Sensors indicate a Raptor. Departed Star’s End 4 minutes ago, intentions are unknown at this point. Intercept time at current speeds, approximately ten minutes.”
That meant the Raptor was matching their own speed on an intercept course, slightly more since they would slow down somewhat for re-entry and landing.
Azjah frowned and glanced at Wil, “A Raptor, at the bare minimum, it’s got an MK 40F Neutron gun, and an MK 30A Gatling Mass Driver Cannon, not to mention the missiles. And that’s assuming it hasn’t been upgraded, which; knowing my luck, it has had significant modifications.” Azjah gave the view port a long look, despite the fact that she couldn’t actually see the approaching Raptor just yet. “Five to one; those are not precisely great odds Colonel.” She’d never stood her ground quite this firmly before with determined ‘authorities’, but this time she was carrying materials that to anyone not knowing her company business and clients, would raise way too many questions. Questions she was not in the mood to answer to an unknown and unrecognized system that hadn’t even existed when she’d departed RhyDin.
“Are you really a Colonel with I.I.S.C.?” Pale blue eyes locked onto Wil. That revelation had roused a whole hoard of suspicions, but some of what he’d said was beginning to fall into place if he truly was I.I.S.C. Along with the manner in which he dealt with the pirates at Enceladus, she was now faced with two agencies who would expect explanations.
Gabriel paused as the Governor’s message came through. “That message is from the approaching Raptor. It would seem that the Governor himself is coming out to ‘greet’ us.”
Azjah dragged her attention away from Wil a moment. “Indeed?” She was surprised. What would drag the Governor out to meet them rather than simply talking to them from the surface?
Azjah glanced at Gabriel, at least the Governor was quick about getting back to them as they continued their path toward her bay at Star’s End. She switched to secure channel two-two-nine, “Star Dragon, this is Governor Matthew Simon. I understand you’re giving my people a hard time up there. How can I help?” The familiar voice of Matthew Simon came across the speakers in crystal clarity.
Azjah’s brow quirked at that before opening the channel for reply, “Governor Simon, I would suggest that it is your people giving me the hard time, but I do appreciate your quick response to Lucien’s request. I have had my share of pirate activity so far today, and was not looking for another encounter.” Well, that settled that question. Apparently this new system was truly one implemented by Governor Simon as one of his campaign promises. She pondered that a moment. Now, how to land without submitting to the scan? In the past, she had simply re-routed and arranged other means of pick up or delivery. But now, she had a non-Drachen Walde civilian aboard. One she’d thought was an innocent bystander, but now, one who might just be a plant.
She studied the com link a moment, how could he help? She considered with a smile asking him to call them off. Then she reached for the channel link, “Governor, perhaps the best help you could be would be to send them to Enceladus for the remaining two pirates who jumped us earlier? My cargo is proprietary. A scan is not acceptable. Star Dragon out.”
Gabriel remained focused on the four vessels surrounding them, “Marchioness, another vessel has lifted off and is heading our direction. Sensors indicate a Raptor. Departed Star’s End 4 minutes ago, intentions are unknown at this point. Intercept time at current speeds, approximately ten minutes.”
That meant the Raptor was matching their own speed on an intercept course, slightly more since they would slow down somewhat for re-entry and landing.
Azjah frowned and glanced at Wil, “A Raptor, at the bare minimum, it’s got an MK 40F Neutron gun, and an MK 30A Gatling Mass Driver Cannon, not to mention the missiles. And that’s assuming it hasn’t been upgraded, which; knowing my luck, it has had significant modifications.” Azjah gave the view port a long look, despite the fact that she couldn’t actually see the approaching Raptor just yet. “Five to one; those are not precisely great odds Colonel.” She’d never stood her ground quite this firmly before with determined ‘authorities’, but this time she was carrying materials that to anyone not knowing her company business and clients, would raise way too many questions. Questions she was not in the mood to answer to an unknown and unrecognized system that hadn’t even existed when she’d departed RhyDin.
“Are you really a Colonel with I.I.S.C.?” Pale blue eyes locked onto Wil. That revelation had roused a whole hoard of suspicions, but some of what he’d said was beginning to fall into place if he truly was I.I.S.C. Along with the manner in which he dealt with the pirates at Enceladus, she was now faced with two agencies who would expect explanations.
Gabriel paused as the Governor’s message came through. “That message is from the approaching Raptor. It would seem that the Governor himself is coming out to ‘greet’ us.”
Azjah dragged her attention away from Wil a moment. “Indeed?” She was surprised. What would drag the Governor out to meet them rather than simply talking to them from the surface?
Azjah Telyria Danaan
Marchioness von Triberg
Baroness von Drachen Walde
Marchioness von Triberg
Baroness von Drachen Walde
-
Azjah von Drachen Walde
- Expert Adventurer
- Posts: 1138
- Joined: Mon Apr 04, 2005 1:13 am
- Location: Palazzo Drachen Walde
- Contact:
Azjah glanced at Wil as he muttered. She thought she heard him say ‘easy come, easy go’, but it had been said so quietly she couldn’t be certain, but Gabriel whispered to her then, “that is what he said, the question becomes, what was easy come, easy go.”
Azjah’s pale blue gaze continued to study the viewer before her, it shouldn’t be too much longer before the Raptor would be visible without instruments. It was making steady progress directly for them.
Wil’s next words were meant for her to hear, “They’ve got a point.” For a moment she thought he would say more, but he kept his own counsel at that moment.
Azjah frowned. “I haven’t had trouble like this in ages, and I certainly did not expect it on a return home flight. Had I thought Governor Simon would act so quickly, I’d have come with proper documents to deny the scan.” Her fingers toyed with the shields that currently kept out any attempted forced scan.
When she told the governor that he should probably send the warships off to Enceladus, she caught a hint of a smile on his features, and fleetingly thought that she liked how it transformed his face.
But the approaching Raptor, along with the Vaktoth had her immediate attention. Either one of those ships could take out the Dragon with a well placed blast, but that was a price she was not willing to pay. Her shields were not designed for the kind of firepower that Matthew had flying over RhyDin.
Wil’s voice broke the moment as she considered how badly out gunned they were, “Captain, I do believe you’re right. Seems our new governor knows how to travel in style. I just hope my taxes aren’t paying for that thing.”
Azjah gave a wry smile, “Perhaps it’s time to add a couple of fighters as escort when I go out.”
Gabriel’s brow lifted slightly at that.
Then she asked if he was truly with the I.I.S.C. Wil turned and gave her a level look, “Colonel Savage, Agent 541 of the Interplanetary Intelligence and Security Commission, Sector H-42 at your service.” And then he followed it with an unexpected query, ““So, Captain. What are your plans? Do you know this governor well enough to, well . . . you know, have him go to bat for us and dismiss his hounds?”
Azjah held his gaze a suspended moment as a thousand questions ripped through her mind. She was cursing herself a thousand times for not having checked him out before inviting him to fly with her. Had she simply been taken with a handsome face and forgotten the first order of business?
Slowly she dragged her eyes away from him as Gabriel advised that the Raptor was now visible and approaching fast. “I do not know Governor Simon that well. His wife, yes. Matthew Simon, not enough to ask him for such and expect that he would. Perhaps I should have sent Lucien for Koy instead.”
“Governor Simon, how nice of you to come out to greet us.”
Now she would need her diplomacy skills more than ever.
Azjah’s pale blue gaze continued to study the viewer before her, it shouldn’t be too much longer before the Raptor would be visible without instruments. It was making steady progress directly for them.
Wil’s next words were meant for her to hear, “They’ve got a point.” For a moment she thought he would say more, but he kept his own counsel at that moment.
Azjah frowned. “I haven’t had trouble like this in ages, and I certainly did not expect it on a return home flight. Had I thought Governor Simon would act so quickly, I’d have come with proper documents to deny the scan.” Her fingers toyed with the shields that currently kept out any attempted forced scan.
When she told the governor that he should probably send the warships off to Enceladus, she caught a hint of a smile on his features, and fleetingly thought that she liked how it transformed his face.
But the approaching Raptor, along with the Vaktoth had her immediate attention. Either one of those ships could take out the Dragon with a well placed blast, but that was a price she was not willing to pay. Her shields were not designed for the kind of firepower that Matthew had flying over RhyDin.
Wil’s voice broke the moment as she considered how badly out gunned they were, “Captain, I do believe you’re right. Seems our new governor knows how to travel in style. I just hope my taxes aren’t paying for that thing.”
Azjah gave a wry smile, “Perhaps it’s time to add a couple of fighters as escort when I go out.”
Gabriel’s brow lifted slightly at that.
Then she asked if he was truly with the I.I.S.C. Wil turned and gave her a level look, “Colonel Savage, Agent 541 of the Interplanetary Intelligence and Security Commission, Sector H-42 at your service.” And then he followed it with an unexpected query, ““So, Captain. What are your plans? Do you know this governor well enough to, well . . . you know, have him go to bat for us and dismiss his hounds?”
Azjah held his gaze a suspended moment as a thousand questions ripped through her mind. She was cursing herself a thousand times for not having checked him out before inviting him to fly with her. Had she simply been taken with a handsome face and forgotten the first order of business?
Slowly she dragged her eyes away from him as Gabriel advised that the Raptor was now visible and approaching fast. “I do not know Governor Simon that well. His wife, yes. Matthew Simon, not enough to ask him for such and expect that he would. Perhaps I should have sent Lucien for Koy instead.”
“Governor Simon, how nice of you to come out to greet us.”
Now she would need her diplomacy skills more than ever.
Azjah Telyria Danaan
Marchioness von Triberg
Baroness von Drachen Walde
Marchioness von Triberg
Baroness von Drachen Walde
Who is online
Users browsing this forum: No registered users and 4 guests