War on the Horizon
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Chapter 7
MarkWarrior
Well-known member
Chapter 7
March 1st, 3008/29BBY Beloria system, Seswenna Sector, Outer Rim Territories
“Well, if we have too many more of these events I’m going to run out of these,” I chuckled as I passed out the cigars. “I’m down to the last of my good ones as it is.”
“You sure you want to use these up?” Peterson asked. “I mean, you already handed some out at Sheppard’s wedding.”
“I’m sure,” I replied. “It’s tradition. Now let’s get this fire going and these cigars lit. It’s not every day that we celebrate a newborn.”
The small campfire crackled as we all lit our cigars and pulled our chairs up closer to the fire.
“So, got any names picked out?” Sheppard asked as he began pouring some small glasses of whiskey and handing them out.
“I’m leaning towards Francis,” Peterson replied. “After Rachel’s grandfather. But I’m not settled on anything yet.”
I sat in silence and puffed on my cigar, looking up at the stars of the unfamiliar galaxy.
“You got any input on the name, Mark?” Jack turned to me.
“Nah,” I shook my head. “I suck at naming things. I’m content to just listen for a bit. Names can be y’all’s department. Besides,” I shrugged. “I’m not exactly the one who should be helping out with that part of things given I’m taking 1st Battalion to go pirate hunting.”
“You secured that contract?” Thomas asked.
“Yep,” I replied. “Even managed to negotiate the rights to any ships that the pirates have.”
“That is good news,” Jack replied. “But that’s enough about work. We’re going to have to get Rachel a place where she can actually rest for a while. She’s been acting like the Marksman’s mom for the last few years after all.”
“We’ve got some of the other moms helping out,” Thomas smiled. “They’re going to be helping out around the house and making sure that we’ve got enough food to keep us going. God knows I’m a right terror in the kitchen.”
“So that’s why you’ve been eating ration packs instead of fresh food for the last few training exercises,” Jack laughed. “I thought it was because you actually like the taste of them.”
“God no,” Thomas chuckled. “I’m just hopeless in the kitchen and Rachel was busy doing something or another. So that was all I had.”
“Well guys,” I finished my cigar. “I think I’m gonna hit the sack, I’ve got to organize the battalion and get Paige’s Marines together in the morning. You two try not to burn anything down overnight.”
“No promises, Mark,” Jack laughed. “No promises.”
April 5, 3008/29 BBY Patriim system, Seswenna Sector, Outer Rim Territories
“Alright folks, I know that we’re not exactly using our best gear for this, but we’ve got a good hit on the pirates that we’ve been chasing across the sector. Seems they’ve fled to this system and aren’t going to be able to leave given the damage we’ve caused so far. Now, I know that we’re slightly outgunned given they’ve got an older model Lucrehulk.”
A hologram of said Lucrehulk appeared behind me, the donut shape seemingly comical until you took in the modifications the pirates had made.
“Paige and her marines are going to be aboard The Archon’s Favor and User Friendly, the rest of us are going to be running distraction while they board and begin clearing out the ship. Wardog is on escort while the Gozanti cruisers focus on the remainder of the ships. Remember, anything that’s salvageable we’ll load into the hanger bays of the Lucrehulk and bring back with us, any questions?”
“Just one,” Paige smirked. “How many Jolly Rogers are we adding to our kit?”
“One skull and crossbones per ship,” I said, that was the agreement.”
“And if the ship has other ships docked?” Paige asked.
“It still only counts as one,” I laughed. “Now get to your designated ships, and let’s get this party started.”
–
–
“Alright Marines, listen up!” Paige shouted in the troop bay of The Archon’s Favor. “We’re here to kick ass and take names. Keep an eye out for any slaves or civilians that they might have onboard, but aside from that you’re weapons-free. Kill them all.”
“This is Lieutenant Hober, I’ll be your pilot for today’s activities, please remain in the upright position and get ready for combat, because we are closing in on our target.”
“Copy that, Hober,” Paige responded. “Just let us know if it’s going to be a bumpy ride or not.”
“I’ll do my best to keep it from being too bumpy, but no promises,” Hober responded.
The Archon’s Favor sped towards the hanger bay of the Lucrehulk, the Strike ASF escorting it pulling ahead to punch a hole in the deflector shields as the Sting class dropship approached.
“Hang on!” Hober shouted as the dropship moved into the hanger, its thrusters spinning around to slow it as the Marines onboard dropped out of the dropship, the pirates onboard opening fire as the Marines quickly moved into cover.
“Get down!” Hober barked over the comms as he removed the safeties on some of his weapons. “I’m clearing out some of the scum for you,” AC/20s began firing, supplemented by laser and SRMs, clearing out most of the pirates and allowing the Marines to move forward and into the ship proper.
“Thanks for the assist, Hober!” Paige said as she looked around the hangar, signaling for the fireteams to move into their assigned sectors to begin clearing out the ship.
“I aim to please,” Hober responded, the grin evident in his voice. “Let me know if you need some more firepower brought to bear.”
“Wilco, Paige out,” Paige responded as she closed the comms channel. “Alright, Marines, move out, watch your corners, clear your sectors, and we’ll all go home.”
“You heard the lady, last one to clear their sector buys beer for the whole team,” A noncom said as the marines moved through the ship.
“Good luck, marines,” Hober said to himself as he looked at the men and women moving through the ship. “I’ll hold down the fort here.”
March 1st, 3008/29BBY Beloria system, Seswenna Sector, Outer Rim Territories
“Well, if we have too many more of these events I’m going to run out of these,” I chuckled as I passed out the cigars. “I’m down to the last of my good ones as it is.”
“You sure you want to use these up?” Peterson asked. “I mean, you already handed some out at Sheppard’s wedding.”
“I’m sure,” I replied. “It’s tradition. Now let’s get this fire going and these cigars lit. It’s not every day that we celebrate a newborn.”
The small campfire crackled as we all lit our cigars and pulled our chairs up closer to the fire.
“So, got any names picked out?” Sheppard asked as he began pouring some small glasses of whiskey and handing them out.
“I’m leaning towards Francis,” Peterson replied. “After Rachel’s grandfather. But I’m not settled on anything yet.”
I sat in silence and puffed on my cigar, looking up at the stars of the unfamiliar galaxy.
“You got any input on the name, Mark?” Jack turned to me.
“Nah,” I shook my head. “I suck at naming things. I’m content to just listen for a bit. Names can be y’all’s department. Besides,” I shrugged. “I’m not exactly the one who should be helping out with that part of things given I’m taking 1st Battalion to go pirate hunting.”
“You secured that contract?” Thomas asked.
“Yep,” I replied. “Even managed to negotiate the rights to any ships that the pirates have.”
“That is good news,” Jack replied. “But that’s enough about work. We’re going to have to get Rachel a place where she can actually rest for a while. She’s been acting like the Marksman’s mom for the last few years after all.”
“We’ve got some of the other moms helping out,” Thomas smiled. “They’re going to be helping out around the house and making sure that we’ve got enough food to keep us going. God knows I’m a right terror in the kitchen.”
“So that’s why you’ve been eating ration packs instead of fresh food for the last few training exercises,” Jack laughed. “I thought it was because you actually like the taste of them.”
“God no,” Thomas chuckled. “I’m just hopeless in the kitchen and Rachel was busy doing something or another. So that was all I had.”
“Well guys,” I finished my cigar. “I think I’m gonna hit the sack, I’ve got to organize the battalion and get Paige’s Marines together in the morning. You two try not to burn anything down overnight.”
“No promises, Mark,” Jack laughed. “No promises.”
April 5, 3008/29 BBY Patriim system, Seswenna Sector, Outer Rim Territories
“Alright folks, I know that we’re not exactly using our best gear for this, but we’ve got a good hit on the pirates that we’ve been chasing across the sector. Seems they’ve fled to this system and aren’t going to be able to leave given the damage we’ve caused so far. Now, I know that we’re slightly outgunned given they’ve got an older model Lucrehulk.”
A hologram of said Lucrehulk appeared behind me, the donut shape seemingly comical until you took in the modifications the pirates had made.
“Paige and her marines are going to be aboard The Archon’s Favor and User Friendly, the rest of us are going to be running distraction while they board and begin clearing out the ship. Wardog is on escort while the Gozanti cruisers focus on the remainder of the ships. Remember, anything that’s salvageable we’ll load into the hanger bays of the Lucrehulk and bring back with us, any questions?”
“Just one,” Paige smirked. “How many Jolly Rogers are we adding to our kit?”
“One skull and crossbones per ship,” I said, that was the agreement.”
“And if the ship has other ships docked?” Paige asked.
“It still only counts as one,” I laughed. “Now get to your designated ships, and let’s get this party started.”
–
–
“Alright Marines, listen up!” Paige shouted in the troop bay of The Archon’s Favor. “We’re here to kick ass and take names. Keep an eye out for any slaves or civilians that they might have onboard, but aside from that you’re weapons-free. Kill them all.”
“This is Lieutenant Hober, I’ll be your pilot for today’s activities, please remain in the upright position and get ready for combat, because we are closing in on our target.”
“Copy that, Hober,” Paige responded. “Just let us know if it’s going to be a bumpy ride or not.”
“I’ll do my best to keep it from being too bumpy, but no promises,” Hober responded.
The Archon’s Favor sped towards the hanger bay of the Lucrehulk, the Strike ASF escorting it pulling ahead to punch a hole in the deflector shields as the Sting class dropship approached.
“Hang on!” Hober shouted as the dropship moved into the hanger, its thrusters spinning around to slow it as the Marines onboard dropped out of the dropship, the pirates onboard opening fire as the Marines quickly moved into cover.
“Get down!” Hober barked over the comms as he removed the safeties on some of his weapons. “I’m clearing out some of the scum for you,” AC/20s began firing, supplemented by laser and SRMs, clearing out most of the pirates and allowing the Marines to move forward and into the ship proper.
“Thanks for the assist, Hober!” Paige said as she looked around the hangar, signaling for the fireteams to move into their assigned sectors to begin clearing out the ship.
“I aim to please,” Hober responded, the grin evident in his voice. “Let me know if you need some more firepower brought to bear.”
“Wilco, Paige out,” Paige responded as she closed the comms channel. “Alright, Marines, move out, watch your corners, clear your sectors, and we’ll all go home.”
“You heard the lady, last one to clear their sector buys beer for the whole team,” A noncom said as the marines moved through the ship.
“Good luck, marines,” Hober said to himself as he looked at the men and women moving through the ship. “I’ll hold down the fort here.”
Well,since locals could eat it,then probably no.But,i could be wrong,i learn biology 30 years ago.
The baseline genetics for the humans will be the same. The big problem comes with the different breeds of bacteria. That's what'll get people sick even though they may be capable of living off the same foods.
Chapter 8
MarkWarrior
Well-known member
Chapter 8
“Clear!” Echoed through the room as Paige’s Marines swept the ship room by room.
“Captain Paige, we are clear in our sector,” the Lieutenant in command of this group broadcast. “Permission to move forward into the next sector.”
“That’s a negative, Lieutenant,” Paige responded. “Hold your position and bunker down, we’re hoping to flush some of the pirates your way.”
“Copy that, ma’am” The Lieutenant replied before turning to his platoon Sergeant.
“Sergeant, I want these positions readied to be the Anvil to the Captain’s hammer.”
“Roger LT,” The Sergeant said as he began barking orders. “Does it look like we’re on vacation to you?! He screamed at one Marine who was leaning against a wall instead of being on alert. “Get your ass moving and prepare to engage the enemy!”
“Aye, sir!” The fireteams of Marines began shifting things around to get good fire positions, concealment, and cover arranged in time.
“Hope you’re ready,” the marines heard over their comms. “Because the party’s coming to you.”
“Sir, we’ve got a handful of starfighters closing in on our cruisers,” the pilot of the Gozanti that I was on reported. “And while we’ve got more guns on this thing since the refits, we’re still going to be outnumbered here.”
“You’re the pilot here,” I replied. “Do what you need to.”
“Wardog squadron, this is Black Flag, we have enemy ASF on approach and we’re busy handling the enemy cruisers. We’d appreciate a save right now.”
“This is Blaze. We’re kinda busy at the moment, but I can split off a trio of ASF to help engage them.”
“I’ll take what I can get,” the pilot replied.
“This is Chopper, moving to rescue our slow movers now,” a new voice came over the comms.
“That you, Motormouth?” The Gozanti pilot asked. “You owe me a drink if I’m recalling everything correctly.”
“We’ll have to call it even after this,” Chopper chuckled. “Now, you’ve got six bogeys on your six, we can handle three or four of ‘em, but we’ll need supporting fire from your guns.”
“You’ve got it,” The Gozanti pilot turned to me. “Hey Colonel, you wanna hop on a gun?”
“Where do you need me?” I asked.
“Take the hatch back there and you should have one of the turbolaser turrets that we haven’t replaced yet, the controls from there should be similar to your mech.”
“Got it,” I replied as I unstrapped myself and seated myself behind the turbolaser. “God we’ve got to replace these things,” I muttered as I looked at how open my position was. “We did up armor these things. Right?”
“Yes sir,” the pilot replied. “It’s double layered with mech cockpit glass and the transparisteel that these guys use. And that’s before we get to the deflector shields.”
“I’m trusting you on this one,” I said as I began spinning the turret, catching sight of one of the enemy starfighters. “Bogey at our three, I’m engaging.”
Spinning the turret, I began tracking and firing the turbolaser, the targeting computer feeling extremely slow and clunky compared to my battlemech’s.
The enemy fighter began evasive maneuvers, trying to dodge my shots and that of the ASF that were chasing it.
“Fox two!” Chopper’s voice sounded in the comms, a flurry of LRMs hitting the enemy starfighters and sending it spiraling into my guns, scattering shrapnel all over the ships as we moved past.
“Scratch one,” I reported. “Thanks for the assist, Chopper.”
“Don’t thank me yet,” the man laughed.” We’ve still got three more to take out.”
“I’ll pin them down, you finish them off,” I said as the Gozanti shook a bit from enemy fire.
“You got it, Colonel,” Chopper responded as he peeled off, heading for the other starfighters. “I’ll force them into your line of fire.”
“Medic!” A marine screamed as he pulled his battle buddy back to where the corpsman was stitching marines back together.
“Set him down here and get back on that line!” The medic ordered, his visor shining menacingly in the emergency lighting of the Lucrehulk.
The marine just nodded and got back to his firing position where he began firing in short controlled bursts.
“I want somebody to take out that MG!” The LT said as he began laying down fire, another pirate falling to his accurate fire.
“Belay that order, Lieutenant,” Paige’s voice echoed for a moment. “We’ve got it taken care of.”
An explosion sounded in the next room before gunfire echoed in the halls while intermittent blaster fire began to die off.
“That was the last of them,” Paige reported. “Get the wounded back to the Archon’s Favor. We’ll begin dealing with the bodies.”
“Yeehaw!” I yelled as the Gozanti spun and began moving at the enemy cruiser that the ASF had come from. “Stay on 'em, they’re not getting away from this.
“Open a hole and we’ll finish them off,” Chopper said. “We’ve still got some ammo for the guns.”
“You heard the man,” I said as I began firing the turret at the cruiser. “Light the sons of birches up!”
The turrets of the Gozanti began firing at the enemy cruiser, its deflectors flashing and then falling under the coordinated fire.
“Nice!” Chopper cheered as he and his two wingmen moved in, a spread of SRMs, PPCs, and Autocannons hitting the ship's hull, opening up a hole and punching through, causing secondary detonations that finished the cruiser off.
“I don’t think there will be much salvage from that one,” I chuckled. “But nice job out there folks.”
“It’s good you have you in the void with us, Colonel,” Chopper chuckled. “We were worried you’d be a ground pounder for life.”
“I’m an equal opportunity soldier,” I laughed. “I like to go anywhere that there might be action.”
“Alright, we’re about bingo on fuel and are low on ammo. We’ll rearm on the Leopards and be back for more support as needed,” Chopper relayed.
“Copy that,” I said as I climbed back into the ship proper. “We’ve got it from here.”
“How many wounded do we have?” I asked Captain Paige as I sat down on the bridge of the captured Lucrehulk.
“We have about two dozen casualties in total,” Paige reported. “Three KIA and we’ve got another three that are going to have to be medically retired unless they choose to get some prosthetic replacements.”
“That’ll be up to them,” I sighed. “I’ll get to work on the letters and payouts for their families. Assuming they’re actually here with us that is.”
“Well, the Lucrehulk is secure, and there’s a handful of ships in the hanger too,” Paige reported. “We haven’t had time to inventory the loot that they had stored aboard either.”
“We’ll sort all of that out when we get back to Beloria,” I said. “Now let’s get this ship moving back to base.”
“I’ll get on it,” Felicia said with a smile. “Got our work cut out for us if we want to make this thing useable for our long-term plans though.”
“That’s all things for later,” I replied. “For now, let’s get back home.”
“Clear!” Echoed through the room as Paige’s Marines swept the ship room by room.
“Captain Paige, we are clear in our sector,” the Lieutenant in command of this group broadcast. “Permission to move forward into the next sector.”
“That’s a negative, Lieutenant,” Paige responded. “Hold your position and bunker down, we’re hoping to flush some of the pirates your way.”
“Copy that, ma’am” The Lieutenant replied before turning to his platoon Sergeant.
“Sergeant, I want these positions readied to be the Anvil to the Captain’s hammer.”
“Roger LT,” The Sergeant said as he began barking orders. “Does it look like we’re on vacation to you?! He screamed at one Marine who was leaning against a wall instead of being on alert. “Get your ass moving and prepare to engage the enemy!”
“Aye, sir!” The fireteams of Marines began shifting things around to get good fire positions, concealment, and cover arranged in time.
“Hope you’re ready,” the marines heard over their comms. “Because the party’s coming to you.”
“Sir, we’ve got a handful of starfighters closing in on our cruisers,” the pilot of the Gozanti that I was on reported. “And while we’ve got more guns on this thing since the refits, we’re still going to be outnumbered here.”
“You’re the pilot here,” I replied. “Do what you need to.”
“Wardog squadron, this is Black Flag, we have enemy ASF on approach and we’re busy handling the enemy cruisers. We’d appreciate a save right now.”
“This is Blaze. We’re kinda busy at the moment, but I can split off a trio of ASF to help engage them.”
“I’ll take what I can get,” the pilot replied.
“This is Chopper, moving to rescue our slow movers now,” a new voice came over the comms.
“That you, Motormouth?” The Gozanti pilot asked. “You owe me a drink if I’m recalling everything correctly.”
“We’ll have to call it even after this,” Chopper chuckled. “Now, you’ve got six bogeys on your six, we can handle three or four of ‘em, but we’ll need supporting fire from your guns.”
“You’ve got it,” The Gozanti pilot turned to me. “Hey Colonel, you wanna hop on a gun?”
“Where do you need me?” I asked.
“Take the hatch back there and you should have one of the turbolaser turrets that we haven’t replaced yet, the controls from there should be similar to your mech.”
“Got it,” I replied as I unstrapped myself and seated myself behind the turbolaser. “God we’ve got to replace these things,” I muttered as I looked at how open my position was. “We did up armor these things. Right?”
“Yes sir,” the pilot replied. “It’s double layered with mech cockpit glass and the transparisteel that these guys use. And that’s before we get to the deflector shields.”
“I’m trusting you on this one,” I said as I began spinning the turret, catching sight of one of the enemy starfighters. “Bogey at our three, I’m engaging.”
Spinning the turret, I began tracking and firing the turbolaser, the targeting computer feeling extremely slow and clunky compared to my battlemech’s.
The enemy fighter began evasive maneuvers, trying to dodge my shots and that of the ASF that were chasing it.
“Fox two!” Chopper’s voice sounded in the comms, a flurry of LRMs hitting the enemy starfighters and sending it spiraling into my guns, scattering shrapnel all over the ships as we moved past.
“Scratch one,” I reported. “Thanks for the assist, Chopper.”
“Don’t thank me yet,” the man laughed.” We’ve still got three more to take out.”
“I’ll pin them down, you finish them off,” I said as the Gozanti shook a bit from enemy fire.
“You got it, Colonel,” Chopper responded as he peeled off, heading for the other starfighters. “I’ll force them into your line of fire.”
“Medic!” A marine screamed as he pulled his battle buddy back to where the corpsman was stitching marines back together.
“Set him down here and get back on that line!” The medic ordered, his visor shining menacingly in the emergency lighting of the Lucrehulk.
The marine just nodded and got back to his firing position where he began firing in short controlled bursts.
“I want somebody to take out that MG!” The LT said as he began laying down fire, another pirate falling to his accurate fire.
“Belay that order, Lieutenant,” Paige’s voice echoed for a moment. “We’ve got it taken care of.”
An explosion sounded in the next room before gunfire echoed in the halls while intermittent blaster fire began to die off.
“That was the last of them,” Paige reported. “Get the wounded back to the Archon’s Favor. We’ll begin dealing with the bodies.”
“Yeehaw!” I yelled as the Gozanti spun and began moving at the enemy cruiser that the ASF had come from. “Stay on 'em, they’re not getting away from this.
“Open a hole and we’ll finish them off,” Chopper said. “We’ve still got some ammo for the guns.”
“You heard the man,” I said as I began firing the turret at the cruiser. “Light the sons of birches up!”
The turrets of the Gozanti began firing at the enemy cruiser, its deflectors flashing and then falling under the coordinated fire.
“Nice!” Chopper cheered as he and his two wingmen moved in, a spread of SRMs, PPCs, and Autocannons hitting the ship's hull, opening up a hole and punching through, causing secondary detonations that finished the cruiser off.
“I don’t think there will be much salvage from that one,” I chuckled. “But nice job out there folks.”
“It’s good you have you in the void with us, Colonel,” Chopper chuckled. “We were worried you’d be a ground pounder for life.”
“I’m an equal opportunity soldier,” I laughed. “I like to go anywhere that there might be action.”
“Alright, we’re about bingo on fuel and are low on ammo. We’ll rearm on the Leopards and be back for more support as needed,” Chopper relayed.
“Copy that,” I said as I climbed back into the ship proper. “We’ve got it from here.”
“How many wounded do we have?” I asked Captain Paige as I sat down on the bridge of the captured Lucrehulk.
“We have about two dozen casualties in total,” Paige reported. “Three KIA and we’ve got another three that are going to have to be medically retired unless they choose to get some prosthetic replacements.”
“That’ll be up to them,” I sighed. “I’ll get to work on the letters and payouts for their families. Assuming they’re actually here with us that is.”
“Well, the Lucrehulk is secure, and there’s a handful of ships in the hanger too,” Paige reported. “We haven’t had time to inventory the loot that they had stored aboard either.”
“We’ll sort all of that out when we get back to Beloria,” I said. “Now let’s get this ship moving back to base.”
“I’ll get on it,” Felicia said with a smile. “Got our work cut out for us if we want to make this thing useable for our long-term plans though.”
“That’s all things for later,” I replied. “For now, let’s get back home.”
Sorry for being unclear.
I mean not that,but stomach ilness which get tourist who go to Mexico and eat local food.Which is good for locals.
Chapter 9
MarkWarrior
Well-known member
War on the Horizon Chapter 9
May 9, 3008, Beloria system, Seswenna Sector, Outer Rim Territories
“Alright people, we’ve had time to lay our dead to rest and you’ve each had time to come up with plans for the massive hunk of junk that we limped back home. Now, I need ideas, before I just strip the thing for parts and use the funds and parts to bring the rest of our dropships up to speed.”
“We’ve got a few options,” Sheppard stepped forward. “I took the liberty of compiling all of our plans into one big proposal so we weren’t here all day.”
“Good,” I said loud enough for everyone to hear. “Death by PowerPoint isn’t something that I wish on anyone.”
“Option one,” Sheppard gestured for a junior officer at the meeting to pass out the related paperwork. “We keep the thing and eventually pay for refits to use it as a mobile logistics base. We can cut some costs by using the Argo’s machine shops to produce factory components and basically have a mobile supply of spare parts wherever we go.”
“I’m waiting for the other shoe to drop,” I said as I stared at the paperwork.
“It’s going to cost a lot of credits,” Peterson said from where he looked at the numbers. “As in, I looked up the cost of commissioning a brand new ship from the famed Kuati Drive yards or the closer Sullust, and it was only marginally cheaper to refit it this way.”
“Damn,” I whistled. “So, we’re going to put these in two piles, plausible, and implausible.”
“Which one does this fit into?” Paige asked as she took a sip of her coffee.
“I haven’t decided yet, so let’s move on to option two,” I replied.
“Option two is that we park the Lucrehulk in the asteroid belt, strip the engines, and hyperdrive, and then use it as a factory and training ground as well as mining base,” Sheppard said. “The costs are still pretty high, but we can avoid most of those costs by stretching them out and using the Argo’s machine shops to start production on slightly smaller machine shops, then by using what materials are in the belt to boost production of things we’re going to need. Such as small arms and all the way up to the big stuff like PPCs and lasers.” Sheppard paused to allow us to catch up. “With the amount of space onboard a Lucrehulk, we can strip out entire sections and use them for training purposes, and with two hangers, we can even set aside one portion of the ship for just production.”
“Alright, I like that idea, let’s mark it down in the plausible section,” I said as I set that set of papers down. “How many more of these do we have?”
“Well, considering you asked everyone who was E-3 or higher to submit potential uses,” Sheppard glanced down. “We’ve got about a dozen more of these proposals to go through. And this is after I had the people down in admin shrink the ideas that were similar down into single proposals.”
“Alright then,” I sighed. “Paige, you got more of that coffee?”
“Yeah boss, you want some?”
“Just go make another pot, we’re going to be here for a while,” I said to laughter all around.
–
–
A few hours later…
“So it’s settled then?” I asked, looking around the room.
“Yeah, option two mixed with a bit of five is our best bet,” Sheppard summed up all of our thoughts.
“Then I guess we draw everything up and get word to the engineers,” I said with a groan as I stood up. “But first, we’re all going to get some rest, these kinds of meetings always somewhat suck the life out of you.”
“Want me to let Kaylee know her Leviathan is getting an upgrade?” Paige asked before I left.
“Sure,” I shrugged. “Might as well let her know that she’s getting the first real modifications for any of our jumpships.”
“Now it’s your turn to do the paperwork,” Sheppard tosses a stack of paper on my desk before leaving. “All of these are forms we have to fill out before we bring the Whirlwind in for the refits we want.”
“Well shit,” I muttered as I looked at it. “Looks like you’re going to have to go pirate hunting to pay for some of the trees we’re cutting down.”
“Nah, we’re selling the Consular class cruiser and the starfighters and goods we found on the Lucrehulk to pay for all of this,” Sheppard snarked. “But I’m joking, the admin team took care of most of the hard work, and shrunk the paperwork down to something that we can do on one of the fancy datapads that the locals use.”
“That’s a relief,” I sighed as I imagined my hand cramping from actually filling out the paperwork by hand. “Now get out of my office unless you want to help with this part of the work.”
“I’m gone,” Sheppard laughed. “Don’t work for too long, we’ve still got to check in on the locals that decided to join and see how their training is going.”
“I still don’t know how they managed to get the Neurohelmets to work with those damned headtails and Lekku in the way,” I muttered.
“Beats me,” Sheppard shrugged. “But I’m not paid for that sort of thing.”
“Fair enough,” I shrugged. “I’ll see you at the officer's barbecue in a few days.”
“We’ll be there,” Sheppard said with a laugh. “Just make sure to keep the grill running well until I get there to make sure everything’s working properly.
“I’ll have you know that those hamburgers were just fine until someone decided to throw away my old-fashioned charcoal grill,” I balled up a piece of paper to throw at the smug bastard.
“Hey, we’ve all got to upgrade sometime old man,” Sheppard laughed at my snarl.
“Just get out of here and go bother someone else,” I threw the piece of paper at my laughing executive officer. “Unlike some XOs, I have actual work to do.”
“Have fun Colonel,” Sheppard closed the door behind him as he laughed his way out of the building.
“Sometimes I don’t like my staff,” I looked at the proposals that we had sorted through and how we had narrowed them down. “And then I remember that I’m the one that chose them.”
“Need some help, sir?” Dunham asked, the massive man poking his head through the door. “I saw Sheppard walking out with that smirk of his.”
“Nah,” I shook my head with a wry grin. “I’ve got the man handled. As you were, lieutenant.”
“See ya, Colonel,” Dunham said with a small wave. “Enjoy the paperwork.”
“I’m gonna bury them in paperwork if they don’t stop bothering me about it soon,” I said as I began going through everything. “Mark my words, vengeance is coming for you all.”
May 9, 3008, Beloria system, Seswenna Sector, Outer Rim Territories
“Alright people, we’ve had time to lay our dead to rest and you’ve each had time to come up with plans for the massive hunk of junk that we limped back home. Now, I need ideas, before I just strip the thing for parts and use the funds and parts to bring the rest of our dropships up to speed.”
“We’ve got a few options,” Sheppard stepped forward. “I took the liberty of compiling all of our plans into one big proposal so we weren’t here all day.”
“Good,” I said loud enough for everyone to hear. “Death by PowerPoint isn’t something that I wish on anyone.”
“Option one,” Sheppard gestured for a junior officer at the meeting to pass out the related paperwork. “We keep the thing and eventually pay for refits to use it as a mobile logistics base. We can cut some costs by using the Argo’s machine shops to produce factory components and basically have a mobile supply of spare parts wherever we go.”
“I’m waiting for the other shoe to drop,” I said as I stared at the paperwork.
“It’s going to cost a lot of credits,” Peterson said from where he looked at the numbers. “As in, I looked up the cost of commissioning a brand new ship from the famed Kuati Drive yards or the closer Sullust, and it was only marginally cheaper to refit it this way.”
“Damn,” I whistled. “So, we’re going to put these in two piles, plausible, and implausible.”
“Which one does this fit into?” Paige asked as she took a sip of her coffee.
“I haven’t decided yet, so let’s move on to option two,” I replied.
“Option two is that we park the Lucrehulk in the asteroid belt, strip the engines, and hyperdrive, and then use it as a factory and training ground as well as mining base,” Sheppard said. “The costs are still pretty high, but we can avoid most of those costs by stretching them out and using the Argo’s machine shops to start production on slightly smaller machine shops, then by using what materials are in the belt to boost production of things we’re going to need. Such as small arms and all the way up to the big stuff like PPCs and lasers.” Sheppard paused to allow us to catch up. “With the amount of space onboard a Lucrehulk, we can strip out entire sections and use them for training purposes, and with two hangers, we can even set aside one portion of the ship for just production.”
“Alright, I like that idea, let’s mark it down in the plausible section,” I said as I set that set of papers down. “How many more of these do we have?”
“Well, considering you asked everyone who was E-3 or higher to submit potential uses,” Sheppard glanced down. “We’ve got about a dozen more of these proposals to go through. And this is after I had the people down in admin shrink the ideas that were similar down into single proposals.”
“Alright then,” I sighed. “Paige, you got more of that coffee?”
“Yeah boss, you want some?”
“Just go make another pot, we’re going to be here for a while,” I said to laughter all around.
–
–
A few hours later…
“So it’s settled then?” I asked, looking around the room.
“Yeah, option two mixed with a bit of five is our best bet,” Sheppard summed up all of our thoughts.
“Then I guess we draw everything up and get word to the engineers,” I said with a groan as I stood up. “But first, we’re all going to get some rest, these kinds of meetings always somewhat suck the life out of you.”
“Want me to let Kaylee know her Leviathan is getting an upgrade?” Paige asked before I left.
“Sure,” I shrugged. “Might as well let her know that she’s getting the first real modifications for any of our jumpships.”
“Now it’s your turn to do the paperwork,” Sheppard tosses a stack of paper on my desk before leaving. “All of these are forms we have to fill out before we bring the Whirlwind in for the refits we want.”
“Well shit,” I muttered as I looked at it. “Looks like you’re going to have to go pirate hunting to pay for some of the trees we’re cutting down.”
“Nah, we’re selling the Consular class cruiser and the starfighters and goods we found on the Lucrehulk to pay for all of this,” Sheppard snarked. “But I’m joking, the admin team took care of most of the hard work, and shrunk the paperwork down to something that we can do on one of the fancy datapads that the locals use.”
“That’s a relief,” I sighed as I imagined my hand cramping from actually filling out the paperwork by hand. “Now get out of my office unless you want to help with this part of the work.”
“I’m gone,” Sheppard laughed. “Don’t work for too long, we’ve still got to check in on the locals that decided to join and see how their training is going.”
“I still don’t know how they managed to get the Neurohelmets to work with those damned headtails and Lekku in the way,” I muttered.
“Beats me,” Sheppard shrugged. “But I’m not paid for that sort of thing.”
“Fair enough,” I shrugged. “I’ll see you at the officer's barbecue in a few days.”
“We’ll be there,” Sheppard said with a laugh. “Just make sure to keep the grill running well until I get there to make sure everything’s working properly.
“I’ll have you know that those hamburgers were just fine until someone decided to throw away my old-fashioned charcoal grill,” I balled up a piece of paper to throw at the smug bastard.
“Hey, we’ve all got to upgrade sometime old man,” Sheppard laughed at my snarl.
“Just get out of here and go bother someone else,” I threw the piece of paper at my laughing executive officer. “Unlike some XOs, I have actual work to do.”
“Have fun Colonel,” Sheppard closed the door behind him as he laughed his way out of the building.
“Sometimes I don’t like my staff,” I looked at the proposals that we had sorted through and how we had narrowed them down. “And then I remember that I’m the one that chose them.”
“Need some help, sir?” Dunham asked, the massive man poking his head through the door. “I saw Sheppard walking out with that smirk of his.”
“Nah,” I shook my head with a wry grin. “I’ve got the man handled. As you were, lieutenant.”
“See ya, Colonel,” Dunham said with a small wave. “Enjoy the paperwork.”
“I’m gonna bury them in paperwork if they don’t stop bothering me about it soon,” I said as I began going through everything. “Mark my words, vengeance is coming for you all.”
Chapter 10
MarkWarrior
Well-known member
Chapter 10
30BBY/7947 Coruscant Reckoning Calendar, Eriadu
“Did you enjoy your last voyage before retiring from the ORSF?” Gideon asked his brother with a small smile on his face.
“I did,” Wilhuff replied as a matching smile appeared on his face. “And while I intend to pursue office here on Eriadu, I have had some thoughts in regards to how we can begin dealing with the pirate problems among the Outer Rim.”
“Oh?” Gideon asked as they began walking toward their home. “And what new ideas have presented themselves to you, brother?”
“The creation of the ORSF has helped to rid the immediate area of pirates, but it has also called into question our own neutrality in some ways,” Wilhuff responded with a sly look in his eyes. “So, I would like to begin placing inquiries into the local mercenary and bounty hunter guilds, should they be willing, we will begin paying them to help rid not only our sector of the pirates that plague us but also of those who might be our rivals.”
“Hmm,” Gideon chewed on the idea for a moment. “While this would help alleviate some of the sentiments that our rivals have about us, we would have to establish payment protocols and look into the laws that have been established. After all, there are many in the Republic who will not be happy that the condition of the Outer Rim is improving.”
“We shall also have to balance this within our family’s budget should we pursue this idea,” Wilhuff said as he entered the house and took off his coat, hanging the ORSF uniform jacket up for the last time. “I would not seek to drain the coffers of Eriadu without proof that this will work.”
“Yes, a case for testing should be made,” Gideon considered. “Wilhuff, allow me to explore this idea as the Minister of Defense before you attempt to do anything drastic, a failed idea could cause your political career to end before it begins, and I would spare you that if at all possible.”
“We’ll discuss it more over the next few weeks,” Wilhuff poured himself a glass of water. “After all, I have some time before the campaigning for the election begins.”
–
–
“Enough!” Wilhuff said as he stood up from the table. “You have convinced me, Gideon. I will back off and allow you to spearhead this plan of ours.”
“Good,” Gideon smiled. “We’ll need you to begin gathering allies within the Republic anyway, the laws surrounding this have many loopholes, and we need to take advantage of this and get you into office before someone attempts to make things harder for us.”
“I have already spoken to a few Senators that I met in my work,” Wilhuff said as he sat back down. “And the Chancellor seems to support my bid for office as well.”
“Then you are already moving in the right direction,” Gideon smirked. “Now, we should begin setting you up for further success, greatness is not given to us, but must be seized.”
A few months later… 7947 Coruscant Reckoning Calendar, 500 Republica, Coruscant
“I assume everything is going according to plan?” Hugo Demask asked Palpatine as they sat in the privacy of Palpatine’s private quarters.
“Some things have not gone quite as we have foreseen,” Palpatine replied. “Eriadu and the Tarkin family appeared to be swayed by a new potential ally, and it took me some extra time to reestablish myself as the one who they would need to look to for a solution in the Republic.”
“I take it that because of your focus in that area that our plans may have suffered in others,” Demask said as he sipped at his wine.
“Unfortunately, I have been unable to focus on persuading Dooku as I once intended. He still sits on the precipice, but I have not yet been able to balance him towards one direction or the other,” Palpatine shrugged. “I intend to see how far I can push him before he tips over into the dark.”
“Remain wary of that one my apprentice,” Demask said with a tone of caution. “He served as a Jedi Shadow for many years and is a master duelist in ways that the Order has not seen in centuries.”
“I believe he will succumb to the temptation,” Palpatine waved his hand dismissively. “It will just take some extra time. It is nothing that the Grand Plan has not accounted for.”
“The Grand Plan is always subject to change,” Demask sipped at his wine again. “The future is ever in motion, after all.”
Same time, in the Jedi Temple, Coruscant
“Can you not see how far the order has fallen?” Dooku asked the Council, many of his old friends looking as if they were bored of his arguments once again. “The Senate is corrupt, and if the Republic continues to push the Outer Rim away then it will end in disaster.”
“You are no longer a part of the Order, Dooku, and while we respect you and the position that you once held, we cannot continue to focus on your arguments when there is much to be done,” Windu stated a bit coldly. “You are welcome to continue visiting the Temple, but your anger is dangerous to those within the Temple.”
“Anger?” Dookue scoffed. “No, old friend, it is frustration that I feel, and disappointment in those who I thought were responsible enough to act.”
With a flourish, the old man left the room, his cape fluttering behind him as he regained his bearing.
“It has been some time,” A voice greeted him as he entered the Temple Gardens, a small figure smiling as he turned to face her.
“Yaddle,” Dooku gave a brief smile. “It is good to see you, old friend.”
“I sense that you are deeply frustrated,” Yaddle said as she gestured for her friend to sit next to her as she herself settled into a meditation stance. “Come and meditate with me for a minute, and then we will speak of the things that cause you to worry so.”
Dooku settled into a meditation stance with a heavy sigh, the exhale seeming to cause stress to leave him as he connected to the Force.
“Relax, allow your body and mind to rest,” Yaddle spoke. “Every being needs rest, even someone as stubborn as you.”
The two friends continued to meditate for a time before they both rose to their feet.
“Now come,” Yaddle began walking out of the gardens. “Tell me your worries Yan, and allow me to help shoulder your burdens.”
–
–
“I see,” Yaddle said as they stopped in a barren corridor that saw little use. “I have accepted an assignment and I think that you should accompany me. I believe it will help to ease some of your fears.”
“I very much doubt that there is anything that will cause a serious change there,” Dooku replied.
“I am asking you to trust in me,” Yaddle held up a hand to stave off any arguments. “You have nearly convinced me that what you see is certain, I merely wish to have some time to reflect on it and desire the company of one of my dearest friends as I do so.”
“I will have to set up a capable steward,” Dooku stroked the slight beard on his chin as he considered the idea. “But I suppose that it is worth the time if it convinces you of what it is that I see.”
“I was not aware that this was a ship that the Order possessed,” Dooku said as he observed the slightly more heavily armed Consular Class Cruiser that awaited them in the hanger bay of the Jedi Temple.
“Because it is not one that the Order possesses,” Yaddle smiled. “This ship belongs to Master Faye, she has been tasked with finding younglings among the Outer Rim and seeing if they will have a place among the Order.”
“Dooku!” Faye greeted the man as she walked down the ramp. “It has been some time since I last sensed your presence in the Force.
“It has indeed been a few decades,” Dooku replied. “Much has happened since then.”
“The Force cares not for age or time,” Faye replied. “Now, it is time that we departed.”
Yaddle just looked at Dooku with a smirk and a raised eyebrow, eventually following the Count on board the ship as the ramp was raised back into the ship.
“I do regret doing this,” Sideous smirked as his master’s life faded away. “But your time has long since passed, old friend.”
Turning away from his master’s corpse, Sideous began inputting the codes that would allow him to seize control of Plageius’ massive fortune.
“The Tabloids shall have a field day with you,” Sideous smirked. “And I shall be able to accomplish much while chaos reigns.”
August 15, 3008/7947 Coruscant Reckoning Calendar Sullust, Sullust System, Sullust Sector Outer Rim Territories
“This is a lot of work,” the person in charge of the shipyard bay we were hiring said as he looked over what we wanted to be done to the Whirlwind. “The Engines look to be in remarkable shape for their age. But the Hyperdrive needs to be upgraded to modern standards. Then, you want enough weapons and armor that if you didn’t have the proper authorizations I’d have had to report you to the Republic for attempting to build a Warship.”
“We just want it brought up to some modern standards,” I replied with a smile. “The Shields are the biggest investment here.”
“Well, you seem to be paying for everything up front,” the man sighed. “Most of the refits will be done in about three months, and we’re not allowed to accept full payment for this sort of thing up front or I’d be offering you a discount.”
“Somebody filed a lawsuit, didn’t they?” I asked.
“Yep.”
“Some people just ruin this sort of thing for everyone,” I chuckled. “The Captain and her crew have asked to watch the modifications and we’re paying extra so they can learn how to repair our equipment.”
“I did see that,” the man replied. “It’s a bit unusual in this day and age, but it used to be commonplace enough. We’ve got the paperwork sorted, and as long as your people don’t get in the way of the actual work it shouldn’t be a problem.”
“Alright then,” I said as we shook hands and I authorized the payment. “I’ll be back to pick up the Whirlwind in three months. Try to take good care of her.”
“She’s in fine hands,” the man smiled. “My boys and girls know how to take proper care of a ship.”
Author’s Note: The beginning and middle sections of this chapter take place during the months following the Marksman’s arrival in the Star Wars Universe. The Butterflies have begun flapping, we shall see where they end.
30BBY/7947 Coruscant Reckoning Calendar, Eriadu
“Did you enjoy your last voyage before retiring from the ORSF?” Gideon asked his brother with a small smile on his face.
“I did,” Wilhuff replied as a matching smile appeared on his face. “And while I intend to pursue office here on Eriadu, I have had some thoughts in regards to how we can begin dealing with the pirate problems among the Outer Rim.”
“Oh?” Gideon asked as they began walking toward their home. “And what new ideas have presented themselves to you, brother?”
“The creation of the ORSF has helped to rid the immediate area of pirates, but it has also called into question our own neutrality in some ways,” Wilhuff responded with a sly look in his eyes. “So, I would like to begin placing inquiries into the local mercenary and bounty hunter guilds, should they be willing, we will begin paying them to help rid not only our sector of the pirates that plague us but also of those who might be our rivals.”
“Hmm,” Gideon chewed on the idea for a moment. “While this would help alleviate some of the sentiments that our rivals have about us, we would have to establish payment protocols and look into the laws that have been established. After all, there are many in the Republic who will not be happy that the condition of the Outer Rim is improving.”
“We shall also have to balance this within our family’s budget should we pursue this idea,” Wilhuff said as he entered the house and took off his coat, hanging the ORSF uniform jacket up for the last time. “I would not seek to drain the coffers of Eriadu without proof that this will work.”
“Yes, a case for testing should be made,” Gideon considered. “Wilhuff, allow me to explore this idea as the Minister of Defense before you attempt to do anything drastic, a failed idea could cause your political career to end before it begins, and I would spare you that if at all possible.”
“We’ll discuss it more over the next few weeks,” Wilhuff poured himself a glass of water. “After all, I have some time before the campaigning for the election begins.”
–
–
“Enough!” Wilhuff said as he stood up from the table. “You have convinced me, Gideon. I will back off and allow you to spearhead this plan of ours.”
“Good,” Gideon smiled. “We’ll need you to begin gathering allies within the Republic anyway, the laws surrounding this have many loopholes, and we need to take advantage of this and get you into office before someone attempts to make things harder for us.”
“I have already spoken to a few Senators that I met in my work,” Wilhuff said as he sat back down. “And the Chancellor seems to support my bid for office as well.”
“Then you are already moving in the right direction,” Gideon smirked. “Now, we should begin setting you up for further success, greatness is not given to us, but must be seized.”
A few months later… 7947 Coruscant Reckoning Calendar, 500 Republica, Coruscant
“I assume everything is going according to plan?” Hugo Demask asked Palpatine as they sat in the privacy of Palpatine’s private quarters.
“Some things have not gone quite as we have foreseen,” Palpatine replied. “Eriadu and the Tarkin family appeared to be swayed by a new potential ally, and it took me some extra time to reestablish myself as the one who they would need to look to for a solution in the Republic.”
“I take it that because of your focus in that area that our plans may have suffered in others,” Demask said as he sipped at his wine.
“Unfortunately, I have been unable to focus on persuading Dooku as I once intended. He still sits on the precipice, but I have not yet been able to balance him towards one direction or the other,” Palpatine shrugged. “I intend to see how far I can push him before he tips over into the dark.”
“Remain wary of that one my apprentice,” Demask said with a tone of caution. “He served as a Jedi Shadow for many years and is a master duelist in ways that the Order has not seen in centuries.”
“I believe he will succumb to the temptation,” Palpatine waved his hand dismissively. “It will just take some extra time. It is nothing that the Grand Plan has not accounted for.”
“The Grand Plan is always subject to change,” Demask sipped at his wine again. “The future is ever in motion, after all.”
Same time, in the Jedi Temple, Coruscant
“Can you not see how far the order has fallen?” Dooku asked the Council, many of his old friends looking as if they were bored of his arguments once again. “The Senate is corrupt, and if the Republic continues to push the Outer Rim away then it will end in disaster.”
“You are no longer a part of the Order, Dooku, and while we respect you and the position that you once held, we cannot continue to focus on your arguments when there is much to be done,” Windu stated a bit coldly. “You are welcome to continue visiting the Temple, but your anger is dangerous to those within the Temple.”
“Anger?” Dookue scoffed. “No, old friend, it is frustration that I feel, and disappointment in those who I thought were responsible enough to act.”
With a flourish, the old man left the room, his cape fluttering behind him as he regained his bearing.
“It has been some time,” A voice greeted him as he entered the Temple Gardens, a small figure smiling as he turned to face her.
“Yaddle,” Dooku gave a brief smile. “It is good to see you, old friend.”
“I sense that you are deeply frustrated,” Yaddle said as she gestured for her friend to sit next to her as she herself settled into a meditation stance. “Come and meditate with me for a minute, and then we will speak of the things that cause you to worry so.”
Dooku settled into a meditation stance with a heavy sigh, the exhale seeming to cause stress to leave him as he connected to the Force.
“Relax, allow your body and mind to rest,” Yaddle spoke. “Every being needs rest, even someone as stubborn as you.”
The two friends continued to meditate for a time before they both rose to their feet.
“Now come,” Yaddle began walking out of the gardens. “Tell me your worries Yan, and allow me to help shoulder your burdens.”
–
–
“I see,” Yaddle said as they stopped in a barren corridor that saw little use. “I have accepted an assignment and I think that you should accompany me. I believe it will help to ease some of your fears.”
“I very much doubt that there is anything that will cause a serious change there,” Dooku replied.
“I am asking you to trust in me,” Yaddle held up a hand to stave off any arguments. “You have nearly convinced me that what you see is certain, I merely wish to have some time to reflect on it and desire the company of one of my dearest friends as I do so.”
“I will have to set up a capable steward,” Dooku stroked the slight beard on his chin as he considered the idea. “But I suppose that it is worth the time if it convinces you of what it is that I see.”
“I was not aware that this was a ship that the Order possessed,” Dooku said as he observed the slightly more heavily armed Consular Class Cruiser that awaited them in the hanger bay of the Jedi Temple.
“Because it is not one that the Order possesses,” Yaddle smiled. “This ship belongs to Master Faye, she has been tasked with finding younglings among the Outer Rim and seeing if they will have a place among the Order.”
“Dooku!” Faye greeted the man as she walked down the ramp. “It has been some time since I last sensed your presence in the Force.
“It has indeed been a few decades,” Dooku replied. “Much has happened since then.”
“The Force cares not for age or time,” Faye replied. “Now, it is time that we departed.”
Yaddle just looked at Dooku with a smirk and a raised eyebrow, eventually following the Count on board the ship as the ramp was raised back into the ship.
“I do regret doing this,” Sideous smirked as his master’s life faded away. “But your time has long since passed, old friend.”
Turning away from his master’s corpse, Sideous began inputting the codes that would allow him to seize control of Plageius’ massive fortune.
“The Tabloids shall have a field day with you,” Sideous smirked. “And I shall be able to accomplish much while chaos reigns.”
August 15, 3008/7947 Coruscant Reckoning Calendar Sullust, Sullust System, Sullust Sector Outer Rim Territories
“This is a lot of work,” the person in charge of the shipyard bay we were hiring said as he looked over what we wanted to be done to the Whirlwind. “The Engines look to be in remarkable shape for their age. But the Hyperdrive needs to be upgraded to modern standards. Then, you want enough weapons and armor that if you didn’t have the proper authorizations I’d have had to report you to the Republic for attempting to build a Warship.”
“We just want it brought up to some modern standards,” I replied with a smile. “The Shields are the biggest investment here.”
“Well, you seem to be paying for everything up front,” the man sighed. “Most of the refits will be done in about three months, and we’re not allowed to accept full payment for this sort of thing up front or I’d be offering you a discount.”
“Somebody filed a lawsuit, didn’t they?” I asked.
“Yep.”
“Some people just ruin this sort of thing for everyone,” I chuckled. “The Captain and her crew have asked to watch the modifications and we’re paying extra so they can learn how to repair our equipment.”
“I did see that,” the man replied. “It’s a bit unusual in this day and age, but it used to be commonplace enough. We’ve got the paperwork sorted, and as long as your people don’t get in the way of the actual work it shouldn’t be a problem.”
“Alright then,” I said as we shook hands and I authorized the payment. “I’ll be back to pick up the Whirlwind in three months. Try to take good care of her.”
“She’s in fine hands,” the man smiled. “My boys and girls know how to take proper care of a ship.”
Author’s Note: The beginning and middle sections of this chapter take place during the months following the Marksman’s arrival in the Star Wars Universe. The Butterflies have begun flapping, we shall see where they end.
What ship is it? The Donut or a BT ship?
MarkWarrior
Well-known member
The Whirlwind is one of the Leviathan Jumpships. I’ll add a threadmark with the ships and gear they brought with them.
Edit: The Index Should have the Jumpships.
Damn. That is a tiny and incredibly thin skinned ship to be taking into fleet actions in Star Wars. Most importantly, it is undergunned for the setting. I hope they rebuild that ship into a more functional hull arrangement.
Last edited:
Chapter 11
MarkWarrior
Well-known member
Chapter 11
November 4, 3008/7947 CRC, Beloria system, Seswenna Sector, Outer Rim Territories
"How's everything coming, Mac?" I asked McAllister as I entered the massive garage.
"Fookin great!" The giant of Irish descent scooped me up into a hug. "Blue er's a Godsend, and a right wiz with the numbers!"
"You're one of the new hires," I said to the Twi'lek as soon as I was released from the bear hug. "Colonel Hull," I stuck out my hand to shake.
"Sanal Adra," the Twi'lek replied as she responded with a firm grip. "It's a pleasure to work with people who love this kind of thing as much as I do."
"McAllister is one of my most valuable resources," I smiled. "And he's damned good at his job. I'm really only here to pick his brain about some stuff."
"Well, we've been doing some tests on those walkers of yours," Sanal said as Mac went back to his work. "They're terrific machines, but the modifications that he wants to make just aren't ready yet. Could be a few years before we're able to mount the Repulsors and Deflector shields like he wants."
"I'm not here about that," I smiled a bit. "I'm about to head back over to Sullust to collect the Whirlwind, and I was going to see who he had assigned to take over the Dropship program."
"Actually, you're talking to her," Sanal smiled. "Your tech was simple enough to pick up, and its longevity is something to be admired, so I spent a lot of the past year learning everything I could about it. And when you combine that with my degree and background in ships and engineering."
"Got it," I smiled. "I know that we managed to piece together a refit for both of our Stings fairly early on, but I was curious to see what your thoughts were on the Spheroids that we've got."
"Turn them into Command and control centers," Sanal said bluntly. "Add in some of those machine shops that you've got and turn 'em into logistics hubs. They're going to be decently fast when I'm done with them, but you're going to lose out on some of the capacity for the walkers and tanks that you've got," she shrugged. "Stick with the Aerodynes for rapid delivery of your combat systems, once we get the repulsors mounted on the combat vehicles and properly tested you should be able to drop the tanks from any height short of low orbit and they'll be fine."
"Any other thoughts?" I asked.
"Your Starfighters are awesome," her eyes lit up. "And they'll really turn the tide in space if you can get some proton torpedoes or something else to supplement them with."
"Some of our spheroids are already specced out for carrying ASF," I pointed to the Union CV that was parked in the distance. "And I wanted to retain the ability to use the Jumpship collars to carry some of our ships."
"Let me talk some stuff over with the other techs and engineers," Sanal said as she pulled out a piece of paper and wrote something down on it before stuffing it into her jumpsuit's pockets. "I'll have Mac send you a memo when I've got more detailed plans for the upgrades."
"I'll do that," I chuckled as I let her get back to her work, the sense of urgency in her voice and actions told me that our conversation was over.
"Gotta love the engineers," I walked towards where the Archon's Favor was waiting to take me to Sullust. "Always busy doing something or another."
A few days later…
"Now, it took an extra two months for the refits to be finished," I told the owner of the yard. "So I expect some really good work."
"It took us a bit longer because we had to wait on some parts, but I think you'll love what we've done to her," the man smiled as he showed off the Whirlwind in her rebuilt glory.
"Now, working around that fancy drive of yours was a bit of a pain at first, but then we looked at your requirements and my people went a little crazy at the power levels that we were able to crank out of the thing. This ship is probably the fastest ship in the whole galaxy right now," he pointed at the Lucrehulk engines that looked shiny and new. "We tuned the engines to provide the sorta thrust that you normally get out of a starfighter, and with the addition of the artificial gravity generators and the extra power from the generators we were able to put some serious deflectors on this thing."
"So we've got speed and defenses," I said as the tubular design of the Jumpship was shown on a holographic table. "What else are we working with?"
"Well, given the modular nature of the ship, we were able to build a framework around it," a layer of the hologram peeled away to reveal the original ship. "Essentially giving you a double hull, and then we worked out from there. You've got eight Quad Turbolaser batteries with overlapping lanes of fire, and two proton torpedo tubes. Now, I wasn't allowed to add anything else to that due to the current laws in place, but we did add over a dozen modular hardpoints so you can add or remove weapons as you desire. Then, we took the hyperdrive and sold it to a collector, that thing was worth more than the refits that you wanted to be done. We then greased a few wheels and bought a class 2 hyperdrive and installed it," the man grinned. "With a backup class one hyperdrive if you need a bit of speed."
"Why not just install the class one as the main drive?" I asked.
"A class 2 hyperdrive is the fastest I'm legally allowed to put in a ship as the main drive unless you've got authorization as a planetary defense force," The man shrugged. "But there's nothing in the books about what class your backup hyperdrive is required to be."
"Alright," I said after a moment to take everything in. "What do I owe you?"
"Nothing," the man said with a grin. "In fact, I owe you a bit of money, that collector paid a lot more credits than this refit cost, so I'm willing to do another one of these if you've got one."
"Unfortunately, I don't have another hyperdrive that old," I chuckled. "I've got another ship that's virtually identical to this one if the extra credits are enough to refit it as well."
"We'll start on it when you bring it in," the owner said with a grin. "I'll run some numbers and get back to you with a price."
"Pleasure doing business with you," I shook the hand of the shipyard owner.
"Likewise."
–
–
"Hey boss," Hober said as we began attaching to the Whirlwind's collars. "I gotta ask. What's the odds of me being able to transfer?"
"Feeling small?" I chuckled.
"More like outgunned," the man replied as the Whirlwind began moving away from the shipyard. "I think we might need to do some modifications to the rest of our stuff if they turn out that good."
"I think a large part of it is that there just aren't shipyards like that in the Inner Sphere anymore," I said as the strange glow of hyperspace filled the cockpit. "And now that there are yards available it almost seems…" I trailed off.
"Unreal," Hober agreed. "Our DroST refits were the first new design or refits to come out in centuries back home."
"And a fine job that you and that team did," I patted the man on the back. "We'll get your ship up to speed soon enough," I leaned my chair back. "Besides, I doubt anything in any universe would like to take your Sting on in the atmosphere."
"Damn straight," Hober chuckled. "This is my flying blender of a dropship, and don't you forget it."
"I'm gonna go get some rest," I allowed my head to hit the comfortable back and neck rest of the chair. "Wake me up if anything interesting happens."
Author's Note: The Force Composition page has been updated with some of the ships that have been modified. Some things have been left out simply because I haven't written the changes into the story yet. Also, I can't give the actual details of the mods in an informational as I used to in Blood on the Horizon. Mostly because Megameklab doesn't exactly have quad turbolasers or hyperdrives.
November 4, 3008/7947 CRC, Beloria system, Seswenna Sector, Outer Rim Territories
"How's everything coming, Mac?" I asked McAllister as I entered the massive garage.
"Fookin great!" The giant of Irish descent scooped me up into a hug. "Blue er's a Godsend, and a right wiz with the numbers!"
"You're one of the new hires," I said to the Twi'lek as soon as I was released from the bear hug. "Colonel Hull," I stuck out my hand to shake.
"Sanal Adra," the Twi'lek replied as she responded with a firm grip. "It's a pleasure to work with people who love this kind of thing as much as I do."
"McAllister is one of my most valuable resources," I smiled. "And he's damned good at his job. I'm really only here to pick his brain about some stuff."
"Well, we've been doing some tests on those walkers of yours," Sanal said as Mac went back to his work. "They're terrific machines, but the modifications that he wants to make just aren't ready yet. Could be a few years before we're able to mount the Repulsors and Deflector shields like he wants."
"I'm not here about that," I smiled a bit. "I'm about to head back over to Sullust to collect the Whirlwind, and I was going to see who he had assigned to take over the Dropship program."
"Actually, you're talking to her," Sanal smiled. "Your tech was simple enough to pick up, and its longevity is something to be admired, so I spent a lot of the past year learning everything I could about it. And when you combine that with my degree and background in ships and engineering."
"Got it," I smiled. "I know that we managed to piece together a refit for both of our Stings fairly early on, but I was curious to see what your thoughts were on the Spheroids that we've got."
"Turn them into Command and control centers," Sanal said bluntly. "Add in some of those machine shops that you've got and turn 'em into logistics hubs. They're going to be decently fast when I'm done with them, but you're going to lose out on some of the capacity for the walkers and tanks that you've got," she shrugged. "Stick with the Aerodynes for rapid delivery of your combat systems, once we get the repulsors mounted on the combat vehicles and properly tested you should be able to drop the tanks from any height short of low orbit and they'll be fine."
"Any other thoughts?" I asked.
"Your Starfighters are awesome," her eyes lit up. "And they'll really turn the tide in space if you can get some proton torpedoes or something else to supplement them with."
"Some of our spheroids are already specced out for carrying ASF," I pointed to the Union CV that was parked in the distance. "And I wanted to retain the ability to use the Jumpship collars to carry some of our ships."
"Let me talk some stuff over with the other techs and engineers," Sanal said as she pulled out a piece of paper and wrote something down on it before stuffing it into her jumpsuit's pockets. "I'll have Mac send you a memo when I've got more detailed plans for the upgrades."
"I'll do that," I chuckled as I let her get back to her work, the sense of urgency in her voice and actions told me that our conversation was over.
"Gotta love the engineers," I walked towards where the Archon's Favor was waiting to take me to Sullust. "Always busy doing something or another."
A few days later…
"Now, it took an extra two months for the refits to be finished," I told the owner of the yard. "So I expect some really good work."
"It took us a bit longer because we had to wait on some parts, but I think you'll love what we've done to her," the man smiled as he showed off the Whirlwind in her rebuilt glory.
"Now, working around that fancy drive of yours was a bit of a pain at first, but then we looked at your requirements and my people went a little crazy at the power levels that we were able to crank out of the thing. This ship is probably the fastest ship in the whole galaxy right now," he pointed at the Lucrehulk engines that looked shiny and new. "We tuned the engines to provide the sorta thrust that you normally get out of a starfighter, and with the addition of the artificial gravity generators and the extra power from the generators we were able to put some serious deflectors on this thing."
"So we've got speed and defenses," I said as the tubular design of the Jumpship was shown on a holographic table. "What else are we working with?"
"Well, given the modular nature of the ship, we were able to build a framework around it," a layer of the hologram peeled away to reveal the original ship. "Essentially giving you a double hull, and then we worked out from there. You've got eight Quad Turbolaser batteries with overlapping lanes of fire, and two proton torpedo tubes. Now, I wasn't allowed to add anything else to that due to the current laws in place, but we did add over a dozen modular hardpoints so you can add or remove weapons as you desire. Then, we took the hyperdrive and sold it to a collector, that thing was worth more than the refits that you wanted to be done. We then greased a few wheels and bought a class 2 hyperdrive and installed it," the man grinned. "With a backup class one hyperdrive if you need a bit of speed."
"Why not just install the class one as the main drive?" I asked.
"A class 2 hyperdrive is the fastest I'm legally allowed to put in a ship as the main drive unless you've got authorization as a planetary defense force," The man shrugged. "But there's nothing in the books about what class your backup hyperdrive is required to be."
"Alright," I said after a moment to take everything in. "What do I owe you?"
"Nothing," the man said with a grin. "In fact, I owe you a bit of money, that collector paid a lot more credits than this refit cost, so I'm willing to do another one of these if you've got one."
"Unfortunately, I don't have another hyperdrive that old," I chuckled. "I've got another ship that's virtually identical to this one if the extra credits are enough to refit it as well."
"We'll start on it when you bring it in," the owner said with a grin. "I'll run some numbers and get back to you with a price."
"Pleasure doing business with you," I shook the hand of the shipyard owner.
"Likewise."
–
–
"Hey boss," Hober said as we began attaching to the Whirlwind's collars. "I gotta ask. What's the odds of me being able to transfer?"
"Feeling small?" I chuckled.
"More like outgunned," the man replied as the Whirlwind began moving away from the shipyard. "I think we might need to do some modifications to the rest of our stuff if they turn out that good."
"I think a large part of it is that there just aren't shipyards like that in the Inner Sphere anymore," I said as the strange glow of hyperspace filled the cockpit. "And now that there are yards available it almost seems…" I trailed off.
"Unreal," Hober agreed. "Our DroST refits were the first new design or refits to come out in centuries back home."
"And a fine job that you and that team did," I patted the man on the back. "We'll get your ship up to speed soon enough," I leaned my chair back. "Besides, I doubt anything in any universe would like to take your Sting on in the atmosphere."
"Damn straight," Hober chuckled. "This is my flying blender of a dropship, and don't you forget it."
"I'm gonna go get some rest," I allowed my head to hit the comfortable back and neck rest of the chair. "Wake me up if anything interesting happens."
Author's Note: The Force Composition page has been updated with some of the ships that have been modified. Some things have been left out simply because I haven't written the changes into the story yet. Also, I can't give the actual details of the mods in an informational as I used to in Blood on the Horizon. Mostly because Megameklab doesn't exactly have quad turbolasers or hyperdrives.
Class I backup drive
<snickers>
<snickers>
Chapter 12
MarkWarrior
Well-known member
Chapter 12
January 20, 3009/7948 CRC Eriadu System, Seswenna sector, Outer Rim Territories
"Willhuff, there are Jedi here to see you," Gideon leaned down to speak into his brother's ear. "You might want to cut this session a bit short."
Willhuff didn't respond, merely nodded before turning to the rest of the council that he had been meeting with.
"I apologize," Willhuff said as he stood up. "I will have to leave this meeting a bit early, but I ask that you put together a list of the various topics that we were to go over, I will review them and respond accordingly when I have the time."
Governor Tarkin then left the room, his small cape of officer flowing behind him as his brother Gideon left with him.
"Beareaucrats?" Gideon asked with a slight smirk on his face as Willhuff sighed.
"Indeed," Willhuff replied. "And they all compete for funding as well, so they are incentivized to pursue my favor in every way. I understand why our family has used this method in the past to pursue efficiency, but I shall have to find a different method, the amount of posturing sickens me and makes getting things done a painful and slow process."
The two brothers walked until they reached a small suite that was set aside for visitors.
"The Jedi are just through here," Gideon murmured. "I've not met any of them before, so remain cautious."
With a nod, Willhuff signaled to Gideon for the door to be opened and he walked through.
"Greetings Jedi, I am Governor Tarkin, it is a pleasure to have you on Eriadu. To what do I owe the pleasure of such a meeting?"
"I am Jedi Master Faye," A beautiful woman said with a slight smile. "This is Master Yaddle," she gestured toward the small green creature. "And then we have someone who is no longer a Jedi Master, but has left the order to serve his home planet of Seranno; Count Dooku."
"An interesting group of people," Tarkin raised an eyebrow. "I assume there is a reason for so many masters to be in the Outer Rim for once."
"I go where the Force leads," Faye spoke as all of them sat down. "But Yaddle and Dooku are trying to see what the core problems of the Republic at large are currently."
"Then you have come to the right place," Gideon spoke up. "Our family has spent at least three generations trying to get the Republic to realize what a mistake the Ruusan Reformation was and how to prevent the rise of piracy as has happened over the last few hundred years."
"Really?" Dooku asked. "Please, tell me more about what you have done to try and curtail the pirate problem. Serrano had many problems with them that were only worsened by my brother allowing them free reign to gain more power."
"Well, for starters, we managed to establish the ORSF as a force that can pursue pirates beyond that of what a simple planetary defense force is able to, and recently, we have been experimenting with hiring both bounty hunters and mercenaries to ensure that those who are not willing to sign the treaty that allows the ORSF its ability to pursue pirates into those who compete with us in the Republic," Tarkin explained as he made a holographic map of the Galaxy appear above the table they were seated at. "Now, your homeworld of Seranno is separated from us being able to truly help by being on the other side of Hutt space from us, and so we would have to pursue other options to assist you. Especially considering the Republic is once again denying us the extra funds to truly deal with both the pirates and the likes of the Trade Federation, who are extorting raw materials from many worlds and selling the finished products back at severe markups."
"What must be done to solve this problem?" Dooku asked as he stroked his goatee. "And do you believe that there is a sudden malice behind the lack of assistance rendered?"
"Well, to expand on the issues that have become worse since the Ruusan Reformation-"
March 15, 3009/7948 CRC, Beloria system, Seswenna Sector, Outer Rim Territories
"Hey Hull," Peterson caught my attention before I boarded the Messenger. "Got a few minutes?"
"Yeah," I replied. "What's up?"
"I think I want to retire and just maintain the local garrison and militia," the infantry CO said as he stood in front of me. "Rachel is glad that I'm home a lot more, but I feel like I should be a more stable father figure."
"That's perfectly understandable," I smiled. "Just take some time to think about it and discuss it with Rachel first. I'm fine with it provided you do that and get a good CO to take over," I glanced down at my watch. "Now, I've got to go and negotiate this contract so we can get paid for dealing with some of the pirates that are harassing the trade routes."
"Who you going to be negotiating with?" Peterson raised an eyebrow.
"Trade Federation is offering a pretty hefty contract for these pirates," I shrugged. "Seems they've been causing problems, and we're the solution."
"Just make sure to get the salvage in writing," Peterson said with a grin.
"I always do," I smiled back. "I'll be back, Thomas, you and Jack just make sure we've got people on standby for some rapid response for when I get this done."
"What was it you said?" Peterson asked. "The fiercer the foe the sweeter the salvage!"
"That's it," I smirked. "Let's hope they're a pretty fierce foe then."
—
—
"It's kinda nice out here," Jack confided in Thomas as they sat out on the man's back porch with mugs of beer in hand. "I haven't been shot at in months."
"It's certainly a different galaxy," Thomas chuckled. "I think Rachel was less than impressed with the 'Sexy blue alien' fetish being a reality here though."
"Erica is somewhat quiet on the subject," Sheppard grinned. "But I've been looking for a ring that I think will suit her. So I've been avoiding even talking about the sexy aliens."
"Drive flare," Peterson stood up from his seat as he looked at the sky. "We don't have any scheduled visits for the next day or so."
"This is Major Sheppard," the XO of the Marksman responded on his comm. "Major Peterson and I have visual, escort her down, but make sure she's far enough away from our ships that we can destroy the ship if necessary."
"Yes, we're on our way now," Sheppard responded to whatever it was that was said. "Standby for further orders."
—
—
"I'm Jedi Knight Elvijus Rowbroa," a brown robed figure greeted the armored figures at the bottom of the ramp. "I'm here to evaluate your younglings for force sensitivity."
"You're here to do what now?" Sheppard asked. "This is a secure base, and I'm going to need to see some authorization. And you're crazy if you think that I'm going to allow you free reign of a military facility without an escort."
The self-identified Jedi Knight moved his robe to the side, flashing a lightsaber while the Mithril-clad infantry snapped their rifles up to aim at the brown robed figure.
"Keep your hands where we can see them," Sheppard ordered. "If you make any move to reach for your weapon we will put you in the ground!"
The Jedi allowed his robe to cover the lightsaber again as he moved his hands up. "I do not seek conflict at this time."
"Stay on your ship until further notice," Sheppard stated. "We're going to contact the capital and verify that you're not some pirate seeking access."
"Thank you for your courtesy," the Knight bowed diplomatically. "I shall do as you have instructed."
The brown robed figure climbed back into his starship and the ramp sealed itself behind him.
"You good, sir?" Mathis asked.
"Yeah," Sheppard exhaled. "Get on the horn with the capital, I want information on these Jedi and why they'd want to take a close look at our base of operations."
"Copy that sir," Mathis responded. "I'll get on it, immediately."
"Hopefully they respond quickly, I don't want to start an interstellar incident while the Colonel isn't here," Sheppard muttered under his breath. "A war is the last thing this galaxy needs."
January 20, 3009/7948 CRC Eriadu System, Seswenna sector, Outer Rim Territories
"Willhuff, there are Jedi here to see you," Gideon leaned down to speak into his brother's ear. "You might want to cut this session a bit short."
Willhuff didn't respond, merely nodded before turning to the rest of the council that he had been meeting with.
"I apologize," Willhuff said as he stood up. "I will have to leave this meeting a bit early, but I ask that you put together a list of the various topics that we were to go over, I will review them and respond accordingly when I have the time."
Governor Tarkin then left the room, his small cape of officer flowing behind him as his brother Gideon left with him.
"Beareaucrats?" Gideon asked with a slight smirk on his face as Willhuff sighed.
"Indeed," Willhuff replied. "And they all compete for funding as well, so they are incentivized to pursue my favor in every way. I understand why our family has used this method in the past to pursue efficiency, but I shall have to find a different method, the amount of posturing sickens me and makes getting things done a painful and slow process."
The two brothers walked until they reached a small suite that was set aside for visitors.
"The Jedi are just through here," Gideon murmured. "I've not met any of them before, so remain cautious."
With a nod, Willhuff signaled to Gideon for the door to be opened and he walked through.
"Greetings Jedi, I am Governor Tarkin, it is a pleasure to have you on Eriadu. To what do I owe the pleasure of such a meeting?"
"I am Jedi Master Faye," A beautiful woman said with a slight smile. "This is Master Yaddle," she gestured toward the small green creature. "And then we have someone who is no longer a Jedi Master, but has left the order to serve his home planet of Seranno; Count Dooku."
"An interesting group of people," Tarkin raised an eyebrow. "I assume there is a reason for so many masters to be in the Outer Rim for once."
"I go where the Force leads," Faye spoke as all of them sat down. "But Yaddle and Dooku are trying to see what the core problems of the Republic at large are currently."
"Then you have come to the right place," Gideon spoke up. "Our family has spent at least three generations trying to get the Republic to realize what a mistake the Ruusan Reformation was and how to prevent the rise of piracy as has happened over the last few hundred years."
"Really?" Dooku asked. "Please, tell me more about what you have done to try and curtail the pirate problem. Serrano had many problems with them that were only worsened by my brother allowing them free reign to gain more power."
"Well, for starters, we managed to establish the ORSF as a force that can pursue pirates beyond that of what a simple planetary defense force is able to, and recently, we have been experimenting with hiring both bounty hunters and mercenaries to ensure that those who are not willing to sign the treaty that allows the ORSF its ability to pursue pirates into those who compete with us in the Republic," Tarkin explained as he made a holographic map of the Galaxy appear above the table they were seated at. "Now, your homeworld of Seranno is separated from us being able to truly help by being on the other side of Hutt space from us, and so we would have to pursue other options to assist you. Especially considering the Republic is once again denying us the extra funds to truly deal with both the pirates and the likes of the Trade Federation, who are extorting raw materials from many worlds and selling the finished products back at severe markups."
"What must be done to solve this problem?" Dooku asked as he stroked his goatee. "And do you believe that there is a sudden malice behind the lack of assistance rendered?"
"Well, to expand on the issues that have become worse since the Ruusan Reformation-"
March 15, 3009/7948 CRC, Beloria system, Seswenna Sector, Outer Rim Territories
"Hey Hull," Peterson caught my attention before I boarded the Messenger. "Got a few minutes?"
"Yeah," I replied. "What's up?"
"I think I want to retire and just maintain the local garrison and militia," the infantry CO said as he stood in front of me. "Rachel is glad that I'm home a lot more, but I feel like I should be a more stable father figure."
"That's perfectly understandable," I smiled. "Just take some time to think about it and discuss it with Rachel first. I'm fine with it provided you do that and get a good CO to take over," I glanced down at my watch. "Now, I've got to go and negotiate this contract so we can get paid for dealing with some of the pirates that are harassing the trade routes."
"Who you going to be negotiating with?" Peterson raised an eyebrow.
"Trade Federation is offering a pretty hefty contract for these pirates," I shrugged. "Seems they've been causing problems, and we're the solution."
"Just make sure to get the salvage in writing," Peterson said with a grin.
"I always do," I smiled back. "I'll be back, Thomas, you and Jack just make sure we've got people on standby for some rapid response for when I get this done."
"What was it you said?" Peterson asked. "The fiercer the foe the sweeter the salvage!"
"That's it," I smirked. "Let's hope they're a pretty fierce foe then."
—
—
"It's kinda nice out here," Jack confided in Thomas as they sat out on the man's back porch with mugs of beer in hand. "I haven't been shot at in months."
"It's certainly a different galaxy," Thomas chuckled. "I think Rachel was less than impressed with the 'Sexy blue alien' fetish being a reality here though."
"Erica is somewhat quiet on the subject," Sheppard grinned. "But I've been looking for a ring that I think will suit her. So I've been avoiding even talking about the sexy aliens."
"Drive flare," Peterson stood up from his seat as he looked at the sky. "We don't have any scheduled visits for the next day or so."
"This is Major Sheppard," the XO of the Marksman responded on his comm. "Major Peterson and I have visual, escort her down, but make sure she's far enough away from our ships that we can destroy the ship if necessary."
"Yes, we're on our way now," Sheppard responded to whatever it was that was said. "Standby for further orders."
—
—
"I'm Jedi Knight Elvijus Rowbroa," a brown robed figure greeted the armored figures at the bottom of the ramp. "I'm here to evaluate your younglings for force sensitivity."
"You're here to do what now?" Sheppard asked. "This is a secure base, and I'm going to need to see some authorization. And you're crazy if you think that I'm going to allow you free reign of a military facility without an escort."
The self-identified Jedi Knight moved his robe to the side, flashing a lightsaber while the Mithril-clad infantry snapped their rifles up to aim at the brown robed figure.
"Keep your hands where we can see them," Sheppard ordered. "If you make any move to reach for your weapon we will put you in the ground!"
The Jedi allowed his robe to cover the lightsaber again as he moved his hands up. "I do not seek conflict at this time."
"Stay on your ship until further notice," Sheppard stated. "We're going to contact the capital and verify that you're not some pirate seeking access."
"Thank you for your courtesy," the Knight bowed diplomatically. "I shall do as you have instructed."
The brown robed figure climbed back into his starship and the ramp sealed itself behind him.
"You good, sir?" Mathis asked.
"Yeah," Sheppard exhaled. "Get on the horn with the capital, I want information on these Jedi and why they'd want to take a close look at our base of operations."
"Copy that sir," Mathis responded. "I'll get on it, immediately."
"Hopefully they respond quickly, I don't want to start an interstellar incident while the Colonel isn't here," Sheppard muttered under his breath. "A war is the last thing this galaxy needs."