Unexpected Rescue
Though the corridor of space the Radiant Awakening was in had been contested for a while nobody had actually tried anything. The loosely affiliated group of stations and ships calling themselves the Wanderer’s Accord had claimed a few parsecs of Xaltean territory as their own which was promptly denied by the Empire. It had been quiet until now.
The Executive Engineer in charge of the entire ship’s engineering crew believed it was a gravitic mine hidden along the normal route ships were taken. He wasn’t sure if they were specifically targeted but the damage had knocked out their drive leaving them defenseless in real space. To say Ship Master Vylk Mas of House Nabeth was not happy would have been an understatement.
He sat in his seat in the center of the ship’s bridge surrounded by the floating hologram screens with the status of the vessel his House had entrusted to him. His First standing politely to the side, her jumpsuit perfect aquamarine color and hair in a bun giving her a beautiful but business look.
“Anything with long range communication?” Vylk asked leaning slightly to see between the holographs to the person working on said equipment.
“Negative, Ship master. Something in these asteroids are interfering with transmission. Maybe deposits of Nyrilium or other material.”
“First, anything from Executive Melk?”
“Nothing new. The core’s integrity is compromised from a cracked cross-node. We cannot return to null space until he figures a way to patch it.” She responded crisply as her eyes continued to watch the bridge and listen to the earpiece she wore. Helasia would funnel the information to him as he needed it.
Vylk rubbed his forehead in frustration. Could anything get worse?
“Ship master! Signals detecting dropping out of null space. They’re ahead of us. Interception in five minutes.”
Well that answered that.
“Scanners?”
“Still messed up from the mine detonation,” the officer responded back.
Helasia’s face grew tighter in frustration. “This feels more and more intentional, Shipmaster.”
Vylk nodded in agreement but so far, his options were limited. Without his primary power source, the primary pulse cannons were offline. They had been lucky enough to restore energy shielding earlier.
“We’re receiving a transmission,” the communications officer continued.
“Activate Channel. Tie into translators.”
“They’re transmitting in Xaltean.”
‘Oh. This is definitely a setup.’
“Xaltean vessel. This is Captain Junta Jor of the Black Pox,” the voice came over. There was a sneer in the sound of heavy imperial.
“This is Shipmaster Vylk Mas, Serene Starfall Estate, House Nabeth. What can I do for you, Captain?”
“Seems you’re having some issues with your ship,” he continued in a surprised tone that nobody believed.
“Nothing we can’t handle.”
“Well, we’d like to offer our assistance with our engineering teams.”
“No need. We have it under control.”
“I insist, Shipmaster. I’d hate for all of you to be stranded out here. Someone might take advantage of you.”
Vylk glanced towards Halesia who had brought up a holo-tactical map in front of her face. He didn’t need a report from her to know that the two other vessels were taking up flanking positions.
“Your concern is noted and appreciated but this vessel is sovereign territory of the Empire. I do not believe the Wanderer’s Accord wants to start creating waves with us now.”
There was silence for a few moments before the voice returned.
“Honestly, you look like salvage to me and in that case, we’re going to lay claim. You know. Law of space. Don’t worry, Shipmaster. Your crew will be well taken care of. Especially any women. We have great places for them that are safe.” The channel closed before Vylk could respond and he swore catching a few off-guard.
“This is the Shipmaster,” he said tapping the comm button. “All hands. Arm yourselves and prepare for hostile boarding parties.”
“We’re going to fight?” Helasia asked. “They’ve got us outnumbered.”
“I refuse to surrender this ship without a fight and let my crew fall in the hands of slavers.”
She nodded though her face had gone a bit pale, her grip tightening on her side arm.
On the viewscreen, the Black Pox maneuvered itself and the Xaltean captain could make out the dock clamp ports opening.
“Shipmaster! A new vessel just dropped out of null space,” the comm called out.
“ID?”
“The vessel is human. Duty Class destroyer. They’re…hailing.”
“Xaltean vessel. This is Captain Emilia Sanderson of the Cofederate starship Joshua Chamberlain. You appear to be having a party. You alright?”
“Captain,” Vylk responded. “We’ve lost our engines and the vessels around us have declined leaving as we requested.”
“Oh, have they now?” there was a three tone beep which confirmed they had opened a channel and added the others.
“Human vessel,” came the angry voice of the Black Pox captain. “You’re presence is not need. We have—”
“Listen buddy,” Captain Sanderson cut in, her light voice carrying an iron he hadn’t heard in humans before. “it’s high time for you to pack up and go back where you came from. I see those grapple hooks. If you don’t want me open fire, you better be jumping.”
“The Accord doesn’t—”
“I don’t give a shit about your Accord. I’m passing through delivering supplies back and forth between colonies like a mail man and both my crew and I are hella bored. I would appreciate nothing than to give them target practice.”
“You wouldn’t—-”
Helasia giggled and Vylk looked over to her. She whispered. “Humans have just started powering up their central rail gun. I’m detecting them heating their nighthawk missile racks.”
The humans were brash, ill-mannered, and loud but Vylk could now see the benefits of that.
“I’m not gonna even start counting, Captain whatever-your-name-is. As soon as my rail gun is charged. I’m shoving this tungsten steel shell up your ass.” The three would be raiders turned and their engines flared pushing them away.
“You still there, shipmaster?” the human called.
“I am.”
“Mind if we provide a tow? There’s a Terran repair facility nearby. They can take a look at your damage or if you’re not comfortable with that, you can park outside her cannons until your own help arrives. That way those assholes don’t try to pick on you again.”
“Greatly appreciated, Captain.”
Vylk laughed to himself as the connection ended. He had not anticipated being saved by humans of all things today.
This was going to be a funny story back at port.
© 2018 – 2025 by Jonathan Snyder