Sweet, thanks!
Gotta say, I'm glad he didn't back out, and glad he's got a friend to help him get some perspective on it. It's not like he just napalmed playground full of orphans frolicking with kittens!
It's all good, so far. Seriously. No huge drop in quality! IMO writing's always a compromise one way or another. What you see as a rush-job here, sacrificing detail to meet a deadline, may actually work out as nice gear-shift - boosting the pace of your story on the run in to the conclusion.
[STORY] Best Served Cold (Complete with Epilogue)
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gsheriston
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Best Served Cold
Chapter Thirty-Four – Contacts
Val was back at work. I’d just left the intensive care of Susu Na again, and was on a rolling schedule of two-wozura visits. If I missed one, Val would be informed. Susu Na was trying to battle not my anger issues, but my alcoholism this time. Though he had recognised that actually they were one in the same.
“Scott Danna, your Space Fuel addiction is a result of your anger. It is not the cause of it. But, before we can work on your anger we must develop your control. To do this, we have to give you a way of coping that does not involve alcohol. How are your breathing exercises now?”
I had been getting better at relaxing and calming. I’d managed to stay off the ‘fuel now for three wozuras, and said so. Of course, he didn’t know about Farnsworth’s murder. I should have told him, but at that point he would have had to turn me over to Argon forces. I was licensed to kill wanted fugitives – but Farnsworth wasn’t wanted, no matter how much he should have been a fugitive. I had, however, made a full payment to Farnsworth Financial Holdings. I simply told her that her father had never arrived in Antigone Memorial, so I was paying directly to the company. The monetary debt was paid. How I could ever repay Lisa for killing her father, I had no idea. I just had to hope that keeping silent about what he had done would balance out the awful act. After all, if I’d told her then it would have destroyed her I’m sure. I had done enough damage, this was all I could do to repair it.
Now, though, I was back in space and only had one thing to concentrate on – the Pirate base. Paying off Lisa had made a sizeable dent in our balance, but Val and I were still well ahead of the game. The new Demeter focussed on Paranid foodstuffs was bringing in almost as much profit as Ol’ Faithful’s multi-sector-multi-cargo. She had been right – those Paranid had a serious food shortage to cope with; or at least, not enough people shuttling the products around. She was just filling that gap in the market, but it was paying off.
“I’ve got a question for you… Do you know any ship modification specialists? I’m looking into getting something a bit unusual, like that Nova Raider I had to sell off in Cardinal’s Domain.”
“Uh… I got a couple o’ contacts. Some of ‘em are a little… well, kinda the wrong side o’ the manufacturer’s warranty if ya know what I’m sayin’.”
Val’s demeanour had changed a bit since I killed Farnsworth. We’d always laughed and joked together but there was less of that now. It still happened, but not as much. She insisted that we meet before I went to my meetings with Susu Na – like she was keeping watch, and making sure I went. I got the feeling I’d made her a bit nervous, almost as if she wasn’t sure of me any more. Maybe she was just being cautious. Certainly she had stuck mostly to core sectors recently, and hadn’t called for help since I got out of rehab. Something was bothering her, that much was clear. I’d have to get to the bottom of that somehow – I was supposed to be the one with a fragile mental state, not her.
“Well, that sounds pretty interesting. Care to visit one of them? Give me a station and a sector, and I’ll meet you there.”
“Sure. Get yoursel’ to the Federal Argon Shipyard in Omicron Lyrae, I can be there in four stazuras – got a hot cargo to unload ‘fore the price drops. See ya there, don’t ask no questions o’ nobody ‘till I’m there, ‘kay? He can get a little skittish, so I’ll smooth the waters.”
While I waited for Val to arrive, I checked in on a contact of my own.
“This is Scott Danna. I don’t know if you’ll remember me, Fil – I gave you a lift to Ceo’s Buckzoid almost a jazura ago, not long after you’d had your freighter stolen, you were looking for PSGs to go on your new Nova. You had mentioned that when I was ready to go up against the Pirate base in Brennan’s Triumph I should call you for backup. Well, I’m kinda gearing up for that and wondered if you still wanted an invitation to the party. If I don’t get a response, then I won’t bother you again. But, if you’re interested, just drop me a wave and let me know what you’re up to. Danna out.”
I looked into prices, and the Nova Raider would do me just fine. I could afford it easily, even fully upgraded as per the Argon Military’s specs. It would only cost about two and a half million – though weaponry might change that price, I wanted a few… special modifications.
“OK, hotshot – I’m here. Where are you?”
“Well, for once I’m not in the bar. I’m in the ship showyard but I’ve just been looking around the stock ships. I haven’t asked any questions at all, of anyone – just like you asked.”
Val laughed. “Well I’m glad ya started listenin’ to me at last! Only taken ya six mazuras… I’ll be there in twenty mizuras. Think ya can stay outta trouble that long?”
She was there in fifteen, looking a little pensive. I’d have to find out what was bothering her later. Just at that moment, though, we had business to attend to.
“Good to see you, Val.” And it was, it was good to know that here was someone who actually cared a little.
“You too – so what’re ya after?”
“Um – well, I’m looking at the Nova Raider – but I want something that’ll mount PSGs. I know there are Pirates out there flying Novas with them but I don’t know if there are raiders with them. So, I was wondering if your contact could manage that. Not the weapons themselves, I’ll source them – just the mounting and control interface. What do you think? Reckon he can work some magic?”
“Lemme see. Gimme a couple stazuras to work on it?”
“Sure, I’m going to take one of these out for a little while and see how she flies. Whatever it takes, I reckon it’s worth about half a million over the stock price to me. If he wants more than that, I can’t really justify it. Of course, if you can get it for less, that’s always a bonus…”
I think there’s a cloning facility somewhere. Every time I’ve been into a shipyard, it’s been populated by people with really bright teeth – here in Omicron Lyrae, they were mostly men but the smiles were still the same. One time, I’ll remember to take sunshades.
“I’d like to try a Nova Raider, if I can. Do you have one that’s been fully upgraded for engines and rudder? It’s the dynamics I’m trying to test, rather than the cargo space. Also, do you have any target ranges with live drones? I might have to fight in the ship, so I’d like to see how she handles.”
“Of course, sir. We have a private range, you’re welcome to make full use of it. I’ll activate the access code for you, come back when you’re ready. As a safety precaution, the drives and weapons will not function beyond 12km from this station. Should you accidentally drift outside this range, we will of course arrange for you to be recovered.”
That was very well-put… Effectively, ‘don’t steal the ship, it’ll stop and then we’ll catch you – and you won’t be able to fight back’.
After about half a stazura, I brought the ship back. She was slower than BlockBuster, but not by that much – and the survivability was much higher, with a bigger and nastier range of weapons – particularly if Val’s contact came through. When I got back to BlockBuster, there were two messages waiting. Val’s was simple enough.
“OK, I’ve got ya a mechanic to talk to… But it’ll cost ya dinner! Lemme know when ya get back and we’ll arrange it.”
The other was a bit more of a surprise.
“Scott! Great to hear from you, of course I remember. And yes, I still want to come to the ‘party’. Still owe them futzers some serious payback. But they kinda did me a favour too, gave me a complete change of career. These tazuras I’m like a treasure hunter, if you want a fancy name for it. In fact, I might need your help, if you’re up for it. Kinda hush-hush, so I can’t give you details over the wave. Let me know if you want in, and we’ll meet up to talk about it. But you’re going to need something more substantial than that beat-up old Buster you were flying!”
I couldn’t do anything about Fil’s wave right now – but Val’s was another story. I called her up.
“OK, I’m done – and dinner is indeed on me. Where and when?”
“I’m hungry enough to eat your cookin’ – so make it fairly soon. Half a stazura? Level Seven has a great Boron eatery, best cocktails I ever tasted. And dress up a little, huh? I’m sick o’ flightsuits, thought I might try an’ scrub up a bit for a change. Ya might not recognise me… See ya there.”
That was new. But, hells, why not? I’d had another suit made up last time I was on Antigone Memorial before I killed Farnsworth, and had no opportunity to really wear it. A shower and shave later, I was heading for a Boron eatery in a brand-new suit. Outside was a short woman with shoulder-length brown hair and an ankle-length off-the-shoulder red dress – she was right, I almost didn’t recognise her.
“Lookin’ pretty sharp, hotshot – pretty sharp. So, whaddaya think?” She gave the most girlish giggle I’d heard from her, and a little twirl. “Does a girl good to glam up occasionally. Hope ya like it.”
I did. She would never really be considered stunningly beautiful, but this was a side of her I’d never seen and she looked very, very different.
“I do, it suits you! Think it’ll catch on as flight-wear?”
She narrowed her eyes in mock-seriousness. “Flight-wear? You been drinkin’ already?” Then she thought about it. “I’m sorry. That was cheap, and I don’t mean nothin’ by it. Hells, great start to a night- insult your date. Forgive me?”
I offered her my arm. “Nothing to forgive. After everything we’ve seen and done, the times we’ve bailed each other out? Nothing to forgive. Shall we eat?”
Over the course of the evening, we chatted about trades, profits, ships, told stories of childhoods and early lives. We swapped career histories, and she was amazed I’d started out as a miner pilot.
“You? Gettin’ ya hands dirty on a miner? Don’t strike me as your kinda thing, that’s a real surprise right there. But I like it, guess that’s where ya learned all them fancy flyin’ tricks. Reckon ya can teach me some?”
“I can try – not sure what I could teach you that you won’t already know, though.”
“Won’t know, ‘till we try… Might learn all sorts.” There was a difference in her laughter, a softness in her eyes. Still a mischievous glint, but there was more lurking there. “Come on, show me what ya got! I wanna fly!”
I picked up the tab for dinner, as promised. As I did so, I realised I still didn’t know anything about this contact of hers – this was the price I was supposed to pay for it, after all - but it could wait.
“Damn, did they turn off the life support? Colder than a Paranid welcome out here!” I could see the skin on her arm raised into bumps as the chill hit her. Ever the gentleman, I dropped my jacket around her shoulders. It swamped her.
“That’s better, thanks – it’s like a second dress, though! How’d you get arms this long? Spend a lot o’ time hangin’ from ‘em when you grew up? Primates in ya family tree?”
Val was certainly feeling better – whatever she had been pensive about since Farnsworth’s death seemed to be lifting, it was strange that looking so completely different had brought her back to being the woman I knew in the first place.
“I’ll get us out into free space. I’d never forgive ya if ya scratched Ol’ Faithful. Jus’ hang back a piece and we’ll get under way.”
This would be interesting – I’d never actually seen her fly other than as her escort or rescuer. She handled the ship with a gentle touch borne of familiarity. I wasn’t sure what exactly what I would be able to show her. She set a course for an open area, and let the autopilot take over.
She pushed the pilot’s chair back and stood. “Hmmm. Kinda cramped in here with two of us, ain’t it? Good job I don’t take up much room, huh? Look, this is a big moment – I ain’t never let nobody touch my ol’ girl for jazuras. Be careful, OK?”
It was definitely cramped. There was barely enough room to squeeze past each other. “Hey, watch what you’re doin’ there… Wouldn’t wanna get too close, would ya? Or maybe…”
I dropped into the chair and pulled it back towards the console, unsure of what to say. It was starting to get a little uncomfortable. Did she really want to learn some flying tricks?
“All right… I’m not sure what I can teach you. But, if I was in BlockBuster this is how I’d go evasive into a fight. You might want to grab something, or strap in. Might get a bit violent.”
“I gotta see what you’re doin’ – I’ll have to stand behind ya to watch the controls. I’ll be OK.”
I took hold of the stick, and put my left hand on the throttle controls.
“This part is simple. The throttle goes to the top, first.” The ship accelerated smoothly, but not quickly. This was a freighter, not a fighter. “Then, you ignore the throttle altogether. You want maximum speed at all times. Here are your strafe keys – the shiny ones you’ve barely touched… watch this.”
I held the stick back, and right, the starfield sliding down and to the left. I kicked the rudder, and the turn got tighter. Then I activated the right strafe, and the slide turned into a circle. “It’s not hard, but most people I guess keep their hand on the throttle. Ignore it, just max it and concentrate on the strafe. It’s also useful if you’re trying to get a line on your attacker with the turret. It’s tough to plan how to use it, but if it’s difficult to plan then it’s virtually impossible to predict. Specially if you switch your strafe direction.”
Punching the ‘down’ strafe changed the starfield’s motion again, and Val staggered; only just keeping hold of the chair.
“Ya know – doin’ this jus’ after a meal might not be the smartest move I ever made… Reckon we should slow down a piece. How ‘bout we switch places so’s I can practice?” She moved out from behind the chair so I could push it back – but as I stood, she didn’t move any further.
“Actually – how ‘bout we don’t go nowhere…” Her eyes were shining with reflected lights from the panel, and she was be breathing heavily – only emphasised by her dress. “Would… would you hold me for a mizura? Been jazuras since I felt this safe around anyone, Scott. Jus’ wanna feel that warmth for a while. Don’t have to mean nothin’, but it’s been such a great time I’d like ta finish it feeling as good as I can. Like ya said earlier- we been through a lot, I trust ya, I worried about ya. Now we’re here, I wanna know ya feel it.”
I couldn’t really turn her down – and to be fair, I felt similar things. We had been through a lot, and it had been a good time. So, I put my hands on her shoulders and pulled her in, feeling the weight of her head on my chest. It was something I’d not felt in over a jazura, and yes, it felt good. But this was no time to get involved, I had dangerous things to do, and it was still just too damn soon for me. I had to hope Val understood that. I think we stood there for maybe five mizuras, before she lifted her head and looked up at me.
“You’re not ready, are ya? S’OK, hotshot. I understand. Really, I do. Jus’ remember if ya ever feel ya want to do this again, I’ll be here for ya. An’ I hope you could say the same?”
“Mmm. Yeah, I can. But you’re right – I’m not ready for anything really serious Val. It’s too soon for me, and I’ve also got to do something that might well kill me. I wouldn’t want to start something then just run off and die somewhere. Wouldn’t be fair on you…”
“Well, it doesn’ stop me caring, hotshot. Even if there ain’t no more to it than that – I still care, OK? Or I wouldn’t’ve come lookin’ for ya in the first place, I coulda jus’ declared ya dead an’ taken that inheritance ya told me about. Jus’ accept it, Scott. We’re in this together. Ain’t nothin’ wrong with holdin’ a friend every now an’ again, is there? Is it a deal?”
“Sure it’s a deal… You drive a hard bargain, Ms. Kleppen. I bet you’ve got stations worried all over space! And for the record, just because I’m not ready for anything serious, it doesn’t mean I don’t care. I’m not just protecting an investment when I jump in to pull your ass out from under a Pirate horde, you know.”
I pulled her in again. “And you’re right. Nothing wrong with holding someone. Might even get used to it... Sure feels good. So, still want to try these manoeuvres?”
“I can think o’ others I’d rather try – but yeah, I’ll give ‘em a go. Move that frame o’ yours, an’ lemme take a seat…”
After another stazura of flying, she could handle the strafe drive in flight and we headed back to the Shipyard to meet her contact. Another tazura, and I’d spent almost three million credits – but SuperNova now sat in the dock waiting for a load of weaponry.
“Fil, I’m interested in your hush-hush treasure hunt. I’ve got myself a Nova Raider, and as soon as it’s armed I’ll be ready to meet you – about three tazuras, maybe sooner. I’ll let you know. Looking forward to hearing from you...”
Chapter Thirty-Four – Contacts
Val was back at work. I’d just left the intensive care of Susu Na again, and was on a rolling schedule of two-wozura visits. If I missed one, Val would be informed. Susu Na was trying to battle not my anger issues, but my alcoholism this time. Though he had recognised that actually they were one in the same.
“Scott Danna, your Space Fuel addiction is a result of your anger. It is not the cause of it. But, before we can work on your anger we must develop your control. To do this, we have to give you a way of coping that does not involve alcohol. How are your breathing exercises now?”
I had been getting better at relaxing and calming. I’d managed to stay off the ‘fuel now for three wozuras, and said so. Of course, he didn’t know about Farnsworth’s murder. I should have told him, but at that point he would have had to turn me over to Argon forces. I was licensed to kill wanted fugitives – but Farnsworth wasn’t wanted, no matter how much he should have been a fugitive. I had, however, made a full payment to Farnsworth Financial Holdings. I simply told her that her father had never arrived in Antigone Memorial, so I was paying directly to the company. The monetary debt was paid. How I could ever repay Lisa for killing her father, I had no idea. I just had to hope that keeping silent about what he had done would balance out the awful act. After all, if I’d told her then it would have destroyed her I’m sure. I had done enough damage, this was all I could do to repair it.
Now, though, I was back in space and only had one thing to concentrate on – the Pirate base. Paying off Lisa had made a sizeable dent in our balance, but Val and I were still well ahead of the game. The new Demeter focussed on Paranid foodstuffs was bringing in almost as much profit as Ol’ Faithful’s multi-sector-multi-cargo. She had been right – those Paranid had a serious food shortage to cope with; or at least, not enough people shuttling the products around. She was just filling that gap in the market, but it was paying off.
“I’ve got a question for you… Do you know any ship modification specialists? I’m looking into getting something a bit unusual, like that Nova Raider I had to sell off in Cardinal’s Domain.”
“Uh… I got a couple o’ contacts. Some of ‘em are a little… well, kinda the wrong side o’ the manufacturer’s warranty if ya know what I’m sayin’.”
Val’s demeanour had changed a bit since I killed Farnsworth. We’d always laughed and joked together but there was less of that now. It still happened, but not as much. She insisted that we meet before I went to my meetings with Susu Na – like she was keeping watch, and making sure I went. I got the feeling I’d made her a bit nervous, almost as if she wasn’t sure of me any more. Maybe she was just being cautious. Certainly she had stuck mostly to core sectors recently, and hadn’t called for help since I got out of rehab. Something was bothering her, that much was clear. I’d have to get to the bottom of that somehow – I was supposed to be the one with a fragile mental state, not her.
“Well, that sounds pretty interesting. Care to visit one of them? Give me a station and a sector, and I’ll meet you there.”
“Sure. Get yoursel’ to the Federal Argon Shipyard in Omicron Lyrae, I can be there in four stazuras – got a hot cargo to unload ‘fore the price drops. See ya there, don’t ask no questions o’ nobody ‘till I’m there, ‘kay? He can get a little skittish, so I’ll smooth the waters.”
While I waited for Val to arrive, I checked in on a contact of my own.
“This is Scott Danna. I don’t know if you’ll remember me, Fil – I gave you a lift to Ceo’s Buckzoid almost a jazura ago, not long after you’d had your freighter stolen, you were looking for PSGs to go on your new Nova. You had mentioned that when I was ready to go up against the Pirate base in Brennan’s Triumph I should call you for backup. Well, I’m kinda gearing up for that and wondered if you still wanted an invitation to the party. If I don’t get a response, then I won’t bother you again. But, if you’re interested, just drop me a wave and let me know what you’re up to. Danna out.”
I looked into prices, and the Nova Raider would do me just fine. I could afford it easily, even fully upgraded as per the Argon Military’s specs. It would only cost about two and a half million – though weaponry might change that price, I wanted a few… special modifications.
“OK, hotshot – I’m here. Where are you?”
“Well, for once I’m not in the bar. I’m in the ship showyard but I’ve just been looking around the stock ships. I haven’t asked any questions at all, of anyone – just like you asked.”
Val laughed. “Well I’m glad ya started listenin’ to me at last! Only taken ya six mazuras… I’ll be there in twenty mizuras. Think ya can stay outta trouble that long?”
She was there in fifteen, looking a little pensive. I’d have to find out what was bothering her later. Just at that moment, though, we had business to attend to.
“Good to see you, Val.” And it was, it was good to know that here was someone who actually cared a little.
“You too – so what’re ya after?”
“Um – well, I’m looking at the Nova Raider – but I want something that’ll mount PSGs. I know there are Pirates out there flying Novas with them but I don’t know if there are raiders with them. So, I was wondering if your contact could manage that. Not the weapons themselves, I’ll source them – just the mounting and control interface. What do you think? Reckon he can work some magic?”
“Lemme see. Gimme a couple stazuras to work on it?”
“Sure, I’m going to take one of these out for a little while and see how she flies. Whatever it takes, I reckon it’s worth about half a million over the stock price to me. If he wants more than that, I can’t really justify it. Of course, if you can get it for less, that’s always a bonus…”
I think there’s a cloning facility somewhere. Every time I’ve been into a shipyard, it’s been populated by people with really bright teeth – here in Omicron Lyrae, they were mostly men but the smiles were still the same. One time, I’ll remember to take sunshades.
“I’d like to try a Nova Raider, if I can. Do you have one that’s been fully upgraded for engines and rudder? It’s the dynamics I’m trying to test, rather than the cargo space. Also, do you have any target ranges with live drones? I might have to fight in the ship, so I’d like to see how she handles.”
“Of course, sir. We have a private range, you’re welcome to make full use of it. I’ll activate the access code for you, come back when you’re ready. As a safety precaution, the drives and weapons will not function beyond 12km from this station. Should you accidentally drift outside this range, we will of course arrange for you to be recovered.”
That was very well-put… Effectively, ‘don’t steal the ship, it’ll stop and then we’ll catch you – and you won’t be able to fight back’.
After about half a stazura, I brought the ship back. She was slower than BlockBuster, but not by that much – and the survivability was much higher, with a bigger and nastier range of weapons – particularly if Val’s contact came through. When I got back to BlockBuster, there were two messages waiting. Val’s was simple enough.
“OK, I’ve got ya a mechanic to talk to… But it’ll cost ya dinner! Lemme know when ya get back and we’ll arrange it.”
The other was a bit more of a surprise.
“Scott! Great to hear from you, of course I remember. And yes, I still want to come to the ‘party’. Still owe them futzers some serious payback. But they kinda did me a favour too, gave me a complete change of career. These tazuras I’m like a treasure hunter, if you want a fancy name for it. In fact, I might need your help, if you’re up for it. Kinda hush-hush, so I can’t give you details over the wave. Let me know if you want in, and we’ll meet up to talk about it. But you’re going to need something more substantial than that beat-up old Buster you were flying!”
I couldn’t do anything about Fil’s wave right now – but Val’s was another story. I called her up.
“OK, I’m done – and dinner is indeed on me. Where and when?”
“I’m hungry enough to eat your cookin’ – so make it fairly soon. Half a stazura? Level Seven has a great Boron eatery, best cocktails I ever tasted. And dress up a little, huh? I’m sick o’ flightsuits, thought I might try an’ scrub up a bit for a change. Ya might not recognise me… See ya there.”
That was new. But, hells, why not? I’d had another suit made up last time I was on Antigone Memorial before I killed Farnsworth, and had no opportunity to really wear it. A shower and shave later, I was heading for a Boron eatery in a brand-new suit. Outside was a short woman with shoulder-length brown hair and an ankle-length off-the-shoulder red dress – she was right, I almost didn’t recognise her.
“Lookin’ pretty sharp, hotshot – pretty sharp. So, whaddaya think?” She gave the most girlish giggle I’d heard from her, and a little twirl. “Does a girl good to glam up occasionally. Hope ya like it.”
I did. She would never really be considered stunningly beautiful, but this was a side of her I’d never seen and she looked very, very different.
“I do, it suits you! Think it’ll catch on as flight-wear?”
She narrowed her eyes in mock-seriousness. “Flight-wear? You been drinkin’ already?” Then she thought about it. “I’m sorry. That was cheap, and I don’t mean nothin’ by it. Hells, great start to a night- insult your date. Forgive me?”
I offered her my arm. “Nothing to forgive. After everything we’ve seen and done, the times we’ve bailed each other out? Nothing to forgive. Shall we eat?”
Over the course of the evening, we chatted about trades, profits, ships, told stories of childhoods and early lives. We swapped career histories, and she was amazed I’d started out as a miner pilot.
“You? Gettin’ ya hands dirty on a miner? Don’t strike me as your kinda thing, that’s a real surprise right there. But I like it, guess that’s where ya learned all them fancy flyin’ tricks. Reckon ya can teach me some?”
“I can try – not sure what I could teach you that you won’t already know, though.”
“Won’t know, ‘till we try… Might learn all sorts.” There was a difference in her laughter, a softness in her eyes. Still a mischievous glint, but there was more lurking there. “Come on, show me what ya got! I wanna fly!”
I picked up the tab for dinner, as promised. As I did so, I realised I still didn’t know anything about this contact of hers – this was the price I was supposed to pay for it, after all - but it could wait.
“Damn, did they turn off the life support? Colder than a Paranid welcome out here!” I could see the skin on her arm raised into bumps as the chill hit her. Ever the gentleman, I dropped my jacket around her shoulders. It swamped her.
“That’s better, thanks – it’s like a second dress, though! How’d you get arms this long? Spend a lot o’ time hangin’ from ‘em when you grew up? Primates in ya family tree?”
Val was certainly feeling better – whatever she had been pensive about since Farnsworth’s death seemed to be lifting, it was strange that looking so completely different had brought her back to being the woman I knew in the first place.
“I’ll get us out into free space. I’d never forgive ya if ya scratched Ol’ Faithful. Jus’ hang back a piece and we’ll get under way.”
This would be interesting – I’d never actually seen her fly other than as her escort or rescuer. She handled the ship with a gentle touch borne of familiarity. I wasn’t sure what exactly what I would be able to show her. She set a course for an open area, and let the autopilot take over.
She pushed the pilot’s chair back and stood. “Hmmm. Kinda cramped in here with two of us, ain’t it? Good job I don’t take up much room, huh? Look, this is a big moment – I ain’t never let nobody touch my ol’ girl for jazuras. Be careful, OK?”
It was definitely cramped. There was barely enough room to squeeze past each other. “Hey, watch what you’re doin’ there… Wouldn’t wanna get too close, would ya? Or maybe…”
I dropped into the chair and pulled it back towards the console, unsure of what to say. It was starting to get a little uncomfortable. Did she really want to learn some flying tricks?
“All right… I’m not sure what I can teach you. But, if I was in BlockBuster this is how I’d go evasive into a fight. You might want to grab something, or strap in. Might get a bit violent.”
“I gotta see what you’re doin’ – I’ll have to stand behind ya to watch the controls. I’ll be OK.”
I took hold of the stick, and put my left hand on the throttle controls.
“This part is simple. The throttle goes to the top, first.” The ship accelerated smoothly, but not quickly. This was a freighter, not a fighter. “Then, you ignore the throttle altogether. You want maximum speed at all times. Here are your strafe keys – the shiny ones you’ve barely touched… watch this.”
I held the stick back, and right, the starfield sliding down and to the left. I kicked the rudder, and the turn got tighter. Then I activated the right strafe, and the slide turned into a circle. “It’s not hard, but most people I guess keep their hand on the throttle. Ignore it, just max it and concentrate on the strafe. It’s also useful if you’re trying to get a line on your attacker with the turret. It’s tough to plan how to use it, but if it’s difficult to plan then it’s virtually impossible to predict. Specially if you switch your strafe direction.”
Punching the ‘down’ strafe changed the starfield’s motion again, and Val staggered; only just keeping hold of the chair.
“Ya know – doin’ this jus’ after a meal might not be the smartest move I ever made… Reckon we should slow down a piece. How ‘bout we switch places so’s I can practice?” She moved out from behind the chair so I could push it back – but as I stood, she didn’t move any further.
“Actually – how ‘bout we don’t go nowhere…” Her eyes were shining with reflected lights from the panel, and she was be breathing heavily – only emphasised by her dress. “Would… would you hold me for a mizura? Been jazuras since I felt this safe around anyone, Scott. Jus’ wanna feel that warmth for a while. Don’t have to mean nothin’, but it’s been such a great time I’d like ta finish it feeling as good as I can. Like ya said earlier- we been through a lot, I trust ya, I worried about ya. Now we’re here, I wanna know ya feel it.”
I couldn’t really turn her down – and to be fair, I felt similar things. We had been through a lot, and it had been a good time. So, I put my hands on her shoulders and pulled her in, feeling the weight of her head on my chest. It was something I’d not felt in over a jazura, and yes, it felt good. But this was no time to get involved, I had dangerous things to do, and it was still just too damn soon for me. I had to hope Val understood that. I think we stood there for maybe five mizuras, before she lifted her head and looked up at me.
“You’re not ready, are ya? S’OK, hotshot. I understand. Really, I do. Jus’ remember if ya ever feel ya want to do this again, I’ll be here for ya. An’ I hope you could say the same?”
“Mmm. Yeah, I can. But you’re right – I’m not ready for anything really serious Val. It’s too soon for me, and I’ve also got to do something that might well kill me. I wouldn’t want to start something then just run off and die somewhere. Wouldn’t be fair on you…”
“Well, it doesn’ stop me caring, hotshot. Even if there ain’t no more to it than that – I still care, OK? Or I wouldn’t’ve come lookin’ for ya in the first place, I coulda jus’ declared ya dead an’ taken that inheritance ya told me about. Jus’ accept it, Scott. We’re in this together. Ain’t nothin’ wrong with holdin’ a friend every now an’ again, is there? Is it a deal?”
“Sure it’s a deal… You drive a hard bargain, Ms. Kleppen. I bet you’ve got stations worried all over space! And for the record, just because I’m not ready for anything serious, it doesn’t mean I don’t care. I’m not just protecting an investment when I jump in to pull your ass out from under a Pirate horde, you know.”
I pulled her in again. “And you’re right. Nothing wrong with holding someone. Might even get used to it... Sure feels good. So, still want to try these manoeuvres?”
“I can think o’ others I’d rather try – but yeah, I’ll give ‘em a go. Move that frame o’ yours, an’ lemme take a seat…”
After another stazura of flying, she could handle the strafe drive in flight and we headed back to the Shipyard to meet her contact. Another tazura, and I’d spent almost three million credits – but SuperNova now sat in the dock waiting for a load of weaponry.
“Fil, I’m interested in your hush-hush treasure hunt. I’ve got myself a Nova Raider, and as soon as it’s armed I’ll be ready to meet you – about three tazuras, maybe sooner. I’ll let you know. Looking forward to hearing from you...”
-
gsheriston
- Posts: 351
- Joined: Mon, 9. Feb 04, 22:21
Best Served Cold
Chapter Thirty-Five – Escort
SuperNova jumped into the North gate of Merchant Haven, and headed straight for the Trading Station. In the hold I had a mixture of weaponry – including a trio of PSGs, for which I had a very special task in Brennan’s Triumph. I waved Fil to let him know I’d arrived, and to line up a couple of steaks for us in a stazura.
Fil delivered. By the time I arrived, one of the biggest steaks I'd ever seen was sitting on a crisp bed of leaves, various vegetables dotted around the plate. The entire plate was steaming. Fil raised his glass, and tipped it towards me in greeting. We got started on the meal, and caught up a bit on what we'd been doing. After a while, Fil cleared his throat.
“Well, you’re looking a little more well-heeled these tazuras, Scott! Nova Raider, huh? Reckon that’ll do us just fine. Look, here’s the deal. I can’t let you go after I’ve told you what I’m going to do – so you’re along for the ride whatever you choose, if you still want to hear it.”
“How in all the hells are you going to do that?”
“Uh… I’m a bit embarrassed to tell you, but – I’ve put something in your food. In about a stazura you’ll get very sleepy, unless I give you an antidote. You’ll be out for about two tazuras, then you’ll wake up with no ill effects. It was given to me by Boron secret services, and that’s all I can tell you. Shouldn’t really have told you that much, but I trust you. So – I can give you the antidote now and you can walk away, or you can hear what I’m going to do then you can choose what happens. What’s it to be?”
“You low-life, scum sucking… That’s really not a great way to start this, Fil. But OK, I’ll hear what you’ve got to say. No promises, but I’ll hear.”
“Yeah, I’m not real happy about it myself; the conditions were forced on me. Here’s the thing. I’ve been hired by some top-secret Boron research institute that I still can’t name to you. They’ve asked me to retrieve something for them, near here. But it’s going to be difficult, and dangerous, so I want an escort along. Your wave couldn’t have arrived at a better time actually – I’d been looking for someone to tag along for about a wozura and was almost ready to go it alone. I have to retrieve a ship, but it’s currently dead. I’ll need to tow it back, and I don’t have a ship capable of doing it- there’s one close to the target vessel, a corvette, but it’s in a hell of a state. I’m not sure whether the tractor beam will move the target or just pull the corvette apart. Whichever happens, I want someone along who can either pick me up ready for another attempt, or watch over me while I get the target back to Grand Exchange. Once we’re there, I’ll make sure you’re rewarded. Four million, in cold, hard cash. It’s going to be slow, and I’m sure it’ll be difficult. It’s top-secret, but you know how things get out. I can’t guarantee that we’ll be safe. The Nova will be invaluable. So – what do you think? You in?”
I picked up my glass, and clinked it against his. “You’d better give me that antidote quick. I’m starting to feel a little dozy. But I’m in.”
SuperNova and Fil’s freighter arrived within sezuras of each other. We were a sector West and two sectors South of Merchant Haven, way off the charts. Fil fed me navigation data, and we set the autopilots running. We’d synchronised SETA drives so we could still talk to each other while they were active – otherwise, they’d be slightly out and we would sound odd to each other – too fast, or too slow. While we travelled, Fil brought me up to speed. There was a Nemesis sitting out there, capable of not much more than walking speed – but it could pull the bigger target vessel, a Paranid prototype of some kind. He had a tractor beam in the hold of his freighter, and a transporter device. He would establish control over the Nemesis, then transfer over the tractor beam. I’d stay clear while he made the connection, and got the thing under way – in case things went horribly badly – then fly CAP while he towed the prototype back. Slowly. Very slowly. That was another reason why we had synchronised the SETAs, so we each had someone to talk to while we made that long trip.
Initially, everything went smoothly. The target was a shiny thing, with a huge X-shaped wing at the aft, and a tapering pair of vertically stacked delta-shapes at the nose. It was about twice the size of the Corvette we were going to use as a tow-vessel, and looked completely at odds with the other wrecks in the area – whether this was some obscure secret testing ground, or a Pirate’s horde, I never knew. Fil got the Nemesis up and limping, and installed the tractor beam. The eerie green beam latched onto the nose of the prototype, and as Fil fired the corvette’s engines the pair started to move. Just.
Sezuras later, three of the wrecks lit up as hostile behind me and started in on the prototype. The Nova’s turret finished one of them off quickly, the M5 was caught squarely by a couple of HEP blasts and evaporated.
The M3s didn’t last a great deal longer, SuperNova was devastating in her armament… I didn’t see myself flying BlockBuster much more. By the time I’d finished ‘playing’, Fil was clear of the asteroid field. He’d sent his freighter back to the shipyard in Grand Exchange, our eventual destination.
For the first couple of ‘perceived’ stazuras, everything went smoothly – well, mostly smoothly. Fil got a nasty shock from a panel he was repairing, but by the time he was finished he’d got the speed of the Nemesis up to a massive 17m/s… I dropped out of SETA and waved Val.
“I’m going to be out here for quite a while, Val. Don’t go having me declared dead or anything… Though flying these sectors at 17m/s, it might feel like it to me. So far, it’s been pretty tedious. Been thinking about my next step, and it’s got to be M6 class. Realistically, brilliant though SuperNova is, I don’t think she’s strong enough to get through the base’s shields. I’d love a Dragon, for the PPCs. But, the Split still don’t like me much. Teladi on the other hand will sell anything to anyone - so while it’s not ideal I reckon the Osprey will do. Trouble is, I need a total of about twenty million. I reckon the four million I’m due to make will just about get me there. How’s things with you?”
“Oh, ya know – nuthin’ much happenin’, been scanned about a million times by the Tri-Eyes who apologise real well when they see I’m carryin’ foodstuffs for ‘em. Stayin’ in core sectors only, while you’re outta range. If the purple ones drop in for a dust-up, I’m outta there in ten sezuras. I’m safe – you should try to be, too. Stay sharp, hotshot. Lookin’ forward to seein’ this Osprey.”
Things had been a little awkward since our moment on Ol’ Faithful, but we’d talked and realised that really – we were looking for the same thing. Someone to hold on to, someone to remind us that we weren’t completely alone even though we both felt like it. We would be fine.
Entering system – Maelstrom
Not long, now. We were entering the most dangerous part of the trip. Maelstrom was a known Pirate haunt, and a big empty sector. Filled with a thick fog, visibility was low and sensors were often confused. This is why it was a Pirate haunt; it was perfect for an ambush.
Somehow, Fil had patched into the much more advanced sensors of the prototype – he was able to spot Pirates at a much greater distance than they could see him, and plotted us a course away from most of them. Three times, though, we couldn’t get past without attracting attention.
“Get them off me, Scott! I can’t afford to break the tractor lock and even if I did, this thing would fall apart in combat.”
The Falcons swarmed around the Prototype, perhaps wondering why it hadn’t opened fire on them. While they were wondering why it hadn’t opened fire, I got myself into a position where I could. It wasn’t easy, I had to try very hard not to hit Fil or the prototype. I was reduced to making runs at them from below or above the two ships, or sliding out from behind it on strafe drive alone and firing down the line of travel. Luckily, none of them were carrying PSGs, or the Nemesis would have crumbled to dust. I’d held my breath both times we’d traversed jump gates, in case Fil never arrived at the other side.
As he lined up for the jump to Merchant Haven and prepared to max his engines, two more Falcons jumped into the sector appearing in the 6km between the Nemesis and the gate. I had almost no time to act, they’d be on him in sezuras. All I could do was position myself between them and wave Fil to hang back – then switch to PSGs and open fire. The expanding blue cones just shredded the Falcons, as they had in Moo-Kye’s – but this time, they weren’t firing from behind me and I was only taking damage from the incoming fire. But I had to just absorb it, I didn’t dare let any get through to Fil.
Shields Critical
Dear gods won’t these things fire any faster? I was shooting as fast as I could, but the ships just wouldn’t die. I switched back to HEPTs and started throwing green bolts instead. One of the Falcons perished under the onslaught – and with the odds back to one-on-one both Fil and I stood a much better chance. I simply charged at the Falcon with all guns blazing, then side-slipped at the last sezura to broadside the long ship.
Twenty-Five Megajoule Shield – Destroyed.
Jump-drive – Destroyed.
At the point I strafed, the Falcon launched more high-energy plasma of its own.
“Fil, I can’t stop it! Get your shields up, if they aren’t already!”
He had, but the impact shook loose the tractor lock and the Nemesis stared to move forwards. While he fought to re-establish it, the Falcon started to move in on him. I was out of time. Two full bursts into his engines triggered a chain reaction, though, and sent the ship spinning end-over-end… straight for the Prototype. About 1.5km short of it, though, the engine chamber detonated. Sparks flew from the prototype’s shields, which I hadn’t realised were operational. It surprised Fil, too.
“What the HELLS happened there? I thought we were dead!”
“Looks like your prize has something impressive in the shield bays. Any ideas?”
“None. I’m just the delivery boy – I’ll let the eggheads sort it out. Now, are we clear to go?”
We were. At least, we were on this side of the gate. I pushed on through to Grand Exchange, and all was quiet. I cleared the area and waved Fil. About four mizuras later, he arrived with the Prototype. The rest of the trip to Grand Exchange was fairly uneventful – until we got to the shipyard.
Fil docked the Nemesis, releasing the tractor beam only at the last mizura – the prototype coasted to a stop 3km from the shipyard. Almost immediately, a swarm of drones emerged from a nearby Orca and enveloped the prototype. An Octopus detached from the Shipyard, and docked with the new arrival – another surprise, neither of us had realised there were ports on it. This was something truly awe-inspiring. As I docked, Fil waved me.
“Meet me in the bar, Scott. Got a surprise for you…”
Chapter Thirty-Five – Escort
SuperNova jumped into the North gate of Merchant Haven, and headed straight for the Trading Station. In the hold I had a mixture of weaponry – including a trio of PSGs, for which I had a very special task in Brennan’s Triumph. I waved Fil to let him know I’d arrived, and to line up a couple of steaks for us in a stazura.
Fil delivered. By the time I arrived, one of the biggest steaks I'd ever seen was sitting on a crisp bed of leaves, various vegetables dotted around the plate. The entire plate was steaming. Fil raised his glass, and tipped it towards me in greeting. We got started on the meal, and caught up a bit on what we'd been doing. After a while, Fil cleared his throat.
“Well, you’re looking a little more well-heeled these tazuras, Scott! Nova Raider, huh? Reckon that’ll do us just fine. Look, here’s the deal. I can’t let you go after I’ve told you what I’m going to do – so you’re along for the ride whatever you choose, if you still want to hear it.”
“How in all the hells are you going to do that?”
“Uh… I’m a bit embarrassed to tell you, but – I’ve put something in your food. In about a stazura you’ll get very sleepy, unless I give you an antidote. You’ll be out for about two tazuras, then you’ll wake up with no ill effects. It was given to me by Boron secret services, and that’s all I can tell you. Shouldn’t really have told you that much, but I trust you. So – I can give you the antidote now and you can walk away, or you can hear what I’m going to do then you can choose what happens. What’s it to be?”
“You low-life, scum sucking… That’s really not a great way to start this, Fil. But OK, I’ll hear what you’ve got to say. No promises, but I’ll hear.”
“Yeah, I’m not real happy about it myself; the conditions were forced on me. Here’s the thing. I’ve been hired by some top-secret Boron research institute that I still can’t name to you. They’ve asked me to retrieve something for them, near here. But it’s going to be difficult, and dangerous, so I want an escort along. Your wave couldn’t have arrived at a better time actually – I’d been looking for someone to tag along for about a wozura and was almost ready to go it alone. I have to retrieve a ship, but it’s currently dead. I’ll need to tow it back, and I don’t have a ship capable of doing it- there’s one close to the target vessel, a corvette, but it’s in a hell of a state. I’m not sure whether the tractor beam will move the target or just pull the corvette apart. Whichever happens, I want someone along who can either pick me up ready for another attempt, or watch over me while I get the target back to Grand Exchange. Once we’re there, I’ll make sure you’re rewarded. Four million, in cold, hard cash. It’s going to be slow, and I’m sure it’ll be difficult. It’s top-secret, but you know how things get out. I can’t guarantee that we’ll be safe. The Nova will be invaluable. So – what do you think? You in?”
I picked up my glass, and clinked it against his. “You’d better give me that antidote quick. I’m starting to feel a little dozy. But I’m in.”
SuperNova and Fil’s freighter arrived within sezuras of each other. We were a sector West and two sectors South of Merchant Haven, way off the charts. Fil fed me navigation data, and we set the autopilots running. We’d synchronised SETA drives so we could still talk to each other while they were active – otherwise, they’d be slightly out and we would sound odd to each other – too fast, or too slow. While we travelled, Fil brought me up to speed. There was a Nemesis sitting out there, capable of not much more than walking speed – but it could pull the bigger target vessel, a Paranid prototype of some kind. He had a tractor beam in the hold of his freighter, and a transporter device. He would establish control over the Nemesis, then transfer over the tractor beam. I’d stay clear while he made the connection, and got the thing under way – in case things went horribly badly – then fly CAP while he towed the prototype back. Slowly. Very slowly. That was another reason why we had synchronised the SETAs, so we each had someone to talk to while we made that long trip.
Initially, everything went smoothly. The target was a shiny thing, with a huge X-shaped wing at the aft, and a tapering pair of vertically stacked delta-shapes at the nose. It was about twice the size of the Corvette we were going to use as a tow-vessel, and looked completely at odds with the other wrecks in the area – whether this was some obscure secret testing ground, or a Pirate’s horde, I never knew. Fil got the Nemesis up and limping, and installed the tractor beam. The eerie green beam latched onto the nose of the prototype, and as Fil fired the corvette’s engines the pair started to move. Just.
Sezuras later, three of the wrecks lit up as hostile behind me and started in on the prototype. The Nova’s turret finished one of them off quickly, the M5 was caught squarely by a couple of HEP blasts and evaporated.
The M3s didn’t last a great deal longer, SuperNova was devastating in her armament… I didn’t see myself flying BlockBuster much more. By the time I’d finished ‘playing’, Fil was clear of the asteroid field. He’d sent his freighter back to the shipyard in Grand Exchange, our eventual destination.
For the first couple of ‘perceived’ stazuras, everything went smoothly – well, mostly smoothly. Fil got a nasty shock from a panel he was repairing, but by the time he was finished he’d got the speed of the Nemesis up to a massive 17m/s… I dropped out of SETA and waved Val.
“I’m going to be out here for quite a while, Val. Don’t go having me declared dead or anything… Though flying these sectors at 17m/s, it might feel like it to me. So far, it’s been pretty tedious. Been thinking about my next step, and it’s got to be M6 class. Realistically, brilliant though SuperNova is, I don’t think she’s strong enough to get through the base’s shields. I’d love a Dragon, for the PPCs. But, the Split still don’t like me much. Teladi on the other hand will sell anything to anyone - so while it’s not ideal I reckon the Osprey will do. Trouble is, I need a total of about twenty million. I reckon the four million I’m due to make will just about get me there. How’s things with you?”
“Oh, ya know – nuthin’ much happenin’, been scanned about a million times by the Tri-Eyes who apologise real well when they see I’m carryin’ foodstuffs for ‘em. Stayin’ in core sectors only, while you’re outta range. If the purple ones drop in for a dust-up, I’m outta there in ten sezuras. I’m safe – you should try to be, too. Stay sharp, hotshot. Lookin’ forward to seein’ this Osprey.”
Things had been a little awkward since our moment on Ol’ Faithful, but we’d talked and realised that really – we were looking for the same thing. Someone to hold on to, someone to remind us that we weren’t completely alone even though we both felt like it. We would be fine.
Entering system – Maelstrom
Not long, now. We were entering the most dangerous part of the trip. Maelstrom was a known Pirate haunt, and a big empty sector. Filled with a thick fog, visibility was low and sensors were often confused. This is why it was a Pirate haunt; it was perfect for an ambush.
Somehow, Fil had patched into the much more advanced sensors of the prototype – he was able to spot Pirates at a much greater distance than they could see him, and plotted us a course away from most of them. Three times, though, we couldn’t get past without attracting attention.
“Get them off me, Scott! I can’t afford to break the tractor lock and even if I did, this thing would fall apart in combat.”
The Falcons swarmed around the Prototype, perhaps wondering why it hadn’t opened fire on them. While they were wondering why it hadn’t opened fire, I got myself into a position where I could. It wasn’t easy, I had to try very hard not to hit Fil or the prototype. I was reduced to making runs at them from below or above the two ships, or sliding out from behind it on strafe drive alone and firing down the line of travel. Luckily, none of them were carrying PSGs, or the Nemesis would have crumbled to dust. I’d held my breath both times we’d traversed jump gates, in case Fil never arrived at the other side.
As he lined up for the jump to Merchant Haven and prepared to max his engines, two more Falcons jumped into the sector appearing in the 6km between the Nemesis and the gate. I had almost no time to act, they’d be on him in sezuras. All I could do was position myself between them and wave Fil to hang back – then switch to PSGs and open fire. The expanding blue cones just shredded the Falcons, as they had in Moo-Kye’s – but this time, they weren’t firing from behind me and I was only taking damage from the incoming fire. But I had to just absorb it, I didn’t dare let any get through to Fil.
Shields Critical
Dear gods won’t these things fire any faster? I was shooting as fast as I could, but the ships just wouldn’t die. I switched back to HEPTs and started throwing green bolts instead. One of the Falcons perished under the onslaught – and with the odds back to one-on-one both Fil and I stood a much better chance. I simply charged at the Falcon with all guns blazing, then side-slipped at the last sezura to broadside the long ship.
Twenty-Five Megajoule Shield – Destroyed.
Jump-drive – Destroyed.
At the point I strafed, the Falcon launched more high-energy plasma of its own.
“Fil, I can’t stop it! Get your shields up, if they aren’t already!”
He had, but the impact shook loose the tractor lock and the Nemesis stared to move forwards. While he fought to re-establish it, the Falcon started to move in on him. I was out of time. Two full bursts into his engines triggered a chain reaction, though, and sent the ship spinning end-over-end… straight for the Prototype. About 1.5km short of it, though, the engine chamber detonated. Sparks flew from the prototype’s shields, which I hadn’t realised were operational. It surprised Fil, too.
“What the HELLS happened there? I thought we were dead!”
“Looks like your prize has something impressive in the shield bays. Any ideas?”
“None. I’m just the delivery boy – I’ll let the eggheads sort it out. Now, are we clear to go?”
We were. At least, we were on this side of the gate. I pushed on through to Grand Exchange, and all was quiet. I cleared the area and waved Fil. About four mizuras later, he arrived with the Prototype. The rest of the trip to Grand Exchange was fairly uneventful – until we got to the shipyard.
Fil docked the Nemesis, releasing the tractor beam only at the last mizura – the prototype coasted to a stop 3km from the shipyard. Almost immediately, a swarm of drones emerged from a nearby Orca and enveloped the prototype. An Octopus detached from the Shipyard, and docked with the new arrival – another surprise, neither of us had realised there were ports on it. This was something truly awe-inspiring. As I docked, Fil waved me.
“Meet me in the bar, Scott. Got a surprise for you…”
-
gsheriston
- Posts: 351
- Joined: Mon, 9. Feb 04, 22:21
Best Served Cold
Chapter Thirty-Six – Parting is Such Sweet Sorrow
“She’s yours. Take her! If I never see the interior of a Nemesis again, it’ll be ten jazuras too soon. If you don’t, I’ll just sell her – I know you can put her to damned good use. I reckon there’s a party she deserves to go to, and she’d be a perfect date for you.”
“I can’t just ‘take’ a ship! That Nemesis is worth much more than the four million you’d originally offered me, and it wasn’t that difficult getting her.”
“Look – I’m not supposed to tell you this, but I’m going to. Just don’t let on, OK? They’re giving me the Hyperion. They’ve got all the info they need to build more, so they’re giving me this one. It’s a top-of-the-line battlecruiser, almost a match for any Destroyer. In fact, she’s perfect for what you’re planning – jump-capable, and able to carry two fighters on external docking ports. Turrets everywhere. She’s a beast. You know those shields we were so impressed with? They’re GIGAjoule, three of ‘em. Tell you what; I’ll sell the Nemesis to you – half-price, deal?”
“OK, I can cope with that. Five million for M6 is more than reasonable.”
“Not five – one. Five, minus the four I owe you. One million credits, and she’s yours.”
I’d been out-negotiated for a lower price. First time in history that had happened… But I’d take it. On arrival, the Boron research company Fil had been working for, Bala Gi Research, had repaired the Nemesis fully – but left her without weapons or shields.
“Sold, to the guy with no self-preservation instinct. I’ll take her.”
While the transfer of cash and ownership went through, I got BlockBuster moving my way and waved Val.
“Um – I don’t have an Osprey. I have a Nemesis – and now I need guns. Lots and lots of guns. I need nine Beta-PSGs. Oh, and 3 125Mj shields. Think you can find them?”
“Not immediately, but yeah – I can get ‘em. Leave it with me, shouldn’t be more than a couple tazuras. Where you want ‘em?”
“Um… Antigone Memorial. I have something I need to do there. I’ll be going straight there, and staying ‘till you arrive. From there, I’ll be leaving for Brennan’s Triumph. It’s time that was done, once and for all time. I’ll see you there.”
With the transfer finished and the ship renamed ‘Extreme Prejudice’, I went back to Fil in the bar.
“I need to ask you a favour. In about a stazura, I’ll have two ships here without jump-drives. Can I ask you to carry them with you, until we get to Brennan’s Triumph? That should be about a wozura. I intend to use them as cover for us, and a few extra guns on our side wouldn’t hurt. I’m formally inviting your new lady to join us at the party, if you’re prepared to risk her. It might get pretty hairy, so I could understand if you said no.”
“Hells, YEAH. No way I’m missing this one. And like I said, she’ll be perfect. I’ll be carrier for your ships, no problem. Just tell me when and where you want me to be – we’ll toast ‘em. I’ve got some purchases to make… a few explosives here and there. See you in a wozura or so. Stay safe until then.”
I was back at the gardens, probably for the last time. I had come to say goodbye to my family. It was the height of summer at BalaShandra, the hot sun beating down on me and making the names inlaid on the black stone sparkle in the morning light. Val would be here soon, maybe another couple of stazuras – I didn’t have long. I’d already moved the bush around the back of the stone – now as it grew untended, it would not obscure their faces or their names. I had cut one last bloom from Cora’s original plant, and once again I pressed it to my lips before tracing the crimson head over the hologram in the stone. I tried to reach for my feelings, but I found I didn’t have any. No remorse, no regret, no sadness, no anger. I was completely empty. If pushed, I’d have said I was ready to die. Feelings would just get in the way of what I was about to do.
“Won’t be long now, love. I reckon another tazura and I’ll be with you. So, Beth- get practicing your spacewalks. Steve, start reading up on Discoverer controls. And Alice? Alice, I need you to go pick some flowers. All the things we said we’d do, we’re going to do soon, OK? What I’m about to do – I’m doing it for you. For the justice you deserve. Nothing but death will stop me now, you will be avenged. I don’t care whether it’s legal, it’s right. If I start to fear – give me courage. If I start to falter- give me strength. If I start to fail – give me resolve. I will need your help now, more than ever. You were all my strength, my drive, my reason to go on. I need you to be that again, just a little while longer. I have missed you every single tazura, and I can’t go on for many more. I love you all more than I can put into words, and while I’ve done terrible things since you were taken from me – I hope you can understand why, and I hope you can forgive me for them. I have to go, my dears. I fear I won’t be back – but if I’m not, it’s because I’m wherever you are anyway.”
I leaned my head against the holo, putting myself among my family one more time. Tears streaked the dusty surface of the stone, and dripped onto the flower I then laid carefully at the foot of the memorial. I kissed my fingers, and pressed them against the hologram. I read aloud the poem I’d read at their memorial. Turning away from the stone, and walking back to the skimmer-rank was one of the hardest things I’ve ever done.
“I got it all, hotshot. All of it, and it’s all been transferred across. She’s a beauty, isn’t she?”
Val and I were sitting in a café in Panathora. It was the first time we’d been planetside together, even after the best part of a jazura working together.
“That she is, but I don’t really have the chance to appreciate her fine lines – only her guns and her shields. She’s fully stocked, now. PSGs everywhere, spare HEPT in the hold, jump-drive fuel to get me there and back again. Val, look – you know there’s a good chance I won’t be coming back, don’t you?”
“I gotta accept that, yeah. Don’t ask me ta like it, though. But look at it this way, hotshot – all the times people have tried ta kill ya – you’re still here ain’t ya? What makes ya think this’ll be any different?”
“I’m going in to pick a fight with a much stronger enemy. More ships than I know, and a massive installation to take out. Laser towers, mines, missiles, who knows what they’ll throw?”
“Backup. Ya need backup. Someone ta come an’ scoop ya up if ya get into trouble – and ya do have a knack for that kinda thing, don’tcha?”
“Backup I have… I’ll be meeting an old contact there, and he’ll be in something between a Destroyer and a Corvette – he’ll be covering my back. BlockBuster and SuperNova will be there, on autopilot of course, but they’ll be additional targets and more guns. SuperNova in particular, with those PSGs. I’m ready, Val. I’m ready.”
“Well, I ain’t. I want some things from ya, afore you go. Some assurances. First, that once this is done you’ll start thinkin’ about maybe settlin’ down – or at least takin’ a vacation. You’re burned out, hotshot. Ya need a break, or a change o’ career. Second – if it looks like ya can’t get the job done, you’ll get the hells outta there fast. It’ll still be there later if ya can get to go back. If ya let them kill ya by fightin’ on too long, you’ll never do it. Third – ah, to hells with third. Come on. There’s other things we gotta do here an’ I’m not lettin’ ya go ‘till they’re done.”
We shared an orbital shuttle back to the docking ring – then Val grabbed my hand, and virtually dragged me into Ol’ Faithful.
“If you’re so dead-set on not comin’ back – well, I wanna know what harm one kiss is gonna do ya. None, right? None at all. Dammit, Scott. I might never see ya again. Never. Jus’ when I get used ta havin’ someone lookin’ out for me you’s gonna run off and maybe not come back. I said we got things ta do, an’ I meant it.”
High-gravity upbringing had given her a powerful physique – I didn’t stand much chance of resisting, when she pulled my head down towards her; and I wasn’t sure I wanted to resist anyway…
Three stazuras later, I waved Fil.
“It’s time, Fil. I’m fully fuelled, firecrackers are loaded, and we have Search, Rescue and Retrieval on standby. The base is a little above the ecliptic, and surrounded by asteroids – best bet is to go in through the West gate, then go high. I’ll try and get into position before you arrive – give me three mizuras to get there, then you can come and play. You’ll be fighter suppression and additional fire support if I can’t crack this thing with Extreme Prejudice. When you arrive, release my ships and I’ll get them moving to support you. Don’t know how long they’ll last, though, if things get hectic. Combat autopilot isn’t up to dogfighting, they’ll be additional targets at best. But if they buy us some time, that’ll do.”
His answer was almost instantaneous.
We’re ready here, Scott. Just waiting for your mark. Got a mixture of PSGs for area suppression and PACs for point defence. Oh, and HEPT for anything that gets too tough to chew on. See you there – we won’t be late. Leave something for us to do, won’t you?”
Jump device charging at… ten percent
“I will. If we’re all ready, then I’m calling it a go. Val, stand by for any call from me or from Fil – don’t take any dumb risks, though. Fil – three mizuras from now. MARK”
Jumping…
Chapter Thirty-Six – Parting is Such Sweet Sorrow
“She’s yours. Take her! If I never see the interior of a Nemesis again, it’ll be ten jazuras too soon. If you don’t, I’ll just sell her – I know you can put her to damned good use. I reckon there’s a party she deserves to go to, and she’d be a perfect date for you.”
“I can’t just ‘take’ a ship! That Nemesis is worth much more than the four million you’d originally offered me, and it wasn’t that difficult getting her.”
“Look – I’m not supposed to tell you this, but I’m going to. Just don’t let on, OK? They’re giving me the Hyperion. They’ve got all the info they need to build more, so they’re giving me this one. It’s a top-of-the-line battlecruiser, almost a match for any Destroyer. In fact, she’s perfect for what you’re planning – jump-capable, and able to carry two fighters on external docking ports. Turrets everywhere. She’s a beast. You know those shields we were so impressed with? They’re GIGAjoule, three of ‘em. Tell you what; I’ll sell the Nemesis to you – half-price, deal?”
“OK, I can cope with that. Five million for M6 is more than reasonable.”
“Not five – one. Five, minus the four I owe you. One million credits, and she’s yours.”
I’d been out-negotiated for a lower price. First time in history that had happened… But I’d take it. On arrival, the Boron research company Fil had been working for, Bala Gi Research, had repaired the Nemesis fully – but left her without weapons or shields.
“Sold, to the guy with no self-preservation instinct. I’ll take her.”
While the transfer of cash and ownership went through, I got BlockBuster moving my way and waved Val.
“Um – I don’t have an Osprey. I have a Nemesis – and now I need guns. Lots and lots of guns. I need nine Beta-PSGs. Oh, and 3 125Mj shields. Think you can find them?”
“Not immediately, but yeah – I can get ‘em. Leave it with me, shouldn’t be more than a couple tazuras. Where you want ‘em?”
“Um… Antigone Memorial. I have something I need to do there. I’ll be going straight there, and staying ‘till you arrive. From there, I’ll be leaving for Brennan’s Triumph. It’s time that was done, once and for all time. I’ll see you there.”
With the transfer finished and the ship renamed ‘Extreme Prejudice’, I went back to Fil in the bar.
“I need to ask you a favour. In about a stazura, I’ll have two ships here without jump-drives. Can I ask you to carry them with you, until we get to Brennan’s Triumph? That should be about a wozura. I intend to use them as cover for us, and a few extra guns on our side wouldn’t hurt. I’m formally inviting your new lady to join us at the party, if you’re prepared to risk her. It might get pretty hairy, so I could understand if you said no.”
“Hells, YEAH. No way I’m missing this one. And like I said, she’ll be perfect. I’ll be carrier for your ships, no problem. Just tell me when and where you want me to be – we’ll toast ‘em. I’ve got some purchases to make… a few explosives here and there. See you in a wozura or so. Stay safe until then.”
I was back at the gardens, probably for the last time. I had come to say goodbye to my family. It was the height of summer at BalaShandra, the hot sun beating down on me and making the names inlaid on the black stone sparkle in the morning light. Val would be here soon, maybe another couple of stazuras – I didn’t have long. I’d already moved the bush around the back of the stone – now as it grew untended, it would not obscure their faces or their names. I had cut one last bloom from Cora’s original plant, and once again I pressed it to my lips before tracing the crimson head over the hologram in the stone. I tried to reach for my feelings, but I found I didn’t have any. No remorse, no regret, no sadness, no anger. I was completely empty. If pushed, I’d have said I was ready to die. Feelings would just get in the way of what I was about to do.
“Won’t be long now, love. I reckon another tazura and I’ll be with you. So, Beth- get practicing your spacewalks. Steve, start reading up on Discoverer controls. And Alice? Alice, I need you to go pick some flowers. All the things we said we’d do, we’re going to do soon, OK? What I’m about to do – I’m doing it for you. For the justice you deserve. Nothing but death will stop me now, you will be avenged. I don’t care whether it’s legal, it’s right. If I start to fear – give me courage. If I start to falter- give me strength. If I start to fail – give me resolve. I will need your help now, more than ever. You were all my strength, my drive, my reason to go on. I need you to be that again, just a little while longer. I have missed you every single tazura, and I can’t go on for many more. I love you all more than I can put into words, and while I’ve done terrible things since you were taken from me – I hope you can understand why, and I hope you can forgive me for them. I have to go, my dears. I fear I won’t be back – but if I’m not, it’s because I’m wherever you are anyway.”
I leaned my head against the holo, putting myself among my family one more time. Tears streaked the dusty surface of the stone, and dripped onto the flower I then laid carefully at the foot of the memorial. I kissed my fingers, and pressed them against the hologram. I read aloud the poem I’d read at their memorial. Turning away from the stone, and walking back to the skimmer-rank was one of the hardest things I’ve ever done.
“I got it all, hotshot. All of it, and it’s all been transferred across. She’s a beauty, isn’t she?”
Val and I were sitting in a café in Panathora. It was the first time we’d been planetside together, even after the best part of a jazura working together.
“That she is, but I don’t really have the chance to appreciate her fine lines – only her guns and her shields. She’s fully stocked, now. PSGs everywhere, spare HEPT in the hold, jump-drive fuel to get me there and back again. Val, look – you know there’s a good chance I won’t be coming back, don’t you?”
“I gotta accept that, yeah. Don’t ask me ta like it, though. But look at it this way, hotshot – all the times people have tried ta kill ya – you’re still here ain’t ya? What makes ya think this’ll be any different?”
“I’m going in to pick a fight with a much stronger enemy. More ships than I know, and a massive installation to take out. Laser towers, mines, missiles, who knows what they’ll throw?”
“Backup. Ya need backup. Someone ta come an’ scoop ya up if ya get into trouble – and ya do have a knack for that kinda thing, don’tcha?”
“Backup I have… I’ll be meeting an old contact there, and he’ll be in something between a Destroyer and a Corvette – he’ll be covering my back. BlockBuster and SuperNova will be there, on autopilot of course, but they’ll be additional targets and more guns. SuperNova in particular, with those PSGs. I’m ready, Val. I’m ready.”
“Well, I ain’t. I want some things from ya, afore you go. Some assurances. First, that once this is done you’ll start thinkin’ about maybe settlin’ down – or at least takin’ a vacation. You’re burned out, hotshot. Ya need a break, or a change o’ career. Second – if it looks like ya can’t get the job done, you’ll get the hells outta there fast. It’ll still be there later if ya can get to go back. If ya let them kill ya by fightin’ on too long, you’ll never do it. Third – ah, to hells with third. Come on. There’s other things we gotta do here an’ I’m not lettin’ ya go ‘till they’re done.”
We shared an orbital shuttle back to the docking ring – then Val grabbed my hand, and virtually dragged me into Ol’ Faithful.
“If you’re so dead-set on not comin’ back – well, I wanna know what harm one kiss is gonna do ya. None, right? None at all. Dammit, Scott. I might never see ya again. Never. Jus’ when I get used ta havin’ someone lookin’ out for me you’s gonna run off and maybe not come back. I said we got things ta do, an’ I meant it.”
High-gravity upbringing had given her a powerful physique – I didn’t stand much chance of resisting, when she pulled my head down towards her; and I wasn’t sure I wanted to resist anyway…
Three stazuras later, I waved Fil.
“It’s time, Fil. I’m fully fuelled, firecrackers are loaded, and we have Search, Rescue and Retrieval on standby. The base is a little above the ecliptic, and surrounded by asteroids – best bet is to go in through the West gate, then go high. I’ll try and get into position before you arrive – give me three mizuras to get there, then you can come and play. You’ll be fighter suppression and additional fire support if I can’t crack this thing with Extreme Prejudice. When you arrive, release my ships and I’ll get them moving to support you. Don’t know how long they’ll last, though, if things get hectic. Combat autopilot isn’t up to dogfighting, they’ll be additional targets at best. But if they buy us some time, that’ll do.”
His answer was almost instantaneous.
We’re ready here, Scott. Just waiting for your mark. Got a mixture of PSGs for area suppression and PACs for point defence. Oh, and HEPT for anything that gets too tough to chew on. See you there – we won’t be late. Leave something for us to do, won’t you?”
Jump device charging at… ten percent
“I will. If we’re all ready, then I’m calling it a go. Val, stand by for any call from me or from Fil – don’t take any dumb risks, though. Fil – three mizuras from now. MARK”
Jumping…
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SOTS
- Posts: 420
- Joined: Sat, 25. Mar 06, 12:52
Y'know, I could grow to dislike you 
This is gearing up to be awesome. Awesomer. Yeah, that's totally a word.
Seriously, though, this is really excellent stuff. You've nailed characterisation, action, and pace. If you improve further, as you say you want to, I reckon you'd have a career as an author as a plausible fall-back, if writing wasn't your first choice.
Hm. All this X-storying reminds me. Must... get back... to Siege...
This is gearing up to be awesome. Awesomer. Yeah, that's totally a word. Seriously, though, this is really excellent stuff. You've nailed characterisation, action, and pace. If you improve further, as you say you want to, I reckon you'd have a career as an author as a plausible fall-back, if writing wasn't your first choice.
Hm. All this X-storying reminds me. Must... get back... to Siege...
![[ external image ]](http://requiem.seraph-inn.com/links/banner468.jpg){kind=link}
-
gsheriston
- Posts: 351
- Joined: Mon, 9. Feb 04, 22:21
Best Served Cold
Chapter Thirty-Seven – The Party
I exited the jump-gate, the star-swirl clearing before my eyes and the familiar lurch of deceleration on re-entry to normal space. I brought up the sector map and located the Pirate base. Right where I said it would be, just above the ecliptic but otherwise right in the centre of the sector. I had three mizuras to aim for position before Fil arrived – the Hyperion would certainly attract attention. I wouldn’t be in position when he did, but the plan was that he could draw craft away from the station making my trip easier. I was to ‘sneak’ in – as much as you can sneak in a Paranid Nemesis – then wait for him to blast the first Pirate that crossed his sights. The station would empty of fighters, and I would start shooting. Then, once the station was gone, we’d mop up the remaining scum. It was a simple plan, but one with a major flaw – not everyone on the station was going to be an active Pirate. There would be families, free traders, hostages, slaves, all sorts of people. Ideally I would clear the station first, get all combat-worthy ships out into the open then blow up their base – but these extra people were like an additional shield. I had a risky option, though.
“Pirate Base. You will soon be under attack. I will allow four TP-class transporters to leave, unmolested. Aboard those transporters will be all families, hostages, slaves, and non-combat personnel. Any ship carrying a jump-drive will be destroyed without warning or hesitation. The ships will be stopped and searched. Combat pilots or Pirate leadership found among them will be detained pending trial or execution. You have fifteen mizuras to launch.”
“Unknown ship – who the futz do you think you are? We have launched M3-class fighters to destroy you. You have less than five mizuras to live, so we’ll be keeping those TPs aboard."
Right on cue, Fil’s Hyperion flung itself out of the West gate and set a course straight for the base and the cloud of fighters – who all turned to face the new arrival, a much greater threat.
“Any further dumb statements you wish to make? You have fourteen mizuras to launch.”
One luckless Harrier had made it to within range of the Hyperion. It detonated, under concentrated HEPT fire from the main guns.
“Consider that a statement of our intent. I am about to demonstrate our resolve.”
I opened fire on the station. Space itself wavered, and twisted. The station shook, and in a few sections lights went out. I was actually a little close, so I activated reverse thrust and waited a couple of sezuras.
“That was a warning shot. You have thirteen mizuras to launch.”
“You promise you won’t fire on these TPs?”
“I promise that I will destroy any that I see has a jump-drive. Otherwise, they will be stopped outside of the combat zone and searched by Argon military personnel.”
I had been very, very lucky. There were no laser towers protecting the base. It looked like they were entirely reliant on their fighter support. And that fighter support was being decimated by the Hyperion. Blue cones emerged in four directions from the dagger-shaped ship, and where they emerged, ships died – singly, in pairs, in groups. There were vastly fewer ships than there had been to begin with. But that wouldn’t last.
“First TP is launching now – you can scan it, no jump-drive.”
The voice from the wave sounded panic-stricken, unsure. Fil released BlockBuster and SuperNova, and to my surprise he'd found pilots for them. I detailed them to watch over the first Toucan as it slipped away from the station towards the North gate. Fil was making his way there too, but slower, and in much more destructive fashion.
I fired again.
“Hey! We still have civvies here, what’re you doing?”
“Focussing peoples’ attention. I’m running out of patience, and time.”
If only I’d known how accurate that was…
Two more Toucans launched, and a Caiman. None had a jump-drive, but the Caiman made a spirited dash for the North gate. BlockBuster was instructed to fire across its nose, and it slowed with the others.
“All your allotted ships have launched. The attack will commence in two mizuras.”
“Hey, wait up! We got one more TP ready to launch, will ya let us get them away first?”
“Can you do it in one mizura?”
The full spread of PSG fire warped the hull, finally breaching the shields. Lights went off in the closest section, and did not come back on. Another TP slipped away from the station, and dashed to join the others. I fired again, and again. Since there was no response, I guessed their comms operator was on the last TP. The shields buckled, and collapsed. The nearest section crumpled like a drink-tube, and from the warped edges spilled the debris from the breached interior – vented air, papers, computers, some suited figures – and some un-suited. I aligned myself down the long axis of the base, which had previously been mostly a Teladi Albatross, by the look of it. The PSGs spoke again, the blue cones washing over the base and twisting struts inside. Rivets broke, and seals failed. Welds cracked, and panels came loose. From each new gap, more air, and more figures spilled – and as they entered the cone, they too seemed to waver and distort. I could see what the shockwaves did to a ship’s hull – what they did to a skeleton, I dared not contemplate.
Soon, leaks were springing all along the base, each marked by a plume of venting gas – entire sections were shearing away under the force of the shockwaves, shearing away and then crumpling into scrap. Panels burst from the hull, more debris following them only to be pulverised by the twisting of space. The main hull spars were now exposed in many places, and they too seemed fractured and twisted. More energy poured into them, and the structure began to collapse. Explosions now began along the hull, detonations as the power sources lost integrity and particles never meant to touch came into brief but destructive contact.
The main reactor’s containment must have failed – suddenly a searing light blinded the whole sector, and when my vision and canopy cleared, the station was gone. The remnants, broken and twisted plates, reflecting the sections that still had air or fires that could burn without it. What had previously been long spars were now nightmarish shapes, fractured along their length. Cooling clouds and sparkling shards, just like I'd promised. The whole area, littered with the dead and the dying – bloated unsuited bodies, and space-suits trying to flee. Some had live occupants, most did not – two ploughed straight into the many asteroids around the station wreckage, under full thrust. Others aimed into areas of space without ships or stations.
It was done.
I should have felt elated, but I didn’t. Just more empty. It was a job, and now it was done. I allowed myself a moment to reflect – everything I’d done since I was last in this sector has been geared to coming back and laying down righteous anger and furious vengeance. I had accomplished that, though I didn’t feel angry or furious, or particularly righteous or even vengeful. I said a silent prayer for my family and started to gather information on the tactical situation – starting with our ships.
SuperNova and BlockBuster were herding the TPs towards Argon space. Fil was mopping up the last of the base’s fighters, and had switched to PACs for greater accuracy. There were very few left, mostly the faster scouts that he hadn’t bothered to act on until now.
Everywhere flared white again.
Shields criti….
I always wear a space-suit in combat conditions. It’s saved my life on many occasions, and it’s just done so again. The Nemesis has just disintegrated around me, and I feel very badly burned. Not by direct contact – there’s not that searing pain you get from a flame burn for example. I think it must be radiation. If I had to guess, I’d say it was one of those Hammerheads I kept picking up in Siezewell almost a jazura ago, the ones that got me started. Ironic that it should be one of those that’s finished me off. Didn’t even hear an ‘Incoming missile’ warning, maybe it wasn’t aimed at me and I just got caught in the blast, or it was dumb-fired while I sat there in prayer and silent contemplation. How it got me doesn’t matter now – it’s left me in a bad way. I don’t have any controls left on the suit – well, that’s not strictly true. I have controls, I just don’t have anything to control with them. Thrusters are out, so are communications. Air regulator, too. Hells… what about the tanks?
Away to my right, I can see the Hyperion – it’s firing a massive amount of green plasma at something a good way behind me. The target must be almost at the South gate, or just recently arrived through it. Reinforcements, perhaps. Good going, Fil – you get him for me. Not much I can do now.
It’s getting dim. Reckon my air’s almost gone, it’s getting harder to breathe. I’m sorry, Val – my family need me, and I think I’ll be going to them soon. We had our one chance, at least; and I’m glad we took it. I can hear Sarma’s voice too, now.
...out here, where it’s pretty. Away from all the horrors of people and what they do to each other. Just float away into nothing, watching the stars rise over a cloud-wrapped planet...
Typical; I don’t even get somewhere pretty – all I can see is an asteroid, and some floating suits. Not that it matters, I can’t really see those either. Not clearly, anyway. Really dim, now. Just one bright light, up ahead. S’ getting closer, moving, like it’s searching for something. Maybe I’m imagininining it? Hallicun... holli.. halluci? Seeing things.
Can’t be much left in this air tank now… Is that really a ship, or am… am I…
Best Served Cold
Gary Sheriston, with ideas from The Zig and far too much kharve.
Chapter Thirty-Seven – The Party
I exited the jump-gate, the star-swirl clearing before my eyes and the familiar lurch of deceleration on re-entry to normal space. I brought up the sector map and located the Pirate base. Right where I said it would be, just above the ecliptic but otherwise right in the centre of the sector. I had three mizuras to aim for position before Fil arrived – the Hyperion would certainly attract attention. I wouldn’t be in position when he did, but the plan was that he could draw craft away from the station making my trip easier. I was to ‘sneak’ in – as much as you can sneak in a Paranid Nemesis – then wait for him to blast the first Pirate that crossed his sights. The station would empty of fighters, and I would start shooting. Then, once the station was gone, we’d mop up the remaining scum. It was a simple plan, but one with a major flaw – not everyone on the station was going to be an active Pirate. There would be families, free traders, hostages, slaves, all sorts of people. Ideally I would clear the station first, get all combat-worthy ships out into the open then blow up their base – but these extra people were like an additional shield. I had a risky option, though.
“Pirate Base. You will soon be under attack. I will allow four TP-class transporters to leave, unmolested. Aboard those transporters will be all families, hostages, slaves, and non-combat personnel. Any ship carrying a jump-drive will be destroyed without warning or hesitation. The ships will be stopped and searched. Combat pilots or Pirate leadership found among them will be detained pending trial or execution. You have fifteen mizuras to launch.”
“Unknown ship – who the futz do you think you are? We have launched M3-class fighters to destroy you. You have less than five mizuras to live, so we’ll be keeping those TPs aboard."
Right on cue, Fil’s Hyperion flung itself out of the West gate and set a course straight for the base and the cloud of fighters – who all turned to face the new arrival, a much greater threat.
“Any further dumb statements you wish to make? You have fourteen mizuras to launch.”
One luckless Harrier had made it to within range of the Hyperion. It detonated, under concentrated HEPT fire from the main guns.
“Consider that a statement of our intent. I am about to demonstrate our resolve.”
I opened fire on the station. Space itself wavered, and twisted. The station shook, and in a few sections lights went out. I was actually a little close, so I activated reverse thrust and waited a couple of sezuras.
“That was a warning shot. You have thirteen mizuras to launch.”
“You promise you won’t fire on these TPs?”
“I promise that I will destroy any that I see has a jump-drive. Otherwise, they will be stopped outside of the combat zone and searched by Argon military personnel.”
I had been very, very lucky. There were no laser towers protecting the base. It looked like they were entirely reliant on their fighter support. And that fighter support was being decimated by the Hyperion. Blue cones emerged in four directions from the dagger-shaped ship, and where they emerged, ships died – singly, in pairs, in groups. There were vastly fewer ships than there had been to begin with. But that wouldn’t last.
“First TP is launching now – you can scan it, no jump-drive.”
The voice from the wave sounded panic-stricken, unsure. Fil released BlockBuster and SuperNova, and to my surprise he'd found pilots for them. I detailed them to watch over the first Toucan as it slipped away from the station towards the North gate. Fil was making his way there too, but slower, and in much more destructive fashion.
I fired again.
“Hey! We still have civvies here, what’re you doing?”
“Focussing peoples’ attention. I’m running out of patience, and time.”
If only I’d known how accurate that was…
Two more Toucans launched, and a Caiman. None had a jump-drive, but the Caiman made a spirited dash for the North gate. BlockBuster was instructed to fire across its nose, and it slowed with the others.
“All your allotted ships have launched. The attack will commence in two mizuras.”
“Hey, wait up! We got one more TP ready to launch, will ya let us get them away first?”
“Can you do it in one mizura?”
The full spread of PSG fire warped the hull, finally breaching the shields. Lights went off in the closest section, and did not come back on. Another TP slipped away from the station, and dashed to join the others. I fired again, and again. Since there was no response, I guessed their comms operator was on the last TP. The shields buckled, and collapsed. The nearest section crumpled like a drink-tube, and from the warped edges spilled the debris from the breached interior – vented air, papers, computers, some suited figures – and some un-suited. I aligned myself down the long axis of the base, which had previously been mostly a Teladi Albatross, by the look of it. The PSGs spoke again, the blue cones washing over the base and twisting struts inside. Rivets broke, and seals failed. Welds cracked, and panels came loose. From each new gap, more air, and more figures spilled – and as they entered the cone, they too seemed to waver and distort. I could see what the shockwaves did to a ship’s hull – what they did to a skeleton, I dared not contemplate.
Soon, leaks were springing all along the base, each marked by a plume of venting gas – entire sections were shearing away under the force of the shockwaves, shearing away and then crumpling into scrap. Panels burst from the hull, more debris following them only to be pulverised by the twisting of space. The main hull spars were now exposed in many places, and they too seemed fractured and twisted. More energy poured into them, and the structure began to collapse. Explosions now began along the hull, detonations as the power sources lost integrity and particles never meant to touch came into brief but destructive contact.
The main reactor’s containment must have failed – suddenly a searing light blinded the whole sector, and when my vision and canopy cleared, the station was gone. The remnants, broken and twisted plates, reflecting the sections that still had air or fires that could burn without it. What had previously been long spars were now nightmarish shapes, fractured along their length. Cooling clouds and sparkling shards, just like I'd promised. The whole area, littered with the dead and the dying – bloated unsuited bodies, and space-suits trying to flee. Some had live occupants, most did not – two ploughed straight into the many asteroids around the station wreckage, under full thrust. Others aimed into areas of space without ships or stations.
It was done.
I should have felt elated, but I didn’t. Just more empty. It was a job, and now it was done. I allowed myself a moment to reflect – everything I’d done since I was last in this sector has been geared to coming back and laying down righteous anger and furious vengeance. I had accomplished that, though I didn’t feel angry or furious, or particularly righteous or even vengeful. I said a silent prayer for my family and started to gather information on the tactical situation – starting with our ships.
SuperNova and BlockBuster were herding the TPs towards Argon space. Fil was mopping up the last of the base’s fighters, and had switched to PACs for greater accuracy. There were very few left, mostly the faster scouts that he hadn’t bothered to act on until now.
Everywhere flared white again.
Shields criti….
I always wear a space-suit in combat conditions. It’s saved my life on many occasions, and it’s just done so again. The Nemesis has just disintegrated around me, and I feel very badly burned. Not by direct contact – there’s not that searing pain you get from a flame burn for example. I think it must be radiation. If I had to guess, I’d say it was one of those Hammerheads I kept picking up in Siezewell almost a jazura ago, the ones that got me started. Ironic that it should be one of those that’s finished me off. Didn’t even hear an ‘Incoming missile’ warning, maybe it wasn’t aimed at me and I just got caught in the blast, or it was dumb-fired while I sat there in prayer and silent contemplation. How it got me doesn’t matter now – it’s left me in a bad way. I don’t have any controls left on the suit – well, that’s not strictly true. I have controls, I just don’t have anything to control with them. Thrusters are out, so are communications. Air regulator, too. Hells… what about the tanks?
Away to my right, I can see the Hyperion – it’s firing a massive amount of green plasma at something a good way behind me. The target must be almost at the South gate, or just recently arrived through it. Reinforcements, perhaps. Good going, Fil – you get him for me. Not much I can do now.
It’s getting dim. Reckon my air’s almost gone, it’s getting harder to breathe. I’m sorry, Val – my family need me, and I think I’ll be going to them soon. We had our one chance, at least; and I’m glad we took it. I can hear Sarma’s voice too, now.
...out here, where it’s pretty. Away from all the horrors of people and what they do to each other. Just float away into nothing, watching the stars rise over a cloud-wrapped planet...
Typical; I don’t even get somewhere pretty – all I can see is an asteroid, and some floating suits. Not that it matters, I can’t really see those either. Not clearly, anyway. Really dim, now. Just one bright light, up ahead. S’ getting closer, moving, like it’s searching for something. Maybe I’m imagininining it? Hallicun... holli.. halluci? Seeing things.
Can’t be much left in this air tank now… Is that really a ship, or am… am I…
Best Served Cold
Gary Sheriston, with ideas from The Zig and far too much kharve.
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gsheriston
- Posts: 351
- Joined: Mon, 9. Feb 04, 22:21
Folks, thank you one and all for your support while I thrashed this out. Your encouragement brightened my days and made writing more fun than playing. Ironically, today I finally got my main PC up and running again- played X3, Scott's game (which is completely unrecognisable as anything you've read beyond some ship names!) and switched it off after a few minutes. It just didn't have any great interest, with the story done.
I'm sure you've realised the ending isn't just wide open, it's practically crying out for more detail or some answers- at least an epilogue. Can't write that yet, though - I'm not sure what exactly to do with it. Too many ideas!
I do know that I'd like to write more (and different) stories, though. So, I have a challenge for you... I'm looking for a premise, something to get me started. I got going on this story from the title of Fendalis' dead-is-dead thread "I'll most likely die in the morning". I don't intend to carry on with Best Served Cold at the moment, though I've already said I'd like to come back and re-work it sometime.
If you do have a premise you think I could use - feel free to post it here, PM, start a new thread... I'm open to suggestions, as long as they're clean
And to SOTS, and everyone else who has suggested I might like to try this for a living - thank you, from the bottom of my heart. I'm not sure I could do it, personally - but it's great to read and I'll certainly consider writing more. If I ever get published, remember where I started and that you helped me along the way
I'm sure you've realised the ending isn't just wide open, it's practically crying out for more detail or some answers- at least an epilogue. Can't write that yet, though - I'm not sure what exactly to do with it. Too many ideas!
I do know that I'd like to write more (and different) stories, though. So, I have a challenge for you... I'm looking for a premise, something to get me started. I got going on this story from the title of Fendalis' dead-is-dead thread "I'll most likely die in the morning". I don't intend to carry on with Best Served Cold at the moment, though I've already said I'd like to come back and re-work it sometime.
If you do have a premise you think I could use - feel free to post it here, PM, start a new thread... I'm open to suggestions, as long as they're clean
And to SOTS, and everyone else who has suggested I might like to try this for a living - thank you, from the bottom of my heart. I'm not sure I could do it, personally - but it's great to read and I'll certainly consider writing more. If I ever get published, remember where I started and that you helped me along the way
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scaseman
- Posts: 78
- Joined: Sat, 13. Mar 04, 19:24
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The Zig
- Posts: 458
- Joined: Mon, 1. Mar 04, 22:59
Yeah...
Not quite sure what to say. That was a great ending. A great ending to a really good story.
It may sound odd to say, but I particularly like your sentences. Some stories have really loose, disjointed sentences that really make my head hurt - but yours are a pleasure to read. Add to this very good characterisation (especially on the main character), and a compelling motivation driving us forward, and you've got a good story. You write moments of passion well, and this particularly showed in the bits near the beginning, and the Sarma storyline.
So anyway...
In summary, I'll just say Thanks. While I like to read and provide feedback on a lot of the rawer stuff that passes through these pages, it's gems like this that make me like coming here.
And most of all thanks for finishing! Since I came here, I've see so many really promising stories just stop mid-flow. It's frustrating. It's really nice to see one that delivers on its promise. Well done!
(Edit: SOTS - just read this back and thought you might think that last paragraph was aimed at you. It's not. I've been here a while and seen a lot of really good stories die. It's a general thing. Although... it wouldn't UPSET me to see more Siege... )
Not quite sure what to say. That was a great ending. A great ending to a really good story.
It may sound odd to say, but I particularly like your sentences. Some stories have really loose, disjointed sentences that really make my head hurt - but yours are a pleasure to read. Add to this very good characterisation (especially on the main character), and a compelling motivation driving us forward, and you've got a good story. You write moments of passion well, and this particularly showed in the bits near the beginning, and the Sarma storyline.
So anyway...
In summary, I'll just say Thanks. While I like to read and provide feedback on a lot of the rawer stuff that passes through these pages, it's gems like this that make me like coming here.
And most of all thanks for finishing! Since I came here, I've see so many really promising stories just stop mid-flow. It's frustrating. It's really nice to see one that delivers on its promise. Well done!
(Edit: SOTS - just read this back and thought you might think that last paragraph was aimed at you. It's not. I've been here a while and seen a lot of really good stories die. It's a general thing. Although... it wouldn't UPSET me to see more Siege...
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SOTS
- Posts: 420
- Joined: Sat, 25. Mar 06, 12:52
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gsheriston
- Posts: 351
- Joined: Mon, 9. Feb 04, 22:21
You’re not the only one unsure of what to say… I’m touched and honoured by your words – and very grateful for the idea behind a major chunk of the storyline. (Folks, if you’re not aware; having Scott take out a loan from Farnsworth then default on it was The Zig’s idea back in the summer. I’d written myself into a corner, and this was the way out.)The Zig wrote: It may sound odd to say, but I particularly like your sentences. Some stories have really loose, disjointed sentences that really make my head hurt - but yours are a pleasure to read. Add to this very good characterisation (especially on the main character), and a compelling motivation driving us forward, and you've got a good story. You write moments of passion well, and this particularly showed in the bits near the beginning, and the Sarma storyline.
So anyway...
In summary, I'll just say Thanks. While I like to read and provide feedback on a lot of the rawer stuff that passes through these pages, it's gems like this that make me like coming here.
And most of all thanks for finishing! Since I came here, I've see so many really promising stories just stop mid-flow. It's frustrating. It's really nice to see one that delivers on its promise. Well done!
You’re also very welcome for the story. After all, I’ve read plenty on here, that you and others have contributed. Seems only fair that I give something back, and it’s great that people have enjoyed it. I believe you technically have the Superbox to thank for me actually finishing the story. Not that I didn’t want to end it, but having the deadline sure put some pressure on – so it got done now rather than at some indeterminate time in the future. There were plenty of places I intended to go, but didn’t have time. The new Danna station in Three Worlds never got built, for example – I had to have Fil do the Bala Gi recovery, which cut out the rest of the missions, and in a way forced my hand to an easier route; in a Hyperion, the ending would have been very different.
Can’t help feeling a little empty now that the story’s played out. Almost like a part of me has gone with Scott. Did you get the same with First House, or Terraformer Dreams? Is this just a sign that I should be starting a new story?!
Excellent… Exxxxxcellent </Burns> I’ll be looking forward to that – whenever you post it up, no rush (who am I trying to kid?!) - but will probably have to re-read the earlier parts all over again, first. Ain’t life terrible?SOTS wrote:@Zig: Worry not, it's more of a stall than a stop
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SpitfireJB
- Posts: 23
- Joined: Thu, 25. Dec 08, 11:39
Just finished the story and have to say great job and gonna have to do a follow up atleast.
Error, no keyboard. Press F1 to continue.
"A young man who does not have what it takes to perform military service is not likely to have what it takes to make a living. Today's military rejects include tomorrow's hard-core unemployed." J. F. Kennedy
"A young man who does not have what it takes to perform military service is not likely to have what it takes to make a living. Today's military rejects include tomorrow's hard-core unemployed." J. F. Kennedy
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Trigger1112
- Posts: 102
- Joined: Thu, 20. Nov 08, 17:40
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Arcturas
- Posts: 322
- Joined: Mon, 26. Jun 06, 02:27
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NetHawk
- Posts: 61
- Joined: Fri, 13. Jul 07, 18:39
Hello there!
I've been reading this story for the last few days and.....it's definetelly in my top 10 best reads-ever list.
don't even know what to say, so I'm gonna be short (I've by now deleted and rewrote this text ~20 times).
You are a genius writer, using the first-person perspective so well in written text, it's art. I never really appreciated books, and after reading your story I exactly knew why, most of what I've read (non X-universe) just didn't have that characterisation you shown....I actually felt sorry for Scott (had to remind myself it's a story when reading about Sarma)....I will definetely look out for more of your work. Just one thing that bothered me a little, through you said you wanted to finish the story for the X-superbox....don't rush for the next one, don't know about the others, but I could see in the last 2 chapters that you were a little rushing, through you wanted to go into more detail with other things.
Anyway, thank you for sharing this piece of art with us, and hope to see more from you.
Travel safe.
I've been reading this story for the last few days and.....it's definetelly in my top 10 best reads-ever list.
don't even know what to say, so I'm gonna be short (I've by now deleted and rewrote this text ~20 times).
You are a genius writer, using the first-person perspective so well in written text, it's art. I never really appreciated books, and after reading your story I exactly knew why, most of what I've read (non X-universe) just didn't have that characterisation you shown....I actually felt sorry for Scott (had to remind myself it's a story when reading about Sarma)....I will definetely look out for more of your work. Just one thing that bothered me a little, through you said you wanted to finish the story for the X-superbox....don't rush for the next one, don't know about the others, but I could see in the last 2 chapters that you were a little rushing, through you wanted to go into more detail with other things.
Anyway, thank you for sharing this piece of art with us, and hope to see more from you.
Travel safe.
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gsheriston
- Posts: 351
- Joined: Mon, 9. Feb 04, 22:21
NetHawk, thank you very much! I'm glad you enjoyed it and thanks for taking the time to post. I'm sure there are loads of books out there written first-person, try and seek them out if you particularly enjoyed that point of view This is the cue for fellow readers to suggest all the ones I should know but don't or have forgotten. Zig mentioned Moby Dick earlier, and that one starts
"Call me Ishmael..."
I will say to everyone that there is an epilogue in progress, but not in a publilshable state. There's little more than a couple of paragraphs. I'm still trying to narrow down too many ideas into something a) coherent and b) plausible. It will happen, if just won't happen fast. Bear with me
This is the cue for fellow readers to suggest all the ones I should know but don't or have forgotten. Zig mentioned Moby Dick earlier, and that one starts "Call me Ishmael..."
I will say to everyone that there is an epilogue in progress, but not in a publilshable state. There's little more than a couple of paragraphs. I'm still trying to narrow down too many ideas into something a) coherent and b) plausible. It will happen, if just won't happen fast. Bear with me
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Trigger1112
- Posts: 102
- Joined: Thu, 20. Nov 08, 17:40
What you call publishable i call made of Solid F***ing Gold. Are you sure your not a professional writer?
I f there are any other stories that you've posted or published anywhere i'd love to be pointed in the right direction. Please do the story the justice that it deserved with that epilogue.
I f there are any other stories that you've posted or published anywhere i'd love to be pointed in the right direction. Please do the story the justice that it deserved with that epilogue.
I reserve the right not to make sense.
btw...you just lost The Game
btw...you just lost The Game
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dragondream
- Posts: 433
- Joined: Tue, 10. Mar 09, 18:08
One of the best stories online (forget X3 fan fiction, I'm talkin' any story on the internet) I have ever read. If you rewrote this - although, from the looks of it, you wouldn't have to - into a normal Sci-Fi story and sent it to a publisher, I have no doubt they would publish it in a split second.
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The End Result - Story
Join my DiD and witness Derrik Dream's crazy adventures...
My Guide to All Non-Plot Missions in TC