Voragian Space Privateers, Part II

by 

Nightstory

Copyright (c) 2009

All rights reserved,

Special permission granted to Triond Publishing.

Virgin Valkyrie, Webolt Space, stealth mode.

Voragian Star Time: 00:200:4617:01:46 Lokarian Central System Time.

“Captain Vortigen on the Deck”, the young Raptor Commander called out.

“At Ease.  What do do have for me, Chart Major?”  Captain Vortigen commanded.

“Well, Captain, Sir, there is a communique from a crippled Garian Ship, calling itself the Flat Rock.  Says it and its fleet are under attack.  I do not show that ship in my registry.  Could be a ruse by the Bengrians.”  Chart Major Arthur Mors stated.  He continued,  ”The message is Sir, somewhat cryptic.  It reads, ‘Meet me at Harry Asteroid’s Saloon, Vor, I’m calling in the poker winnings.  Will meet in …’,  that is when the transmission becomes momentarily garbled and interrupted by battle sounds, ‘ …unless these uninvited party crashers, in their brand, new Longships show up  there, first.  Signed Jira.”

“That all?” asked the Captain.  CM Mors just nodded.  

Vortigen looked away and smiled.  

He became, momentarily, lost in an old memory, then the grim reality entered his brain.  The thought quickly faded as the hue of a battle hardened Fleet Commander painted his face replaced the happy memory with the reality of the call of command in the present.

“Sir?” asked the Chart Major, with a look of concern on his face.

Captain Vortigen, looking at CM Mors, snapped out his orders, “Change Heading to Animor.  Raise the Colors, Spark up the guns.  Alpha-Dex Fleet to Escort Cocoon and Families to rendezvous.  Grand Fleet on The Virgin Valkyrie.  Battle Stations. Prepare for battle.” 

“Are we attacking the Garian ships, Sir?”  The Chart Major queried.

“No, we are going to rescue their Fleet.  Consider them friendly and we never let our friends down.  This, at least, will have the Bengra looking in our direction.  Maybe it will draw any attention away from the Mongoose, while she finds and escorts the Star Beauty.  This also could be an opportunity to form an alliance with both, the Garians and the Levenian Pirates.  We could use their ships.  Taking out a group of Bengrian Longships,  gets us paid and might even buy us the time, we need to strengthen up.  At least, it couldn’t hurt our cause.  Extra Rations for those that don’t get killed.”  The Captain explained.