The Tellers Tales: Fallen From Glory
Chapter 1: About Another Galaxy Far Far Away
~ Beforehand note; this tale, like all my content, is intended ONLY for a mature audience or those 18+. For an intended LONG list of reasons, I will continue to spell out from here~
Reader discretion is advised
____
~Notice~
~I've found more recoverable data from the Fourth Turning.~
“Well, can anything yet be saved?”
~Notice~
~the system and design are largely still intact, but several side characters have been lost. Attempting reconstruction of corrupted data.~
~Error~
~The newly found presence of extra-dimensional invaders demands the use of a magic based system~
“Why?”
~Notice~
~Might I add, you are literally to blame.~
~For mortal life to have a sufficient chance to survive in this~ ~universe.~
~A means of defense against the invaders is needed.~
~The universe might be a high tech high sci-fi environment, But tragically~
~you'd need an even higher level of technical prowess to harm these creatures;~
~without magic.~
“Great more space wizards; how do I even do that without making the mouse angry at me?”
~Notice~
~Magic is not a system that can be copy righted~
~All you'd need to do is avoid any …~
~obvious parallels~
“Why did you pause there?”
“Well”
“WELL!?!”
“Grr brat fuck how do I even make this work then? I have to add magic to it now?”
~Notice~
~please enjoy the story~
~Data reconstruction complete~
“This is gonna be a pain”
~...~
\tInside the confines of a well built mansion, on a planet that seemed mostly ocean like planet; that was clearly not earth. Seeing as the water seemed to be a light violet color, due to minerals on the ocean floors as they reflected sunlight. Within the confines of the window on the second floor of the mansion. In the office, a discussion seemed to be taking place. Sat at a desk was a statuesque Anthropomorphic Raven male. His dark black feathers covered his body, and his dark green eyes were large and bright. He was looking at his bottle of surprisingly enough rum, just hidden in a wine bottle. Wearing a few rings and other bits of jewelry; he liked having them but too much was gaudy. He was wearing a well tailored three piece suit. Currently talking to a few of his associates while drinking a glass of wine er sorry rum; seems you can't take the old sailor out of the businessman. He looked over as one man, a human. He waited for the bird to set down his glass before he spoke. “The plans we talked about during the last meeting are well underway sir.” He explained to the bird, who gave a delighted nod. The man noted with one finger upheld. “I've placed an order for five new freighters from the Saana-Corago Shipyards.* I've also contacted the Jefferson recruitment agency to attain reliable staff to crew the new ships with once they are underway.” He informed the Raven, then went on with. “And as per your request, I have personally been interviewing potential captains for the ships and should have several viable candidates for you to choose from within the week.”
*author notes*
The Saana-Corago Shipyards
Pronounced: San-nah core-oh-go
This largest shipyard within Solar Core Alliance space. This massive facility caters to the ship construction needs of its galaxy. Contracted for the shipbuilding needs of private interest, public or government contracts, corporate contracts, and sometimes even military contracts. Founded by a man by the name of James Salvatore this shipyard is well known for the quality of its ships. The Gunsinger itself was built by The Saana-Corago shipyards.
\tThe Raven man proceeded to nod. He looked at a holographic log he was handed by the man in question. “Very good, I trust that you'll pick only the best for the jobs. We have standards to uphold now; no more scallywags, please. Now on to other matters.” He paused to look at the second male in the lineup. “Joseph, have you been working on hiring the escort ships that we need for next week's big job?”
\tA stout bulldog anthro morph nodded. Stepping forward and handing the bird another holographic log saying, “I have indeed. I've been in contact with a mercenary group. They said they could spare five ships for the escort job for twenty thousand.”
\tThe Raven nodded. He quickly asked as he went through the contract on the holographic screen, “And you trust these people are trustworthy?” He asked his eyes glancing over the log for a second to look at the dog man. “The cargo on that ship is worth fifty trillion credits after all. We can't afford to hire those who'll pirate our cargo rather than protect it. More so when they ask for such a low fee. Why?”
\tThe bulldog nodded promptly then said. “I trust them completely; they are amid re-branding is all; their new name holds little opinion among the public, corporate, and government bodies. Of which they badly want the old name to die. I've had dealings with them before; they also come highly rated even from our competitors. I completely doubt they'd betray us; they are trying to work past their leaders … shall we say.” He sighed no easy way but blunt. “Drunken escapades with a girl … he was too drunk to realize … was seven. Though being fair; the girl was just as tossed. According to rumors led the man on; and then put herself in his lap according to eye witness testimony. Daughter of a royal family no less; fucking royals go figure. The mans reputation was ruined the girl's identity was completely obstructed. We could very well be one of their biggest clients after their re-brand; they can't afford to risk angering us. They need the business of a company as large as ours terribly. If only for the shake of holding up the new brand and name.”
\tThe bird gave a nod. He rolled an idea around in his head before he signed his name on the bottom of the holo screen. “Alright, tell him the five ships will be good; and we'll pay them what they asked. But do ask them if they could spare more ships. Even if that changes the price per vessel; ask for the whole bloody armada if they are free. We can't lose that cargo; it'd devastate our reputation, not to mention my fucking pocketbook. Just our luck the asshole wanting us to ship the fucking thing to him; is only the crown fucking prince of Alferion Delta. Single most crime and sludge-ridden sector of space in almost eighty fucking parsecs. Damn it why am I plagued with such 'customers'?” The bird stressed as he threw the log on the table; then drowned himself in a deep drink of his rum. Ooooh yeah, that's why. The wine had since stopped being strong enough to make the idiocy stop hurting.
\t
\tThe bulldog nodded then pocketed his hololog*. Afterward, the small group went on. “It was where Blood Fang rose to power after all; the system never recovered from the blood bath that ran the SaS out. But I mean a hundred and eighty ships were lost in hours to a battle group of nine vessels no larger than a battle cruiser. Rumor has it the devil's still alive even now. That kind of presence even if it is false leaves a mark. No one believes that sector will ever be right again; too much blood is painted on the star-lanes. In short, it's a haven no government wants to touch as there is no money in it and no one else to pay for it. Even the current royal family is merely the current crime lord owning the planets.” The bulldog sighed, his boss was right he'd need to wine and dine then. “I'll invite their fleet admiral for a little wining and dining and butter him up. Sure he'll understand our 'position' better with a 'little' Jasmine street hostess riding his lap. Make use of his apparent weakness for youngins. Jasmine Street will let him fuck his little girl, all none the wiser, but the smiling girl riding his jock all night for a price he can pay them, and we'll get him into the establishment under cover of legitimate business. He'll get to enjoy her all he wants; no one else will even no a thing outside the girl getting used. I'll get us more than five ships count on me sir; even if I have to take the bastard to Nashawan* to bed an entire black-light zone. He'd kill for our access to that candy jar I'd promise you that.” Discussing a few more things on their agenda before leaving. Once done with his meeting the bird loosened his tie. Then he poured himself another glass of wine, sorry rum before leaving his office; can't take the pirate out of the corpo. He was greeted at the door by one of his maids, a young human girl who said with a bow, “Sir, dinner is ready in the dining room.” Yes, this was why he insisted on a human staff; petty vengeance was petty. Even if it did mean well-paying jobs.
*Author notes*
The Hololog
pronounced: as written
a standard and widely used device, based off of the handheld computing devices from long ago. These devices are used in nearly everyone's daily lives. Used to write with, work on, send both subspace and planetary mail, or even record on. This little device helps nearly everyone and with a multitude of installable modification apps; it can adapt to fill almost any kind of need. Invented by a man named Michael Philips at the turn of the century it features a solid yet holographic screen emitted from two thin plasteel rods. Its average power supply lasts for seventy-two hours without recharging and when folded is a little bigger than the average #2 pencil from the olden ages.
Nashawan
pronounced Nah-sha-wan
A known black site. One of the few planets hidden in SaS territory where truly anything goes; and crime rules all. Many come to it to seek their ultimate vice, no matter what it may be. Truly if it is illegal somewhere in the galaxy; at least ten people will sell it to you at Nashawan. Druggy looking for a high there are thousands of new drugs on the planet to bake yourself with hundreds of new ones every year. Pedo looking for his fix; there is a black light district in every city just for you my perverted friend; with millions to choose from and find your true taste. No record no trace who even are you? Truly nothing is a Crime on Nashawan and regardless of who you are or how big your persona is, you'll always get away with it. The thing is don't you fucking dare come uninvited or without a pass badge, or you will likely never see the light of day again.
\tHe nodded, quickly thanking her. He swiftly made his way to the dining room in question; sipping from his chalice as he passed more of his mansion staff. Such an expensive wine goblet to drink rum from; past him would accuse him of wasting both money and good rum. He was greeted by a very young bird of his breed the moment he walked in. The young raven said as she wrapped her arms around his waist, And tip-toed to push her head to his belly. “Daddy, how did your meeting go?” She asked once he returned the gesture; wrapping his arms around her. The girl for a few moments cooed and cuddled her father, she was such a little hug fiend. Picking her up for a few moments and spinning around with her; making the girl break out into a fit of giggles and chirps. Oooh, she always made the hard day of work and the scummy world of business go away and made the light restore to his heart. Truly his little angel was one of his life's greatest blessings.
\tHe smiled at her and ruffled the sleek black feathers on her head before replying. “It went just fine Sweetheart. Only a few things I had to take care of nothing too serious. In fact, Daddy is buying new freighters to expand the fleet.” She gave a small smile and then took his hand. She was so excited to show her father what she had been doing; that she nearly tripped doing so. Her father asked, after a short laugh as she did making sure she did not hurt herself. “So sweetheart, what are we having for dinner tonight? Daddy’s starving.”
\tThough the girl did snipe back rather pointedly too. “Daddy didn’t eat his lunch; that's why.” Her little glare hurt the man in a way no other could. He felt so judged by it god himself would be put to shame.
\tShe giggled playfully as she pulled his hand, “Well Chief Lewis made some Three cheese stuffed Raviolis in a white sauce.” She told him pulling him up to a very elegant table. Placing a plate in front of him from a rolling cart she went on to tell him, “And I made the salad.” She wore a wide smile bouncing on her heels so giddy it was just cuteness overload. As she told him this, waiting nearly on bated breath to see if he liked it. He picked up his fork but she after suddenly remembered something with a deep panicked gasp; slapped the fork from the man's hand before he could stab his first bite. Raced back into the kitchen where seconds later returned with a jar of a creamy white dressing. “The dressing I also made some dressing! Can't eat the salad without its dressing. That's like taking out a lady to eat without letting her put on her best dress.”
\t'But then you have to get the lady out of her dress to eat her.' Her father quietly jested under his breath; she looked his way but didn't hear what he had said. She quickly dressed his salad for him, unaware of his quip. Then promptly wore her wide smile again; couldn't be more obvious what she was waiting for on bated breath. So, picking up a fork again, her father. First hovered his fork over one of the raviolis, just to tease her. The girl looked mortified for a moment, and he had to resist laughing, she was just too cute to tease. Before he smirked to himself and got a good bite of her salad. Took a bite and hummed deeply; if only to make her happy, not that it was bad. It truly was a good salad and the dressing was rather well made, she was learning so fast it almost brought a tear to his eye. Seemed like just yesterday she had yet hatched and he built a shrine around her egg; now she was feeding him. “Oh, I always love your salads sweetheart; You've outdone yourself love. Your salad is crisp and your dressing is delicious, light, and refreshing.” She watched her father take another bite. She just glowed cooed with happiness for a few moments; making the maids go 'awww' in the distance. Before setting up a plate of her own and joining him for dinner. The moment she set her plate down, scooted her chair over closer to Daddy; then hopped herself up onto her chair. As he was enjoying his second bite. The girl just started gushing and talking; like she couldn't help it. About her day, school every last part of it. All the things her friends did, how her test went, what she had for lunch. Even what she wore and how she had to try on three different pairs of shoes. The only thing better would be if Mommy was home but sadly was currently away on business. However, the stressed and overworked business tycoon unwound and relaxed big smile on his face; simply listening to her every little last word. His loving daughter said to him, the little ball of light and fluff them got him up every morning; to do the same shit all over again. Just to keep her happy to keep her fed and give her everything she needs. His little ray of sunshine, that taught him to once more love the galaxy; simply because she existed in it. Not much would have been able to have dragged this man from his seat; and pray to whatever god you may, if you didn't have a good reason to interrupt this precious little moment. So many ways to punish a person once you wake the monster inside a father.
\t~ sometime later~
\tHaving finished dinner then having put his daughter to bed. The raven retired to his bedroom, sadly his wife would not be warming the bed with him that night. Getting to enjoy his wife until they could try for egg number two. He was currently reading a book about how the politics of the business world changed. After the space race nearly turned into a global corporate war, however, all was not quiet for long. Moments after turning a page something hit his window from the outside. The glass promptly shattered, smoke filling the room; and somehow the bird was still a stone well despite. Having only moments to react the bird jumped from his chair, knives sticking to the cushion only seconds after; seemed his reflexes were still rather sharp despite his usual upper-class business suit. Looking through the smoke he saw a figure, clad in black with its face wrapped. Balling up his feather-clad fist the bird says to his assailant, “I don't know who you are or why you're here. But you picked the wrong battle friend.” He rolled his shoulders and took a combative posture. “I was a freighter captain long before I put on a suit. If it's one thing you learn how to do in that line of work to survive; it's how to fight. You think this is the first time I’ve been boarded!?”
\tThe fight started then after. His attacker came with a rush of punches, nah it was more devious. Thin hard to see spines or needles lodged on the knuckles worn under their gloves. Sadly you couldn’t put too much past a bird's eye dirty tricks aside he knew they were there. The bird managed to duck two and parry the third. He gave a few strikes of his own; catching the would-be assassin in the side of the face, and once in the gut. He did take a punch to the face and back stepped a second; luck or skill the attacker glanced the blow hit hits head sure but the needles missed. The attacker then produced a knife when they grew frustrated and went for a strike. Our bird friend managed to avoid the blade and then opted to return the favor in kind. He nearly gutted the assassin with his talons, raking them across his chest and belly lashing his assailant with a kick. His talons had drawn first blood that night, however, any deeper, and he would have spilled their guts. However, this had now gone on too long it was meant to be quick quiet fast; done and gone. The guards could be heard clamoring down the hall toward the room. Knowing they had missed their chance; the assassin threw another chemical smoke bomb on the floor. Seconds after the door to the room shattered open and a large lion wearing full tactical gear and a rifle burst in. Quickly the assassin escaped in the seconds after; as the smoke filled the room. The sound of glass shattering cut the quiet of the outside as the assassin went out the closet window. The bird hurried over to the window watching the attacker flee. Promptly he spat some blood on the floor as the lion and more of his team raced into the room and asked if he was ok. The Raven replied he was fine and asked if his daughter was alright. When he was told an assassin had been killed, in her room, by Archangel the black panther who hid in her very room and watched that little girl sleep peacefully; he grew enraged. He wanted to always be wasting his money paying that cat, to literally watch his daughter sleep, and make sure she stays that way period. And now he was glad he was fucking paranoid. Attacking him was one thing; sadly was the tragic nature of being in the scummy business world of space. Because in space there are no fucking rules. Going for his family, his angel no less; meant nothing short of fucking war of the global thermal nuclear variety. As the wall the man promptly broke his hand putting it through it would attest.
~on board the Gun Singer~
~Ship stand time
0600 hours~
Under the dim lights of his quarters, lays the one and only Captain Cornelius Rikket. The large leopard lying across his bed lightly sleeping. With the typical markings and fur coloring of a regular leopard nothing special there. Currently, he was wearing only a long pair of black sweatpants and a golden round locket hanging around his neck on a golden chain. Looking at his brow, a long scar can be seen running from the top left side of his nose and over his right brow. Even if moments after, a glowing little hand pulled his cheek; he refused to wake. He resumed his restful slumber, with the light sounds of shuffling around in his room. A female sounding voice huffing with effort to move something, then a faucet turning on. Turns out it was the ship's little AI; the computer girl had been resorting to waking him with water and was about to dump it on him. Until a com device on the table next to his bed chirped aloud and a young male voice said, “Captain, you've got an encrypted call on subspace, listed priory one.”
\tRikket rubbed his eyes after his rather prompt waking; looking up at his precious little, damn near priceless, AI, caught red handed trying to dunk a cat with water. Then put his hand on his face; was too early for this. After groggily reaching over to the table and lazily slapping his hand a few times then managing to hit the device at least once; and made the computer program fall and drench herself with water. “Alright, I'll get it in a moment.” The com chirped off and slowly but surely the large cat got out of bed. “Serves you right, turd. Ten trillion dollar AI wakes the cat up with cold water.” He stretched into a loud yawn when he sat up and threw his legs over the side. Quickly he slipped a loose-fitting gray t-shirt on; that he retrieved from the chair he tossed it to. The AI was now soggy and very angy. Then he approached a screen on the wall that cast a very dim glow. As she marched off into the ship wall and vanished making the wall wet as she did. “Computer lights on.” With another yawn Rikket tapped it and once it lit up he then said, “Access incoming subspace call. Encryption access code; Cornelius Delta Seven Seven Five Alpha Two Lock.” The device chirped a few times, then processed the encryption; even if the screen also stuck its tongue at him. To which the groggy man-child returned the gesture … yes to a computer screen. Yes your honor this man is over the age of five.
\tThen connected to and projected an image of the Raven from before. Rikket quickly recognized the bird in question and then asked. “Nicky, to what do I owe the honors old friend? I'll have you know you just woke my ass up. So I hope it's good at least.”
\tThe bird gave a smile and then nodded to the cat, “Ricky, it has been some time, hasn't it? I still owe you a drink for helping me get my first big contract don't I?”
\tRikket laughed muttering “You do, you do.” However, he went on to ask. “So what can I do for the founder of the second biggest trading and shipping guild in Alliance space?” He had some large deal of sarcasm to his voice but he lumped it all upon the word 'alliance'.
\tThe bird was hiding a tone of worry; Rikket managed to catch it, he wasn't so groggy he was slipping. He had known the bird too long for him to be able to pull that shit. The cats ears reared back as he began to judge his own friend. Nick then said, “Well … I'm going on vacation with my daughter. I was hoping I could hire you and your ship for the job?”
\tSomething wasn't adding up already; him, on vacation, fat fucking chance. The man was a chronic workaholic and his wife was worse; they both worked like they got off on it. You'd normally have an easier time cloning than reforming Adolf Hitler. Then you'd have trying to get Nickolas Nevermore to go on a vacation. Rubbing the back of his head Rikket asked. “You'd want to hire a lone mercenary warship … to take 'you' on 'vacation'? Why not contract a travel service? I'm pretty sure they could put you up a lot better on one of those luxury liners than me and the Singer could. A luxury on this boat is a shower you don't have to spend with half the crew.”
\tNick nodded saying, “That they could, that they could, I don't doubt that.” This was the part that started to itch Rikket's worrywart. “But I trust you more than they, and I fear I may need that trust on this trip.”
\tLifting his left eyebrow at his friend's remark. Rikket replied, “Alright if you insist, what's the job pay? Can't give a friend a freebie, you know how pricey jump fuel is?” Nick clicked something from his side resulting in a hololog in Rikket’s pocket to beep. Opening the device length wise, he checked it. Reading an incoming pending payment from the bird in question; totaling eighty million all up front. Rikket gave a frank sharp whistle, after which Nick asked, “I hope that will be enough to hire your ship? You’re the only one I’d trust this job to Rick. Can I count on you?”
\tRikket nodded, then signed for the payment on his log. Once again noting just how the bird choose to word his statement, something was wrong or going on, and he was doing his best to play a part; it was a highly encrypted line who the fuck could be listening to them? “Alright, you’ve got me Nick. I’ll escort you and your daughter wherever it is you’ve got planned to go. Now where should we pick you up?”
\tNick gave a thankful sigh. He then told him, “I’ve made arrangements to get us to the Vermay star base in orbit of the third planet in Vermay system. You can pick us up there I hope?”
\tRikket gave a sharp nod. Though he did jab a few buttons on the console and pulled a star map. “Sure, we can be there by twelve hundred.” Was a natural planet with no ties to any major power; no safer a place for a pickup.
\t“Splendid, then I shall see you there Rick.” The bird replied before he shut off the line.
\t“State of the art encryption, to wake my ass up, to take him on vacation; at O six hundred in the morning? I'm going to have to pull a few feathers out of his ass for this. Nah, come on Rick you're not that bad. Something's not right the whole call was sus.” Rick murmured for a second before he groaned a little. The screen resumed its previous standby mode. Displaying the wording M.B.C. Gun Singer, then after that word spun around its backside read Captain’s Quarters; after the words spun again showing the first side then looping again. Rikket then walked over to the com device he left on his bedside table. Picking it up and clicking it on he then said, “Rugger, get the jump engines ready for activation.”
\tA rough deep voice swiftly replied from the other, “Right, it’ll be ready in five minutes. Got to warm the pot up before I let our little lady here sit on it.”
\tRikket then went on to say once he pushed a button on the com again, “Maiyumi, plug in the cords for the Vermay star base. Once the jump drive is ready, you’re free to jump; fuck it's too early for this.”
\tA young female voice responded from the other side with a chipper, “Right captain.”
\tTurning off his com device Rikket set it back down on the table. “Computer lights off.” Then he just flopped back into his bed and tried to go back to sleep. But was interrupted by a certain someone saying through the com device, “Captain, may I remind you that your shift is in about an hour? I’d advise you not to go back to sleep; perhaps get some food and coffee at the Mess before you come to the bridge; sir.” Naturally, the AI girl had come back to try for round two. But ducked her head back into the wall upon being spotted.
\tClicking off his com device again Rikket mumbled, “killjoy.” Sitting up once again he pocketed his com device this time. After a few moments of dressing and tidying himself up, he was ready to leave the room; save for one thing. The sweet sweet call of his canteen. And The highly illegal Trilein Ale in it. He grabbed it, opened then took a swig. “OOOOOH fuck yeah; that's got a better kick than some coffee. Eh, I could still go for some though.” OOh ever the grumpy morning cat. He threw on a long gray jacket, that ran to about his knees; and black dress pants. While it did come with a hat; he left it behind. Taking out his com device and turning it to a different setting. The ship's intercoms chimed online this time with the age-old nautical chime. “All Senior officers report to the battle room asap.” Rikket spoke, then shutting it off. Well with that done, first thing order of the day; coffee two creams three sugars. If he found anything stacked he may just knock it over.
~a short time
and at least one mug of coffee
later~
\tWalking into a room containing a large holographic star map dead in the center of the room. Rikket saw his officers already gathered. Looking at the four people gathered in total. First was a white tiger anthromorph, his first officer Tyler Whitefur; known to his friends and colleagues as Tigger. A large snapping turtle morph, his closest friend and chief engineer Rugger Lockshell. A human female, his chief of security Jessica Nesko. And a feline looking female Amy Belen, head of the ships boarding and offensive teams. Where her human counterpart ran the defense of the Gun Singer itself. The group looked up as Rikket walked in and set his hololog down on the table.
\t“Alright ladies and gentlemen, Members of the class we’ve got a job.” Rikket started. He pressed a few buttons to ready the display. “We’ll be taking on a pair of VIPs around twelve hundred today.” Pointing to the human and Cat girl he went on with. “Jessica, Amy, I want security teams armed at all times. From how he sounded when he contacted me; I think we can expect some trouble. I don’t know what kind of trouble so be ready for anything. And bounce back hard if anything does come knocking.”
\tThe two females nodded. Then his first Officer approached the terminal and asked. “And who are our VIPs captain?”
\tRikket nodded and finished typing into the central display. The star map was replaced with an image of the raven; and then one of his daughter. “Nickolas Nevermore, long time friend of mine and founder of the Lucky Raven Shipping Guild, and his daughter Melissa Nevermore heir to the Nevermore family fortune. The only female born with him wrapped around her little finger. Man is chronically in love with his daughter, not that way no giggling. From what he’s told me he and his daughter are going on vacation and he wants us to take them there. But he was being odd, on top of being cryptic, on a priority one encrypted line no less. So who else smells something fishy? Sure its not just me being hungry.”
\tRugger stepped up the large turtle said a little aggravated, “You want us to babysit a pair of rich snobs?” The turtle asked as he jabbed his finger on the table. Even as he knew who they were, hell he hosted the girl's first birthday party. At an exclusive restaurant, you have to be a member to eat at. He wasn't supposed to know them though. So he played dumb. “Pass, this is a damned warship, not a passenger liner! Taxing my god damned engines for a babysitting trip?” Rikket then displayed the contract including the payment to which he even paid in advance and in full; to which everyone whistled at. Rugger then says “Scratch what I just said. Eighty Mill up front to babysit two rich twats? What's the catch, what kind of trouble? I swear if he gets my baby shot at I'm going to pluck and sell his tail feathers on Starbay!”
\tHis first officer then first read the contract; standard VIP escort terms and conditions and noted the fact that he already paid in full. “He didn’t hire a travel service to go on vacation? Yet he’d shell out nearly three times the going rate; completely upfront no less. To hire a fully armed Independent battle cruiser; to go on vacation?” He asked then gave a pause. “He could buy a luxury personal craft, and have more than enough left over to have a state of the art AI piloting system installed for that price.” He then looked over to Rikket and asked. “What’s up, captain? Any clue yet? So far this contract is far too good to be anything but a trap.”
\tRikket shook his head and returned the holo screen to the star map. “I don’t know. He didn’t give me any details other than he’s bringing himself and his daughter on board. He also stressed to me that I was the only one he could 'trust' to do the job safely; Not kidding verbatim.” Everyone gave a prompt look around the room; they all could see the red flags now. Rikket then nodded and said, “That’s what I thought too; mine sweeper anyone? So many red fucking flags here we might as well set up a game.” To which Amy groaned as she admitted … she was soo addicted to that game. “He's never been this vague with me. Be ready for anything, it may even be a worst case and he's at war.” He started first looking at the tiger. “Tyler when they get onboard see to whatever they need or want; they‘ll be in your hands. Afraid these two are used to luxury, so you have my sympathies.” Then looking to the two experts in change of his combat teams. “Jessica and Amy, keep the combat teams ready and armed at all times. I don't know what is going on with this sudden 'vacation', but these two are like family to me. If someone means to start something; you damn well make sure you're ready to end it. Lethal and loaded, combat teams are green-lit.” The two females nodded with some rather eager grins. Along with Tyler who accepted his task with a salute. Rikket then asked. “Any questions?” The rest shook their heads no. Rikket then said, “Alright then, dismissed.”
\tThe group quickly left the room to go back to wherever they needed to be. Tyler then followed Rikket for a few moments as he headed for the bridge asking, “Rich trade guild founder hires us and not a fancy travel service? I doubt this is just giving work to a friend, this feels a bit closer home to Cloak and Dagger. What do you think is going on captain?”
\t“I know you hate playing dirty kid; but this galaxy can't be kept by the soft. If you have anything you would give everything to protect. Learn to have an iron fist in a velvet glove.” Rikket gave his head a shake. “And no clue son. But the way he was acting; even on a fully encrypted line. He was dropping heavy hints on me that he couldn't say a word to me even on an encrypted line. And personally, I hate cloak and dagger shit too.” Rikket gave a pause then a deep sigh. “We’ll just have to be ready for whatever comes our way.” He then pats the young cat's shoulder. In some strange way this young tiger reminded him at least a little of his son; wasn't the only reason he got the job, but it helped. “Anyway, go get some rest I’ll take over the bridge for now.”
\tTigger nodded and gave a salute, turning around, and walking the other way. Moments later, Rikket walked into the bridge room; with the AI girl from before walking through a wall near him and stating captain on deck. A few members of the crew working on different displays and consoles around the room turned to salute him. At the helm sat a cute and very young Red Fox Panda anthromorph. She was a rather exceptional prodigy. Ever for one so young, not many he knew could handle the helm better. She somehow made his impossible routes possible. Setting his hand on her shoulder he asks, “Good morning Maiyumi.” He startled her, the girl giving a surprised rather adorable eep. “How’s the Jump Drive preparations coming along?” He asked then rustling the girl's hair.
\tShe looked up to him after giggling and smiled. “Just fine.” She quickly replied. “Should be ready to jump in a few moments captain.”
\tRikket gave a nod then walked a little ways toward the center of the bridge. A chair with consoles on it was sat there. He took a seat in it, and the little AI girl hopped up onto his side console; this time however she got a head pat and was a happy little AI and not a vicious little brat. No more than a second later the com chirped on. A young human male saying, “Hey captain, jump drives ready to go.”
\tThere was an instantaneous argument in the seconds after, and the sound of a struggle over the com unit suddenly broke out. As two very overgrown little boys fought over the phone. Rugger then shouted, “Hey get away from that brat!” Rugger snapped. “Chief Engineer makes announcements. Go align the couplings or something damned brat!”
\tThe scuffle continued for a moment. The young human then says in response, “What can I say Snappy you weren’t here and I am the second monkey on the pile!”
\tThe fight ensued with Rugger shouting, “I TOLD YOU NOT TO CALL ME SNAPPY!” Followed by the sound of metals and parts hitting the floor. “Second in command my ass I wouldn't trust you to build a fucking blaster!”
\t“SNAPPY SNAPPY SNAPPY!” The guy replied just as loudly. Suddenly followed by a thrown tool of some kind and other engineers trying to hurry out of the way.
\tRikket however facepalmed and then shouted. “Will you two STOP IT ALREADY!” That damn near silenced the entire ship. “Ru, how old are you?” Oh sure, the turtle on the other end stammered a moment trying to justify himself. “How old are you??”
\tThere was a silence for a few moments. The human quickly replied. “Hey, Snappy here started it. Anyway, we’re ready down here captain.” Rikket already heard Rugger starting to huff again; and quickly closed the com.
\tHe then looked toward his pilot, the young panda laughing a little at the mayhem going on in engineering; but new day, same story, different oil stain and how'd it get on the ceiling. Sadly to work down there you had to be really good at a very letal game of dodge wrench. The rest of the bridge crew were thankful they weren't engineers at that moment; the only time the bridge was chaotic was when they were under fire. Even if the AI was now very worried about the apparent fight non-fight mutual combat happening in her primary engine bay. Maiyumi quickly replied after her goggles were lifted and then dropped into her eyes; with a very smug little panda ready to go. “Ready to go at your word captain.”
\tTo which Rikket gave a nod and the smart-ass response of. “Word.” After which his coffee was once more sipped on; a rather grumpy cat noticed the near bottom of an almost empty mug once more and seriously growled at the cup like that'd fix it. The Ship AI gave him a head pat and made a request from the mess for more coffee; before the big kitty got angy. He was still so tired, for a brat that tried to wake him with a bucket of water; the cat shot back to her with a glance. The brat then rolled away in a 'who me?' kind of way.
\tMaiyumi gave a nod and a quick reply “At once captain.” She started typing on her console. Once it was ready she opened a ship wide com calling everyone to attention; with the classic whistle, “Attention all hands, please prepare for an FTL Jump.”
\tAfter a few moments, another member of the bridge crew stated. “All decks reporting ready sir.”
\tRikket nodded then watched as the young girl at the helm started to bring the jump systems online. He then ordered aloud, “Set course for Vermay Star System; miss Maiyumi … if you dare.”
\tRather promptly there was the sound of energy build up. Once the hum got to a steady tone the stars outside the bridge screens started to distort. An electrical discharge arching off the hull. Then promptly the ship was gone now in the jump funnel to its destination, eta a few hours.
~End of chapter~
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