[HEADING=1]Chapter 1: Rendezvous at Omega I[/HEADING]
Alexis stood pacing the length of the lounge deck when the crew emerged from their posts for the announced meeting. He motioned for them to sit down, a troubled expression on his face. The upperdeck of the Sakkara was easily the least cluttered as it basically housed the crew's living quarters and a handful of storage room, as such the crew often made use of the space to hold meetings or on special occasions or long haul trips, to hold indoor games. It was quite clear to the crew, that what was about to unfold today was no jovial matter.
"Gentleman, lady" he began, "I have troubling news that has just come to my attention. This might have a connection with the UPD cruiser that we are about to encounter with" he dug his hand into his pocket and produced a small circular chip. "A video log that came through to me on a secure channel a few hours ago. I think you all should see this". Alexis, walked over to the television screen and inserted the chip within its housing compartment.
Static burst through the viewer. Suddenly the interference disappeared and the face of a middle aged man wearing glasses appeared on the screen. He was dressed in normal civilian clothes and he had a small metal pin in the shape of a phoenix pinned to his T-shirt. There was a flicker on the screen as the man began to speak
Captain Alexis!,
I am captain Revelli of the freelance freighter, Indigo Maru, we haven't met personally but we are acquainted through a close personal friend of mine and yours as well, I believe. Captain Armstrong of the freighter, Bragi, spoke quite highly of you and your crew on many an occasion. It would saddened you then, to learn that as of 0800 hours yesterday, his vessle the Bragi,was reported on UPD communication channels as destroyed with all hands. We thought it was a twisted joke played by the UPD at the time, but no other freelance craft has spotted the Bragi, within any of the known sectors in over 24 hours. Her last known destination was a UPD cruiser called the ,Titan, several of us have tried making communication with the vessel but they refuse to acknowledge that they docked with the Bragi. According to recent intercepted UPD transmissions, they have listed the Bragi as "destroyed by unknown causes" during a routine space maneuver.
Captain, we find this highly unlikely, the crew of the Bragi, were a very diligent and experienced crew, they were one of the oldest vessels serving under the Freelancer creed. Though we have no evidence, it is becoming apparent that the UPD, either directly or indirectly had something to do with it's destruction and they are now covering it up. I received an encrypted transmission from the Bragi, before it dropped out of communication range. The message was brief. Captain Armstrong, stated that he was working with the UPD on a project and if something were to happen to him or his crew that I was to contact the captain of the Sakkara. The message went on to say that he hoped the Sakkara and her crew would have better luck than he did. That was all.
Captain, it has been more than 24 hours, and I am certain that Armstrong and his crew have fallen into grave danger. I do not know what he is referring to when he speaks about a "UPD Project", it is clear though that he expects a similar fate to befall you and your crew, hence the wishing of good fortune. As a fellow captain, I urge you caution. The sectors across the known rim are now abuzz with rumors that the UPD are cleansing the galaxy of Freelancers. Whatever the case may be, I ask that you, if possible keep an eye and ear out for Armstrong or his ship, it could be that they are still alive. Alas, if they are truely dead, then I urge that we conduct a full investigation about the matter.
Gods speed Alexis, may you and your crew stay safe, and, if your travels permit it, look for our friends on the Bragi.
-Captain Revelli Out!
The video recording ended.
Alexis turned to face his crew. "So!" he began. "Looks like this isn't a routine inspection after all. It's too much of a coincidence. The Bragi begins work for the UPD and then suddenly they go off the maps and a couple hours later we are being hailed by the UPD... Something is rotten here and it reeks of UPD propaganda". He stopped pacing long enough to sit down across from everyone.
"Captain Johnna Armstrong was a close friend of mine, we both served in the unification wars to form the Trade Coalition. He was a good man. If he and his crew died, conducting a UPD mission, then it is our duty to make sure that they are honored as such, and not left for obscurity under UPD censorship acts, as well as to determine the cause of their demise will be our primary concern. Remember nothing is confirmed yet, so they could very well be still alive, if so then their rescue is of utmost importance to us. Either way, I can guarantee that all our answers lie within the UPD ship and there will find out whats happening" Alexis got up and pulled out his automatic pistol from the cupboard.
"Remember, stay armed at all time, when we dock with the Thantos, do not show aggression, we don't need to give them a reason to shoot us, but be vigilant at all times. Don't stray too far into their ship, god knows we might have to make a hasty departure" he paused as he loaded up the weapon with ammunition.
"That's all guys!. Suit up and lock and load" he had barely spoken those words when a series of alarms rang out from the cockpit.
PROXIMITY ALERT!
PROXIMITY ALERT!
PROXIMITY ALERT!
"That's the sensors, looks like we have company in this quadrant!" Roach replied in response to the alarm.
"Three guesses to who they might be!" Alexis retorted. "Look sharp people, action stations everyone!. Roach, take us out of docking position and maintain standard orbit. If we are hailed by the cruiser, inform them that we will comply and dock with the ship. Extra, have the warp core ready, in case this goes south. Issaria, maintain weapons control. Everyone else, standby for boarding ".
