On board the Sakkara:
Alexis let out a hearty laugh, "yeah right, models on my ship!. You know the rules, everyone on board has to uphold their share of the duties, and somehow I don't see Numorian models sweeping the decks for any length of time" he paused recalling the volatile temper of Numorians. "It would be quite disrupting to the ship" he completed with a grin.
"Tell you what Roach, you keep us on track and on time and maybe when we are back on the surface, I'll let you pick our next cargo" he said to the pilot. It was at that moment when Issaria walked in. Alexis shook his head in response to the gunner, "Nah, this admiral guy wants to meet me, so I doubt you need to be along for the encounter itself. As for the bath...well.." Alexis kept a straight face "I think we all are going to need one"
He paused to look out the cockpit window. The inky black of space stretched out in every direction, the vastness of it was beyond comprehension. The emptiness and the mundane colour were only sporadically broken by the occasional sightings of a distant planet or a passing comet. Even at sub warp speeds, the stars were a blur as they flew past the ship, pale in its light and countless in its numbers. The bridge doors opened automatically as Extra walked in with the latest ship diagnostic. "Very good, Extra" Alexis began, hearing the report. "You're probably right about the fuel conglomerates but in this sector the UPD are the boss and their rules apply to all. Extra's last question echoed in his thoughts for a while.
"Plan?" he repeated, "I guess the plan for now is to wait and see what happens in the future. We have little choice in the matter, I mean yes, we can point the ship in the opposite direction and run like hell, but that won't work for two reasons. One, running doesn't solve anything. Two, more importantly, while we can outrun and outmaneuver a UPD cruiser, we won't manage to outrun her guns and they will still find us on their scanners and then they will be less polite than they are being right now. For what it's worth, it's best to approach a polite UPD than an angry one", his voice trailed off as he withdrew his gaze from the cockpit window. He turned to face Roach and Issaria. "Besides, I am now curious to see what they want to talk about. It can't be anything good, since it is the UPD, but still, an opportunity has presented itself. We should at least see what it holds before we run away from it".
Alexis paused to scratch his head in thought. "Roach!, maintain our speed and heading. Inform me once we have a visual on the planet". "Issaria!, what's the status on our weapons?. Hopefully we won't have to use them, but I'd rather go into this, whatever this UPD thing is, with a backup rather than with our pants down. It's been a while since we used our Deception missiles, how many do we have in stores and are the turrets online?".
?Extra, check on the Warp core. Have it charged and on standby. Incase the shit hits the fan, I want to warp out of this sector ASAP?
"I am going to check on some old charts. I will be in my quarters" he added as he stepped out of the cockpit.
"Keep me posted people!" he called out over his shoulder.
_________________________________________________
On board the Thantos:
Shuttle Ikam docking with the Thantos
The small single engine shuttle, picked up speed as it aligned it approach angle with that of the designated docking bay on the Thantos. It fired a few thrusters to adjust its speed before finally cutting out the engines completely. The small craft was soon completely dwarfed by the large cruiser, as it drifted closer using its own inertia. The pilot of the shuttle saw a giant door open vertically, lights highlighted the edges of the walls and a glowing blue light indicated the landing paths.
Shuttle Ikam!, you are cleared for landing in Docking Bay 12. The Captain will meet the admiral in the docking area. A voice cackled over the intercoms.
Copy that Thantos. We are entering the docking bay, the shuttle pilot replied.
Within seconds the smaller craft was engulfed by the large cruiser as it entered through the opening. As the shuttle passed through, the outer doors began to close behind the shuttle.
Welcome aboard the Thantos! the voice crackled again.
Set your craft down in landing area 6
The shuttle approached the designated landing zone and fired the vertical thrusters. With a jolt the craft touched down on the floor of the docking bay and came to rest. The thrusters were deactivated and all went quiet.
The landing crew of the Thantos began clambering about as they began to secure the landing pods and the craft to the surface. A hiss was heard from the craft as the hydraulic doors opened slowly.
Admiral Troy disembarked from the shuttle carrying several heavy bags that he lugged around behind him. "You there!" he called out to a passing figure "What's your position on this ship?" he asked.
"Interceptor Pilot, Sir!" the man replied snapping to attention and giving a salute.
"Close enough!" the Admiral replied before tossing all the bags he carried on to the startled pilot's feet. "Take them to my room. I hope you know where it is. If anything is missing or broken in there, I swear that I will have you out the air lock before you could say RazzleFraggle!"
He walked off leaving the startled pilot staring after him.
"Who is in command of this vessel?. I need to speak with him urgently" he roared to those around him.
