Part 8

There was expectation in the air, a quiet anticipation not felt for a long time. Everyone was working their posts, hardly talking, just enough conversation to work by. After the blast, the fury of an antimatter path clearance. It was the quiet both after and before the storm.

Ko-on monitored two jobs. Tracking the oncoming battle and finding the mine dropper. His big question was why only one mine. A field or cluster would have made more sense. He looked for his answers.

The 'Chances big table showed the scene. Hovering in easy to view space. There was the Chance, behind it leading the convoy stood the 'Fire behind that back in the 8 point formation was the convoy. Long, and heavy looking ships all. So different to those in the lead. Yet with their big engines effectively swift when needed but so vulnerable in a fight.

Ko on kept looking.

In reality his third job was the real one. Making sure the 'Chance was ready for a fight. He knew the fighters were fueled and the missiles were being transported to the Smokeless Fire. He know that the guns were being tested and he knew all were fully armed. He knew that marines were taking guns from storage, and preparing for action. He even knew that the galley had the infamous fleet traditional before the battle menu nearly ready to eat. He hoped chef hadn't just followed the book of fleet meals. Left on his own the 'Chance's chef was a wonder in the kitchen, yet when following fleet recipes somehow things went a little awry.

Ko on was looking out for all things.

He also worried about the Captain. He'd known Captain Freddie for longer than any man in the crew. This was the first time in years the Captain had been reminded of the battle of Midtreanas that had trapped him and the ex admiral in Hajamke.

Most of all his eyes followed every display and every crew member on the bridge.

Then suddenly there it was. One of the answers he'd been looking for. They'd found the missing ship. The one that dropped the mine. Time to get in touch with the captain. Who was now doubt on his third or fourth fleet beer with the heavy drinking ex admiral.

Part 7

“Flying lessons were never vague said the trooper,
Like a 60 ton fighter cruise over a crowded highway..”

Odd to recollect the start monologue start of a heavy song. As you're head ducking along the crawl space of a smugglers transfer gate, bumping along until climbing out.

That was half an hour ago and now Captain Freddie sat with a beer in hand smiling with his old captain the Ex-Admiral who was pleased. Over on the chance Ko-on was setting up for the fight and skill scanning for the mine bomber.

Right now though these weren't the details a certain ex admiral were interested in. It was time to talk of illegal actions. The door was locked, the recorders were off. Just two old friends and some bottles.

“It's a bit irregular to meet over a beer”
“Freddie it's a bit irregular for a captain of fleet to use an illegal transfer point”
“Even more irregular to offer a civilian heavy weapons”
“What do you have in mind Freddie”
“Anti ship missiles. Krugers to be short. I'm assuming you have pods on this ship and I want to fit Krugers to them.”
The admiral smiled.
“I went a bit overboard on outfitting, my pods are from a fleet support ship. Slightly declawed Maringers”
“I knew they wouldn't be trade standards. Nothing on this ship is.”
“Well she is ex of fleet Freddie”
“And being who you were able to keep more more fleet than ex”
“Something like that. It make the 'Fire a perfect convoy leader”
“Ok, not too many details. Someday I'm sure I'll be answering questions on this. For know, directly how many Krugers can you fit to one of your Maringers”
“Two, and I have four Maringers”
“Eight is a good number sir, I'll have them gated over to you. Can your boys install them?”
“Everyone on this ship is ex fleet it'll be easy”
“Good, that's settled. Pass me another beer will you”
“Here you go Freddie. Glad you like it.”
“It's the special from Hoktow, everyone likes this; I've just authorised the Krugers for you by stone”.
“Good, my boys will be pleased to get some new toys”
“Now about those freighter captains you seem to have them well trained”
“They hate it Freddie, but I have my reputation so they're actually listening”
“I'm glad about that”
“You're worried aren't you're”
“Van we've got a big fight ahead and somewhere out there is a stealthy mine dropper. “
“You think things are about to get big”
“What do you think?”
“That I didn't bring enough beer on this trip. I think you're right”
“Trouble is Van, is that until the new locally built ships are ready this system is under defended”
“True, but at least they have the legends from Midtreanas to defend them”
“Ok, can I have a tour of Smokeless Fire?”
“Thought you'd never ask. Bring your bottle”