Aedile’s Office
Phantom Complex
Port Ol’val, Dajorra System
1730 Hours
“We have a problem.”
Valtiere raised an eyebrow questioningly, inviting the Aedile to explain. Instead, the Kiffar lowered his head to his hands and began rubbing his temples. Terran’s hair was a mess and his shirt askew. He knew he looked bad these days, even by his own uncouth standards. Too many damn balls in the air. There was nothing to do, though, besides juggle them as long as he could. With a sigh, he sat up and dug through the datapads that littered his desk. Finding the one he wanted, he hit the power button to illuminate the screen.
“Looks like we have another would-be pirate incoming. Some old buddy that Mirus convinced to sign on with his ragtag bunch of misfits.”
“That’s a good thing, though,” the Rollmaster replied, curiosity plain in his soft-spoken voice. “What’s the issue?”
“The issue,” Terran answered wearily, “is that the Chiruvi Pirates apparently got wind of the fact that the transport he’s flying in on is important to Tyrant Sword.”
The pilot grasped the implications immediately and slowly nodded his head. “How bad is it?”
“Pretty karkin’ bad by these intel reports. I’d love to send a picket ship and an entire squadron to fend off these sorts of numbers. Unfortunately, we have no one to spare at the moment. Not on a single Journeyman, anyway.”
The Human held out his hand for the datapad and Terran gladly passed it to him.
“What do you think, Valt?”
Power On
Analyzing Biometrics
Identity Confirmed
Loading Filesystem
Filesystem Loaded
Decrypting Files
Target: Denon System, Onderon Sector, Hydian Way Hyperlane
Assignment: Three Lancer-class Frigates and two squadrons of Uglies are expected to intercept the Lambda-class Shuttle Triduvium when it drops out of hyperspace in the Denon System. The stop is necessary to adjust course for Port Ol’val, and there is currently no way to contact the shuttle to warn them of the impending interdiction. Enemy forces must be destroyed or held off long enough for the shuttle to calculate a new hyperspace jump and escape.
Closing File
Unmounting Filesystem
Filesystem Unmounted
Erasing
Erasure Complete
Valtiere contemplated the datapad for a few moments before sighing and rubbing the bridge of his nose. Eventually, his eyes rose and he met Terran’s inquiring gaze with one of steely resolve. His voice, though, carried all the wearied weight of a man who had risked his life far too many times in the past.
“I’ll get it sorted. My squadron’s K-Wing’s are being fueled up as we speak.”
