When they arrived at the Lutsk Base, Yuri really wasn't sure what to expect. Though there was no doubt in anyone's mind that what they encountered wasn't it.
The space around the Lutsk Base had been taken up by the Elgavan Local Forces, fleets of patrol ships flying in formation in a constant pattern. Markers had been set up 2,000 miles from the planet, and the military had been strictly checking each incoming ship.
By the time they had been cleared by the military outer patrol, then boarded by the inner patrol fleet, it had taken well over an hour to finally reach the slip they had been assigned.
Even then, it wasn't over. Groups of soldiers patrolled the spaceport, with checkpoints being set up at the Orbital elevators, Shipyards, and CTA offices.
While Torlo complained as the elevator dropped at alarming speed towards the planet below, Yuri couldn't help but think... he didn't blame the Elgavan military. With the threat of the Novgorod Pirates hanging over them, it was all they could do to keep the enemy away from the Lutsk sector base.
If that fell. Well... Yuri thought. I definitely don't want to think about that yet.
Another ten minutes later, and Yuri, Nia, Kira, Torlo and Tatiana found themselves outside the Local Elgavan Forces military Headquarters. While they had initially been stopped by patrolling soldiers, they were quickly rushed through the entrance and into a room at the mention of Commander Oleg Vladykin.
He had obviously informed them that the group were expected to arrive.
The War Room of the HQ building was dark, lit only by the blue lights of the screens and other devices around the room, a large holotable in the middle illuminated by the only overhead white lights.
A man Yuri assumed was Commander Vladykin approached them, brown hair shot through with flecks of grey, and brown military fatigues worn underneath an orange and khaki cape.
"I'm glad you came Yuri... let me introduce myself again. Central Elgavan Forces, Zone 4, 122nd Fleet, Commander Oleg Vladykin. And this is my superior officer, Captain Mogilek Novikov."
The man he pointed to was dressed the same, though his black hair remained slicked back, and he looked, for Vladykin's superior; somewhat younger.
"And this is the head of this base —"
"Tefed Mudakov Commander. It's a pleasure to meet you." The man interrupted, introducing himself with a smile and a handshake.
"The military of the Interplanetary Union of Elgava is divided up into Central Elgavan Forces, and a force for each local sector." He explained. "I belong to the local Lutsk sector force. Captain Novikov and Commander Vladykin here however, belong to the Central Elgavan Forces."
The conversation between them continued, batting questions and answers back and forth, which eventually turned to the pirate situation.
"The pirate situation in this sector has gotten so bad, Central sent Captain Novikov and Commander Vladykin in to help." He told them, looking at each of his colleagues. "Without their fleets here to help defend us, the Lutsk Base was in danger of being overrun. The Novgorod Pirates have grown into a nearly unstoppable power.
"Well that definitely explains the security." Torlo added sarcastically, earning a laugh in return.
"But as young as you are, you can certainly handle yourself pretty well." He complimented Yuri. "You show some fine promise."
"Thank you sir."
"What do you say? Would you like to join up with the local force here?"
Yuri's head spun.
A military commander was offering him a place in the local forces. An amazing offer. He thought. Too bad I need to turn it down.
"No thank you. I have some other things I've got to do."
"Do you now? Well that's a pity. If you ever change your mind, please, just let us know."
Excusing himself as he was called away, Yuri and the others moved on to Captain Novikov, who looked to be going over some reports.
Not even glancing or flinching as they approached, he continued his task, speaking as he did so.
"Commander Vladykin told me about you. But I can hardly believe that a boy so young would be crossing swords with the Novgorod Pirates!"
"Well believe it!" Yuri said confidently.
Sensing that they were still standing there, Novikov spoke up. "If you have something to discuss, talk to Vladykin. I don't have time to be dealing with the affairs of children."
Yuri shot Torlo a narrow-eyed gaze, intending to tell him to keep quiet. Obviously not quick enough, as Novikov acknowledged the look on Torlo's face. "Hm? Did you have something to say?"
Seeing Torlo shaking his head, the man turned to Yuri again.
"Is there something else?"
"No."
"We're very busy men. If you have no other business with us, then please leave at once."
Leaving him alone, Yuri spotted Vladykin at the large table, joining him as the man smiled.
"Well, you're even younger than I imagined from your voice. A boy your age, captain of his own ship!"
Not sure what to make of it, Yuri responded quickly. "Is there something wrong with that?"
"Oh no, I'm sorry. Did I offend you?"
"No, don't worry about it."
"What do you think of the situation in this sector Yuri?"
"What do you mean?"
"Pirates are everywhere you turn, doing as they please..." He said, leaving the sentence hanging in the air.
"Sounds like the Central Elgavan Forces ain't doin' their job, if you ask me." Torlo answered hotly.
"Hey! Cool it Torlo!"
"What Yuri? Don't be mad." Torlo said. "It's the truth, ain't it?"
"I'm afraid that your friend is right. But the entire Interplanetary Union is in a highly unstable state right now." He told them, looking directly at Yuri as he spoke. "The truth is, we just don't have enough resources to deal with the pirates too. And so I have a favour to ask of you. I've seen what you can do, and I want you to lend us your strength and help put an end to these pirates. What do you say?"
He knew the answer before he opened his mouth. "Yes."
"You will? I'm very grateful."
"We should talk elsewhere then. My lodgings are nearby. Please stop by there later. I'll be waiting for you."
While sitting inside the tavern, killing time until they had to meet Vladykin at his lodgings, the conversation began with the Elgavan military and the Novgorod Pirates.
"Commander Vladykin?" Poplo said aloud. "I actually traded gunfire with him, once upon a time."
"What! Really?"
"Yes well... it was a long time ago. Back when I was young and a little bit mischievous."
"I dunno." Nia said, currently on her fifth or sixth shot. "I bet it went a whole lot further than a little bit mischievous if you were trading gunfire."
The man laughed, taking a sip from his mug of ale. "Perhaps. But who's to say?"
During the lull in conversation, Karlo spoke up.
"I hear Oleg Vladykin is one of the most capable leaders of the Reform Faction of the Central Elgavan Forces."
"The Reform Faction? So he wants to improve the sector, is that it?"
"Yes, but I hear he uses some pretty heavy- handed tactics to get what he wants. He's well-versed in fleet battles, but he's also good at using information as a weapon. He has several spies working for him. The fact that Vladykin was sent all the way here to the Lutsk sector means that the Central Elgavan Forces are serious about putting a stop to the Novgorod Pirates for good.
"You know... The part I really can't forgive the Novgorod Pirates for is messing with the lives of innocent people on the ground. Kidnapping girls off the street. Sending them off to this planet or that, for who knows what?" She continued, turning to Yuri. "Captain, you gotta make sure you never let your sister out of your sight, you hear me?"
"Gee Yuri..."
"Don't worry Kira." After reassuring his sister, he turned to the mercenary. "Come on Gadina! You're scaring her."
"Okay, okay. Don't get your panties in a bunch kid."
"Ah, here you are Yuri! We're free to talk strategy without reserve." Vladykin said the moment the door had shut behind them. "Please, have a seat."
After offering drinks to the group, a bottle of scotch for Nia; Yuri started the conversation.
"Before we start talking strategy, there's something I want to ask you about."
"Is there? And what might that be?"
"Tatiana here has a brother in the military, but she hasn't been able to reach him for a while now." He had the man's attention, hand on his chin. "We were wondering if you know what's up with him."
"What's the name of this brother of yours?" He asked her.
While the worry showed, excitement was written on her face at the prospect of finally getting answers. "I don't know what division he's in, but his name is Zakhar. Zakhar Agarkov."
Vladykin was clearly surprised, completely failing at hiding it.
"What?! You're Lieutenant Agarkov's sister?"
"You know my brother?"
"Well that's an interesting coincidence! The mission I have for you has to do with that very man. Lieutenant Agarkov."
"Where is my brother? What is he doing?"
"It's no surprise that he hasn't been able to contact you." He said, leaning back into his chair. "He's been acting as our spy and has infiltrated his way into the lair of the Novgorod Pirates."
"Spy?" She asked, clearly confused and fearful for her brother's safety. "But that's so dangerous!"
"I'm sorry, but there wasn't any choice. We have to get to their local leader, Balik." He answered. "Unless we do that, it won't matter how many of his underlings we take out. No matter how we tried, we just couldn't locate Balik's Base."
His explanation had them all intrigued, listening with rapt attention to the story. "As a last resort, we chose several men we could trust, and sent them in as spies. One of those men was Lieutenant Agarkov."
Nodding in understanding at the situation, Yuri asked. "So what do you want us to do?"
While it didn't show on his face, Vladykin was clearly surprised at Yuri's confidence and determination; not showing a wink of fear it seemed.
"I want you to go to the planet Ruza. Once you're there, I want you to meet with Lieutenant Agarkov. He will give you a data chip containing reports on all that he's learned so far." The Commander explained. "Our military ships would draw too much attention, but a civilian ship like yours shouldn't raise the pirates' suspicions."
"So that's the plan? I guess if Tats gets to have a little reunion with her bro, it's good enough for me! Right Tats baby?"
"Yes, it is. And don't call me baby."
"It's settled then. When you make contact with him, you must identify yourselves as allies. The code phrase is: we'll buy you a few drinks." Vladykin explained. "Have you got that?"
"Yes."
"Good. Now to give you something for your troubles." He said, holding two ship blueprints, one in each hand.
"These are the blueprints for two of our destroyers, the Orfey-class, and the Derzky-class. I'm afraid I can't give you both, but you're welcome to choose one of them to have."
Watching the excitement and anticipation at receiving a new ship blueprint, Vladykin secretly smiled.
This kid sure was something.
"Will you favour upping your offensive power and take the missile-armed Orfey-class?" Holding up his right hand. "Or will you choose the standard Derzky-class which can be built cheaply but doesn't compare to the Orfey-class in performance?"
While a small voice in the back of his head wondered which one to choose, Yuri's mind had already been made up.
He reached for the right hand, taking the Orfey-class blueprints from the older man. Glancing up at Nia as Vladykin spoke, Yuri noticed the subtle nod and smile of approval that she gave him... making her agreement known. "Fine then. May it help you on your journey."
Sensing that the meeting was winding down, Yuri decided to ask another last-minute question. "I have one more thing I want to ask you."
"Yes? What is it?"
"I've been on a quest to unravel the mysteries of the Epitaphs. I was wondering if your forces have found out anything about them that you might be able to share with me?"
"Well, well. You're interested in Epitaphs, are you? That's certainly an unusual interest for a boy like yourself." He replied in surprise again. "I'll check our database and see what we have. If there's anything useful in there about them, you're welcome to the information."
"Now then. Once you get a hold of the data chip, please return here at once. I wish you success in your mission!"
"You made a good choice Yuri."
"Yeah well, after you told me we couldn't face them even with a second Otlichny, I thought that increased firepower would be better over a cheaper ship. Even if it is the Elgavan military's standard."
After their meeting with Vladykin in the Officers Lodgings, Yuri and Nia had found time alone to head up to the Shipyard themselves to purchase and remodel an Orfey destroyer.
Nia had taken the opportunity to teach the young Captain about fleet setup and ship remodelling.
When remodelling a ship, work with what you've got. Work out what you need, then how to increase the ship's strengths. Then if you've got room left, fill in the blanks.
She is right though. Yuri thought, fiddling around with the ship's module layout, on a terminal overlooking the shipyard bay.
It was a good few hours well spent, as Yuri was taught the basics, and his earlier admission that he wanted to build the greatest ship in the universe actually looked like it was coming true.
As the robot control arms and other workers put the finishing touches on his Orfey, the pair headed off towards the CTA Offices.
Finding an empty terminal, they spent the better part of an hour filling in the paperwork required to register their new ship.
As Yuri got towards the end, he came upon the section that applied to the ship name and identity documents.
And on the dotted line beside Registered Vessel Identification, he put down one word, a word that he had felt couldn't fit any better.
His new Orfey-class destroyer would be known as:
FREEDOM.
Leaving the twisted wreckage of the two pirate ships behind them, Yuri was glad that he had spent his money to buy an Orfey, it was definitely a good investment.
The FREEDOM's maiden voyage had been eventful for sure, encountering four pirate fleets within the first half an hour.
It was a step up for sure.
He had just gone for a walk to check in on the different departments and sections of the ship, a habit he had been getting into, when the ship's comm burst to life.
"Captain Yuri. You are needed aboard the bridge." He heard Tatiana call out.
Before she could finish however, he heard another familiar voice call out.
"In other words, get your lazy ass up here!"
Yuri smiled, making his way back to the bridge. Nia sure kept everyone on their toes alright. You could always count on her to be unique.
Stepping onto the bridge, he was met by Nia, standing directly behind Tatiana and Kira, speaking seriously with both girls.
"Hey. What's so urgent?"
"We spotted a battle up ahead." Nia replied. "Scans have detected a Novgorod fleet consisting of a Novik destroyer, a Sokol and a Bodry. They've surrounded a lone Derzky LOC, bearing the colours of the Central Elgavan Forces."
"Then what are we waiting for?" Yuri asked, ascending the captain's dais. "All hands to battle stations, Fire Control Coordinator, prepare weapon firing lines!"
Just like the last few battles, their new Orfey ship made mincemeat of the small Novgorod fleet, who barely had the time to turn around and fire off a few shots.
"I don't get it. How did a ship like a Derzky LOC get overwhelmed by these guys?" Yuri asked aloud.
As the Novik-class destroyer advanced on them, the Elgavan ship behind it opened fire again, striking the pirate's thrusters... stopping them dead in their tracks.
"Yuri! Look."
Taking a look behind the now destroyed Novik, Yuri watched as the Derzky LOC seemed to shudder, before the forward-facing guns exploded. The remains of the weapon platform dropped, sinking into the bow of the ship, causing a chain effect that rippled across the hull.
"Quick! Pull up alongside that ship."
"There's no time."
"Exactly." Yuri replied, meeting Nia's gaze. "That's why we have to move fast."
As Yuri, Nia and Torlo ran towards the docking tube, the FREEDOM pulled up alongside the quickly falling ship.
Hearing the click then hiss that indicated the completion of the docking process, Yuri slapped the control console, opening the door.
Smoke billowed out from the other side, as hundreds of crewmembers poured forth, coughing as they passed. He could see the flames raging from either side of the corridor, as a man approached them, Elgavan military fatigues indicating his officer rank.
"Is that everyone?" Nia asked as he passed, coughing into his elbow.
"I think so." He said between coughs. "Most of the gunnery crew and forward crewmen were killed when the gun collap -"
He was cut off by an explosion that rocked both ships, before Nia called to Yuri to close the docking hatch. Without thinking, she called out for the ship to move away to a safe distance, as Yuri called for the security team to aid the crewmen that lined the corridor.
Yuri approached Nia and the Captain, who were conversing calmy.
"- you for saving us Captain." He said, shaking her hand. "We definitely wouldn't be alive now if it wasn't for you."
Not flinching at the man's mistake, she replied, as Yuri stopped beside her. "Well... actually it wasn't my idea, It was Yuri's. And I'm not the Captain... he is."
"I'm Yuri. Captain of the FREEDOM." He introduced himself, offering his hand. "I'm just glad that we got here in time."
"Many thanks. If you hadn't gotten here when you did, there is no doubt we would have lost our lives, and not just that of our ship." He said, eyes downcast. "Three hundred people were aboard, and we walked out with less than half. A heavy toll indeed."
Before he could continue, Nia announced that she would see to the FREEDOM'S return to the Lutsk Base, while Yuri and the Captain tended to the wounded.
Upon their return to the Lutsk Base, and unlike before, they didn't need to wait to be checked again and again by the military patrols. at the mention of Yuri's name, they were allowed to pass unchallenged towards the nearest spaceport; obviously garnering attention from the waiting civilians.
Once docked, Yuri and the old Captain handled the coordination of medical aid and transportation of the wounded crew to the nearest hospital.
Afterwards, Yuri and company found themselves standing in the glassed hallway overlooking slip 317, watching the repairs proceeding on the FREEDOM below.
Turning to the group, military training obvious to all, he stood with his hands folded behind him, back ramrod straight.
"Allow me to introduce myself." He began. "Former Central Elgavan Forces, Captain Ogar Telegov, at your service."
"Former military huh?" Gadina asked. "That certainly explains the ship. But that doesn't explain how a ship like a Derzky LOC was overwhelmed by a couple of pushovers like those pirates."
The man grunted in response, before explaining. "A mistake on my part. A mistake that cost me dearly." He began, turning to stare out of the glass window overlooking the hangar. "After leaving the Elgavan military, I began working as a professional mercenary, escorting people of various prestige and fame on their travels. In any normal circumstance, such a fleet of lowly pirates wouldn't be a threat, but after we left Ruza, we came under attack."
"One of the pirates got in a lucky shot. Instead of returning to Ruza for repairs, I continued. During the last battle, the previous damage ruptured the internal systems of my ship, and the pirates were left to swarm us unchecked."
Turning back to face them, he continued speaking, a look of shame and sadness on his face. "That Derzky LOC had been by my side for years." He took a deep breath. "I not only lost my ship, but my crew as well."
"I owe you a great debt Yuri, one I will never be able to repay. My services will always be available to you, whenever you need them."
"Will you be okay?" Kira asked.
"Yes my dear, I believe so." He replied. "I may have lost my ship, but not my way. Once my crew have been healed and returned to normal, I will continue on my travels." He frowned then, before looking dejected once more. "Though my possessions were lost in the attack."
Looking past Ogar towards the STARGAZER in the next dock, he had a sudden idea, turning to meet Ogar's questioning stare. "I think I have a way for both of us to help each other."
"I'm listening."
"Well, I find myself with two ships, but no one to Captain the other." He began, noticing comprehension beginning to dawn on the man's face as he explained. "You find yourself with a crew, but no ship, so, I am offering you the STARGAZER... if you want it."
The group watched Ogar think to himself for a few minutes, before answering.
"Well... If you are offering your ship, I think it only fair that I offer something of equal value in return." He said. "I offer you my service as a member of your crew, Yuri. I offer to serve under you, and to help teach and advise you in matters pertaining to warfare and fleet maintenance. This offer will stand until one or either of us have decided that my debt to you has been paid, or that you not need my services further."
The group looked on in shock at the offer both men had put forth. However, Nia watched on in fascination. She had definitely expected something like this from Yuri, and of the old man too.
"Do we have a deal?" Ogar asked, extending a hand between the two.
Yuri smiled, reaching out to grasp the older man's hand in a firm handshake that ended any further offers or conversation.
"Deal!"
"It's a good ship." Yuri said, as he took the man on a tour of the STARGAZER. "It's served me well, even against the pirates, despite its disadvantage."
"I see that you have kept it well maintained, even while not in use." Ogar said. "A man that takes pride in, and maintains not only his ship, but crew as well, will go much further than those that don't. Even if he is a young sixteen year-old teenager."
"You know... when I first became a captain, I thought I would screw up royally at it and just be tossed aside to go back to my old life." Yuri told him. "And... well... it might not compare to an Orfey in performance, but it has served me well. It's a good ship, and it's certainly served me well against Panfilov, that's for sure."
"Panfilov huh?" Ogar asked, glancing side on at the teen beside him. It then dawned on him what the kid meant. "Ah... I see now. You're the boy from Ropesk that challenged its Feudal Lord."
"It wasn't all me you know." Yuri said, watching the floor as they walked. "It was Panfilov's fault too. He neglected to maintain and upgrade his ships regularly... That's what made it so easy. Anyone could have done what I did!"
"Despite your age and lack of experience, you're definitely a natural zero-G dog... if ever there was one." Ogar replied. "It wasn't just Panfilov's fault. You sure must be one hell of a good captain to be able to lead a lone ship against so many."
Ogar stopped, placing a hand on Yuri's shoulder as the two turned to face each other. "It is okay to be humble. But failing to see your own strengths is a weakness that might get you killed one day." He said, a serious look in his eyes. "It is a hard lesson to learn, but one that we must all heed."
They finished the tour in silence, one captain hoping that the other would learn the valuable lesson... the other hoping that he was right.
But Yuri knew there was a lot left for him to learn. He just hoped he didn't get people killed before he did.
The group waited for a little over a day for word on Ogar's wounded crew, who had been told that they would need to remain under care for a few more days.
Undeterred, Ogar had spoken to Yuri, who had agreed to hire some robotic crew from the CTA to continue their mission.
With the STARGAZER now under Ogar's command, and flying alongside the seemingly invincible Orfey, Nia found herself listening in on Yuri and Ogar as they discussed things over the comm, also letting her throw in her own opinion.
En route to Ruza for a second time, the pirates seemed to realize that Yuri's fleet wasn't one to be messed with, and even the lone fleet that had come crawling out of the woodwork, was quickly vaporized.
Yuri had to admit, Ogar's command over the STARGAZER exceeded his expectations. Under his control, the STARGAZER seemed to do everything the FREEDOM could do, and more.
As they entered the tavern on Ruza, Tatiana shouted out as they walked through the door... drawing everyone's attention. "Zakhar!"
Ignoring the warnings and calls from her friends, she ran up to the man in the military uniform, apparently, her older brother: Zakhar Agarkov.
Walking towards their friend, Yuri turned to the man, speaking the secret code words he'd been given.
"We'll buy you a few drinks."
Still ignoring his sister, but finally acknowledging the group, he spoke. "You're who they sent me huh? Unbelievable."
While speaking, Zakhar covertly slipped Yuri the data chip "Thanks for the drinks. Now leave me alone."
"Zakhar..."
Trying desperately to talk to Zakhar, her pleas fell on deaf ears, as her brother just turned his head away from her.*It doesn't look like we are going to get anything else out of him.*Yuri thought.
"I went through all this trouble to find Zakhar, and now he's acting like he doesn't even know me!"
"Buck up Tats. I know exactly how you feel girl. I mean, what the Grus is wrong with that guy?!" Torlo said, hand resting on the girl's shoulder. "Here his own blood came all this way out to see him, and he just sits there like that. That's stone-cold sister!"
A fire blazing in her eyes, she slapped the hand off her shoulder, jabbing a finger into Torlo's chest. "You jerk! Don't talk that way about Zakhar!"
"Huh? Oh, sorry."
"Well you know, he is right in the middle of a dangerous mission. Maybe he doesn't want to blow his cover. Did you ever think of that?" Nia added as they took a seat at a table near the bar. "I mean, this place is just crawling with pirates and pirate sympathizers."
As the others conversed about Zakhar and his undercover mission, Yuri and Torlo left the table to place an order. While waiting, the bartender spoke with them about the pirate situation in the sector.
"This whole area is under the thumb of the Novgorod Pirates. There's even been soldiers hanging around lately, hoping the pirates will let them join up. See all the guys in the military uniforms?"
Taking a look around the tavern, the two noticed a tough looking guy at the nearest table, talking to himself as a woman hung off his shoulder.
"Heh heh heh. I sure am glad I joined up with the Novgorod Pirates. I got wine and women every night, I'm havin' the time of my life."
As they exchanged glances, turning away from the man as their order arrived, Torlo muttered something under his breath. Something only Yuri could hear.
"Not for long you won't!"
At that, Yuri smiled.
"Yuri. There's a ship approaching." Kira called out on their return journey from Ruza. "Searching ship code... it's -"
"Hey, that's Dedon Galkin of the Novgorod Pirates." Nia interrupted. "Here he comes!"
"Ha, ha, ha. I believe we've met before. Who gave you permission to go traipsing around in our territory?"
The fight began, and straight off the bat, Kira called out that she had detected an energy reading. In response, Yuri ordered the fleet to take up evasive manoeuvres, as Galkin's barrage passed them by.
"Alright everyone, let's show them a barrage of our own!" Yuri called out. "Release GS system and shields!"
"Transmitting enemy location to weapon targeting systems. All gunnery crew firing intervals synched... beginning barrage."
Laserfire erupted from the combined weapons systems of the FREEDOM and STARGAZER. The barrage slammed into Galkin's ship, several explosions peppering the hull of the Rurik-class cruiser.
Even then, it wasn't enough. The ships battered each other with light attacks and barrages; some connected... others didn't.
"Let's bring the enemy down. Disable energy limiters..."
"Affirmative. Proceeding with synchronized attack."
The next barrage that Galkin took seemed like it would finish the fight, but the enemy Rurik just charged right through, taking the attack with full force as it responded in kind.
"Damn him." Yuri muttered to himself as the FREEDOM shook. The fleet comm crackled to life, and Ogar called out to Yuri.
"Yuri, pull the FREEDOM back and prepare for your next attack."*He said.*"I'll push forward and distract him."
"Okay."
The FREEDOM pulled back, and the bridge crew watched as the STARGAZER and Rurik traded laserfire for the next few minutes. They watched the STARGAZER collect an enemy barrage side on, and Yuri called out for the next barrage... seizing the moment.
"Prepare to bombard the enemy's quadrant. Fire!"
The next barrage stopped Galkin in his tracks, cutting off the attack as the hull creaked and groaned under the pressure from the FREEDOM's guns.
The pause in fighting was punctuated by the communications system bursting to life, as Dedon Galkin's voice could be heard over the speakers.
"Huh, not bad. I've got to give you credit. But you haven't seen the last of me!"
"There he goes." Torlo called.
"Huh. For a pirate, he sure threw in the towel pretty fast."
Behind Nia, Kira tapped her on the shoulder. "Excuse me, but can I talk to you for a minute Nia?"
"Sure. What's up Kira?"
"When we were fighting that pirate, a communication came in. It was just noise, but it contained an odd signal pattern."
Huh. Nia thought to herself. "Okay. Could you copy it for me? I'll look into it."
"All right. I'll do that."
"Commander Vladykin, we got the data chip from Lieutenant Agarkov!"
As soon as they had touched down again on the Lutsk Base, Captain Telegov had announced his decision to check up on his wounded crew and tend to the STARGAZER. Poplo and Gadina had no doubt drifted off towards the tavern, Leaving Yuri, Nia, Kira, Torlo and Tatiana to report on the success of their mission.
"Oh! You did a fine job Yuri. Now we should be able to pinpoint the location of Balik's base." Vladykin smiled, taking the data chip from Yuri. "We'll analyse the contents of this chip right away. Once we're able to locate the base, I have another favour to ask. Will you lend us your strength once again and help us capture it?"
"I know we're just passing through and all, but we can't just let people like that get away with murder, can we? What do the rest of you think?"
"If that's what you want to do, I'll do it. I'm behind you, no matter what." Kira answered.
Torlo spoke up next from behind Yuri. "We take care of 'em, and Tats' brother will be free to go, 'zat right? I say we do it! Right Tats?"
"Yes. Let's do it please."
"What do you think Nia?" Yuri asked, turning to his first, and oldest friend.
"Whoo boy!" Nia said more to herself. Running a hand through her silver tresses. "This thing just keeps getting heavier and heavier, doesn't it? But oh well. You can make it all worth my while when we get to Central Elgava."
Yuri let out a breath he didn't know he was holding. He hadn't realized just how much Nia's opinion and advice meant to him until now. "All right then. Thank you Nia."
"Good. So it's settled. You're free to do as you like until we've finished analysing the data chip."