In the Central sector of the Interplanetary Union of Elgava, Balik's ship, severely wounded... limped towards the pirate-controlled sector in the outskirts.
The patrols there allowed entry to the almost destroyed Gromki, which continued on towards the artificial planet of Medyn; under the control of Argun's Novgorod Pirates Division.
After docking with the spaceport, Balik, angry at his loss, shoved aside the lesser pirate members; shouting as he stalked up the ramp.
"ARGUN! ARGUN! WHERE ARE YOU MY BROTHER "
His yells drew many onlookers as he made his way towards the base's control room. As the door hissed open, Balik spotted an older man, studying the many reports coming in from his men.
"Ah, Argun. There you are."
"Balik. It's good to see you. But do tell me... what the Grus happened to your ship?" Argun's confusion belied his true suspicions. "It looks like you've been through a firestorm and back!"
"Yes, yes. Listen to what happened to me, my brother. It's all due to this one annoying punk... ugh! I must be losing my touch."
"What's this? I didn't know the Elgavan army had any soldiers with that kind of backbone."
"No, he's not a soldier. He's a little brat." He said, anger in his voice. "I, the great Balik, have been bested by a child! Oh, it's so humiliating."
"What's this now? Is that really true? This child sounds quite interesting! I think I would enjoy killing him, slowly, and with relish." Argun told him. "In any case, there's plenty of wine and wenches here. Relax and make yourself at home.
Leading Balik out of the Control Room, adjusting his glasses, Argun spoke again, prodding the man to continue. "And do tell me the whole story!"
"Thank you Argun."
Upon their arrival in the Central sector, they bypassed Paozero, and instead, landed on Chernesk. At the tavern, the bartender had given them two useful pieces of information.
The first. "Did you know that right here in Chernesk, there's a company that designs ships for the Elgavan Forces? But its location is top secret, having all those ties to the military and all."
And the second. "Did you know that the group that calls itself the Medic Organization is headquartered on Nerekhta? The Medic Organization is a group of volunteers that go around to different war-torn and messed up areas to treat the sick and the injured. It's completely not for profit, and runs all on public donations. It's a mighty fine organization if you ask me!"
And afterwards, had met a middle-aged man on their way out the door. "What am I going to do? The medicine we need for my daughter's illness is just about to run out. It's a drug called polyphermin, and they only have it at really big hospitals." They overheard him saying. "But there aren't any big hospitals around here..."
He needed help, that much was clear. And despite everything going on, Yuri knew, he would help him.
"I hear that your favourite youths have just entered the port."
"Yes, I just got the report myself." Vladykin said, replying to Novikov.
"Are you planning on using them for the current situation?"
"Yes well, I guess that's up to them..."
Grunting in annoyance at the response, Novikov prodded the Commander, hoping to gauge a reaction. "You're from Alatyr yourself, aren't you Commander?"
"Yes sir."
"Of course, the Central Elgavan Forces can't be deployed too hastily in a situation like this. That must be frustrating for you."
Vladykin looked annoyed as Novikov turned and continued with his reports. Smiling.
Meanwhile...
Right outside Central HQ, Vladykin must have left word with the guards, because, as soon as Yuri gave them their names, they were quickly escorted inside.
"Ah Yuri, here you are. I've been waiting for you. I'm glad to see you. All the way from Ropesk, eh?"
Yuri smiled, shaking hands with the older man as he responded. "Yes, thanks to all the help I got from Nia and my friends."
"But that's the way of the spacefarer, is it not? There's no need to be ashamed of getting a little assistance along the way." Vladykin said, leading them over to a holotable with a wave of his hand. "Now then, down to business. I have several things to discuss with you."
Before anyone could speak, Torlo interrupted.
"So that Balik bastard is still free as a bird, ain't he."
Calling up a map of the sector as he spoke, the map showed various planets and starlanes, currently centred around a single starlane in the outskirts.
"Yes, I'm afraid so. We got a report from sector patrol that a ship, apparently Balik's ship, was seen heading towards Medyn."
"Where's Medyn?"
"It's a remote artificial planet, the base of Argun Narevin, another major player in the Novgorod Pirates. Now that Balik has lost all of his men, I can only assume he plans on joining up with Argun."
As the holotable shut off, and the group turned to look at each other again, Torlo chimed in. "Grus! We can't just let Balik go runnin' around doing whatever he wants out there." He said loudly, Tatiana wincing from beside him. "Not after what he pulled with Tats' bro. Ain't that right Yuri?"
"That's right. I haven't forgotten about him, believe me."
"In that case, please help us get rid of these pirates." Vladykin asked, sincerity showing on his face. "We will, of course, do everything we can from our end as well."
Noticing that there was a face missing, Yuri did a double check. "Did something happen to Lieutenant Galkin?"
"Yes well, this is the situation." Turning the holotable back on, Vladykin pressed a few buttons, shifting the focus of the map from Medyn and Gorodok, to the other side of the sector. "There's a dispute between the planets of Alatyr and Driutesk over an area with resources-rich planets located between them."
"We've sent Lieutenant Galkin out on an intelligence mission to try and solve that dispute." He answered. "But unfortunately, he's having a very difficult time of it. I was hoping you might assist us."
"What, so now we have to do another little job for ya before you give up any Epitaph info, is that it?" Nia asked, clearly annoyed.
The man in question shook his head. "No, no. That's not the case at all. This is just a personal request, a favour, if you like."
Obviously not satisfied with the answer she had received, she settled for a grunt as she crossed her arms.
"That's fine. I don't know how much help we can be, but we'll do what we can."
"Are you sure kiddo?"
"Yes. After all, Lieutenant Galkin helped us out when we needed it." Yuri turned to her. "Besides, it's just a dispute right now, and we don't want it turning into a full-blown war. That would mean the loss of a lot of innocent lives."
Leaning forward to examine the map more closely, Yuri continued. "If we can help solve the problem before that happens, I think we should."
Knowing that his mind was made up, Nia stayed silent.
"I'm grateful to you Yuri. Right now, Lieutenant Galkin is operating out of the planet Nerekhta. I'd like you to go and get in touch with him directly."
As the conversation on Balik and the Alatyr-Driutesk situation wound down, Yuri, having held his questions about the Epitaphs back long enough... broached the topic.
"Ah yes, about those Epitaphs..."
"Did you find out anything?"
"Not yet. A close examination of all of our space flight data is taking quite a bit of time I'm afraid."
"Oh, I see. Oh well."
"And that's all I have to discuss for now." Vladykin said, announcing the end of the discussion.
"Whew! We just came here to get some info, and you end up sending us out on all kinds of errands!" Nia was obviously disappointed at the way things had turned out.
"I apologize. I plan to do everything I can to make it worth your while." He told her. "Please, stop by my quarters at the Officers Lodgings later, if you wouldn't mind."
As the others headed off to do their own thing, Yuri, Torlo and Tatiana caught a ride to the nearest hospital. Torlo had decided to escort Tatiana to visit her brother, while Yuri hadn't forgotten the man on Chernesk... nor his problems.
The three climbed the stairs to the entrance, before asking about Zakhar at reception. They were led to a room that housed a treatment capsule, a motionless Zakhar Agarkov lying inside. Just as he had promised, Oleg Vladykin was apparently seeing to it that Zakhar got the best care possible.
The doctor checking on the man turned to them.
"About the servonin, I'm afraid that all we can do for him is keep him stabilized at this point. If only we had someone here from the Large Magellanic Cloud who knew how to treat him..."
Tatiana stayed silent as they watched on, before Torlo cut in. "Don't worry Tats. We'll go all the way to the LMC ourselves if we've got to. Won't we, Yuri my man?"
"That's right. Once we get a little more experience and capable, we'll go to the LMC or wherever we need to."
"Thank you." She said, turning to the two boys.
After staying for a time, they left, and Yuri began thinking as they approached the entrance doors.
"Oh hey. In a big place like this, I'll bet they have polyphermin." He said to himself,
spotting a dispensary machine on the far side of the room.
Telling his friends that he would catch up, he walked over, and after waiting in line for a few minutes, he finally got to the front... examining the display.
Asking the machine about polyphermin, the robot responded, informing him of the cost.
150G.
"I'd like to buy some of that polyphermin."
The machine's currency card slot lit up white, and Yuri slid his inside, watching it glow yellow. Once the transaction was complete, the machine spat out Yuri's card, followed by a bottle of polyphermin.
He smiled.
After returning from the hospital, Yuri made his way towards his friends, agreeing beforehand to meet at a local cafe. As he made his way up the street, weaving his way through the crowd, Yuri had just rounded another corner as he heard a shout.
As the shout got louder, and the person got closer, he could hear his name, and turned to see Nia approaching... still dressed in the same clothes as before.
He found himself wondering if she ever changed, besides, it was cold tonight.
"Hey kiddo. Just the person I've been looking for." She said as she came to a stop before him. "You got a sec, there was something I wanted to talk to you about."
"Sure. What's up."
Before continuing, Nia nodded to the park across the street, taking Yuri's hand and leading him down one of the paths beneath the lamplights.
"So, what did you want to talk about?"
"Well... are you sure about all this Yuri?" She asked seriously. "We already helped Vladykin more than enough in Lutsk, now we have to do it all over again... I really don't know if the price is worth it."
"Well the situation in Lutsk was different, we agreed to help Tatiana in finding Zakhar, and that just happened to lead to a showdown with Balik." He answered as they passed a couple walking to their right.
"It's not so much Lutsk I'm annoyed about. Vladykin promised he'd look into their information on Epitaphs, then he invites you to Central HQ. Now he's asking you to help again." She said, venting her frustrations.
"You heard what he said, he is already investigating the info on Epitaphs, I'm sure we'll find out soon."
"Yes, he said it was taking quite a bit of time to sort through all their data. But doesn't it strike you as odd that he said that, then just happens to need our help in the meantime?"
"What are you saying?" Yuri asked, he wasn't sure what to think about this conversation.
Stopping in her tracks, she pulled Yuri to a stop, turning to face him.
"The military factions in Elgava have been at odds with each other for years, and now Vladykin just happens to need your help as the Reform faction is starting to gain ground... don't you see kiddo, he's using you for his own ends."
He frowned at her as his mind mulled over this new piece of information. "I don't know Nia; I don't think that's what he's doing at all. Maybe you're just reading too much into the situation."
"Whatever kiddo... It's up to you." She said. She knew that once his mind was made up, there was no changing it. She knew that this conversation wouldn't produce any results, but she still held out hope.
"Come on. Let's catch up with the others... they're probably waiting already."
As he followed Nia towards the rendezvous point, his mind began thinking over all that Nia had just told him.
Was she right? Was Vladykin really using him for his own needs? Yuri wasn't sure what to make of it. But he promised that he would keep his eyes and mind alert from now on.
Being used was the last thing he needed.
Entering Zvenigorod's Officers Lodgings, Yuri and his friends noticed Vladykin sitting at a nearby table covered in reports and files. On what, he wasn't sure.
"I know this is small thanks for what I'm asking, but I'd like to instruct you on the theory of making the best use of your fleet. Do you have some time for that?"
"Sure. That would be great." He responded.
Motioning towards the empty seats around the table, Vladykin began cleaning up the mess, making room. "Good then. Some of his might be difficult to follow, but please do your best. First of all, let's talk about CIC information sharing..."
Almost half an hour later, and Vladykin's lecture was winding down, Yuri looked around to find everyone invested in the talk, even Nia.
"That's all. Let me give you these blueprints as well. Please make good use of them in your journey!"
"Thank you!"
Taking the new blueprint into his own hands, Yuri looked down and smiled.
These new blueprints were definitely going to come in very useful.
"You're a fast learner my boy. I knew I saw great potential in you. I look forward to seeing what you can do."
As Yuri's party left the room, Nia Lochlain remained behind, arms crossed over her chest... a serious look on her face.
"Can I help you?"
"Just thought I'd have a little word with ya."
"I'm listening."
"And I'm talking. After this is over, you won't be using Yuri for any more of your little schemes again, you got that?"
"Using him?" Vladykin asked.
Oh, he was good. She thought. If he really was using Yuri, as she thought, then he really was a good actor. If he wasn't, and his confusion was genuine...
Then she really couldn't tell.
"You heard me. I know what's going on here. the Reform Faction, the Conservative Faction, and all the regional forces, they're all squabbling over power." She told him, gauging him for a reaction as she did so. "So, you're trying to get around all that by using Yuri and his crew, because you know they've got no ties to any of them."
"Hm. I can't deny it. But I don't want you to think that's all there is to this. The truth of the matter is, I've taken a real liking to the boy."
She laughed, a forced fake laugh. Even a deaf person would be able to recognize it. "I'll be nice and pretend to believe that. But this is the last time you use him to do any of your dirty work. You got me? I don't want you getting that kid all mixed up in your messy political Grus."
"Understood."
As she turned to walk off, she took one last look at the man. His face was plain, no reaction or twitch to give away his thoughts.
She could practically see him smirking to himself as he stood there. And in that moment, there was nothing she wanted to do more than punch him...
Despite being in possession of a blueprint for a Borodino-class battleship, the cost to produce, and outfit one was much too high. He had decided to leave it alone for now, and while the pirates in this sector seemed to be more powerful than the ones in Balik's division... they still weren't causing them any big problems.
Not yet anyway.
On the way to the planet Nerekhta, Yuri had decided to take a detour to Ostrog, where he had bought the Security Room MK 2 and the Thruster Control Room MK 1, from the module design company.
The pirates that they fought during their trip seemed to possess greater firepower than the others they had fought, and the obviously overhauled ships they were using seemed to follow a colour scheme also... red on charcoal.
Upon reaching Nerekhta, they had stopped by the Medic Organization building, where several of the volunteers there had been clamouring them for donations. Yuri had generously given the three 500G each, and on the third, had been upgraded to a gold member and received two module blueprints, exclusively for their donors. One, for a Sick Bay MK 2, and the other, for a Shield Generator MK 2.
Upon entering the tavern, they found it crowded, the patrons loud and laughing. As they looked around, trying to find Galkin, a voice appeared behind them... belonging to a man with slicked back hair...
A very familiar man.
"Good, you're here. The Commander told me you'd be coming."
"Lieutenant Galkin!" Yuri said in surprise.
They hadn't even seen him appear from the crowd. He seemed to come from nowhere, like a ghost.
"What, you're still dressing like that?" Nia asked, noticing he was still wearing his pirate attire.
"What, this? Yes, let's just say it's a lot easier for me to get around this way. But never mind that. There's somebody I'd like for you to take on as a crewmember. Would you like to meet him?"
"Another crewmember huh?"
"He was born on the planet Gorodok, and he's an expert on the sectors around here. I think he'll be useful on this mission. Wouldn't you agree, Ian?"
From behind him, a teenage boy stepped forward, silver hair and glasses, wearing grey clothes under a black sleeveless jacket. "I'm Ian Fenevich. It's nice to meet you."
"Good to meet you too. I'm Yuri, the Captain."
"Captain? You?!" Ian asked, surprise in his voice, eyebrows raised.
"What, do you have a problem with that?"
"Uh whatever. I'm just here to help out." He answered. "Lieutenant Galkin already paid me up front, so I suppose I'm committed."
"Uh, great."
"Anyway, Lieutenant Galkin... you were going to tell us more about the dispute between Alatyr and Driutesk, right?" Yuri asked.
Before the conversation continued further, the group followed Galkin back to his table in the corner of the room, struggling to hear him over the noise.
"Right. Let's get down to it, shall we?"
"The root of the problem is the Buzhsk Star System, which lies between two planets that are having the dispute." He began, getting down to the crux of the matter. "At one time, the two nations even signed an agreement saying they would divide the Buzhsk sector up... but then Driutesk suddenly decided to start mining resources on the other side of the boundary."
Nursing the cup before him in both hands, steam rising out the top, he took a sip, welcoming the taste.
"As things stand now, both sides have brought out fleets, and are trying to stare each other down. At this rate, a war could break out at any moment."
"So how come the Central Elgavan Forces aren't movin' on in then?" Torlo asked, confused just like the others. "They ought to be able to make 'em see the light."
"It's not that simple. They're both part of the Interplanetary Union of Elgava, but they're independent, autonomous nations too." He explained. "If Central intervenes too strongly, they will take a lot of criticism."
"Sounds like a royal pain in the ass to me."
"Yes, well... even though Elgava is the largest alliance of nations in the Small Magellanic Cloud, with a claimed 30,000 ships in its fleets, its real power is a little questionable."
"But how could we possibly help with a serious dispute like that?" Yuri asked, noting that the reason for their involvement had gone on unanswered.
"Well, I'm glad you asked... at this point, we're not asking you to get directly involved." He said, smiling. "We just want you to go find somebody for us."
"A missing person?"
"That's right. His name is Gennadiy Alabyshev, and he's a legendary tactician that used to work for the Central Elgavan Forces." He pulled out something from his jacket pocket, handing a file to the young captain. "Commander Vladykin thinks he might be able to come up with a good way to solve this dilemma for us."
"How are we supposed to find this guy?" Nia questioned Galkin.
"He withdrew from the public eye after retiring and is travelling the universe. He'd be an old man by now, over seventy."
Nia Scoffed at the answer she had received from the spy. "Oh boy. That's all we've got to go on? It'll be like trying to find a needle in a haystack. A really old haystack."
"We'll do our best."
As they sat there, talking lightly, Galkin spoke. "I'm telling you... trouble is piled up a mile high every place we turn! It's pretty frustrating. I'm sorry to bother you with this, but we were really hoping you'd be able to find Gennadiy Alabyshev for us."
"You know." Nia began, downing a shot. "That's easy for you to say! Do you have any idea how many old men over seventy there are in this sector alone?"
"That's the best we can tell you I'm afraid. That's all the information we have on the man." He answered, trying to give them more information to go on. "Oh, that and the fact that somebody reported seeing him in the remote frontier in the Lutsk sector. I can't guarantee that tip is any good however."
As they waited for the last of the crew to make their way to the ships, Yuri, Nia and
Ogar stood inside the spaceport hallway, Nia sitting atop the chest height sill of the window wall.
Ogar studied the file, handed to him by the young Captain, examining its contents.
"Gennadiy Alabyshev."
"You were a Captain in the Central Elgavan Forces, right?... we thought you might've heard of him before."
They saw his expression change as he thought about his reply. "In a manner of speaking... yes. We were part of the Elgavan military together. When he retired, I left soon after to become a professional mercenary."
"So, you would know him if you saw him?"
"I think so. Granted it has been quite a few years since we last worked together."
"That still doesn't help us with actually locating the old coot." Nia told them.
"Well at least Galkin was able to narrow down our search to the Lutsk sector."
"It doesn't matter how much they narrow down the search, that's still nine planets and billions of people to search..." Nia told the two. "Regardless, he might have moved on by now as well. It's like Galkin said, there's no guarantee that the tip he received is any good."
"Well, we agreed to help out, didn't we?" Yuri asked them, a confident look on his face. "So that's what we're going to do. We are going to find Gennadiy Alabyshev."
Ogar let out a hmm, watching the young Captain before him. "You sound confident? You know where to begin our search, I take it?"
"Of course."
"Where?"
"Nezhatin."
On the way to the Void Gate beyond Paozero, Yuri decided to make a quick stop at Chernesk, explaining how he had bought a bottle of polyphermin for the man they had met.
"Here you go." Yuri said, startling the middle-aged man as he handed him the bottle of polyphermin he had bought.
Studying the label of the bottle, Yuri watched for a few seconds as he read what was written there, before, with an incredulous expression, leapt out of his chair.
"Is this Polyphermin?! You bought this and brought it all the way back here for me?! Thank you. Thank you very much." The man said, shaking Yuri's hands. "Here, please take these. It's a token of my gratitude."
Taking the two ship blueprints of the Novik and Gnevny destroyers, Yuri stared with a surprised look on his face. "These are Novgorod Pirate ships... are you a...?"
Sheepishly rubbing the back of his neck, he replied. "Heh. I did a lot of foolish things when I was younger. I used to think my daughter's illness was punishment for my past. But now that I'm leading a decent life, people like you have come along to show me the way."
The man's smile couldn't get any bigger, and tears leaked from the corners of his eyes.
"I sure am glad I changed my ways all those years ago. This medicine will surely help my daughter get better. I'll never forget what you did for us, not as long as I live." With a
cheerful wave, and a smile that lit up the room, the man left.
And as he stood there, holding the two ship blueprints, Yuri had a thought...
There is no way he's a pirate.
After explaining to Nia and Ogar his train of thought as they stood around the docking tube, they slowly started to understand just where Yuri was going with all of this.
Not long later, and Yuri found himself stopped by Ian.
"Hey, can I talk to you alone for a moment?" Ian asked as they headed for the ship.
"Sure." Yuri said, stopping in a corner of the docking tube. "What is it?"
"I've been watching you as Captain you know. And I just have to ask you... do you really think you're cut out for that kind of role just yet?"
"What kind of question is that?"
Annoyed at the answer, or lack there of, Ian pushed. "Just please answer the question. Well, do you?"
Ever since he had taken his first steps in space, and attained his first ship, there was always that doubt in the back of his mind. The kind of voice that said he wasn't good enough, the kind that told him he would fail.
He knew the answer to Ian's question before he spoke it, having mulled over the answer to it for a while.
"Well, I know I've still got a lot left to learn. But yes! Yes I do!" Yuri didn't need to think on it, it just spilled out. "I am a captain, after all. I'd better be cut out for it, right?"
"I'm afraid I don't follow your logic? I'd like to have my own ship someday too. And that's why I'm learning everything I can right now." Ian's confusion showed on his face... and in his voice. "And from what I've learned so far, I can tell you that Nia is a far more suitable captain in terms of experience, ability and leadership."
"Hmph." Yuri wasn't sure how to respond. "So, what are you trying to say then?"
"Nothing. I just felt I should say something, that's all. The rest is up to you. See you."
Ian left it at that, turning around and disappearing down the docking tube towards the ship.
He could hear footsteps behind him, and didn't have to turn around to know who it was. He just knew.
"Huh? What are you doing here kiddo?"
The discussion with Ian, despite Yuri being firm and confident in his answer, had stirred something in him. "Nia..."
"Wow. What's eating at you?"
"Do you think that maybe I became a captain too soon?"
"Huh? What are you saying?"
He could see that she was genuinely confused, and as quick as he wanted to know... he quickly didn't want to. He believed in his abilities, and so did Nia.
"No, never mind. I don't want to know. Forget I asked."
"Gennadiy Alabyshev!"
Ogar's shout of joy once they entered the tavern on Nezhatin startled everyone... the man in question most of all.
The old man in question almost spat out his tea at the shout of his true name, looking over to the entrance. They watched the confusion on his face turn to surprise, then to happiness as he spotted the man by the door.
"Ogar Telegov!"
Gen Nadiy stood slowly, as the two old men approached each other slowly. They stared at each other for a second, before they came together in a hug.
"What are you doing here?"
"That's... that's a long story." Ogar said, turning to look back at Yuri.
"Well, well. Yuri. We meet again." Old man Gen said. "But how did you end up with Ogar?"
Taking a seat at the table, Gen poured himself another cup of tea, as Ogar and Yuri explained the situation.
"Well, it's actually a long story." Yuri started.
"It all began when..."
As soon as he had explained, the old man nodded in understanding.
"Ah. I thought something like this would happen one day over the resource planets of the Buzhsk Star System." Gen said, taking a sip from his steaming mug. "And I suppose the Central Elgavan Forces have their hands tied, don't they?"
"Did you expect anything less?" Ogar asked, giving his friend a look.
"We've got to do something before it turns into a full-blown war! Will you help us?"
"Hm... well, I suppose I can hardly sit by when such an entreaty is brought to me by such an earnest youth." He said, taking another sip. "I will accompany and help you."
"You will? Oh, thank you sir!"
"But I do have certain conditions. I have thrown off my old tie, and am travelling unfettered under the name of Gen Nadiy." He told them. "You must understand that I will have nothing to do with the Elgavan military."
"Yes sir."
"Fine then. Well, it has been ten years, but it looks like I will be returning to Central Elgava." Turning to his protégé, sitting beside him. "Are you ready Alik?"
"Y-y-yes, Master Gen."
Gen smiled, before Yuri turned to Ogar.
"I thought you said you'd only heard of him before. And I thought you said you had only worked together."
Ogar smiled. "I never said I had only heard of him, you just assumed, as I didn't elaborate. And as for working together with him during our time in the military... while that is true, it isn't the whole truth."
The man poured another shot of whiskey.
"We've known each other all our lives. We grew up together when we were children. When Gen left the military, I stayed on. It wasn't long before I too saw what he did... that the military was just a bunch of factions and leaders looking to seize power for themselves." He explained. "I left soon after to become a professional mercenary, hiring myself out to those who needed aid that the military wasn't willing... or wasn't able to provide."
"So, when the three of us were speaking, why didn't you say you knew where he was?" Nia asked.
"Well... while we did keep in contact afterwards, our lives have become so busy over the last few years that we just lost contact for a bit."
As the conversation broke off and everyone separated into groups, Yuri watched the two old friends from the corner of his eye, as Ogar was introduced to a stammering Alik.
Upon returning to the Central sector, Gen approached Yuri on the bridge, making a request.
"Can I have a word with you my boy?"
"Of course. Is everything all right?"
"We've come up with a plan. We need you to take us to Deviagorsk now." Gen asked.
"A plan? That's great! All right. Deviagorsk it is then."
As they entered the Deviagorsk spaceport, Gen approached Yuri as they ascended the docking tube ramp.
"Very good. Alik and I will disembark here." Gen said, arms buried inside the sleeves of his long grey cloak. "We have some business to attend to on this planet you see."
"Huh? But what about the dispute?"
"You'll see, you'll see. Now, no matter what happens, I don't want you to go meddling with the Alatyr or Driutesk Forces, do you understand me?" He warned. "You can come back here and fetch us after some time has passed."
"Okay..."
And as Gen Nadiy and Alik Kovalenko turned and walked away, Yuri couldn't help but wonder, just what Gen's plan was.
After dropping Gen and Alik off on Deviagorsk, the group turned back, where they made their way towards Alatyr.
As the spaceport came into view, and Yuri conversed with the controller about clearance to land, they watched the many Regional Elgavan ships milling about inside.
"Wow, look at all those ships!"
"Well, they're right in the middle of a dispute. It's no shocker they'd mobilize this many. I'll bet Driutesk has even more than this." Nia explained.
"I can't even imagine a war with this many ships. That's a frightening thought."
"I hope we can do something before it comes to that." Yuri thought aloud.
"Not a fan of war kid?"
"I don't really know much about it. I'm not opposed to the idea of war in general. I'm sure there are times it might be necessary to fight... but I think if it can be avoided, it probably should be."
"Yeah. I think you're probably right kiddo."
After taking care of the port entry processing, Yuri joined the others at the bar, overhearing the bartender, who was currently having a conversation with a patron.
"I can't believe those Driutesk bastards would cross the boundary line and not expect us to do anything about it! I'll bet they've got more dirty tricks up their sleeves too."
Afterwards, the bartender turned to them, striking up another conversation.
"I hear Balik of the Novgorod Pirates got his ass kicked by some little kid. Can you believe it? I don't care whether Vladykin was helping him. Balik sure must be getting old!" He said with a laugh. "Either that, or this kid is really something else... I dunno though. I'd put my money on Balik being too old to fight! Ah ha ha!"
Then he moved on, chatting away with other patrons that had just entered. This guy sure can talk.
Then the topic of conversation changed.
"Ian, you were born on Gorodok, weren't you? Do you have any family there now?"
"No, they're all dead."
"Oh, sorry."
"It's not so uncommon, is it? I heard that your's and Torlo's parents have all passed away too. Isn't that right?" Ian responded. "But who'd be able to make it out here if they became sentimental about these things at every turn?"
Torlo grunted at Ian's answer. "Tsk. This guy! You sure as Grus know how to rub people the wrong way, don't ya?!"
"Come on now Torlo..."
Yuri tried calming his friend down, Ian watching on in silence.
And the topic changed again.
"Epitaphs eh?" The former bully asked suddenly, having finally calmed down.
"What, haven't you ever heard of the legend of the Epitaphs Torlo?"
"Yeah, I guess maybe I have, but that don't mean I believe it. Back on Bagut when I heard you and Nia talkin', I just thought I could get me a chunk o' change for it, that's all." He explained. "I guess I just don't have that love of mystery or whatever it is you sorts have."
"Is that right? I'm kind of surprised."
"I'm actually more of a realist, believe it or not. If you make that Epitaph legend come true though, that's a whole different story. I'll believe in it then!"
"I guess we'll both have to wait and see then, whether or not the Epitaph will change the universe." The young captain told him truthfully.
"I guess so."
"Novgorod Pirate ship approaching at twelve o'clock."
The single Novik-class destroyer cruised through space towards them, being pointed out by Kira.
"Aw, it's just one destroyer. It's no biggie. I'm sure we'll have it cleared up in no time!"
Kira frowned as she watched her console, interrupting the conversation happening around her. "Wait a minute. Something's odd here."
"Hold your fire! We don't have any beef with you! I repeat... hold your fire."
"Huh? What's up with that?" Torlo said, asking the question that was clearly on all their minds.
"I have no idea. Kira, patch me through. I want to talk to them."
"Roger."
Activating the open communications link with the oncoming ship, Yuri stood tall in the centre of the bridge.
"This is Yuri, Captain of the FREEDOM. You're a Novgorod Pirate ship without hostile intentions? Explain yourself. Do you read me?"
The channel crackled as the Novgorod Captain replied.
"Yeah, we read ya. We already said good-bye to the pirating business. Now we're on our way to join up with the Driutesk Forces. Ya get me?"
"The Driutesk Forces eh?"
"All right. I understand your situation. And I don't see any reason for us to fight either."
"Roger. Hey, why don't you come join up with Driutesk yourself? If you got your own ship, you won't believe the bonus they're givin' out just for signing up."
Thinking on it for a second, Yuri responded. "Yeah, maybe. I'll think about it. Safe travels to you."
"Yeah, right back at ya."
Everyone waited with bated breath as the destroyer passed them, ready to switch to attack mode at a moments notice... Ogar and the VICTORY waiting in the distance.
Just in case.
"Looks like Driutesk is doing just about anything it can right now to build itself up..." Nia explained as they watched the destroyer disappear from their vision. "And once the balance of power tips in its favour... It's not gonna be a pretty sight!"
"Yeah, I think you're right."
After landing on the planet Zarub for repairs... the constant battles with the Novgorod Pirates had dealt serious damage to both ships.
During the conversation, Kira, noticing a commotion, tapped her brother on the shoulder.
"Yuri, look!"
"Huh?"
In the corner of the tavern, grouped around a monitor screen, were some rough looking men. The voice from the monitor continued its repeat report, the same as it had for the last few hours.
"This is a message to all brave spacefarers everywhere. The mighty Driutesk Forces are currently looking for courageous new recruits who will help us fight in our battle for justice. If you are selected, all living expenses will of course be covered for you."
The voice of the reporter continued as Nia and Torlo joined them around the screen.
"In addition, you will receive a dangerous duty bonus, as well as a travel allowance. We're looking for brave, young, strong, healthy men and women just like you! So call the Driutesk Recruiting Office today! Join Driutesk! When you're ready, we're waiting for you!"
As the report finished and the crowd dispersed, Yuri turned, coming face to face with his crew, all who had gathered behind him.
"Wow, they're really reaching to get anyone they can to join, aren't they?" Tatiana asked. She'd been really quiet since visiting the Zvenigorod Hospital.
"Grus! If this keeps up, the Driutesk side is just gonna get stronger and stronger! I can't take it anymore!" Torlo said, almost pulling out his hair in frustration. "Let's go find that Gen guy and get him movin' on this!"
After searching the Deviagorsk spaceport for Gen and Alik, and not finding them, they proceeded to the local tavern. Upon entering, they found it almost deserted, save for the few people at the back, and the old man sitting at a nearby table, sipping tea.
"Ah, I'm over here." Gen called out, waving them over.
Approaching the two, Gen nursed a half full cup of tea, a steaming kettle sitting in the centre of the tabletop.
"This is no time to be relaxin' and havin' a drink old man!" Torlo all but shouted. "The Driutesk Forces are rampin' up a huge army as we speak!"
The old man smiled back. "Exactly according to plan. When too much food is cooked in the pot, the pot will crack."
"Huh?"
"What do you mean by that sir?" Yuri asked.
"Alik and I have used every means possible to spread the rumour that the Driutesk Forces are recruiting soldiers. Thanks to our efforts, pirates and ruffians of every description have flowed into Driutesk in droves. And as a result, there has been a constant string of disturbances and even looting within the forces."
"Yeah, I can just imagine what a hard time they must be havin' with the whole military discipline thing! Heh." Nia spoke, impressed with the plan.
"Yes, now that the Driutesk Forces have taken these ruffians on as allies, they have their hands full keeping them in check. And if it gets so bad that Driutesk needs outside help to keep them under control..."
"Oh, now I get it!" Yuri said, his face lighting up in understanding. "The Central Elgavan Forces will have no choice but to step in, right?"
"Precisely."
"A-ha. Very clever."
"Heh heh. This wasn't my idea actually. Alik came up with the plan."
"Really, Alik?" Nia asked, turning to the young boy.
With the attention now on him, Alik fidgeted in his seat... cheeks turning red.
"As young as he is, Alik has done an exceptional job at taking in everything I have to teach him. This boy is going to be a tactician famed throughout the galaxies one day!"
"Alik huh? Well, whaddya know?"
The boy fidgeted again at the praise; head bowed low.
"Now then. Shall we go?"
"Go? Go where?" Yuri questioned.
"Go to provoke the ruffian element of the Driutesk Forces into battle of course." Gen explained, talking the group through the next step. "If it can be made to look like these ruffians are attacking private citizens, then the Central Elgavan Forces will have no choice but to get involved. That is our strategy."
"Okay. I get it now."
"The Driutesk Forces are moving from their home planet toward the Buzhsk Star System as we speak." Gen told them, finishing the cup. "You must attack only the Novgorod Pirate ships among them. A regular Driutesk Forces ship will be leading each fleet as the flagship."
"Be very, very certain you do not attack or harm this Driutesk lead ship in any way. Have you got that my boy?" He finished.
"Yes sir."
"Very good. Alik and I will come along and do anything we can to help."
Leaving Deviagorsk behind them, the group headed directly for Driutesk, encountering a Driutesk Regional Forces fleet, consisting of a Derzky LOC, and a Sokol and Bodry.
With Gen on the bridge, now acting as Yuri's advisor, the two ships made quick work of the Novgorod ships. With Gen's tactical know how, they managed to avoid dealing the Derzky a blow, who apologized to them upon retreat.
Heading for the Buzhsk Star System, they encountered two more fleets, both headed by Orfey-class destroyers.
Meanwhile...
On Zvenigorod, inside the Central HQ building, Captain Mogilek Novikov hurried forward, almost out of breath as he approached his superior.
"You sent for me Defence Minister Fomich sir?"
The man's serious face revealed nothing, and he stood rock still as he addressed the captain. "Ah, Captain. Yes. I'm sending your 117th fleet to the Buzhsk Star System. Prepare to have it ship out."
Clearly confused about a certain aspect of the upcoming mission, he voiced his worry. "We don't have to worry about infringing upon their right of self-government sir?"
"Our objective is to bring a certain element of the Driutesk Forces under our control only." He explained. "We are not interfering with the dispute. If either side chooses to view the operation as a threat of further action from Central, well, so be it."
Novikov stood there for a few seconds under his superior's steady gaze.
"That will be all. Get moving man!"
"Y-yes sir!"
Firing off a quick salute as he stuttered, he never saw the smile that graced the Defence Minister's face as he left the room.
As another Sokol and Gnevny exploded in the Buzhsk Star System, they watched as the Driutesk Regional Forces ship stumbled, unsure what to do.
"Whew. Do you think the Central Forces are getting ready to move yet?"
Kira's console beeped, and she examined the information on the screen before calling out.
"Yuri, there's a large number of ships approaching! It's -"
"- So they're finally here huh?"
In the distance, the numerous ships of the Central Elgavan Forces approached, and Yuri and company listened as an unfamiliar voice called out.
"To the nations of Alatyr and Driutesk, please hold your fire. This is Rudak Fomich, Defence Minister for the Interplanetary Union of Elgava." He started. "The purpose of our Fleet's presence is only to bring a certain unruly element of the Driutesk Forces under control."
"All other ships of both nations, please withdraw from this sector immediately. I repeat. All other ships..."
As the huge fleet moved in, Alatyr and Driutesk did indeed view the operation as a threat of further action from the Central Elgavan Forces, and immediately agreed to mediation.
This resulted in the signing of a second Buzhsk Star System division agreement by the two nations. And so the dispute was solved peaceably, without harm to either nation.
"Whew! Looks like that worked out all right."
"Yes. You did a fine job Yuri."
"I didn't do that much." He responded, waving away the praise.
"You're too modest. I do look forward to seeing what you'll become one day. And as a reward, allow me to teach you a skill." He said, leading Yuri out of the bridge by the shoulder. "I'm sure it will help you in your journey..."
After the conclusion of the Alatyr-Driutesk situation, Yuri and his crew decided to make a stop off at Alatyr.
While waiting for the ship repairs to finish, Yuri and Nia entered the Module Design Company building, spending 182G to buy an Elgavan Bridge MK 3, Fire Control Room MK 3, Radar Room MK 3, Engine Room MK 2, War Room MK 1 and a Deflector MK 1.
Afterwards, Yuri, Nia and Ogar, new blueprints in hand, headed for the shipyard and remodelling bays, hoping to increase his Fleet's firepower. After acquiring enough money due to the constant battles they had been through over the course of the last few days, Yuri decided to go ahead and buy a Borodino-class battleship.
The ship initially set him back 16,700G, though remodelling the Borodino, as well as the Freedom and Victory, cost him more. After remodelling the newly acquired FLAKRUNNER, the ship housed various modules, including: an Elgavan Bridge MK 3, 2nd Bridge MK 1, Navigating Bridge MK 1, Fire Control Room MK 2, Anti-Ship Control MK 1, Radar Room MK 3, Engine MK 2, 3x Crew Cabin MK 2, Sick Bay MK 1, War room MK 1, Security Room MK 2, Accounting Office MK 2, Deflector MK 1, Shield Frame MK 1, Shield Generator MK 2, Thruster Control Room MK 1, Amplifier MK 1.
The four weapon slots on the Borodino had customizable guns, and one fixed gun. Yuri filled the 3 customizable guns with: 1 Large Anti-Ship Laser MK I , 1 Medium Anti-Ship Laser MK 2, 1 Small Anti-Ship Laser MK 2. Besides these the fixed slot was filled with 1 Small Anti-Ship Laser MK 1.
In the end, Yuri had found himself out of pocket 33,510G in all, and almost broke. Despite this, Yuri and his crew headed for Ostrog next, encountering many lowly Novgorod fleets along the way. Their new Borodino-class battleship chewed through them like plastic, with Ogar's VICTORY barely getting a shot off.
The group continued their excited chatter about the FLAKRUNNER'S impressive performance on its maiden voyage... taking out no less than a dozen ships. After spending time in the tavern, the bartender had told them of a job he had. A request had come in to bring back a certain employee of the National Science Research lab on Alatyr, paying 200G.
After agreeing, they had been informed that the employee's name was Nadja Musin, a woman in her late 20's, and easy on the eyes. He had also given them a rare metal fragment in the hopes to entice her to come.
"So the xenotide isolation rate is thirty-four percent, is it? Hm." A woman's voice asked, talking to herself. "That won't be enough to restore the mephormium."
Inside the lab, a serious looking woman was working feverishly, surrounded by enormous stacks of technical-looking documents.
The bartender was right about one thing, she was easy on the eyes. Long purple hair with brown eyes and high cheekbones, dressed in a brown shirt under a long white lab coat.
"Excuse me." Yuri asked as the others stared at the equipment around them.
"The sublimation of the mephormium was... let's see... over 5,000 degrees. But that's not going to help in this case."
"Um, excuse me!"
"In order to refine the crystallization of the vigconia... no, this value is still lacking -"
"Hello! You've got visitors lady!" Torlo shouted, Tatiana facepalming at her friend's indecency.
"Hm? What is the meaning of this? Can't you see for yourselves? I'm extremely busy right now."
"Yes, we're very sorry to bother you. I'm Yuri, Captain of the FLAKRUNNER." Yuri said, holding out his hand. "We were asked to transport you to Ostrog. They said you'd come with us if we showed you this."
The woman completely ignored Yuri's outstretched hand, focusing instead on the rare metal fragment that the bartender had handed them to give to her.
"Hmph. Does somebody really think I can be bought with this pitiful little hunk of rock? Thanks, but no thanks."
"Now wait just one minute! If you don't come, we don't get paid!" Torlo said firmly, stepping forward. "Are you gonna come, or are we gonna have to make you?"
Nadja Musin sighed, tired of the conversation, and obviously not threatened. "Are you sure this is legitimate? How do I know you aren't just going to abduct me or something?"
"They just told us to come get you and bring you back, that's all."
Staring at the group, a thoughtful expression on her face, she sighed again, obviously annoyed that someone had interrupted the flow of her work.
"All right, fine. Go find me some benocyte then."
"Huh?"
"You'll find it in the Buzhsk Star System. It's a rare superconductor metal. It's known to give off a magnetic field when in proximity to laser light." She explained. "I find myself suddenly needing it for the research I'm conducting now, but my staff and I are too busy to go get it ourselves."
"Yeah, uh sure. I guess we could do that for you."
"So if we get this beno, uh, whatever rock thing for you, you're gonna come quietly with us, right?" Torlo asked.
"Yes, I suppose I could, as long as it doesn't take too long."
"Um, how exactly do we get this benocyte?
"When you get to the Buzhsk Star System sector, fire off a laser cannon. Then just use this detector probe to find minerals that give off a magnetic field. Simple, right?" She said, handing Yuri the small detector probe. "That probe also measures heat and radiation as well, so make sure you're looking at the correct value."
"All right." Yuri said. "But you have to promise to come with us if we get some benocyte for you."
"Yes, yes. You have my word. Now go!"
With her orders, and a new assignment, they headed back for the ships, Yuri setting off in the FLAKRUNNER alone.
"Yuri, we've reached the Buzhsk star system." Kira informed him upon reaching their destination.
"Okay, face the ship dead ahead and fire the laser cannon!"
With an explosion, a stream of laserfire erupted from the main gun, disappearing from view.
"The laser cannon energy reading has dissipated."
"Good. It's time to suit up and collect some benocyte outside the ship." Yuri said, before turning to his friend. "Torlo, you suit up too."
With a big smile, Torlo followed the silver-haired boy out. "I thought you'd never ask."
After donning their suits, and checking the safety cable connection port, the hatch opened, revealing the black and white of space, brown rocks floating across.
"Ah, the probe's reacting to somethin'." he heard Torlo's voice come in over the helmet comlink.
Okay now, which value was I supposed to read here? Yuri thought to himself, before remembering Musin's words about the magnetic field value.
"I'm picking up a magnetic field reading. I wonder if this is the right material." Yuri said, before the two of them began collecting some samples.
Upon their return to Musin's lab, Yuri found the older woman busying herself with a report on the far side of the room.
"Nadja, here's that benocyte you wanted."
"Oh, really? Let me have a look." She said, snatching the sample from him before she could finish. Under the light of the lab, she examined it with a trained eye before responding. "Yes, yes. It looks like you found benocyte all right. Well, a promise is a promise. Take me away. I can think of it as a little vacation..."
She responded with a smile, before stopping herself. "Wait a minute. Where are we going again?"
"Ostrog. It's in the Central sector. It shouldn't take long."
"All right, fine."
"I got the benocyte I needed, and even with this lost time, I should still make my deadline. Let's go."
Just as the group entered the tavern, there was the loud sound of a maser blaster going off, barely missing Yuri's nose.
"What the Grus!"
Nadja, who had been standing beside him, yelled. "Hey!"
"Aw crap!"
The man frantically tried to take aim again, pointing the blaster directly at Nadja Musin this time.
With a grunt and a yell, Torlo threw himself at him, bowling the man over.
"Raaagh!"
The grunts and shouts of pain continued, as Torlo quickly disarmed him, and had him in a ball on the ground at his feet. Thanks to his quick actions, he had saved Musin's life in the process, who was holding her heart in shock.
"Oh, Grus!"
"Hmph. It's a good thing this guy's a lousy marksman."
Bending over to examine to contents of the holder that had fallen out of his pocket as he fell, she picked at a small thin card.
"This school ID... you're a Driutesk National University student, aren't you?" She questioned.
"Son of a -" He began, only now noticing what he'd dropped. "If it wasn't for you, all those rare metals... all that benocyte... would belong to our nation!"
Sighing as if she'd heard it before, she responded. "I wish I could say scientific research has nothing to do with politics. But I know in my heart it isn't true." She said glumly. "Hey kid!"
"Who me?" Yuri asked in confusion.
"What do you think about letting me stay on your ship for a while? I really don't want to stop doing my current line of research. But who knows how many crazy people like this are out there waiting for me?" She explained. "I need to have a place where I can just relax and concentrate on my work. Of course, I don't expect you to put me up for free or anything like that.. I'll use whatever skills I have to help out your crew. What do you say?"
He didn't even need to think about it.
New crewmember? Yes please.
"Welcome aboard."
"Well! You're more reasonable than I thought. I'm sure we'll get along just fine, Captain."
As the commotion wound down, the group found the bartender walking over to interrupt.
"Uh, excuse me..."
"Oh hey, we're really sorry! We really messed up your tavern, didn't we?"
"Oh, that's quite all right. I'm the one who should apologize, giving you that job and putting you all in so much danger!" He replied. "I really had no idea that the client was gonna pull something crazy like that. I'll pay you double the fee for this job. So no hard feelings, okay? And please, don't tell anyone what happened here."
On their return journey, Nadja Musin and Yuri had agreed to move some of her research materials and equipment onto the FLAKRUNNER.
Entering the Lab, Yuri, Torlo, Nia and the others readied themselves to begin moving her things.
"All right, let's do this quickly people. You men! Don't just stand there. Start packing these materials into boxes!" Nadja shouted, pointing as she directed them.
"We're on it."
"Hey you! How long is it going to take you to move that?" She shouted at Ian, a surprised look on his face.
"I-I'm not really cut out for manual labour."
"Don't talk. Just move."
"Yikes! I'm moving. I'm moving."
Hours later, after the equipment had been transferred to the ship, Yuri and Ian stood side by side, the former panting... while Ian groaned in pain. "Ow. My poor back..."
"Great. Thank you guys. Now I can finally get down to doing some real research on the ship!" She said, a big smile on her face. "Oh, by the way Captain. I sure could use one of these when I get the chance."
Handing Yuri module blueprints for an Analysis Room MK 1, she turned away to discuss something with her now former colleagues.
"Oh Captain. I'm glad you stopped by."
This was the greeting Yuri received upon entering the new analysis room that he had installed aboard the FLAKRUNNER. The new analysis room was almost bigger than Musin's science lab on Alatyr.
The equipment and boxes that they had moved from her lab onto the ship were strewn across the room, half unpacked. Musin was standing over one of her machines as she slowly began piecing it together.
On the other side of the room, two of Musin's colleague's, who had agreed to join her, were setting up a large machine.
Turning away as he approached, Musin came forward, smiling as she did so, shaking his hand as she spoke. "Thank you again Captain."
"Of course. Anything to help." He told her. "How are you settling in?"
"Good. I was afraid of the time it would take to set myself up without help, but I'm glad my two colleagues decided to join me." She explained. "So far the setup is proceeding as expected, though It will take a few days to complete everything."
"Do you need any help? I can round up some crewmembers." He offered.
"No, that's fine." She said quickly. "Most of this equipment is fragile, much like those delicate precision instruments. They're extremely vulnerable to shock, and need to be calibrated, so we don't need brawn, but brains."
"Ok. Though if you need anything, don't hesitate to ask."
"I will. Though if you have a moment, I'd like to take the time to show you something." She said, leading him over to an already set up console. "I've set this console up for Research and Development of all fleet ships and weapons. While I will be working on other projects and assignments, we will be dedicating time to R&D also. When we aren't, this console will continue running calculations on various modifications and upgrades to your ships and weapons."
"Also, when an R&D upgrade is available for a certain ship blueprint, the console will send a notification to both your personal terminal, and the captain's terminal on the bridge. All you need to do is choose from the available upgrades and we'll do the rest."
"Wow, that sounds great." Yuri said with a happy smile.
"Well I did say you weren't going to put me up for free. Think of this as payment for me being here." She said. "Besides. It will be good to work on something else for a change."
With Musin on board, and her three-member team currently in the process of setting up the Analysis Room, Yuri decided to make a stop at Driutesk, where the bartender had offered them a possible job, one that Yuri readily accepted.
"Well, let's see. How would you like to get rid of some pirates for me? Not the Novgorod Pirates, don't worry. These guys are just small fry." The bartender began at Yuri's prodding. "They like to hang out in the area between Nerekhta and Ostrog, and they target private ships, the cowards! If you can wipe them out for me, I'll pay you 850G."
"Sure. No problem."
"You'll do it? Wonderful! Now remember, these pirates usually show up in the area between Nerekhta and Ostrog."
Afterwards the group spent the next two days travelling the starlanes between Nerekhta and Ostrog, searching for their targets. While it did take two days to show themselves, Yuri's fleet did manage to wipe out many dozens of Novgorod ships in the process.
Upon entering the small asteroid field halfway between the planets two days later, Yuri's fleet were greeted by the arrival of a couple of unknown ships.
"Yuri, there are two small pirate ships."
"The pirates we were hired to get rid of?" He asked.
"I'm positive that's them." Kira replied.
"Heh. They look like total pushovers to me. Let's swat 'em down like gnats!"
The two ships, a Sokol and a Bodry, went down so quick, that the fight was over almost before it began. In the aftermath, Yuri watched the wreckages fly past aimlessly.
"We did it."
"Okay, let's go get our reward at that tavern back on Driutesk."
Upon reaching the spaceport above Driutesk, Yuri received a notice on his captain's console, informing him of an R&D upgrade for the Borodino-class battleship blueprints. Having to choose between Anti-Ship, Anti-Air and Mobility upgrades, Yuri went with the first.
He had been informed by Nadja Musin that the R&D upgrades would grant better stats for that ship type, and each upgrade or modification would continue to increase its effectiveness. She had also explained that with each upgrade, it would take more time to research different types of upgrades for that ship.
Entering the tavern, Yuri went up to receive their payment for the mission, and the bartender addressed Yuri with a big sincere smile. "I heard you wiped out those pirates for me! Here you go. You earned it." He said,
Handing over a currency card with 850G. "And have a round of drinks too huh, on the house."
It wasn't until they were waiting for their food that Musin continued their conversation about the Elgavan military.
"Oleg Vladykin huh? They say he came from the slums of Alatyr. He had officer training and really made his way up in the world, so he's the hero of all the local boys back home."
"I wonder what he had to do to get to where he's at today. It must've been tough." Yuri thought aloud.
"Had to do?" She asked in confusion.
"Yeah. I mean from what I understand, it's not easy for a regional soldier to get promoted in the Central Elgavan Forces."
"Sounds like you know quite a bit about it. Where did you learn all that?"
"Oh, I've been reading up on the Interplanetary Union of Elgava as we've been travelling." He responded.
"Wow. That's very diligent of you. You should keep that kind of thing up. That's a good habit to get in to."
As the others talked around him, Yuri smiled.
His reputation amongst people was growing, and so was his circle of friends.
Captain.
After much research, the R&D Department has made improvements to the design of the ship your flagship is a member of.
Would you like to improve your flagship's design?
If so, choose the area you would like to improve:
• Anti-Air
• Attack Range
• Armour
That was the message that greeted him upon their successful docking at Gorodok spaceport.
Responding to the message, Yuri agreed to the design improvements, improving the Borodino-class battleship's armour.
Upon exiting the ship, and climbing the docking tube ramp to the hallway, Nia, who was in front, turned to the others.
"This is Argun territory. I'm sure they're down a few men after we crushed their base in Lutsk. But still... I think we should gather a little more information before we go storming in here."
"You're right." Yuri responded, nodding in agreement. "Let's see what we can learn at the tavern."
The Gorodok tavern was empty when they walked in, and the group shared a glance with each other as the door shut behind them with a thwack!
Nia had been right, this definitely was Argun territory, and it showed. Despite the cleanliness of the building, inside was dead as a desert, not one trace of a person anywhere.
The group congregated at one of the tables; the scraping of chairs drawing the attention of one of the workers.
She looked in her mid teens, with long reddish, purple hair, and a long sleeve blue dress that stopped at the knees, six buttons at the front... her eyes matching the colour of her hair.
Yuri found himself hard pressed to look away.
"Oh, what a nice surprise! We hardly ever get this many customers way out here on the frontier. It must be the scenery." Her voice was just as sweet as her looks. "My name is Melania Sabik, and I'll be your server today. Please make yourselves at home."
As she took everyone's order, she disappeared into the kitchen, and they all found themselves talking to the bartender, who had walked over to deliver their drinks.
"Ever since that pirate Argun and his crew moved into the area, this planet has dried up like a bone. It's not good for business I tell you. Not at all. In fact, it's been quite some time since we had this many customers in at once. I promise I'm gonna treat you right!"
"Yeah well, you won't be having that problem for long... no siree." Torlo told him. "We'll take care of it, won't we Yuri?"
"That's right."
Torlo's sudden outburst and Yuri's response drew a shocked, wide-eyed stare from the older man.
"Look guys, you seem like decent folk, so I'll give you a heads up, okay." He began. "Argun ain't no pushover, he's cruel, he's mean, and he'll take whatever, wherever he wants. Not even the Central Elgavan Forces are a match for him."
Torlo snorted before a laugh escaped his lips, taking a sip from his mug. "Ha! Ain't no one good enough to take us on! Just ask Balik how tough his men were."
Torlo's boasting drew a confused stare from the bartender, who watched him carefully, his mind trying to piece something together.
It seemed like a light had been switched on, and they found themselves on the receiving end of an excited smile. "You were the ones that ousted Balik? I can't believe it! There has been talk of a teenager getting rid of Balik and his goons, but I never believed it... that was you?"
Yuri found his hand being shaken profusely as the man thanked him. "If you take care of Argun too, then you'll have my thanks, and the thanks of everyone in Elgava also. Though I don't much like your chances, I won't bet against you either."
As the bartender walked off to do his duties, Melania returned, setting down the trays of food on the table.
"You guys are really gonna get rid of all those pirates? Wow! Ya know, the boys around here are all too freaked out to even say his name. Honest." She must have overheard their conversation. "You and your crew must be so brave! Call me crazy, but I have to tell you, I could tell you were different from the moment I first laid eyes on you."
"Ya could? He he he." Torlo said with a sheepish smile.
"R-Really?" Yuri asked, cheeks going red.
"Oh please..."
"She's just flattering you guys. Get over yourselves already." Nia laughed from the other side of the table.
"Men are so simple."
Tatiana's statement forced Yuri into silence, as Torlo ignored them.
"By the way, there's a meteoroid storm not too far from here. Is your ship going to be all right?"
"A meteoroid storm?" Yuri asked in response to her question.
"Small particles of debris in space. Like the tides, they're pulled back and forth between the gravitational forces of two planets." Ian explained to the group. "Of course, if anybody were to attempt to travel through such an area unprotected, their ships would suffer great damage."
"Huh. So how do people protect their ships then?"
"Sometimes it's just shocking how little you know." Ian sighed, hand to his forehead. "That's what deflectors are for Yuri. Does that not ring a bell? Deflectors prevent objects from colliding with your ship. We're talking about the most basic of basic spacefarer knowledge here."
"Oh."
"Lucky thing we already have a deflector!" Torlo said. "All we gotta do is equip it, right?"
"Yeah, I guess you're right."
"Good. That's settled then. And now it's time to party." Nia said with a smile.
"What?!"
Almost an hour later, and Yuri and Ian found themselves on either side of Nia... one hand holding Yuri, the other around Ian, and gripping her mug.
"Ha ha ha! Well, aren't you two just the cutest little things?"
Ian grunted and struggled as he tried desperately to free himself from Nia's strong grip.
"Come on Nia. You've had your fun. Let him get changed —"
"Grus no! He lost the game, so he's gotta stay that way until the sun comes up, like we said."
Nia's evil smile brought back the memory of the poker game she and Gadina had started earlier. The rules of the game had been that the loser had to stay dressed as a girl till dawn.
"This was not part of my job description." Ian said, dressed in a maids outfit.
And as the night continued, Yuri found himself feeling especially sorry for Ian as his torment dragged on. Yuri had escaped total humiliation in the fact that he had only lost once, currently wearing a women's singlet.
Hours later, Yuri found himself stirring at a loud voice. As the fog cleared from his head, Yuri mumbled to himself, and his body fidgeted.
His eyes opened slowly, and he felt himself pressed against something warm. Looking to his right he saw the sleeping form of Nia, who he'd been using as a pillow.
His cheeks went red.
"Wake up everybody!" The voice shouted again. "Oh Grus! You've got to wake up right now!"
"Huh? What's the matter?"
Blinking against the light, the group all began to wake up groggily. Following their celebration, they had apparently all fallen asleep.
Yuri felt Nia move beside him, and he looked over as she glanced at him. Noticing the position they were in, he watched as Nia winked at him knowingly, before speaking. "Could ya stop yellin'? Hey, what's the matter?"
"A gang of pirates just came in here and... and... they carried off Melania and Ian."
"What?"
"Melania I get, but what's with Ian?"
Tatiana groaned before answering. "The way he was dressed, maybe they thought he was a girl."
"Those people are terrible!"
Rounding up the others, Yuri spoke confidently. "Come on! We have to go after them. Hopefully they haven't gotten too far."
As they exited the tavern and made their way towards the orbital elevator, he felt Nia pull even with him. With a grin that only she could pull off, she began to speak what was on her mind.
"If you wanted to cop a feel you could have asked." She laughed. "Don't worry kiddo, your secret is safe with me. Anyway, we can continue this later."
It was safe to say that Yuri hadn't been more embarrassed at all in his life.