(Posted on 08-01-2000)
Prologue: In the months immediately following the extremely successful
NPD experiments, the Miranu decided to contain the device's
distribution to their own government in an effort to keep the device
out of the wrong hands. Even now, 2 years after the project, there
are less than 5 NPDs in the galaxy and the Miranu control all but one
of them.
As he walked aimlessly down the busy corridors of Svass Station, Zek
was nearly bowled over by a Voinian who was obviously in a hurry.
When Zek looked back, he recognized the insignia indicating that he
held a high position in the Voinian military. The man said, "Zek, we
are preparing a small convoy and need an escort for it. If you agree,
we will supply a frigate for you to pilot." As soon as Zek agreed,
the man, named Citrel, gave him directions on where to find his ship
and the convoy before speeding off. Zek looked for a moment before
heading off to the designated docking bay. Once there he saw a group
of 4 Supply Ships and his Frigate, the V.E.S. Elysium, the lone escort.
There would be trouble if any UE ships show up, he thought. However the
pay wasn't bad and there was nothing else in the galaxy like combat.
He entered the frigate and set course for the Vorik system.
"When this plan works, we will have the UE off balance." remarked
Citrel. "Then, when they are not sure whether our convoys are traps
or not, we will bring much needed supplies to the border. I just hope
Zek lives through this mission, we may have need of him later.
Gregory the Great stood at the helm of his new Crescent Warship and
scanned the bridge. Ever since he had gotten his new ship, he had
felt invincible. Now he was going to help the UE destroy a convoy in
the Vorik system. As the ship vibrated beneath his feet, he gave the
orders to power up primary and secondary weapons. As the ship started
to enter real-space, the viewscreen lit up with two UE ships and
several Supply Ships.
"Engage the V.E.S. Elysium!" commanded Gregory. This will be like
taking candy from a baby, he thought. As he brought the Rainier's
weapons to bear, he was startled by a shout from one of the gunners.
"Multiple Voinian Cruisers jumping into the system!" shouted head
gunner Mac Jerodi. On the viewscreen, the Cruisers were now all over
the two UE destroyers.
"We've got to help them, full speed ahead!" Gregory barked. The
Rainier sped toward the cruisers, but not quickly enough. By the time
Gregory had reached the battle, one destroyer was crippled and the
other was random particles floating through space. Gregory took out
one cruiser with several rockets but the rest kept coming. He fired
SAE after SAE, yet the cruisers were not finished. He took out two
cruisers with a space mine as a last ditch effort. However, it was
not enough. As the Rainier was being boarded by the Voinians, Gregory
ordered everyone into escape pods. He took one last look at his ship
before jumping into the escape pod and launching it. The Voinians
flooded the ship and just missed catching the pod before it launched.
As he flew through space, Gregory breathed a sigh of relief that he
and his crew had made it safely. He forgot entirely the warning he
had been given by the Miranu. It was to guard the NPD with his life.
If only he had remembered to remove it from the ship.
(This message has been edited by moderator (edited 08-01-2000).)