(Posted on 10-11-2000)
The Southern Rim Struggle
Prologue:
As the Voinian-U.E. war rages on, a power struggle will soon erupt for control of the Southern Renegade controlled systems. Brack Uzix of the Bruzix Pirates will attempt to defeat a brutal, Miranu warlord named Xwor. The first chapter is about a meeting on Freeport Station between Brack Uzix and Xwor himself...
The Southern Rim Struggle
Chapter 1: Encounter at Freeport
Brack Uzix strode along the run-down, ill-serviced corridors of Freeport Station. Brack knew that Freeport was a haven for the renegades, pirates and scum of this government-enforced galaxy. Knowing this, Brack did not hesitate to bring his two most trusted bodyguards. On Bracks left, silently walking, Ashten, who was a former human bodyguard for a member of the notorious Council, strode along side him. Along Bracks right flank, a small, wiry, Zidagar named Deil. Brack trusted both with his life since he rescued both at the same time in a transport that was under attack by renegades. From that point on, they both vowed to protect him with their lives.
Brack was not nervous about his upcoming meeting with Xwor, a ruthless Miranu who believed in pirating for pirates instead of peaceful trading. With the unbelievable financial genius, along with the ruthlessness ten times greater then any average pirate, he made a formidable foe.
Deil peered around the corner to assure that there was no trap awaiting him; he looked back and nodded. Ashten walked behind Brack as Deil proceeded ahead. About halfway down the block, a group of four rough-looking humans approached. Deil had seen this many time before and took the immediate move. In lightening quick moves, Deil pulled out his M-Z39 Blaster Pistol which was illegal throughout the galaxy. Four red bolts hissed through the air and struck two of the men squarely in the middle of the chest. The other two were smart enough to roll out of the way, though before they could reach their own blasters and arise from their crouching positions. Ashten and Deil had already blasted them. Deils landed in his lower abdomen, while Ashtens sizzled a red and black hole on the top of the bald mans head.
Several heads turned from the upper levels of this corridor and glanced at the four dead bodies, although on Freeport, there was no law preventing them from doing this. Ashten and Deil tucked their weapons away and they headed for the cantina named Shattered Thoughts. As usual, Deil ducked his head in and looked around. Deil nodded back and they entered the dimly lit bar. Across the room, tucked away in a small both was a Miranu named Xwor.
Xwor had control over many of the renegades in the area. Although there were several small factions, and a few semi-large ones, which included Brack, few dared to attempt to take over Xwors criminal Empire. Those who did, usually ended up in a disabled ship, still alive and drifting into the systems sun. Xwor started out as a small time raider in a Turncoat, as he made deals, connections and friends, he soon found himself in control of Freeport and most of the renegade territory.
Brack and his two guards cautiously headed towards the booth. Brack slid into the booth as Deil and Ashten remained standing, vigilant at looking for potential. It was obvious that Xwor wouldnt travel without his own group of guards. Deil and Ashten surveyed the other customers in this murky tavern, trying to decipher who was in league for protecting Xwor or killing Brack.
The Miranu exhaled a long puff of smoke from his cigar. I am most pleased to see that you are willing to meet me.
Brack ran his hand through his brown hair, Anytime Xwor, only next time, dont send the dregs of your outfit to kill me. Brack leaned forward with sternness in his face. Especially when they are as obvious as a U.E Destroyer docked outside of Freeport.
Xwors eyes widened. You misunderstand, I sent those four men as escorts to protect you and make sure you received no harm on your way here.
Brack leaned back and smiled. Alright Xwor, lets forget about that, and get down to business shall we?
Xwors smiled. Always one to try to skip pleasantries? Brack smiled as Xwor continued. I know about what youre doing. Brack raised his right eyebrow to show that he didn't know what he was talking about, though Xwor knew that it was nothing more then a charade. Dont think that I dont know about the three Crescents that you bought that the 15 Turncoats you have stashed out in the Proxima Nebula.
Brack smiled. I knew that you would learn soon enough. I am just going take over some backwater system and live as a simple ruler. These ships are nothing more then a mere defense fleet.
Xwor raised his hand and pointed one of his long, lanky fingers at Brack. I know that is not the truth, what ever you do, it best damn not have anything to do with my territory.
Brack slid out of the booth and stood up smiling. Whatever you say Xwor.
Xwor looked as if he was about to add something but Xwor just smiled and left it at that. Brack and his two accomplices walked out of the bar and back towards his ship without any further difficulties.
(This message has been edited by moderator (edited 10-11-2000).)
