The Legend of the Voronov
Part I
The V. I. S. Voronov
Ship Commander First Rank Zathe ek Daal looked out the main viewport, not liking what he saw. The pirate station that had once been a mere speck of grey upon the trillion-color tridimensional tactical display now loomed across most of the front screen of the bridge of the Voronov. The Voinian Imperial Ship, a modified heavy fighter owned and operated by the Voinian Security Directorate (VSD), had so far made its approach without showing off any of its more outlandish equipment. The ship commander preferred to keephow did the human scum say it?as many aces up his sleeves as possible.
Ship Commander Second Rank Shek Sunrunner climbed up the ladder leading up to the bridge of the Voronov. While he was on his way to the commander's chair an aide handed him his daily brew of Dur'achi coffeea subtle but important reminder of homeand then he met up with the ship commander.
"These pirates are sloppy, Shek." Zathe turned around to face his friend. "This mission is a waste of my time."
"Normally, I would agree, comrade. But Somm's been wanting to get a look at the insides of that place, and the Emperor happens to agree with him. Sometimes it's nice being able to call in some favors from the old crown, wouldn't you say?"
"Aye," muttered Zathe. Shek referred to the Voronov 's Chief Engineer, Lelos Somm, a Dur'achi, just like every single man and woman on this ship. The Dur'achi had allied themselves with the Empire once it became obvious just how large the Voinian dominion was. The Voinians had agreed, because their navy couldn't take on Dur'achi technology. So the two had settled on an alliancesomewhat different from the typical Voinian diplomatic solution to encountering a new civilization. The Dur'achi would send a million soldiers every year to serve the Empireand the Dur'achi were an adventurous enough people that there was usually a waiting list of three-million volunteers and in return the Voinians would not send overwhelming force to destroy the Dur'achi, while also giving the Dur'achi scientists some armor samples to play with. The Dur'achi had sweetened the deal by sending an old (although the Voinians did not know it as such) shield generator to Vorik for study.
But now this was something new. The pirates on the Rock were rumored to have many secrets. The Voinian Security Directorate, the Empire's black ops and intelligence agency, wanted to know if there was anything that could be of use to the Empire that could be acquired. Legal concerns on this issue had been tossed asideunwritten convention stated that theft from a pirate was punishable only if a sovereign navy was present to care. Stealing from civilizations such as the Miranu or the Zidagar was often deemed to risky, even for the VSD's taste, but it had been known to happen.
Known only to the VSD, of course.
So this mission might actually be worthwhile, Zathe thought. He still didn't mind the fact that he wasn't going to actually be on the Rock, though. That special and joyous task was reserved for Shek and Somm.
The Rock
The two Dur'achi swordmasters disembarked from the Voronov after it had docked with the Rock. Moments later, the VSD warship was returning to what Zathe called "safe waters"the asteroid field. The ship commander could be quite strange at times.
After following the directions of a surly guard, the two found themselves at the entrance of the No Name Bar. Both were armed, each with an automatic neutron pistol, Voinian combat knife, and Dur'achi diamond glaive.
"Anything yet, comrade?" Shek whispered to Somm. Perhaps the engineer had spotted something unusual just on the walk here.
"No. So far nothing. Five credits says the gear's in here." The chief engineer was well known aboard the ship for his gambling habits.
"It's worth a shot."
And with that, the two entered.
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OOC: That's all for now. I'll be gone for 12 days, but I wanted to get in on this. I just hope my post isn't drowned out by the time I get back.
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Hear the Myth, Feel the Glory
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(This message has been edited by Solel (edited 07-25-2004).)