[K-G10] Package Retrieved

[VK-318]

Location: G10 Onix

Tags: Building (Spaceship interior), Piracy

Note that both micro spaceships have appeared in previous builds and are therefore not to be judged. They are presented here for narrative purposes.

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When our probe reported the detection of the Octan courier, we moved in. We accelerated to a high speed, then cut engines as we approached thermal imaging range of the target. We would have to be very close before they could pick us up if our thrusters were not burning, and by that time it was too late. I fired the harpoons and made our ship fast to theirs, and, after a few moments of chaos as the two ships, moving in very different directions, adjusted to a single trajectory, we began the docking procedure.

Naturally, the Octan ship did not open its airlock for us, but any good pirate ship is equipped with special mating collars on its airlocks that can make an airtight seal against the hull of another ship while the airlock itself is forced. While our two new crewmates and RT3-KU boarded and subdued the small enemy crew, Silvia and I waited at the controls, in case we had to make a hasty exit.

No one has ever credibly accused Octan employees of cowardice, but the skeleton crew aboard this courier were far outmatched. It was only a few minutes before the crew was rounded up and disarmed. Silvia and I boarded at once.

"Captain, we've captured the captain, the pilot, and a security guard," Zakec, the Red Zoid told me. " 'Er Ladyship is looking for the scientist."

"Check the main hold for a cargo crate marked CTK401," I told him. "Get it aboard the Variga."

"Aye, aye, Captain."

"How did you know we had a scientist aboard? And why do you want him," the pilot demanded. "Are you slavers?"

The ship's captain stared straight ahead, the very picture of discipline. I hoped that this incident wouldn't hurt his career too badly -- he seemed a decent man. So too for the young, red-haired pilot, who was trembling with what was probably equal parts fear and rage. I hoped Zakec had not been too rough with her. He did have a reputation.

"No." I shook my head sternly. "I've killed more of those scum than you'll ever meet, unless you're very unlucky. Dr. Gregorovich will be returned to his family alive and unharmed as soon as possible."

The soldier on her left wasn't buying it. His scowl was probably intended to be unsettling, but it just came off as annoying.

"I've found our scientist," Silenia, the alien mystic, said.

"NO!" It was the soldier. "You're not getting away with this!"

*ZOW!*

*thud*

"Is he all right?" Silvia asked.

"He's still alive, but bleeding badly," the pilot gasped. She was in shock. The captain remained where he stood, his expression unchanged, but his face had paled a little.

I nodded. "He'll make it. As soon as we're off your ship, activate your emergency distress beacon. I expect rescue vessels are on high alert, with the Kawashita fleet so close by. The stimpacks in his armor should keep him all right until them. Keep him warm and comfortable until a doctor arrives."

"What is the meaning of this?" Dr. Gregorovich had found his voice at last. "Is this some sort of abduction?"

I looked him dead in the eye. "Depends on how hard you make it, Doctor. If you come quietly, you can remain conscious. Otherwise, we can knock you out and drag you with us. You will not be asked to take up arms against Octan, or against anyone for that matter. We want some information, and you can provide us with it. In return, you will be well compensated, as will your wife and children in your absence. I didn't want the first casualty, and I don't want any more."

"This will be much easier and more painless if you cooperate with us rather than fight us."

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Edited February 24, 2016 by VK-318

[Isundir]

Nice work on the vig, the interior looks good and in particular I like the yellow lamp details in between the slopes.

[SpacerSteve]

Wow. Grim story. Cool to see your team evolve.

[VK-318]

Wow. Grim story. Cool to see your team evolve.

One thing I took away from SoNE is that a story, even one as driven by circumstance and parts selection as this, is better if you focus on the people, not the pieces. It's a dangerous galaxy out there, but the worst dangers tend to come from other people.

Also, I've been motivated by a certain snafu regarding name-calling and impugning other corporations' image, as well as recent revelations that the Zoids are actually, by and large, notorious slavers, to try and establish a few facts before anybody else inadvertently establishes them for me.

[Andromedas Gates]

The judges awarded you 3 points.