Book 2: Chapter 59: Resist

Book 2: Chapter 59: Resist

USD: A short time later

Location: Nu Crateris, Dedia Geostationary Orbit, Tears of Fire, CIC

The information of the Corporate Fleets arrival spread through the system which reacted much like a kicked anthill. System traffic was much more diverse and denser than in 92 Pegasi. Independent operators scuttled for cover as system relays began to blare the number and size of the ships that had arrived in the system.

Military fleets did not come to places like Nu Crateris with good intentions. Even if she had expecting something like this to arrive eventually, it had even surprised Alex.

Attention all independent vessels of the Nu Crateris system. This is Commodore Brigit of the Corporate Systems police task group PF-131. As per investigation of violations of the Octanis Accords, we are enacting a lockdown of the system. All traffic transit through the jump point to 92 Pegasi will require approval by the Corporate System navy and be subject to search and seizure of illegal goods. Any attempt to avoid inspection will be construed as sedition and piracy.

It had only taken a few moments for Alex to realize that her dispatch about the Octanis Accords couldnt have reached anyone yet.

While she re-read the transmissions transcript, she realized that almost for certain that they would be sending a private message to the government, behind the scenes.

This doesnt add up. They shouldnt be here already.

Elis looked at her. Maybe they were just nearby?

Best speed for the packet boat would put it in 13 Centauri, or Gamma Virginis. If this was a Solarian task group, maybe if they reacted instantly no. It doesnt seem right that they are here already. Doesnt sound like they are here on behalf of the IFRB, either.

Alex, you might not want to hear this, but we cant challenge that fleet with the Tears like we did the IHMC. There are a lot more of them, they are part of a military, and if my guess is right, they arent going to be flying rust-buckets.

Everything so far has been a rust-bucket, and the Tears is in top shape after the repairs. Still, youre probably right. I doubt they had one of those elite FedTech units here though.

Im not a naval tactician, but assumptions get you killed.

Assume worst, hope for best?

Elis nodded, Id like for us to not end up dead, yes. No playing this one fast and loose, ok kiddo?

Alex nodded, Still we have a lot of problems, starting with H32, he cant just move. We can almost certainly avoid the Corporate fleet in the Tears, even go pick up Daniel or have him go back to the station. Then go back to 92 Pegasi and meet up with A31.

Elis frowned, We dont know what happened in 92 Pegasi, they could have a bigger fleet there waiting for us.

Alex let out a breath, Urgh. What do space pirates do?

End up dead or skirting around on RCS with no emissions hiding in belts or rings. I think it is too late for that though, we had transponder on when they crossed over. Going dark now would definitely raise suspicion.

Unless we were on the other side of the planet?

Theyd still note it, most likely. Relays repeat transponders as well. Theyd have our course and trajectory until we shut it off. Not sure how well the local net will help them though.

Alex frowned, I dont know what we should do.

Elis looked at her with concern, What did you plan for us to do when the IFRB showed up? From what I understand it was always going to end up this way, just seems a bit early.

Alex blinked, I

She thought for a moment. She hadnt considered what to do at all when they arrived. "I thought they would show up and everything would sort itself out."

Elis blinked, taking in the nave answer.

[Notice: A communication request from IND Iron Horse is awaiting answer.]

Alex hit accept and Captain-Major Thraker appeared on the screen.

Corporate Authority uhh, whoever you are. This is A-3123-Y, a Starlight Revolution Mobile Facility. We are a legally registered vessel according to interstellar law and incorporated according to interstellar treaty signed and acknowledged by the Corporate Systems. Confiscation and seizure of a lawfully flagged vessel in independent and unclaimed space is a violation of the Four Powers Spacefaring act. Therefore, we respectfully decline your request and ask that you maintain a VFR warship standard separation distance. Thank you.

The comm channel remained silent for several minutes. Amy hadnt really expected a response as she watched the frigate continue its course. Her stomach sank as the two cruisers and another frigate joined the first leaving Ackman Station behind.

The main screen buzzed and came to life with a black and gold uniformed man standing in front of a captains chair on a bridge.

This is Corporate Captain Grachett of the CSS Full Indemnity; your station and crew are suspected of crimes against the Corporate Systems. As such, by the powers of the FPS Act I have authority to seize your assets and personnel. I do not have a Corporate Lawyer on board, therefore if you refuse to comply, we will destroy your ship and any survivors will be subject to summary trial and possible execution via spacing. End Transmission.

Logan stood up and shook a fist at the screen, You bastard youre just saying that because you want to take our stuff!

Amy didnt think he was wrong. If they hadnt been on A31, she wouldnt have ever have thought about resisting and would have surrendered immediately.

Abbey, transmit to the others, we are going with plan A.

Abbeys high voice almost squeaked. Affirmative! Sending tight beam messages now!

Amy had to swallow back a wave of well, the young girl.. NAI.. Avatar.. Abbey, was illegally cute.

After that, perform final securing and begin transit.

Abbey stood up. Hehe! Those baddies arent going to know what hit them!

Amy watched Abbey close her eyes and focus. It had been hard for Amy to wrap her head around the fact that Abbey and the A31 AI voice she was used to working with were two sides of the same coin.

They had spent the last day preparing the orbital to move. The massive construction was over four kilometers wide and long on its largest axis, a circular ring bridging between its eight mooring arms that connected to the central main module.

The stations RCS thrusters were as large as some ships main thrusters. So far they had only been used to maintain and control attitude in relation to the orbitals position, but now Abbey was focusing on igniting the orbitals main drive for the first time.

Thousands of drones and bots of all types had worked tirelessly to secure their surroundings. The normal production lines had to be halted as they were accustomed to working in micro-gravity. The fish tanks had to be safely secured as well. Abbey had been worried if they lost all the fishies, that Alex would be sad when she returned.

Amy had planned their course to drag them across the asteroid belt. The rocks were spaced quite far apart thanks to just how big space was, but the Ackman belt was quite dense as far as asteroid belts went.

A3123-Ys main drive lit off in a massive torch as the station left the manufactory and other unfinished projects behind. Those had been dragged behind the asteroid they had been aligned with, to hopefully keep the Corpos from inspecting them.

They would be quite defenseless if the warships did attack them, sadly. There wasnt much they could do about that, other than the few traps and presents they left behind if someone did go snooping. Amy figured theyd have time to return as long as things went well.

Abbey looked at her, Should we send a reply to Captain Grachett?

Amy shook her head, I think they will figure it out now that we are moving. Are all our systems working right?

Abbeys eyes rolled up into her head for a second. Amy wasnt sure she would ever get completely used to the strange mannerisms that came with the Avatars sudden bouts of unconsciousness when she manipulated ship things or conferred with A31.

Everythings A-OK! Weapons systems are armed and capacitors charged! Damage control drones are ready! Laser Defense net is good!

The distance between Ackman Station and the A31 Orbital was short. Amy doubted they could quite outrun them, but she planned to drag them as far across the belt she could before springing the trap.

I guess, uhh, we should set alert status?

Oh. I didnt turn it on because it was just us. Are you sure you want me to sound the klaxon? It hurts my ears Abbey frowned and wiggled unhappily.

Well, maybe not the klaxon, but how about the lighting?

Logan clapped, Flashing red lights, goo!

Amy shook her head, Idiot.