[IC] The diary of Duncan MacLeod

[di6turbed]

30 January 3303, Kamitra System, Hammel Terminal

Unbelievable. Just unbelievable.

I've been sitting on this knowledge for all these days. Or should I say: IN this knowledge... anyway:

Before going for the planetary scan job in Mawul I left the Eagle at outfitters to install a rented hangar bay for Scarab. Meanwhile, I walked around the ship to visually check if everything is in place. While passing close to the cargo hatch I saw a familiar symbol partially covered by white paint: PGMC.

Pan Galactic Mining Corporation logo. Perhaps it was uncovered by some damage taken during pirate hunting.
Perhaps I just did not notice it before. Doesn't matter.

I stood there staring at it for good few minutes before rushing back onboard and digging for the notes about the ships past.

Spoiler

Overseer Shawn Stanley, datalog 14.44.3303, Eagle Mk 2, TYG 445.
Notepad: Checked the brief history of the ship after buying. Seems it was originally a Federation Fighter, and although those Feds don't have the acquired taste of our kind, they surely can build a practical ship... mmh, Seems it was then sold to an independent mining Corp... PGMC, you can barely read the brand on what's left of the paint, but yes, it was converted into a System Security Ship... Wrangell City, according to the logs... Not much else, I'm afraid.

An Eagle belonging to PGMC in a system which was visited by Vauban. Coincidence? Impossible. This has to be Vauban's ship! And if it is, perhaps I can dig out some useful information from the onboard computer. Flight logs, ports of call, messages, anything...

I fired up the system - clean. Formatted and rebooted, usual procedure. But there surely were people who would be able to get deeper, some data magicians or hackers that would help me. I will have to ask around.

I will also talk to these few friends I have made here in the local corporations, perhaps they could track the transaction details, information on Vauban's new ship, anything that could be useful.

And I was sitting on this information for so long...

 

[di6turbed]

1 FEBRUARY 3303, HIP 115584 SYSTEM, BRUNNER LANDING

Yesterday I had more meetings with different people that I could count. Technicians, dock workers, starport administration, data jockeys. I was trying to get anything I could about Vauban and about his ships. I had at least 5 different people looking at the logs, going through the onboard computer, checking cargo manifests and entry / exit information from the main gate.

I also paid quite a hefty sum for all that and made some new friends with Kamitra Crimson United LTD, an Imperial corporation, a multi-role company with one of its specialities as data broker. After hearing my questions, they said they probably can help, but the price was high:



I agreed to pay. Moreover, I also promised to make a few data runs for them to HIP 115584 system, including one 'high priority, encrypted' intel package. On their side they promised that within the next two days, upon my return to Kamitra, they would have some fresh information regarding Vauban's Eagle and, possibly, location of a skilled technician who could hack the onboard computer and extract something useful for me.

With that I set off for a short journey to Hip 115584. I didn't even make the first jump, when I got a following message from my new employer:



They were right. Soon after arriving at my destination, I was interdicted by a Federal Dropship. You don't see to many of those in the imperial space, though the region I am in can hardly be called a core of the Empire. Still, I managed to evade the threat, thinking that my chances against such enemy in a C-equipped Eagle were rather slim.

I landed at Rodrigues Installation, a medium sized outpost on a small moon orbiting nearby ringed planet. I have to admit, the view was extraordinary. I was still contemplating it when my alarms went off, with another interdiction attempt by Cmdr Vegan. Catched by surprise, I did not manage to shake him this time around...

My only hope was in greater manoeuvrability of the Eagle. I do admit I also put some faith in the Rail Gun which I installed just before this trip. As soon as we dropped out of supercruise I put all the pips to my weapons and started pounding the enemy. But he was good, fought mostly without the flight assist and even before I managed to chew through his shields, I already had my hull reduced to 50%.

I changed tactics and kept as close as possible to him, denying any possibility to shoot while keeping my trigger pressed all the time. This worked and finally his shields went down and my beam lasers started to melt into his armor. Slowly. Too slowly. Another direct hit sent a rain of sparks through my cockpit - instinctively I shielded my face from damage, which gave my opponent time to regain some distance and set up a good firing position. I checked hull integrity - 22%.

"That's it" - I thought, and punched the afterburner in a vague hope of evading the incoming barrage. Series of laser beams ligtened up the space... and landed on Federal Dropship's armor!

"This is System Security Emergency Response Team, retract your hardpoints and standby for inspection"

Vegan hesitated for a moment and then tried to boost away, enabling his frame shift drive. I followed immediately, giving him all I had. So did a wing of four imperial Vipers. It was soon over.



I submitted to security scans and were cleared to go. I delivered data and some goods on behalf of Kamitra Crimson United to Mattheus Olbers Relay. I then made my way towards Brunner Landing, hoping to leave the ship in the dry dock for repairs, grab a chilled, well - deserved beer and call it a day, when another interdiction started...

I quickly checked the scanner and my heart froze. Another Federal Dropship. That is too much to be just a mere coincidence, the data I was hauling definitely was really wanted by the Feds or somebody aligned with them. Also, in my current state I would not survive another battle, so I put all my skills and concentration to get away. Luckily, I made it.

I have a lot to think about before I get back to Kamitra. Hopefully, some of the answers will be waiting for me there. Perhaps something more about the history of this ship, perhaps coordinates of some of Vauban's contacts, places he visited, some notes. We shall see.

MacLeod out.

 

[pippo]

*** LORE INTERMISSION ***

Spoiler

Ben Joseph Gardner, born July 12th 3205, Mars (Sol)
__________________________________________

Ben Gardner is a veteran of the Federal Navy and served for many years as the Admiral of the 7th Fleet. The fleet was famous for winning their battles promptly and without mercy. Admiral Gardner successfully led his men through many great campaigns and was decorated several times over. He was heavily tipped, towards the end of his military career, for a position as a congressman in the Sol system, shortly before handing in his resignation.

Political experts at the time expected this resignation to seal Gardner’s retirement, yet the former Admiral surprisingly joined the Sirius Corporation as a security consultant.

Almost no one had anticipated a move to the private sector for the distinguished war hero and six months later, while all analysts were still debating the motives behind the career change, he left his function again, only to be promoted to General Counsel of the Sirius Intelligence Service (SIS), a position he would hold for the next five years.

Given the secretive nature of Ben Gardner’s responsibilities during that time, his operations under the SIS directorate are still unknown to this day.

November 3301, Ben Garden quietly steps down from his position as General Counsel and is almost immediately appointed Vice President of a newly instituted joint venture between Sirius Corporation and unknown investors: Pan Galactic Mining Corp.

It was another change that only local news agencies covered at the time, some of them headlining a contentious “Sirius number one spy gets demotion” and speculating over the reasons for Gardner’s fall from grace.

If a few other media legitimately questioned the very makeup and purpose of the new mining organization, a handful of even more leftfield columnists would go as far as claiming that Gardner was still and always had been on the Federation payroll.

Despite the many mysteries surrounding his time with Sirius, Ben Gardner’s career remains an exemplary one and he continues today, albeit within a much smaller framework, to excel in his new role.

***

 

[di6turbed]

3 February 3303, Taiowal System, Michalitsianos Vision

'Hey, good to see you, captain!' - Bill Leonard was sitting in the pilot's chair, with one leg hanging over the armrest, reading something on the datapad - 'as you can see, the Lotus is repaired and good to go! Had any luck with your investigation?'
'Not yet. They say they are working on it... and they damn better be, I just gave them over 200 000 credits'.
'I've asked some of my old contacts too. The erased onboard computer is not easy to restore. We would either need a high tech world for that with real IT magicians... or perhaps one of the capitals, like Achenar or Sol. Both need permits, though'
'I know... I'll think about it some more, in the meantime we're taking her for a ride' - I gestured around the pit with my hand - 'we need to deliver some wine end data to Taiowal system for Crimson United LTD. Get her ready to go, I'll oversee the cargo'
'Rog, on it boss'.



***

'This is Woodroffe Station traffic control, Keelback registration number VVX 5230, please state your business'
'A freight of 12 units of wine and 8 units of Kamitra cigars, request permission to land'
'Permission granted, proceed to docking bay 06, please follow the safety regulations, commander'
'Hey, Bill, go ahead and put her down, I have one thing to check. Get in touch with our local contacts and hand over the wine, then sell the cigars and let me know when we are good to go'
'Sure thing, boss' - Bill sat on the pilot's chair which I just vacated and took over the controls.

I went to the main computer and summoned the system view together with latest scan data. I started checking the dots, looking for one particular person. Found it 20 minutes later, after we departed the station and made our way towards the nav beacon.



***

'So, what did he do exactly?'
'Stepped on some toes at Crimson United LTD. Defected with important trade data or something'
'Looks like he has a friend' - Bill pointed at second ship flying in formation with the Viper Mk4, an Eagle. I nodded.
'Once we pull them out of supercruise, you will focus on the Eagle, and I'll take out the Viper. Go on and get ready, prepare the fighter bay'
'OK, give me one sec'

***

"WARNING! MAIN THRUSTER OFFLINE. AUXULIARY THRUSTERS OFFLINE"
The ship started to spin like crazy and there was no way for me to regain control.
'Got the Eagle, boss. The other guy is also history, coming back at your posi... what is going on?'
'It seems that this damn friend of his managed to destroy our thrusters.. dock the fighter and get to the helm immediately'
'No can do, boss. We're spinning too fast.'
'!'



It has never happened to me before. I didn't even think about taking the automated recovery and repair systems. In despair I started to transmit SOS on the wide frequency, but nobody has shown up. Nobody responded. I then checked my long range hyperspace comms menu. I thought about contacting Hell Razor, but he was not on, either out of range or out of his ship. But I saw commander Adrian Alvarez, with whom I have met a long time ago, even before my escape pod accident. I tried.

'Commander Alvarez, Duncan MacLeod here, please respond if you received this message'
'Hello, commander! How can I help you?'

Yes! That was something, if he couldn't come in person, at least he could notify somebody I needed some help...
We have chatted for some time, unfortunately he was quite far away from the bubble.. but then he asked a very simple question..

'Did you try the auto-maitenance / repair programme?'
'Nope.. wait one, let me try'

I did it.. and it miraculously did work! The thrusters were at 2% of capabilities, but they worked!

'I owe you a big time, Commander. When we meet up, you have a whole freight of Kamitra cigars from me!'
'I'll keep you true to your word. Glad I could help. I was on the same boat once or twice before'

***

We made it safely back to Michalitsianos Vision. The repairs will cost around 30 000 and will take two days, but what the hell. At least we are alive.



MacLeod out.

 

[di6turbed]

6 February 3303, Hip 1885 System, Bode Arsenal

'I think that is all' - I turned towards Bill, who just finished loading the last crate of Kamitran red fruits onto the automated cargo container - 'we deserve some rest, and then we will go back to Kamitra. I hope that Crimson LTD finally has some news for us'

'Doubt it, boss, especially after the last couple of messages you got from them' - I couldn't see Bill's face, but I bet he was triumphant. He was against paying the money to a corporation in the first place. He was also against taking part in their little local war against another company - one that Crimsons lost miserably. Which was a big hit to my reputation - and cred acccount..

]

'Well, they have to deliver something. And once we jumped out of the FSD it was clear that we couldn't help tip the balance of the battle, it was a lost case from the start'.

'Yeah. At least your strategy worked and we didn't loose a ship' - he turned to me and smiled - 'good thinking with laying low 15 - 20 klicks from the fray and just taking the fighter into the battle'

'Yeah. I managed to destroy one ship and loose three fighters along the way.. Nevermind. Let's get some rest and get out of this system. At least we made almost one million credits by coming here. Worth the trip if you ask me'.



'But it doesn't bring us any closer to finding this Vauban. I am telling you - go to Achenar, you will find someone who can help you there. Or..' - he paused for a moment - 'or you could try one of those famous Engineers'.

I looked at him for a while and nodded slowly. That might actually be quite a good idea... but first, let's see what Crimson LTD managed to find about Vauban.

'We might try that, Bill. If I don't manage to catch Cmd HellRazor, that just might be our next step'.

MacLeod out.

 

[di6turbed]

9 February 3303, Iado System, Boscovich Terminal

I still can't decide whether the insane flow of different occurrences is what I enjoy or what I hate about the life in space... many things have happened in the last few days.

First, I returned to Kamitra - and finally got some information I was waiting for. Not much, but enough to move on.

Kamitra Crimson did a throughout check of Hammel docking records and questions several people about Vauban. They learned that the Eagle I am flying DID belong to Taylor Vauban and was registered under the name "The Peregrine Falcon". They also found out that the person I am after left the system in a new ship and - according to some witnesses - before leaving filled his cargo hold with Kamitra Cigars. Whether these later got into hands of Cmd Matzov or were bought later for a different reason - I do not know.

Finally, I got a piece of advice regarding Eagle's onboard computer. I got a name and a location of a person that could be able to help me:



His services were not cheap and his workshop was located more than 250 light years away, but it looked as a promising idea. I quickly discussed it with Ben, agreed that I would take the Keelback with a new crew member and he would follow me in the Eagle. I restocked on Kamitra Cigars and soon we were on our way to Wyrd...



In Iado system, which was the third stop on my journey, I encountered an interesting USS, saying something about high level encrypted communication. Without contacting Ben I dropped out of the supercruise into a middle of space debris. Before I realized what I have done, Betty started to scream, and two Pythons waiting in ambush opened fire. It wasn't a fight, it was a massacre...

SHIELDS DOWN. TAKING DAMAGE.

I frantically hit the booster again and again, knowing that we were doomed. I shouted to my new crew member to launch a fighter, but all I could hear in the commlink was her panicked screams that abruptly stopped when a missile exploded close to crew quarters, depressurizing most of the ship. The damage was too severe for me to have any doubts what was bound to happen in the next few seconds. I reached for ejection handle and launched the escape pod.

My pursuers probably didn't notice I was gone. Hidden between bent parts of another unfortunate ship, I watched as they scooped whatever was left of my Keelback and then jumped out of the system.

Ben picked me up in the Eagle 30 minutes later. When we landed at Boscovich he forced me to go to the medbay and do all the basic tests. In the meantime he got himself busy with finding a new ship.

History likes doing circles. Here I am, flying good old Cobra Mk III once again...



MacLeod out.

 

[di6turbed]

10 February 3303, Untup System, Penrose Hub

It is funny how sometimes you are determined to move on, but things keep popping up that prevent you from doing what you planned.

Before leaving Iado I checked the local bulletin board, trying to find some deliveries along my route, so that I don't do empty runs. I found two for Untup and three more for Autamkindia, a system located only 8 Ly away from the path I wanted to take. Once I got there, however, I was informed that local authorities were willing to pay good money to those who would help protect their mining vessels working the asteroid ring of a nearby planet.

I stayed for a few hours, putting my new Cobra and four beam lasers to a test - with quite positive results. The pirates managed to get through my shields only once, leaving very shallow marks on the paintjob of the Dragonfly. On the other hand, I got more than 800 000 credits worth of combat bonds. Once I handed those in, I got in touch with Bill, who was supposed to bring The Peregrine Falcon to Untup, and I soon joined him there with 17 pallets of liquor onboard.

Today I plan to move on, but I have already decided to take my time and not to rush it. I will need money to prepare myself for a meeting with Vauban. After all he was very high in a powerful corporation and Matzov mentioned he had more than one ship at his disposal. Even if I find him and it comes to the worst, I won't do much if he is flying a Python or an Anaconda.

One step at a time, as my mom was always saying.

Heh, I wonder how is my family doing back on Pearl. Perhaps I will visit them one day? I could also be able to catch Cmd HellRazor. Still haven't heard from him since our last conversation a week or so ago. Hope he didn't get into any trouble.

MacLeod out.

 

[Hell Razor5543]

HellRazor has been helping out in the Fedmich system, where a convoy was very badly mauled. As well as helping rescue a couple of hundred survivors, he (and his Anaconda, The Helping Hand) also managed to have a few successful discussions with those (NPCs) wishing to take advantage of the situation. He is currently out learning how to go mining, as an Engineer requires her potential clients have mining experience before extending them an invitation.

 

[di6turbed]

12 February 3303, Hip 1885 System, Bode Arsenal

In the last few days I didn't make any progress towards reaching Wyrd. Ben brought the Eagle to Hip 1885, and I have been busy working on contracts for several imperial factions in the area. Somehow the urge to find Ian's killers have moved down on the list of priorities for the moment. Don't get me wrong - I intend and WILL find the two that are still alive. But I need to be well prepared for that and Cobra Mk3 just won't be fit for the task.

Moreover, I have this weird feeling that is getting stronger with every passing day. I feel homesick. For the first time in the last three years I am really thinking whether I should not move back to Pearl, see my parents, visit my sister and her husband who are all still living on the planet, working the fields and harvesting the crops.

It's been so long since I last was in LHS 3447... I might also visit Ian's grave. Tell him what I've learned. And get more strength to continue.

Should I go? Or continue towards Wyrd? Tough question...

MacLeod out.

 

[di6turbed]

14 February 3303, Svanticani System, Pierres Mine

I made up my mind. I'm currently on my way back home - back to LHS 3447, where it all started almost three years ago. I've been through many adventures, I almost lost my life at least a dozen times, I made more money that I ever dreamt I could. I've chased my brother's murderers through Federal and Imperial space, I know that two of them are already dead - and even though it wasn't me who pulled the trigger, I somehow feel that part of the justice was done.

Now I need to rest. I want to land on Pearl, see my parents. Visit my sister. I want to feel the ocean, the wrath of the sea, so different that void and emptiness of space. I am coming home. Vauban can wait another week or two.

I have also changed the ship. A good opportunity came my way, one that one just could not miss. I always wanted to have an Asp Explorer. Big, reliable ship with a big cargo hold, but also much more agile than the Keelback or Type 6. And now I have one.



I have yet to name her, but I am happy I didn't wait any longer. It will take time to fully upgrade her, but I feel safer already. And the view from the pit - plainly amazing.

First thing I loaded into a big, size 6 cargo hold, was full set of personal weapons which I was asked to haul together with some domestic appliances to Svanticani system, where a civil war was raging for quite some time now.



I was to deliver my cargo to a small planetary outpost named Pierre's Mine, overseeing a huge crater.



Hoping I can avoid being scanned, I went in quite fast and then enabled the vertical thrusters in order to quickly land on the platform. Not being used to an Asp, however, I didn't know how powerful they were compared to what I had in a Cobra - I slammed into the ground at huge speed, immediately reducing shields to zero and badly damaging the hull. Now THAT did bring the attention of local security to me and soon I was scanned by two vessels - and given a fine of 60 000 credits.

I paid it off before contacting local agent who took both the appliances and the weapons from me. Even with the fine I still was over 40 000 credits ahead. Which gives me an idea - hauling weapons on a short distance of 7 LY could net me over 110 000 credits per run..
A tempting idea, I must admit.

Oh, one more thing. I've been contacted by Cmd HellRazor. We will meet up in LHS 3447 once I get there. We have a lot of things to discuss...

MacLeod out

 

[di6turbed]

15 February 3303, Svanticani System, Pierres Mine

Yes. Plans certainly DO change..

I should have left after I was caught in Pierres Mine for the first time. I should have just continued to Pearl, happy with the 40 000 I made.
Instead, I returned to Bosh City in Nisgayo, re-fitted my new Asp with more cargo bays and additional heat sinks, loaded 80 crates of personal weapons and went back to Svanticani.

First two runs went very good, netting me 180 000 credits each. I took palladium on the way back to Bosh for another 120 000, so a total net gain was 300k both ways. But then came the third run...

"This is Asp Explorer, registration XXD-1183-AA, request docking clearance"
"XXD-1183-AA, Pierres Mine control, docking granted, proceed to landing pad 07"
I glanced at the scanner. 7 km out, the closest system security Viper was 1 klick further. So far, so good. I pressed the silent running button.
"Rigged for silent running. Shields offline".
"Thank you, Betty"
"XXD-1183-AA, Pierres Mine control, you disappeared from our scanners, please confirm"
I grinned. 3 klicks, Viper still 6 klicks away.
"This is XXD-1183-AA, all systems in the green here, nothing to worry about"
2 kilometers.
"XXD-1183-AA, we have you visual, continue"
New blip on the scanner. Another Viper just taking off from pad 06.
No...
"Ship scan detected"
No, no, no!
"XXD-1183-AA, this is System Security. You have been found to be carrying illegal cargo onboard. Land on pad 07, then slowly exit the ship, unarmed and with your hands up"
"Hey, I don't think it will..."
"Please confirm that you have understood the instructions or lethal force will be used against you"
"I.. yes, I understood. Will comply"

They were waiting for me with their carbines ready, 6 local security officers with their commander, a bald man in his fifties. Without a word they handcuffed me. Two guards escorted me out of the hangar, the others rushed onboard my ship.

I forgot it was war time, so I was delivered almost immediately before the judge. I was asked if I have anything in my defence, which clearly I didn't - the weapons were to be sold on the black market and would most probably fall into the hands of the adversaries of local authorities. And I was a recidivist.

The verdict could be harsher, but still I was half hoping I will get away with only a fine and loosing the cargo...

"Duncan MacLeod, I hereby sentence you to 100 000 credit fine and 6 months of labour camp in the mines, with immediate effect. You have no right of appeal. Case is closed. Take him away".

I was allowed to take my datapad plus some personal belongings and my ship was locked down. This doesn't look good.

MacLeod out. Probably for a longer time...

 

[di6turbed]

26 February 3303, LHS 3447 System, Dalton Gateway

'There's a message for you. Here. Just make sure they don't see you'.
The guard has passed me a small datapad and I kneeled pretending to be tying a shoelace. I quickly skimmed through the message from HellRazor:

I am aware of the situation. I have collected your bird, and she is being checked out by a friend. I am currently out meander exploring (updating my stellar database really), so I am not near my fleet. My friend asked me to give him a week, so that he can work on her in the quiet periods. It would seem strange if I didn't take The Curious Cricket back to Shin, as that is where I store her, and I still have three days to go. I will see if I can arrange for a large payment in lieu of time served (I know that you will not be granted bail, as you have had your court hearing (and lost), and the system is in a state of conflict), but if they do accept the fine you will never be welcome back there while that faction is in charge (or anywhere else they control). I would suggest that (assuming we get you out) you keep your head down for a while, and play the part of a contrite pilot who made a major mistake, won't do it again, and is very sorry. Find a quiet trade route and run it for a while, maybe go and see your family. If you do go see your family keep a large ship on the farm, so if you have to get out you can take your family with you.

Keep your ships well maintained and in easy reach. Your best safety measure is the ability to move, and right now you have lost that. The fact that what you did has got you noticed by others is, for now, keeping you safe, but once those others have forgotten you those you are looking for may take the opportunity to eliminate you. Be a model prisoner, helpful and friendly, so the guards remember you for the right reasons (they like you). That may extend your safety period.

I read it twice before I finally got up, handed the datapad back to the guard, picked up the heavy mining drill and headed down the shaft, where others inmates disappeared a minute before. It felt good to know that one has friends out there in the galaxy. And that my previous message went through - even if the cost was really high.

That was 3 days ago.

***

'Hey, wake up, scum. It seems you got lucky. Someone has paid a hefty sum to get you out earlier. What, you didn't like the work? Food? Healthcare? Hm?' - the guard, an ugly fat guy in combat fatigues was standing in the doorway, blocking the view and a little light coming from the corridor.
'It was all perfect. I especially liked the room service' - I muttered and then instantly groaned as a heavy boot landed on my stomach.
'Scum. You should rot here for what you did. But you won't be doing that anymore, as the orders are for you to leave the system as quickly as possible. Besides, we just won the war, so no more profit from arms dealing. Now get up and get out of my sight'

He didn't have to repeat twice. I was in the administration building 15 minutes later, signing the necessary paperworks. Somebody paid 300 000 credits for my release. Money I will have to pay back to Hell Razor. In another 30 minutes I was back in the pit of my Asp, spooling up the engines.

I hesitated for a moment, then picked Dalton Gateway as a destination. Without any further stops along the way. Five jumps.

***

'Commander MacLeod?' - two uniformed corporate guards stopped me just as I was about to leave the hangar at Dalton Gateway. I thought I shouldn't come home empty - handed and wanted to buy something nice for my parents before I head down to Pearl.
'Yes, what is it?'
'Please come with us. Now'
'But...'
'Do not worry, it will only take 15 minutes'
There was no point in arguing. I went between them thinking what kind of trouble awaited me this time...

MacLeod out.

 

[Hell Razor5543]

Well, Duncan has done something stupid, and ended up staying at a location run by the local authorities. He was caught smuggling a large amount of personal weapons to a system that was in conflict (Svanticani). If the controlling faction there had a presence where he bought his cargo that would have got their attention. All it would then take is for somebody to watch him as he jumped out, do a quick bit of navigational plotting, and send a message. The Authority ships were just waiting for him, and had probably taken bets as to who would scan him first. While factions may turn a blind eye to some smuggling (recreational stuff) they could never ignore that which could help bring them down.

I collected his Eagle from Bill Leonard, his crewman, and got her transferred to my home port. For it to be legal I had paid him a nominal purchase sum (enough to allow him to survive until Duncan got released, as I didn't know what funds he had), with a note to Duncan to explain, but I also managed to get her data cores left alone (should make reading them easier), although she had to be made aware of my ownership, to allow me to fly her (all ships have a ‘lock’ linked to the ID bracelets, so only the bracelets they ‘know’ will unlock the controls). When I arrived there, I took her out for a quick flight, to see how she handled (and to get a feel for her, to see if she could make the trip; I didn’t want to end up stranded and calling for help). Nice little ship, agile, fast, but she felt somewhat tired, jaded, bored. I also felt that there was something else there, like there was a presence behind those screens. Not much (maybe I could not hear her well), but enough for me to talk to her. I got her fitted with a fuel scoop, and then headed off to Shin.

We had a nice, peaceful flight to Shin, and I talked to her all the way (I know, I’m mad, but I felt it might help). I told her what I was doing, and why. I think I may have piqued her interest, as when we got into Shin she felt more alert somehow. I got docking clearance, and we had a nice and gentle landing. One of the people (Linda) who looked after The Curious Cricket met me, and we got talking. I asked her if we could chat over a meal and drink, as I had something to talk to her about. Later, when we met up I treated us to a slap up meal, and then I explained the situation with Duncan (apart from his recent mistakes), and the luck that got him the Eagle that had previously been owned by somebody of interest. Linda asked me what I wanted of her, and I asked if the PF had anything that could read the data cores. “No way”, she responded “that would be illegal and unethical. Anyway, when the data cores are wiped they stay wiped.”. “Oh well, it was just a thought, and I wanted to help Duncan if I could”. We got to talking about other things, and finished our meal. It had been nice, even if Linda said she could not help. Then... “What are you going to do with that Eagle now, Razor?” she asked. “I am not sure. Hang onto her for a while, and then give her back to Duncan”, I replied. “I thought you said you were going to get her properly serviced and tuned up”. She gave me a serious look. “I would be working on her, to see what I can do to make her shine. It would take about a week, and I think she will be everything you want her to be”.

The following morning I arranged for the Eagle to have a complete overhaul, upgrade and re-spray. Linda was in charge of the team this time, and she said that she would have to run a full diagnostics first (to see what had been done since she was built, to make sure they did not cause any unexpected issues), and then get everything else done. It should take around a week, and I would not recognise her when the work was done. I signed the relevant paperwork, thanked the team, and got The Curious Cricket out of storage.

I spent the following week meandering about, just filling in my stellar database really. It was peaceful, and I would be difficult to track (as I did not have any route planned; just hopped to the next “UNKNOWN” system, scanned it, and repeat). A few days in I met up with a couple of Pilots I had dealings with in the past, and we got chatting. I was able to show them a few useful tricks when exploring, so that should help them. During this time I got a message from Duncan. I replied, but not knowing how secure the link was I was deliberately vague and misleading, to protect us all, if I could. I then got in contact with the faction controlling Svanticani to see what I could do to facilitate his early release. It turned out 300Kcr would do it (a trifling amount for me, as I could make that in one trade run with The Helping Hand, but a large amount for Duncan), so I arranged for the transfer, and spent the rest of the week wandering around the local stars.

OOC - I imagine that there are two sets of data cores on a ship. There is a core set which manages the ship systems, and another core set for the personal use of the Pilot. The first core set would have all the information on the ship, such as when she was serviced, maintained, and so on (which can be read by any service crew), while the personal core can only be read by the current owner of the ship. When the ship changes hands this core is wiped, and should be completely clean of any data, ready for the next Pilot. However, Razor learned from his friend Boots that there was equipment that could (under very favourable conditions) sometimes recover some information from wiped cores. Razor presumes that if Boots can sometimes do this the Pilots' Federation almost certainly can do this as well, which is why he decides to take the Eagle to Shinrarta Dezhra.

 

[Hell Razor5543]

When I got back to Shin Linda was waiting for me. We booked The Curious Cricket back into storage, after arranging for the usual complete overhaul (she did not need it really, as I had only been out for a week or so, but I like to know all of my ships are in tip top condition, and I like them to know it as well. Linda understood and humoured me). We then went to have a look at the Eagle, while Linda explained they had done a 0ls service (in effect, completely refurbishing her to the point she had been when she first flew). When she opened the docking bay I got my first sight of the Eagle.

She looked magnificent. I had chosen a red paint scheme, and I felt that it suited her well. If I hadn’t known she had a lot of mileage under her belt I would have sworn that she had only just been built. Linda showed me around, and everything looked beautiful. She also felt very different to when I had last seen her, contented and ready to go. She was a different ship (well, not really, but in much better shape) than the tired and worn Eagle I had flown here.

When Linda took me to the machinery space everything looked right, nice, clean, tidy and functional. Everything looked like it was as it should be, but then Linda showed me something. There was a control module that actually wasn’t. Linda explained that, when the Pilots Federation had data that had to be transferred securely they would fit one of the modules into the engineering space of a ship (they would select a unit that would look right in the ship it was fitted to), and only somebody who knew that specific ship (not model of ship, but the ship in question) would know the module was not meant to be there. The module was actually a storage and protection device for the data tablet stored within, and could only be opened by the ID bracelet it was keyed for (the data tablet had the same key facility). Linda had explained that she had keyed it for the ID bracelet of Duncan Macleod (she looked at me with a slightly hurt expression; “You didn’t tell me he was in prison for smuggling” “I believe it was an honest error of judgement, and he will learn from his mistakes”), and that only he could open the storage and read the tablet. She went on to explain the basic security systems built in.

It turned out that this tablet had failed one of its production tests (for some reason the power cell was losing its charge more quickly than normal, and was only good for 3 months (normally they last a year). Once a secure data tablet has been assembled it cannot be take apart, as it will self destruct (security feature deliberately added), so this tablet had been consigned for disposal. Somehow it had not made it to the disposal site, even though the paperwork said it had, and had also been destroyed securely). These tablets have no connectivity systems, so they could not be copied (other than by manual writing), and (when out of their storage module) are very fragile (dropping it will break it) as part of their design. They also can only be read a limited number of times, as the data will degrade. When the storage module is open it is possible to detach it from where it was mounted (leaving no signs if there ever having been anything there). She also explained how to make the storage module safely destroy the tablet (hold the bracelet to the reader, close the storage module with the tablet in it, and hold the bracelet there for five seconds), and she asked me to tell Duncan to throw the whole assembly into a star when he had finished with it (so as not to incriminate her or the Pilots Federation).

I took the Eagle out of her bay, and headed home. She felt very different to when I had last flown her, and not just because she was now completely A Rated. Somehow she felt more eager, alert, and wanting to show me what she can do. When I took her to a Navigation Beacon we found a few WANTED ships, and we dispatched them with ease (OK, there was nothing heavy duty, but still). I liked her (and, I hope, she liked me). I began to hope that, when Duncan had got out and got the module, he would let me keep her. While I might not fly her much, she was a lovely little ship to fly and fight.

Once I got back home I placed the Eagle into storage (in my usual fashion), and then went to The Helping Hand. For some reason she felt wrong, out of sorts, like she had a toothache she could not pull. I fired up a quick diagnostics check, and everything came up as nominal. The feeling still persisted, and I felt a quick flight might help. However, when I fired up the pre-flight checklist it shut down before I could even complete the first step. I tried this three more times, and the same thing happened each time. Then I caught a movement out of the corner of my eye. I turned to look, and I saw her using one of her cleaning modules. It held something, and when it put it down on a panel I saw that it was a sealed ID bracelet.

 

[di6turbed]

3 March 3303, LHS 3447 System, Dalton Gateway

'What do you mean only two? There were eight people onboard and you were supposed to save them all!' - Amanda Paul, Executive Director for Interstellar Operations of LHS 3447 & Co. smashed her hand on the table.

'In fact, there were more people. The whole ship was loaded to the brim with slaves, Director. Slaves. Packed in the containers like fish in a barrel' - my voice was quiet and steady. In fact I was surprised with the level of self control I managed to keep. - 'I had to manually scan each pod for signatures matching those on the list you gave me. I didn't have time to ID them all - and the containers were quickly decompressing. In the end I got two. And let dozens die.'

'Do you think I care? You were supposed to bring back eight people from the list you gave me, and you came back with two. That means you are not getting any money, MacLeod'

'I don't care about your money. You should have told me about the cargo. I would never have used hatch breakers on that ship.'

'You should have installed a damn cargo scanner. Because of you six good people have died. Get out of my sight'.

***

Waves were quietly washing the rocks. Ocean, endless ocean as far as I could see. Almost like space, although the sea has its shores which you will eventually reach. Space has none. I was spending most of my time on the beach, drinking beers and thinking about my last assignment. How many innocent people did I kill? And what would have happened to them if I didn't? They were slaves, maybe unconsciously I have chosen a better option for them? And why were those eight people worth so much more than all the rest?

I couldn't stop thinking. I couldn't focus on the family, couldn't stay with them longer than for 2-3 hours in the row. I don't think they understood, but they still did what they could to make me feel welcome. I couldn't for some reason. This wasn't my home anymore. Not after last 3 years. Not without Ian.

Sitting there on that cliff I made up my mind. I should go back to Dalton, pick my ship, get Ben on board and carry on. Try to locate Vauban, find Ian's killers. Perhaps then I will be able to move on...

My datapad blinked. A message from Cmd Hell Razor. Yes, he took Vauban's Eagle for testing. Perhaps he has found something useful?

MacLeod out.

 

[Hell Razor5543]

I had to take a chance that only The Helping Hand had been sabotaged. Normally I would take her out when I returned home (as she was, in fact, my home), but now she was in no fit state to fly. Somebody had been aboard, and had managed to harm her. When I then ran a full diagnostics check I found that her levels were comparable to an A Rated Anaconda. Unfortunately, this meant that she was, in fact, running well below her normal parameters. When I ran through her security systems they all appeared nominal, with no signs of entry (other than when I had returned), but that ID bracelet told me otherwise. When I walked through her nothing was out of place, but still, in the main engineering space she felt out of sorts (as with a couple of lesser areas). All the time I was doing this I was talking to her, telling her I knew she was sick, and that I would get her fixed, and as good as new. I also told her that, until I did, I would not take her out, as I knew that she did not want to fly. I headed over to where I had The Drunken Knurd parked, and checked her over. While she was not as ‘chatty’ as The Helping Hand, she did not seem unhappy in any way. I had a fuel scoop fitted, her magazines fully loaded, and headed off to LHS 3447.

En-route I managed to get hold of Boots. Fortunately he was due some down time, so I asked if he could give The Helping Hand a full check-up. I explained that I knew she had been sabotaged, and that it had been expertly done. He promised that he would get her back on song, and find out what he could. I told him that I had done some checks elsewhere, and there was nothing to go on. Boots told me that, although he was due some down time, he had some very specialist diagnostics equipment he had been itching to try out, and a team that he could trust implicitly. We signed off, and I felt better, knowing that my favourite ship and I would soon be out amongst the stars.

When I arrived at LHS 3447, and made my way in towards Dalton Gateway, a very nasty thought suddenly struck me. I knew that Ian and Duncan had a sister, Helena, and that she was very much part of the family. If I knew this, it was likely that those who Duncan was looking for also knew this. I had no doubt that, if they felt the need, they would use her in some way to deal with Duncan. While I knew Duncan was desperate to find out what had happened to Ian, it was very likely he would do anything he could to protect Helena, to the point of dropping his investigation. I felt that the best way to protect her would be for Duncan to keep her with him at all times (I could not think of any better way to keep her safe). It was possible that she could even be an asset in his search, as she was brilliant at solving problems, and this investigation was a biggy! I could only hope that she had the intelligence to see this.

During the run into Dalton I sent a simple message to Duncan, letting him know that I was in-system, and that the Eagle may have been of help. When I docked I arranged for the Eagle to be transported in using a delivery firm I had good relations with (some of their Pilots were ex military). Once she arrived (and I had paid the fees, and let the pilot know of another transfer I was aware of) I checked her over. She was clean as a whistle, and felt happy. I talked to her, letting her know what was going on, and that I liked her. I asked her to try and let Duncan know ‘she’ was there, and, if he could not ‘hear’ her, I would ask him if I could buy her back (so she could join my family), but if he could ‘hear’ her she should stay with him, and try to teach him to ‘hear’ other ships. I arranged for a full service, and had her parked up, nice and safely.

 

[di6turbed]

4 March 3303, LHS 3447 System, Dalton Gateway

We sat in the conference room of Hell Razors Federal Gunship. Somehow I didn't see any other crew members when I was entering the vessel, but that didn't surprise me - although very open and friendly, there was something very secretive about him, almost as if he had some feats that other humans didn't.

'Your Eagle is now docked at Hangar 03 at Docking Bay 41. She is repainted red and fully A-graded. You will also find a small control panel in the engine compartment- you should notice it immediately as I know you have spent some time flying this particular ship. Everything that we managed to.. read is stored there, but please do remember about precautionary measures which I listed in my encrypted message.'

'I don't know how to thank you.'

'You will thank me when you see what is on that datapad. I haven't read it and I can't guarantee you will find anything useful there'

'I am sure I will. Anything about Vauban will be helpful. You know...' - I hesitated, trying to find word for what I was about to say - 'I spent some time with my family on Pearl. I thought I'd find some consolation and peace with them. But I didn't. Everywhere I looked I saw places I visited with Ian, ruins I used to play in with him, hell, even fields we used to harvest. I need to find his killers or I won't find peace of mind. I understood it here, on Pearl...'

'I know what you mean, lad. I really do. And you should do what you feel is right. There is one more thing to discuss, though. Your sister, Helena. You know that it is likely that the things you discover may put you in great danger. Greater that you can imagine. And if you do, the people that may be behind Vauban will stop at nothing to get you. She is your weakness. Think about it.'

'Thank you. I will. I will take the Eagle for a ride today and see what you or your friends discovered. And then I will destroy the evidence.'

'Good. Treat that Eagle well. She is a good ship. And if you don't want to keep her, I'll gladly buy her back from you. '

I nodded. 'I will. Now let me return to my question - how can I repay you?'

'I don't need anything. If you meet a young commander in need, help him out. That is the best thing you can do.'

I nodded again. 'Thank you, commander. I will be on my way. Say hello to The Helping Hand from me.'

This time he nodded his head and smiled. He didn't get up as I made my way to the air lock and down the ramp.

MacLeod out.

 

[Hell Razor5543]

OOC - Regular readers will have noticed my characters' attitude towards ships (and that he 'believes' he can 'hear' some of them). This is due to the sort of books I enjoy reading. A good example would be "The Forever Man", by Gordon R. son.

Through history sailors have always anthropomorphised their vessels, saying they have emotions, naming them, and (sometimes) saying they can tell how they are feeling. When Mankind develops steam technology it becomes possible to believe that the steam engines (mainly the railway locomotives) are alive when they are fired up, as the heat, vibration, and smells are so evocative. As Mankind travels through space (sometimes alone) it is possible that the environments they travel through makes subtle changes to the chemistry and physiology of Man (possibly unlocking latent talents and abilities), and their vessels become more complex. According to the Lore of Elite Mankind nearly engineered his own extinction when he brought forth Artificial Intelligence. As a consequence of the resulting wars, Mankind made it taboo to develop or produce any AI machinery. During his formative years Razor believes that it should have been possible to design safeguards into the AI systems that did not allow AI to turn against Mankind. Digging through ancient literature Razor discovers the writings of a late 20th Century author who had believed the same, and worked out a safe solution. This author was Isaac Asimov, with his Robotic Laws. Razor, when he takes ownership of the Anaconda he comes to call The Helping Hand, distinctly feels that there is a presence within the ship, friendly and comforting. Not only does he do what he can to fit the best equipment available (going as far as to find modules that he felt would 'mesh' better with her, and waiting until such modules came along), he goes further. With the help of his friend, Boots, he adapts and modifies the Robotic Laws to allow him to unlock her potential. The result is a vessel who can almost (not quite, but almost) fly herself, has equipment that she can use to maintain herself (both visually and mechanically, but only internally), and who can (and will) defend herself from intruders. When Razor is alone aboard her she is at liberty to make her presence felt, but when there are others aboard (those Razor has invited aboard) she will not do anything to attract attention to her (Boots is an exception, but he is not sure 'she' really exists). The Helping Hand is now a vessel that can be flown by one person in most situations. Razor is now trying to do the same with the other vessels he owns, while also 'listening' for other ships he feels he can get on with.

 

[di6turbed]

7 March 3303, Hanggardi System, Soddy Market

I sat at the bed in a small room which I rented, looking at the stars outside the window flying past as the Soddy Market station was spinning around its centre.
I had a lot to think about and I decided to take a break in a low - profile Hanggardi system nearby LHS 3447.

Few days ago I took the Eagle Hell Razor delivered to Dalton Gateway. I opened the control panel in the engine room and found a datapad he mentioned. I then sat in the cockpit, reading all the information stored in there several times, taking chaotic notes as I went through the text. Most of it was rather irrelevant, but there were some parts that will be crucial for my investigation. Here is a brief version of what I found.

ON VAUBAN
It seems that Vauban Taylor left the PanGalactic Mining Corporation on some secret assignment for some organisation which name has not been mentioned, but which apparently is rather influential. I doubt that even Matzov knows the details about it. Vauban's Eagle was named "The Peregrine Falcon" and its logs have shown a lot of activity in dozens of systems before it was sold - although I was unable to find any sensible pattern in his docking registers and most of the cargo manifests were gone from the system and unrecoverable.

There was one important lead though which I will have to investigate: Vauban has gathered a tremendous pile of information about the Engineers, marking their locations, specialisations, opinions about their work, distances between their home systems... lots of notes and nav data. It does look as if he was planning to visit at least some of them. For instance in one of his notes he put down: "Kamitra Cigars - Hera Tani". The same cigars that led me to Vauban's Eagle...

ON GALLOWAY
Galloway was mentioned once in the logbook - in the following message to Vauban:

CMDR Vauban, I am taking a tremendous risk by breaking radio silence but I'm afraid there has been some unforeseen developments that you need to be aware of.

A certain CMDR MacLeod, one of our newest recruit, has been asking questions about our old friend Galloway... and judging by my last conversation with the Colonel, it would seem that MacLeod has left Wrangell City just a few days ago to investigate the Frog System.

There's only so much I can keep under wrap given the situation, so I strongly recommend you do not return to Frog and Rasch Dock for the time being. We cannot afford to have anyone finding out about your current assignment and I also cannot stress enough how vital it is for the Colonel to be kept in the dark.

I'm counting on you to do what you must if you ever were to come across this Duncan MacLeod.


General Counsel Ben Gardner, over and out.

It appears that Vauban did know Galloway, although the context of the message remains unclear, whether "our old friend" was used in a pejorative form or they indeed were pals. The sender of this message no doubt works for the PGMC and was in Wrangell City when I was conducting my investigation there. It appears that Matzov was not part of that plan and I am sure that he would find this message most interesting. Finally, it seems that Vauban should kill me if I approach him... well, good to know.

General Counsel Ben Gardner. General Counsel - now what kind of rank is that? Certainly something I should check, as this may tell me where to look for Vauban. Also, this organisation might have some more information on Galloway himself.

Hell Razor did mention something about me being in danger and about powerful organisation that is behind all this, though he wasn't specific. Still, so far his news and advice have proven to be correct, so I am thinking whether I should not just lay low for some time planning my next moves... As there are several avenues to explore.

I could try to get in touch with some of the Engineers and try to find out whether they were in touch with Vauban.
I could go again to Frog and sniff around in Rash Dock to see if I can find anything there.
Or I could try to find out more about Ben Gardner and the organisation he is representing.

For the time being I will send Ben to Cmd Matzov with some of the information I found. He has to know this Gardner, who seems to think that I enlisted with the PGMC, talking about me as "our newest recruit". I will also ask Hell Razor to do a quick check of that name in Pilot Federation's records. And while keeping low profile in Hanggardi, I will do my homework on Engineers...

MacLeod out.

 

[di6turbed]

12 March 3303, NLTT 44219 system, over the planet surface

Crime does not pay.

'Hey, the base was not supposed to be defended... and I am looking at a military Federal Dropship sitting there on the landing pad' - I glanced up from the comms console and looked at the dark green bulky shape - 'thanks makers I didn't try to just drive there in the Scarab. Anyway, I think I can take him out, but you'll have to pay extra'

My barely visible interlocutor, sitting comfortably in his office 8 light years away, shrugged - 'we've agreed on 500 000. I think one dropship is worth this price, ain't it?'

'You will pay me 700 000 or find yourself someone else to take the Feds head on'

'Alright, alright.. we can't afford any delays. Our team is already on the ground, waiting for you to blow up this damn generator. You'll get your money, now get to work'.

I powered off the link and deployed the hardpoints. Better to do it quickly and take them by surprise...

***

Jana raised her head and looked up. A shadow of the Asp Explorer sent by the Syndicate to take care of any defences and to open the way for her strike team grew bigger as engines started to glow brighter. Soon after a blaze of laser fire lightened up the rocky surface of a planet around their middle sized Scarab.
'What is he doing? Does he want to blow the whole place up?' - Yannick, leader of their small team asked, but no emotions were visible on his scarred face. He hoped that the guy up there know what he is doing.
'OK, he has company. Dropship taking off... holy , look at that! Are these...'
'Yep, rail gun or plasma accelerator... ouch, that had to hurt, his shields are already gone after one hit'
'Yes, but look now... he keeps behind the Dropship, trying to cut it with beam lasers and turrets... his shields are gone as well'

All 6 people looked at the tiny scanner of their Scarab, comparing readouts for both fighting vessels. They went hand in hand, trading blows. 80% hull both. 50%. Asp now at 30%, Dropship at 45. Then a longer pounding, Asp at 16%, Dropship at 9. Both ships accelerated and then boosted away, gained distance and turned for another round. Beam lasers started earlier, cutting through weak shields of the Federal ship, biting into the armour. Explorer was frantically using side boosters, trying to become a difficult target for the plasma.

Dropship shot, two blue rays connected with the smaller ship.

It immediately exploded, shredded into thousands of little pieces.

'Jana, get us out of here. Ron, tell the boss that his pilot just got himself killed and that we won't finish the contract. Damn idiot!' - Yannick focused his attention on the scanner, hoping that heavily damaged Federal Ship will just land and won't start scanning the area. It didn't - with partially melted armour it just sat on the landing pad. Scarab was bouncing up and down, going at maximum speed away from the station.

Bent and burnt parts of the Asp Explorer were slowly falling down onto the rocks. Like some kind of rain.

'Boss, check the readings, maybe he ejected?'

Yannick manipulated knobs and switches for a moment. 'Negative. He didn't stand a chance. He got what he deserved, besides, he wouldn't fit here anyway, would he?'

The parts kept floating down.

***

Pilot Federation database... automatic update... //

Duncan MacLeod, 14 Oct 2970 - 12 March 3303 //

STATUS // ... DECEASED ... //

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