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On the Bridge of the
Friggin A:
The officer at the side console looks up and says to the
Executive Bridge Officer, "Sir, have a look."
The Bridge Officer comes over and looks at the sideman's screen
which is tracking all space vessels in the immediate region.
"This is not good," the Bridge Officer says with
concern, he straightens, "Capstan, the free-booters amongst us have
started into the Colonies prematurely," the Bridge Officer points to the
indicator-screen.
Capstan San-Maru looks to where the concerned bridge officer
points, and then turns to look back out of the starport-screen without any
special concern.
"But Capstan," the Bridge Officer tries to emphasize
his concern, "They are entering Colonial Interspatial Territory against
orders."
Finally San-Maru turns and replies in a inquiring voice,
"And so? They are free-agents."
"But Capstan, they are endangering us all for a larger
share of the boot," the frustrated officer explains.
"Extra Plunder, a driving motivater," Capstan San-Maru
sounds pleased.
"But Sir," the bridge officer manages to spit out,
"They'll cost us the element of surprise, I can send the Longships to
head them off."
San-Maru looks over to the Exec and shakes his head, he has a
momentary smile, "They spread confusion and fear as they go, they
provide a screen for the Confeiture, and I am given the opppurtunity to see
the opponent's response," San-Maru looks back to the star-screen,
"If the free-booters gain extra plunder, for assuming our risk, then it
is a good thing."
A small com-alert comes on, the sideman takes it on his screen
and reports, "Capstan, a Confeiture-longship reports the capture
of our first major prize."
Capstan San-Maru nods.
"The report claims the capture of a large
agro-conveyor," the sideman reads off.
"Negligence," the Capstan says calmly.
"Their Quoroum has been preoccupied here as of late,"
the Bridge Officer relates.
"And so the Confeiture gains from their benifence,"
San-Maru comments.
"On the open market that cargo will feed many," the
sideman remarks, "For a price."
"A modest-surcharge," San-Maru reminds him.
"And a modern agro-carrier like that, we can always find a
good use for" the Bridge Officer says with a firm smile.
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