Chapter Three
A new track appeared on the screen in the Alcarax Space Traffic Control Centre.
The controller signalled the new ship: "This is Alcarax Space Traffic Control, state your identity and purpose, over."
Dugesia activated his comms: "This is Captain Dugesia of the Market Alliance vessel Walrus. We are carrying parts and technical supplies for the orbital shipyards at Alcarax IV, over."
"Roger that Walrus," replied the controller. "Proceed along vector two-two-niner for Alcarax IV orbit, over and out."
"Mr. Carter," said Dugesia. "You heard the man, vector two-two-niner."
"Aye Captain, extra security out here, eh?" asked Mr. Carter motioning to the patrolling defense vessels off their port bow.
"Not to worry pilot," replied Dugesia. "They get a few desperate pirates out here every now and again."
Dugesia turned to Miss Young: "Let's get down to the cargo module and get ready for unloading."
She arose from her chair and followed Dugesia out of the control deck. Alcarax was a border system on the edge of Market Alliance space. Dugesia was always a little on edge visiting the border systems. He chalked it up to bad memories from the war. But this was their freight destination, and Dugesia planned to pick up some high tech parts for the construction of his own new ship while they were here as well. They made their way down the spine of the Walrus and descended into the cargo module.
"Ah, Mr. White," said Dugesia, finding Mr. White already down in the cargo module. "We should be arriving in about ten minutes. Everything organized and ready to offload?"
"As always Captain," responded Mr. White. "So we're picking up some components for your new ship today are we?"
"That's affirmative," replied Dugesia. "Can't beat the power and efficiency of the engines they manufacture for the ships out here Mr. White. We'll be picking up our dual engine cores today, should take up most of the room down here."
"I'll keep my acquisitions to a minimum then Captain, this time," replied Mr. White.
"Don't fret Quartermaster," assured Dugesia. "Our new ship will have about four times the cargo capacity of this old rust bucket. There'll be plenty of room for profit after we get her built. Now let's get to work."
The three of them went about preparing the cargo module for unloading. A few minutes later the Walrus docked at the shipyards. Miss Young triggered the cargo module ramp and the docking bay of the shipyard was revealed outside. Several deckhands came up with power lifters to begin unloading the pallets. Mr. White met with the Market Alliance officer and began going over the cargo manifest.
Dugesia called to Miss Young: "Get her unloaded, First Officer, I'm going to see about our new engines. Oh and have them top up our coolant levels while we're here, will you?"
"Yes Sir," replied Miss Young.
As Dugesia walked along the edge of the docking bay he saw the shipyard crews busily working on some patrol ships and small fighter craft. Nothing as big as he'd flown in back during the war, but he couldn't help but reminisce for a moment about his days in the old Tandaran Space Navy. Tandar was on the other end of Market Alliance space, but he'd see it again in a few days time. He planned to build his new ship there and catch up with his family and friends. Exiting the docking bay, Dugesia made his way through a long corridor and up a few levels to the Commander's office to finalize the acquisition of the new engines and make payment. He finally arrived and walked into the office, seeing his old acquaintance, Bart Masterson for the first time in years.
"Bart!" Dugesia exclaimed.
"Well, well, well... if it isn't my old buddy Dugesia!" Bart greeted. "A trade Captain now, are you?"
"Indeed I am," replied Dugesia. "And look at you! A Rear Admiral now?"
"That's right," confirmed Bart. "But you must be doing alright for yourself, too. Building a new ship and all?"
"That I am," responded Dugesia with a wide smile. "Here to pick up the best engines in the Alliance, then it's back to Tandar to finally construct a ship of my own design."
"I'm sure she'll be the envy of trade captains across the Alliance," said Bart. "Let's get the payment out of the way and my men can begin loading your hold. What was the price we agreed on again, uhhh, four million credits?"
"Three," Dugesia said firmly.
"Haha, of course," joked Bart. "Can't blame an old man for trying, can you? Just go ahead and slot your credstick and we'll be all settled up."
Dugesia inserted his card into the reader and confirmed the purchase for three million credits. All these years of work finally paying off, he thought to himself.
"Alright," said Bart. "Everything looks good, the engines are all yours! The men should be loading them now Dugesia."
"Thanks Bart," replied Dugesia as he turned to exit the office. "Good to see you again, next time I'll give you a spin in my new bird! But first, I've got to get her built!"
Bart waved and was distracted by another officer shortly after.
Dugesia palmed his radio and called ahead to Miss Young: "Miss Young come in, payment is made and the engines should be loading now, report?"
A response came back: "Aye Sir, they're loading them aboard as we speak. As soon as your back we'll be ready to get underway Captain."
"Roger that, Dugesia out," he replied.
An instant after Dugesia pocketed his radio, the alarm sounded.
-ALERT- -ALERT- -ALERT-
A voice came over the loudspeaker: "Attention all ships, all crews! Scramble! I repeat, Scramble! Unknown enemy attack underway! This is no drill!"
"Shit!" Dugesia yelled aloud.
He burst into a sprint, a rush of adrenaline filled his veins. He could only pray that the Walrus would be ready to launch as soon as he arrived. The corridors began to busy with crew rushing each way, and Dugesia struggled his way through the crowd towards the docking bay. A minute later, Dugesia entered the bay and saw First Officer Young and Mr. White waving him on, and to his relief, the engines were aboard the Walrus. As he ran, fighter after fighter zoomed out of the docking bay and off into space. This must be serious, he thought.
"Run Sir, run!" called Mr. White as Dugesia drew near.
"Faster!" urged First Officer Young.
The Walrus powered up, and Dugesia saw it lifting off from the deck. Miss Young hit the ramp controls as Dugesia crashed into the cargo module.
"Report!" Dugesia demanded.
"Enemy armada Sir," yelled Miss Young over the roar of the engines. "Hundreds of ships!"
They scraped Dugesia up off the deck of the cargo module and hurried their way towards the control deck. They felt the jolt of the Walrus exiting through the docking bay shield as they scrambled up the ladder. Arriving in the control deck a minute later, they saw Mr. Carter frantically making swift maneuvers.
"Get us out of here Mr. Carter!" ordered Dugesia.
"Sir, what is that?" asked Miss Young as she pointed out the window towards a hulking vessel.
Just then they saw two bright flashes of yellow light from the bow of the massive ship. Their eyes fixed on the projectiles streaming towards their target: a large defense cruiser. A moment later, the defense cruiser was hit and transformed instantly into a bright ball of energy, with streams of debris flying off into space in every direction. Dugesia and Miss Young stood in astonishment for a moment, only drawn back to reality when something rocked the Walrus. They stumbled, grasping their chairs and then strapping in.
"We're hit!" yelled Mr. Carter.
"Miss Young! Power up the laser turret, get them off our back!" ordered Dugesia.
"Mr. Carter," said Dugesia. "Duck us behind the shipyard and then break for higher orbit, we might be able to lose them!"
Dugesia punched up his display monitor to get a visual on their attacker. A small vessel was pursuing them, firing its rail guns in short bursts behind them. He saw them dodging to and fro as Miss Young's laser fire flashed around them.
"I can't get a clear shot!" complained Miss Young.
"It's okay," said Dugesia. "Just keep them dancing so they cant get good tone on us!"
The Walrus took another hit and an alarm sounded.
"We've got decompression in the cargo module!" exclaimed Dugesia activating the comms. "Mr. White, seal the airlock!"
"Captain," Miss Young said. "If we jettison the cargo module maybe that'll draw them off, they're here for plunder!"
Dugesia looked out the window, and saw debris burning in space all around them. There were Market ships flying everywhere, pursued by the raiders. He eyed a larger cargo vessel off their bow and came up with a plan.
"We're not losing our cargo!" declared Dugesia. "Mr. Carter, get us underneath that cargo barge there and match its speed and course. We'll use it as a shield!"
Miss Young paused a moment: "Sir, you mean to draw their gaze to a bigger prize? Trade their lives for ours?"
The Walrus sustained another hit and the crew was rocked up and down as the hull shuddered.
"It's every man for himself out here! Do it, Mr. Carter, do it!" ordered Dugesia.
Mr. Carter obliged and skillfully hit reverse thrust to hide under the larger vessel as they drifted towards the jump zone. With any luck, the raiders would favour the bigger fish over the Walrus.
Meanwhile, Aboard the Black Seagull
Captain Barak entered the battle deck of the Black Seagull. The streams of light softly caressing the hull of his small battle frigate as it streamed towards its destination.
"Status, Joel?" asked Barak.
"Arrival at Alcarax in one minute Captain," replied the pilot.
Barak turned to Weas and Old Ironsides: "This is a day we've been waiting for a long time men. We are finally going to restore the Baccan Empire to glory! Weas, ready the weapons. Old Ironsides, my Second... man the scanners and spot our targets. Tonight, we will be rich men!"
"Hurrah!" cheered the bridge crew together.
A moment later, the Black Seagull made systemfall in Alcarax. Immediately ahead of her was the Vorticon. She was pitching down towards a group of Market Alliance defense vessels. To port and starboard other Baccan ships were speeding alongside, preparing to pick their targets.
"Keep us alongside the Vorticon," ordered Barak. "Let the other fools rush into danger first. We shall bide our time whilst she eliminates their defenses."
"Aye Sir," replied Joel.
The Vorticon's main guns loosed a volley, and the diminutive defense vessels burst apart like fireworks. Joel kept the Black Seagull close to the giant battlecruiser, but not too close. Just then, Joel noticed the smaller guns on the starboard hull of the Vorticon angling to fire on an approaching wing of fightercraft.
"Sir, enemy fighters coming in off the starboard bow!" Joel reported.
"Good eye, Joel," complimented Barak. "Weas. Let's give her some cover. Load the missiles and target the fighters!"
"Aye, Captain," Weas replied as he tracked in on the fighters and pushed a button. "Missile away!"
A bright red glow emerged from below the battle frigate and a missile streamed off to starboard. Barak leaned in behind his Tactical Officer and watched as Weas guided the missile towards its target. The fighters grew larger on the screen and then there was static.
Joel saw the explosion outside and reported: "Oh it's a hit!"
Two fightercraft broke off and angled towards the Black Seagull, their guns bursting alight.
"Evasive!" ordered Barak. "Weas! Take them out!"
Weas fired another missile just as they heard the tinkling of gunfire against their hull. A moment later, the second missile found its mark and destroyed the small attack craft. Barak and Old Ironsides stood up from their crouched positions.
"Damage report?" Barak asked looking to Old Ironsides.
"Moderate damage to our dorsal starboard plating, Captain," replied Old Ironsides. "We'll hold together!"
The Vorticon banked to her starboard, where a large Merchant Alliance defense vessel had just destroyed a small group of overly eager Baccan ships. Her cannons flashed again and the enemy ship burst into light as debris shot violently away into space.
A voice came over the comms: "Ships of the Armada, most of the enemy defenses have been destroyed. You may begin raiding at will."
"You heard them!" stated Barak. "Old Ironsides, any ripe targets out there for us?"
Old Ironsides scanned his instruments and then responded: "Sir, a small trade ship has just left the shipyard hangar bay, she could have valuable materials aboard."
Barak leaned to look out the window: "I see her. Joel intercept that ship, maximum speed! Weas, ready the cannons, try and disable her engine. This one's too small for the missiles, I want her intact."
"Aye sir," replied Weas. "Cannons loaded and tracking in... firing!"
They watched as the cannon fire glanced off the small ships aft hull. She was still flying. A moment later there was a burst of laser fire from the trade ships small turret.
"Again, Weas, fire!" ordered Barak. "Joel, evade those laser blasts!"
The Black Seagull weaved back and forth to evade the laser fire as Weas fired again. The shot hit their cargo module and they could see it venting atmosphere into space.
"Dammit Weas!" yelled Captain Barak. "You hit the cargo you fool! We need it intact!"
"I'm sorry Sir I cant get a clean shot away with all this maneuvering," replied Weas.
"She's got a blind spot dead aft," said Barak. "Get us directly behind her Joel!"
"Will do Cappy," replied Joel as he positioned the ship for a clean shot.
The Black Seagull drifted to port and got astern of the small trade vessel. Joel steadied her and nodded to Weas. Finally a clear shot. Weas fired another round and it burst into the posterior spine of the small ship. Her engine though, remained operational. At that moment the small ship pitched down and dodged amongst some burning debris disappearing from sight and sensors.
"Dammit, where'd she go?" asked Weas.
Joel pitched over and saw a large cargo barge: "Sir, look!"
"Target that barge, Weas. Disable her turrets quickly!" ordered Barak.
"Roger that, Captain," said Weas, reluctantly switching his target to the barge.
Weas quickly fired another burst, and then another. The gun turrets of the barge were destroyed before they had a chance to fire. She was still moving under power though, no doubt trying to make it to the edge of the gravity well for a clean jump out of the system.
"Get us on top of her, Joel," ordered Barak. "Weas, Ironsides, your with me. We're going to board that ship and take her a prize!"
The men exited the battle deck and opened a hatch in the floor of the crew quarters. They quickly grabbed their weaponry and a cutting torch. Weas descended a rusty ladder through a dark tunnel beneath the crew quarters. At the bottom there was a small room with another hatch in the deck. Old Ironsides readied a cutting torch.
"Wait for it, wait for it," Barak said.
There was a bump below them as the Black Seagull made hard seal on the barge's hull. Barak opened the hatch revealing the grey metal of the enemy ship's hull. Old Ironsides powered the torch and began cutting a large circle in the metal.
Joel came in over the comms: "Captain, that smaller ship just emerged from below us, their making off at high speed!"
"Never mind them now, Pilot," replied Barak. "We've a bigger prize now! Get down here if you feel like getting your hands dirty."
A minute later, Joel descended the ladder into the small boarding room. Old Ironsides had just finished cutting, and Weas gave the metal a kick, dislodging it as it fell into the other ship.
"It's time for butchers work," said Barak with an evil grin. "Now Weas!"
Weas tossed down a couple of grenades, and soon after came an explosion amid muffled cries of agony. Old Ironsides smiled at Weas, and then jumped into the hole. Weas, Barak, and Joel f
ollowed him in. There was the crackle of gunfire and the sounds of struggle, followed by a shrill battle cry.
"For the Baccan Empiiiiiire!" the voices called as they faded off deeper into the barge.
###
End of Part One
Thanks for reading The Dugesian Saga, Part One: A Broken Peace.
If you enjoyed it, look for part two coming soon! Will Captain Dugesia and the intrepid crew of the Walrus make their escape? Will Captain Barak and the vile buccaneers of the Black Seagull be able to overpower the crew of the helpless cargo barge and take her a prize? Can anything stop the unstoppable force of the mighty battleship Vorticon? Only time will tell...
Check my blog to find out when I publish new stories:
https://dougs-writing.blogspot.ca/
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