Spices, Spares, and Sport | Syndicate-RUW First Contact [2 BBT]

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6 Months Ago…

// Syndicate Distributor Network
// Volcrax Station
// Syndicate Control
// Onyx System
Skipper Melissa von Cordia | Skipper Eric Vadella

Convoy 'Battery'

Convoy Skipper - Melissa von Cordia
Secondary Skipper - Eric Vadella
Quartermaster - Issac Lasview

SAIPH PATTERN HEAVY CRUISERS

SV Handel’s Flame | CH-493

SV Erlina’s Glaive | CH-494

HYDRANGEA CLASS ESCORT CARRIER

SV Ignition’s Spark | CVL-2194
– 2.5k Marines (12th Orbital Assault Regiment)
– 48x SSF-109 “Ivy” Space-Air Superiority Fighter (2nd Combined Wing)

METIS PATTERN ESCORT DESTROYERS

SV Swiftshade } DDE-109

SV Artist’s Rendition | DDE-110

SV Oakie’s Stride | DDE-111

SV Coldheart | DDE-112

CORSAIR PATTERN HAULERS

Registrations
5x Orion (Spice)
5x Compact (Spice)
5x Ilock Trade Company (Gauge)
5x Volt (G-Enchancer)

COURIER PATTERN TUGBOATS

Registrations
5x Ilock Trade Company
5x Volt

Melissa paced through Volcrax, with Eric in tow. A shipping manifest in her hands, the pair weaved through the crates of the shipyard.

“Remember, this is a Volt Station, you have to be very careful.”

“In what way?”

“They have a tendency to open our crates. Luckily a little money makes them look the other way, doesn’t mean they’ll try to skim a bit off the top.”

“Like this container?”

The pair stop at a crate. The listed weight of 20 tons on the manifest doesn’t match it’s current weight of 17.5 tons.

“Like this crate. I’m gonna call Alvin over here to complain.”

“Kiko.”

The ping of a charging handle can be heard as they wait for the Stationmaster to come over…

Now.

// Syndicate Distributor Network
// Syndicate Beacon Six-Three
// Loose RUW Control
// Ambor System
Skipper Melissa von Cordia

The Convoy begins exiting SilverSpace, with the military assets first, then the cargo assets last.

“Comms, anything?”

“Normally we’d be getting signals and a hail. It’s eerily quiet.”

“That’s… Weird. You think our pirate friends got caught in an ambush or something?”

“Something to that effect…”

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Commodore Vasilyi Kolchak was looking at the scanner reads of the exploding pirate ship. It was a relatively small group, no match for his newly constructed raiding fleet. It seems they weren’t aware of the latest news. The USPR was now in charge and things were going to change.

Many of the socialist movements within the Republic were cooperating even before its creation, during the rebellion. But only after the wave of coups, revolutions and beggining of the League Wars did they truly unite. The new state encompassed nearly 20% of the Republics territory and was already changing the power balance. Pirates, Red Hand and Remnants no longer had complete dominance over the weak, disunited systems.

Out of this desire to stomp out piracy and necessity of waging war the raiding fleets were born. Composed of less than 10 small ships stacked with as much firepower as safety regulations allowed and then some more, they were cheap to pruduce and perfect for raiding supply lines, harassing larger fleets or hunting any unwanted visitors in USPR space. Staffed with Rebellion veterans and former pirates, they were perfect for navigating the tumultuous Inner Space around old FTL blockers. Ambor, an old Envari shipyard, was previously wasted until the USPR made a naval base out of it.

Kolchak, which was not his real name, rather a “proper” and “revolutionary” replacement, was a veteran of the Rebellion. Every day he thanked himself that he did not decide run for office on his home planet or he could have been on one of the purge lists. His fleet was taking a break in between raids when the pirates decided to appear.

“Comrade Commodore, there is another fleet on the scanners. Almost 40 ships…” One of the scanner operators begun.

“I will have a look at those reading myself. You are dismissed.” Kolchak interrupted him.

It was a large fleet, 37 ships. 30 of them were some sort of transport. The design were unknown.

“So, who are they? League, pirates, Democrat mercenaries?” Political Officer Lazar asked. He was here to make sure Kolchak didn’t betray the Union, but all he did was get in the way.

“We are too deep in USPR territory for them to be either League or Democrats. Might be some new pirates. I suggest we hail them first to make sure.”

“Alright then. But notify the local party office. I wouldn’t want the KGB all over our asses for this.”

Messages were sent to both the planet and incoming fleet. The one for the fleet read: “Hello comrades. You are currently in USPR space. State your reason for visit and allow for the inspection of your vessels.”

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// Syndicate Distributor Network
// Syndicate Beacon Six-Three
// Loose RUW Control
// Ambor System
Skipper Melissa von Cordia | Skipper Eric Vadella

Convoy 'Battery'

Convoy Skipper - Melissa von Cordia
Secondary Skipper - Eric Vadella
Quartermaster - Issac Lasview

SAIPH PATTERN HEAVY CRUISERS

SV Handel’s Flame | CH-493

SV Erlina’s Glaive | CH-494

HYDRANGEA CLASS ESCORT CARRIER

SV Ignition’s Spark | CVL-2194
– 2.5k Marines (12th Orbital Assault Regiment)
– 48x SSF-109 “Ivy” Space-Air Superiority Fighter (2nd Combined Wing)

METIS PATTERN ESCORT DESTROYERS

SV Swiftshade } DDE-109

SV Artist’s Rendition | DDE-110

SV Oakie’s Stride | DDE-111

SV Coldheart | DDE-112

CORSAIR PATTERN HAULERS

Registrations
5x Orion (Spice)
5x Compact (Spice)
5x Ilock Trade Company (Gauge)
5x Volt (G-Enchancer)

COURIER PATTERN TUGBOATS

Registrations
5x Ilock Trade Company
5x Volt

“Scope counts six contacts bearing 192 at elevation -5. Sizing indicates there is 1 Cruiser, 5 Destroyers. Board.”

“Affirm, attached to board.”

“Update, Scope counts several destroyed ships matching pirate vessels. Board.”

“Attached.”

“SV Handel’s Flame sounding for Action Stations throughout the fleet. Enemy Surface Contacts, Prepare all weapons, all nonessential ships pull away from Point Anvil.”

“Melissa, surely we can talk this down if we-”

“That’s a terrible idea.”

“You look out into that debris field and tell me anybody survived that.”

“The hauling convoy clearly doesn’t really have a destination anymore…”

Melissa paces for a few minutes, the crew anxiously at their action stations…

“…”

“Coms, line.”

“This is Melissa von Cordia, Skipper of Handel’s Flame. The ships here are part of the Spice Trade. As our acquaintances have… Disappeared, we are prepared to void our cargo in exchange for immunity to criminal charges.”

Melissa sighs as the message goes off.

“Well, this is why we ask for prepayment, right?”

“Yeah, 75% of it. It covers everything. We’ll have permanent enemies here, but it looks like they’re dead, so… Meh? Maybe we’ll find better work here.”

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Kolchak looked at Lazar confused. The political officer thought for a moment. Spice trade… Must be smuggling operations the locals talked about. He spoke into the comms.

“Unfortunately this will not be possible. I don not recall the Central Planning Committee approving imports of this ‘spice’. Your cargo must be inspected. Any… Anomalies in the documents, both yours and ours can be resolved later. For the correct fee of course.”

Meanwhile, Kolchak was readying the fleet for battle. His command ship, the fleets cruiser was taking position at the centre while the destroyers spread out around it. As per standard doctrine the destroyers and strikecraft would penetrate the enemy formation, sowing chaos and harassing the ships with their impressive arsenal. They didn’t have much in the way of armor or shields, but were very nimble and could operate even with high degrees of damage. The cruiser would engage in more traditional combat, distracting the enemy ships and leaving them or their convoy exposed to the destroyers. It was more heavely armored, but still faster than most cruiser models found within the Republic. All ships were equipped with standard plasma guns and high-yield missles that were able to one shot lightly armored non-combat ships (transports, trade vessels, converted civilian ships, etc.).

“If it comes to hostilities, this battle is gonna be a bit different. This time we aren’t on the offensive. We can’t just jump out after blowing up a few ships. Focus on the escorts, especially the heavier ones. Leave the destroyers to me.” Kolchak briefed the destroyer Captains.

The heavy cruisers may seem formidable, but without escorts they will be exposed to the devastating volleys of destroyers without much capability of fighting back. Carriers were major weak points, a single ship that all strikecraft depend on. That’s why spreading them accross regular line ships was generally regarded as superior. But for all that to happen he needed to draw the destroyers. His cruiser, that would be classified as a light cruiser if not for its additional armor and firepower (at the cost of living space), should be able to keep up.

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// Syndicate Distributor Network
// Syndicate Beacon Six-Three
// Loose RUW Control
// Ambor System
Skipper Melissa von Cordia | Skipper Eric Vadella

Convoy 'Battery'

Convoy Skipper - Melissa von Cordia
Secondary Skipper - Eric Vadella
Quartermaster - Issac Lasview

SAIPH PATTERN HEAVY CRUISERS

SV Handel’s Flame | CH-493

SV Erlina’s Glaive | CH-494

HYDRANGEA CLASS ESCORT CARRIER

SV Ignition’s Spark | CVL-2194
– 2.5k Marines (12th Orbital Assault Regiment)
– 48x SSF-109 “Ivy” Space-Air Superiority Fighter (2nd Combined Wing)

METIS PATTERN ESCORT DESTROYERS

SV Swiftshade } DDE-109

SV Artist’s Rendition | DDE-110

SV Oakie’s Stride | DDE-111

SV Coldheart | DDE-112

CORSAIR PATTERN HAULERS

Registrations
5x Orion (Spice)
5x Compact (Spice)
5x Ilock Trade Company (Gauge)
5x Volt (G-Enchancer)

COURIER PATTERN TUGBOATS

Registrations
5x Ilock Trade Company
5x Volt

“Contacts are closing.”

“Affirm, attached to board.”

“If you would direct us to a Port of Entry, we could do this there. I’m sure we could work out some amicable terms.”

“SV Igni reports that it’s first strike package is waiting for orders. Sitting on the Flight Deck.”

“Bogey Contacts, Fast Movers. All ships prepare Countermeasures.”

While not in the way of offensive armaments, each Corsair Hauler had a RoRo Point Defense Missile Launcher and flak; 6 turrets worth, two barrels apiece. The Couriers had the PD-19 “Laze Pointer,” a plasma torch retrofitted for counter striker combat.

“Weapons stations clear, awaiting orders.”

“If it comes down to it. Standby.”

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“That is most pleasing to hear. Please follow us to the station.” Lazar said on the comms. These new pirates were a lot more civilized it seemed. Possibly profitable. Maybe he could finally get promoted into the higher ranks within the KGB.

The small fleet turned around and started flying towards a station orbiting the system’s colony. It looked like most space structures within the UPSR. A crude construction without even paint, except for a few ideological symbols here and there. It had a lot of docking space as a former shipyard. These were the times before Project Sentinel, which estabilished a series of space station in every system of the Republic and proper border controls.

“You have permission to dock your ships, as long as they weapons remain powered down.” A station official communicated to the Syndicate ships.

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// Syndicate Distributor Network
// Ambor Station
// Loose RUW Control
// Ambor System
Skipper Melissa von Cordia | Skipper Eric Vadella

Convoy 'Battery'

Convoy Skipper - Melissa von Cordia
Secondary Skipper - Eric Vadella
Quartermaster - Issac Lasview

SAIPH PATTERN HEAVY CRUISERS

SV Handel’s Flame | CH-493

SV Erlina’s Glaive | CH-494

HYDRANGEA CLASS ESCORT CARRIER

SV Ignition’s Spark | CVL-2194
– 2.5k Marines (12th Orbital Assault Regiment)
– 48x SSF-109 “Ivy” Space-Air Superiority Fighter (2nd Combined Wing)

METIS PATTERN ESCORT DESTROYERS

SV Swiftshade } DDE-109

SV Artist’s Rendition | DDE-110

SV Oakie’s Stride | DDE-111

SV Coldheart | DDE-112

CORSAIR PATTERN HAULERS

Registrations
5x Orion (Spice)
5x Compact (Spice)
5x Ilock Trade Company (Gauge)
5x Volt (G-Enchancer)

COURIER PATTERN TUGBOATS

Registrations
5x Ilock Trade Company
5x Volt

A raspy voice called back as the station official spoke

“These be flak guns! They ain’t gonna hurt no one. 'xcept strikers. 'specially strikers. Heh.”

Melissa sighed as she watched the crews of the haulers file out.

“You can power em down. If it makes them feel safer it makes it more profitable.”

“Aye, but can we keep the RoRo on? That’s how we’ve been warming our snacks.”

“So long as it doesn’t jeopardize the operation.”

“You heading to meet 'em?”

“Suppose so. Tell Lasview to meet me at the hangar.”

// Ambor Station

Skipper Melissa von Cordia | Quartermaster Issac Lasview

The pair entered the port, before waiting for whoever was going to meet them

“All of this because someone didn’t understand timetables. Classic.”

“Guess we’ll see how they respond to… All of this. Profits over all else. Hopefully we can find some work over here though.”

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Inside the station nobody seemed to notice the strange visitors. Workers, technicians and soldiers were doing their tasks as if nothing out of the ordinary happened. The interior was filled with all manners of cargo, machinery, red flags and pictures of the Party Secretary and Commander in Chief of the Red Fleet.

Two figures were approaching Melissa and Issac. One was a human man in his mid forties. He was of average height, had pale-blond hair, a slightly reddish skin and neon purple eyes. He was wearing a green uniform with golden embroidery and medals pinned to his chest, among them a Golden Star of the Hero of the USPR. He was holding an officers hat in his hand. The other was a male darkon, a six-armed humanoid creature. He was taller than most Darkons, about the same height as the human. His skin was pitch black and he had blue, fluoroescent patterns on his face and hands. He was wearing a dark-grey uniform with red embroidery and an officers hat in the same colors. He had significantly less medals. They both had pistols.

“I’m Commodore Vasilyi Kolchak. Welcome to Ambor.” He said and extend his hand for a handshake.

“Political Officer Lazar.” The darkon introduced himself. “Before we get down to business, lets head somewhere more private. Follow me.”

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// Ambor Station
Skipper Melissa von Cordia | Quartermaster Issac Lasview

“Skipper Melissa von Cordia. Good to see you face to face.”

Issac nervously watched the pair, unsure what to say, or do for that matter

“This is my Quartermaster, Issac. He’s relatively quiet. Don’t mind him. Suppose we have business we must attend to? Let’s move.”

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The four of them walked through the station’s narrow corridors to reach an empty officer’s mess. As there weren’t any other fleets docked, it was empty. Or so they thought.

Inside there already was someone inside, a human woman. She had long black hair, blue eyes and pale skin. She wore a uniform similar to Lazar’s, but she had a long, grey coat and didn’t have a hat. She did not have medals, only a badge with a golden sword and a red star. She was sitting at the end of a long table with her legs stretched out on it. She was playing with a pistol.

“Nikita Beria, KGB. This affair is now under my jurisdiction.” She looked at Melissa and Isaac and pointed at the empty chairs. “Please take a seat.”

“What? I wasn’t informed of the KGB getting involved.” Lazar said, confused and ourtraged.

“You didn’t have to be. The job of you two was to bring our guests here or neutralize them if they proves hostile, which you already did. Negotiation is not your job. Complain about it to the party if it’s such a problem. You are dismissed now.” Nikita replied to him mockingly. She was the one in charge here and she knew it.

Lazar tried to say something, but Kolchak interrupted him. “Lets go, we’ve got a mission to go on.” He then added quietly so that Nikita couldn’t hear him. “I told you it won’t work. The party gets involved with everything. Even if they don’t know about it now, they will learn about it later.”

After Lazar and Kolchak left the room, Nikita sat down normally and turned to Melissa. “Now, lets get down to business. I will need your cargo manifest, ship registration and import permits. And tell your crew my agents will be inspecting your ships.”

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// Ambor Station
Skipper Melissa von Cordia | Quartermaster Issac Lasview

Melissa seemed unusually cheerful, a different expression from her usual stoic and calm demeanor

“Yeah… We don’t got none of that. Come to think of it, I don’t even know about the import regs, we’re new 'round these parts.”

“We got-”

“Got nothing, know nothing. Risks we take with blind jobs, right?”

“Heya, why’d we dump the G-Enhancer and Gauge?”

“Cause it looks better if we’re just spice traders.”

“So like… Where is it?”

“The tugs have access missiles, probably scraping them into Silverspace so we don’t get shot.”

“So how do we explain why our cargo holds are empty?”

“Our IFTL jinked and we had to dump on the way.”

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“New around here? Well would you care to explain where you’ve been before. Certainly not in any civilized region of the Republic. The creation of our Union was quite the loud event.” These were lying, Nikita was sure of that. There was illegal trade in this system for quite some time. If not by this fleet, then by some of their friends or allies. But they could be more useful free than in a cell.

Meanwhile a group of KGB agents was inspecting the ships, retelling their finding directly to Nikita. They behaved rudely and arrogantly, pushing around the crew, going wherever they wanted, even private quarters, making a mess and frequently threatening non-complaiant crewmembers with rifles.

Many of the transport ships were empty. The crews explanation for why was very suspicious. The others were filled with “spice”, which was awfully similar to this local drug. Even with this story about it being first time which officially protected them from lack of documents, they were still in a lot of trouble.

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// Ambor Station
Skipper Melissa von Cordia | Quartermaster Issac Lasview

“If you go leewards by about… Give it a couple thousand light-years give or take, you reach the Voidsea. That’s where we’re from. Somebody gave a massive order of Spice. Y’know, as a treat or something. Well, our trade org doesn’t really ask questions, so we got the materials, loaded em up, and gave it a six month journey out to here.”

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“And how big is this trade organization exactly? How much does it trade, what is its fleet size, etc. Its necessary for the documents.” So they were part of a larger group, just like she suspected. And from a previously unknown sector of space. Or rather unknown to them, the pirates certainly known about it. Now she had to assess wheter this ‘trade organization’ was a threat.

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// Ambor Station
Skipper Melissa von Cordia

“I don’t know that, we’re pretty uptight about infosec. They send us the goods, we get them out here. Beyond that, we don’t interact.”

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“I see they know their stuff.” The KGB was also very strict on information. Many records were kept on paper without digital copies, something unheard of in other parts of the Republic. Just in case they needed to be quickly destroyed. “I’ve got a proposition for you, Melissa. The USPR needs both ships and experienced crews. What would you and your fleet say about joining the Red Fleet? I’m sure they could use someone with your skillset and experience. I’m sure they pay better than some smugglers.”

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// Ambor Station
Skipper Melissa von Cordia | Quartermaster Issac Lasview

“I will assure you, the pay is extremely good. They don’t let you buy your own heavy warships without it. They pay me, they give me contracts, I buy my own ships, hire my own aviators, crews, everything. So if you’ve got the capital, then sure.”

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