Lagrangian Waltz - Episode 1
By: James Dubeau
“We must get this cargo to Naurchand four on time,” Tahnel said in an unusually stressed voice that the large green alien never used. “Our hold is carrying critical supplies for those good people.”
“Trust me. We will get those supplies in on time.” Sin rolled his black eyes as he brought the tramp freighter to a halt. A short line of ships was forming at the two large starships which loomed ahead of them. “I wonder what brought the Imperials to this system. They were not here when we landed this afternoon.”
Tahnel’s hammerhead shook. “There was no need to stop on Calenist seven. Delays and complications were brought upon us by this wretched hive of scum and villainy. The Counsel would have never approved of the altercation to our flight plan.”
“Don’t you have faith in your old pal?” a bright white smile shown on Sin’s pale face. “The Counsel’s down payment was just about enough to cover our over due debts for the last repairs and upgrades we had. Last thing we need is a bounty hunter chasing us across the stairs. Besides, it was along the way.”
“Name and ship’s log,” the communicator crackled in a sharp and efficient voice.
“Speaking of Imperials,” Sin held down a dashboard button as he spoke into his headset microphone. “This is Captain Sin Naggai of the Bolide. Our hold carries supplies for settlers in the Durorn system. Ship logs are transmitting. What’s the holdup this morning?”
“Ship’s log received. Thank you Captain Naggai.” The sharp voice crackled. “We received report of smuggler activity in this system, a pair of non-humans in a small freighter. Do not worry. You won’t be detained much longer. The recent influx of tips due to this sectors Crime Stoppers program has streamlined our blockades for efficiency.”
“I’m just passing through this sector, what exactly is the Crime Stoppers program?”
“In the Emperor’s great wisdom it was decided to offer monetary rewards for any information which leads to the apprehension of Rebel sympathizers. Tipsters remain anonymous and information is followed up with no questions asked.”
“The down payment was just about enough to pay of the debts?” the large alien hissed. “How much are we short?”
Sin scratched his pointed ears as he spoke into the microphone. “I will have to keep my ears open for any information about Rebel sympathizers. Out of curiosity, about how much would the Empire pay out for such a tip?”
The voice relaxed a bit as it crackled over the dashboard speakers. “It varies depending on severity of crimes, number of criminals apprehended, and cargo confiscated. To give you an idea, if we catch the guys we are looking for, the tipster will receive about ten thousand.”
“We are short by about eight thousand. That bastard sold me out for the credits. I can’t believe Thent sold me out.” Sin curses echoed off the cockpit interior before he politely spoke into the microphone. "Sounds like a good program you have running. I’ll be sure to notify the proper authorities if any Rebel smugglers cross my path.”
“Why did you have such an untrustworthy individual conduct our repairs?” Tahnel seethed.
“It’s not so much who did the repairs,” Sin hesitated, “but more of who was involved in the card game when I tried to pay off the repairs. Thent isn’t the mechanic, he is the mechanic’s bookie.”
Tahnel closed his eyes and brought his fingers together while whispering to himself. “There is no need to get upset. He does not know the ways. Enlightenment has not reached his soul. There is still time for redemption.”
The ship’s speakers squawked to life as the voice spoke once more. “I’m sorry but we have to detain you a bit further. We are spot checking random ships in this system for compliance with all Imperial regulations. Looks like you pulled the short straw. Please remain where you are. Our ship will come up along side dock. Is there anything we should know before our officials board your ship?”
“Everything is ship shape over here,” Sin tried to convey his smile over the audio communications. “I welcome the inspection.” The communication system fell silent as an Imperial craft closed in on the Bolide.
Tahnel opened the eye that faced Sin as he spoke. “Planning on talking your way out of this one? I don’t think it will do you much good if they have your description.”
“Thanks for the moral support buddy,” Sin sighed. “Aren’t you supposed to be the wise old sage between the two of us? You should be worried too. If they have my description then they surely have yours as well.”
“There is no need to worry. The path will lead, I will follow. That is the way of things. If it is my destiny to be imprisoned by the Empire, then so be it.” Tahnel closed his eye, returning to his meditations.
Sin cursed has he flipped switches and hit buttons on his control panel. “It is asinine to sit here waiting for the Imperial boarding crew to take us into custody. Those supplies are not worth doing time in an Imperial prison for. I’m willing to bet our lives that this hunk of junk is fast enough to get us out of here.”
Bolide’s engines roared to life, knocking the pair deep into their seats as it trusted forward. Shouts for them to stop flooded over the communication speakers as laser blasts flashed past the cockpit. The ship rocked and shook when a blast landed home, but there was no stopping the smugglers.
Laser fire upon the freighter momentarily stopped as it rocketed past the Imperial Cruiser. The Imperial ship dove into an Immelmann turn while a second gave chase. Gaining speed the small freighter pulled away from the lumbering Imperial ships.
Smoke billowed from the Bolide as Sin ducked and weaved through the laser fire. Computer brains silently crunched numbers as the pilot fought for every second. An alarm chirped as a large red button lit up. Sin’s fist slammed down on the glowing red button. In a flash of light the freighter disappeared.
Happy Hour…Drinks, Appetizers and CZ Rings?
4 hours ago
