Pestering Authorities!
The Never Ending Quest - Episode 20834
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One thing in particular worried me. Why should the Indefatigable have
cloaked herself to investigate a distress call? "My name is Captain
Fred Donair of the independent trader Princess Astra," I replied. "The
distress beacon did not originate from this vessel, but rather a lifeboat.
I do not require assistance.
The beacon's transmissions ceased because the mothership was
able to track down it's lifeboat and retrieve it. That's really all I know
about the situation. I had veered off course to assist the forlorn vessel
when it's mothership arrived on the scene and reported that everything
was alright. I was just about to report the incident to the Space
Authority, actually. Both vessels lacked
registration numbers, but I can send you the schematics on
the mothership and the lifeboat, if you wish." I hoped this simplified explanation was the only one they would require. No need to mention the Ib or any of the other pesky details. I had dealt with the Westonian Navy before, so I knew what to say and how to say it. Ya, I'm sure my explantion was fine, just fine...I was just too good at avoiding authorities and giving them the runaround! They would let me be and I could get this shipment to Weston II with time(and credits!) to spare... They radioed me again: "No need for that, Captain Donair. Further questioning is necessary and we'll need full access to your ship's computers. Prepare to be boarded. We appreciate your full cooperation in this matter." Damn! Damn! Damn! What did they want!? I was beginning to regret having ever attempted to assist that miserable lifeboat! Well one thing was certain, I was going to have to make sure they didn't put their pestering noses were they shouldn't be - in my secret cargo holds! I frantically prepared for the Indefatigable's arrival; sealing off secret corridors and making sure all of my security mechanisms were in place. I erased files in the Astra's databanks like there was no tomorrow, although it was starting to look doubtful I would be able to delete them all in time. I entertained the thought of escaping, but quickly deduced that that would be a foolish thing to do. The Astra was fast, but if the Westonians decided to open fire I'd be a gonner. They were known to possess some of the most far reaching weaponry available in the galaxy! The Indefatigable was approaching quickly...
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10/17/2002 12:47:32 PM
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