Swift Fox and the Pirates of the Jackai, Part Thirteen
Protectorate Cargo Bay
Crena and Gor’lan walked through the many racks of inventory that were housed in the Chamber cargo bay. All of it was used for trade, in one way or another. Often times, a damaged ship in desperate need of parts would dock at the Protectorate, and engineering crews would sift through the cargo bay to see if there was anything to help. On this day, however, the Revenge only needed a few supplies, such as food and water. Krillis and White Fang were good hagglers and would try to get the Revenge some luxury items as well, such as parchment, rose petals and a few other sundries.
“Ah, there they are,” Gor’lan stated as he saw the ship’s cook and bosun going over an inventory list. Gor’lan and Crena walked up to the pair, waving to them as they went. “I see you’re getting a good stock,” he said as he motioned to the crates and flats that were being tagged for the Revenge.
“Aye, Captain. Got some fresh vegetables for the galley, some extra parts for the engine room. New medical journals that Dr. Re wanted. And,” he leaned over and spoke in a hushed tone to the Captain and Gor’lan. “Managed ta get eight flats o’ rose petals,” Krillis said with a firm nod. “Fresh shipment in from the Imperial Gardens on Critain. How’s that?”
“Oh, excellent,” Crena stated with a smile. “We might be able to trade some with the Wolves of the North when we make our stop there.” Crena turned to White Fang. “Which reminds me, the Lupine Ambassador will be joining us, along with his two charges. Grey Back has expressed an interest in touring the ship. Would you be so kind as to do such?”
“Uh… sure!” White Fang said with a quick nod. The Lupine Ambassador was a well respected figure in the quadrant, so any opportunity to speak with him was well worth it. “I’ll have to let Taggart know that he can’t have any impromptu rough ball games in the hangar bay, then. I managed to get him some new equipment, after he suggested that there be a Midnight versus Nighthawk friendly match.”
“Mr. Fang, there’s only three of them,” Crena stated. “How will they field a proper team?”
“Well, Taggart said the junior members could play for the Nighthawks,” Fanger informed her.
“I see,” Crena stated with a sigh. “I suppose it shouldn’t be too bad. Most of the crew hasn’t seen a good rough ball game in quite some time. I suppose we could wait until after we have dropped off the Ambassador.” She thought on this for a moment, and an idea came to mind. “We could make regular scheduled matches, you know.”
White Fang blinked and stared at Crena for a moment, Krillis merely chuckled, then nudged the Lupine crew member. “Sound like a good idea, Captain. Might get some o’ them not familiar with the game interested. I remember seein’ me own first game. Pretty exciting.”
“Yes indeed,” Crena remarked with a smile. “Well, carry on, gentlemen. Get the cargo loaded and then take some leisure time to yourselves. We depart in the morning.” Crena nodded to the pair, and she and Gor’lan continued on their way toward the docking port.
Gor’lan leaned over a bit as they walked, speaking in a hushed voice. “What do we say ta the Ambassador should he meet with the Nighthawks?”
“Transport of Vulpine bounty hunters is a standard procedure at times,” Crena replied without hesitation. “The trip will save them some time as they intend to patrol the border between Lupinia and the Belt. After all, it’s well known that bounty hunters have taken more of an interest in that sector since the trouble with the Jackai pirates began.”
“True ‘nough,” Gor’lan said with a nod. “I’ll make sure ta inform Left-tenant Felix that. Though, I must say, Captain. I think Grey Back will see right through that explanation.”
“Well,” Crena replied with a small shrug. “We’ll give him the official reply and then the unofficial reply.” She stopped and looked up to her first officer. “I believe he’ll understand.”
November 11, 2011 | Categories: The Barrow's Revenge, Writing | Tags: Lupine Star System, NaNoWriMo, prose, Science fiction, Writing | Leave A Comment »
