WCGW Chpt 202

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==Chapter 202 - What Could Go Wrong==
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Sorsk (Former Outworlds System)
3rd June, 3045
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Colonel James Woodall, commander 200th Royal Light Horse, floated on the bridge of SaRI Heavy Lift, Star Lord Class Jumpship. Ships sensors picked up faint radio signals from the third planet just over 7 days from the Nadir Jump Point. Even though everyone wanted to get home, he also wanted to know what was on that planet. So, after consulting with Colonel Alfred Dortman and Colonel Gweneth Rolando, they would attempt to make contact with those on the surface. He would not be as eager if the Heavy Lift would be left along, but also with them was SaRI Heavy Express, Star Lord Jumpship which had carried their Titan Fighter Carrier Dropship along with two additional Seeker Class and Leopard CV Class Dropships. 
He nodded to the ships commander who made the call. "This is SaRI Heavy Lift broadcasting in the open. We are not hostile and can possibly render aid if you are in need." He broadcast three more messages over an hour's time and got only silence in return. Ships sensors told a different story as the amount of radio traffic increased heavily soon after the broadcast was timed to reach the planet itself.
"They know we are here. Makes the back of my neck itch, so I am going to scratch the itch. Good and hard. Let's kick the 200th Royal loose, we are going to orbit this place and take a look. Everyone else will remain here unless I call." Colonel James Woodall said
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11th June, 3045
They had reached orbit of the third planet called Sorsk and made several orbits scanning the surface. Surprisingly, scans revealed several small cities on the surface, all within a roughly 300 mile radius. He decided to make another call when the Dropships entered into a Geostationary orbit over the cluster of small cities. "This is the 200th Royal Light Horse in orbit. We know your down there. We are not hostile unless you want us to be. If I do not get a response, we will be landing."
This time a response came back. "Never heard of you. This is the Sorsk Regulars We defend this planet and its people. We do not have any love of pirate scum. GO away."
"We are not pirates nor scum. We are a mercenary command in the employ of the Federated Commonwealth clearing the region of pirates. We would like to land and have a look around. Not many inhabited planets out here." Colonel James Woodall said
"Your in dangerous space. There are several large bands close by." The reply came back.
"If you mean General Jaws and those folks trading for repairs to Jumpships, they do not exist anymore. If you know of other groups and locations, we would love to pay them a visit also." Colonel James Woodall said
Several minutes went by before the next reply "A single shuttle may land. We will transmit the coordinates. No tricks."
Colonel James Woodall looked at the Dropship Commander. "Single shuttle may land. Okay, but a full Aerospace Group can fly escort and circle the area until we take off again."
Three hours later, Colonel James Woodall, along with a Marine platoon exited the Mark VII shuttle. He smiled as a full squadron of Aerospace fighters flew low overhead before zooming back to high altitude. He looked around at the assembled Sorsk Regulars, Battlemech Company, couple Armor Tank platoons and maybe a company of Infantry, probably more around the area I cannot see, he thought as a small group moved towards him on foot. He moved to meet them halfway.
"Colonel James Woodall, 200th Royal Light Horse. You are?"
"Major Odel Smith, commander of the Sorsk Regulars." The man replied as another squadron of Aerospace Fighters ripped by overhead. "I see you are a literal man."
"I do not like to take chances if I do not have to. I have several Regiments above if anything happens down here." Colonel James Woodall said
"You said both pirate groups were eliminated. By you?" Major Smith replied
"Yes, Sir. Onverwacht is cleared and the other group is gone." Colonel James Woodall said
"We have been on edge lately, we were due a pirate raid. They are quite regular and they have not happened. Then we have detected several emergence signatures in and out of the system over the last few months." Major Smith replied
"That was us. Moving back and forth. We actually detected your radio signals months ago but had a mission to complete. That has been completed so we decided to check you out." Colonel Woodall said
"Would you like a small tour, Colonel Woodall? We are not pirates, and the people live free. We even trade with several other systems that have people on them." Major Smith replied
"A tour would be nice. I prefer the ground to sitting at a Jump Point. What do you trade?" Colonel Woodall said
"Solar panels. The only industry we have left. Good quality, I would hazard to say the very best you can find." Major Smith replied
"We might be able to work out a good trade for some solar panels. But it would be my commander to make that decision. If you would be open to another meeting to discuss the matter." Colonel Woodall said
"That would be up to Chairman Zhukov to decide. If you would come with me, you can have a small tour of the city while we go meet Chairman Zhukov." Major Smith replied
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