WCGW Chpt 17

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==Chapter 17 - What Could Go Wrong==
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1 January 3041
Toten (Former Outworlds Alliance System)
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Captain David Mitchell looked around the grav deck, the wounded and prisoners had been moved aboard the Intruder Dropship once Asst Chief Zuniga and the Mule's chief engineer had spent some time aboard and made it inoperable as a Dropship. The combined crew of the Invader Jumpship and Mule Cargo Dropship had been gathered here today. He carefully explained the actions of Ship Master Kellog and Major Lockton to the gathered crews, this was backed up by Ms Campbell and Asst Chief Zuniga along with a couple of taped interviews with some of the Intruder crew. 
"I honestly did not expect to be welcoming the New Year in this system, and while some of you might have family you wanted to see, we are doing everything in our power to find a way back to Inner End. Now, the actions of Ship Master Kellog, not only here in this system but also actions over the last 10 years make Interstellar Expeditions very suspect. I know for a fact that the Federated Suns including the Federated Commonwealth take a very dim look at any actions of piracy anywhere. As such, when we reach Inner End, I will be petitioning the Federated Suns to declare the Intruder Dropship forfeit since it was taken by us during an act of piracy. I will also be asking the Federated Suns to declare this Invader Class Jumpship forfeit for previous acts of piracy. 
I have spoken to Ms. Campbell and Chief Zuniga and they have agreed to stay with this ship. Leaving the employ of Interstellar Expeditions and have agreed to join my little band of gypsies. I am offering all of you that same chance and opportunity. Outside of your standing watch schedule, you are free to remain here and discuss things. Since we are now short some people, we have prepared their portions of food to dinner tonight so everyone will get extra food. Enjoy the New Year as best you can."
Captain Mitchell departed the grav deck and moved to the bridge. Once there he made his way to where Corporal Davis and Master Sergeant Caldwell had been playing with the ship's navigation telescope looking for anything else worth looking at, since they had nothing else to do. 
"Hey, Captain. So how did it go back there?" Corporal Nathan Davis asked when he noticed the Captain.
"No riots, so that is a plus. We find anything out there?" Captain Mitchell asked
"Found another dead station, so that makes three located so far. Every now and then we get a hit near the Zenith Jump Point, but it vanishes before we can get the telescope locked on it for a good look see. Ms. Campbell told me the Zenith Jump Point is 17 days from here at 1g. Kellog could not have made it to the Zenith Jump Point yet, then he is looking at several days recharging. Whatever we are getting a hit on is something different." Master Sergeant Caldwell explained.
"You're getting quite good at all this space travel, Master Sergeant." Captain Mitchell said
"Not a damned thing else to do out here. I would prefer to have my feet on solid ground and be working with my hands, but here I am and was feeling useless as tits on a boar. I already helped strip one of those busted up Aero fighters and played with those funky Mechs. Which are purpose built mining mechs for mining asteroids by the way. Those Aero fighters, according to the data tag we found are both SL-26 Samurai, never heard of it. One lost its entire cockpit, unless it's still on that Dropship, but Davis says he never saw it. The other, well I am not a expert but combining the 2 birds, you might get one flying again. The heat sinks are funny, damn near 3 times the size of normal ones. The engines are not normal either, lighter and smaller than a normal engine. No matter which way, I bet someone would pay a pretty C-Bill for them." Master Sergeant Caldwell replied
"Well, we got some salvage worth cash out of this adventure. We just have to find a way back to civilization." Captain Mitchell said before asking "No luck on a new circuit board or repairing the damaged one, Davis?"
"No, Sir. Zuniga damn near tore this ship apart trying to find a spare. That blown board is smoked. I am good but I cannot work miracles, or we would be gone by now." Corporal Davis said
"Well, you both keep up the excellent work. Oh, and Davis, excellent work recovering what you did from the wrecked Dropship." Captain Mitchell replied
Lowering his voice "Sir, drive three is a star map. You say the word and I will rebuild that display system and we can really get a good look at everything." Corporal Davis said
"Not yet. Not until we have a more permanent home to put it together and leave it together." Captain Mitchell said slowly spinning himself towards the bridge exit and pushing off.
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