The Broken Peace

The cargoship Western Star emerged from her FTL jump on schedule. It rolled to the left by a fraction as the pilot began to orient the ship. Once accomplished, the ship continued on its course to Meteora. 

"Captain, we've got a target," said the radar operator.

"Good. Is she of sufficient size?"

"Yes, Captain Federov, more than adequate for our needs," she responded.

"Excellent. Tactical, how long until she can make a jump?"

"Records say that the Corinthian Liner class cargo vessel will take one hour and fifteen minutes until full capacity on her FTLs. However, she can make an emergency jump, assuming she has any reserve power in twelve minutes."

"Helmsman Gory here is your first challenge. Take us to a position above the freighter without alerting them. What is our time to target?"

"Six minutes, sir."

"Then, Helmsman Gory, you have six minutes to get us there undetected."

"Aye, sir," he said.

"Sir," said First Officer Langston.

"You are concerned about our young helmsman?"

"Yes, sir."

"He will do the job."

"Of course, sir."

Gory maneuvered the ship toward the unwitting freighter. Seconds ticked by as he piloted the craft toward the target. Federov could see the strain on the man as he watched. "Adjust your trim, Helmsman." The young man pulled back on the controls to comply with the order. "Good. Keep us on this heading. Time to target?"

"Two minutes, sir."

"Sergeant Milton, prepare your boarding party. No survivors."

"It will be done, sir," he responded.

"Comm, signal the Verasity. Tell her captain to prepare to move on my mark."

"Aye, sir," the comm officer said.

"Time to target thirty seconds, sir."

"Now, Helmsman Gory, comes the tricky part. If she jumps, we will certainly be torn to pieces by her FTL wake. You hold the lives of all fifty of us in your hands. Do not disappoint."

The ship settled on a course atop the freighter. Gory plotted the final approach as each bridge crew member eagerly held their breath. "Sir, we are in position."

"Engage locking device."

"Locking device active, sir. We are clear for boarding."

"Well done, Gory. You may relax now. Sergeant, you have your orders."

"Yes, sir."

The crew of the Western Star never knew what hit them. The marines cut through the hull and quickly deployed, killing everyone they encountered. By the time they reached the ship's bridge, the operation was all but over. Despite their pleas for mercy, Milton's marines killed each one in turn. "Milton to Harpocrates, the ship is ours."

"Excellent work, Sergeant. Comms signal the Verasity to rendezvous with the freighter and begin loading our special cargo. Lieutenant McMillian, a word with you."

McMillian followed Federov to the side of the bridge. "I have a special mission for you."

"A mission, sir?" she asked.

"Yes. It will be dangerous, and you are free to decline."

"What are your orders, sir?"

"You are to accompany the Western Star to Meteora. Upon your arrival, you are to personally ensure delivery of our cargo to our allies. When you meet Colonel Larkin, tell him to begin Operation Case White. Do you understand?"

"Yes, sir. Tell Colonel Larkin to begin Operation Case White."

"Good. You will need civilian clothing, of course. As soon as you are ready, transfer to the Western Star."

"Tactical, how long until our cargo is loaded?"

"About two hours, sir."

"Get it done in an hour and a half."

"Captain Federov, there is a priority one signal from Laconia."

Federov read the message, "It's about time."

"Sir?" asked First Officer Langston.

Federov laughed, "Our glorious leader, King Brasidas, has died. Too bad."

"Shall I set a course for home, sir?"

"And miss the fun on Meteora? Certainly not. As soon as the cargo is loaded and the Western Star's hull repaired, we jump for Meteora. Oh, and Langston, keep this news quiet until I say otherwise."

"Yes, sir."