January 2007 - Post Selection

ON : Unwanted Competition

Day: 7 - Time: 15.00 - Scene: Hyxvor

Briff (npc) paused, conscious that he was looming over the tactical stations like a bird of prey. He couldn't afford to lose what little trust he had gained over this crew. Not now, being so close to reaching his goal. So close to showing his people that he was a better leader than Vvenik (npc).

Briff glanced discretely at the multiple displays in front of him. The density waves within the wormhole were normal. Unfortunately even in this state they imposed a constant pressure on the Hyxvor, with which they had to continually compensate carefully. The wormhole acted like they represented some kind of foul virus, which it desperately needed to expel. The longer they waited, the more violent the process would be...

Still, Briff chose to hold back. Two more minutes and they would come out. He had promised this crew that his plan would reveal the Federation in all its treacherous `glory`. Persson's people couldn't stand to lay down, and were probably living their very last moments. It served them right. The Klaamarq didn't need any more competition, commercial or otherwise, than they already endured.

"Incoming vessel!" The comm officer shouted. "The craft is of alien specifications, but it is using the fast lane to travel into the wormhole. It will be upon us within 5 minutes!"

"Emerge!" Briff immediately ordered, aware that such a rapid approach could only mean two things: there was either a Klaamarq onboard this vessel, or Vvenik had revealed more than he should have about their wormhole. Both options were bad.

The Hyxvor started to vibrate, where it struggled to keep its balance within the waves, and was suddenly ejected from the wormhole. In comparison to what they had been through, the other side was tranquil, familiar; normal, he read from the crew. There was however an unpleasant stain in the middle of this perfect tableau: The Federation shuttle Starblazer was still there, untouched, too peaceful for his taste.

Despite the close presence of an allied Fleet, Briff couldn't resist firing on it, with all the power at his disposal. The shuttle exploded almost instantly. It first looked like a heavy cloud had engulfed it, and seconds later, a myriad of glittering filaments of smoke spread out.

"It was empty but set to fire on us!" Briff shouted, on the defensive, when the crew stared at him, bewildered by his actions.

"We could have disabled them," one of the pilots stated.

"I am done with playing little games!" Briff retorted. "The Federation has nothing to do in our realm. I have seen what these people have done with their side of the galaxy. They've conquered it, purely and simply! All of it! They pretend to be nice, but they take everything they see. If we give them regular access to our wormhole, they will spread even more, like a pungent disease."

Ddorin (npc)'s thoughts suddenly spread into the command centre, as crystal clear as if he had been onboard and spoken aloud: "Hyxvor vessel, it is good to see you. I have 4 larger than life aliens in custody. Do you endorse their presence in our territory?"

"What have they told you, Cmdr Ddorin?" Briff thought back, this time reverting to caution.

Before an answer could be received, the comm officer announced that the second Federation shuttle had emerged from the wormhole and was hailing them.

"The call bears the signature of Cmdr Vvenik", the officer added, dejection apparent not only in the tone of his voice, but also the slump of his shoulders.

Briff wasn't feeling too brilliant either. The Klaamarq were telepaths and communicating by thoughts was common practice. The fact he was contacting his own crew only with spoken words signalled bitterness, and perhaps even total rejection...

OFF:

Briff (npc)
Written by :

Cmdr Claryx Vahl
XO
USS Dark Matter