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Message: <blockquote data-quote="Shadowdancer" data-source="post: 1584155" data-attributes="member: 515">Date: 126-993 Place: Nielsen Military Airbase, Bromley, near the KGL borderThe Bray Keaven is hot-parked at the military airport in Nielsen. Marcus notices a comm signal from Vasilii’s communicator."Argent here, what’s going on, Vasilii?" "Captain, we're about 30 minutes from the border on the highway from Kingan to the border. We have two vehicles following us, a hover car and a ground car. The ground car is starting to overtake us and Mr. McConnell and Mr. Hellinic are preparing for hostilities. "What’s your position and how fast can you get to the border?" "I think we can be overhead in about 5-10 minutes with some firepower," Marcus says, already keying up a flight plan to take the Bray Keaven right over the border crossing. "Can you hold out that long?" Leaning over to Vargas, he adds, "Contact the local military C.O. and ask them to warn their border patrol that we’ll be screaming past them in a few minutes. Drop Lt. Col. Billings’ name if you have to." "Got it," replies the former Scout, who immediately dials up the proper frequency. "Bray Keaven to regional military HQ. Under Imperial authority, in response to current emergency situation, advise that this ship will be undertaking urgent humanitarian operations shortly and possibly at reduced altitude. Over." "Be advised that hostilities have not begun yet," Vasilii says. "We are probably two minutes flight time for you past the border. Is there any chance you could do a ‘hot’ pickup? You know, like dropping the ramp and letting us drive right up in there?" "You just aren’t going to make this easy, are you?" Marcus quips. "We’ll see what we can do, Vasilii. Keep your channel open." As soon as Vasilii explains the situation, Marcus lifts the Bray Keaven off of the tarmac at the Nielsen Military Airbase and starts rocketing (as much as a far trader can rocket) towards the border and the highway to Kingan. Meanwhile, Vargas quickly tries to warn the local military commander (Col. Marks) about the situation. Luckily, Lt. Col. Billings and Col. Rundell have already spoken with Col. Marks. Col. Marks says that he'll scramble a couple of Bromlian fighters, but they will only respond to intrusions of Bromlian airspace by KGL craft. Back in engineering, Martha listens to the comm traffic while trying to prepare the ship as best she can for the possible conflict ahead. She says her silent prayers to Saint Elvis and wonders what the holiday party did that drew this down upon them. -----About a minute from the airbase, the ship receives a transmission from King George’s Land: "Imperial merchant. Please be aware that you are not authorized to enter King George’s Land airspace. Any intrusion will be regarded as a hostile act, and your ship will be forced down." As he overhears the Kingan military warning, the captain mutters, "Tell those gits to get stuffed, Emile." "Oh I have already, I just did it in a bureaucratic dialect I picked up over the years. However . . . ," Vargas punches the transmit switch again. "Repeating, this is Bray Keaven operating by order of the Emperor himself. We do not require escort. Keep this airspace clear. If you cannot do it, Imperial representatives will. Keaven out." The former Scout flips the comm off and looks to Argent. "Sure, a little dramatic license, but I thought it sounded pretty good." -----Another transmission from Vasilii comes in. "Captain, we are now engaged in hostilities. We have two vehicles here, and we are running for the border." Marcus nods grimly. "Hold ’em off as best you can; we’re coming over the border now." Argent attempts to coax everything he can out of the engines as he skims above the highway."Emile, be ready to engage any Kingan military aircraft," he adds. "Roger that, charging guns," he replies in a much more serious tone. The Bray Keaven streaks towards the border with King George’s Land. Marcus spares a glance at the sensor read out and spies what may be two KGL fighters approaching from the northwest. They will probably be within 30km of the Bray Keaven by the time the far trader crosses the border. -----Vargas receives a comm from the fighters. "Imperial Merchant. This is Bat Alpha. Cross the border and we will fire upon you. You are not authorized to enter KGL. Repeat. Cross the border and we will open fire." "Bat Alpha, this is Bray Keaven," Vargas replies. "Although we are on Imperial business, we do not require escort at this time. I’m sure if you check with higher authorities they have something more pressing for you to do. We appreciate the gesture though." Using passive sensors only, Vargas begins hunting for any kind of signature from the fighters. Meanwhile, Martha waits in engineering and monitors the various radio wavebands being used by these TL8 fighters in the hopes of locking down the ranges she’ll need to jam at the Captain’s orders, both weapon’s sensors and communications. Darishun is waiting near the improvised sick bay, but has the interior cargo bay door open so he can rush into the cargo bay and render aid when the holiday party enters.</blockquote>

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