[O15 - Bannistar Station - PK] Desperation

The forces of the 9th Fleet were en route to Bannistar Station, with the Blight and two gunships serving as a vanguard of sorts. The mission was not likely to take more than six hours, and its success would keep the fleet operational for a few years.

“What if they refuse to service the fleet?” Admiral Vesta Rooke asked her brother.

“They won’t and, in fact, they can’t; our authority is second only to the ruling council,” replied Cyril Rooke.

“In theory, maybe.”

Bannistar Station, 74 minutes later…

“Admiral, we have a ship incoming along the hyperlane from Triffis,” Lieutenant Finnias Maiko called from the starboard crew pit.

“Put Blight on a path to intercept,” Vesta ordered.

“Acknowledged.”

The admiral turned to face her brother, who was now pacing between the hypercomm and a holographic display of Bannistar Station.

“Sensor contact, transponder reading as the frigate Gorgon; they’re hailing us.” Maiko announced.

“Put them through,” Cyril commanded.

The hypercomm’s status lights began to blink on, and after a moment a hologram of a tall, lean officer flickered into view.

“I am Commodore Arkad Gehring of the Protectorate of Kalarba. You are trespassing in Protectorate space; surrender, or be destroyed,” the man said.

“He can’t really be serious,” Vesta said, just loud enough for the hypercomm to pick it up.

“Oh I am,” Gehring replied with a smirk.

“Blast it! They’ve got a lock on the station!” Maiko shouted.

“Indeed we do; let me know when you’re ready to negotiate. Gorgon, out.” There was a certain tone of superiority in Gehring’s voice, just before the transmission ended.

“What do we do?” Cyril asked, "What can we do?”

“Gorgon could get a few shots off before Blight can neutralize her, and with our ships still refueling–” Vesta began.

“We can’t afford to call his bluff,” Cyril finished. “Prepare my shuttle, I’ll see if I can get us out of this mess.”