Randolph Lalonde - Resurrection

“Time to check in with Fleet Command. You have the bridge Commander,” Captain McPatrick said as he walked out into the hallway.

His office and quarters were right above the bridge, a quick ladder climb away. They weren't conserving energy so he was able to take the gravity lift instead. He stepped onto the pad and it shifted the gravity so he was gently moved to the next deck. The hatchway opened and in three steps he was walking through his office door.

Pictures of his three sisters, his four nephews, three nieces and his parents were carefully arranged on one wall. On the other was his other family. A large portrait of the command crew of the First Light hung there. Laura and Jason, who were the field technician and communications officers aboard. Minh-Chu's portrait was next, he was the Flight Commander. Followed by himself in the First Officer's position, and last was Doctor Anderson, the Chief Medical Officer. In front of the group was Commander Ayan Rice, the Engineering Chief, and Captain Jonas Valent. Underneath the image of the First Light was laser painted.

The First Light was an antique refitted destroyer and during their mission together they had managed to add and refine so much technology aboard that she was worth more than twice her tonnage in combat power. It was the first ship in the Freeground fleet with economically sound energy shielding, a particle accelerator with a high yield and systems widely enhanced by antimatter. Many of the designs that went into improving that ship were used in the construction of the Roi De Ceil. There were times when he would be standing on a deck and notice a corner, or a feature that looked like it was taken straight from the First Light. Most importantly, the First Light represented a time of great adventure, progress and camaraderie for Captain McPatrick.

The short time he served on that ship changed his life. He made friendships that would last forever and lost friends he would miss for the rest of his days. He looked at Minh-Chu Buu, grinning at him from the group portrait and sighed. “You would be in your glory out here. Your sister, Hein just had her third girl, she was hoping for a boy this time. They tell stories to your nieces and nephews, they think you were this crazy pilot hero. Too bad they leave the part about your cooking out. Maybe one of them would want to be a chef when they grow up instead of a fighter pilot.”

He couldn't help but look up at Jonas and Ayan for a moment. “She still looks for you, we all do Captain,” he shook his head and turned to face the doorway to his personal quarters. “Computer, open secure communications to Freeground Fleet Command. Subject: routine report.”

“One moment please.” Replied the flat voice. He didn't want any kind of personality included in his ship's artificial intelligence. His previous experiences had soured him on the idea.

After another minute the image of Rear Admiral Trenton, a brown haired fellow about his own age, was projected in front of him. With the holographic technology in his office, it looked like the Admiral was standing right there. He saluted.

“At ease Captain. How goes the patrol?”

“Eventful. Two Warlords have publicly announced their claim on the Skyros system. Some of the Vindyne crews have turned pirate and we've had eight kills this week.”

“Any damage?”

“None worth mentioning, sir. What troubles me is their unwillingness to surrender or run.”

“Everyone's trying to make their mark and scratch out some territory out there Captain. The fall of Vindyne has left too many military assets and unregulated systems in the open. We have word that a super carrier has taken control of the Shael Den system. There are nine resource heavy moons and two terraformed planets there. Instead of one big corporation in that area we'll have a hundred warlords all fighting for supremacy. Just be glad we've pulled out of the Triad held sectors.”

“I am, trust me. I just can't wait to see more keels laid for this class. Our morale is high, our success rate out here is phenomenal. I'm sure if we use the tools we're given properly we'll prove this design in no time.”

“You've already proven it as far as I'm concerned. I'd say your final report on the new Nightshade class of vessel may just be the last piece of the puzzle we need to get more of those ships built. Your sister ship has had similar success.”

“Final report sir?”

“You're being reassigned. Our forces are almost finished pulling out of that area. The last of them are taking a wormhole home and should be here in less than a day. You are to make best speed back to Freeground. You have a new assignment waiting for you.”

“May I ask about my next posting?”

“You'll be promoted when you arrive and taking command of the Sunspire. We've renamed her since she's no longer a shadow ship and we want her distinguished history to continue under her original name. Her final shakedown yielded better than expected results. She will be given a full crew for the first time in over a century and put into service as a mobile base for a special task force. After nearly seven years in space dock, you could imagine Fleet Command is relieved.”

“Sending us straight into the fight sir?”

“No. That was where the Sunspire was supposed to go, yes, but Fleet Command changed their minds as soon as something came to our attention. We've found Captain Jonas Valent. He's been running under the name Jake Valance several sectors away.”

Captain McPatrick didn't know what to think for a moment. His shock and relief were overwhelming. “Does Ayan know?”

“She knows and has assumed command of the Midland. She's on her way back here.”

“Captain Engel can't be too happy about that.”

“He's professional enough to realize that she's not acting entirely on a personal level. The Midland's new drive systems have been approved by Special Projects, so she's due back at space dock for final inspection anyway. Depending on her health, Major Rice will be transferring to the Sunspire along with her Special Projects staff.”

“Why put one of Fleet's most important ships on this mission?”

“To be frank, General Rice and her daughter, Major Rice, had a lot to do with it. Once Fleet Command saw his capture and recover records they got on board.”

“He's been doing some hunting?”

“Yes, over a hundred confirmed live bounties and thirty one armed vessel repossessions. We're sure that there are others off the record and we're trying to acquire specifics on a privateering stint he engaged in but his most recent act has put him in the galactic news. He rescued over thirty thousand slaves from a bulk transport using a lightly armed hauler called the Samson. The public record says he took on an armed Galleon frigate without firing a shot.

We've sent you the entire file, the Hart News Agency was able to provide us with recovered security footage of some of his previous captures as well as the interview he was giving when Regent Galactic started bombing the port of St. Kitts. We can't afford to send more than one ship on this. War is about to break out in the Blue Belt and we'll have to focus our attentions there.”

“I understand. I'm grateful for the assignment, but I have to ask; why am I being posted on this?”

“You're right to ask, normally I'd be against it considering your personal attachment. The senior staff requested you since you have an insight into Valent's thought process. I took the opportunity to put you up for a promotion while I was speaking with Command and I'm happy to report that congratulations are in order. You won't be alone, however. Fleet Intelligence will be providing an officer to oversee operations since the Sunspire will have a full crew and is reclassified as a high priority asset.”