Into Wild Space - part 2 - The Way of the Warrior

Like a shadow among the stars the small trail left in it's wake by the AVS Blackout could be barely seen, let alone detected. Meanwhile, two hundred kilometers away, in a Sansha station, hidden within a rarefied gas cloud Taarko Raitanen looked at his sensor scopes. It was way too quiet and besides the small number of friendly ships he could see little else. His cybernetic hand trailed over the controls as he grunted. Another long shift lay before him, eight hours of watching no man's land. Rising from his seat he moved past a hardwired servitor to a food processor. Retrieving a mug of smuggled Quafe he remained standing, by a nearby window, his bionic eyes scanning the void of space.

At the same time on the bridge of the AVS Blackout the cold steely eyes of Keirra Lukkanen stared at the station and it's defenders. She had not used the Pod, not this time. She wanted to board the station and kill every single Sansha aboard as brutal as possible. With her newly hired crew of Minmatar freed slaves she felt sure of herself, now that she was no longer alone. Slowly besides her hidden ship the form of an enormous Tempest-class Battleship passed, escorted by a Drake class battlecruiser. Darting past the cloaked cruiser several Praetor type drones moved in formation toward their goal.

Turning toward a large Brutor-tribe Minmatar she spoke coldly "Heiran, prepare your men for boarding. It is time we reawaken the way of the old Warriors. We will cut them down like the swine they are. It is time to show these monsters what we think of them". The Minmatar grinned, his heavily boned face moving into a crooked smile.

Looking to one of his underlings, the former Minmatar slave spoke quietly "Get the boys ready, we're finally doing what we were meant to do all along. It is time to honour the Minmatar Republic and our Elders". The smaller man, possibly Sebiestor by features nodded and moved toward the Intercom.

"Red Scorpions, gear up, move to your boarding pods". His calm voice resounded in the living area of the ship where Keirra's new crew, hardened Minmatar fighters began donning their combat suits, inspecting rifles and close combat weapons, smearing war paint onto their faces. In an orderly fashion they entered the boarding pods. Joined by Heiran they strapped themselves in.

Meanwhile, aboard the Sansha station

Taarko Raitanen dropped his glass of Quafe, his eyes stopping on the shapes of the new arrivals. He could see the Tempest showing it's broadside filled with weapons turning to face the station,the Drones moving in like hungry predators after the frigates and several new contacts warping in. The monstrous prow of a Brutix-class battle-cruiser could be seen, the Gallentean ship waited but it's drones, deadly Hammerheads joined the Praetors in a dance of death.... before he could alert the defenders the first Sansha frigates exploded, swarmed by the drones. A violent explosion threw him on the floor along with other station crew and as he stood he could see a sentry tower explode.

Besides him another station crew member attempted in vain to coordinate the defending ships but much to their horror they were in a communications blackout. Decloaking slowly a Blackbird moved alongside the Brutix. Raitanen realized they were doomed. The defending ships jammed, communication cut off. However the violence with which the 1400 mm cannons of the Tempest hit was unseen before. Rupturing five sections of the lower decks, power began fluctuating. About twenty kilometers away a Sansha Nightmare-class Battleship exploded under merciless fire from the Drake.

With a short prayer Raitanen grabbed his pulse-pistol from the floor only to see white contrails approaching the station. Boarding pods.Launched from the Brutix and Blackbird they bore holes through the outer layers of the station and soon the alarm was raised. The automated voice of a Servitor announced the inevitable "Boarding parties on decks five and seven, all fire teams to their posts".

Sansha station - Deck 7

The doors of boarding pod six opened and swarming out a whole squad of ten Minmatar soldiers rushed out. Sansha defenders opened fire without hesitation but soon strobe grenades were thrown, blinding the defenders behind their barricade. A large Minmatar wielding nothing less than a two handed serrated blade jumped over the barricade among the surprised defenders. Wide arcs of the sweeping blade chopped off limbs, heads, opened torsos. With a tribal Warcry he advanced flanked by a small woman with Caldari features and two other Matari soldiers.

Keirra leveled her pistol with a Sansha woman who tried to run away and a single shot from the automatic pistol pierced her neck, tossing her backwards against a wall. While the spaceborne defenders were something of a threat the station seemed badly defended. Mostly drafted civilians with few real soldiers. The Minmatar squad passed by, securing the area and soon Heiran turned to his Caldari employer speaking "Just got a message in the comms. Ni'Lee's men and engineers have broken through deck five and are headed toward the reactor core. They dismantled most of the defense turrets but these bastards are putting up a stiff defense in some areas".

With a casual voice Lukkanen replied quietly "Bring up squad two, they have incendiary grenades and flamethrowers. Burn these bastards alive". Not questioning her commands the Minmatar commander relayed the orders to squad two. Unlike the rest of the Minmatar these men had been subdued by drugs in the Amarr Empire, their accumulated anger and aggressiveness now an asset. To the surprise of the Sansha's defense post in the following section they were attacked by .... two men.

No more than two armour clad Matari approached the corridor held by the station staff, holding weapons people rarely saw. Gouts of blue Hydrazine fire washed down the hall, across the barricade flowing over the first rank of soldiers. Screams and the smell of burned flesh soon were the only thing heard. Behind the weapon specialists all three squads advanced, single pistol rounds finishing off those who remained still alive.

Corridor 2A - Section V - Deck 7, Sansha Station

Taarko Raitanen and several others that remained alive after their compatriots had been burned rushed down the section toward the escape pod. Among his group were even some of the family members of those aboard the facility, not soldiers, but civilians.  A single obstruction now was in their path. With loose dark blonde hair, cold blue eyes, she stared at them all with a hateful expression. Wearing a Caldari State uniform, with markings of the Acerbus Vindictum Corporation, the once nice young woman had now turned into a soldier fueled by hatred and vengeance. Holstering her pistol, Taarko's eyes could see her draw a combat blade, a sword as he could recognize it

Tilting her head, her soft voice fell upon the ear of the survivors like a thing more horrifying than death itself. "Those who survive this will be given to the Amarr Empire as slaves. However if any of you has enough honour to face me in single combat I will allow you to go to your escape pods. However I can't guarantee you'll survive."

Raitanen, now locked in a fight or flight state picked up a long iron pipe from the floor and stepped forward "Why.. why did you attack us?", his question came naturally. He dared to hope for survival, for a chance to get out of that hell alive.

Keirra did not respond however. She charged right at him, tritanium alloy pipe clashing with Caldari combat blade. The woman was not extraordinarily strong but where she lacked in strength she made up in agility. The sound of metal on metal now disturbed the deathly silence of the station. Taking his chance the Sansha communications operator lunged at the Caldari, trying to use his body mass to slam her down. Upon contact a sharp pain rushed through his shoulder but his weight threw her off balance, his cybernetic arm grabbing her throat, squeezing.

Struggling Lukkanen tried to push him off but he was too heavy. Just as he tried to pin her sword arm down, her free hand moved to her thigh holster. Seconds later the cold barrel of the Ishukone manufactured automatic pistol pressed against his stomach and no less than a dozen shots pierced his skin, the rounds rupturing his insides with incredible ease. Taarko Raitanen fell onto his side, his life spent.

Standing up slowly the woman looked at the other civilians. "You will be taken to Domain and handed over to the Amarr authorities.They'll know what to do with you, however I do not believe you will be made slaves. A warrior always keeps his or her word, it is the Caldari way. Know that the fact your ships killed my crew brought this upon you". Turning toward her Minmatar second in command she spoke quietly "On second thought, get them to civilised space, get them on a freighter and send them to Gallente space, at least they won't be made slaves for sure".

Space - Station perimeter

The burning wrecks of the Sansha ships now had become a cemetery of what had once been a Sansha resupply station. With the Vindictum ships moving away a large explosion tore the station apart. From her bridge Keirra watched the debris flying into space and she nodded "We have orders to return to base. We've done what we came for Heiran, we have re-awakend the way of the Warrior. I was honoured to fight by your side and the side of your men".

Moving away from the window she tapped a few controls on the comms station and spoke "Blackout to Atlantis, I believe we're done here Nik. We've made our point. We're moving into active Stealth, see you at base. Drinks are on me".

A laughter came from the other side from the Commander of the Tempest Battleship "Received Blackout, see you at station and try not to get lost".

Into Wild Space -- part 1

With a deep scream Keirra felt the hull of the Caracal breach, her mind feeling every single bit of pain as the ship ruptured, the screams of her crew across the comms. In total silence the Pod she was in warped away. Completely automated the small craft moved from gate to gate, from system to system stopping at the Sarum Prime gate. With gleaming armour plating a Coercer-class Destroyer, part of the Sarum security force stopped just above, a single tractor beam pulling the hydrostatic pod toward the ship.

Aarin Lars, a technician aboard the "Celestial Song", approached the battered pod, quickly opening it's side port. With a scanner he checked the person within, his eyes daring across the reports. Turning toward the Amarrian medic standing nearby he nodded "She's alive, lucky one she is. I don't see any damage".The doctor moved toward the POD, typing in the code retrieved by Aarin and it's door opened slowly, bio-gel leaking outside. Inisde lay a woman with strong Caldari features, a small but apparently resilient body. With the aid of a medical technician he extracted Keirra out, carrying her on a stretcher to the Coercer's medical bay.

A week later Keirra opened her eyes, a foggy light before them. Reaching toward her head, sitting up slowly, calling out a name "Jukka ... what happened". A woman stood besides her but she didn't seem to be aboard her ship anymore. She was in a clean hospital reserve. The nurse reached down to settle her into the bed and sighed "Settle down, you need to rest girl....". Alertness forced Keirra to sit up again. "Where is my crew ...?!".

At her feet just at the edge of the bed an Amarr Navy officer responded "Your ship was destroyed within the Providence region, we found it's remains and the frozen corpses of your crew".

She could not believe it. Her friends, were gone. She had been with them on the same ship, adventuring together, sharing every single part of the life of a spacer. With a deep sigh Keirra pushed the Nurse aside slowly who didn't attempt again to get her into bed. Instead another woman appeared into the reserve with her clothing, handing them over with a smile. Ignorant of the apalled gaze the three Amarrians gave her she stripped off her hospital gown, uncaring if her forms would be visible, putting on her usual clothing. With a respectful yet demanding tone she asked "Where am I? Which station?"

The officer collected his thoughts and responded "Sarum Prime, Imperial Academy miss...".

Giving him a nod all she could say was "Thank you for looking out for my health, however i'm no good here. Funds will be transferred to the hospital for your services". Before any of them could reply Keirra moved toward the hospital's reception desk and despite protests from the Nurses and doctor she asked to be checked out. The local Amarr doctor did his best to have her change her mind but to little result. Storming out the sliding doors she quickly made her way toward the station's market area.

A baffled nurse looked at the doctor "She's a fiery one but her attitude may get her killed"
The old medic sighed "She's Caldari, what do you expect. She lives for competition and adventure, there is no stopping one such as her. I fear that whoever destroyed her ship will be needing coffins not hospital beds".

Making her way to a console Keirra quickly opened the ship market window. The station offered most types of ships but she moved to the Caldari section. Stopping her eyes upon a brand new Blackbird she confirmed the purchase, a blinking icon indicating her that the funds had been transferred. With the acquisition of a data-pad she moved to the docking area where the assembled spacecraft waited. With a trained eye she ran her hand across it's lower hull, inspecting the landing struts, ventral RCS thruster ports and grinned. The ship itself was in good order.

A group of technicians came out of the docking bay office, slowly closing in to her position "Nice purchase ma'am, brand new off the assembly line. Have you made an inventory of the systems you wish installed?"

Tilting her head to the left she looked at the Tech Support man and nodded, handing him over a datapad. The man browsed the items and raised an eyebrow "Umbra White Noise Generators, Improved Cloaking Device, Signal Distorsion amplifier, Mutispectral Jammer, Magnetometric and Ladar as well, Shield Extender and Afterburner......three Assault Launchers, damage control and these rigs. Okay you want us to get these for you off the market?".

Keirra smiled "Yes, the funds will transfer from my account, please have it fitted as soon as possible sir". Without another word she headed up the ramp into the ship itself. The interiors were clean, smelled of fresh paint, otherwise it was a typical Caldari vessel. However she was satisfied, she needed little more than that.

Caldari Commercial

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Picking up the garbage

Things had changed in the past couple of weeks and for once in her life Keirra was satisfied. She had returned within the Caldari State, found employement with a private Corporation and strangely met new people. Still confused and reserved she reviewed their files, curious though. Nik Domar, Mr. RJ Hunley, many others as well. Her eyes however rested on a single co-worker. Nik Domar, Minmatar by birth, qualified in multiple professions. He intrigued her. With a good working relation going on reported to most of the other employees she switched to a Holo-projection of her logs.

While she had little space experience she had the privilege of witnessing up close the majesty of a Maelstrom type Battle-Ship. Despite it's Minmatar design the ship had impressed her. State of the art technology, modern weapons, computer systems and simply an feeling of power. The trip to the Samauni system had been productive and finally after grueling days of work her dream had come true. A Badger MK II transport ship waited for her. A movement of sliding doors made Keirra jump in her seat. Turning her eyes rested on Mr. Domar and she grinned "Do that again Nik and I might blow an arm or leg off, you startled me". Discretely she set her Ishukone "Scarbolt" automatic pistol in the drawer of her desk.

The Minmatar barely sketched any gesture but responded "You need some time off Lukkanen. So much work, always browsing the market and studying. Work can make one sick you know. Now get yourself ready. It's time to test that Cormorant of yours.".

It was true, she had studied Destroyers lately and indeed turned out they were decent all rounders. Replace their gun turrets with Tractor Beams and Salvager devices and they became effective salvaging vessels. Pull out the reactor control units and add an Expanded Cargohold and they would be literally working small cargo vessels. Rising from her seat, picking up her jacket she went out of the Corporate office past the waiting Minmatar. She looked at him inquisitively and continued along her path toward the turbolifts. As her gloved finger pressed on the elevator's -Call- button she turned to her right. Domar followed her and now leaned against the wall he spoke "So what's the deal with you Lukkanen? Buying off a Badger and a Cormorant?".

Stretching a little Keirra chuckled to herself, not looking at the man but her response came naturally "Deal is simple. My old man owned a Salvaging and transport business, we were working for Ishukone, I suppose i'm picking up where he left off when he died". With a shake of her head she adjusted her loose hair slightly, stepping into the elevator as it's doors opened. Following her, Nik also entered the elevator, silent for now. He wasn't much of a talker unless he said something to say or ask.

With heavy boots the small Civire woman stepped onto the station's dock, looking around, her voice quiet this time "So what ship are you bringing in Nikki?".

The Matar shrugged but eventually he indicated out a Cyclone-class battle-cruiser "I'll bring the Cyclone-class I own. I'll kill them,you jump in and clear everything". With a final word he moved to the nearby docking platform an up the ramp into the bowels of the vessel. With her blue eyes looking at him go she turned herself, adjusting her t-shirt, realizing she had forgotten to pull her jacket on.

Despite the stares she did get along the way from many men on the station she felt comfortable. Her foot set itself slowly on the ramp leading to the AVS Avenger, her Cormorant-type destroyer and firm footsteps carried her into the ship, eventually leading to it's bridge.

......Hours later...........

After some thirty jumps her ship once again faced the long way home. While her old crew kept transferring from ship to ship as her missions demanded, this time she did not go into the  hydrostatic pod. Sitting quietly with a bottle of Quafe in her hand on the bridge she looked on her viewscreen. Off the starboard the engine exhausts of the Cyclone flared as both ships moved away from the Onnamon-Uuhulanen star gate. Pushing her comms button her voice could finally be heard "Nik, i'm stopping here for the night. I'll see you tomorrow."

An audio reply came quickly from the Matari ship "Roger that. I have the whole cargo-bay filled with the items you collected. Jita is waiting with an everhungry market. This mission has been uneventful, get yourself some sleep Keirra, have a good one". With that his voice cut off as the Cyclone moved into Warp.

Once again, alone in the cold emptyness of space Keirra sighed, looking at a small photo of her family kept besides her Captain's chair. Turning toward her helmsman she smiled but to herself this time "Jukka, takes us home. We all deserve our rest..."

Closing the Gate to Heaven

Star System: Malkalen
Location: Vicinity of the Malkalen V Asteroid Belt

Marc Colelie, a young Gallentean sensor operator relaxed idly at his station at the hidden Gallente Starbase recently deployed in Caldari space, overseeing a Star-gate under construction. His brown eyes checked the holo-screens of his console, with a very bored look in his eyes. Turning toward a colleague, an Intaki female he spoke quietly "So Giselle, are we still going to see the holo-film after our shift is over?". The woman chuckled and swatted his shoulder "I promised didn't I?". Smiles were exchanged, but slowly a small signature appeared on Marc's holo display. Turning to the display he double checked, turning toward his supervising officer, Major, I have a warp signature approaching, I've checked the arrival schedule, it's none of ours".

The Supervisor, rushed toward the operator, checking his own data, "... Damn, Caldari signature, i'm getting sensor data on the ship. It's an Ishukone scout, registered as "Flameburst". It just dropped out of warp...".
Shocked faces on the sensor operators turned toward the Major as he muttered "Dyonisus, this is Sensor control, we have a Caldari signature dropped out of warp, bearing 350 by 14, Kestrel Class, it's headed toward the star-gate. Initiate Jam. Defense groups two and three, intercept and blow it up, that bastard is already broadcasting coordinates".

As a cloud of birds of prey the Atron squadrons quickly moved away from the station. Their crews eager to take out a Caldari ship began to load their particle blasters, just as the Celestis class cruiser accompanying them prepared to reach jamming range. A volley of blaster-fire shot from around 7 km barely missed the Kestrel. Meanwhile the Caldari ship's missile launcher doors opened, loading mechanisms pushed the first Piranha Missiles down the tubes.

Meanwhile, aboard the Flameburst.

Surrounded by Bio-Gel, Keirra Lukkanen was again in her element again. Feeling every system of the ship and well aware of the Gallente ships on her tail she activated the Missile Launchers. Four Piranha missiles took flight like the voracious predatory fish they took their name from flying toward the Star-gate. Monitoring their trajectory the young Caldari woman grinned. A large explosion in proximity of the Gate and damage reports indicated the missiles hit home, putting a large dent in the Gate's shielding. However a violent shake indicated the Kestrel itself has been hit. Turning toward her sensor systems she could see no less than ten Atrons firing volley after volley at her rear shields.

She attempted to compensate, but the venerable ship was slightly slow to respond. Turning to the comms she transmitted toward her engineering deck -Compensate aft shields, reroute all other power to the engines, we need to keep them out of range-. A surprised engineer moved in to assist, fine tuning the systems as ordered, despite the nearly full control Keirra had over her ship's systems.  Another volley of missiles left the launchers soon once again hitting home....

Gallente Station - Tactical Room

A furious Gallente commodore thundered and cursed before his group of staff. Observing the Kestrel on his area display he could not believe his eyes. The Caldari pilot was executing maneuvers that avoided most of incoming fire. Reports from his field vessels indicated the ship's shields simply continued to recharge, despite their low percentage left. Four blue triangles indicated another volley of missiles. Turning toward his second in command he spoke quietly however "That Caldari is either foolishly brave or suicidal, he's firing missiles at a star-gate".

Yet his surprise and perhaps hope were soon cast off. An engineer monitoring the Star-gate's status turned with a grim face toward the Federation officers, "Sir the Gate has lost shielding, repair crews are unable to cope with the damage that frigate is inflicting. The Kestrel is using explosive warheads. Gate Foreman reports he lost about half of his repair-crews, their armour is at 10 percent".

The Gallentean could not believe his ears "My god...., what's the status on the Kestrel?". The man reported again, "Sir, she's at 20% shield, she's lost all of her armour but she's holding. I'll give credit to that Caldari engineer....". However the Commodore yelled out "Have the Dyonisus move in to engage. That Frigate can't repel the firepower of the Crui....". A large explosion on the view screen could be seen where once the Star-Gate had been. Debris hit several Atrons putting them out of comission and the shockwave approached the station, rocking it violently. From the Sensor room, Marc Colelie's voice could be heard "Commodore, the Kestrel is warping out, she's in one piece however that's the least of our problems....Caldari signatures are warping in. I am counting Two Raven-class, one Scorpion, several heavy assault ships and frigates....".

...Aboard the Flameburst.

With a crippled Kestrel, Keirra brought the ship to a full stop. Emptying her pod of bio-gel she climbed out quickly, moving to check on her crew. The bridge was a mess but soon her helmsman, Jukka approached with a sad face "Keirra, we lost our Engineer, along with the engineering control room and the mid-engine, Kyra is dead, we have three other wounded. Our capacitor his holding, shields are back online. We've also lost the entire aft section armour plating, we're on nanite reinforcing and emergency shields".

Washing away her emotions at the news of her engineer's death she spoke quietly "Regardless, Kyra died a hero, fighting for the good of the State and it's people. You all behaved exemplary. I've started our distress beacon and soon a ship should be here to help us. The Gallenteans hoped too much, we have closed their gate to heaven".

Hours later a Drake-class Battlecruiser arrived, it's tractor beam towing the damaged Kestrel back to the Ishukone Watch station. With her job done and more credits in her wallet Keirra could rest safe now, knowing Malkalen was safe.

Under the Old Man's Light

Unable to rest, trashing around her bed in the Old Man Star Quafe Company station Keirra slowly opened her eyes. She felt restless, agitated, anxious for some reason. Slowly stepping out of the bed that seemed large enough, her bare feet touched the cold floor and she moved toward the window. The Moon below seemed the only thing she could spot for a moment and she stared. They were pretty far from the sun's light still fell on the satellite illuminating one half of it. Her crew-mates were sleeping in their bunks, in the same cabin but deciding to calm herself down. Pulling on her boots and utilitarian multi-pocketed pants she walked out onto the half-lit corridor determined to find a Cantina.

Despite the tranquility of the sleeping area the rest of the Space Station buzzed with activity. Below the walkway she slowly trodded on ships moved in and out of their docking bays, airspeeders buzzed from loft to loft and thousands of lights from the station's inner structures shone like small stars. Several late night birds passed by her but she ignored them. Moving on her feet carried her to a large station plaza where hundreds of people seemed to have gathered around the many Cantinas or clubs. Stepping into the first open locale she moved toward the bar, half asleep.

A single cough from the bartender caused her to raise her blue eyes and look the man in the eyes. He appeared to be of Intaki blood, a rather calm and composed face. He nodded politely and asked "Unable to sleep huh? So you want anything to drink? Perhaps some food to go with it?". Shaking her head a moment still attempting to wake up fully she only nodded to his reply, before speaking "Get me something consistent....beef and some veggies to go with it and a can of Quafe please". Without further words the tender returned a few minutes later from the food processor with the requested goods. Looking at her rather small frame he kept a polite tone "Isn't that a bit too much food for you darling?". An icy glare from Keirra was the answer to his question. The man backed off slightly "Easy easy, you Caldari are all work and no play, it was a joke".

Digging into her meal, sipping the fruit flavoured Quafe now and then the Caldari young woman ignored the Intaki bartender for now but soon she realized to be all alone there. She had hoped for a quiet meal but the Intaki was beginning to bug her. With a rather harsh response to his earlier words she caused him to shrink away even further "Listen buddy, I am not interested in your stupid pick-up lines or your remarks about me. If you want to talk at least find a more productive topic". A curse in her own language left the barkeep baffled.
At the sound of the Caldari language two other customers, drunken security personnel grinned at each other, moving toward the blonde haired Civire girl.

With a mocking gaze in his eyes one of them spoke "This little doll giving you trouble Sereus?". The Intaki looked at the two "You boys had enough to drink, why don't you go back to your quarters and rest, leave my customers alone.". The other taking advantage of the distraction closed onto Keirra's location. She had remained oblivious to their argument until his hand set on her shoulder. Turning slowly toward the Gallentean, she raised an eyebrow "What do you want? Go find some prostitutes if you're looking for entertainment". The intoxicated man grinned "Yes yes, I can do all that but I've never had Caldari before......". Her small Caldari State pin, attached to her T-shirt betrayed her lineage, yet his remark ticked her off. Stepping off her stool she smiled mysteriously, her voice soft now, making the Gallentean officers smile "Oh you boys never had Caldari before. I'll give you Caldari, more than you can handle". With a single link of movements her boot connected to the man's lower leg, the sound of a crack could be heard and he fell to the floor screaming.

His colleague, reached for his side-arm but he was a little slow. Keirra unholstered her Ishukone manufactured automatic pistol pointing it at the man's face, just a couple of milimeters off his nose. "I would not do that if I were you. Take your friend and leave me to my meal". Distressed the Intaki barkeep had pressed his security button and moments later four Gallentean security staff entered with their stun batons at ready. As soon as they entered the young woman set her pistol on the floor, raising her arms up. She did not want trouble. A gruffy looking sergeant looked at the scene, not knowing if to laugh or begin a serious inquiry.
"Devereaux, Elolies you are off duty, intoxicated, care to explain why you've picked on Sereus' customer?".

The man on the floor with a broken leg responded nothing but the other tried to put together a valid respons "Oh, we just came here for a drink... wh..when we noticed her automatic pistol!". Grunting the non-comissioned officer looked at Keirra then back to his men "Was the gun drawn and threatening Sereus in any way?". Breaking his silence the bartender spoke quietly "No Sir, the lady is only here for a meal and drink, we were getting along quite fine until they showed up", he indicated the two drunken security officers.

Left without a reply to defend himself the officer who had spoken lowered his head, noticing the Sergeant go over the security camera recordings. With a sigh the non-comissioned officer turned toward his small group of men "Take Devereaux and Elolies into custody, see to Deveraux's leg.". Cuffed the aggressors were dragged away, the sergeant turning toward Keirra "And you, finish your meal, pack your things and leave the station. I don't want you to cause any more trouble around here". A defiant Keirra lowered her arms, picking up her weapon and holstering it, "I am here for repairs Sergeant and until my ship is fixed I won't be going anywhere. You'll have to leave with the idea of having me aboard your station". Before the amazed Gallentean could respond she moved back onto her stool, returning to her meal.

Raising his shoulders, Sereus, the Barkeep looked at the Sergeant and he moved back to wash some glasses just as the officer left. Turning toward one of the windows of the club Keirra smiled to herself. She felt good now after having vented off on the trouble-seeking Gallenteans. In the distance the Old Man's light shone on her features. She had taken her first step of her journey well, there under the Old Man's Light.

The Journey begins

The dwindling light of the Old Man Star sun slowly faded into the distance as the utilitarian coloured Condor-class dubbed "Firewing" slowly trekked it's way toward the system exit point. Light danced across the armour panels exposed to the star's direction as the engines flared at full Impulse power. No noise altered the tranquility of space and with the Frigate approaching it's destination the bridge panels slowly retracted. Setting her hand on the polycarbonate glass window Keirra sighed softly as the sight of a space ship's wreck came into sight. Turning toward the man at the helm of the vessel she spoke quietly "Jukka bring her to a full stop....".

Keira Lukkane was small for the average Civire woman, mostly calm and withdrawn, friendly when she needed to be. However her loose hair that partly covered her face hid intense features that only sketched a wave of emotions rushing through her. The wreck was a familiar sight she had visited for the past two years since she had inherited the last asset her family ever posessed, the Firewing. Without looking at the four crew members on the bridge her rather soft voice could be heard once again "You are all dismissed. We'll be here for a while so, consider yourselves off duty".

Despite the protests on the faces of two of her crew-mates she did not even want to look at them. Listening to her words they withdrew slowly leaving her alone on the bridge. Reaching with her hand underneath her t-shirt she pulled out a set of Dog tags, worn together on the same chain along with a small digital imaging frame. Now that she was alone she let her emotions free. With rivers of tears running down her face she fought to keep herself composed but the emotions were too much. This site was not ordinary, not for her. Here two years earlier, her step-mother, Janna Haikkonen along with her father had fallen victim to a small squadron of Gallente and Minmatar vessels while returning home. The remnants of the Badger class transport were still there, some plates still bearing the impact hits of blaster bolts and projectile ammunition.

Closing her ice-blue eyes she tried to remember her childhood, her parents, the good days when she was a simple young woman, growing in the ever competitive environment of Caldari society. Despite the harshness and discipline she always had time for herself, her own personal pursuits, mostly tinkering with gadgets and holographic art. While she had her education completed she had not gone to seek employment with a Corporation. Running a small business she ferried people, goods across space, from system to system, leaving a rather normal life.

With her graduation at the age of twenty from the Science and Trade Institude she had gone to work with her father as a crew member aboard his transport and at times aboard the small-sized "Firewing". If she had been there, if she had gotten there in time, perhaps she could have kept her family's murderers away, they would have all been together. Faced with harsh reality she shoved off her past and reached again for the transparent surface of the bridge's windows, running her palm down the surface. Whispering to herself she closed her eyes "Wherever you are father, I will make them pay, I promise!".

With a final glance at the wreck she pressed a small button besides the window frame and the panels shut down again slowly. Moving toward the ship's helm station she sat down into the console's chair loading the map of the system, browsing stations, services. Finally plotting a course the engines once again flared to life. Keeping it on manual control Keirra smiled to herself. It felt good to feel the ship with her hands for once and not with her mind..... With a path clear before her she engaged the warp-drive. Space-time warped around her ship as it went past the Warp barrier slowly.... the Journey had begun. She was not sure where or how it would end but she felt content, as her emotions had finally been vented. Now only determination, ruthlessness and a clear mind would prevail. She was Civire, she was Caldari, that was enough.