14: Cyprus Colony Mission Update

Cyprus Colony, I learned, was a Pandos world. "Pandos" is a term that started in the Narrow Sector, where a world by that name became a hotbed of corporate intrigue and subterfuge. A world that becomes hot property to mega-corporations is called a Pandos.

From the mission brief I received from Rovsky, I learned that several Coalition companies were at odds with the local colonists. To stir the fires of violence and hatred, a zealous religious sect threw itself into the fray. Between the three forces, Cyprus Colony was turning into a battleground.

My specific mission was to gain an audience with the primary leaders and get the full story. I was not allowed to make any deals or act as arbiter. This was an information-gathering mission

About halfway there, I realized that my Ensign and I would need some weaponry. The colony was extremely dangerous, and not having a weapon would paint us as a target. I was hoping that the Grinder's weapon's locker would have some decent arms, but the locker held the usual crap: two palm-sized particle pistols and two Militiaman rifles.

Let me describe the Militiaman rifle: a 2.5' long white tube with a pistol grip and a crude firing pin; beaded sights, like what you'd find on a shotgun; a cheap rubber grip; and a built-in rechargeable battery. The Militiaman rifles were cheap, ineffective weapons. To quote an article in Modern Weaponry, a newsnet ezine, "The Militiaman rifle is a mockery to all military arms, and is so cheap that it would not make a good club."

I had Marie start delving into the ship's library looking for information about modifying the rifles. I remember seeing instructions in a Marine field manual on what to do if their real weapons were unavailable and all they had was some weapons from the ship's lockers.

While she searched, I dug around some boxes in the internal cargo areas. I had grabbed some random boxes from HB1322 on Al-Theta. I found some parts and pieces that might be useful, but no working weapons.

Luckily, I did have some Marine armor. That might came in handy.

Party on a Fondishig Freighter with Aardwolf

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There was no use trying to put together any type of decent weapon from what we had at hand. Although a brilliant pilot and smart as a whip, En. Du-tse didn’t know enough about weapons to put the pieces together. I was absolutely no help. I just know which end of a gun to point at the enemy and what button to push to make it work.

So instead, we took a side trip when we entered Cyprus Colony space. The Grinder’s sensors quickly took stock of all the ships around the planet, and compared the readings with traffic control’s information database. It turns out that a huge Fondishig freighter was in-system. This particular craft was owned by the brother-clan of a group I did business with a few times. I hailed them, introducing myself. The Clan Father heard of me (luckily in a good way) and invited me aboard for a visit.

There are a few mysteries in this universe that we just have to take for granted. The fact that humans got along so well with the scaly, green Fondishig is one of them. There are very few things we have in common with them. The important ones are part of those few. So what if they have bizarre mating habits? So what if they have a strange religion? The Fondishig love to party, and that’s enough for me.

So I had Marie dock the Grinder in one of the massive freighters bays. Once on board, we where greeted with warmth. That was the Fondishig way, all friendly and open and happy to meet you.

Yeah, there was trouble a-brewing on Cyprus Colony. But I decided that could wait a bit as the Clan Father and I shared some premium brandy I brought, and some liquid fire the Fondishig enjoy getting drunk on. It was a good time, with camaraderie, boasting, and lewd jokes.

Now, I am a true believer that if you’re good to people and enjoy many strong friendships, then good things will come your way. In this case, another human traveler, by the name of Thomas Aardwolf, was the good thing. He joined the party late, having just come up from business on Cyprus Colony. To my good fortune, a Coalition company named Manibraus cleanly and thoroughly ripped off Tom. The security and military company basically highjacked Tom’s work.

Here’s the thing I learned about Tom: he’s the “Aardwolf” in “Aardwolf’s SA Military Drones.” The SAMDs were legendary for their toughness and efficiency. I had Marie get me some coffee from the Grinder while Tom bemoaned his sad state, broke and alone in the great big galaxies.

Then the Clan Father and I began to work on him. Tom wasn’t totally wasted on Fondishig liquor when he finally agreed to sign up with the 6th Fleet. He was even sort of sober when I had him sign the papers, registering him as Ensign Aardwolf, the newest member of the Ten Fleets of Earth.

I’m pretty sure the testimony of the Fondishig Clan Father and his family could get me out of a court martial if Tom ever got the notion to fight his 2-year tour.

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Next Chapter >> 15: Up to a Week Ago