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It reminds you of a swarm of wasps, whose nest had been disturbed. All nearby frigates, expect for the ones furthest still surrounding the cargo ship, jump at your destroyers. With surprising grace and skill, something you didn’t expect to see here, the pirates begin exchanging fire, and whilst two Wolf-classes are quickly decapitated, your Raiders suffer under the hail of fire. Their armour still holds, but the sheer quantity of rounds begins to show its effect.
Another thing that catches your note is the fact that the main pirate destroyer is still holding its position. That is when your sensors officer informs you:
“Captain, detecting numerous small signatures coming off the cargo ships, look like transport ships, sir.”
“Understood. Comms, open channel, get me in contact with whomever is still hopefully in charge of those ships.”
“Yes, sir.” Responds the officer.
Glancing at the tactical display once more, you are frustrated by the fact that the pirates are avoiding your slower Vigilance-classes, seemingly doing their best to keep distance and interpose asteroids between themselves and their M.A.G. cannons.
Meanwhile, you own force moves at an absolute snail’s pace. <span class="mu-b">I damn wish I had more frigates right about now. That ambush better be worth it.</span>
“Sir, I’ve established comms with the captains of the cargo vessels, preparing a secure conference call now.”
A couple of grateful, although slightly panicked and tired voices quickly greet you.
“Captain, my people thank the Unbroken Empire for their vigilance.” Says a gruff sounding voice. You can already imagine an old man on the other end.
“We too are extremely grateful.” Responds another, a female voice, though old sounding as well.
“What is your current situation ?” Ignoring the praise, you quickly get to the point.
“The pirates had breached our main cargo holds and hangars. We pulled back our forces to more defensible positions, that is what allowed us to survive for so long, but unfortunately most of the cargo is currently being stolen.” Says the man.
“Have you dealt with these pirate before ?” You ask.
“They’ve started rampaging about a year back, so yes. They’re well organized, for pirates, and they are damn ruthless to everyone but them.” Informs you the woman.
“So they value their crews ?”
“The local chieftains do, it is the basis of their power.” Continues the woman.
“Are you capable of launching a counterattack ?”
“My lord ?” Confusion clear in the man’s voice.
“I asked you, if you are capable of launching a counterattack and tying down the pirates within your vessels ?”
“Well, my lord, I do not know, such an action would cost us dearly and would be likely to fail.” Sheepishly says the man.
