Lunar Conspiracy

Shoot for the Moon

Mayor Cassar sat back in her seat with a smile at Tava's easy acceptance of her deal.  "My problem, is really a lack of being thorough when we were surveying this planet as a likely place to colonize.  I'm sure you've noticed we have a moon.  We didn't think much of it besides the fact that it indicated tides here on the planet and ignored it for the most part.  Unfortunately, it houses a pirates cache.  They haven't been particularly pleased about neighbors next to whatever goods they are hiding for later."

Tava frowned.  "I can imagine."

The Mayor nodded ruefully.  "We haven't done anything to threaten their claim of the moon and whatever properties it hides, yet, they still land here and create trouble among the citizenry.  I have tried repeatedly to deal peaceably with them,  but it appears every pirate that frequents this sector of space has a claim to be protected on that moon.  I just can't make a deal with every pirate in the Universe, and some of them don't even honor the deals that I have made."

"Where do I come in?"

Mayor Cassar propped her elbows on the arm rests of her chair and laced her fingers in front of her.  "My military lacks a strong leader.  Take a few of my soldiers to the moon and rout out all pirates you find there.  Help yourself to anything you find while you're at it.  I've already passed the threatening phase, that bad things would happen if they refused to leave us alone.  It was a bluff then.  I think with you, I've actually got a card to play."

Tava smirked.  "I think I can do that.  But won't that start off a war with the pirates?"

Mayor Cassar shrugged.  "An actual show of force will scare them off.  They prefer the easy life, after all.  I've only met one pirate that fought for what he thought was his, the rest like hit and run tactics paired with hiding."

Tava glanced back at Kartk, looking for the warrior's opinion.  He considered, then nodded once.  Tava turned back to Mayor Cassar and inclined her head.  "We'll do it."

Mayor Cassar grinned as she got to her feet in excitement.  She hit the button to talk to her secretary and started rattling off orders.  "Karu?  Tell Captain Anders to pick out three of his best and make ready.  I've got a mission for them."

Tava got to her feet and accepted the offer to shake hands and seal the deal when Mayor Cassar reached across her desk.  "Tell them to meet us at my ship, the Athena.  We should be ready to make way soon."

Mayor Cassar nodded and Tava turned to leave.  Kartk followed back out of the building and onto the busy streets.  "Nice call Kartk.  I knew I made you first mate for a reason."

Kartk snorted in response.  "You only picked me because I was the first one you picked up on this insane mission."  Tava chuckled and didn't bother to argue.  They made a quick stop at the pier masters to get Athena refueled, and then they were meeting four smart looking soldiers waiting patiently at the bottom of Athena's ramp.  Tava dropped easily into her commanding officer mode and stopped in front of the men.

"Captain Anders?"

One of the men stepped forward, giving her a crisp salute.  "Ma'am."

"I suppose Mayor Cassar has already briefed you on the mission?"  She jerked her head towards Athena and led the way up the ramp.  Captain Anders fell in right behind her.

"She did.  We are to assist you in the taking of the moon.  We are ready to go when you are."

Tava nodded as she led the way out of the cargo bay, headed towards the engine room first.  "Make yourselves comfortable then.  As soon as I check in with my mechanic and make sure my pilot is back on board we can go.  Might be a little rude to lift off without her."