Chronicle of the Unknown Sector. (#Wattys2015)

Part 12: Screaming stars.

Region Z5, a part of space within the Unknown Sector which had suffered greatly during the "Tri-power" war resulting in massive naval battles clashing high above several planets. All three sides of the war held at least one colony in the area at the time a weapon codenamed "Ion Phaser" was fired, the result of such a weapon forced the war's end for it had reduced vast ships into floating scraps and planets into asteroid clusters. The survivors of Region Z5 turned to Contractor work to provide for their loved ones, others meanwhile went Rogue against their races government becoming Pirates and with this new division of profession came a miniature civil war.

One group of traders from this area raised up quickly among them being able to keep law and order alive for those lucky enough to make it within it's border. Lead by Lady Salihah Winters, her along with war veterans who'd served beside her brother Colonel Tristin Winters the region's safety seemed assured to grow and prosper, however Pirates in the area began to bolster promising riches beyond measure and living as kings with a goal to conquer the ruined space of their colonies.

Although Lady Salihah had been trained in the art of a soldier accompanied by well armed defences, she came to the conclusion that alone hope would fade from the heart and souls of her people as rumours of a bounty for her head began to spread.

Yet with the bad rumour of risk to her another rumour began to surface in Region Z5, rumours of a volunteer group who'd proven themselves on the Planet Erghun and again on Merydion, the news sparked a realization to Lady Winters for in order for her people to be safe she needed their aid, she needed Serpent Company.

Meanwhile aboard the Abaconda it's crew and personal were enjoying the downtime, however Pablo was training hard as ever continuing to hone his skill-sets alongside heightening his reflexes and reactions. His routine being over, the bridge hailed over notifying he was needed up there causing him to sprint there without delay.

"Status?" Pablo called out as he entered slowing his pace down to a walk before sitting down in the main command chair as the Captain responded to him, 'Sir, we got a transmission for the nearby Z5 region. I felt it was best you take this personally' the Captain explained signalling the comm-officer to patch it through as Lady Salihah's face beamed on the main-screen.

"Commander, I was wondering if I'd ever get through to you. Communications in this part of space are near non-existent." she exhaled before speaking removing a sense of worry of not being answered, "I am Salihah Winters and I represent my people within Region Z5."

"Pablo Modoon, but you can call me Pabs. How can I be of help ma'am?" he answered formally bowing his head.

"The number of Pirate activity and risk has sky-rocketed over the past few weeks it's making the trading companies job even harder to the point we can barely get one convoy through to people that were stranded unable to arrive at our borders." Salihah explained with a deep sense of guilt of not being able to do anything.

"Understood milady, we're on our way" Pablo ended the transmission after she expressed her deepest thanks, "Crew, set course for Region Z5 and prep for Flash-jump. Captain inform Hydra squadron's to be ready for take-off." he ordered out to the bridge crew whilst getting out of his seat as a loud 'Sir' shouted in acknowledgement. 'Attention all Hydra pilots, prep for launch, this is not a drill' rang throughout the ship as Pablo made his way to the hanger area.

"Hun, what's going on?" Gab asked after catching up to him in a jog slowing her pace down to where the pairs matched.

"More Pirates to deal with, this time we're on their turf and not someone else's. Seems the flight-schooling you've been doing will be put to the test." Pablo explained as they entered the hanger bay with pilots standing at attention, "Alright pilots I won't waste time explaining all the details, in short we've been asked to aid the Winters trading company in dealing with Pirates who've grown in number. Now both friendly and hostile forces will be using the same model fighters so watch your fire out there. Questions?"