Mission Log

Episode VI: Milk Run

Date: 37:5:29 - 37:5:30

Based on information provided by Commander Syl Norn, the Hammer arrived in the Maraine system to intercept a suspected smuggler who would be leaving the planet Gyer on 37:5:30. The Hammer and her crew maintained their cover as a customs vessel and used Zeta 5 to patrol the area whilst the Hammer remained in a stationary position near the system's jump zone.

On the second day of their patrol, the Hammer detected the suspected smuggler's vessel, the Prancer, amongst a small freighter convoy. According to the Prancer's flight plan, she was carrying communications equipment produced by ComTec as cargo and was bound for Esseles. The Prancer, an Action IV bulk freighter, was registered to one Captain Niles Riddick.

Maintaining her position, the Hammer continued to track the Prancer, and on several occasions came close to losing its signal for some reason. Zeta 5, piloted by Samic, continued to patrol the space lanes and did flybys and sensor sweeps of all the vessels in the area. When the Prancer's turn came round for Zeta 5 to do a flyby, Samic noticed that the Prancer was trying to mask its presence from the Hammer by hiding in the sensor shadows of the other vessels in the convoy. Samic relayed his observation to the Hammer, which slowly moved to intercept the Prancer.

Once the Hammer was closer, Chaide's sensor sweep detected that the vessel had a somewhat unusual engine signature. The signature indicated that the Prancer could reach higher speeds than a standard Action IV freighter, but had a lower thrust capacity meaning it could carry less. Chaide also noticed that it had a higher shield rating and that its shields where raised. Informed of this, Kethan instructed the Prancer to step out of the convoy and to power down its shields and engines. Captain Riddick asked if there was a problem and the response was a simple statement - 'This is a routine inspection. Prepare to be boarded'.

The boarding crew led by Aaron in an Imperial Lieutenant's uniform consisted of Chaide and Kal in a Stormtrooper's uniforms and JD in a second Lieutenant's uniform. The boarding party was met by Niles Riddick and his Wookie 'Slave' Krinaarr as they stepped aboard the Prancer.

Aaron inspected the crew and cargo manifest from a datapad handed to him by Niles. It all seemed legitimate, but he sent the information to Kethan to run through the Hammer's computer banks just to be sure. It turned out that other than some minor offences and fines the crew and ship were clean. The boarding party then went on to inspect the vessel and cargo. Whilst in the lounge, JD's sensors detected an anomaly beneath one of the floor plates and he subtly mentioned this to Aaron. With the group stopped right above the floor plate, Niles began to sweat and asked if there was a problem. Aaron indicated that there wasn't and the visibly relieved Niles led them off towards the rear of the vessel.

Once the ship had been inspected, Aaron instructed Niles that all the crew should report to the bridge so he could question them. Once on the bridge, Aaron posted Chaide and Kal to guard the bridge and crew whilst JD, Niles and himself proceeded to the lounge. Once there, Aaron explained that they had detected an anomaly under the floor plate and gave Niles an opportunity to confess anything. Niles suggested that there could be a leaking power conduit causing the interference. Aaron feigned concern and asked him to lift the floor plate. Sure enough there was a leaking power conduit, right next to four large boxes. The boxes turned out to be holding 200 blaster rifles. Aaron confiscated the rifles and seized 500 tons worth of cargo in lieu of a fine. Once the confiscated cargo was stored, the Hammer sent the Prancer on its way.

The Hammer continued to patrol the Maraine system for another seven hours before heading off to rendezvous with an Alliance freighter to hand over the goods. On completion of the exchange, the Hammer headed back to the recently stolen space station.

Captain's Log:

<<37:5:30/NOV.DRA/CAP.LOG/>>

Whenever you sow a seed, it is always gratifying when it bears fruit. It's been several months since Syl was detached from the main body of the Nova Dragons to act as a roving intelligence gatherer, finally that seed has begun to bear some fruit.

Syl and I have dabbled in smuggling in the past so I have to admit I was a little concerned about his tip off about Niles Riddick. I find the thought of smuggler turned "customs official" a little strange. At the same time, I have committed the Nova Dragons to do a job, one that I believe will benefit the entire galaxy, and from what I have heard of Niles, he'll bounce back (though I wouldn't want to have to engage him again!)

The operation itself was a textbook piece of Customs work. I was able to follow the progress of the boarding party via Chaide's open comlink. All in all the entire boarding party carried out a highly professional job, I must say listening to it brought several unpleasant memories of past encounters with Imperial Customs! Still, the haul of 200 blaster rifles plus 500 tons of cargo was enough to keep our operation afloat for another few weeks, though I dislike this hand to mouth existence.

Although we were successful in maintaining our cover, it cannot last forever. Once we are forced to shed our disguise, the Hammer will be in need of a major refit if we are to be successful. Hauls such as this one will not put us in the position we need to be in.

-Captain Kethan Falor