Post # 51 " Cat Cradle "

Posted on Fri Oct 9th, 2020 @ 10:11pm by Commodore Cyndi Song

Mission: Star Base Mercury
Location: Starbase Mercury
Timeline: Concurrent

On

< Starbase Mercury >

Three freighters dropped out of impulse and guided in via tractor beam. Of a cartel non had seen before, standard precautions were called for.

They were the Gleniq, a cartel of minerals and rarities in this frontier.

Most recently they had followed the trail of new ships heading to the new station. While there was other stations to deal with the excitement of making contact with the new station was a challenge they looked forward to.

Lt Kelleth, of Kaferia, quickly dispatched his shuttles to intercept the trio as the neared the station.

" You are entering a Star Fleet fly zone without authorization. Please alter course." Kelleth directed.

But the vessels continued.

" This is Commander Raymond, runabout Clinch activate tractor beam on my target." Will said as he targeted the lead ship with his runabout.

" Sir they are receiving but not responding." Kelleth added.

Will goosed his speed, latched on and then max impulsed it away leaving the other two to Kelleth and the other ruabout pilot...

" This is Commander Will Raymond of the Federation Starship Amandora. To freighter crew until open dialogue has been established we will not be able to let you into our star base docks."

The Gleniq ships paused as they were being held by tractor without fighting or grumbling.

" We do not desire confrontation. We wish only to sell our ores. We have numerous crystals from the region's and hoped to open dialogue with the station proprietors." a Gleniqian voice replied.

" That is more like it. A space docking platform has been set up. Follow me to the platform. We will greet you there and inspect your vessels. If they are found on the up and up we can then discuss hosting you to the station." Will diplomatically offered.

" Agreed."

The vessels then followed Wills lead and the first vessel entered the dock. Meanwhile a courier shuttle arrived to the freighter to dispatch the Gleniq skipper.

The freighter waiting bay had amenities to host small crews and Will Raymond used it to make his first contact greeting. Accompanied by Lt Kelleth the guests arrived.

To Will, the Gleniq resembled furry kitten like humanoids. They even had tails but the leaders tail had been clipped.

"I am Purrshur, Ships leader of the Cartel."

" Will Raymond, First Officer of the Amandora. While your ships are being inspected I will tell you about the Federation."

A hour later the Gleniq had the idea and awaited for the inspection to be done.

=/\= Kelleth to Raymond. Sir we have run into a snag.=/\=

" What kind of snag?" Will replied.

=/\= Our guests have a collection of Spider carcass in their holds.=/\=

" We can explain they are a delicacy on our world." Purrshur replied.

" You eat these arachnids?" Will asked.

" Yes we hunt them and eat them. They ravage worlds and we hunt them to keep them off our worlds," Purrshur responded.

" These beings are intelligent and very dangerous." Will added.

" Dangerous, yes. Which is why we kill them. They are spooky." Purrshur added.

=/\= All other items check out on the first ship Commander.=/\= Kelleth then reported.

" When we are done I will introduce you to Commodore Song and Captain Leaf." Will then stated.

" I hope there are refreshments...we are starving." Purrshur purred.

< Several Hours Later >

Cyndi walked onto the Mercury and met up with Will and Captain Leaf "What's going on commander?" Cyndi asked.

" Commodore, Captain , A second contact actually. On Stardate 76431 a race called the Gleniq was found looting a Federation colony. Using modified universal translators the colony discovered they speak a language similar in dialect to Kzinti. This morning three Gleniq freighters were diverted as they were unaware of our inspection protocols. They are clear now and enjoying lots of food. Purrshur is their Under Lord which appears to be a Captain...of freighters. They are felines. Ironically they know the spider race and hunt them for sport." Will reported.

Helen thuoght for several minutes "We cannot interfere with them, if it's their culture to hunt and eat the spider beings then we have no choice but to let them."

Cyndi nodded "The Prime Directive applies and we know first hand how quickly those spiders multiply. While we may not approve we are bound by the Prime Directive to let them hunt the spiders."

" I have no love loss for those...spiders. I just found it interesting. This will be Starbase Mercury's guests." Will replied.

"Captain your base is far enough away that you'll have no danger those spiders will bother you," Cyndi assured her. "I'll have my science chief send you anything on them you'll need just in case they do get this far. But it's highly unlikely you'll see them."

"That's music to my ears commodore," Captain Leaf replied.

" If you both will follow me I will introduce you to Under Lord Purrshur of the Gleniq Cartel." Will said as he led them to the dining room, which was actually a staff lounge on the platform.

Cyndi and Captain Leaf followed Commander Raymond into the base staff lounge.

The humor of watching bioped felines licking saucers was not oit of the question as they entered. Purrshur stopped, rubbed his paw over his face and and then walked around the ladies once.

" Helllo, I am Under Lord Purrshur at your service."

"I'm Commodore Cyndi Song commanding the Federation Starship USS Amandora and this is Captain Helen Leaf commanding the Federation Starbase Mercury. Welcome."

" Perfect. We are from,a Cartel, that provides, much needed items. In this system. We are available for hire." Purrshur yowled.

"What items can you supply?" Cyndi asked.

" We provide minerals, ores, and food rations and hire out our freighters to the highest bidder. No questions asked. We are a cartel. Our home world was lost to us by numerous chronotonic displacements in sector one many decades ago." Purrshur reported.

" Actually its sector two Captain Leaf. I also encountered such an event. It can displace you. The Obed barely survived." Will added. " Commodore Song has our top Science officer looking at the sector to determine how to safely collapse the black hole."

"I hope she can as I don't like the sounds of this," Captain Leaf commented

"She's good captain and I trust her," Cyndi commented.

" A toast to a good deal with your Federation." Purrshur said raising a saucer of liquid resembling milk.

"Likewise," Cyndi replied

The meeting lasted until all the food was gone and then Purrshur and,his kitten fellows took a shuttle to the station promenade.

" Captain Leaf those guys look cute but they remind me of the Ferengi. They're sneaky. I wish my wife Amethyst was here. She could figure them out in minutes." Will said.

"We're a little far out even for the Ferengi," Cyndi commented "I need a tri-coder, I stopped carrying one."

Captain Leaf walked over to where two science officers were eating and returned a few minutes later and handed Cyndi a tri-coder.

Thanking her Cyndi walked over to the table where Purrshur and the others had been and scanned the dishes and even hairs that had been left. Downloading the readings Cyndi walked back to where Will and Captain Leaf were, she handed Will the tri-coder "I made it easier for you to read, but I'm going to remind you, your wife is on maternity leave until Doctor Long clears her for duty. She's not working."

" Just joking. I just mean this species reminds me of the Ferengi. Speaking of my wife may I have permission to be dismissed? I promised Amethyst a hot fudge sundae."

"I know you were joking as the hairs are feline and not even a good replicator can duplicate it," Cyndi said "A hot fudge sundae sounds wonderful, permission granted."

Will exited the room and returned his courier shuttle to the Amandora



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