Hijack in Space.Chapter 2

In one of the many cabins the 'Space Empress' had,Jennings and Finch were now finishing their sweep in the formers cabin,hunting out any listening devices hidden here.They had indeed,found quite a few such devices,and dealt with them accordingly.

Once they'd finished in Jennings' cabin,they both moved to Finch's cabin,and repeated the process.As they expected,more listening devices were found in abundance here too.Both of them dealt with these too.

With that task completed,Jennings and Finch made sure their personal stuff was secure,and then headed out.Like Finlay,they were now going to explore this huge ship.

Both men differed in height.Jennings was tall,but Finch was only a little shorter.Yet both men were confident,and highly capable.They'd fought many times together,and trusted each other implicitly.They always fought honourably,and this was one of the reasons Finlay had selected them.Jennings and Finch could get things done,even when things were going against them.

Both men moved to one of the souvenir shops on board the 'Space Empress',and were each given a free map of the ship.It was only designed for tourists,but it helped them find their bearings.They then moved off,studying the map as they advanced through the vast ship.

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As Hunt was already serving on the 'Space Empress',she was able to show Finlay and Reynolds the key points of the vast vessel.There was a lot to remember,and added to this,Finlay knew his squad was too few in number.He sincerely hoped these pirates wouldn't outnumber him also.There had to be some more people,who were willing to join him.Finlay thought to himself.Surely,the whole crew couldn't be in on it?

'You know anybody else,that is prepared to fight any of these pirates,on board this ship?'He asked Hunt.

He watched Hunt think for a moment,before she nodded.

'There aren't that many honourable men here.'Hunt told him.'However,I know a couple who are.I'll ask them.'

'Thanks.'Finlay meant that.'When do the pirates strike?'

'Usually,when the ship enters the Kavar system.Our security intelligence tracked them their,after they had already carried out their raids.It's been confirmed they've got bases there.'

'Why haven't they been taken out?'Reynolds wanted to know.

'Not very advisable.'Hunt answered.'The whole place is like a fortress,plus they've also got extra backing,from the Kavar politicians.They're just as bad as the pirates.'

'How so?'

'The pirates don't just board to steal money,or any other valuable stuff,like diamonds.'Hunt's voice was now grim.'They abduct quite a lot of the female passengers travelling here.The pirates seize them for selling into the slave market,and they also give the politicians a few of them.That way,the pirates have got some extra insurance.'

'Yes,so I see.'Finlay did indeed,see it.He'd heard of the Kavar system,and knew it wasn't a holiday destination.The place was strictly no-go.The Kavar inhabitants didn't like any outsiders,and it had been confirmed their military had fired upon unwelcome ships,who'd come to close.With this kind of help,the pirates had strong back up.

'We'll need some extra back up for that.'Finlay continued.

'You're going to take on a politician?'Reynolds asked him,somewhat disbelievingly.

'They're not infallible,Reynolds.'Finlay's reply was positive.'Besides,I know the General knows a few people,especially in the right places.'

'Well,whoever your General is,'Hunt said.'he must be pretty good,to take on that kind of scum.'

'He is.'Finlay nodded.'Shall we proceed?'

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Paula Ann had been shown to her own cabin,and after putting away her things,she immediately headed back to the bridge.Her watch on duty,had already begun.

When she returned to the bridge,Captain Wight was there.His first officer,Green,also stood close to him.Both men had seen her enter,and Wight gestured for her to come over to him.She did.The bridge crew this time,only gave her cursory glances.

'Reporting for duty,captain.'Paula Ann respectfully told him,although she felt like a robot saying it.

'At ease,Miss Mitchell.'Wight gave her a polite smile,although Paula Ann thought it was the kind of smile,that a deadly snake gave it's prey,before it struck.'This isn't the military,my dear.Relax.By all means,impress me,but don't be too robotic.'

'Sorry,sir.'Paula Ann responded.She still didn't trust him,or any of his people here.I'll have to really watch my back here.She mused grimly.

One of the bridge crew came up to Wight,and reported.'All passengers and crew accounted for,captain.We are ready to depart from station,on your command.'

'Thank you.'Wight nodded,then turned to face Green.'Make final checks,if you please,number one.'

'Aye sir.'Green answered,as he went over to check.He was making sure all air-lock doors were secure,and they were.He turned back to his captain.

'All secure,captain.'

'Thank you,number one.'Wight then asked Paula Ann,to bring him the ship's tannoy mike.She did so,handing it over.

'Good evening,ladies and gentlemen.'Wight spoke in a very friendly tone into the mike.He could hear his own voice vibrating throughout the ship,which was precisely what he wanted.'My name is Captain Wight,and I'd like to welcome you on board the 'Space Empress.' Our journey will take you through several highly popular star systems,which we will stop at and allow you to explore.I hope you enjoy your time with us,and please feel free to ask any of my officers,should you require any assistance.Enjoy the cruise,and there may even be one or two surprises along the way.We are now leaving the station,so please follow all safety instructions.Thank you for choosing to travelling with us.We hope you all have a pleasant trip.'

Wight then handed Paula Ann the mike back,before he then ordered the helm officers.

'Dis-embark from station,helm.'Wight ordered.'Slow ahead.'

'Aye sir.'

Like a lot of other people on board,Paula Ann was transfixed by the view from the bridge.She could see the station slowly sliding away,and all other space traffic had stopped,as they allowed the huge 'Space Empress' to move away.All of the other ships,were flashing their lights,wishing her luck.Paula Ann recognised that,and knew she needed it.

It took a few minutes,but the helm officers did their job with great skill,as they finally cleared the station,and informed Wight,who then turned to Green.

'Let's do it,number one.Light speed,plus 10,if you please.'

'Aye sir.'Green gave the command,to the engineering officers stationed on the bridge.They obeyed immediately,and everybody on the bridge saw the stars outside,turn into streaks of light.

'Set course for the Regar system.'Wight ordered.'Let's gave our passengers their first treat.'

He let Green do that,and after waiting for all the reports telling him,that everything was well,Wight then turned to Paula Ann.

'Come with me,please,Miss Mitchell.'

Wight headed back into his own room,where Paula Ann had met him.He allowed her to proceed ahead of him,before he followed her in.He could see the girl was tense,but he made no move against her.

Instead,he sat down in his chair behind his desk,and told Paula Ann to sit opposite him.She did so,and pleased,Wight took out a bottle of brandy,and two small glasses.He poured two generous measures,and handed one over to Paula Ann,who reluctantly accepted.

'I don't really drink,captain.'She told him.

'And of course,there's nothing wrong with that.'Wight admitted.'However,this is a courteous gesture on my part,my dear.I'm simply toasting your arrival on my ship,as an excellent asset.'

'Thank you,captain.'Paula Ann responded carefully.She waited till he took a drink from his own glass,before she only took a delicate sip from her own.

'Can you tell me any more about my duty,captain?'She then asked him.

'Well,you will accompany me a lot,Miss Mitchell.'Wight drank some more of his brandy.'In fact,I'd like you to be by my side,at all times,please.'

'At all times,captain?'Paula Ann was slightly stunned,to hear what he'd just said.

'Apart from the obvious,when you're off duty.'Wight's response somewhat relieved her,but not much.Paula Ann didn't really want to be by this man's side.She correctly guessed,that he wanted to keep his eyes on her.

'I wouldn't worry too much,my dear.'Wight told her.'It's only during your watch hours.I'm not going to have you tied to my side all the time.'

But I will have you tied up,that's for sure.Wight grinned to himself,thinking that pleasurable thought.

Before Paula Ann could reply,he then stood up from his command chair.

'You will follow me,please,Miss Mitchell.'Wight then made to leave the bridge.He glanced at Green,just before he left.'You have the bridge,Commander Green.'

'Aye sir.'Green acknowledged.He watched the captain and Paula Ann leave the bridge together.He grinned maliciously to himself.That girl was in for a very unpleasant surprise,as was every passenger on this ship.It wasn't going to happen yet,but it would be soon.

Green couldn't wait till the action started.

Chapter 3 to follow....