The colony was quiet when it happened late at night. Cain had waked up early in the morning made him some breakfast, then he went to double-checking the Jackal's clamps when alarms wailed across the domes. Red lights stuttered against the storm clouds overhead, and voices shouted in every language Cain had learned to recognize.

Cain jogged toward the mess dome, T-Dog bounding beside him. Colonists crowded the central square, shouting over each other, gesturing wildly around and kids off to the side just watching. Karasha Marr, the Overseer's niece, stood atop a cargo crate, her mandibles clacking angrily as she tried to restore order to the colony.

"Silence, let me speak," she yelled in fury

The noise settled into a tense hum, Cain was in the far back when Marr began talking.

"The supply depot has been raided last night while we slept," she said,"every crate of food we had stored for the next two months is gone. Stolen by pirates during the storm last night."

A human colonist cursed loudly, slamming his fist against the table.

"Without those rations, we won't make it through the season," he yelled,"terraformed fields aren't ready yet!"

Cain's stomach sank at the news, he had just gotten here and now pirates? Vorrin-5 had barely enough to survive with shipments he delivered yesterday, most of it was scientific supplies. Without food, the colony wouldn't last a day or two, this was bad since kids needed most of the vitamins the food held. He thought for a minute until he had a question

"How the hell did pirates get past the shield domes," Cain asked as he stepped forward

Karasha turned to him, eyes blazing with rage that they lost their food supplies.

"Storm surge knocked the shields down for half an hour," she grunted out,"just long enough for them to land, grab the depot, and flee before anyone saw them."

"Statement: classic pirate tactic, exploit natural events," T-Dog stated as his optics flared,"probability of Syndicate affiliation: high."

Cain swore under his breath, rubbing the back of his neck.

"Shit," Cain said as he rubbed his neck,"okay well can you call for military backup?"

Karasha shook her head bitterly, she already thought of it but Vorrin-5 was so far out of any Concord fleets and SSA patrols. Even though the Concord government spans around most of the galaxy, they still had to patrol others parts. It would take weeks for them to get here. And when they did, Vorrin-5 would be abandoned or they would all die of starvation

"There is no stationed military here, Vorrin-5 is Concord, not a fortress," she told Cain,"we filed a distress call with the Stellar Accord Authority, but they won't arrive for days. By then, we'll be starving."

Cain exhaled, the weight of it hitting him hard as they were basically left alone to solve this. He looked around at the colonists, at the children playing in the dirt yesterday, the boy who asked about Earth's oceans, the families clinging to a fragile dream. If they didn't get food, they would have to abandon the planet and the years of terraforming would be wasted

'Grandpa, what would you do,' Cain thought in his mind

He knew the answer before he even asked. Cargo Runners maybe transporters of goods, but that didn't mean they couldn't lend help to those in need. Cain was here, he had a ship with weapons and it was built to withstand heavy fire. He knew what he had to do, cause these people needed help, and he wasn't gonna leave them hanging out to dry

"Alright, contact the nearest Accord patrol, let them know what happened," Cain said,"in the meantime I'll go after them."

The crowd buzzed with shock, surprised to see a young Runner willing to go against the Syndicate. Karasha's mandibles flared wide with shock and a bit of fear.

"You, alone," Karasha asked

Cain squared his shoulders, trying to put on a determined stance.

"I've got a ship," Cain said,"besides I don't have to got to war, just find them, stall them long enough until the real law shows up."

T-Dog's tail tapped against the floor.

"Correction: probability of success alone: thirteen percent," T-Dog said,"statement: you will die."

"Thanks for the vote of confidence mutt," Cain said as he shot him a glare.

Before Karasha could protest further, a deep voice rumbled from the crowd.

"Then you will not go alone," a heavy voice said

The speaker was a Krothan, and like the many others he was massive. His skin armor-plated with his natural carapace, its light bronze color scarred from old battles. He stepped forward, his heavy feet shaking the ground and making some make way for him.

"I fought in the Union Wars, I know how to fire a gun," the Krothan said,"if pirates threaten my home, I will fight."

A S'erlith followed, his frill flashing crimson along his red scale skin.

"I served with the Stellar Accord Authority," the S'erlith said,"tracked smugglers across three systems. I can track these dogs."

Then two humans, one broad-shouldered, gray in his beard, the other younger but with a soldier's bearing, raised their hands. Cain looked and saw they almost looked alike, they had the same colored eyes. Cain summed it up to them being family members.

"Ex-military, logistics and small-unit tactics," the older man said

"And I was his spotter," the young woman said,"we've seen our fair share of pirates."

"Wait-you're all just gonna...volunteer," Cain asked,"just like that?"

The Krothan's mandibles clicked in a grin, or what Cain thinks is a grin.

"Concord does not survive by waiting on the side lines," the Krothan said,"we fight together."

The S'erlith hissed softly in agreement to the Krothans statement.

"Better to die fighting than starve waiting," the S'erlith said

Cain felt his chest tighten, he was willing to this alone, but now people wanted in. He glanced at T-Dog, who tilted his head to the side as he ran the numbers.

"Observation: you now have allies," T-Dog stated,"probability of survival rises to forty-one percent. Statement: still bad, but less suicidal."

"Well at least we'll die doing some badass," Cain said

An hour later, the volunteers had gathered with Cain inside the Jackal's cargo bay. He pulled up a star chart on a workbench, while the S'erlith colonist pointed with sharp claws. The Krothan and humans had changed their farmer clothes to an assemble of tactical clothes, all having the Concord symbol on their shoulders.

"They left during the storm, their trajectory puts them here at the Arathis Belt," the S'erlith said,"it's the perfect place to hide from any law enforcement. Too many rocks for big patrol ships, but a Runner's craft can weave through."

"It's a decommissioned Deep Space Freeport," the Krothan said,"shut down a few years ago due to rising Tayion radiation."

"Tayion radiation," Cain asked

"A particle used in generators used to power and sustain Freeports," the older human said

Cain nodded, committing the location and information to his memory.

"So we slip in, find them, and grab the supplies," Cain said,"how many ships can a Freeport hold?"

The S'erlith's frill flared at the question, closing his eyes to think on it.

"They can hold up to around 12, but I suspect there to be around 3 or 4 of their Raiders," the S'erlith said,"it's not a Syndicate core fleet, but dangerous enough."

The older human leaned forward, tapping the map with his index finger.

"Then we need to cause a distraction," the man said,"something to pull them off balance while we grab the depot crates."

The Krothan grinned, mandibles wide like a smile.

"I will distract," he said,"pirates love to shoot at big targets."

"Yeah, no offense dude, but I'm not putting you on the Jackal's nose like a hood ornament," Cain said

The group chuckled, even the stoic S'erlith gave a faint hiss that might have been laughter. Cain leaned forward, serious again as he looked at the chart. He knew they couldn't waste to much time and they don't know how many there are. He rubbed his chin as he looked at the Jackals ceiling, then nodded.

"Alright, I'll handle the flying and distracting the Raiders," Cain said,"I'll get ya in to broad. Cause we don't have to kill them all, just hit fast, grab the food, and run like hell. The Accord patrol can mop up later."

"Statement: Elias Mercer would approve," T-Dog said as his optics pulsed,"reckless. Bold. Stupid. Correct."

Cain swallowed hard, staring down at the star chart. He thought of Elias, of his grandfather's crazy stories of all the shit he did as a pilot. Then he thought of the colonists, the crops, the boy who'd never seen Earth. He looked up at his volunteers, determination sparking in his eyes as he nodded.

"Alright, let's go get your food back," he said

The group dispersed to prepare for the mission. The Krothan strapped on old but well-maintained armor, with blast marks on the chest and legs. The S'erlith calibrated a compact rifle, claws deft as a surgeon with a scalpel. The two humans checked Cain's weapons lockers, pulling out rifles and sidearms Elias had left behind.

Cain stood on the Jackal's ramp, watching the terraforming engines pulse against the night. The colony's survival now rested on him, on a nineteen-year-old Runner who had only just learned what "Concord" meant and a ragtag team of colonists.

"Observation: probability of victory now at fifty percent," T-Dog said as he padded up beside Cain,"statement: still a coin toss."

Cain smirked, gripping the railing with his hands.

"Guess we'll just have to cheat then," Cain said

He turned around and closed the ramp, walking past the 4 new occupants in the ship. He reached the bridge and sat in the pilots seat, then slides in the Ignition chip, then booted up the engines. Soon the Red Jackal's engines roared to life, casting dusts of sand to fly across the colony floor.

"Strap in, everyone," Cain said on the intercom,"we're about to make some pirates very unhappy."

The Red Jackal slid smoothly through jump space, her engines a low hum in the quiet as he fly through the dark space. Inside, the cargo bay had been hastily turned into a briefing room. Crates of Vorrin-5 supplies doubled as seats, and a portable holo-map of the Waystation flickered in the center.

Cain walked in and leaned against a crate, arms folded, studying with the small group who had agreed to risk their lives for their colony. T-Dog sat beside him, tail tapping softly against the deck plating.

"Alright, since we're all about to walk into pirate territory," Cain said,"maybe it's a good idea we know each other's names before the shooting starts."

The Korthan warrior straightened to his full, imposing height of around 9 feet. His armor was dull bronze, etched with old battle scars, and across his chest hung a massive rifle the color of burned copper, its barrel lined with softly glowing green orbs.

"I am Rovak Quintesso of the Forge-Clan Quintesso, Veteran of the Union Wars," Rovak said,"and I carry the Grathok Reaver, a Korthan plasma rifle powered by Maskra."

Cain tilted his head, intrigued at the name of the new power source.

"Maskra," Cain asked

Rovak's mandibles clicked once in approval at the question.

"Maskra is the breath of dying stars," Rovak said,"when a star collapses, it releases gases and particles only found in that final moment. We harvest it, refine it, and use it to power weapons and ships. Endless energy if you have the courage to collect it."

Cain's eyebrows shot up at the explanation of the energy source. He wondered what powered the Charge Packs in the Guild Rifles and such.

"You power rifles with the death of stars," Cain asked,"that's metal, literally."

Rovak let out a low rumble, which Cain now labeled at the universal Korthan laughter.

"It is the way of my people," Rovak said,"stars die so others may live."

Next, the S'erlith stepped forward. Slender but poised, his emerald frill pulsed faintly in the low light. He wore a black skintight bodysuit, with a few pieces of armor on his chest, arms and legs, with a belt with grenades and extra Charge Packs.

"I am Zeyrith Kal, former investigator for the Stellar Accord Authority," Zeyrith introduced himself,"I specialized in tracking smugglers and pirates across the outer systems. When my term ended, I sought quieter life until today."

"So we've basically got a professional pirate-hunter on the team," Cain said,"good to know."

Zeyrith's frill flickered in what might have been dry amusement.

"I will do what is required," Zeyrith said,"quiet or loud."

The older of the two humans stepped forward next. His gray-streaked beard was freshly trimmed, and his eyes carried the steadiness of long service.

"Name's Denzo Warren, retired Concord Alliance Marine," Denzo said,"thirty years on boarding teams, mostly anti-piracy. Figured I left that life behind, guess I was wrong."

Cain extended a hand, which Denzo clasped firmly.

"I think Vorrin-5 is glad you were," Cain said

Denzo gave a small shrug, but a hint of pride flickered in his eyes. Finally, the younger human stepped forward, she was around 5'8, lean and her hair tied back to keep it out of her sharp blue eyes.

"Jessa Warren, scout-sniper, trained under my dad," Jesse said,"I was five years in the Outer Belt Rangers before Concord life sounded better. Turns out pirates don't care about my retirement plan."

"So basically we've got a full strike team without even trying," Cain said

"Just don't fly us into a sun and we'll be fine," Jessa said with a smirk

The group settled in as the Jackal hummed on. Cain handed out water flasks and ration bars while T-Dog projected a faint holo of their route. The light flickered across their faces as conversation warmed.

"So why risk it," Cain asked,"you could wait for the Authority or any Concord ship."

Denzo leaned back, crossing his arms.

"I've seen what waiting gets you," he said,"you get dead colonies and dead families, sometimes you have to act before the uniforms arrive."

Rovak's mandibles clacked in agreement.

"Strength is action," he said,"the Forge teaches this: if the anvil waits, the hammer breaks it."

Zeyrith's frill pulsed a thoughtful blue.

"And pirates are predators," Zeyrith said,"they will not stop until someone stops them. Delay feeds their egos and arrogance."

Jessa glanced at her rifle, checking the charge.

"And I didn't train five years just to sit out when my neighbors are starving," she said, a smirk on her face

Cain felt a quiet respect settle over him. He wasn't the only one thinking beyond personal safety.

Rovak carefully set the Grathok Reaver across his knees, the bronze-and-green weapon glowing faintly. Cain watched as the Korthan unscrewed a green orb from the side, which was the container of condensed Maskra.

"Each Maskra cell contains the energy of a dying star," Rovak said,"enough to power the Reaver for three battles. But each cell must be earned, harvested from the edge of a supernova."

"And I thought buying batteries back on Earth was hard," Cain said, making Rovak give another rumbling laugh.

"Maskra reminds us that all power comes at a price."

Zeyrith meanwhile checked a compact rifle of sleek black alloy, its barrel emitting a faint hum. It was sliver with streaks of blue on it, with a square scope on top of it. He had also put on a scanner of sorts on his right eye, it was attached to the side of his head. The screen in front of his eye was clear, with a small X in the middle.

"S'erlith plasma disruptor, silent until it fires," Zeyrith said,"its also used for disabling engines without destroying ships."

Denzo unstrapped a Heavy Plasma carbine, worn smooth from years of use.

"Good old Concord issue," Denzo said,"kept this after I left the Marines, good for close quarters. It's reliable, but tends to jam."

Jessa patted a slender, long-barreled rifle mounted with a complex scope.

"Ranger rail rifle," Jessa said,"one shot, one problem solved."

Cain rested a hand on his Guild Standard rifle, feeling its weight differently now that he wasn't hauling cargo but preparing for combat. He was nervous, even though he wasn't going into combat with them, he felt nervous. He had gotten into fights before, and stood his ground, but that was just fist fights, not spaceship combat.

But he was carrying these people to fight, they were his responsibility now. He took a deep breath as he heard them tell stories of their time in service. Denzo told of boarding derelict pirate freighters under fire. Jessa recounted scouting missions where she survived on nothing but filtered water and stubbornness.

Rovak described harvesting Meld-Slag and even Maskra, plus how entire Korthan crews had perished in the attempt. Cain listened intently, occasionally sharing his own fledgling tales of the Guild and of Elias' legendary runs. Denzo gave him a knowing look, but he can tell Cain was green, but had guts.

"You remind me of rookies I trained," Denzo said,"smart, gutsy, and just crazy enough to try."

"I'll take that as a compliment," Cain said with a faint grin

"It was."

Soon the Arathis Belt's fractured rocks appeared on sensors, the group had shifted from strangers to something closer to a unit. Each knew the other's name, weapon, and reason for fighting. Cain stood at the cockpit threshold, looking back at his small, determined crew as they grabbed their gear.

"Alright, pirates ahead," Cain said,"remember, we're here to take back food, not start a war. Fast in, fast out."

Rovak rumbled his agreement, Maskra rifle glowing softly in the low light. Zeyrith's frill pulsed a steady combat-red, as Denzo and Jessa checked their weapons one final time. T-Dog swished his tail, optics brighten a faint blue hue.

"Observation: probability of survival now at sixty-three percent," T-Dog said,"statement: Elias Mercer would call this 'good enough to bet on'."

Cain allowed himself a small, fierce smile. Sounded like his grandfather alright.

"Then let's bet on it," Cain said,"alright, into the fold."

The Red Jackal surged forward, engines bright against the black, carrying six determined souls into the teeth of the Arathis Belt, and whatever waited within. Itslipped like a shadow through the jagged spires of the Arathis Belt. Fragments of ancient asteroids drifted everywhere, some the size of mountains, others no larger than Cain's ship.

Hidden among them, Cain spotted the pirates' prize: a bulk hauler, squat and ugly, with stolen Vorrin-5 food crates lashed to its hull like barnacles. It was hooked to the Freeport, and he had a chance to see it finally.

It hung in the dark like a jagged, unlit crown, a sprawling amalgamation of salvaged station modules, repurposed freighter hulls, and makeshift docking platforms chained together by reinforced structural struts. Thousands of blinking signal lights mapped the station's uneven silhouette, appearing less like organized infrastructure and more like a glowing swarm of insects clinging to a dead rock.

​As the ship drew closer, the scale of the chaos became apparent. It looked rusted, the metal looking like it was freckling off, peeling away slowly. Steam and pressurized exhaust vented into the vacuum from unidentified pipework, creating brief, shimmering clouds that caught the dim light of the nearest star. It was a place that felt perpetually under construction, yet constantly in decay

"That's it," Cain said,"they didn't even bother hiding the crates or the hauler."

Denzo peered at the tactical holo, scanning the Freeport with a trained eye.

"Standard pirate arrogance," Denzo said,"they think no one will chase them here."

"But what intrigues me is why here," Jessa said,"I mean look, it looks like it's decaying yet working at the same time?"

"Must be using an auxiliary backup system to power it," Cain said as he typed a few commands

"I agree, must be using this as staging ground for future raids," Zeyrith said, his frills glowing a bit crimson

Cain angled the Jackal into position and then begins activating the docking clamps. Then he then powered down engines to barely a whisper.

"Alright, this is as close as I can get without pinging their scanners," Cain said,"docking clamps ready. You all know the plan."

Rovak's mandibles clacked in anticipation as he checked the charge on his Grathok Reaver. The Maskra orbs along the rifle's side pulsed with a steady green glow, as the others locked in their Charge Packs.

"We board fast, kill faster," Rovak said

Jessa tightened the sling on her Ranger rail rifle, eyes sharp and determined.

"Clean and quiet if we can," she said,"only go loud if we have too."

"Remember, grab the supplies first," Denzo said,"then we can brag about the kills later."

"Alright. Good hunting. And... don't die."

The boarding team gave brief nods, there was no need for speeches, just resolve. Cain allowed himself a quick, steadying breath as he sealed his helmet and extended the magnetic boarding collar. The Jackal latched onto the pirate hauler's maintenance airlock with a metallic thunk.

"Pressure equalized," Denzo said,"cutting."

A spray of sparks lit the dark as Denzo sliced through the lock using an Arc-Welder Torch. The inner hatch hissed open, making cold, stale air gust out with a hard whoosh. Denzo placed the torch to the and glanced back to the others.

"Go," he ordered

The team slipped inside, weapons ready and armed. No sooner had the boarding team vanished than Cain's sensors screamed. Three smaller pirate raiders emerged from behind an asteroid cluster, engines flaring like hunting hounds.

Raider Drift-Skiff:

"Ah shit, we've got company," Cain said on the comms

He detached the docking clamps, pulled the magnetic boarding collar to avoid ripping it off. As it locked in, he slammed the throttle hard, peeling the Jackal away from the hauler. Cain gritted his teeth and dove the Jackal through a narrow rock corridor, blue plasma fire lighting the void behind him.

"They're on me," Cain said,"I'll draw them off to buy you guys time."

Denzo's voice crackled through the comm.

"Understood, we'll handle the hauler," Denzo said,"just stay alive, kid."

Inside the pirate hauler, darkness ruled the room. Emergency lights blinked faintly, painting the narrow corridors in blood-red flashes. The air smelled of oil, sweat, and something rancid, probably some of the rotting materials within the walls.

Denzo took point, carbine raised, every step deliberate as Jessa followed close, rail rifle at the ready. Rovak brought up the center, his massive Reaver humming with barely contained energy, while Zeyrith glided silently behind, disruptor poised. A sharp clang echoed ahead, as they heard multiple footsteps up ahead. This made Denzo hold hid hand up in a fist, stopping the team

"Contact," Jessa whispered,"two, maybe three at most."

Denzo looked back and gestured silently; Rovak, left flank. Jessa, cover. Zeyrith, with me.

They moved like a single organism, their years of training and operating taking command.

The first pirate rounded the corner, a scruffy Ravik clutching a rusted plasma pistol. He didn't even have time to shout before Jessa's rail rifle snapped once, a silent blue streak. The Ravik head jerked back as part of his head was now vaporized, then collapsed before the echo reached the walls.

Behind him, two more pirates stumbled forward, a human and a Krothan. Rovak surged out of the shadows, the Grathok Reaver roaring with green plasma bolts, searing through their armor and bodies, dropping them in an instant. The Maskra orbs on his rifle pulsed like tiny dying stars, the soft glow now died down.

"Room clear," Rovak said

Denzo signaled forward.

"Bridge is three corridors down," he said,"need to move fast."

The team advanced quickly but carefully, not rushing in case of a surprise. At the midpoint of the hauler, a heavy door slid open and four more pirates charged out, two armed with stun batons, the others with cut-down Plasma rifles.

Zeyrith stepped forward, frill flaring electric blue. His disruptor barked, a concentrated burst striking the lead pirate's weapon and shorting it out.

"Weapons disabled, finish them now," Zeyrith said

Rovak barreled through with a war cry, his Reaver unleashing a storm of green plasma. Sparks and smoke filled the corridor as pirates fell back, disoriented by the assault of plasma. Denzo dropped two with center-mass shots to one of their chest and the other in the head. Jessa swung her rifle up and tagged the last one by hitting him in head.

The skirmish lasted less than twenty seconds.

"Clear," Denzo said,"check ammo and keep moving."

Rovak reloaded a fresh Maskra cell with a solid clack.

"Plenty left, let us end this," Rovak said

They reached the hauler's central shaft, a vertical space lined with pipes and cables, leading up to the bridge. Jessa peered upward through her scope, seeing two shadows above them, a Vehlari and a Nyxari.

"Two on the catwalk, one by the hatch," Jessa said,"both are armed and alert."

"Zeyrith, flash them," Denzo said

Zeyrith extended a palm-sized device and flicked a switch. A pulse of bright blue light erupted, momentarily blinding the pirates. In that heartbeat of chaos, Jessa fired twice, hitting both pirates in the head, making them fall like stones.

Rovak launched himself upward with surprising speed for his bulk, landing on the catwalk with a thunderous clang. The last pirate swung his rifle wildly, but Rovak caught the barrel with one claw and drove the butt of his Reaver into the pirate's chest, sending him crashing into a bulkhead.

"Bridge is secured," Rovak said

They climbed the final ladder to the command deck, checking the room to ensure there were no hiders. As they moved in, they saw the bridge door was locked, blocking anyone from trying to get in. Denzo knelt, pulling a small charge from his belt.

"Stand back," he said

The others did as ordered, then he slapped then charge on and got back. He stood by Rovak, then grabbed the detonator and punished it, soon the shaped charge blew with a muffled thump. The door swung inward, smoke billowing inside the room. Inside, the pirate captain stood alone, a stocky human with a scar across his jaw and a Plasma pistol aimed squarely at them.

"Back off, back off or I'll vent this whole ship before you touch my cargo," the Captain yelled

Denzo met his gaze without flinching.

"You won't live long enough to press the button," Denzo said

The captain's eyes flicked nervously as Rovak stepped forward, the Grathok Reaver humming ominously.

"Surrender, or die like your crew did," Rovak said

The pirate's hand trembled, then he dropped the pistol, giving up to the team.

"Fine, take it," he said,"it's not worth dying for food."

Zeyrith moved in, swift and precise, disarming him and binding his wrists with a restraint band.

"Wise choice," Zeyrith said

"Jessa, contact Cain and tell him we've secured the ship," Denzo said

Jessa nodded, then tapped her comm with her free hand.

"Cain, the bridge is secured," Jessa said"how's it going out there?"

Suddenly static crackled for a second before Cain's voice came through, strained but steady. She heard some thumps and thuds, no doubt plasma fire from the Raiders chasing him.

"Still breathing and flying," he said,"two raiders tried to pin me against an asteroid, but they're stardust now. I'm looping back to you. What's your status?"

Denzo tapped his comms, and allowed a rare hint of satisfaction into his voice.

"Hauler is ours," he said,"the captain's alive, crew is dead. The cargo's safe."

Cain exhaled sharply through the channel.

"Good, now hold tight," Cain said,"I'll swing around for the tow."

The team took a moment to breathe, weapons still ready in case of any surprises. The hauler's bridge smelled of scorched metal and ozone, a testament to how fast and brutal the fight had been.

Outside, the stars turned slowly around the Freeport. The pirate hauler, once a threat, now floated silent and broken in the shadow of the Arathis Belt. Inside its bridge, a small team of colonists , forged in minutes from strangers into warriors, waited for their Runner to return and complete the rescue.

Cain's voice came again over the comm, steadier this time.

"Coming in hot, get ready to move fast," Cain said

The Red Jackal locked onto the pirate hauler with a heavy magnetic tow. Inside the cargo ship, Denzo, Jessa, Zeyrith, and Rovak secured the Vorrin-5 food crates for transport. As they finished up, they felt the magnetic collar attach to the hauler, then Cain's voice crackled over comms.

"Hauler's latched," Cain said,"I deactivated artificial gravity to move the crates faster."

"Copy that, kid," Denzo said, then looked at the others,"alright let's load this up and get home."

The Jackal hovered over the hauler, with the magnetic collar attaching the two ships, engines burning bright. Cain allowed himself a breath of relief, as he kept his hands on the controls in case he needed to move. As he looked around, keeping an eye out for more Raiders, the sensor alarms screamed. That made T-Dog's optics flash red.

"Multiple signatures inbound," T-Dog said,"Sector zero-six-nine, moving in fast."

"How many," Cain asked

"Three Raider-class gunships. Armament: three plasma cannons. Estimated time to contact: ninety seconds."

Cain swore, fingers tightening on the yoke then began powering up the weapons on the Jackal.

"So much for easy," he said, then tapped the comms,"hate to rush guys, but haul ass! We got three Raiders coming in hot!"

The three raider ships burst from behind a cluster of asteroids, their engines flaring like blue knives. At once they opened fire, streams of plasma cutting through the void toward the Jackal. Some managed to hit the Jackal, but the shields held up, covering them as the last of the crates were loaded in.

Cain rolled the Jackal hard to starboard, feeling the ship vibrate as bolts skimmed the shields. He grimaced as the Jackal shook, the shields held, but they were getting hit hard by the Raiders. He looked to see a black star on the wings, meaning these guys were with or worked with the Black Star Syndicate.

"Everyone hold on, we've got company," he yelled

"Need help up there," Denzo asked, his voice snapping over the comm.

"Negative, just keep those supplies strapped down. If we lose that food, none of this matters."

Soon Rovak's deep voice rumbled back in response.

"Then strike true, Runner," Rovak said,"make them regret coming here."

Cain gritted his teeth and punched the throttle hard. Every maneuver Sira and Krassok had drilled into him flooded back. Evasive burns, quick-flip rotations, shield cycling, they weren't just lessons anymore, this was survival now. He dove the Jackal between two massive asteroid shards, using their bulk to break the enemy's targeting locks. Plasma bolts smashed into rock instead of his hull, scattering molten fragments into the dark.

"Recommendation: use forward plasma cannons," T-Dog said, his voice steady but urgent,"focus fire on lead ship to disrupt formation."

"Got it," Cain said

Cain's hands moved before his mind caught up. He swung the Jackal out from behind the asteroid and squeezed the trigger. Twin plasma cannons roared, lancing blue fire across space. The lead raider tried to jerk away but got chipped by the bolts of plasma, making the shields flicker and soon died.

"Shields are down," Cain said

He kicked the rudder and sent another volley of plasma at the Raider. The bolts struck the Raiders engines and it exploded in a flash of white fire, debris scattering like confetti. The team whooped over the comm, having come to the cockpit in time to see the explosion.

"Nice shot kid," Denzo said

Cain didn't let himself smile, not yet, as there were still two more coming at them. The remaining raiders split, trying to flank him instead of coming straight at him. Cain rolled the Jackal into a tight corkscrew, weaving between asteroid fragments. He felt the ship shudder under repeated hits, he looked to one of the screens to shields were dropping to sixty percent.

"T-Dog, reroute auxiliary power to the starboard shields," Cain said

"Acknowledged," T-Dog said, then soon a cord attached to the console,"shields holding at sixty-eight percent. Caution: hull stress rising."

Cain ducked under a tumbling rock and came up on the second raider's tail. He squeezed the trigger, making plasma fire lance out, ripping across its engine cowling. The ship spun wildly, venting atmosphere and slammed into an asteroid.

"Two down," he said

The third raider swept in from above, but this one had a missile pod attached to it. It locked on the Jackal, then soon multiple missiles were sent streaking toward the Jackal.

"Incoming," T-Dog said,"deploying countermeasures."

Flares burst from the Jackal's belly, confusing the missiles and making them jerk around wildly. Two detonated harmlessly in the void, but one managed to clip the starboard wing, rattling the ship like a struck bell. Cain cursed, gripping the yoke hard to keep the ship steady.

Instead of fleeing, Cain went on the offensive to take the last Raider down. He cut the main engines, letting the Jackal drift in a dead stop, making the third raider overshot, expecting him to keep running.

"Gotcha," he said

He reignited the thrusters and pivoted the ship in a brutal spin, bringing the forward cannons to bear. Cain aimed the sights on the Raider, then clicked the trigger. Making plasma bolts hit the Raiders engines, making it explode into a ball of fire. After that, silence returned to the void, with only the hiss of cooling metal breaking it.

"Threat eliminated," T-Dog said,"hull integrity at eighty-four percent. Shields recharging and are at seventy-one percent."

Cain let out a shaky breath, sweat running down his forehead. He looked at his hands, both were shaking with some sweat on them as well. He took a breath and rubbed his hands, managing to keep them steady. He sighed as he turned to Denzo, who nodded at him, a small smile on his face.

"Status on the haul," Cain asked

"All good, crates have been secure," Denzo said,"nice flying, Runner."

Jessa chimed in with a faint grin on her voice.

"Next time, try to leave us at least one ship to shoot at," she said

"No promises," Cain said

Cain chuckled, the tension finally easing. He turned around, priming the Pulse-Fold Drive to head back to Vorrin-5. The others went around, Rovak sat beside Cain, looking at the stars as he held his Reaver. Zeyrith was taking the captain they captured to the back, wanting to keep him secure to be taken in by the SAA. While the father and daughter went to clean out the hauler.

As the Jackal flew, the hauler towed steadily behind the Jackal, its stolen cargo finally returning home. Inside the cabin, T-Dog scanned the surrounding space one last time. To make sure they weren't being tailed or anything, didn't want to lead anyone back to Vorrin-5.

"Observation: first major combat engagement completed," T-Dog said,"probability of future engagements: high. Statement: you have survived. Elias Mercer would adjust his opinion to...moderately impressed."

"Moderately impressed huh," Cain asked, letting out an exhausted laugh,"yeah, I'll take it.

Cain managed a tired laugh again, eyes fixed on the starfield ahead as he piloted.

Few Hours Later

The Red Jackal and its captured pirate hauler cut out of jump space above Vorrin-5, their engines trailing faint blue light. Inside the cockpit, Cain let out a long, quiet breath. The volcanic world below looked almost peaceful now, a patchwork of blue-lit domes and faint green streaks where terraforming had begun to take hold.

"Home stretch, Grandpa," he mumbled,"cargo is intact."

Behind him, the small strike team secured final checks: Denzo reviewing the haul's manifest, Jessa cleaning her rifle, Rovak resting his heavy Maskra-powered Reaver across his knees, and Zeyrith filing a quick evidence log to the Stellar Accord Authority (SAA). The pirate captain was sealed in one of the holds on the hauler, probably seething at his situation.

"Local colony control signals incoming," T-Dog said, his optics blinking,"tone indicates relief and mild hysteria."

"Patch them through," Cain said

T-Dog nodded, then soon his eyes blinked green. Soon Karasha Marr's voice filled the cabin, vibrant with urgency, worry and gratitude.

"Red Jackal, we have you on scope," Karasha yelled,"is the food-?"

"All accounted for," Cain said, easing her down,"one pirate hauler, slightly used, and a pirate captain included, free of charge."

The channel erupted in cheers, overlapping voices of colonists who had spent a sleepless night fearing hunger. Both ships descended through the stormy atmosphere, escorted by eager drone pilots. As Cain guided the Jackal down to the landing pad, he saw the entire colony gathered in the central square, Korthans, S'erlith, humans, and Ravik side by side.

The moment the landing struts locked, the crowd surged forward like starstruck onlookers. Children clambered onto rails, adults raised their arms, and the air filled with the deep, resonant clicking of Korthan mandibles, a sign of heartfelt thanks by what Rovak said. Cain lowered the ramp, and soon he and the team, stepped out to a roar of voices.

Karasha strode forward first, her copper-green carapace glowing in the artificial lights.

"Cain Mercer, Vorrin-5 owes you life itself," Karasha said,"without you, we would be facing starvation."

Behind her came the boy who'd once asked Cain about Earth's oceans. He tugged on Cain's sleeve, eyes shining brightly.

"You brought the food back," the boy said,"you really did!"

Cain knelt briefly to the boy's level, smiling as he ruffled the kids head.

"And next time you ask about rock music, I'll bring you an actual playlist," Cain said, then gestured to the team,"plus, wasn't just me, they deserve the credit too."

"Hey we just followed you kid," Denzo said, patting Cains back

The crowd cheered, as the boy clutched Cain's sleeve for a moment before scampering back to his family. Rovak stepped beside Cain, mandibles clicking in Korthan pride.

"The Haul is Sacred," Rovak said,"and so is this victory."

Denzo and Jessa exchanged a quiet nod with Cain, a soldier's acknowledgement of a job well done. Zeyrith merely inclined his head, frill glowing faint blue, but his sharp eyes betrayed quiet respect. Soon the colonists of Vorrin-5 were unloading the creates, moving fast to refill their shelf's to feed their people.

As this happened, a deep bass hum rolled over the colony. Three sleek ships dropped from the upper atmosphere, their silver-and-blue starburst insignia unmistakable. Cain looked up along with the others, but he can tell they were the SAA ships, the same kind that pulled him over a few days ago.

"Identification: Stellar Accord Authority, Patrol Unit 19," T-Dog said,"same officers as previous inspection."

"Guess word travels fast," Cain said

The lead ship settled onto the pad with practiced grace, landing with ease and not even a shudder as it did. Soon its hatch opened, and three familiar figures descended from the ship. Officer Ilyra, the Korthan and S'erlith officers, the exact same officers who pulled him over. Ilyra approached first, her long stride purposeful but not hostile.

"Cain Mercer, seems we meet again," Ilyra said

Cain inclined his head, keeping his voice even and gently.

"Looks like you caught me at a better time," Cain said,"no random inspections today?"

Soon her stoic face had a faint glimmer of a smile cross her sharp features.

"On the contrary, e are here because of you," she said,"we intercepted your distress report and the evidence package from Zeyrith Kal."

Zeyrith stepped forward, offering a formal nod to the officers.

"All pirate transmissions and sensor data, transmitted en route," Zeyrith said,"and we have a pirate captain in one of the holdings on the hauler.

Ilyra nodded back to Zeyrith, then gestured to the other SAA officers to secure the hauler and the prisoner. Then her gaze shifted back to Cain, a small smirk on her face.

"Your actions were...decisive, risky, but decisive," Ilyra said,"you saved this colony and captured a pirate hauler intact, plus a pirate captain. The Stellar Accord acknowledges this."

Cain rubbed the back of his neck, a little embarrassed under the golden scrutiny. He wasn't use to it, only his grandfather use to do that and Cain wished he had died at those times.

"I just did what was right," Cain said,"people were going to starve without the food."

The Korthan officer rumbled approvingly behind Ilyra.

"You fought with honor and efficiency from what Rovak told me," the Korthan officer said,"few Runners would dare."

The S'erlith officer flicked his frill in agreement.

"And fewer would succeed," the S'lerith said

As they walked off to handle some of the processing some information, Ilyra produced a sleek holo-pad and activated it. As she did, the rest of the team that went with Cain came up.

"By Accord protocol, we are required to conduct a brief debriefing," Ilyra said,"its standard procedure when civilians engage hostile forces."

"Alright, fire away," Cain sighed lightly but nodded.

Ilyra's questions came crisp and clear: the number of pirates, their armament, the tactics used. Denzo and Jessa filled in military details; Rovak described Maskra discharge rates and kills...in heavy detail; Zeyrith explained how he traced the raiders' escape vector. Ilyra entered each detail with surgical precision, occasionally glancing up at Cain.

"And you, Runner Mercer," Ilyra said, her eyes on him now,"you engaged three raider gunships personally. Why not wait for our arrival?"

"Because by the time help came, Vorrin-5 would have been starving," Cain said,"I had the ship, the training, and people willing to stand with me. Waiting wasn't an option, besides a Runner should help anyone they can."

A brief silence followed, with the only noise being the colonists moving the creates and chatter of the SAA. Officers. Then Ilyra inclined her head, the faintest mark of respect on her face.

"Understood, your judgment prevented a disaster," she said,"the Accord will note this."

With the debrief complete, Ilyra deactivated the holo-pad.

"The Stellar Accord Authority will escort the captured pirate captain to an outer-belt tribunal," Ilyra said,"you and this are free to stand down. And...thank you, Cain Mercer."

"That sounded almost like a compliment," Cain said with a smirk

"It was," Ilyra said, her golden eyes glimmered faintly.

She turned to leave, her fellow officers following, but paused for one last look back.

"We will meet again, Runner," Ilyra said,"at least try not to make it under worse circumstances."

"I'll try," Cain said

As the Authority ships lifted off with the captured hauler, the colony erupted in celebration. Colonists opened emergency stores of sweetgrain ale and bright-fruit juice. Music, an improvised mix of human folk chords and deep Korthan percussion, filled the air. Children danced between crates, with adults standing or sitting around a massive campfire.

Denzo and Jessa swapped old war stories with Vorrin-5's elders. Rovak stood surrounded by young Korthans eager to touch the Maskra rifle that had felled pirates in a single roar. As Zeyrith just sat alone, sipping a neon green liquid, but had a small smile on his face. Cain stayed a little apart at first, leaning against the Jackal's landing strut.

He watched as colonists he'd met only yesterday now laughed freely, their fear replaced with gratitude. Then he saw Karasha approaching, her copper-green carapace glowing in the lantern light.

"You have given Vorrin-5 a future, Cain Mercer," Karasha said,"my uncle will know of this."

Cain rubbed the back of his neck, modest and sincere.

"I just flew the ship," Cain said, then gestured with his chin to the others,"everyone else did their part, they deserve more praise than me."

Karasha's mandibles curved in something close to a smile.

"True," she said,"but without the Runner, no one returns home."

She inclined her head and stepped back into the celebration, leaving Cain with a quiet warmth he hadn't expected. Later that night, as the music softened and the storm outside eased to a distant rumble, Cain climbed to the colony's outer observation platform within the Jackal. Having said his goodbyes to the others, all wishing him the best of luck.

Inside the cockpit, T-Dog padded beside him, optics glowing softly as he looked at the screen. Below, Vorrin-5's domes pulsed with life, while far above, the faint streak of the Stellar Accord patrol faded into the stars.

"Observation: first major combat mission complete," T-Dog said,"probability of becoming a notable Guild Runner: rising steadily."

Cain gazed at the stars, thinking of Elias and of every decision that had brought him here. And all he could do was smile at that, and honestly...he didn't mind it.