Chapter 4: A Departure from Doom

The next day business at the bar continued as usual.

"This place seems rather vacant. Just a few hours ago this place was loaded with customers" Waitstate commented.

"Hmm, perhaps we missed an announcement or something, I’ll go ask the others if they heard anything" Admiral answered.

"Naw, don’t worry about it. It’s probably just a slow day" Waitstate assured him.

Starax came up behind them. "Yeah, all you guys need to worry about is cleaning this place up. When you’re done with it, you can do whatever you want so long as you’re here when customers start coming again."

"Sounds great to me" Admiral replied, anxious for Starax to leave.

The day wore on; business was at a standstill. All the members of LONAC grew weary. Soon, an announcement was heard over the PA system.

[PA] "LSS Freedom has been fully serviced in Docking Bay 34. LSS Freedom, Docking Bay 34."

Admiral stood up. "Well Wait, as much fun as this is I think we’re all ready to head back home."

"Agreed. Neutral Ground was rarely THIS empty." Waitstate replied. "Besides, that barkeeper was giving me the creeps."

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At the docking bay

"All present and accounted for?" Waitstate shouted.

"Affirmative boss" Cirrus replied.

The LONAC crew filed into the ship, eventually taking their respective posts.

Reaching the bridge, Waitstate sat down in his seat and sighed. "I hate losing crew members even if it’s the right thing to do. I sure hope Diamond Fire and Drill Master find what they’re looking for."

The ship’s engines activated and slowly it left the docking bay.

Watching from a distance, a dark colored both stepped out into full view. "They're getting away! Why aren't you stopping this?" he yelled.

"This is rather unexpected. The ship shouldn’t have been able to take off at all. That Junkion must’ve placed some security locks without us knowing. It’s no matter, either way they won’t get far." Xaraxus assured him.

Xaraxus received a communication.

[Comm] "What if they find my double?" Stardrive asked.

Xaraxus tried to assure Stardrive. [Comm] "They'll expect you to be with them either way. While you're there, keep them busy and find out whatever you can about their ship."

Stardrive grinned. "Gladly."

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The LSS Freedom

Looking at the viewing screen, Artifice caught glance of a stray object. "Cirrus, could you magnify that?"

"Why?" Cirrus asked.

Artifice remained fixed looking at the object. "Just a little curious. Besides, it couldn’t hurt could it?"

Cirrus shrugged. "I guess you’re right. Here goes."

The image on the screen magnified, but the image was very distorted.

"Don’t worry, I’ll fix it" Cirrus replied. After a few failed attempts at adjusting the picture, Cirrus shook his head. "Something is interfering with the signal, that’s the best I can do."