Entranced by the lights, I waited and hoped. My only chance would be a few militia ships, I would only need one or two. They are not uncommon in the Levo system, as it is a major trading post, right on the Confederation/Rebel border. I had might as well forget about it, though. They would not be able to come in time. I might be able to hold out until I can hit the jump point, but even if I do, I will take a lot of damage and I might not be able to make it to New Istanbul. I could&emdash;

A blast threw me from my thoughts as the first ship fired. Shot after shot, they rained fire down upon me. A small fire started in the corner of the room as my shields began to collapse and short out, and the auto-misters came online. Another blast hit the ship and I fell to the floor. The hull would buckle at any time now, and the cold vacuum of space would soon envelop the ship.

Then it all stopped. The only sound I could hear was the subtle beeping of the control panel. I quickly got up and looked into the control panel as light after light halted, then blinked out. Then I noticed three or four blue lights, surrounded by smaller ones, all swarming around their target, then moving in for the kill. I looked out the slightly cracked viewport and saw that they were Confederates, which is very unusual for Levo. They kind of have an unofficial pact, sort of a "You leave us alone, we leave you alone" kind of thing. I guess they must have got my distress call, but so quickly? In a completely different system? That's not possible. I looked down at the sensor panel and realized I was out of the jump ring. I mashed the jump panel and selected the Kathoon system. It didn't have a shipyard or outfit shop on it, but it was the fastest way to New Istanbul.

I braced myself for the jump, and nearly fell to the floor. I should have sat down, after all, inertial dampers can't do everything. I groused my way to the sleeping chamber in crew's quarters. I carefully placed the two electrodes on my forehead and crawled in. I just realized that I hadn't slept in days. No wonder I was so tired. I guess this has been just another close call, sort of ironic too. I spend the majority of my life with the rebels, fighting as a mercenary against the Confederation, and they are the ones responisble for saving my life. I didn't have much time to think about these things, as I was pushed into sleep within a few minutes becuse of a combination between my lack of sleep and the rejuvenation chamber.

Then I woke, as if no time had passed at all. Though this is normal when sleeping in the rejuvenation chamber, the chronometer suggested that it was a bit early to be near New Istanbul as of yet. I couldn't imagine why I would be awake if this was the case. The auto-navigator was set for Yemuro and the chamber is only set to wake me upon arrival. Suddenly I fell to the ground as the floor shook under me. One of them must have followed me! Another tremor threw against the control panel. My shields couldn't recharge in hyperspace, so I was completely vulnerable. I made my way across the trembling ground to the helm, where I checked my status. I was still in the outer edge of the Kathoon system, but I should have been out of there by then. The only possibility is that one of the Defenders had followed me and stopped me from entering hyperspace. That would explain me being shook out of my sleep, as well.

Yet another shot shook the sides of the ship. I wasn't sure she could hold together through many more. My only chance would be to make a landing on Maxwell's Purchase and wait out the storm. I'd imagine the surviving pirates would be pretty annoyed that I had eluded them, or at least been saved from them. Then there is the chance that they will simply be waiting for me as soon as I take off, as well, but I could simply buy a few escorts to guide my way, possibly taking a few shots while they are at it. I won't be able to afford too much, but a couple of scoutships will do just fine.

I managed to avoid this shot, swerving left and right, trying to make my way to the planet. I selected them on my scanner and pressed the hail button.

"Greetings, Captain Riprock, welcome to Maxwell's Purchase," the man said routinely.

"I need to land here. It's urgent."

"Proceed to landing pad A4."

Damn straight. The Defender was hot on my tail, I had to get to a safe haven of some sort as fast as I can. I continued to zig-zag my way to the planet, taking a few shots now and then, until I was right on top of it. I tried for a direct approach, but I was too fast, and a bit too steep. I pulled around for a second run, but I had to face the pirate this way. I went straight ahead, trying to stay out of the line of fire.

I was suddenly thrown forward as the ship impacted with the planet's atmosphere. I knew I was too steep. It was too late now, though, I had already begun my descent. I pulled up only to see the Defender on my tail, following me down. A shot from each side did it, my atmospheric engines were blown. I had no control over what happened now. I watched as I slowly tilted downward, the mix of blues and greens all swirled around in my head until they became a colorful blur...spinning around, and around, and around... Then it was all black.

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