"This is Captain Flintlock of the cruiser Indomitable, please identify yourself assault cruiser," the man requested politely.

“This is Commander John Blake of the Invictus. It's good to see you Captain," John replied.

“The distress beacon from the Calypso reported a pirate attack, do you know what happened to them?" Captain Flintlock asked curiously.

“We destroyed two frigates and a corvette, then boarded a second corvette to help the freighter crew fight off a pirate boarding action," John explained.

"It sounds Like we were very Lucky you happened by Commander," the Captain said gratefully.

“But your ship is registered as a civilian vessel?"

“I'm ex-navy, currently retired," John explained. "Well thank you for your assistance Commander Blake," the Captain said, a new tone of respect in his voice.

“The docked Corvette is the Griffon, it was captured by pirates over a month ago. Can I leave that and the Calypso in your custody?" John asked.

“Of course. We have repair crews that can assist the freighter, and I can spare some men to get the Griffon back to Port Heracles," Captain Flintlock replied. " Are you in a hurry to get somewhere?" he added with a smile.

John nodded and said nonchalantly, “Actually yes. We think we've identified the source of the attacks and are going to eliminate the pirate base."

“You're going to do what?!" Captain Flintlock gasped, looking stunned.

“I'm lucky to have a gifted Tactical Officer and she figured out the source, We believe they're based in the Chendar system," John said, smiling at Calara, who blushed at his praise.

"Do you want us to take care of them?" the Captain volunteered immediately.

“Thank you Captain but this is personal. We have a score to settle,” John explained.

"I understand Commander," Captain Flintlock said nodding. "When the Calypso is under way, we'll head towards the Chendar system in case you need assistance with the cleanup."

“Much appreciated Captain. Invictus out," John said, and they closed the call. He then turned to smile at the beautiful blonde at his side, and said, "OK Alyssa, let's resume our course, if you please."

“Already on it," she replied, grinning at him. She powered up the massive engines on the assault cruiser, and the ship turned smoothly to her new heading, before leaping into Hyper-warp.

“John, while you were on board the Calypso, Calara and I found something interesting,” Sparks said tentatively.

“What did you find?" He asked intrigued.

Sparks looked over at Calara who nodded and continued their tale. "You did well getting this one to join us," Calara said, smiling at the redhead affectionately, and causing the girl to blush.

“Sparks hacked into the Griffon, and downloaded the ship's log, the navigation logs, and their tactical maps," the brunette said, clearly impressed.

“Not only that, but she scanned the wreckage of the two destroyers and the corvette, and managed to break the encryption on their blocked transponders!" Calara went on.