This is part one of the 35th century tales. It covers the period of when Wayne Jamieson is drafted into the Imperial forces, having spent the last forty years as a spacer, pirate, mercenary and lastly- as the commander of a successful privateer Free Company.
Excerpt:
Dropping out of Subspace into high orbit about Helzin, Captain Jamieson passed his compliments to the Sailing Master for her usual perfect approach. As the sectors reported in secure, he gave permission for the lighters to approach, to carry their loot down to the markets of Helzin’s Southern bloc. The end of another tour, keeping the Hegemony out of the way while the Helzin civil war ran it's course. Taking the Captain’s gig, Wayne and party descended to the surface to meet with Admiral Haverston- CIC of the Southern Bloc.
Haverston opened a cupboard and pulled out a bottle of genuine New Islay Scotch.
“That was an impressive feat of arms, taking an outie cruiser intact” said Haverston.
“You wanted an intact Crow warship, now you have one, sir. I believe the fee was agreed upon?”
“10 Million, now in your account. Now I know this is a bad time, but we need to talk about the conditions of you warrant”
“My Letters of Marquee are in order- what do you mean?”
“Under the terms, we can second you into our Navy- we are currently under such a condition as making this necessary. Our negotiations with the Empire require that we take control of all nations of our world, for a Class One admission to the Empire. You are now officially in the Helzin navy with the rank of Commander.
“I suppose you have me then”, said Wayne. “I signed the papers and a deal is a deal.”
“Good Man .I had hoped you would see it that way- We are prepared to reimburse you at the standard rates for a private command- we need all the vessels we can get.”
“Good luck Haverston- I signed ownership over to Commander Hendrick before I dropped. As we speak, he will be underway for New Hamburg. You have me- but not my ship or crew.
Haverston’s face turned crimson at that news and he roared- “You bloody pirate.”
“Privateer- Sir.”
As quick as he had turned to anger, Haverston started to laugh- “It would appear I indeed have my man- you slippery bugger.”
Uninvited, Wayne walked over to the sideboard and filled his glass to the brim with whiskey. “I need a good researcher, a procurements officer and command of your best recon team. Now before you blow a blood vessel, I brought my Marine 2IC with me. Let us have a look at your plan to break the Northern Wall.
