Captain K’lard Astar stood on the bridge of the Curizan Escort Ship Challenger, listening to the murmur of his crew’s voices. On the screen in front of him, he could see an array of Marastin Dow warships spread out in an unusual formation. They appeared to be searching for something. The Challenger had encountered a Marastin Dow military blockade shortly after arriving through the jump gate. This was the second encounter with a large number of their ships.
“Sir, we’ve received a request from a Curizan research vessel for an escort,” the communication tech announced.
K’lard noted the confused expression and the hesitancy in her voice. He walked over to her and looked at the research ship’s signature. Everything appeared to be in order.
“What is the problem?” he asked.
“Sir, there is no
