WildSpace - Voyage of the Naginata Ch. 01

Welcome readers!

The title of this story MAY sound familiar, the reason is, it is a top to bottom rewrite of the previous story. I HOPE the editing is up to snuff, I spent a lot of time on this rewrite. There have been changes, some additions and some plot points completely removed. I hope it's for the better.

Enjoy!

Captain Serra Harkner leaned back in her chair, her heavy boots rested comfortably on her control console. The faint "whirring" of the star drive of her freighter, the Naginata, sang to her like a lullaby. She closed her eyes, took a deep breath and sighed. She always enjoyed long runs to fringe space, it was quiet, and once out of the jurisdiction of the templars (a space-faring "police force"), she had nearly no concerns or worries. Her fingers laced behind her head entangled in her red hair that was tied into a high ponytail. Just as she began to doze off, she could hear faint footsteps coming up the hallway to the bridge. She frowned as she knew what was coming, she was in her happy place and that was about to end.

"Captain, engines are operating at 87% efficiency." A young female voice broke her calm.

"Very good Cali, thank you." She paused, then spoke again without opening her eyes. "Cali?"

"Yes captain?"

"How long have you been the engineer on my ship?"

"I..." She paused, a little confused by the question. "Four years, why?"

"I think, after four years, you can drop the Captain crap." Serra said.

"Cap- I mean, Serra, I..." She stammered.

"Relax Cali, we're friends, treat me that way." She insisted.

"Is that an order?" Cali asked sarcastically.

"Yes." Serra replied. The two of them chuckled quietly.

"Ca-... Serra?"

"Yes?"

"Why do you always take these longer, lower paying jobs over the shorter, better paying jobs?" She asked as she sat in her seat, and loaded up a star chart.

"Because I enjoy running to fringe space and these are usually way more mundane and less dangerous." She explained.

"But... pirates usually lurk out here, in the black, out of the Templar jurisdiction."

"True, but with a ship this small, they wouldn't bother with us. They probably don't think we could or would haul anything of much value to them. Plus, I have an... understanding with the Reapers." Serra explained.

"Wait, you have an arrangement with dangerous gangs of thugs, murderers and mercenaries in fringe space?" Cali replied.

"Well, let's just say I know their number two, intimately." Serra explained.

"Is that right?" Cali replied intrigued.

"What's his name?"

"Kyree."

"Kyree? Weird name for a guy?" Cali replied, smiling to herself.

"Wait... what?" Cali turned her seat toward Serra. "You were snogging a woman?!"

"Cali... I only snog women." She said, They sat silently for a few moments, until a soft warning chime emanated from the console.

"Check that out for me, will you?" Serra said, still leaning back, eyes closed.

Cali tapped a few buttons and checked the readings.

"It's... I..."

"What is it Cali?" Serra asked, opening her eyes.

"I'm not sure, I've never seen these symbols before." Cali said with concern in her voice. Serra huffed and pulled her feet off the console. Her boots hit the floor of the metal deck with a thud. "Let me look." She replied as she punched up the read out. After a moment, she took up a more attentive posture. "Cali, bring us up to battle posture!"

"Weapons priming, shields at 75% and charging!" She said as the bridge lighting went from ambient yellow-white to red, and a ship wide alert echoed down the halls. In the distance, two sets of stomping feet could be heard rushing toward the bridge.

"Weapons ready!"

"Tactical computer up and tracking target." Serra replied, her long red ponytail swishing back and forth as she scanned the readouts.

"Serra, what the hell is going on?!" A black-haired woman wearing a tank top and cargo pants dropped into the seat behind Serra. Her tattoo-covered arms swiftly moved across the panels, bringing up situation readouts and target information. She was quickly followed by a large, bald man who took a seat across from Serra. "What's going on boss?"

"I've tripled checked, we've got two... wait, three Kurn pursuit ships about 150 clicks out and closing fast!" Serra replied.

"Very fast!" Lexi, the tattooed woman echoed.

"Shit!" Hawk, the bald man said, "What are we going to do, we can't outrun them."

"I know!" Serra grumbled. "Cali, get back to the engine room and sweet talk those engines, get every ounce of juice out of them you can. If this turns into a fight, we're gonna need it!"

"Right!" Cali leapt from her seat and rushed off to the engine room.

"Guns and shields at max charge!" Lexi said as she brought up her targeting array.

"Very good." Serra replied through gritted teeth.

"Kurn ships coming into visual range." Hawk said.

"On screen." Serra said and turned her attention to the viewer between the two front facing windows. "They're still closing fast!"

"Those are some sexy ships!" Hawks declared.

"Those ships are gonna kill you dumbass!" Lexi replied.

"Have you ever seen a Kurn woman Blackstone?" Hawk asked.

"What are you talking about Hawk?" Lexi asked.

"They are built like a-"

"Can it Hawk!" Serra barked at him. She pressed a button on the upper control panel. "Cali, how is my girl?"

"Purring like a kitten, that overhaul I did really did wonders. But if I heard you right, and they ARE Kurn ships, their alternating frequency bean cannons could be trouble for our shields!" She shouted over the roar of the engines.

"She really is full of herself, isn't she?" Hawk remarked.

"Shut up Hawk!" Serra and Lexi said in unison.

"Serra, we're... being hailed." Lexi said.

"I...put it through." Serra replied stern-faced.

"SS Naginata, this is the Crimson Star." The voice on the other end replied.

"We hear you, what can we do for you?" Serra asked.

"Why haven't they blown us to bits?" Lexi whispered.

"Serra, they are sending a visual." Hawk said quietly.

"On screen." Serra replied. The main viewer crackled as it resolved the different frequencies, then it came into focus. A large, powerfully-built red-skinned woman appeared. Serra had never seen a Kurn before, but now that she had... She was taken aback. This woman was beautiful. Her strong edged features were incredibly striking.

"To whom am I speaking?" She said in a deep, powerful voice.

"I am Captain Serra Harkner." Serra stated.

"I am Lord Marshall Katarina Graglubute." She replied.

"Graglubute?!" Blackstone said under her breath.

"Lord Marshall, it's an honor, what can we do for you?" Serra tried to remain calm. Knowing a fight with them now would result in her and her crew's deaths.

"Captain," Katarina's face softened. "I need ...a favor."

"A favor?" Serra replied.

"Yes, however, I would like to discuss it... in person." She said,

"Oh, ah.. Alright." Serra responded hesitantly.

"Very good, we will maneuver to align for docking." Katarina said with a nod.

"Right, we'll be ready to receive you." Serra said. "Naginata out." The comms connection cut.

"Are you crazy?!" Hawk turned in his seat to face her.

"Stand down." Was all she said to him. She stood and turned to Lexi. "With me, Hawk, hold the ship steady, but keep the weapons charged and prepare to do an emergency shield pulse."

Hawk nodded and turned back to his console grumbling. Lexi jumped up and followed Serra off the bridge. "If they change their minds, we're all dead." Hawk said as Serra and Lexi exited the bridge.

"Noted!" Serra yelled as she vanished down the hallway.

Serra and Lexi quickly arrived at the docking portal. The red alert alarm shut off as Cali's voice erupted over the internship comms. "What the heck is going on?!"

"Meet me at the docking portal." Serra replied.

Just as the docking tube connected with the Naginata, Cali arrived. "Uh, what the hell?" The young engineer asked.

"Just... stand by." Serra said calmly. Moments later, after the seal was achieved, the airlock hissed and opened. Standing there in black leather and iron armor, accompanied by two others similarly dressed was Lord Marshall Katarina Gralubute.

"I..uh... hello." Serra finally managed to greet the six and a half foot tall alien.

"Greetings captain." She said with what could have been a smile. Unusual for her war-like species.

Serra gestured to her crew. "This is Blackstone, my first mate and Cali, my engineer."

Katarina nodded to them.

"Shall we gather in the lounge?" Serra suggested.

"Yes, thank you."

Serra led the way to the lounge and took her usual seat. Katarina sat across from her. Blackstone and Cali flanked Serra while the other two Kurn stood at attention behind Katarina.

"I'll be honest," Serra began. "This is all a little...surprising." Serra began. "I wasn't expecting-"

"I am sorry for our initial posture, I'll grant you, it was a little...hostile." Katarina said.

"It's fine." Serra cautioned a smile.

"Let me get to it." Katarina started. "I would like to hire your crew and ship."

"Hire?" Serra raised an eyebrow.

"Us? Why?" Cali asked.

"Yes. Let me explain." She said, Taking a deep breath and continued. "My father and brother have gone missing and I need to find them."

"But, why us? If you're Lord Marshall, why not use the resources at your disposal?" Serra asked.

"Well, because my father is the Emperor and my brother is heir to the throne. Rallying that much military might and resources would bring up too much attention and concern. Plus it MIGHT make the Empire appear vulnerable to our enemies." She paused for a moment. "War for the throne would almost certainly erupt and throw the Empire into chaos." She explained.

"Wait." Blackstone spoke up. "If your dad is the Emperor, and your brother is... a prince, that makes you..."

"Lord Marshall." She replied curtly. "I refuse any other position or title. I command the entirety of the Crimson Empire military." She explained proudly.

"Alright then." Blackstone mumbled.

"So, why us?" Serra asked.

"I don't know if you know this, but the Naginata has a very good reputation, you're in good standing with both the pirate fleets and the Templars. I need to not draw attention to myself or my mission and I believe you and your crew will be able to do just that." Katarina explained.

"Okay," Serra paused for a moment, then cleared her throat and spoke. "About... payment."

"Payment?! This is the Kurn!" Blackstone warned her.

Katarina put up her hand. "No, no... it's alright." Katarina smiled. With a slight gesture, one of her companions brought forth a small case and handed it to Serra. The captain opened it and gasped.

"How much?..."

"One million credits. This is the retainer fee. You will be given expenses as we go. Fuel, repairs, mooring fees.... Whatever you need." Katarina explained.

"I..." Serra stared into the case. She closed the case and set it on the table. "What can I say?" She turned back to Lord Marshall. Katarina stood and approached her, she smiled and extended her gauntleted hand. Serra looked at it hesitantly. "Oh!" Katarina pulled her gauntlet off, and extended her hand again. "How about yes."

Serra stood and took her powerful hand in hers. "Yes."

"Excellent! Let me return to my ship and gather some belongings and my handmaiden and we can be on our way." She said,

"Sounds good, we have extra quarters for you both." Serra said.

"We will return soon." Katarina said and turned. The Kurn entourage returned to their ship. The crew of the Naginata gathered in the lounge to discuss what was happening.

"I can't believe this?! Why would you agree to help them?!" Hawk paced around the room. "Our ship will be unsafe with them aboard."

"MY ship." Serra corrected him. "Listen, we do this and we're set for good. Each of you can buy your own ship with the kind of money we're going to make on this job."

"I... don't want my own ship." Cali mumbled. "I want to stay here."

Serra approached her and put her hands on Cali's shoulders. "You're the best engineer I've ever had, if you want to stay, after all of this, I would love to have you."

"Thanks Captain."

"Cali..." Serra smirked at her.

"Sorry... Serra."

"Better." Serra smiled and gave her a hug. She turned to Lexi. "Blackstone, can you unlock cabins six and seven for our guests. Hawk, get back to the bridge, prime the star drive and check our fuel load."

"On it." He replied and headed out.

"Cali, head back to the engine room, make sure that jump drive is warmed up, I'm positive we're going to need it, a lot."

"Right away!" Cali smiled at Serra and rushed to the back of the ship. Serra waited at the docking portal for a while. Then, the chime signaling the Kurn returning alerted her. The door slid open and Katarina stepped out, after her was another female that looked like the exact opposite of Katarina.

"Captain, this is Saphina, my aide."

While Katarina was a tall, muscular warrior dressed in armor, Saphina wore a sleek robe of fine black silk, silver bracelets and a necklace of silver. Her most startling feature was her stark white hair, unusual for a Kurn, It was long and well-groomed.

"It's a pleasure." Serra nodded to her. "Let me show you to your quarters." She pointed out the sickbay and the mess on the way.

"Here we are, just across the hall from each other." Serra said. Saphina gave Katarina a hesitant look and Katarina responded with a nod.

"Everything okay?" Serra asked.

"Yes, everything is fine. Saphina is concerned for my safety, but she'll be okay." Katarina assured her.

"Alright, I will be on the bridge when you're ready to depart." Serra said.

"I will be there shortly with our first set of coordinates." Katarina replied and turned to enter her quarters.

Serra nodded and watched Katarina enter her cabin and close the door. She swallowed hard, and turned to the bridge. On the bridge, Hawk was preparing for departure. The transit tube was released and the Naginata was free again. Serra entered and sat in her chair. Neither said a word for a few moments.

"What?" Serra asked.

"I don't like this captain. The Kurn can't be trusted." He said.

"Then trust me Hawk." Serra turned to him. "We've flown together for six years. One last run and you can go your way and captain your own ship." Serra said. Hawk didn't respond, he just sat quietly. Just then Saphina entered the bridge.

"Captain?" She spoke in a soft voice. Serra turned to see Katarina's handmaiden in the doorway.

"Saphina?"

"I have the first set of coordinates." She said,

"Oh, good good." Serra said, taking the note. She handed it to Hawk and flipped the comms switch. "Cali, is the star drive ready?"

"She's all warmed up and ready to play." Cali replied shouting over the din of the drive charging up.

"Alright, let's go." She said to Hawk, who nodded and gripped the jump drive controls. Serra preferred using the star drive because it's less taxing on the engines and overall safer than jump space.

"Jump in three... two... one... hit it." Serra said and gripped the arms of her chair.

The ship shuddered briefly and vanished from real space and into a realm not quite reality. But not completely outside of it. This was the fastest way to travel long distances quickly, but even then, this run still was a two week journey. A ship the size and capability of the Naginata would still need to make two stops for fuel. She's not a starship, she's a long haul freighter. While it CAN enter jump space, it was designed for light speed, star drive travel. After about thirty minutes of jump space, Serra stood and shut off the interface on her console.

"I'm going to grab some shuteye. I'll relieve you in four hours." She said with a yawn.

"Alright, see you in four." Hawk replied.

Serra made her way off the bridge and down to her quarters. As she arrived at her door, a door further down the hall opened and Katarina stepped out. Serra was taken aback by this warrior...queen. No longer in her armor, now she wore a black shirt and pants. No boots, just her bare crimson skin feet.

"Oh! Captain-"

Serra held up her hand. "We're not so formal here, it's Serra."

Katarina smiled. "Serra, If i may have a moment." She asked, approaching her.

"What can I do for you?" Serra asked, swallowing hard. Even in the dim light of the hallway she couldn't help but feel conflicting feelings. The light was low since they had to reroute power to the jump drive. She was a little unnerved having a Kurn on her ship. However, she observed the warriors' round hips sway as she approached.

"I have a little more information on our first stop."

"Excellent." Serra replied as Katarina came to a stop a mere foot from her. Her low-cut shirt left little to the imagination. Her breasts were large and loose, bouncing under the flimsy fabric. Katarina handed her a data pad that Serra looked over. "Is this all?"

"No, may I talk to you...in private?"

"Of course." Serra replied and gestured to her cabin door. Katarina entered with Serra close behind and closed the door. Katarina took a seat on a plush couch and Serra leaned against a table across the room.

"What can I do for you?" Serra asked, completely unsure what this warrior woman would ask her. The room, like the hall, was dimly lit, shadows casting across the room. The sound of the jump drive was a faint deep thrum of the engine cycle filled the room with a steady rhythm.

"Well, as you know, this mission is to be completely secret, no one must know." Katarina said.

"Of course." Serra replied with a confident nod.

"Many places... my people are not... tolerated, so I may need a favor from time to time from you." She explained as delicately as she could.

"I, of course, will do what I can." She was a little hesitant of what that might entail, but the money...

"I may need to have your crew do some leg work, and I will of course pay them extra as the job permits. I will, of course, accompany you as much as I can and I will likely have to wear a disguise." She explained.

"My crew are at your disposal...uh... Lord Marshall."

"Katarina or even just Kat." She said with a gentle smile.

"Kat." Serra smiled.

"Good, thank you for your understanding." Kat replied.

"Of course," Serra said and moved to the small bar in the far corner. She found a bottle and began to pour. "Drink?" She asked. Kat stood, straightened her top and approached Serra. Serra stole glances at this powerful, yet sensual woman getting closer. She swallowed hard.

"Please." She said and stood very close to Serra. Serra handed the Kurn a glass and waited. Kat held up the glass and smiled. "To a prosperous and fulfilling partnership." They clinked their glasses together and drank. Kat drained her glass and set it on the bar. Serra followed suit and poured another round. The slight chill in the room ran through Kat and caused her nipple's to become erect. A fact Serra couldn't help but notice. She tried not to make her glances obvious, but Kat saw her looking and smiled to herself. She took her refilled glass and returned to the couch. "Do you always keep your ship so cool?" She asked as she dropped onto the couch. Her large breasts bounced heavily. "Join me, won't you?" She said, patting on the couch cushion. Serra followed her, suddenly very nervous.

"Is a sad side effect of running the jump drive, we have to reduce power usage on certain systems to give us more range." She explained.

As the two got comfortable, Kat spoke again. "Tell me, how did you come to be a runner?"

"Wait, you want to know about me?! I mean, you're Lord Marshall of the Crimson Empire and a princess!" Serra said.

"True, but I tire of it." She took a drink and continued. "Once my father or brother is returned and on the throne. I am going to leave my position as Lord Marshall."