OS - The Rally Call

Admiral Morgan spent the rest of the next two weeks organizing volunteers and calling up old favors. Once enough loyal soldiers had been garnered, the plan would be to await night fall and then raid the shipyards. Every last Terran involved, Admiral Morgan included, knew that this would be considered treason. Should any of them be caught, they would not only be court marshalled, but executed for crimes against the Terran Empire. Such was the bravery of Morgan’s followers.

Finally, the time had come. Taking the shipyard proved to be easier than anticipated. Chairman Nelms had ensured that only the right people would be working shifts at the shipyard that night. The guards, expecting company, had spotted Morgan’s group approaching and left the gates wide open. Once inside the compound, the captain of the guard greeted Morgan.
“Admiral.” The man saluted Morgan.

“At ease, captain.”

The captain relaxed his posture and began to brief the Morgan. “Sir, the armory is unlocked and has been re-stocked in anticipation of your arrival. Our facility is one of the largest shipyards on Terra and currently houses one Nirvana class dreadnought, fifteen Empereur battleships, about thirty destroyers and thirty cruisers of varying classification, one hundred frigates, three hundred corvettes, and thousands of starfighters.”

“That is an impressive array of ships, captain.” Morgan knew he owed David big time for this.

“Yes, sir. Although it would be more impressive if the facility was at full capacity. Most of the ships have been pulled to engage the Marauders along our borders in the Centauri sector. The Marauders have grown bolder recently. Rumor has it that a ‘messiah’ has appeared among their ranks.”

“A messiah?” Morgan had not heard of this new development yet. He wondered why David had not brought it up.

“Yes, sir. Supposedly there is a growing sect among the Marauders that believes the messiah to be the harbinger for the return of the Dark Marauders.”

Morgan didn’t know whether to laugh or keep a serious face. “That’s the most ridiculous thing I’ve heard in weeks, captain. The Guardians and the Dark Marauders are myths. Nothing more than bedtime stories, my friend.”

“In any event, sir, the absence of the main fleet presents an excellent opportunity to carry out your plan. I only have one request of you.”

Given how much the guards had done and put themselves at risk, the admiral was certainly in no position to deny any requests. “Go on captain. You and your men have risked everything. We are in your debt.”

“Sir, my men and I wish to join your fleet. We have no future here. We will surely be discovered and executed by the Terran government.”

“Understood, captain. We would be honored to have you join us. Forgive me, but I did not catch your name.”

“Captain Michael Durgan, sir. And sir?”

“Yes, captain Durgan?”

“On behalf of myself and my men; thank you, sir!”

“Alright, enough standing around chatting, let’s get to it! Durgan, I’m promoting you to lieutenant. You’re going to be my first officer. Do you accept this appointment?”

“Yes, sir!”

“Good,” Morgan was smiling by now, “let us hijack some imperial warships then!”

When all of the ships had been seized and crews had been assigned, the only thing that remained to do was set out. Morgan began giving orders for the fleet to disembark.
As soon as the warships were clear of the shipyard, the fleet took up formations. It was a grand sight to see. All seemed to be going rather smoothly until Morgan’s dreadnought was hailed by a communique from nearby.

“This is the Imperial Navy. Commander of the unauthorized Terran fleet, desist all activities and identify yourself.”