Chapter 3: Stardust Waltz

Trade Era 1235, Day 135

Somewhere in the Main Belt, Draco system
The shuttle moved through the vast expanse of the Draco star system's main belt, a little bit over 1 Astronomical Unit from the star. Jil and Hank were huddled around the scanner console, eyes fixed on the pulsating lights, while Gabe's fingers danced across the controls, adjusting the scanner frequencies to filter out the debris cluttering the region.

"This belt is a real maze. If the Separatists are here, they could easily hide among these rocks." - he said

Meanwhile, aboard the approaching Sentinel, Captain Rael studied the gathered data on the bridge. They were just 45 minutes from a rendezvous with the Celestial Voyager shuttle. Lieutenant Douklan Paravides was at the helm, with Corbin McRogers sitting in an observation chair nearby. In a seat normally reserved for admirals and VIPs out of the chain of command, Corbin was being treated like a real guest of honor.

Suddenly, the unexpected appearance of a sleek starship near the shuttle disrupted the Celestial Voyager crew. Lights flickered as the long-range transport materialized a few hundred kilometers away.

Gabe peered through the magnified viewport. "What in the galaxy is that? Looks like an ITC ship. Wonder what they're doing out here."

As the starship stabilized, a communication channel crackled to life. "This is the ITC Bureau of Investigation vessel Alpha-Zero-Nine. We've just arrived from hyperspace near your position but will change course with your authorization. Apologies for the disturbance; I'm defrosting the human crew now," conveyed a metallic voice.

On the ITC vessel's bridge, a synthetic being efficiently processed data. Following standard procedures, it remotely accessed the cryo-pod chamber and initiated the thawing sequence for Special Agent Slaine Rowan and Senior Special Agent Alex Mercer.

Slaine pulled them self out of their cryopod, stretching out the cold and the settled in lethargy of the cryo-pod. Noticing an alert of awaiting communication Slaine started pulling on their ITC uniform and gathing their equipment.
And seeing Sr. Agent Alex do the same.
A breathy indistinguishable sound came from Slaine as they tried to speak, then "I'll take coms if you want to get the situation details and update me on the way." Their voice reaching it's normal tone at the end of the sentence.

---

Then, a few minutes later a communication came through from the ITC ship. "This is Special Agent Slaine Rowan of the ITC. Please confirm that you are the Celestial Voyager."

Oh bother, thought Corbin.

"You know Douklan, terrorist are one thing, but you know your day just went sideways when the Cops show up."

First looking to Gabe to make sure he is OK with Hank responding, flips the switch on the communications panel. "Special Agent Rowan, this is the cargo shuttle of the Celestial Voyager, not the Celestial Voyager. The Celestial Voyager itself is dock a distance away at the postal relay station.

"To what do we owe the pleasure of your visit? Have you come to join the fun in searching for the separatist vessel? We could always use the help."

Since Hank has no idea why there would be any ITC Special Agents here, separatists would seem to be a good reason. And, yes, he did fail to introduce himself as he is simply replying as a voice of the CV, not just himself.

Douklan snickers at Corbin's comment and then quickly blanks his face as Captain Rael turns at the noise.

---

"No, we're here looking for some information about, possibly, a separate issue which we think you may have so e knowledge. If you would be like to dock we will keep our scanners workig while we talk."

Hank looks at Gabe to get his direction. He then says, "So, your not here to help with the search for the separatists?"While waiting for the response, Hank sighs and once Gabe gives direction, Jil moves the shuttle to dock with the courier.

In the Sentinel bridge, Lieutenant Douklan and the crew detects the ITC Bureau ship and the CV shuttle approaching it.

Hank asks Jil to go ahead and dock with the courier. Once the docking is completed, Hank radios over to the courier, "We have finished the docking process."When the door opens and Slaine is standing there, Hank is ready and says, "Welcome to our little shuttle, Special Agent Rowan. My name is Hank Heron, this is Jil Broadenspec, and this is Gabe Reyes." He motions appropriately when introducing the others. "Since you obviously aren't here about ..."As Slaine steps forward, Alex, who wasn't completely visible when Hank started speaking, follows and comes fully into view. As he does so, Hank interrupts himself upon seeing Alex. After collecting himself for a moment, Hank continues, "And welcome Agent Mercer. This is a completely unexpected surprise. I guess I should thank you for helping me get through that issue back on Tulsoma, even if you didn't need to make it so painful. I see you've moved on to bigger things?"

Now addressing both, he finishes, "Anyway, as I was about to say, you obviously aren't here about the separatists. Why are you looking for the Celestial Voyager, and how may we help you?"

Slaine is going to see the tension and cut in, maybe trading tension for some awkwardness.
"Hank Heron. I have been informed that the previous charges have been removed from your record and you have been proven innocent." The pull up the records on their datapad and hold it out to Hank. "And I believe your, I assume former, girlfriend is now convicted."

Giving Hank a minute to check over the information, Slaine continues, "We actually had some questions about an.... Individual... We believe to be traveling with you. Going by the name of Ryan Carter."