Chapter 4B: Asteroid Battle

Trade Era 1235, Day 137

The Sentinel, somewhere in the Main Belt, Draco system
Lieutenant Douklan Paravides stood on the bridge of the Sentinel, the hum of the frigate's systems a familiar echo in his ears. The ship sailed through the vastness of the Draco system's main asteroid belt, a labyrinth of celestial debris.

The starship A09, from the ITC Bureau of Investigation, flanked the Sentinel, their combined efforts focused on scanning the expansive field for any signs of the terrorists who had taken ITC Postal Authority personnel hostage on Nocturna.

The urgency of the mission gripped the bridge as the tension built with the passing days.

Captain Rael, a seasoned leader with a steely resolve, monitored the scanners alongside Lieutenant Paravides and her crew. The green display flickered with data from the ongoing scan, each blip a potential clue soon discarded as nothing but rocks.

"Captain," called out the Sensors officer, his eyes fixed on the readings. "I'm detecting three small ships incoming from Draco I direction."

Captain Rael's gaze intensified as she studied the readings. "A09, this is Captain Rael of the Sentinel. We've detected incoming vessels from Draco I. Maintain your position and be prepared for possible hostiles."

The response from Alex crackled through the communication system. "Acknowledged, Sentinel. We're standing by."

As the minutes ticked away, the bridge remained hushed, the only sounds the hum of the ship's systems and the distant clatter of small debris against the hull. The three incoming blips on the scanner grew more defined, their trajectories hinting at purposeful movement.

Captain Rael, her eyes fixed on the scanner, leaned forward in her command chair. With a decisive tone, she issued orders to Lieutenant Paravides.

"Lieutenant Paravides, move the Sentinel closer to those ships. We need a clearer picture of their intentions before deciding our next move."

Douklan's hands danced across the panels, flipping switches with loud *clacks*, turning knobs, and adjusting levers to adjust fuel intakes for each of the different thrusters and adjust the exhaust apertures.

Lieutenant Paravides maneuver put the ship above the solar orbital plane while he exchanged a tense glance with Captain Rael.

The trio of incoming vessels drew nearer. Sensors determined that they were a modified patrol boat escorted by 2 standard drill-capable fighter craft. His hand hovered over the controls, ready to spring into action at the first sign of aggression.

"Open a channel to those ships," Captain Rael commanded, her voice steady but edged with authority.

The Comms officer quickly complied, his fingers dancing over the communications console. "Channel open, Captain."

"This is Captain Rael of the Sentinel, ITC Navy, " she began, her tone firm and commanding. "Identify yourselves and state your intentions."

There was a moment of static before a voice crackled over the comm. "This is Commander Thalos of the Draco Separatist Fleet. We demand that you vacate this region immediately. You are trespassing on territory claimed by the Democratic Republic of Draco, rightfully representing the people of Draco I against the current authoritarian regime. We have a populated starbase nearby, so, by ITC law and customs, it is our territory."

Captain Rael's jaw tightened at the defiant tone. She exchanged a meaningful look with Lieutenant Paravides before responding. "Commander Thalos, this is interplanetary space and ITC territory. We have a mission to fulfill, and we will not be intimidated by separatist threats. Stand down and return the ITC personnel from Nocturna."

There was a tense pause before Thalos replied, his voice dripping with disdain. "You leave us no choice. Prepare to be boarded if you do not comply."

Douklan bristles at the thought of these locals trying to order the ITC around. Then he considers their tactical situation, and the legal standing of Separatist forces in ITC eyes, as he prepares physically and mentally for combat.

::Is there a starbase nearby?
Is the Captain likely to consider this a legitimate claim to sovereignty?
How serious a threat are these three vehicles to the Sentinel and the A09?::

The tension on the bridge of the Sentinel intensified as the separatist vessels continued their approach. Lieutenant Paravides exchanged a quick glance with Captain Rael, silently communicating their readiness for whatever might transpire.