Pirate Station

Previously published as On Station by J. Clifton Slater

Trapped in the gravity of a sun, the Uno Shoda was floating to its destruction. Her engines crippled and the crew of the Clipper nearly dead, there was little chance of survival.

This wasn’t how it was supposed to go.

In the cargo sleeve attached to the Uno Shoda, there were four crates marked with smuggler codes. The crew agreed the shippers of the contraband would wait for a port-of-call to claim their illicit prizes.

Besides, the Uno Shoda was unassailable during speed runs. Only during the slow turns in deep space was the huge vessel vulnerable. But the crew didn’t worry. Their ship came equipped with twin belly guns to dissuade any raiders. Plus, historically, few Clippers had ever been seized by pirates.

Why then did the Uno Shoda float toward a sun, her engines crippled, and her crew nearly dead?

In deep space, far outside the shipping lanes, the Galactic Navy can’t help. Only Phelan Oscar Piran can save the ship. Before taking command of the massive Clipper Uno Shoda and saving the crew, Navy Ensign Piran will have to change his status from cargo to space pilot.

Some marauders called space plunder opportunity. Other raiders called a disabled merchant vessel a Pirate Station.