The KNEIS-ENAU continued toward the calculated jump point under the
standard one gravity of accelleration, her engines thrumming smoothly.  The
old VENGEANCE class destroyer had been moving on the same vector since its
departure from Hentz's AGRICOLON platform 92 GST hours ago.  The episode on
the small station was still fresh in everyone's mind.  The MedBay contained
evidence that made it hard to forget.  All hands seemed to be edgy - it was
time to give them all a focus...

    Captain Peiper was again in his ready room, pouring over classified
schematics, star charts, Fleet Intelligence Reports, and various other
pertinant data files.  His dilligence in pre-mission preperation had often
given him great advantage at a needed time.  He was determined that this time
would be no different from any of the others...excepting the COURAGEOUS...
   [chirp]  The desk vidcom signaled for the CO's attention.
   The smooth features and that distinctive dark flattop haircut belonging to
Comander Havoc materialized on the screen.  "Sir, I have the information you
requested on both DOVE and CENTURY stations.  I will bring the two micro-
datadiscs to your ready room shortly.  There are currently no other Fleet
Intell reports concerning known pirate or crime syndicate activity in the
Gruna Garu system other than what we already have for review."
   "I understand.  Upon closer examination of this data, I have some concerns
about the repeaters and the amount of work that will be required to repair and
re-que them.  Ascertain for me the number and availability of tendercraft and
station repair space in-system." 
   "Affirmative.  Sir, as you directed, all hands not currently manning
required systems are formed in the RecRoom awaiting your pleasure."
   Peiper acknowledges this last, turns off the comm unit, and begins the
process of changing into his dress uniform.  It is a simple procedure, one he
has done many times before.  In somber, almost ceremonial movements, the
captain attaches the last of the tunic clips and then fastens the silver
buckle on the sword belt.  The UPF Nova symbol, cut from a large diamond,
sparkles brillantly in the soft white light of the ready room.  
   Finally, Peiper removes his officers sword from the wall behind his desk.
With a swift and very agile twist of the wrist, he spins the well balanced
weapon and expertly sheaths it.  Prepared as such, the captain of the UPFS
KNEIS-ENAU opens the hatch and heads down to his assembled crew.

*****

26 GST HOURS TO JUMP:
   [chirp] "Ceptein, this is MedBey."
   Turning to his comm display, Captain Peiper smiles at the rounded Saurian
features of his female medical officer.  "What can I do for you, Lieutenant
O'onea?"
   "Ser, why ded you cut the power ta me two life sepport essistonce units?  I
know the two crewmon on them ere not en critical condition, bot those devices
also heve other assistance fonctions that teke o lot o unnecessery borden from
me stoff.  Pleese, ser, re-power them."
    Knowing that he looked perplexed, and hating that outward display, he
turned to his Operations chief.  The Humma turned to him, his whiskers
twitching in agitation, and answered the unspoken question.
   "Captain, I have not shifted power from MedBay.  My screens indicate that
all systems are green waved - including MedBay."
   "Find the problem Starman," stated Peiper.  "find it quickly..."
   "Yes, sir," answered Starman 1st Class Feipth.
   "Lieutenant O'onea, power will be restored shortly.  Captain, out."  

*****

10 GST HOURS TO JUMP:
   "Messages away, Captain,"(tic) intones the communications officer.
   "Confirmed.  Continue to scan all frequencies."(tic)
   Now that the standard communications had been sent out to Gruna Garu, there
was nothing really left to do.  The stations in Hargut's orbit and all vessels
in the shipping lanes would be alerted to the warship's eminient arrivial.
Now it was only a matter of patience as the time for jump to void rapidly
approached.

*****

7.5 GST HOURS TO JUMP:
   "Commander, contact off the starboard bow bearing 281.  The distance to
contact is 200K and will pass to starboard at 70K,"(tic) said the Operations
chief.
   "Confirm IFF transponder code.  Report,"(tic) replied Cmdr Havoc. 
   "Sir, she is running under a Yazarian militia ship
registration...Confirmed.(tic)  Her codes match the current registration for
the warship DEATHBRINGER.  Codes are current.  Your orders sir?"(tic)
   "Continue to track them and send standard greetings.  Do not power up the
weapons, but keep the laser battery crews on station.(tic)  Sensors, I expect
to know the second that vessel powers any weapondry..."(tic)
   "Aye sir."(tic)
 
*****

4.2 GST HOURS TO JUMP:
  "Captain?"(tic)
   "Yes Weapons - what is it?"(tic) responded Captain Peiper.
  "Sir," said the warrant officer, "our number three laser battery just went
off-line.  It is also not responding to any level diagnostic commands.  I have
two members of the beta team shifted to repair duty on LB3.  Sir, she was
green waved just twenty minutes ago..."(tic)
   Peiper leaned back in his command chair and scanned the weapons display as
LB3 began to flash red.  [beep...beep...beep]  "Confirmed, Weapons.  Do you
know what caused the battery to be taken off-line?"(tic)
   "Negative, sir."(tic)

_________________________________________________

OK - The K-E is rapidly approaching the jump point.  Your crew has worked out
the jump calculations and you have no reason to believe that they will not be
correct.  Over the last few hours several minor systems glitches have plaqued
the ship as noted above.  Note as well that a food processor in the galley and
the emergency fire suppression apparatus on deck 6 also went off-line.  
   All of the batteries were involved in the usual gunnery drills and no signs
of trouble emerged during that time.  (Prior to LB3 going down)
   As you outlined, all messages were sent ahead to Hargut.  The two messages
to the two stations will be sent upon exit from the void in Gruna Garu System.
(Closer/will cut transmit time)
   I have your instructions for your arrival in-system, but I'm not quite
there yet.  Look at this and get back to me.....