LITMIR.BIZ

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on, “Then tag along under a convenient freighter that is moon-bound. Conveniently one of our freighters just happens to be ready to do so with the take-off path passing by that canyon mouth.”

      “Hmm, perhaps if it makes a couple of return trips in the meantime and my shuttle tags along on one of the back legs that should work,” Humph said, “The first couple of times I would expect to be thoroughly examined, and after which they may slack off a bit.”

      “If I were a smuggler that would sound like a good plan,” Roxz said pretending that of course, he wouldn’t condone such a thing, “Perhaps if I suggested to Captain Gonxz that the moon needs a couple of urgent deliveries this week; I’ll just ring him.”

      Punching numbers into his phone, he then listened a moment then said, “It’s your old mate here; Aunt Luna is running a bit short of her favourite drop, you know the sort that Uncle Gimpy likes, well if you take a couple of loads there this week I would appreciate it. How’s the fishing on the coast?”

      Then after a pause, “I may call there to see if I can catch a big one, I will listen to the weather forecast for a couple of days’ time.”

      “So if we load up then make a move towards the coast; before the posse starts snooping around,” Hnetz suggested. Directing their attention to the garage under the house, she escorted them to the waiting speeders.

      “Ah excellent jobs, I believe these are supposed to be restricted to Colonel and above?” Killa commented admiring the vehicles waiting.

      “Rank does have its privileges,” Hnetz admitted, “Mount up, would you like two bikes Humph?” taking note of his bulk.

      “Perhaps you are right,” Humph agreed and split into two smaller versions then announced in duet, “Ready when you are.”

      “Nice trick you would be the envy of all the weight watchers in the galaxy,” Roxz marvelled.

      Gathering the gear the troop mounted leaving the regular staff to make the place look innocent and misdirect any inquiries. The farmers also were advised to suggest that the occupants of the van had changed to a more suitable vehicle and to head further inland to visit a factory. With the team on the trail, Roxz and Hnetz leading with the two Humph bringing up the rear; Mike and Algertz being young started showing off their skills with short bursts to the side and weaving through the trees finding the straight and narrow too monotonous.

       . . .

      Two Imperial troop shuttles zeroed onto the farm and landed unloading two squads of speeders and a dozen Stormtroopers on foot.

      The leader of the detachment strode up to the house and demanded, “The occupants of this vehicle, where are they?”

      “They took the land speeder as they were going to visit Gerasving, which has a rough road,” The farm wife blurted apparently dismayed by the question, “They went about an hour ago.”

      Turning to the speeders, “Two bikes proceed up the road towards the village of Gerasving; the rest of the speeders split up and search the rest of the farm looking for any signs.”

      “Troopers search the house barns and any other building, report everything back here.”

      Turning back to the farm wife, “Who else is here? I want to speak to them,” He ordered.

      “The men folk are mustering up towards the back paddock and won’t be back for another hour,” The farm wife said as she pointed.

      “Escort all farmers back here when you locate them, you should find them on the western boundary,” He ordered over the radio.

      By the time the buildings were cleared by the troopers and the farmhands located, the radio buzzed with the news that the speeders had seen no land speeders between here and Gerasving.

      Turning to the farm woman the NCO commented, “Either it is far faster than any road vehicle built or you were mistaken,” Then he ordered the shuttle, “Go aloft and run a thermal trace on the roads and see if vehicles have headed towards the back of the farm.”

      Within minutes, the radio informed him that traces were found leading to the back gate, and there was a villa in the forest behind where there was thermal activity.

      “Stay there I will join you with the other shuttle. Keep an eye on that house,” The NCO ordered, “Expect a lot of trouble over this time wasting,” The last aimed at the trembling woman.

      “Load this shuttle, speeders team up with the other shuttle and hold till I get there. No firing of weapons.”

       . . .

      “I am detecting radio transmissions behind us; it seems they are on to us,” Humph announced.

      “Right, pick up the pace they will be on our trail before long, and we need to open up a gap,” Hnetz shouted avoiding the radio.

      When the group came to the edge of the open space, Humph called a halt, “Stop a minute and I will provide everyone with a helmet so that we can communicate.”

      As they paused, Humph handed Mike and the three Oxzen a portion of gel each which had split from each of the ‘Humphs’ and as they held their gel ball it reformed into a helmet which they placed on their heads and smiled as Humph now spoke directly.

      “Okay, let’s move,” Humph voice sounded in their ears, “If you wish to converse with one person, say their name and what you say next will go only to that person in my voice; just speak, and everyone hears except of course the Imperials.”

      The group sped up until they reached the open ground where they split up and fanned out as Hnetz suggested.

      “Each bike only leaves a small trace, and we are travelling at the same speed as the Imperial shuttles and their speeder bikes, it should be difficult for them to locate where we leave the open and rendezvous at the spaceport.”

      As they entered the far side of the plains, Hnetz called them together with Humphs coordinating the gathering so that the final section of the trip to the port.

       . . .

      The two shuttles having determined that a party had departed through the forest towards the coast.

      “Speeders to follow the pathway, I will take the two shuttles aloft and try to pick up traces to give a direction.”

      Initially, He was able to develop a thermal image of half a dozen speeder bikes and was able to direct their progress. The shuttle followed this trace until they reached the edge of the forest where the thermal images faded as the group spread out. The individual tracks weren't able to be followed at pursuit speed, so the team had to slow drastically. It was soon evident that they had lost the direction that their quarry had taken.

      “Damn, lost them,” The leader cursed then reported in, “Red team to Reynar, target party departed house beyond the farm. Occupants deny any knowledge of destination except pointing in the direction of departure. The team lost contact when the quarry split-up to cross open area.”

      “Message received; behaviour consistent with the fugitive group you are tracking, correct procedure was followed, report back to the assembly area and regroup for further orders.”

      “Acknowledged, regroup at sector HQ,” The leader acknowledged then ordered, “Shuttles land and load bikes.”

       . . .

      Using several circuitous routes, Hnetz directed the group towards the hidden port and hangar complex.

      Humphs announced that radio transmissions had faded behind them, it would seem that they had gained the refuge without having unwelcome company.

      “Like the good old days, pity that was when I was young and could enjoy it a bit more. So we are here, freshen up and see what old gimpy does next,” Roxz said, “We have the place to ourselves, and it’s designed to give only background level traces.”

      “That

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