[color=0072bc]“I’d appreciate a raise.” [/color]Jean joked as he pressed a series of buttons on his dashboard. [color=0072bc]“Us Sheriff blokes don’t get the appreciation we deserve from th’ Federation community. Thing is though, I’m likely to be promoted to galactic director if I bag our buddy-ol’-pal Bobby an’ I won’t have to worry bout finances ne’er ‘gain. So keep your head in th’ game an’ don’t die on me. I heard wot Mac said, I don’t wanna have to come carry y’all out.”
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	The [i]Ranger[/i] shuddered ever so slightly as the pirate cruiser drifted into it, causing the lights to flicker as extra power was directed to the shields. They held, but Jean didn’t like the grinding sound emanating from the ship’s stern. [color=0072bc]“Look,” [/color]he told Ursa, his voice growing more serious. [color=0072bc]“I’m impressive right, but even I can’t keep pulling stunts like that, the deeper y’all dive into the belly of th’ whale. The shielding and armor is just too much to punch through. So try not to engage th’ pirates in all out warfare again. If ya don’t mind that is, I prefer your pretty face in one piece.”

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	Deciding that discretion was the better part of valor the five survivors of the original pirate score took to the figurative hills in something more akin to a rout then a fighting retreat. Tearing down the hallways at full tilt weaponry and honor abandoned they moved faster then they ever thought possible. Further along they came across a patrol of four others, who in voices of dismay realized these five were the only remainder of a much larger force. This understanding led to more than one pirate shaking in their boots at the idea of an enemy who could slaughter fifteen of their brothers in arms with ease. Moral considerably lowered the scheming pirates rearmed their compatriots and scattered about in hidden positions, preparing an ambush for the encroaching invaders. Fingers steady on triggers they waited on baited breath, watching for any movement to emerge around the corridor.