Captain "Patch" Flint had been a successful captain of a modified Pirate Gashidda through several major engagements, including the last run where, under Silverbeard, they had broken the siege at Kardardiir and then gone on with the Madame Fourcade to capture a major shipment of arms, as well as an Aasha class cruiser!

As a result, Jack has been promoted to command his own modified Shamshir, which he gets to name as it is launched from the Lone Pine Shipyards.

Jack strolled along the decks of his new Shamshir with a smug grin on his face and occasionally adjusting the patch over his eye to get a better look at the bulkheads and general quality of the craft. He was very satisfied.

"Glorious beast isn't she... the scourge of the sector, she'll be and no doubt our star will rise to infamous record. he mused aloud to those nearby. "Though, it is tradition... he cringed at his own use of the word, having always been radically opposed to the Vilani notion of 'keep everything the same and steeped in tradition'. He was a pirate of mind as well as body; enlightened one might say. … to name the vessel before it conducts its first cruise. While it may have already had a name, I think i'll name her Starshine - as she'll shine brightly after her namesake" he said with a sigh of satisfied resolve.

Starshine  A good name.

In reply to Jack 'Patch' Flint (msg # 2):

"Starshine it is"

You needed no introduction to the speaker. Indeed, you did not even have to turn to see who it was. He had led this particular group of pirates since they had set out and armed their first Hero, pennant number 609723654. Did not even have a name till they gave it an unofficial one. Silverbeard had remained in charge as they grew, and eventually, with Terran help, gotten their own planet. Now he was the planetary Governor, and recognized by Girii no less!

There have been reservation in accepting Girii authority though. Especially now.

"We are sending a force to break the blockade near Girii. It looks like a great chance to take some ships. I want you in on it. There will be the new modified Merishmerr, two other Shamshirs and Starshine, plus all our escorts and a few other Gashiddas. You will not be in charge of the whole fleet, since this is your first mission, but it should give you a feel for what your ship can and cannot do. Any thoughts on that?"

Jack didn't look at Silverbeard, instead he considered the question and thought about the ramifications of the conflict in both victory and defeat.

"It'll be good to see what she can do. Girii has helped us a lot, so it seems a wise move. Plus, it should deter other attempts against the planet.

Are there any specific requirements other than to capture as many ships as possible and break the blockade? he asked.