By Douglas Niles - Star Frontiersman

The Gullwind’s radar will detect these vessels andshow that they are traveling 2 hexes slower thanthe Gullwind per turn. They are accelerating atmaximum speed. If the Gullwind accelerates atmaximum speed, she will get away easily; if not,she will have to fight.The two ships are frigates of the Malthar(Drasimian and Starhawk. Their statistics are listedon the “Outer Reach Militia” roster (p.40). If theycan close to combat range, they will attempt todestroy the Gullwind’s drives and weapons, and ifsuccessful, they will tow the freighter to Dramune,where she will be boarded as described in sectiondelta.3.2. Hit and RunThis encounter should occur in the last system thatthe Gullwind crosses before reaching Dramune(probably Cassidine or Fromeltar). Set it up justlike “The Big Guns,” with radar detecting a ship at30 hexes. The ship is closing at maximumacceleration (5 ADF), so the Gullwind cannot outrunher.This is the assault scout Maltharia, also listed onthe Outer Reach Militia roster. She will attempt todestroy the drives of the Gullwind, but will thenleave the freighter drifting. If no call for help ismade, two corvettes will arrive six days later, totake the Gullwind under tow. The corvettes will leadher to Darkworld Station, as described in delta.3.3. MirageIf the PCs are left stranded after the “Hit and Run”and make a call for help, the UPFS Melinda McCoy(destroyer) and Dirk (assault scout) will answer theappeal. Statistics for these ships are included under“UPF Spacefleet Escort” on the UPF ship roster(p.42).The Captain of the Melinda McCoy is Klattic K’tal, aVrusk Commodore. He sees to it that the Gullwindgets to the nearest SCC for repairs, but he won’tconsent to carry a message for the PCs.But K’tal does radio ahead to Dramune—privately—informing the UPF there that somethingfunny seems to be going on. When the Gullwindmoves out, the escort vessels shadow her (3019