He sifted through the logs, cross-referencing information and organizing the data to get a clear picture of their haul. As he analyzed the contents of the freighters, a theory began to form in his mind. He found out that this fleet belonged to a small trading firm, based on Saturn’s moons.

"These goods were destined for three private companies in the Faunus System," Ubel mused, his brow furrowing in thought. "Interesting."

He knew the Faunus System well from his time in the game. It was a hotbed of activity, with numerous factions vying for power and influence. The private companies in particular were known for their ruthlessness and willingness to do whatever it took to achieve their goals. Their client was Stern-Ballast-Ergo Company, Germaine Union Inc., and Asul Ltd.

Thanks to the Blackbox, he also identified these unknown corporations. These three corporations were manufacturing something for the Alliance. What it was though, there was no information from the BlackBox. But the profits from the cargo they had been transporting were guaranteed to be 100 million in credits per delivery. A very lucrative deal for such a small trading firm.

Ubel also found more information about the UGTR's movements in the sector by combining the context clues from the black box and ship logs. These three freighters were actively aware of the UGTR’s movement and were also trying to avoid them.

A UGTR-affiliated firm, working for the Alliance?

Ubel thought for a moment and then decided to shake these revelations off. He was not a shipping magnate anymore. So he doesn’t care about who wins or loses in the future conflict between Terrans and the Colonials.

He was now a pirate, and he would steal from both. Also even if he involved himself, he will find it more annoying to get dragged by the politics. Something that made him bored in his past career in the game.

Then he went through the list of cargo that this fleet had but found out that they had no designations. He sighed and realized that he had to wait for the inspection of his droids to finish.

He released the control of the droid and went back to his flagship, the Blitzkrieg while waiting for the inspection of goods from the captured UGTR freighters to finish. As the pirates and droids worked diligently to open and check every cargo, he took the opportunity to review the ship logs and manifests in detail again. Then after several rechecks and skimming, he was notified by a holo from a droid.

"Captain, we've finished inspecting the plundered goods.”

“Now send in the lists.”

The droid immediately sent him the result of their inspection.

“Sending complete, captain.”

"Good work," Ubel replied, his gaze fixed on the holographic display before him. "Now, let's see what else we have here..."

His eyes went wide open as he saw a single line in the lists of cargo.

Gaia Alloy Plates.

Now he had a clear picture of where this conspiracy was going.

The Alliance probably had contracted Terran Corporations to build them a ship inside Terran Territory. But then, he sighed in disappointment.

“Tsk. What a bland twist if this is the truth…” Ubel clicked his tongue, he didn’t expect to get such a lame possibility. He breathed deeply and decided to ignore this conspiracy instead. Then he mused on where he could sell these plates as they are very valuable. Gaia Alloy Plates were restricted by UGTR from being publicly traded as it was one of the core materials for the hulls of their capital ships.

Then Ubel glanced over the list of captives who had been locked behind their former ship’s brigs, their hands bound and expressions fearful. He wanted to dispose of all of his plunder in a single stop as he already had another target for his next raid.

"Prepare the fleet for another warp," he ordered, turning to the droid acting as his helmsman. "We're heading to Banedog's Backyard."

The droids nodded in acknowledgment, quickly setting to work on securing the entire fleet again for the warping ahead.

In the furthest reach of Pluto’s orbit, Banedog's Backyard was a notorious floating asteroid colony that had once served as a UGTR outpost, then was abandoned and became a refuge for outlaws and criminals. Over the years, it had grown into a thriving spaceport and trading hub for those operating outside the law. His once favored stop when he and his friends would raid starports and colonies for fun.

As the Blitzkrieg set course for their destination, Ubel couldn't help but feel again a sense of excitement. Ubel Holos stood again before the assembled crew, his gaze sweeping over each of them as they listened intently to his words. The dim light of their ships cast shadows across their faces, adding an air of gravity to the discussion.

"Now that we've secured the cargo and the captives, it's time to discuss our next steps," Ubel began, his voice firm and commanding. "But before we proceed, I want to know how your group typically handles your plunder, stolen cargo, and captured ships."

The crew exchanged glances, silently deliberating before one of them, a grizzled female veteran with a burnt scar running down from her eye to her cheek, spoke up.

"Normally, we add the captured ships to our fleet and sell off the stolen cargo to passing traders." She explained in her holo, her voice rough with years of experience in the pirate trade.

Ubel nodded thoughtfully, considering their options. It was a common practice among pirates to seize valuable goods and ships and then sell them off to the highest bidder. But in this case, he had something different in mind.

"Thank you for your input," Ubel said, his mind already racing with possibilities. "However, I propose a different course of action. Instead of selling off the cargo piecemeal, I suggest we take it to Banedog's Backyard and sell it there. The potential rewards are worth it. We'll divide the profits among ourselves and make a tidy sum."

The crew looked at him with surprise, clearly intrigued by his proposal.

"Banedog's Backyard?" one of them echoed, raising an eyebrow. "That's a bold move, Captain Ubel. Although there are no authorities there, the ruling gangs and bosses there won't take kindly to outsiders trying to sell stolen goods. The tax would be very, very high."

Ubel nodded, acknowledging the risks involved. But he was confident in his ability to navigate the dangerous waters of the underworld.

"I'm aware of the risks," he replied, his tone resolute. "But I believe the potential rewards outweigh the dangers. Banedog's Backyard is a hub for those operating outside the law, and there's a market for goods of all kinds. We just need to find the right buyers. And under the right coat of FAFO, no gang or cartel would try something funny."

“Fafo?” Creed asked.

“Fuck around and found out.” Ubel grinned. “These gangs would inevitably become a normal encounter as we rise with our reputation. So you all should get used to it.”

The other crew exchanged looks, silently weighing their options. It was clear that Ubel's plan was a risky one, but they also recognized the profit potential.

"Very well, Commander Ubel," the scarred veteran said, her expression determined. "We'll follow your lead. But be warned, if things go south, we won't hesitate to cut our losses and leave you behind. We won’t die a dog's death, be captured by bounty hunters and outlaws, and sold as a slave. The poison that you gave us won’t stop us from choosing death."

Ubel met her gaze with a steely resolve, his mind already set on the path ahead.

"Very well then," Ubel said, despite confirming that he still had yet to earn their full trust, a smile played at the corners of his lips. "Let's make preparations to depart for Banedog's Backyard. We have a fortune to claim."