As Eirik entered the armory he saw the 27 assembled crew members, already getting into their battle armor. A strange mix of old and new technology, the traditional ceramic plating used in the body armor had been scrapped in favor of heavy kevlar suits with tight fitted, tempered titanium chainmail placed around vital points for added protection. Along with the suit, it was decent protection from anything short of heavy caliber ballistic weapons or high-powered laser and plasma weapons. In melee, the added titanium mail provided good protection from most bladed weapons and the suit gave some cushioning against blunt force. Their helmets were as modern as they came, but with a design that made them resemble the ancient Norse Gjermundbu style of helmet.

As Eirik started equipping his own armor, the crew gathered around him to hear the battle plan. It was not often the captain joined a boarding party.

"We are going to do a double boarding action so we will have to split into 2 groups. Jesper will lead group Alpha while I will lead group Omega. Each group will split into 2 further squads of 7 men each, 2 with interlocking ballistic shields and wall spikes attachments" A collective groan sounded at those words, the wall spike shields were HEAVY "SHUT IT!! the last 5 men will load up with 3 automatic shotguns and 2 automatic rifles. Shield bearers will carry heavy pistols. Once the boarding pod gets us inside the shield bearers will interlock their shields in front of the entrance, and, provided we are lucky enough to hit a corridor going the right way, attach the wall spikes to make an impenetrable barrier. 1 shotgunner, most likely the squad leader, will stay with the shields, ready to defend the pod or rush to provide support to the last 4, who will split into strike teams and attempt to seize control of the bridge and the communications room. for melee, shield bearers take a collapsible spear, everyone else either axe or sword, though I recommend axe against Plyxii, though staying out of melee would be best. Aim for the head, shotguns go for legs. We want to slow them down to stop their charges. Those that surrender immediately will be prisoners, deposited with the shield bearers as collected, those that resist, die. There are no civilians, but please remember that I intend to sell off their ships and divide the profit. A more intact ship means more loot. Any questions??"

Upon hearing the last words, the men perked up considerably, a single hand being raised.

Not recognizing the soldier behind the ballistic and heat-resistant glass of the helmet, Eirik asked, "Are you new, soldier?"

The young man answered, "Yes sir, the name's Jimmie. What happens if we are killed?? how do we enjoy the rewards then??"

the young man sounded ever so slightly hostile and cocky at the same time, a bad combination in Eirik's experience, as it usually meant trouble. Straightening up while tightening the belt moving some of the weight of full titanium mail hanging over his kevlar suit, onto his hips, he answered sternly, "what you get, soldier, is that we pay a stipend to your family or whoever is left for the next 10 years as recompense for losing your life while you were employed by me. This was explained in great detail in the contract you signed before being let on board. Am I gonna have any trouble with you??"

"No trouble here captain, simply asking for clarification, which I have now acquired" the young man answered quickly, putting up a smile.

Eirik felt something was off about the smile but couldn't pin it down and decided it was simply his paranoia.

As they loaded up the last of their ammunition and went towards the boarding pods, a call came over the intercom "Captain, there is another communication attempt from the Plyxii. I think he wants to threaten you some more" The voice of David sounded slightly amused.

"Put it through to the boarding pod room, I will take it there."

Being the last to enter the room, Eirik pressed the button as soon as he could reach it. Immediately, the voice of the raging Plyxii rang through the room "finally you overcome your fear and answer our hails! Despite your weapons and shields we will prevail and take your ship as our treasure!! Your innards will be our feast!! YOUR HEARTS WILL BE -"

Eirik took off his helmet and moved it close to the panel on the wall, the microphone in the helmet causing feedback, which in turn caused the Plyxii to stop its ranting and cover its ears in pain

"Now that I have your attention" Eirik began, his men climbing into the 2 pods in the background. "don't worry, I'm coming over for a visit momentarily, I would rather talk in person"

A stunned "......what...." was the only reply before crawled into his pod, closed the hatch, and strapped in. Moments later he was thrown against his safety harness as the pod accelerated. He heard the familiar sound of covering fire from their guns and felt the familiar pang of fear and adrenaline hit his system as the inevitable thought entered his head, just like everyone else. "Will this be the time I die by an exploding pod, shot down without a fight?"

He had no need to worry, the attack of the "Void Wolf" surprising the enemy into inaction. as soon as the pods were near enough, they reversed speed to get out of weapon range of the Cruiser ships. No need to get damaged when it could be avoided. Let the boarders do their bloody work.

The screeching of metal and hiss of hydraulics and quick expanding sealing foam was the signal to begin. Slamming down on the release button of his harness, Eirik jumped up and opened the hatch to the pod. before he cracked the door his group was ready to go behind him. They spilled into the corridor and found it unguarded. following the plan, they split up and started moving on to their various objectives.

As both teams left, Eirik looked to the shield bearers and said "I'm going hunting. I have a meeting with a Plyxii." and took off down towards the armory of the ship. While formidable fighters in their own right, Plyxii leaders were cowards and would surround themselves with as many guards and soldiers as possible.

On a Plyxii ship, that was the armory. Rounding a corner, he saw a Plyxii soldier. The soldier must have heard him coming because he was already turning around and lining his rifle up. Hip firing, Eirik put 3 rounds of buckshot in the soldier before he fell over. Looking him over, Eirik saw that he still lived and ended his life with a shot to the head, spreading blood and brains over most of the nearby walls. He reloaded quickly as he heard heavy running steps closing in on his position. Moving back to the corner he came from he saw them at the end of the corridor, roaring in anger at the sight of the very dead soldier on the ground.

Using the corner as cover, Eirik was able to down another 3, the buckshot ripping through the legs and torsos with terrifying effects, spraying yellow blood with every hit. Without time to reload, the fourth and final Plyxii that had reacted to the shooting turned his corner and swiped at him with its finger-length claws. Attempting a desperate dodge, Eirik almost succeeded but could hear and feel the claws scrape across the rings of his mail. Grabbing the handle of the knife on his thigh and the handle of the axe on his hip, he countered with a slash towards the outstretched arm, followed by an underhand chop against the stomach.

Dodging the Knife slash. the Plyxii failed to see the axe and was disemboweled on the spot, the intestines spilling out on the floor between the 2 fighters. The shock of the injury gave Eirik enough time to drive the knife into the skull of his enemy, dropping them hard to the floor. Breathing heavily, He tried reloading the shotgun but had to take a deep breath to steady his hands from shaking. The adrenaline was raging around inside him, but he could already feel the bruise he would have tomorrow from that swipe.

Retrieving his knife and axe, his shotgun reloaded and partly covered in the yellow blood of the gutted Plyxii he suddenly started laughing slightly unhinged. he had missed the rush of proper combat, being a split second from death at any moment. Knowing that the wrong choice at the wrong time meant a final game over and a guaranteed pass to Valhalla. Getting his laughter under control he stalked down the hall. The wolf was on the hunt again and it had its prey's scent.