[snip]

Once the go ahead was given for tractoring the Merrimack came about and carefully came into position standing off by about 1km before activating the tractor beam. Things came through clean and they were as ready as they could be to move back into the system.

GM CockRoach

Williams eyes narrowed, who could have sent such a signal flair “Alright, let’s start towing the ship back at .8c to start with. Give me a detailed sensor scan of the nearby area” He ordered “Ask the Alstair Captain if they can figure out how that signal flair was set up and by whom”

CSO

”..Aye sir, I’ll relay the request now..” The NE said.

Slowly then at the order given the Merrimack accelerated with the tractor beam enabled. Soon reaching the relatively slow snail pace of .8c barely reaching about a quarter impulse power. But that said they were soon on their way back to Alstaire Prime with so far no problems reported.

GM CockRoach

William disliked waiting but that was what one did in this chair, usually he would spend the extra time doing something, going over sensor readings, reports or even sending messages to his teams. He resisted the urge to pace around the bridge and looking over consoles, the crew was well trained and knew what they were doing. He crossed his legs and absently stroked the chair arm giving an outward sense of calm and patience.

CSO

Within a few hours the slow moving trio of ships soon came back into orbit around Alstaire Prime safe and sound. There was an almost palpable buzz of excitement from the radio chatter around them from the Alstair ships which confirmed this was one of their missing sleeper ships!

GM CockRoach