On patrol outside the busy starport of Brunel City, Heike Security Forces pilot Kenji Nobu reluctantly admits that not all visitors to the station are being subjected to „the full scrutiny of the law“.

„There's just too many of them and too few of us“, Nobu said, resignedly. In the last 24 hours, nearly 750 ships have docked at Brunel City, mostly small or medium transport ships – over 10 times normal volumes.

„Word is that the brass is waiting on approval for emergency funds. The pilots' union rep said we might have to put in some overtime. Nothing I haven't heard before, though“, said Nobu.

Dockworker Sothy Ferrell elaborated on what was drawing pilots to the station: „Some fruits, some coffee, but mostly tea. How 'bout those monks growing the stuff? No doubt they're loaded!“

It has been reported that a faction called Emperor's Dawn has recently issued a contract for large quantities of ceremonial Heike tea. The group is located over 200 light years from Heike, with most of the journey lying within Federation space.

„I might recognize a name or two coming up on the scanner“, said Nobu, „but most of it just runs together. Listen, I gotta get back to my patrol.“

Commander Tyber de Maat

Zaonce Market Circular | Interstellar Press GalNet, 26.08.3301