Sarah Hidalgo knows that it is going to be an adventure when she agrees to go off to the far-off country of Paradis to attend the linguistics program of one of the best international universities. What she doesn’t agree to are all the events that happen instead of her education, including but not limited to sky pirate takeovers, invasions by other countries, secret police, and crime bosses. But Sarah will not be alone in these adventures, for the colorful crew of a cargo airship will be alongside her. Perhaps finding some form of normality won’t be too difficult, if such a thing exists.
(Also Posting on Royal Road here)
Vol 1: Take Off
Every story has a beginning. They just don’t usually involve sky pirates.
Sarah Hidalgo has one last leg of her journey left before she reaches her destination. At least the crew of the ship she’s riding on seems nice, if not a bit strange.
The Echelon is boarded by unwelcomed guests.
The captain of the sky pirates is nothing if not…interesting. It doesn’t make him any less pirate-y.
Yager writes a ransom note and throws bottles out the window.
Sarah comes up with a plan. It’s a long shot, but it might work…
Something tells Sarah that this is not the first time that the crew of the Echelon has made a daring escape from this ship.
Getting the Echelon out of the Steel Eagle might prove to be a bit of a task.
A certain government body has questions about why there was a ship fleeing from the pirates in their air space.
Vol 2: Trouble in Paradis
Having finally arrived at her destination, Sarah begins her new schooling. Unfortunately, the political climate has other ideas.
Not all is right in Paradis, but Sarah’s going to make the best of it.
A friend of the professor arrives with some dire news.
Sarah once again has to tap into her wits and little deception skill if she hopes to avoid getting arrested.
A familiar face helps Sarah out of a jam.
Vol 3: Operation Visa
Maybe Dave should’ve looked into the logistics of hiring a foreigner before making the bluff he did.
Sarah gets her first taste of Aboloan proper.
Ch 2: It’s a Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood
Sarah misses the days when getting from point A to B was simple.
While paperwork isn’t Sarah’s favorite thing, at least it’s not trying to hurt her.
Maybe joining up with the Echelon was a bit more hazardous than she thought…
Sometimes all one can do is pick themselves up the best they can and move on.
Sarah’s knowledge of Syrealian comes into good use, especially since the Syrealians are unaware of it.
Vol 4: The Aleman Adventure
Some opportunities are too valuable to pass up, even in hostile territory.
Sarah and Mel cross paths with Juste at a cafe and Dave has good news.
Snakes come in all shapes, sizes, and number of limbs.
Sarah was bad enough socializing with normal people, much less secret agents.
Things get intense. (Warning: Some unpleasantness, but nothing graphic)
This type of place is not Sarah’s definition of a good time.
The crew gets an explanation for Mel’s disappearance and it’s not a pleasant one.
Sarah, Ash, and Claire meet Mel’s gracious “host”. Things get complicated.
The crew makes a hasty retreat, but not too hasty.
People dislike being tricked, especially military officers.
Vol 5: Return of Yager
A familiar face forces his way into the crews’ lives once again and drags them into his mess.
What should be a relaxing break quickly shapes up to be the opposite.
The infamous pirate captain returns to collect something.
In order to find the others, Ash takes the remaining crew members to an old friend’s place.
Between Yager and their usual luck, things go completely sideways.
Yager’s clearly not used to being the one not asking the questions. Too bad it’ll probably get them all killed.
Because a crew is never too far behind their captain.
Yager’s gratitude is like his speech pattern, everywhere and often baffling.
In which events do not happen in a vacuum.
Vol 6: “Vacation” Time
Because the crew cannot go more than a day without something happening apparently.
Ch 1: Errands with the General
One never knows who they’ll run into while shopping.
Something’s going down, though Sarah’s not quite sure what it is.
Yet another person for Sarah to add to her list of people to avoid.
Agreements are possibly reached.
Dave finally keeps his end of the deal and tells Sarah about the dark days after his accident. (Warning for discussions of drug addiction)
Stories by Ersa 