Chapter 2: The first pursuit.

They kept moving, sometimes in their human form and sometimes as werewolves. It was important that they could plot where moons would be so they could remain in control of themselves, but so far Rin-kon had excelled at being a navigator.

Their escape from the Coobal system had been easy and they knew that this would not last. Del-ros had been monitoring a couple of ships who were possibly on the same route as them.

"Rin, notice those three ships?" he asked pointing to the screen.

Rin looked over and exchanged a glance with Dal-kel.

"Let's just change course slightly, nothing too much and see what they do." said Dal-kel.

"5 degree shift, maintain speed." ordered Rin-kon.

They sat quietly watching the screen. After a few minutes Del-ros sighed, "Nothing, no change from them."

Dal-kel was not sure. "Rin, notify Den and Fer to take tactical positions on the weapons.

As Rin disappeared into the back of the ship, Dal-kel remained vigilant. Nothing ever happened by chance. What would he do if he was pursuing someone? Change course when they did or be more subtle, he knew the answer.

Rin-kon came back and took his position. "Has anyone checked out the food supplies?"

"It would be standard for their to be rations on-board for a long voyage." replied Del-ros.

"I mean real food, not that simulated stuff."

"I suppose there wouldn't be anything fresh as their voyage was coming to an end."

"Maybe they were shipping food as well as werewolves."

"Maybe we'll find daskrans in abundance in the hold."

"Daskrans, I've not had a good daskran for…"

Del-ros interrupted, "Those ships have just changed their course by 5 degrees."

"Nobody panic," started Dal-kel,he flicked a switch so he could broadcast throughout the ship. "Den, Far power up the weapons, we are going to lure them in, no point trying to outrun them, that is what they will expect. Del, slow us down by 60 techs and see what they do, Rin, be ready for tactical manoeuvres on my command."

The ship slowed down, the tracking ships, they could now see there were three small patrol type vessels also slowed, but not by the same speed.

"Bring us to a complete stop."

The ship came to a halt in the middle of space.

"Find something to throw out of the ship, let them think we might be getting rid of some garbage."

The ships came into firing range, but Dal-kel refused to put up the shields. "Let's not spook them." he calmly said.

A red light came up on the cc and a voice came through. "Identify yourselves, this is Coobal security."

On the internal Dal-kel asked for weapons to be made ready.

"This is Lupin Three, just making some small repairs to our systems, how can we help you?"

"Your ship has been reported as stolen, would you allow us to board and check your papers?"

"Of course, no problem."

The first ship moved forward.

"Hold, hold…" whispered Dal-kel, "just wait a bit longer."

When the first ship was in a position that was blocking the other two Dal-kel shouted, "Target weapons, fire, maximum."

Fer-tel fired the laser particle weapon. The beam went straight through the first ship, and hit the second ship that was in line behind.

"What kind of weapon was that?" shouted Rin-kon, they all look amazed at the power that it had generated.

"That's not a standard weapon!"

The third ship turned and powered at full speed.

What shall we do?" asked Rin-kon.

"Hunt, pursue, destroy."

In human form it is difficult for werewolves to be so callous. But the five men onboard knew that they were hunted breed and from now on, even when they were men, they would have to think like werewolves.

As men they were not murderers, this was a completely different situation and within moments the third ship had been disabled.

The performance of the newly named Lupin Five had exceeded all their expectations and they knew now that they had a special ship.

This had opened up a whole new set of possibilities for them. They would be pursued but they were a team now, they had taken on their oppressor and won this first battle. They would not want to be involved on a regular basis and they had not invited the situation.

Dal-kel sat and pondered all the options. What was it that they were going to be? What was it that they could achieve. Was it fate that five werewolves, the most persecuted species in the sector, had been handed a spaceship that was beyond the capabilities of most. He had never believed in the god of werewolves, and he allowed himself a smile at he thought that he had even allowed it into his mind.

"Where to now?" asked Rin-kon.

"Let's find a planet with several moons, and animals to hunt. We should have a feast to celebrate." replied Dal-kel.