Awakening
13 Jun 2017Keija Suresh
The figure sat at their desk, the faint blue wisp of smoke snaking a line towards the air recycler in the ceiling. The individual’s form was masked in shadow, so it was impossible to tell whether they were male or female. After a few moments of silent contemplation, the bright orange glow of the lit cigarette occasionally flaring as they inhaled, the figure tapped a command sequence into the panel built into their desk. A holo appeared shortly after, depicting a small, modest cabin, typical of those found in most semi-reputable space stations. There was a man lying on the bed, a lean but muscular arm draped across his face. The figure simply watched for a few more moments before tapping another command sequence into the desk. A few seconds later, a dataslate on the stand next to the man’s bed began to chirp insistently, indicating an incoming voice connection.* * *
With a weary sigh, Keija reached over and tapped the receive button on his dataslate.
“Hello again, Keija,” the androgynous voice intoned, a hint of amusement in their voice.
“My mysterious benefactor. To what do I owe the pleasure?” the dark-skinned man replied flatly.
“Now now, no need for the sarcasm my dear. I just wanted to make sure you’re settling in alright. I noticed you’ve accepted my offer and wasted no time in pledging your allegiance to our lovely princess. Well done. It really is the best option for you. And think of all the good you’ll be doing!”
This time the voice made no attempt to mask their amusement.
“What. Do. You. Want?”, Keija replied, nearly growling through clenched teeth.
“Fine, fine, we’ll skip the pleasantries since you insist on being a brute,” the voice responded, a sharp exhale of smoke punctuating their annoyance. “On to business. You’re on the right track. And joining the Angels will only help you in the long run, so good work there too. While you’re waiting for an opportunity to meet with them and to prove your worth, I want you to head to the Qa’Wakana system and assist the Knights of Karma in their plans to build a new mining facility in the region. They’re independents, but we have an interest in this all the same.”
The figure pauses for a moment to savor another long drag on their cigarette, forcing Keija to wait before they continue. “I want you to sell that Cobra of yours. You won’t need it anymore. Use the funds to outfit the Vulture I’ve sent to your station. You’re going to be doing some bounty work.” The amusement is back in the figure’s voice as they continue. “I think the Kali will serve you well in this.”
Keija’s expression slowly darkened as the voice spoke its instructions. When he heard the name of the ship his brow lowered, a snarl escaping his lips as he tossed the dataslate across the cabin, suddenly and violently ending the connection.
* * *
The shadowy figure continued to watch from afar, the surveillance device continuing to display the room as Keija swung his legs over the side of the bed, his shoulders slumped in resignation. The orange glow of the cigarette illuminated red painted lips, the corners of the mouth curled into a satisfied smirk.