Resignation
08 Feb 2024Ryuko Ntsikana
Resignation
Robardin Rock, Carcosa system, Colonia Region
_____________________________
I didn't need to step into the bar to observe everyone inside. From my vantage point, it was easy to see the crowd below. The lower-level pirates were the most obvious, adhering to an unwritten rule that seemed to dictate they must look as dystopian and intimidating as possible. The captains were slightly better dressed, but not by much. However, the real players, the ones who didn't quite fit in with this rough crowd, wouldn't be found in such a place unless there was no alternative.
I knew they would be on the levels above the hangar, in the finer establishments not marked on the station's 'you are here' map. The elevators scattered around the concourse wouldn't take me there. To reach those areas, I had only two options: the offices hidden behind the bar or a non-accessible area near the hangars reserved for those who needed a quick getaway.
The enforcers were another distinct group, easily distinguishable from the standard Dominator combat-suited security personnel that patrolled the station. They dressed more elegantly, casually observing every detail and keeping an eye out for anyone who might disrupt their employer's business. Regardless of their affiliations or career choices, it all came down to the bottom line.
I knew my presence would not go unnoticed. Nobody in this part of the galaxy dressed to impress unless they were known to one of the three aligned organizations affiliated with the managing minor faction of this station, or they were fresh off the latest fleet carrier, and blissfully ignorant. A competitor wouldn't risk drawing attention to themselves in such an obvious manner, although there weren't many competitors to begin with in this sparsely populated sector of the universe.
I approached a kiosk terminal near the elevators and began scanning the available missions and their providers. This would give me a starting point to understand who needed what and who was aligned with whom at the moment. I planned to cross-reference this data with the regular ship mission availability, which was separate from those requiring on-foot interactions. Once I had compiled all the information, I could visit the various systems of interest and obtain their mission lists, helping me create a complete picture; something my benefactor was keenly interested in.
With my on-foot reconnaissance completed, I made my way back to the elevators, returning to the hangar where my ship was berthed. I knew that the station's security feeds were closely monitoring my every move. There was no doubt they had already scanned my ship's identification and were building a dossier on my identity. However, the court's judgment wouldn't be included in their records, as our agreement was sealed and not part of the public record, unless I failed or decided to run.
Back at my ship, I ascended the entrance stairs and noticed one of the Achilles XS801 security androids, assigned for my safety, but there were no doubts they were doubling as spies. I couldn't disable them without jeopardizing our arrangement, and in this remote sector of the universe, there were few places to hide.
Sitting down in a seat in my Python's galley, I picked up a data tablet to review my benefactor's instructions once more. My reflection stared back at me from the screen. While there wasn't much to this place, it was far better than what I had left behind. If everything went according to plan, I could come out of this in a lucrative position, much better than anything I could have hoped for back in the bubble. I had no intention of voiding the agreement by disabling any of the several androids that were onboard my ship.
Letting out a sigh, I set the tablet down and walked down the corridor to my cabin, loosening the top of my uniform along the way.