Gravity
16 Feb 2024Ryuko Ntsikana
Gravity
Colonia Region
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I was starting to learn that hauling around these business types wasn’t a bad gig. Good pay for short distances made taking small detours to scan a list of systems, transmitted to Aby the evening before by my benefactor, take some of the edges off what I was doing here, to begin with. As Aby had said, as my reputation increased, so did the prospects and pay, which made it easier to choose those willing to part with the most credits, from their accounts into my pocket.
I did have one enterprising little sprite attempt to interdict me. Guess one of those I was transporting in the back had a little mistress on the side and her main toy wasn’t too keen on that. Sad for them really, as they weren’t the best pilot to begin with, and didn’t know that gravity was equal opportunity. I skimmed through the upper range of a nearby planet, watching them fall into trail. The moment they activated their interdictor, it locked onto the largest source, which was not me. I watched their signal vanish as they were propelled at light speed straight into its surface.
Aby looked at me with concern as a smirk formed on my face as I watched the dust from the impact rise high into its atmosphere. “I learned that move years ago.”
“Your pleasure in its end result is confusing.”
An android with a conscience… sheesh.
“Would letting them put holes in the hull and vacuuming out our passengers help your ethics programming?”
“They had low-order pulse lasers. Against your shielding and reinforced hull, they would not have succeeded.”
My eyes narrowed all on their own. “Just as well not to test that theory. But you are correct in that it is unfortunate. If he had any bounties, we can’t claim them, as his fate was all by his own hand.”
Aby processed the information as I piloted away from the planet’s gravitational influence and set course to our destination in the next system over.
“What made you think of using the planet’s gravity?”
Space swirled around as the jump engines engaged.
“One of several tricks the old crusty types teach the younger associates. Actually, I’m surprised I remembered it. When it was explained to me, my mind was blotted out on old fiery rotgut whiskey and Onionhead.”
Aby stared at me with those deadpan doll-like android eyes again — creepy.
“What is it?”
“I was programmed to expect certain behaviors and watch for specific characteristics. You have exhibited some while being the opposite of the others.”
This was getting annoying. “Do tell.”
“You have not sought recreational pleasures, been dangerously brazen, arrogant, nor have you exhibited unhindered cursing language.”
I couldn't suppress the laugh. “So, you’re surprised that my kind can be professional?”
“I believe that was what I said.”
There my eyes went rolling again.