A Casual Introspection
15 Jan 2019Holo
Sipping my coffee as the repairs and maintenance were done on my Kudounokaze-- I could only smirk to myself at the sheer stupidity that had unfolded not even an hour ago. As a result of this, I couldn't bring myself to look over my shoulder at my fight pilot, Abby. I could only imagine she had a rather authentic "I told you so" expression, while triumphantly folding her arms together.I could only sigh and close my eyes, as I took another sip.
I had returned to my home in Slink's Eye after a call to arms within the Federation. The Imperials have been attempting a rather aggressive expansion into a system that was in direct conflict with us-- Needless to say, the Federation refused to back down. This had gone on for a few days, and towards the end of it, I had upgraded a few of my ships from the rewards I reaped. After going off to far flung systems to grab some... relics I guess? Sure, relics... for an engineer to get started on my shields. A worthwhile investment, and my Kudounokaze was the first to taste these upgrades. Before settling completely down back in Kelleam Ring, I had decided to go out to the local mining zones to patrol alongside the fellows who did so as their job. We never really arranged anything-- just a sort of come and go system; not that I mind of course.
Well, I decided to jump into one of those zones were my fellows couldn't follow-- I think it has something to do with the sensor disruptions and lack of distress beacons... Or it could just involve the highly lethal levels of pirates-- Which I knew was the case this time around and jumped in regardless.
After a few minutes of patrolling, Abby skillfully aiding the destruction of a few pirates, and a few limpets here and there to collect parts-- I came across a certain wing; a Federal Assault Ship and two Krait Phantoms.
My eyes immediately beamed, but Abby almost immediately, astutely refused to jump head first into this fight. I had lost my last shield cell bank, and we were coming off another fight that nicked my shields down.
But hey, what's the worst that can happen?
--------------------------------------
I could only sigh and sip again, recalling those events and staring at the 7% indicator in the bottom right of my dashboard.
The machinery around us buzzed and flames flicked on and off continually, until that number slowly went back up.
A few moments of awkward silence is the best I could describe of the situation. But alas, it wouldn't leave on its own.
"... Alright, fine-- I'm sorry." I threw my hands into the air in a sort of melodramatic way; with the cup of coffee set aside, of course.
Abby relentlessly pursued, "What do you mean, you're sorry? We came off a fight with a couple of gunships, whom were armed to the teeth and steel padded to the bones. But sure, let's go after a couple of fighters that completely counter your ship's configuration. We nearly died, but hey at least you're sorry."
I winced at the last sentence, knowing it was coming. No amount of preparation could prepare for that volatile bag of savagery however.
I wasn't really sure what an ex-imperial bounty hunter was doing in Kelleam Ring, and to be frank, she was selected because she had the lowest cut offer. But coming to know her over the months since; she's presented a rather enjoyable experience while in the Black. I always dance around the subject regarding her son, whom was apparently a part of the Imperial Guard. For that reason alone, I never once have taken her with me when the call of duty arose for myself. Whether she knows why or not, I don't know. But I can't bring myself to have her risk that encounter one day.
I smiled and sipped the last of the coffee. I looked over only to see her exasperating smile, not the condescending attitude I thought I'd see earlier. I rested my back on my chair and simply closed my eyes.
"Abby, would you like another round of drinks at the Bar? On me of course."
I could hear the slight chuckle under her breath, "Now you're really sorry at least-- Let's go."
While there are plenty of other people I will encounter and fight, and trade or wing up with-- Abby is part of my crew; so naturally, I'll have to do my best to treat her well.
