My first run
23 Nov 2019112DavidL
The bar in Azeban is a melting pot of life forms. Humans, aliens, cyborgs, and droids mingle and trade, whisper and shout, laugh and fight. I sit in a corner, sipping my Asellus Ale, trying to blend in. Then I see her.She walks in with confidence and style, wearing a shiny black lycra top and grey commander's pants with a red stripe on each side. A black utility belt holds various pouches and a BD-212 HiPower Blaster. Her raven hair is streaked with purple and blue, and her eyes scan the room. Our gazes meet, and I quickly look away.
She approaches me and sits next to me. I pretend not to notice her, but I can smell her perfume, a mix of exotic flowers and cinnamon, contrasting with the stale air of the bar. She orders a drink.
"Barkeep, one glass of white Colonia Ale." Her voice is soft and sweet, unlike the rough and crude tones of most commanders. I wonder what she is doing here.
"So, come here often?" She asks me, making me shiver.
"Who? Me?" I stammer, sounding like a fool.
"No, the Guardian sitting beside you." She jokes, pointing to an empty seat. She smirks, and I feel a flush of heat on my face.
"No, I'm just looking for work, or some advice on where to find it." I say, trying to sound casual.
"Well, kid, my name is Dragon. My ship is the Intervention, a Faulcon deLacy Python." She introduces herself, and I gasp.
"Wow, I've heard of Pythons, but I've never seen one." I say, sounding like a geek.
"Well, finish your drink and come with me." She says, flashing me another smirk. She leads me to the hangar bay, where her ship awaits. It is huge, white and grey, sleek and graceful, just like her. I walk around it, admiring the design and the battle scars. I notice the emblem of the Fuel Rats on the nose.
"Are you a fuel rat?" I ask, amazed.
"Yes." She answers, checking something under the landing gear.
"I've always wanted to join them." I say, excited to meet my first Fuel Rat.
"Well, how about you get your ship and meet me out in space? I'll see if you've got what it takes." She says, challenging me.
I hesitate, wondering if I should do this. But then I think, why not? This could be the start of something amazing.