Shakedown Cruise 2
11 Mar 2020NeLs0n RaD
04.03.3306 / Aboard: Krait MkII 'Antares' 3TG2-7 /Ops Region: Fan Yin / Ops System: OPSEC Classified / Current Contract: Pirate Eradication (Massacre)I glanced over to the very knowledgeable Ms Rahsheed, my respect meter going up a couple of notches. I was obviously dealing with a professional.
“Do you reckon I could get a look at 'er?” I asked.
At this she frowned slightly, “I'm afraid not, Commander, as that particular ship is privately owned...” Then she brightened again, “However you can take a full tour of the ship in our holo-suite. There you can be informed of all the ship's options, ask any questions you may have, and even take a virtual test flight with the ship in any configuration you desire... including a fighter bay...” and then came that smile again.
A little over an hour later I emerged from the holo-suite. I was a bit surprised to see Ms Rahsheed waiting for me in the customer lounge area casually reading a data-pad. Seeing me coming out of the holo-suite, she set the pad aside on a low table and flashed that wonderful smile as she straightened,
“I do hope the demo met with your approval, Commander. Were you able to come to a decision on your purchase?”
“Well that I have, Ms Rahsheed. I do believe I'll be taking a Krait Mk II today”, I replied.
“Wonderful Commander, and an excellent decision in my opinion. While I do love the classic design of the Python, I believe the Krait Mk II to be a much more versatile ship”, she said in a lower confidential tone. Then she grew a bit more serious, “However, Commander, I'm afraid we're out of stock on the Mk II at this station...”
My face clouded for a moment as I was considering if I had wasted time and fuel on a dead-head endeavor. But as I looked over to Ms Rahsheed again I remembered who I was dealing with and that this woman surely was going to make a sale with me today,
“I would have to believe that a professional such as yourself would have a solution for just such a situation as this, would you not?”
At this she smiled a bit coyly, answering brightly “Of course, Commander! As I understand it you are currently based out of Fan Yin, Simpson Ring?”
I nodded. Clearly Ms Rahsheed had been doing her research while I was in the holo-suite, “That's correct.”
“Excellent! We have a Krait Mk II at our dealership there and I would be most pleased to make the arrangements for you to accept delivery on the spot”, she motioned toward her office, “If you would be so kind as to accompany me, we'll make the arrangements immediately...”
The rest of the afternoon was somewhat of a whirlwind... picking out a paint scheme, posting a name and registration number for the ship. I remember Ms Rahsheed getting on the comms to Simpson Ring with some cat named 'Reginald'. When she mentioned my name there was a moment of silence, then 'Regi' came back with, “THE Commander Nelson Rad?! Oh my, the other reps are going to be just greeeennn!” Then what sounded like a snapping of fingers in the background and Regi trying to be discreet as he called out to someone named 'Nikki', snapping out instructions to get someone named 'Lim' over to the outfitting bay and start prepping the Mk II for me, then, “Did I stutter?! Yes, yes, THE Commander Rad, now move your aaasss!”
“Seems you're somewhat of a celebrity in the Fan Yin system”, Ms Rahsheed commented with a quiet chuckle.
I shrugged, trying to stay nonchalant, “I've got a good rep with Blue Universal and a couple of the Federation factions there. I occasionally take on tough contracts other pilots won't touch, so I reckon they find me handy.”
Ms Rahsheed gave me the once over, murmuring as she turned back to her screen, “Yes, I'm sure they do...”
A short while later she gave her keypad glass a triumphant 'ENTER' jab and announced, “Finished!”
“Now, I've taken the liberty of lining up a data courier contract for you to cover your expenses for this trip, still upon your approval, of course. In addition, I've uploaded the names of a couple of good pilots that you might want to consider if or when you outfit the 'Antares' with a fighter bay”, again with the smile as she stood from her desk, “and, should you require any assistance with outfitting or options for your ship, please do feel free to contact me at the number I've included in your sales package.”
I stood as she moved around the desk, and offered her hand again in concluding our deal,
“It's been a real pleasure doin' business with you, Ms Rahsheed”, I said as I took her hand in mine, smiling.
“As it has been for me with you, dear Commander”, she smiled back, “and perhaps when you return, we could be on a first name basis, as... friends?”
“I'd like that... Victoria...” To be continued...