Tarrants Log #22
15 Aug 2016Dell Tarrant
I had arranged to meet a mysterious individual, known locally around the Jaques bars as 'The Tramp'. To say this was an accurate description would be an understatement. He wore a soiled flight suit that must have been from a high class selection back in the 60's. And it looked like he had probably worn it every day since then. We had arranged to meet in a dive bar known as Vapes, later this evening. So, as I had a few hours to spare and to blow off some of the cobwebs, I took the Thunderchild out for a spin.
I resisted the urge to take her into the belts for some combat, instead skirting the planet before heading back to the station, earning some stern words from flight con as I boosted into the bay.
Once back aboard the station, I made my way to the lower levels, and located Vapes. Upon entering I used my sense of smell to pick out the Tramp, who was seated at a bar. I joined him and got to talking. We covered many topics until I finally steered him toward my reason for being here. He asked me if I had need of a fast ship.
I've already got a fast ship, I replied.
"Sure you have", he said, "But can it get you back to the bubble?"
Eventually, may take a few weeks but yeah, it will get me there.
"Not as fast as I can get you there." He leaned across the table, the reek of alcohol from him making my head spin. "What if I told you I could get you there in one jump?"
I got up to leave, tossing him some credits to pay his tab. Nice story I said, but that's impossible.
"It's not impossible, and I can prove it." he pulled out a small data slate and pushed it across to me. "Read it. It gives precise details on at least two other pilots that have done it, both using my technique. All that's needed is a small ship, and the co-ordinates that I will supply you for a randomly recurring spatial anomaly."
I took the slate and scanned the data. After several minutes, I looked up at him. He was grinning "Told you!"
The data did seem to back up his tale. Both the pilots listed had departed Jaques and their next recorded fix on their transponders had been over 22,000ly away, less than an hour later. "It's only one way mind....haven't figured a way of reversing it yet."
I don't know if it was the drink or just plain stupidity, but I asked him how I could achieve this.
"All you need is a small enough ship, a Sidey or Eagle will do it, and the co-ordinates for the anomaly. It's a tricky course to plot though so I would be taking control from here once you leave the station, and then instigate the jump. Once your through, your on your own. Oh, and it will cost you. 32,000, all in advance."
I went through the old charade of arguing over the cost, how I could almost buy my own ship for that etc.....
Anyway. there I was, sat in the cramped cockpit of the Tramps Sidewinder, throttling up as I flew out past the flight control windows of the dock. Was I still a little intoxicated? Possibly. Had he slipped something in my drink?.......Possibly. So here I was, marvelling at actually how good it felt to be flying such a small ship again.
Then the Tramps voice came over the comms. "Now Tarrant, I'm going to assume the controls in a moment and steer you toward the anomaly. Once through, control will revert to you. 5,4,3,2....1....I have the con"
I shot through space, not having any clear indication as to where I was heading. The Tramps voice once more came over the con.
"Tarrant, you are approaching the initiation point. Stand by.......now!"
There was a lurch, everything went dark and then it was just me, the ship and the voice of the computer.....
"...Self Destruct Sequence Initiated. 30 seconds to destruct. Shield offline. Power Plant offline. Life Support offline. Ejection System Failure.....20......"
What!!! Why that slimy, good for nothing, son of a bitch!!!
"10"
I'm better than this. Surely I wasn't this stupid? No....I was.
"5"
Tramp.......you bastardddddddd!!!!!