Confessions of a Freelancer Episode 2 (part 2)
16 Jul 2016CharlieSix
Msg sender: CMDR CharlieSixPriority: Black
Log Date: 16.7.3302
Msg encryption:000012123304005060678909//
//Encryption Key: XXXX-xxxx
//Decryption protocol running: corrupted; error //
Msg Decoded: Playing... part 2...
...It was right about now that I was choking down my urge to punch G'Reelo in the face. I mean really choking down, like epic level, because believe me I wanted to hurt him bad...
We went into the dining room area. The table was arrayed in the customary opulence and splendor that one could expect from G'Reelo. Being a former high ranking Imperial official, the company had set up this place with all the wealth and luxury even the emperor couldn't afford.
I've often wondered how a person such as G'Reelo could be put in charge of a Federation black project, like Sierra? Without question he had high level Fed credentials. I know this, because I have access. And what I've got isn't shit compared to the level of Intel that passes across G'Reelo's desk on a daily basis...
Hence the reason I was there.
"G'Reelo..." I began, "…I think you know why I'm here."
"I suspect that I do." he said. "But why don't you tell me anyway?"
"Okay... yeah, sure, why not? I did a job for..."
"Stop!" he said, "Let me guess... I think I've heard this one before. Let me see, Ah yes! You did a job for someone who double crossed you. And they managed Not to kill you..."
He paused to take a sip from his wine glass.
"...They managed not to kill you, thanks in no small part to my training... And now you want revenge. Does that about some it up?"
I folded my arms across my chest.
"Okay," I said, "That sums it up. Are you going to help or not?"
G'Reelo stirred his wine glass a little. Put it to his nose, sniffed it, then placed it to his lips and took another sip.
"Yes." he said eventually, "I will help you, but under one condition..."
"Here it comes." I said.
"My condition is this... That when your mission is over, when you have your revenge, you return here. To this place. You return to me..."
"Later for this!" I said, while rising from the table.
The two goons G'Reelo had recently acquired, immediately moved to intercept me. One made the mistake of putting his hand on my shoulder. There was a jolt that went through my system, adrenaline kicking in, then I reacted...
Turning to my right I slammed my elbow into the guards face. Moving to eliminate him, I punched him as hard as possible in the throat, then immediately grabbed the back of his head, and smashed his skull into the table.
The other fellow came rushing from across the room as soon as I had struck his friend. Unfortunately for him G'Reelo's training... truly was, very good. He came directly at me from the right side, my "gun" side. In one smooth motion, I removed my weapon from its holster and dispatched the attacker with a single round...
"Clap, Clap, Clap" the noise came from G'Reelo's direction. I turned to see him clapping and smiling.
"Bravo, Bravo!" he shouted, with a sinister grin. "That was quite the performance. You really have exceeded all my expectations... that being said... my condition still stands. Information... For your services. It's a fair deal."
"No deal!" I said angrily.
"Okay..." G'Reelo said, irritated. "Let's try this... all your contacts... all your credits... every ship you own... every safe house..." he paused, his tone became dangerous, “...Even every weapon you own, will be taken from you. You will be stripped of access, denied safe harbor. You will be hunted to the ends of the galaxy and beyond! How's that for a deal?"
The asshole had won, and he knew it.
"Sit..." he said forcefully.
I sat.
"Now that that's settled, let’s get down to business." he said, "...What is it you want to know?"
"I'm looking for this girl..."
I reached inside my jacket and removed the grainy photograph. Tossing it at him, the picture fluttered, then landed on the floor.
A smile cracked across G'Reelo's face.
"What would you want with the daughter of Rabat Morgan?" he said, in his sly voice. "...If she is anything like her father was, it may be best to steer clear... Unless... No! Could it be!?" He laughed, "Interesting, very interesting..."
"What I want..." I said, "…Is no concern of yours. Can you help me find her, or not?"
G'Reelo shrugged, then said, "…Marra Morgan is a hard woman to find. Who would think someone so well known, could also be so elusive."
"So you don't know anything," I said. "What a giant waste of time."
"I did not say I knew nothing," said G'Reelo. "I said she was hard to find. If you truly wish to die then so be it. I have a contact..."
He snapped his fingers, and one of the women brought him a notepad and pen.
"I have a contact, who might know.” He said, “…You'll find him these days living in Gallemi. He's part of the Gallemi Monarchy, the ruling faction there. Go to these coordinates. Seek him out. He'll know where to find your pirate queen.”
Laughing he added, "…Oh, and Six… If she doesn't kill you, and you survive this mission, remember..."
His dark smile widened…
"...You are mine..."
Author's note: Marra Morgan is another writer here on Inara. If you’re looking to find out more about her, check out her most recent work Here. Thanks for reading!