"Twelve Year Old's and their Silly Call Signs... Or, Death Death Deathity Death." Gems for Fools. Part 3
27 Jul 2016Stryker Aune
<<Part 2]Shaw Port, Sowiio
Personal Log: What sleep I did manage to get, must not have been rejuvenating. I don't know. Nerves, or something. The inspector has already come by. I gave my testimony and recounted the incident. He was a quiet man, asking only what was needed I 'spose. I answered what he asked, and gave no more. Its going to take a few days for him to compile what he needs. During that time, my ability to lead a team is being evaluated. I've still been taken off duty, without pay. Maybe a week or so. Madam Tri'qua has asked me to go chase some Mcguffin across the known galaxy. It all seems too....I donno. Is that still a thing? Treasure hunting? Regardless, I have the time, so I'm all packed up and ready to go. Evy is hitching along as well. I'm not sure how I feel about that at the moment. No idea how she got the time off. Not really my problem, actually.
"Stryker, I'm Commander Higgins." The portly man with greying hair and comb over poorly concealed by a brimmed cap held his hand out to Stryker. "I've been Madam Tri'qua's personal pilot for over 15 years now. I hope that this trip will be pleasant.
Stryker dropped his duffle bag, and took the offered hand giving it a firm shake. He himself was wearing a tight, yet simple graphic tee shirt. His bulging muscular arms threatening to tear the sleeves, leather work pants, combat boots with metal plates riveted to the toe and shin. "And, where are we headed?"
"We are to make port at Greeboski's Outpost, in the Phiagre system.
Evy spoke up. "Why there?"
Commander Higgens smiled to her. "Madam Tri'qua has hired a contract that will escort us."
Stryker folded his arms. "Does she really think that's necessary?"
Higgens looked back. "It was my recommendation. Never know what might meet us out there in the black."
Stryker grunted "Why not someone from here?"
"This contact is a personal friend of mine, whom I trust."
Stryker remained quiet.
"Don't be such a worry wart." Evy beamed. Her hair tied into a french braid. "So do we get rooms or something?"
The butler seemed to materialize on cue, and nodded to Evy. "Right this way," as he indicated the route to the accommodations.
They followed the butler and as they walked the short distance to their rooms. Stryker took note of the interior of the Orca once again. It really was a luxurious ship.
His quarters were as impressive as the ship. "Well at least it will be comfortable." He mused to himself. Furnished with leather, and the same hard wood trim. Might as well make the most of it. He tossed his duffle bag onto a bunk, unbuckled his heavy boots, kicked them off and sank deep into a recliner.
He was making the most of what entertainment was afforded, which was quite a bit. Commander Higgens had indicated via ship intercom that they were cleared to depart the station. He felt the ship break contact with the landing pad, and slowly accelerate. A few moments later, Higgens announced that they were going start their series of jumps which was uneventful.
It was all very much routine. He felt the ship level out from a jump, and maintain Super Cruise. Much longer then what would be needed to align to the next star and reasoned they were on the approach to Greenboski's Outpost. His reasoning was confirmed when he felt the rapid deceleration after a few minutes. He got up and made his way to a panel. It flickered to life, and inputted a command to raise the shades in the window. He had never seen anything like it before. It was a station, but it was far from what he was use to. Clean, bright, palms, parks. His view lingered until he felt the ship make contact with its landing pad. Madam Tri'qua contacted him on the comm. She indicated that she wanted to hold a meeting with them in the dining room. He strode back over to the recliner, and pulled his boots back on and then made his way.
A nice tea had been set out, to which the eccentric old woman gestured for him to sit. Evy was there, along with Higgens.
"Tea dear?" She was pouring herself a cup.
"No thanks."
"As Higgens had informed you, we are requisitioning a hired gun." She took a dainty sip, and set the china cup onto its saucer. She continued. "His name is Commander Dragon Claw Death Incarnate, but he likes to go by the moniker Death. And has come highly recommended, and as you may know, he is a personal friend of Higgens."
Striker couldn't help thinking. Dragon Claw Death Incarnate Sounds like something a 12 year old would come up with.... He returned his attention back to the conversation at hand.
"His record of accomplishments is quite extensive, and I feel that he will suit our needs admirably if they are called for."
"Commander Death." Came the butler's voice. A tall, skinny, almost gaunt man, with long black hair tied into a pony and eye patch covering his left eye entered into the room.
His voice scratchy. Almost forced. "I have arrived. My services are yours."
Madam Tri'qua clapped her hands. "Splendid! You know Commander Higgens. This strapping lad is Commander Stryker. He is an engineer. This charming dear is Evy. She too is an engineer and quite the entertainer.
Commander Death stood there, one hand on his hip, the other on the holster of his sidearm. "There is no need for engineers if you dispatch your quarry quickly enough." He boasted.
Stryker frowned, and canted his head. An eye patch in the era of cybernetics? "Your a cocky one, -Death-."
"Well, when you've collected bounties from all o'er the bubble....You can afford to be."
Stryker kept his attention on the pale man. He canted his head a bit more looking up at the standing man. He had noticed something about the patched eye. "Alright cowboy, what'cha flying?"
"Only the best. A Vulture."
"A Vulture?"
"A Vulture, problem?"
Stryker smiled. "Nope, not at all. I'd like to see it."
"That won't be possible."
"Why?"
"Commanders Disclosure."
Madam Tri'qua pipped up "Gentleman, I'm sure everything is fine. I trust Higgens judgment, and by proxy, Mr. Deaths. The matter is resolved. Shall we continue?" She looked between the two men and nodded to Death. "Please take a seat. One lump, or two?"
Deaths response was simple "Black," and then winked at Evy offering her a sly smile. She shook her head, and smiled back.
"My lady." He continued to address Evy. "Your complexion is of such beauty that artists have tried for centuries to capture, yet have fallen drastically short of.
She just shook her head rolling her eyes.
"Oh! Such a charming rogue!" Madam Tri'qua examined as she passed a cup and saucer to Commander Death. "However, I would most like to continue on. The first step is to retrieve the second half of this map. It is being held at Nylund Survey, in the Gurabru system. I have given Higgens the time he needs to requisition provisions, and as such, you are all free until morning, when we will continue our journey."
Stryker pushed himself away from the table and nodded to Death offering a wicked grin, before heading to the door. Evy took note and followed along like a puppy. Once they were clear of the others she spoke up.
"Stryker, what the hell?"
He just grunted.
"Hey!"
"What?"
"What the hell was that about?"
"I'm not sure."
"Not sure about what?"
"I'm not sure..."
She punched him in the shoulder. "Your being deliberately cryptic."
He just grunted again. "Maybe. Tell you what. I'm going for a drink in a few hours. Come and join me. I was thinking the..." He tapped on a pad that was linked into the stations services. "The, uh...Afterburner. Oh, and invite Edgy Death Lord McDeathers, will you? He's quite smitten by your captivating beauty..." He gave her a soft punch on the arm, which she rounded and mouthed "Ouch" massaging it.
[Part 4>>
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