Log 14: Billionaire
30 Apr 2023James M. Bailey
i Sola ProspectBrestla System
Imperial Space
“Imperial Navy Auxiliaries would like to thank you, commander Bailey. In recognition for your service, I hereby grant you access to INA with the starting rank of ‘Outsider’ - and wish you success and quick career advancements”.
I smile at the girl and a few thoughts cross my mind almost simultaneously. First one is that ‘outsider’ does not really sound like any military rank, but then again - what do I know? I am but a simple miner and a Federal citizen, so I’ll take it at face value.
Second one: my “service” was to get rid of a pirate ranked as “Harmless” and flying a Cobra. Why would Imperial Navy bother to send anyone after him is beyond me. The guy sooner or later would smash into something and die in the fiery fireball anyway.
And finally the third: I really like my lead officer, Vanessa. She makes me want to take some more jobs for INA and advance in the ranks. As good a reason as any to see her more often.
“Thank you, it is a real honour” - I reply as she nods and smiles back at me.
“Come back soon, we will have more tasks for you, commander.”
“I will!”
Less than an hour later, I fire up my data pad to see if everything is good with our contract for the Ghost Foxes. Between three of us - Tom, Skit and myself - we delivered the final Alexandrite shipment to Cmdr Parsch, thus reaching the final number of 800 units. I informed him about it and see that we all received the reply and confirmation of the transfer made to our accounts.
When I check the “assets” tab, I shake my head with disbelief. My Python plus the money I have amount to over 1 billion credits. I.. am a billionaire now. I chuckle and push away from the pulpit and stretch in the commander’s seat with hands behind my head. A billionaire. It feels so sweet.