The Value of a Life: Part 2
25 Jul 2017Cartlidge1000
After I had cooled off for a bit, Nick lead us on a tour of the ship’s interior. While the lower deck lacked any creature comforts beyond flowing oxygen, the utilitarian design allowed for easy access to modules and internals, should we find ourselves in need of maintenance mid-flight. Needless to say, however, I had no intention of going down there while the ship was running hot. The mid deck was quite the opposite, containing the living quarters, a functioning galley, and even a zero G bath. Of course, I could have had one installed on my Paladin when I had first purchased the ship, but I had never considered it worth the price. Apparently money was of no consequence to its original owner, however.“There’s also a loft just between this deck and the outer hull for easy access to the large hardpoints. It’s pretty well hidden and actually surprisingly comfortable up there, so it’ll probably make a good hiding spot in case we have any, you know, unwanted visitors,” Nick explained as we walked towards the bow of the ship.
“And it runs all the way across the centerline?” I asked.
“All the way up to the bridge. I’ll show you the right floor panel later.”
“Interesting. So what is it you want to show me?”
“Well, apparently they've got a built in vip quarters, in case Persing or whoever had t'hitch a ride on an escort. They refitted the entire observation deck into one big cabin.” As he spoke, he pressed a few keys to open the door, revealing the spacious suite. “Oh, and there’s a switch to drop a bulkhead over the canopy, in case there’s ever an issue.”
“Wow. Good lighting, a great view, large bed, and actual carpet. Color me impressed,” I chuckled, a hint of honesty in my voice.
“Just wait until you get up to the pilot’s seat. Seein' it in action is even better,” Nick added.
“Oh? You’re not gonna keep this for yourself?” I asked. Not that he could anyways, after spending a significant portion of my life’s savings on the ship.
“Nah, I already tried flying it, and she’s too slow for my tastes.”
I nodded in reply and thought for a moment. “Well, if we sell the Villager we can probably get a pretty decently fitted cobra for you.”
Nick scoffed in reply, “Yeah, sure. A ‘conda for a cobra. Great trade.” He paused for a moment before letting out a sigh. “Yeah, that’ll be fine. Anything’s better than that trashy eagle anyways.”
The assassin turned away and walked back down the hallway. “I’ll go check DeLacy’s dealership page t'see if they have any available while you finish gettin' acquainted with the ship.”
After having my more expendable belongings moved from the Paladin to the War, we took the ship on a trial run to clear out a nearby pirate hive and replenish my depleted bank account. Though she lacked the speed and maneuverability of the Paladin, the Man o’ War was every bit as powerful as I had hoped, and far tougher. We were going to need it too, if one of Whistmire’s thugs ever found us.
"So what's our next move?" Nick asked upon entering the ship's port airlock.
"Come up to the bridge, I've got an idea," I replied over comms. Before me was the galaxy map, which engulfed the entire room in hundreds of small dots. At its center was Whistmire's home system, deep in Imperial space. The elevator doors opposite me opened quietly as Nick entered.
"Regardless of whether we plan on exposing him or eliminating him entirely," I started, "I doubt we'll even make it to the station before we're spotted if we use one of my ships. I think our best bet is to have ourselves smuggled in and out."
"Simple enough, assumin' you can find a decent smuggler who won't just turn us in for bounty money."
"Oh I already have a pilot in mind. We just need to convince him," I replied as I plotted a route for Inara.