The Slippery Bastard Who Got Away: Part 1
31 Aug 2016Nickolas Calhoun
The Slippery Bastard Who Got Away: Part 1 ---LP 634-18 - Deep Space---
Out of ammo, low on fuel in an uninhabited system. I had no choice but to let the bastard go. Tommy Rosenberg - wanted for fraud and embezzlement, at least that is what they told me. This was supposed to be a quick job. Swoop in, space the bastard and return home on time for supper. What they didn’t tell me is that Rosenberg was also a seasoned pilot with a small crew. Yeah, they’re going to hear about that one when I return to Kremainn.
His Federal Assault Ship was heavily damaged and I almost had him, despite not knowing what I was up against. The battle was long, many bullets and lasers exchanged. Apollo took a few slugs, but nothing too serious. I was more pissed at letting Rosenberg get away. He thinks he is off the hook, but I am not one to back down from a hunt, especially a challenging hunt such as this.
Perhaps I can sweeten the deal in my favour.
Of course it will be quite the task to track Rosenberg down again, but unfortunately for him I have eyes and ears back in Kremainn who can help me. None other than Benito Santiago himself, or Benny to his friends. He’s a keen salvager and smuggler with a solid network. If anyone can track down Rosenberg for me, Benny can.
I set course for Kremainn and spooled up the Frame shift drive. Enjoy your second wind while you can, Rosenberg.
---Kremainn - Wohler Terminal---
“The problem I have here, buddy, is that you weren’t exactly very forthcoming with this task. Rosenberg was clearly more than the petty fraudster you had me believe he was,” I said sternly.
I stood above a representative of Kremainn Corp (you gotta love their creative name huh) as he sat back smoking a cigar behind his polished wood desk.
“Mr. Calhoun, we selected you for the task because we believed that you were capable of completing it. Seeing that you are back here and Rosenberg is still alive, I fear we may have made a poor judgement.”
I slammed both my hands hard on his desk, causing the man to flinch and drop his cigar on the floor.
“You didn’t tell me that he was flying a Federal-Fucking-Assault Ship! Fraudsters don’t fly ships armed to the goddamn teeth with a full crew to operate it.” I yelled, staring the man down who’s face was rife with concern.
“Calhoun, you’d best calm yourself before I call security and have you excused from the premises. However if you think you’re still up for the task, the offer is still open to bring down Rosenberg.”
I lifted my hands of the desk, standing back upright. “I will do it, but I want 25% extra on the original offer.”
The suited man pulled another cigar from his pocket and lit it, taking a long puff.
“Very well. We can spare an extra 25%.”
My lips curled to a quirky smile. “See, that wasn’t so hard now was it? You ought to consider being more honest though. Not many mercs are as forgiving to dishonesty as I am.”
I turned around before he could respond and exited his office, making my way toward the elevator. I pulled out my datapad to call Benito.
“Nickolas, amigo! What’s up?” Benny’s voice chimed through the speaker with enthusiasm.
“Meet me at Delinquent’s Inn in half an hour. I could use your help with something.”
“Help with the ladies eh?” He laughed.
“The ladies can wait, buddy. Something more important.”
“Alright alright I’ll be there. Have a drink waiting for me.”
---Delinquent’s Inn - Wohler Terminal---
Delinquent’s Inn was a common place for me during my downtime. It was often filled with newjacks, a lot of them in their flight suits still. I never grow tired of overhearing their stories. Most of them are bullshit. Some are only half bullshit. All of them are entertaining. I briefly overheard a conversation from a skinny kid who looked fresh out of Pilot's Fed academy.
“So there was this one time, out in my Eagle right? Took down a wing of three Vipers all on my own with not even a scratch.”
Sure you did, buddy.
I was greeted by the lovely Georgia, owner and bartender of the establishment. She sure knew how to run a bar, and nobody could break up a bar brawl like she could. She doesn’t take shit from anybody.
“Hey there darlin,” the blonde woman said as I approached the bar. “Your usual Old Sol today?”
I leaned on the counter with my elbow. “Better make it two Georgia. Benny should be here shortly.”
“Right you are. Tough day huh?”
I sighed, pushing a credit chip across the counter. “You could say that.”
“Say no more. I’ve had to break up three fights in the last two hours alone. Swear they’re getting more rowdy by the day.”
I smiled and winked as she handed me a couple of glasses of whisky. “If anyone can handle the newjacks, it’s you sweetheart.”
She winked back as she moved to serve another patron.
Benny entered as I found a table and sat down. The olive-skinned man pushed by a group of newjacks who were crowding near the entrance, pulled up a chair and lit a cigarette.
“So, amigo,” He said, taking a puff. “What is more important than some fun time with the ladies huh?”
I rolled my eyes, handing him a drink. “I need to find someone, Benny.”
Benny smirked, taking a sip of his whisky. “Have you tried the missing persons hotline?”
“Very funny,” I laughed. “No but seriously. The guy’s name is Tommy Rozenberg. Heard of him?”
“Not a name I am familiar with. Did he steal your lunch money or something?”
“I have a contract to bring him down. They told me he was nothing but a petty fraudster. Turns out he was a bit more than that. I ran out of ammo and he got away.”
Benny took a long drag of his cigarette. “I see. I might be able to find your guy, but I won’t do it for free, not even for amigos like you.”
I nodded. “Of course. The slippery bastard is in possession of a Federal Assault Ship. I can give you a small sum of credits plus the coordinates of the wreckage when I’m done.”
Benny pondered for a moment, finishing his drink. “Hmmm, an Assault Ship huh? You be careful where you aim then. That’s some juicy salvage right there.”
I smiled a cunning smile. “Of course. You help me find him, and the salvage is all yours.”
I offered my hand. “Deal?”
Benny took the last drag of his cigarette and placed the stub in the ashtray on the table. He smiled and shook my hand.
“Deal. Meet me back here in a couple of days. I’ll go make some calls.”
We stood up and I patted the Benny on the back.
“You’re a top man, Benny.”