A Cryptic Job Offer
19 Nov 2024Eric Vonsa
11/15/331012:00 Universal Galactic Time
Location: Privately owned Imperial Clipper Stella Viator, 50 LS from the primary star, B2 Carinae system.
Vallarta Stenaw POV
"O7 Commander Vallarta Stenaw." A heavily distorted male voice crackled through the speakers. "O7" "I am sure that you are probably wondering who I am. And what I want. So to save time I will just say that I will eventually answer both of those questions. I want you to do a job for me." "What job?" "I need you to take your passenger to the coordinates I will send you. As a triple elite you will have no problems with completing such tasks." "My passenger has paid me well to take them here and keep them safe while they are here. A diversion is not something they would like." "I know that. I know your passenger better than you might think. I can also say they probably didn't tell you that this system is a point of contention between the Federation and the Empire. Nor that they have a whole battle group of three Interdictors and the other support vessels that are assigned to those ships standing by on high alert in Achenar waiting for the call from your passenger to jump into the system and engage the Federation forces." "No, they told me that they wanted to visit the system unofficially." "That sounds like them. What they don't realize is that their decision is going to cost lives, Lots of lives. Take your passenger to the coordinates I have provided and you will be paid well." "But that's outside of the bubble. There's nothing out there in that system." I say after checking the coordinates provided. Before refocusing my attention on the comms panel where the ambiguous image with an imperial marker on it waited instead of the actual face of the person on the other side of the communication channel.
"There is. I will accompany you and you will be handsomely paid upon completion of the journey." "And I am supposed to just trust you?" "I have the best interests of your passenger in mind. I have always had your passenger's best interest in mind." The voice said. "And why should I believe that?" "You don't have to take me at my word. You can ask them. Tell them you have met Theta97." "And that's supposed to mean something to them?" "It'll probably bring them straight to your bridge." The voice said as they brought their ship around. A DBX. Bearing Imperial Markings and with a unique ship id in white. "Though I would prefer that you just start towards the destination system." "And what about my passenger? How should I explain this to them?" "If they start asking questions just allow me to handle it." The voice said. "Fine, how much will I be paid?" "One Billion Credits." "That's a lot." "That passenger is very important. The payment represents that." "Very well, Theta97. I accept your offer. Plotting the course now." "Thank you, Commander. Sending a wing request now." The channel closes and the DBX forms up my wing as I accept the request then charge my FSD for the first jump.