Another meeting, another task
23 Dec 2015Jim Beaumont
I woke yesterday, and went to the canteen for breakfast. A nice traditional 21st century fry-up, just the ticket. I then grabbed some cargo and headed to the outpost to drop that off, only to be met by a familiar face, Double.He looked happy than the other day I have to say. Almost pleased to see me, as if surprised. But that was nothing further from the truth. It was no chance meeting.
'We need to talk Cmdr, I've been expecting you.'
'Sure. I need to go by the Commodities office first to drop off this gear' as I waved the docket invoice.
'Conference Room 3, second floor, 15 minutes if you will'
'Conference Room? What's going on Mr Duta?'
'Just be there Cmdr'
So I went to the Commodities Office, cashed in the cargo and made my way to the second floor. As I entered the room, Mr Duta was sitting next to the courier contact and there was a video link to somewhere else displaying. Just an empty chair on screen.
'Nice to see you both. My I ask what's going on or am I to sit in the dark still?'
'In good time Cmdr. My I introduce Mr Pastolis, although I believe you already know each other' says Duta.
'We've made acquaintance you might say' I replied with a chortle.
Then the seat was filled on screen, the Minister for System Strategy no less. And just visible, another body seated in the background. I couldn't quite make out the face. As much as I strained, I couldn't make out any features.
The minister opened first.
'Good morning gentleman, thank you for coming and being on time. Cmdr Beaumont, thank you for attending. I believe you have been most helpful up to now. I hope that will continue'
'Reciprocated, and that will depend on what this is all about'
'I believe we are ready Sir, we just need final agreement to proceed' quips in Duta.
'I have the final packages ready, then it's something of a watch and wait game Sir' adds Pastolis.
'I would like to be enlightened as to what the fuck is going on here!'
'We have a new task for you Cmdr. Something a little beyond the average 'take this here, do that for me' type stuff. You've been very reliable so far, and your assistance in matters is very much appreciated. But now we have a new more interesting task for you. Mr Duta will give you the full detail. It will require you to play a watching game for myself. Live life as you do, doing the odd job here and there and making your living as you see fit. You'll report direct to Mr Duta, no one else.'
'We will have a full report for you in next 4 weeks, assuming nothing major should arise. Brief summaries will be sent weekly via usual means' adds Duta.
'Good. Thank you gents.' and with that the video link dropped.
'Right someone needs to tell me what plans for me you have, because right now its a no.'
'You've been watched closely Jim, and we are pleased with you work so far. That of your two friends too. Your going to another system for a month. Act as you have here, doing what you do. But you are to keep a close eye on the system authority, and any political shift. We believe they are planning for expansion, and we could be possible targets for them. Its a watch and brief job, nothing more' says Pastolis.
'Leave those two out of this. They have no appetite for it, and I'm beginning to wonder if I have lost mine. But details, where?, how much?'
Pastolis pushed a chart to me. 'Here, and for as much money you can make out of it. We'll be happy to supply some goods to trade over at a more 'reasonable' price to assist you. There is no shipyard available, so you'll no doubt be coming back here to swap over your ship.'
'And you will report to me, and me only. I will find you as always, be that here or at the station. Here is a document, it states the info I'm looking for. One thing. Don't just disappear of the radar here at the station. We don't want things to look odd here either. get yourself a good cover story to push to those that may ask. And as for your friends, they are involved already although they may not think it. But that remains between us and goes no further. If there lifestyle patterns change, You will be held responsible as having given too much detail out. Understand?' Duta just put a shot across my bow.
'Look, I'm not sure you understand. I just want to go about my business, doing a job here and there. I'm not some spy agent looking for galactic domination.'
'Cmdr, that's is exactly what we want you to do. Just do your business. But with a little side job too' grins Duta
'Right. Here's my deal, and if this doesn't get a yes, then its a no go. You leave my mates well out of this. No backdoor shenanigans. No underhand stuff. Just stay well away. I made this hole for me. And it's not big enough for them too. Understand. Stay well away. Because if not, you might find a few beans are spilt'
' Agreed. But don't be foolish either Jim. More than 2 remember'
'Oh Jim now is Duta, jeez your a piece' and I grabbed the document and left.
I got back to the station, jumped into the Infante and made my way to my temporary home. Christ you don't settle down for eons, then within a month your on your second home. What have I got myself involved in.
I need to speak to Merc. I'll message him later. No shipyard. This is going to be something of a hassle back and forth. Still helps the cover story I suppose and I need to work on that pronto too.
Cmdr Beaumont (moving house)