FIlinia Mirutu (12:10 27/06/3303) Pi Pavonis System - Lagrange Hub
28 Jun 2017Filina Mirutu
Personal Log:Well it seems I am back in the bubble again, not by choice. I got called back to do a mission from one of the techs at Ray Gateway, I really wanted to get out and go on that vacation. I could not pass it up though and it doesn't hurt to have more credits, even if I will be out in the black.
However, it seems the fates brought me back for a different reason.
Currently, I am sitting in the Lagrange Hub, the ground mechanics are getting my ship ready for flight again. I am still in shock at what just happened. Taking a sip of the glass of whiskey, I am still staring at the communications panel, listening to the audio over and over again.
I always record anything that comes in, can't take any chances out here, I learned that being in business for myself, when you are tracking someone, well, every bit helps.
However, this.. I did not expect.
I was contacted by a man named Commander James Barrett. He told me I was one of the top five most wanted in the Arbuda System. Seems the Arbuda Gold Brothers have put a private bounty on my head.
I played it over again, still not believing it.
"Eh, lass.. you must have made a lot of mess there, to put it mildly. Without getting into too much details.. I am not a big friend of those bastards running this place, OK? Arbuda Gold Brothers.,And I think it is you who should tell me why the hell your name is in the top 5 most wanted list for that faction"
Taking another sip I replay it again... "top 5 most wanted list for that faction"
Turns out that mission I took awhile back, was not one of my brightest ideas. I was told to go an outpost, turned out it was a slave trade outpost and meet a woman there.
Rubbing my face with my hand, I tap the glass on the console as I lean forward, a heavy sigh leaving my chest, replaying that night over and over again. We met inside this little bar, the "Shaky Ranger" cantina. I was not unfamiliar with such places, I had been to many in my day, chasing down cheating husbands, and this place was not unlike any other I had been too. However, the atmosphere outside, had me more than nervous.
Sitting inside, I waited for the lady I was suppose to meet. Hearing the door slide open, I remember looking over, seeing a tall statuesque woman walk in. However, after learning of her status, I was shocked to see how she was dressed. She wore a plain commanders flight suite, nothing special, black. Her hair was blond and pulled up in a bun. She carried no weapons, but I suppose she didn't need them, seeing the two men that came in with her that stood by the door as she walked towards me.
She proceeded to tell me why I was there, and what my mission was. Seems some pirates had captured her daughter and put her up for sale on the slave market.
As I remember her story, my blood boiled once again; seems these slaves traders were notorious for capturing the elites and selling them, however, her plan sounded feasible.
She transferred ten million in credits, told me to bid on slave number 76, then take her to the Praea Euq XQ-U c16-1 ABC 4 e,.
The mission actually went off easier than I thought... they took me for quite a bit of money, however, but naivety is a strong suite, when played well.
She met me there after a few days and I have to say, it warmed my heart to reunite this woman with her daughter, but I still don't know why I had to buy her, but now, now, maybe I know why.
Taking another sip of the whiskey I fast forward the transmission and listen quietly.
"But you must have freed someone very important to them. Fair play to you!"
"Fair Play, yeah" I whisper as I rewind it and listen again.
I have to say, if I had known it would put me on the top 5 most wanted list by this faction, well...who am I kidding, I would have still taken it.
Sighing heavily, I lift the glass to my lips, pressing the rim gently against them, holding it there for a moment as I think about all that has transpired in the last 24 hours.
Listening to the transmission again, this time all the way through, I think about what he said. I asked him what he thought I should do and boy did he hit a nerve in me when he said I could run and hide, or fight.
But then I play back one part that I admit, has me a little more than curious after I lied to him and told him I am not a fighter..
"Sometimes you have to be. Listen, I have quite powerful friends. Perhaps I could talk them to help me with really hitting Arbuda Gold Brothers where it really hurts.
"hmmmmm"
"yes Commander?"
Laughing out loud I look up as I lean back and take another sip, setting the glass down on the arm of my chair, "Astra, really, you are always trying to read my mind"
"Commander, if I may, I would like to tell you something"
"What is it Astra?"
"I have done a scan on the transmission from Commander James Barret, his ship is docked in the Arbuda system, however, I have also scanned all systems for bounties and I do not find your name in any of the lists"
Brows furrowing, I take a deep breath, running my hand over my face again, nodding in reply, "well, are you telling me he is not lying then, Astra?"
"He is not lying Commander"
Shaking my head I finally get out of my seat and walk to the large window of my ASP Explorer, looking out at the hanger bay, "so, do you think I should meet up with him, Astra?"
"Commander, after compiling all the date on the man, it seems he is a lot like you, so my analysis, is, Yes."
I turn back towards the bridge and look about, "well, then, I guess I better get a good nights sleep, do you think I should head back and get the Cobra?"
"Yes, Commander, it is more agile than the ASP Explorer and is better equipped should we run into any hostile entities"
"Okay, shut down systems but turn on the alarms, I don't want anyone sneaking on the ship... we will leave first thing when I wake"
"Yes, Commander, as you wish"
"I really was looking forward to this vacation, oh and , Astra, he used the word "lass" when he referred to me, what does that mean?"
"Lass is a Scottish or Northern English word meaning a girl or young woman. It is based on Old Norse laskura (feminine adjective) ‘unmarried.’
"Interesting, thank you Astra" I chuckle as move towards the door.
"You're welcome. Commander"
Shaking my head again, I down the last of my drink and head back to my quarters and lay down, staring up at the ceiling for a little bit, then finally close my eyes, whispering to the dark with a heavy sigh.
"I wish you were wrong, Commander James Barrett...I wish you were wrong"
"Commander Barret is not wrong, Commander... goodnight."
"Goodnight. Astra" i chuckle as I roll over, slipping my hand under my pillow to make sure my laser pistol was there, just in case.