Episode 145, The road you take
02 Jan 2025Ryuko Ntsikana
The road you take
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“Achoo is an interesting name for an android. How did that come about?” Tara asked, her tone as neutral as her gaze, which hadn’t left A2 since their arrival.
Galileo chuckled, flashing a side-eyed glance at his android companion. “It’s because I sneezed, as silly as that sounds. The sound reminded me of A2, and it just stuck.”
Tara tilted her head slightly, her sharp gaze unwavering. “I see. A2, android assistant… ergo, Achoo.”
“Yeah, something like that,” Galileo admitted, scratching the back of his neck. “It’s silly, but it made sense at the time. Here we are.”
Ryuko gestured casually toward Galileo’s wrists. “The good news is, this time, you’re not in binders. A2 mentioned you were interested in learning more about our prior offer.”
Galileo nodded. “Like you said last time, my contract was finished. Insurance worked with me to get a refurbished Cobra Mark III. I’m officially in business for myself now.”
Tara and A2 continued their silent staring contest. Ryuko’s voice drew Galileo’s attention back. “Looks like you did well turning that Mark III into an A-rated Mark V.”
“It wasn’t hard. Scalping system security forces for bounties helped me raise the capital. Minimal risk, decent reward, and it got me into a better-class ship that was almost a match for what I’d been flying.”
“That shows initiative,” Ryuko noted, leaning back slightly in his chair.
Galileo shrugged. “The long-term threat of a growling belly has a way of focusing your attention.”
Ryuko smirked faintly. “Competent Pilot’s Federation rating. First time flying a new ship, untainted by prior owners. It’s a solid start. I take it you’re planning to get this one engineered eventually?”
Glancing briefly at A2, Galileo nodded. “I’m learning the hardships of that adventure, but yeah, it’s the next step I need to take.”
Ryuko leaned forward, hands clasped loosely. “And do you see yourself upgrading to a larger ship someday?”
“I try not to get ahead of myself,” Galileo replied. “Daydreaming about a future that might not come risks putting a jinx on it. Better to focus on what’s in front of me and let the rest work itself out.”
“Fair enough,” Ryuko said, his gaze sharpening slightly. “Where are you at with your material gathering?”
“I’ve got all the raw materials and most of the data. Where I’m short is on manufactured materials.”
Ryuko nodded knowingly. “Rescue operations are a different breed. Low risk, with the added benefit of building your reputation with minor factions. They also provide plenty of opportunities for wake scanning to fill out your data stores. And in conflicted systems, there’s no shortage of wrecks with manufactured materials waiting to be salvaged.”
Galileo’s lips quirked upward in a faint smile. “So, no issues with me continuing this adventure?”
“None at all,” Ryuko replied smoothly, flashing a glance at Tara, who was still locked in her silent contest with A2. “In fact, we encourage it. Makes for a better, more well-rounded pilot. That benefits both of us.”
“Good,” Galileo said, his voice steady. “Because I’m not ready to commit to anything just yet.”
Tara finally broke her gaze from A2, her lips curving slightly in a smile that didn’t reach her eyes. “We’ll see.”
Ryuko leaned forward, his tone steady but direct. “The terms are similar to what I laid out last time. Five percent of any mission rewards you’re part of, carte blanche access to gathering areas alongside our other contractors, and room and board on the carrier if you want it. Fuel, ammunition, and repairs are included because your ship’s condition benefits both of us. And to ensure stability, you’ll also receive a weekly retainer of 200,000 credits—whether you fly or not.”
Galileo nodded slowly, processing the offer, but A2 spoke first. His glowing eyes fixed on Tara. “The mission’s purpose and its alignment with your broader goals—is it merely reputation-building, or is there something more?”
Tara’s voice was calm, clipped with precision. “It’s about reputation, yes, but it’s also part of our portfolio. One of our services is luxury and guarded business transport. Additionally, we operate a high-end, exclusive brothel onboard for business clientele only. It’s a comprehensive suite of offerings.”
A2 tilted his head. “Logical, from a business perspective. I take it your other services also include resolving certain client-specific issues discreetly? I ask as my directive prioritizes Galileo’s well-being and education.”
Tara remained impassive. “A client’s business remains their own. We don’t entangle ourselves in their schemes, no matter how nefarious. That would compromise our neutrality—and neutrality is critical when transporting clientele from all sides. Their politics and machinations are not ours to manage.”
Ryuko observed the exchange in silence before chiming in, his eyes briefly meeting Galileo’s. “I imagine you’re also curious about your previous encounter with us—the binders, the attack on the outpost, the enzyme missiles. That answer is simple too. When no active business interests are jeopardized, we go where we need to ensure our own sustainability. In that case, the goal was data. If some commodities could be sourced along the way, all the better.”
A2’s eyes brightened slightly, his tone sharpening. “So, my analysis was accurate. You orchestrated the attack. The areas targeted on Galileo’s ship were deliberately chosen to ensure he could eject and survive?”
Ryuko nodded, his expression neutral. “The data was the priority. No human life was harmed, but yes, we did leave a mess for his contractor to clean up.”
“And the weaponry used included enzyme missiles?”
Tara answered without hesitation. “Yes. They’re precision tools, not weapons of destruction. Their purpose is to pressure targets into disengaging. If they choose not to, we escalate carefully, giving them every chance to eject and survive. That said, the ultimate decision is always theirs. For context, we currently have six occupied escape pods in our storage. All occupants are alive and medically stable, kept in temporary hibernation until they can be repatriated to a search-and-rescue service. At thirty thousand credits per pod, that’s 180,000 credits already set aside for Galileo, on top of his weekly rate.”
Galileo’s gaze hardened. “So let me get this straight—you dismantled my ship, left me no choice but to eject, and now you’re offering me a cut for escape pods you’ve collected?”
Tara’s thin smile returned. “If we had malicious intent, we wouldn’t have returned you to safety, nor would we be offering you this partnership. What we’re providing is opportunity—plain and simple.”
Ryuko leaned back in his chair, his gaze flicking between Galileo and A2. “There are trillions of others in this galaxy, and I imagine one or both of you are wondering—why you? Well, let me ask, why not? This is a service I’ve been considering for a while. The opportunity presented itself with a suitable candidate. It’s that simple. No hidden agendas, no strings. You’re free to accept or decline without any malice.”
A2’s eyes glowed faintly, his voice measured and calm. “From a logical standpoint, the contract terms are favorable. Galileo, your concerns are valid, but the structure aligns well with your immediate goals: stability, growth, and resources for upgrading your ship.”
Ryuko nodded in agreement. “The decision is entirely yours. If you need a day or two to think it over, we’ve got spare cabins where you can make yourself comfortable. No pressure.”
Galileo glanced at A2, who gave a faint nod. Taking a steadying breath, he turned back to Ryuko. “Fine. I’ll take the contract. But hear this—I’m not a pirate. If I see anything crossing the line, I’m out.”
Ryuko’s lips curled into a small, knowing smile as he extended a hand. “Fair enough, Galileo. Welcome aboard. Let’s see what you’re capable of.”