Everyone unclicks their seat belts, Rune included; setting the shuttle's auto pilot. And a small holographic table rises from the floor. The projection is small and requires everyone to draw in close. This secret gathering would almost belong around a camp fire as the interior lights are dimmed and everyone's face is only illuminated by the soft blue glow.
AARON: Our information has it that
this is strictly a trading station.
RUNE: Which means anyone who's left
after the blockade was imposed
is going to be on edge.
TULIA: We like to limit our
bounties on the desperate.
The jobs don't pay well for
the trouble.
ELLAN: Bet you're sorry you
made the exception for us.
RUNE: So are we still going?
TULIA: We need the job. Nothing's been
paying since my crew met any of you.
AARON: This isn't a bounty on
anyone. The sheet says this is
just a stolen artifact.
TULIA: That's not quite all it says.
It mentions the owner went missing.
How much you want to bet we
get sent searching for them next?
AARON: That's more than I could gather.
All I know for certain is the
Republic is willing to pay
to have it back.
ELLAN: Is this our ticket out?
VALORY: You guys want to get out?
And go where?
RUNE: Don't you kid? We could go anywhere.
Janriel is just about as bad a system
you can find and still call it civilized.
TULIA: I can think of a few frontier colonies
that I wouldn't mind being instead of here.
Local drunks. Stupid kids. Easy bounties.
AARON: One thing at a time. The Republic is
sending us, but is silent on how valuable
it is to them.
ELLAN: That at least sounds promising.
Can't have a band of thieves steeling back
your goods only to have them sell to
someone else.
ROSS: So we're in agreement then?
VALORY: Sorry. New kid here.
But... who's in charge?
Aaron and Tulia lock eyes.
SIMULTANEOUS: He is / She is.
AARON: Your crew.
TULIA: Your job, your lead.
You make good on it.
She moves up to the cockpit with Rune.
TULIA: Strap Sweets in. The way
things are going we'll probably
end up making a quick exit.
Everyone remains huddled around the holographic projection while discussing and pointing out the building layout. Rune brings the shuttle in for a landing and when they touch down the ramp automatically opens. They continue kneeling over it when the inspection officer walks on in without notice. Valory is the first to turn around and without looking away tugs at Aaron's arm.
He looks at her and then up.
AARON: Oh, hello there!
OFFICER: What is this?
AARON: You're just in time.
We don't get away from
Janriel enough. Could you
direct us on here where the
food court is located?
OFFICER: There is no food court.
AARON: No food court? Then where
are we supposed to talk over business?
OFFICER: (rolls his eyes) Do you want
the station cafeteria or a business lounge?
There isn't much of a menu for either one.
ELLAN: A lounge sounds kinda nice.
The officer approaches the map with a sigh and leans down to inspect the map. Esben, which may have been mistaken for cargo, quietly rises from a corner seat and looms behind the inspection officer. Rune slips a hand to press the button to close the ramp.
OFFICER: Where did you get such
a detailed schematic of our station?
Outside, the shuttle ramp closes. In another moment it opens again and Aaron has slipped on the uniform. Tulia steps down from the cockpit and rattles Sweets' buckle to make sure it is secure. This rouses the reptilian from his sleep. She cups his cheek once and disembarks with the rest.
He watches Tulia go and then a shadow falls over his face. He looks up to see Esben glaring down at him. They both stare for a moment and then Valory doubles back to the base of the ramp.
VALORY: You're not coming?
ESBEN: (alien language) I am a
curiosity to everyone we meet here and
would be a detriment at any attempt
at stealth. I will remain with the
shuttle and protect it.
VALORY: If you say so buddy.
I don't think Rune will be
able to understand you
without me, though.
ESBEN: I will make myself understood.
The shuttle hisses and the loading ramp closes. The shuttle launches and keeps a short distance from the station after releasing a small sensor drone from its underbelly. The drone skims the surface of the station and allows Rune to track their progress inside.
Esben and Sweets are left alone together in the main compartment. Esben sits across the way from his companion. They each understand one another, but carry on in their own language.
SWEETS: You hunting?
ESBEN: Was.
SWEETS: But not now?
ESBEN: Failed.
SWEETS: (Considers a moment) Disgraced?
Esben doesn't answer him.
SWEETS: I won't tell.
ESBEN: You like yours?
SWEETS: (Confused) Not understanding.
ESBEN: Hair on fire. You like hair?
SWEETS: I like hers. Yours smells.
ESBEN: (Short laugh) You like hair!
SWEETS: Yours is hairless!
ESBEN: She doesn't understand.
Can't get rid of her.
Should be more careful
about lifes saved.
SWEETS: Same.
They both recline their heads back with satisfaction and sit in silence.
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