The First Run

#1

Broadcast Message

To: The Crew of the Hollen's Prize
From: Yulo Queren
Subject: Greetings

Message:

Welcome, all! I am Yulo Queren, owner and Captain of the Hollen's Prize. She's a fine ship. An older model but in excellent condition, recently retrofitted after some lucrative runs.

It is a tradition of mine to take the crew out for dinner and drinks the evening before departure. I invite you all to the Scorched Haglin at 1800 hours tonight, station time, where we shall all have a chance to become acquainted. I'm sure you have many questions and I shall endeavor to answer them at that time.

I look forward to meeting you all.

-- Captain Yulo Queren

Re: The First Run

#2

Autumn paused as the simple invitation flickered on her data slate, slapping the side of it to stabilize the image once more and growling softly at the machine, until properly intimated it returned to a semblance of working order.

Tilting her head to the side she read the message and tried to recall what she knew about the place before deciding it didn't much matter. If the local rumors held true, this Queren fellow wouldn't be able to afford a expensive dinner anywhere with a dress code anyway.

Sniffing at the slightly damp air Autumn smiled, it'd be nice to have a proper sit down meal for a change, it seemed lately all she'd been living off of was ration packs and the odd take out meal since arriving here.

Re: The First Run

#3

The wristcomp's screen came alive, the machine alerting her through the neural interface, a simple specific tactile sension delivered through the ulnar nerve.
It looked that she did indeed receive the position of the ship's doctor.
The advert required a person with basic medical training; a mediocre nurse who could stitch a wound would have been enough; Queren would not have been able to lure anyone better than a med student with the pay anyway. In fact, she downplayed her credentials to avoid appearing vastly over-qualified and hence suspicious.

Helia gave a heads up to Cassie, and the cat leapt up from the comford of her robe's folds, and proceeded to rest on top of her luggage instead. Truth be said, the medic could not get used to the woolen garment - but it was supposed to be temporary anyway, the undyed natural fabric and outdated style meant to make her appear to be from some backwater world. With the hood, the masses would not even link her race's distinguishing marks instantly with the footage from a war zone. True, the fighting had stopped, but the imagery was still vivid in the general populace.

She proceeded to pull her trolley with the luggage towards the meeting point. "You could walk for once, couldn't you?" she jived. Cassie just purred and nestled deeper into the bags.

***

Ten minutes before the agreed time, she entered the Scorched Haglin.
"Captain Queren's table, please."
The waiter pointed dispassionately towards their reservation, and Helia checked the surroundings.

The table was near to an emergency exit, with clear view of the entrance. Good.

Re: The First Run

#4

Jerome first became aware of the flashing light on his compad, sitting on the table by his head.
He was not sure how long it have been flashing, but it was best he check it.

Ah, he had gotten the job, and a free dinner to boot.

Scorched Haglin.

Well, maybe he would be picking up the drinks at least. He hoped certain regulars would not be there tonight - he didn't want any trouble with his new employer - he really needed the money.

A few minutes allowed Jerome to pull himself together, though the aftereffects of the prior night were still evident. No matter,
he tidied up his room, checked his pistol and proceeded out to the 'Hag.

Re: The First Run

#5

Quan read the message a second time, just to make sure. Dinner! And drinks! It had been a long time since he'd worked for someone who went out of the way for such niceities. Most of the jobs he took these days were corporate runs, just check in, dock it, check out without seeing so much as a smile out of anyone.

But dinner and drinks! He chortled in his pitch-dark cabin, checking his chrono. The set time wasn't far off - not enough time to go out and buy something new to show off to this Captain Queren - but far enough to get ready.

He took some time in selecting the right clothes: the gray shirt that was light enough to look decent but rough enough to be purposeful; the dark green pants, with pockets big enough to be toolboxes, which made him look practical while contrasting with just the right shade against his purple skin; and the nicest jacket he owned, "nice" here being defined in the loosest sense, but it wasn't much wrinkled and the iridescent silvery black was pleasing to the eye. It took at least ten minutes to pick the right lenses. Quan was going to pick the goggle pair with the elastic strap so he would look utilitarian and business-like. But then he switched to the more stylish spectacle pair, which looked like a thing to show you were classy enough to wear them ironically rather than out of need. Then he switched back, then twice more before settling on the specs.

He put the specs on last, just before turning the standard lights on in the room. He blinked in the mirror as his eyes adjusted and grinned sheepishly at what looked back. "Captain Yulo Queren!" he said with a glare. "Quan, pilot and astronav! All systems ready, sir!" He shook his head and laughed at his joke before opening the door and heading out to the Scorched Haglin.

Re: The First Run

#6

Autumn fixed the drunkard with a pointed stare, the barest hints of her pearlescent fangs visible behind her curled lips. "Not my profession drifter, perhaps you should try the vixens near the ship docks."

A quick survey of the nearly abandoned corridor showed it mostly empty, the only points of interest the Haglin's emergency exit, a cracked plasti-crete air vent cover hanging by a single twisted screw on the far wall from it, and one inebriatied local who had sorely mistaken her identity.

Satisfied the area was suitable she spun about and headed into the establishment, pausing long enough to locate the appropriate table from a nearby employee. "Secure the exits of any place before you enter." Old advice that had kept her alive on Black Water station, and served her well ever since; some may call it paranoia, she called it situational awareness.

It seemed another was already at the table, strikingly beautiful as well for a human from what she could make out under the folds of her hood. Queren's girlfriend perhaps? No, such rim world captains often had mates that were rougher around the edges, this one seemed to be a traveler, perhaps a religious savior judging by her off white robe. One of many such types who frequented the rim, promising spiritual salvation for a fist full of credit chits.

Giving a brief nod to the lady Autumn set down next to her, placing her back firmly against the wall and subtly unsnapping the holster fasten to the hand cannon secured on her right hip as she adjusted her one-piece thigh length maroon dress.

Leaning forward slightly she gently sniffed at the woman, taking in her scent for a moment before she spoke, as was proper when greeting new people. She voiced a simple greeting, keeping her tone low and soft, the faint drifter station accent still visible depsite all her years away from Black Water station. "I am Autumn Shadow, Captain Queren has sought my services as ship mechanic and leverage provider, a pleasure to share territory and sustenance with you this eve."

Re: The First Run

#7

Cassandra's fur rose in alarm as the uplifted hound approached, but Helia's tendril wrapped around hers and calmed her through a few choice thoughts. "No threat now, I am here, you're awesome and could get away anytime..."
The cat calmed, though Helia held her needler pistol in the folds of her robe, waiting how the encounter would turn out.

Truth be said, she liked animal morphs, therians and uplifted beasts - there was so much potential in Earth's native life, so why not help it?

The newcomer seemed rough, but not shifty; Helia had seen her share of con men, scoundrels, mafiosi and slavers during her time off-world. She had shot or bitten a few of them.

Flashing the hound morph a cautious friendly smile, she proceeded to introduce herself: "Pleased to meet you, I am ..."
Bugger - she almost said her real name, then corrected herself: "... Sunny, Sunny Greene, and I'll be your ... med tech on this trip." And perhaps others - Helia would love to spend the next few years flying hence and forth over the Rim.

Almost reaching out with the hand holding the pistol, she gave and awkward smile, offering her left for a handshake.

Re: The First Run

#8

Autumn smiled broadly upon hearing the lady was to be the ships med-tech rather then a preacher out to covert the passengers to some archaic belief system. She absent mindedly ran her tongue over her well cared for teeth, thoughts momentarily drifting to dinner as the woman paused in her speech, as if she was unused to giving her name.

No matter she thought, such healers were probably used to being called "doctor" rather then anything less formal. Reaching out Autumn gently took the Sunny's hand in her paw, careful not to scrape her duranium cyber claws across the woman's silken smooth skin.

"An interesting name for one who travels the blackness between the stars, may the rest of our companions prove so agreeable." Her nose twitched as she caught another scent, something less tame then the female before her, vaguely predatory but with a tang of fear mingled with in. Perhaps the scent of the her mate, or her most recent companion, although fear usually did not accompany such closeness.

Leaning back Autumn eyed the menu with interest, grateful for the opportunity to order without concern for price or portion, it had been far too long since she had enjoyed fresh meat and she aimed to take full advantage of the situation.

Re: The First Run

#9

Quan hummed quietly to himself as he sauntered to the bar of the Scorched Haglin, three fingers of each hand stuck into pockets with the thumb hanging out. It only now occurred to him that he'd never met Captain Queren, at least face-to-face. Standing near a bar stool, he peered around the eatery. It was the kind of place Quan favored: not some brand new corp chain with shining self-cleaning tables, but a place dirty enough to feel like home. The patron were all armed, it seemed, which wasn't terribly unusual; he too had come prepared, Betty sitting near and pretty in her holster at his hip. He rapped a knuckle against the cheap-looking bar. "Two Quantum Sours, pal," he said to the bartender, "one for myself and one for the good Captain Queren." He leaned his head in a bit. "By the by, have you seen the captain around lately? We have a dinner date tonight. Business stuff, y'know?"

Re: The First Run

#10

Jarven entered the Scorched Haglin and stopped, eyes darting furtively.

Tall and lanky, with gaunt cheeks, a mop of unruly blond hair, and disproportionately large hands, he stood there awkwardly looking around. He called out to a passing waitress, too quiet for the reptilian Hessta to hear. He cleared his throat and tried again.

"Uh, excuse me. I'm looking for Captain Queren."

She pointed toward the corner.

He wandered over. Neither of the two sitting at the table looked like the Captain, whose image he'd lifted off of the port computers as soon as he knew he had the computer and electronics job. He looked them over, leered a little at the furry one before catching himself and looking away.

Without a word, he sat down at the opposite end, slouching in his seat; grabbed up a menu and buried his face in it.

Re: The First Run

#11

The bartender, a seven foot tall, broadshouldered Hesstan, placed the drink before Quan.

"Don't know. Haven't seen him today."

He turned to one of the waitresses just as she finished directing the human. "Hey H'lassta, is Yulo supposed to be around?"

"Sure is. Has a table over there, in the corner."

Re: The First Run

#12

Autumn looked up at the new arrival, realizing quickly from his lack of greeting the was clearly not the captain, unless Queren was painfully short of manners that is.

In a similar greeting to lady Greene's she leaned forward and inhaled the mans scent, curious, but cautious none the less. Sweat, metal, and a hint of ozone, someone who was no stranger to a hard cycles work at any rate.

She leaned back, cast a questioning glace over at Sunny, eyed the new comer one last time and returned to her menu, seeing little reason to distract the man from his focus on sampling the potential delights of the kitchen.

Re: The First Run

#13

Uneasy due to the silence, Helia glanced left and right, then at the oblivious Jarven (his head deep in promises of culinary delights), then back to Autumn, who appeared more talkative.

"You seem to be an experienced spacer - and must have seen quite a few ships. Care to share a few tales with a ... landlubber?"

Cassie decided she was bored, and went for a walk through the restaurant, stealthily prowling below the desks.

Re: The First Run

#14

Autumn twitched a ear at the term landlubber, it was one of those phrases usually associated with back water colony civvies and those who'd never set foot on a star ship before; bad traits for a vessels primary physician.

"I used to work for Jacques, on the Lucky Strike, a shrewd business man but as intimidating as a three month old cub; poor guy was always getting in over his head," She paused long enough to key a few appetizer selections into the menu pad before continuing.

"There was one time we were out on the rim, light years from anywhere, escorting this scientist from a low grav world, the man, or woman, never could tell its gender, stood close to eight feet tall and skinny as a waste recycling pipe, always smelled of chemicals too."

She paused in her tale as she noticed a small furred creature slinking below the tables a short distance away, seeming to have originated from beneath this woman's robes earlier.

"Pardon the observation, but your young one seems to have slipped away, and could perhaps unexpectedly wind up on the dinner menu if her proximity to the kitchen diminishes any further." She gestured toward Cassie with a single claw, feeling it best to warn this self defined land lubber of the dangers a rim world station often posed to stray animals and children.

Re: The First Run

#15

"It's her own risk to take - she has been lectured on dangers of space stations, and is used to something trying to eat her" Helia turned to the menu, then back to Autumn: "She wouldn't obey me in this case, I guess - too much to explore. I just hope she does not steal anything."

She tapped a few items into the menu pad - ones that were the least likely to be spoiled: a canned beverage (Phaser Fizz, no less), thoroughly roasted meat, bread, local hydroponic vegetables. Riding towards the rim in a variety of vessels, she learned to be wary of spacer cuisine - the hard way.

Going over the fish section, she burst out in a chuckle: "Whom am I fooling - she will steal something."

Re: The First Run

#16

Autumn inwardly cringed at the thought of another tavern brawl, the last one she was in left a literal slimy taste in her mouth for days. No matter, it was no longer any of her affair, the law of the wild applied equally in rim world stations as it did on unexplored planets.

More curious was the nonchalance this medic treated the starport cantina was different then the wide eyed wonder most surface dwellers greeted every new sight and sound.

"For a land lubber you seem at home in this establishment, more so then most planet-siders, grow up on the fringe by chance?"

Re: The First Run

#17

Quan smiled, flashing bright white teeth at the woman. "Thanks," he said. "You can bill these to my table." Drinks in hand, he swaggered over to where he'd seen the human sit down next to two other beings whose species he didn't recognize.

His mouth grew into a toothy smile again as he slid into the chair next to Jarven. "Evenin', folks!" he said cheerfully, iridescent red eyes flashing from behind the dark glasses. "You guys gonna be crewing the Hollen's Prize?" None of them looked particularly captainy - the one seemed to be too female, another too canine, and the last too shy. He placed the two drinks in front of himself and grabbed the menu. "Sure'n Captain Queren will be here any minute now." He slid his finger down the menu's browser, counting. "Number 18," he smiled, punching in the order. He looked up at the others. "I always order the eighteenth item on the menu. Always puts you just past the appetizers and into the good meal territory." He squinted again at the menu. "Although I'm not quite sure what that one was. Probably good, though."

He looked about for a second, still smiling. "Quan, by the by," he said, pointing to his chest to make sure the point was clear. "Pilot and astronav."

Re: The First Run

#18

Autumn smiled warmly at the new comer, her pink tongue lolling to the side as she did so, his friendly and boisterous demeanor marking him as a pilot well before he had the opportunity to do so himself.

"I'm Autumn, ships mechanic and leverage provider, I'll be making sure your ride has the extra punch when you need it, and doesn't fall apart at an inopportune moment." She inhaled deeply trying to catch the mans scent, but found the sour tang of his drinks all but obscured his natural odor. No matter, time enough for further familiarity once on board.

"I do believe number 18 is grilled skale with a side of swamp tubers in flan sauce, or recycled grue, hard to tell really." She added offhandedly, hoping her own order of raw gobber legs would be served properly chilled, and without too much spice.

Re: The First Run

#19

"The surroundings have a fairly low information content and their stimulation value is limited - hence I am at peace" came Helia's reply, just as Quan barged in.
Indeed, a bar at a spaceport was far less busy than the forests of her homeworld, or a hospital, or the lab... or a war zone, for all that mattered.
"And yes, you could call me a fringer." She swallowed a sarcastic addition... "How lucky we are run by the Core now!" she thought bitterly.

"Welcome, Quan" Helia greeted the newcomer bashfully, painstakingly tring to judge his mood. Truth be said, she was woefully bad at reading males.
Yes, he smiled - but was that smile friendly, aggressive, or a challenge?
"You can call me Sunny, and I shall be your doctor on this flight. Med tech, I meant med tech..."

Re: The First Run

#20

It is easy to tell when Yulo Queren enters the pub. He is a large man, both in body and in spirit, and quickly fills the room with his presence.

He is big boned and may have been muscular when he was younger (he appears to be in his 40's now) but much of that has turned to fat. He has a round face with full cheeks, dark, short-cropped hair, small brown eyes, a round belly, and meaty forearms. His long coat is a deep purplish-brown leather. As he strides forward it is possible to see the butt of a hand cannon at his right hip and the hilt of a kukri at his left.

The waitress H'lassta rushes up to him.

"Welcome Yulo! Your table is ready for you. Right this way."

With confident, ground-eating strides he approaches the table. His gaze wanders from person to person, looking each in the eye briefly.

"Greetings!" he says, spreading his arms wide. "I am Yulo Queren, Captain of the Hollen's Prize. I only count four of you so far, but please introduce yourselves. I find you can tell more about a being in person than through comm.

"Oh, and before you order, I highly recommend the Scorched Haglin. You won't find it on the menu, kind of a local secret. It's a dish the Hessta make on the planet from a reptile with a damnably dense skin. You have to torch the whole carcass to cook the meat inside. It looks a fright when you first see it, but crack it open and I guarantee you it is the most tender, sweetest meat you'll ever taste."

Re: The First Run

#21

Quan's smile became impossibly wide and toothy, as though some dentist had pried it open for surgery. "Captain Queren, it is a pleasure, sir!" he said shaking Yulo's meaty hand with his own four-fingered one. "I'm Quan, of course, your man behind the stick." He grabbed the drink he hadn't sipped from and placed it forcefully in front of the captain. "'Fraid I already ordered the Number Eighteen, but the Quantum Sour's fine." He raised his own glass and tilted it a bit, the luminescent orange liquor just touching the rim. "I am grandly looking forward to this run, Captain. Haven't seen a crew this fine in years. So to our success!" He swung back a mouthful of the Quantum Sour and returned to his grinning.

Re: The First Run

#22

"I've already ordered, my tastes run more towards the uncooked end of the palette." She slid forward on the seat slightly, taking in his girth with mild amusement, with a captain this rotund at least the meals on board were sure to be edible.

His odor revealed little beyond a cheap cologne, and the sweetness of adrenaline, that pre-launch excitement she was used to from men in his position, those who anticipated big payoffs and more then a little risk along the way. "Autumn Shadow, your mechanic and leverage provider, where appropriate." It was the same greeting she'd recited twice before now, but it seemed honest enough and straightforward, so she gave little thought to changing its context.

Re: The First Run

#23

Jerome cursed again as the Haglin came in sight. Figures he would get jumped before dinner. His knuckle had been skinned but otherwise it went as well as could be expected.

I can't get off this station too soon, if I haven't already lost my job.

He entered and scanned the place quickly and picked the captain out of the crowd - Quan's introduction serving the purpose well. No other faces rang alarm bells.

Jerome slid up to the remaining open seat, detesting his lateness.

"Jerome. Cargo tech and troubleshooter at your service, Cap'n." He stopped himself from saluting. Looking at his potential crewmates, he said, "Sorry for the holdup. Met an old acquaintance who couldn't take a hint. I missed most of the introductions, but we can sort that out in due time."

Jerome allowed a rare smile as he scanned the others, "I think I'll try that crazy dish Cap'n."

Re: The First Run

#24

Yulo grinned as he shook hands with the eager Quan, grasping the V'Rak's hand in a double handshake.

"Excellent. excellent. I admire your enthusiasm, Quan. Used to pilot, myself, but that's a few years back."

He accepted the drink, downed it, and turned to Autumn with a nod.

"Welcome, Autumn. Leverage provider, huh? I like it. I think you'll fit in just fine. Just fine."

Looking to the newcomer, he said, "Ah, Jerome. Adams, correct? Good to meet you."

Re: The First Run

#25

Jarven looked up from the menu and stammered out... something too quiet to hear, face turning beet red. He clumsily shook hands with Yulo, his gaze dropping to the table immediately afterward.

"And you must be Jarven, the computer and electronics specialist," said Yulo. "No need to worry, my boy. As long as you're half the wiz you seem to be, you'll do well aboard the Hollen's Prize."

A distracted look played over the captain's face.

"Excuse me," he said, as he pulled out his comm and started walking away. "This is important. I'll be back as soon as this is taken care of."

Re: The First Run

#26

Quan waited a moment for the captain to step away. "Well I like him," he said with a satisfied nod. "Real iron of the core type, y'know? I think he's the real deal." He looked over at Jarven, giving him a friendly nudge. "And you guys seem alright yourselves. I really do think this'll be a fine operation." He quaffed back his drink. "Speaking of, anyone know exactly what we're in for? The advert wasn't real specific."

Re: The First Run

#27

Autumn shook her head in a universal "no" quietly signaling with her paw to keep the volume level down. "Nothing as yet, but if fortune favors us I may be able to hear what the captain is conversing about and enlighten us all..." Her voice trailed off as she gave Quan a conspiratorial wink and angled her ears, focusing intently on the snippets of conversation Yulo was having with his communicator.

Re: The First Run

#28

With her keen hearing, Autumn is able to cut through most of the chatter. A few bursts of noise from the other patrons interfere with her hearing all of it.

Re: The First Run

#29

Autumn's ears flattened back as she pieced together the fragments of conversation, it sounded suspicious to put it mildly, but not suspicious enough to warrant any overt action on her part, yet...

"He's reporting to someone that we're all present, an unknown being clean for a while, the Havath system, and him receiving another call when it's done."

She gave the rest of her shipmates an uncertain glance, hoping they would have the good sense not to confront the man on his dealings without more evidence.

Re: The First Run

#30

Jarven twitched at Quan's touch. Irritation flashed across his face at the physical contact before settling down into a neutral expression.

"Uh... I guess. I dunno"

Re: The First Run

#31

Autumn's conspiring glance was an unnecessary tip for Helia - she certainly would not risk her ticket off station so easily.

"So - what do the rest of you think of him?" she inquired dispassionately.
Truth be said, she was baffled by the captain's behavior - his self-confidence and the way he seemed to fill a room with his presence were in no correlation to his apparent success or fitness, yet did not seem feigned. That show of importance and optimism was likewise genuine.
The focused intensiveness of her gaze as she studied him would have to be obvious to anyone around the table, and in contrast to her calm voice.

Re: The First Run

#32

Jerome studied his teammates - they seemed brighter then the typical lot he'd dealt with recently. Especially recently.

He kept quiet to not impede their attempts at subterfuge.

It was interesting to Jerome that their new captain would take a confidential call in a place with so many ears. So, it meant his new boss was stupid - possible but unlikely; did not care - possible; or _wanted_ people to here him - also possible.

Jerome sat back and carefully surveyed the room again, looking to see if the Capt'n had attracted any other 'ears'.

Re: The First Run

#33

Quan peered at Autumn over the rim of his glass. "Well ain't that a thing," he murmured before his narrow black tongue thoughtfully collected the remainder of his beverage. He didn't much care for augments like her, gene-splicing and mechanical limbs and the like. He ran with spacers of an older way, who regarded such things as dishonorable and somehow unfair. Still, it was better to know something you could than not.

"I wouldn't worry 'bout it much," he said self-assuredly. "I've flown with far less stable captains than that. And they paid better, too!" He laughed as if he'd heard an old joke.

Ignoring with quiet Jarven, he turned his attention to the newcomer. "So Jerome," Quan said, placing the glass down and steepling his flat finger pads, "you're on cargo, huh? What kind of, ah, 'cargo' experience do you got?" He arched his hairless brow at the word, giving a look that he knew what that title really meant on runs like these.

Re: The First Run

#34

At Quan's question, images flashed through his head, consoles, video feeds, explosions. Worse.

"I've had plenty, both kinds. Seen the elephant for sure." Oh yes, he saw the elephant.

"Most of its confidential, but I've seen action on three worlds. Police actions." Remember, the winner writes the history.

"Got me certifications in Cargo handling gear, logistics and planning, and other bullshit, and a few runs I can't get into. Can also man a hardpoint if it comes to that. How about yourself?"

Re: The First Run

#35

Yulo finished his call and headed back to the table. A few of the other patrons called out in greeting, slowing his progress.

H'lassta set about serving the food. Quan's dish appeared to be some sort of tentacled fish-like thing in a dark sauce with a mass of noodles heaped to the side. The pungent smell of spices reached his nose, making it tickle.

Three plates went to Jarven and he dug in without hesitation.

Once back, Yulo placed a pitcher of foaming black brew in the center of the table.

"Sorry for stepping away like that; still finalizing some of the details on the cargo. Now, I hope you don't mind, but I ordered a pitcher of Viss'tak. A hardy brew. Drink up!"

Yulo set into his own dish with vigor, stopping now and then to speak.

"I'm sure you have a lot of questions and I'll do my best to fill you in on the details.

"First, let me break the ice with a story of my youth.

"I crewed on a corporate line back when I first earned my piloting certs. The Assyr, I believe it was. I, and a good buddy of mine named Terence, used to terrorize the shift leader. We were both creative types feeling stifled by all the red tape and strict chain of command. Our shift leader was this German fellow, a right prick who'd yell at us for the slightest infraction. Now, Terence and I both knew a little German. Not much, but enough to thoroughly butcher the language when we set our minds to it.

"Whenever this fellow came in range, we'd start talking to each other in this horrid blend of English and our limited German vocab. We made sure to mispronounce all the words and to mangle them as much as possible. It wouldn't have been quite so fun if the man wasn't such a perfectionist. You could actually see him cringe with every word we spoke.

"The day finally came when we pushed him a little too far. I believe we were waxing poetic on the topic of mothers. His face turned this beautiful reddish-purple color and he began screaming at us. I think he cuffed Terence, but the memory is a bit fuzzy.

"When he finally ran out of invectives to spew at us, he finished it by yelling at us, 'Geh zur hölle!', or 'Go to hell!'

"Without skipping a beat, Terence says, 'Don't you mean geh zur hollen, sir?'

"I can tell you, the three of us were separated by force. Terence and I left the ship at the next port.

"It became a joke between us until our careers took us on different paths.

"When I had a chance to get my own ship, I knew right away what to name it. Hell's Prize. Because Hell is the only thing that could take my pride and joy away from me. And because I wanted to remember to keep my sense of humor. I'm a firm captain but if I ever forget my roots, I hope to be spaced.

Re: The First Run

#36

"Now," Yulo said, rubbing his hands together. "Down to business."

The carcass of his haglin is naught but bones and charred skin. He downed the last of his third glass of Viss'tak and wiped the foam from his lips.

"The Hollen's Prize is a tramp freighter. We fill an important need in this part of space. The Core systems have all the corporate freight lines they can handle. No room for independents like us. But in the Outer Rim, we are always needed.

"The cargoes we haul will not be glamorous. Today it is farming equipment for the Rinea system. Next time it will likely be computer components or vehicles and engine parts. Medical supplies if we're lucky.

"Our margins are high. Folks that far cut off from the Core are willing to pay a premium for the stuff we get them.

"But those margins come with a risk. The reason the corporate freight lines steer clear of the Rim is because it is fraught with danger. Pirates and Klandatha being two of the most notable.

"Good crew are hard to come by. I need crew skilled enough to handle the ship and mean enough to push through the rough parts.

"I know the pay seems low for what I ask. Hells bells, it is low. But on top of that, you'll each get 6% of the profits. Think of it as motivation for keeping my livelihood safe.

"The last few months have treated me with good fortune. So much so that my last crew was able to retire on their share of the profits. I could have done the same, but I couldn't bear to give up my ship. So I spent my portion on fixing her up and now I find myself in need of a fresh crew.

"I like what I see before me. I think you will all work out wonderfully. And, who knows, if my luck holds out, you may find yourselves retiring sooner than you expect."

Re: The First Run

#37

Autumn listened to the mans story while idly lapping her second mug of Viss'tak, her tail twitching slowly in time to the movements of her tongue. He sounded sincere enough, but she inwardly doubted his former crew conveniently retired from their share of the profits, unless it was the permanent kind with a black casket and one way ticket to a star.

"Your former crew retied hmm? Who were they? I might've heard of them in passing, good fortunes like theirs is sure to have made the vids and rumor mill rounds a few times." She was careful to inject her inquiry with as much genuine curiosity as possible, so as not to raise suspicion in her new found employer.

She leaned back a bit, picking with a claw at a stubborn bit of food left between her fangs, thinking about his offer of 6% before replying. "The rim is full of a lot of risks, and the initial pay is below what I'm pleased with for taking those risks. Ten percent of the profits, or a generous hazard pay clause added to the contract would make things feel more..." She paused for a moment searching for the correct word before choosing one that didn't sound too ambitious. "Worthwhile."

Re: The First Run

#38

Yulo smiled broadly at Autumn. "Inquisitive. Good.

"My old crew were a close-lipped bunch, I can assure you. One of the things that will be in your contracts, as well. You see, I have access to certain channels that help me find the best markets, and I don't intend to share that information with any of my competitors.

"As for hazard pay, we could probably work something out. The 6% is non-negotiable. I'm giving up almost a third of my profits on that. You won't see such generosity anywhere else, I assure you."

Re: The First Run

#39

Quan ate the dish with vigor, helping himself to a tall mug of the Viss'tak. He laughed at the right times of the captain's story, if a little heartier than he should've, slapping an open palm against the table for emphasis here and there and elbowing poor Jarven as though to make sure he was in on the joke.

He thoughtfully chewed on the final rubbery tentacle of his meal as Queren finished his details. He pointed at the captain. "I like your angle here, Cap. Give 'em Out Rim folk what they need and make 'em pay for it. I've flown Outer plenty of times myself, come to like the place here and again." He scratched at his exposed tympanum, pausing to put his thoughts to word. "Thing about folks out there is that they've all got their own ways of paying. I've seen credits, chits, uranium - hell, I saw a guy get paid with a flock-a chickens once!" Quan sniggered, elbowing Jarven again before shaking his head. "Well, you know what I'm gettin' at," he said gesturing widely. "How're we keeping up with what's what with pay? I don't mind six percent of credits, but if I'm getting six percent of fins of figs or what have you, that's not, y'know..." He took a long pause and shrugged.

Re: The First Run

#40

Autumn gave him another toothy smile at his assurance of hazard pay being worked out, extra pay for extra risk, something she was sure there'd be plenty of this far out on the rim.

She nodded in acknowledgement to the confidentiality clause, it was standard fare for more traders who wished to keep profitable routes to themselves, and of little concern to her; such complicated matters she was happy to leave to the captain, her duties were complex enough.

"Another small inquiry captain, will we have our own private quarters or sharing rooms during our time aboard?" She briefly wondered about the quality of the food before catching another eyeful of Yulo's extra padding around his midriff. One didn't get that large by eating ration packs and reconstituted soy, that's for sure.