Jake Lanks
Caldari Provisions Caldari State
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Posted - 2012.10.12 14:46:00 -
[1] - Quote
Constellation MK7-AO 35-RK9 IX - Moon 4 Intaki Syndicate Bureau
The thirty-year-old smuggler pilot of the Kestrel GÇÿHawkGÇÖ had just lost his last isk in a pre-doomed roll of dice. He downed the wine from his glass and thumped it hard on the table; then stood up smiling ironically and bowed to the other smugglers in the GÇÿFull MoonGÇÖ bar. Bumping constantly on tables and chairs, he staggered towards the exit. With difficulty, he managed to cross the raucous room, which was packed to the gunwales with smoke, hammered mercenaries, pirates and whores. Whores that helped the lightheaded from the booze pilots empty their pockets in a matter of minutes, without them realizing a thing. A simple lascivious smile was enough, which promised a lot but gave back nothing in the end.
The pilot fumbled on the wall and pressed the exit-button. The small green light flickered momentarily and the heavy door opened; he stepped outside and the rush of the night breeze on his face somewhat helped him to recover from the dizziness of the drink. Darkness had fallen, grey clouds were travelling across the starry sky, and the airfield was deserted. His blurry eyes fell on the few docked spacecrafts. Damn! No sight of GÇÿBlack EagleGÇÖ yet. Which means IGÇÖm gonna have to spend a third night in that shabby inn. This is not my lucky day.
He walked hurriedly now, as the rain that had started falling became relentlessly heavier. He tightened his ragged, dark-coloured flight jacket and put his hands in the pockets, trying to fight the biting cold. He glanced fleetingly towards the airfield once more, in case GÇÿBlack EagleGÇÖ showed up GÇôa forlorn hopeGÇô and turned right in a narrow alley, vertical to the infamous Beam Street, with an expression of disappointment on his face. As he moved on, a feeling of being followed overwhelmed him; one that he had had since he had left AtarGÇÖs bar, the GÇÿFull MoonGÇÖ. Gradually, he slackened his pace and gripped carefully his gun. He took some more steps forward and suddenly turned around, determined to confront whatever emerged from the darkness. Then the pilot burst into a booming laughter, that reverberated throughout the streets of 35-RK9 IX. The enemy he had to face was a drenched brownish puppy, wagging its tale playfully. He kneeled down and stroked its head.
GÇÿYou must be the only creature in New Eden seeking my company,GÇÖ he said. GÇÿYou GÇÿre too hard on yourself, smuggler! We love you too.GÇÖ The pilot turned his head astounded to the direction where the harsh voice had sounded from, while the dog started barking like crazy. GÇÿWho said that?GÇÖ he asked nervously, unable to make out anything through the gloom and the heavy rainfall. GÇÿYour conscience,GÇÖ the voice answered. At the same time, a flash of lightning tore the sky, illuminating the alley for a few seconds. The pilotGÇÖs experienced eyes managed to distinguish three hefty men, armed with guns. GÇÿWho are you? What do you want of me?GÇÖ he shouted, incapable of seeing their faces, merely their shapes. GÇÿYou own your life, smuggler! Recon says your debt comes to almost thirty thousand isks; and unfortunately for you, you must pay up now.GÇÖ GÇÿI know that, you scumbag. But IGÇÖm a man of honour and IGÇÖll pay my debt soon as I return from my journey. Recon didnGÇÖt have to send his goons to scare me.GÇÖ GÇÿShut your trap, *****! IGÇÖve had enough of you. Pay up right now and I might spare your pathetic life. Just donGÇÖt forget, we know youGÇÖre mixed up in affairs of no concern to you.GÇÖ The pilot did not answer, just lowered his head and smirked. So thatGÇÖs why you want my head, you scumbags. Very well. If thatGÇÖs what you want, thatGÇÖs what youGÇÖll get! He seized his gun in one hand and his knife in the other. Then, ducking abruptly, he threw the knife towards the figure he could see more clearly. He got him right to the heart. The tall man bellowed a choking cry, reeled backwards and collapsed on the ground. GÇÿGoddamn you! Tonight you die.GÇÖ
He turned like a flash to the direction of the shout and fired a shot in the dark. Luck was on his side, for the bullet struck the strangerGÇÖs head. He regained his balance and raised his gun again. One more and IGÇÖm free. I havenGÇÖt lost my skill. At that moment, he heard a faint creak and looked suspiciously from the corner of his eye at the building towering next to him. The next instant a shot was heard. The pilot felt a warm pinch on the chest and stared at his jacket, which started to become red from the thick blood. He fell on his knees and the gun dropped from his hand. For sure, this is not my lucky day. The puppy came out of its hiding place, an old piece of some machine, and approached reluctantly the dead pilot. It sat down next to him and started whining. Then, two strong arms picked up the little animal and it found itself in a warm lap. GÇÿYou are the only witness, boy. You better come with me.GÇÖ
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