The Thargoid and Fer-de-Lance

[Jenner]

Gir gestured for her to take a seat with them, so she settled down at their table and ordered a coffee. She was still in her work clothes.

"A little too early in the day for anything else!" she said, smiling. She looked at the young woman passed out on the table.

"Looks like you two have been enjoying yourselves. Who is this, Gir?"

"This is Lacus!" he replied.

"Girlfriend?" Jenner asked, grinning ear to ear.

"Well... Sorry she's not in a position for proper introductions. You've ah....got a little something.." he said, pointing to his own cheek. "...here."

Jenner blushed a bit, then wiped away some remaining grease with her hand. "Sorry!"

She reached into her breast pocket and removed a small hypo. She handed it to Gir. "I've used these sometimes. Anti-intoxication shot. It'll help your...ah, friend, here" she said, nodding at Lacus. "But the side effect is extreme exhaustion after a couple of hours. Your call."

"Thanks." he said. "So... what has got you all chipper this morning, Miyako?"

"Well, I made a decision last night! I'm going to open up a business on the station!"

"Really?"

"Yes! I'm going to open a starship repair shop! 'Akashi Repairs'. It'll help supplement my trading income. I've already received approval this morning! In fact, I'm going to use some of the money I got from my last trade run to rent out some space in the hangar. Mike even offered to supply tea and treats for my waiting room!"

A waitress brought her coffee and sat it on the table. She picked it up, smelling the aroma. "Well, it's no Barnard's Starbucks, but it'll do."

"So" she said, taking a sip. "Tell me how you're doing, Gir! And all about your 'friend' here!"

 

[GIR_mk_2]

Gir turned to Lacus and shook her gently to wake her "Lacus come on now don't sleep here" He gently spoke. she stirred and gave him a feeble smile after sitting up again.

"Allow me to introduce you" Gir smiled to Jenner "This is Lacus, a very dear person to me who I thought I had lost after my stint in stasis, but fate deemed it that we were able to meet again"

Lacus blushed slightly at Gir's words and bowed to jenner, who in turn did the same. Jenner extended her hand towards Lacus to seal the meeting but before Lacus could shake her hand she shot up and ran towards the restroom hand over her mouth.

"Sorry about that" Gir smiled "I think we may have over did it last night and congratulations on your new business venture."

Jenner smiled "Arigato Gir, its a big step but I look forward to the possibilities it will big in the future"

Gir sat in thought for a few minutes then looked towads Jenner "May I Get you expert advice on something Miyako?"

She looked at him with a raised eyebrow "What is it that i could be off help to you with?"

Gir leaned closer "I was wondering what experience you have with working and out fitting anaconda's, as I have recently, er, come into possession of one"

Jenner's mouth dropped open "You don't mean that newer model that suddenly appeared in the docking bay do you?"

Gir Nodded enthusiastically "yes that's the one I need some help upgrading and fitting some, well a lot of equipment to it before i feel confident taking it out"

Lacus returned from the rest room and plopped down next to Gir Resting her head on his shoulder, she looked worse for wear now. Jenner sat back in the seat and took a sip form her coffee thinking.

"I could be your first customer" He smiled "And money isn't really a problem shall we say"

He sat quietly comforting Lacus waiting for Jenner's Response

 

[illu Minti]

The Wacky Races

Cas and Illu walked into the bar after coming in from the docking area.

Several more hours pilot training for the agent had gone extremely well, Cas was very happy with the agents progress but right now seemed to be in a bad mood!

He acknowledged Jenner and Gir with a nod as he passed, but carried on straight to the bar, sat heavily on a stool and ordered a big bottle of Jinx from Sven

Jenner put an arm out to stop Cas "Whats the matter with Illu, looks mighty Pd off!" she said concerned

"oh its nothing major, everything was going great, he was getting the hang of changing power systems quick, a bit of weaponry practice then they came along"
Cas looked towards one of the tables where Mark and Amber were sitting and giggling!

"oh what did they do?" Gir piped up

"oh only ran rings round Illus ship using fancy flying techniques, he couldn't shake them!

poor Illu is getting better but still a way to go before he matches even the average pilots here, but the worse thing was, when they did some fancy roll maneuvers and left a phallic symbol in his trail, they even spelt in smoke trails "Imps are easy"

Jenner looked over to the Fed couple and gave them her best dirty look, but they just waved and smiled, she needed to work on her angry face, she thought!

Cas left Jenner and joined Illu at the bar, who in turn was ignoring the odd laughter coming from Marks table

"Jinx going down well?" she asked helping herself to a glass

"Actually yeah, a few of these and am mellowing, but damn why is everyone so good already but me at this flying stuff!? and to top it the Feds are having a field day with me"

Cas laughed "its not a race, just take your....."

She suddenly stopped mid sentence

Illu turned to her puzzled "you ok?"

He saw a big grin apperar on her face "Yep thats it a race!"

"Eh" Illu watched as Cas went up to Mark and Ambers table, they saw her coming and braced themselves...just in case the Imps couldn't take a joke!

"Yes can we help you, or better still, maybe Illu!" Mark smirked as did Amber and a few regulars listening in nearby to, they did like Illu but it was to good a chance to miss to give him a little embarrassment

"well actually yes" Cas went to her pocket and Amber went to her side arm "its ok i want to suggest a contest" she pulled out a big bag of creds and threw on the table

The Feds looked at the bag "contest? what sort?"

"A race rather then a contest i suppose" Cas said eyeing them carefully

"A betting one, yours, ours and anyone elses ship who wants to join in, start from the station round the star, then the asteroid field and back to the station again, i have a thousand creds say we can beat you! you up for it or just talk?!"

Amber almost rose in angry but Mark put an arm out to say it was ok, and smiled "ok seems a good bet, i like the odds" he looked back at Illu who had been listening in as had the bar which had gone quiet!

Illu looked mortified!

"A few days from now ok" said Cas and they all agreed, Cas returned to the agent while the whole bar was abuzz with the news, some even went out to the docks to examine their ships whilst Sven had already produced a poster and was hanging it up!

The Wacky Races!....All ships are hereby invited to enter a race around the system, one thousand Creds entry fee, winner takes all! no rules and anything goes!

Illu was downing the Jinx shots faster then Sven could supply them!

"What have you done Cas! forgetting any others entering, Mark and Amber they will eat me alive, chew me up, and smoke a kipper or two while i chug in!"

"its all good, trust me" she said defiantly

Cas walked over to Jenner again "er, Jenner hear you have just opened your new machine workshop, i need all your expertise on Illus ship, and i need it big time please!!!!!"

 

[Rollo]

Rollo chuckled when he read Iglooman's message and replied: "Very good Mikey. Hope you enjoyed the 'trip' this time. ;-) R."
He pondered if he should perhaps invite Mike to a peace pipe, a real Calumet, some day. That boxing tea-guy had a sense of humour anyway.

A message from Jenner arrived shortly after. "No way José!" Obviously meaning she turned down the business proposal he offered for her new venture to become a subsidiary affiliated to the Corporation, but with no income tax, complete freedom, low-G garage, state-of-the-art machinery and tools, Velma (perhaps) and 49-49 shareholding. Rollo owning the remaining 2%.

"Ain't she a cracker... Oh very well then, good luck with Federal bureaucracy and taxation then, Imp."

 

[Jenner]

"Wow, business is booming already!" she laughed. "Of cousre, Gir, I'd love to work on your Anaconda! I've had lots of experience with them from back on the refueling station. Just about any 'normal' ship I can work wonders on. I doubt I could do much for Hoshi or.... Doc." she said, suddenly remembering the kind old man.

She brightened, looking at Cas. "And you too, Cas! I'll have to make sure the Antelope is ready for the race, too, so it's no trouble at all! Working on two Eagles will be fun! I'll be able to see how the model has improved since Illu has a brand new one! Maybe get some ideas for mine..."

"We can talk about fees later, Gir" she said. "I promise I'll under bid anyone else on the station! And you'll be getting work done by a friend you trust, right? You just tell me what you want done!!" Jenner beamed.

Lacus 'hurped' and put her hand to her mouth again.

"Ah.... you ok, dear?" Jenner asked. "If you need to go...I can, ah...hold your hair."

Lacus shook her head, regaining some composure. "That... <hurp!>...won't be necessary."

Jenner looked over and saw Illu sitting with his hands on his head.

"Cas, is he ok?"

Cas looked too... "Ah, he'll be fine. Nerves."

 

[GIR_mk_2]

"Thanks Miyako the sooner I can get the, no my anaconda properly armed and dependable I will be able to give her a proper shake down run" Gir smiled

Lacus Was really beginning to suffer with her hangover "Zarona I think I'll <Hurp!> head back to the ship now, get the maintenance boys to remove your <Hurp!> sidewinder from the anaconda cargo hold then try and sleep this off"

Gir rubbed Lacus's back "Ok lacus I'll head back in a while to check up on you, I just have some things I would like to discus with Miyako here"

Lacus smiled, gave Gir a loving kiss then headed to the bar door giving a wave as she left.

"Right then lets get to business shall we Miyako" Gir spoke in a serious tone

"Wow you want to start dealings to do with your ship already" Jenner was a little surprised.

Gir blinked a few times then shook his head "Oh no not about that"

Jenner was slightly confused now "Then what are we talking about cause I'm at a lose?"

"We need some sort of plan to help give Illu an edge in this upcoming race or at least a chance" Gir smiled a wry smile "After all we imperials need to stick together right?"

"Besides we can't have the feds over there underestimating us now can we?" Gir Grinned craftily

 

[Doctor_Demento]

Doc floated in and out of a dream world. He saw his friends sitting at the bar. Then he was at the spaceport only to suddenly flash to Deepthoughts interior cabin. He saw Dar'Koba standing over him with concern on his face. "What is going on?" he thought. A searing pain tore thru him and darkness was upon him once again. Hours became days. Days became weeks. Time stood still.

 

[Doctor_Demento]

The sun rose on Shanshyrah. It seemed like any other day. The city went about taking care of itself as it had for thousands of years. The defense systems watched for signs of intruders. The streets were devoid of life. The occasional droid carrying repair parts for some system that had failed in one of the structures. The spaceport sat dead. Doc's Cobra stood solemnly in the middle of the field. No sound but the wind as it worked it's way across the field. Dust swirled around his ship like a predator inspecting his prey. Inside the ship there was no sound, no movement, no sign of life. Suddenly the darkness broke as panels lit. Power units sprang to life. The ship had a almost imperceptible tremor as system after system came online.

The silence was broken as the computer system spoke in a soft feminine voice "Good morning Doctor Demento." Doc's eyelids fluttered then slowly opened.

Doc was awake.

 

[Darkoba]

Dar'koba entered the bar. He saw Jenner and Gir talking.

"Konichiwa, Himesama, Gir. How are you both? No Lacus, Gir?"

Gir grinned. "Lacus is a little, tired, Dar'koba. She'll be rejoining us later."

"Hoshi, konichiwa. I can never tell if you call me Himesama out of formality or not. I hope you're not being formal. Especially not when I still have grease on my face." she grinned.

"Formality has its place, Miyako, but, in this case, just as you refer to me as 'from the stars', I refer to you as 'from a noble family'. I mean it as an endearment."

"That's alright then. Have you heard the news?"

"That you are starting a starship repair and maintenance business? Yes, congratulations. I think you have a good location for it, Barnard's being such a trading hub. You should have plenty of work."

"Arigato. Yes, I already have a few clients."

"The other news," Gir added, "is that there's going to be a race."

Gir brought Dar'koba up-to-date on the upcoming competition.

"Hmm. It would probably be unfair for us to take part, Gir, both my Mamba and your Sidewinder being, erm, 'enhanced' as it were."

Gir looked a little crestfallen, but then brightened up.

"Yes, you may be right, but I'd like to do something to give Illu a fighting chance. That's where Jenner comes in. I'm hoping she'll tweak Illu's new ship."

"When is the race to take place?" Dar'koba asked.

"Don't know exactly, but in a few days, so it doesn't leave a lot of time to prepare. Each entrant has to put in one-thousand credits and the winner takes the lot."

"That sounds prohibitive. Some pilots who would like to join in might not be able to afford the ante."

"Well, I don't think all the details have been finalised yet. It wasCas's idea. We'll probably hear more later. Sven's already started making notices."

 

[GIR_mk_2]

"I know you just got here Darkoba" Gir began "But I Think I should get back to Lacus, she's not at her best at the moment and I think I should look after her"

Gir Stood and smiled at the pair "I'm also playing around with an idea for my new ship's name 'Hebi no chikai' I would like to know your opinions when I return later"

Gir bowed but instead of walking to the door he turned and approached Cas and Illu who was still looking miserable at the bar "Hey Illu, don't look so glum my friend" He reassured placing his hand on the agents shoulder "I won't be entering the race but both me and Jenner have your back. We imperials stick together right"

Gir then turned to Cas and gave a perfect salute "Pleasure to make you acquaintance ma'am, if you need a hand with Illu just give me a bell" He smiled and began whistling the imperial anthem happily

 

[illu Minti]

*Autokrator* Unrestrained by superiors

"Its time Illu" said Cas

the agent looked up from his drink still worrying about the race "time for what?" he seemed confused

"The naming ceremony of your ship of course!" piped Jenner from the other side of him..."how does the princess do that!" he quickly turned surprised to see her and a few other regulars and patrons of the bar looking at him

"You cant race without naming your ship, be bad luck my dear friend" Jenner put a hand on his shoulders and saw many of the faces behind smile back at him

"Mikes already down at the docking area getting the ceremony set up, we just need you, and a happy face!" Gir scolded him mockingly

He smiled back, they were right of course, the naming of an Imperial ship is very important and symbolic, and hopefully lucky!

The agent stood up and straighten his uniform up, Jenner leaned in to sweep some fluff away she whispered "do you remember the Oath?" she winked knowing full well he did

He was beginning to feel much better as he was led by Cas and the others following behind to the docks

He stopped humbled by the sight that greeted him as he approached his Eagle

There was a small crowd gathered there, he recognized many of the Imperial faces, citizens he had helped at the station since his time there.

Also some of the other regulars from the bar Jack, Boris, Alien, Garthyre and Sven to.
Even Frank had come down, but Illu noticed Frank was licking his lips whilst eyeing the Jinx bottle hanging high above Illus ship ready to be Christened! he smiled
Mike had put up a respectful amount of flagging decorations above the ship to, just to give the Ceremony some colour

Imperial Commanders Perseus and G.T approached him and saluted respectfully which he duly returned
Illu sighed though, he missed his two absent friends Agent P and Simon he would have liked them here today on this special occasion for an Imperial, he hoped they were safe

Mike waved, he was next to a small table with a mixture of brewing teas "teas up afterwards" he winked

The small crowd opened allowing Illu to mount some steps then closed again looking up at him, he turned touching his ship giving it a slow rub on its body, lost for a few seconds in thought, wondering what the future held for them both?

He turned back and saw Amber and Mark were respectfully watching with other Federation onlookers further back watching curiously.

He took a deep breath

"Thank-you my friends, i am deeply honored that so many have come to see my ship naming ceremony
It is an important event in the coming together of Pilot and ship, a celebration steeped in Imperial tradition, please bare with me as i recite the oath of Ownership" he held his hand on the Eagle as he spoke

"We as one, Through the never-ending darkness guide us safely
We as one, Protect each other and never forsake
We as one, Baring the fruits of our labor together
We as one, Coming home as one

Help me be honorable in my duty, help me be worthy, i name this ship
Autokrator
Hail The Empire!"

There was a small ripple of applause from most, the Imperials however all stood to attention as Jenner pressed the christening button, as Illu had asked earlier, that it would be an honor if an Imperial royal princess and good friend did the good deed

The bottle of Jinx hit the ship and smashed(much to many's relief, particularly Illus!) although Frank seemed to be heard muttering "bloody waste of good drink if ya ask me!) and the Autokractor was born!

there were pats of congratulations and a festive mood took the docking area, Mikes teas went down a treat, particularly with several variations of his creamy addictive cheesecake! illu just, politely declined this time, he had to be sober to think of how he was gonna win this race! :S

 

[illu Minti]

Naughty shenanigans

The docking area returned to normality after a few hours although it was noticed not many Commanders had left, many were inspecting or working on their ships for the race or walking around and "er" inspecting others!

Feverish activity was all around, sparks flew from various strange bewildering attachments being welded onto numerous ships, banging and shouting mixed with testing of engines and other subsystems, equipment load vehicles moved back and forth

Sven had put a new poster up... The Wacky races, free to enter, side bets being taken at the bar (Illu was certain Station commander Sarah Churchill wouldn't approve of illegal betting, mind someone had said that she had entered a ship herself, and put money on herself!)

Jenner had her work cut out, she was trying to help Illu out whilst working on her own and trying to accommodate other commander requests to.

she had been honest with Illu and said to be truthful since he had a brand new ship it was almost at optimum specs but she would look anyway, even a some percentage improvement could make the difference.

He didnt mind so much, Gir had come up earlier and suggested some helpful hardware add ons, but the agent wanted to win fairly or not at all, he thanked Gir all the same.

Gir wasnt that easily put off though, he and Jenner knew some of the other Commanders wouldn't play fair, they both looked over at Rollo whistling happily loading the biggest boosters to his ship anyone had seen! the go faster strips being stuck to his ship, looked a bit naff everyone agreed though

Cas had agreed with Jenners assessment and decided more fly time would be better for the agent and so off they went off station later

Dar'koba saw Sven walking around totting up the ships "how many ships now Sven?" he asked

"three, er four, yep plus five there.... that will be thirty two! dont think we will get more in this instance!" Sven shouted back!

Frank was wistfully looking where the Floppy Banana used to be docked, he didn't have a ship, and would have enjoyed joining Simon and AP on theirs, he was sure their secret weapon(namely him frank, and his unique own booster technique would have won the race, thargoid webbedhands down! he sighed.

Jack was busy on his own ship when Boris the spider turned up late "hey where you been Boris, am doing all the hard work, trying to figure how we are gonna beat..." Boris put one of his eight legs on Jacks lips and pointed with one of his other seven legs to look at Aliens ship

Alien was furious, they could hear her yelling at the top of her voice(and she was inside her ship trying to take off on a practice run) her ship was bouncing up and down as she tried to rise up, unfortunately for her she couldn't see the spider thread weaved around her ship and attached to the top and bottom of the docks, she was truly a fly caught in a web! Jack laughed and patted his pet.

Amber tugged Marks shirt as they were working on the outside of their ship, they saw Imperial Commander G.T walk away briefly from his own ship

Amber jumped down and ran quickly to G.Ts ship, he had left the hatch open! she scrambled inside and set to work with her sonic screwdriver rewiring his internal subsystems settings, several minutes later she had rejoined Mark just as G.T returned

"Hehe watch" she said to Mark

G.T pressed the engine ignition, nothing happened to begin with, suddenly the toilet flushed! "eh!" he tried the engine again, and again the toilet flushed

Flustered he tried to switch the diagnostic computer on, the voice toaster activated and asked "would sir like waffles or toast this morning?"

"Arg whats going on?" screamed G.T he ran around the ship, picked up the hairdryer and switched it on, the ships voice computer came on "self destruct in minus ten minutes!"

"oh think you might have gone to far" said Mark as he and Amber rushed to find cover!

All around the docks similar shenanigans were going on!

 

[Darkoba]

Dar'koba watched the frenzied activity in the docking area. Thirty-two ships (and counting?) being hurriedly prepared for 'the Wacky Races'. Madness! But potentially a lot of fun.

The atmosphere of the whole thing got to him. He walked over to Gir and Jenner.

"You know, Gir? I think I might join in, just for fun. I don't mean to enter the race in competition, I mean to observe. If I'm any judge, the things that are going on already, in the dock, are going to be nothing compared to what we'll be seeing during the race itself."

"Maybe you and I could have our own private race?" Gir said. "How about Lacus and I race you?"

"In your Sidewinder? Well, it could be fun. Alright. First back at the bar opens a tab for the loser, and puts as many drinks on it as possible before the loser gets back?"

"Alright, but only drinks that can be drunk in that time - not just a load of drinks to be drunk in the future!"

"Ah, do I detect a lack of confidence, my friend?" Dar'koba smiled.

"Er, no, but I still have the memory of when you decided to throttle up. You took off fast. And I'm not used to the idea that my ship may be able to do the same."

"Well, we'll see if she can. But there'll be two of you on-board. In all fairness, I should have somebody fly with me too. Miyako-san, do you think you would be able to join me, or do you expect to be too busy with your new business? I imagine a lot of ships will need some TLC before, during and after the race."

"Thank you for the invitation, Hochi. May I give you my answer at a later date, when I have a better idea of how busy I'll be? I was also considering entering the race myself."

"Of course, no problem. And forgive me, I could have guessed you might want to enter the race."

Sirens started to scream in the docking area. Orange and red lights flashed. Pilots started running for cover.

"What's happening?" Gir asked. Jenner looked around.

"Oh, it looks like G. T.'s ship has initiated self-destruct. We should perhaps duck."

"Ducking won't help too much if G. T's ship blows a hole in the side of the station. My ship's close; let's head there..."

Just then the silence returned. G.T. had managed to stop the self-destruct sequence by ordering a café latte from his automatic dispenser.

 

[Jenner]

"Things really are mad around here, aren't they?" Jenner said, taking in the bustling activity in the dock. She waved to Illu and Cas, prompting them to join her, Hoshi, and Gir.

"Thanks again, Jenner" Illu said as he approached. "You made the christening special."

She blushed a bit. "Oh, no problem, Illu. Glad to be there for you."

She turned to address the group. "I'd like to show you my new hangar! It's right over there... " she pointed to a far off alcove. "And while I'm giving you the tour we can talk about your ship, Illu."

The Agent looked puzzled.

Jenner pulled out her PDA and pressed a few buttons. Suddenly her ship, the Antelope, began moving along the floor! The docking platform it was on was being moved to her repair garage. The group walked alongside the moving starship.

"All of the docking pads are mobile on the station." she explained. "They can be moved to various long-term parking locations and even to repair facilities, like mine! I've taken out a loan to secure all the equipment I'll need for a serious business.... engine racks, drive coil tuners, lifts, radiation protection, *tons* of tools... you name it."

The Eagle's platform turned a corner to begin entering her own repair hangar.

"I'll have to think about advertising... Rollo even offered to help out with finances, but.... "

Illu laughed. "You didn't take that weasel up on it, did you?"

She looked away. "No... but it's been hard. I'm broke again, now. Broke *and* in debt! What fun!"

The Eagle's platform stopped in the middle of the hangar and the bar door began to close.

"So here we are!" she said, gesturing around the bay. "My 'office'!"

"You appear to have most of the equipment you'll need to start" Hoshi said.

"Yes. The rest I can get once I start making some money. So Illu..." she said, turning to him and Cas. "Gir and I have an idea to help you out a bit in the race."

"I don't want anything *too* special! I want to win fair and square!" he replied.

"Well, hear me out first, then decide. It's true that your Eagle is brand new and already tuned very well. But there are two things I can do for you that I've done to my own a long time ago. First... I can adjust your engine's reaction mass escape velocity to give you some extra 'juice' Downside is increased stress on your main drive... Way over manufacturer specs. It will need, ah... 'attention'.... much more regularly." She pointed to the Antelope's main engine as she spoke. "This boy's drive has been rebuilt a lot!"

Illu didn't look quite convinced yet.

"Second" she continued. "I can remove mass from your ship. Also something I've done to 'him'. Basically I drill out holes from the main interior superstructure to eliminate mass. It won't compromise your hull integrity... well, much anyway! Well within tolerances, I promise! I've never sucked vaccum yet in this guy!" she again waved to the old Antelope.

"And we can talk about what you want me to do with your ship, too, Gir." she said.

 

[Iglooman]

I sat in the cockpit of my cobra, wistfully thinking of the fun a race would be. I punched up the ship diagnostics to see how she was doing. Scanning the results, it looked like the main drive was still inoperable. I bet Jenner could fix that up, but likely she wouldn’t have time until after the race. I had paid Joe for the refit, but money ran tight towards the end, so I had to stop before he had entirely finished. I knew I could tinker away on the engines as needed once I had some credits for parts. Not like I hadn’t done it before on the fringe. I took a walk back to the engines to reminisce, running my hands along the metal curves that felt so familiar. Coming to the main drive, I noticed something out of place. There was a hollow indent in the metal, much the same shape of all those medals everyone seemed to be raging over lately… Not again, I thought to myself… I looked down and spied what I sought beneath the metal floor grating. I lifted the grate and reached down to grab a silvered piece of metal. “Ahh, there you are, my precious!” I put the floor grate back in place and fitted the lost piece into it’s home, then pulled the portable welder out of my pocket and flipped up the eye protector and gave a few loving welds along the edges to hold it in place. I let it cool, then ran my finger over the markings on the metal… The letter imprints grew more clear as I tenderly rubbed them.

Irrikan ThruSpace
Model KLF107
“Krugar Lightfast”
S/N KLF1924783
​

I knew that wouldn’t magically make the engines go, but it felt good - one step closer to having my baby back together… There was a shudder in the plating as something outside disturbed the restful Cobra. My mind raced to the present… So much activity in the bays with all race prep. Felt like some crazy person was trying to take off while still having their landing gear tethered… I gave a quick prayer that all the madness wouldn’t end up killing someone…

Speaking of someone dying… I hustled back to the galley to make a special blend of concentration enhancing, energy boosting, and calming tea ingredients. I knew Illu was pretty tense. Cas has put him in a fine position, but it might just be the push he needed… Hey, it’s what birds did, right? I just hoped Illu learned to fly before he hit the ground. Well, I’d do what I could… And I’d put a wager on him too… Maybe 50 credits could turn into something better - some more ship repairs… Although, I felt an odd pull to place a 20 on Connor-Churchill too after hearing she was entering. I shook my head clear of the images of Sarah in red. Blasted Rollo.

Blend complete, I ran out to meet Cas and Illu. I was going to be a busy time - I still had a victory cake to make for the celebration at the bar afterwards…

 

[GIR_mk_2]

Now admiring Jenner's new repair bay for her business venture Gir's mind shot to the thought of outfitting his anaconda

"Well I've been thinking about it a bit, the shielding for one is well below the standard it should be I'll like to if possible double what it should be. The engine's are brand new so just a few tweaks to them I think I'll let you work your magic on them."

Jenner was listening intently whilst jotting down a few notes, Gir continued

"My two biggest concern would be the sensor sensitivity/range I'd like to again double what it should be standard, I'll make the fine adjustments to them on my own nothing personal just feel safer doing it that way. The biggest hurdle would be the weapon systems as there are virtually none so just the standard fire power would be enough to start with."

Jenner was nodding looking at her notes "I can come up with a few idea's I just need to know what your budget for this 'project' will be?"

Gir become very sheepish and began shuffling on the spot Darkoba, Illu, Cas and Jenner gave him a puzzled look.

"Erm...well you see that...erm is" He was beginning to stammer

"Just spit it out man" Illu snapped, Gir didn't hold it against him he know the agent was under a lot of stress.

"I have about..." He tounge stuck out the side of his mouth and he began mimicing counting with his fingers, Jenner's face become very worried, what had she taken on with this job she thought.

Finally Gir's face light up as he finished his mental calculations and he smiled "253,467,891 Credits"

The entire group sat totally silent and in shock starring at the unkempt man with his tattered military jacket

"Is something wrong?" Gir innocently asked

 

[Darkoba]

Dar'koba was the first to catch his breath and speak.

"You did say two-hundred-and-fifty-three-million-four-hundred-and-sixty-seven-thousand-eight-hundred-and-ninety-ONE credits?"

"Er, yes. I had to think awhile to get the exact amount in my head, but that's it, to the credit."

"Well, even if Jenner was to charge top-credit, you don't have to worry about having your ship brought up to scratch, and better. You could buy a fleet of top-of-the-range ships and not even notice. Congratulations my friend."

Others in the group were beginning to breath again. Everybody had questions. All had the decency not to ask them, except, of course, for Illu.

 

[illu Minti]

Illu forgetting his worries for a minute and mouth wide open that Jenner had to close it slowly for him eventually said to Gir........

"So my new best friend, you need protection? want quick clearance in Imperial space, need your clothes ironed?"

The small group broke into laughter... Illu having no decency(at times) hes an agent after all! he had no hesitating in asking

"but seriously where did you get all those creds, and secondly be careful who you tell, remember there are greedy ears everywhere!"

the agent nodded thanks to Mike for the concentration tea "delicious!" and concentrated hard on Gir, eagarly waiting for his answer

 

[Iglooman]

I caught Illu's nod and nodded back. I felt bad about not getting something ready for Illu sooner... I wondered if it would have made a difference at the naming ceremony...

Autokrator...

I wasn't sure if there was a deeper Imperial meaning, after all, as an independent on the fringe, I had really only started learning about Imperials here at Bernard's... But... Autokrator? Sounded too much like Auto Crater and I hoped it wouldn't mean Illu would be bumping asteroids too often... It was a nice ship, and would look so much nicer without the dents.

I lifted my tea mug and made sure Illu caught my gesture to drink lots of my tea mix...

My thoughts drifted to Gir's announcement. I couldn't help but think about the load of exploration data sitting on my datastick... I could sell it to him for a hefty chunk and be set for life... No, no... Poor guy, just woke up and now he'll have all kinds of people vying for his attention and credits... Made me wonder about his new arm candy... Rather suspicious, her just appearing out of the blue for some ancient past. The things people could do with image alteration these days... I'd have to keep on the concentration tea mix myself and see if I couldn't keep the poor guy outta trouble.

 

[GIR_mk_2]

Gir smiled at Illu, never being one to miss a chance for a daft answer

"Same place every one else gets there creds working"

Illu smiled back "You know what I meant you daft so and so"

"Just from odd jobs here and there over the past year and a half Illu, a bit of delivery service here, some accounting there, escort jobs, even some televised sports and wrestling events you know the sort" Gir seemed rather calm and sincere

"Hold on a minute here" Illu piped up "Your telling me you earned all that in JUST a year and a half?"

"Not all of it no" Gir said raising a hand "I opened an account with 1 credit I found in my pocket when I woke up"

Jenner was still silent, from the look in her eyes she was in her own little fantasy world imagining what she would do with that amount of credits