Valerie opened her eyes as she sat back against a crate in the corner of the Barrier Gate docking bay. An unfamiliar dark-skinned man wearing a mechanic's overalls stood in front of her, looking up at the weathered prosecutor towering over the both of them. His back was facing towards Val, and thus his face was impossible to see. His voice carried some level of emotion, though Val was unable to gauge its precise intent.
"She's not." Val replied, curtly, closing her eyes once again.
"Everything's got a price. Ship of that type's got some heat. What's with the attachment?"
"It's my ship."
"Hundred thousand credits, here and now. More than enough for any Eagle or Sabre in better condition to replace it."
"It's my ship."
"Suit yourself." The mechanic in front of her paused briefly. "You an Insurgent?"
"Nope."
"Well how'd you get the ship? Serial number's pretty damn early, doubt it was a black market find."
"You ask a lot of questions."
"Ship's been in these docks before. You aren't Valerie."
A rustle of clothing in front of her caused Valerie to open her eyes once more, only to be met with the mechanic's face snarling in anger, and with a pistol aimed squarely at her forehead.
