Its a rough universe out there.

[pipsqueak]

CHAPTER 1.

"Hey what are you doing my love", Joseph called his house address on planet Manhatten using the holoda.

"Nothing...just packing", a charming voice replied back.

"Gah..no video....wait....did Andy already tell you....ah never mind, good good finish packing", Joe replied back.

"what are you talking about", the charming voice seemed confused.

"Hmm.. I guess he didn't", Joseph said," Last night at Rochester I won a friggin' ship in a game of Poker...Can you believe it?...a transport. I will take you around Manhatten for this weekend when I get there."

"oh I didn't know that", the charming voice replied back, " I have great news for you too"

"Wow this must be the most awesome week we have ever had, whats your news", Joeseph stared at the Holoda though there was no video, imagining seeing his love beaming from ear to ear.

" You will have all the time flying your ship Joe", the charming voice didn't seem that charming anymore, "I am leaving you for Andy. Do not bother coming to the house its sold and do not bother looking for me, I will be gone long before you even get to Manhatten"

"What no..", Joseph wailed into the screen, " Why..."

"Your mistake was to give me power of attorney and be away for months at a time, mainly your mistake was to be not there for me....goodbye Joseph"

"I...I....I worked hard to provide for you...., why would you do this to me...", Joe was heartbroken.

"THE CALLER IS NOT AVAILABLE" came the monotonous voice as the screen flickered.

"Computer", Joseph barked commands at the holoda. " show me my current assets".

"THERE ARE NO CURRENT ASSETS", computer replied back, "YOU HAVE ONE MAIL"

"Read it", Joseph sat up.

" This is a contract termination notice. Our policy strictly prohibits our employees fraternizing with Rogues and Junkers and since we have unrefutable evidence of you doing exactly that, we can no longer honor our contract due to this breach. If you have any questions please contact our HR department for further information.

Good day.

Andy Calhoun"

"Andy", Joe growled as he looked out the window of his recently acquired ship, his only asset. The space was dark and the stars were shining. Far in the distance he could make out the bluish purple haze of a Nebula.

This was going to be a long day....

Joseph moved to the cockpit of the ship and started plotting a course for Manhatten...

(to be continued...)

---