March of the Blind Monkeys

[AdamantineFist]

[font=Palatino Linotype]Part One: Precipice



The ship approached Bornholm depot, the light from star Omega-15 shining off her dark, scarred metal hull, and a flight of Collectors approached it. The lead ship sent a transmission to the large vessel.

Unidentified vessel, you are entering restricted Junker space. Please transmit Identification Codes or you will be forcibly escorted out of Junker space.

After a few seconds, the larger vessel responded. Roger that. This is Captain Alejandro Ivanov of the Junker vessel Vanuatu. Sorry about the lack of transponder codes. Ive taken some damage to some of my subsystems in a recent firefight.

Understood, Vanuatu. Well escort you into the station. Over and out.

[AdamantineFist]

Alejandro finished the diagnostics. He stared at the screen for a few seconds, then shouted out the open hatch. Everythings looking good now. The new transponders working just fine.

The small group of Junkers outside the ship were just finishing off the repairs, and one of them climbed aboard the ship. Good to know, Alejandro. My names Pete.

Well, thanks for the help, Pete. It would have taken forever to do those repairs on my own, replied Alejandro as he stood and shook Petes hand.

Anything for a fellow Junker, Al. Hows about you, me, and the boys here go have a drink over at the bar, and you can tell us the tale of how you came by such an impressive ship? asked Pete, as he and Alejandro exited the ship.

Sure, sounds great, said Alejandro with a smile.

[AdamantineFist]

Alejandro and the group of Junker mechanics sat in the bar at Bornholm station, chatting over a few beers.

So, what class of ship is she? asked one of the mechanics, who had given his name as Johnny. Ive never seen anything quite like her.

Well, at her core, shes a heavily modified Kith Super Heavy Fighter. I built her myself off of a few wrecks, some blueprints I managed to blackmail off a Daumann official, and a lot of hard work and know-how. Ive built her as a research and exploration vessel, with lots of space for my on-board workshop and various tools, explained Alejandro, with many expressive hand gestures along the way.

Hah, built the Junker way, eh? roared Pete, giving Alejandro a hearty slap on the back, and the men all chuckled. Keep her in good condition, dontcha? Oh, and what sort of work do you do?

Ehm robotics, various techs, some work with advanced materials. Hull alloys, mostly. Oh, and nanotech. Ive got a good knowledge of computing, as well.

Impressive! exclaimed Pete, A regular Renaissance man, arent you?

Alejandro grinned. Well, I suppose I am, sort of.

The conversation dragged on, into the night, and eventually, everyone headed back to their quarters or ships.

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[AdamantineFist]

Alejandro knew he was somewhat drunk as he made his way through the cramped corridors to get to the hanger where his ship was docked. Just as he reached the bay door, he heard a voice behind him. Ah, Mr. Ivanov. Ive been looking for you, said the voice, softly. He spun around, and was confronted by a strangely proportioned figure swathed in thick black robes. The figure was quite tall, gender indeterminate due to its attire. Though it was difficult to make out through the heavy clothing, it seemed to be freakishly thin, having unnaturally elongated limbs, and its face was completely covered by a strange mask, with breathing tubes leading from it into its voluminous robes.

Wh-who are you? stammered Alejandro, Why have you been looking for me?

The figure chuckled, a noise which was strangely distorted by the mask or at least so Alejandro hoped. It leaned towards him and began to speak once more. My employers have heard of your abilities, and wish to hire you for a commission. Its rather straightforward, really.

I what what exactly do they want me to do? asked Alejandro cautiously.

Its all detailed in this document, said the figure, and it pulled a datapad out of its robes and handed it to him, waiting as he read it over.

Alejandro mused over the document for several minutes. Ah they want what? Hmm difficult, but I think it may be possible.

The figure again began to speak, surprise tingeing its voice, Impressive. Most everyone else we contacted claimed that this would not be possible.

Well Ive been working on something similar to this for quite some time, replied Alejandro, sitting down next to the door frame. The most difficult part is making the alloy resistant to warping at extreme temperatures, but I think Im near a breakthrough.

My employers were right to contact you then, said the figure, amusement entering its voice.

Ah, one thing. Who exactly will I be working for? asked Alejandro, tentatively.

Is it important to you? asked the figure.

Uhm it might be. Id rather not deliver these to, say, the Phantoms, or-

The figure cut him off. You need not worry, then. MY employers are not mass murderers. Nothing of the sort. Now, do you accept?

Well I guess so. What will be the payment?

Fifty million credits on completion of the alloy, another fifty on completion of a working prototype.

Thats um thank you? Uh thats sounds good. stammered Alejandro, weakly.

Excellent, said the figure. I will take my leave now. Good night, Mr. Ivanov.

Um uh, goodbye, said Alejandro as he walked over to his ship in a daze.

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