Simon Black

[SimonBlack]

Pat 2: First Engagment.
-Personal quarters, inside Sheffeld station-


Simon was sitting in his quarters, catching his breath. He had to sit down to have some time to re-think.

Everything was happening too quickly, need to slow the time down a bit. Two years ago.. Federal Police. Now - The Bounty Hunters Guild. And here I am... in Bounty Hunters gear, having some time off from recent escorts. There guys sure like to give you a hard time! Three escorts since joining. Last week - Tau's construction site, this week - Liberty space. Got back to Sheffeld today. Its hard to call the place home, though. I never stay here for long... And these quarters, I cant even call it a room...

He smiled. However, the smile soon faded away. Again he realized that he is stuck within these quarters, bound to come back here everytime for another exhausting job. These little jobs get him nowhere. He is stuck within the Guild. Didnt even get any contract, any order from it yet. Did they just got him in and forgot about it completely? Have to work his ass off, doing maintenance until he can pay back for the Manta, that the Guild bought him.

Five million credits in total! How am I supposed to collect that much with petty side-jobs?

A beeping has interrupted his thoughts. Simon stood up and walked to his computer. It was a small device. Simon entered an optical chip in it and soon hologram of keyboard and screen appeared. He checked the log. New message received.


-Incoming transmission-

From: Bounty Hunters guild. Sheffelds control
To: Bounty Hunters Bronze 3
Location: Sheffeld station, Manchester system

-Open transmission-

This is mission control. Submitting contract details.
Client: RepEx security
Target: UoG Mollys
Location: Dresden system
Bounty: 10 million credits
Details: When UoG are in Rheinland, or the Sigma's there is a standing 10 million credit bounty on them. Each and every one. This is until they learn to stay in their own systems. RepEx has enough to deal with without foreign pirates hunting our shipments.

-End of transmission-

Simon checked his log again to make sure. Yes, Bronze 3. Thats his new identification number.

Ten million credits!? I could get the debt for the Guild paid with that much! Simon suddenly felt a big opportunity - A bounty at last.

He smiled.

Lets see if this ship was worth it


-Above Sheffeld station-


Simon launched his ship to space. The outside, however, seemed to be ordinary and Simon started to doubt about the transmission, but soon he got contacted via private channel.

This is Bounty Hunters Bronze 1 to Bronze 3. Python speaking an unfamiliar, but lively voice spoke up.

This is Bronze 3. I read you. Simon dropped the official tone Whats going on?

Im sorry I couldnt meet you outside Sheffeld as planned. Good to have you with me, though. Where do we meet The guy asked.

Lets rendezvous in New Berlin system Simon answered the call.

Roger. Pythons out.


-Somewhere along the trade lane. Omega 7 system.-


Space was static as ever. Even the gas clouds seemed sleeping.

Simon checked his fuel tank. There wasnt much H-Fuel left in there. He was travelling quite a while now, took the longer way for Python to catch up.

Will have to make an unplanned landing then Simon checked his scanners and suddenly shouted out No way!

Freistadt was right in front of him. The place where he grew up. Nostalgic memories took over Simon once again. His parents lived here And his brother And The girl. And her smile

Simon landed his ship. He told an old dock worker to fill his ship up with fuel quickly. Simon knew this man from his early flying days, but now the worker did not recognize him. Simon looked different now. He is a Bounty Hunter.

The place was awfully familiar. His home. His real home. It has never been so far and so close at the same time. Simon could never force himself to come back and now when hes here, he doesnt even have enough time for a visit.

He decided to depart quickly.


-New Berlin system, Bradenburg space-


A ship came out of Bradenburg station

Here you are Simon nodded to Python

Ah, yes- Python seemed uncomfortable -Sorry for being late

Well. Lets do it

Yeah Python replied

They took a trade lane to Dresden jump gate and docked.


-Dresden system, outside the jump gate-


Lets take the trade lane? Python asked in an unconfident tone. He was clearly in a doubt.

Great Simon thought Another new guy like me. Thats all I could want for

Not even this decision would make them loose tactical advantage of surprise element, but also the trip would become prolonged. Simon realized that he has to do something fast or they arent going to make it.

Let me take the lead He humbly suggested.

Python suddenly smiled. Simon ignored that as it wasnt a good time for an analysis of his wingmate. Under orders of Simon they were already cruising further into the cloud.

I have two UoG on my scanners Simon announced and switched to public channel Mollys, you have wandered too far. Now you will advance no further

The Mollys were caught by a surprise and one of them fled instantly. However, the other Molly was already aiming for Simon. They passed by shooting at each other. The shield absorbed the damage relatively well and the ship was holding together. Mollys shields went down in the first passed.

Meanwhile Python was outflanking the enemy. He seemed a completely different man. Confident, concentrated. He launched a well timed attack from the rear while the Molly was turning. The hull was breached and the pirate tried to flee, but he made a mistake of fleeing in a straight line. Python activated his thruster to match targets trajectory and launched the final salve of plasma. Scanners showed clear. No boogies impound.

Simon seemed anxious to claim his reward:

Lets get out of here He said

Sure Python remained calm.


-Planet New Berlin-


Mantas hatch opened as Simon was climbing off the ship. He overheard his wingmate speaking with a RepEx representative who again thanked ...wing leader Python for his valuable service. Simon could not believe his ears. Python is a leader of a wing, just like Pancamo? Simon anxiously ran to Python, but Python beated to it and happened to speak first:

Aye it was good fun doing that job He said

Python! I didnt know you were so well adapted within the guild! Simon laughed. Python smiled and scratched his head:

Aye, I am He paused I was going to lead but I decided to keep quiet and see what you were like

Python blinked in satisfaction just as Simon smiled back at him.

So he was playing a fool all along. I wonder how long he would have pretended before hed have switched course to the asteroid field. Now I see why hes called Python. That guys as twisted as snake!

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Character background summaries:
Red Hessians Major Matthias Schwarz
Golden Chrysanthemums Chusa Fumiko Shimazu