Karus was down on his luck, and he knew it. His personal neural net communicator was having it's memory filled with messages from debt collections agencies, and it would only be a matter of time before more...'direct' methods were employed. Trapped on Denver with little to no funds, if a bounty was set on him...there was nowhere to run.
The Liberty Navy was not going to forgive the debts incurred for the loss of a craft, nor the 'wasted time' in training him. He still recalled the bitterness in Captain Oustren's personal recommendation that he be forced to repay credit for credit, not even allowed enlisted service.
He could always petition his partner for help...but that would brand him a failure. Karus met James Caprous on Manhattan, during a quick freelance gig to temporarily put off the collections, and they had grown rather fond of one another. James however, was a big-shot administrator in a sister company to Ageira...far out of his league. Even worse, James's father, David Caprous, greatly disapproved of such an...'unconventional' relationship. Being a West Point failure, crushed in debt? It virtually guaranteed an end to their relationship.
Taking another deep swig of the swill they passed as ale, Karus's eyes lazily fell upon an advertisement, running across the viewscreen at the bar..."The Bretonia Police Authority needs YOU!" it said, with an especially dapper fellow pointing a finger outward.
It was a strange stretch of luck, that such a commercial was playing in a core system of Liberty...but Karus remembered the dire situation Bretonia was in. The bounty for arrests was generous. It was honorable work, for a nearly incorruptible organization. Surely, even James's father would be impressed with such work, and he could put his time in and come home to his beloved without shame.
Karus checked his drained accounts...it was enough to at least catch a ride to New London, as long as he didn't mind riding in some storage...And well...Why not? It's not like the situation could get any worse...
He left the unfinished drink at the bar and left in a hurry, to find a cheap, or desperate enough transport to New London. Despite his predicaments...he finally felt a bit eager for the future, and couldn't wait to send a message to his lover, with word that their separation finally had a solution.
(Quicky summary - Owes debt due to failure at West Point, has a relationship back in Liberty space, hoping to serve honorably and return, without disgrace. Somewhat timid personality, but eager to prove himself, partially to his partner's father, partially to his partner, and partially to himself.)
3). Do you have any ambitions within the BPA after you join?
Karus muses at the question, after filling out the forms detailing his prior history and medical records.
"I don't intend to sound desperate, good sirs, but...this is my last shot. I can't possibly give you any less than my best."
4). If you could have any pet in the world what would it be? (Be creative!)
Karus looked up at the constable who has handed him the form with a bit of confusion. He nodded knowingly and said, "Just go with it, laddy."
Still, though, he couldn't make up his mind. The question used the term, 'in the world'....does that mean reality? Nothing mythological? But, if it were based in reality, would it be original?...After writing and erasing almost 3 essays in his head, he simply wrote 'fox' and turned in the forms, hoping for the best.
