Simon Black

[SimonBlack]

Part 6: The Finer Things in Life.
-Personal apartment, Sheffield station-


Simon was woken up by someones soft slap on his cheek. He opened his eyes briefly.

Oh my head He grabbed himself by his head.

Aye. Now you know it Pancamo was sitting next to Simon trying to cast him back out of sleep.

Oh, right Pancamo remembered Some water

He was quick to back with a glass of water from the next room.

Drink it

Simon sat on the couch. He greedily swallowed the fluid. Pancamo sarcastically smiled upon him.

Now youre a real Bounty Hunter, Simon He started laughing. Simon glanced towards Pancamo, then back to his glass.

Remind me not to do it ever again

Thats all okay here. Happens to everyone, you know. Pancamo took the glass Ill get some more of water for you.

I guess I overreacted Simon said to himself, Pancamo was already behind the wa;;. He started to shout, while pouring the water to the glass, so that Simon could hear it in the other room.

Simon? - He shouted.

Yeah?

I know it just isnt your day today, but I need you to do something for me He came back with the glass and placed it in front of Simon, on a table nearby. This Interspace Commerce rep has asked me to escort him to New York system, but I cant make it. I know you dont like Liberty due to recent events, but I need you to win me some time

Pancamo lowered his voice.

Something is up He looked around and leaned closer to Simon Im not so sure what yet, I have to make some contacts in Cambridge, but my schedule has to be complete, so that no one knows I left, do you understand?

Yes of course, anyhing you want me to. Ill be on Manhattan at this time the day after tomorrow.

Thank you, Simon. Ill contact you as soon as I grab the straw. Oh and by the way." - Pancamo paused and smiled - "Call me Chuck.

He patted Simon on back and left the apartment.


-Planet Manhattan space, New York system-


Simon was flying his Manta, the Bounty Hunters fighter, across the space, minding his own business. Another Bounty Hunter by the name of Sabine Delorme was in the area. She greeted Simon in a hail.

Greetings Savine Simon tried to correct the mistake. Bretonia was not his mother language. I am sorry Sabine

Havent your mother taught you it is not nice to misspell peoples names? The Bounty Hunter asked making fun of Simon's spelling.

One thing Simon learned on Sheffield, though, was to never let anyone to mess around with you.

Are you implying something about my mother? Sabine felt uncomfortable.

Of course not She said without a blink.

Very well. No need for violence then, eh? A threat from Simon sounded rather funny

I agree Sabine did not feel disturbed.

A long pause followed. After a few insults thrown to each they could finally continue a civilized conversation. Simon spoke up.

So, what is it that you came to Liberty for?

Definitely not for ale She said. That made Simon smile.

How have business been lately then?

Unfortunately not as good as it used to be.

Is that so? I have just finished an escorting mission. Long gaps between the contracts, arent they?

Yes, but coffee makes up for it. Would you like to have some yourself?

Of course. I will see you on the flight deck in a second.

Simons Manta moored with Sabines gunship and entered through the channel door. It was soon before they were sitting in front of each other in cockpit chatting and discussing the news. Sabine seemed quite a charming companion and an interesting person to talk to, but the conversation did not last long as s-o-s signal was received from a trader at Colorado jump gate. Some Rogue was after him.

Sabine, I know the Guilds Code, but we need to help this man He said. Pancamo would never let Simon interfere in battle, if they arent being paid. Even if a sake of mans life is in danger.

Damn the Guild Code. I am moving to intercept. Depart with your ship Sabine commanded.

Simon loved what he heard, his eyes were now shining. Sabine was concerned about protection of citizens, just as he was. She was no ordinary Bounty Hunter.

They moved throughout the trade lane and already saw the trader fleeing to Manhattan.

I think I shook him off the trader replied. The bandit, no doubt, left as soon as he heard of Bounty Hunter contacts coming in fast.

The trader was pleased with the help and hired both of the pilots as his escorts. They set off course to Plane Juno in Kusari with Prisoners and then off to New London system with Engine Components. The amount of previous goods was small, therefore there were no restrictions for the convoy.

Simon and Sabine were talking on the trade run, paying more attention to ourselves than protection, but everything appeared to be going smoothly. Simon was travelling through Kusari space for the first time apart from the time when he had to run away from Sigmas. He hasnt realized its beauty before, since he really was in a hurry, but now Kusari seemed a beautiful, charming place to him.

I spent quite a lot of my childhood here Sabine said.

Really? I hail from Omega 7 system. Have you ever heard of Freistadt?

Freistadt? That is quite far from here isnt it?

Yes, it is a long story Simon sighed. It reminded him of his home and his loved ones again. He almost felt guilty talking with another girl. However Sabine cheered him up eventually.

I believe it is She said The story must be rather interesting. Unlike you, I am just an ordinary Bounty Hunter born on Sheffield station

Really? I am stationed on Sheffield myself. It acts as headquarters for my operations. That is where you go if you leave the Omegas. Simon explained.

It is rather strange that we have never met before

Im not so surprised. Simon replied Sheffield is filled with Bounty Hunters.

He paused.

Also, have it mind that Bounty Hunters are rather mobile people Smile brushed across his face.

Youre probably right then. Sabine agreed.

They were talking like that for days evolving around many different themes from business to private lives until the final destination was reached. Credits that the trader paid for the escorting service were split and the Bounty Hunters and they were about to head back to Sheffield.

Drinks are all on me when we reach Sheffield Simon said. He was in a good mood this morning.

No way That was Sabines answer. Simon thought he had said something wrong, but then Sabine smiled and cleared away all the doubts. - They are on me

To what seemed to be a bad conversation that started above Manhattan, now turned into a nice friendship.

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