Justus Lynn

[boxcartenant]

"I hope you know the way," Justus said as he pulled out of Leniex.

"Ah'll clipe yer vegri." the man said as he began to climb gracelessly over Justus to reach the navigation system. Justus protested and pushed at the man to get him off, but the man grabbed the steering handles to brace himself within reach of the navigation screen, shouting back , "Stop thoor wheeskin!" and "Dinna skreck soo laud, whelp!"

A full set of waypoints at the ready, Justus steered his ship for the Magellan jump hole. As much as Justus hated the thought of playing the market, he had already taken the strange man and a load of weapons into his vehicle, and besides that the thought of smuggling added a certain touch of intrigue to the situation, making it seem more desirable overall. Plus, Justus needed the money and something to do. It came to him that he hadn't been guaranteed a cut of the profits; he considered this only briefly. The man had no ship, so as long as Justus was providing transport for his goods, the ship would have food in it and Justus would eat well. Worst case scenario, he thought, I end up looking for jobs at Freeport 10.

The man must have been in his late 50s to mid 60s, but he seemed to be strong and healthy for his age. He had deep wrinkles on his forehead and cheeks, beetled eyebrows, a thin nose, and ears that stuck straight out. He had a full, white beard with streaks of gray on the sides, and the top of his head was bald, leaving a wide halo of thin hair around the top of his head.

"What's your name?" Justus asked.

"Vindicateus," the man growled. "Mah mither wer italian an na lifer ob auld Room. Hit meens fargiveness."

"Vince, then."

"Haeb it yer bonny weah."

Justus thought better of pursuing further conversation, and resolved to enjoy the silence of space, the soft breeze from his ship's air recirculation, and the perfect view of the stars.

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Kill a whale; save a giant squid.