Nickels and Nails

[Zapp]

2 weeks previously, Planet Denver, Colorado system

"You must be out of your mind," Nails said to Nickels. They stood in an alley between an insurance agency and a diner, bodies close so they could talk in whispers. Also, it was because the alley was narrow. Nickels had a few days worth of stubble, and a gaunt look of hunger stretched his skin tight. Nails was clean shaven, but had the same hungry look.

"Out of my mind? Look at us, bro! We haven't had a job in weeks, haven't eaten in days, our piece of s*** Hawks are about to be towed to impound because we can't afford to pay for a landing pad or fuel."

"I know, I know, I'm hungry too. But what you're proposing could get us a one-way ticket to Sugarland, or killed."

"Or we could starve to death."

Nails tried to throw his hands in the air, but the confined space forced him to settle for a grunt as a sign of his surrender.

"Good," Nickels said, glancing down the street. "It looks like they're about to start."

~ ~ ~ ~ ~

An old military man stood behind a podium in front of a crowd of about 50 officers. They had commandeered part of a public park for the ceremony. On the podium was a pre-written speech, as well as two Purple Heart medals. He was at the end of his speech: "And so, it is with great honor that I present Captains Liz Warner and Robert Janeway the Purple Heart for..."

Off to the side, out of everyone's field of view (which was glued to the speaking man), were two ships: a Liberator and an Avenger. Two shadows stealthily boarded, one for each ship, going through an abbreviated pre-flight routine; as much as possible without starting the engines. The military man continued unawares: "... And it is also with great honor that I bestow these two new ships!" He gestured to the pair of ships. In unison, the crowd turned to look at them, and in unison they gasped when they saw the thieves.

"Jig's up, Nails, floor it!"

As security was alerted and started moving in, the duo powered the engines and rocketed off.

Just flying off the planet wouldve been stupid so instead, Nickels (in the Liberator) led them to a friend of his: someone who knew how to change a ships transponder and IFF illegally. Flying north and low, they landed on a cracked and old pad, weeds trying to worm their way through the crevices. Sirens sounded in the distance, either from the police or an ambulance, or both. The brothers looked at each other, then looked at the house and workshop that were built right up to the landing pad, on the west side.

A large black man one Seamus Freeman stormed out of the workshop, angrily preparing to give whoever had landed on his pad the rough side of his tongue. On seeing Nickels, however, his expression softened some. Nickels, he said in a deep voice, and your brother you always threaten me with. He gave Nails a neutral look while evaluating him; Nails returned the favor. After a moment of this, satisfied by what they had seen in the other, they broke the gaze, and Seamus addressed Nickels, So, to what do I owe this visit, he said, glancing at the ships. Oh no, you didnt obviously realizing what happened.

Oh yes we did, Nails said, And were here to see about changing the transponder and IFF.

Hmm well, I suppose I could, but it would cost you. Were talking about stolen Navy ships here, not your run-of-the-mill civilian or pirate ship. Both brothers looked at each other, concerned. They were out of money! Nickels, thinking fast, said, You know, I think wed rather do a trade. You can keep the Navy transponders you pull off our ships Im sure thats worth something to you?

Yes, it is, but I keep those anyways. Now, if you dont have money, you might as well just fly away right now. Im not taking IOUs or anything like that.

Nails looked at Nickels, shrugged, and pulled his gun on Seamus. Listen, youre going to change the transponder and IFF to Freelancer on both of the ships, or well find somebody else, because if you dont youll never change another transponder again, because youll either be dead or breathing through a tube.

An hour later, they lifted off from the planet, transponders and IFFs labeling them as Freelancers. They passed security measures undetected, as they flew up separately to avoid arousing suspicion.

---