Rheinland's Starquake I

[Backo]

"It's Carmen Summers, I hope I'm not too early?"

There was a noticeable touch of nervousness under the otherwise almost theatrical display of cheerfulness. Eliza still was not sure why she accepted the Bureau agent's invitation. While getting down on Holstein was relatively easy under her old Forlorn Hope alias, her departure was entirely dependent on the good will of agent Laurenz and the local authorities. Valdez originally asked for at least another 24 hours to prepare and think things through, but for reasons the Maltese could still not materialize into clear thoughts she decided to rush things and meet Kat as soon as she could. This wasn't the first time Eliza had done stupid things when under the influence of mysterious blondes and the girl could only hope that she wasn't tying herself into another huge mess. It was too late to backpedal now though.

"Planetary security was uneventful and I'm at the big landing port. Where should I meet you?"

While awaiting further instructions, Eliza was going through a bunch of clothes in the hold of her old Forlorn Hope ship with her other hand. A combat pilot's flight suit was not something she wished to be stuck in for the rest of her visit. Plus if she was to keep the persona of mercenary pilot on a vacation to one of Rheinland's less freezing worlds something less paramilitary was needed. A light grey synthetic V-top along with a black leather jacket seemed appropriate enough as Kat never specified any dress code.

One last thing before she was ready to leave her ship - Eliza took what seemed like a cigarette case and placed it in the back pocket of her trousers. There was no telling how long she would be on Holstein and entering Cardamine withdrawal would complicate things severely. The few doses inside the cigarette case were hopefully going to be enough for her stay, even if it extended over a few days.

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Republic of the Sword and Sun