Saving the Soul of a Ship

[Excitable.Boy]

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Ian arrived at Beaumont in the most capable vessel he Captained, the Rusted Phoenix.
A large crew of Junker engineers, laborers, specialists,
and even a few of the best clandestine scientists he knew, aboard.

He took a look around and spotted the debris that must have once been the "Breezewood".
All he could do was shake his head, before commanding his pilots to switch to automatic controls.
"Welcome to Beaumont, Mr. Howler."
Came an unfamiliar voice when he requested mooring quarter.

As his ship moored via docking computers, he grabbed his cane and made his way slowly
to the main airlocks.
All the while he walked, his cane made a distinct metallic clank as it hit the floor.
He cursed to himself under his breath.
He could still remember the accident that put him in this state,
and at such a young age. But he had to put that out of his mind.

He was here to see an old friend, to help him with another project that as a Captain,
he held close to his heart just as he did the last.

As the airlocks hissed and slid open, his thoughts went to Theobald.
When he had first met Captain Franklin, it was in circumstances similar to these.
He hoped to find his old friend well, and headed straight for the bar.
"Of course that's where he'll be." he said to himself
as he clanked with every step.

He stepped into the bar, and made way for the barkeep.
"Whiskey. Only your best. Make it a double. Neat."
He barked as he got to the bar, adding in a softer voice,
"Please..."

The barkeep simply grinned and handed him the bottle.
"Not looking so great, Ian."
Said the barkeep with a slight chuckle and a hint of remorse, before turning back to clean more glasses.

"Yeah, yeah." said Ian, before drinking deeply.
"Seen an Orbital Captain around here?" He asked, not expecting an answer.

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