Walking to Corleone

[Reeves]

Barrier Gate Station; Coronado System; Independent Space

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Coronado was a colorful place, both aesthetically and politically. The brilliant contours of the barrier set to the backdrop of a fledgling nation and Great House intrigue. It had become somewhat colonized in recent years but was never truly safe. And with Liberty's expensive campaign against the Insurgency, along with the still ongoing occupation, the charge of system-wide policing fell almost solely to the Crayterians. They were a resilient people. Their sole redeeming trait, undermined quite viciously in terms of autonomy by their determined dependence on either of the Great Houses they bordered.

This of course meant people of Damien's particular affiliation would be subject to interdiction if intercepted. And while he had anticipated this might happen from his secured seat in the back of this rocketing Kestrel, nothing of the sort came to pass. The No Time for Decompression blew along the route without much concern for structural integrity, carrying five passengers. The Commander and his four "honour" guards that could be trusted to maintain the privacy a meeting like this. Armed and armored in Kemwer kit, their affiliation was unclear to any potential eavesdroppers. Though if a fine eye for detail was exercised there were small clues, and at the very least a narrow list of collaborators with the producers of such equipment.

The pilot said something to one of the guards closer to his perilous vigil, but whatever it was had been completely drowned out by the incessant screaming of the engines. This guard then in turn motioned towards Damien and slammed his fist against the metal interior thrice, it was a signal that they were close and it was certainly more effective than trying to shout over the engines. The nod issued in response meant the message was received and understood. And with their destination rapidly coming into view, Damien looked himself over and then counted through his belongings to make sure nothing was forgotten. Not that it would do any good to find out now, flying back would be as good as cancelling this meeting.

When the ship pulled into dock, Damien hefted his bag up and onto his shoulder before taking those first few steps through the airlock and into the rocky interior. The fact he packed was an indicator of intent, but what exactly it indicated was up to his partner to figure out. A trip perhaps? And if so, where?

The guards caught up with him, two in front and two at the rear. Working as a tightly knit unit meant that nobody could follow along and prove to be an uninvited guest, nor could anyone hope to easily impede their brisk walk to Annex-A. And while there were certainly onlookers of all kinds, nobody was going to pick a fight if it didn't seem worth the potential cost. So their trip across the various sections of the station remained mostly uneventful, save for the occasional need for one or both of the guards at the front to yell at layabouts to get out of the way.

Eventually they were at their intended destination, another cramped umbilical that facilitated mooring, but this one was reinforced and suited for larger ships than the freighter which had ferried them here. With the door leading here shut behind the group of five, all they could do now was wait for the somewhat gilded steel in front of them to part and make way for who Damien was here to see.

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On indefinite hiatus because the current state of gameplay sucks - ping me over discord if replies are needed