The Caller

[Hitman-76]

Cortez, Curacao,
3:09 P.M Manhattan time

Curacao, a luxury planet within the Cortez system. From big casinos to fancy yachts, everything in terms of "fancy" could be found here. Rumor has it that a few illegal items are sold here even at high prices. 'I've never liked this place, full of spoiled people and some that are just straight up rotten.' To some this is paradise, to Cruikshank, it's just a scamming money-making planet full of idiots. His mission doesn't consist of idiots or money-making schemes though. 'Damned this cipher, why is it even more complicated than the last one? '

Even though it is annoying, Cruikshank knows that this is part of the protocol for security reasons. Each new text-based communications always come with a new cipher to decode, some are short, others really long and confusing. Usually, the decipher is sent by an unknown courier which is also never the same. A few moments past of staring at the chipher before hearing an engine roar. Up in the sky above the spaceport was an incoming V-7, or "Raven's Talon" fighter craft preparing to land.

Cruikshank gets the feeling that this is the courier then hits a button on his wristband. The signal is only sent to those who can receive it, a one-way transmitter. A very weak signal, and very short range of only a few hundred meters. Because of those things however, the signal is nearly impossible to pick up even for a split second. The fighter circles overhead the spaceport a few times, then flashes a red light three times in a row. 'Bingo.' With the courier target confirmed, it was safe.

The V-7 begins landing procedures after given permission on landing pad five, a few meters away from where Cruikshank was standing. 'If this ship was hijacked, I still got my good ole sidearms with me.' But it wasn't, a single man dressed in a black and red space suit walks down the exit ramp of the ship and heads towards Cruikshank. "You, what's your name?" Said the pilot once he had reached Cruikshank. "C-man." Cruikshank replies, "Do you have it?" The pilot had been carrying a medkit with him when leaving the fighter, "Yes, take it, might be some random bandages in there still but it has the documents. Once you are done using them, burn the entire case with the documents."

Cruikshank nearly smiles at this notice, "I've been through this many times, don't worry about me." The pilots nods in acknowledgement, and gives a short salute while saying, "Very well then, honorable skies to you, C-man." After all was said and done, the pilot enters his ship and takes off. "Honorable skies, indeed." Cruikshank whispered to himself.

TBC...