March of the Blind Monkeys

[AdamantineFist]

Alejandro knew he was somewhat drunk as he made his way through the cramped corridors to get to the hanger where his ship was docked. Just as he reached the bay door, he heard a voice behind him. Ah, Mr. Ivanov. Ive been looking for you, said the voice, softly. He spun around, and was confronted by a strangely proportioned figure swathed in thick black robes. The figure was quite tall, gender indeterminate due to its attire. Though it was difficult to make out through the heavy clothing, it seemed to be freakishly thin, having unnaturally elongated limbs, and its face was completely covered by a strange mask, with breathing tubes leading from it into its voluminous robes.

Wh-who are you? stammered Alejandro, Why have you been looking for me?

The figure chuckled, a noise which was strangely distorted by the mask or at least so Alejandro hoped. It leaned towards him and began to speak once more. My employers have heard of your abilities, and wish to hire you for a commission. Its rather straightforward, really.

I what what exactly do they want me to do? asked Alejandro cautiously.

Its all detailed in this document, said the figure, and it pulled a datapad out of its robes and handed it to him, waiting as he read it over.

Alejandro mused over the document for several minutes. Ah they want what? Hmm difficult, but I think it may be possible.

The figure again began to speak, surprise tingeing its voice, Impressive. Most everyone else we contacted claimed that this would not be possible.

Well Ive been working on something similar to this for quite some time, replied Alejandro, sitting down next to the door frame. The most difficult part is making the alloy resistant to warping at extreme temperatures, but I think Im near a breakthrough.

My employers were right to contact you then, said the figure, amusement entering its voice.

Ah, one thing. Who exactly will I be working for? asked Alejandro, tentatively.

Is it important to you? asked the figure.

Uhm it might be. Id rather not deliver these to, say, the Phantoms, or-

The figure cut him off. You need not worry, then. MY employers are not mass murderers. Nothing of the sort. Now, do you accept?

Well I guess so. What will be the payment?

Fifty million credits on completion of the alloy, another fifty on completion of a working prototype.

Thats um thank you? Uh thats sounds good. stammered Alejandro, weakly.

Excellent, said the figure. I will take my leave now. Good night, Mr. Ivanov.

Um uh, goodbye, said Alejandro as he walked over to his ship in a daze.

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