The Duane Lee Chapman Memorial Bar and Grill, Sheffield Station; "Sniffer" Martinez, proprietor

[Agmen of Eladesor]

Max opened the door to the bar. Sniffer looked at him.

"What's the matter, deVirgo, you get hurt or something?"

"Sniffer, I'm not walking with this limp for my health. My ejection seat worked - just twisted my ankle getting out was all. Still better than Rush - he'll be in sickbay another couple of days with a sprained back."

"Yeah, I heard about that. I tell you what, those Corsairs are getting bolder and bolder all the time. So, the usual?"

Taking his seat, Max shakes his head. "No - I think I want some straight whiskey tonight. I'm not flying tomorrow, and after that vision of hell, I just need to get relaxed."

As Sniffer brings over his drink, Max' private com channel goes off.

"Who the hell is that?"

"Cousin, I'm glad to see that you're okay. Just remember that I may be your enemy - but I'm still family, and I won't be on the other side of the guns against you." The signal quickly cut off.

Sniffer looked at Max. "It's a long story, Sniffer. Let's just say that my family tree has some bad roots and leave it at that for the night. Besides, the Director already knows - that's why I have the job I have with the company."

Sniffer just shook his head - and then left the whole bottle. Max was going to need a LOT of relaxing tonight.

---

Oh god... The end of days... Agmen agreed with me.