Living The Life Of Riley

[Riley Mackenzie]

Riley hits the 'mute' button & turns to face his robotic companion.

"Do we even have a million?"

'Yes Sir: three point six million, not counting the profits made from our current cargo to be sold on planet Houston.' said Bob.

This is a new experience for Riley...up until now he's always been very lucky & has never had direct dealings with a pirate before, so, under stress & without weighing his options, decides to bluff.

"One million or death are my only two choices?" he asks into the console.

"Don't waste my time Zoner!" replies the pirate. "You can cough up the credits, or choke in space!"

"I'm just insulted that I'm only worth a million to you...don't you want to hear my counter offer?"

There was a long pause...at least it seemed that way to Riley, as he began to nervously sweat buckets & his inner voice started to panic.

'::I'm doomed. Why didn't I just shut up & pay out? What the hell do I say next? Oh crap, I'm dead. Why do I always get myself into corners like this? God, I hate Liberty. I'm so doomed.'::

He wipes the sweat from his brow as he sets a blind waypoint & prepairs to run.

::'What the hell am I doing?!':: he continues to think to himself as he watches his fingers manipulate the NavCom as if they wern't his own. ::'I'ts not too late, just agree to the price & go throw up after he's gone. Damn! I'm going to die like a gnat on Liberty's left butt-cheek!'::

"Alright," finally came the pirate's reply. "I'm listening."

::'Ok, good. I can just give him what he wants & get out of here.':: He thought to himself with a sigh of relief.

"One Mil or die" came Riley's response.

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