.:j:. Tales of the Junker Congress

[Hawk]

Elijah saw Bruiser standing in the dock waiting for him. Bruiser saw him too and started towards him. Whats up boss?
Grab your gear soldier, were taking a little trip.
Great, where to?
Manhattan.
Now I know youre joking. Why the hell would you want to go there?
Because Crow asked me to and Im not joking.
Alright, but youd better get some sleep in the mean time. Its going to be a while before they finish unloading the ship.
Were not taking the salvager. Were leaving now, and I want a little more discrete transport anyway.
Im not sure I like the sound of that.
Oh well. Its necessary Im afraid. He looked across the bay and saw a familiar ship with half a body sticking out from underneath. As he walked over to the older combat service freighter he was impressed at the shape it was in. So, youve still got this heap in good running order I see.
The figure underneath the ship slid out the rest of the way revealing the slender frame of a woman dressed in black overalls. Mackenzie Mason stood up and wiped the grease from her face, her long black hair tied behind her head.
Elijah greeted her as she stood, Good to see you again Mac. Good to see this ship again as well.
You too Lije.I think. What can I do for you? I know its a big say when a big salvage captain such as you comes looking for me.
Well, Ive got a little situation and I need a ride.
You need a ride from me? Thats rich. Where to anyway?
Manhattan.
Oh hell no! What do you want to go there for?
Its complicated. To tell you the truth, I dont want to go, but Im going anyway. Its business.
Ya know Lije, youre gonna owe me big for this one.
I know. So anyway, how soon can you be ready to take off?
I can have a pre flight done in twenty minutes. Is that enough time for you to be ready?
I think we can manage that. He turned back to Bruiser. Grab your stuff and lets go.
Ok, but why are we taking this thing? Id much rather be back on your ship.
Well, Im told the Liberty Navy is getting a little too trigger happy. A big ship like mine is just too tempting a target. We need to be a little quieter anyway.

Elijah leaned back in his seat. Beaumont was well behind them as they headed for the jump gate. He was thinking that he should be sleeping about now, and instead he was back in space. He opened the case he received on Beaumont. There was a recording inside from Jack Crow and some data disks. Mac, Bruiser, you guys ready to learn what this is all about?
Damn straight. Bruiser told him
That goes for me too. Mackenzie yelled back from the pilots chair.
Ok, here goes. He reached forward and inserted a disk into a small console behind the main cockpit.
The screen lit up and the face of Jack Crow appeared. Greetings Lije. Thanks for taking this one. I know youre wondering what this is all about and Im sure Bruiser is sitting next to you wondering the same.
Boy hes funny. Shot Bruiser
Ok, heres the deal guys. Weve been getting many complaints about the Liberty Navy harassing Junkers. Now they have really stepped in it. They destroyed a salvage frigate in Manhattan orbit. I know what youre thinking, but the captain wasnt smuggling anything. In fact, the ship was not involved in illegal activity at all from what we can determine. There were several Congress vessels in orbit who witnessed everything, including me personally. In your package you will find gun camera footage from several of those ships along with scans of the ship that was destroyed. When you get to Manhattan, go to the Green Turtle Pub at the North end of the spaceport. We have an agent who will meet you there. Hes not a Congress agent. He works for a radical group that is trying to expose corruption in the Liberty Government. Hes going to help blow the lid off this one and not get our hands as dirty. Keep in mind that we think his group is also leaking info to the Xenos so be careful what you tell him. Just give him the info you have there. Stay low, if the government figures out why youre there, they arent going to be too happy. Ill contact you over a secure channel when I reach Rochester and give you more details.
Elijah say up in his chair, Son of a
Bruiser leaned back and laughed, You get me into some of the craziest messes. Why do I still hang around you anyway?
Because Im your hero or maybe because Ive made you rich, I dont know. You know you love this stuff.
What about me, came a shrill voice from the cockpit, just how rich am I going to get for flying you into this hornets nest?
I love you too Mac. Dont worry, I'll see that you are all taken care of. Personally I think this one should be on Crows dime. Hes going to owe us all for this, and once we collect, Im going to hit him.

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