Unlikely Union

[Rodent]

The docking bay was cleared, and the Civilian Shuttle "Heron" landed without Incident. As soon as the doors opened, people started pushing each other in a desperate bid to get out first. Among them, a man with dark long hair walked out easily, 2 suitcases in hand. Albert Knowles scanned the lush green Erie landscape, dotted wth skyscrapers in the background. "Perfect", He thought to himself.

Standing on the pavement of the launch pad, he waited for his companion. She came out towards the last, Auburn hair spread out over her shoulders. Samantha MacTavish reached the ground with some difficulty and started looking for Albert.

Albert grinned and waved his hand for her to see. She quickly moved over to him, "Nice trip Aye?", She asked, grinning.

"About the most bumpy space ride I have ever had," He replied. "Let's go"

They walked away from the launch pad and into the terminal, and sat down.

"Well, we need ships" Alfred began.

"Aye, we do, and I guess legitimate sellers are a no-no", Replied Samantha.

"Right, We should try the rust-baskets"

"Wha?"

"Used ship sellers, might find something for our uses."

"Aye, sounds good. Before we leave, I would like you to see if my outfit works or not. I personally think my arse looks a bit too large in it!"

Albert laughed, " You look sexy as usual", He remarked.

Samantha blushed. "Thanks I guess", she replied shyly.

A little asking around the city got them to the rustbucket dealers. It was a noisy place full of hagglers, ragged people, the lowest strata of Sirian society. Albert quickly went through the ships, until he hit one he liked.

"Which ship is that?", He asked the dealer.

"Tha', Is a Crow Fighter, Perfect fer you and the Missus!", He said, his grin revealing crooked and yellow teeth.

Robert blushed a bit at the man's assumption. "We are not married, and how much does it cost?", He asked.

"Ah, me bad, It costs no less than 3 million credits, lowerin' the price fer your...friend", He said.

"That rustbucket is worth no more than 2, I can bet you that" said Robert with a twinkly in his eye, he knew that haggling could do wonders.

After a lot of negotiations, They bought the Crow fighter for 2.5 million credits with some good guns thrown in. But unfortunately, no worthwhile ship could be found for Samantha.

"I think I will try Manhattan, always wanted a Kingfisher", said Samantha finally as the day wore away.

"Right, get in the Crow and we will try Manhattan", Said Albert tiredly.

The trip to Manhattan was uneventful, Samantha sat with Albert in the cockpit, the Cargo hold was not fit for pigs, let alone humans. His nearness ringed alarm bells in her head, but she controlled her emotions until they got to Manhattan.

"Right! Here at last!", Drawled Albert after they had landed.

"Aye, I will try finding a Kingfisher for me uses", replied Samantha.

"Perhaps later, I am tired, and you are as well. Let's go to the restrooms for visitors nearby and rest before doing anything."

"Aye"

The restroom was hardly ideal, but for the tired person, it was paradise. Albert quickly booked 2 seperate rooms, got the keys and gave one to Samantha.

Before parting, they exchanged pleasantries.

"Good night Robert"

"Good night Katie"