Synthesis

[Xalrok]

Somewhere along a tradelane in the Manchester system...

The battered DL Class transport 'Treasure Chest' hurtled across the desolate Manchester towards the New London Gate.

Geoff Desmond sat alone on the bridge, drumming his fingers on the dirty white plastic frame surrounding one of many consoles. The time spent travelling across systems was taxing his patience; the constant arguing between Sora and Suzume moreso. He was looking forward to only one thing, and that was the sight of Trafalgar, the Southampton Debris field and the ancient husk of a Dunkirk. Or was it a Victoria? Geoff didn't really care. All that mattered to him were his credits and scrap.

'Ye'd wonder when they'll just shut up,' he murmured to himself. So far he seldom spoke, making money from the scrap which he coveted as 'Treasure' had been his top priority. Now, scrap was beginning to wane on his priority list. He needed something new. Something different. He looked around for inspiration, but only saw what could be described as decay and wreckage on the very bridge itself. The absence of any kind of crew gave the bridge an eerie feel.

Geoff stood up and made his way to the back of the empty bridge, stumbling over wires, pipes and the gaps in the floor. He grabbed a bottle of wine and took a swig. Then he looked back at the radio. Nope, they were still bickering like firestorm. As he took yet another swig, an idea hit him. What if he threw a spanner in the works? Create an imbalance, maybe? Geoff smirked at the thought. Scrap alone wasn't good enough anymore. He needed some action, and this was a perfect opportunity for it.

The bottle slipped out of his hand and smashed on the floor, throwing glass and maroon wine across the floor. He chuckled, and began the long trip to the radio to join in on Sora and Suzume's 'conversation.' Life was just about to get that bit more interesting.