The Mercenary's Code

[Zapp]

"Keller, you snake," I hissed. Scooting back my chair, I began to rise. Then I stopped and eased back down. A fist fight in the middle of a bar wasn't the smartest idea, and neither was it smart to pick a fight with a guy wearing power armor. I settled for a simple, "What do you want?"

He was one of those hot-shot mercs. Into theatrics and 'power of numbers'. Led the group known as the Children of Conviction, and their conviction was one that I don't subscribe to. They hold themselves to purely illegal contracts, dealing with pirates and other shady clients exclusively. I don't care where the money comes from, but there's no way I'm tying myself to any one philosophy.

"I just like keeping an eye on what goes on in my station," he said back, disregarding my tone. I kept a tight reign on how angry his condescension made me feel.

"Your station?" I asked, trying to keep bite out of my tone. Barrier Gate station, Coronado: one of the best places to go when you have no ties to anything. "What would Tinsley say about that?" Tinsley was the Freelancer who initially found the Barrier Pass and had the station constructed. He still ran the show. At least I thought he did...

"Sure, he runs it... for now." The pause was telling. I swallowed, then took another pull from my drink. Rising from my seat, I looked around and said something about needing to fix my ship. I started walking out of the bar.

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