The Mercenary's Code

[Zapp]

As I entered the hangar bay housing his Nyx, Lauren crashed into me from behind in a big hug. When she let go and I turned around, she punched me in the face. Oh no, she wouldn't slap... it'd have to be a punch. And it was a helluva blow, enough to make me take a couple steps back.

"Why the hell did you leave us? I was so worried, I went looking for you!" she yelled accusingly, confusion on her face. It had been ten years since I had left home, never to return. Honestly, it had more to do with that fat lard of a man back in Sunbucks than anything. He didn't even know he had children. Well, apparently he knew about Lauren now. But him? No thanks.

When I turned seventeen, I learned who our father was. He hadn't been Chief then, no, he had just been a Sergeant, and a lot fitter than he is now. He never gave any support to his children or his then-girlfriend, our mother. He probably abandoned her when he found out she was pregnant. And now this.

But I didn't say any of that, no.

"I left because I had to. I sent some money so you could get by."

---