Justice is for everyone

[Sturmwind]

Weeks have passed. Freeport 2 did not change. The same empty corridors, the same dirty pubs filled with cutthroats, rebels and marauders, the same bunch of mean-looking security personnel, who were daring enough to remain on the station despite the inferno that evolved around it. The war took its toll on the whole Bering system, not only the said base, the transports that were let through by the military checkpoints on both sides commonly fell victim to the swarm of outlaws and war profiteers infesting the region.

These hellish circumstances made Freeport 2 an excellent vantage point for all who wished to conduct business away from they eyes of the authorities, yet preserve the illusion of positive intent. Such an intent brought Lia Wittmann to the ragged space station, where her former subordinate, Ilsa Kissling was awaiting her arrival.

[font=Comic Sans Ms][color=#33CC00]"Been busy, meine Dame?"

Lia looked around slowly, her face shifted into a frown caused by the disturbing outlook of the bar Ilsa picked as a meeting point. The tables haven't been cleaned for weeks, dirt and empty cans were littered around the area. The bartender has long been replaced by an aging battle robot, one that served the function of service and security at the same time. The flickering lights made the militants sitting near the ladies look exquisitely cruel, it was an unusual surprise that they expressed little interest in Ilsa despite her admittedly attractive looks.

[color=#C0C0C0]"This is but a den of sin. Why couldn't we meet on Hamburg?"

"We can return to that later. For now, please sit down. I'm interested in hearing if this investment was worth the cost."

Lia, the aging vigilante sat down as Ilsa sat back on the considerably uncomfortable chair and lit one of her luxurious cigarettes. This time it was of Gallic origin.

"Yes... yes, I have made some progress. Shot down a few pirate bombers, even got a transport. Liberty is much less secure internally than I had thought... I even ran into a nut I couldn't crack, neither could the authorities as I heard."

"Interesting... name of the nut?"

"She goes by the name of Prentice... Anna Prentice. Though I'm sure it's just a cover or nickname. The authorities prefer to deny it but she's been causing a lot of trouble."

Ilsa exhaled the smoke and placed her cigarette into the ash tray. The men sitting at the nearby table laughed out simultaneously.

"I trust you'll be making the necessary steps to keep her out of Rheinland."

"Your trust is not misplaced, yet your tone is unnecessarily demanding. I will catch her the next time we clash..."

She wiped off some dirt from the table then folded her arms and placed them there, staring at the young officer with her hazel eyes.

"... Same way I will smite down on anyone who dares to bring forth injustice. Today has been the last day when I allowed criminals to live and seek redemption, once someone whom you offered mercy crosses you and abuses it, you make sure you never commit such a mistake again. "

Ilsa responded with a somewhat cruel grin.

"One would think you know that at this age already. You've always been too forgiving, too optimistic for this world, Lia."

"The years at the force taught me a lot. Fighting fire with fire is not the right way, it only sparks new flames."

"But if they come at you with more fire than what water you have, because you told them the quantity of your water... "

"Indeed. You can never trust criminals, once you begin walking down the dark path there's no turning back. And those who show no mercy deserve no mercy. My enemies are the enemies of the world. I will bring back their last words as tokens of their demise. I will show no mercy."

The young woman nodded in approval, lighting another cigarette shortly afterwards.