Freeport 2 could be the best place to close a deal for independent smugglers, criminals and other undesirable elements of the society. Some times a few Liberty Navy fighters were spotted in the refueling bays by such unlawful elements, creating a tense atmosphere between them.
But the rest of the time, Freeport 2 was a quite place, a paradise for some people... or the Hell itself.
Steve jumped off his Sabre, glancing around the hangar. He went up the nearest stair in order to reach the runway which led to the exit of the hangar. He noticed another Sabre entering the same hangar.
I think I've seen that weapon loadout before...
He stood in the middle of the runway, leaning against the railing, awaiting for his contact.
As the cockpit of the Sabre opened, Venge jumped out. After looking around he grabbed his black cape from the back of the chair and closed the cockpit doors. He walked up the hanger stair case to the same level as Steve.
He saw Steve looking directly at him. When both of them were face to face, Venge held out his hand ready to be shaken, Steve looked at the hand being held out, and then looked back at Venge's half hooded face. " At least lower the hood, I don't want to been seen with someone who looks like someone of a horror film " Venge slowly smiles and takes down his hood, and then starts to walk without a single word being said. Steve followed confused. " At least say something, I feel like I'm going to my hanging " As some steam came from a pipe to the side of them, Venge chuckled abit, and turned around to face Steve. "If I wanted you dead, you wouldn't be here". Venge turned and took a few more turnings, before arriving to a lift. Venge entered without a word, when he reached the back of the lift he turned and faced the entrance, where Steve was still standing. After a few more seconds Steve entered without a word. " So, hows life ? " Steve said trying to break the tension. " It sucks " Venge replied still looking at the entrance door. Steve was about to say something but the lift doors opened and Venge walked out before Steve could get his words out.
After another game of follow the leader Steve was getting inpatient. " Venge, seriously. What do you want ? " Steve stopped in the middle of the corridor, and looked at the back of Venge's cape. Venge stopped and turned around, and walked closer to Steve, " Right now ? What I need right now ? What I need right now is a drink "
Steve took their confused. Venge smiled and entered through a door which opened automatically, the room was filled with people having conversations, as well as cheesey bar music. Venge instantly went to the bar counter and ordered a drink...
Now Steve felt a bit more confident, since nothing wrong could happen to him in the bar. Obviously, Steve's attitude was of total mistrust. He also ordered a drink. "Heh... Not every day I see a guy wearing a cape. Actually, you could hide an rocket launcher Oh, nevermind
Venge wasnt paying attention because he was drinking of his glass. Steve also noticed the barman giving him the drink he ordered. "Sorry Steve, could you repeat?"
Venges haggard face, the cape and the hood emphasized his aspect of the typical calm-looking guy, but also a guy who could hide lots of secrets. Steve figured this, so he was always ready to draw his gun if the situation turned out of control. Again, nevermind. Now you have your drink, I'd like to know what you want, because I didn't come here just to stay in a bar with a stranger. Well, I'd do an exception if you were a woman but unfortunately this isn't the case. So... Spit it out.
Venge looked at his glass and looked back at Steve. Do you believe in destiny Steve ?
Steve looked at Venge is confused way, Venge took a sip of his glass, while awaiting Steves response. Destiny ? I never really think about things like that Steve was slightly confused with the question, but answered honestly. Venge nodded once slowly. Venge looked down to his glass and remained silence for a few more seconds. What's this all about ? Steve leans onto his two elbows and looks at Venge. Venge looks up. This is going to sound weird, but why the hell are you alive ? Steve leaned back and looked at Venge with an disgusted face. Well, now you talk about it..
Venge suddenly looked up. Not like that, I .. Uh.
Venge looked back down to the table and had a small sip from his glass before he continued. I have these dreams.. Venge looked at Steve and saw his freaked out reaction. Before Venge could continue, he was interrupted by Steve. So what ? You have dreams, everyone has dreams, If you wanted to come to talk to me about dreams, then you've wasted my time. Steve stood up and continued his ramble. Venge looked up and interrupted Steve. I dream of death.. Silence fell between the two of them. I dream of people dying, blood, screams, anything, you name it... Steve calmed down, Venge seemed to be hurting inside. Steve sat down out of curiosity. So, I'm gonna die ? Steve was shocked what he had been thinking. No, thats the thing.. Venge looks up into Steves eyes which are both confused, and scared. I didn't dream you're death, I dreamt you... Venge leaned on both of his elbows and rubbed his eyes.
Suddenly, the feeling of confusion turned into a slight laughter, interrupting Venge. I've heard about the Nomads, a sort of passage located in New York which links to their worlds, also heard about the Coalition in Sirius... And now a guy who can predict my future by dreams?
Steve chuckled Eh... Sorry, but I couldn't resist...
He noticed a disdainful looking from Venge, who began to speak again. Do you think the Nomads are a myth? Well, seems you're the type of person who could be defined as 'ignorance is bliss', isn't it?
Steve shook his head, replying in a rude tone. I'm the type of person who doesn't like wasting the time in things that don't concern me, because I'm just a guy who wants to make his living... 'Survive', if you prefer rhetoric concepts. But... Our topic was about your dreams so... What did you dream?
Venge sighed, looking at his glass. Actually, you were a blurred thing in my dreams. I mean, there was darkness around you. 'Darkness' ... It could be a bad signal, maybe the beginning of a painful existence, or...
Steve felt a little uncomfortable. He didn't believe Venge at all, but there could be a possibility. Okay, okay... Stop. I guess we should start again, well, I've no idea who you are so... Why don't you tell me your story?
Venge looked up and sighed a little. My story ? I..I don't have a story, I can't remember.. W-What ? You can't remember ? No, I can't remember my childhood, at all... Venge coughs a little and starts taking of his cape, revealing leather overalls. So, how'd you become a Hacker ? Venge looked up and took another sip from his glass before continuing . Heh, I can't remember that either, the Lane Hackers seem to like me alot, I don't know weather or not I am actually one, but Mactan seemed the most safest place, so I hung around there abit, but then I got bored and start exploring the Lane Hackers enemies.
Steve leaned back into his chair. So... You're not a Hacker ? Well, yes I am a Hacker yes, but I don't go around pirating people..
Steve smirks. Yeah right, that what all you Hackers seem to do... Venge looked up at Steve in a disgusted way. Hm.. and all you Mercenaries seem to do is turn against you're own people, Eh Steve ?
Steve stood up and slapped his hands on the table. Whats that ment to mean ? You're a Bretonian aren't you ? Well, what can you call you're self now after sleeping with Zoey, Eh ? Venge went to drink the remaining ale in his glass, however Steve stopped him by smacking the glass out of Venge's hand. The bar turned to face the two. Silence was drawn across the whole of the bar. You don't know nothing about me and Zoey ! . Venge could see the anger in Steve's eyes. Zoey Sakura, Kusarian, enemy of Bretonia.. as far as I think, eh Steve?
Steve grabbed Venge by his collar and picked up his body so both of them were standing face to face. Venge grabbed Steve's right arm, and began to twist while Steve's left arm threw a short jab at Venges face. Both of them fell backwards after the impact. Steve got up wiping the dust from his cloths, Venge stood up looking straight into Steve's eyes. Oi ! You two get the hell out of here, don't you relaise this is a Freeport ? Hell ! You don't see Navy Officers fighting Rogues here do ye' ?! Venge and Steve both looked at the barman who was holding a stun gun.
Venge sighed and reached for his cape. Steve started to walk out of the bar, but Venge said something under his breath..
Traitor
As soon as Steve heard this, he turned around and smacked Venge in the nose causing him to roll over the table and onto the floor. Steve was about to grab Venges neck, but a red flared object hit him on the chester forcing him to the ground. Steve turned to his right and saw that the stun gun had been fired. Steve's chest began to feel like it was about to implode on it's self. Venge got up and grabbed his cape, he put it on and covered his face. Before leaving Venge walked to the side of Steve. Hm, clean you're self up, you look like an ass. Steve attempted to grab Venge's collar but it was too much pain in his chest. This isn't over... It was over when you slept with Zoey, I'm just fitting the grave stone. Oi ! Last chance ! Move it ! Venge turned to the Barman, and nodded once. As you wish...Sir.
Venge left the room, leaving Steve only just catching his breath. The barman came to help him up. What did he say ?
Steve snapped and looked at the barman. Something like... " I want you to hunt me and kill me ... Steve smiles and gently pushed the barman off him...
Venge was walking along the corridor, trying to reach the lift. Steve left the bar and glanced around the corridor, spotting the dark figure in the other side.
You made me come here just to teach me moral lessons, isn't it? I'm tired of the same thing. Why do you care about what I do? I'm talking to you, Venge! Steve shouted.
No, Steve... I thought you could be a reasonable person, but seems you can't face the consequences of your actions. You're pathetic! Venge replied in a loud tone while walking into the lift.
Steve hastened, but the doors closed before he could reach them. He snorted and went downstairs, returning back to the hangar. The place was totally empty, but Steve shouted again.
Come on! Do you know how I felt when I saw my parents coming home from working in a putrid coal mine in Leeds? Do you know how I felt when I saw their emaciated faces every day? Do you know how I felt when my older brother died because of the incompetence of the Bretonian health services?
Steve took a deep breath So... Who was the idiot who told you I was a Bretonian loyalist? Because he or she has no idea. Suuure! As you said, I'm a mercenary! I could even have pledged allegiance to Kusari. Why? Because we all need to find a way to survive here, sadly, the money is the only way!
The place remained in silence for a few seconds. Then, Venge's voice was heard.
So now you decided to take revenge on Bretonia because ... You had the bad luck of being raised in a poor family in Leeds? Why didn't you do that before? 'Revenge' ... But I guess I can understand that dream... You're condemned, Steve, and I'm quite sure Zoey is the cause of your upcoming painful existence.
Suddenly, Steve noticed Venge a few meters behind him. Without hesitating, Steve drew his gun and aimed it to Venge's chest.
Zoey... This is the umpteenth time you mention her. Who told you about her? Shizuma? Or you just have been stalking me?
Venge's face was showed by his hood, nothing could be heard apart from the steam coming from the hangar. Are you going to kill me ? Like you killed all those people you did for credits...
Steve pulled back the hammer on his gun. for every target a Mercenary is given, the mercenary must have some sort of background information on the target unless told not to. So... to catch a Merc, you must become a Merc.. [/color]
Venge looked up allowing Steve to see half of his face. Steve stayed silent, thinking about what he was about to do. Venge sighed. Fine... I'll make it more easier.
Venge opened his arms as if he was to hug someone, he took a death breathe before saying.. Do what you can't do. Steve looked at his in the most disgusted way. I can do this ! Steve's arm started to shake. Venge opened his eyes which were closed. Steve opened his eyes wider than ever before, Venge's eyes was white as can be. Steve was shocked, he stepped a few steps back, but kept his aim. What the hell are you ? Steve started to aim at Venge's head.. Steve... If you could do it, you would of shot me already Venge's eyes faded away, and returned to their original state. Venge collapsed to his knees, he had his face in his hands. What the hell are you ? Venge started to groan.. Yeah.. that, It tends to happen once and again.. Venge turned onto his back and closed his eyes.. What ? Your eyes, they ... Steve lowered his weapon slightly. Yes, I know, they turned.. Venge still had his eyes closed, he seemed to be resting more than anything. So, now it's my time to ask a question.
Without waiting for Steve to respond he spoke. Why aren't I dead ?
Venge remained on the ground, giving Steve a clear shot to kill him....
What a weirdo... I was thinking on leaving you but now... I guess I'll make the world a favor by executing you.
Steve aimed his gun to Venge's forehead. Moreover, the Liberty goverment would pay something for a Hacker's head... Goodbye, mate.
In a split second, when Steve was about to pull the trigger, Venge leaned forward and disarmed Steve with a quick movement, throwing the gun down the runway. Inmediately, Steve punched Venge in the face and he responded with a knee in the stomach, making him to fall down. Venge ran through the runway, while Steve was getting up.
Come after me, Steve! Venge said in a mocking tone.
Steve followed Venge, trying to intercept him by jumping to another runways. After 5 running in circles around the hangar, Venge stopped short in the middle of the runway the met for first time. Steve ran to him and Venge faced him. Do it, Steve, punch me to death... DO IT! He yelled.
Sure! I'll give you what you deserve! Masochist! AH-Ah... Son of b-... Steve collapsed a few meters in front of Venge, whose right arm was stretched. So predictable, Steve, maybe my dreams were wrong, maybe it's not a painful existence... Actually it's a painful death... He walked towards Steve, who was groaning something in a low tone. Seems I hit you in the stomach. Second time I threw a knife and... Touch?.
Venge took some pills and put them in Steve's left hand. Here you have, painkillers, maybe you'd like to whine something to your beloved Zoey before dying, isn't it? Venge stood up and walked away.
Steve tried to pull out the knife with the right hand, but the pain made him to desist. He crawled along the runway in order to reach his Sabre. Meanwhile, Venge's Sabre was leaving the hangar. Painkillers...? I'm... dead any-ways... Steve swallowed the pills. The trail of blood wasn't very big because the knife was sharp enough avoid a external wound. The only problem was that Steve would die of internal bleeding. He was trying to reach his ship, but every time he tried to get up, he fell down. If he pulled out the knife, he would bleed out in several minutes. Suddenly, he took his datapad and typed something. Then he took a deep breath.
'Shi-Shizuma... This is Steve... I... I would like to thank you... for everything. It's strange, but when you're nearly dead... You realize about the stupid things you've made in your life... About things you would like to correct... About things you would never wanted to happen ... ... ... I failed you, but you still helped me... Gallia thing, remember? I didn't thank you for that... Maybe this is what I deserve for being a jerk with you... Well, actually I never was a Bretonian loyalist but... I was scared of being prosecuted by my own people... but you taught me an important lesson... I... I hope you live happily with your new family in... Gran Canaria... Also, your 15 millions... Trafalgar... Ask there... Goodbye.'
Again, Steve typed something in his datapad and took a deep breath, maybe the last one.
'Zoey... Zoey... Steve here, or maybe half-Steve, since I'm half-dead, Heh... I should have paid attention to the "Don't talk to strangers"... Heh... Maybe the my fate was to die here, in a hellhole in the middle of nowhere. Life sucks, isn't it? Now I remember all the time we spent together... I'll never regret meeting you, Zoey, because you're... a wonderful person, no matter what you fight for... I hope you also can find a good massagist soon... Yeah Zoey... I'm dead man...Now the only thing I regret... is the fact of not having spent more time with you... I guess it's pointless to say 'I love you' right now ... Sorry... Zoey '
After this, Steve sent the voice recordings, leaving the datapad and grabbin the knife with both hands, but in a last try, he lost the conciousness.
With Venge leaving Steve's body behind, he could still feel the knife in his hand..
Venge began to think about his visions, if they told the truth or not, or maybe the future can be changed..
Venge has killed, killed someone he wanted help from, he killed before, but not someone who actually ment something to him. After all he wanted Steve's help.
With these thoughts within his mind, Venge decided to head back to pay his remaining respect..
He landed his sabre and headed to the last part Steve was seen. Venge found him still, his body seemed souless.
Venge kelt down looking at Steve's still body, he lowered his hood. Perceptum ex vestri erroris , quod nos vadum opportunus iterum
Steve mumbled something in response. Foot steps were heard behind Venge.
Venge stood up and turned to face the 4 Zoner Guards, they were armed with plasma rifles, any man would know that plasma rifles are the most feared weapon in Sirius. The leading Zoner looked down to Steves body which had Venges knife still en-beaded within Steve's stomach. All four troops load their weapons. Venge closes his eyes, and reopens revealing his white bloodless eyes...
Within seconds the troops open fire, however Venge was quick enough to run down the corridor without any plasma pulse hitting him, as the troops turned around the corner with rush, Venge jumped out, lunching two knifes in two of the troops throats, while the other two adjusted to close combat, Venge drew two ortomic pistols, both shooting at one of the troops, Leaving two of the men dead, and the other two stunned, leaving Venge alive and well..
As Venge walked past Steve, several other troops began firing at Venges dark black figure, he jumped from the balcony, he crashed to the ground, he groaned for a while before the troops started to blind fire down to the lower hangar. Venge ran to his Sabre, and one of the plasma rounds hit his cape, causing it to catch fire, Venge quickly removed it and entered his Sabre, blasting through the hangar doors... You idiotts, that was my favourite cape !
Venge headed back to Ronchester, thinking about what the Zoners would do now, as well as buying a new cape..
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