Icefall Docks
"Errowyn, wait up!"
Uso ran out after the pilot, pulling her heavy coat around her body
"...I know we're probably just going to end up in one of those generic light freighters but I still wanted your opinion on it. You're our expert pilot after all!"
Ahead of them lay one of the massive lakes that fed the local population with water... of course the top of that lake was frozen solid, making it an ideal place to land starships. Small cargo drones were constantly flying overhead, competing with the harsh wind chill for the prize of 'loudest thing nearby'. of course, once they were at the edge of the lake they'd find a small custom's checkpoint as well as a vending machine with a sign over it that just said 'Starships'.
Errowyn glanced at the vending machine that said starships. Then looked out over the lake with it confusion of ship parked here and there in a random fashion. Some had a lot of snow piled up around their landing struts, looking forlorn with a blanket of snow upon them. Even some of the newer ones were getting a frosting of snow on them. Tractors with treads moved between the ships that were either abandoned or repo-ed by the loan sharks that operated about the city and at the terminal that housed the spaceport control tower.
She turned and began looking through the listed frieghters that were available. As she worked her way through the listing, she came across a medium class frieghter of a Free Spacer that was dumping his craft onto the market. "Black Nova. Elysian Medium Frieghter." Errowyn pulled that one into shopping cart to look more closely at. Then resumed her search. Several more Light Freighters ended up in the shopping cart along with the Medium Freighter. "Got any preferences? Medium Freighter has hard points for defensive weapontry, a shuttle bay for 1 craft. My Kawarime will fill that up nicely."
"I SEE THAT WASN'T WHAT YOU'RE LOOKING FOR! MAYBE I CAN HELP YOU! <3 : ) : ) : )"
The loud voice practically BOOM'd from the vending machine, volumetric text displaying the words quite exactly just below the machine's main screen, a large, floating, smiley face appearing right above.
"What the shit?" Uso asked, looking at the machine for a moment, her hand swiftly moving for the mute button.
"PERHAPS I CAN FIND YOU SOMETHING --- *BTss*.... "
The voice cut out mid-sentence, leaving the smiley face still floating in the air, talking as if they were listening to what it said, a row of text still scrolling along the bottom, asking for what job they were trying to take care of with their choice of ship. Uso would then put her hand on Errowyn's shoulder and peer over her towards the display,
"I figured we could always strap your fighter to the outside of whatever we get, and honestly we need speed more than we need anti-ship weapons. If we get attacked by something big enough to take on our freighter then we are probably need to be getting away rather than fighting. I'd love to have one of those sexy
T4s but it ain't easy to get your hands on one... we might be better off with the generic
F6 and then just cutting off weapons and armor to make it go faster... plus that would have ample space for a nice bedroom or two.
What do you think?"
"I like the second a lot better. F6..." Errowyn quickly brought up the specs on it. looking over the various configerations. "Definitely the F6." She demeanor turned more confident when it came to spaceship.
"And my mechanic hasn't been returning my calls lately..." Uso sighed, "... That asshole lives for shit like this too... Don't suppose you know anything about how to fix up one of these? I can fly one, but I ain't exactly a qualified engineer nor do I do flying when someone else is shoot in at me... I mean, beyond power armor stuff... Or naked."
While Uso ranted she had her head perched on Errowyn's shoulder, looking over the options for F6 Starships. There was one brand new one in stock, and a few used ones. One was being sold 'furnished' and another was listed as 'as is'. Followed by another four that were listed as salvage.
Of course, the floating head was enthusiasticly explaining all of this to them while muted...
Errowyn looked between the two. Seeing that as is was the better deal. But still the F6. "I am a passable tech. But most wuold call me a shate tree mechanic. Been learning on my own to keep my bird in the air. But a lot of stuff is still for an experienced tach and shipyard where they have the equipment and access to the parts." Errowyn ignored the pressure of Uso chin on her shoulder as she looked over the other possibilites. "Lets look at both and then decide. If we buy the /as is/ one. buy one of the salvage ones for fill and parts."
"Hey, mind if we look around? No? Thanks!" Uso said, pressing the button for 'inspect ship' on the nearest F6 and then heading off toward the ship across the ice sheet, her hand taking a hold of Errowyn's to bring her along. Uso would then continue their conversation,
"So that means you can kick the space-tires and make sure it's flyin right?" She asked as she mooved a cross the long, flat, ice sheet towards a one of the junky freighters that was just opening it's loading ramp for them.
Being caught of guard, and using her inate ability, she just floated along, letting Uso plow her way across the snow covered ice. "Yeah." She eyed the ship that was opening itself up for their inspection. The picture looked hell of a lot better than the actual thing was. She settled down on the ice and snow free ramp and scampered up the ramp to take a look inside. She moved through the silent ship, light still being powered on. Some still remained dark, but that didnt bother her. She was getting the feel of the ship. Making her way to the engineering section first to look over the various gauges and dials as she listened to the ship as it powered up for its guests to inspect. She then moved to the bridge of the ship. She knew what she was looking for and was disappointed that there was no SPINE Connection for the pilot.
She looked over the helm console for a few seconds. Then began to bring helm inline and started the aether generators as if she was getting the aether engines warmed up for flight. But knowing there was a lock to prevent anyone from flat out stealing them.
The floating face would appear again, saying something about the ship... though the salesman still seemed to be on mute.
The ship was listed as pre-furnished, and it was quite easy to see why. Most anything of value had been removed already, but left behind were chairs, desks, and some odds and ends like pencil and paper. It certainly didn't look luxurious... more like someone left in a hurry and just grabbed the important stuff. The gauges and dials around the ship's one large reactor seemed to be in good order, even if they were a bit cold to the touch thanks to the atmosphere.
"So what do you think?" Uso asked, hopping into the captains' chair and immidiately leaning back, watching Errowyn's rear as she leaned over the console, the ship's systems slowly comming to life, a soft breeze starting as the life support began to cycle out the stale air and replace it with freshly scrubbed oxygen.
"Solid as most Neppy stuff is." Errowyn spoke quite pleased. She brought up the specs on volumetric display so that both could takea look at them.
The ship certainly had seen better days, but just like all the other F6 series ships the thing seemed basically indestructable. Despite all the wear and tear it was certainly able to take off, and the crew wouldn't have to worry about dieing from lack of air.
"I wonder why they're getting rid of this ship?" Uso thought outloud.
Errowyn looked at the data, seamingly like she didnt hear Uso. "Mmmm.... " working the data system on the ship. "You know a Wazu? or what ever that thing is?" Volumetric display changed. She moved it away from the salemans volumetric appearance so she could read it. "Pushy little bastard..even in volumterics..."
Uso chuckled, "You could say that... What's that old man got to do with this?"
The sales-face would be swatted aside as Errowyn waved her hand at it... the image quickly moving over to Uso and continuing its pitch silently. The display infront of Errowyn was showing that the ship's computer had a few degraded hard drives, and its communication system had a few useless antennas, but all in all was still functional and would easily last another few years. She also found some documentation relating to Nepleslian Bench Warrents for the previous crew still in the ship's communication logs.
"His name appears in some garble police communications." She expanded it to be easily read. "It seems like they dumped the ship here. Port Authorities, trying to be on the good side of the Neppy Law. Impounded the ship." She brought up the official documents of Impoundation of ship in conjunction of criminal activities. To Errowyn they looked seriously trumped up. But non the less still effective. "When abandoned. Sold it as auction to recup cost of storage and fines."
"HA! Idiots... How hard is it to keep a space ship out of police hands? They should have just hid it somewhere in space." Uso seemed to get a good laugh out of the story, "But, if they did get caught while doing something, that at least means the ship is flyable AND being sold at impound makes it legal. No surprises there to worry about."
"Yeah we got lucky on this one." Errowyn read farther on till coming to the auction bill of sale. "Oh this is nice. looking at 500,000 ks or double that in Freespacer script. which they got it for. I wouldd offer at least another 10 percent added to the cost so that they make some profit." Errowyn spoke softly. just enough to be heard. "Looks like there is several other buyers lined up for this tub."
"Balls..." Uso said, "That'll drive up the price... and we're cutting it close on funds as it is... Maybe we should go check out the other ship? I don't want to get involved in a bidding war with a bunch of Nepleslian wanna be pirates."
Errowyn started to laugh softly, "I wouldnt worry to much. If anyone with a half of brain can see that the auction date is way over due...." Suddenly the auction date changed to a more current future date with a new set of buyers showing interest. "... Yeah. we dont want a government impounded ship anyways. Too many little bugs get attracted to this type of ships anyway." Errowyn discretely made motions towards the exit of the ship. "Lets go check out another ship, later. I need to get back to mine for a bit." Errowyn shut the volumetric displays down after she had copied the information to a wrist computer.
"Sure, you got a hot date back at your own hanger?" Uso asked, jumping up from the chair, "... If this place is infested I'd rather get out now... I hate bugs."
"Yeah. Bill Collector." Errowyn moved from the bridge towards the exit.
"You want me to shoot em?" Uso said, putting her arm around Errowyn as they headed back out into the cold, happy to use one another to help stay warm, "... speaking of, didn't you have an army-ship? Who's bills are you paying?"
"I have a Kawarime. A bit of battle damaged showing, but repaired so it is still quite deadly. As far as I know 5s been entrusted to me to take care of till I either return it to the proper authorities or it gets destroyed beyond any intel value." Errowyn wrapped an arm around Usos waist and lifted them both up off the ground and increased speed. Uso would nuzzle up against Errowyn's neck, happy to hold on tight as they Headed to the portside of the frozen lake where the hangers for rent were. She came to one that was at the very end, closest to the shipyard was.
Errowyn set Uso down and blocked her view of the key pad and typed in the code to gain access to the much warmer interior. Under the few overhead lights sat the deadly Kawarime looking ragged with it battle scarred hull. Looking deadly and sleek even with a few miissile pods that were showing very few missiles left. "My 5." Errowyn spoke with intense pride as she moved around the craft, inspecting it for signs of tampering. In the back seat of the two seater Kawarime looked like there was a person sitting there in a Daisy.
"And your armor I take it?" Uso asked, having a look at the craft from the doorway. It certainly looked like it was one of the Star Army's own, more than enough firepower to deal with the day to day stuff... even some cute markings on it, "Its pretty clear you take some pride in your work. Did you do the custom paint yourself?"
Errowyn nodded motioning Uso to enter and take a closer look. "Survive multiple forrays against the NMX, Miths squids and whom ever they decided to thros at the squadron." In a soft tone, "21st Fighting Diamonds..... Even earned by call sign and christened it by the Taii of the Carrier I was based on." She looked over at Uso, like a little girl beaming with pride at the praise they received for doing something outstanding.
"And what'd they end up calling you?" Uso asked, hugging Errowyn from behind and looking over her shoulder at whatever she decided to point out, "I'm suprised that Taii didn't make a move..."
"Hellcat", she simply said, leaning back against Uso. "She had a carrier to run and over see."
"Pfft, She missed out on a good thing... you wear the armor while you're flying the fighter?" Uso asked.
"I wear a flight suit that can dual as a space suit, if needed." Errowyn spoke as someone pounded on the door they had entered by. "The armor for ground operations." She straightened up and moved to the door as several Goons entered.
"This looks aggressive... " Uso said, letting go of Errowyn and walking off to the side a bit, putting some distance between the two of them, "You guys lookin for something?"
"Yeah, our money or get booted." One of thm growled out. Both of them being experienced brawlers had also separated.
"Yeh!" The other agreed in a dumb sounding voice as his beady eyes took in the both of them.
"I got your money right here." Errowyn pulled out the payment she had received from Uso earlier that morning. She counted off the payment in Free Spacer Script as they looked at the cash with greedy eyes.
"Really? This is just about cash?" Uso asked, "That is so.... boring."
Errowyn approached one of the Goon, without blocking Uso line of sight, nor getting in the way if she has to shoot them. "Reciept, please?" Coming to a stop a few feet away from the closest Goon.
The odds were even and the goon wrote out a receipt and gave it to Errowyn. He accepted the payment and they left.
"You in trouble with someone?" Uso asked, "Or is this really just how they collect dock fees around here?"
"it is how they do business here." Errowyn spoke as she locked the door to the hanger. "You can use this hanger as a storage also. My fighter takes up little room."
"Yeah, not super worried about that just yet. I figure we can wing it once we've gotten to the planet, then figured out what we can take from it. Kinda looking forward to getting off this ice ball... too cold for my liking..... course, if we weren't trying to stay under the radar right now we could go punch those thugs right in the face. Human-types have no busness trying to intemidate our kind." Uso replied, forming a bit of a toothy grin in the process as she thought of violent things.
"Ufortunately, they have the numbers here and I do have to get food occasionally." Errowyn moved some scaffolding next to her Kawarime. "This needs to be returned eventually," She patted the landing strut. "Any ways. Those are Beagle Brothers and this is one of the many hangers they own." Errowyn spoke as she moved over to where some paint was at and began looking through the meager selection.
"So what? That just means we have to punch a lot of people instead of a smaller number of still punchable people,"
"Go punch them and get your money back. I have the receipt of payment." Errowyn smiles at Uso. "Need their address of residence?"
"Yeah, I need to stretch my legs. Lets go!" Uso said... "Uh... actually, you might want a mask or something if you want to do the whole 'punch people' thing."
Errowyn looked thouhtful. "I am only violent when needed."
"Fiiiine.... lets paint your ship up and get back to shopping. We still need to get that freighter."
Errowyn moved over to the desk and phone. She dialed in the numder to the ship broker. "why go back out into the cold when we can do it from here." Holding out the phone receiver to Uso.
She laid out the brochure of ship that was normally on display at the kiosk.
"Well part of it is seeing the ship for yourself," Uso said, taking the phone from Errowyn and then having a look at the brochure.
"So, F6s.... The Geshrini shipyard ones... got anything fast and not-gross?....Oh.... I see.... ok." Uso frowned, looked over at Errowyn, and mouthed the word 'receptionist'.
A few minutes later she'd be back on with someone else,
"Geshrini shipyards F6, was hoping to get one that's decently fast and not gross. Weapons ain't a priority, just need the basics." Uso inquired.
Errowyn relaxed back in her seat and removed her bomberjacket. She listened to the one sided conversation. She moved over to the small makeshift kitchenette began making something to eat. A high energy foods.
The faceless guy on the other end, "Is this going to bea lease? Or outright buy?"
"Outright buy," Uso replied, "Cash in hand."
Silence came back over the line except for the usual static of connection. "You have 700 grand to spend just like that?" Finally he replied.
"For an F6?! Come on, its not like I'm asking for something shiney and new. I just need a ship." Uso replied.
"I got a stripped F6 Geshrini in the yard for 500 grand. KS or double in Freespacer Script." He came back sounding a bit cold.
Errowyn moved back to the phone and hit the speaker button, turning on the speaker so everyone can hear. Even she could hear without it being on.
"Not that peice of shit on the icefield is it?" Uso asked, "I need one that flies, not one that just kinda floats but only when its on ice."
"IIf you wanted a new ship, go Greshrini Yards in Nepleslia." He replied snooty. "I will let my other buyer its free again."
"Other buyer huh? Does this other buyer have a name?" Uso teased, "Betcha you'll let that ship go for 400 grand? Specally if I pay you in spacer script... but you know, 800-k-spacers."
"Yeah yeah... I have no name, but they are a couple of cuties. they gave an offer of 500k + 10 percent. Can you beat that?" He replied. It was obvious he was listening in on their conversation when at the ship on the lake. "They even checked it out. 475 k we have a deal.""
"Yeah I can beat that, I'm waaay cute and my friend over here is god-damn adorable." Uso snapped, "475k is fucking bullshit but I'll pay it. Lets meet up at the ship and have a look."
"Our representive will be there to handle the final transaction. 20 minutes?" He spoke as there was a slight rustle of papers.
Errowyn hand moved over to her Kawarime and opened the canopy. She disappeared into the Kawarime.
"Yeah, see you there in 20... the place listed on your flier right?" Uso asked
"Yup. Lot 6 on the lake." He spoke quiet happily. The same ship they had looked at.
"475 is more in my price range though... but that taps me out... you think this one is worth it Erro?" Uso asked.
"It would be the one I would buy if needing a ship nd had money to burn." Her voice sounding a bit mechanical, coming from the open canopy of the Kawarime. Then servo-motors her heard as the Daisy maneuvered awkwardly from the back of the Kawarime. "Besides. You will make billions once you claim your planet."
Errowyn was getting into the spirit of the venture. She landed with a soft thump onto the floor of the hanger. "Care to ride in style, Your Highness?" She kneeled, crooking on arm as a seat for Uso to ride comfortfully. It was easy to see how to climb up to position herself.
"Right...
billions" A wide grin came to Uso's face again, distracting her for quite a bit before she finally snapped back to reality, "Lets get going! Show me what this ship of yours can do," Without any further hesitation Uso would climb into position in the back seat of the fighter.
Errowyn exited the Daisy and power it down and secured it. Then changed into her flight suit. before climbing into the front seat of the Kawarime. She fired it up as the canopy lowered and locking into position.
Soon they was exiting the hanger and semi-flying across the snow covered ground and out onto the lake. She did a rool out that put them right next to the desired ship. She turned the Kawarime around so that snow would not get insidethe open cockpit. Allowing Uso exit.
"Well... I guess we're getting this one," Uso said as she hopped out of the fighter and made her way to the ramp, fishing out her datapad from the pockets of her coat as she got her space script wallet together. "Lets go pay the man..."