Hyperspace
Inside a ship’s quarters stood a young human. He stared into his reflection within a mirror. Staring back was intense brown eyes with a fierce and defiant expression to match it. His short hair was raven colored and the side of his left cheek bore a jagged yet faded scar that sorta resembled a bent forefinger pointed upwards toward the nose. Just above the upper lip was a thin mustache that stretched from one end to the other.
Done with the examination the man looked down at the attire he wore.
First was the small cloak of silver theme that wrapped around his neck and covered the upper half of the left arm. Underneath a black long sleeved shirt with the chest area containing a grayish side holster. Both hands were worn black gloves that hid the old bruises on both knuckles. His pants were darkened with a silver unity belt. The pants’ lower half were claimed by old dust marks that never left accompanied by shadow styled boots that showed common usage but were otherwise still in good condition.
Strapped to the back from out of sight was his vibro-blade in a sheath. In the holster was an A-180 blaster and the belt contained most of his other gear. Once sure that he was ready he picked up his metal visor helmet from a nearby desk and held it to his right hip. With that he walked out the quarters with the engines humming softly in the midst of lightspeed.
The shadow cloaked man rather enjoyed the sound, reminding him of how far he has gone and now had. Quickly the sensation became bittersweet when his thoughts turned back to what he had to leave behind in order to do so.
The only way is forward, not backwards.
Without warning a woman’s voice shouted ahead from the cockpit.
“Ryū are you done yet? We don’t have all rotation to wait ya know.”
Scowling initially at the interruption, Kasai Ryū grunted before smirking in amusement. Without further hesitation he walked down the hallways, with each step thudding the floor. Around a minute later Ryū came into the cockpit.
At the pilot’s seat was a Zabrak woman with tan skin, long brown hair wrapped in a single ponytail in the back of the head that reached down to the neck. She had four vertical horns, two slightly above the forehead and each flanked by another horn that gave the appearance of a crown. Her eyes were orange and the face bore similar colored tattoos that symbolizes a rancor’s head. For attire she had a brown vest with a blue short sleeved shirt and matching pants and boots.
Having been occupied with checking the ship systems, Verti turned to give Ryū a look over before chuckling.
“Took you long enough. With that kind of delay I would believe I was waiting on with a holostar not a bounty hunter.”
Rolling his eyes he answered. “Keep talking Verti. If I’m to intimidate targets or threats I need to make an impression.”
“Not everyone is going to fall for it Ryū.”
“True but that will be their mistake.”
Sighing, Verti shook her head. Her husband had something of a dramatic trait ever as long as she knew him. Looking out the viewpoint she remarked.
“You’re not lacking confidence and that is necessary in this line of work. Just remember holostar it’s a big galaxy and there is always someone stronger or more powerful out there. Usually they wield lightsabers.”
Sitting down in the copilot’s seat Ryū shrugged his shoulders.
“Life is a challenge in itself, Verti. I wouldn’t have it in any other way.”
A snort escaped Verti as she proceeded to press a button with a mechanical whine a hologram displayed an asteroid station.
“Fostar Station, our first destination. It’s not Nar Shaddaa but it has enough trouble for us to find work.”
Nodding Ryū then asked his partner.
“Any bounties that stand out to you?”
Verti answered with the flip of a switch and the hologram transformed showing a Gran male grinning nervously while holding racing tickets.
“Klaf Reekz, a genius accountant who used to work on Canto Bight until he scammed mountains off creds from his former employers and their customers. I was able to learn that a Gran matching his description arrived on the station four rotations ago. He went by the name Cos Mos and was last seen in the workers’ district. The reward is twelve thousand credits to bring him back to Canto Bight alive.”
Raising an eyebrow, Ryū thought. That’s hardly a challenge worth our time. As if sensing what he is thinking Verti retorted.
“We got to start somewhere even with a lowly womp rat. Besides that sector is crawling with gangs so take this seriously.”
“Okay, okay I get the point Ve. You don't need to gut me further about it.”
Smirking with a muffled chuckle his spouse leaned over to kiss and they did. They shared a knowing smile in silence saying nothing else. Then the console beeped, alerting them that they’re nearing their destination. Verti pulled a lever and the ship came out of hyperspace.
Before them was Fostar Station, still active after generations with turrets at the ready. Slowly the D50 Mantis made its approach.
Ryū got up from the ship and made an exit from the cockpit as they were being hailed by the stationmaster. Verti can handle that, he trusted her with his life. Along the way he went into the armory and got out his A280C rifle and loaded it in a fresh power cell before using its sling to fit it behind his shoulders.
“We’re about to dock, get ready, holostar.” Verti announced cheekily.
Grunting some more Ryū murmured.
“She doesn’t pull punches and is unashamed of it. Another thing I love about her.”
Subsequently he headed to the ramp just as he felt the vessel shake momentarily. They had landed. Upon that realization Kasai Ryu put on his visor helmet and its HUD immediately went online. Moments later the ramp before him opened hissing steam and he proceeded to walk down with confident steps.
The hunt was on!
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