Chapter 1: The Meeting
"To cherish what remains of the Earth and to foster its renewal is our only legitimate hope of survival."
Wendell Berry
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Takes place in the seocnd half of season 2.
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As the Maru approached the colony, Dylan was reviewing the request sent to him.
Capt. Hunt,
I understand that you wish to rebuild the Systems Commonwealth. I would be able
to provide ship repairs and fire support free of charge. While this may seem like a prank or trap,
I assure it is not and the group I represent would be interested in working towards a restored SC.
Meet me at Guar's Bar on Betelgeuse IV.
Look for a man with green eyes, red hair and a facial scar.
Dr. D. Livingstone.
Hunt walked onto the bridge and found Tyr and Beka waiting for him.
"Comments on this Doctor?"
"Captain," Tyr spoke, looking as sceptical now as he had when the message first arrived three days ago. "I still believe this is a trap. But if your silly ideals wish to investigate then I will accompany you to ensure your safety." Dylan smiled.
"I didn't know you cared."
"I don't, but I believe the ship would not be pleased by your death." Beka tried not to laugh.
"That's an understatement." Turning to Dylan she continued, "I agree with Tyr on this one Dylan. What kind of doctor is he slash she?" Dylan smiled,
"Actually Beka I think it may be a reference to an old earth story. It may well be a code on how to identify ourselves. I had Rommie look it up and find out a little about Doctor David Livingstone."
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The trio entered the bar and looked for their target. They spotted the man in the far corner matching the description and walked over to him.
"Dr. Livingstone I presume?" The man looked up from his drink and smiled. His beard and hair were dark red, as though they had been soaked in blood.
"Yes?" Dylan extended his hand.
"I'm Henry Stanley. I was sent to find you." The man shook Dylan's hand indicated for them to sit down.
"Well done captain Hunt. I see you realised the code." Dylan returned the smile.
"Yes. I figured that not many people would sign their name to a courier message in such formal fashion." He turned and indicated his crew, "May I introduce Beka Valentine, my first officer, and Tyr Anasazi, my weapons officer." The doctor shook hands with each in turn. "And you are Doctor...?" The doctor smiled.
"Actually my friends call me Arthur." Before Arthur could continue a group of 10 humans approached. Their leader spoke.
"Are you 'Red Wolf' ?" Beka and Tyr looked at Arthur, could this me the legendary Red Wolf. Arthur just smiled.
"If I am?"
"Then you are coming with us." The leader snorted. Arthur just stood and approached the group.
"Why would I do such a thing?" The group were now getting agitated.
"We are going to claim the bounty on your head." Arthur began to pace,
"Now let's think about this." He began to count on his fingers. "First you would have to take me alive, as I'm worth substantially more alive. Second, you would then have to get me past anyone looking to make a quick buck. And lastly, why would the Drago-Katsov pay an inferior human when they could just kill you themselves." A murmur began to rise from the group.
"So what do you suggest then?" The leader asked. Arthur stopped pacing and pulled a credit chip from his pocket.
"On this chip is 25,000 credits. I suggest you take it and be on your way." The Leader grabbed the chip and the group left the bar. Arthur sat back down.
"You should not have paid them the money." Said Tyr. "They were not worth it." Arthur pulled out a small device and pressed a small red button. Simultaneously an explosion could be heard nearby. Tyr began to smile.
"Then again, maybe there are." Both Tyr and Arthur laughed. Beka and Dylan were shocked.
"Did you just blow them up?" Asked Dylan. Arthur stood and motioned for the others to do the same.
"Let's just say the Red Wolf doesn't negotiate with scum. I suggest we leave before any local 'Law' arrives." The group left the bar and headed to the Maru.
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