Serious story this time.

"Talk"

'Thought'

Hope it will be easy to understand

Disclaimer:I don't own Oban Star Racers T_T


The wind was getting stronger with every day that passed announcing the wet season and the end of the trading period. The spatial port was more alive than ever: dozens of trucks making their way to the space ships, full with tea and other goods; short sepia like creatures trying to persuade anybody who looked foolish enough to buy their goods; humans yelling at each other; small groups of fills trying to keep out of everybody's way; innas looking for work or doing their work which caused violent quarrels whenever spotted; friendly giants offering help to everybody or trying to settle a dispute and of course the unfriendly yellow-eyed ones that were there just to cause more trouble. If it wasn't for the occasional long-eared fellows dressed very ceremonial you would have never guessed that city was on a planet belonging to Nourasia.

Don threw his cigarette out of the window and then closed it. The wind already messed up some papers on his desk. Looking up through the yellowish clouds he could see the green contour of Nourasia. He wondered if the weather there was any different from the one they got or if it was more like the one on Earth.

'For such an advance civilization to evolve the climate shouldn't be this harsh; and they don't seem to need any machines to satisfy their needs so it might be even better than back home. But then again we could have survived without them too; maybe nourasions just don't know what they're missing. Or maybe they have technology and just don't show it. They can't truly rely on magic, it's just not possible….magic? Scientists had all figured out: magic does not exist. But you don't believe their explanations yourself, do you? Nourasia may have technology or magic or both or nothing…damn it! I am talking to myself about trivialities again! And I'm not even making any sense'

Nothing truly made sense in that part of universe. He took another cigarette and made himself comfortable, trying to focus on current matters. Thoughts about Nourasia were a waste of time anyway. All traders had them for sure as everyone who lived in such proximity with Nourasia couldn't fail to develop a fascination with this strange part of the galaxy. Most tried to block such fantasies as there was no hope to get any closer to the "mother planet" of this solar system. However, this was not an easy task. In spite of his efforts to work something out he couldn't do much more than stare at the smoke rolls, his thoughts still wondering.

A loud cough suddenly awoke him.

"Seriously Koji put the damn mask on! You want to kill yourself that bad?"

The boy's cough access was so violent that he fell off the couch and overturned the coffee table. The chess table landed on the floor too and the pieces scattered around the room. The massive table also broke an empty bottle of whiskey and send others rolling towards Don's desk.

"You know is pretty hard drinking with that thing on…" answered Koji pushing aside another bottle (the remains of a long night). He stood up tidying his shirt and he started looking for his glasses. Don took his mask from one of his desk's drawers and threw it at him.

"Thanks a lot…..You don't have to worry that much; I really don't plan to die on this piece of galactic junk."
"Death is usually not something we plan" Said Koji's dark skinned buddy. He stretched yawning and looked out the window.

'At least he has good lungs' thought Don. The nourasion solar system was one of the most welcoming with many life sustaining planets. However everyone was sure that the one reserved for the traders was the least welcoming. The climate was very harsh with very hot and dry summers, many storms and tornadoes. From what they knew from the locals the number of storms grew at the end of the trading season and temperatures started dropping very fast. The air was also poor in oxygen, by human standards, and many had to wear special masks in order to breath. Luckily for Don his lungs were capable of surviving in such an environment in spite of his smoking habit. The majority was not as fortunate and Koji was part of it. However, unlike the others who accepted they couldn't live normally on this planet and always wore their masks, he was stubborn. He never liked it and felt as if the mask was a wall between him and the rest of the world. Or so he claimed.

"They are over there" said Stan pointing at the mini-bar. Koji put the mask aside and started cleaning the lenses, ignoring Don's glare.

"You just had to fell over the chess table! Now I can't prove I've almost beaten you."

"Beaten me? When was that? After I passed out?"

"It never happened. Your title is well secured; you don't have to worry about that. How about trying to live to keep it?"

"Fine I'll put it on…..Happy?"

'Stubborn fool' thought Don staring at Koji. His face was now covered by the metal mask. 'Pity but necessary. I can't have my best mechanic turn the corner just for the sake of visionary pleasure' Koji was indeed handsome and no one could ignore that. His messy bangs framed a child like face. He had terrible dark circles beneath his mongoloid eyes but somehow they added to his charm. He was pretty skinny and if there wasn't for his forever dry hands you wouldn't say he ever touched an engine. He seemed helpless, and for the most part he was, but the guy had brains. And what brains! Don was sure he could count on Koji to get him the latest updates to his space ships and star racers and he also had a trustworthy adviser.

"Yes I am happy. Now I'll get the chance to beat you."

"Can't wait to see that."

"I was close last night"

"Close is the key word Don. Just admit you can be the best in everything. You already shine at trading and political affairs."

"To bad the fools in charge don't admit it." Said Koji stretching and pushing aside some other bottles.
"I don't have any authority, just lots of experience, which they were content to ignore. They should have learned by now: vanity has no room in relationships with Nourasia; it only brings disaster."

"Now probably they have woken up. A war lost before started, that's embarrassing if you ask me."
"It's not enough to wake up my dear, Stan, overcoming the disaster and preventing future ones is the key thing. Everybody needs to understand that in a fight with Nourasia the winner is never the one who challenges her, but the ones who protect her."

"Yep, just look at the crogs: they get a longer trade period, more goods to them and who knows what else just for being the first who stood up against us"

"The way nourasians played their cards is extraordinary. Now anybody who is stupid enough to challenge them must face the entire universe. Admirable people don't you think?"

"Perhaps they didn't play that well. What o you think, boss, of the rumor surrounding the nourasian throne and the secret alliance between them and the crogs?"
"I have my doubts."

"Well having such a powerful empire on your side seems like a fine plan"

"Powerful empires are better at swallowing planetary systems rather than allying with them. And these guys are too good; they wouldn't let such information get to anybody else."
"But if both rumors are true probably the ones loyal to the real royal family spread the news."

"Come on Stan they obvious don't have democracy and we know from our own history that when a new ruler comes to power the old one is executed; just as it happened with the Romanovs."

"I thought Anastasia survived."
"Of course you did. Any kid that skips history class and goes to the cinema to watch the movie does."
"I am not so sure if they have the same habits like we used to have. Well it is true that in an authoritarian regime it is more convenient to get rid of the old ruler permanently. However if the rumor of the crogs is true than more the fools we are. That entire joke with the war was like 'hey kick our asses, we love it!' I'm not going to let it happen again!"

"Oh, I have almost forgotten that this time next year I'm going to beat you at home. Have you decided who will be in charge here? "

"Don't get to optimistic my friend; you might just lose your title."

Both Stan and Koji laughed at that.

"Never giving up I see. That's very good for this kind of trade. How are you ever going to find someone capable enough to replace you?"

"I shall think of somebody, don't you worry. Now we have to solve some problems here."
"In a week? What possibly can you do in a week?"
"And all the ships are full to the brim"
"Oh, you know my dear Koji, in this part of the galaxy a lot can happen in a week. And I'm not looking to buy anything else."
Don turned to the window to have one of his determined speeches.

"As you have pointed out gentlemen the situation Earth is in is very embarrassing, but we live in capitalism, we are independent and we must show that we are not part of what happened. Wei Enterprises must shine through this whole mess, we must show that we are strong, untouched by this disaster."
"What have you thought of boss?"
"We are going to organize a great race, one that the locals will talk about for the rest of the year. This planet has enough challenging environments to give any pilot difficulties, and those watching an unforgettable show."
"And you want us to take care of the racing vehicle."

"Of course. I have thought of a lighter version of our fighting arrows. That should do. Just take off some of the weapons. A single laser turret would be enough for a race. Concentrate on raising its speed and maneuverability."
"It's not going to be a problem."
"And do pack it up with surprises, you know how much our rivals hate them"
"Don't you worry; surprises are after all our specialty."
"Have you thought who will pilot our baby?"
"I have someone in mind, an old friend I might say."
"Don Wei has friends!" Koji whispered to Stan but not low enough.

"That's very rude to say after all the whiskey I gave you last night."
"You were just trying to get me drunk in order to win the game. Don't glade like that I'm not calling you a cheater, what you tried wasn't quite moral but it's not called cheating. In chess you have some strict rules imposed from outside, the way your pieces should move, when you win and when you loose, etc. As long as you don't break those you can do everything you want. In a way it's just like the trading and politic game here."
"And I am going to win both games just watch it."
"I am going to watch. Someday you will beat me because you have a sharp mind, you never give up and you start with all the pieces you need after all. But in the other game you still miss the one I always use to beat you."

"Is that so?" reply Don rather disturbed by the discussion.

"Yes. You desperately need a queen to win something here. Solitary men don't make good leaders, it was tested by history"
"You can take your damn history lesson and go throw yourself off the Empire State Building. You actually want to get drunk for free at a supposed wedding party. And as if I can find one in this time."

"I didn't say to marry. I get drunk free anyway. And you said it yourself: a lot can happen in a week."


Shining Arrow landed in the special port at 11 in the morning, half an hour earlier than China Lady. They were the last ships to land before the end of the season. As usual, a ship from Wei Enterprises knew how to make its entrance .It descended so quickly that it almost looked like a real arrow but when it got at optimum altitude it stopped for a few moments allowing everyone to admire its beauty. In other words it offered a spectacle of power and wealth. It was as if the humans didn't get a great smack from Noursians and the crogs. The ship was defiantly a work of art, but everyone gathered near the port knew it was one of the most dangerous ones to take on. Heavy canons were set on each side of the ship, lesser lasers formed a belt all around it and the 3 exits for the light battle arrows were visible on the bottom of the spacecraft. Those battle vehicles were Stan and Koji's masterpieces: the lightest, the fastest, the deadliest. Nobody was ever able to copy their model. The commanders of the army were sure Don Wei will agree to lend them his arrows. They were planning an actual war like in the old days, and with the arrows not even the crogs would stand a chance. But the days for war were long gone and Don Wei knew that. He became a greater resistance than Nourasia herself. Robert Collins, the commandant of the armies wanted to accuse him of treason, but the crogs stood up against the humans and the order of abandoning the plan came right away from Earth.

'We should have started the fight. We could have wiped a few crog fleets and kick some nourasion ass easily. Then when the bulk of the enemy troops came Don would have been obliged to give us his arrows. The plan of the ships would have gone to Terra and our other planets and we would have had an invincible army just like that. Not even the crogs can stand against that kind of technology. And we still had some cute bombs to test. No, we wouldn't have lost! Narrow minded people that get in charge! Now the army is humiliated, no, Earth is humiliated! Our chance to certain glory blown away and the crogs get privileges! I am starting to feel like bringing back those old Spartan traditions, well a little changed: fools should be shot from the first sighs of mental incapacity; that way we never risk getting one to rule"

Collins made his way to the edge of the safe zone where a tall almost bald guy stood looking with grudge at the magnificent starship. It was Peter Wabble, the owner of China Lady and the chairman of the Golden House, the main rival company of Wei Enterprises. The two traders were in a continuous fight. They competed in everything from trade and politics to the fastest ships. Don had the advantage of two brilliant mechanics; Wabble had two excellent lawyers and accountants. Collins new he wouldn't find support in Wabble for his military actions, as all traders knew better than to mess with Nourasia, but in that moment he simply wanted to talk to somebody who hated Don Wei as well.

"Good morning Mr. Wabble, what an unfortunate day." Collins saluted the giant glancing at China Lady which was just landing. On Shining Arrow the medical test had already began.

"You can say that again Mr. Collins. I was actually sure my Lady would be first. I received a message last night saying that they had a few hours advantage over Wei. But their arrows always keep close and somehow get the lead when they are close to the destinations. They just have too many surprise resources."

"I know what you mean. Surprise is an excellent strategy. Unfortunately the mechanics that can pack a starship with so many surprises are working in the wrong place."
"I don't know what kind of relationship they have with Don Wei. That guy is a bastard and they are certainly not friends."
"A high salary is probably the better than any friendship."
"HA! I can pay them more than any salary Don would offer! Triple in fact! But they are stubborn!"
"You are right! Not even the patriotism gets them to search a new employer. Just imagine Mr. Wabble: with these two brilliant minds in working for the military we would have an invincible fleet. No lowlifes would ever stand a chance against us. And everyone would have to admit it."
"Mr. Collins I believe you are trying to open a dead subject. I stand by my beliefs that a war would be…inconvenient in our relationships with Nourasia. The entire Galaxy depends on their resources and trade is the only way and even the best way to obtain the precious products of this planet. I hope you understand that."
"Yes, I understand that very well. I am not denying the importance of trade. I simply believe that the way it is done for now is abusive. You know all too well about the inconvenient of this business. They do not even consider alternative payment for their tea, although we proposed so many, they make us stay on this piece of junk with low oxygen and bad weather and they continue to refuse considering a longer trading period. They are actually trying to crush us, to tread on us. That my patriotic heart cannot accept. We have to show them that we are not a weak nation of fools that would bow to their every word. Nourasions think they are the center of the universe. They really need to weak up from that dream."
"They are actually are the center of universe; the entire galaxy depends on them and the entire galaxy would rush to defend them. I know full well of the abuses of the trading system they imposed but it is not going to change by violence. It is more likely to become harsher."

"Oh, my dear Wabble, please remind me when diplomacy brought any changes. It is just an endless game where nobody wins or looses-no action in other words. And change is brought by action. We need to act!"
"Action brings change you are very right, but I would not rush to make a change to the worse. I must repeat myself: every other planet will rush to protect Nourasia."
"And I must get to my original point. With two brilliant minds working for the army no fleet of any other planet would be a problem for us."

'Narrow minded fool!' thought Wabble spiting on the pavement and gazing at the 3 openings on the bottom of Shinig arrow. 'I could find better use for those mechanics than Collins. Or they can both go to hell. If I capture just one of those arrows my men will quickly figure out how it's built. But they will just come up with something better. No, I need them. I hope my boys were successful in their last business. Just watch Don Wei: you might just loose everything.'

The conversation did get a few times in the subject of Don Wei where they could both express their apathy for the man, but Collins always brought it back to wars and the possibility of glory, forced change. Wabble wondered when was the last time he had a more unpleasant and boring discussion. He was trying to find something in the crowd that would save him from the General and just when he thought he's doomed to boredom he saw the silhouette of his enemy walking towards them. He felt his hatred bursting but also a feeling of relief when Collins interrupted his speech to point him out. Don Wei looked at the starships as a content smile lay of his face. He obvious knew his ship won the traditional race. He headed to the two men looking forward to get on Wabble's nerves.

"Good morning gentlemen! Ah, shame about the weather." He saluted them as a gust of wind messed his hair and clothes.

"Yes, it's truly a gloomy day. Not that on this planet days are often different."
"That is one of the reasons I look forward to the vacation. Are you going to have some time off as well, General?"
"As a servant of our army I do not have many days off, as you might be aware Mr. Wei. I am going straight to the base on Smyrno."

"Then I am sorry, I should have brought this subject up. You are a really dedicated man, General; you have all my respect for that."
"Thank you Mr. Wei and there is no need to apologize; I usually hear people talking about their future vacation while I work and I must say that's the way I prefer it."
"Really? You are indeed an admirable man, all my respects again."
'If only I had your arrows along with your respects.'

Don Wei turned his gaze the starships and Wabble knew he is going to start mocking him anytime soon.

"Tell me my dear Wabble had the medical check finish on your lady?" he deliberately emphasized the last word to piss off Wabble further. " I really worry I am going to spend the entire morning and noon waiting to meet my captain. Such a slow piece of junk, I should throw it away already."
"It hasn't started on China Lady. The doctors are still busy with your arrow."
"I can't believe it! That old wreck actually made good time."

Wabble cursed Don with all his heart for making him admit his defeat. And also for his allusion to his old jokes. All the ships form Wei Enterprises were named 'Arrow' while those from The Golden House were named 'Lady'. Don always liked to joke that this indicates the difference between the way his company got to the top-through direct action and lots of work-and how Wabble got his company high-through some 'other' means.

'Yes, keep mocking me bastard! By the time you meet your captain you might find out you are no longer in the position to mock me. Come on boys, you're the best sharks my money can buy, you must have succeeded! You must have!'

Wabble spited again, as to get his venom out and then addressed Don:

"If General Collins truly has no problem with it might I turn again to the coming vacation; am I hearing right that you are actually going to spend it in the capital?"
"You really have all the news, don't you? I have some business in the capital that's right; they might keep me there for a very long time."

"Then you will not get any change of the weather, I hear the city is gloomy as well."
"Certainly not as gloomy as here."

"Probably not. And, speaking of news I also hear you are organizing a race, or is that just some gossip Mr. Wei?"

"Hahaha, if it was I'm sure you wouldn't bother asking me; after all you always hear all the news and know if it's true or not before anyone else. You might teach me how to do that too, if you please. Yes, I do organize a race; something spectacular to end this trading season."
"Mr. Wei must I remind you that this trade season is marked by a defeat of our planet. Do you really believe it is appropriate to held such an event?"
"Yes, I believe it might just help our situation. Bring us back in a good light, raise morale to our troops. Wouldn't you agree that most of your soldiers would love to return home with some glory?"

'The glory of a solider comes only on the battle field not on some dusty track! This is humiliating! You are partly responsible of these men current humiliation and now you want to mock them! YOU ARE MOCKING ME BASTARD! But I'd do love to wipe that smile off your face, even if it's in such an unimportant matter. A race! Who would prefer the glory of the track to the glory of the battlefield? It's like choosing between cheap beer and whiskey! But I do want to humiliate you, no matter how.'

"Well Don Wei you do have a point, I have to think of my men. We will have someone competing in your little race. I am even willing to bet on them."
"Pleased to hear it. Mr. Wabble will you support our troops? I am the organizer so etiquette obliges me to have my own competent."

"I am devoted to our troops but a race is a perfect occasion to test ships and I have been looking for an opportunity to do such a test for a very long time. I don't need the money from betting, but my pilot would be very discouraged if I don't give him a confidence vote. I hope you can understand General."
"Don't worry about it. More contestants mean a greater challenge my boys will have. I am eager to see how they would do under pressure." 'And I am eager to give you both a lesson cursed son of bitches!' thought the General lightly rubbing his hands in delight. He stopped hating the idea of taking part in the event of the man he believed was mostly to blame for his humiliation. Now he was slowly starting to like it.

"The bets won't be too high for this event. Most of us already turned the profits into dollars and sent them home."
"We all have some topaz left, or have you already turned it all, Mr. Wabble?"
"You want to have the betting in topaz?"
"Yes, that way everyone can participate, even our alien friends and…hmm let's call them not so good friends. Is that a problem General? I heard the army had its own resources of gems."
"Not at all."
"Well it seems the medical control is going to take more than usual, so there is no point in lying around. How about going to the betting office right now?"

"I still have to handle some affairs here so if you will excuse me gentlemen…. "

"Of course General, have nice day. Are you coming Don?"

"Certainly"

The two men made their way through the crowd. Watching them you wouldn't have guessed they have been at each-other throats for 7 years and that were each cooking some plan to come on top of the other. Now Wabble was quicker at putting together his scenario.

"Betting really lost a lot of his charm. Don't you think it was most exciting in the old days?"
"When you bet your life on a star racer and if you had won you could live in luxury for a year and if you had lost you would have to live in slavery?"

"I wouldn't call it slavery, you still had all the rights; that they didn't fed you is another story. They were dangerous days, but certainly more exciting. I'm sure you know what I mean."
"Do I? Speak your mind already." Don already sensed one of Wabble's dirty plans but he was rather curious than worried.

"We have more money than we can possibly bet. Even if we bet everything we have in our save-deposits now there would be plenty of money home. I wouldn't feel the loss of a few bars of topaz and I'm certain neither will you. So for the sake of the good old days why don't we bet something that actually has value?"

"Like what?"
"Like mechanics."
"Wait, you actually think I would agree to such a deal? From the way you put it I understand that if I lose you get my mechanics and gems, and if I win I get only a few bars of topaz. And how can you think of betting on human beings?"
"I don't say obliging them to come to me. If you loose you agree to fire them and naturally they will go to the one who offers the highest salary. I'm sure you can guess who this would be. And you won't get only my topaz. If I lose I will fire Walter and James. And you can do the same thing."
"I don't truly trust sharks. Loyalty is very important in our work."
"You are a really funny guy. We are well aware that we are centuries away from that vassal contract, or do you think yourself as a middle ages monarch? Loyalty today comes from money. Pay them well and they will work for you."
"Money is not the single force that spins the galaxy Peter, you should start realizing that. And your bet is way too high, immoral I can say."

'Who am I kidding I want those two lawyers out of Wbble's businesses so bad that I would give an arm and a leg. Well my arm and my leg, not somebody else's. Am I really going to do this?"

"Don Wei afraid of a true challenge? Hahaha, it was predictable actually."

'Vanity only brings disaster! I know that. But I'm not going to let him tread on me. Or am I? How can I bet on a human being? I am not going to accept this! It's wrong, immoral!'

Don looked around unconsciously looking for a sign that would help him make a decision but he only saw his Shining Arrow around which there was no sign of life. Everyone was still inside and nothing suggested they would come out soon.

'Why does this medical test take so long?'

"I really had a better opinion about you Don. I can't believe it turns out you are actually a coward."
"Just you watch…"

'No I am not going to do this! Or am I…'

The wind kept blowing just as strong, gathering dust on them. He looked back at the ship and again no sign of activity. Then looking up he could see the contour of Nourasia There it was: closed off but so fascinating that it was diving him crazy. Just like Peter Wabble's proposal: immoral and yet so tempting.

"Curse that damn planet!"

"What did you say?"
"Nothing, just keep walking."


The noon went slow. Don simply handled the organizing part of the race because he was too bored to let somebody else. However that wasn't stimulating enough. Cigarettes piled in his ashtray. Some say that smoking makes them concentrate, it gives them ideas and they feel refreshed after they have their cigarettes, but Don certainly didn't understand them. He always smoked out of boredom and if felt like his mind got numb after it. He always hated the fact that he was too weak back in high school to refuse his first cigarette. His father caught him with his second and beat him really bad, but that didn't stop him to get his third, second, forth and so on until he lost the counting. And now he hated that his weakness persisted as he couldn't even begin thinking of giving up. 'Well something has to kill me after all.' he kept telling himself though it made him feel weaker and actually stupid.

'Wasn't what I did today also weak? Probably even more than smoking…I can't believe I actually did it. It might turn good but that would not make it look as a good action. Just the action of a fool…somehow they always get to shape lives. If I wasn't one probably I wasn't so important.' He laughed within himself but immediately a strong sense of nausea came at the thought that he was just the same as the General or Wabbles or all the other goofs in the government. From an impulse he took the coffee mug from his desk and threw its content outside the window. Somebody shouted something in a strange language, most probably a curse.

"Seriously Don, why do you keep ordering them if you always throw them?"

"Sometimes I drink them" but looking at the empty mug he just realized that he hadn't tasted coffee for more than a year. The thought quickly got off his mind because his mechanics were in the doorway and Koji wasn't wearing the mask-again.

"HOW MANY TIMES MUST I TELL YOU TO WEAR THAT DAMN MASK? I SWEAR IF I SEE YOU ONE MORE TIME WITHOUT IT I'LL STIK IT ON YOUR FACE!"

"I had it on the whole day; it's just too bloody hot, I wanted get some cool air."
"YOU WILL GET MORE THAN ENOUG COOLNESS IN YOUR GRAVE! AND YOU! ARE YOU AN IDIOT OR WHAT? I'VE TOLD YOU NOT TO LET HIM TAKE IT OFF A MILLION TIMES! I'M NOT GOING TO PAY YOU DOUBBLE IF HE DIES!"

"Calm down boss! Now you're exaggerating. It's true he had it on the whole day. What's up with the bad temper all f the sudden?"
"Yeah, we are bringing good news and you…I remember you were in a good mood this morning."
"I've spent 8 years in this business; my mood is as chancing as this damn wind. So, what is the good news you are talking about?"

"It seems the captain of the 'Shining Arrow' wanted to test our new baby and brought it along. You remember the project we started before leaving Earth, don't you?"

"Of course, I was very excited by that hipper drive you told me about."
"Well we might be able to improve the original plan. If we bind the turbines in cluster and…"
"Spare me the technical details, you know I've never understood them very well. Just do anything you can to make this ship the best….hmmm, how should we name it?"
"Don't ask us you know your own rule: we build it, you name it."
"Yes, yes…let's see…'Whizzing Arrow', that's a good name for a star race. I trust this ship will be a winner."
"We'll do our best, as always."
"Now we'd better get back to work. Maybe they finished the damn check. Why in the world is taking so long, do you have any idea Don? It shouldn't have taken more than an hour and it's already noon."

"I wonder that myself. But don't trouble yourself with my business you will have the ship during this day. You are good at doing wonderful job in a short time so I'm sure the delay is not a problem."

"Of course not. We'll go now to find the materials we need. See you later."

Stan opened the door and he was just about to walk out.

"By the way! I've just made a bet with Wabbles on your jobs. I hope that's not a problem either."
"YOU DID WHAT?"

"And here I thought you will say 'of course not'"

"YOU THINK THIS IS A JOKE? HOW COULD YOU DO SUCH A THING?"
"He provoked me."
"Oh, we forgot here is all about you and your ambitions. Thank you for reminding us how dispensable we are."

"May I remind you that I didn't make the bet with the first trader on the street? It's a bet made with Wbble; with Wei Enterprises strongest competition. Our main competition. I want you to realize that this high bet only shows how indispensable you are."

"It's all about you bastard" Sten mumbled. Don heard that but pretended he didn't.

'That wouldn't have convinced even the most idiot person in the galaxy. Whatever what was done is done.'

"I still hope you'll do your best." Don said although he was expecting to be punched anytime. But neither Stan nor Koji would have done that. They just glared silently. It was one of the moments they truly wanted to resign, but where to go? Only the thought of working for Wabble gave them nausea and the army…there were more restrictions and boneheads there than anywhere else. Their best option was with Don and they started hating this lack of perspective.

"We will, don't you worry. Thanks for the additional pressure." Koji finally managed to say and they both left Don's office without other pleasantries.

After the door shut Don felt like punching himself. He lit another cigarette and stared at his screen unable to see the writing on it. He realized he was daydreaming again but gave up any effort to get back to work. What else was to do anyway?

Unfortunately his semi-peaceful moment was destroyed by the sudden opening of the door.

"Don't you know to knock?"he asked very annoyed.
"I am very sorry sir but we have a problem on Shining Arrow!"

"Don't tell me the whole crew has plague; otherwise the damn check wouldn't have taken so long."

"No sir. It...It appears we have a stowaway."

Don dropped his cigarette in shock and stared at his sergeant as he felt his nerves boiling. The short red-haired man never felt smaller.

"And…And is also under-aged."

"WHAT?"


Well that's all for now; hope you enjoyed. More...oh, well I don't now when but there will be more.