Chapter 3

He wouldn't show. One of the only people to do this job and he wouldn't show. Lagan knew it. He knew he wouldn't be able to please his master. He'd told Keller that he had connections and would be able to put together a show for him that would be spectacular. Keller was the leader of a very large clan of humans on Planet Aines that in a way actually controlled the laws and economy of the planet. Lagan was one of his clansmen and had known Keller for only a few months.

Keller had told Lagan he wanted a show. Something that would entertain everyone in his clan. Perhaps a show of sportsmanship. No one had to die, only show their skills. He'd even gone so far as to say it would be nice to have a fight between two bounty hunters to find out which one is better. Lagan, now considering it foolishly, had mentioned Samus Aran, a name that caused Keller to grin brightly. This bounty hunter was one of the greatest in the galaxy, at least the rumor had been told, and Lagan had said he could bring the hunter here for him and get him to agree to this little fight. The only question was who would be the opponent?

To answer that, Keller got a long time friend of his, Drevan Arlington, to agree to this fight. In fact, Keller couldn't believe how eager he was to agree to this, and had asked Keller many questions about Aran. Keller simply told him all he knew was that this guy was rumored to be the best, so he'd better be prepared for it.

Too bad it wouldn't happen, Lagan thought, as he waited still for this hunter to arrive.

You look down sugar, can I get you something else to drink? One of the barmaids asked Lagan as she walked past him and stopped.

Lagan grumbled and looked at his empty cup. You may as well, I'm going to have to go through some shit when I get back, so I might as well be drunk when I have to go through it.

Aww, I'm sorry honey, I'll make this one on the house, ok?

She smiled sweetly and walked off, though it still didn't make Lagan feel any better.

He's over there I think, Lagan heard a man say and looked up to see someone pointing at him. Standing next to the large fat man was a tall, heavily armored bounty hunter with a large cannon arm and a glowing green visor. He did show after all

Lagan's relief didn't last long though as he watched the bounty hunter walk towards him, every step seeming to make him bigger and bigger. Oh shit, Samus wouldn't accept this. This would be an insult, and Lagan would get killed for it. Lagan felt sweat drip down the side of his face then as he swallowed and grabbed the new drink the woman had just set on the table for him, downing it all fast and quickly looking back up to see the hunter towering over him standing next to his table. In nervous respect he stood up and reached his hand out. You're Mr. Aran I presume.

The hunter didn't take his hand, but only sat down across from him. Then he heard a warped mechanical sounding voice coming from behind the visor, Yeah, something like that.

Samus was about to laugh at the nervousness she could sense in him. She guessed he thought she'd kill him If he looked at her the wrong way, and though she wouldn't, she enjoyed the fact that he thought so. So that was control by using fear, it still worked very well.

I'm Lagan Telmson, the one who requested your services, as I'm sure you already surmised.

Samus stayed quiet, and the mirrored green visor seemed to simply stare him down like he was nothing more than a small meal to this hunter. Samus didn't move, and so Lagan continued. I guess you want to hear the job. It's not an everyday offering I can tell you now, but you'll be paid well. Fifty thousand credits, and five thousand in advance.

Samus didn't care about the money really, though that was a good amount. Tell me, was all she said when he didn't continue.

Well, the job is this. We want to hire you to fight another bounty hunter to entertain my master's clan. It's not a fight to the death, but more or less a show of sportsmanship. The competition we have for you is another bounty hunter who is quite good at his work, and should prove a worthy adversary. I sincerely hope this isn't a waste of your time, but it could get you an even better reputation, not to say that you need it, he added the last part in hopes this hunter wouldn't think he was offending him.

That WAS a new job, Samus thought. Despite the barbaric sort of atmosphere behind it, it defiantly sounded interesting. And not a fight to the death? Sounded too easy to her. What's the catch?

There was ALWAYS a catch, Samus had learned. Lagan just looked at her and shrugged, No catch, just a fight. Well, I suppose there would be a catch if you lost. But I don't think that would be a problem. Lagan looked at Samus hopefully.

Samus supposed that was a catch, but it wasn't too big of one in her opinion, so she sat back and thought about it for a moment. Fine. When do you want this...show of sportsmanship done?

Lagan couldn't help his grin but wiped it off his face quickly as he cleared his throat and said, Anytime you can. Hopefully in the next day or two. But today is good too. My master, Keller, the leader of our clan, was looking forward to seeing this I believe. It would take place in the large coliseum not too far from here.

Samus simply nodded as she replied, Then take me there. I'm free and this sounds as if it could be rewarding.

Lagan where the hell are you boy came a loud voice from the doorway of the bar. Lagan looked up to see Keller come in and stood quickly as Keller came over to him, only to stop when Samus stood up and looked at the man. Oh shit, is this Samus?

Lagan nodded, Mr. Aran, meet my master, Keller. Master, Mr. Aran has agreed to do the fight.

Keller suddenly smacked Lagan on the back, causing him to stumble forward somewhat as he said, Good job boy, did you pay him the advancement money yet?

Quickly Lagan reached in his pocket and pulled out a pouch with 5 thousand credits in it, handing it to Samus who took it and looked inside only for a moment. Keller watched with a smile as he said, Damn you're tall This is going to be one hell of a show. The whole clan will come when they hear of it.

Lagan spoke quietly then, Mr. Aran is willing to fight today if you wish it sir.

Hell yeah boy, go tell everyone there's gonna be a fight Don't worry, I'll show Samus to the coliseum.

Lagan nodded and ran off out the door as Samus watched him for a second and then turned her helmet back towards Keller who was grinning at her. She rolled her eyes somewhat but didn't say anything, expecting him to lead the way. Instead, he said, You want a drink?

Samus shook her head no, I want you to show me to this coliseum.

Keller nodded, Alright, just wondering. Come on then, It's not too far.

Samus followed behind him as he lead her out of the bar and down the street, talking the whole way about how thankful he was Samus decided to do this more or less because the people in his clan would be entertained. Samus listened to him idly, but thought for a moment about the person she was going to fight. She wondered his name, or her name, but decided she'd find out soon enough. The only real worry going through Samus' mind was if she knew this person or not and would really want to fight them. But it didn't matter either way. She'd already signed up to do the job, and that was all there was to it.

Well, this is it. I'll be contacting Drevan now and tell him to arrive as soon as he can. He left not too long ago, him and I are good friends, and I can promise you he'll be good competition for you, well, I hope so anyway. From the looks of it you could wipe out an army and not really care. If you need anything, just let me know. I'll be inside.

Keller started off then after he'd lead her inside the large open dome coliseum, and Samus looked around slowly. Wipe out an entire army and not care she thought. That was defiantly an exaggeration. Then something caught Samus' eyes on top of a large platform in the center of the ring. It glinted in the sunlight and upon further inspection Samus could see it was a large cannon of some type, probably an electrical cannon. She wondered what its purpose was for a few moments, and upon scanning it, could see that it was quite operational. This job seemed to get a little stranger all the time.