The stands in front of the stage were starting to fill with Hunters hoping to get a good place for when the HUnewearls showed up and queues were starting to form because of the weapon checks implemented at the entrance. The cloaked shadowy figure kept close to the shadows on the roof of the low building over-looking the Plaza as he over-looked the events unfolding below. Satisfied that he had not been spotted, he removed a quiver from his back and set it on the ground in preparation.
-----
"Do you have any weapons?" Asked BOC.
The RAmar looked up at the towering black 'droid before producing a rifle and handing it to him. BOC accepted the rifle and looked over it, holding it up to his visor and checking the sights. Satisfied, he handed it back to the human.
"It's a fine weapon. Next!"
A HUcaseal approached the security desk.
"Any concealed weapons?" BOC asked her.
"Yes."
"Okay then. Next."
After the HUcaseal was a HUmar. He seemed to be quite nervous as he stepped up to the desk.
"Come on, come on, there are other people waiting to get in. Now, weapons?"
"I... Er... That is... I didn't bring any." The HUmar mumbled, trying not to make eye contact.
BOC sighed very loudly, which was not surprising since he had a new 'Sigh' chip installed about a week ago and he was definitely getting his money's worth. This model enabled him to sigh at noise levels of up to ninety-six Decibels, enough to cause 'discomfort' in nearby fleshies and in some cases, ears to bleed.
"So let me just get this straight. You're walking about, in public, without a dangerous weapon of some kind?"
"Yes."
"Okay, see that FOmarl with the tall hat behind the desk over there? See her about a loan weapon, she may have a Saber or two left."
"Yes sir." Said the HUmar hurrying off to avoid further humiliation.
"Next!"
A newman wrapped in a black cloak walked forward.
"Any weapons?"
The newman said nothing but opened his cloak and began to lay various weapons onto the desk. Daggers, canes and handguns made up most of his arsenal. BOC looked impassively upon the scene before sighing loudly and pointing to the sign hanging above his head.
"Can't you read? Ten weapons or LESS. You'll have to queue in that line."
"What?! You have no idea how long it takes me to put all that shit on."
BOC grabbed the newman by the front of his shirt and hauled him across the table till their noses almost touched.
"Please." He said with suitable menace.
"Oh! Sure thing. No problem. All it takes is some manners..." Said the newman as he sped off to the back off the other line, nearly collapsing under the weight of his armaments.
Bernie and Marla watched the whole affair from the distance.
"Are you sure BOC understands the meaning of the phrase 'Weapons check'?" Bernie asked.
-----
"So anyway, my name's Jill by the way." Said the FOnewearl offering her hand.
The rust-brown HUcast looked uncertainly at the hand offered before shaking it weakly. "Girder."
"So anyway, I'm really pleased that I've been picked for an award. It means that I get to meet the Principal. He's a great guy and he's kinda cute. Don't you think he's cute?"
"Uh... Not really-"
"So anyway, I've always admired the Principal. So strong, so commanding, so... So... Sexy! Are you sure you don't think he's cute?"
"Please, human! You are starting to disturb me with your incessant talking."
"So anyway, I'm really pleased that I've been picked for an award. Did I say that already? So anyway, I've been given the award for my contribution to science. Apparently, I chanced upon some ancient runes that help solve the mysteries of the ancient ruins. It works on a basis of control crystals. The military says that I'm probably the only Hunter that knows about this. Have you ever been to the ruins?"
"Listen. Human." Said Girder exasperatedly. "I have..." He began to count out Meseta cubes. "About three thousand Meseta here. If I give it all to you, will you cease speaking to me?"
"Maybe."
Girder poured the cubes into Jill's open hands and she stored them away.
"So anyway, the Ruins are like a totally scary place. Though you're a big guy, it takes a lot to scare you right? What scares you?"
"Being trapped for all eternity with only you for company. Why is it that no one wants to assassinate me when I really need it most?" Replied Girder as sarcastically as his programming allowed.
"Assassinate eh? So, anyway, I-" Jill stopped speaking when she heard her name being called out.
"This is it, my big moment. You're glad that I won right?"
"Human, I am happy for whatever will just get you away from me."
Jill did not hear his words, she was lost in the moment. The sounds of applause filled her ears as she ascended the steps towards her destiny. Accepting the Principal's hand she shook it enthusiastically.
"Congratulations on your contributions to science, whatever they are." He told her.
He attempted to pin the medal to the front of her dress but seemed to keep encountering difficulty, fumbling on her chest as he tried to pin it straight. Jill clasped his strong, masculine hands in hers.
"It's such a great honour to be finally meeting you, Mister Tyrell sir. I am such a big fan of yours. Perhaps after the ceremony you and I can get together at my place for coffee?"
Tyrell's eyes brightened at her suggestion.
"But I don't drink coffee." He told her.
"It's okay, I don't have any." She said to him.
"Where do you live?" He blurted out.
"I-"
She stopped and looked down, surprised to see the dimming photon head of an arrow protruding from her chest.
"Now my outfit is totally ruined. I'll have to take it off..." She said collapsing into Tyrell's strong, masculine arms as her legs gave way.
There were shouts of commotion from the crowd as the Marla rushed onto the stage. Tyrell cradled Jill in his arms as she gasped for breath. The shadow of BOC covering them as he stood in the way to block further attacks.
"Remember me... As a contributor... To... Science..."
As Tyrell stared at the motionless Jill, the full impact of the tragedy hit him. This woman, this Hunter, was going to sleep with him. He was going to get lucky tonight but now she was dead. Tears welled up in his eyes before streaming down his cheeks.
"NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!" He yelled out, choked with emotion. He drew in a deep breath. "OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!"
He thought for a second.
"WHY? WHY DID IT HAPPEN TO HER?"
Marla rested a consoling hand on his shoulder as he wept bitter tears of sorrow.