October 1, 2552 CE

Capua Repair Yards on Asteroid Ebaq-9 in Onyx Central Asteroid Belt, Onyx System, Sapphire Sector, Unorganized Autonomous Territories of the Alliance of Liberated Systems, Attican Traverse of the River Galaxy…

Josette Capua of the Capua Partisans put down the newspaper she was reading and looked up when she heard the door of her shop open, and smiled to see a familiar- and welcome- face.

"Hi, Kino! I hope your hunt was fruitful?"

"Well enough," Kino nodded. "Any news today?"

Josette sighed sadly. "Nothing good, I'm afraid. The Salarian world of Erinle fell back into Imperial hands last night. The Salarians and Protoss have lost almost all the territory they gained during the Thirty-Fourth Offensive back in August. Rumor is the Imperials and Batarians are planning a new push into either the Crescent Nebula or the Nemean Abyss, especially with the arrival of the Imperial Third Fleet in the Tarkin Sector."

"Hmm..." Kino nodded her head slowly. She'd heard rumors about the Salarians' misfortunes for awhile now, though nothing in detail. "I imagine the Turians and the Alliance might be pressured into launching a new offensive to divert the Imperial forces?"

"Probably," Josette agreed. "Especially considering that Imperial forces appear weaker on our front. That said, it could be a trap. While I can't say much for the average Imperial commander, if they've got one of them Sith Lords in charge... Well, regardless of what happens, Niijima will be increasing raids on the Empire to weaken their forces and support the Alliance and our Citadel allies. I heard the Silver Whales and the Shadow Operatives have already begun to move."

"So then why would she be asking me to run an escort mission now, of all times?" Kino muttered to herself, furrowing her brows.

"Is... something wrong?" Josette asked curiously.

"No, it's nothing," Kino dismissed. "Hermes would like some repairs, though." She laid a stack of Citadel Credits on Josette's desk.

"Sure thing!" Josette grinned, before turning to the men behind her. "Lonnie! It's time to get moving! I've also got a few upgrades I could recommend!"

Kino followed Josette and her men back down to the hangar where Hermes was parked. "Looks like he didn't take damage this time, this'll be faster."

"Hey, Josette!" Hermes broadcast with his exterior PA system.

"Hey, Hermes, doing good, I see!"

"Josette, could I ask you something... in private?" Kino interjected to a puzzled Josette.

"Suurre...? I guess why not?" Josette shrugged. "Lead the way!"

The two girls walked over to the side, where they could stay out of earshot of Josette's staff.

"Okay, we should be safe here," Josette shrugged. "What's up?"

"Josette… I know I've never been that good with people…" Kino began hesitantly. "I haven't had any close friends or associates- well, except my old Master, plus Hermes and the droids, of course. So… do you know how to get to know someone? Develop a… working relationship, at least?"

"My, what brought this on all of a sudden?" Josette's eyes widened. "I thought you weren't interested in partners… don't tell me you've fallen in love with someone?!"

"What- no!" Kino huffed, recoiling. "Don't tease me, Josette! Makoto's thugs strong-armed me into 'helping out' an Alliance detective- Yui Samidare- and ferry her around for missions and aid her investigation. I'm not happy about this at all, but I have to do this if I want to keep paying my living costs."

"So that's what happened…" Josette pondered thoughtfully. "Makoto does seem to really get her way… I've heard of this Samidare detective, that's she's surprisingly young- only a teenager- but that's it. Have you met her? What's she like?"

"Only briefly- Lieutenant Hanch introduced me to her. Don't know enough about her to make much of a judgement," Kino thought silently for a moment. "She seems surprised to see I'm younger than her… and I feel there's something… emotional she's not telling me about. I guess she's friendly enough, though."

"Hmm… as long as it's not a danger to you, you probably shouldn't push her about it. Least not yet. Maybe get to know her a little first?" Josette counseled. "Try telling her a little about yourself- nothing too confidential, of course- kind of like offering an olive branch. And maybe discuss your skills and drawbacks. That's a good starting point, at least. Who knows, maybe you'll hit it off. Hopefully, at least you'll establish a working relationship."

"Uh-huh..." Kino took out a small pad and pencil and took notes.

"You know, just try to make it natural," Josette shrugged, holding back a chuckle at Kino's reaction. "You get along well enough with people you meet, I've heard. You just come across as a little too cold and stoic, but I don't dislike it."

"Hmm… I'll try it out," Kino nodded thoughtfully.

"That's about all the advice I can give right now, but do tell me how things go, will you?"

"Um, sure thing," Kino nodded. "Now, on another note, about the upgrades you were talking about…"

ooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo

Several hours earlier on the Kelpie, personal ship of Onyx Enforcer Lieutenant Hanch, Asteroid Ebaq-9...

Lieutenant Hanch gestured for a reluctant Kino to board her personal Space Reconnaissance Frigate, the Kelphie. "Come now, I brought the detective with me!"

She paused as a figure stepped out of side room and greeted them. "Oh, hey, Lieutenant, you're back- ! And who- wait, is that…"

Kino blinked for a moment at the young woman before her, who stared back with a dumb-founded expression. The girl, who had short, straight hair, glasses, and a somewhat-boyish outfit, looked to be about Kino's age- maybe a little older.

"Hello, Detective Samidare!" Lieutenant Hanch greeted. "This is Kino, whom I told you about. Kino, this is Detective Samidare."

"Um, hi? My name is Kino. I'm an Alliance privateer based here in Mahabad-2."

"Y-Yeah, I-I'm sorry..." The young detective shook her head as if clearing away confusion. "H- hello... my name is Yui Samidare. Excuse me for asking, but how old are you...?"

"I'm 15," Kino replied swiftly. "Why do you ask?"

"Blimey, and I thought I was young... I'm 16. Jesus, you're almost like... like..." Yui looked away, a pained, wistful look on her face. "Sorry, I didn't mean anything."

Great, Kino thought impatiently. She has emotional baggage too. Let's hope this doesn't become a problem for me.

"I hope her age won't be an issue," Hanch interjected. "Kino is one of the most capable and independent privateers here."

"No, no, I don't doubt her," Detective Samidare waved her hands hastily. "I've looked at her records you gave me, and they are impressive." She walked forward to extend a hand to Kino. "Kino, nice to meet you. How would you like me to address you? Captain?"

"No, Kino's fine." Kino awkwardly took Yui's hand. "When uh, do we start?"

"Well, um, I'll be moving in close to you. I still have to, uh, formulate my detailed schedule. I'll let you know when I'm done."

"Right, well, that's enough for now," Lieutenant Hanch steered Kino back out. "Go, uh, take care of your ship and whatnot."

"Uh, sure. See you, Detective."

"See you, Kino."

That… was a bit awkward, Kino thought embarrassed, as she left Hanch's ship. But I guess it wasn't a bad start. Maybe I should ask Josette for advice.