Taking Care of Business
The smuggling effort had been harder than Brian thought it would be. What he had done when he first boarded the ship on the home world had been nothing. So much activity, and people not knowing where they were going or trying to get staff where they needed to be. Well this had kept them too busy to look for items that were being smuggled up to the ship. He had been lucky that day.
He had to admit even though Gary would likely never become a Youth Leader, he had talents. The ability to hide what Gary had, and make it inconspicuous seemed like a skill. For Gary had certainly ensured that everyone's eyes were on someone, or something else. He made mental notes to practice some of Gary's tricks, but still he was not sure that he could. However, for the very little he was actually going to bring up from time to time was likely not an issue. Still Gary may not become a Youth Leader, but you never knew when his talents could be useful someday. Just please, oh please do not assign him to me again.
Once they set foot on the mother ship again Gary laughs and in a low tone says, "Okay. Looks like we got our stash. Wasn't looking to get some more today, but this worked out well. I will go to your room and give you your portion. I know you weren't looking for much."
"No, I will come to your room. After this Gary, I suggest you use the other suppliers that you were hinting you knew."
Gary is frowning as he now understands what has just happened, "What? I take it you are going to continue to go there."
"Yes, but you will not." Brian says, "I have no one, and it could be difficult in that neighborhood if we were both going there. Use those you hinted about last night, and if I were you I would rotate those you get your supply from. No, need to have superior officers finding out. This will work to both of our advantage.
Gary's tone is unhappy, "I am the one that introduced you to Javier. We should share our contacts. Besides you said you needed very little. I will just give it to you if that is your fear."
"Remember, I helped you to repair a bad relationship with Javier. I need the ability to get what I need on my own. Yes, it is very little and not often." Brian shrugs, "Look let's do this then; introduce me to the others, and you keep Javier. Again I have no contacts, and you know that. We really need to keep our dealings separate as my need is personal, and yours I believe is a bit more businesslike." Brian is working at keeping his tone even as he knows exactly what will work for him. Come on Gary, do it my way. Give up Javier to me. Give Javier to me.
The two stare at each other neither backing down, but finally Gary says. "Not worth fighting over. I get better stuff with a couple of others. Besides that, Nick guy hates us both, you know that don't you?"
"Yes, I do he made it obvious. It is why I am protecting you," Brian says with a smile. It is not a lie for it truly is not a suitable place for Gary. Eventually he would get in trouble with Javier and Nick, or in the neighborhood. Worse Gary could cause problems with their superiors on the ship. Especially if Gary caused a situation down there, one that he may not be able to help him to correct before it is found out. For himself, he is intrigued by his situation with Nick and Javier. Something inside of him is not warning him to stay away, but rather to take advantage of this situation. Hopefully he is not making another one of his stupid mistakes.
Brian has concerns, but for Gary to betray him may actually be worse for Gary. "I will protect you, but if ever you are caught, and betray me. . ."
Gary cuts him off and says, "You may think I am an idiot, but I am not! I know you got your little secret club thing going, and your buddies won't be kind to me if they think I betrayed you. I also know that if I keep my mouth shut even if I get caught, I get owed a favor. Yes, I found out your really into that. You must have a mountain of favors owed to you." Gary points to himself and says, "One day you may owe me. Besides you will likely charm your way out of it; where they would just throw me out of the ship without a thought."
"Just be careful. I don't know what you are doing, but you need to be careful. Yes, I may actually be the one who owes you a favor. I have your back as long as we are on this mission. I will just note it up here. Just remember be careful." Brian smiles, and taps his head. Anyway I now know where the pot is. Another thought stands out about his favor thing. He finds himself titling his head. Do I truly go about doing that favor thing to that large of a degree?