I wanted to again apologize for the delay. I had two car wrecks (another happened the next day), an uncle who has finally awoken from a coma and now a deceased uncle to handle on my plate. I've got a funeral Tuesday and work from Sunday to Wednesday so I'll continue to work on chapters as I have the time. Thanks for reading and whatnot. Please enjoy this new side character I'm introducing and his beloved crew of misfits. Short chapter.
A snicker seemed to fill the void of silence, cards shuffled and dealt, a hand to be reckoned with clutched within steady hands. He leaned forward, smirking at his opponents.
"Alright boys.. You bidding?" The smooth drawl of the lean 6'2 male drew the eyes of everyone to this speaker. His snow white hair was short and spiked, albino-pale skin standing out in contrast to his golden eyes.
His companion to the right snorted, laying down his cards. "Not taking a hit. Bad hand."
The man across from him studied his cards intensely, a thoughtful expression shown as if considering his move. He peered at the cards down before smiling. "Yea, I'll bite.." He pushed a handful of coins in. His eyes flicked up to peer at curious golden orbs.
The man to his left nodded, pushing equal coins in.
The smooth talker arched a brow, smirking. "Good, good, an actual challenge. Just what I enjoy!"
The game went on for several hours, the wins and losses due to pure luck and bluffing. When it was time to leave all stood and shook hands.
"Take care until next time, Leonel." His friend said.
"I will. You as well Jericho, Theo, Claus." The man named Leonel spun, giving a half wave over his shoulder.
xxx
A hand ran tiredly through spiked hair, bright eyes curiously taking stock. Two crates had been damaged, one entirely destroyed, four missing and five in alright condition, all things considered. He motioned for Alphonse, his friend and co-pilot, to load 'er up, assisting with the heavier cargo.
Leonel was a man of few words, his talents known by only a handful. He didn't let his trade mark him and made himself seem humble and, in some cases, naive. He had the boyish charm to fool many and the wit to baffle the rest. Being underestimated was far better than being scrutinized.. especially when it came to dealings with the First Order.
He turned his golden gaze to his best friend, a man who helped with his.. business adventures. A man with long brown hair, cool green eyes and a freckled handsome face. A man named Jensen.
"You alright?" Came the voice of said friend as it pulled him from his musings.
He pushed away from the wall he'd been leaning on, giving a curt nod. "Yeah." He gave a distant smile, stepping away toward the cockpit, Jensen on his heels.
"Let me pilot, you get some rest Leo." Jensen said sternly, his cool voice steady.
Leonel exhaled a sharp sigh, ran a hand through his locks before finally nodding. "The course is to be set for Lo'Suten." He grabbed the clipboard, scanning the list. "The ammo, materials and parts go to a friend there."
"Of course." Jensen rounded the cargo, slipping past the tired pilot. Not before giving him a pat and a smile.
"Thanks J."
Jensen nodded and left him alone with his thoughts.
He recalled a sharp memory of his.. friend he mentioned, bringing forth the lush green grass, the chained rock chunks, the 'angel people' and the cities that were on Lo'Suten. He closed his eyes after laying down on the cot in his cabin, linking his hands behind his head. The chilly voice behind the being, the armor plating, the blaster.. and the unblinking grey-blue eyes piercing through the lens of the helmet. He, so he assumed, went by the name of Atle Elkem, a mercenary who stood neutral between the famous Republic and the dirty First Order.
He opened his eyes, peering at the grey metal ceiling with a look of consideration.
Something always felt.. off about Atle. Like he was a man of many secrets. But.. it must come with the job and, as far as Leonel was concerned, they were none of his business.