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Written by Duncan Day
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Sunday, 05 March 2006 |
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Page 2 of 6
“Look Jerzy, I don’t need the attitude right now, OK?” Genovesi said impatiently. “We’ve got a tub full of new hires, with only you, Leto and Aboud I can trust, and a tight schedule. So just cut it, and fly nice.”
“Fine. But since we’re on the topic of trust,” Jerzy said, knowing he was pushing it. “Maybe you’d be willing to share with me your reasons for leaving that hole in such a hurry without cargo or contract? Last credit statement transmitted to my board before we undocked showed more than just docking fees and a few supplies. We are even further in the hole than when we started. I’m all for getting away from that place as quickly as possible…it positively stank of criminal activity, but what…?”
“’What’, ‘Why’, and ‘How’ are my concerns.” Genovesi replied forcefully. “Flying the Luck Now is your concern. And since I pay you, you’ll fly her exactly like I tell you. So take it …easy.”
“Aye, Captain.” Jerzy gave up probing, content to be putting distance between himself and the disreputable station they had just left. “Is there a course you’d like me to take, or are we just going out there somewhere?” He gestured out the forward viewport with a flip of his hand.
“We’re going to the Saladin L-point.” Genovesi said, turning to leave the bridge. I’ll send one of the new lads up with Leto to give you a hand. Show him the ropes, and bring him up to speed on the peculiarities of our port dorsal engine, will you? Then you can take a break.”
Jerzy took a breath and tried to let it out slowly, but he couldn’t wait. He spun around in the pilot seat and called after Genovesi before he could close the bridge hatch. “Captain. One last question, if you don’t mind.”
There was a longer than usual pause, as if Genovesi was considering ignoring the request and claiming he wasn’t able to hear it out in the access corridor. His puffy unshaven face appeared around the edge of the hatchway with an unwelcoming expression on it. “What is it?”
“uhh…” Jerzy stammered, as if trying to come up with a question worthy of the interruption. “I’m not sure how to put this, but… I’m more than a little worried about this run. A little information from you would really help reassure me that I’m going to survive long enough to collect a paycheck.”
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