Thread: Into the Black [missedstations & Bathos]

The central spaceport on the primarily aquatic planet of Quien belied the planet's relatively diminutive size. It was one of the largest in the galaxy, largely because of its centralized location between the five controlling bodies of known space, and its close proximity to the Black--regions of space uncharted, explored at high personal risk and traditionally high casualty rates. Quien was colonized by humans many hundreds of years ago and its culture was as old as any, though within the port itself there was no evidence of this fact. The sky was a pale lavender with dense, gray clouds that may have threatened stormy weather at any other outpost, and filled with ships of various size and luxury class entering and exiting the atmosphere. All around the primary docking bays there were kiosks boasting exotic treasures from across the galaxy and some from as far the Black. Foreign smells and sounds mingled in the crowded air until one odor was indiscernible from another, one voice was lost in the din of many. From across the bistro table at the small outdoor cafe where Vince sat, there rose up a sigh, followed immediately by a most unladylike whine. This place is so boring, whined Rosemary, not for the first time. Vince didn't bother looking up from the datapad he studied, just arched one dark brown eyebrow in an expression of complete and utter apathy and went on about his business. Rosemary, a dark-skinned beauty who also happened to serve as Vince's First Officer--on the rare occasion that there was actually a call for such formalities upon the Dioscuri--went on, Couldn't I just-- I don't want any trouble while I'm gone, Vince cut in, voice deep and stern in a way that brooked no arguments from his testy subordinate. He switched the pad off, pocketed it, and finally looked up at her, green eyes narrow with the promise of an unholy fury should she find it within herself to disobey. Unless there's an impending supernova and a planet-wide evacuation, your ass and my ship don't leave this port. Understood? Rosemary slumped in her seat and pulled a petulant face. Understood. Vince rose to his full height then, well over six feet and clad in worn black trousers, tunic, and boots. If you'll excuse me, he said, though they both knew he didn't need any excuses to do exactly as he damned well pleased, I've got a crew to join. Rosemary watched as Vince left, long strides carrying him into the horde of travelers, who parted ahead of him and closed behind him, until she could no longer see him. The ship that served as Vince's ultimate destination was larger than the Dioscuri several times over with a crude patch job on the starboard hull and telltale scoring on all sides, as if it'd recently been under fire. Vince approached the boarding ramp, where a man stood at what may have passed, to a civilian, for parade rest. Mornin', Vince said, already digging in his shirt for the documents he'd drawn up one night previous. Heard you're light a couple hands. The man's gaze swept up and down Vince, apparently unimpressed. Papers? Vince handed them over. After a long silence, they were handed back and the man said gruffly to Vince, Report to the engine room for assignment. It's on the-- I can find it, Vince cut in, gave the recruiter a sound clap on the back, and headed up the ramp.