🚀 go-pugleaf

ADMIN: This is a sub-thread to the Flaw and Paw thread, ergo the Part 2 on
the identifier.  Hopefully, this sub-thread will disolve or change into its
own thread in the near future.  The attachment point was the Spacer from the
original [F&P] that's going back to report.
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17...  18...  19...  20...  and the elevator creaked to a halt.  When the
doors opened, the Spacer stepped out of the cage and onto the Lower Warren's
platform.  He was greeted by a dimly lit area (most of the lights were broken
out) and the strong smell of refuse.  Checking his person, he made sure any
one could see his blaster.  This was a rough neighborhood.

He stepped off the platform and headed down a passage to the left.

The Spacer's name was Warren "Hawk" DeBrois, and he had been stuck on
Serendipity for the last 5 years.  Initially he had tried getting off this
rock, but his old captain had black-balled him.  Just becaused he'd killed
the old guy's son was no reason to ban him from the Space Merchants Guild.
He had even appealed to the High Shipping Council... but all that was in
the past.  Now he was working freelance, doing whatever got food on the
table, and making more money than he ever made when he was spacing, but...

He rounded a corner and headed towards a set of "buildings" which were
brightly lit.  Raucaus laughing intermixed with shouting could be heard
eminating from one particular "building"; Hawk headed towards its door.
The sign above the entrance read "The Spitting Cobra".

Pushing the door open, Hawk was greeted by loud, wild music, smoke, and noise
of every type.  Pushing his way through the rowdy crowd, he went to the bar
and demanded a mug of Berger's Ale.  The one-eyed behemoth behind the bar
looked at him, shrugged, and got him his drink.

Swigging the drink, he mused 'Now this is a bar'.  Nothing like the Havens
Rest, this is where the action is.  Looking towards the center stage, it
seemed that a Mud Dipper had challenged a Sailor boy.  Hawk always loved to
watch the fights.  The betting was good too, but he figured he'd best report
in first.
 

Finishing his drink in one long chug, he put his mug down and pressed his
way to the lavoratory.  He climbed into the third stall on the left, sat 
down, started whistling "When a man loves a woman" and flushed the stall
three times, in rapid succession.  Suddenly, the whole toilet moved backwards
3 meters and Hawk hopped off into the Digs, The Rift Dreamers hangout.

-------- 

Hawk always marvelled at the organization of this gang.  Most gutter riff-raff
hung out at someone's pad, controlled a territory, wore colors, and other
such nonsense.  But not this crowd.  They had a real well hidden place, all
sorts of electronics, and all sorts of resources.  Rumor said they privately
contracted with both the Tong and the Cartel.  Whatever... he knew the money
was good and they were fun to work with.

"Yo Gazer" greeted Hawk, "Can you track down Reamer?  I need to talk."

"Well, if it isn't Mr. Hawk" Gazer replied impishly.  Gazer had a crush on
Hawk, but wasn't about to let him know it.  "What makes you think Reamer
would want to talk?"

"Let's just say I've found his mark."  Then, leaning over towards her, he
said "I've got two tickets for the Vid Bangers concert.  Suppose to be real
good.  Lots of VR, and free Blue Mist.  You interested?"

"Well, I don't know..." answered Gazer, although inside she was ecstatic.

"Come on, babe..."

"STOP hitting on my team, Hawk" interrupted Reamer.

"Hi Reamer" said Hawk, as he casually stood up.  "I think I got something
you might be interested in hearing, about Boffin."  he winked at Gazer, and
followed Reamer towards the Dream center.

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"... so they're trying to blow up the Rift" concluded Hawk.

"Actually" mused Reamer, "I bet they plan on extorting the galaxy with the
threat of blowing up the Rift.  Soooo, Boffin's that type of physicist.  And
you say he's built a device?"

"That's what I heard, although it seems he was forced.  Something about his
daughter."

"Yes.  I had heard there was a kid involved.  Well..., we can't let that happen."
After a momentary pause, Reamer continued "So Hawk, thanks for the info.  I'll
arrange your normal payment" and noticing a strange look in Hawks eye "and add
a 25% bonus if you keep quite on this for a couple of weeks.  You can pick up
your money from Gazer" smiled Reamer, "and Hawk?  Go easy with her, will ya?"

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 Carl Fogelin (fogelinc@cyanamid.com)     "All opinions are strictly mine" 

   Up the long ladder and down the short rope,
   To Hell with King Billy and God bless the Pope. -- traditional