The lift rumbled on as if there were no end to the trip. Gein watched the lights flickering as his new employer prattled on about the service he'd be doing for the company. The short man had no problems finding more to say, it seemed.

"We charter flights for all of the system factions, but lean more heavily to the major players. EG Union, Gebel Empire League, you get the idea."

"What will I be flying? I'd like to know what sort of value my credits went to." Gein leaned against the wall, giving the man a weak smile. "I know my claim for the Grasberg wasn't going to get me too much, but I can't guarantee I'll be able to do what you want if I'm stuffing people into the back of a retrofitted Type 9 for Lakon."

"Oh! No worries, Commander. Your funds were more than adequate to cover the commission costs for Saud Kruger. We have a Dolphin ready for you at bay 44." The man looked at him, a puzzled look on his face. "If I may ask, What made you decide to come to us? We are quite the change from freight work. Not that I'm trying to talk you out of it. You seem to be just the sort of pilot we've been looking for."

"Honestly, Mr. Hasten? I've been running cargo for too long. I want to do something to take me to see the stars, not just fly past them without the time to look." He tapped the railing. "My father thought the only thing that mattered was the payout. He made a great living, but it was never what I wanted. I'm tired of bandaging an old ship, running old routes, fulfilling old dreams. I'm flying for you to find something new."

Mr. Hasten smiled. "Well, I think we can help you with that." The lift came to a halt. "Hopefully this little gem will carry you far. Just keep in mind, she's a bit more delicate." The doors slid open, the hangar lights blinding the pair for a second. As the sensation passed, Gein felt his jaw drop.

"what do you think?" Hasten smirked, seeing the awe in the young pilot's face.

Gein pointed with a trembling hand. "You're joking.... She's... mine?"

The man laughed. "Of course! Paid in full. Naturally, if you want to break with us, you'll have to re-insure the vessel privately. Shall we board, and take a look at what you're getting your hands on?" Gein didn't have to be asked twice, jogging toward the ship with vigor.

The ship had some of the most delicate and graceful curves he'd ever seen. The fact that she had been engineered for luxury could scarcely be avoided. Her bow sported a tri-colored paint job. White lined the dorsal hull, a band of black winding around her waist, with shining silver of the polished tritanium glinting in the hangar lights like some lost treasure. Large windows wrapped along the hull, presumably for the viewing pleasure of his charges.  "What material are these windows? Should I worry about structural problems if I put speed to her?"

"Transparent Aluminium. I doubt you'll have to much trouble, so long as you avoid too many tight maneuvers."

Gein put his hand on the hull, looking at the name painted on the side. "Penrose..."

"We can have the ship registered again, if it doesn't fit."

"No, she's perfect." He ran his palm over the cool metal. "I've never seen a more beautiful little ship."

Hasten patted his shoulder. "Just wait until you get a look at the inside."

The passenger cabin looked like a miniature resort. The seating was broken into compartments of two seats each. Upon inspection, they folded outward into a comfortable looking bed. A food and drink synthesizer were recessed into the lower hull side wall. Holographic flower arrangements flickered in a soft, attractive manner as the men toured the vessel. Penrose seemed to be trying to further win her new owners heart, changing the color of the lilies to a deep, sunset rouge. "Hm, how on earth did it know?"

Hasten gestured to the cabin. "The passenger section is designed to adapt to suit any occupant, detecting their recorded purchase history and preferences where available. Penrose knows that you prefer Gran Paradiso, a breed of Asiatic lily. You've purchased them quite frequently over the past five years. The computer has decorated accordingly."

Gein looked around the room, feeling a bit awkward. "Isn't that a bit of an invasion of our passengers' privacy?"

"Not at all! It's merely an extension of our goal to provide exemplary comfort and service. At any rate, when purchasing passage, passengers are given the option to refuse the service for that reason. But, since you are the Commander, I took the liberty of giving you ship access to the data." He gave a smile. "Help you feel more at home."

"Thank you..." Gein felt his spine tingle a bit. "Well, if it's all the same to you, I have one seat in particular I want to become acquainted with."

"Ah, yes. This way please." Hasten led him toward the bow, stopping in front of a sturdy, more secure door than the other cabins had. "Welcome to your bridge, Commander Vahzen."

The door slid open, revealing a spacious room. As they entered the consoles sprang to life. The monitors began running diagnostics, booting more and more systems. Gein made his way to the helm, resting a hand on the chair.

[Welcome, Commander. I am Verity, your Cockpit Voice ASsistant. Ship systems are nominal. Do you have any queries at this time?]

Gein jumped. "What the hell?"

Hasten frowned. "Never flown a ship with a COVAS before, Commander?"

"No. Is it an AI?"

The man shrugged. "An extremely simple one. Verity can't perform any command actions, only provide audio readout of status and condition reports. She also accepts voice instruction for navigational input and minor diagnostic procedure. Don't worry. She can't take the stick from you."

The pilot cleared his throat. "Verity? Can you describe the specifications of the Penrose in brief?"  

[Accessing: U.S.S Penrose/ Saud Kruger Starlines; Core specifications: 4 Alpha Power Plant, capable of a maximum output of 15.6 Megawatts. 5 Echo thruster assembly, 4 Alpha FSD, 4 Echo Life support module, 4 Charlie Fuel containment, and 3 Echo modules governing power distribution and sensor management respectively. A 5 Echo grade passenger cabin is paired with ample cargo space to provide a versatile operation directive. Penrose is also fitted with an exploration compliment, including detailed surface scanner, SRV bay, and Supercruise  Assistance. Vessel is equipped with 4 Echo shield generation. Weapons compliment consists of a 1 Foxtrot Pulse Laser module and a 1 Gama Multi-Cannon, gimballed. No counter measure systems are currently installed. ]

"Care to sit?" Hasten waited, a child like grin on his face. Gein stepped around, settling himself into the chair. A few seconds passed in silence. "How is it?"

Gein looked at the large window in front of him, the bright displays and the polished consoles. The pedals and stick smooth to move. His hand itched to push the throttle open. "I want to get out there with her."

Hasten chuckled. "By all means. I'll be your passenger on the shake down cruise. I'll leave her to your hands. I'm sure you know the rest." With that, his employer left the bridge. Gein felt a rise in his chest. It felt almost like his first flight all over again. He reached forward, firing the engines to life.

"Flight control, this is Saud Kruger Sierra Gulf 12 Delta, requesting permission to depart."

"Sierra Gulf 12 Delta, this is control. Permission to depart granted. Perform pre-flight, and await hand over by docking control."

The hangar shuddered, the floor rolling forward onto the lift. Gein tested his systems. Yaw, pitch, roll. Thrust axis, throttle, landing servos, targeting system, and hardpoint deployment. The main docking bay came into view, the massive area eerily quiet as the ships moved above him. "Control, this is Sierra Gulf 12 Delta. Checklist complete, all systems are green."

"Roger, Commander. Releasing docking restraints. Proceed to airlock with maneuvering thrusters only. Restrict speed to 100 kph until clear of the station. Obey traffic control regulations, and respect cued vessel departures."

The sound of the clamps rumbled through the floor. He flipped the gear control, hearing the struts retract. Gently, he put the throttle up, firing his ventral thrusters. The ship rose effortlessly, the thrum of the engine soft and smooth. Gein smiled. "Listen to you, you minx. Purring like a kitten." He diverted power away from the shields, assigning most of the energy use to the engines. Verity was quick to question the choice.

[Commander, flight regulations dictate main engine usage is forbidden in the docking bay. Are you sure this configuration is appropriate?]

"Affirmative, Verity." He inched the throttle a bit further. The ship gave only the barest shudder, slowly increasing to 98 kph. He eased her up, aiming toward the mail slot. "Easy as she goes, love."

The force field reflected off the hull, causing a dance of lights to bid them farewell. He saluted a Sidewinder that came in opposite him. He felt a sense of utter glee as the stars welcomed him. He felt the slight bump of artificial gravity as it compensated for leaving the stations rotation. He let her open, feeling the engine whir up to full. He couldn't help but laugh as the force pinned him back into the seat. Damn, this ship had some spunk.

"Flight control to Sierra Gulf 12 Delta, you are clear of the exclusion zone. You are now free to pursue independent navigation. Have a safe journey, Commander. Flight control, signing off."

He reached down, clicking on the public address system. "Attention passengers, this is your captain speaking. Please be prepared for Frame Shift. Remain seated and securely buckled until the ship has returned to normal space. Keep your seats and trays in their upright and locked positions." He reached over, typing coordinates into the navigation computer. "Verity, confirm FSD calculations and finalize."

[Working: system coordinates locked. Drive spooling...]

The floor began to shake. The thrumming of the engine increased, power pulsing through the controls his old type 6 could never have dreamed of.  "Alright, girl. Let's see what you've got."

[Frame Shift Drive: Engaged.]

The space before him stretched, bright blue energy tunneling into the void. He put his head back, grinning ear to ear as time and space bent the knee, sending them hurdling to the next system.

23 June, 3306

"Your fines all seem to be in order. For such a young pilot, you sure shelled out for insurance on that tub of yours. I would have never spent that much to insure a Type 6." The security officer didn't bother to look up at the young man, a scowl his only response to the critique of his former vessel. "You really gave those SA boys quite the fight for an old freighter. A little free advice? Try not to move contraband in this new ship." He handed the Commander a release form. The man took it, turning to leave.

"Maybe so... You might tell the Gebel Empire league that personal weapons are contraband in this system." He gave a sarcastic smirk. "A bit of advice."

The sound of the door closing behind him was his cue to slump. He hated all the bureaucratic shit he'd been putting up with. All he wanted was to save up enough credits to buy a ship to leave this sector. Now he had paid almost 160 grand just to get a replacement for his ship and the clearance to get back to work. He stopped, looking out the window to the docking bays below.

He could see a corvette gliding out to go on patrol, escorted by a pair of Eagles. The fighters looked truly minute compared to their charge. He had to admit, a 'vette would be nice. But after this third scuffle with the law, he doubted that he'd be allowed to enlist in the navy, much less be promoted high enough to merit one of the best ships short of a Capitol. He was shaken from his thoughts by his comm chit. He gave the device a click to answer. "Vahzen."

"Gein! What the hell have you gotten yourself into this time?"

"Nice to hear from you too, Darren. "

"Look, I'm sorry. I just thought you said you were going to be more careful. Getting your ship blown to bits outside a starport doesn't sound like being careful to me."

"It wasn't my fault! That fucker who hired me didn't bother to mention that the shipment was illegal."

Darren sighed. "Next time, just check with me before you take a job. I could have told you that and saved you the trouble."

"As I recall, you said you didn't like working with people, and that I had to take care of myself."

"Its true. You should be able to take care of yourself out there. Your dad taught you enough that you should have been set. But I also know you don't know anything about legal stuff."

Gein chuckled. "So, when I get the credits lined up, are you gonna join up with me? I could use you. We could take Witchhead by the horns and show the galaxy who's boss."

Darren gave a half hearted laugh in response. "You know I can't go that far out. What would my sister do? I can't leave her alone like that."

"Bring her with. It could be like old times. Just the three of us, carving our names everywhere we went."

"We can't live like that anymore, Gein. We're getting too old for that kind of care free approach. Besides, Delacy didn't build the Anacondas with family life in mind. Bridgget isn't a pilot, or an engineer. She'd be of little use if we had an emergency. And you're talking about thousands of light years. I can't just leave my life behind."

Gein didn't speak. When he finally did, it made his chest feel hollow. "I don't think I have a life to stay for..."

Darren was quick to say otherwise. "I don't know, Gein. I was going to call you about a job that sounded right up your alley! How do you feel about running a passenger charter?"

Gein sighed. "I'm not great with time tables, Darren."

"Just give it a chance. Saud Kruger makes some nice ships. I think a Dolphin would put a smile on your face. Can you imagine how much speed you could get from a ship like that? You'd be legendary. And some of those corporate contracts pay an insane amount. Might itch your wanderlust too. I'll send you the contact info. You should at least consider it. It sounds like its time for a change for you."

"Fine... I'll look at it."

"Gein?"

"Hmm?"

"We care about you, man. Try to remember that. Your dad wouldn"t have wanted you to throw it all away."

"Thanks Darren. I'll talk to you as soon as I'm back at Reiss."

As he put the chit back into his suit, he couldn't help but think that his freind might have a point. Maybe he'd been running cargo too long. Maybe the Grasberg getting destroyed was a last sign that he needed to move on. His dad had been running freight and mining with that tub for years. It was an old habit, born out of a sense of obligation to his old man.

"It was a lot easier when you made the choices for me." He spoke out to the stars. "I guess I have to start thinking for myself."

"Attention. The transport to Reiss Hub will be boarding in fifteen minutes. All passengers, make your way to bay two-six." The PA echoed through the metal walls of the detention station. Gein shook off his brooding. He had a flight to catch.