My name is Rick Hymes, a freelancer doing all sorts of jobs that are available. You've probably never heard of me.
When I was at the lowest point in my life, you zoners saved me from dying in the slums in Texas. Somehow you folks believed I was still salvageable. Even when I didn't believe in it myself. Since then I've turned my ways from being a smuggler and pirate, thanks to some of your people.
I've now come to repay that kindness. As we speak I'm moving my gunship to Erie to help defend your home.
It might not seem much, but I'm far from the only one wanting to help you. Lots of people, lawfuls and unlawfuls, have an interest in keeping Erie a free planet. Whether that's a good thing or not, I suppose you could use every single ship available right now.
I'd probably get in trouble with Liberty for this, but screw it. Better to fight for something than live for nothing.
While I've got little to do with your salvation by us folks I'm nevertheless glad to hear of such turn of events. I'll give you a word of warning: things will turn sour quickly and it's only a matter of time until Liberty strikes, Erie lives in anticipation of impending strike. Either way, we'll appreciate any and all hands we can get here.
I messed a lot of **** up back in the day and inexplicably I got a lot of good stuff returned to me. It's time I give back. Should things turn for the worst, at least I can say I fought for something bigger than my own ego for once. I've never learned the art of fighting in formations, but I'm a decent hunter and have plenty of experience in defending transports. Just point and I'll shoot it.
![[Image: U106JHb.gif]](https://i.imgur.com/U106JHb.gif)
