Pat's voice echoes from a secluded deep space, probably dark too 'Markus! Me and the Winter boys have found them! Where's the can opener?'
If the stars should appear one night in a thousand years, how would men believe and adore and preserve for many generations the remembrance of the city of God? - from 'Nightfall' by I. Asimov The Outcasts consider Siniestre Nube a sacred place for several reasons. Early explorers discovered a jumphole within the depths of the cloud that leads to a strange world of ringed stars and strange craft. All ships in the burrial ground are placed facing that hole to honor the Alien Spirits. - An Outcast rumor
' Wrote:Its hazy, difficult to make out the faces at the tables. Most don't pay any attention to him, but one seems to know him. A familiar face perhaps?
It takes a moment for Pops to recognize the lone, hesitant but seemingly resolute figure at the door!
"Nick!! Gods, it's been ages since that meeting down at the Veranda! You like tired, my friend. Come, sit! But first let me introduce you to some of our nefarious denizens. Lads, this is Nicolos Gideon, the Colonials' Ambassador to our new Free State. Ambassador, meet CEO Hoodlum of IND, and Patrick Boone, XO of the Epsilon Wing. Here's Markus, (look past the enhancements.. he's a peach), and Onca, who still sights his course by the bloody Southern Cross. No one's told him yet that it's 30 degrees askew now.. har! Someone wake Alejandro! We haven't needed him to simulate an asteroid belt since yesterday!
"I believe Sophie is still rummaging about in back, trying to find some Ambrosia. Until she digs her way out, join me in a Sapphire 'n T. You only pulled a few faces last time you tried it. For the rest of the menu, I would suggest the slow approach, as evidenced by the occasional scream, or puff of smoke emanating from one's ears."
~Pete hands Markus a plasma pistol~ "Here try this.... just hold it away from the ol' family jewels.
Nick, pleased to meetcha. Call me Pete. Any mate of Pops.... and don't listen to him! I might drive by sextant and a bodgy constellation, but it still manages to get me back here in time for happy hour..."
Gentlemen, I appreciate the hospitality. This is a nice change after a week of blue butt cheeks in California Minor.
Oh, sir? whats his name again? Markus... don't bother with that, I have some vintage Ambrosia being ofloaded as we speak. Its the least I can do. No seriously, put the flame pistol DOWN, you're in no condition to wield that!
Scuffling, swearing and broken glass is heard from behind the bar
"I'm still awake!.... I think. I'm not havin' a nightmare am I? You seem uglier than normal, Pops!" Alejandro screamed from the table he was still layin' on. Empty glass on his stomach.
"Hey! How 'bout that new drink you guys where talkin' about? Effin' PvP'er with a Burnin'... Eh... Bloody Corsair, Burnin' C... Xenos, and my bro with it... I mean, a Ravin' Outcast." Thud.
' Wrote:Scuffling, swearing and broken glass is heard from behind the bar
Pops, are they always like this?
"Yeah, Nick, and I've given up on keepin' the pace. But we both know that havin' your butt glued to a pilot's chair for a long run requires the occassional "release". These are some of the finest pilots in the sector. Hardworking, honest and dependable. I'm hoping you and I can have a private chat with Hoodlum later about a few things."
"Honest? Hardworking? Reliable? Are you trying to advertise us or something?" Markus asked carefully, "Then again we could do with some more company, I'll bet all the stuffy buggers are too busy trying to shoot each other still."
"Ladies, gentlemen please. Little decorum round here, we have guests.
Nick, very nice of you to visit us, Pops has always given us glowing reports about you, welcome here
anytime old chap. Any of your other boys in the area, tell em to wet their whistles at our hostelry ...
"Someone turn that crap on the jukebox down, and the aircon up will ya. Begining to sound and smell
like a backstreet dive. This is Newark people" ...
"Pat, I know those Epsilons are effin' bored again, but if they ain't going to toe the line, P45 o'grams
will be in the post."
"Right, sorry Nick ... See you have a drink, please join us over here."
Some say he is a proud member of: "The most paranoid group of people in the Community."