What's up, Docteur?

[Shagohad]

Uneventful, long, and rather smelly. The decrepit and aged nature of a Perilous was both a burden and a curse. Taking care of the temperamental vessels went a weekly basis and the fact that very few other types of craft filled the same role as such a vessel made it the only option.

"You need an Asco," It was as if the humanoid being that sat beside him was reading his mind. Always an enigma, Vulpe sat staring at the main console, ears twitching occasionally at the odd sound or low whispers of the crew.

"We have Ascos. Thing is that they're cheap and easy to make. Poorly designed. They're meant for quick escape and piracy. Not full-scale war," Lelouch 'sat' in his command seat awkwardly; one leg was draped over the armrest and his shoulder was the only part that actually touched the back. As always, a cigarette was clenched between his lips, smoke wafting from the glowing end.

"Exactly. Speed," One could not really explain Vulpe's voice. It was an enigma in itself as well. He talked like a human being. Enunciated like a human being. But something about the way he said it seemed all too different. It was rather unnerving.

"You just want my hard-earned money. Shouldn't be giving it to the Outcasts, my fuzzy friend. This is why I like the Miners. They aren't demanding much of you; the only want you to not shoot them."

"I bet that's hard for you."

He had him there. It was rather boring watching Hegemons fly by chalk full of ore. Such a penny to be made on the Gallic black market. Hell, Sirians would even buy it for a fortune.

"We need to be on our best behavior," He changed the subject, continuing on despite Vulpe's grunt of annoyance at the question being ignored, "Etienne said that he trusted you on this endeavor. The only times I worked with you, you were shooting something. We all like shooting, though, non?" A smile touched the corner of his mouth, the tip of the cigarette glowing angrily as air was sucked through its slender frame.

"Shooting is a fun thing, oui," The feline replied, arms folding across his chest as the Freeport came closer into view.

"And now," Lelouch said quietly as the crew arranged for docking clearance, "We get to meet this Holliday fellow. Shall be fun, oui?" He stood up, patting his pistol holster as Vulpe followed suit; together, they made their way off the Perilous to the center of the Freeport to meet with one of the oddest men in Sirius.

---

"THE HULL HAS BEEN BREACHED AND THE SCIENCE IS LEAKING OUT!"