A Gateway to Hope

[Etaphreven]

Part I: The Message

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Captain Haynes was in his quarters, spending the time between point A and point B the way he knows best - sleeping, plotting and worrying about when they'll get the next job, with a half empty bottle of whiskey next to his bed. Point B in this case was Freeport 11, where the crew of the Equanimity was supposed to drop off the Pharmaceuticals they picked up on Denver. Suddenly, a beeping noise disturbs him from his usual routine. He sighs and gets out of bed to push the big, red talk button on the comms by the door.

Malcolm: "What is it now?"
Jim: "Captain, we're almost out of water on the ship."
Malcolm: "Jim. Did you call just to tell me something I already know?"
Jim: "Oh. Ugh, no, captain. We're approaching Freeport 11."
Malcolm: "Great. Anything else?"
Jim: "Actually, yes. We received a transmission from a certain Nick Stenn. All the way from New York, heh. We got another job offer. Sort of. He knows a bit about us, he's asking to set up a meet. Anyway, I'll forward it to your room."
Malcolm: "Don't bother, I'll be on the bridge in two."

Said and done, the captain was on the bridge a couple of minutes later.

Malcolm: "Where's everyone else?"
Jim: "They already listened to the transmission."
Malcolm: "Of course they did. Remind me again why I hired you all?"
Jim: "Cheap is our middle name, sir. Also, our profits would halve without Mina onboard."
Malcolm: "Ah, yes. Damn. Guess nobody's getting fired today."
Jim: "No, sir. Maybe tomorrow."
Malcolm: "A man can hope."
Jim: "Back to reality, sir. Listen to the transmission."

Jim plays the transmission for the captain.

Jim: "So? Are we doing it?"
Malcolm: "Let's answer him, first."

Jim records the captain's reply and sends it back to Nick Stenn.

Malcolm: "Now that that's out of the way, let's finish our current job. I want everyone in the cargo hold in ten minutes, ready to unload. And tell Jacob not to bring his entire friggin' armory this time, it's a Freeport. The payment's already been wired, all's we gotta do is get the crates out."
Jim: "You know he won't listen."
Malcolm: "Right. Tell him not to bring any machine guns, heavy assault rifles and other assorted anti-tank weaponry, then?"
Jim: "I'll try, captain. No promises."

The Equanimity receives confirmation for the meeting. They proceed to dock and unload the cargo on Freeport 11.

Part II: Arrival

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After a long journey from Omicron Delta to Coronado, the Equanimity is finally approaching Barrier Gate Station. The entire crew is on the bridge. Yes, all four of them.

Mina: "Well, here we are, Mal. It's been a while since I last saw this place."
Malcolm: "Let's hope we don't have to spend more time here than we need to."
Jacob: "Aw, and here I was, thinking I could buy me a couple new shotguns for my collection."
Malcolm: "A couple? Last time you went shopping, you came back with a dozen handguns."
Jim: "Not to mention we had to return all of them because you, and I quote, forgot to pay for them."
Jacob: "But that's what happened! Tell them, Mina, you were with me."
Mina: "Oh, you're on your own on this one, buddy."
Malcolm: "Alright, alright. Quiet down, people. Jim, take us in. Also, you're staying on the ship. The rest of us will grab the shuttle and head to the station. We'll radio in if anything goes wrong, so be ready to take off at a moment's notice. Bring some guns, Jacob. We might need them. And help Mina prep the shuttle for departure."

Mina heads to the shuttle while Jacob grabs his favorite handgun. The captain arrives moments later, ready to share the action plan with them.

Part III: The Plan

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The shuttle takes off, leaving the Equanimity behind. Mina is piloting, while Jacob and the captain discuss.

Malcolm: "Jacob, you'll be my wingman on this one. We're not expecting trouble, but let's be prepared for it."
Jacob: "The usual, then?"
Malcolm: "Just don't start waving your gun around before it's needed. Maybe we can finally get a job without being involved in a bar fight first."
Jacob: "Aye, aye, captain! Been a while since our last bar fight, though... Just saying."
Malcolm: "Jacob."
Jacob: "Fine."
Mina: "Be safe, boys. I have some business of my own to attend to while we're here. Call me when you need me to rescue your asses after you inevitably mess something up again."
Malcolm: "Haha. Heh. Very funny. Less talking and more flying, if you don't mind? We've got a date to get to."
Mina: "Always a romantic, Mal."
Malcolm: "Shut up. Listen up, Jacob. On the station, you don't know me and I don't know you. Just go grab a drink at the bar while I wait for my date. Don't do anything stupid until I tell you. If I tell you."
Jacob: "But captain, I was already planning on smashing the bartender's head with a beer bottle."
Malcolm: "I should've just hired a couple of comedians.", the captain sighs. "Let's go."

Mina lands the shuttle and the guys head for the bar.

Part IV: Meet & Greet

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The guys enter the bar, acting as complete strangers to one another. Mina is somewhere around the station, taking care of personal matters unknown to the rest of the crew.

Malcolm: "Whiskey. Ice."
Bartender: "Ah, welcome back.", the bartender recognizes him. "Try to leave the place in one piece this time, will you? And here you are."


Malcolm: "Oh come on, not you too. I've got a, ugh, date. The business type. Is my usual table free?"
Bartender: "Yes it is. Enjoy your drink, Mal."

Jacob grabs a drink as well, and starts chatting up a pretty woman sitting next to him at the bar. Malcolm takes a seat at his table and starts scanning the room for possible danger, but also his "date".