The Runaway {Hunter} (WATTYS 2022)

Chapter 38

Cora sat down on the stool next to Tech, leaning her back on my bar. She leaned her elbows back on the counter and sighed. Rubbing her eyes as sleep seemed to cloud her mind. She was tired.

The group had just failed their first job for Cid. They were asked to get the head of a tactical droid, which seemed easy enough. But two scrappers were after it the same time the group were. After running into some problems, the group, and the scrappers got out of the situation safely. Hunter gave the head of the droid to the scrappers, seeing as they needed it more. Hunter told Cid that they couldn't get it, lying instead of telling her that he had given it away. She wasn't too pleased with their job, setting them back with their doubt.

"You should get some sleep." Tech pointed out.

"Thanks, Tech." Cora mumbled not looking at him.

"Being exhausted isn't healthy. There are many health issues related to not getting enough sleep. Your cognitive-"

"Thank you, Tech." She said a little harsher. She sighed as Tech feel silent. "I'm sorry." She mumbled standing up.

Cora rubbed her eyes as she saw Hunter walk out of Cid's office, his face all up tight. Cora locked eyes with him. He wasn't happy about something. Cid walked out from behind him, looking to Cora.

"There's angel face." She exclaimed, "Get in my office, both of you." She turned away and walked back into her office.

Cora looked at Hunter who avoided Cora's hard gaze. "Hunter." She warned.

Hunter turned away and walked into Cid's office. Hesitatingly, Cora followed him in. The door closed as she stood next to Hunter, looking to Cid who sat at her desk.

"Have you heard about the Orphans Jewel?"

Cora shook her head.

"Well, a client claims it was stolen by Dallbre Rumallr, a well known gambler and leader of the White Ship gang."

"I assume you want us to go get it back?" Cora crossed her arms over her chest.

"Correct, but Bandanna here thinks it's too dangerous." Cid grumbled.

Cora turned to Hunter, who looked at Cid. "Of course it is, especially after your suggestion."

"Suggestion?" Cid never really gave them suggestions for their missions, so this caught Cora's attention.

"My suggestion," Cid glared at Hunter before turning back to Cora, "was to dress you all pretty, get you into one of his clubs and you use your pretty looks, or whatever you did as a Senator, to get the jewel back."

"You want me to what?" Cora gasped.

"She's not doing it." Hunter said shaking his head.

"It's simple, you've done worse." Cid protested.

"She's not up for it, there is no-"

"Now hold on!" Cora turned to Hunter. "I'm right here, I can speak for myself." She snapped. Hunter closed his mouth and sighed. Cora turned to Cid who smirked at the girl, "Why can't we just go in?"

"His clubs are filled with his gang members, you pull a blaster, you won't live to see tomorrow."

Cora looked away and thought for a moment. "What's the cut?"

"Big, pays a good chunk."

Cora looked to Cid, glancing at Hunter. "I'll do it."

"Cora-"

"Don't." She stopped Hunter, "Cid's right. This will be the easiest job we've done."

"That's the spirit, Angel eyes." Cid smiled throwing Hunter the disk of information for what they were looking for.