Mana Pool Snippets - The Job

Part 4

"No kidding," I said. "This job still smells bad, Brill."

"You'd think this is bad? Try roster checks and board meetings. We've had no mission for two months either. Most of the crew wishes they were with their families. How does that make me feel?"

"Lousy?"

"Correct. At least nobody's gone crazy yet."

I grumbled and complained, "It's like this whole galaxy took a break." Brill agreed.

I took the paper from him for another look, to stare at the planet's name. Why Terra Firma? Forget bringing this up to the Council, they might've known about Benali's job. I could think of a few other mercenaries that Beanie could rely on for stealth ships, he might have been reaching out to them that moment.

I needed money. Most of Nova's crew was out earning income any way they could. I can blow glass and craft, but even at a hocker market, none of my creations sold. Hence my species coming to people's minds.

Brill sighed. "You're going to take that job. I can see that interest on your face and dreads."

Brill knew me well, and knew me well. That's what you get from a friend for nearly two decades.

"What choice do I have?" I asked.

"Sell glassware?"

I gave Brill a disappointed look.

"Tell them you not affiliated, the money will roll I expect."

I folded the paper in my hands. "Brill, I need four months of ration packs, fusion engine coolant, a couple cases of homebrew..."

"No," Brill interrupted, but I continued.

"Water in my tanks, and an overhaul..."

"No."

"...of the Lunar Spear's cloaking tech without Wringheart's supervision."

"Oh, come on." Brill turned away.

"I'll pay you after Benali pays the first half. Don't tell me the mechanics are on vacation."

"Jaruka, you're smarter than this. You said it yourself the job smells bad. Are you that dunce in the head?"

"You know why," I reminded him.

"I would move on."

"But you don't have your own people waiting to catch you off guard," I reminded him.

"It's sketchy! We don't know of this Gnogal is truthful. Not even my species agrees with Gnogal customs."

I was irritated. First he was supportive, then he wasn't, and he was right.

"Is it that important to stay afloat? To keep running? To prove to them your worth more than trash?" Brill asked. He always hammers me with that every single time. "And I hoped for once you were ready to hide for once. Plenty of planets to make home, Jaruka. A chance for your family to leave Viro. Not even your kind is not made to survive in space, let alone four months."

I stood, towering over Brill. "So what if it is a scam? Big deal, I can track Benali down, go on trial, and get a hefty settlement before punching him to the floor. Brill, you've been my friend and commanding officer for a long time. Now would be a good time to be supportive."

"But this..."

"You care for me, I get it. You know me like the back of your hand. I do this to prove I'm worth something, not just a massive blame on my people's problems. This job will keep me doing it." I shook the paper at Brill.