03-27-2017, 09:06 AM
Ghost wondered who they would encounter in Parnelle’s clinic when they hung up the phone and returned to observing the entrance of the facility. Still nobody leaving the place. 10 minutes left on the clock before the projected arrival time of the pickup. Things were looking up. They were rather unhappy about the situation, moreso than they had admitted to Graham, although he probably knew Ghost well enough to make out fine details like these even past the voice modulator.
The Speeder had been stolen by someone with severe injuries. In other words, someone whose senses were impaired by the pain, who should not have been able to see the concealed machine past its camo blanket, let alone establish a circuit that easily. Luckily the Speeder’s enhancements were within reason; the GPS was a custom addition and it had spacier compartments for first aid kits, it was nothing that was irreplacable, as opposed to certain other pieces of equipment. But still. It was bothering Ghost.
The Empire did no half-assed work: they sent in two ground squads in two vehicles commonly used here in the Dunes: a sort of light tank on track chains armed with enough firepower to stand up to its big brothers, but without as much armor. Additionally they sent a helicopter with paramedics which reinforced Ghost’s belief that this Professor Shane was worth more to the Empire than they cared to admit. The tanks drove by without so much as slowing and encircled the facility, with their respective crews swarming out and taking positions in a wide circle to catch any potential fugitives, while one tank stopped before the visible main entrance and the other went to the back. Within 30 seconds the facility was guarded almost as safely as the God-Emperor’s office. The helicopter landed and the Professor and the other man ran straight to its opening bay, while Ghost stiffly followed, still using the metal bar as a crutch but with more difficulty than before due to the sand’s unstable properties. The paramedics primarily checked the Professor’s wellbeing and were too concerned to notice the mercenary helping themselves to disinfectant and bandages for the gunshot injuries. Leaving the facility behind, the helicopter then took off again and flew the lot of them back to Carrefore. Only as they approached the town did it occur to one of the paramedics to ask if Ghost was feeling well.
“You’re a bit late asking that”, remarked Ghost and pointed at the open medical supplies kit. “I have taken the liberty of patching myself up. Speaking of which I would like to buy this kit if possible. You can deduct the costs from my payout.”
“I think that won’t be necessary. Small expenses like this are not worthy of mention especially considering the circumstances. The Empire is not as tight-fisted. Keep the kit, but I recommend seeking medical aid soon.”
“I’m aware, thank you. When will we land?”
“Very soon. We are already above Carrefore.” Indeed, some minutes later the helicopter set its wheels on the ground and opened its bay. Stormtroopers awaited to bring the Professor to safety, with the other man being escorted away to sort out his details. Ghost also noticed two men in suits and wearing sunglasses, one carrying a metal suitcase in hand, who waited by the helipad. They were veritable hulks: all that was missing was some fur and they could pass as gorillas.
“Agent Ghost?” the one with the suitcase asked rhethorically. Regardless, Ghost answered once they were close enough and the helicopter had quieted down.
“Yes.”
“We are sent from the Empire Peacekeeping Division regarding your payment.”
“Right. Well, I have delivered the Professor to your colleagues safe and sound. Can we please get this over with quickly?” They extended a hand but the man did not oblige.
“Before we hand you the payment”, the one without the suitcase remarked, “we wanted to extend to you the EPD’s offer again and ask if you have considered it. The entry offer, should you accept today, was raised to 2000 credits that would be paid out along with your payout for this mission.”
“I’ve already told your employer that I prefer the freelance work.”
“You have successfully pursued four bounties in the past two months, without counting today’s mission. Had you worked for the EPD the payout would have been 20% higher, in addition to health insurance and many other benefits that we offer.” He paused briefly to let the words sink in. “You should think about it.”
“Thanks, but I’m not interested.”
The two men looked at each other, then the one with the suitcase began to work the locks while the other one reached into his suit and pulled out a business card. “Well, if you ever have a question or change your mind do not hesitate to contact us.” Ghost nodded and took the card, out of pure politeness. It would wander into the first trashcan in Carrefore on their way from here to Parnelle’s office.
Meanwhile the other man opened the suitcase, revealing something that would amuse most people not familiar with the practice: placed into a form-fitting indentation on a bed of black foam material was a single credit card-sized plastic card that the man presented to Ghost. “Here is your payment in that case… 3,500 credits, as agreed.”
“Pleasure doing business with you.” They took the card and slipped it into a pocket along with the business card. “Well, if that is all I will be taking my leave.” When neither of the men said a thing Ghost slipped past them and into the streets of Carrefore. Twenty minutes later they stopped at a small bank and walked in. This place was one of the first stops for any bounty hunter with some paranoia: for a modest fee one could deposit their credits here, which were then ‘laundered’ by being held, sent around internally across various accounts and otherwise jumbled beyond recognition before being transferred to the bounty hunter’s account, disguised as all sorts of payments for goods and services, salaries and so on. While it wasn’t impossible to track down it was certainly a step up from using the currency cards directly, which could be tracked beyond easily. No doubt was the Empire aware of this to some extent, but they had no sufficient leverage.
With that taken care of Ghost headed down the familiar street. It was time to visit the doctor - and the Speeder thief.
The Speeder had been stolen by someone with severe injuries. In other words, someone whose senses were impaired by the pain, who should not have been able to see the concealed machine past its camo blanket, let alone establish a circuit that easily. Luckily the Speeder’s enhancements were within reason; the GPS was a custom addition and it had spacier compartments for first aid kits, it was nothing that was irreplacable, as opposed to certain other pieces of equipment. But still. It was bothering Ghost.
The Empire did no half-assed work: they sent in two ground squads in two vehicles commonly used here in the Dunes: a sort of light tank on track chains armed with enough firepower to stand up to its big brothers, but without as much armor. Additionally they sent a helicopter with paramedics which reinforced Ghost’s belief that this Professor Shane was worth more to the Empire than they cared to admit. The tanks drove by without so much as slowing and encircled the facility, with their respective crews swarming out and taking positions in a wide circle to catch any potential fugitives, while one tank stopped before the visible main entrance and the other went to the back. Within 30 seconds the facility was guarded almost as safely as the God-Emperor’s office. The helicopter landed and the Professor and the other man ran straight to its opening bay, while Ghost stiffly followed, still using the metal bar as a crutch but with more difficulty than before due to the sand’s unstable properties. The paramedics primarily checked the Professor’s wellbeing and were too concerned to notice the mercenary helping themselves to disinfectant and bandages for the gunshot injuries. Leaving the facility behind, the helicopter then took off again and flew the lot of them back to Carrefore. Only as they approached the town did it occur to one of the paramedics to ask if Ghost was feeling well.
“You’re a bit late asking that”, remarked Ghost and pointed at the open medical supplies kit. “I have taken the liberty of patching myself up. Speaking of which I would like to buy this kit if possible. You can deduct the costs from my payout.”
“I think that won’t be necessary. Small expenses like this are not worthy of mention especially considering the circumstances. The Empire is not as tight-fisted. Keep the kit, but I recommend seeking medical aid soon.”
“I’m aware, thank you. When will we land?”
“Very soon. We are already above Carrefore.” Indeed, some minutes later the helicopter set its wheels on the ground and opened its bay. Stormtroopers awaited to bring the Professor to safety, with the other man being escorted away to sort out his details. Ghost also noticed two men in suits and wearing sunglasses, one carrying a metal suitcase in hand, who waited by the helipad. They were veritable hulks: all that was missing was some fur and they could pass as gorillas.
“Agent Ghost?” the one with the suitcase asked rhethorically. Regardless, Ghost answered once they were close enough and the helicopter had quieted down.
“Yes.”
“We are sent from the Empire Peacekeeping Division regarding your payment.”
“Right. Well, I have delivered the Professor to your colleagues safe and sound. Can we please get this over with quickly?” They extended a hand but the man did not oblige.
“Before we hand you the payment”, the one without the suitcase remarked, “we wanted to extend to you the EPD’s offer again and ask if you have considered it. The entry offer, should you accept today, was raised to 2000 credits that would be paid out along with your payout for this mission.”
“I’ve already told your employer that I prefer the freelance work.”
“You have successfully pursued four bounties in the past two months, without counting today’s mission. Had you worked for the EPD the payout would have been 20% higher, in addition to health insurance and many other benefits that we offer.” He paused briefly to let the words sink in. “You should think about it.”
“Thanks, but I’m not interested.”
The two men looked at each other, then the one with the suitcase began to work the locks while the other one reached into his suit and pulled out a business card. “Well, if you ever have a question or change your mind do not hesitate to contact us.” Ghost nodded and took the card, out of pure politeness. It would wander into the first trashcan in Carrefore on their way from here to Parnelle’s office.
Meanwhile the other man opened the suitcase, revealing something that would amuse most people not familiar with the practice: placed into a form-fitting indentation on a bed of black foam material was a single credit card-sized plastic card that the man presented to Ghost. “Here is your payment in that case… 3,500 credits, as agreed.”
“Pleasure doing business with you.” They took the card and slipped it into a pocket along with the business card. “Well, if that is all I will be taking my leave.” When neither of the men said a thing Ghost slipped past them and into the streets of Carrefore. Twenty minutes later they stopped at a small bank and walked in. This place was one of the first stops for any bounty hunter with some paranoia: for a modest fee one could deposit their credits here, which were then ‘laundered’ by being held, sent around internally across various accounts and otherwise jumbled beyond recognition before being transferred to the bounty hunter’s account, disguised as all sorts of payments for goods and services, salaries and so on. While it wasn’t impossible to track down it was certainly a step up from using the currency cards directly, which could be tracked beyond easily. No doubt was the Empire aware of this to some extent, but they had no sufficient leverage.
With that taken care of Ghost headed down the familiar street. It was time to visit the doctor - and the Speeder thief.
"(Note to self: insert quote & picture once I find stuff)"
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