“Hold fire”, you command staring at the turret.
Suspended in silence everyone stares at the turret on the screen. A droplet of sweat pearls on your forehead.
“They’re going to blow us out of the fucking sky”, McGuire whispers.
Then the speaker crackles to life.
“Freelancer, declare your intentions.”
Without looking at you Freeman punches the transmit button.
“Our intention is to trade. This is Lord Freeman; member of FREETRAG. Please upload a docking sequence.”
His request is met by silence. Then the instrument cluster on the navigation panel starts flickering as a docking sequence is uploaded and the engines whine to life.
Looking at Freeman you notice a smile play across his face.
“Let’s not open the champagne just yet”, you caution him.
The Freelancer streaks across the sky and shakes as it enters the planet’s atmosphere.
“Docking sequence initiated”, the computer declares.
The Freelancer descends into a canyon and in a distant rock face you see heavy blast doors slide open revealing a landing platform. The Freelancer touches down and the blast doors close behind you.
Hoping this was not a mistake you unbuckle yourself. You walk down the Freelancer’s ramp followed by your crew. A reception party of three approaches you. Leading the group is a tall lean man dressed in black flanked by two armed guards. His dark hair and hooked nose gives him the appearance of a vulture. His dark brown eyes dart over the crew, until he spots Freeman.
“Well, well, well” he says with a cool smile. “Look who the solar winds blew in the front door.”
“Suvius”, Freeman says nodding to the FREETRAG commander.
“I never thought I would see you again” Suvius continues without looking at the rest of the crew. “You must appreciate that your reputation here is not what it once was. There are even those that would want to see you dead after what happened during your last visit.”
“Water under the bridge”, Freeman responds nonchalant. “I’m here to do business – and as the saying in FREETRAG goes, profit trumps all. Now we have a substantial amount of pylene on this ship and are willing to trade at a very reasonable rate. ”
“I’m always keen for a profit”, Suvius replies. “However, I do not want a war to break out in this profitable facility of ours. That said, I will allow you to send one representative to trade on your behalf. You and the rest of your crew will remain on board your ship until you are ready to leave.”
“I’m the only FREETRAG member in this party and as you know only FREETRAG members can trade here”, Freeman objects.
“True enough old friend” Suvius replies with a sinister glimmer in his eyes. “However, I will ensure your man gets into the trade hall, but then he’s on his own…or would you rather leave?”
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