What's Next?

Wisdom is knowing what to do next, skill is knowing how to do it, and virtue is doing it.
David Starr Jordan

"So what do you want to do?" Sarah sat across from Hallan in the makeshift office he'd set up on their new Myrmidon.

"Well, now that CONCORD doesn't think I'm a criminal anymore, I'd like to go back to high sec,"

"That's not what I mean Hal, the Gallente millitia is a lost cause. Where are you going?"

"I don't know really,"

Sarah stood up and reached into her pockets, she pulled out a strip of paper and placed it in front of Hallan, "I know these guys, they're good. You know some of them too actually,"

"Obsidian Operations?"

"Yes,"

"Alright,"

The Ugly

God's not on our side because he hates idiots also.
The Man With No Name - The Good, the Bad and the Ugly

I've given up on trying factional warfare. It seems that the Gallente are as set in their ways as they can possibly be. They've decided that stupidity is the way to go.

That said, I've still gotta get my security status up.

I've joined a small but growing 0.0 alliance and will shortly be ratting again. It should go faster this time.

There's a bit of bad news here though, and unfortunately it comes in a short post. I'll be switching my update schedule to once a week, preferably on Wednesday. I've taken on a couple of other writing projects that're taking up some of my time. Hope you keep tuning in.

Good Day

Book 'Em

The only men that speak aloud for future times to hear.
E.S. Barrett

Hallan walked down the promenade of the station with his hand on his gun. The Guristas Gauss Pistol made him feel safer out here in Syndicate. Sarah was back in the Hangar, trying to find them a new ship.

Hallan passed by a bar, looked in and smiled. A group of normal pilots were drinking heavily and singing. He kept walking, as he had to be somewhere.

He finally arrived at his destination and pushed a button next to the door. It slid open with a small rush of air and he stepped inside. The light inside was a bit brighter than the outside, with a blue tint, and he closed his eyes for a moment as they adjusted.

He looked around after that, and found the desk he was looking for. There was a line. He fell in behind some gruff looking fellow with a slight tinge of body odor. Hallan closed his eyes and chuckled.

"Next," Came a voice from in front of the smelly man, and he stepped forward.

Hallan watched the man produce his data card from some pocket, almost wondering where it'd come from. Perhaps that non-space between universes, where only pain and agony and data cards exist in solid form, maybe..."

"Next," Came a voice from in front of him, and Hallan stepped forward as the other man walked to his left. Hallan produced his own data card and handed it to the lady behind the desk. He noticed her glasses first, and then her wrinkled hands. He imagined her to be seventy, and she seemed to enjoy the power she held.

"It seems you owe us some money Mr. Turrek," She said in a high pitched voice.

"Yes ma'am, I'd like to pay it," Before he even spoke she was sliding his card through another slot.

"Your fee's paid, please enjoy the library,"

Between Shots

We'll be singing

When were winning
We'll be singing

I get knocked down
But I get up again
You're never going to
Keep me down
Chumba Wumba - Tubthumping

"Ugh," Sarah was seated to the right of Hallan in the cockpit, her disgust was evident with whatever she was seeing on the screen in front of her.

"What's up?" Hallan asked, looking over.

"We lost,"

"What do you mean we lost?"

"I mean we fucking lost, Heth's having a ceremony and everything,"

Hallan played with his controls for a minute, firing off a final barrage of plasma at the fleeing Serpentis ship, "There is no winning and no losing from how I see it," he said as it exploded.

"Tell that to the squids," She retorted.

"Don't call 'em that,"

"I'll call them whatever I want Hal, I've been fighting them for years while you did whatever the fuck you wanted to do,"

"Nice," He shot back with disdain.

Sarah looked over at Hallan and frowned, "Look, I'm sorry. I know you want to do good," She reached over and grabbed his shoulder, "You're a good pilot,"

"I'm spotting three battleships and two elite frigates," He said, ignoring her.

Sarah pushed a button and pulled back on a lever, "Activating microwarp drive and shield booster, helm and guns are yours,"

"Thanks," He paused as he began to fire and turned to Sarah, "There is nothing in this universe we can't take back. Learned that the hard way. They won't win until we give up,"

A Different Approach

Today is your day! Your mountain is waiting. So... get on your way.
Dr. Seuss

"How long until they're done?" Hallan stood next to his shuttle in the darkness.

"Another minute sir," The inspector said with a huff, "It's standard procedure for those with negative CONCORD security status,"

"You said that already," Hallan shot back. The two men who were bumping around inside appeared at the hatch and stepped down onto the landing pad.

"Alright Mister Turrek, if you'll just sign here," The inspector handed Hallan a clipboard with a pen. Hallan scribbled down his signature and handed it back, "You can be on your way sir,"

Hallan climbed up into his shuttle and shut the door. He threw his bags and sword down next to the door. He settled into the cockpit and began to warm up the engines. He'd needed to be at the rendezvous ten minutes ago. He pulled back on a lever and the shuttle began to lift off.

______________________

Hallan looked at the ground and muttered, "Where is he?"

The shuttle'd been hanging in the air over the site for more than an hour. Surely being fifteen minutes late hadn't ended the deal. He sighed and turned his ship back towards Oasis City. He dialed the engine power up and noticed immediately the ship had failed to accelerate. Something rocked his ship as he began to run a diagnostic. He pulled up on his controls but got no response. Suddenly the shuttle lurched forward at full speed.

Hallan continued to pull on the controls as the ground approached.

______________________

Now

"And then?" Sarah had put aside her notes and was listening intently.

"I believe our session is over Doctor," Hallan nodded and laid himself back down on his bed.

"I'd still like to know what happens next,"

"Next time,"

"Fair enough. I'll see you tomorrow then,"

"Can I ask you a question Sarah?"

"Sure,"

"How come you don't already know how I came to be arrested?"

The Doctor cocked her head to the side and smiled, "Next time,"

No Law's Man

You'all can go to hell. I am going to Texas.
Davy Crockett

Continued from Prologue Part 2.

A Week Ago

"Your landing clearance is granted. Descend now," The monotone traffic controller's voice came through the shuttle's speakers.

Hallan tugged at the controls and began to enter the atmosphere of Sotrenzur Six or Shiwakusei as it's current inhabitants had named it. The nearly worldwide desert filled Hallan's view screen, as his eyes attempted to adjust to the light.

Sitting in a cockpit wasn't new to him, but he'd grown so accustomed to capsules that he'd needed some time to adjust. Given his tight schedule, he didn't expect to have that time in the near future. Still his contact had already paid well for the delivery of this shuttle, and Hallan had no intentions of angering his contact if the man could really do what he said.

The shuttle finally reached the docking port and he activated his landing gear. He imagined that with any luck that he'd never need to set foot in the shuttle again as he dialed the engine power back. He grabbed his bag from behind him. He threw his sword over his shoulder while holding its strap with his right hand. He put his left hand over the gun on his hip for a moment before reaching for the door control.

The spaceport was busy. He adjusted the hood on his cloak as he walked into the sunlight. He looked up to see that one sun was directly overhead, while another was obscured behind him by his ship. As he walked out of it's shade, he saw both of his shadows appear on the ground.

"Hallan Turrek. Welcome to the Oasis," Two men were walking towards him and Hallan put his bag on the ground.

"Pashir! My friend!" Hallan smiled delightedly at one of the men. Hallan and Pashir came together in a hug as the other man picked up Hallan's bag.

"It's been too long," The man continued as they hugged.

"Yes it has," Hallan said, before they parted.

_____________

"When I first heard you were coming to visit Shiwakusei, I knew I had to be there to meet you," Pashir took a sip from a white porcelain cup.

"It's been a while since I've visited Oasis," Hallan said, also drinking from a similar cup, "Hora Tea?"

"Of course,"

"I've always found it amazing that something that tastes this good is the color of shit,"

"The Hora Herb is naturally brown in color. You know why,"

"You guys're lucky most of the insect life here are herbivores,"

"After spotting a swarm of Bolan Flies a few weeks ago, I understand perfectly your point," Pashir paused to sip his tea before continuing, "What brings you to Oasis anyhow?"

"I'm looking for a guy called Clem Lokan,"

"Minmatar?"

"Brutor. He's supposed to be my contact with Concord,"

"Salia couldn't believe it when I told her you were going legit. The Minmatar are going to help you get back into Concord's good graces?"

"Sort of. I mean they sent me here, you know, to talk with Lokan. He was supposed to contact me," Hallan looked down at his right wrist for a moment as he spoke.

"My whisking you away interrupt your plans?"

"Oh no," Hallan held up his wrist, "He's got my personal contact number, if he sent a message, I'd get it here,"

"So we have some time to talk about old times?" Pashir settled further into his chair and sat his cup on his chest.

"Sounds like. So, you and Salia finally tied the knot? How'd she rope you into that?"

"Rope me? Are you insane? Have you seen Salia?"

"Good point," Hallan chuckled as his communicator beeped, "Ahh, looks like we'll have to cut this short,"

"Salia was looking forward to seeing you again Hallan,"

"I'll be back tomorrow. You have my word," Hallan reached his hand out and looked into Pashir's eyes.

Pashir nodded, then took Hallan's hand and shook it.

Here We Go Again

Every time I try to talk to you
I get tongue-tied
Turns out, everything I say to you
Comes out wrong and never comes out right
Santana and Chad Kroeger- Why Don't You and I

Continued from Prologue Part 1.

"So, what's a girl like you doing in a place like this?" Hallan leaned on his arm as he faced the Doctor.

"Never get tired of hearing that line," The psychiatrist smirked as she typed something on her datapad, "Why does the station commander hate you though?"

"I killed his brother," The woman shifted in her seat as he said that, and a slight frown crossed her face. Hallan studied her face for the first time as he continued, "Technically I didn't do it. It was me and a bunch of my friends. But I uh, don't think he's drawing much of a distinction,"

She had long brown hair, and her eyes were the color of pearl. He wasn't sure if it was natural or artificial, but it gave her an otherworldly glow. Her choice of a short skirt and tight business vest only served to accentuate her assets. He imagined what reaction she would receive if she went through a crowded cell block in the prison section instead of detention. Swinging those hips above those long smooth legs and below her perfect waist.

"This was when you were a pirate?" She asked, almost startling him.

"Yeah," He paused, "Uh, truth is that with the number of people I've killed, it's a pretty common occurrence for me to run into some dick who's the first cousin's husband of some idiot from my days as a pirate,"

"You didn't think to check before you docked up here?"

"I didn't have time," Hallan laid on his back again.

"Really? Why?"

"It's a long story,"

"Then I'm here for a long time," She uncrossed her legs, and then recrossed them the other way as she shifted back in her seat.

"We'll go from the top then Dr. Peyroux. Or can I call you Sarah?"

"Sarah's fine,"

"Yes you are," Hallan chuckled and Peyroux rolled her eyes as he continued, "I gave up piracy for good a week ago. You'd think there'd be some sort of karmic balance to the decision, but time after time this shit's coming back to bite me in the ass,"

"I don't believe in Karma," she said, interrupting him.

"Neither do I, but hey, a man can dream,"

Continued in Chapter 1.

Shine On

Instant karma's gonna get you
Gonna knock you off your feet
Better recognize your brothers
Everyone you meet
Why in the world are we here
Surely not to live in pain and fear
Why on earth are you there
When you're everywhere
Come and get your share
John Lennon - Instant Karma

Continued from Working Double Time

"Oh come on," Shae said as she and Mynxee were pouting.

"It's not even a roam. We'll go find some targets in Evati. You can take that Hound out,"

"I uh, I don't think so actually," Hallan put his hands in his pockets. He fingered the box again.

"Got something better to do?" Shae put her hand on her hip and smiled.

"Actually uh, I need to see Ronin,"

"Why?" Mynxee looked concerned.

"I think it would be best if I didn't say,"

Shae shrugged her shoulders, "Ok. We can have fun without you too,"

The two girls walked down the hall towards the Hellcats' hangars and Hallan turned around and headed towards Ronin's office.

__________________

"Why the sudden change of heart?" Ronin was holding Hallan's resignation in his hand. He was not happy.

"I can't do this anymore,"

"That doesn't explain anything really. Hope you know that this isn't an easy in and out," He tossed the datapad to the side, "You leave and it's hard as hell to come back,"

"I know,"

"Good luck then," Ronin stood up and put his hand out. Hallan shook it and stood himself as Ronin spoke again, "See you at the party tonight?"

"Wouldn't miss it,"

__________________

*CHIRP CHIRP CHIRP CHIRP*

Hallan slapped the alarm button and smiled.

"Alone again," he said to the empty room.

Working Double Time

'Cause the walls start shaking
The earth was quaking
My mind was aching
And we were making it and you -
Shook me all night long
Yeah you shook me all night long
AC/DC - You Shook Me All Night Long

Continue from Comfort Coming.

The By Jove's jukebox was cranked to it's highest volume as the bar filled with people. Hallan sat at the bar and sipped slowly on a Quafe.

"You've got to have parties like this more often Hal," Flashfresh had some tatoo'd Brutor chick standing behind him. She'd been following him all night. He was grinning ear to ear.

"You don't think it's a little loud?" Hallan yelled over the noise.

"Hell no. Where did you get this music?"

"Came with the bar,"

"Cool," Flash had already moved down the bar and was standing just behind some Gallente girl who was sipping on a very colorful drink.

"Hal," Korvan sat down next to him, "What's up man?"

"Hey," Hallan stared down at his Quafe.

"She isn't worth you getting this upset over,"

"I dunno, I liked her,"

"There'll be others,"

Hallan toyed with a small box as he started at his drink.

"What's that?" Korvan said while leaning in closer.

"Another of the many things that came with the bar," Hallan held it up in the air in front of him. The box was small and black, with a red button on the top.

"Looks simple enough," Korvan said before taking a drink of his beer.

"You'd think so, but nothing about the previous owner was simple. He was Jovian. He told me to press it if I ever felt like things were hopeless,"

"Well?"

"I've never felt quite that bad but I've been thinking about it today. He says it only works once. It's all it ever needs,"

"That's hilarious. It probably doesn't do anything," Korvan smiled and stood up.

"Probably not," Hallan slipped the box into his jacket pocket and stood up as well.

"Hallan! Come over here," He heard Mynxee's voice through the crowd, which was growing somewhat more quiet.

He worked his way to the window that Mynxee was standing by. She was squinting at something in the distance.

"What's up Mynx?" Hallan said to her back.

"Do you see what I see?" She asked and moved to the side for Hallan. He leaned into the window and looked where she pointed. Tiny specks of darkness on the star were starting to appear.

"That's where we found that wormhole today. It's...," As he spoke the sun visibly darkened. A fleet of ships came out of warp next to the station. He didn't recognize their markings.

The entire room became quite in moments, the ancient music in the background the only ambiance. Lances of light struck out from the fleet as the entire station rocked. The lights went out and only the now dim light from the star lit the room. Suddenly the fleet fired a number of missiles at the station as well. Hallan spotted one that looked to be taking a very unfortunate course.

"Everyone get out of here!" He screamed as it streaked ever closer to the window.

The rush of people left him no room to maneuver and he reached into his pocket and pushed the button on the box the Jovian had left him. Nothing happened, and he cursed silently to himself.

There was a crash, then a rush of air. Then silence.

_______________

*CHIRP CHIRP CHIRP CHIRP*

"Hallan! Hallan!" Resika shook him as she called his name, "Wake up!"

"Ugh," Hallan opened his left eye and squinted at her as he spoke, "What."

"Your alarm's going off,"

"What the hell?"

Comfort Coming

The radio's playin' some forgotten song.
Brenda Lee's coming on strong.
The road has got me hypnotized,
As I spin into a new sunrise.
Golden Earring - Radar Love

Continued from Sweet Sorrow

"Found it," Hallan said over comms, "Bearing 419 by 423,"

"Just warp to it," Mynxee chimed in, "We'll follow you,"

Hallan smiled inside as he engaged his Hound's warp drive, "You know I always found it a bit odd," Hallan continued.

"What's that?" Shae asked as her Myrmidon came out of warp a few hundred meters from him.

"Well, every time I've been in one of these wormholes, there are sleepers inside,"

"And?" Shae let the question hang for a moment.

"And isn't that odd? Every single one. Not a one in normal space. They're only inside the wormholes,"

"I don't get what you're driving at," Mynxee's Hurricane finally landed on the gate.

"What if they're the ones opening the wormholes?" He cleared his throat, "What if that's how they travel?"

"I've faced a couple of them. You do not want that to be true," Mynxee's voice betrayed her impatience.

"Alright, go through. Engage the Hulk and Raven on the other side. Hulk first. I'll keep a point on the Raven,"

"Roger that," Mynxee's voice said sweetly.

"On it," Shae said as her ship disappeared.

Hallan moved his ship into position and passed through the shimmering hole in space. The Hulk and the Raven were sitting on the other side, about ten kilometers away. The Hulk began to align to warp as Mynxee and Shae nailed it down. Hallan's targeting computer came alive, but he missed a lock on the Raven as it flashed off his overview.

"That's not possible," He yelled into comms. The girls sighed audibly but poured the damage on the Hulk.

Hallan moved his ship into the Raven's last known position as he locked the Hulk and fired a torpedo at it in vain. He deactivated the launcher just as he bumped into the cloaked form of the Raven.

His targeting computer found a lock this time and his warp scrambler came alive. He began a quick orbit before calling up his ship database to check against his target.

"Ladies, this is a Navy Issue Raven,"

No one said anything as the Hulk began to disintegrate. The pod was locked and dispatched in short order as the points and gunfire converged on the stricken beast of a ship.

"We going to ransom?" Shae spoke up as it dipped into armor.

"He's to close to getting back through the wormhole. We'll ransom the pod,"

The Raven lurched forward as an explosion rocked it's engine section. It's front half twirled through the wormhole as it's center broke up. The pieces began to bounce off the sides of the wormhole as the energy of it's engines dissipated. The front half exploded halfway through in a shower of light and debris. The escape pod simply disappeared in the mess.

"Hallan, long range sensors are picking up a huge fleet headed this way. Unknown transponder signals," Mynxee stopped for a second, "That means Sleepers. We'd better move,"

"Back through guys, forget the loot,"

"Oh of course," Shae sarcastically added.

Sweet Sorrow

Operator, well, could you help me place this call
'Cause I can't read the number that you just gave me
There's something in my eyes - you know it happens every time
I think about the love that I thought would save me
Jim Croce - Operator(That's Not the Way It Feels)

Continued from Shame

OOC Note: This is the start of an idea I had. Hopefully it's well received. It will run through next week's normal updates with the conclusion next Friday.

*CHIRP CHIRP CHIRP CHIRP*

"Hallan! Hallan!" Resika shook him as she called his name, "Wake up!"

"Ugh," Hallan opened his left eye and squinted at her as he spoke, "What."

"Your alarm's going off,"

"I know,"

"It sounds like someone's killing crickets,"

"Meh," Hallan reached over to his nightstand and slapped a button on top of it. The noise stopped.

"Hallan, we need to talk," Resika was dressed already and sitting on his side of the bed.

"Oh this sounds good," He rolled over and covered his head with a pillow.

"I've been thinking about what you said, about being a bad person. Hallan, we can't see each other anymore,"

Hallan sat up in bed and cocked his head to the side, "So you're too good for me now?"

"I didn't say that," She shifted uncomfortably, "I don't think I can be a part of that life,"

"Oh ok yeah. This is about Korvan isn't it?" Resika's eyes went wide at the mention of his name, and Hallan continued, "Yeah I see that look. You thought I didn't know? He works for me, did you really think you were that good?" Hallan frowned as he looked her up and down, "Since you're already dressed to run, get the fuck out of here and don't come back,"

Resika's tears were a slow trickle as she walked towards the door, she stopped in the doorway and looked back at Hallan one more time, "You were right. I am too good for you,"

Hallan grabbed the lamp at the side of his bed and hurled it at the door as it shut, "Whatever,"

Shame

I, I will be king
And you, you will be queen
Though nothing will drive them away
We can beat them, just for one day
We can be heroes, just for one day
Heroes - David Bowie

"Wait," Resika pulled away instinctively. Her lips felt numb as she turned away.

"I'm sorry,"

"No, I'm sorry. This is my fault," Resika smoothed his hair with her hand. She tilted her head to the side and leaned into his lips again.

_____________________________________________

"Hey, there's a Firetail out here. Oop, I just landed on him. Going for tackle," After a bit of silence Hallan's voice came through again, "Tackled, ooh wow, I think I can take him alone,"

"You sure you don't want help?" Persephone's voice broke through the gunfire.

"No I think," Another pause, this time longer, "I've got him,"

"Nice job!" The rest of comms lit up with laughter.

Hallan smiled.

_____________________________________________

"This is so wrong," Resika giggled.

"I know,"

"Again?" She asked.

"Yes,"

_____________________________________________

"Rupture tackled," Hallan sounded off in comms again.

"On my way," Persephone answered again.

"Oh he's got a Neut, this is going to be a short battle,"

"I'm getting there,"

"Ok, Hobgoblin's are out,"

"First Hob is down, working on second,"

"Ok Hallan, he's tackled,"

"Good Perseph, lets keep on these drones,"

"Roger that," she answered, "Hal that was my drone,"

"Sorry," Hallan offered back, "If you need to take off point, let me know, his Neuting has slowed down,"

"Good, my MWD is really killing my Cap. Oh crap, tell me you have point,"

"On now, thanks,"

"No problem,"

The two frigates orbited the larger cruiser swiftly. It tried in vain over the next few minutes to shake it's dogged killers, but it died just the same.

"Get the pod," Came a cry from Hallan.

"Missed it," Persephone replied.

"Ahh well, lets get the loot,"

"What was that you said about this being short?"

_____________________________________________

"So, what do we do now?" Resika stroked his hair lazily.

"I... I'm not sure," Korvan replied.

A Night

Just turn on with me and you're not alone,
Let's turn on and be not alone,
Gimme your hands cause you're wonderful,
Gimme your hands cause you're wonderful,
Oh gimme your hands.
Rock 'n Roll Suicide - David Bowie

"You found him?" Hallan rubbed his hands together over his empty glass.

"I found him," Korvan tipped his drink back and gulped it's contents.

"You know what I want right?"

"Unidentifiable, but alive,"

"Exactly. We'll edit the DNA records and..." Hallan looked up at Resika as she walked over to their table, "Hey babe," He reached out and took one of the drinks she carried.

Resika looked at the two men and raised her eyebrow, "Shop talk?"

"You'll be bored," Hallan said before sipping on his new glass.

"Try me," She said with a smile.

"Well, I'd just finished dueling an Omen in my Rifter," Hallan leaned back and looked at Korvan who just shook his head, "Ard calls out that he's narrowed down a Hulk inside an Arnstur wormhole, naturally I head over there and set up camp on the other side of the hole,"

"What does a wormhole look like?" Resika interupted, "My Bestower's never run into one,"

"It's really just a giant swirly thing," Korvan chimed in, "I found one myself up in Balginia,"

"Yeah, if you look really closely you can see what the system on the other side looks like," Hallan's glass was empty again already.

Resika looked at Hallan for a moment and then back at the glass, "I suppose you're going to be lazy again and go without,"

"Maybe," Hallan smiled at her as she stood and headed back to the bar.

"We'll change the DNA records to match this Torval Gumak charactor. He's wanted for what, rape?"

"He's a serial rapist," Korvan said with a frown, "Our guys grabbed him in Boundless yesterday,"

"And?"

"After a bit investigation, I put a bullet in his stomach and threw him in a fire,"

"Sounds about right," Hallan paused again as Resika returned with his drink, "You didn't have to do that, but I appreciate it,"

"Uh huh, you finished your story already didn't you?" She took a drink from her own glass and leaned on the table.

"Nah, I was just talking to Korvan about how he likes working for me,"

Korvan laughed and said "Chief Security Officer has such a nice ring to it. I can almost forget what a total piece of shit I work for."

"That's it," Hallan said while looking at the ceiling, "You are now vice president in charge of... Waste Management,"

"Shouldn't your new COO have a say in that kind of thing," Resika said with mock anger.

"Babe, I own all the stock," He motioned to the bar, "I own the property. Good/Arms Inc. is Hallan Turrek,"

Resika stuck her tongue out at Hallan who did the same while crossing his eyes.

Korvan looked around, "So what happened inside the wormhole,"

"Simple in, simple out, We killed the Hulk, popped the pod, and stole all his ore,"

"Big payout?" Korvan asked.

"Could be huge," Hallan said with a yawn.

"Ugh," Resika said, "Ok you were right," She walked over to Hallan, and bent over to kiss him on the cheek, "I'll be at your place,"

"Alright babe, I'll wrap up things here and head over," He pulled her in for a kiss and she put up a mock struggle.

Korvan looked over at another girl that he'd been glancing at all night. She was looking at him and smiling.

"I'll see ya," Resika said before turning to walk away.

Korvan turned back to Hallan as his eyes wandered to Resika's departing form, "My god that's a nice ass,"

"I know!"

Korvan adjusted in his seat and put his elbows on the table, "Hal, Why not just kill this guy?"

"Because he'll suffer more in a Minmatar prison,"

"But it's a pretty elaborate setup for such a small payoff,"

"It's what I want done. Cut out his tongue, take his feet, face and teeth. I want his hands. Wipe his identity away. Tomorrow he's going to be serial rapist Torval Gumak, and no one will want to help him with the pain you leave him with. He made the mistake of putting out a contract on me, I want him to remember how much of a mistake that is," Hallan finished his drink and stood up to put his coat on.

"One day you're going to have to let her in on all these horrible things you've done and have people do. She's a nice girl Hal,"

"That's why she can't know,"

A Day

In the end, it's not the years in your life that count. It's the life in your years.
Abraham Lincoln

"You have quite possibly the nicest ass I've ever seen," I laid in bed and watched Resika stand by the window. She covered the front of her with a blanket as she looked down at my hangar.

"This is where I'm supposed to giggle and tell you to shut up, right?" She backed away from the window and sat down on my bed, "I won't though, because you're right,"

I moved towards her on the bed, and brushed a strand of hair away from her mouth before I kissed her.

______________________

"Astarte on scan. No, Astarte is here!" Venom sounded a bit alarmed as the command ship came out of warp on top of her. I could hear her frustration and the familiar buzz of a warp scrambler activating over the comms.

"On my way," Nova spoke up on comms.

"I'll be there in a sec," Our Crusader pilot offered.

"I'm in warp," I said with a grin.

"Guys, I'm dying real fast,"

"He's got blasters, get away from them," My smile didn't last long as I heard the explosion.

"I'm dead guys, don't come in,"

"I'm landing," Nova's voice broke through her last comment.

"So'm I," I added hurriedly.

"Astarte Pointed," The Crusader said with a laugh.

"I'm pointed," Nova sounded concerned, "Oh wow guys, I'm going to die,"

Another explosion over the comms and in a minute two rupture were down.

"Hallan, Ravenesa, get out of there," Nova was concerned about the Crusader and my Ruptures.

"Yeah," I laughed out loud on comms, "That sounds like me,"

Ravenesa in his Crusader was having no trouble avoiding the Astarte's blasters, and the Hammerhead IIs were incapable of catching him. I was orbiting well outside of the Blaster range and was faster than the Command Ship. We were at a stalemate.

For minutes it continued on. He stopped running his speed mod, his capacitor must've been getting low because his armor started to trickle down. In a moment of brilliance he set his Hammerheads on me. I pulsed my MWD and set a full squad of Hobgoblins on one of them. It died swiftly and the remaining drones ran back to their bay.

Then the other shoe dropped and his backup finally arrived. A Falcon decloaked and jammed both of us. The Crusader pilot hung around but I aligned and warped away. As I left though, I noticed something curious. The other ships were leaving too.

Ravenesa laughed as he reported "They ran away,"

We scooped up our own loot and were amazed that we'd managed to scare a Command Ship and Falcon off fresh kills. Just another day in my life.

______________________

"Hal," Resika looked into my eyes as I lay with my head propped up and on my side, "What did you think about when he was cutting you,"

"Everything and nothing babe,"

She raised her eyebrow, "That doesn't make much sense,"

"Nothing about it did,"

She laid on her back and looked up at the ceiling, "Because some sanctimonious Minmatar leader called for a crusade against piracy?"

"You're Amarr babe, probably not best to be holding any pent up aggression against the Matar,"

"What we've done was more than enough to damn us for eternity. That'll be the punishment for the true believers," She shook her head and looked back at the ceiling, "I won't feel guilty for things I didn't do,"

"All I'm saying," I put my hand over hers, "Is that they're not bad. We're not good people. They have every right to want to put us away,"

"They'll do it again Hallan, and then what?"

"I've got plenty of contacts in the Republic. They like me. I've already found out exactly who in GIS put a contract on me, and I'll pay 'em a visit before this week is out,"

"What will you do then?"

I ran my hand down her side and smiled, "Live,"

Futility

It was cold blooded murder. But I can live with that.
Tom Doniphon - The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance

Continued from Contentment

"Did you hear me Turrek?"

I look up with my one good eye and start to laugh, "I heard you,"

"So tell me , what are the defense strategies for the Evati branches of the Bastards,"

"Yeah, that's why I'm laughing. I mean come on, you think you're so smart. So regimented. Your trap didn't have to be so perfect you know. You'd have got me with half the effort.,"

"Flattery will get you nowhere. I'm taking your eyelids,"

"Oh great, so I get to look at your ugly face all day,"

____________________________

"I will know the answer,"

"You don't want the answer," I try to blink away the blood in my eye. The irritation is killing me now.

"I want to know!" He wields the bloody knife above his head.

"There aren't any," Water is coming from my eye now. I can't stop it anymore.

"Not good enough," He grins wider and puts the knife in my mouth.

____________________________

I can't talk anymore through the blood. He knows I can't talk. He chuckles to himself and puts the knife to my throat. This is it.

I've gotten them loose.

My head smashes into his nose. I stand up and grab his knife hand. He's not very strong. I rip his arm down and twist it behind him. The knife deftly slips from his fingers and I grab it just as quickly. His other arm begins to move wildly. I bring the knife to his throat and move it from ear to ear.

We both fall to the ground, his soft gurgling a welcome respite from his constant blathering. I roll away and wait for his friends to come.

No one comes.

I cry.

____________________________

"That's incredible. Who was he?" Mynxee cocks her head to the side and her braids sway freely.

"I have no idea. Probably an independant contractor for GIS," I take a sip of my Quafe.

"You don't look any worse for wear," She says with a grin.

"New clone," I say plainly.

"So you didn't tell him anything?" Her voice is soft at this point. She's curious.

I look up with a grin, "Are you kidding me? I told him everything I knew about our defense plans for this station,"

"We don't have any defense plans for this station," She smiles and sips her own drink.

I stand up and put on my hat, "I know,"

Contentment

We’re starting a book club? What, are you trying to torture me?
Malcolm Reynolds - Firefly

My eyes won't open. Why won't they open? Ahh there we go.

My eyes can survey the room but I can't move my head or my arms. Feet are a no go. They've got me bound up pretty good. This is uh, this is not good. The room is dark except for a bright light directly above me. I can see the walls are white, and extremely clean.

"Hallan Turrek," A voice from behind me says. It's a calm voice. Very cold. I try to turn my head even though I can't. My neck just wrenches and pain comes over me.

"It's very secure, if you were wondering," The man walks slowly and deliberately beside me. I can just see him in my peripheral vision now. He's tall, dark hair. The light shining above me is reflecting off the bald spot on his head as he leans down to my shoulder.

"So, why am I here?" I speak very slowly. My mouth doesn't want to move yet. The drugs are still coursing through my veins.

"Long story short, we needed some information. It always comes down to that doesn't it?" The man moves in front of me. He has a knife in his hand. It's a slender blade with a sharply angled hook at the end, "I want you to tell me everything you know about the Bastards defense plans of Kaalikoata's Evati branches,"

I roll my eyes as he leans in closer. I can smell his breath and see his rotten teeth as he smiles. "You know, it gives me great pleasure to say that I have no idea," My mouth moves so sluggishly again, but I say it.

His smiles widens, "I won't lie Hallan. Me too," He plunges the knife's hook under my skin at the inside of my right elbow and begins to drag it down my arm.

I scream.

Restraint

Let the wind take me away,
As cars go rolling past,
The sun is down at last,
I walk along and pray,
That the wind takes me away.

And the wind will make me fly,
Above the bustling crowds,
On past the soaring clouds,
Higher than birds and sky,
There the wind will make me fly.

Let the wind take me away,
I push against the night,
And imagine I'm in flight,
I walk the road and say,
Will you please take me away?
Hallan Turrek - Liberation

"Just go over and say hello," Korvan said before sipping on his drink.

"Yeah, that sounds like me," Hallan said while putting his head down.

The By Jove was bustling and Hallan nodded to the bartender again. He set a glass in front of him and poured out a yellowish drink.

Korvan shook his head, "What are you in high school? Quafe? Getting drunk will do wonders for your social life man,"

Hallan downed the glass and muttered "Whatever,"

"When's the last time you got laid anyhow?"

"A year ago I think. And only cause the Caldari Navy ordered me too,"

"Wow. No wonder you're depressed," Korvan stood up and walked over to the crowd of women that Hallan had been eyeballing all night. Hallan almost stood up to follow him but turned around and winced instead.

"Hey," Korvan said to one of them, "My friend over there thinks you're cute,"

The girl looked over at Hallan, who was turning redder by the minute, "Shy?"

"You have no idea," Korvan walked back over to Hallan with a smile on his face. The girl followed him and sat down on the bar stool next to him.

"So. What's your name, shy boy," She leaned over towards him.

"Hallan, uh, Hallan Turrek," He looked over at Korvan with a puzzled look on his face.

"I'm gonna go Hal. I'll be around tomorrow," Korvan waved for the Bartender. The man walked over as Korvan pulled out his Credichip.

Hallan put his own hand out and waved the bartender away, "You really think I'm going to let you pay at a bar I own? Seriously. Just be safe,"

Korvan chuckled and turned around, "Hey whatever man. I gotta offer," Korvan walked towards the door and chuckled to himself.

The girl looked at Hallan intently as he took a sip of his drink again. She tilted her head to the side and said "You own the bar?" She smiled softly, "My name's Resika,"

Hallan shot a look at his quickly departing friend "Dammit Korvan,"

___________________________

Hallan woke up and rolled over. She'd already left, and he picked up the note that she'd left him on the bed.

"Sorry, Have a new job I gotta get to. My number's on the back. Call me," Hallan smiled and stood up, looking out over his hangar.