Briefing

[Shalin 0]

Shan lay back on his bunk after his latest shift. He was already missing his chess game with Ensign Grey; hopefully Madison would wait 'till he got back. He didn't like thinking that he'd be replaced so quickly, but something in his head just hoped that his bunkie wouldn't be so superficial.

 

Easing back on his bunk, he read over his dossier again.

 

Name: Bylar Krys

 

Occupation: Pilot / Helmsman

 

Homeworld: Proxima IV

 

Race: Human

 

Distinguishing Characteristics: None

 

History: ...

 

Shan read as much as he could before boredom overtook him. He had been a freighter pilot, traded from one small assignment to the next with no discernable record, positive or negative. Currently contracted to the SS Imperious.

 

"... and looking to jump ship the first chance I get." He read the last line sourly; what was Inteligence thinking? Sure: if this whole cockeyed story had a grain of truth then maybe he would be seeking to bail, but doing so on a border world would present a host of hazards. Shan really hoped it was just supposed to be a cover line, and that the Captain hadn't been given any suggestions regarding how to proceed that actually involved him.

 

There was a very unkind truth resting just behind Shan's eyes ... unlike the rest of the crew, he was afraid.

 

Shan remembered the merchants, the mercenaries, and all the Great Unwashed that the galaxy had chose to bring to the spaceports of Argelius. In Shan's eyes, they were at best unpleasant, and at worst horrible. The thought of impersonating one was revolting. The thought of risking his life by interacting with them was just unholy. He couldn't do it ... he knew he couldn't do it and he'd end up risking everybody's life because he wouldn't be able to handle himself in a crisis.

 

Shan took a deep breath. 'Relax ... the captain knows you choke in a crisis. She'll keep you somewhere that you won't be able to harm the mission.' For Shan, this wasn't a pipe dream - it was a very necessary belief. If any real mercenaries, merchants, or pirates came upon him the whole mission would be a pitiful failure. 'Deathwish' was just a name. Unlike the fighter pilots, Shan's heart kept a constant focus on staying alive. He just hoped it would be clear to see.