Haradia Cargo

[Chirakis 1]

Haradia Cargo

Jack called across the cargo bay, slate in one hand and leaning against the cargo next to him with the other, “Hey, Ronny,” he shouted. “How many you got yet?” 

Silence.  Well, kind of.  More of an echo, given the number of containers aboard Haradia.  There was always something echoing through the bay from end to the other.  But Jack….

Here we go again… “Ron! Where the hell are…” 

“...am I?” said Ron, smirking as he tapped Jack’s shoulder, then dodged Jack’s flying elbow.

“Gees, man,” Jack shouted, enraged, fist ready to take him down.  “Don’t… do that!!”

 A strong hand grabbed him from behind, almost flipping him over. “Easy down Jack,” said Calla, trying to settle him down.  “Goin’ nowhere doing that.  Whatcha got?” 

The high walls of the cargo bay were loaded with produce, basic stock material, goods and specialties that were always available to the captain.  In fact, there was so much cargo that it was difficult to squeeze through the bulk that Aegis had asked for.

“Besides Ron,” said Jack on a sigh while handing her his slate.  “Got three stacks at area five, nine at six, and fifteen at seven.  Three of ‘em have a really bad smell… and I mean bad.  But we got anything more to take a look at?”

“Not that I can tell… except that smell.”  Calla shook her head and sneezed as she flipped through the slate and handed it back.  “Ron, I got yours already. It’s… 0400 and we’re third in line for a berthing.  Get some rest.  I’ll let the captain know.”

“Third in line,” muttered Ron, dragging himself down the catwalk to his quarters, looking forward to a shower.  “Oh four hundred.  Damn.  You’d think there wouldn’t be so many waiting in line.  Can’t wait to get away from that smell.”