Smuggler’s Run

Nobody can hear a scream in the vacuum of space, or so they say. Seren peered out at the galaxy, a view she had seen a thousand times before, and wondered. It had been six years since her arrival on the Ulysses, a space station orbiting the planet Kismetul 583-U on the outer fringes of the discovered galaxy, and within the next year, she would have to transfer to another station. She had received the notice a few weeks ago; there was no longer any need for scientific personnel to investigate the planet, and the Ulysses was to be converted into a residential vessel. Seren sighed, watching the swirling reds, blues and greens dancing across the inky sky; She looked away, poking forlornly at her now cold noodles.

“Seren!” Myrthe exclaimed, waving at her friend as she came over to sit down, a plate full of rehydrated spaghetti bolognese in her arms.

“So, have you heard?” Seren rolled her eyes, she’d barely stopped thinking about it.

“Of course I have, I got my letter Thursday. I’ve been offered a position on Kreta-124A.” She leaned in slightly, curiosity sparking in her hazel-green eyes “Have you got anywhere in mind?”

Seren looked away “I haven't gotten any offers…”

Myrthe winced, gulping down some of her water, “I’m sure you’ve got lots of potential positions on the way? There’s got to be a lot of demand for a Captain of your calibre?”

Seren sighed, there was really no need for people like her anymore; Her credentials as a skilled strategist and navigator were practically useless. With no one to fight, and the newest line of N.A.I equipment, which allowed for almost instantaneous route mapping. She shook her head, dispersing those thoughts. “I’m sure I’ll find something, Myrthe” she reassured her best friend, unable to believe it herself.

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Seren huffed, moving the last of the boxes out of her quarters, and onto the transport hovering just above the metallic floors of The Ulysses. She quickly keyed in instructions that would lead to her personal ship, a small, fast vessel fitted with modifications that broke multiple regulations. She sent the transport on its way before returning to her quarters. Opening her computer, she opened the newest message, ‘Miss Kie, we regret to inform you that the Hallibear has no positions open for someone of your qualifications. Perhaps it is time to look at something more up to date, I heard that the Aleysees System needed some more Couriers.’

She sighed, this made the fifth rejection in just as many days. Ready to give up, she mindlessly scrolled through the rest of the messages, each the same as the last, until a familiar number popped up on her feed. Seren sat up slightly, tapping into the message and quickly skimming the contents. ‘Seren, it's been too long. I wish I could pretend I was reaching out because I missed your company, but I have a problem. My ships have been transporting some valuable goods, and recently, they have been running into some trouble. I’ve lost the last 6 shipments, I need your help. Eiwk qr nt Cvwvh'f bn Dcgj-4 ma ghw Rsiizndwe Kpwgrm’

Seren’s eyes widened as she re-read the message, translating the encoded message as easily as breathing. It was an old smuggler’s code, used to keep their stashes of cash in safe places around the galaxy; It was hardly used anymore, but she was glad now that she never forgot it. Swiftly grabbing the sparse few belongings left in her quarters, she made for her ship. Her boots clacked against the metal floors as she strode towards the landing, already mentally preparing for the long journey. She turned the corner, seeing a glimpse of startled hazel-green eyes before running headfirst into Myrthe.

“Seren? Where ‘you headed in such a hurry?”

Seren smiled slightly, “To the landing, an old friend needs my help.”

Myrthe lit up, dimples showing when she smiled “I’m heading out too, was coming to say goodbye. I’m so glad you were able to find somewhere to go.” She sobered slightly, “If you ever wander into my portion of the galaxy, come say hello.”

Seren smiled softly, bringing her friend in for a hug, “I will.” the two parted, an unspoken conversation passing between the two

I'm going to miss you said the Hazel-green eyes

Me too replied Serens’ grey ones.

The two quickly went their separate ways, Seren making the last few turns before entering the landing. She quickly weaved around the many transports, ships and last minute preparations as the crew of the Ulyssus prepared to leave their home of the last few years. She spotted her ship amongst the mess, and quickly boarded, started the engines, and slowly exited the Ulyssus’ landing bay. Once she was clear, she manually input the celestial coordinates and jumped to lightspeed.