Duct tape was a really bad idea

Soon the planet's spectacular green surface and blue skies filled the view from the Monarch's bridge and the ship eventually made her descent into the sheltered valley that was Oblivion's capital - a dense sprawl of poorly planned buildings and narrow streets. The city had been a modest colonial settlement for most of its existence but it had lately exploded in size. The bountiful natural resources attracted a steady influx of settlers, miners, traders and scientists, all eager to make new lives for themselves. The same went for all the adventurers, mercenaries, criminals and prostitutes that followed them, but very few saw their dreams come true - the real profits were made by the shareholders of the large colonial conglomerates back on Earth.

Sure, Oblivion City was a shithole compared to the cities of Earth or the more prestigious colonies. But even if the local authority was corrupt at best (and usually non-existent) and the inhabitants' idea of culture mostly evolved around such pastimes as strip clubs and pit fights, this was the closest thing to civilization available around these parts. And as far as two simple-minded frontier pilots like Lisa and Tanya were concerned, Oblivion City was just as fancy as New Cairo or New New York.

They made their final approach over the massive Sand-Storm compound and safely landed the Monarch at the docking bay of their designated warehouse. ”Last one out is a z'orlock!” Tanya shouted and started running for the blast doors. Lisa giggled and was on the heels. Her large breasts bounced as she ran and almost burst out of her shirt. She had no chance to catch up with her more agile superior, but Lisa didn't mind. She skipped down the gangway in a just a few steps, and ”aaaah”, it was so good to feel some real ground under her feet again, or the concrete floor of a warehouse, but still.

A small procession of dockworkers on hover forklifts started unloading the cargo with impressive efficiency while the two sexy pilots hopped around the landing bay for a bit, trying to get the usual ”space wobble” out of their legs. Then they headed to dockmaster's office to get the paperwork in order - and most importantly - get paid.

The dockmaster resided behind a messy desk, puffing on a stub of a cheap cigar that reeked up his small office. A holo-poster was pinned on the wall behind him, depicting a young naked woman smiling seductively. The woman winked, caressed her large tits and the text ”Come see me at The Classy Cabaret – Oblivion's premier spot for cheap drinks and even cheaper sluts” appeared. The image fizzled and the loop started over. Lisa glanced at the lewd poster and let Tanya do the talking, as usual.

”Signed sealed and delivered,” the captain said and tossed the shipment invoice on the desk. I believe you owe us the usual rate. In cash, if you'll be so kind, ”

The dockmaster let out a sigh and chewed on his cigar, ”You'll get nothing. You actually owe us about 10 000 credits,” he said matter-of-factly.

Tanya raised an eyebrow and frowned. Lisa just stared at him with a bewildered expression.

”What? Is this a joke?” Tanya said.

”Parts of the cargo are contaminated,” he said calmly.

”No, that can't be... how?”

The dockmaster leaned back in his chair, grinned slightly and took a puff on his cigar.

”Well, it seems like it's been exposed to ship's fuel.”

Lisa looked down at the floor and her cheeks burned with shame. She didn't dare to look at Tanya but she could feel the anger radiating from her superior. This was a nightmare, and it was all her fault!

”But the cargo must have insurance, and it was an accident, and Sand-Storm must...”

The man brusquely cut her off.

”It is hardly Sand-Storm's fault that some dimwitted bimbo used duct tape on her fucking fuel pipes, is it? This is clearly a case of pilot negligence and therefore Sand-Storm must be reimbursed for the damage on our property. The rules are very clear on this, Haven't you read your contract?”

”B-but, no, please! I don't have that kind of money. There must be something you can do?”

”Nope. Your flight permit has been revoked and you cannot leave the planet until your debt is paid in full. You have 60 days to pay before we claim your heap of junk and auction it off to the highest bidder. Now get your asses out of my office!”

Outside the office, Tanya shoved Lisa against the wall and shouted.”You dumb bitch, what were you thinking? I've been working my ass off for so many years and now I'm about to lose everything!”

Lisa buried her face in her hands and cried. I'm sorry! ”I'm so so so very sorry,” she sobbed.

Tanya quickly calmed down and took Lisa in her arms, pressing her large tits against her's. Even if she wanted to she couldn't really be mad at her cute co-pilot. ”There, there, I guess it's my fault too. A little anyway,” she said and wiped a tear from Lisa's cheek.

”B-but what should we do?” asked Lisa.

”Well, I guess we'll have to find some work.”