You Take the Call

The communicator flicks on, and Vodix's face appears on your screen. He's smiling, and appears calm, but you know he's very dangerous at the moment.

"Oh, hey Vodix. To what do I owe the pleasure?"

"Before you lift off, you should know my security has enough laser cannons targeting you to reduce your ship to molten scrap. The only reason I haven't so far is that blue skinned beauty next to you." You turn and see that Tekka has taken a seat in the co-pilot's chair. "You've kidnapped one of my consorts, and I'd rather like to have her back."

"And you should know my little Chadra-Fan friend has trained my laser cannons directly at your ship." You really hope that's true. "I don't think you've had time to power your shields yet, so I think it's best if we both walk away and pretend nothing has happened."

Vodix laughs delightedly. "I must say, Marks, I love your spirit. But your ship's weapons will barely scratch my hull. Come back aboard. I think we can even work together. The dossiers I pulled didn't do your skills justice. I'm willing to offer a generous retainer and a place in my inner circle to a man of your talents."

Tm'Generous retainer' sure is a funny way to pronounce 'painful ****'. "Let me be more specific. Our weapons are locked specifically on the lower left hull. About a third of the way up from the stern?" You see the facade of his smile crack ever so slightly. "Yeah, you get it. So listen, this was clearly a misunderstanding. I'm willing to fly away and forget what I've seen, you can find some other pretty gal to lock in your room, and we all walk away and never talk to or about one another ever again."

For the first time, Vodix's smile has completely left his face. He isn't scowling per se, but there's definately a small frown.

"Fly away, Marks. And fly fast. Take the blue whore with you. I have no need for either of you. Pray we don't meet again. If I find you in my business again, I will crush you like the insects you are."

His face blinks away and the screen fuzzes black. You lift off, guiding the Convor slowly away from Dock 17. Your readouts indicate Timik has taken the gunner's station and was listening in; your weapons are locked directly where you had described to Vodix. You doubt it will be necessary.

Vodix must know you have nothing to gain from revealing his cargo to the authorities, especially as you definately killed several people during your flight. All he's lost is a girl, easily replacable to a man like him. More dangerous is the blow to his pride. But if he thinks you were there to rob him or some other grand scheme, he assumes you haven't really won either. No reason to chase you down and even the score. You hope not, anyway. All that's left to do is fly away and finish the job.

You suppose you could also shoot once you're clear. You might get caught in the blast, and you would definately suffer a massive blow to your reputation for the amount of collateral damage it would cause. But he might be a dangerous enemy if he decides to take ****. Can you risk just letting him leave?