Check in with Sid

Using the Magnum's communications system, you open an encrypted channel to Sid. After a while Sid's image appears before you on screen and you outline what had happened. Sid takes a moment to digest the information you have just given him before responding.

"Ok. Well, what matters is that you're alive and the mission can still be completed when you get the data off planet. I'm very surprised to hear about Hugo though. That data core is heavily encrypted and my client should be the only one with the decryption key. Either the insider agent is playing off two separate corporations or the client has their own leak.

"I will make a few enquiries and speak with the client. My personal advice is to upload the data core and book yourself a commercial flight off the planet. Your reward will cover the loss of your ship and you can just work directly for me to keep yourself in the clear."

"Somehow I knew you were going to say that Sid. I have no problems uploading the data, but Jane and I are a team," you declare, your face clearly full of anger. "While I don't care much about the ship, apart from it helping me freelance, Jane is a dear friend and I'm not abandoning her. You also know I am not interested in working for you directly. So, if you want either of us to carry out your missions in the future, that robotic brain of yours better come up with some ideas. Am I absolutely clear?"

"So much for the easy way then, I guess," Sid relents with an agitated sigh. "Well, in that case I suggest that you contact Max Grayson. Max is the main information broker in the city and I can set up an appointment for you. He also owes me a few favors and knows people who can get you in to the right circles. You can totally trust Max, well, trust him as much as you can trust anyone in our line of work. He will know what happened and probably knows a few details about you as well.

"Secondly, don't transfer money from your off-planet accounts. All transactions are monitored and any money transfers exceeding one-thousand credits to your local account will raise red flags. You're there on a commercial visa and any suspicious financial activity will betray your cover, although local money transfers are fine and less scrutinized. Speaking of which, I'll transfer one-thousand credits over to you once you give me the details of your local account.

"Thirdly, we need to talk about your tech. Only corporations and off-worlders have access to the gear you possess. The gangs sometimes get ahold of the hi-tech stuff but the gear and its owners are hunted down by the corporations. Taking on high visibility jobs using your current kit is tantamount to suicide.

"Lastly, a lot of Evindium is not very keen on outsiders and you don't have a reputation or local contacts to fall back on in the area, so be very careful. Be prepared to take on some distasteful jobs while you’re here. I'll arrange an apartment in the Space Quarter for you so you won't draw unwanted attention to the ship. You can upload the data core from a terminal in the apartment. Good luck," he says then cuts the transmission.

You look over to Jane who seems uneasy. She likely overheard a good chunk of the conversation between you and Sid.

"You know, leaving me behind might be the best option. I could find some work downtown. Maybe even start a family and live a life here..." she trails off solemnly.

"We are in this together and I promise to do anything required to get us out here," you boast, trying to cheer her up. "Whatever it takes. I swear, Jane."

"Whatever it takes… You promise?" Jane asks looking up.

"Anything at all. We are a team," you say while giving her a reassuring smile. "I've got to get going though. Sid promised to sort out an apartment for me in the Space Quarter and he set me up with a few leads. I'll call you to let you know what's going on once I get settled in.

"You hang tight on the Magnum, and Jane, if you see anything suspicious, use the ship to escape and ditch it downtown. You are more important to me than the ship, do you understand?" you ask with a determined look in your eyes.

"Kind of, though I wish Hugo didn't double cross us. I think his 'stamina' would have kept me from getting bored!" she admits with a growing smile.

"Hah, that's the spirit. When we get off planet we will go partying for a week! As for Hugo, I wouldn't worry, your fingers will never let you down," Celeste adds with a wink. "If it gets too bad, I might even be able to pick up a toy for you in the Red Light District. Take care of yourself while I’m away."

You hug Jane and head off for your new apartment.