One Sister is Ecstatic. The Other...

The bar is exactly as you remember it, which isn't surprising as it's only been a few days since you were here. It only feels like it's been longer. You nod to Easu, holding up two fingers to order your drinks as you take your usual booth in the back. Easu narrows his eyes at you, but nods. You're going to say... happy to see you?

Tekka is enjoying playing rogue; she's hanging on your every word as you explain that you sit here to keep your back to the wall and eyes on the whole room. You laugh gently as she grimaces when she sips her whiskey. You'd bet anything she's more used to wine, or fruity cocktails. You realize you're a bit dissappointed to be handing her over to her sister. She's more pleasant company than Rogo and Timik, and certainly much more pleasant to look at.

All good things must come to an end, and you see Ranna enter the bar and hurry towards you. It seems to take Tekka a moment to understand what is happening, but she shoots you a betrayed glare when it begins to sink in. She rises half out of her seat, as if to bolt.

You reach out to hold her hand, and shrug one shoulder apologetically. "Sorry darling. It really was fun."

"Tekka, you're safe!" Ranna is almost running now, scooping up her sister in a warm hug. "I thought you might have been taken off world, to be sold to some outer rim slaver. I never should have let you go to those parties. Some of those Falleen will take whatever they want by ****."

"Those parties where the only thing I enjoyed about my life here!" Tekka wheels out of her sister's arms, eyes burning with anger. "No one stole me! I left! You can't keep me caged away Ranna!" She pulls away when her sister reaches for her, and storms out of the bar.

Ranna seems set to chase after her, until you cough quietly. "I don't want to sound rude... but the terms of the bounty were to bring her back here alive, and I did. If you want me to grab her again it will cost extra."

Ranna sighs, shaking her head and taking a seat. She picks up Tekka's abandoned drink and sips wearily. "It is fine. She can be stubborn, but she will cool down. I want to thank you for bringing her back. Never in my wildest dreams did I think it could be done so quickly! Are all bounty hunters this effective?"

You grin smugly. A job well done, and an ego boost to boot. Good day.

"I only hope whoever took her did not make her do anything... untoward."

You keep your face studiously blank. You have no doubt she did many things, with present company included, but you doubt very much that anyone made her.

You recount the adventure's key details and Ranna listens intently, gasping in fear or looking admiringly at you as you recount your heroics. She's a wonderful listener, and you're sure it's part of what makes her a wonderful companion. You confirm that you tangled with Black Sun, and are slightly worried for her safety.

"Don't worry about me. Vodix is a rising star in the Black Sun, but I'm sleeping with the man he answers too. Had I known it was Vodix, I would have simply had my Xumir demand her release." That... would have been simpler. And cheaper for her. Speaking of...

"I know we entered into rather... loose terms at the start of this. More so than I usually do. But I trust this job is completed to your satisfaction."

Ranna fumbles with her bag. "Of course, yes Mr. Marks. I've been to various collectors and pawn brokers, so I haven't had time to deposit it, but I hope this is acceptable?" Onto the table she drops a collection of cards, coins, and chips. You mentally tally the value of the coins, and numbers displayed on the cred chips. About 2000 credits. With your 1000 up front, you are well short of your original quote. "There's also this. I haven't found a buyer yet, but it is surely worth something." She pulls out a beautiful pendant on a golden chain.

You aren't exactly big into jewelry, but who knows. Maybe you can hock it later. Or maybe it'll make a nice trinket to remember her by. Either way, you're itching to be off this planet and out of the Black Sun's hair for a while. And it's not like you didn't find your own pleasure during this job.

"That's perfect Ranna. We'll call it square. I think this concludes our business. Unless perhaps you'd like to stay for another drink?"

"I'm afraid I must decline," she smiles demurely. "Xumir will be waiting for my call, and Tekka will surely be a bit more cool headed. She's probably at the apartment now."

Shame.

You pay Easu, and leave a generous tip. He must know you're heading out, because he stops his endless glass wiping to shake your hand. He's scowling while he does it though. You interpret it as he's going to miss you. You sigh; you'll miss this game when you go off-world.

You head to the flophouse you've been renting quarters at for one more night of rest before heading out tomorrow. The Convor handled well enough during your escape, and provisions have been laid in for awhile, so you'll fly out tomorrow.