Slip Runner by J.N. Chaney & M.F. Lerma

Slip Runner by J.N. Chaney & M.F. Lerma

Author:J.N. Chaney & M.F. Lerma [Chaney, J.N.]
Language: eng
Format: azw3, epub
Publisher: Variant Publications
Published: 2022-10-30T00:00:00+00:00


16

“Seventy percent of all systems back online and functional,” informed the newly reinstated Poe. “Five minutes remain on Mr. Eckert’s time limit.”

I knew that the relief flooding my system was shared by my two companions. Now wasn’t the time to celebrate, however.

“Good. Now get us out of here the second you have the ability,” I ordered. “Prepare advanced evasive maneuvers. Deacon, you’re on blaster duty.”

“On it,” he said, fingers dancing over his control station to bring up the right programs.

The blasters were technically weapons because they could shoot. They were lower grade and not necessarily meant to be used in the traditional sense. Blaster was a bit of a misnomer because their main function was blasting through asteroids or breaking up Celestial scrap so I could haul it easier. Space bandits weren’t as much of a problem as they used to be thanks to heavy patrolling of the slip tunnels closest to the Sol System. After the war ended, the Alliance, along with whoever they could recruit to help, had gone after the pirates without mercy and all but eradicated the issue. A few occasionally snuck through in hopes of trying to get their grubby hands on Celestial tech, but I’d only run into trouble a few times since starting my stint as a Slip Runner.

Because of that, I’d discovered the rock blasters worked pretty well on ships if the need arose.

“It is my duty to remind you that unauthorized use of the blasters is prohibited and may result in a fine,” Poe announced.

I shrugged and continued to monitor the last few systems as they rebooted. “Add it to the list. I know you’ve got one.”

“As usual, you misunderstand.” Poe, as usual, sounded haughty. “Unauthorized use is prohibited. Authorization may be obtained from a qualified Alliance official.”

His hint finally clicked. Poe was actually trying to help me. As understanding dawned, I swung around to look at Barrick. “I think he means you, LT.”

He looked startled but quickly regained his composure. “You have my authorization to defend our lives by any means necessary. Does that work?”

“Affirmative,” replied Poe. “System restoration completed successfully. Initializing takeoff procedure. Two minutes remain on the timer. Might I suggest reaching out to Mr. Eckert and attempting to reconcile?”

I highly doubted Silas Eckert would be up for hugging things out, but if Poe could be helpful and proactive today, so could I.

He picked up immediately. “Cutting it close there, Riker. I take it you’ve decided to surrender everything you have?”

“Yeah, actually.” I ignored the choking sound coming from Deacon and kept my eyes on the display. “Unfortunately, there’s a snag in that plan.

Eckert narrowed his hooded eyes in suspicion, then sneered. “This ought to be good. What kind of snag?”

“Here’s the thing. The ship is in my name. But technically speaking, she belongs to the Alliance. C’mon, man. You know how the parole system works. Especially when you’re a Slip Runner. If I screw up and don’t fulfill my quota, ownership defaults to them. So, if you blow my ship up, you’re going to owe them.



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