Strandless World of Hrinix, Hrinix System
Shek Sunrunner had made the decision to refuel on Hrinix for two reasons. The primary reason was because his tanks were empty. The secondary reason was because he had planned to end up in this system so he could investigate the rumors that the hrineeses that the planet was named after were being poached. He'd heard it mentioned once, while he was working alongside various other mercenaries during the Renegade War, that the Miranu had many different means to acquire Hrineesan Fuzzes. The mercenary, a Strandless who'd gone by the stellar navy callsign of Python, had suggested that, considering that the Miranu were always looking for the best deals, perhaps some of the traders of the Miranu Trading Conglomeration were engaged in poaching the hrineeses, and that this activity was fully sanctioned, although unofficially, by the Miranu government.
So Shek landed at Hrinix Starport and arranged for a room at a local hotel, the Towering Fir. But he didn't go there immediately. Instead, he headed off to find a population directory. There was quite a bit of research he had to do.
-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
It had taken three days and countless meetings with Strandless bureaucrats, but Shek had finally found the person he needed to talk to. He was the only person on Hrinix that the swordmaster felt he could trust in this matter, not to mention him being the only Strandless that Shek knew who was living on Hrinix.
Parking his hovermobile in front of his contact's home, Shek walked up the path to the front of the house. Despite the pouring rain, he didn't hurry. His cloak would dry quickly enough, and Sarpi graduates were legendary for their patience. He examined the wood of the door, and then took hold of the metal knocker. Three knocks on the door brought a loud rustling and jangling of what Shek took to be the chains and bolts of locks. The Ell'achi swordmaster believed he'd identified eleven separate security devices before the door swung open.
"What do you want?"
"You don't recognize me, do you?"
"Not at the moment. Should I?" The voice was cautious, layered with suspicion.
"Indeed you should, but perhaps time has eroded what memory of me you once had. The last time you saw me, I knew you as Python."
The man was silent in thought for a while. Shek waited patiently. Finally, he looked up into Shek's eyes wonderingly. "Sunrunner."
"Yes. Now, will you let me in, old friend, or must I freeze out here in the cold?"
Python craned his neck outside his door and looked around suspiciously, and then leaned back inside the doorway. "Sure. Come on in."
Shek walked through the doorway and examined the entrance hall as Python quickly shut the door and replaced the eleven locks. Looking up at a tapestry of a giant forest, Shek said, "Why the tight security, my friend? Surely the renegades aren't that much of a problem here."
Python snorted. "I hope that was a joke, Sunrunner. Riomor is only three hyperlinks away." The Strandless led Shek to his kitchen and mixed both of them drinks. "But, you're mostly right. After I finished serving with you in the Renegade War, I came back here and did something similar with the Strandless militia of the area. It was amazing, really. Four of the Strandless worlds banded together along with the majority of the Kayan military and beat back the Captains of Freeport and the Mavs scum, mostly out of clever maneuvering that turned the renegades against each other. Mind, we don't have the firepower here to keep them at bay, but the mop-up was so clean that only the most vile of the pirates bother us anymore. The memory of the Battle of Malago is still fresh enough in their minds for them to want to risk another attack, and their fleets are so weakened that it hardly makes a difference."
"So Voltok's strategy worked here too." Shek poured himself another glass of the concoction. It was a strong spirit, but nothing to a Dur'achi. "I figured someone would put it to good use."
"Yes. The Zachit have been so effective as of late because their commander served with us." Python smiled. "I'm surprised it took you as long as it did to find me. I'm something of a celebrity here. The Cobra General, they call me."
"Well, it was hard to find your callsign. Only the military had that record, and the only way I could get to it was to prove I had clearance."
Python laughed. "I don't even want to know how you got around that one."
"I've still got money."
"I hope you're joking."
"Partially. I didn't bribe them, if that's what you meant, but I certainly still have plenty of credits."
"Very well then." Python refilled his glass and leaned across the counter. "So tell me why you are out here."
"Remember how ten years ago you mentioned to me how you thought the Miranu might be poaching the hrineeses?"
"Yes, of course. I still think that, by the way."
"Right, well, I recently collected a hefty bounty on a man who was involved in smuggling cats for the Miranu."
"Ah. And you figured that if they were trafficking in cats..."
"...why not hrineeses as well," finished Sunrunner. "Right. So, since you were the first to mention it to me, I figure that you'd be the one to come to."
"Hmm. Why do you think I can help you?"
"Because if the information you did tell me was what you were willing to tell me at that time, I'm sure that there's plenty more that you know."
Python looked away for a bit. When he turned back, his face was set in a mask of determination. "Alright Sunrunner. I'll show you what I know. But don't expect to much."
"Don't worry," said Shek. "I'll find the rest of the information myself."
"I figured as much. But tomorrow. Tell me, what have you been doing the past ten years?"
And so the two talked long into the night, both exchanging details about their lives. Finally, before they both turned in for sleep, they exchanged their true names.
"For years now you've only known me by my callsign, Sunrunner. While you know that's my clan name, I feel I should tell you that my name is Shek. So, I am Shek Sunrunner."
"And I am Lelos Somm." He extended his arm and offered his hand. Shek took it, and the two shook hands.
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All that is gold does not glitter, Not all those who wander are lost; The old that is strong does not wither, Deep roots are not reached by the frost. From the ashes a fire shall be woken, A light from the shadows shall spring; Renewed shall be blade that was broken, The crownless again shall be king.
J. R. R. Tolkien
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