Phoenix Feathers, Part II

Chapter 3

Disclaimer: Joss is Boss, and all of this stuff belongs to him. But I can dream, can’t I?

***

With the hiss of air escaping from its once-articulated vector jet nozzles, the Stallion set down in its designated landing zone. The ship creaked as the old vessel sagged onto the equally aged half-dozen old pylons that served as the ship’s landing platform. Just outside the cramped hanger lay Dyton city, the colony’s capital and center of business, both legitimate and illicit.

Dyton colony as a whole was known throughout the ‘Verse for its thriving underworld, which had grown even more powerful in recent years. In a place like Dyton city, the black market operated in the open, gangs vied with each other for territory, and what few Federals there were hardly dared to venture out into the smoggy streets. It was the perfect place for down-on-their-luck smugglers to move their merchandise without drawing the Alliance’s attention- if they weren’t killed in the process.

The Stallion’s main ramp extended, affording the assembled crew a view of their surroundings. Phoenix, curious, stepped timidly down the ramp, along with Nebula and Cody. They looked out at the ramshackle docking bay, frowning at the unidentifiable pieces of refuse strewn about them. Most of the light in the bay came from the dirty sky overhead, with only a single panel mounted on the wall above the rather flimsy door providing faint illumination.

It made a faint buzzing noise, then flickered off for what appeared to be the last time. Cody turned and looked back up the ramp at Monty.

“They really rolled out the welcome mat for you, Cap.”

“What did you expect, a marching band?” Koyi retorted as she entered from the direction of the bridge. “Quiet-like is how it’s done-” she caught a whiff of something unappetizing. “What is that? Kao, that’s nasty.”

Monty, his deep voice muffled by an improvised shirt filter, attempted to move things along. “Right, boys and girls, let’s get to offl