CHAPTER 22

Hera: 13 Months Ago, Mossberg Salvage

Now that I’ve given in and decided to stay looks like I’ll be needin’ a place of my own. Stayin’ in Jeb’s spare room is nice an’ all, but won’t hardly do for the long run. Cain’t entertain a lady, should things go that way, and nowhere just to be by myself ‘cept to head on out for a walk.

Big ol’ Blue Sun shipping container over yonder might do. Far enough from everything around for some privacy, decent start to a roof over my head, won’t have to start from scratch buildin’ anything. Might as well take a look.

Some junk scattered around the outside. That’d have to get cleaned up. Look at junk all day, don’t wanna live with it too. Other’n some rust the box don’t look too bad.

Pull open these doors and check inside. Huh, other’n’s stuck. Little heat and some lube oughtta take care of that. Smells musty, prolly ain’t been opened in a good while. Liner’s got mildew, have to tear it all out. Get all this gorram crap outta here. Boards. Paint tins. Sumthin’ under a tarp down to the other end, likely just more junk. Yup, got possibilities.

Talk it over with Jeb tonight. Might need to sweeten the pot a touch. Hmmm.....take half pay and some salvage to outfit the box? Might do. Or, could just put in more hours. See what he says.

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Hera: Approximately 1 AM, The Merc Ship

Well that takes care of the ship. Put the card back, powered everything back up. Disconnected that shit-rig work-around on the actuators. Don’t want ‘em blowin’ up afore they’re a looong ways aways.

Cleaned out the merc’s stash of weapons on board. Got the launcher they blew up my baby with, that’ll come in handy to make sure they leave without a fuss. Best get back and finish this off. Barty cain’t get off this rock soon enough to suit me.

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“ Awright then, here’s how it is”, I tell ‘em. “ You all get on that hunk of junk and make tracks outta h