The Smuggler & The Lone Sky Knight: A Storm Hawks Story

Chapter Two - Information

After escaping from the Crimson Rooks, Starling realized the difficult situation she was in. It seemed as if the Crimson Rooks knew about her mission. However, Starling felt as if she could salvage this mission now that she had Blackjack Jet helping her. Starling then entered the Highway Star's cockpit to speak with the Blizzarian smuggler. 

Blackjack Jet: Don't worry, sweetheart. We lost them. There's no way they're catching us. 

Starling: What now, Captain? 

Blackjack Jet: Since I now have the Crimson Rooks on my ass, I guess that means I've got no choice but to accept the job. At least I'm getting paid. 

Starling: Glad we could come to an agreement, Captain. 

Blackjack Jet: If we're really gonna take on the Crimson Rooks, then we're going to need some information. And I know just who to talk to. 

With that, Blackjack Jet sets a course to Terra Atmosia. When they arrived at Terra Atmosia, Blackjack Jet landed the Highway Star in a secluded place. The two then exited the Highway Star and began making their way to the slums of Terra Atmosia. 

Starling: Who exactly are we going to meet?

Blackjack Jet: Tommy Two Fingers. He's an information broker who knows a thing or two. He's got all seven fingers and ten toes in every shady business in Atmosia. If anybody knows anything about the Crimson Rooks, it's Tommy. 

Starling: Anything else I should know. 

Blackjack Jet: He's a weasel. He'd sell out his own mother if given the chance. 

Starling: Lovely. 

With that, Starling followed Blackjack Jet's lead as they both walked through the slums of Terra Atmosia. Soon enough, they encountered a lanky man wearing a nice suit. He had two fingers on his left hand. 

Blackjack Jet: Hey Tommy!

As Blackjack Jet called out his name, Tommy Two Fingers greeted them. 

Tommy Two Fingers: Is that you, Blackjack Jet?

Blackjack Jet: No, it's Master fucking Cyclonis. Who do you think it is?

Tommy Two Fingers: Haven't seen you since that business with the card game. I heard Oz met an...untimely end. 

Blackjack Jet: I need some information and I know you're the man to come to. What can you tell me about the Crimson Rooks?

As Blackjack Jet asked him this, Tommy Two Fingers looked around to see if anyone was listening in. He then gets closer to Blackjack Jet. 

Tommy Two Fingers: Could you repeat that question? Cause I'm pretty sure you just asked me if I knew anything about the Crimson Rooks and no sane and rational person would ask about the Crimson Rooks. 

Blackjack Jet: Well I just asked about the Crimson Rooks. Now are you going to answer my question or not? 

Tommy Two Fingers: Meet me in my office and make sure you're not being followed. 

With that, Tommy Two Fingers led Blackjack Jet and Starling to his hideout. Starling looked around to see if anyone was following them. When they reached Tommy's hideout, he locked the door as they went inside. 

Tommy Two Fingers: Why the hell are you asking about the Crimson Rooks? 

Blackjack Jet: I've been hired to take care of them. 

Tommy Two Fingers: I'm gonna assume that this Sky Knight here is the one who hired you? 

Blackjack Jet: Yes. Now are you gonna give me the information or are we going to have problems?

Tommy Two Fingers: Last thing I want on my head is problems. The Crimson Rooks are making some serious movements on the crime scene. Most of the major players don't want anything to do with them. The Colonel, Rasha, all of them want nothing to do with the Crimson Rooks. 

Starling: What about the connection with the Cyclonians? 

Tommy Two Fingers: It's no secret that the Crimson Rooks are buddy buddy with the Cyclonians. The Cyclonians give them money, weapons and everything in between. But that's all I know. I stay away from those guys for a reason. Anybody who tries to fuck with the Crimson Rooks end up in a box and six feet under. 

It soon became clear to both Blackjack Jet and Starling that the Crimson Rooks were a force to be reckoned with. Starling became more concerned about the possible threat they pose and how the Cyclonians tie into this. 

Starling: There must be something you know. Lives are at stake!

Tommy Two Fingers: You didn't hear it from me, but the Crimson Rooks do have a contact here in Terra Atmosia. There's a guy who runs an underground Crystal trafficking ring. They call him Bricktop He's been making serious deals with the Crimson Rooks lately. He might know something. 

Starling: I've heard about Bricktop. The Sky Council has been after him for years. 

Tommy Two Fingers: He's got a place deep in the slums. That's where he runs his operations. Word on the street is that Bricktop is getting ready for a big sale to someone from the Crimson Rooks. If you want any info on the Crimson Rooks, that's your best bet. 

Blackjack Jet: Pleasure doing business with you. 

Blackjack Jet then tosses a bag of coins to Tommy as he and Starling exit Tommy's hideout. 

Blackjack Jet: Let's go have a chat with Bricktop. 

Starling: Let's try to be subtle here. 

With that, Blackjack Jet and Starling gathered their equipment and began making their way to where Bricktop was holding his meeting with the Crimson Rooks. Both Blackjack Jet and Starling prepared themselves for anything.