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

Chapter Twelve - Payday

After the death of Davik, the Crimson Rooks fell into disarray. Davik's plan to take out the heads of the major crime syndicates quickly fell apart as Crimson Rook agents were exposed and dealt with by the various crime bosses. All remaining Crimson Rook enforcers either went into hiding, split off into smaller gangs or joined the other gangs. As the Crimson Rooks collapsed, Starling and Blackjack Jet traveled to Terra Atmosia where they met with the Sky Council.

Aerys: We've just received word that the Crimson Rooks has collapsed. Thanks to you, the Cyclonian Empire no longer has an ally in the criminal underworld. 

Starling: Just doing my duty. 

Aerys: You've done more than that, Starling. You helped save Atmos from catastrophe. Had the scheme of the Crimson Rooks succeeded, the Cyclonian Empire would've had the entire resources of the criminal underworld at their disposal. 

Starling: I couldn't have done it without the captain.

Blackjack Jet: I was beginning to wonder if you'd give me my credit. 

Aerys: Captain Blackjack Jet. Atmos owes you a debt a gratitude. The entire Sky Council thanks you. 

Blackjack Jet: Aww shucks. You're making me feel almost respectable. 

Aerys: For your service, I'm presenting you with the Atmosian Medal of Service. 

Starling: That's the highest civilian award that the Sky Council can issue. They don't give those out lightly. 

As the Atmosian Medal of Service was given to the Blizzarian smuggler, Blackjack Jet looks upon it with mixed emotions. While it looked valuable, his gut told him that it wouldn't fetch him much money on the black market. 

Blackjack Jet: That's uh...nice. But I believe I'm entitled to a handsome reward. 

Aerys: Yes. Starling informed us of the deal she made to you. We Sky Knights honor our word. As we speak, a large cache of credits is being loaded onto your ship. 

Blackjack Jet: Now you're talking. Fancy medals are nice and all, but credits are my type of reward.

Aerys: It seems that you have a particular talent for this. Would you give some thought to working for us as a privateer? 

Blackjack Jet: You mean working for the Sky Knights without being officially a part of the Sky Knights? Sounds like a hell of a gig, but I'm independent. I work solo. I only took this job because the coin was good. I'm a smuggler and a damn good one. I smuggle things for people for money. I live life on the fast lane. But you don't have to worry about me taking jobs for the Cyclonians. Those bastards can kiss my furry ass. 

Aerys: Well should you change your mind, the offer remains open. 

Blackjack Jet: If you got a job for me and pay me enough, I'll do it. But I'm independent. 

With that, both Starling and Blackjack Jet were congratulated on completing their job. After their meeting with the Sky Council, Starling met with Blackjack Jet in the hanger bay where the Highway Star was being held. 

Starling: So this is where we part ways, Captain?

Blackjack Jet: For now. I gotta admit, it was pretty fun working with you. With your skills, you'd make one hell of a smuggler. 

Starling: Tempting, but no dice. Like you, I like where I'm at. 

Blackjack Jet: Damn shame, Star. But I guess it works for me. I hate having competition.

Starling chuckles at the Blizzarian smuggler's joke. Blackjack Jet turns around to see two Sky Knights exiting the Highway Star.

Blackjack Jet: You jackasses better not have made a mess in my ship! The Highway Star's my baby! 

The Sky Knights said nothing as Blackjack Jet begins entering the ship. Before he does so, he turns to Starling. 

Blackjack Jet: Been a hell of a ride, hasn't it, Star?

Starling: You can say that again. Taking down a Cyclonian backed criminal gang is not exactly a standard mission.

Blackjack Jet: In my line of work, always expect the unexpected. You can never get surprised that way. 

Starling: Is that why you didn't take the Sky Council's offer? 

Blackjack Jet: Something like that. Like I said earlier, I don't work for anybody. You can hire me to do jobs for you, but that doesn't mean I work exclusively for you. 

At this point, it became clear to Starling that Blackjack Jet was a lone wolf of sorts. In a strange sort of way, she had that in common. Ever since she lost the Interceptors to Repton, Starling had become a lone wolf, usually working by herself unless the situation requires assistance. While the two were different individuals, they both shared a common trait. 

Starling: A lone wolf, eh Captain?

Blackjack Jet: You could say that. I found out a long time ago that working with a group slows you down. I don't know about you, but I don't like being slowed down. 

Starling: That's an interesting way to put it. 

Blackjack Jet: As much as I'd love to stick around and talk uh....philosophy, I've got places to be. This reward money isn't going to spend itself. If you got another job for me, you know where to find me.

With that, Blackjack Jet coyly waves at Starling and enters the Highway Star. Starling watches as the Highway Star takes off and flies away. With that, the partnership between Starling and Blackjack Jet had come to an end. Though Starling had a feeling that it would not be the first time that she would work with Blackjack Jet. Only time would tell.