Surviving my Scholarship

Betrayl

                   I shivered as I stepped off of the ship. Adjusting my collar of my jacket closer to me only brought the cold closer to my cheeks. The fabric froze against them causing a burning sensation. It was a poor attempt at trapping any of my heat. I hadn't expected to leave the shuttle until at least another galaxy. The wind blew my jacket open and I shuffled faster to the port hangar. My footwear was freezing to the ground.

"You ain't dressed for the Kupier Belt," an older man with a hardened look matched my pace. "Unplanned or unexpected detour?" The man rubbed his hands together blowing into them briefly. They were calloused with breaks every so odd inches showing off his years of abuse from hard labor. I tried to ignore him as I picked up my pace but he matched me step for step. "Calm down buddy. I was sent to getcha. The ol' gal paid me big bucks to make sure nothing happened to you and it ain't gonna."

"Ol' gal," I stopped in my tracks.

"My employer," he raised a hand as if presenting her to me.

"Name," I gave him a once over trying to make him. He just stood there patiently as I relieved my skepticism.

"Ain't need to know it," he shrugged as he started walking to the hangar again. Another shuttle took off and I didn't hear what he said. I had to sprint to catch up to him. He was fast for an older gent. "Ya know, ol' gal with lots of guys around her saying something about a loss and would hate loose her investment."

"I know of her," I stated rubbing the frost from my hair as we reached the door. "Tell her I don't need her help and the deal still stands." I opened the door and walked in. The man didn't follow me. He headed towards a waiting vehicle and was gone. What could the old bat want now?

I pull out some credits and slip them in the machine dialing up Grison's number. It beeps for what seems like hours before I see him standing there in all his glory.

"Hello, I can't make you out. Who is this?" Grison leans into the screen as if that would help. Idiot. Is he seriously tapping the screen?

"It's Pierce," I state calmly into the receiver and he starts cheering. "Don't you clean up well."

"Eh," he shrugs as he rubs the small amount of hair that has managed to grow on his head. "Where are you? That is one hell of an interference."

"Broke my Comm. It isn't why I called," he yelled into the Comm to get a word over Grison. The man could talk. Grison looked saddened for a second before shaking his head.

"I'm sorry man," he stated as he walked over and poured himself a maroon drink from a floating flask. Typical, the man turns to alcohol to mourn.

"I know the truth," Pierce yelled again. Grison stood up straight and paled. The flask over-corrected spilling its contents onto the carpet. "I had an independent look into it."

"How.... But.... What," Grison states unsure of what to do with his body.

"I can't talk about it now. I am heading in to get a Comm and I will call you back. If she shows up there. Call me immediately. I don't know where else she would go," Pierce looks saddened for a second. Grison suddenly jumps as two female voices come into range. Pierce can hear a range of giggles.

"Umm.... I'll keep my door open for her. I have to go," Grison leans forward quickly and flicks off the device. Odd. When have I ever seen Grison not cool and collected? Something is wrong. I pull my hair flattening it against my scalp and debate my options. Should I cut my losses and head back to search for her or finish this errand? Will she be there and safe when I return?