RIPE & DRAGGERS

CHAPTER 11

Rodrick's ship is called 'Viva Las Vegas'.

Its something like a place he always wanted to go as he would normally tell kids stories about a place of wonderful lights and adventure in the ancient world.

Viva Las Vegas is a mid-size freighter that is large enough to carry bulk cargo and a ten man crew; and at the same time small enough to maneuver thru the Rikish-Gakuran cluster at parallax speed.

Rodrick's ship is a freelance scavenger and cargo transporter for four clusters in the Plus-plus Quadrant, for the last decade. Where the term cargo is very liberal in meaning; from machinery to rich honeymooners, or from Ahahmar minerals to Rikish jewelry.

When Gener paid this crew of scavenger transporter, his initial decision is based on the size of Viva Las Vegas' internal structure where Nene could fit; but Rodrick is so resourceful that he was able to point the Runkan to a modified mini-freighter where Nene could not only fit but pilot the ship itself. Nene's battle cruiser is a combined cargo-bomber and fighter agility capability. Proven very useful that even Lima would admit.

But aside from being reliable contractors, Gener hired this group for the sole reason that they are pure E-bred and Pinoy blood-trace. Like what Bob would have wanted if he had to make the decision himself; but then again, the latter was busy at his academy at the time. Nevertheless, it was a great choice. Not only did they have a chance to observe e-bred behavior but gain some sense of hope themselves.

In this galaxy of fragile harmony, some hope is surely welcome.

"You look troubled..... tell me you're only tired please." Rodrick said to Bob who's been drinking bourbon alone in the ship's compact mess hall. He joined him in the small round table and poured himself a shot as well.

The lights are dimmed and the ship's hovering in silence as the rest of the crew gets some rest.

"I'm a little worried about Gener's whereabouts." He replied, and poured another shot as he saw Kai standing in the dark, near the hatch door. He adjusted the table lamp and points it to Kai so he could see her better. "Can't sleep also?" Bob asked the cute lady now joining the two of them.

She sat opposite of Rodrick and just at Bob's right side.

"You're human and he's a ripe, and you worry about him?" she asked quietly.

Bob gently shrugged and poured Kai her drink. Afterwards he raised his glass which the two toasted right away.

"Thanks for your help guys." He solemnly said, and they drained their glasses while Kai started to chuckle.

"No thanks needed, we were paid." she muttered, with that cute smile of hers.

The three of them shared a calm quiet laugh.

A few seconds of giggles and they became silent again and returned to the serene ambience.

"You know, Bob, I've ..ah.. uhm..ah.. I've grown fond of you and Gener." Rodrick said with a hint of regret in his voice. "But this business of war... and ahh.. battles..." he said struggling to continue as it was evident to be difficult for him.

Bob cut him off. "You don't need to get involved, I understand completely. In fact, this is the very reason why Gener chose you."

He looked into his eyes.

"Because Gener and I know that you don't like war, it's in your blood-trace."

Bob poured the three of them another round.

"I do not question your bravery but we are an endangered specie. We will NOT do anything to jeopardize that any further. This is all me and my brother Gener."